Magnolia Manor Blog

Many seniors have had a chance to travel the world over, or at least visit a few intriguing destinations across the country or in a foreign land. But not everyone has been so fortunate. And these days, travel is off the menu, especially for seniors who are at higher risk of COVID-19 or who may be in less-than-travel-worthy health.

The next best thing? Travel documentaries! Richly rewarding, absorbing, entertaining, and educational. Mild to wild, there is something (or should we say, someplace) for everyone. And so many to choose from! The world of travel documentaries is as vast as the world itself.

The pandemic continues, and we could all use something new to occupy our time, not to mention our hands and our minds, as we wait it out – especially seniors still deprived of in-person visits with loved ones. So here comes some well-timed good news: January is National Hobby Month.

What better time to reacquaint yourself with an old-favorite hobby, or to take up a brand new one. Focusing on something engrossing and learning new things are proven winners when it comes to re-fueling your mind, body, and spirit.

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.

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.

UPDATED VISITATION INFORMATION AS OF 11/1/2020:

Feeling a little too cooped-up in self-quarantine? By now we’re all going a bit stir crazy. For seniors who live alone, physical separation from friends and loved ones can feel especially difficult. Psychologists suggest you should take heart knowing that literally billions of others around the world are also staying at home, many of them alone.

But let’s be honest. Knowing you’re not alone doesn’t really make you feel less alone, does it? It’s time to take action!

It’s so hard knowing your grandkids are close-by, yet, thanks to coronavirus-inspired social distancing, they cannot visit in person so you can hug and smooch and chat with them in the usual ways. Even under normal conditions, lots of grandparents don’t have the luxury of living near their adult children and grandkids. So they know a little something about keeping in touch even when you can’t literally touch each other.

Here are some tips from grandparents who have found rewarding ways to stay connected during these difficult times and beyond.

When you hear the phrase “senior housing,” you get a mental picture of what that might be like. Some conjure up images of the worst nursing home they can imagine and think that’s what senior living is like. But does your impression match up with reality? Many people – including seniors themselves – have never seen a senior living community first hand, so they have only assumptions to go by. All too often, those assumptions are based on myths and misconceptions. The truth about senior housing might surprise you – a lot.

As age inevitably takes its toll, seniors find themselves increasingly limited by the rigors of their daily responsibilities. Tasks and basic chores that were once quite easy to tackle can become insurmountable obstacles depending on a senior’s health, injuries, or the state of their mental faculties. As more mundane daily duties become a struggle, extracurricular activities rapidly drop off even further, as seniors simply lack the time or energy to enjoy life like they once did.

This can create a cycle of isolation and mental/physical deterioration, greatly impairing a person’s quality of life. Not to mention that if a senior can’t handle things like household chores on a regular basis, their environment can quickly become unsafe and unsanitary, increasing the risk of injury or illness that further reduces their wellbeing.

That’s why Magnolia Manor provides nonprofit independent living in Georgia, giving aging citizens the chance to continue experiencing fulfilling lives while enjoying significant relationships, intellectual pursuits, fun hobbies, and making the most of their golden years.

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.

For many of us, childhood memories are filled with recollections of Sundays with Grandma and Grandpa going out for ice cream, visiting a baseball game, or simply hearing stories and playing at home.