Written by craig braddick

Music Seniors Love

Music Seniors Love

According to Carelinx, many seniors love music and their tastes can vary. Here are some of their recommendations for different age groups.

If you’re looking for the very best assisted living in Phoenix; SLS Communities can help!  We have 5 locations in the Phoenix Valley that seniors and their families can choose from. With great amenities such as meticulously manicured landscaping, swimming pools, theater rooms, on-site salons, and much more! SLS Communities delivers today’s seniors the very best assisted living care services in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Check out our locations below

For more information about assisted living and senior living services please call 480-348-0300.

Written by craig braddick

Five Tips For Seniors In Arizona Summers

How Seniors Can Keep Healthy This Summer

Read on to learn of some ways Arizona Seniors can stay healthy in summer!

Alcohol Avoidance and Prescriptions

Sitting poolside in Phoenix is always fun with a cocktail in hand, but it may cause dehydration.  Also, it’s important to remember that dehydration is a side effect of many common prescription drugs for seniors.

Limit Use Of The Oven Or Stove

During the summer months your air conditioner probably runs all day long.  However, when cooking in the stove or oven heats the surrounding environment, regardless if the air conditioner is on.  Try to eat raw foods, salads, or even microwaved foods, in order to avoid overheating your home.

Sunscreen

Sunburns last longer than heat exhaustion because they physically alter your body and can easily result in a heat stroke, especially when located in areas around the head and neck.  Be sure to wear higher SPF sunscreen and reapply often.

Inside Parking

Try and park in a garage, or at the very least, under a shaded area.  Heat strokes can occur among the elderly in a matter of minutes. We also recommend running the air conditioning for at least 5 minutes while the car is in park, and before you steer out on the hot black asphalt.

Diet

Food with heavy salt levels such as nuts, processed foods, pretzels, and tortilla chips, can increase the chance of dehydration.  Stay away from salty foods during the hot summer months.

If you’re looking for the very best assisted living in Phoenix; SLS Communities can help!  We have 5 locations in the Phoenix Valley that seniors and their families can choose from. With great amenities such as meticulously manicured landscaping, swimming pools, theater rooms, on-site salons, and much more! SLS Communities delivers today’s seniors the very best assisted living care services in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Check out our locations below

For more information about assisted living and senior living services please call 480-348-0300.

Written by craig braddick

Video Games Seniors Like

Video Games Seniors Like

Incredibly the first generation of video gamer’s are now in their 60’s and 70’s and up to 25 percent of current seniors enjoy playing video games of various sorts and that number continues to grow. Read on to learn more.

AARP says that 38 percent of all 50-plus adults play video games. And 43 percent of gamers over the age of 60 play video games every day. So there’s clearly a lot to love about this type of entertainment, regardless of your age.

Video games offer a form of visual and auditory engagement that most other kinds of games can’t match. Many of them provide truly thrilling experiences as well as opportunities to connect with other players (of all ages). They are downright fun.

But here’s something you should definitely know: Some electronic game developers claim that their “brain training” products can improve your brain health and cognitive performance. However, their marketing is often misleading. The science behind brain-training games is controversial at best. Many of the world’s top psychologists and neuroscientists say that there is little or no solid evidence to support claims that certain kinds of video games can improve a senior’s overall mental faculties.

The truth is that so-called “brain games” may not actually boost your cognitive abilities for everyday life nor prevent or slow down any brain-related diseases. Rather, by playing a game repeatedly, you’ll get better at the particular tasks for that game (and possibly other tasks that are very closely related to them). But you won’t necessarily get better at doing unrelated tasks in the “real world” outside of the game. If you really want to improve your brain health, you’re better off exercising, getting good sleep, and learning new things.

That said, if a video game is completely new to you, then your brain may benefit from the challenge of learning how to play it. And you can’t overlook the pure enjoyment factor. After all, having fun should be your top reason for playing any video game.

According to AARP, the most popular types of video games among older adults are card, tile, puzzle, and logic games. But a lot of seniors also enjoy strategy, role-playing, and action-oriented games. So try out several different kinds and see what you enjoy.

Most seniors play video games on their laptops or desktop computers. But you can also play games on a smartphone, digital tablet, handheld game console, or TV game console (such as the Nintendo Switch, Sony PlayStation, or Microsoft Xbox). Games for computers and mobile devices can often be downloaded for free or played online at no cost.

Source: https://www.greatseniorliving.com/articles/games-for-seniors#video-games

If you’re looking for the very best assisted living in Phoenix; SLS Communities can help!  We have 5 locations in the Phoenix Valley that seniors and their families can choose from. With great amenities such as meticulously manicured landscaping, swimming pools, theater rooms, on-site salons, and much more! SLS Communities delivers today’s seniors the very best assisted living care services in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Check out our locations below

For more information about assisted living and senior living services please call 480-348-0300.

Written by craig braddick

Eight Birthday Tips For Seniors In Assisted Living

Eight Birthday Tips For Seniors In Assisted Living

Read on to learn more about how to celebrate birthdays with loved ones or friends in assisted living.

Singing

Singing can be fun for many people. Whether, Happy Birthday or just old favorites, getting a few people together to sing can often help everyone have a good time, even if they can’t physically join in.

Favorite Foods

Bring favorite foods for the occasion, even if the facility is loaded with treats. Each elder has favorite treats from home. Try to provide some for the elder and some for her to give as snacks to residents, staff and visitors. Many elders enjoy a chance to be a host or hostess.

Connecting With Other People

Hopefully, you already have made friends with staff, other residents and their families. That connection helps your loved one feel a part of a whole rather than left out of life. If your loved one is new to the center, this is a good time to get to know other families.

Rest

All of this celebrating doesn’t only wear down your elders. It can also be exhausting for the caregiver. You found help by choosing a good care center because your elders need more help than you, alone, can give. When party time is over, give yourself time to regenerate. You should be a better caregiver if you do.

Music

It’s great for setting the mood. It also relaxes tension or promotes a festive feel, depending on the music chosen and the direction you need to go with the elder. Keep a CD player or an iPOD (with speaker) around so you can play their favorites.

Photos

Photos are wonderful for stirring memories. If you print copies of old photos, you won’t have to worry about loss or damage. If some can be enlarged without undue distortion, so much the better. Hang them on walls or put them in an album.

Over Stimulation

Be careful to not over stimulate someone with dementia. Keep an eye on the elders’ moods so you know when to stop the party or when you should help a particular elder back to his room if he needs a break. Too much commotion can get confusing and stressful for anyone in ill health, but particularly for someone confused by dementia. Celebrating should preferably end before stress is evident, but be alert in case you need to assist someone to a quieter area.

Participation

Join in the fun as much as your loved one can handle, but remember your own needs as well. If you have family members at home that need some of your time, then you have to balance both worlds. Give your loved ones in the care center your attention and contribute to their good time, then leave them in the good hands of staff and go back home to finish celebrating with the rest of your family.

If you’re looking for the very best assisted living in Phoenix; SLS Communities can help!  We have 5 locations in the Phoenix Valley that seniors and their families can choose from. With great amenities such as meticulously manicured landscaping, swimming pools, theater rooms, on-site salons, and much more! SLS Communities delivers today’s seniors the very best assisted living care services in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Check out our locations below

For more information about assisted living and senior living services please call 480-348-0300.

Written by webtechs

Mesa AZ Assisted Living Costs

The average cost of assisted living in Mesa is $3,150 per month in 2020, according to Canyon Winds Retirement. In 2019, costs ranged from $1,100 to $6,700. SeniorAdvice states “The average daily cost for assisted living in Mesa, Arizona is approximately $105, with costs running between $37 and $223 per day.”

Mesa, AZ located in the southwestern United States is popular with retirees especially for the active lifestyle opportunities available and the warm weather. There is a wide range of assisted living communities with many different options to select from. From small, $1,000 a month shared rooms to luxury one bedroom private suites up to $6,913 per month. With so many choices available it is easy to find a Mesa assisted living community that will fit your requirements.

$3,00 per month is the average price in Mesa, AZ for a private one-bedroom in an assisted living community. That equals the average rate for the entire state of Arizona but it does work our slightly less expensive than the national average of $3,700. Mesa is a popular area but you don’t have to worry that it is dearer to reside there. In Mesa, AZ, a quality assisted living community offering the services, qualifications, and amenities you’re looking for

Mesa Assisted Living Communities

Canyon Winds Retirement

2851 N Boulder Canyon, Mesa, AZ 85207

(480) 948-0600

Our gorgeous upscale retirement community in Mesa is unlike any other! Canyon Winds offers Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care. Located at the entrance of Las Sendas in Mesa, the community is surrounded by beautiful views! Our resrot style property is sure to impress!

Learn More About Canyon Winds Retirement

How Much Does Luxury Assisted Living Cost In Mesa AZ?

The average cost of luxury assisted living in Mesa is about $4,762 according to Bank Rate’s post, Luxury Senior Living Communities.

Assisted Living In Mesa

The beautifully designed Canyon Winds Assisted Living community in Mesa is Now Open. Residents enjoy upscale living with first-class care in this stunning two-story, 60 unit community featuring Studio, One and Two Bedroom floorplans. Come experience specialized care that focuses on the unique needs of each resident while indulging in delicious meals in our restaurant-style dining room and engaging events from an enriched activities program. Click here for more details about Canyon Winds Assisted Living Community.

Written by webtechs

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost In Sun City, AZ

On average assisted living in Sun City costs $3,150. Sun city assisted living costs ranged from $1,100 to $6,700 in the US in 2020 according to Chapparal Winds Assisted Living.

SeniorAdvice states “The average daily cost for assisted living in Sun City, Arizona is approximately $105, with costs running between $37 and $223 per day.”

Sun City and Sun City West, Arizona are 2 well-known cities for those that are retiring. Keep reading to learn more about the cost of assisted living in both cities.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost Sun City?

The average cost of Assisted living in Sun City, Arizona is around $2.952; with a high cost ranging around $3,345 and low cost ranging around $1,100 according to senioradvice.com. This cost is slightly far above the natural average median of $3,148.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost Sun City West?

The average assisted living cost in Sun City West, Arizona is around $3,421; with a high cost ranging around $3,497 and low cost ranging around $3,345. This cost is far above the natural average median.

Sun City Assisted Living Communities

Desert Winds Retirement

20545 N. Lake Pleasant Rd. Peoria, AZ 85382

623-322-0600

Our stunning upscale retirement community in Sun City is unlike any other retirement community! Desert Winds Retirement Community offers Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care. Located near W. Beardsley Rd., and N. 101st Avenue in Sun City, the community is surrounded by gorgeous vista views! Our resort style community is certainly sure to impress!

Learn More About Desert Winds Retirement

About Sun City

Sun City, Arizona is located in the southwestern United States is a favorite place for retirees especially for the warm inviting weather and stunning views. Designed by Del Webb as a census-designated community, for retirees in the west side of the valley. Sun City has over 5 golf courses to choose from. Possibly best known as a mainstay destination for “snowbirds”.

The average price you can expect to pay is $3,500 per month in Sun City, AZ for a private one-bedroom in an assisted living community. That matches the average rate for the state of Arizona but it does work out a little less expensive than the national average of $3,700.  In Sun City, Arizona, quality assisted living community offers the services, qualifications, and amenities you are looking for in a retirement community.

How Much Does Luxury Assisted Living Cost In Sun City, AZ?

The average cost of luxury assisted living in Sun City is about $4,762 according to Bank Rate’s post, Luxury Senior Living Communities.

Assisted Living In Sun City

The beautifully designed Desert Winds Assisted Living community in Sun City is now accepting residents. The residents can enjoy high-end living with 1st class care in our breathtaking two-story, 60 unit community featuring Studios, 1 and 2 bedroom floorplans. Come see us and experience in-depth care that centers on the individual needs of each resident.  Engage in events from a heightened activities program. Click here for more details about Desert Winds Assisted Living Community.

Written by webtechs

Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living Costs?

A lot of seniors and their families are asking the question “Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living Costs?“.  Naturally people want to be able to plan and budget for changes in finances.  This article will help you understand what is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other funding options you can use to cover the cost of assisted living.

Assisted Living Coverages

As you choose which assisted living facility you’d like to live in, or is right for your beloved senior cost is likely one of the factors you’ll need to explore.  Costs for assisted living services vary by amenities, location, accommodations, floorplan, and services.  As you select the type of care you’d prefer knowing how the expenses will get covered is important along with if Medicare will help cover some of the costs.

Medicare Assisted Living Coverage

Most times Medicare will not extend coverage to handle the costs of assisted living or long-term care.  With that said there are situations where Medicare will cover qualified healthcare costs at a certain facility for the duration needed to live there.  Most times Medicare is used to cover the cost of home health care of skilled nursing facilities.

Medicaid Assisted Living Coverage

In Arizona the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) pays for medical and care related to services for residents of Arizona in assisted living facilities.  It does not however pay for room and board.  Depending on coverage and location assisted living residents will pay around $1,150 each month for basic living costs.

Alternative Assisted Living Funding Options

There are some assisted living facilities which offer private funding options for their residents.  In the case where a senior has long-term care insurance it will cover a portion of the costs associated with living in assisted living.

In many situations assisted living residents pay for their care out-of-pocket.  They fund their care by selling assets like their home or other real estate.  Many seniors also have significant savings in the bank they use to fund their assisted living needs.  There is a wide variety of ways by which you or your loved one’s assisted living care costs can be covered.

SLS Communities Assisted Living Services

SLS Communities offers a variety of affordable locations and options for assisted living in Arizona which fit the budget of many seniors.  Please give us a call to learn more about what options we have for assisted living and get help understanding how the costs of care can be covered.

Call today to learn more about assisted living with SLS at 480-348-0300

Written by craig braddick

Coronavirus Advice For Seniors

Coronavirus Advice For Seniors

Coronavirus also known as COVID-19 is currently impacting the entire world. But older people are especially at risk. Here is some advice from the American Red Cross. Read on to learn more.

Limiting The Spread Of Germs

The Red Cross recommends the following steps to help prevent the spread of germs during this situation:

  • Stay home if you can and avoid gatherings of more than ten people.
  • Practice social distancing by keeping a distance of about six feet from others if you must go out in public.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; throw used tissues in the trash. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve, not your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, computers, phones, keyboards, sinks, toilets, faucets and countertops.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them – use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. Full information on how to disinfect found here.
  • Wear a face mask if you are sick. You should wear a face mask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.

According to the CDC, COVID-19 symptoms include fever, shortness of breath and a cough. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Call your doctor for medical advice if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms.

 

Are You At High Risk?

According to the CDC, early information shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this virus. This includes older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or a serious medical condition, it is extra important for you to take actions to avoid getting sick.

Stay home as much as you can and avoid crowds as much as possible. Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.

  • When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
  • Stock up on supplies.
    • Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.
    • If you cannot get extra medications, consider using a mail-order option.
    • Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
    • Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.

For More Information

You can find more information on COVID-19 safety here. For the latest information, please visit the CDC website at cdc.gov/covid19.

What Seniors Should Know About The COVID-19 Vaccine

If you’re looking for the very best assisted living in Phoenix; SLS Communities can help!  We have 5 locations in the Phoenix Valley that seniors and their families can choose from. With great amenities such as meticulously manicured landscaping, swimming pools, theater rooms, on-site salons, and much more! SLS Communities delivers today’s seniors the very best assisted living care services in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Check out our locations below

For more information about assisted living and senior living services please call 480-348-0300.

Written by webtechs

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost In Peoria, AZ?

The average cost of assisted living in Peoria, AZ is $2,948 per month in 2020 according to Desert Winds Retirement; with low costs ranging around $2,446 and high costs around $3,447. This is a lower cost than the national average of $3,340. Cheaper nearby cities include Surprise with an average assisted living cost starting at $2,503. Arizona assisted living costs average $3,500 statewide.

How To Pay For The Cost Of Assisted Living In Peoria, Arizona

Aid and Attendance Allowance

Wartime veterans that are 65 and older, or their surviving spouse, may be able to receive a tax-free monthly monetary benefit that will pays for assistance with activities of daily living that are received in the home, nursing home, or assisted living facility. The financial assistance can be as much as $2,984. The amount depends on the applicant’s status (surviving spouse, single, married, or both veterans and married).
Unlike some of the other financial assistance programs for the elderly that pays the facility or caregiver, this program pays the veteran or their surviving spouse directly. For income limits as well as more in-depth information about Aid and Attendance, click.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP helps pay electric or gas bills, past due bills, utility deposits, late fees, or reconnection fees. This financial assistance is available once every 12 months. Although funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, priority is given to seniors 60 or older, and certain others.
Click to learn more about this program, income requirements, and information on how to apply.

Non-Medical Home and Community Based Services (NMHCBS)

Seniors who are not eligible for the state’s medical program, are 60 years of age or older, and need assistance with three or more activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living could get free assistance through the NMHCBS program. Some of the non-medical services covered by the program include adult day care, home meal delivery or meals at a senior center, housekeeping, personal care, respite care, and transportation. For additional information about the program, everything it covers, and how to apply, read the NMHCBS guide.

Assisted Living In Peoria With Desert Winds Retirement

20554 N 101st Ave, Peoria, AZ 85382

(623) 362-1200

Desert Winds Retirement Community provides large studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with plenty of space for our residents’ clothing, furniture, and personal items. The two-story Assisted Living Facility is built around a courtyard that is a focal point for activities and also provides spectacular views from the apartments surrounding this lush garden setting. Gorgeous sunrise, sunset and mountain views are available from all apartments.

Written by craig braddick

Best Board Games For Seniors

Best Board games For Seniors

Read on to learn more about board games seniors can enjoy playing!

  • Cards: A deck of cards provides an array of games to enjoy, from Go Fish to poker and everything in-between. A standard deck offers 52 playing cards with four suites.
  • Scrabble: Scrabble is a great game that requires critical thinking and blends it with the entertainment of a word puzzle. Enjoy the clack of tiles as you pass on your vocabulary to your grandchildren — and learn theirs. This game is especially fun for seniors who enjoy crossword puzzles and word searches.
  • Chess and Checkers: Everyone has some experience with one or both of these games of wit. Chess and checkers are great games to play with the elderly. Both games are easy to learn and highlight creative problem-solving and strategy as fundamental portions of the game.
  • Monopoly: This timeless board game of fast deals and property trading is a classic for sure at 8 years old, no matter what pieces are included now. The game has undergone minimal changes in its lifespan, with the most recent one ousting the boot, wheelbarrow and thimble for a T-Rex, rubber ducky and penguin. Remember fighting over the Scottie, hat, car, cat and battleship?
  • Ticket to Ride: Ticket to Ride is an award-winning game where players collect color-coded cards to claim train routes and connect one city to another. The game features the competitive fun of Monopoly with simple rules that will have you chugging along to famous cities in the U.S. or across the country. Ticket to Ride uses replica maps of real countries, which can inspire memories of past travels.
  • SuspendSimilar to Jenga, Suspend takes the same concept and replaces stacking blocks with a series of metal rods. This game is fun to play with the whole family and blends creative problem-solving and fine motor skills.
  • Incan Gold: Take classic card games such as poker and blackjack, add Indiana Jones and you’ll get Incan Gold. Travel to an ancient temple and collect treasures along the way, but make sure you make your escape before traps close in on you. This luck-based game exercises creativity and critical problem-solving.
  • Qwirkle: Qwirkle is a tile-placement game where players match colors and shapes, just like dominoes or Uno. The game uses pattern recognition, basic mathematics and strategy to exercise the brain, keeping it happy and healthy.
Source: https://www.capitalsenior.com/blog/senior-citizens-board-games-health-benefits/

If you’re looking for the very best assisted living in Phoenix; SLS Communities can help!  We have 5 locations in the Phoenix Valley that seniors and their families can choose from. With great amenities such as meticulously manicured landscaping, swimming pools, theater rooms, on-site salons, and much more! SLS Communities delivers today’s seniors the very best assisted living care services in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Check out our locations below

For more information about assisted living and senior living services please call 480-348-0300.

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