We’re all intimately aware of how much technology has changed our everyday world and continues to do so at an increasing pace. And while seniors can sometimes be slower to adopt new technologies, in many ways, they may have the most potential to be helped by technological innovations.
More than 25% of seniors experience a fall each year in America. Emergency departments see 3 million seniors for fall-related injuries. While falls are so common they’ve become the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in adults over age 65, that doesn’t mean they are an inevitable fact of aging. In truth, the belief that falls are simply a natural part of getting older actually puts seniors at a greater risk for falls.
Balance and agility naturally wane in an older adult’s later years. If nothing is done, this decline puts seniors at a greater risk of experiencing an injury-inducing fall, but it doesn’t follow that there’s nothing you can do to prevent a fall from happening. Some basic steps toward fall prevention can make a senior much safer.
Read 5 myths about senior falls and how you can help keep yourself safer.
Independence, freedom and self-reliance are woven into the fabric of American culture. There are scores of movies, books and songs about the loner who relies on their wits and skills. As teenagers, most of us couldn’t wait to be out of the house, making our own decisions. But as we grow older, what was thrilling in our teens and adulthood can start to become dangerous and risky.
According to the Administration on Aging, as of 2017, about 28% (14.3 million) of older adults are living alone (9.5 million women, 4.8 million men). But what are the dangers of seniors living alone? And is moving to a senior living community actually preferable to aging in place? This article will compare the benefits of senior living versus seniors living alone. And whether it’s possible to still be independent, happy and healthy while securing your future.
Read nine ways living alone can be hazardous to your health and learn how to protect yourself.
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Westminster Village has appointed Colleen Matthews to the role of Executive Director and Shannon Williams to serve as Health Care Administrator. The two key appointees will offer leadership and operations expertise to the Life Plan Community, serving senior residents and their families in Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley.
Westminster Village is excited to announce our management company, Life Care Services, has become the first and only senior living company to rank first in customer satisfaction for three consecutive years among independent senior living communities in the J.D. Power 2021 – Senior Living Satisfaction Study. Life Care Services also achieved the highest score in all six factors of satisfaction: resident activities, community staff, price paid for services received, resident apartment/living unit, community building and grounds, and dining.
“Life Care Services is honored to be recognized by our customers as the best among independent senior living communities for the third consecutive year,” says Joel Nelson, president and CEO of LCS, the parent company of Life Care Services. “We are privileged to serve nearly 40,000 seniors across the nation. This recognition is meaningful because our residents recognize and value our commitment to serving them first and foremost, even as our industry navigated challenges over the past year.”
Life Care Services ranked highest in independent living resident overall satisfaction with a score of 817 in the J.D. Power U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study. The study is based on responses from residents living in an independent senior living community within the previous three years.
“For 50 years, our employees have been dedicated to creating opportunities for purposeful living filled with rich experiences,” added Nelson. “There is nothing better than seeing how our employees have impacted those we serve and how that dedication has made a difference for our residents and customers.”
What Does This Mean for our Residents?
We are deeply grateful to know that our hard work is valued, and we at Westminster Village want to assure residents, family, friends and staff that we will continue to improve, evolve and innovate to provide the newest offerings to meet the needs of current and future residents.
If you’d like to know more about the way we enrich the lives of our residents, send us a message on our contact page.
Life Care Services received the highest score among independent senior living communities in the J.D. Power 2019-2020 U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study of resident/family member/friend’s satisfaction with senior living communities. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.
The last year has identified an industry need for connected safety solutions, and LCS has answered the call. Life Care Services, 40-year management partner of Westminster Village Terre Haute, Inc., developed EverSafe 360° as the new standard in overall safety for residents and team members. Harnessing fifty years of senior living industry leadership, EverSafe 360° is the next evolution in the endless pursuit of elevating the total resident experience. “Our latest LCS Signature Experience provides cutting-edge cleaning and disinfecting technologies and prioritizes every resident’s physical and mental well-being to create a truly comprehensive approach”, says Westminster Village Executive Director, Dan Smith. “EverSafe 360° is dedicated to addressing resident and team member needs during the best and the most challenging times.”
Key Components:
FAQs
How does EverSafe 360° keep a resident safe?
EverSafe 360° utilizes a combination of best practices, real-time experience, and subject matter experts in a broad range of areas affecting safety and wellness. EverSafe 360° focuses on a unique blend of scientific and practical applications that work to create an environment that recognizes seniors’ risk and uses supported solutions to address the spread of infectious disease. EverSafe 360° has created a medical advisory board bringing together physicians and environmental specialists who focus on understanding infectious diseases, mental health, geriatrics, and epidemiology. This team of experts provides LCS-managed communities cutting-edge solutions to enhance resident and staff safety and wellness.
Who is LCS?
Established in 1971, LCS is a pioneer in the senior living industry and the nation’s second-largest operator. The LCS Family of Companies focuses on the development, operations management, marketing, sales management, and strategic planning for Life Plan Communities like Westminster Village across the United States. Westminster Village, Inc Board of Directors has engaged the management services of Life Care Services since 1981.
What does EverSafe 360° mean for a future resident?
Future residents can be assured that Westminster Village is focused on doing what is best and right for those we serve. EverSafe 360° will provide prospective residents the comfort of knowing that together with our management partner, Westminster is making safety and wellness a top priority.
How can I learn more about EverSafe 360°? What can I share with my family/friends?
To learn more about EverSafe 360°, please visit our website at EverSafe360.com. There you will find supporting materials for this exciting new LCS Signature Experience. You may also contact a Westminster Village representative directly to schedule your in-person or virtual appointment (812) 242-4600. D.smith@WestminsterVillageIN.com
2021 was the third year of the comprehensive five-year Age Well Study from the Mather Institute. The ultimate goal of this study is to understand more about the impact living at a Life Plan Community has on residents’ overall health and quality of life over time. To compile Year 3 results, researchers interviewed 4,191 residents from 122 Life Plan Communities across the United States. This year’s focus centered around residents’ emotional wellness, specifically happiness and life satisfaction. Survey respondents reported on their own feelings to account for differences in personalities and expectations.
First, What Is a Life Plan Community?
To understand how living at a Life Plan Community affects overall health and wellbeing, let’s first clearly define what a Life Plan Community is. Also known as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), a Life Plan Community is a senior living community that provides active independent living, as well as a continuum of senior health services — likely including some combination of assisted living, rehabilitation, skilled nursing and memory care. This type of community allows residents to age in place and transition to levels of care if/when they need to with relatively little trouble.
Year 3 Results of the Age Well Study
On a scale of 1 to 7, the respondents reported an average level of life satisfaction and happiness of 5.9, and even the responses in the lowest 25% of life satisfaction were above the midpoint on the scale. A number of factors appear to influence reported satisfaction and happiness levels.
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