Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan NJ

  Ultimately the choice between assisted living and independent living should be determined by the needs of your elderly loved one. If an aging adult has difficulties with daily activities or anticipates their needs changing in the near future, he or she may want to consider moving to an assisted or independent living community. To make the best decision, it is helpful to fully understand the differences between these  lifestyle options at Lester Senior Living in NJ .  What is Independent Living?  Independent living is ideal for individuals who can still live without assistance but enjoy the peace of mind of having access to assistance when needed. An independent lifestyle minimizes personal chores and errands along with the costs and stress of homeownership. Independent living services include: Housekeeping. Handyman/maintenance services. Meal options. 24-hour security and wearable alert pendants Utilities cost (excluding cable television and telephone). Transport s...

  Nobody knows mom and dad like you do. Which means you will most likely be able to tell if they’re having an “off” day or if there is something else going on. Adult children are often the best at picking up on senior health, mobility and memory care issues first because they can accurately determine whether the behavior in question is just a personal quirk or a real indicator for a higher level of care. If you’re unsure of what types of behaviors to look out for, please refer to our 5 major signs that  your senior parent may need assisted living  below.  Uncharacteristic neglect of home maintenance/housekeeping:  If your loved ones are known for the pride they take in their home and garden, a lapse in this care can be a sign they are no longer coping. Ignoring excess clutter, the garden overgrowth, and home maintenance issues can also increase the risk of falls and injuries in the home. If you suspect they feel overwhelmed, offer to help out with certain tasks,...

  No Rosh Hashanah is complete without a hearty meal that’s shared with the ones you love. This savory fish dish is perfect to eat before digging into sweet honey cake symbolic to Rosh Hashanah. If you’re looking for a new recipe for the Jewish New Year that is less traditional, this baked Atlantic cod recipe with barley risotto, escarole and beans is a perfect weeknight meal to serve your family and close friends   Ingredients: 4-6 ounces Cod filet seasoned with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper and freshly chopped dill 1 cup barley ½ cup diced fine onion  ½ cup diced fine celery ½ cup diced fine carrot 2 cloves of garlic chopped fine garlic 1 shallot chopped fine ½ escarole – head washed well, roughly chopped 1 cup white beans (cooked) 2 quarts chicken stock as needed 1tsp fresh thyme finely chopped Fresh chives sliced thinly Chive oil (optional) Directions:  Clean fish or buy the fish pre filleted. In a medium saucepan, sauté onions, celery, carrots, garlic...

  Rosh Hashanah is also known as the Jewish New Year and marks the start of the 10 days of repentance. But what are the 10 days of repentance? And what traditions or customs do we follow during this time? The team at the Jewish Community Housing Corporation in NJ has put together an overview of Rosh Hashanah that includes what the holiday symbolizes and how we celebrate and honor it today with our family and friends.  What does Rosh Hashanah symbolize? Similar to New Year’s Eve, Rosh Hashanah symbolizes a fresh start. It is a time of reflection and for people to reevaluate their priorities and goals in life. During this time, people often ask themselves questions like:  Who comes first in my life?  What is the most important thing in my life? How can I prioritize this thing more?  What is the most meaningful thing I have accomplished in the past year?  What do I hope to accomplish in the coming year? How can I make more time for the ones I love?  This ...

  If you are caring for a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you know how stressful and emotionally taxing your position can be. Due to its progressive nature, your loved one is going to become more and more dependent on your care, so it’s important you have a strong support network for yourself and other family caregivers. Here is some helpful advice for dealing with this challenging time from our  memory care team in Morris County, NJ : Know the disease:  While most people know what Alzheimer’s disease is in general terms, it’s important for you and your family to understand all the details behind the condition. Speak to your doctor about the various stages of the disease, how it progresses and what symptoms to look for so that you are well prepared for any challenges ahead. Join a support group:  For many caregivers and their families, a local Alzheimer’s support group allows you to get essential respite, talk about your concerns and receiv...

  Moving into an assisted living community like  Lester Senior Living in NJ  is a big transition for any senior. While the move is in everyone’s best interest and will give your loved one a much better quality of life, it’s important to remember that it can become overwhelming for your family member. Knowing what to pack for the move is a good way to prepare ahead of time and keep this change a positive and enjoyable one. Home decor and furnishings  Our assisted living apartments are designed to be as spacious, safe and easy-to-navigate as they are comfortable, but nothing will settle your loved one as quickly as their familiar home comforts. After measuring your furniture and reviewing the floor plan, you can move in the following: Favorite home furniture, including a comfortable sofa, chairs, coffee tables and more. Don’t forget to include chairs for guests and visitors. Kitchenware, including dishes, storage containers, glasses and cutlery. If you choose to utiliz...

  There’s nothing like fresh fish served up on the grill for summer. Mahi-mahi, a delicately flavored, savory, white fish with a meaty flesh, is a perfect candidate grilling-up moist and delicious. When selecting mahi-mahi for the grill, look for the thicker center cut portion towards the head versus the thinner tail end. Although frozen will certainly do, fresh will yield a much better result! If this is your first time grilling mahi-mahi, don’t worry – this  recipe from our chefs at Lester Senior Living  is easy to follow and above all, delicious! Ingredients: mahi-mahi filets[/caption] 2, 6 ounce mahi-mahi filets (total 12 ounces) Marinade: 1 peeled and finely diced shallot ½ bunch finely chopped cilantro leaves (no stems) ½ teaspoon salt dash of ground white pepper dash of ground cumin dash of ground coriander zest and juice of 1 lime, combined with 1 tablespoon olive oil Grilling Directions for Mahi-Mahi: Combine all marinade ingredients and mix thoroughly. Rub marin...