Welcome to a new year filled with opportunities! It’s time to prioritize our health and well-being, but let’s skip the unsustainable resolutions. This year, it’s all about discovering what truly works for YOU. Here are four simple ways to promote a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle:

1. Find Your Movement

Staying active is crucial, but it shouldn’t feel like an obligation. Find enjoyable ways to move your body and find your rhythm! Whether it’s a refreshing swim, a walk with a friend, or finally trying that dance class, choose activities that bring you joy. Think of it as an investment in your independence, energy, and ability to keep up with grandkids or great-grandkids. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

At Village on the Park Rogers, we have a variety of fitness classes to suit different needs and abilities, including chair yoga, aerobics, and strength training.

2. Engage Your Mind

Our minds need regular workouts just like our bodies! Make time for mentally stimulating activities such as reading, puzzles, games, or learning a new skill.

And don’t underestimate the importance of social connection! Join a book club, attend a stimulating lecture, or simply enjoy a lively conversation with your neighbors. At Village on the Park Rogers, our calendar is packed with engaging activities, including clubs, classes, and game nights.

3. Nourish Your Body

Healthy eating is a popular goal, but it’s important to find a sustainable approach. Remember, it’s okay to indulge in delicious meals and treats – the key is balance! Focus on making gradual, manageable changes. For instance, try swapping processed snacks for fresh fruits and vegetables, incorporating more veggies into your meals, or simply increasing your water intake.

At Village on the Park Rogers, we make healthy eating easy by offering delicious meal options prepared with fresh ingredients and packed with essential nutrients.

4. Embrace Calm

Life can be demanding, even in retirement! Prioritizing relaxation, stress reduction, and self-care is vital for both your mental and physical health. Discover what helps you unwind, whether it’s meditation, spending time outdoors, or enjoying a quiet evening with a good book.

This new year, let Village on the Park Rogers be your partner in achieving your lifestyle goals. We offer a vibrant community, enriching activities, and helpful resources to support you in living your best life.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling new year!

The holidays are a busy time! Between family gatherings and festive celebrations, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. However, this season of togetherness offers a unique opportunity to observe how your aging parents are managing their everyday lives. Here’s what to pay attention to while spending time with your loved ones:

1. Home Care:

• Maintenance: Is their home tidy and well-maintained, or are there signs of neglect, such as piled-up mail or unfinished repairs?
• Meals: Are they eating nutritious meals regularly, or is their refrigerator sparsely stocked? Are there expired items or other signs they’re struggling with meal preparation?
• Hygiene: Observe their personal care habits. Are they bathing and dressing regularly?

2. Daily Activities:

• Mobility: Notice how easily they move around the house. Are they having difficulty with stairs, getting in and out of chairs, or walking short distances?
• Medications: Are they managing their medications effectively? Are pill boxes organized, or are medications scattered and potentially missed?
• Cognitive Skills: Are they following conversations, remembering appointments, and managing finances without difficulty? Are there any signs of confusion or forgetfulness?

3. Social and Emotional Well-being:

• Social Interaction: Are they engaging in conversations and participating in family activities? Or are they more withdrawn than usual?
• Mood: Be aware of significant changes in their mood, such as increased sadness, anxiety, or irritability.
• Hobbies: Are they still pursuing hobbies and activities they enjoy?

4. Safety:

• Driving: If they’re still driving, observe their driving habits. Are they confident and alert behind the wheel?
• Falls: Have they had any recent falls or near falls? Are they showing any signs of unsteadiness or difficulty with balance?
• Home Hazards: Are there any potential hazards in the home, such as steep stairs or loose rugs, that could increase their risk of falls?

Next Steps:

The holidays can be a time of joy and togetherness, but they can also reveal subtle signs that our aging parents may need more help. By being observant and proactive, you can ensure they receive the care and support they need to live fulfilling lives.

Have questions about senior living options or how to best support your aging parents? We’re here to help! Contact us today.

Moving to a senior living community is an exciting new beginning! It’s a chance to simplify your life, enjoy new friendships, and embrace a maintenance-free lifestyle. This room-by-room packing checklist will help you prepare for your move and ensure you have everything you need to feel comfortable and at home in your new surroundings.

Bedroom:

• Clothing: Pack a variety of clothes for everyday wear, pajamas, and special occasions attire.
• Bedding: Bring your favorite sheets, blankets, pillows, and a mattress pad for a good night’s sleep.
• Make it Personal: Add your personal touch to your new space with photos of loved ones, artwork, and décor.
• Nightstand Essentials: An alarm clock, reading lamp, and nightlight are always useful.
• Important Documents: Keep important documents like your ID, insurance cards, medical records, and financial paperwork organized and easily accessible.

Bathroom:

• Toiletries: Pack all your essential toiletries together in one box: shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, medications, and eyeglasses.
  • Keep it Within Reach: This toiletries box should be kept separate and easily accessible, not packed away in the moving truck.
• Bathroom Basics: Don’t forget items like a soap dish, toothbrush holder, non-slip bath mat, and a wastebasket.
• Comfort Items: Bring bath towels, a comfortable bathrobe, and non-slip slippers.

Living Room:

• Create a Relaxing Space: Bring cozy throw blankets, lamps, and your favorite furniture pieces, such as a sofa or loveseat, recliner, coffee table, and end tables.
• Entertainment: Pack your favorite books, magazines, games, or craft supplies, along with your TV, radio, laptop/tablet, and cell phone.
• Cherished Memories: Display your treasured family photos, keepsakes, and décor that brings you joy.

Kitchen:

• Dining Essentials: Pack a few sets of dishes, cutlery, and glassware for enjoying meals and snacks in your new home.
• Appliances: A small coffee maker or toaster oven can be handy for preparing quick meals and beverages.
• Pantry Staples: Don’t forget your favorite coffee, tea, and snacks!

Tips for a Smooth Transition:

• Declutter and Downsize: Before packing, take the time to declutter and donate or discard items you no longer need or use.
• Pack What You Love: Walk through your home and choose only the items you truly want, need, and have space for in your new residence.
• Label Everything: Clearly label each box by room and contents to make unpacking a breeze.
• “First Day” Box: Pack a separate box with essential items like toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, and a phone charger.

Ready to embrace your new life in senior living? Schedule a tour at Village on the Park Rogers today! We’d be happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have about making our community your new home.

Staying socially active is crucial for maintaining physical and mental well-being as we get older. And the best part? It’s fun too! At Village on the Park Rogers, we recognize the significance of social interaction and have created a dynamic environment that fosters easy socialization and the development of meaningful relationships. Here are a few fun and engaging suggestions for staying socially connected during this chapter of life.

Get Brunch with Friends 

Enjoying your favorite breakfast foods with your favorite people is always a treat! Our residents can get chef-prepared dishes right here atVillage on the Park Rogers. They also love having wonderful company to share the experience with – whether it’s with their fellow residents or by inviting friends and family to join them!

Get Creative in Art Class 

Participating in a class is a fantastic way to meet new people while enjoying a beloved hobby or exploring a new skill! Art classes like painting, drawing, and sewing are popular choices among our Village on the Park Rogers residents.

Have a Game Night 

Game nights are a regular fixture on our activities and events calendar! Our residents have a great time gathering in our common areas for lively card games, board games, and bingo. Playing games is entertaining, mentally stimulating, and fosters connections with friends and neighbors. If you’re not feeling competitive, how about joining in on a puzzle?

Join Book Club 

Do you have a passion for finding and sharing new books? Joining a book club is a fantastic way to engage in thoughtful discussions about your favorite and/or newly discovered books. We have numerous book clubs here focused on various genres, ensuring there’s a group for everyone to enjoy!

The key to staying connected as we age is to find activities that bring us joy and allow us to interact and connect with others in a meaningful way. As our abilities, interests, and routines change, it might require a bit of extra courage and intentionality to engage socially. At Village on the Park Rogers, we offer a wide range of social activities and events designed to cater to diverse interests and cultivate a sense of belonging. 

Interested in learning more about life at Village on the Park Rogers? Schedule a tour and uncover the joys of a socially fulfilling lifestyle!

We know that the initial visits to your loved ones in assisted living might feel a bit new. At Village on the Park Rogers, we are dedicated to building a warm and inclusive environment where families can reconnect and create cherished memories. Our community isn’t just a residence for your parents—it’s a place where the entire family can thrive!  With a diverse array of amenities, you’ll discover endless ways to engage in fun activities and spend meaningful time with your Mom or Dad.

Engaging Activities to Share with Your Parents at Village on the Park Rogers:

• Arts and Crafts: Unleash your creativity in our art studio, equipped with a wide range of supplies like paints, clay, yarn, and more. Design personalized cards, embellish picture frames, or craft unique apartment decorations together. It’s a wonderful way to connect and create cherished mementos.
• Let’s Celebrate: As our parents age, hosting events at home can become increasingly difficult. Let us help you create a joyful celebration at Village on the Park Rogers! Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or simply a spontaneous gathering, our beautiful, spacious areas are perfect for hosting parties.
• Game Night: Gather together in our well-stocked game room for a fun and stimulating evening of games or puzzles. With a variety of options to choose from, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Moving your parent to assisted living can open up new opportunities for bonding and shared experiences. With daily chores and errands taken care of, you can focus on what truly matters – spending quality time together. Want to learn more about the enriching lifestyle at Village on the Park Rogers? Schedule a tour today!

If you’re contemplating downsizing and moving to a senior living community, creating a strategic plan can make the downsizing process smoother. Figuring out what to keep can be tough, as you consider emotional connections, storage limitations, and functionality. Be sure to read our organization tips before you relocate. It’s time for some Spring Cleaning!

Find Your Inspiration

Need a little push to start getting organized? Your personal goals, like cutting back on home responsibilities or participating in more social activities, can be a strong motivator. Think about the things in senior living that you are excited for to get inspired.

Picture the potential of your new space as a fun way to figure out which items to bring with you. Work with us to create a complimentary furniture layout for your upcoming home at Village on the Park Rogers. This will help you identify which items you want to hold onto!

Find What Suits You

Downsizing can be approached in numerous ways – it’s essential to discover the strategy that best suits you! Take your peak energy time into consideration for organizing, whether it’s evening or morning and carve out time for them. Playing music while packing can also help increase your productivity levels. Experiment with different methods to find your preferred organizational style!

Tip: Organize a plan for your downsizing, with scheduled breaks, and stick to it. Maintaining a structured timetable for both work and leisure will aid in successfully overseeing the process.

Take It Step-by-Step 

If you are goal-oriented, then this packing trick is the way to go! Tackle each area or section individually to feel a sense of accomplishment once complete. It’s great to cross items off your to-do list!

Organize Items

It may be emotional to say goodbye to meaningful items, but sorting them into four separate categories can help simplify the process and ensure they are used in a beneficial way.

• Save – Make sure to pack up any valuable items that you want to bring with you to your new space.
• Gift – Pass along sentimental items you no longer have a use for to your family, grandchildren, or neighbors. They might be able to make great use of them!
• Donate – Try donating gently used items to charity. Search for local resale stores that provide free furniture pickup!
• Discard – Utilizing this choice will give you the advantage of quickly creating a tidier environment by disposing of unnecessary items in the trash or recycling bin.

Tip: If you haven’t used something in the last year, you probably won’t need it in the future.

Make Unpacking Easy 

As you begin packing for your move, be sure to label each box with its contents and where it should go in your new home. This will help you prioritize unpacking and find things easily.

Tip: Organize a specific box labeled “Immediately” filled with necessary items like glasses, medications, and chargers that you will need right away when you move.

The initial stages of downsizing may seem overwhelming, but by following these useful tips, it can be made simple. Downsizing also offers perks like less mess, decreased home maintenance obligations, and a more enjoyable experience in a senior living community!

What does independence mean to you? To us, it means being able to live the life you want confidently. At Village on the Park Rogers, we’re all about providing you with the tools to thrive on your own terms. Here’s how we support your independence:

Staying Fit

Research shows a link between regular exercise and maintaining independence by slowing the effects of aging. That’s why we offer a variety of wellness options at Village on the Park Rogers. Choose from group classes, campus walks, or gentle movement sessions – find what works for you and helps you stay strong. 

A Full Social Calendar 

Staying connected keeps your mind sharp and your spirit joyful! The National Library of Medicine suggests engaging socially can play a role in preventing disabilities and improving the health and well-being of older individuals – helping people stay independent longer. Our community calendar offers endless opportunities for fun and connection. There’s truly something for everyone between our outings to local restaurants, crafting sessions, competitive game nights – and so much more! 

More Time for What You Want 

The biggest perk of senior living? More time for what matters! Imagine skipping the chores and having delicious meals prepared for you. Our Village on the Park Rogers staff is here to free up your time for hobbies, relaxing, and quality time with loved ones.

Choose a community dedicated to your independence, and experience the confidence that comes with great support. Ready to explore a lifestyle designed with your freedom in mind?  Schedule a tour!