Author: Adele Pepin

Categories
Uncategorized Wellesley

Tips To Reduce Holiday Loneliness for Seniors

senior friends celebrating Christmas

Is holiday loneliness making your season feel less than spirited? Fortunately, there are many ways to keep the holiday blues at bay. Getting involved during the holidays is one of the best ways to beat the blues and give a boost to your holiday spirit. Check out these tips on ways to get involved and stay social during the season.

Get Creative

Crafty holiday activities for seniors don’t just bring the fun; they can also help you get involved while interacting with others. Try some of these ideas to lessen your holiday blues.

  • Inspire your creative side with wreath-making or painting with friends
  • Make decorations and ornaments
  • Bake and decorate holiday cookies with grandchildren
  • Try out new holiday recipes before friends and family arrive
  • Journal about all the things you’re grateful for this season
  • Write a seasonal tale with your grandchildren as the main characters (this would also make a great gift!)

Be a Host or Hostess

Holiday-themed parties, clubs and get-togethers are some of the best ways to connect with friends and family during the season. Get inspired with these ideas.

  • Start a seasonal book club
  • Host a cookie or ornament swap
  • Start a weekly holiday movie night
  • Host a holiday cocktail hour
  • Make plans to have a celebration with family

Join a Social Group

There are many opportunities to get social during the holidays, but joining a social group can be a great way to jump-start the creation of your social circle for years to come. Try choosing a group that interests you so you can befriend other older adults with similar interests.

  • Join a holiday choir or a Christmas caroling group
  • Try out a bell group for a holiday performance
  • Begin attending a woodworking class that makes gifts for area children

Stay In Touch

Keeping in contact with those you love can help prevent feelings of loneliness during the holidays. If you begin to feel isolated, try some of these ideas to add a little seasonal cheer. You never know – one of these options could become a new holiday tradition!

  • Call friends you haven’t seen in awhile
  • Video chat with family members
  • Send greeting cards to those you love
  • Write letters to out-of-town family
  • Make an effort to visit those you love, or ask them to come to you

Give Back to the Community

Do you know an adult in your life who needs some extra support? Do you have a passion for helping animals and pets? Do you want to lessen someone else’s holiday stress? Giving back can be a great way to do just that while also giving yourself a motivational boost. Here are some ways that older adults can help other seniors or those going through tough times.

  • Make meals for those in a homeless shelter
  • Donate gifts to a family in need
  • Spend time serving others in a soup kitchen
  • Have a food drive or a coat drive
  • Send packages overseas to soldiers
  • Pack up pet presents for area furry friends in animal shelters
  • Donate and decorate a Christmas tree for a fellow older adult who doesn’t have family nearby to help
  • Knit hats, gloves, scarves and other cold-weather items to be donated to those in need

Discover the gift of Waterstone at Wellesley and say goodbye to holidays full of bah humbugs.

Seniors who live alone often deal with increased holiday depression and feel lonely during the holidays. This is because it can be harder for seniors to maintain connections, especially if no friends or family are nearby. However, if you’re lucky enough to live in a senior living community like Waterstone at Wellesley, you know all the fun things there are to do that make combating loneliness easy. 

With engaging programs and events, life enrichment opportunities, social groups, maintenance-free living and more, the holidays can become merry and bright again.

If you are looking to reduce loneliness for either yourself or a loved one, contact the team at Waterstone at Wellesley. We can help with additional advice on how to get involved while sharing how you can make this season more joyful with a move.

WATERSTONE AT WELLESLEY. NOW THIS IS HOME.

Waterstone at Wellesley offers independent living and assisted living options in Wellesley along the banks of the Charles River. Schedule a visit today to experience our lifestyle and learn how we help seniors thrive.

Categories
The Circle

Evaluating Retirement Living Services and Amenities

waterstone at the circle game room

What each person may be looking for in a senior living lifestyle is different, but one thing is certain – the right services and amenities are a must. When considering where you’d like to spend your future, make sure you’re effectively evaluating a community’s offerings to ensure you choose the right one for you.

Sizing Up Services and Amenities in Senior Living

Make a list of what you’re looking for.

Active retirement living isn’t one-size-fits-all; that’s why it’s important to list out everything you’re searching for in an active adult community. Doing so will help you decide where you should be touring and what independent living amenities you can’t do without.

Enriching Services and Amenities

Senior living communities typically include a range of services, amenities, and perks for older adults. These can include wellness programs, chef-prepared meals, transportation, maintenance, and housekeeping to provide a worry-free lifestyle. Often, as is the case at Waterstone at the Circle, these services are included in your monthly fee for simplicity and peace of mind. Waterstone at the Circle offers an exquisite culinary experience, concierge services, transportation services, fitness programs led by professional instructors and more.

Programs, Events and Entertainment

Not only do these perks fill your days with fun and enjoyment, but they also boost your spirits and keep you engaged and active. If you’re searching for a community rich in adventure and new possibilities, consider looking for a retirement community that offers field trips, outdoor activities, clubs, special interest groups, and social events. The dedicated life enrichment team at Waterstone at the Circle ensures our residents’ days are full and fulfilling.

Access to Support for the Future

Many communities also include access to a range of care services to support active adults, as needs may change over time. It’s important to consider services you may need before you need them – so you’re able to choose the living option that has a plan in place for the future.

Older adults who choose Waterstone at the Circle benefit from the ability to enjoy an active, independent lifestyle with wellness programs that enhance physical and cognitive health, as well as access to supportive care services provided by premier healthcare partners.

Location

If you know you’re among those who love to explore your surroundings, you’ll want to choose a community that puts you in the heart of it all. Choose a community that’s walkable, offers transportation, and makes it easy to enjoy the shopping, dining, and educational pursuits you want to continue enjoying. At Waterstone at the Circle, our location at the foot of Chestnut Hill puts you close to everything you love, with quick access to Boston and beyond.

What’s Next?

As you research what communities to visit, make a list of communities that offer these things and begin scheduling visits. Then, as you tour, follow these tips.

Make notes of your first impressions.

Write out what you liked, what you didn’t like, and what they had or didn’t have. Are any of the missing items deal-breakers? Cross them off your list and continue your search.

Immerse yourself in the community.

Ask to try the programs, see if you can spend some extra time there, stay for a meal, and explore the surrounding area.

Talk with residents, families and team members.

One of the best ways to get a feel for the community of interest is to talk with those who know it best. Consider asking:

  • How happy families and residents are with the services and amenities offered
  • What amenities and services residents thought they’d use that they don’t
  • How easy it is for the team to implement new programs if requested by residents
  • What residents love most about the community
  • How helpful or attentive the team members are

Evaluate what you’re willing to let go of on your list.

Most communities aren’t going to offer absolutely everything you’re looking for. Of those you’ve toured:

  • Which best meets your needs and wishes?
  • Are there any additional services and amenities that balance the missing ones out?
  • Does the community make you feel welcomed and at home?

Once you’ve asked yourself these questions, you’re likely to have narrowed down your best option.

Uncover the Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For at The Circle.

When it comes to services and amenities, Waterstone at the Circle provides some of the best. What can you expect?

  • Independent living and supportive care, providing support with activities of daily living
  • Bright, stylish apartments in a range of sizes
  • Anytime dining at our restaurant
  • Weekly housekeeping services
  • Life enrichment programs featuring lecture series, outings and trips
  • Convenient access to the MBTA Green Line and Greater Boston’s best shops, restaurants, and recreational and entertainment venues
  • Indoor heated pool and fitness center staffed with professional fitness and aquatic instructors

EXPERIENCE ALL WATERSTONE AT THE CIRCLE HAS TO OFFER

How do we measure up against communities you’ve toured? The best way to find out is by visiting, talking with residents, and exploring our lifestyle for yourself. 

Schedule a tour today to learn more about our premier independent living community for seniors 62 and over.

Categories
Wellesley

Ways to Help Aging Parents Get Their Affairs in Order

Two women, sitting on the sofa with a paper receipt, are calculating expenses, managing the family budget.
Two women, sitting on the sofa with a paper receipt, are calculating expenses, managing the family budget.
Two women, sitting on the sofa with a paper receipt, are calculating expenses, managing the family budget.

As parents age, it becomes more important to create a plan for the future. Not only can this help ensure their wishes are met, but it can keep you from having to make difficult decisions regarding their health, senior care and more.

If you’re looking to help your parents get their affairs in order but aren’t sure where to start, Waterstone at Wellesley is here to guide you.

Perks of Preparing for the Future

Seniors and adult children who are preparing retirement plans are often left with a sense of security and peace of mind once they are finalized. Check out some of the most common perks they experience, both right away and when the need arises.

  • When you need to step in for support, you know what is needed and where all important paperwork is
  • Emergencies are less stressful to handle
  • You aren’t left making decisions at the last second for your parents
  • It allows you to understand and honor your parents’ wishes
  • Everyone will be on the same page, reducing conflicts

How To Get Started

While some may think that getting affairs in order means simply preparing a will, it encompasses so much more. Among these important topics include:

  • Legal affairs, including estate planning and establishing powers of attorney
  • Financial planning, like saving for retirement, medical care and wealth accumulation
  • Healthcare wishes and long-term care plans

If you or your parents aren’t sure where to begin, try following the steps below.

Discuss all matters with key family members.

When planning for the future, you and your parents will want to keep all key family members involved. Not only will this ensure everyone is on the same page, but it will help keep the peace while making sure there are no hard feelings, no one is left out of decisions, and there are no surprises.

Ensure the right documents are in place.

Help your parents make sure that all their needed legal documents are in order and secure. According to AARP, you should gather the following documents and ensure they are stored in a safe area.

  • Their will and living will
  • Advance directives
  • Statements of durable powers of attorney for finances and healthcare
  • A family plan detailing caregiving roles so everyone knows what they are responsible for
  • Birth, marriage and death certificates; divorce decrees; citizenship papers; Social Security cards
  • Deeds to property or cemetery plots
  • Military discharge papers
  • Insurance policies and pension benefits
  • Medication lists

Discuss finances.

It’s important to be aware of your aging parents’ finances. Whether they have hired a financial professional or are currently looking into it, they can help you and your family manage wealth, assess retirement income, adjust risk tolerance, determine the right retirement plans, help you get the most tax advantages, answer questions about Social Security, and more.

Knowing their financial status can also help you manage their retirement accounts, including Roth IRAs or 401(k) accounts, or pay their bills when needed.

Get permission to talk to your parents’ providers on their behalf.

It will be important for you to be able to access your parents’ bank accounts, health records and more. Make sure your parent provides written permission for you to do this in case of emergencies, and don’t forget to have them list out their bills and how they are paid.

Plan out future care wishes.

Where do your parents envision themselves in the future? Do they want to remain at home, with home care, when health needs arise? Or would they prefer to move to a senior living community like Waterstone at Wellesley, with:

  • Access to an enriching, maintenance-free lifestyle
  • Endless opportunities to enjoy each day
  • Care available if or when it may be needed, tailored to their needs

If they prefer to move, you can help your parents take charge by touring their options, beginning their downsizing journey, and establishing exactly what it is they want for their future.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planning for the Future

Even with the best intentions, families sometimes run into challenges when planning for aging parents. Avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Waiting too long to start conversations – important decisions are best made before a crisis arises.
  • Leaving key family members out – this can create conflict and misunderstandings later.
  • Not keeping documents updated – outdated wills, directives, or insurance policies can cause confusion.
  • Failing to explore care options early – waiting until care is urgently needed may limit choices.
  • Ignoring parents’ preferences – it’s vital that their wishes guide the plan.

Here Through Every Step

At Waterstone at Wellesley, we know that future planning can be a difficult process to navigate. For some, it may be overwhelming, for others, it can bring peace of mind knowing there is a plan in place. Whichever situation you find yourself in, we want you to know we are here for you.

For more information about future planning and getting your parents’ affairs in order, contact us today. We’d be happy to share more information, invite you to an event, or schedule a personal visit for you and your parents.

WATERSTONE AT WELLESLEY. NOW THIS IS HOME.

Waterstone at Wellesley offers independent living and assisted living options in the heart of Wellesley, MA. Contact us for more information or to schedule a personal visit today.

Categories
The Circle

Living in a Community vs. Staying at Home

Group of seniors sitting outdoors, talking and laughing
A group of three seniors, a woman and two men, sitting together outdoors on a patio, talking and laughing.
Group of seniors sitting outdoors, talking and laughing

There comes a time in many seniors’ lives when they consider whether or not they’d like to make a move to senior living or stay at home. If you’re finding yourself in this position currently, you aren’t alone.

Although this decision is a very personal one, with some seniors preferring one option over another for any number of reasons, some of the most common explanations we hear are that:

  • They fear a loss of independence
  • The process of moving appears complicated
  • They don’t feel as though they currently need support
  • All their best memories happened at home
  • Their own preference is to remain there until they need extensive medical care or home healthcare needs to be brought in

While all these reasons are understandable, it’s important to consider how this decision can affect your life as you age. In fact, when most older people and family members consider the advantages that senior living communities offer, they change their minds. Then begins their journey of moving to a senior community.

5 Reasons Senior Living Is Better Than Remaining at Home

If you’re on the fence about moving to a senior living or retirement community, consider some of the benefits many older adults enjoy there that you simply won’t get at home.

Social Opportunities

Senior living communities are full of programs, social events, clubs, classes, new friends and camaraderie. Even better, you never have to leave your home to take advantage of it all.

At home, seniors may become more isolated as it may be more difficult to see friends, drive during bad weather, and more. In fact, nearly one quarter of those 65 and older are said to be socially isolated, according to a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Those problems are a thing of the past here at Waterstone at the Circle, with on-site programs, scheduled transportation, and endless opportunities to connect outside our community – thanks to our prime location in Boston.

Responsibilities

Who takes care of your daily responsibilities at home? Is it you who completes these tasks? Or do you hire someone to take care of housework, home maintenance and yard work for you?

If you take care of these things yourself, you may be wasting time you could be spending on doing what you want to do. Even if you outsource these tasks, you still need to search for a service, write out their checks, and ensure their quality of work is up to your standard.

At a community like Waterstone at the Circle, we take care of all these things for you so you can simply enjoy a carefree lifestyle each day while participating in any activity you choose.

Amenities

When it comes to what amenities your home offers versus what senior living communities provide, the differences are clear.

  • Does your home include a fitness center? If not, you’ll have to pay for a membership or purchase the equipment.
  • Do you regularly host guests for book clubs or social events? If not, you’ll likely travel to them.
  • Do you need a new hairdo? You can do it yourself or go to a salon, but at Waterstone, you just have to walk out your door and go to our full-service salon.

At Waterstone at the Circle, all this and more are covered. At your home, everything is extra – or, even worse, not available.

Dining

Even if you like to cook, grocery shopping and cleanup can be time consuming. Say goodbye to these hassles with an exceptional dining experience at Waterstone at the Circle. Here, we do the shopping, preparing, cooking and cleaning so you can simply savor each meal with new friends or your family.

Is your schedule always packed full? Don’t worry about fitting your schedule around our dining times. With anytime dining, you can dine when you choose.

At home, you still need to take care of all of these things yourself, unless you dine out, order in, or use a meal delivery service.

Access to Support

Communities like Waterstone at the Circle offer support on site – enhancing confidence if a change in health occurs. This allows you to remain in the community you love.

When you live at home, you may need to hire in-home care to provide support for you. Or your children may be required to plan a move to an assisted living community if you’re no longer able to decide on your own.

This leads many to choose senior living communities that offer a continuum of care or health services, bringing peace of mind.

Discover the Best of Senior Living at Waterstone at the Circle

Waterstone at the Circle is the perfect place to enjoy all the benefits senior living can offer. To experience our lifestyle and learn more about why you should move to senior living rather than remain at home, schedule a visit or join us for an upcoming open house.

EXPERIENCE WATERSTONE AT THE CIRCLE FOR YOURSELF.

Discover how Waterstone at the Circle’s location can enhance your active, on-the-go lifestyle. Schedule a visit today to learn more about our premier independent living community designed to enrich life for seniors 62 and over.

Categories
High Ridge

Moving Into Waterstone: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Senior Adult Couple Packing or Unpacking Moving Boxes
Senior Adult Couple Packing or Unpacking Moving Boxes.

Once you’ve toured your senior living communities of choice and made your final decision, the next step is preparing for a move. What does the moving process entail? Our step-by-step guide can help you get started.

Waterstone on High Ridge: Making Your Move to Senior Living

Step 1 | Choose your floor plan and consider how your belongings will fit.

Like most retirement communities, we offer floor plans for each level of care, as well as living options to suit current senior care needs and future continuing care preferences.

Upon choosing to move, establish which floor plan fits you the best. Then, take this blank slate and plan out how you’ll fill it with furnishings, decorations and stylish elements to make it your own. If you’re trying an entirely new style, purchase or thrift items that are perfect for the look you’re going for.

Step 2 | Make a list of must-haves and begin downsizing.

While choosing your new space, you likely began a mental list of what to bring or leave behind. Use this as the foundation of your downsizing list.

While this can seem like a simple task, for many, it’s not. You can make downsizing easier by:

  • Making a list of what items feel like home
  • Going through one room at a time
  • Establishing piles of items to donate, pass down or sell
  • Taking photos of items that you may not want to keep but would love to keep the memory
  • Enlisting the help of friends and family members
  • Talking to the Waterstone on High Ridge team, who can lead you to resources to help

Step 3 | Begin preparing for moving day.

The moving process can be stressful, too, but by preparing accordingly, it can be made easier. Ask one of our Senior Advisors to recommend trusted movers they work with. These ideas can also help:

  • Make a list of everything you’ve packed
  • Label all your boxes according to the room
  • Plan transportation for your items
  • Make a moving-day plan of when you’ll start and who is helping
  • Pack vehicles ahead of time if possible
  • Get plenty of rest prior to moving

Step 4 | Move in, meet the team and residents, and get settled.

On moving day, the Waterstone team will be there to assist in making the process go smoothly. You’ll get acquainted with all the team members who will support your lifestyle, including:

  • Our executive director
  • Life enrichment team members
  • Our Senior Advisor and concierge
  • The culinary team
  • Professional trainers from the fitness center

You’ll also meet your new neighbors who can share great tips based on their personal experience, helping you get acquainted with life at Waterstone.

Step 5 | Immerse yourself in your new retirement lifestyle.

One of the best things about senior living communities is that they take care of everything for you once you’ve moved in. After you get unpacked and settled, begin enjoying the lifestyle you’ve planned for – free from worries and home maintenance – with the support of a team ready to take care of everything for you.

  • Need tickets to an upcoming show? Ask our concierge to help you.
  • Interested in trying out a new hobby? Ask the life enrichment team about our offerings.
  • Looking for a birthday gift for a loved one? Take our private transportation to local shops.
  • Want to host your family and show off your new home? Invite them and reserve our private dining room with the concierge.

Are you ready to make a move to Waterstone on High Ridge?

If you haven’t yet made the decision to move to Waterstone on High Ridge, we invite you to experience our lifestyle and learn more about what we offer you. Attend an upcoming event or open house today to get started.

SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT. HOME THE WAY YOU LIKE IT.

Waterstone on High Ridge offers a modern approach to senior living in a beautiful hilltop setting. Come see how we redefine independent living, assisted living and memory care in Fairfield County, just minutes away from fine restaurants, retail stores and cultural venues in Stamford and Greenwich.

Categories
Westchester

Ways the Waterstone Lifestyle Leads to More Active Living

front entrance to waterstone at westchester
front entrance to waterstone at westchester

As older adults plan for their senior living lifestyle, they often consider a retirement community that offers freedom from the mundane activities that take up most of their time. Whether this includes maintenance and housekeeping or even cooking, the desire to achieve more worry-free living leads them to searching for senior housing options like Waterstone of Westchester.

Here, our lifestyle provides the ideal retirement experience: an engaging lifestyle for independent, active adults who want to spend their time enjoying the activities they love while finding the right living option to meet their needs, now and in the future.

What are the health benefits of an active lifestyle?

Those who are active can experience health benefits that keep them happier, more independent and even more engaged. Studies show that some of the most widely seen benefits include:

  • A reduced risk of falls with aerobic activity
  • Healthier bones, muscles and joints
  • A reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
  • Decreased obesity, as activity aids in losing weight

Exercise doesn’t need to consist of vigorous activity, either. It just needs to be consistent, regular physical activity to help you enjoy the benefits.

Ways to Stay Active at Waterstone

At Waterstone of Westchester, we know the benefits of active senior living communities are endless. This is why our lifestyle was built around all the ways a healthy, active lifestyle can benefit you.

Health and Wellness Opportunities

One of the best ways to stay active is to focus on your health. We make it easy with one-on-one training sessions, our mind-body studio, yoga classes, and more.

Services and Amenities

Our concierge-style services and impressive amenities around every corner make it simple for residents to make the most of our lifestyle. Check out what’s available to keep residents active here.

Programs and Activities

There’s always something to do at Waterstone of Westchester! From book clubs and educational presentations to social events and live entertainment, you’re sure to find something that interests you while keeping you engaged and involved. Check out our daily programs that are available for you to enjoy.

Prime Location and Outings

Explore all our suburban Manhattan location provides. Take a train to New York City, or enjoy a short walk to find world-class shops, fine retailers and restaurants. With scheduled transportation, outings and the freedom to do as you please, exploration is easy.

Lifelong Learning

Our active lifestyle allows residents to pursue whatever hobbies, passions or interests they have, inspiring them to try new things, meet new people and get more involved.

Social Opportunities

Here, you’ll find new friends around every corner, whether you’re looking for someone who has similar interests or you want to expand your horizons with someone who is your polar opposite.

Maintenance-Free Living

When you don’t have to worry about maintenance, yardwork or housekeeping, you can enjoy everything a lifestyle like Waterstone of Westchester offers, further enhancing your active lifestyle.

Exceptional Dining

Instead of spending your time prepping, cooking and cleaning, Waterstone of Westchester allows you to enjoy freshly prepared meals expertly prepared by our talented culinary team, putting more free time back in your day. If you’re too busy to sit down and dine, you can stop by the juice bar for a quick bite and blend.

Supportive Care

Unlike nursing homes, Waterstone of Westchester provides an engaging, independent lifestyle with access to support if or when you need it through VNS Westchester, offering personalized support, care consultation and daily planning, coordination of activities of daily living, medication management and more.

Enjoy an active lifestyle at Waterstone.

Live the life you love at our senior living community in White Plains, New York. With convenient amenities, enriching programs, and a focus on health and wellness, discover independent living made for you. Learn more about our lifestyle and schedule a tour to see what your future holds.

Categories
Lexington

Why Lexington Offers the Ideal Retirement Location

Modern Photography Exhibition Visitors
Selective focus shot of senior and young people visiting black and white photography exhibition in modern art gallery

There are many qualities that go into making a senior living community a great place to live. Among them are convenience, the number of things to do, social opportunities, and access to healthcare services. All this and more make Waterstone of Lexington, offering senior living in Lexington, Massachusetts, stand out from the rest as an ideal retirement location.

Discover how our location can help you embrace all that retirement has to offer.

10 Benefits of Living in Lexington, Massachusetts

1 | There is a rich history.

American history buffs are in for a treat in Lexington. On April 19, 1775, the first armed conflict of the American Revolution occurred. This was also known as the Battles of Lexington and Concord, where Paul Revere and other riders sounded the alarm. With a number of attractions and tours, visitors can experience Lexington’s historic sites, like the:

  • Lexington Battle Green where you can see the Minute Man National Historic Landmark
  • Liberty Ride Trolley Tour
  • Buckman Tavern
  • Hancock-Clarke House
  • Munroe Tavern
  • National Heritage Museum

This makes Lexington one of the best places to share with grandkids and family members alike. If you’re planning your visit, check out the Visitors Center for everything you need to know.

2 | Cultural events are always occurring.

Whether the arts, music, theater or museums are your thing, there are plenty of ways to enjoy them all in Lexington. Enjoy the Lexington Symphony, catch a movie at Lexington Venue, see The Lexington Players or The Master Singers of Lexington, check out the Lexington Arts & Crafts Society, or visit the Munroe Center for the Arts. No matter your interests or your age group, there’s truly something for everyone here.

3 | There are plenty of seasonal events.

Whether your grandkids are visiting, you want to enjoy an event with family, or you and your friends want to have an afternoon out, Lexington’s seasonal events are a great place to start.

  • Adult events and programs
  • Winter sports
  • Holiday season attractions
  • Revolutionary Revelry festival
  • Yearly sports lessons and camps during summer

4 | Dining is a delight.

What are you hungry for? With a range of restaurants, there’s something to tantalize anyone’s taste buds. Choose from simple soups, salads and subs, or savor pizza, pasta dishes and more. For those who just want a quick bite, there are plenty of ice cream shops, delis and cafes.

5 | Many one-of-a-kind shops are present.

Seniors who are searching for the perfect gift for a loved one, or something to treat themselves with, can choose from a range of specialty shops in Lexington. From jewelry and antiques to clothing and more, you’re sure to find something that’s right for the occasion.

6 | You can enjoy the beauty of nature.

With an array of open spaces, conservation land and trails, including the Battle Road Trail, nature lovers can surround themselves with all the beauty our area offers.

7 | Recreational opportunities abound.

From town parks and playgrounds to sports facilities and more, our town operates several public recreational opportunities. With everything from bike routes and fitness and nature paths to tennis courts and golf, active seniors can enjoy the outdoors. When grandkids visit, the playgrounds and tot lots are the perfect places to play.

8 | Education is excellent.

Did you know that Lexington boasts the first public teaching college in the United States? The Lexington Normal School, now Framingham State University, was established in 1893. Lexington also puts you close to Harvard and MIT.

9 | You’ll enjoy easy access to Boston and beyond.

Whether you’d like to stay near Lexington or would prefer to travel to Boston and farther, our location makes it easy. Take a day and explore the restaurants, retailers and attractions of Boston, attend the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and say hello to your friends at Waterstone at the Circle!

10 | A bustling community awaits just outside your apartment door – with healthcare.

Although there are a ton of things to do in Lexington, MA, seniors have access to another engaging community within our doors. Enjoy a lifestyle offering its own enriching programs, social opportunities and delicious dining.

Here, you’ll also have access to healthcare, with assisted living on site and memory care at Bridges® by EPOCH if the need arises – ensuring you can remain in the location you love, among all you enjoy.

Get an inside look at Waterstone of Lexington.

If you’d like to experience all the things to do at Waterstone of Lexington, we’d be happy to help. Join us for an upcoming event, or schedule a visit to talk with a member of our team today.

Welcome to luxury living in Lexington.

There are many reasons to choose Waterstone of Lexington as your new home. Convenient location is only part of the equation. With independent living, assisted living and memory care, you’ll have access to convenient amenities, wellness-focused services, and exceptional care. Learn more about our new community today.

Categories
Lexington

EPOCH Senior Living and National Development Open Waterstone of Lexington

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting held for luxury senior living community with Independent Living and Assisted Living

LEXINGTON, MA (October 27, 2022) – Executives from EPOCH Senior Living and National Development joined with Lexington Select Board Chair Jill Hai and local residents on October 27 to celebrate the Grand Opening of Waterstone of Lexington.

Located at 53-55 Watertown Street, Waterstone of Lexington is a luxury senior living community featuring independent and assisted living residences in an idyllic wooded setting overlooking the Belmont Country Club.

“We are excited to celebrate the Grand Opening of Waterstone of Lexington. It is truly a unique community offering a continuum of care campus with accommodations for the most active to those who need additional support,” said Laurence Gerber, President and CEO of Epoch Senior Living. “After almost four years from initial conceptualization to a completed project, we are very proud to bring luxury senior living to Lexington that is unmatched in the industry.’’

Ted Tye, Managing Partner, National Development, said the opening of Waterstone of Lexington represented a major achievement for National Development.

“Waterstone of Lexington represents the best-in-class in the Boston area and a culmination of our 25 years of building senior communities,’’ said Tye. “We have provided a building that has incredible amenities and spacious well-designed apartments.  The mid-century modern design is inspired by the architecture of Lexington.  The wooded setting along Belmont Country Club is perfect for this new senior community.’’

Hai said, “We are excited that Waterstone brings to Lexington a new housing option for our seniors, addressing a need for a more diverse housing in town and a new way for long-time residents to down-size while remaining in our community.  Lexington is also excited to welcome all of the new residents and we hope they will take full advantage of all our community has to offer, from our library to our community center and conservation lands and so much more.”

Waterstone of Lexington features 114 independent living residences and 40 assisted living residences, distinct but interconnected in a 215,000-square-foot complex. Both the independent living and assisted living residences feature luxury finishes, open and airy layouts, full bathrooms, walk-in closets, and high-end designer kitchens with stainless steel appliances.

Waterstone of Lexington offers an impressive array of lifestyle amenities and services including

  • indoor heated pool
  • fitness center and a Mind & Body Studio staffed with fitness professionals
  • salon
  • on-site restaurant with anytime dining and outdoor seating
  •  media room & theater
  • community room for educational lectures and events
  • wellness center with built in telemedicine and video conferencing technology
  • library
  • putting green
  • open courtyard with outdoor kitchen and firepit
  • raised planting gardens
  • pet-friendly accommodations
  • 24-hour concierge
  • weekly housekeeping with linen service
  • car transportation
  • private underground parking.

The beautifully landscaped 17.5-acre campus features walking trails and gardens in a woodland setting abutting conservation areas and Belmont Country Club’s golf course.

As part of the continuum of care there is a separate memory care community, Bridges by Epoch at Lexington, a 45,000-square-foot building located opposite from the independent and assisted living residences at 56 Watertown Street.

Waterstone of Lexington is the latest best-in-class senior living community created by leaders in the field. EPOCH Senior Living is the owner/operator and National Development is the owner/developer. EPOCH Senior Living operates 16 senior living communities in the Northeast.

For more information about Waterstone of Lexington, visit www.waterstoneoflexington.com or call 781-839-9850.

Categories
Lexington

Encouraging Assisted Living for Aging Parents

young woman holding an open book whiling sitting on the couch with her senior mother
young woman holding an open book whiling sitting on the couch with her senior mother

As seniors age, there comes a time they may need additional support with activities of daily living. While some older adults and adult children consider home care, many opt for senior care options like an assisted living community.

If you are trying to find ways to encourage a move to senior living for your parent, we’re here to help. Below you will find some of the top reasons seniors put off a move to assisted living and ways you can support them.

Your Guide to Encouraging Assisted Living for Aging Parents: Reasons They May Avoid a Move

Reason 1 | They Have Negative Perceptions.

Many seniors view assisted living communities like the nursing homes of the past. However, they are now far from the hospital-like environments they used to be. In fact, they offer so much more than just healthcare. Show your loved one what assisted living communities are like now by scheduling a visit to experience it firsthand.

As you both discover the enriching lifestyle, chat with residents, meet team members, and see what assisted living has to offer, you’ll easily bust the myths and the negative perceptions your loved one may have about assisted living.

Reason 2 | They Fear a Loss of Independence.

Some seniors may fear a loss of independence when moving to assisted living. After making a move, however, many seniors and their family members express that they wish they had done so sooner. This is often because with the right amount of support, seniors thrive with a full lifestyle, new friends and convenient amenities just outside their door.

If your mom or dad is still worried about a loss of independence, or that they won’t be able to be as active as they once were, sharing how a move can benefit them may help. Some of these advantages include:

  • Access to support when needed
  • Maintenance-free lifestyle
  • Ability to create their own schedule
  • Daily programs, clubs and events
  • Gourmet meals with fresh, seasonal selections
  • More time to focus on activities they want to pursue

Reason 3 | They Want to Remain at Home.

There are a couple of reasons your parents may want to stay in their home. For example, your mom or dad may not want to move because they raised their families there and it houses many of their positive memories. They may not want to leave behind neighbors they have gotten to know well over the years, or they may simply be afraid to step outside their comfort zone and leave their home for something unknown.

While these reasons are valid and understandable, it is important to share how their future may be impacted by remaining at home. Some helpful points may include:

  • What staying at home may cost, including maintenance, taxes, repairs, and alterations to allow for aging in place
  • Who will be available to care for them, and what happens when needs increase
  • How the costs of 24-hour at home care compare to moving to an assisted living facility
  • What happens if they have a sudden health emergency and support at home isn’t available

If their decision not to move is more about the fact they have an emotional attachment to their home, share how memories aren’t tied to the house and instead are in their heart. It can help to spend some time with them taking photographs of spaces within the home that hold their most treasured memories. Write the memories down in a photo album so they can preserve them while having a physical reminder.

Reason 4 | They Prefer to Wait.

Sometimes aging parents are willing to move to senior housing but only when they feel it’s truly needed. It’s also possible they may not want to admit they need more help, or they feel guilty putting the burden of moving on you. This can be detrimental for various reasons:

  • Waiting to move can limit your loved one’s ability to make the decision on their own
  • If care needs increase, you may need to make the decision, or you parent may be rushed to choose
  • It lessens time to explore options that suit them best
  • You may be overwhelmed without adequate support
  • Your parent may not be able to enjoy the community before health changes occur

Remind your loved one that one of the greatest benefits of moving to senior living is getting to take advantage of all the community has to offer – from convenient amenities and engaging programs to new friends and a dedicated staff ready to serve. If your loved one waits until their health is compromised, they may not be able to fully enjoy all that a community like Waterstone of Lexington has to offer.

Reason 5 | They’re Anxious.

Your mom or dad may be nervous about making a move, meeting new people, making new friends, fitting in, and feeling at home. To help them feel more comfortable:

  • Visit the community often prior to moving
  • Attend programs ahead of time, giving them the opportunity to make friends
  • Talk to the life enrichment team, who can share activities and events that may interest your loved one
  • Make their space look as much like home as possible

How To Begin the Conversation About Assisted Living

If it’s time to start this conversation with your parents, you’ll want to make sure you’re well educated and prepared. Try these tips:

  • Make sure the mood is pleasant
  • Don’t tell them what to do; simply share your observations about their living situation
  • Express your love and concern
  • Explain how senior living could enhance their lifestyle
  • Let them know you’ll feel better knowing they’ll receive support when needed
  • Listen to their concerns and share your own feelings
  • Talk with their family, friends, faith leaders and doctor, and ask them to assist with the conversation if needed

We’re Here for You and Your Loved One Through Every Step of the Transition to Assisted Living

At Waterstone of Lexington, we are always here to support you and your parents. For more advice on how to encourage a senior to move to assisted living, contact us or schedule a visit today.

If your loved one has already decided to make a move to a retirement community and you’re searching for resources on how to best prepare, check out our recent blog on preparing a loved one for a move to assisted living.

WATERSTONE OF LEXINGTON: NOW THIS IS HOME

Waterstone of Lexington is opening soon and will offer a modern approach to retirement living in a historical setting with concierge services and impressive amenities. Come see how we redefine independent living and assisted living with a visit today.

Categories
High Ridge

Stresses of Caring for a Loved One at Home

Young woman consoling upset grandmother
Caring daughter comforting frustrated unhappy senior woman. Loving adult granddaughter talking to sad depressed old grandmother holding hand and comforting her. Upset widowed woman with headache consoled by her daughter.
Young woman consoling upset grandmother

Did you know 1 in 5 Americans are caregivers, according to a report conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP? This means that an estimated 53 million adults provide care for someone – which is up from the estimated 43.5 million caregivers in 2015. Of this 53 million, 41.8 million are estimated to serve those who are 50+.

If you’re among these ranks, serving as a family caregiver to an older adult at home, you may find yourself struggling with some intense emotions. From worry and sadness to feeling stressed and overwhelmed, caregiving is not an easy job.

No matter how fulfilling it may be to care for your loved one during the aging process, you may still be impacted by negative emotions sometimes associated with caregiving. These feelings don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong; in fact, caregiving is one of the most selfless things you can do – which is part of what makes it so difficult. As these feelings and challenges add up, they can cause an increase in stress and ultimately impact a caregiver’s overall health and well-being.

Causes of Caregiver Stress When Caring for a Loved One at Home

Transitioning from family member to informal caregiver.

Caregiving can make you feel like you’re losing your past relationship with your loved one. Instead of simply visiting and enjoying your loved one’s company, now you may be:

  • Spending all your time taking care of their needs
  • Researching their illness
  • Finding ways to enhance their quality of life
  • Figuring out how to provide the best possible care
  • Ensuring they have everything they need to be comfortable
  • Managing their daily tasks and to-do list

Managing all these daily tasks can cause emotional distress and frustration, especially if the demands of caregiving are new to you. It’s also possible that you may find yourself feeling guilty for feeling this way – this is when it’s good to reach out for support.

Long hours with little to no breaks.

Caregiving is demanding. Whether it’s your full-time job or you’re working full time while also providing care, you may experience:

  • A lack of time for yourself, your family, and your friends
  • Inability to sleep or lower quality sleep
  • An increase in mental health conditions like anxiety and depression
  • Irritability when there are unexpected changes to your routine or your loved one’s health
  • Exhaustion and burnout
  • Fear of what the future may bring

All these factors can cause increased stress and frustration, especially if you aren’t able to make time for yourself or if you lack support.

Trouble keeping up with daily tasks and caring for family.

Many caregivers don’t just have the stress of taking care of their loved one to worry about. Some have their own homes, children, and pets to care for – and caregiving for a loved one on top of those responsibilities makes it even more difficult.

Without help, you run the risk of burning out, which is not good for you, your family, or the loved one you’re caring for. If possible:

  • Rely on a spouse, significant other or older children to help more
  • See if family or a friend can spend some time with your loved one so you can catch up around your house
  • Allow others to help care for your loved one so you can spend more time with your family
  • Delegate tasks of caregiving to others willing to lend a hand
  • Begin a chore calendar for household family members

Caregiving is taking a physical toll.

Being a caregiver doesn’t just affect you emotionally, but physically, too. Caregiving can create potential health problems caused by:

  • Lack of time or ability to prepare and eat a healthy meal
  • Unhealthy habits, like lack of physical activity
  • Inability to visit your healthcare practitioner regularly
  • Not seeking medical advice for mental health problems
  • Untreated conditions, like heart disease

It’s important to keep up with your health so you can be the healthiest version of you – and ultimately take the best care of your loved one.

It’s becoming too difficult.

When caring for a loved one at home becomes too challenging, it may be time to seek outside help. Some find this with home care services, respite care or adult day care programs, while others consider moving their loved one to a senior living community offering a comprehensive network of support.

Both options can give the primary caregiver a reprieve, but many find that the support provided from a leading senior living community like Waterstone on High Ridge is the right choice for them and their loved one. In fact, many who choose to move their loved one to senior living wish they had done so a long time ago because of its benefits.

With dedicated support on site, engaging activities, and nutritious prepared meals, senior living can help bring balance back to your life.

Discover freedom from caregiving’s stressors with Waterstone.

At Waterstone on High Ridge, our team can help you find the perfect community to fit the needs of your loved one. Featuring various levels of care – including independent living, assisted living and memory care by Bridges® , families enjoy peace of mind knowing their loved ones have access to the support they need when they need it.

Experience our lifestyle or take advantage of our support groups and events by scheduling a visit today.

SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT. HOME THE WAY YOU LIKE IT.

Waterstone on High Ridge offers a modern approach to senior living in a beautiful hilltop setting. Come see how we redefine independent living, assisted living and memory care in Fairfield County.

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