Assisted Living – Orland Park
(708) 479-1082
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Tag: Assisted Living

Benefits of Physical Activity

Wednesday, January 1, 2023   

Most people are aware of the many benefits of physical activity, but often forget about the benefits of social activity. Although physical activity is still a critical part in your seniors’ day to day life, interacting with others is just as important to their health.

Many seniors may lose their daily social activities as they age due to various reasons such as mobility issues or family members and friends moving away. However, it’s important that a senior maintains an active social life both for their mental and physical wellbeing.

Learn more about the different ways social activity can enhance your senior’s day-to-day life!

1. Enhanced Mental Health
Interactions with friends and family can help maintain good mental health. Positive contact with other people can reduce stress and even slow down cognitive decline!

2. Improved Nutrition
Some seniors may skip meals or opt for a quick, unhealthy snack instead of cooking. Being social and enjoying meals with others can improve seniors’ chances of eating regularly and consuming nutritious foods.

3. Improved Quality of Life
Social activities can give a person a sense of belonging. When a senior is having fun, receiving, and offering support, and enjoying the company of others, they tend to have a reduced risk of depression and an increased appreciation for life!

4. Better Physical Health 
Socialization can also improve seniors’ physical health. There are a variety of activities that are fun to enjoy with another person or a group. Simple activities such as taking a walk, going to a park, or going fishing are wonderful ways your senior can stay social.

5. Longer Life Span

Seniors can increase their life span by socializing regularly, as the combination of physical and mental benefits can ultimately lead to a longer and happier life!

As a caregiver, it’s critical to incorporate social activities into your loved one’s daily routine. There are many ways a senior can get involved, such as joining a club or group, attending church services, volunteering in the community, taking an online class and learning a new skill, or reaching out to old friends for coffee.

At Evergreen Senior Living, we focus on socialization for all our residents in both our supportive living and memory care communities. Take a tour to learn more about how Evergreen Senior Living implements social activities into our seniors’ daily routine!

Assisted Living Virtual Tour

Memory Support Virtual Tour

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December Activities to do with your Loved One

Wednesday, December 12, 2022   

Wintertime is here, which means sparkling white snow, beautiful lights, and, most importantly, quality family time. We want to help you make this holiday season one your senior will remember with these meaningful holiday activities.

Pass down family recipes

Cooking and baking can be great activities to bond with your senior. Ask for their favorite family recipe. The creation of delicious snacks and meals is a great opportunity to grab those ingredients and have some children in the family learn how to cook with grandma and grandpa.


Deck the halls

Show your holiday spirit with twinkling lights, a nice Christmas tree, and stocking hanging! To make decorating a great memory, have grandchildren get creative and make their own Christmas ornament decorations for your family tree or something special for grandma and grandpa!


Share holiday traditions

It is always a fun time sharing and remembering past holidays. Sharing traditions will truly help make this season more enjoyable for your senior. For example, on Christmas eve, pick someone special to represent St Nick, and let everyone open one gift that Santa passes out. It’s a great laugh for the grownups and a moment of magic for the little ones.


Cookie decorating competition

Winter is the best season for cookie decorating! And a great time to have a little friendly competition. Purchase different sprinkles, food coloring for the frosting, and any other fun item you can find! Cover the distance by inviting far-away family members to see the finished cookies and vote via a video call!


Scrapbooking

Nowadays, everyone takes photos on their phones. It is easy to print off those photos and make a meaningful scrapbook with your senior. Not only will these photos bring back memories, but it is also a great way to share with future generations all those lovely stories.


At Evergreen Senior Living, we want to help keep your senior in the Christmas spirit! We also plan multiple great activities to help keep your senior engaged, creative, and in a festive mood. Contact us today to see how we do the holidays at Evergreen Place Assisted Living and the Legacy: Memory Support in Orland Park!

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Brain Functions that Improve with Age

Wednesday, October 10, 2022   

When it comes to cognitive functions and their correlation with age, people often focus on declines. But a new study challenges these preconceptions and suggests that certain operations in our brain improve over time!

Cognitive functioning includes thinking, memory, and self-control. Many researchers agree there comes an age when these mental faculties start to decline. While it’s true some seniors show deterioration; others may show an increase and improvement. Dr. Ullman, a professor in the Department of Neuroscience and director of Georgetown University Medical Center’s Brain and Language Lab in Washington, D.C., conducted a study with 702 participants ages 58 to 98, testing in three areas:

Orienting Function– Shifting attention to an unexpected movement

Alerting Function – Increased preparedness

Executive Function – Inhibiting distractions so you can stay focused

This test showed how these participants responded to the target stimulus. This recent study revealed that only the alerting function declined. Past studies indicated a decline in all three functions. In this case, the orientation and executive function improved! The hypothesis is that these operations are part of our everyday lives and are regularly practiced. And although these functions seem to improve as we age, many activities can further improve cognitive abilities, such as

  • Social interaction
  • Trivia games
  • Puzzles
  • Board games
  • Arts and crafts

At Evergreen Senior Living in Orland Park, we are dedicated to maintaining the cognitive health of our residents. All our games and activities are designed strategically to ensure that your senior continues to live their best life. Contact us to learn more about our assisted living and memory support communities, or schedule your tour online today!

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When Is the Right Time for Assisted Living?

Wednesday, September 9, 2022   

As we get older, some of the day-to-day tasks that we once did can become challenging for us. There may come a time when your loved one can no longer live independently. It may be difficult to watch someone who used to take care of you not able to care for themselves. As much as you would love to be their caregiver, it’s not always possible. Evergreen Senior Living in Orland Park is a perfect middle ground. Our caring team ensures your loved one is in a positive, safe, and reliable environment while you can rest assured they are in great hands.

Many signs may indicate that assisted living is the right choice for the senior in your life.

Isolation is a common and serious problem in the senior population. According to the U.S. Census, more than 11 million seniors live alone, which can affect seniors’ overall health. The last thing we want is for seniors to stop participating in the activities they love or connecting with their loved ones. If your loved one stops enjoying hobbies, isn’t happy and lively like they once were, or doesn’t want to interact, it may be time for assisted living. Evergreen Senior Living provides numerous opportunities for your senior to get back to doing the hobbies and activities they once loved!

Believe it or not, living in a clean environment can also affect your senior’s mood. If your senior lacks the motivation to sweep their floors, cook healthy meals, or do laundry, they may soon stop caring for themselves. If you notice any of these changes, assisted living is a great option to discuss with your loved one. At Evergreen Senior Living in Orland Park, we do our seniors’ laundry, prepare delicious meals, and clean our residents’ apartments for them.

Together with your senior, make a decision that is best for them. Schedule a tour and see how Evergreen Senior Living in Orland Park offers the best team, community, and care for your senior.
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How Aging of the Brain Affects Thinking

Wednesday, July 7, 2022   

Think about all the cognitive functions your brain controls; decision-making, planning, remembering, organizing, categorizing, etc. These abilities not only play a huge role in our day-to-day lives, but they determine whether we can live independently. Our brain may reveal everything from minute changes to a decline in memory and cognitive abilities as we get older. But believe it or not, there are some positive cognitive changes as well.

Changes in the brain are very common as we age. Certain parts of the brain shrink, especially parts that are crucial in learning new skills. In some brain regions, communications between nerve cells may not be as effective as they used to be. In many cases, blood flow in the brain may also decrease. All these changes affect mental functions for your senior’s day-to-day tasks. On the positive side, there are cognitive super-agers, seniors in their 80s and 90s with memory performance comparable to people in their 20s! These seniors defy the common assumption that cognitive decline goes hand-in-hand with aging.

Some positive cognitive changes include an extensive collective vocabulary and more knowledge of the depth of meaning of words than younger people. Seniors have gathered a lot of information and knowledge over the years that they can share with others. As you get older, you tend to focus more on positive things, becoming better at remembering positive memories.

Although it is great that our brains can change positively as we age, it is also good to remember the different ways to help your brain remain healthy and stay in that positive state. There are many activities one can participate in that help maintain healthy cognition.

  • Read books and magazines
  • Play games
  • Take a class
  • Learn a new skill or hobby

At Evergreen Senior Living in Orland Park, we understand the different changes in the aging human brain and the brain-stimulating activities that help our residents maintain healthy cognition. Our caring team understands the correct way to care for each and every resident. Schedule a tour today and see for yourself.

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Brain Stimulating Activities for Seniors

Wednesday, April 4, 2022   
As we get older, cognitive function can decline, making it hard for our brain to recall information and memories. Learning, decision-making, problem-solving, and attention all become more challenging. Losing sight of these skills can make it hard for our loved ones to go about their day-to-day routine. Luckily our brains are like muscles and can be strengthened to regain some of those skills. Here are some ways your loved ones can get back to doing the activities they love.

1. Physical Exercise
Keeping your body in shape helps your brain stay in shape! Something as simple as a nature walk can relax the mind. Going on walks also allows for socialization with others which is super beneficial.

Indoor exercises are great for the mind as well! Some indoor exercises that Evergreen Senior Living offers include dancing, yoga, and group exercise classes!

2. Socialization
As mentioned above, socialization stimulates our minds in the best way. Socializing enables people to practice their communication skills, think critically, memory recall, and many other benefits! At Evergreen in Normal, we range from concerts to volunteer opportunities for our seniors to be social!

3. Brain Games
Not only are these games fun, but they can enable your mental processes to become clearer and keep your mind focused. Games like trivia can stimulate recall skills associated with memory. Jigsaw puzzles are great for problem-solving skills! Crossword puzzles involve critical thinking and memory! Card games like rummy, bridge, and solitaire encourage social interaction while stimulating the brain! These games are also good for a friendly competition!

4. Meditation
Many studies have highlighted the positive effects of meditation on conditions like depression, anxiety, diabetes, chronic pain, and high blood pressure. Some activities such as nature walks, yoga, or stretching are great ways to relieve stress and give a sense of mindfulness.

Keeping the brain active can be done in many unique and fun ways. The care we provide here at Evergreen Senior Living Orland Park is designed to lead to a higher sense of well-being. Learn more about Evergreen Senior Living’s memory care activities by visiting our site or scheduling a tour today.

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Springtime Activities for Seniors

Monday, March 3, 2022   

Younger generations are not the only ones who get spring fever. People of all ages enjoy the fresh new flowers, sunshine, and those sweet fresh scents of growing things! Spring is a time of rejuvenation and rebirth. There are many springtime activities that are perfect for seniors. Whether your loved one prefers indoor or outsides activities, there are a range of options to choose from that fit their physical activity level.

Go for a walk. Now that winter is almost over, it is time to go outside and feel that fresh air. There are plenty of parks and trails around the Orland Park area that are easily accessible for seniors who have limited mobility. Find one that would be a great fit for your senior loved one.

Have fun with the grandkids. Spring is a great time for seniors to participate in fun activities with their grandchildren! They could fly a kite together, drawing on the sidewalk with chalk, blowing bubbles, and even making paper planes to see whose plane goes the furthest!

Spring cleaning. A clean home gives us a sense of refreshment, especially after winter! Help renew your senior’s mind with a clutter-free, clean environment! This is also a great light exercise.

Nice picnic in the park. Grab some snacks, a blanket, and find a nice green patch to sit on! Picnics are a great way for seniors to get some vitamin D (but don’t forget the sunscreen!) and enjoy a nice meal with the people they love.

Visit a local farmers market. Pick out a recipe with your senior and head to the farmer’s market! Select some fresh fruits and vegetables that complement your recipe. Make an afternoon of cooking some delicious foods and maybe even participating in some arts and crafts you may have found when wandering. Not only does a farmer’s market have great fresh produce, but it is also a great way for your senior to get some friendly interactions!

At Evergreen Senior Living in Orland Park, we encourage seniors to engage in outside and indoor activities! We have lovely outdoor spaces with fresh, comfortable seating and lovely views. And our life enrichment team plans all sorts of inside events to keep our seniors involved. Call or schedule a tour today to learn about the different activities we offer for our wonderful residents.

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Best Diets for Seniors to Stay Healthy!

Wednesday, February 2, 2022   

Proper diet and a healthy life go hand in hand, especially for adults over 65. According to reports by World Health Organization (WHO), most of the diseases that older people suffer are a result of a lack of proper diet. For example, bad fat in food is linked to prostate cancer, colon cancer, and pancreas cancer. We want to help our seniors and those in our community stay on a healthy diet!

Foods High in Omega-3

Fatty acids are very important for all ages, specifically seniors. Evidence has shown that intaking fatty acids reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and even heart disease! You can find these fatty acids in fish like tuna or salmon. Omega-3 can also be found in non-seafoods like soybeans, canola oil, walnuts, and flaxseed!

Calcium

Calcium also plays a very important role in our diet. It helps keep our bones strong and lowers blood pressure. Studies show that as we get older, we consume less calcium. If your body does not receive the proper amount of calcium it needs, it begins to reabsorb calcium from the bones. When our bodies do that, that causes our bones to be brittle and fragile. Foods rich in calcium are the obvious milk, yogurt, and cheese, but calcium can also be found in leafy green vegetables!

Fiber

Fiber is great for reducing the risk of heart disease. Fiber helps proper digestion by moving food through the digestive tract. This is especially important because our digestive system slows down as we get older. Foods rich in fiber include brown rice, fruits, vegetables, and wholegrain bread/pasta!

Water

Last but certainly not least, water! All adults should be drinking eight glasses of water a day. As you get older, your body stops telling you that it is thirsty. However, you still need to drink water! One tip that helps you drink water includes putting water in a small container and refilling it often, rather than one huge jug of water. That can make one feel overwhelmed!

At Evergreen Senior Living in Orland Park, we care about the health and wellness of our residents. Check out the different dining options we provide for our seniors by scheduling a tour through our website! 

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What to Look for in a Senior Living Community

Monday, January 1, 2022   

Finding a senior living community for your loved one can sometimes be overwhelming. You might not be sure what to look for or focus on. There are many factors to consider when looking at senior living communities with your loved one. You want to know what services are offered, or what amenities, maybe even social activities! Whatever you are curious about, we have the answer for you.

Knowing what services are offered is very important when choosing a home for your senior. You want to make sure your loved one is getting the care they need. Our staff ensures that all the needs are met for each senior based on their level of independence. Caring for our seniors is what we do best, and we want to support them any way we can. 

Different services that we offer here at Evergreen Senior Living in Orland Park include:

  • Routine medication management
  • Discreet personal assistance
  • Respite care
  • Housekeeping services
  • Laundry services
  • Senior-friendly transportation
  • 24-hour nursing care is available if assistance is needed

Active, socially engaging communities help seniors retain their health and provide a general sense of purpose and fulfillment, which is why social activities are so important. We encourage our seniors to engage and participate in activities they love and help them find new hobbies they enjoy. Most importantly, we have a range of activities, so everyone can find something they love to do. Evergreen Senior Living in Orland Park includes many activities that involve being social like:

  • Sit & Be Fit – Focuses on physical health!
  • Maintain Your Brain – Games, and activities that stimulate the brain!
  • Spirituality – Connect with those with similar interests at Bible study or church service!
  • Artistic Inspiration – A new hobby that you didn’t even know you liked to do!
  • Community Events – Engaging with the community and a great way to make a new friend!
  • Social Outings – Enjoying the activities you love doing or watching with people of similar interest!

Evergreen Senior Living in Orland Park has a wide variety of amenities on our campus that include:

  • Chef-prepared meals
  • Private dining room for family gatherings
  • Renew day spa
  • Neighborhood gathering spaces for visiting and playing games
  • Family rooms and lounges that are filled with friendship and laughter
  • A community center for sharing stories and recipes
  • And many more!

Our campus is designed for seniors to do what they love; live in a safe environment and have the best care. If you have any questions about our community, please feel free to call us or contact us through our website at www.evergreenslc.com/orlandpark

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Ways To Prevent A Common Winter Injury

Monday, December 12, 2021   

As we approach winter, Evergreen Senior Living in Orland Park wants to provide our community with some helpful tips on preventing common winter injuries!

 

Slipping and falling on ice and snow is a very common injury for people of all ages, but seniors are especially at risk. In fact, according to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury among older Americans, and winter weather conditions only exacerbate that concern.

 

Ice can be difficult to see both at night and during the day. Seniors can easily lose their footing and take a fall that can put them in severe danger. Those who previously suffered hip injuries can especially be affected by damage to their hips or back. Seniors should be accompanied when walking outside, helped down driveways, and helped across parking lots to ensure they are stable and have the support to walk safely.

 

Below we have provided some helpful ways to keep you and your loved safe this winter:

 

  • Wear proper footwear made for icy and snowy conditions.
  • Keep your stride shorter and avoid long steps.
  • Slow things down — try not to rush or run outdoors.
  • Keep de-icer or sand on hand for when things get slippery around your house.
  • In case of injury, always have your cell phone handy.
  • If you need to do outdoor chores, take your time and don’t hurry.

 

Following safety protocols leads to a 35% reduction in the fall rate and a 62% decrease in the injury rate!

 

Here at Evergreen Senior Living in Orland Park, we care about the safety of our wonderful residents and those in our community. This winter, your loved one can experience a white Christmas in a fun and safe manner. Schedule a tour to see for yourself!

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (708) 479-1082 or through our website!

 

Stay warm and safe this winter, and happy holidays to everyone!

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