Taking a Closer Look at “Senior Solutions”

Many adult “children” find themselves involved in their parents’ retirement living planning.  Sometimes parents have saved money for retirement but haven’t given thought to where they want to live or how they will receive necessary support.  Other parents are a little behind with savings but have a solid idea of where they want to be and how they want to live.  Still others have done neither and suddenly are faced with an illness or other life change that is forcing them to think seriously about senior living options.

Considering a Different Type of Snowbird This Winter

As we rapidly speed through the colorful and brisk autumn months, many adults are faced with the task of ensuring their parents or elderly loved ones are prepared for the long winter ahead.  This can mean hiring a plow service, having groceries delivered, being sure there is plenty of home fuel on hand, and being sure someone is available to safely drive seniors to doctor’s appointments or to run errands. 

The Amazing Health Benefits of Creative Seniors

During retirement years, seniors are given the gift of time to fulfill longstanding (or new) goals and ambitions.  For many seniors, this means finally having the time to engage in the arts.

It turns out, this could be one of the healthiest decisions a senior can make.

Drums are for Seniors!

Recently, percussionist Tracey Kroll visited The Saybrook at Haddam to host our first drum circle.  His energizing program, “Drumming for Health,” allowed residents the chance to find their own inner rhythm by playing hand drums.  It was a unique and fun evening (one we will definitely host again) – and got us to thinking a little more about the connection between music and health.

It Takes a (Little) Village!

Each month during the school year, The Saybrook at Haddam’s Safe Harbor Memory Care community opens its doors to an energetic band of happy, smiling faces belonging to children from the Little Village Preschool in nearby Moodus, Conn.  These children eagerly rush off their bus and come into our “neighborhood” to listen to stories, sing songs and help us with craft projects.  It is a true joy to hear their little voices and watch their little hands hard at work. Last month, we had the added treat of watching the children practice their “graduation” ceremony and tell us their hopes for the future.

Beauty Parlor Beauties!

Looking our best is a goal most of us try to maintain throughout every stage of our lives.  Going to the hair salon gives our morale a happy lift – and makes us look and feel better.  However,  as we age, the simple task of getting out to the beauty parlor or barber shop can become more difficult.  Some people need to rely on friends or family members to drive them to an appointment, others try to find a trusted hairdresser to come to their homes. 

Tai Chi with Dogs? How we Spent a Great Winter at Safe Harbor Memory Care

Bad weather can be a little tough for anyone; however, for senior citizens, cloudy, rainy weather and limited time outdoors can be even more challenging. In a memory care unit like Safe Harbor, it’s especially important to remain active and keep spirits up. Here are a few things we did this winter to make less-than-ideal days great ones: 

The Joys and Benefits of Staying Social and Active in Your Senior Years

We humans are social creatures. This means we have the natural desire to interact and be with other people during every stage of our lives – including our senior years. However, some seniors, through a variety of reasons, find themselves living alone with limited interaction or engagement with friends or family.