Categories
08- Patio2
Author: Adele Pepin
Categories
07- Patio
Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors
Categories
05- Exterior3
Discover a community full of fun, opportunity and countless ways to enjoy a worry-free lifestyle
Categories
02- Exterior2
Our beautifully landscaped community makes you feel right at home the second you pull in
As they age, loved ones may begin to need more care. This may mean coming up with a care plan that will address the needs of your mom, dad or other family member. What happens, though, when aging parents, adult children or other relatives disagree about senior care? This is where it can get a little tricky.
First, it’s important to note that there’s often no perfect option for families, and often, some compromise has to occur. One thing is for certain, however, and that’s that everyone needs to be on the same page – or at least close!
Beginning the Discussion on Caring for Aging Relatives
Since senior care is such a delicate topic for many families, how can you set the scene for a successful discussion? It can help to set up a family meeting. Keep in mind that you may have to host multiple family meetings in order to accomplish your goals, but this is often a good start.
Prior to the meeting, come up with topics that you’d like to talk about. As you create your agenda, consider these points:
- Is your loved one beginning to need more support?
- Are you unable to provide the high level of care they need?
- Are they becoming isolated and lonely?
- Is their changing health putting you under lots of stress and pressure?
- Have they brought up that they might like to receive care at a senior living community?
- Do they have wishes already established?
What To Do When You Disagree on Care for Aging Relatives
At these meetings, some may agree on a care plan for their loved one. Others may need more time to consider the options, or they may disagree altogether. Though it can be disheartening, there are ways that you can manage this to come to an agreement while helping them see where you’re coming from.
Listen to everyone’s emotions and opinions.
These discussions are usually extremely emotional for families and can come with many different reactions. It’s important to hear everyone’s point of view. You may hear concerns such as:
- These discussions are usually extremely emotional for families and can come with many different reactions. It’s important to hear everyone’s point of view. You may hear concerns such as:Fears about how much time caregiving will take
- Whether or not they’ll have support at home to care for their own family
- Fear they may lose their job or get behind on their career path if caring for a loved one
- Concerns about the costs of senior care
Try to be understanding in all of these circumstances, and share your own thoughts and fears, too. This can help you all map out what will be possible and what won’t be.
Get informed about caregiving.
If your family believes that a family caregiver is the best option for your loved one, it’s a good idea to ask:
- Who would that primary caregiver be?
- Would their caregiver be their power of attorney?
- Is there a relative who lives close by who would be interested in caregiving?
While many try to become a caregiver for their loved one, it often comes with caregiver stress, burnout and, many times, a move to senior living further down the road.
Some family members may feel like senior living, senior care, and nursing homes are synonymous, which can often be what leads them to consider other options. At leading communities like Waterstone on High Ridge, this isn’t the case. There is a strong emphasis on wellness and a focus on creating a dynamic lifestyle full of enriching opportunities and support.
Share some information with your family if they are open to hearing it. If not, listen to their thoughts, keep an open mind, and try to see things from their point of view. Again, you may have to have this discussion a couple of times before they begin to accept that a move may be best, or you may need some additional support from the outside.
Talk to the doctor or get a health assessment for your loved one.
If your family insists on a family caregiver and doesn’t want to consider senior living, a discussion with a health professional can help. Or if the family member in disagreement lives far away, they may not fully understand just how much support is needed.
This is when it can help to get a professional’s point of view. Talk to your loved one’s doctor about their health issues and long-term care needs. They will be able to:
- Direct you on how to provide your loved one with the best support
- Give your family an accurate view of what you may be dealing with
- Support you in furthering your care plan discussion
- Provide a range of resources
It can also help to contact a geriatric care manager, as they can help you navigate these issues to ensure your loved one is receiving the right care for them.
Research care options together.
If you come to an agreement and find that caring for your loved one at home would be too difficult, it’s a good idea to research your options together. Many senior living communities, like Waterstone on High Ridge, provide services to ensure your loved one is cared for during every step of their journey.
Offering independent living, assisted living and memory care, Waterstone on High Ridge offers all levels of support in one place – which means your loved one only has to move once. Most times, this brings families peace of mind and is what ultimately causes families to agree on a move, especially after touring and experiencing the lifestyle.
HOME THE WAY YOU LIKE IT. SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED 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.
As older adults age, they may begin to wonder about senior living and consider the benefits that an independent living community might bring to their lifestyle.
For many seniors, a retirement living community is often the best choice – where they are surrounded by a group of like-minded individuals with the same freedom, interests and experiences. They may also appreciate the peace of mind of living where they can receive additional levels of care if it ever becomes necessary.
No matter the reason for the move, a senior living community comes with a lot of benefits, so if you or a loved one have been considering independent living, there’s no better time than now to learn more and evaluate your options.
Signs It’s Time to Begin Considering Independent Living
Are you or a loved one considering independent living at a premier community like Waterstone of Westchester? While the decision to move is personal to everyone, there are some signs that a move to independent living may be ideal.
You or a loved one would like an engaging lifestyle full of things to do.
When older adults live at home, they may not see friends as often, may find themselves feeling bored, or may even become depressed due to a lack of enriching opportunities.
In independent living communities, older adults have access to a range of activities to help keep them engaged. From live entertainment and engaging programs to special interest groups and trips to local attractions, there’s always something for them to enjoy.
At Waterstone of Westchester, residents have access to countless possibilities. Here, they can participate in:
- Continuing education
- Cultural, social and recreational programs
- Scheduled programs
- Lecture series events
- Trips and outings
- Clubs and classes
That’s only some of the fun, however. Read more about our programs by visiting our website.
A focus on wellness would be beneficial.
Many independent living communities focus on health and wellness to enhance the lifestyle of seniors for years to come. This is now an aspect of retirement living that many seniors are actively looking for as well. With fitness center programs, classes and education, independent living can help you improve and maintain your health while providing an active lifestyle.
At Waterstone of Westchester, wellness is a large part of what we do. We strive to put older adults on a path to better health, no matter their goals, routine or level of commitment with:
- One-on-one training sessions with a personal trainer
- Mind-body studio
- Indoor heated pool
- Group fitness classes
If you or a loved one are looking to enhance your wellness by being pampered, look no further than our full-service salon.
Days would be more fun without needing to plan, cook and clean.
Are activities like housekeeping, yardwork, preparing meals and maintenance becoming painstaking and more of a hassle than they should be? Independent living communities remedy this by taking care of all of it for you; but at Waterstone of Westchester, we take it a few steps further with:
- Concierge services
- Weekly housekeeping and linen service
- Anytime dining in our restaurant dining room
- Heated underground parking and covered parking
- Freedom from maintenance and yardwork
All of these aspects combine to create worry-free living, allowing you or your loved one to simply enjoy your lifestyle.
The company of friends would enrich your or your loved one’s days.
Did you know social isolation can be detrimental to health? What’s more is that as seniors age, it becomes more likely for them to feel isolated or lonely. Whether this is because they live far away from friends and family, live alone, or simply aren’t in the right location to easily make friends or socialize, independent living communities can help.
At independent living communities like Waterstone of Westchester, friends are always nearby – as are opportunities to make new friends – because of all the programs, activities and more just outside you or your loved one’s door.
A plan for senior care would bring peace of mind.
Did you know that independent living communities, although drastically different from a nursing home or long-term care facility, typically offer supportive services if health needs change? These services can be provided by their own care team or a trusted outside provider and may include support with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing or medication management, and other personalized care plans tailored to individual needs.
At Waterstone of Westchester, our independent living community offers on-site supportive care services through our partnership with VNS Westchester. Some of the services and support provided may include:
- Personalized care consultations, daily planning and routine wellness visits
- Home health coordination, providing daily living support in their apartment home, and care as needed
- Medication management
- Primary and specialty care on site
Our experienced staff is trained to navigate healthcare needs. Overnight support staff is also available.
WATERSTONE OF WESTCHESTER. NOW THIS IS HOME.
Located in White Plains, NY, Waterstone of Westchester is the area’s premier independent living community. We’re close to exquisite shopping, fine dining, volunteer opportunities – and close to your heart. Come visit our beautiful location and see what Waterstone can offer you.
Categories
04- Birds Eye Courtyard View
EXPERIENCE EXQUISITE OUTDOOR SPACES
One of the best parts of independent living at Waterstone at the Circle is that you can enjoy urban living with all the conveniences of a lifestyle centered around your happiness – and this includes culturally immersive programs, carefree living, and a prime location putting you close to everything that matters to you.
Whether you simply want to enjoy all that our location offers, are looking to enjoy an activity with your grandchildren, or want to explore the range of senior-friendly activities around the Boston area, there’s an ever-growing list of things to do.
Senior-Friendly Things To Do in Boston and Beyond
At Waterstone at the Circle, and in Boston in general, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. No matter your goal or interests, we’re sure there’s an option that will bring you joy, fun and excitement. Check out some of our top suggestions below.
Take in the sports – or get some exercise.
Boston is located in the perfect place for getting active or enjoying a range of sporting activities. Whether you prefer to sit on the sidelines or get in on the action, there’s plenty to do.
- Catch a game at Fenway Park or take a tour.
- Enjoy time at Boston Common, America’s oldest public park.
- Stroll along the Chestnut Hill Reservoir.
- Visit one of the many gardens throughout our area.
- Go golfing in Boston’s surrounding area.
- Swim, kayak or build sandcastles with the grandkids on some of the many accessible islands.
Tour historic sites and national historic landmarks.
Are you a history lover? You’ve come to the right place! There are so many historical sites to enjoy. Consider visiting one of these or enjoying a guided tour!
- Visit the Paul Revere House or see if an event is scheduled soon.
- Tour the USS Constitution or visit the museum.
- Check out the old churches and their beautiful stained-glass pieces throughout Boston.
- Take a trolley tour.
- Check out the Bunker Hill Monument when it re-opens! It’s been receiving ongoing restoration work as of March 28, 2022.
- Visit one of the many educational institutions in the area, like Harvard University or Boston College.
- Book a guided walking tour on the Freedom Trail.
Delight in dining.
There’s never a shortage of delicious dining options in Boston. Whether you are looking for fine dining or something more casual, these options may do the trick.
- Grab some delicious seafood at the Boston Harbor.
- Visit the North End for Italian food.
- Check out one of the many food trucks you can usually find.
- Enjoy outdoor dining at one of many beautiful locations throughout Boston.
- Visit some of the breweries, wineries and more in the area.
- Enjoy some of the best area dishes with a Yummy Walks guided food tour.
Go shopping.
For some, there’s nothing more fun than finding a new favorite shop, supporting local businesses or enjoying quality time having fun shopping with friends. Boston is full of wonderful places to shop ‘til you drop! Visit:
- Visit Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
- Shop name brands at Copley Place.
- Check out the vendors at Haymarket Boston.
- Shop at the Prudential Center.
- Visit The Street in Chestnut Hill.
Explore on the water.
Do you and your friends love to set sail? Boston and the surrounding area are great places to start. Try some of these ideas to satisfy your love of the water.
- Did you know that May through October is the best time for whale watching? Consider booking a tour.
- Take a ride in a swan boat in the public garden lagoon.
- Make a splash with a Boston Duck Tour, crossing both land and water.
- Go fishing for bass.
- Check out the Charles River Watershed, which begins in Hopkinton and ends in the Boston Harbor.
Visit popular attractions.
Whether your grandkids are visiting, your friends are coming to stay for a bit, or you simply want to explore, some of these popular attractions might just be what you’re looking for!
- Purchase tickets for the New England Aquarium.
- Visit the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
- Take a trip to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
- See a show at Symphony Hall or the Citizens Bank Opera House.
- Take in the atmosphere at the Boston Public Library’s Central Library in Copley Square.
- Visit the Boston Children’s Museum.
Something for everyone.
As you can see, there are plenty of things for seniors to do in the Boston and Chestnut Hill areas. What’s even better is that, at Waterstone at the Circle, we put you in the center of it all.
Situated at the intersection of Chestnut Hill Avenue and Beacon Street, Waterstone at the Circle’s landmark location puts you near shopping, dining, entertainment, cultural venues and more.
Enjoy any of the above activities by taking public transportation, driving yourself or taking advantage of our chauffeur and concierge services, or simply enjoy everything our community has to offer. From fine dining to engaging programs, social opportunities and more, there is always something to enjoy at our luxury retirement community.
Before you set off.
As we all know in these times, shops may close, restaurants may limit seating, shows may have requirements, and hours may vary. Make sure that when you are considering your plans, you call, visit social media pages, or check out their websites prior to your planning and arrival. This can ensure these attractions are open to the public while preventing any unwanted changes in plans or disappointments.
Also, be sure to check out wheelchair accessibility, if needed, and consider the weather before you go if planning an event outdoors!
WATERSTONE AT THE CIRCLE. NOW THIS IS HOME.
For more information about Waterstone at the Circle, Boston’s premier independent living community for seniors 62 and over, contact us today.
For many older adults and family members, the time may eventually come to discuss a move to a senior living or assisted living community. Whether the move is for enhanced social opportunities or additional levels of care, it can be a difficult conversation to have. For some, they may look forward to a move immensely; for other older adults, it may take significant consideration, making it a slower process. Either way, however, many find they wish they’d made a move sooner.
Signs It’s Time to Make a Move to an Assisted Living Community
Are you wondering if it’s time for your loved one to make a move to assisted living? Check out these signs that a move may be beneficial:
- Your loved one needs support with activities of daily living, like dressing, bathing or medication management.
- They are feeling isolated in their own home.
- The search for home care is becoming exhausting.
- Your loved one requires more support than you can provide at home.
- They prefer to receive care from someone who is not a family member.
Preparing for a Move to Assisted Living: Tips To Support a Loved One
How can you best prepare a loved one for a move to assisted living? First, it’s important to realize it’s a process that requires preparation before the move, during the move and even afterward. Try our tips to help guide you through every step of the journey.
Before the Move
If you are going to be talking to a loved one about moving to an assisted living community, it’s a good idea to gauge their interest first. Use their answers to the questions below to guide your conversation. Be respectful of their thoughts and opinions, but also remember to be honest about your concerns about them remaining at home. Above all, be sure that the conversation remains calm and pleasant; if it moves in another direction, revisit the discussion at a later time.
- Are they eager to move?
- Do they have any concerns about a move?
- Do they feel that they would benefit from additional support?
- Do they have a specific community in mind?
It’s always a good idea to tour a variety of assisted living communities. Each has a different atmosphere, services may vary – and your loved one may not feel at home at every community you tour. Make a list, schedule some visits, and evaluate each according to your loved one’s wishes and preferences.
Once you’ve set the location of the move and your loved one is ready to take the next step, it’s time to start the packing and downsizing process. Before diving into this step, however, it’s best to keep yourself on track by creating a moving checklist. This won’t just help you stay organized, but it can also prevent the need to remember everything off the top of your head. Make sure this list is in a prominent place that all eyes can see.
On the checklist, write out some things you are going to need, including:
- Moving supplies, like lifting equipment and hand trucks, if you aren’t hiring a mover. If you need help moving larger items, a moving truck can help.
- Packing supplies, like moving boxes, packing paper and foam, bubble wrap and packing tape.
- Essential items to remember when packing belongings, like clothing, medications, hobby items and family photos.
- Important goal dates, ensuring you’re on time with the moving process.
During the Downsizing Process
As the move inches closer and you begin the process of moving in, refer back to your checklist to make sure you have everything you need. Then, it’s time to start downsizing. We know that the process can feel overwhelming, but with these tips, it will be easier.
- Make a list of where you want to begin. Some choose to tackle the smaller spaces, like closets, first. Others like to begin downsizing larger living spaces.
- If you have help, ask others to take care of spaces that you know won’t be difficult to go through so you can cross those off the list. Otherwise, make sure to tackle one room at a time to reduce clutter.
- Evaluate what needs to stay and what needs to go. For example, if you know your loved one will not need their large collection of kitchen tools, pack those away to donate or to give to a family member.
- Consider renting a dumpster so you can toss any necessary items versus starting a pile.
- Designate someone to take items to the donation center daily so that those items are out of the way.
- As you pack, carefully label boxes that will be taken with you so you know where to put them when unpacking in their new assisted living community.
Moving Day
When the day finally arrives, focus on settling your loved one in, helping them get comfortable, and ensuring they have everything they need in their new space. To make move-in day go smoother:
- Pack the moving truck or your cars the night before.
- Enjoy breakfast together.
- Complete any finishing touches on packing.
- Provide support for your loved one if needed.
- Invite friends or family to unpack with you.
- Decorate right away, if possible, to make their space feel more like home.
After the Move
Once your loved one is settled in, there are still things you can do to help them feel more at home.
- Introduce yourself and your loved one to neighbors.
- Schedule extra times to come visit.
- Check in with their care team to see how they are adjusting.
- Point out events on the community’s schedule they might enjoy.
- Periodically ask how your loved one is feeling.
- Encourage them to get involved.
Over time, your loved one will feel more at home, and you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing they are safe, engaged and well-cared for. If you would like to learn more about moving to assisted living or to schedule a visit at Waterstone of Lexington, contact us today.
WATERSTONE OF LEXINGTON: NOW THIS IS HOME
Waterstone of Lexington – opening fall 2022 – 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 to our Welcome Center in Belmont.
As seniors age, many consider moving to a senior living community like Waterstone at Wellesley. What’s more is that many of these seniors happen to be single. Why are so many of these single seniors choosing senior living communities? Join us as we take a deep dive into the decision-making process and how a move to senior living provides them with abundant opportunities to thrive!
Today’s Senior Living Experience
There was once a time when many Baby Boomers believed retirement communities were like nursing homes; and now, those days are long gone! Instead, many single older adults have tossed those old views away and are making informed decisions about their futures based on what senior living is like now – and what it will be in the future.
With all the perks, amenities and lifestyle of senior living communities like Waterstone at Wellesley, it’s certainly easy to see why!
How Senior Living Helps Single Seniors Thrive
Many single seniors look forward to a move for the same reasons that those who aren’t single do. From the lifestyle and amenities to gourmet dining and maintenance-free living, there is often so much to look forward to. However, there are definitely some ways that single seniors benefit even more from senior living.
Senior living provides social connections.
We’re going to kick off this list of benefits with one of the most important: social opportunities. Within senior living communities, older adults are able to meet new people, find new hobbies, bond with others over shared interests, and enjoy a range of programs to keep them engaged.
At Waterstone at Wellesley, we offer a variety of programs, special interest clubs, group fitness classes, and more to meet varying interests, enhance involvement, and prevent isolation.
They can say goodbye to the hassles of homeownership.
In senior living communities like Waterstone at Wellesley, home maintenance, housekeeping and yardwork are taken care of for residents.
This ensures that if they don’t know how to fix something, they won’t need to learn or pay an outside company to come fix it for them! If they have always had trouble keeping up with the lawn, watering plants or trimming up the hedges, they won’t need to worry about it. If they have always had someone come to their home to tidy up, they won’t need to worry about doing it themselves after a move either.
Instead, they give their to-do list to us so they can enjoy their lifestyle with peace of mind.
Meals are prepared for them.
Cooking for one can be fun and may lead to some creative recipes, but often, it can lead to making quick meals – and an increase in unhealthy dietary choices. At communities like Waterstone at Wellesley, chef-prepared meals are provided.
Instead of single older adults being the sole person doing meal prep, cooking and cleanup, we take the hassle out of it. Residents can simply be our guests while dining with friends or family and savoring everything we offer.
Care services are available if or when it’s needed.
When single seniors remain at home, they may not have support if health challenges arise. The search for care at home can be challenging and difficult to acquire. Ultimately, a health crisis is often what drives a move for some seniors, especially when they are single.
By making a move before care is required, however, single seniors can get to know the team, make new friends, and enjoy the programs and events that communities have to offer. Then, when they need care, it will be available to them from a community they trust. Best of all, they’ll continue enjoying the current lifestyle they love.
Providing Opportunities for Single Older Adults To Thrive
Are you interested in learning more about the benefits of retirement communities and independent living for single seniors? The team at Waterstone at Wellesley would love to chat with you. Schedule a visit to learn more about our lifestyle and experience how we keep all seniors engaged and active.
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.