Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan NJ

  Swollen ankles can be a pesky and uncomfortable issue, especially for older adults. Whether it’s due to age-related changes, prolonged sitting, or other underlying health conditions, swollen ankles can significantly impact a senior’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are simple exercises that older adults can incorporate into their daily routine to alleviate this discomfort and even improve their overall mobility. Let’s take a closer look at the list of exercises that our  senior caregivers in Morris County  put together:  Ankle Circles This gentle exercise helps improve circulation and flexibility in the ankles. Sit comfortably on a chair or on the edge of your bed. Lift one foot off the ground and rotate your ankle in a circular motion. Perform 10 clockwise circles, then switch to 10 counterclockwise circles. Repeat with the other ankle. Toe Taps Toe taps are an effective way to engage the muscles in your legs and feet while seated. Sit with your feet flat on t...

  While Rosh Hashanah has passed quite some time ago, that doesn’t mean we have to stop celebrating the traditional New Year. Especially with some delicious, staple holiday food in the mix! If you’re having a New Years Day celebration, a January birthday, or you’d just like to have some extra company over for Shabbat, this Tzimmes recipe is to die for! The best part is that this recipe can be completely cooled down and frozen – which is ideal if you’re the type of person who likes to plan ahead. The chefs at Lester Senior Living recommend starting this recipe at least a day before you’re ready to serve guests.  Ingredients for Tzimmes:  Sweet potatoes (approx. 4 lbs) Russet potatoes (approx. 2 lbs) Flanken (approx. 3 lbs) Baby carrots (approx. 1 lb or 1 bag) Pitted prunes (1 container) Brown sugar (¾ cup more or less depending on your taste) Lemon juice (½ cup more or less depending on your taste)  Directions to Make Tzimmes:  Grab...

  Some days it’s as simple as asking, and other days you have to literally jump through hoops and hire a string quartet to get your loved one to take their medications. Convincing seniors to stick to their medication regimen requires patience, understanding, and creative strategies. Hiring a string quartet definitely counts as a creative strategy, but is not realistic each day. Fortunately, there are more effective and practical ways to encourage your loved one to take their prescriptions accurately and on time. Our senior caregivers at Lester Senior Livin g are here to help on those days that aren’t so easy with these invaluable tips:  Understanding Their Concerns Before diving into convincing tactics, it’s crucial to understand why your senior parent might be hesitant to take their medications. Common concerns include fear of side effects, forgetfulness, or a general mistrust of medications. Being empathetic towards their concerns and addressing the root issue is the fir...

As the years unfold, maintaining good balance becomes a critical component of overall well-being for seniors. The adage “use it or lose it” holds particularly true when it comes to balance. Not only does balance contribute to an  active and independent senior lifestyle , but it also serves as a strong defense against the risk of potentially disastrous falls. Even if a walker is part of the equation, practicing balance exercises cannot be overlooked. Especially because balance is often taken for granted until it starts to waver. For seniors, a decline in balance can lead to a host of issues, from a loss of mobility and independence to an increased susceptibility to injuries. Fortunately, incorporating simple balance exercises into a daily routine can make a world of difference. Let’s take a closer look:  Key Balance Exercises for Seniors Heel-to-Toe Walk: Begin by placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the opposite foot with each step. T...

There’s nothing wrong with traditional holiday recipes. In fact, we’re sure a majority of you look forward to certain Hanukkah staples every year like brisket and kugel. However, there is also nothing wrong with wanting to mix it up. You know, you could always “challah” at us for a great new recipe. If you’re looking for a twist (pun intended) on a classic Hanukkah food dish, check out the JCHC’s signature pretzel challah bread. We think your guests will enjoy this reimagined challah – especially if they spend a lot of time watching America’s pastime at the ballpark.  Ingredients for 1 Loaf of Pretzel Challah Bread: Step 1 Active dry yeast or bread machine yeast (1 tbsp.)  Sugar (½ tbsp.) Lukewarm water (¼ cup) Steps 2-3 Sugar (1 ½ tbsp.) Water (1 cup) Fine sea salt (¾ tsp.) Canola oil (1/8 cup) Bread flour (3 cups) Step 8 Room temperature water (4 cups) Baking soda (1/3 cup) Coarse pretzel salt and/or sesame seeds We recommend gr...

Whether your loved one has recently moved to JCHC’s Lester Senior Living community or has been a long-time resident, don’t stress about rearranging plans for Hanukkah. One of the best things about  senior living in the Jewish tradition , is keeping all the holiday traditions you know and love going. At Lester Senior Living, we have already made plans for Hanukkah that all of our residents – and their families – are welcome to join! Hanukkah is known for 8 nights of celebrations, so here are 8 special Hanukkah activities planned for our senior residents this year. If mom or dad is new to our community, please share this list with them and encourage them to get involved in all the excitement!  #1. “Light Up The Night” Annual Hanukkah Party.  Hosted in the Weston Lobby, our annual Hanukkah party is always a big hit amongst the residents – and staff as well! This year’s party will feature live entertainment by the TKlez Band, lots of dancing, delicious Sufganiyot dough...

  It is generally agreed that the Halacha does not prohibit the celebration of Thanksgiving as it is a secular, not a religious holiday.  For Jews across the USA that’s good news. Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude and of course, delicious food. If you usually host Thanksgiving for your family, you know how much work it can be to prepare! It can especially be stressful if you are also a caregiver to a senior loved one. Instead of trying to take it all on by yourself, why not take the opportunity to get your senior parents more involved? Here are some tips compiled by our on-site caregivers at Lester Senior Living in Morris County, NJ . Ask Your Loved One for Input: Involve your senior parents in the very early planning stages for Thanksgiving dinner. Ask for their guidance on the menu, decorations, and any family traditions they would like to incorporate. This will not only make them feel valued, but will also ensure that their dietary needs and preferences are c...

  Who says sufganiyot (Hanukkah doughnuts) must be reserved strictly for Hanukkah? With apple picking in full swing and Thanksgiving just around the corner, sufganiyot can be the perfect fall dessert to serve at your next get together. Let’s take them for a spin now and incorporate a signature fall flavor: apple cider. Our culinary team at Lester Senior Living recommend trying this recipe on a lazy Sunday where you have more time to get it just right.  Ingredients for Dough:  Dry yeast (1 package) Water warmed to 100 degrees (¾ cup) All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups) Sugar (4 tablespoons) Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon) Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon) Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) Egg yolks (2) Unsalted butter, softened (¼ stick) Ingredients for Filling: Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and diced (2) Butter (1 tablespoon) Brown sugar (1/4 cup) Lemon juice (1/2 teaspoon) Apple cider (1/2 teaspoon) All-purpose flour (1/2 tablespoon) Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)...