Magnolia Manor Blog

You love your parents dearly, but sometimes it feels so hard to be their adult child. Mom and Dad know you have only their best interests at heart, but whenever you suggest (however gently) that they might need help with daily activities, they bristle and tell you to mind your own business. They’re doing just fine, thanks. Sure, some things are a bit more difficult, but that’s to be expected, right?

Aging and the “slowing” that comes with it may be expected, but you worry for Mom or Dad’s safety and well-being. So how can you have “the talk” in a way that feels less threatening and more positive?

When you hear that Magnolia Manor is a faith-based organization, you might assume that we cater only to a certain group of people. Nothing could be further from the truth! Our family of residents is diverse in many ways, and that’s just the way we like it. We happily welcome seniors of all faiths and from all walks of life.

Every new year brings changes, and seniors are always especially interested (or concerned) to learn what will happen with Social Security. We talked in an earlier blog about 2021 cost of living increases (COLA) for those already receiving Social Security retirement benefits, but COLA increases are not the only changes.

One of the many benefits of senior living at Magnolia Manor’s Americus campus is our Wellness Center. Opened in 2000, this gathering place for the exercise-minded has been a very popular and busy place. Until COVID-19 came around, that is. It’s not that we’re no longer interested in staying fit, it’s that keeping the gym, pools, and class spaces open just isn’t possible now.

Rats.

We have every intention of re-opening the Wellness Center as soon as we can, so let’s see what everyone has to look forward to. We talked to Jeni Hixon, our Wellness Center Director, to get the inside scoop.

What? You don’t have a will? You really need to correct that, for your own peace of mind as well as to protect your estate, your wishes, and your loved ones. Many people shy away from this subject, but making a will is not morbid, it is sensible and practical. It gives you control over what happens to your belongings and assets after you pass away.

Yet, 40% of Americans over the age of 45 do not have a will.

In a year when it has been darn hard to find any good news, the federal government has just announced some good news for seniors: Social Security payments will go up in 2021. Starting with checks mailed December 31, 2020, those who receive Social Security and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will get 1.3% more.

No one wants to think that someday they might have to leave their home and move into assisted living or another type of long-term senior care community. Nonetheless, almost 70% of those over 65 will eventually need some kind of long term care. You may not have to move, though, at least not so soon. Instead, you may be able to age in place.

Pet therapy, formally known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT), is known to provide both physical and mental benefits for seniors with dementia. Prior to COVID-19 concerns, many Memory Care facilities around the country had adopted pet programs of some kind. Some chose to bring in animals as full-time residents, others chose visiting pet programs.

All types of senior living communities are including pets to make their communities feel homier and offer a special kind of comfort and stimulation for residents. However, AAT can be especially beneficial for those suffering from mild or more advanced memory loss.

Few things are more refreshing than a good night’s sleep. But for many older adults, a good night’s sleep is elusive. In fact, more than half of seniors suffer from insomnia. Lack of sleep makes you feel fatigued, cranky, and inattentive during the day, taking the joy out of life and increasing the risk of falls or other injuries. Lack of sleep can also exacerbate existing medical or psychological issues.

It’s easy to understand why young adults purchase life insurance. It provides financial support for families if a wage-earner dies young from disease or an accident. Many types of life insurance also serve as broader financial management tools. And life insurance is inexpensive when you’re young. But what if the years have sped by and you still don’t have life insurance, or you think you might need more – is it too late?