Magnolia Manor Blog

These days we are so enthralled with all the ways we can connect with loved ones electronically, we almost forget about good, old-fashioned postcards and letters. You know – the ones that come in the mail. We rudely refer to it as “snail” mail because it takes a few days (so long!) to arrive. Hardly the split-second communication we’ve become accustomed to in our impatient world.

Here at Magnolia Manor, we consider every resident to be a member of our family as well as yours. Since the coronavirus first became known, we have taken maximum precautions that go beyond CDC and State of Georgia guidelines to protect our residents and staff from this very serious health concern. It hasn’t been fun, but it is important! And our diligent efforts are paying off.

Besides, we are still having fun around here. And there are plenty of ways for families and residents to have fun together while apart.

Senior living communities have been front-page news during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic because older adults are more vulnerable to contracting this virus, especially those residents in skilled nursing who are already challenged by significant medical issues. Uppermost in the minds of families as well as residents themselves is what we are doing to keep our communities safe.

Dry. Sore. Red. Itchy. Rough. Chapped, even cracked. Did we mention dry? Your hands have become victims of COVID-19 in an entirely unexpected way, thanks to all that extra hand-washing you’re doing. Seniors are more vulnerable to the side-effects of excessive hand washing because skin naturally loses moisture as we age. You’re also more vulnerable if you’re prone to eczema or other forms of dermatitis.

But this is one problem you can easily solve. And when your hands feel better, you may even feel a little bit better about having to stay away from your friends and family, especially the grandkids.

So let’s heal those dry hands.

If you are or know a senior citizen who is either preparing to undergo or recently underwent surgery, you need to consider carefully the rehabilitation programs available to you. Some might question whether senior rehabilitation after surgery is even important, or if general rest and pain medication might suffice. After all, wouldn’t one of the best ways of recovering after surgery simply be returning to one’s normal routine and daily life as soon as possible?

Oftentimes, older adults put off considering assisted living because they worry about losing their independence. After all, we all want to control our daily living as much as we can for as long as we can. At Magnolia Manor, we understand. So, while we provide assistance, we focus on living – using daily activities to enrich your body, mind, and spirit.

Assisted living is not a matter of what you will be losing, it’s about what you will gain. At Magnolia Manor, we offer assisted living at 7 of our campuses.

Everybody needs to eat! If you’re a caregiver for an elderly parent or other loved one who isn’t eating like they should, we understand your frustration. Below, you’ll find some tips you can try to get your senior to eat more, or at least get more of the high-nutrition calories their body requires.

Searching for that just-right retirement community for yourself or a senior parent can be truly daunting. There are so many different types of facilities to choose from, and each one is unique in its living accommodation options, range of professional services, amenities and overall ambiance. We’ve all heard the expression “aging in place.” In a perfect world, we would never have to leave the home we love just because our mental and/or physical capabilities change. Yet for most of us that time does come. And when it does, choosing a full service retirement community will give you the peace of mind that you don’t have to move again.

Aging can take a toll on our bodies in several ways, including our mouth and teeth. So the very fact that seniors are older puts them at greater risk for tooth and gum disease. The good news is that more seniors than ever before are retaining their natural teeth. But that makes it all the more important to maintain good oral hygiene. Oral health is just as important for those who wear dentures.

As smartphones, smart speakers, smart refrigerators, and smart….everything(!) make their way into our homes, it’s important to consider that these devices don’t just make our lives easier or more fun. They can also be powerful safety devices.