Sunrise Senior Living Blog

U.S. News & World Report Recognizes Sunrise Short-Term Rehabilitation Programs on Best Nursing Home List for 2022-2023

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 19:03:00 EST

U.S. News & World Report awarded several of Sunrise’s short-term rehabilitation programs with the “High-Performing” rating as part of the U.S. News’s Best Nursing Home list for 2022-2023.

The rating methodology includes an analysis of data collected and published by the federal government and the thorough evaluation of factors that U.S. News has determined most impact resident care, safety, and outcomes.

These communities offer multiple levels of care including Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care in addition to short term rehabilitation.

This announcement comes after 95 Sunrise communities across the U.S. were recognized as part of U.S. News’s inaugural Best Senior Living ratings for 2022-2023 in the categories of Best Independent Living, Best Assisted Living, and Best Memory Care. Those distinctions were awarded to communities that satisfied U.S. News’s objective statistical assessment of each senior living community’s performance from consumer satisfaction surveys.

To learn more about U.S. News & World Report’s Best Nursing Home list for 2022-2023, please visit the release linked here.

Mental Health Spotlight: Self-Care Tips for Caregivers

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 21:34:00 EST

As our population continues to grow older, more adult children are finding themselves taking on the role of caregiver for an aging parent. Some do so while working outside the home. Either way, the situation can be stressful, sometimes leading to a personal health crisis for the caregiver.

Many times, the caregiver won’t recognize and act on the warning signs of burnout until it’s too late. They fall ill or experience a serious injury. Or experience a stress-related mental health problem.

This is why it’s important to learn how to practice healthy self-care. And to also recognize the red flags that indicate you might be heading toward a serious case of caregiver burnout.

Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout

The early symptoms of caregiver burnout are often subtle and easy to overlook, especially in the midst of a busy day. If you are a caregiver who has been experiencing these red flags for two weeks or more, it’s likely your body telling you it’s time to take a break for a break:

Insomnia or sleeping too much or too little
Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Digestive issues or stomachache
Anxiety that impedes daily life
Quick to angry or become tearful
Unintentional weight gain or loss
Back, neck, or shoulder pain
Developing unhealthy coping habits (e.g., smoking)
Loss of interest in socializing and favorite pastimes

Should any of these symptoms be ones you are experiencing, it might be time to make some changes. Start by scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician. They can perform a physical and if necessary, create a plan for getting your health back on track.

Self-Care for the Family Caregiver

In addition to working with your doctor, you might find it helpful to try these suggestions for managing caregiver stress and preventing burnout:

Eat well: Preparing healthy meals often seems like a luxury to busy caregivers. It’s might be quicker and easier to rely on convenience foods or fast food. In the long run, however, a healthy diet gives you more energy. It you can’t find time in a busy day to prepare your own meals, try a home-delivered meal service. These programs save time while also ensuring your refrigerator stays stocked with fresh, healthy foods.
Exercise regularly: Another stress-buster you might not feel you have time for is getting regular exercise. In reality, fitness activities reduce stress, improve endurance, and promotes better sleep. If you can’t exercise for 30 continuous minutes as health experts recommend, break your daily workout into two 15-minute blocks. You reap the same health benefits.
Meditate: There is clear evidence to show the therapeutic value of meditation. Research shows that meditating helps reduce the stress and anxiety most caregivers struggle with nearly every day. Taking a few minutes to meditate at the start of the day can help improve your health. Apps like Calm and 10% Happier are good resources get you started.
Journaling: Another healthy practice to explore is journaling. Getting your feelings and struggles down on paper can help you find solutions to difficult issues, while also aiding in reducing stress. It can be as easy as taking a few minutes at the end of the day to thoughtfully document your day.
Ask for help: Family caregivers are often known for being unwilling to ask for or accept help. Some believe no one will do as good of a job as they do caring for the senior, while others feel dutybound to do it alone. By asking help and allowing yourself to take regular breaks, you will be a healthier, better rested caregiver.

Quality Care at Sunrise Senior Living

From diabetes and memory loss to joint replacement recovery, Sunrise has a options for providing quality health care for a variety of medical conditions. To learn more about short-term or long-term care for a senior loved one at a Sunrise community near you, call 888-434-4648 today!

Is It Time for Assisted Living? Make An Informed Decision

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 20:26:00 EST

As you grow older, you may find yourself assume the role as the family caregiver. Initially, this role may involve small tasks like giving rides to and from appointments but has the potential to evolve into more as your loved one’s needs change. At the end of the day, most families just want to ensure that their older loved one is happy and healthy and safe. However, as that loved one’s circumstances change, caregivers may ask themselves: is this the best option?

Sometimes a senior will do well living independently when the family hires an in-home caregiver to assist with personal care and other chores. However, a change in health or circumstance may require additional support. In these situations, a change may be necessary. For many a transition to an assisted living community can be an invaluable option that helps improve the quality of life or both you and your loved one.

Who Should Suggest Senior Living?

This generation of seniors has earned a reputation for being doggedly independent. While families like to believe their senior loved one will tell them when they need help, many older adults are reluctant to admit they are need addition support. They’re likely to say everything is “fine” even when it might not be.

You may feel that it is better to wait for your aging loved one to ask for help before you, but it is also a good idea to plan early and broach the subject with your loved one before a serious health or safety crisis occurs that causes you to move quickly. It is a good idea to have a sense of the options available to you and your loved so that when the time comes, you can pursue the option that is best for your situation.

Knowing when and how to initiate that type of conversation can also be challenging but there are several signs to look for in your loved one that a change is probably needed.

Signs A Senior Needs Assisted Living

Rarely does a senior’s decline in health and their ability to maintain a home happen overnight. There are almost always signs that indicate they are struggling, even if the signals are less than obvious:

A normally tidy senior’s personal hygiene is being neglected as evidenced by disheveled clothing, dirty or messy hair, or body odor.
The senior seems unsteady walking or when rising from a seated position. They might even be sitting more in an effort to avoid falling.
Unexplained bruises or scratches can sometimes be warning signs of problems with mobility.
Without intention, the senior is gaining or losing weight, often because of a poor diet or difficulty preparing meals.
Stacks of unopened mail or past due notices are visible around the house. Trouble keeping up with finances is another sign of a struggle.
Mistakes with medication or failing to refill prescriptions on time is another area of concern. Check the number of pills remaining in prescription bottles and compare it to the date to see if they are on track.

A careful examination of the condition of an older loved one’s home might reveal further evidence that change is needed:

Are chores piling up between visits, such as stacks of dirty dishes, dusty furniture, piles of laundry, or overflowing trash?
Does the house have an odor that would suggest it needs cleaning?
Are small maintenance issues being ignored, such as light bulbs not being replaced or appliances not working?
Is the refrigerator filled with outdated foods and beverages?

Be Objective About the Need for Change

If you found yourself answering yes to more than one or two of the signs above, it’s probably time to talk about senior living with your aging loved one.

Remember, that as you process these changes, you are not alone. There are countless supports in place to help you and your loved one navigate your situation. One of those resources is post on Having the Important Conversations which offers useful tips for making these discussions go more smoothly and our Sunrise Blog entry on Working with Siblings to Care for an Aging Parent.

From Homeownership To Senior Living

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 20:23:00 EST

Many seniors in retirement decide to make a move to a senior living community so they can enjoy all of the benefits that go along with a maintenance-free lifestyle. If you are considering this change, one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is when to sell your house. It’s a question that potential residents often ask Sunrise team members for advice about when they visit.

Is it better to sell your house before you move so you have peace of mind about your finances? Or is waiting until after you’ve adjusted to your new community a less stressful option? There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Here are a few factors to consider so you can make a confident decision.

When Is the Best Time to Sell Your Home?

Ask yourself the following questions when you are trying to determine a timeline for moving:

1. Will you need the proceeds from the sale of your home to finance senior living?

For many older adults, their house is their most valuable financial asset. It’s common to use the equity in a homev to pay for senior living expenses. If you prefer to sell a home after you move but need the proceeds to help finance moving expenses, there is a solution that might help. It’s called a bridge loan. This special type of loan allows the borrower to use the equity from their house to help with senior living expenses. Once the home sells, the loan can be paid.

Bridge loans are available from banks and other mortgage lenders, in addition to companies that work exclusively in the senior housing industry. Elderlife Financial Services and Senior Act Financial Services are two examples.

2. Will paying for expenses associated with two homes create a financial hardship?

If you find a senior living community that’s a good fit for your lifestyle and future goals, you might be anxious to move. If you decide to wait to sell until you are settled into your new space, will your budget accommodate paying for both places?

Because the real estate market has been on a rollercoaster ride in recent years, this may be a difficult decision. If the old place doesn’t sell as quickly as you hoped, will the added financial burden be too much? It’s important to be realistic about how long you can cover the expenses of both locations.

3. Can you pack for a move while also keeping the house show-ready?

Living in a home that is for sale while you are also preparing for a move is a juggling act. Buyers usually have high expectations for homes they are viewing. A tidy, well-organized house gives the impression that the place is well maintained. By contrast, a cluttered home can make people wonder. If you are trying to downsize and pack, it may be tough to keep the house ready to show on short notice.

A less stressful choice for older adults who need to do a lot of downsizing prior to moving might be to list the house once the move is complete. Also, consider hiring a professional stager to create an environment that will attract buyers and close deals more quickly.

4. Can your lifestyle accommodate multiple showings?

Real estate agents typically suggest that homeowners leave the house during showings. It allows buyers to take their time exploring the home and picturing themselves living there. In a hot real estate market or when a home is newly listed, that might mean there will be multiple showings a day. This can be a real inconvenience, especially when showings are in the early morning or late evening to accommodate potential buyers’ schedules. Requests for showings can also come on short notice. Be honest with yourself about whether these interruptions will pose a hardship for you.

Relocation Professionals for Seniors

As you explore your options for selling your home and relocating, it is important to know about two groups of professionals who provide assistance to seniors who are relocating. One group is a senior move manager, and the other is a senior real estate specialist® (SRES®).

Both types of professionals have experience working with older adults who are transitioning from a private home to a senior living community. They can assist with everything from hiring and overseeing movers to setting up and managing an estate sale.

Real Estate Finances and Senior Living

Sunrise Senior Living has another resource you might find useful as you prepare to sell your home and move. Check out our panel discussion with Elderlife Financial Services and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices detailing how you can simplify your transition into Senior Living, maximize the value of your home.

Tips for Talking About the Future with Your Senior Loved One

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 20:10:00 EST

At certain places in our lives, talking about the future can be incredibly exciting. We imagine the adventures we’ll have, the home we’ll live in, the partner we may meet and the kids we might be lucky enough to raise. However, as we get older, thinking about the future can become a little less exciting and a bit more overwhelming for both the individual and their loved ones.

As a loved one or caregiver of an older adult, you may feel many competing emotions when it comes to how to plan for your loved one’s future. Beginning a conversation about their wishes for the future isn’t something most adult children are anxious to do. In fact, it is common for families to put off having these discussions altogether. Many worry that these topics are too sensitive to tackle with their loved one and try to avoid them completely.

Topics like transitioning away from driving, downsizing from a large home, or moving to an assisted living community can be heavy topics that can be difficult for both older adults and their adult children to mention let alone discuss at length. for fear of upsetting the senior.

Anticipating the awkwardness of these talks maybe overwhelming and navigating them may be challenging at first. However, it’s important to remember that as a loved one or caregiver of an older adult a solid plan for the future will give both you and your loved one peace of mind and ensure that their needs are met in timely and thoughtful way.

As you consider beginning these conversations or revisiting them with your senior loved one, reference these useful tips for additional guidance and support:

Tips for Tackling Difficult Conversations about your Loved One’s Future

Follow the 40/70 Rule – Waiting for a crisis like an injury or accident to occur forced seniors and their loved ones to make decisions quickly and without all of the necessary options. In order to plan ahead, expert recommend using what is known as the 40/70 rule. That means you start discussing the future when an adult child turns 40 or parents reach the age of 70. If you are an adult child initiating this conversation, make it clear your goal is to help your senior loved ones live their best retirement. By looking and planning ahead, they’ll be able to relax and enjoy the life they deserve.

Actively Listening & Mutual Respect – Having these types of conversations come with a lot of emotions on both sides which is why it is important to set the stage for a productive conversation. Establishing ground rules before you get started can be a great way to make the purpose of the conversation clear and effective. One ground rule we recommend is agreeing that you’ll both listen and be respectful of each other’s opinions. Adult children are often surprised to learn how much their loved one’s worries and fears differ from their own. For example, an aging loved one may be concerned about financing assisted living or that they will lose their independence once they relocate. By contrast, an adult child might fear their parent will delay making a change, such as giving up driving, which puts their well-being at risk. It might also be helpful to have a mutual friend or loved one present to help facilitate or support the conversation.

Be Solutions-Oriented – It is important to remember that not all of these discussions are or need to be deep, dark discussions. By starting the planning process, you can ensure that these conversations are positive, and solution focused. For example, talk about what your parents would like to do if they begin struggling to maintain their house or manage their personal hygiene needs. Do they prefer bringing in around-the-clock home care or do they think it is more cost-effective to move to an assisted living community? Also discuss some “what if” scenarios, such as future concerns about their driving skills or hazards associated with living alone.

Don’t Forget Next Steps – You and your loved one probably won’t settle everything in one discussion, so it is important to acknowledge that you’ll likely have a series of discussions. This phased approach will help both caregivers and seniors get more comfortable with the topic and you’ll both be able to create a thoughtful and flexible plan that works for your loved one.

At Sunrise Senior Living, we offer a range of care options, including assisted living, independent living, memory care, skilled nursing, and more. To learn more about senior living or the different types of care, visit our website or call 888-434-4648 to speak to a senior living counselor.

5 Common Questions Families Have About Financing Senior Living

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 20:01:00 EST

Senior living has changed dramatically over the past decade or so.

Today, there are more choices than ever before. There are also more options for financing senior living.

If you’re like most families, you and your senior loved one have lots of questions about paying for senior living. We thought it would be helpful to answer a few of those we hear most often.

The Most Common Questions About Financing Senior Living

Here are answers to some of the common questions families have about how to pay for senior living.

1. How do I pay for assisted living?

Bridge Loans

If your family has decided to sell your senior loved one’s home to pay for senior living, a bridge loan can help. This is a short-term loan that helps pay for assisted living until the home sells.

In the meantime, there are senior living relocation specialists.

They specialize in helping seniors sell their property when they’ve decided to move to senior living. Typically, these realtors belong to the Senior Real Estate Specialist Council, a national network of realtors who have special knowledge of the market.

Rent the Home

If your senior loved one isn’t ready to let go of their home, consider renting it. Rental payments can help cover the cost of senior living. An upside to this option is you don’t have to deal with selling the home before transitioning to senior living.

Veterans’ Programs

Veterans who are eligible to receive a VA pension may be eligible to receive benefits to help pay for assisted living. The Aid and Attendance Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. You can contact the regional office nearest you for more information.

2. Can we use a life insurance policy to pay for senior living?

You can if you take advantage of what is called a ‘life settlement’.

Here are some pros:

A large lump sum is issued to pay for home improvements, in-home care, or assisted/senior living
No restrictions on how funds are used
Life settlements can pay up to seven times more than the cash surrender value
You no longer have to make premium payments
There may be tax deductions available if used to pay for long-term care

But there are also some drawbacks including:

This may disqualify you for Medicaid
The death benefit is transferred to the new owner of the policy
The settlement can be taxable as a capital gain
You may pay a broker fee (6% of the face value of the policy, for example) unless you try to sell it yourself
Your senior loved one may have to undergo a medical exam

3. Does long-term care (LTC) insurance cover assisted living?

LTC insurance policies cover people who have chronic conditions or disabilities requiring them to seek help for the basics of daily living. Policies differ but may help pay for care at home, in an assisted living community, or in a long term care center.

There a lot of factors to consider when it comes to using long-term care insurance to finance senior living.

Pros of LTC:

Benefits may be used in a home setting, assisted living or a long-term care center
While they typically don’t cover the entire cost of care, LTC insurance can make care more affordable

Cons of LTC:

Most policies have limits on how long and how much they’ll pay
Premiums can increase
If you become unable to afford the premiums, you could lose your investment
Can usually only be used to reimburse seniors for the cost of services for assistance with the activities of daily living (ADL)
Coverage is based on strict requirements for the assisted living community

4. What does senior living really cost?

Monthly fees for assisted living across the country average $3,628, but that is just an average. Some areas of the country can be higher, and some will be lower.

The good news is services and support can typically be customized. This a la carte system allows seniors who don’t need those services to opt out and pay lower fees. In other words, residents don’t have to pay for services they don’t want or need.

5. Does Medicare pay for assisted living?

Unfortunately, it does not. And that is often a surprise to adult children. Because Medicare is a healthcare program, it only covers services determined to be medical in nature. A rehab center, a hospital stay or a physician appointment are examples of services covered by Medicare.

Want to Learn More? Sunrise Senior Living Has Resources

Call or visit a Sunrise Senior Living community near you to learn more about paying for assisted living. We can help you explore the options available to you and your family.

How To Tell The Difference Between Normal Forgetfulness And Dementia

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 19:54:00 EST

Forgetting things occasionally is a part of life. It's why people may have reminders on their smartphones or sticky notes on their refrigerators. As people get older they might experience more frequent instances of memory loss, but this is often a normal part of aging. So how can aging adults tell if they're experiencing the symptoms of dementia? And how do they know when it's time to tell a doctor?

Here are some tips on how to tell normal forgetfulness from dementia:

Normal age-related symptoms:
These problems can be frustrating, but they are not very serious and certainly aren't any cause for alarm. Forgetfulness comes with age. Some typical memory-loss symptoms common in older adults include:

Transience and absentmindedness. Harvard Medical School said that these two conditions are a normal part of the aging process. Transience is when the brain forgets some memories over time. According to the school, this could actually be a good thing, because it means the brain is removing unused memories to make room for new ones. Absentmindedness is similar in that it relates to your brain's focus. For instance, forgetting an appointment might happen simply because you weren't preoccupied with the thought of it.
Forgetfulness and other mental issues. According to the National Institute on Aging, there are many other health conditions that could contribute to memory loss. For example, people with depression are sometimes mistaken for having the symptoms of dementia. One reason for this may be that a person dealing with depression might be extremely preoccupied with the cause of their sadness and anxiety, the institute further stated. Constantly worrying about or obsessing over a recent tragedy can lead to forgetfulness of other topics.

Potential signs of dementia:
Unlike normal age-related forgetfulness, memory loss linked to dementia is progressive, according to Dr. William W. Pendlebury, a professor at the University of Vermont. These issues get steadily worse and the patient eventually has to move to assisted living facilities because he can no longer live on his own.

Forgetting important information. The symptoms of dementia go beyond merely forgetting where an object was placed or when an appointment was scheduled. Pendlebury further stated that symptoms include forgetting names of friends and loved ones and an inability to remember some words. When an older adult shows these signs of extreme forgetfulness, it's a good idea to schedule a visit the doctor.
Personality change. According to the Alzheimer's Association, people with dementia might experience major changes in personality. For example, a senior in the middle stages of dementia could suddenly be more prone to aggressive behavior, paranoia or impulsiveness. Often, this is the hardest part of the disease for caregivers to deal with. The association said that it is normal for senior caregivers to feel stressed out by these symptoms. As such, it could be wise to consider using respite care services if it becomes overwhelming.
Disorientation. Another common symptom of dementia is the tendency to become disoriented in new environments. The University of Illinois said that this disorientation extends to both place and time. If an older adult with dementia moves to a location, the unfamiliar stimuli may induce a feeling of insecurity. When disoriented, seniors with dementia might appear lost to onlookers and become easily aggravated with their caregivers.

Age-related memory loss and dementia are very different conditions, though they may share some overlap in symptoms. However, normal forgetfulness is often caused by lack of focus and it never progresses into serious territory. Dementia, on the other hand, will get worse over time. If you're uncertain about your symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

National Diabetes Month: Tips for Hosting a Diabetes-Friendly Thanksgiving

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 15:28:00 EST

In the U.S., Thanksgiving is typically thought of as the kick-off to the holiday season. It’s often a day to spend enjoying the companionship of friends and loved ones and, of course, copious amounts of rich foods and festive drinks. For the nearly 40 million Americans who live with diabetes, these menu options can wreak havoc on necessary dietary restrictions and make navigating the holiday table quite challenging.

When temptations abound on Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season, it’s more important than ever to manage your diabetes in a smart, thoughtful way.

A Guide for Managing Your Diabetes During the Holidays

Here are a few tips to help you safely navigate seasonal celebrations when you live with diabetes:

Plan ahead to make smart food choices

When it comes to a holiday dinner or buffet, eating well can be a matter of making the right choices. For example, if one of the appetizers is a vegetable tray, fill up on veggies. They’ll take the edge off your hunger so you’ll be less inclined to overindulge on the foods that aren’t great choices for people with diabetes.

Whenever possible, try to get an idea of what will be served during dinner before you sit down to eat. This will allow you to plan your choices. For example, if you know you won’t be able to resist your aunt’s trademark pumpkin roll for dessert, skip the potatoes and stuffing.

Know which holiday treats to limit or avoid

Unfortunately, holiday foods aren’t exactly synonymous with a diabetes-friendly diet. Sweets, high carbs, and rich foods seem to go hand in hand with seasonal celebrations. You might still be able to indulge in some of your favorites by strictly limiting portion size. There are some, however, that you should probably avoid completely.

Alcohol is a prime example. It can cause your blood sugar to swing dramatically, and it’s often loaded with calories. That’s especially true if you like to indulge in cocktails that contain eggnogs, creams, and other sugary mixes. According to WebMD, one drink counts as two fat exchanges, so keep that in mind when you reach for the holiday grog.

Here are a few other interesting facts about alcohol and diabetes:

Alcohol stimulates your appetite. When you drink, your willpower and judgment may become weakened, which can lead you to make bad food choices.
Sweet wine and beer contain carbs, which can impact your blood sugar.
Alcohol can interfere with medications or insulin, putting you at risk for problems with your diabetes.

If you’re unsure of whether or not you should be drinking alcohol, talk to your doctor. They may tell you to avoid it altogether, or they might advise you on how much your limit should be.

Prioritize healthy self-care

Putting your health first during the holiday season is important.

For individuals living with diabetes the following holiday reminders might be helpful:

Sleep deprivation may cause you to eat more, especially comfort foods. Most of which are high in sugar, carbs, and fat. Precisely the kinds of foods you’re likely to find on the Thanksgiving table and at other seasonal gatherings. Try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night
Getting regular exercise is also important when you are trying to manage diabetes. Don’t let a busy schedule cause you to skip your workouts. It not only helps burn off extra calories—it can also help reduce stress.
Finally, stay on track with your medication schedule and continue to monitor your glucose. Both are essential, but easy to overlook when you are on-the-go.

You don’t have to do it alone – find a buddy

For many individuals living with diabetes, they may feel lonely or isolated around the holiday season because of their dietary restrictions. However, just because they are the only person with diabetes in the room, chances are there is someone else at your holiday gathering with some type of food restriction. Having a companion who understands the struggle of having to watch everything they eat could be a good way to feel support throughout the gathering. Whether it your vegan aunt or cousin with a nut, shellfish or gluten allergy, there are people who can help you navigate the holiday table.

Celebrating the Season at Sunrise Senior Living

Finally, try to remember what’s truly important about the season. Holiday parties are for gathering with those you hold dear and enjoying one another’s company. At Sunrise communities, the holidays are a joyful season. From an abundance of programs and events to festive decorations, the holidays are a great time to schedule a personal tour. Call 888-434-4648 today to set up a time!

Thank You For Your Service: How to Celebrate & Support Senior Veterans

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 14:23:00 EST

Veterans Day in the U.S. and Remembrance Day in Canada are celebrated annually on November 11^th. This is a day set aside to honor those who served their country. It is estimated there are 18 million veterans in the U.S. and nearly 700,000 in Canada. Their service spans generations, conflicts, and times of peace. At Sunrise, we are proud to have many residents and team members who have served their country like our centenarian resident Dick who served in World War II at the Battle of the Bulge.

If you are wondering what you and your family can do to honor those who served this Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, we have some suggestions for you to consider.

7 Ways to Honor Our Veterans

Thank a veteran in person: Never underestimate the power of a simple thank-you. Whether it’s a family member, a neighbor, or someone you work with, taking time to genuinely thank them for their service and sacrifice can be meaningful.
Ask a loved one to share their stories: For many veterans, there is a hesitancy to speak about their time in the military, especially if they took part in combat. They might feel as if people aren’t interested in knowing what truly happens during a period of war or conflict. If you haven’t done so before, ask your loved one if they are willing to talk about their time in the military. You might want to ask their permission to record their stories so you will have them to share with future generations of the family.
Fly your flag at your home or business: Another simple gesture is to hang the U.S. or Canadian flag in front of your home to celebrate veterans and honor our nation’s veterans. If you do, be sure to make yourself aware of and follow proper etiquette for flying the American and Canadian flags, respectively. Learn more about displaying, storing, and caring for the American flag here and the do’s and don’t when displaying the Canadian flag here.
Visit a military landmark: If you are in the U.S., one of the most meaningful trips you can take is to Arlington National Cemetery. From the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to the rows and rows of headstones, it’s a sobering reminder of those who served. If you can’t make it to Arlington National Cemetery there are a total of 155 national cemeteries across the U.S. that are open year-round to visitors. If you’re looking for a different type of military landmark to visit, U.S. residents can choose one from this guide of military museums and historic locations and Canadian residents can choose from this list of historic war sites.
Vote in elections: While voting isn’t a celebration of the military, it is a way to honor those who fought for our democracies. Get involved in local, statewide, provincial, and national elections. Then, on Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, be sure to thank the veterans you know for serving to preserve this important right. Here is how you register in the U.S. and here is how you do so in Canada.
Volunteer at a veterans’ event: A Sunrise community near you might have special activities planned for veterans who reside there or in the local area. If you can volunteer, offer your time to help with the event. You could also ask if there are any veterans who might appreciate a one-on-one visit. Those who don’t have children or grandchildren or who don’t have anyone living nearby might appreciate visiting with your family.
Ask them how they want to be celebrated: Whether they are your grandparent, aunt or uncle, or neighbor, this Veterans Day and Remembrance Day ask the veteran in your life how they want to be celebrated and recognized. At Sunrise, we take a personalized approach to everything we do and that includes how we celebrate our residents. We invite you to take the same approach to celebrating our senior veterans this year.

Sunrise Salutes Our Veterans

This November, like every other year, Sunrise will pause to thank our residents who served. You’ll find celebrations occurring at every Sunrise campus from coast to coast. Visit Sunrise Community Honors Veterans to learn some of our residents’ stories about their time of service.

Tips for Supporting Heart Health This Men's Health Month

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 14:04:00 EST

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for men and women across most ethnic and racial groups. More commonly referred to as heart disease, this umbrella term is used to describe conditions that are the result of a narrowing or blockage of blood vessels. It can lead to a variety of medical crises, including a heart attack.

Genetics, sex, and age can both play a role in heart disease. Men are twice as likely as women to develop cardiovascular disease at a young age, often by as much as ten years. But many risk factors are related to lifestyle, too. In honor of National Men’s Health Month in November, we share these tips so that men can lower their risk for cardiovascular disease.

Six Tips for a Healthier Heart

Adopt a heart-smart diet: Nutrition plays an essential role in heart health. As you plan menus, try to avoid foods that are high in trans and saturated fats, added sugar, and salt. Concentrate on choices that contain healthy fats, like salmon and almonds. Also, make sure to incorporate lean protein, fresh fruits, and vegetables. If you find it easier to follow a more structured eating plan, the DASH Diet is one that repeatedly earns top marks from physicians.
Exercise regularly: Staying active and getting routine exercise helps to keep blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels. Both are key to minimizing the risk of developing heart disease. Research shows exercising for at least 150 minutes per week, or about 20 minutes a day, can impact heart health. Walking, cycling, swimming, low-impact aerobics, and yoga are all forms of exercise to discuss with your primary care physician.
Manage stress: The last few years have been especially tumultuous for people around the world. From the political climate to the COVID-19 crisis, it’s tough to avoid stress completely. Add your own personal challenges to the mix and chronic stress might be the result. Over time, this stress can contribute to increased blood pressure and an elevated heart rate, both of which can negatively impact the heart. You’ll do your heart a favor by learning how to manage stress in productive ways, such as engaging in art projects, journaling, or learning how to practice meditation.
Get quality sleep: This may surprise some people, but sleep is necessary for the heart to function effectively. A lack of good, quality sleep is linked to a variety of heart problems. If you are one of many older adults who struggle with insomnia or other sleep problems, discuss the issue with your doctor. There might be a medical condition, such as sleep apnea or a deviated septum, behind your struggles.
Limit alcohol: Consuming too much alcohol might increase your risk for heart disease. People who drink too much are more likely to sleep less, which may lead them to make poor lifestyle choices including about exercise and diet. While it’s best to ask your doctor for advice, as a general rule men shouldn’t consume more than two drinks a day.
Stop smoking: Finally, if you are a smoker, do your best to stop. Tobacco use contributes to a wide range of chronic and life-limiting medical problems, including stroke, lung cancer, and heart disease. If you haven’t talked to your doctor about cessation programs, make an appointment to do so.

Halloween Costume Ideas for Grandparents & Their Grandkids

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 19:04:00 EST

Grandparents fill a unique role in a family. They are cheerleaders, historians, and the keepers of secrets. Grandkids often count on them for everything from afterschool transportation to trips to the local zoo. It’s a relationship like none other.

The benefits of these intergenerational relationships are numerous. For the younger generation, having a senior actively involved in their life helps them forge healthy ideas about aging early on. And seniors who routinely spend time around children and teens, are often more physically active and mentally sharp.

As we move closer to one of children’s favorite holidays of the year, Halloween, one idea to consider is intergenerational costumes. Pairing the outfits of the kids and grandparents might make for a fun night of trick-or-treating this year.

What to Wear for Halloween Night with the Grandkids:

101 Dalmatians: Grandparents could be Cruella De Vil and Jasper and the younger members of the family can be the pups. No matter how many kids there are or their ages, this theme can accommodate them.
Little Red Riding Hood and the Big, Bad Wolf: A children’s classic, grandparents and their grandchildren might have fun with this one.
Zombies, Vampires, and More: When you have multiple people in the family that would like to get dressed up together, zombie, vampire or another mythological creature costumes can be a great solution.
Elsa and Olaf: Since kids never seem to tire of Frozen, this one stands the test of time. Depending on the age and gender of the pair, a grandparent could be Olaf or Elsa.
Star Wars: This is another theme for Halloween night that can accommodate a number of family members. Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, Luke or Anakin Skywalker, Yoda, and Obi-Wan Kenobi are a few costumes that are readily available.
The Hive: A unique idea if there are several younger members of the family. Grandparents can be the beekeeper and/or the hive, caring for the little bees. They’ll all have fun buzzing around on Halloween.
Harry Potter’s crew: Another suggestion to explore when you want to coordinate costumes across the generations is the popular Harry Potter series. From Harry and Albus Dumbledore to Lord Voldemort and Hedwig, there are dozens of characters.
Minecraft Miner and Creeper: This one might need to come with a hands-on Minecraft demonstration for seniors in the family. But these costumes are easy and inexpensive to make.
Pest Control and a Skunk: If you have just one grandparent and child who will be trick or treating together, this is another fun idea to consider.
Snow White and the Dwarfs: Let grandma be Snow White and have each of the grandkids decide which dwarf they’d like to be. These costumes are widely available online or at a local party store.
Wizard of Oz: Another oldie that might work for the entire family is the Wizard of Oz. From the witches to the Cowardly Lion and Dorothy, there are many options from which to choose.

Costumes are just one part of the fun on Halloween. You’ll find a few more ways to make the celebration even spookier in this article, How to Include a Grandparent in Your Halloween Plans. The team at Sunrise Senior Living hopes you all enjoy the night!

Recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 19:26:00 EST

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time when breast cancer prevention advocates around the country join forces to highlight the potential causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this disease. From educating women about the importance of an annual screening to raising awareness about risk factors, the month has been crucial in helping reduce deaths related to breast cancer.

It is also a time for people affected by the disease to find community and support as they navigate their unique circumstances. By sharing their experiences, people can find support, love, and comfort as they realize they are not alone. For one CSO team member, Michelle, sharing her story brings hope and the importance of gratitude.

In 2007, Michelle was diagnosed with invasive ductal breast cancer. At the time, she was busy raising her then two-year-old son, Noah, and grieving the passing of her mother, whom she lost to breast cancer the year before. Despite the circumstances, she followed all the necessary treatments, therapies, and surgeries to battle the disease.

But eight years later, the cancer was back.

“Stage Four with bone metastasis,” Michelle shared. “My oncologist provided me with a prognosis of one to five years because once it metastasizes, there is no cure at stage 4.”

Like she had those eight years before, Michelle went through intensive chemotherapy and hormone treatments which left her unable to live normally.

“I couldn’t play with my son and my white blood cell count was always down. I was constantly in pain,” Michelle recalls from that time. “With few options remaining, I went off all the medical treatment.”

Michelle worked with her family and medical team to continue to fight her battle by embracing both Eastern and Western medical traditions. She prioritized exercise, eating well and mindfulness and, of course, humor to get herself through each day. She found comfort in advocating for herself and finding ways to own her treatment plan throughout recovery.

Eight years later, 16 years from her initial diagnosis, Michelle is happy to report that they cannot find any evidence of cancer on her scans – a remarkable case her oncologist has never witnessed before during her 30+ years of oncological medicine.

As Michelle reflects on her own journey, she knows that there is not one path toward health or recovery but believes strongly in the power of gratitude and supporting those around you.

“Everyone is going through something. You are not alone,” she shares. “People are in your path for a reason, pay attention to the people you meet, and remember all the positive aspects of your life, try to live in a mindful capacity as much as possible.”

As we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we understand that some cancer risk factors—such as age and family history—are beyond one’s control. But as Michelle’s story teaches us, there are some steps people can take, particularly older women, that might lower their risk of breast cancer:

1. Keep moving: Research shows women with a sedentary lifestyle are at increased risk for developing breast cancer. By contrast, those who exercise regularly are 12% to 20% less likely to develop breast cancer. If you have been inactive in recent months, talk with your physician for ideas about senior-friendly fitness programs you can try. Some exercises to discuss with the doctor might be swimming, walking, cycling, chair yoga, and low impact aerobics.

2. Watch your weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk for 13 types of cancer ranging from cancer of the thyroid to colon, breast, and gallbladder cancers. Being overweight after menopause can especially raise your breast cancer risk. If you aren’t sure what your ideal weight should be, talk with your doctor. They can also help you figure out a safe diet to follow if you need to lose a few pounds.

3. Consume alcohol in moderation: Some studies seem to indicate there is a link between alcohol intake and breast cancer risk. Researchers say women who consume two or three alcoholic drinks a day have a 20% higher risk of developing breast cancer. By limiting alcohol consumption, you might lower your risk.

4. Eat a healthy diet: There is also evidence to suggest diet plays a role in breast cancer risk. In parts of the world where people eat less total fat, as well as less polyunsaturated and saturated fat, breast cancer rates are lower. By following a diet rich in lean protein, fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, such as the Mediterranean Diet, you might be able to lower your breast cancer risk.

5. Stop smoking: While many of us are aware of the link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer, tobacco use is linked to a variety of additional cancers, including breast cancer. Even exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful. If you are a smoker or live with a smoker, talk with a physician about smoking cessation methods. Some of the newer programs are yielding better outcomes than those of the past.

Celebrating Heritage Through Food: Octopus Escabeche Recipe

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 14:15:00 EST

Food is at the heart of so many cultures. It is an expression of love and experience, passed down from generation to generation. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 through October 15, we celebrate the cultures and identities of our team members and how they express them to our Sunrise community through their food.

Paul is our Dining Services Coordinator at Sunrise of Staten Island where he creates memories through food for his residents and their families. Paul whose family is from Saint Croix one of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean fell in love with cooking early. From the age of 3, he can remember learning the ins and outs of the kitchen from his mother. An eager student, Paul couldn’t learn fast enough and soon learned that the kitchen isn’t a playground.

“I got two burn marks on my stomach from getting too close to the stove when I was five,” he remembers. “I just wanted to learn how to make rice!”

Paul developed a love for food early but his path to the food industry wasn’t direct. In fact, in his early 20’s he was studying to become an air traffic controller. One night, he was flipped through the channels after a long day of studying and a culinary commercial came on.

“A light bulb went on and I decided to enroll in culinary school the next day.”

Paul graduated from the New York Restaurant School in New York City and landed a series of top jobs at high-profile restaurants across the state including House of Blues and Portofino Bay at Universal Studios. He worked for world-renowned chefs like Wolfgang Puck and Paul Bocuse and has fed countless celebrities and athletes throughout his career. He is even a Kosher chef, which has allowed him to travel all over to prepare his food.

However, Paul says that his most meaningful work has been in senior living. He loves the connections he can build with his residents and helping them to make new memories through food. He also loves the opportunity to share his culture with his residents and with the greater Sunrise community. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Paul wanted to share his recipe for Octopus Escabeche, a delicious dish that combines Spanish and Caribbean influences into a flavor-packed dish featuring octopus marinated in a tangy vinegar sauce.

“I want to thank you for allowing me to show case my skills and being part of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration!”

Octopus Escabeche with Yuca in a Sofrito Sauce.

Recipe:

2 Octopus Legs

1 Red or Spanish Onion (cut 1/4 inch thick)

1 Red bell pepper (cut 1/4 inch thick)

1 Green bell pepper (cut 1/4 inch thick)

½ cup Olive Oil

1/8 cup malt or apple cider vinegar

1 Yuca (Cassava) (cut into small pieces)

¼ tsp Fresh Thyme (chopped)

¼ tsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped)

3 cloves Fresh garlic (sliced thin)

1 tbsp Sofrito

Sofrito Recipe:

1 Spanish Onion

1 Green bell pepper

½ bunch parsley

½ bunch cilantro

2 garlic cloves

½ bunch scallions

Cooking Instructions:

Peel and boil Yuca in salt water, in the meantime on high heat add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté octopus’ legs for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside. In same pan add 1 tbsp olive oil and add garlic sauté for 2 minutes and add onions, bell peppers, fresh herbs and sauté until vegetables are translucent. Approximately 5-7 minutes. Turn the fire off and add your octopus into the pan and let sit for 5 min. Add vinegar and the rest of the olive oil to the pan and mix with a spatula. Garnish with cilantro.

Enjoy!

6 Tips For Planning A Fun Fall Excursion With Your Older Loved Ones

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 14:53:00 EST

Fall is a great time of year to plan an outing almost anywhere you live in the country. The weather tends to be cooler and easier to predict. That makes outdoor excursions more fun for everyone. And there’s research to show that older adults reap health benefits from getting out and about in the community. Advantages range from decreased anxiety to fewer incidences of depression.

If you are a family caregiver, especially for a loved one with memory loss, you might be wondering how to safely plan an outing. We have a few tips you might find useful.

Fun Fall Outings for Older Adults and Family Caregivers

Have reasonable expectations on distance: Before you can figure out where to go, it’s important to carefully consider how long your senior loved one can ride in a car and whether they can stay overnight. For those with a chronic or life-limiting health condition, that also means how safe it is to be away from their doctors. Once you set a realistic expectation for how far away you can travel, you can begin to research potential attractions.
Research destinations ahead of time: Are you hoping for an outdoor activity or are you interested in staying inside? There are plenty of fall destinations that allow you to soak up the sunshine. Many apple orchards and pumpkin patches offer musical programs, hayrides, and other activities. While weekends might be packed with people, weekday mornings or afternoons are often slower. This article in USA Today lists the top ten apple orchards to visit in 2021.
Consider mobility challenges: Going for a drive to enjoy the fall color, also known as leaf peeping, is another great fall activity. This one can be especially appealing for seniors who have mobility challenges that limit how much walking they can do. Depending on where you live and how far you are interested in driving, you can monitor the color change online or through an app. New England Foliage is a comprehensive site for getting leaf reports, planning routes, and finding places to stop along the way. Apps like Leaf Peepr and Weather Underground have earned good reviews, and both are available on iOS and Android devices.
Build in breaks and rest stops: Another factor to consider is the availability of rest areas or other places to take a break and stretch your legs. If you aren’t familiar with the area you will be traveling to, there are several online ways to explore and plan your route. In Google Maps, choose search along route from the menu and select rest area. The app will display a list of rest stops that are along the route you are driving. Some states also have a list of welcome centers and rest stops on their Department of Transportation websites. This can also help make planning easier.
Plan around good and bad times of day: If you are a caregiver for an older family member, you’ve likely discovered there are good and bad times of day. This is especially true for adults who have Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. You might also need to take medication schedules and testing needs (i.e., for diabetes) into consideration.
Pack snacks and essentials: Whether you are going a short distance or planning a longer drive, it’s probably a good idea to pack a bag with essentials. From road construction to busy highways, your trip might take longer than you think. Water, snacks, medications, a cell phone charger, an extra set of car keys, bleach wipes, a small first aid kit, change for toll roads, and a garbage bag or two are a few suggestions to include.

Plan an Intergenerational Fall Activity

Another idea to consider this fall is to plan an activity or two with several generations of the family. Maybe on one of the fall federal holidays when kids are typically off from school, such as Columbus Day in October or Veterans Day in November. Health Benefits of Intergenerational Activities highlights a few of the many reasons why bonding across the generations is worth the extra planning effort.

How One Sunrise Team Member Shares His Culture Through Food for Hispanic Heritage Month

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 15:02:00 EST

Senior Dining Services Coordinator Cruz has worked in the food industry for more than 30 years. His passion for food and for sharing the food of his native Puerto Rico have been key tenets of his career and of his time at Sunrise. This month, Cruz celebrates his 10-year anniversary with the Sunrise family and wanted to share one of his favorite dishes with all of you in honor of that milestone and in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

First taught to him by his mother, Arroz con Gandules con Pernil y Maduros is Cruz’s family’s take on Puerto Rico’s national dish. The key ingredient, Gandules or Pigeon Peas in their English translation, are originally native to West Africa but have become a staple ingredient in South Indian, Latin American, and even Hawaiian and Filipino cuisines. The delicious pea is packed with protein and offers a wonderful balance to the starchiness of the rice.

Cruz says this dish “tastes like home” and he is so honored to share it with the greater Sunrise community.

“I appreciate and am so thankful to all the people that helped me along my 30 years of being in the food industry.”

Arroz Con Gandules con Pernil y Maduros

Arroz Con Gandules Ingredients:

3 cups of medium-grain rice
3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
4 ounces of tomato sauce
1/3 cup of sofrito
1 15 ounce can of gandules (pigeon peas) drained
1 packet of Goya Sazon Culantro Y Achiote
1 packet of Goya Ham Flavored Concentrated Seasoning
Pinch of adobo seasoning
Pinch of ground cumin
Pinch of oregano
1 tablespoon of low chicken sodium base
4-6 cups boiling water

Arroz Con Gandules Cooking Instructions:

Rinse rice well in water and set aside.
In a medium caldero or large pot, heat oil and sauté sofrito until softened. Add tomato sauce and simmer for 2 minutes.
Stir in the drained gandules, all the spices and 4 cups of water. Taste and readjust seasonings Broth should be heavily seasoned.
Bring to a rapid boil, then add rice and stir. You may need to add more water to ensure rice is covered by 1 inch of water. Reduce heat to a soft boil and let most of the liquid absorb and evaporate, stirring occasionally, very gently, so rice does not turn gummy.
Carefully mound rice towards center of pot, top with foil and cover with lid. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Stir by folding rice from the bottom up, but do not disturb bottom of pan. Cook for another 20-30 minutes, testing after 20 to see if rice is tender and cooked through.

Pernil Ingredients

7lb, bone-in or boneless pork shoulder
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
12 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons adobo seasoning
1 tablespoon Spanish paprika
2 fresh lemons
2 fresh limes

Pernil Cooking Instructions

Score the fat on the pork shoulder in a crisscross hatch fashion. Then, cut deeply once in each direction across the pork, like you are going to cut it into four quarters, but then leave them attached at the bottom. Use a sharp knife to make about 20 slits, roughly 1 inch deep, all over the meat. Place the meat in a 13 x 9 baking pan, or another shallow baking pan large enough to comfortably hold the meat with some space around it.
Combine the oil, garlic, fresh and dried oregano, Adobo, paprika, lemon and lime Rub the mixture all over the meat, working it all over the surface and into the slits. Cover the pork with foil and refrigerate overnight.
Bring the pork to room temperature, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 300F°. Bake the pork, covered for 3 hours, then remove the foil and bake for another 3 to 4 hours at the same temperature, until the pork is fall-apart tender. The internal temperature should be at least 165°, but it may be higher, which is fine – it’s most important that the meat is super tender. If you would like a crustier exterior, turn the heat to 375°F and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes, until the outside of the pork has a nice, browned crust.
Let the Pernil sit for at least 20 minutes before serving

Maduros Ingredients

2 or 3 ripe plantains
2 cups of vegetable oil

Maduros Cooking Instructions

In a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat.
Peel plantains and cut into 1-inch-thick slices. Add to the frying pan.
Cook on each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the oil, put plantains on baking rack so that the plantain is not sitting in oil.
Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.

Enjoy!

Tasty, Heart-Smart Foods to Enjoy this Fall

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 14:33:00 EST

Apples, pumpkins, pears, cranberries, acorn squash, leeks, and brussels sprouts are just a few of the foods that reach their peak in the fall. And one thing they all have in common is their heart-health benefits. Pumpkin is high in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants which are all good for your heart. Apples and pears are linked to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

If you are looking for ways to incorporate a few of autumn’s most abundant foods into your diet, we have some heart-smart ideas for you to try.

Tasty Heart-Smart Foods to Enjoy This Fall

Autumn harvest foods that are full of healthy perks can be easy to work into your menus. Here are some ideas to consider:

Pumpkin: One of falls signature fruits—yes, it’s really a fruit—is not only good for your heart, but it’s also linked to a reduced risk of breast, stomach, lung, prostate, and colon cancers. Roasting and snacking on pumpkin seeds is one idea. Making your own pumpkin puree and adding it to pancakes and oatmeal are other options.
Apples: This classic fall fruit also boasts oodles of heart-health benefits. Apples are rich in fiber, polyphenols, and vitamin C. There are lots of ways to incorporate apples into your meals too. Butternut Squash Soup with Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches makes for a delicious lunch or dinner. Spiced Apple Oatmeal is a great dish to start the day, especially if you add a few dried cranberries to it as well.
Squash: From butternut style to acorn, squash is a good source of potassium, magnesium, and manganese. It’s also high in vitamins A, C, and B. You can simply roast different squashes in the oven or sauté them as a side dish. These 3 Squash Recipes To Suit Any Taste are good ideas to try.
Leeks: This flavorful fall vegetable is a nutritious alternative to onions. High in flavonoids, it offers protection against heart disease. You can add leeks to your favorite soup or pasta or put them on pizza. Another way to try them is in Potato Leek Quiche. However, because of the sandy soil they are grown in, they can be a little tricky to clean. Check out these tips as part of your prep!
Pears: This powerhouse fruit is often overlooked despite being filled with inflammation fighting elements. It’s also high in electrolytes, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. If you are looking for ways to use it besides just eating it raw, you’ll find it’s good cold and baked. Slice it up and add it to salads or oatmeal. Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini is a quick and delicious appetizer all year around. Roasted Butternut Squash and Red Onion with Pears & Blue Cheese is another scrumptious dish that combines several fall flavors. Pear White Sangria might be a tasty drink to serve at fall tailgate parties.
Brussels Sprouts: When it comes to cruciferous vegetables, this is one that sometimes gets a bad rap. In addition to being a delicious side dish, it also helps prevent health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes. If you haven’t tried preparing brussels sprouts before, 40 Healthy Ways to Cook Brussels Sprouts has good ideas for getting started.

Celebrating National Assisted Living Week: The Benefits of Assisted Living

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 14:14:00 EST

Assisted living communities are often considered to be an ideal combination of independence and support for older adults. Residents of assisted living communities appreciate the privacy that comes from having their own suite or apartment while also knowing that caregivers are always nearby when needed, and they also value the connections they can build with fellow residents through robust activity and event programs.

Since 1995, the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) has been hosting National Assisted Living Week^® and encouraging member organizations to participate. The week is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on all of the benefits assisted living communities have to offer. The theme of this year’s National Assisted Living Week^® is “Joyful Moments.” Organized by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and (NCAL), this year’s celebration will take place the week of September 11.

If you are a senior or an adult child of one, you might be wondering why assisted living is so popular. From life enrichment to affordability and safety, let’s take a look at all of the benefits these communities like Sunrise’s can offer.

5 Benefits of Assisted Living

Opportunities to Make Friends & Connections: When an older adult lives alone, especially if they struggle with mobility or lack transportation, the result can often be isolation and loneliness. There’s ample research linking isolation to a variety of health issues among older adults. Some experts liken senior isolation to the health risks associated with smoking and obesity. Socially isolated older adults experience higher incidences of medical issues ranging from diabetes to depression. By contrast, residents in an assisted living community benefit from having a variety of daily activities in which they can participate with their fellow residents. Those opportunities both inside and outside of the communities help improve socialization and reduce the risks associated with isolation. These connections also provide endless hours of fun and new memories!
Nutrition & Variety: Preparing healthy meals for one person or a couple can feel like a burden as you grow older. Between menu planning, grocery shopping, and cooking, the process can become a struggle. This may lead seniors to turn to fast food restaurants, frozen meals or even skipped meals instead of healthier, home-cooked meals. In an assisted living community, residents benefit from a dining program with a choice of menu options that can be selected throughout the day. At Sunrise communities, the culinary teams prepare homemade meals for a variety of preferences including special diets and work with residents to create dishes that they loved eating as kid or that is important to their culture.
Experience New Things: With the availability of different social activities, assisted living communities make it easier for residents to try new things. From learning to paint or studying a new subject, life at an assisted living community like Sunrise is catered to meet the needs of residents and how they want to live their lives. For many residents, living in a community is one of the first times they haven’t had the responsibility of children, home maintenance, work and more, so they are able to explore old and new passions in a safe and comfortable environment. Many Sunrise residents have restarted old passions like sewing and quilting while others have taken up new ones like poetry writing. The options are endless!
Support & Safety: Household chores and personal care can become more challenging with age. They can even increase an older adult’s risk for a fall, which is the leading cause of serious injury for people over 65. In an assisted living community, everything from lawn care to appliance repair is included. Caregivers are onsite 24/7 to assist with bathing, grooming, and other personal needs. Even the environment itself is designed with safety in mind without feeling clinical. Barrier-free showers, grab bars in bathrooms, handrails in hallways, and emergency call alert systems are all seamlessly designed to fit into the interiors crafted by Sunrise’s in-house design team.
Medication Management: Medication errors are another potential hazard for older adults. From taking too much of one prescription to skipping another one completely, it can be difficult for seniors to stay on track with dosages and times. It can be a dangerous situation that might result in a trip to a hospital emergency department. A service most residents in assisted living communities take advantage of is medication management. Nurses provide reminders to ensure residents take the correct medication and dose at the proper time.

U.S. News & World Report Recognizes Sunrise Communities

Every year, U.S. News & World Report rates senior living communities on a variety of features, benefits, and services. For assisted living communities, ranking factors include care, location, costs, previous complaints, activities, and programs, as well as food and dining. Sunrise Senior Living is humbled to share that 48 of our communities were ranked in the ‘Best Assisted Living’ category.

Visit U.S. News & World Report Names 95 Sunrise Communities to Best Senior Living Ratings for 2022-2023 to read more about this designation and view a list of Sunrise communities that received distinctions in other categories as well!

“Enjoy the Little Things” Centenarian Couple Celebrates 78 Years of Marriage

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 15:29:00 EST

Dick and Lorraine are married residents at Sunrise of Grosse Pointe Woods in Michigan. Their smiling faces and names might be familiar because last month they both welcomed their 100th birthdays just a few days apart from each other, ushering them into the ranks of the Sunrise Centenarian Club.

When we shared their momentous double birthday with our network, we received thousands of well wishes for the birthday couple. Many of those messages referenced how in love they look.

This month, they are celebrating 78 years of that love and we had to ask them their story and how they’ve stayed so happily married for nearly eight decades.

Dick and Lorraine’s story begins like so many of the fairytales we read: love at first sight.

On an evening in 1944, Dick found himself at a local roller-skating rink with some friends. He was able to obtain a short leave from the service while World War II ranged on in Europe and the Pacific. He was skating the two-step when a beautiful woman, a 22-year-old Lorraine, caught his eye.

She was skating with her friends and cousin, but Lorraine noticed him too. The whole night, she couldn’t get the handsome man with undeniable skating ability out of her head. But, alas, their paths didn’t cross again.

Lorraine and her group decided to leave the rink and grab a bite to eat at the nearby burger place. As they were driving in her parents’ four-door Chevy she saw the man from the rink walking along the road with his friends. In a split-second decision she pulled over and asked him and his friends if they wanted a ride. They accepted and she drove them to their hotel.

Their mutual attraction soon evolved into a loving courtship that would last for a short time before they decided to walk down the aisle.

“We had been dating less than a year but wanted to make sure we were married before he went off to the war,” Lorraine remembers of the early days of their relationship. “I didn’t even meet his family until the day before the wedding!”

Their wedding took place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Lorraine’s hometown. Dick’s mother, father and two sisters drove all the way from Rochester, New York to attend the wedding, but Dick’s brother couldn’t make it since he was already deployed.

Shortly after they were officially hitched, Dick was sent overseas to continue his service. Long days and longer nights were made that much more bearable knowing that he had his loving wife waiting for him back at home. For many months, Dick served honorably and even fought in the storied Battle of the Bulge, one of the most consequential and decisive offensives on the Western Front during the war.

After the war ended, Dick and Lorraine were reunited and could begin the life together that both of them dreamed about. They went on to raise two beautiful children who, according to the couple, remain their greatest accomplishment together. Of course, there were ups and downs as there are in any relationship but for the last 78 years Dick and Lorraine have made their love and respect for each other a priority. For them, the secret to a long marriage isn’t a secret at all. They attribute their success to sharing the same values and always “enjoying the little moments.”

But don’t worry, that initial spark they felt for each other on the roller rink is still there.

“She is still so beautiful,” Dick shares with his signature smile.

Happy 78th Wedding Anniversary to Dick and Lorraine. Cheers to many more years of love and marriage.

Sunrise Named One of Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Aging Services™

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 13:57:00 EST

We are proud to announce that we have again been named to Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Aging Services™ among large organizations with 1,000 employees or more.

Fortune, the international magazine, and media company awarded Sunrise the number nine spot, up from the number 10 in 2021. Fortune worked with Great Place to Work® to determine the 65 Best Workplaces in Aging Services by analyzing anonymous survey feedback representing over 220,000 employees working in the senior living industry in the U.S. The survey was open to all U.S. team members and asked about dozens of elements of the team member experience, including pride in their accomplishments, and feeling welcome upon joining the team. More than half of Sunrise’s U.S. team members completed the survey.

“For the last 40 years, we have worked to provide all of our team members with a fulfilling, mission-oriented career in a highly supportive and inclusive environment. Our team members are essential to helping us live our mission of championing quality of life for all seniors,” said Jack R. Callison, Jr., chief executive officer for Sunrise Senior Living. “I have seen firsthand since joining the team the incredible commitment of our team members and I am so proud that this recognition by Fortune reflects that commitment.”

The survey used to determine the list also highlights key elements of Sunrise’s culture including more than 75 percent of all respondents said that Sunrise is a great place to work and more than 85 percent of respondents felt that they make a difference, that their job has special meaning, that they are made to feel welcome when they join Sunrise, and that they are given a lot of responsibility to do their work.

The ranking on this list further demonstrates our commitment to providing team members with a workplace based on our core values of passion, joy in service, stewardship, respect, and trust. We also recently introduced a new listening strategy to collect continued feedback as well as renewed efforts to foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging to benefit all those who serve the organization. Our team members have the opportunity to participate in best-in-class leadership development programs designed to support their career growth.

To learn more about how you can make a difference at Sunrise, visit our Careers page.

Ideas for Celebrating Grandparent's Day 2022

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 13:40:00 EST

No matter where you travel in the world, you’ll likely find grandparents playing a key role in the lives of their grandchildren. For many, the family’s eldest generation is a mainstay of support for the youngest one. As life expectancy in the United States and Canada increased and grandparents lived longer, a growing number of them have been able to provide hands-on support to their grandchildren. From childcare to transportation, you find grandparents helping to bridge the care gap families often experience when both parents work outside of the home.

Grandparent’s Day gives adult children and their families an opportunity to thank and celebrate their senior loved ones, whether they are their biological grandparents or not. It’s an annual day of recognition that occurs on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This year, it takes place on September 11th.

If you and your children would like to plan something special and aren’t sure where to start, we have a few tips you will find useful to make this year one to remember.

Intergenerational Activities to Celebrate Grandparents

Here are 5 intergenerational family activities you might want to consider for this year’s Grandparent’s Day celebration.

1) Plan an outdoor activity

Everyone benefits from breathing in some fresh air and connecting with nature. September weather is usually a great time of year to plan outdoor activities in most parts of the country. You could plan a picnic in the seniors’ backyard, head to the beach for a little sandcastle building, or make a trip to a local pumpkin patch.

Another option is a road trip to a state or national park. These generally have activities for people of all ages to enjoy, along with accessible trails and restrooms. Don’t forget to pack a lunch or snacks along with some sunscreen!

2) Organize a game night

An easy but fun what to celebrate grandparents is with an intergenerational game night. Ask the senior what board games were popular when they were young and try to track a few of them down. Chances are that your senior loved ones will have a blast teaching you their favorite games and sharing memories they had while playing them. Let the grandkids pick a few of their favorites for the evening so they can share their favorites too!

Every great game night includes treats! Ask everyone to bring an appetizer or two along with their drink of choice. Remember to take pictures of the fun, too.

3) Get creative

Arts and crafts activities are fun for all generations of the family. Depending on the ages of the grandchildren, you can organize simple DIY projects such as garden steppingstones with family member’s handprints.

Don’t’ worry if you don’t consider yourself or your loved ones to be very artsy. You can still host a creative afternoon for your Grandparent’s Day celebration. Just head to the local craft store or visit one online for prepackaged projects. You’ll find a variety of activities from building birdhouses to making stained-glass birds and bugs.

4) Plan a scavenger hunt

If you’ve ever participated in a scavenger hunt before, you know how much fun they can be for all ages and abilities. You can make them as simple or as intricate as you want. The options are endless! For example, you can organize a photo scavenger hunt throughout the neighborhood. You start with a list of things each team needs to take a picture of to finish the hunt. It could be a dog on a leash or a mailbox with a flag.

Other scavenger hunt ideas could be a nature theme (find a red leaf, take a picture of a yellow flower, etc.), a clue-based search, or even a scavenger hunt at a local museum or zoo.

5) Make a family history video

Grandparents are often the family historians. For most, ensuring that their stories are passed from one generation to another is important. An interesting way to do that is to use a Grandparent’s Day video that explores the family’s roots. Have everyone come up with a question or two to encourage the senior to talk and share. Here are some suggested conversation starters to include:

Where were you born and when?
What was your childhood home like? (i.e., how many bedrooms and bathrooms)
Did both parents work outside the home? In what jobs?
Ask the grandparents about their own grandparents.
What was their first job and how much did it pay?
How did a grandparent meet their spouse?
Where did your grandparents go on their first date?
How many siblings did each grandparent have?

While you’ll likely discover many more questions pop up during your talk, it’s a good idea to have a list just to get things started.

Intergenerational Activities at Sunrise Senior Living

Through Sunrise Live With Purpose™ programming, residents have an opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities each day. Programs are designed around eight focus areas of which intergenerational mentoring is one. Others include exercise, excursions, art, music, education, community service, and spirituality. If you or a loved one are contemplating a move to a senior living community, call 1-800-934-0139 to today to learn more about the opportunities you find at Sunrise!

Highlights from our 40th Anniversary Celebration

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 16:07:00 EST

We are proud to celebrate 40 years of first-class care alongside our dedicated team members and incredible residents and their families. As our 40^th Anniversary celebration ends, we wanted to use this time to reflect on all the ways we’ve honored 40 years of Sunrise over the past 10 months.

We started our celebration with a message from Sunrise CEO, Jack Callison, in December—commemorating the date when the first Sunrise location opened in 1981.

Each month, we’ve focused on an aspect of the Sunrise legacy that continues to make us the leader in senior care that we are today:

Sunrise at 40: Shining Bright Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow – Kicking off our celebration in December, we looked back on our history, celebrated where we are today, and looked ahead to our future where we will continue to shine bright
40 Years of Commitment to our Mission and Principles – In January, we highlighted the ways our mission and principles have shaped our brand and customer experience into what it is today
40 Years of Serving Hearts – In honor of Valentine’s Day, we celebrated we shined a spotlight on the serving hearts of our community and regional team members and shared their stories
40 Years of Delicious Dining – In March, we celebrated the incredible Sunrise Dining program during National Nutrition Month by highlighting the personalized experience our Dining Services teams create for residents every day
40 Years of Outstanding Care – In April, we focused on our unique approach to care which engages the mind body and spirit of each resident—a key part of our mission to champion quality of life for all seniors
40 Years of Engaging Programming – We highlighted our signature Sunrise Live With Purpose™ program in May, which allows residents to do more of what they love through activities that cater to their interests and passions
40 Years of Personalized, High-Quality Memory Care – In June, we shared about our approach to Memory Care, which includes strategically designed Reminiscence Neighborhoods, engaging activities, and our amazing Memory Care team who are highly trained and go above and beyond to care for residents with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other forms of memory loss
40 Years of Growth and Development – We are committed to continuous growth and development. In July we shared about how we will continue to grow and develop into the future.
Shining on Into the Next 40 Years – We shared a peek into the future of Sunrise last month—one that is sure to bright for next 40 years and beyond

Continuing to Shine

We are honored to be able to share in this celebration with residents and their families, as well as our incredible team who live our mission and Principles of Service every day. While our 10-month celebration is over, we look forward to celebrating the future of Sunrise for many years to come.

Our CEO, Jack Callison shared his thoughts about this milestone celebration and his excitement for the future: “Not many organizations can get to the point where they’re celebrating 40 years of existence,” he said, “In the mission-driven field we’re in, think about how many lives we have positively impacted and enriched during that 40-year period—from residents and family members to team members. But what I’m even more excited about is the next 40 years in terms of all that’s to come. Our future is incredibly bright.”