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Lexington

What Is Caregiver Guilt and How Can You Cope?

If you are caring for a spouse or aging parent, you may experience a range of emotions along the caregiving journey – ranging from positive to negative. Often, caregivers want to push the negative feelings aside or keep them from bubbling up.

The truth is, according to Donna Schempp, LCSW in an article titled The Emotional Side of Caregiving, if we don’t deal with all our emotions, even the negative feelings, they can begin to nag at you, worsening your health and increasing your stress.

Undeserved caregiver guilt is one of the main sources of negative feelings for caregivers, but they may not understand exactly why they are feeling this way. To help prevent or better cope, caregivers should understand the causes.

What Is Caregiver Guilt?

Those caring for a senior loved one may face feelings of guilt that can be caused from common emotions that many caregivers experience throughout their journey, including:

  • Feeling as though you are not as good of a caregiver as you should be
  • Wondering if you are making the right choices and decisions for your loved one
  • Experiencing feelings of resentment for the time you are spending caring for a loved one and what you may be missing out on
  • Feeling trapped in your role
  • Comparing yourself to other family caregivers or to your own unrealistic expectations
  • Wanting to spend more time to yourself or more time on other members of your family
  • Feeling like you can’t or shouldn’t need to ask for help
  • Knowing a move is inevitable for your loved one, especially if they’ve been adamant about remaining at home or having family care for them

Dealing With Caregiver Guilt

It’s important to understand that oftentimes negative feelings of guilt are caused by common misconceptions about what caregiving should look like. As a result of these beliefs, many caregivers are too hard on themselves and push themselves to take on unrealistic responsibilities. The guilt that comes from not meeting expectations they imposed on themselves can increase feelings of stress and negatively impact health.

If you’re a caregiver who has dealt with these or similar emotions, you are certainly not alone. Find our tips below to discover ways you can tackle caregiver guilt head on.

Identify Your Emotions

It’s normal for caregivers to feel upset, guilty, mad or any other emotion. Putting a name to these emotions can not only help you think about them rationally, but it can allow them to pass sooner.

Instead of avoiding how you’re feeling now, focusing on how you should feel, or anticipating how you could feel in the future, take your emotions day-by-day and moment-by-moment.

Set More Realistic Expectations

Whether you hold yourself to high expectations or tend to compare yourself to other caregivers, it’s important to realize that you should give yourself grace. Everyone has flaws, their own reality, and a number of outside factors contributing to their caregiving journey. For example:

  • Your friend who also served as a caregiver may have had no children to care for
  • A professional caregiver has team members available to help
  • The person you think looks so put-together might only be that way because their loved one is currently being cared for in respite care

You don’t always see the full picture at a glance, so try to set reasonable expectations for yourself. Consider your own emotions and realize you are very likely doing the best you can under your own set of circumstances.

Ask for Help

Remember that there’s nothing wrong with asking for help or support. If you’re not sure where to start, consider asking a friend or family member to:

  • Take your loved one to minor appointments
  • Spend some time with them while you go pick up their prescriptions
  • Pick up groceries or do a curbside pickup for items you ordered
  • Help cook dinner or clean
  • Participate in an activity with both of you

No matter what you ask for, be sure to be specific, as this can help others know exactly what you need.

Take Time for Yourself

Of course, you should also take care of yourself while caregiving.

  • Take the time to visit with your other family and friends
  • Practice self care by exercise, meditating or doing something you love
  • Attend a caregiver support group and learn from senior living team members
  • Go outside and enjoy the beauty of nature

No matter what you do, taking time to care for you can help you be a better, happier caregiver.

Consider If Assisted Living Could Help

There may come a time that you begin to consider or encourage your spouse or parent to try assisted living. This can be a difficult conversation to have with your loved one, but a senior living community might be a great way to ensure they’re living the lifestyle they want, while you enjoy peace of mind.

Leading assisted living communities like Waterstone of Lexington offer:

  • A range of amenities, services and programming
  • Dedicated care from a team of caring professionals
  • Spacious apartments suited to residents’ needs
  • Delicious and nutritious meals prepared for them
  • A carefree lifestyle with freedom from housekeeping and home maintenance

Ready to Learn More?

If caregiving for a loved one is becoming beyond your capacity, we can help. Reach out to our experienced Senior Advisor today to learn more about the benefits of premier assisted living at Waterstone of Lexington.

Categories
High Ridge

What Is Sudden Retirement Syndrome?

More often than not, people highly anticipate all the benefits that retirement has to offer, especially the extra time and freedom to do as they please once their focus is no longer on their career. For some, this is a time of great joy, but for others, it may lead to unexpected emotions – especially for those who may be retiring earlier than planned due to an unexpected event such as organizational downsizing or a health condition. No matter what the scenario is, the reality of retirement might not meet the expectations that you had during your working years, which can lead to what is known as sudden retirement syndrome.

What is sudden retirement syndrome?

Sudden retirement syndrome is caused by the shock of transitioning to a new normal – a more relaxing lifestyle after remaining busy with work and your professional life. Although we may know a change or retirement is coming, we may not exactly be prepared to stop working or to slow down.

Consider how it feels to be deep in thought, running on a treadmill that simply stops because you hit your maximum workout time. You may know your workout is over, but your body and mind take a bit of time to catch up and slow down. This is precisely how adjusting to retirement or the end of a career feels for some people.

What are the effects of sudden retirement syndrome?

The abrupt changes of retirement can cause older adults to feel sadness, anxiety or even lack of creativity. They may be diagnosed with clinical depression after retiring, experience feelings of emptiness, or deal with other mental health issues. If retirement was an unexpected event, seniors may feel anger, resentment and a loss of purpose and identity.

The good news is that with the right information, mindset and plan, your sense of purpose and life satisfaction don’t have to diminish with retirement. Instead, you can enjoy the retirement you’ve always dreamed of, overcoming sudden retirement syndrome and aging gracefully.

How to overcome sudden retirement syndrome.

Shift Your Mindset

Though retiring may feel bittersweet and overwhelming, a shift in mindset can help you to see retirement in a new light. Try a dose of positivity and think about all the possibilities.

  • You can set your own schedule
  • You’ll have more freedom to visit family members and friends
  • You will be able to pick up passions you may have let fall by the wayside
  • You can give back or continue your pursuit of lifelong learning
  • You’ll have time to spend on yourself again

Stay Active and Focus on Health and Wellness

We all know that exercise can improve your mood as well as your health, so if you find yourself unsure of what to do in retirement, or how you can get rid of sudden retirement syndrome, focus on a little fitness!

  • Go on daily walks
  • Join a fitness class or group for some extra socialization
  • Hire a personal trainer to focus on your specific goals
  • Practice meditation, tai chi or yoga

Pursue Hobbies and Passions

Hobbies can make you happy, fill your heart with joy, and even help you age well. If you’re experiencing sudden retirement syndrome, hobbies and passions are a great way to thwart it.

Explore a New Purpose or Set New Goals

All the extra free time you have in retirement gives you an opportunity to find a new purpose or set new goals. Consider:

  • Finding a fulfilling post-retirement part-time job
  • Spending time volunteering
  • Joining a committee and obtaining a leadership role
  • Visiting with those in elder care or visiting pet shelters

All of these things can help give you a feeling of purpose or help you feel like you’re making a difference.

Participate in Social Activities

Staying social can help you keep sudden retirement syndrome at bay. Not only will you feel more connected and less lonely, but it can help decrease the negative mental health symptoms of isolation and retirement syndrome.

Consider a Move to Senior Living

One of the best ways to beat sudden retirement syndrome is to have something to retire to, or something to look forward to. For many older adults, this is a senior living community.

Why is this? For one, there are plenty of perks of senior living, like freedom from housekeeping, home maintenance, yard work and cooking. Instead of worrying about those daily tasks, you can create your own daily structure, find your new purpose with engaging programs, focus on improving all aspects of wellness, and socialize with other like-minded individuals.

Retire to an engaging new lifestyle at Waterstone on High Ridge.

When retirement arrives, make the most of it as a resident of Waterstone on High Ridge. Contact us today to learn more about our active and connected lifestyle.

Categories
Westchester

Benefits of Retiring In White Plains, New York

When initially buying a house or renting a property, you do plenty of research on possible locations and the benefits of each area you’re considering. When it comes time to retire, that doesn’t change either.

If you or a loved one are searching for the right place to spend your retirement years, White Plains, located in Westchester County, is a great place to start.

Benefits of Retiring in White Plains, NY

White Plains is a Bustling Community

There is always so much to do and see in White Plains. No matter your interests or passions, there is plenty to explore.

  • Over 50 parks
  • Nature preserves and wildlife sanctuaries
  • Fine arts establishments like ArtsWestchester
  • The flagship Bloomingdales just across the street from Waterstone
  • Community concerts and arts events
  • Festivals, fairs and farmer’s markets
  • A range of delicious restaurants
  • Shows at the White Plains Performing Arts Center
  • Dog parks
  • Nature trails
  • New York City, only an hour away with an express train ride

Check out some of the many other things going on in the City of White Plains 2023 Guide, or if you’re looking for things to do with grandchildren when they visit, we’ve got some ideas for that, too!

It’s Rich with History

Not only is White Plains the Birthplace of the State of New York, it’s also full of museums and historical monuments. Some of the many you can find include:

  • The White Plains Armory
  • The Jacob Purdy House
  • Christopher Columbus Monument
  • Various historical burial grounds
  • The Civil War Memorial
  • Jack Harrington Greenway
  • Percy Grainger Home and Studio
  • Soundview Manor

Dig a little deeper into the history of White Plains and learn more about these sites here!

New Friends Are Around Every Corner

As you likely know, there’s a large population of older adults around the White Plains area who are looking to retire. This means there will be plenty of like-minded older adults near you who may turn out to be some of your closest friends. Even better, our walkable location allows for a range of multigenerational opportunities, volunteering and more.

If you’re looking to expand your friend group or become more social, try:

  • Volunteering
  • Taking classes at a local university
  • Joining a sports league
  • Exploring a new hobby at a workshop
  • Attending community fitness classes
  • Joining a social group within the community
  • Attending lectures and cultural events

You’ll Find an Enriching, Supportive Lifestyle with Waterstone of Westchester

Waterstone of Westchester is ideally located in White Plains, giving you access to everything the area offers and even more. Our current residents enjoy:

  • A walkable location in the heart of Westchester’s shopping district
  • Full calendars of engaging programs and events
  • Social, cultural, educational and wellness opportunities
  • A wellness center with an indoor pool
  • Fresh, locally sourced gourmet dining
  • Opportunities to engage with like-minded neighbors
  • Our outdoor terrace, bar and dining
  • A variety of thoughtfully designed one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments
  • Supportive care services through VNS Westchester if or when they are needed
  • Close proximity to New York City, just a train ride away

Learn more about Waterstone of Westchester and our location by visiting our website and scheduling a tour.

Enjoy the Perks of Living in White Plains at Waterstone of Westchester

With all the benefits of our greater community and the highest quality of senior living for our residents, Waterstone of Westchester is the perfect place for you or a loved one to enjoy your retirement years.

Call us today at 914.821.6301 to learn more about our independent living offering and to experience our lifestyle for yourself.

Categories
Wellesley

9 Social Clubs for Seniors to Join

Retirement offers the opportunity to participate in clubs and social organizations, which can enhance your engagement, vitality, and social connections. Are you wondering what some of those clubs are and why you should join them? We’re diving into the benefits of these social clubs and outlining some of the most popular among older adults.

The Benefits of Clubs for Seniors

Before we look into the various clubs, it’s important to note that being socially active and engaged has many advantages. If you’re thinking about joining a club but haven’t yet, you could be missing out on great benefits.

Clubs and social groups:

  • Help seniors stay connected
  • Can broaden older adults’ social networks
  • Inspire active aging
  • Decrease isolation, depression and loneliness
  • Give friends and family peace of mind
  • Provide an opportunity to pursue passions
  • Enhance sense of belonging, purpose and community

1. Book Clubs

Book lovers unite at these special groups tailored to readers. Whether you’re a lover of historical fiction, romance, fantasy or just the latest novels, there’s sure to be a book club that’s perfect for you. In fact, many retirement communities offer book clubs run by residents. If yours doesn’t, it’s the perfect time to start one of your own, or you can join a virtual book club!

2. The Red Hat Society

Chances are, you either know about them or you’ve seen them. After all, is there anything more identifiable than the tell-tale red hats and purple dresses of The Red Hat Society? This group is for those of a membership age of 50 or above. Those under 50 can also join, but don lavender outfits and pink hats.

If you’re wondering what this club does, the heart of it is giving women a chance to define themselves and have fun together. Learn more about Red Hatters here.

3. Card or Board Game Groups

Socialization can definitely be all fun and games when it’s a game group you’re joining! Create your own card, board game or trivia group and play your way to a richer, more active social life. Consider creating or joining one of the groups that Waterstone at Wellesley offers.

  • Bingo
  • Trivial Pursuit
  • Long Word/Short Word
  • Text Twist

4. AmeriCorps Seniors

If you love volunteering and are 55 or older, this is the perfect group for you. AmeriCorps Seniors match older adults with service opportunities via their partner organizations, all so you can help make a difference. Some of their most prevalent programs include the Foster Grandparent Program and the Senior Companion Program.

5. Gardening Clubs

Whether you love getting your hands dirty, tending to plants, viewing them or learning about them, gardening is the perfect way to enjoy it all. Even better, you can learn from friends, discover new gardening techniques and provide your own expertise while getting a little added exercise. Fun fact: gardening is also great for reducing feelings of stress!

6. SilverSneakers

There are plenty of seniors who are looking to live an active retirement lifestyle, and for older adults age 65 plus, their Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement Plan may include SilverSneakers. Offering both virtual and community classes, this can be a good way to socialize and get fit.

Senior living communities like Waterstone at Wellesley offer fitness, exercise and wellness opportunities. These include walking groups, fitness classes, aquatic exercise, personal training sessions and more.

7. Craft and Hobby Clubs and Classes

Do you have a passion for a certain hobby? Find a social club that coincides with it. This can include, but is certainly not limited to:

  • Knitting clubs
  • Watercolor classes
  • Short story groups
  • Jewelry-making classes
  • Film groups

Waterstone at Wellesley provides many of these social groups and classes to help residents pursue their passions and interests.

8. American Birding Association

Is bird watching your passion? The American Birding Association group is perfect for you to join. You can connect in-person, on online forums and in groups. If there’s not a group near you, start one with new friends and show your support from afar.

9. Lifelong Learning Groups

There are plenty of ways to continue the pursuit of lifelong learning. Whether you’re taking classes at a local college or university, traveling to various community events or seeking out knowledge in various meetup groups, lifelong learning comes with great benefits.

At Waterstone at Wellesley, some options of groups, clubs and events include:

  • Current conversations
  • Educational lectures
  • Film talks
  • Cultural performances
  • Music groups

Keeping Seniors Socially Connected at Waterstone at Wellesley

Living in a senior community like ours means you can be social and make friends – right in your own home. Contact us today to learn more about our lifestyle.

WATERSTONE AT WELLESLEY. NOW THIS IS HOME.

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

Categories
The Circle

7 Brain Healthy Activities for Seniors

Older adults can improve their brain health, keep their mind sharp and enhance their cognitive function as they age. It’s possible thanks to a range of activities and brain exercises that seniors can enjoy.

What are these cognitive exercises that help to stimulate the brain? We’re sharing a few of the many below so you and your brain can enjoy all the benefits.

1. Games

Could brain health really be all fun and games? Well, they can certainly help make it more fun! Enhance your problem-solving skills, creativity and socialization with card games, board games, word games, brain training games and even video games.

  • Try playing bridge and poker
  • Play Scrabble, Yahtzee, Chess or Mahjong with friends
  • Practice your word search, scramble and crossword puzzle skills
  • Solve a Rubik’s Cubes or a Sudoku puzzle
  • Explore your creativity with Minecraft or become a detective with a mystery video game

2. Music

Music reduces anxiety, blood pressure, pain and sleep problems while improving mood, mental alertness and memory. Not only this, but it keeps your mind engaged through the aging process and helps to stimulate your brain. Music is also instrumental in calming and soothing those with dementia and memory loss, and can even help them recall memories.

Take advantage of these benefits by:

  • Listening to music
  • Attending live performances
  • Practicing or learning to play a musical instrument
  • Performing for your friends and family
  • Volunteering to give music lessons or teach singing lessons
  • Trying to master a set of complicated songs on piano

3. Reading

Reading is good mental exercise and has a range of benefits for your brain. It strengthens your mind, prevents cognitive decline and helps you live longer, according to an article by Healthline.

If you’re not sure what you should be reading, don’t fret. Healthline’s article shares you should read anything you can get your hands on, including:

  • Blogs (Like this one!)
  • Historical fiction
  • Fantasy
  • Nonfiction
  • Anything you’re interested in

4. Jigsaw Puzzles

Were you aware that jigsaw puzzles might help you enhance your visual and spatial abilities? Enjoy some of the benefits, and the fun, by:

  • Purchasing some complex jigsaw puzzles
  • Getting photographs of friends and family made into puzzles
  • Having a jigsaw puzzle party with friends
  • Getting a color-by-number jigsaw puzzle

5. Social Interaction

Believe it or not, being a social butterfly is an extremely brain-healthy activity. Not only does this have a positive impact on mental health, but it contributes to a sense of community.

  • Join a social group
  • Start a club
  • Begin a weekly activity
  • Host small gatherings or get togethers
  • Dine with friends
  • Volunteer
  • Share your skills

6. Trivia

It comes as no surprise that trivia is good for your brain health and is a great mental exercise. Test your memory and enhance your knowledge with trivia by:

7. Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts don’t just improve relaxation, boost creativity and provide an emotional outlet. They are also a valuable form of brain exercise for seniors.

  • Take up writing
  • Start woodworking
  • Follow your passions for painting
  • Try sculpting or pottery
  • Learn to knit or crochet

Take Advantage of It All at Waterstone at the Circle

Residents who live at Waterstone at the Circle enjoy a variety of opportunities to enhance their brain health and exercise their mind. Every day, they can:

  • Participate in one or many of our clubs and social groups
  • Attend our various social, educational and cultural events
  • Socialize with friends and family over a delicious meal
  • Learn something new with educational lectures
  • Explore our surrounding community
  • Continue their careers or pursue volunteer opportunities
  • Pursue a new passion or hone in on their past skills
  • Share their talents with friends
  • Make use of our many services and amenities

Physical health is also an area of focus in our community, and even better, it can also help enhance brain health.

Experience It for Yourself

At Waterstone at the Circle, our full calendar of activities for mental and physical health is sure to suit your interests. We invite you to experience all that awaits for yourself. Simply call us to schedule a personal visit or talk to a member of our team today.

If you aspire to be active and engaged in your golden years, you won’t want to choose a senior housing option with a lackluster lifestyle and few amenities. Instead, you’ll want to explore retirement communities that offer ways to remain social and involved, with programs and amenities that you will use and enjoy.

Residents at Waterstone of Westchester, an independent senior living community located in White Plains, NY, know this firsthand. In fact, it’s why many of them choose to move to our community.

What can you expect at Waterstone of Westchester?

At Waterstone of Westchester, we pride ourselves on knowing our lifestyle and senior living amenities are enjoyed by so many of our residents each day. Discover some of the many aspects of our lifestyle you can experience here.

Carefree Living

Life at Waterstone of Westchester is truly worry-free. With a range of services and amenities, it’s easy to spend your time living to the fullest and enjoying anything you please.

Spacious Floor Plans

Luxurious one- and two-bedroom apartment styles await at Waterstone of Westchester. Outfitted with sophisticated flourishes, perfect for individuals and couples, you’re sure to find the perfect place to call home.

Our premier apartments feature amenities like:

  • Designer kitchens with stainless steel appliances
  • Luxurious bathrooms with walk-in showers
  • Walk-in closets
  • A spacious living area
  • Washer and dryer
  • Premium plank flooring
  • Abundant natural light
  • Exceptional finishes

Even better, our community is pet-friendly, so your furry friend will feel right at home, too.

Social Opportunities

At Waterstone of Westchester, you can thrive as a social butterfly and be as social as you’d like to be. Not only is there always someone to chat with just outside your apartment door, but there are also plenty of social events to participate in at any given moment.

  • Chat with friends during art gallery exhibits
  • Go shopping with new best friends
  • Savor social hour cocktails
  • Enjoy meet-the-author events
  • Participate in outings and trips
  • Join a social group, like a book club or drama club

A Full Calendar of Activities

Social events aren’t the only activities that abound at our active senior living community. Our lifestyle is also rich with engaging programs.

  • Play a game of Boggle, Scrabble, or Bridge in the game room
  • Catch one of two daily movies in the theater
  • Make something new in our maker space
  • Take a watercolor class
  • Learn with One Day University
  • Try your hand at jewelry-making
  • Attend a variety of roundtables and presentations
  • Discover if you’ve got a green thumb for gardening

A Fitness Center, Mind-Body Studio, and Heated Indoor Pool

No matter your level of activity, we make sure your health goals are always in reach with our range of wellness amenities.

  • Swim in our indoor heated pool or take an Aqua Fit class
  • Take advantage of one-on-one training in our mind-body studio
  • Try out a standing Barre class or seated low cardio
  • Enjoy an after-workout beverage in our juice bar
  • Join our walking group

Distinctive Meals in Our Restaurant

Dining at Waterstone of Westchester is a delight. Our elevated atmosphere and the expertise of our professional chefs make each meal an experience to be savored.

Our farm-to-table dining experience includes:

  • Seasonal gourmet cuisine
  • Locally sourced ingredients
  • A variety of on-site dining venues
  • Dishes prepared to your liking and based on your needs
  • Anytime dining so you can live according to your schedule

Outdoor Activities on the Terrace

Our fun lifestyle extends beyond our doors, too. Residents enjoy spending time on the terrace, whether they are relaxing, socializing, or enjoying one of our activities.

  • Meet friends around the firepit
  • Enjoy our outdoor bar and dining area
  • Participate in outdoor tai chi or yoga
  • Take in the sunshine with your furry friend

Supportive Services by VNS Westchester

If residents need assistance living independently, VNS Westchester is here to help, bringing residents and their family members peace of mind while enhancing quality of life through:

  • Personalized support care consultations and daily planning
  • Home health coordination with daily living activities
  • Medication management
  • On-site geriatric primary and specialty care
  • Routine wellness visits

EXPLORE OUR LIFESTYLE FOR YOURSELF

For more information on our lifestyle and the amazing amenities that await at Waterstone of Westchester, visit our website.

COME HOME TO WATERSTONE OF WESTCHESTER

Learn more about our premier independent living community. Here, you’ll thrive in a beautifully appointed apartment with designer finishes. You’ll also enjoy connecting with friends in our stunning common areas. Come home to Waterstone of Westchester.

Summer is the perfect time to get out and explore the many available indoor and outdoor activities for seniors in the Lexington area and beyond. If you’re looking for ideas, we’ve got plenty, so read on for some great activity inspiration.

Summer Activities for Active Older Adults Around Lexington, MA

Lexington

History buffs love being in Lexington. If history is your passion:

  • Visit the Lexington Minuteman Statue
  • Take a walking tour of the Lexington Battle Green
  • Tour one of the many historical homes and taverns
  • Explore local history at the Lexington Historical Society

Belmont

If you’re looking to enjoy the fresh air and the beauty of nature:

Concord

If you find reading or writing to be an enjoyable activity, you’ll love Concord.

  • Host your book club at Walden Pond, where Henry David Thoreau lived and wrote about the changing of the seasons
  • Visit Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House
  • Tour the Ralph Waldo Emerson Home
  • Check out The Old Manse Home, where Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne lived

Winchester

Food can trigger positive memories, so why not make some new ones by dining in Winchester?

  • Visit A Tavola for Italian food
  • Enjoy a pub experience at Black Horse Tavern or First House Pub
  • Try something new at Eleni’s Mediterranean Grille

Cambridge

If you’re like many older adults who want to pursue lifelong learning, Cambridge is the place to do it.

  • Visit the Harvard Art Museums
  • Explore the Harvard Museum of Natural History
  • Check out the architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • Wander through the MIT Museum

Arlington

Seniors can stay attune to the arts in Arlington with:

  • The Cyrus Dallin Art Museum
  • A visit to The Regent Theatre
  • Movies at the Capitol Theatre
  • A production from Arlington Friends of the Drama

Lincoln

Put Codman Community Farms on your list of destinations this summer to enjoy:

  • Engaging programs with the grandkids
  • U-pick flowers to display in your home
  • Gardening in the community garden

Looking for more senior activities to enjoy this summer?

For more information about summer activities in Lexington and the surrounding area or to learn more about our community, visit our website or schedule a visit today.

WATERSTONE OF LEXINGTON: NOW THIS IS HOME

Waterstone of Lexington offers 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
Wellesley

Dining Choices Matter: Five Types of Foods To Prevent Strokes

Strokes occur when blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the brain are blocked or rupture. Did you know:

  • Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke
  • Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke
  • Every 3.5 minutes, someone dies of a stroke
  • About 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes, in which blood flow to the brain is blocked
  • Stroke risk increases with age

According to an article by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this is true – and alarming. What can you do to help prevent a stroke? Before we cover that, we need to be aware of what exactly causes them.

Most often, strokes occur because of risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, and medical conditions like atrial fibrillation, heart disease, and diabetes, according to the CDC. Although quitting smoking and increasing physical activity can be helpful, you should also reduce your risk of stroke through food choices.

Reduce trans fats and saturated fats, manage high cholesterol and blood sugar, and follow a heart-healthy stroke diet consisting of the following foods.

1 | Fruits and Vegetables

Rich in fiber, antioxidants and vitamins while being low in calories, fruits and veggies are a great way to manage your risk of stroke. Try eating more of these for better health:

  • Blueberries and strawberries
  • Oranges and grapefruit
  • Bananas
  • Tomatoes
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Kale and spinach
  • Onions
  • Peppers

2 | Whole Grains

Foods like oatmeal, whole grain bread, bagels, wraps and pitas, quinoa, whole grain pasta, and brown rice are high in fiber, iron and vitamin B, helping to manage other conditions that can lead to a stroke.

3 | Low-Fat Dairy

Dairy products carry vitamin D, calcium and other nutrients that could lower your risk of stroke. Instead of reaching for high-fat dairy products, reach for those with a lower fat content – or none at all.

  • No-fat or low-fat milk
  • Low-fat yogurt, especially those high in probiotics
  • Low-fat cheeses
  • Light cream cheese or cottage cheese

4 | Lean Protein

Many fish are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which support good cholesterol and blood pressure. Aim to eat salmon, tuna and other types of fish often to reduce your stroke risk. You can also eat other lean proteins, like chicken, and even vegetable protein and nuts like almonds to reduce your risk.

Avoid eating a lot of red meat, which is known to increase your risk.

5 | Healthy Oils

The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, shares that certain types of oils can be healthier for you than other types. These can include:

  • Canola
  • Corn
  • Olive
  • Peanut
  • Safflower
  • Soybean
  • Sunflower
  • Avocado
  • Grapeseed
  • Rice Bran
  • Sesame

Try to use these oils as opposed to butter, margarine and tropical oils like coconut and palm oil, which can be bad for your health.

Savor healthy, delicious meals prepared for you.

Waterstone at Wellesley knows how important the right diet can be for managing health. This is why our chefs take the time to get to know you, your health conditions, your needs, and your tastes. With this knowledge, they create healthy, nutritious meals tailored to you.

What can you expect from Waterstone at Wellesley dining experience?

Led by our executive chef, our culinary choices and experiences rival those of a five-star restaurant. Residents enjoy the finest cuisine featuring:

  • A seasonal, evolving menu of distinctive chef-prepared meals
  • Fresh, locally sourced ingredients
  • Anytime dining at our restaurant
  • Al fresco dining available

This, tied together with wellness opportunities, helps our residents prevent strokes and other health conditions, ensuring they can live as healthy and happy as possible.

For more information on how a healthy diet can help prevent strokes, contact our team. Or, for more senior resources, visit our blog.

WATERSTONE AT WELLESLEY. NOW THIS IS HOME.

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

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High Ridge

Understanding the Stages of Lewy Body Dementia

According to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) affects more than a million people in the United States alone. It’s also the second most common form of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. So what is Lewy Body Dementia, what are its signs and symptoms, and what can you expect? Read on below to find out everything you need to know about Lewy Body Dementia.

What is Lewy Body Dementia?

According to the Mayo Clinic, Lewy Body Dementia comes from protein deposits called Lewy bodies, which develop in nerve cells in the brain, affecting thinking, memory and movement. Plaques and tangles, also present in Alzheimer’s diseases, are often found as well.

What Are the Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia?

According to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia can include changes in thinking, behavior, movement, and sleep, including:

  • Dementia – affecting decision-making, problem-solving and planning, while causing memory loss
  • Cognitive fluctuations – causing changes in concentration, alertness or attention
  • Movement disorders/movement symptoms – causing slowness of movement, rigidity, shuffling walk, tremors, or balance problems and symptoms like those occurring in Parkinson’s disease
  • Behavioral changes – like visual hallucinations, delusions, or changes in mood
  • Sleep disorders – like REM sleep behavior disorder, insomnia, or restless leg syndrome
  • Autonomic symptoms – causing problems with temperature and blood pressure regulation, incontinence, and more

Understanding the Stages of Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy Body Dementia affects people in many stages, seven to be exact. These stages may show up in those with the disease at different times, and progression can move slowly or rapidly. Read more about the stages of Lewy Body Dementia and how they affect and change behavior below.

Stage 1

During stage one, those with Lewy Body Dementia don’t know they are living with the disease yet. There are no symptoms, and diagnosis is not likely unless found by a routine MRI or CT scan.

Stage 2

Very mild symptoms begin to appear, but often they are very difficult or even impossible to notice. You may experience or see forgetfulness, but it won’t impact daily life or activities of daily living.

Stage 3

Mild symptoms become more noticeable. Often it’s in stage three that memory, concentration, and movement issues begin to be noticed. Those dealing with the disease may have some difficulty working or carrying on their daily routine.

Stage 4

Most people with LBD are diagnosed at this stage. This is because symptoms become disruptive to everyday life. Forgetfulness, tremors, issues speaking, and difficulty swallowing are common.

Stage 5

During this stage, symptoms are often moderate or severe. Living alone becomes impossible as 24-hour supervision is required, and significant memory loss and confusion occur.

Stage 6

Severe symptoms are noticed in stage six. Memory loss is worsened; individuals may not know who family members are; they may not be able to speak; and they often experience incontinence at this stage.

Stage 7

This is the final stage of Lewy Body Dementia. Those with the disease are unable to walk, have difficulty communicating and require around-the-clock care and assistance.

When To Ask for Help

Both older adults and caregivers often reach out for support after a diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies. This gives them the ability to search for resources, plan for the future, and receive the support they need.

However, caregivers may not reach out for care until their loved one requires constant supervision and support with all daily activities, or their needs become more than they can handle.

Discover the Support You Need

At Waterstone on High Ridge, we provide memory care services for those with all types of dementia and cognitive decline, including dementia with Lewy Bodies, Parkinson’s disease dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

This cutting-edge memory care approach, supported by the experts at Bridges® by EPOCH, provides the highest quality dementia and Alzheimer’s care, providing families and loved ones with peace of mind and dedicated support every step of the way.

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

For more information on Lewy Body Dementia and Bridges® memory care at Waterstone on High Ridge, visit our website or schedule a visit today.

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.

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