If you find yourself in this situation, don't worry – we have some tips for you! 

• There are many ways to stay in touch with loved ones when you're unable to see them face-to-face. A great way to do this is by making phone calls or sending text messages, but there's even more! With technology like FaceTime, Skype, and Google Hangouts, it's easy for people of all ages to see each other and share stories. 
• If you're not sure how these video chat platforms work, don't worry! There are plenty of resources online that will show you the basics and walk through some common uses for them so that your family members can get started right away. You'll be able to see their faces, they'll be able to see yours, and you'll be able to laugh and chat just like you would if you were in the same room. 
• Another great way to stay connected is using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. These sites are perfect for sharing photos, updates about your day-to-day, and even short videos. 
• Consider playing games or trivia via Facetime with your loved ones; you'll be surprised at how fast the time goes.  
• Have a favorite recipe you've always wanted to share? Why not cook or bake together through video chat? This is a great bonding experience (if you don't have to run out to buy the ingredients).  
• Miss reading to your grandkids? Have your son or daughter set up the video and choose a book you can enjoy together.  
• Always wanted to try your hand at painting, knitting, or even an adult coloring book? You can embark on a new hobby and show off your creations with your loved ones through video. If you're unsure where to start, there are plenty of online resources that will walk you through the basics and give you some creative ideas. 
• There is something to be said about a handwritten letter. Bring back handwritten notes or beautifully created cards; we're positive the receiver will love it. 
• Exercise is always more fun with someone else. Consider finding a short yoga or other online exercise program you can discover and get moving! 

The most important thing is making sure everyone stays healthy during this difficult time. With these tips in mind, we hope they'll be able to do just that! 

Everly House in Macomb, Illinois, has been serving as an independent living center with the security and comforts of home since 1953! The facility was constructed in the early 1950s with funds from the Everly Trust for senior living purposes. Residents enjoy spending their time in several ways - playing games in the lovely sunroom, walking the path around our landscaped pond, enjoying various programs, or just visiting over a delicious meal. We can furnish your room, or you may bring your treasures with you. So join us in one of our 30 apartments; you'll feel right at home!

Levels of care

Senior care operates on a spectrum, ranging from independent Living Communities for active seniors to Assisted Living with varying degrees of care. There are also Memory Care communities and much more! Within each level, you can find different amenities that vary by senior living facility type; it's essential to choose one that suits your needs best before committing yourself to a community, so research carefully.

Cost

Senior living communities come at different price points, from affordable to very expensive for luxury lifestyles. Therefore, to avoid frustration and disappointment in the future, it is critical that you establish your budget.

Make a list

The best way to find the perfect senior community is by building an informative list of communities that meet your needs. Dig deep into what you are looking for in a retirement home, how much money has been set aside already, and which locations offer good access around town or within walking distance from public transportation stops like stores and things important to you.

Activities

One of the most important parts of being an older adult is staying active and connected. There are specific activities offered at senior centers that will help you stay social with other people, so if this matters to you, look for one in your area.

Everly House in Macomb, Illinois, has been serving as an independent living center with the security and comforts of home since 1953! The facility was constructed in the early 1950s with funds from the Everly Trust for senior living purposes. Residents enjoy spending their time in several ways - playing games in the lovely sunroom, walking the path around our landscaped pond, enjoying various programs, or just visiting over a delicious meal. We can furnish your room, or you may bring your treasures with you. So join us in one of our 30 apartments; you'll feel right at home with us!

The COVID-19 pandemic taught us a hard lesson about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Nowadays, we know that exercise and eating right are essential for your well-being, but research has shown older adults don't get enough physical activity! Overall, 27% percent of 50-year-olds are not active on at least two days per week, leading to many health problems later down the line, such as arthritis or heart disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, here are just some of the many benefits of staying active.

Benefits of Physical Activity

• Helps maintain the ability to live independently and reduces the risk of falling and fracturing bones.
• Reduces the risk of dying from coronary heart disease and developing high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes.
• Can help reduce blood pressure in some people with hypertension.
• Helps people with chronic, disabling conditions improve their stamina and muscle strength.
• Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and fosters improvements in mood and feelings of well-being.
• Helps maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
• Helps control joint swelling and pain associated with arthritis.
• Beyond the obvious physical reasons, staying active also has many benefits when it comes to mental health. The mental health benefits of exercise are nearly endless. Exercise produces endorphins (the "feel-good" hormone), which act as a stress reliever and leave you feeling happy and satisfied. In addition, exercise has been linked to improving sleep, which is especially important for older adults who often suffer from insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns.

Everly House in Macomb, Illinois, has been serving as an independent living center with the security and comforts of home since 1953! The facility was constructed in the early 1950s with funds from the Everly Trust for senior living purposes. Residents enjoy spending their time in several ways - playing games in the lovely sunroom, walking the path around our landscaped pond, enjoying various programs, or just visiting over a delicious meal. We can furnish your room, or you may bring your treasures with you. So join us in one of our 30 apartments; you'll feel right at home with us!

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/olderad.htm#:~:text=regular%20physical%20activity.-,Benefits%20of%20Physical%20Activity,in%20some%20people%20with%20hypertension.
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6536a3.htm#:~:text=Inactivity%20prevalence%20significantly%20increased%20with,adults%20aged%20%E2%89%A575%20years.
https://thegreenfields.org/5-benefits-exercise-seniors-aging-adults/#:~:text=Improved%20Mental%20Health&text=Exercise%20produces%20endorphins%20(the%20%E2%80%9Cfeel,insomnia%20and%20disrupted%20sleep%20patterns.

They do not leave the house.

Staying social and active is essential to healthy aging- even in your later years! If your loved one has not left the house for an extended period of time, it may be a sign they need assistance. Getting out of the house can prevent loneliness, leading to depression or dementia symptoms like memory loss (or both). 

They had a recent fall or accident. 

If your loved one recently had an accident or fall, they may be ready for independent living. If you notice that the accidents are becoming frequent, it might be time to consider whether they need extra help to stay safe while taking on these tasks themselves.

Nutritional needs are not being met. 

If you're caring for an aging relative who lives by themselves at home, then there may be times when it feels more challenging than usual just getting food on the table. If your loved one is not going out, chances are their nutritional needs are being met. Mealtime provides seniors with an opportunity to socialize and get the nutrients they need for healthy living in retirement communities that offer well-balanced meals made from fresh produce or meats as well as whole grains.

Difficulty with medication management.

It is important to make sure that older adults are taking their medications as prescribed. An independent living facility can be a safe haven for those who need help managing daily life activities, including medication management!

These are just some of the many signs your loved one might be ready for an independent living facility. Of course, if they can make decisions independently, it's important to have them involved in the process. 

Everly House in Macomb, Illinois, has been serving as an independent living center with the security and comforts of home since 1953! The facility was constructed in the early 1950s with funds from the Everly Trust for senior living purposes. Residents enjoy spending their time in several ways - playing games in the lovely sunroom, walking the path around our landscaped pond, enjoying various programs, or just visiting over a delicious meal. We can furnish your room, or you may bring your treasures with you. Join us in one of our 30 apartments; you'll feel right at home with us!