BLOG

For many, the holidays bring family members together who may not have seen each other in a while. It is quite common for children of aging parents to begin to see that a parent may need some assistance with everyday tasks. Here are some signs to look for if you think it is time for your mom or dad to move to a senior living community.

People often consider Halloween to be a celebration for children, but there's no reason the rest of us can't join in the fun. For seniors, it may even be a healthy choice. According to the National Institute on Aging, participating in social activities is an important way to support seniors' health as they age. Enjoying some Halloween activities is a great way to feel connected with your senior loved one, so here are some suggestions to help get involved in the spooky season.

As we age, having a consistent and stimulating morning routine can have a multitude of benefits. It becomes a foundation for fostering mental clarity, promoting physical health, boosting social engagement, and supporting emotional stability. Here are some morning activities seniors can incorporate into their routine.

As we age, it's normal for our bodies to lose some flexibility, but that doesn't mean you should resign to living with aches, pains, and declining mobility. Regular stretching can help loosen muscles, relax joints, and reduce pain. The best part is, you don't need to go to the gym to start a stretching routine. Here are three easy stretches you can do every day from the comfort of your home.

As temperatures start to cool and the air turns crisp, you or your senior loved one may be looking for fun activities to celebrate the fall season. There are so many ways to enjoy and celebrate this festive time of year, and we have compiled our three favorite activities for seniors to enjoy.

Ebenezer Care Center was home to many older adults, offering short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing care, memory care, deaf services, adult day center, and spiritual health services. While Ebenezer Care Center has now closed, Ebenezer Integrated Care & Rehab, which is part of the Fairview Community Health and Wellness Hub that opened in 2022 at the former St. Joseph’s Campus in downtown St. Paul, is now open.

When it comes to healthy eating, evidence proves that eating breakfast important for growing children.

Studies show breakfast eaters tend to have:

• Higher attendance levels in school
Less tardiness
• Fewer hunger-induced stomach aches in the morning
• Higher overall test scores
• Better concentration and solve problem more easily
• Better muscle coordination

Good eating habits start early. As child care providers, Ebenezer’s four child care locations are committed to helping the children in our care eat right and develop healthy eating habits. More importantly, as parent you are a role model to reinforce positive healthy eating habits and ensure your child continues to eat healthy food. But it’s not always as easy as it seems.

You’re probably aware that many school-aged children are not eating enough healthy foods and are not getting the recommended amounts of certain food groups, including vegetables, fruits, and dairy. As a result, they may not be consuming the nutrients they need to support their growing bodies.

Mental health is a difficult topic to discuss openly, even with family and close friends. As humans, we're often conditioned to put on our best face in public and stay strong for those around us. Many people quietly suffer through mental health issues and this is especially true for seniors. Loneliness and depression are common for seniors, so it’s important for loved ones to be vigilant and look for signs. Initiating conversations about mental health can be difficult. However, these hard talks are a way of showing each other how much we care. Try these strategies for talking with your senior loved one about their mental health.

Sleep is an essential part of our lives and is one of the most important components of a healthy lifestyle. In fact, the CDC reports that inadequate sleep has a negative impact on mental health, often increasing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Sleep like a baby again with these helpful tips for getting a good night's rest.

Even the sharpest minds can get confused when it comes to taking medication in the right dosage, at the right time. If you're like many seniors, you're taking several prescriptions at one time. According to the health think tank Lown Institute, 42% of older adults take more than five prescription medications. That means keeping track of your medications can be a real challenge. Here are some tips for managing your medication schedule:

If you're 65 or older, you're more susceptible to health problems that can come with hot weather. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are various reasons why seniors don't adjust as well as younger people to changes in temperature. For instance, various health issues and prescription medications can impact the body's ability to regulate heat. As a senior, you'll have to be more conscious than others about staying cool, especially in the warm summer months. Here are three tips for regulating body temperature:

Communicating with a loved one who has memory loss can be challenging in a number of ways. Those with memory loss often ask questions that are difficult to answer. Certain sights, sounds, and smells can trigger memories, and they may ask about people or events that have long passed. According to a report by the Mental Health Foundation, those with dementia may ask these questions because they are experiencing time-shifts, delusions, and even hallucinations. When your loved one asks difficult-to-answer questions, consider using some of the following tips for being clear and comforting in your response.

As LGBTQ+ people age, they may face unique challenges and experiences that can have an impact on their well-being and quality of life. Here are five of the factors that can affect LGBTQ+ individuals more as they age:

The weather is getting warmer, which means it's the perfect time to get outside and get moving. Seniors can still get the exercise they need without engaging in exercises that are too strenuous. Here are just a few ways that seniors can get moving as the weather heats up.

Our bodies change as we age, and it can be difficult to tell what is normal and what may be a sign of a more serious health problem. It is critical to pay attention to changes in our bodies and seek medical assistance if any warning symptoms appear. Here are some of the most prominent warning signals of serious health problems among seniors:

Finding a living environment that offers security, comfort, and friendship becomes more crucial as we age. When it’s time for you or a loved one to go from living at home to a more supportive atmosphere, there are many choices. Knowing where to begin can be challenging given the abundance of different possibilities. When contemplating a senior living community, keep these three points in mind.

Making the move to a senior living community can be a significant transition in the life of your senior loved one. This time can be a challenge as you and your family accept the realities of aging and work together to make decisions about the future. While it may be uncomfortable at times, you don't want to push off conversations on this matter. Prepare in advance and discuss senior living options often with your loved one. Regular, quality conversations about senior living options will reduce stress and lead to the best possible outcome for your senior loved one's well-being. At Ebenezer Senior Living, we understand the profound importance of these conversations and have a few tips to help get you started.

For many people, moving into a senior living community means downsizing your home. It can be daunting to move from a larger space to a senior living community because you are going to need to make decisions on what to keep and what to give up. However, it doesn't have to be stressful to consolidate your belongings. Here are some tips from Ebenezer for how to downsize with ease.

It’s never too late to start strength training, and you don't need to join a gym or buy any equipment to get active. At  Ebenezer Senior Living, we believe getting older shouldn't limit you, and we understand exercise is important to maintain your independence and overall well-being. With this in mind, we have compiled three simple exercises you can incorporate into your daily routine from the comfort of your home.

As the weather gradually warms and the landscape begins to bloom with new life, you may find yourself inspired to plant a beautiful spring garden of your very own. However, not every senior has the space or mobility required to maintain an extravagant outdoor garden. At Ebenezer Senior Living, we recognize the numerous mental health benefits of keeping a garden, as well as the challenges and limitations of outdoor gardening. Here are three creative solutions for bringing the outdoors in, just in time for the spring season.

Admitting that you need help is always difficult, no matter how old you are. It can be even more difficult for seniors to admit that they may need extra help with everyday tasks. If you feel your loved one needs assistance around the house and you are considering hiring an in-home caretaker for them, you may meet some resistance. Ebenezer Senior Living offers a few methods to help make this difficult conversation easier.

If your senior loved one needs some extra help during the day, but the two of you aren’t ready for them to make the jump to a senior living community or to hire an aide, you may be considering moving in with your loved one or having them move in with you. However, this is a big step, and it’s important that you’re fully prepared for this decision and the work and stress it will entail. Ebenezer Senior Living has compiled a list of things you should consider when sharing a home with your senior loved one.