Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan NJ

Memories play an important role in forming who we are but, as we age, certain dementia conditions can start to erode these vital building blocks of our relationships, knowledge and personality. Conditions like Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia currently have no cure, but there are ways to fight against memory loss, help exercise the brain and keep neurological pathways firing and responding properly. Our memory care advisors at Lester Senior Living in New Jersey have put together a list of some favorite memory games to play with residents below. Sudoku:  This Japanese numbers game has gained a popular following in recent decades, with people of all ages enjoying the challenge. Using a grid of nine by nine spaces or cells, you fill the grid using the numbers 1 to 9, never using them more than once vertically, horizontally or within the 3×3 subgrids. This is a great way to exercise patience, pattern recognition and the process of elimi...

Even the most active of older adults may find it difficult to keep up with creating and eating nutritious meals. There are many reasons, such as trouble chewing, decreased sense of taste or smell, dietary restrictions, medication side effects, mobility issues or feeling lonely. However, as we age, a well-balanced and nutritious diet is vitally important to help maintain not only physical health but cognitive health as well. If you’re still not convinced, here’s how good nutrition can keep seniors independent for longer. Incorporating the Right Foods into Senior Diets Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is the key to getting all the important vitamins and minerals. Vitamin D, calcium, and potassium are especially important for older adults who have a tendency to be deficient in all three. A great way to ensure these vitamins and minerals are incorporated is through fresh produce as opposed to canned or frozen fruits and vegetables (although those will do in a pinch). Seniors should a...

Starting the conversation about moving into an assisted living community can be a very difficult process for family members. Although your heart is in the right place, it is often a challenge for elderly parents to look at this change in a positive light. Here is some useful advice from  assisted living specialists in Morris County , New Jersey. Assess their situation:  First, ask yourself why you are considering assisted living. Is it because your parents’ house is too big to manage and maintain? Has one of your parents developed a particular illness or condition that requires long term treatment? This will help you formulate your concerns when you speak to your parents – concerns that they likely share. If your parents are reluctant to move, find out exactly why that is and try to address it directly and with compassion. Don’t rush:  The perfect time to start the conversation is when your parent or parents are still...

Getting older doesn’t have to be something to dread. Especially, If you’ve accumulated wealth in your working years. For career-driven seniors, it can be the perfect time to enjoy all of that hard work. However, financial stresses can often arise, including budgeting concerns, income limitations, rising state expenses or assisted living services. Older adults also need to ensure their money is spent within a realistic set budget and protected from scams online or over the phone. With that being said, here are some helpful tips on financial planning for seniors from a leading  assisted living facility in Morris County , New Jersey. Cover all of your bases:  When making a financial plan, be sure to consider your current and future living expenses. It’s important to be realistic about your unique situation. Will you move into a senior community at some point or remain in your home? It’s also important to consider current and future sources of income (inclu...