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Tag: Seniors

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Lexington

Encouraging Assisted Living for Aging Parents

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
Lexington

Creating Your Support System in Retirement

A significant majority of adults live within 30 miles of their nearest senior parent or adult child. This amounts to 74.8% to be exact – according to a study on spatial distance between parents and adult children. With more and more older adults remaining single and/or childless, however, it’s not always the case that family members are close by to provide support for aging parents.

No matter which of these is the case for you, it’s important to ensure you’ve got an adequate support system in place to ensure a smooth, healthy retirement and confidence for what the future will bring.

Benefits of Support Systems for Older Adults

Whether you’re dealing with the typical issues of aging and need someone to talk to, looking for additional social interaction, considering a plan should you need help in the future, or simply wanting to grow your inner circle, building a support system can help. And that’s not all – support systems can also provide long-term benefits, including:

  • Prevention of loneliness
  • Availability for support and a hand to help when needed
  • Improved health and wellness
  • Increased feelings of connection
  • The security of someone checking in on you during emergencies or bad weather

How To Create Your Senior Support System

In order to enjoy the benefits of having a support system in place, it’s crucial to get started early. Try some of these tips to create connections and form your support system.

  • Nurture existing relationships with your friends and family or look for ways to build stronger connections with others
  • Use social media and technology to connect with family and friends from afar
  • Find ways to make new friends by joining clubs, attending groups, or seeking out opportunities you’re interested in
  • Join a regularly scheduled support group created for seniors
  • Pursue lifelong learning opportunities that may be available locally

Many seniors find that joining a senior center helps. However, there may come a time when they are unable to attend because of health needs, causing them to need the support of home care.

Although this is an option, senior living communities can offer even more possibilities when it comes to care, connection, and support-system creation.

Ways Senior Living Can Help

For those who may not have many family and friends nearby or lack a strong community connection, building a support system may seem difficult. That’s where a senior living community like Waterstone of Lexington can provide distinct advantages when searching for support for the future.

Each day, our lifestyle will provide everything needed to enhance your retirement and provide peace of mind for the future. Let us be your support system by providing:

  • A caring team on hand to provide supportive services and healthcare should they ever be needed
  • Amenities and high-touch services to provide convenience at your fingertips
  • Friends and neighbors just outside your door
  • An abundance of social activities and programs to keep you involved and meeting new people
  • Special events and outings to foster a sense of community and further develop friendships
  • Opportunities to enhance physical and mental health as well as quality of life

These are just a few of the many reasons seniors choose a community-based lifestyle during retirement planning and building a future support system. To learn more or to discover the Waterstone lifestyle for yourself, schedule a visit to speak to our Senior Advisor today.

DISCOVER WATERSTONE OF LEXINGTON

Opening October 2022, Waterstone of Lexington will offer an active retirement lifestyle and customized assisted living services. Located in an adjacent building, memory care by Bridges® is available for those with memory loss.

Categories
Lexington

Helpful Travel Tips for Seniors

Woman making a list for her travel, on a wooden desktop with travel accessories.
Woman making a list for her travel, on a wooden desktop with travel accessories.

Travel can do a lot for us – it can enable us to see our families and friends, it can satisfy our need for adventure, or it can provide us with opportunities to learn and grow. For this reason, many seniors want to continue traveling as much as they can.

If you are planning to travel this summer and beyond, these tips can help make your journeys go smoothly – before you reach your destination and after.

Preparing for Travel This Summer – and Beyond

For many seniors, travel preparation is the hardest part of vacation planning. Whether you’re exploring the beauty that exists in the United States or are going on a tour of Asia, Africa, or even a guided tour of Europe, the good news is that basic travel preparation needs will remain similar. Before getting overwhelmed with all there is to do prior to your travel plans, check these items off your list.

Visit your healthcare provider

Prior to traveling, schedule a visit with your primary doctor so they can:

  • Discuss any necessary travel precautions
  • Evaluate your health and wellness
  • Update any vaccinations
  • Prescribe supplements beneficial to your travels
  • Assess your medications and times you should take them according to time zone

Make copies

When traveling, it’s a good idea to make additional copies of important documents. Consider making two copies of:

  • Passports
  • Driver’s licenses
  • Insurance cards
  • Tickets and boarding passes

Prepare emergency information

Keep your health provider’s contact information and a detailed list of allergies and medications with you. This sheet should include:

  • All prescribed and over-the-counter medications
  • What each medication is for
  • Medication dosage and times they should be taken
  • How to take them – with food or without
  • Medication, food or other allergies

Keep two copies of this information with you – one that’s with you on hand, and one in your suitcase.

Consider travel insurance

Many seniors prefer to purchase travel insurance in the event of an unforeseen circumstance. This can help cover the costs of:

  • Delayed or interrupted travel
  • Lost luggage
  • Medical emergencies

Plans may vary, so if you’re considering this, be sure to learn what they cover prior to purchasing and traveling.

Tips for Traveling

Packing Pointers

  • Pack as light as possible
  • Make navigation easier with roller bags
  • Carry medications with you in their original containers for easy identification
  • Keep at least one outfit and your most necessary items with you

Helpful Hints for Air Travel

  • Book a nonstop flight to avoid a missed plane connection
  • Alert the airline of accommodations you may need ahead of time
  • Be ready to share any medical conditions that may set off alarms, like implants or prosthetics
  • Take frequent breaks to stretch or get some physical activity after a long flight
  • Drink plenty of water, as low humidity on planes can dehydrate during an already hot summertime

Overseas Adventure Travel Advice

  • Be sure your phone allows international calling, or see if it can be activated
  • Alert your bank and credit card companies where you’ll be during your trips
  • Learn the basics of the language where you’re visiting, if needed
  • Consider a reputable tour guide; try small group travel or senior group tours

Additional Tips for Senior Travel Success

  • Do not announce that you’re leaving – for home and personal security
  • Have friends check your home, get your mail, and water plants
  • Give yourself time to rest, relax, and build up your energy levels after jet lag
  • Avoid nighttime travel and read up on scams
  • Keep valuables out of eyesight
  • Check for age-related discounts

Be a Tourist in Your Local Area with a Staycation or Day Trip

If you don’t plan on traveling this summer, you can still enjoy adventures and new experiences right where you are living. In fact, some of the best vacations, hidden gems and special moments can be experienced right where you are – or nearby.

  • Get outdoors and explore your area’s parks
  • Plan a road trip to explore national parks close to you
  • Become your grandchildren’s ‘professional travel guide’ and show them around your favorite local places
  • Research companies designed to provide senior travel experiences, like Road ScholarⓇ
  • Participate in a world tour through food, trying a new restaurant or dish each time

Make Every Day Feel Like Vacation

At Waterstone of Lexington, we will provide a range of programs, cultural opportunities, events, and trips that will foster your love of travel and exploration. Whether on campus or throughout our local area, there will always be something to enjoy.

If you prefer to pack up and go wherever you choose, Waterstone of Lexington will make it simple to travel. Enjoy being free from worries about who is watching your home, taking care of your plants, or mowing the lawn; instead, travel with ease.

If you’re ready to set off on a new adventure, discover our lifestyle for yourself by visiting our website or scheduling a tour today.

DISCOVER WATERSTONE OF LEXINGTON

Opening in fall 2022, Waterstone of Lexington will offer an active retirement lifestyle and customized assisted living services.

Categories
High Ridge

Keys to Embracing the Aging Process

Granddaughter and grandmother sitting in bench outdoors
Granddaughter and grandmother sitting in bench outdoors

As we age, life brings with it a number of changes – both positive and negative. You may be just starting out your new retirement lifestyle or enjoying the excitement of welcoming a new grandchild into the world. Perhaps you are selling your family home and moving into a senior living community. Or, maybe you are facing the challenges that come along with a change in your or your loved one’s health.

These times of transition can feel overwhelming, especially for those who are not keen on the idea of change. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help embrace the changes that come along with the aging process. Continue reading to learn five ways to protect your peace of mind during this stage of life and keep a positive perspective, even when times get tough.

Waterstone on High Ridge offers an enriching lifestyle that focuses on helping residents build and maintain wellness and positivity in daily life. From engaging activities and wellness programs to lifelong learning and dedicated concierge services, residents have access to the support and convenience that makes the aging process as smooth as possible.

1. Practice Gratitude.

In some ways, finding peace during this phase is no different than in other phases of life. For instance, studies have shown that no matter when intentional gratitude is practiced, it can have long-lasting effects on the brain. Whether you start a gratitude journal, engage with the Five Minute Journal app on your device, or send messages of appreciation to the people in your life, these practices can help you boost your mental health.

2. Choose a Senior Living Community with Various Levels of Care.

One major impediment to finding peace of mind is anxiety, and it is common for older people to have anxiety about declining health, even if they haven’t experienced it yet. Whether you are facing a chronic condition, worsening memory problems, or just the possibility of a life-altering event, it is likely that you feel this.

One solution to this problem lies in your choice of senior living. Communities like Waterstone on High Ridge offer a continuum of care that offers various levels of assistance with dynamic independent living, supportive assisted living, and dedicated memory care from the experts at Bridges® by EPOCH. When you join a community that offers various care options featuring highly individualized and flexible care plans, you can relax knowing that you’ll receive the support you need without having to face another difficult transition. 

3. Make Conscious Decisions for a Healthy Life.

Choices about diet and exercise are integral to managing certain health conditions, staying limber and mobile, and treating mental health conditions. As we age, older adults are more likely to experience these three issues, and a healthy diet and exercise program can help you stay more comfortable and at peace with the aging process.

At Waterstone on High Ridge, our highly trained culinary staff will get to know each of our residents and their unique dietary preferences. The health and wellness of residents is always top of mind – which includes creating an exceptional dining experience that inspires healthy living and socialization with friends.

The wellness experience at Waterstone can also be enhanced by a fully equipped fitness center, heated indoor pool. Whether your goal is to lose weight, calm your mind, or stay agile, you can find the personal training or group class that suits your needs.

4. Take Up New Hobbies and Expand Your Interests.

Wellness is a term that encompasses seven dimensions of well-being, and intellectual and emotional wellness are often overlooked. These are connected to having a purpose, utilizing your strengths, and staying in touch with yourself. When these are your pursuits, you can find greater peace with the inevitable changes associated with aging.

A great way to cultivate wellness in these areas is to explore your interests, skills and modes of self-expression. There is an abundance of opportunities at Waterstone on High Ridge to continue your journey into personal growth and fulfillment. Whether you want to learn a new craft, go on an outing, or engage in a cultural experience, we have you covered.

5. Foster Community with Friends and Family.

Of course, another aspect of health and wellness is staying connected to your community and fostering relationships. Whether you have weekly meetups with a family member or spend more time with your new neighbors, this sort of socialization can help you process the changes you might be enduring. With a peer, you may find some camaraderie and be less likely to feel alone in your experience.

Waterstone on High Ridge: Now Open

Waterstone on High Ridge is open and welcoming new residents! Call 203.361.9717 to schedule a visit to learn how our premier senior living community in Stamford, CT can help you embrace the aging process.

Categories
The Circle

Looking Forward to a New Year in Senior Living

Laughing seniors celebrating New Year's with sparklers at the beach
Laughing senior couple dressed in party hats and holding sparklers while celebrating New Year's Eve together at the beach at sunset

We all know the fun of donning party hats and staying up until midnight to celebrate the new year, but if you’re considering a move to senior living, you might wonder what the coming year will bring.

The truth is that carefree living is even closer than you might think.

Many senior living communities provide amenities and services that let you explore the possibilities of what each day has to offer. From gourmet dining to fitness centers to maintenance-free living, there are many exceptional benefits to consider when moving to a senior living community like Waterstone at the Circle.

Keep reading to learn more about the reasons you can look forward to a move to senior living in the new year! Additionally, we’ve gathered a few of our favorite ways for older adults to ring in the new year.

Senior Living Amenities in an Independent Setting

When you’re looking into senior living options, it’s important to find a community that aligns with your lifestyle. As an active senior, you need a setting that meets all your wellness needs, provides delicious meals and embodies the carefree ideal.

At Waterstone at the Circle, we offer all these and more. While not all independent living settings offer the same amenities, most provide specialized dining, robust wellness programs and maintenance services.

For meals, take the hands-off approach and stop into our anytime-dining restaurant. Enjoy seasonal menus with a regional flair that are sure to delight your taste buds. Follow up by enrolling in a wellness program at our fitness center or getting involved in community life with daily activities and programming.

Take a dip in the community swimming pool to cool off and return for a rest in your apartment, freshly cleaned by our weekly housekeeping service. Many senior living communities like Waterstone at the Circle also feature daily life-enrichment programs, lifelong learning lectures, trips to local attractions and other community outings.

Be sure you visit every senior living community on your list and explore their apartments, programs and amenities before deciding on the option that is best suited to your desired lifestyle. We hope to welcome you soon for your tour of Waterstone at the Circle!

How Our Residents Toast the Year Ahead

In refined urban settings, today’s independent older adults can find what they need to enjoy all that independent living has to offer. Sometimes the warmth of a tradition is all that’s needed to toast the year ahead.

New Year’s Resolutions
A classic and inspiring tradition, resolutions are a great way to check in on your goals and keep track of personal growth from the previous year. Our residents enjoy writing down their resolutions and sharing them with friends and family to stay motivated throughout the year!

Friends, Games and Champagne
Our residents love to spend time together – and what better way than with some friendly competition? Whether it’s board games or checkers, cards or Jenga, it’s the perfect opportunity to pop a bottle of champagne and kick back for a fun night in at Waterstone.

New Year’s Eve Meal at Our Restaurant
One of Waterstone’s many wonderful amenities is its fine dining. There’s nothing better than starting off festivities with a gourmet, chef-prepared meal in the Reservoir Room before the countdown to the new year begins.

Countdown to Midnight – or Noon

Some residents are night owls and enjoy the anticipation of the classic midnight countdown, but for those who like to retire a bit earlier, we suggest hosting a New Year’s Eve Countdown to Noon! This sort of daytime get-together allows for all the fun – without all the drowsiness.

Waterstone at the Circle. Now This Is Home.

Waterstone at the Circle offers a modern approach to luxury senior living in a historical setting in Boston. Come see how we redefine independent living in the heart of the Cleveland Circle neighborhood.

Categories
High Ridge

Choosing the Right Senior Living Floor Plan

waterstone on high ridge model apartment

You shouldn’t leave anything to chance when it comes to choosing a senior living community that’s perfect for your lifestyle, needs and goals for the future.

“Choosing a floor plan for your senior living apartment is so important,”saysWendy Kaufman, Executive Director at Waterstone on High Ridge. “Whether you are looking for an independent living community for yourself or assisted living for a loved one, we offer a variety of options to suit your needs.”

Read on to see how we can help you live life to the fullest with our ideal floor plan options.

Independent Living Apartment Plans

All variations of our independent living floor plans feature designer kitchens with stainless steel appliances, bathrooms with walk-in showers and spacious living areas. Also included are walk-in closets and premium plank flooring, and our open concept design ensures abundant natural lighting.

Waterstone on High Ridge features a total of 88 bright and spacious apartments for independent living. Each premier apartment also includes a washer and dryer and weekly housekeeping services.

Our four different apartment styles can help older adults live the independent life they want. Choose from one-bedroom apartments, with or without a den. For something roomier, you can decide between two different two-bedroom models, each with two bathrooms and an optional den for the fourth apartment style.

Assisted Living Apartment Plans

Waterstone on High Ridge boasts 36 one-bedroom assisted living apartments with ample living space and thoughtful layouts. Residents receive supportive assistance around the clock along with housekeeping, laundry and maintenance services.

The layout of our assisted living apartments resembles that of our independent living units – with spacious, bright living spaces and luxurious finishes.

Memory Care Suite Plans

For loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, consider Bridges® at Waterstone, home to 22 dedicated memory care suites. Our memory care household and suites are designed specifically to support the unique needs of those with memory loss. Best of all, our specially trained team will provide supportive assistance around the clock, and our life enrichment team will create daily programs and activities that inspire and engage those with memory loss.

Support When You Need It. Home the Way You Like It.

Waterstone on High Ridge offers a modern approach to retirement living in a historical setting. Additional apartment options and configurations may be available. Come see how we redefine senior living at our Welcome Center in Stamford.

Categories
High Ridge

How To Increase Lifelong Peace of Mind with Waterstone on High Ridge

Portrait of bearded senior man looking at his middle-aged daughter, spending time together at home

The older we get, the more we recognize the unpredictability of life. That can be fun when you’re watching a good baseball game, or you discover a favorite old outfit is back in style. Nevertheless, for the most part, we seek stability. This is especially true of seniors and their families. The more predictable life is, the more confidently older adults approach each day and the long-term future.

Stability. Predictability. Confidence. However you say it, senior living offers peace of mind to residents and their family members. This article will explore several distinct advantages of choosing a senior living community like Waterstone on High Ridge.

BENEFITS OF LIFE AT WATERSTONE ON HIGH RIDGE – PREMIER SENIOR LIVING FOR SENIORS 62 AND OVER

Wellness feels great.

At Waterstone, residents will enjoy a lifestyle designed for health, including access to fitness classes, nature paths, pickleball, putting greens and year-round access to our indoor heated swimming pool. It’s all in place designed to enhance your lifestyle.

Put it this way: The better you feel, the more you can do. The more you do, the better you’ll feel.

Meanwhile, your experience will be maintenance-free. We will take care of all the hassles of homeownership (fixing, painting, mowing, shoveling) while you enjoy more free time doing whatever puts a smile on your face.

There are friends everywhere.

Kindness will be built into our culture – and ultimately nourished by our residents. You’ll find a community of like-minded individuals who share your desire to learn, grow and explore in retirement – and that’s a serious benefit. Studies show that social isolation is linked to significant health risks, including depression, dementia, stroke, obesity and more.

Your nest egg is yours, not ours.
The rental pricing structure at Waterstone on High Ridge means no steep entrance fees, no long-term commitment and that you pay only for the services you need.

Your monthly fee provides unlimited access to our dynamic lifestyle and first-class amenities, including a beautiful independent living apartment. There are several floor plans to suit your tastes – all embellished with the premium finishes and details you’d expect in a premier senior living community.

Just outside your door, there’s a whole community waiting to be enjoyed, with a dedicated team ready to be at your service.

Healthcare services are right here – if you need them.
Here, within the community you’ll call home, provided by people you’ll already know and trust, you’ll have access to a continuum of compassionate care services.

Our assisted living community will feature a welcoming atmosphere with a supportive care team available to support residents with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing or medication management. Maintaining our residents’ independence is the top priority. So, we’ll help manage anything that stands in the way of your daily fulfillment. Assisted living services will be fully customized to each resident.

Our all-inclusive memory care at Waterstone on High Ridge is supported by Bridges® by EPOCH, a dedicated dementia care team that provides compassionate attention and an engaging lifestyle for those with memory loss. If ever needed for yourself, or if you’re looking for a loved one, rest assured every memory care resident is well cared for within a residential household complete with a dedicated activity room, dining room, living room, library, and secure outdoor terrace. We also provide support and education to families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

It’s the perfect location.
Waterstone on High Ridge keeps you in the area you already love – the perfect blend of urban life with easy access to downtown Stamford and NYC, tied in with the natural beauty of Connecticut’s Fairfield County. You’ll have the option to saunter through the adjacent conservation area or venture minutes away to retail stores, restaurants and cultural venues in Stamford, Greenwich and beyond.

Come see how our community offers peace of mind.

In the world of senior living, Waterstone on High Ridge offers the best of everything – lifestyle, wellness, financial control and a plan for future care – all in a wonderful location. Why not see it all for yourself? Contact a Senior Advisor today to schedule a personal appointment and tour.

Welcome Home to Waterstone

We look forward to introducing you to the definitive, distinctive lifestyle at Waterstone on High Ridge and welcoming you as one of the first residents of our community. For more information, please call ​203.361.9717 and discover how you can help shape the future of our premier rental community for seniors 62 and over.

The Height of Senior Living: Opening Early 2022

Discerning seniors in Fairfield County who desire a luxurious retirement lifestyle will find exactly what they’ve been seeking at Waterstone on High Ridge.

Located on a beautifully landscaped hill above High Ridge Road, Waterstone on High Ridge is an experience like no other. You’ll live on a verdant campus neighboring quiet conservation land, with easy access to the shopping, dining and cultural opportunities in nearby downtown Stamford, CT. Once you step into our sophisticated, approachable common areas brimming with extensive amenities, attentive team members, engaging programming and thoughtful care, you’ll know that Waterstone on High Ridge is the place to call home.

Offering independent living, assisted living and memory care, Waterstone on High Ridge provides myriad ways for seniors 62+ to enjoy their retirement to the fullest. In this classic, beautiful new community, you’ll be inspired by all the amenities and programs to take up a new hobby, exercise in our fitness center and indoor pool, and make new friends while dining and enjoying social events.

Waterstone on High Ridge is filled with energizing and convenient amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, salon, parking and more. Enjoy your elegant living space – a large, sunlit apartment complete with a full-size designer kitchen, well-appointed bathroom, walk-in closet and more.

Our rental apartment community means no steep entrance fees, providing greater financial flexibility. Everything at Waterstone on High Ridge was created with you in mind, where our attentive team members, extensive programs and luxury amenities give you the ability to make life your own– how you like it.

Welcome to Waterstone on High Ridge. Welcome home! Join the experience of what life is like at this premier senior living community by calling ​203.361.9717.

Categories
The Circle

How Senior Communities Help Older Adults Live Healthier and Longer

Senior women playing cards and having fun in a senior living community
Group of people, senor people playing cards in nursing home.

A MacArthur Foundation study found that only 30% of how we age is determined by our genetics. A whopping 70% of how we age is determined by our lifestyle. That’s good news for seniors who are considering a senior living community because the lifestyle offered in many senior communities is shown to help seniors live healthier, happier – and longer. 

Socialization Is Key

How senior living communities help older adults live healthier and longer lives start with socialization. Growing evidence suggests that older adults who have strong social networks enjoy a higher quality of life and tend to live longer compared to those with little social support. Seniors are 22% more likely to live longer and lead healthier lives if they socialize regularly.

Studies in social neuroscience support this concept and emphasize just how important human connection and socialization are for seniors. Research published by Senior Digest identified eight ways socialization can impact health:

  • Boost the immune system
  • Moderate blood pressure
  • Improve brain health and memory
  • Increase physical activity
  • Reduce depression
  • Reduce impact of chronic pain
  • Improve nutritional intake
  • Improve relationships

According to Michael Murphy, Senior Advisor at Waterstone at the Circle in Boston, many seniors find that moving to a senior living community helps them maintain social connections. “On any given day, residents in our independent living community find countless opportunities to engage and connect with others,” he says.

At Waterstone at the Circle, socialization and connection come in many forms. For example, planned social activities may include:

  • Chatting with friends over a delicious meal in the dining room
  • Joining a gardening, chess, book or other club
  • Weekly movie nights in the theater – popcorn included
  • Discovering hidden creativity in an art or sculpting class
  • Toasting new friends during weekly Happy Hours
  • Participating in a group fitness class with Train Boston®
  • Volunteer opportunities around the Chestnut Hill neighborhood

While socialization is key to happiness and longevity, there are several other fundamental health benefits to community life.

Staying Active

Seniors who lead more physically active lives have lower rates of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and some cancer as well as higher levels of functional and cognitive decline. According to research by the Hebrew University Medical Center, seniors who engage in various exercises tend to live longer. Even those who haven’t been active throughout their lives benefit from physical activity. 

Michael says Waterstone residents have access to a wide variety of physical activities and wellness opportunities. “Our amenities, such as an on-site fitness center, indoor swimming pool and a number of activity areas, empower residents to engage in many types of regular physical activity.” He adds, “Group opportunities such as aerobics classes, flexibility and strength workshops, chair yoga and tai chi sessions are just some of the choices available to Waterstone residents who wish to remain active.”

Healthy (and Delicious) Dining Is Always on the Menu

Today’s seniors are thinking beyond calories when it comes to food. They are looking more closely at how food fuels the body and how the right nutrients contribute to successful aging. 

Michael says that most retirement communities consult with nutritionists to support senior health and wellness. And some, like Waterstone at the Circle, are taking the initiative even further. “We offer three nutritious meals a day, using only the freshest ingredients possible,” Michael says. “Our menus change seasonally to include locally grown and sourced ingredients that ensure fresh, delicious and nutritious choices.”

Lifelong Learning

Mental workouts are as important as physical workouts. Picking up a new skill or discovering a new interest can slow cognitive decline. Senior living communities regularly present opportunities to learn new skills and sharpen existing talents.

At Waterstone at the Circle, guest lecturers on a range of topics are part of our diverse activity calendar. Waterstone’s proximity to Boston College also opens countless opportunities for growth and lifelong learning for residents who have an interest in signing up for classes.

Live with Less Stress

Constantly feeling stressed can lead to higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Seniors who are stressed are more at risk for issues like heart attacks and strokes. Moving to a senior living community is a great way to alleviate stress. 

“Residents at Waterstone don’t worry about daily stresses,” says Michael. “Tasks such as cooking, cleaning, yardwork and home maintenance are all taken care of within our independent living apartments, so residents can spend time doing what they enjoy.” 

Take Charge

Today’s senior living communities combine a variety of services that affect the overall wellness of residents. These services, along with a clear health promotion strategy, encourage seniors to be more involved in maintaining their own health.

Live Longer at Waterstone at the Circle

Waterstone at the Circle is a premier independent living community for those aged 62+. It offers modern apartments, best-in-class amenities, gourmet dining and a fitness center staffed by Train Boston®. Waterstone at the Circle is widely known for its healthy approach to senior living. It also offers on-site healthcare services provided by a network of respected partners for added peace of mind. 

Luxury Senior Living in Boston

Waterstone at the Circle, located in Boston’s historic Cleveland Circle neighborhood, is more than just independent living in Boston … it’s a sophisticated urban setting for today’s active seniors. Enjoy best-in-class service and an urban lifestyle with arts, cultural and historical attractions right outside your front door. From high-end amenities to gourmet dining and more, experience the best of city and suburban life at our upscale senior living community located on the crossroads of Brookline and Chestnut Hill.

Elegant Independent Living Apartments

Each of our 92 independent living apartments is the height of luxury and modernity, with sophisticated design, upscale features and stunning views of the city. Create the urban senior living experience you want with one- or two-bedroom apartments, a variety of floor plans and monthly rentals. 

Senior Living Supportive Services

As an over-62 community, residents may require support from time to time. That’s why we’ve developed an on-site coordinated care program, in cooperation with our premier community partners, that allows our independent living residents to receive the assistance they need.

The best part? Residents don’t have to leave our senior living community – or even their apartment – to receive high-quality support. They can receive the services they need, when they need them, in the comfort of their own homes or in our on-site therapy gym.

Waterstone at the Circle is the opposite of retiring . . . it’s a place to enhance your active, on-the-go lifestyle. Call 617.431.1880 for more information or to schedule a visit to our premier Boston independent living community and discover The Circle lifestyle today!

Categories
High Ridge

Current Wellness Trends in Senior Living

Senior woman using health technology
Senior woman using health technology

What trends do you think about when you consider senior living? Do you think about care options? Entertainment options? Living options? Or, perhaps, do you think about wellness options?

“These days, senior living isn’t a place where older adults go to just exist – they go there to thrive,” says Wendy Kaufman, Executive Director of Waterstone on High Ridge. “Today’s retirement living is focused on an engaged and vibrant lifestyle rather than a place where older adults go to simply spend the rest of their days. Instead, it’s quickly becoming a place younger adults look forward to – a lifestyle rich in wellness options that make retirement the best stage of life ever!”

Wendy explains that today’s seniors are living healthier, longer and more engaged lives in their older years than previous generations, and they’re actively seeking lifestyles that help them continue that trend. “Health and wellness are a priority like never before for today’s older adults, and senior living communities are rising to the challenge,” she says. “Those who will win in the current landscape will be communities who maximize wellness as a priority for whole-body health and engagement.”

But what does that look like? Here are some examples of today’s current trends in senior living and how they translate to an engaged, enriched and fulfilled lifestyle for today’s older adults.

Integrated technology.

The technology sector has expanded rapidly over the past few years, and senior living communities are eagerly adopting technologies that help older adults live well for as long as possible. This includes things like fall-prevention tools, integrated exercise equipment, telehealth options and other groundbreaking possibilities.

Stress reduction.

Stress is a daily factor of life for many Americans, no matter their age. However, stress affects older adults disproportionately due to the many lifestyle and living changes that occur once one reaches a certain age. Long-term stress is a huge detriment to one’s health, which is why so many senior living communities are adopting an approach of stress elimination and reduction. How is this accomplished? Though a maintenance-free lifestyle that includes dining, housekeeping, overall maintenance, wellness programs, lifelong learning opportunities and so much more.

Whole-body health.

Today, health means more than just eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise. It also includes whole-body options like massage, yoga, meditation and other practices that bring mind and body together to improve quality of life. Current senior living trends include practices like yoga and tai chi to help bring whole-body wellness to an individual’s daily routine to elevate health and improve lifestyle like nothing else. Waterstone on High Ridge will feature a dedicated Mind/Body Studio for residents to engage in these wellness practices.

Continuous learning.

Learning doesn’t stop when we leave school. In fact, learning new things becomes more important than ever as we age, helping us keep our minds nimble and our curiosity at the forefront of our existence. Today’s senior living communities are always actively searching options to help their residents expand their minds and explore the world around them, whether that’s learning a new skill, picking up an old hobby or exploring new horizons.

Nutritious diets.

Food is an integral part of all our lives, and senior living communities are making sure that well-balanced diets have an important place at today’s tables. Senior living communities understand that meals should be fresh and delicious – as well as nutritious, so on-staff chefs and nutritionists work together to make sure that bon appétit is a phrase that’s lived as much as it’s uttered.

“Today’s senior living trends don’t just help seniors live a healthy life – they help them live the best life possible,” says Wendy. “By staying abreast of the latest wellness and health trends, today’s communities are developing engaging, healthy and balanced lifestyles that help older adults live their best lives today and in the future.”

Welcome Home – Make Your Reservation Today!

We look forward to introducing you to the definitive, distinctive lifestyle at Waterstone on High Ridge and welcoming you as one of the first residents of our community. For more information, please call ​203.361.9717 and discover how you can help shape the future of our premier rental community for seniors 62 and over.

The Height of Senior Living: Opening Early 2022

Discerning seniors in Fairfield County who desire a luxurious retirement lifestyle will find exactly what they’ve been seeking at Waterstone on High Ridge.

Located on a beautifully landscaped hill above High Ridge Road, Waterstone on High Ridge is an experience like no other. You’ll live on a verdant campus neighboring quiet conservation land, with easy access to the shopping, dining and cultural opportunities in nearby downtown Stamford, CT. Once you step into our sophisticated, approachable common areas brimming with extensive amenities, attentive team members, engaging programs and thoughtful care, you’ll know that Waterstone on High Ridge is the place to call home.

Offering independent living, assisted living and memory care, Waterstone on High Ridge provides countless ways for seniors 62+ to enjoy their retirement to the fullest. In this classic, beautiful new community, you’ll be inspired by all the amenities and programs to take up a new hobby, exercise in our fitness center and indoor pool, and make new friends while dining and enjoying social events.

Waterstone on High Ridge is filled with energizing and convenient amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, salon, parking and more. Enjoy your elegant living space – a large, sunlit apartment complete with a full-size designer kitchen, well-appointed bathroom, walk-in closet and more.

Our rental apartment community means no steep entrance fees, providing greater financial flexibility. Everything at Waterstone on High Ridge was created with you in mind, where our attentive team members, extensive programs and luxury amenities give you the ability to make life your own– how you like it.

Welcome to Waterstone on High Ridge. Welcome home! Join the experience of what life is like at this premier senior living community by calling ​203.361.9717.

Categories
The Circle

The Six Health Benefits of Moving to a Senior Living Community

woman and her mother getting ready cooking meals for family at kitchen counter
asian chinese beautiful woman and her mother getting ready cooking meals for family at kitchen counter

Everyone wants to be healthy, and seniors often look for ways to improve their health as they get older. As it turns out, the support and wellness-centered programs at senior living communities actively help residents focus on their health. With all aspects of wellness catered to, seniors can age well – easily and effectively.

“The health benefits seniors can gain from senior living are many,” says Kevin Defayette, Executive Director of Waterstone at the Circle. “The services and lifestyle programs offered at communities like Waterstone at the Circle can boost the health of residents living there by reducing the risk of chronic health issues such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease and so much more.”

From recreational activities to fitness programs to supportive care services offered by premier healthcare partners, here are six ways that a community like Waterstone at the Circle promotes health and wellness in daily life for seniors.

1. A healthy, nutritious diet.

Eating right is one of the keystones of aging well. This can be hard to do as we get older, though, because it simply takes a lot of work – particularly if you have health issues that need managed as well. When you move to senior living, it’s easy to enjoy a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet that’s delicious as well. Senior living communities like Waterstone at the Circle serve restaurant-quality meals for residents, prepared by professionally trained chefs and kitchen staff. And if you have dietary requirements or preferred tastes, you’ll find that the dining services team is more than happy to oblige.

2. Friendship and socialization.

Being lonely can actually hurt your health in a big way. Loneliness contributes to depression, obesity, anxiety and even has been shown to increase your risk of developing cognitive issues like dementia. It gets harder to stay social as we age, but moving to a senior living community makes it incredibly easy to make friends and nurture relationships. In a senior living community, you’re surrounded by other individuals in the same stage of life as you, who are also looking for new friends and opportunities. At the same time, you’re in a place where there are regularly scheduled opportunities to socialize, whether that’s a fitness class, a cocktail hour, a club gathering or even just sitting down at the dinner table together.

3. A focus on health and wellness.

Senior communities in today’s world are focused on helping residents remain active, independent and healthy. Every aspect of community life is designed to support this. An indoor pool and fitness classes support the physical aspects of aging. Care services and wellness programs provide what’s needed to manage and treat potential and future issues. Socialization, lifelong learning and volunteer opportunities abound. Best of all, because life at a community is maintenance-free and all-inclusive, residents don’t have to concern themselves with tedious tasks – instead, every day can be focused on living the best life possible.

4. Support for life through a continuum of services.

Even active, independent seniors will need assistance and support from time to time. As we age, it’s more than likely that we will need help with aspects of life so that we can remain as independent as possible. At a senior community, the services and support are designed to flex with your needs so that you can remain in your home and in your community for as long as possible – hopefully for life! Because the community is also designed to meet the needs of aging adults, residents reduce their risk of age-related issues such as falls. Waterstone at the Circle is proud to partner with Boston’s premier healthcare providers to deliver access to on-site supportive services in the comfort of residents’ apartments.

5. No more chores and tasks.

You might not necessarily think that dealing with things like home repairs would have an effect on your health; however, between the stress, the potential danger to yourself (like getting up on a tall ladder) and other issues, it’s certainly not helping your health. One of the biggest benefits senior living communities provide is the carefree lifestyle. Team members take care of everything from yard maintenance to home repairs to even cooking. Not ever having to worry about raking leaves again? That definitely boosts happiness.

6. Peace of mind.

Aging is stressful, especially if you start worrying about the what-ifs: What if my health starts failing? What happens if I can’t easily get around my house? What if I can no longer drive? Those questions and more are answered easily at a senior living community. When you move in, you find yourself with everything you need to enjoy the rest of your days in comfort and convenience. You’ll never have to worry about moving somewhere else because the community provides everything you require to get and stay healthy.

“A senior living community like Waterstone at the Circle helps seniors age well like never before,” says Kevin. “Our lifestyle allows residents to shape their golden years in the way they want, making this chapter of life the best yet by providing health benefits that will keep them happy, healthy and fulfilled.”

Luxury Senior Living in Boston

Waterstone at the Circle, located in Boston’s historic Cleveland Circle neighborhood, is more than just independent living in Boston … it’s a sophisticated urban setting for today’s active seniors. Enjoy best-in-class service and an urban lifestyle with arts, cultural and historical attractions right outside your front door. From high-end amenities to gourmet dining and more, experience the best of city and suburban life at our upscale senior living community located on the crossroads of Brookline and Chestnut Hill.

Elegant Independent Living Apartments

Each of our 92 independent living apartments is the height of luxury and modernity, with sophisticated design, upscale features and stunning views of the city. Create the urban senior living experience you want with one- or two-bedroom apartments, a variety of floor plans and monthly rentals.

Senior Living Supportive Services

As an over-62 community, residents may require support from time to time. That’s why we’ve developed an on-site coordinated care program, in cooperation with our premier community partners, that allows our independent living residents to receive the assistance they need.

The best part? Residents don’t have to leave our senior living community – or even their apartment – to receive high-quality support. They can receive the services they need, when they need them, in the comfort of their own homes or in our on-site therapy gym.

Waterstone at the Circle is the opposite of retiring . . . it’s a place to enhance your active, on-the-go lifestyle. Call 617.431.1880 for more information or to schedule a visit to our premier Boston independent living community and discover The Circle lifestyle today!

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