Have you been thinking of selling your home but believe you can’t sell your home in the current market? We asked Bruce Nemovitz, Senior Real Estate Specialist and Certified Senior Advisor, to offer his assessment of current conditions. ___________________________________________________________________________ We have been through some truly spectacular financial shifts over the... Continue reading

Researchers from the Ontario Brain Institute reviewed over 800 research studies on Alzheimer’s and exercise and from the 45 most comprehensive studies, created their analysis. Their study indicates that physically active individuals are 40% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who are inactive. Continue reading

Since we prepare home cooked meals every day of the year, it should not be a surprise that our chefs like to mix things up from time to time. A Polynesian theme is the perfect excuse to roast a pig. A summer fish boil can bring back memories of trips up to Door County. Opening day, making paczkies for Fat Tuesday and the first summer picnic of the season are just a few examples of how we take our food seriously. Continue reading

We have known for decades that the ability to remember recently learned things declines as we age. A recent study by a team of researchers from the University of Berkeley California has uncovered a link between the structural changes that occur as the brain ages and poor quality sleep. Deep sleep helps the brain store and retain new facts and information. Continue reading

At this time of year, most of us find that we spend more of our time inside and see less of our neighbors. In Laureate Group communities, winter is not a period of isolation at all. The action continues. Continue reading

We still have a few cold Wisconsin winter months left, and that most likely means more time spent on the couch in front of the TV. Everyone knows that exercise is important to our health. The challenge, especially for seniors, is staying active during the winter and staying safe. Continue reading

For the older adults in your life, great aunts, uncles and cousins, receiving a gift that required an investment of time and love can lift the spirits. For kids unleashing their creativity is a wonderful way to honor a grandparent and have some fun in the process Continue reading

A recent study found that people who feel lonely have an increased risk of developing dementia. Previous studies have shown that social isolation, of being alone has been linked with an increased risk of cognitive decline Continue reading

Does your loved one receive federal benefits by check? The Treasury Department is phasing out paper checks and requiring those receiving Social Security, VA or other benefits to switch to electronic payments. Make the switch now. Continue reading

Guest Author, Diane Szalai, Director of Dining Services If an army marches on its stomach, a senior living residence sustains its community in the dining room. Feeding hundreds of older adults a day, our chefs are serious in their approach. We stress variety and presentation so our residents enjoy a... Continue reading

Whatever your preference in restaurants, there most likely is a national chain you like that is offering free meals for veterans this weekend. The trick is to check if they are offering the meal deal on Sunday, November 11th, Veteran’s Day or Monday the 12th when it is observed. So,... Continue reading

If you do plan to live to 100 (and beyond) you will not be alone. Centenarians are one the fastest growing demographics in the country. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, currently there are about 70,000 Americans age 100 or better but that number will rise to 600,000 by 2050. Continue reading

Too many seniors and their adult children are under the wrong impression senior communities are not “pet-friendly.” Each and every day we see the joy that pets bring to residents in our community, those who move in with residents, those pets we invite in for therapy or those that stop by for simple meets and greets. Continue reading

As we age, many of us become increasingly concerned about our memory. Experiencing a “senior moment,” we wonder how or why it happens and if there is something we can do to improve our memory. Later in this article I suggest an enjoyable brain exercise, one that involves watching a favorite movie. Continue reading

With people living longer, those who work in geriatric medicine have long observed the role of lifestyle in keeping older adults healthy and making that longer life enjoyable. “Optimal aging” seniors are those older adults who at age 65 and older continue to be physically active and mentally engaged in life. Continue reading

Each and every day we recognize the achievements of our older adults and work very hard to provide opportunities for them to engage in new pursuits. Their talent and enthusiasm is inspiring. Once a year, during National Assisted Living Week, we make a celebration of it. Continue reading

There are individuals who are genetically destined to develop a rare and aggressive form of the Alzheimer’s Disease. Carriers of this genetic mutation (Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network or DIAN) develop this autosomal-dominant Alzheimer’s Disease in their 40s but it can strike as early as the 20s. The first published study of these individuals suggest that changes may begin in the brain up to 25 years before symptoms of the disease begin to appear. Continue reading

Did you get inspired watching the athletes at the London Olympic Games? Each time the Olympics rolls around, many people use it as a time to jumpstart their exercise program. Not that most of us expect get to running hurdles or swimming the butterfly competitively, but getting off the couch... Continue reading

Increasing numbers of Medicare beneficiaries are finding out that Medicare will not cover their post-acute skilled nursing facility stays because they were kept in the hospital for observation rather than being admitted as inpatients. Continue reading

Who better to offer cooking demonstrations on healthy eating than chefs who feed hundreds of older adults each day? Like any good chef, our entire food preparation team works hard to offer wholesome food that our residents truly enjoy. We take great pride in knowing how we have helped so many manage their diets well and reap the benefits of healthy eating. Continue reading

One new study reported in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, indicates that diabetes is linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ),collaborated with scientists from Northwestern University in Illinois on the study. Continue reading

Does Medicare cover dental bills? I have access to VA benefits, how does that work with Medicare? What is a Medigap Policy? My mother needs to join a Medicare Drug Plan. I need to understand how it works, to help her. If you and your family have wrestled with understanding... Continue reading

To lessen our fears of the unknown we just need to educate ourselves.. In the case of downsizing a long time home, finding the right senior housing, and selling one’s home, the more information you have, the less the fear holding one back. Marketing directors at senior communities are a wealth of information. They can assess one’s financial and physical situation offering solutions that match current needs. Continue reading

The middle of June marks National Nursing Assistant Week, meant to encourage people to recognize and honor these dedicated caregivers. To us, a week is simply not long enough. Nursing assistants really are at the “front line” of health care. By some estimates they provide 80 or 90% of the care an older adult receives in a senior community. Nursing assistants work as home-health aides, hospital aides and certainly are critical to the quality care that Laureate Group is known for. Continue reading

How many of us remember our fathers cutting the lawn each weekend, having shed his shirt? Maybe he wore a baseball cap. Could be he is still doing this. This Father’s Day why not buy Dad some sunscreen and a cap? Continue reading