Empty Nest, October 2016 by Appen Media Group

Appen Media Group

Empty Nest October Special Section

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Sponsored Section • EMPTY NEST

October 2016

Baby boomers - could an active adult community be RIGHT for you? By: Ann Jensen Ann.Jensen@HarryNorman.com You’ve probably seen more and more advertising for Active Adult Communities over the past few years and wondered if this could be the right “next step” for you. I’d like to share my experiences as a Realtor working in this market segment AND as a homeowner in Brookhaven at Johns Creek (BJC) - the Active Adult Community located just off Medlock Bridge Road and Johns Creek Parkway. My husband and I lived in Horseshoe Bend for over 30 years and raised our family there. While we loved our home, the regular exterior and the interior maintenance required for the upkeep of the property became burdensome. Did we really retire to spend our time doing home maintenance? Our retirement “vision” included golf, travel to great places, and spontaneous day adventures – not mowing, edging, weeding, caulking, painting and waiting for workmen. In 2010, I sold a home to a client in Brookhaven at Johns Creek. The floor plans in BJC were designed with the 55+ group in mind: master suites on

• Alzheimer and Dementia Care • Transportation and Errands • Bathing, Dressing and Light Housekeeping • Fall Risk Care

the main level; stepless entry from the garage; wider doorways; and vanities and commodes at adult height. New materials in windows, doors and insulation keep energy costs low. But, for us, this move was about more jensen than “bricks and mortar.” Community is an important ingredient at this stage of life, and that is what we’ve found at BJC. Residents have common backgrounds – most are retired (or almost retired) professionals: doctors, lawyers, corporate business, small business, entrepreneurs, professors, teachers, etc. And, people are home during the day. The neighborhood does not empty out at 8 am. If a neighbor needs a helping hand, others are home and happy to help. Getting a group together for lunch or an outing is easy – people are home. There are also planned activities – like our monthly community dinner. This is hosted at our gorgeous clubhouse and a great forum to meet new people. There are smaller interest groups for

• Caregivers Available from 1 hr./day to 24/7 and Live-in • Assisted Living Placement Assistance • Custom and Flexible Schedules

“Thank you for voting us Best Home Care 2 years in a row” Senior S eni nior orr H Helpers: elp el pers: M Matt a Fredenberg, Elizabeth Jackson, Pam Hodgson, on H Hutch utch ch H Hodgson odgs od gson

770.442.2154 Your Local Senior Care Expert.

dinner clubs, book clubs, poker, watercolor, Bible study, etc. Join or don’t join – it is up to you. The neighborhood is gated and completely fenced around the perimeter, the ultimate in “lock and go” living. The HOA maintains all yards (front and back). Pruning, pine straw, mowing, edging, sidewalks, common areas and the exteriors of the Villa homes are managed by the HOA/COA. Our amenities at BJC are unparalleled. We have a gorgeous pool, two lighted tennis courts that are also lined for pickle ball, a nature trail, and a community garden for those “farm to table” veggies. The Clubhouse hosts many of our parties. It is available for private rental and has an exercise facility. Brookhaven at Johns Creek is well located near Emory/Johns Creek Hospital, medical offices, shopping, movies and restaurants. There are 10 golf/country clubs within 4 miles. Lastly, many residents have moved here to be closer to grandchildren and that’s great. But remember, that as the grandkids get older and into their own activities, friends, school and schedules, you’ll want to have your own network of friends for activities

and outings. I wish there had been a community like this for my own parents when they moved to Atlanta 35 years ago to be closer to their grandchildren. My parents moved ¼ mile from me and for the next 35 years, I was their primary interface for social interaction. Being close to grandkids is wonderful, but nurturing your own life is just as important – you’ve EARNED it! Come check us out on Sunday, October 30th from 2pm – 4 pm at our OPEN HOUSE.

Ask Pam, your choice for in home care since 2006 The Holidays are quickly approaching with all their busyness! Take time this season to check in on your loved ones and see how they truly are doing. Ask some tough questions about their health, not just how they are physically, but emotionally as well. At Senior Helpers, we focus on the mind, body and spiritual well being of everyone we help. Physical needs are often given such priority (and for just reasons) yet we all know how a healthy mind and spirit tie into our physical well being! Please take a few extra minutes this Season to check-in with those you love and connect them with the extra care they need. Q: My mother is coming to spend 8 weeks with us over the Holidays and I'm nervous. She lives in an assisted living in Ohio where she has lots of care provided. I'm not sure that I can, or if being honest, have the time/energy to help with her care while she is here... Can Senior Helpers help me?? -Phil, Milton.

Pam: Yes, Phil, we can help! Our loving team can provide the care that your mother needs! Call me office to set-up a time for us to meet to come up with a game plan to make this Holiday Season a great one for your whole family! hodgson Senior Helpers has been assisting Atlanta Seniors since 2006. Pam Hodgson runs Senior Helpers with her adult children and has a HUGE heart to serve the community. Pam loves helping families determine the best care plan and understands that needs change with time. Senior Helpers is your Hometown Answer for extra care in the home, assisted living, senior apartment or anywhere your loved one calls home. Call Senior Helpers today at 770442-2154 to set-up a free initial care consultation.

October 2016

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

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Proactive steps to reduce your fall risk (NAPSI)—Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for seniors. Fortunately, through a combination of technology solutions and lifestyle choices, seniors can be prepared for the event of a fall, as well as take proactive measures to decrease the likelihood during Fall Prevention Awareness Week (September 22 to 28) and all through the year. For example, medical alert devices, such as Philips Lifeline, can provide access to a Response Center to contact emergency help should a fall occur. In the event of a fall, time between the fall and getting medical attention matters. Studies show that seniors using a medical alert device saw an emergency response time more than 320 times faster than seniors having to call for help on their own. Beyond using these devices, Fall Prevention Awareness Week marks an occasion to remind seniors that staying physically and mentally active can help prevent falls. To begin and maintain this activity, here are three recommended steps seniors can take to support an independent and healthier life:

• Establish a regular fitness regimen. Sedentary lifestyles can gradually cause poor flexibility, loss of strength and decreased bone mass—all of which will increase the chances of falling. Establishing a consistent fitness routine will put your body in better shape and make exercise easier as you get older. • Adhere to medication and physician orders. Eighty-seven percent of adults aged 65 or older take at least two medications and 42 percent take five or more. With long lists of medication, adherence can be difficult—but it’s vital to follow all directives and advice from your physician to avoid mistakes that can lead to falls. • Stay social in your community. Although many older Americans value their independence, it’s important to be social and surrounded by others who care about you. This will help lower your chances of depression, make you happier as you age, and increase the chances of someone being there for you if you fall and need help. If you or a loved one is concerned about fall risk, take this advice to heart and consider sharing with friends. By combining this advice with available technologies, such as medical alert de-

vices, you can be properly prepared for all circumstances. Learn More

For further information about aging well and learning how you can prevent falls, visit www.lifeline.philips.com.

Assisted living vs. Independent living: which is right for you? If you’re having a hard time deciding whether Assisted Living or Independent Living is the best option for you, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to answer the assisted living question because they don’t fully understand what the differences are between the two actually are. Nearly half of seniors in one survey believed incorrectly that assisted living is “similar to a nursing home”. The first step to understanding the differences is to identify your basic care needs and expectations. A great way to gauge your needs is to examine your activities of daily living or “ADL’s”. Think about all the things you need help with including bathing, meals and shopping. If you feel you need assistance in this area, assisted living can provide you with the best of both worlds. These communities are monitored 24/7 by nursing staff. Meals are prepared and served. Transportation is provided as well as structured activities such a fitness programs and social outings. If you need

Not All decisions are this easy Big decisions don’t have to be made in a day.

ongoing help with ADLs, an assisted living community offers a great way to get the care you need while retaining your independence. If you would like to know more about assisted living, contact Arbor Terrace at Crabapple (770)649-1009.

At Arbor Terrace, we’re committed to giving you all the resources you need to make YOUR right decision—at a pace that is best for you. There’s no time better than now to determine if senior living is the right step for you and your family.

Take the next step Call toto schedule a personal tour Call schedule a personal tour. and learn how you can lock in 2015 649-1009 pricing.(770) We’re here to help.

(770) 649-1009

12200 Crabapple Road, Alpharetta www.at-crabapple.com

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