How Short-Term Rehabilitation Puts You on the Path to Recovery

Following an accident, illness or injury, most people need time to recover fully. This is especially true for older adults who recover more slowly from significant incidents. Years ago, hospitals were set up so that these individuals could stay as long as they needed in order to recover enough to go home. Today, seniors and their loved ones have a different option in order to get back to a normal level of function: short-term rehabilitation.

“Short-term rehabilitation is one of the best solutions for seniors who need extra help in order to return home safely following a hospital stay,” says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, a premier active senior living community just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches. “It’s an excellent service that results in fewer rehospitalizations, lowers health care costs, fewer health complications after leaving the hospital and generally better outcomes for patients.”

Short-term rehabilitation at Harrogate combines therapies and rehabilitation services to help seniors regain their independence, getting them back to where they want to be. “Our goal is to quickly restore confidence and strength to return you to the things you love to do as soon as possible,” Charles says. “We’re proud that our average length of stay is five days fewer than the national average, meaning that our rehabilitation clients are able to return to their lives that much sooner.”

No two short-term rehabilitation centers are created equal, so if you’re looking into options for yourself or a loved one, here is some general information to help you make the right choice for your needs.

What is short-term rehabilitation?

Short-term rehabilitation (STR) is inpatient care that’s focused on healing and therapies that allow the individual to become well enough to go home or be discharged to outpatient care. Most short-term rehabilitation takes place in special clinics and facilities, which can be standalone, aligned with a medical center or located at a senior living community.

What sort of care needs would qualify me for short-term rehabilitation?

Because STR is a medical service that can be covered by medical insurance (such as Medicare or private insurance), it’s natural to know what sort of issues or care needs would be covered. Generally, a person who goes into STR is medically stable, but still needs supervised care around-the-clock in order to be safe. If you or a loved one were dealing with injuries from a car crash, wounds that are slow to heal, recovery following a big surgery or progressive illnesses are all conditions that could qualify you for short-term rehabilitation.

How long will I be in short-term rehabilitation?

The short answer is: as long as it takes for you to get well! The longer answer is that you will typically remain in short-term rehabilitation until your care team believes you’re healthy and well enough to be discharged back home. This can be anywhere from two weeks to a month or even more. It all depends on your individual care needs.

What questions should I ask to find the right short-term rehabilitation provider for me?

Since you or your loved one will be staying in short-term rehabilitation for some time, you want to make sure you chose a place that meets both your care needs. Here are some questions to ask to make sure you’re choosing a good facility for you.

  • Is the center licensed and certified? You’ll want a center that’s been licensed by your state and certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) – that way, you know you’re receiving the best possible care.
  • Does the center have the treatments and therapies you will need? Obviously, this is a very big requirement. You’ll want to make sure that the facility can actually treat the care needs that you have.
  • Is there a multidisciplinary team of licensed medical professionals on staff? This allows for a more holistic, whole-person approach to your care.
  • Is your insurance accepted? Even though insurance does cover most costs for short-term rehabilitation, there can be out-of-pocket costs, and you’ll want to manage your expenses accordingly.
  • Is the clinic near you and convenient for friends and family? Experts say that it’s a lot easier for people to heal when they’re surrounded by their loved ones. A convenient location makes it easier for family and friends to visit and support you in your recovery.

Short-Term Rehabilitation at Harrogate

Residents at Harrogate have priority access to our short-term rehabilitation care – and what could be better than recuperating in a place you already know as home? However, you don’t have to be a current Harrogate resident in order to use our rehabilitation services. We offer direct admittance, and we accept Medicare; all Medicare Advantage Plans, including HMOs, long-term care insurance, and private pay. We offer a wide variety of rehabilitation services and care specialties to ensure that you get back on your feet as soon as possible.

We provide comprehensive therapies up to seven days a week, including physical, occupational and speech therapies. Here are some of our specialties:

  • Cardiac rehabilitation: Improving outcomes with multifaceted, medically supervised care
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation: Boosting breathing and functioning to the highest level possible
  • Pain management: Reducing discomfort with compassionate continuous pain monitoring
  • Wound care: Reduced infection and improved healing with careful incision-site monitoring
  • IV therapy: Administering optimal care with the help of effective intravenous therapy
  • Palliative and hospice care: Maximizing quality of life through end-of-life care
  • Dermatology: Specialized treatment for skin, hair and nails
  • Respite care: Providing temporary care for a loved one and relief for caregivers
  • Podiatry: Providing essential foot care
  • Optometry: Monitoring and managing healthy vision and eye care
  • Fall prevention program
  • Post-acute therapy

Our 5-star CMS-rated facility (that’s the highest rating a short-term rehabilitation center can achieve) has board-certified physicians on site four days a week, and specialists on staff around the clock. We offer a very high staff-to-patient ratio, ensuring the very best care for you. Our rehabilitation services are offered seven days a week, and we work with each individual to develop personalized care plans that ensure optimal outcomes.

When you choose Harrogate for short-term rehabilitation, you’ll have the benefit of all our thoughtful services and amenities on our beautiful campus. Our restaurant-style dining will delight as well as nourish your tastebuds, and you’ll enjoy a full calendar of events and activities to make your days exciting and fun. At Harrogate, you’ll find everything you need to get you on the road to recovery swiftly, efficiently and successfully.

This Is What “Worry Less, Live More” Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a worry-free, fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer. From opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself to the peace of mind of future care, socialization and so much more.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

The Journey to Senior Living: A Step- by-Step Guide for Seniors and Families

Are you or a loved one thinking that senior living may be right for you? These days, moving into senior living isn’t the stigma it used to be. Instead, senior living is filled with vibrant opportunities, numerous choices and lifestyles that have younger folks wishing they could move in right now. However, narrowing down the options and taking the steps can be overwhelming, especially at the very beginning.

“As with any big life decision, starting out on the journey can be daunting, but it’s important to remember that you just need to begin with a single step,” says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, a premier active senior living community just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean county beaches. “We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help seniors and their family members understand the process while taking some of the uncertainty away.”

Charles says that it may help to think about senior living like choosing a college, or picking a new house. “A lot of the principles are the same,” he says. “Just remember to do your research, consider your options and make a decision that feels good to you. And of course, remember to have fun. This can be a very exciting time for you.”

Step 1: Decide if it’s time for senior living.

The first step in the process is deciding whether the time is right to move to senior living. While there is no right or wrong answer, here are some questions to ask yourself or your loved one in order to help make that decision.

  • Are you able to do all the things you want to do with no or minimal help?
  • Can you handle personal care tasks on your own, or is it becoming too difficult?
  • Are you able to manage your medications correctly?
  • Are you remaining social and active, or have you become more isolated?
  • Are you tired of dealing with all the chores and tasks that come with owning a house?
  • Are you feeling increasingly lonely or bored?
  • Are you having accidents at home, such as falling or other issues?
  • Do you have hobbies and activities that you enjoy, and are you able to engage with them?

Depending on the answers to those questions, you may decide that senior living is right for you or your loved one.

Step 2: Do your research.

Depending on where you live, you may have a large number of CCRCs to choose from. This can be good or bad, depending on your ability to narrow down exactly what you want. That’s why it’s important to do your homework and understand exactly what you’re looking for so that you can find a community that meets and exceeds everything you want and need.

A great place to start is with our comprehensive guide to CCRCs, where you’ll learn basic information of what’s available to you. Here are some other things to do during your research phase of the journey:

  • Decide on the care level you will need, whether that’s independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing or memory care. Many communities have a variety of different care levels on the same campus.
  • Figure out the price point that works for you. Depending on your finances and benefits coming your way, you may decide that one location will work better for you than another.
  • Come up with a list of the top four or five choices. It does no good to set up tours with many different communities. Having fewer choices can make the decision easier – and, of course, if you don’t like any of the ones you see at first, you can always expand your search.

Step 3: Tour your choices.

The next step in the process is to contact the communities on your list and set up tours. Even though you can get a lot of information online, there’s no substitute for actually going into the community and experiencing the atmosphere, looking at the rooms, tasting the food and interacting with staff and residents. As you know from buying a house, a place that looks great in pictures may have a lot of issues that you won’t see until you step foot inside. Here are a few ways to help make the most of your tours and get the information you need to make the right choice:

  • Ask questions. It can help to have a standardized list of questions (such as the one you’ll find here) that you can take with you to every community you tour.
  • Consider doing more than one tour at each community that you’re seriously considering. We recommend going back at different times of the day. Another option would be to book a short-term stay at the community to get a real feel for what it’s like.
  • Ask if you can meet several of the residents and spend a good amount of time with them. A good community will have “brand champions” who love the community and will gladly answer all your questions.

Step 4: Select your option.

After you’ve toured all your options, it’s time to make a choice. This can be a long process, and a stressful one. However, if you’ve done your research and listen to your gut, your instincts won’t steer you wrong.

Step 5: Get ready to move.

You’ve made your choice – congratulations! You’ve taken the first step towards your new chapter of life. The article “7 Steps to Finding the Perfect Senior Living Community” lists some points for getting ready to move that you may wish to follow, depending on your circumstances:

  • Meet with an Elder Law Attorney to prepare the appropriate documents. These are attorneys that specialize in the legal requirements of aging and/or the preparation of documents useful for end-of-life care.
  • Sell or leverage your home. If there is currently home or property ownership, that equity can be used to help with care expenses.
  • Get help with the move. While you can definitely downsize, declutter and get rid of items yourself, you may wish to consider hiring a professional team that specializes in moving seniors from a home into a community.
  • Apply for and receive Veteran’s benefits. If you or your loved one served in the military, or if you, or they, were married to someone who did, speak to a Veteran’s benefit consultant to see what financial programs you may be eligible for.

Step 6: Enjoy your new home.

You’ve done your research, planned your move and finally you’ve done it – you’ve moved into your new senior living community. Take a deep breath, because now it’s time to do the best thing of all … make the new community your new home. Many senior living communities will have orientation for new members to help them get acquainted with all the services and amenities available for them. You may also wish to ask staff members if they can connect you with other residents whom you might enjoy meeting. Remember, everyone at the community was new once, too. Sooner than you think, you’ll start thinking of senior living not just as “the community,” but as “home.”

5-Star Skilled Nursing Care in Lakewood, New Jersey

 As a Life Care Community, Harrogate provides residents with access to long-term and short-term health care services on our campus – meaning our residents never have to leave their home to receive the care they require. Our Health Center offers both private and semi-private suites, as well as comfortable common spaces where residents can mingle with one another as well as staff. Personalized care plans are developed in tandem with residents’ needs and preferences.

“Our community has a reputation for delivering high-quality skilled nursing care in a homelike environment,” says Charles. “Our team of specialists is trained to handle every aspect of skilled nursing, from comprehensive wound care to individualized programs for specific health needs. We’re among a select few retirement communities in Ocean County, New Jersey, to earn a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.”

This Is What “Worry Less, Live More” Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a worry-free, fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer. From opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself to the peace of mind of future care, socialization and so much more.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

How to Find Quality Skilled Nursing for Your Loved One

When your loved one requires more assistance than assisted living can provide, what comes next? This is when skilled nursing can provide a high quality of life with the support your loved one needs, says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, a premier active senior living community just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches.

“People often use the words nursing home and assisted living and skilled nursing interchangeably, but there are actually distinct differences between those terms,” he says. “Skilled nursing is a service that is provided in a community and is a type of care that can only be performed by trained, licensed nurses. Skilled nursing can take place in a separate facility, or it can take place on-site at a community like Harrogate.”

Skilled nursing, Charles says, includes nursing care, assistance with everyday activities, 24-hour supervision, rehabilitation services if needed, three meals a day as well as a variety of other amenities like you would find at a senior living community. The amount of time that someone spends in skilled nursing can range greatly depending on their level of care needs.

“Some individuals only need to stay in skilled nursing for a short time following a surgery, accident or illness,” he says. “Others may need to live in skilled nursing permanently because their physical or mental health is such that they need constant, trained supervision.”

Skilled nursing services are regulated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). In order to be certified, communities that provide skilled nursing must meet specific, strict criteria and are subject to inspections on a regular basis.

What Care Does Skilled Nursing Offer?

Skilled nursing communities offer a wide range of services and medical care, including:

  • Physical therapy to help an individual recover from illness, surgery or hospitalization
  • Occupational therapy, which includes assistance for adapting to everyday environments, including getting dressed, coordination exercises and memory training
  • Speech therapy which helps address communication issues and swallowing dysfunctions, which can be common in older adults
  • Other services including but not limited to wound care, intravenous (IV) therapy, injections and monitoring of vital signs and medical equipment

How Do I Find a Skilled Nursing Facility for My Loved One?

A good place to start is Medicare.gov’s Nursing Home Compare tool. This allows you to compare skilled nursing facilities in your desired area based on their quality of care, what special services they offer and their health and safety inspection results. Other great resources include friends and family, as well as online research through third-party sites. You may also wish to connect with social workers or your local Area Agency on Aging for more information.

Once you’ve narrowed your search down to a handful of facilities, we suggest touring them in person to get a feel for the facility. Here are some questions to ask in order to help determine whether a community is right for your loved one:

  1. What are the inspection ratings for your skilled nursing facility, or what is your star rating? The highest quality care facilities receive 5-star ratings, while below average quality facilities will receive 1-star ratings.
  2. What activities are available for residents? The best care communities focus on whole body wellness instead of just physical health. Activities provide emotional and mental stimulation for residents, which results in better overall health. Look for communities that provide a wide range of activities that focus on the entire person instead of just a few aspects.
  3. Is there an RN available 24/7? Having a registered nurse on site at all times is essential for providing the very best possible care for residents. An RN should be available to respond to any unexpected needs and provide immediate medical care.
  4. How do you determine care plans? One-size-fits-all is never the correct approach for skilled nursing. Pay attention to how health assessments are done and how personalized care plans are crafted. Be sure to ask about family involvement, as well as how often care plans are revisited to ensure that the resident is receiving the very best possible care as their needs change.

Besides asking questions, you’ll want to use your senses and observation skills to get a feel for what life is really like in the community. Here are some things to pay attention to when you’re on a tour:

  • What are your first impressions of the community? Is it clean and well-kept, or is it run-down and looks like it needs to be updated? How does it smell? Is it cheerful and brightly lit?
  • How does the staff interact with residents? Are they smiling and greeting residents by name? Do they look tired or worn out?
  • How do the residents appear? Are they participating in activities, mingling or otherwise having an enjoyable time? Do they look well cared for?
  • Is it a place you can imagine your loved one enjoying?

5-Star Skilled Nursing in Lakewood, New Jersey

As a Life Care Community, Harrogate provides residents with access to long-term and short-term health-care services on our campus – meaning our residents never have to leave their “home” to receive the care they require. Our skilled nursing center offers both private- and semi-private suites, as well as comfortable common spaces where residents can mingle with one another as well as staff. Personalized care plans are developed in tandem with residents’ needs and preferences.

“Our community has a reputation for delivering high-quality skilled nursing in a homelike environment,” says Charles. “Our team of specialists is trained to handle every aspect of skilled nursing, from comprehensive wound care to individualized programs for specific health needs. We’re among a select few retirement communities in Ocean County, New Jersey, to earn a 5-Star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.”

This Is What “Worry Less, Live More” Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a worry-free, fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer. From opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself to the peace of mind of future care, socialization and so much more.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

Senior Living Success: Telling the Kids About Your Move

One thing we can probably agree on is that we’re all glad to see 2020 in our rearview mirror. Many senior adults, after closing the chapter on the past year, are now looking to 2021 and considering what the new year has in store for them. For many, making the move to a senior living community like ours makes complete sense, says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, a premier active senior living community just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches.

“The threat of COVID-19 has caused many older adults to reconsider their living arrangements,” Charles says. “Surprisingly for many, a senior living community like Harrogate is actually the safest place for them to enjoy their days while also social distancing. Thanks to rigorous safety standards put in place, a senior living community is often much safer than living independently in a family home.”

While this may seem counter intuitive, Charles says that moving to an enclosed community provides older adults a sense of freedom while also bringing peace of mind for the future. “Your risks are much lower and the safety standards are much higher, making it the perfect place for older, at-risk adults to spend their retirement,” he says. “However, at some point you have to do something that may be difficult: telling your kids about your decision.”

Charles says that adult children can have a huge range of emotions when it comes to hearing their parents are moving to retirement living. They may be thrilled and completely supportive. On the other hand, they may be resentful, stubborn or simply believe that you are making the wrong choice. What’s a senior adult to do?

Obviously, you want to make sure you ease your kids’ minds during the transition, while also asserting your independence and preferences. Here are some tips for helping share the news with your kids, easing their concerns, addressing any questions they may have and getting them excited about this new journey that lies ahead.

Focus on the benefits.

It’s always best to lead with the positives and benefits as you’re announcing a new life change. This will help make the situation a lot more palatable to your loved ones, and can also help cut off any complaints before they begin. “Many adult children may assume that their parents would prefer to stay at home or live with them instead of moving into a community, and this change could be very discombobulating to them,” says Charles. “They may be resentful at the loss of their family home, or they could be worried that you won’t receive the appropriate level of care and assistance.”

Take some time to learn about the community you’re moving to and present the information to your kids in an optimistic, positive manner. Let them know that your desire to live elsewhere isn’t a personal slight – you’re making the right decision for you based on your personal experiences and knowledge. Be open about your choices and why you’ve decided to move. Whatever your reasons are, let your children know that you’re doing this to improve your quality of life – not to punish anyone or step away from everything you love.

Be prepared to answer a lot of questions.

Your children will probably have many questions upon your announcement. These can range from financial to personal to everything in between. You will need to prep beforehand and decide what you want your kids to know – and what they don’t need to know. After all, if you’re making this decision for yourself, you’re simply informing them of the change – you don’t need to justify yourself or get their permission.

It may be helpful to have some brochures from your community on hand so you can easily share information and get your children additional information. You may also wish to schedule a tour of the community with your kids so they can see firsthand where you’re going and also meet the staff and other key members of the community. Having plenty of information can help answer your kids’ questions and put them at ease about your decision.

Reassure them that you’re doing this to help continue – not stifle – your independence.

Surprisingly, there are still many misconceptions about senior living out there. One of the biggest is that moving to senior living robs older adults of all their independence. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, moving to senior living can actually increase your independence and improve your quality of life for longer than you would be able to live at home.

Having information about the community you’re moving to can help reassure your children about your decision. If they see that you’re doing this to benefit your life and even take responsibilities off their shoulders, they may be more amenable to the situation and eventually become as excited as you about this new chapter of life.

Ask them for their input and help.

While moving away from a home you know and love can be sad, it can also be an opportunity for you to share an experience with your children – and get their input. Ask your children for their help so they can be an integral part of this next phase of life. This is a great opportunity for your family to go through your home, look through personal items and share stories about the history you’ve experienced in the family home. While this can be bittersweet, it can also forge priceless memories. Take your time as you go through the house and pare through your belongings. You may be surprised at what items hold particular meaning to your children. Don’t forget that this is a perfect time to pass along heirlooms and other family pieces – not only will they get those items out of your hands, but you’ll also be able to see your kids and relatives enjoying them during your lifetime.

“The biggest thing you can do to get your adult children excited about your move is to involve them in the process,” says Charles. “By positioning this as an exciting, invigorating time, they’ll be more likely to get excited about the move – and, by extension, you will too. Although there may be bumps in the road and you may experience some skepticism, involving them in the process is one of the best ways to reassure your adult children and share your enthusiasm with them.”

This Is What “Worry Less, Live More” Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer – from opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself to the peace of mind of future care, socialization and so much more.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory support and more for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

New F.D.A. Approved COVID-19 Vaccine Released at Harrogate

Harrogate is pleased to be able to offer the COVID-19 vaccination to residents and employees through our partner pharmacy. Residents and employees will be in the initial distribution group in the CDC phased allocations and among the first in the country to have access to the vaccine once it is available. Specific vaccination distribution and delivery plans, including the prioritization of residents by level of care, will be determined by each state. Click here for the most recent state plan for the rollout of vaccine access.

Harrogate and other communities managed by Life Care Services® are partnering with CVS and Walgreens to provide the vaccine to residents and staff free of charge. Vaccinations will be carefully administered by a licensed professional at Harrogate, offering the peace of mind that comes with not having to venture out in public to receive the immunization.

Harrogate is dedicated to mitigating the spread of COVID-19. We continue to put residents first by utilizing enhanced infection and disease control protocols, while still providing exceptional experiences for residents.

If you have further questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the CDC website here. Please contact us at 866-606-0178 for specific information about the vaccination plan at Harrogate.

To review current FAQs regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, please click here.

This Is What “Worry Less, Live More” Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer – from opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself to the peace of mind of future care, socialization and so much more.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and more for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

Caregiving and the Holidays: When Visiting Mom and Dad Raises Red Flags

Approximately 5 to 7 million Americans provide some assistance to senior loved ones who live at a distance. For these individuals, staying in touch happens through phone calls, reports from neighbors and infrequent visits throughout the year. Many times, a holiday visit may be the only chance an adult child may get to see their senior parent.

“The holidays are an opportune time for adult children to take stock of their aging loved ones’ health and condition to make sure they’re doing okay at home – or not,” says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, a premier active senior living community just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches. “However, this may be more complicated this year due to COVID-19 and family gatherings being canceled or severely limited.”

It’s more important than ever, says Charles, to understand what red flags to look for that may indicate your parents are having difficulty. “Even if you’re not able to physically be there, you can connect with a neighbor or nearby family member who can be your point person to look for any disturbing signs,” he says.

Here are some of the biggest warning signs you or a representative should look for.

Sudden or significant weight loss.

Does your loved one look significantly thinner than they did the last time you saw them? This can be one of the biggest signs of poor health. On a medical level, weight loss could signify a serious problem like cancer, depression or dementia. It could also indicate that your loved one doesn’t have the energy or the ability to prepare and eat nutritious meals. It’s also possible that your loved one’s tastes have changed due to the aging process or certain medications they might be taking. No matter what the reason, a marked weight loss should have you connecting with your senior loved one’s physician to get to the root of the problem.

Difficulty getting around.

Is your once active mother suddenly hesitant to take her nightly walk? Is your agile father having difficulty going up the stairs? Sudden difficulties with mobility and performing regular tasks can indicate a sign of joint issues or neurological problems. Unfortunately, as we get older, our strength can naturally decline and we can become unsteady on our feet. The less active we are, the more our abilities continue to deteriorate, and the greater the risk of balance issues, mobility issues and falling. The CDC reports that more than one out of four older people falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Fall-related injuries are the number one reason seniors are admitted into the emergency room. If you notice your loved one is having a hard time maneuvering and performing regular tasks, make an appointment with their physician for a full check-up and a discussion of options for keeping your loved one safe, mobile and secure.

A less-than-kept-up home.

The state of your loved one’s home can speak volumes to their safety level. If the yard is a little unkempt and a little less tidy than usual, no worries – those are easily handled issues. But if you notice expired food in the fridge, overflowing garbage, filthy surroundings and dangerously unkempt conditions, that’s something you need to get to the bottom of. Other telltale signs of seniors needing assistance are unopened bills piling up or excess clutter. This is where having an extra set of boots on the ground can be beneficial for family members who live far away. Be sure to look for subtle signs of issues as well. Scorched kitchen countertops or pans can indicate that your loved one is forgetting about food left on the stove. Piles of dirty clothes can indicate an inability to do the laundry. The best resource you have is your gut: if you feel like something is wrong, it’s a good idea to check it out.

Changing moods or behavior.

It’s common to forget someone’s name every once in a while, or mess up dates from years ago. It’s less common for your cheerful, perky mom to suddenly become snappy and angry, or for your whip-smart father to suddenly become disoriented and confused. These changes don’t necessarily mean something as significant as cognitive decline, but they could indicate physical issues like dehydration, urinary tract infections, medication side effects or other underlying problems. Even if the issue is ultimately dementia or another form of cognitive decline, it’s best to know as soon as possible what’s going on. The earlier a medical professional can gauge what’s wrong, the better the outcomes and treatments can be. The last thing you want is to wait until an accident or unfortunate event forces you and your family to figure out what’s going on.

Worry less, live more at Harrogate.

“Realizing that your parents need help, and then talking to them about that need, is not easy,” says Charles. “As a longtime trusted senior living resource for thousands of older adults and their families, Harrogate uniquely understands the emotions, feelings and decisions you’re going through, and we’re here to help however we can.”

Charles says that many families have chosen a community like Harrogate for their loved one because of the many benefits communities provide to help seniors live happier, healthier and for longer. “Isolation, inactivity and poor nutrition are all huge factors that accelerate the aging process,” Charles says. “In a community setting like Harrogate, the focus is on whole-person wellness and providing the caring, dignified assistance needed to help older adults live full, healthy lives.”

Everything from our focus on fitness to dining excellence and personalized amenities are all designed to help older adults live better – and to provide family members peace of mind. “This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Charles says. “Our continued focus is on the health and safety of our residents, and we have stringent protocols in place to maintain our status as a coronavirus-free community.”

This Is What “Worry Less, Live More” Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a worry-free, fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer – from opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself to the peace of mind of future care, socialization and so much more.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory support and more for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

Making the Move: 3 Signs You or a Loved One Is Ready for Senior Living

Does the idea of moving to senior living make you or your loved ones wince? If so, it’s time to flip the script, says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, New Jersey’s premier active senior living community, located just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches.

“Senior living is the place to be for today’s older adults,” Charles says. “Thanks to the Baby Boomers, senior living has become very similar to resort-style living. It’s maintenance-free, worry-free and all-inclusive – making it the perfect springboard for active, independent adults who are ready to enjoy their retirement to the fullest.”

A community like Harrogate, a Life Care Community that provides full-service health care for seniors of all ages and stages, makes it easy for today’s seniors to live an engaged lifestyle while also receiving everything they need to age well. “Ask any senior what they want their life to look like, and you’ll probably hear the refrain I want to grow old in my own home,” Charles says. “Well, Harrogate has been designed to help seniors do exactly that. We strive to be a community that older adults are excited to move into, because they know that they’ll receive the assistance they want and the independence they deserve. We’re definitely not your grandma’s nursing home – Harrogate is a destination for a harmonious, fulfilling and experience-rich life.”

Still, some older adults or family members may be hesitant about moving into a community because of long-held beliefs of what a “home” looks like, says Charles. “The most important thing that seniors and their families should know is that senior living is a positive experience these days, instead of a place to be avoided,” he says. “Still, there are certain older individuals who may be hesitant about moving into a community, even if their lives could be greatly improved by the experience. If you’re an older individual wondering if senior living is right for you, or if you’re an adult child considering senior living for your loved one, here are some signs that moving to a community like Harrogate could be beneficial.”

  1. Home maintenance is turning into a real hassle.
    Homeownership is the American Dream, but home chores and home maintenance can quickly become the American Nightmare – especially for older adults. Dealing with the day-to-day drudgery of cleaning, cooking, laundry and other routine tasks can get dull and exhausting. Then, there are all the regularly scheduled tasks that need to happen throughout the year, such as maintaining the lawn, getting the house ready for winter (and shoveling snow), raking leaves, paying real estate taxes, dealing with furnace and air conditioner issues … the list goes on and on. Forget the price tag of all these tasks – the time suck that they cause can be enough to make even a young person throw up their hands in defeat.

That’s why today’s senior living communities are designed to take the hassle of homeownership off seniors’ plates, leaving them all the time in the world to do the things they want to do. For one monthly fee, residents at Harrogate enjoy the comfort of their own private home along with the benefits of a resort-style community. The on-site maintenance staff handles everything from clearing snow to landscaping to even changing light bulbs – you never have to lift a finger again if you don’t want to. And for just one monthly fee, you can say goodbye to real estate taxes, homeowners insurance and home upkeep. Living in a senior living community has all the benefits of home with none of the downsides.

  1. Staying social is more and more of a drag.
    As social creatures, humans crave and thrive on the connections we have with our fellow man. But as we get older, it can get more difficult to find and maintain meaningful connections. Friends and family move away. It becomes harder to get out and stay active. But at a senior living community, staying social is as easy as stepping outside your front door. Think of moving to a community like Harrogate as starting college – only without the homework and career angst.

Whether you’re an active and independent senior or an older adult who needs a little extra assistance, it’s easy to remain social thanks to the regularly scheduled activities and events that take place every day. From learning a new skill to practicing favorite hobbies to scheduled outings and more, there’s always something going on. Best of all, you don’t have to deal with managing the event yourself – all you have to do is show up. At a senior living community, you or your senior loved one can be as social as you’d like with classes, gatherings, social events, hobbies, classes and so much more. The hard part will be figuring out what to say “no” to!

  1. You (or your loved ones) desire peace of mind and security.
    Getting older, as the saying goes, ain’t for sissies. While the mind is willing, the body can be quite weak, and living on your own in a family home can be worrisome. Most houses aren’t set up as a safe and comfortable place for seniors to age. However, a senior living community is intrinsically designed to help older adults remain in a home they love with minimal disruption. For example, at Harrogate, private homes are equipped with safety features like pull bars, emergency alert systems, doorways that are wide enough for things like walkers or wheelchairs and a caring, responsive staff available 24/7. These amenities allow aging seniors to age safely and securely “in place” – allowing them to live their golden years in comfort without having to undertake a big move if and when they require additional assistance.

This Is What “Worry Less, Live More” Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a worry-free, fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer, from,

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are untroubled for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory support and more for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

Senior Living 101: Your Guide to Housing Options

When it comes time to choose a senior living option – when you decide you’d like to let go of your worries and embrace a more fulfilling, experience-rich life – you may find yourself wondering what is best for you. It all depends on what you’re looking for and expecting from your retirement, says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, Ocean County, New Jersey’s premier active senior living community and located just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches.

“Older adults may find that moving into senior living sooner rather than later brings innumerable benefits,” says Charles. “For example, Harrogate is a Life Care Community, meaning that we provide every level of service on-site at our community. If you’re looking for a place that can be your forever home, where you will always have peace of mind that you’ll experience the highest-quality care no matter what you might need, a Life Care Community may be the right choice. However, if you’d prefer more flexibility and are willing to move to a different location if your needs change, you might want another form of senior living.”

Charles says that while there are plenty of options out there, such as age-restricted communities or communities that only provide one or two services on-site, they come with their own downsides. “We like to put it this way: if you do need a higher level of care, do you really want to move again when you’re older and have less mobility? Or would you prefer to remain at a place that you know and love, so you don’t have to leave your friends and community?”

”Harrogate is the only senior community in the Lakewood, New Jersey area to offer Life Care, meaning that we can be your home for life. If you ever need it, you’ll have our in-home health services delivered to you right in your home. You also have priority access – for life – to our skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services and memory support, all available on-site at our Health Center.”

For Active Seniors: Independent Living

Independent living is exactly like it sounds – a lifestyle where all the chores and details are handled while you enjoy the life that you want. Active and independent seniors can say goodbye to home maintenance, chores and even cooking and cleaning, because it’s all taken care of.

“At Harrogate, we offer residents freedom,” says Charles. “Our 52-acre community provides so many opportunities for you to tap into new and rekindled interests and live the best life possible. It’s like living at a full-service resort!”

Independent living housing can vary from cottage homes to studio apartments. Harrogate offers a variety of floor plans to fit our residents’ lifestyle and budget. Every home is outfitted in style, with a full-scale kitchen, spacious bathrooms and gorgeous views … plus a built-in neighborhood of friends just outside your door. Independent living means enjoying plentiful services and amenities, fine dining every day and so many options to spend your time as you wish.

Care That Comes to You: Home Health Care

Home health care is Harrogate’s version of assisted living. Unlike other communities, where independent living residents usually have to move into an assisted living apartment when they require a certain level of care, our residents have the benefit of receiving in-home care right in their Harrogate residence. Residents continue to enjoy all the activities, amenities and perks of their community. Best of all, you don’t have to move – you can stay in the same apartment that you’ve come to call home.

Home health care provides a wide range of services, including assistance with the tasks of daily living, medication management, mobility assistance and even dementia and Alzheimer’s care. This allows us to help our residents who have cognitive issues to remain “at home” for as long as possible.

Compassionate Care: Skilled Nursing

For individuals who need a higher level of skilled care than home care can provide, Harrogate can help. We have a reputation for delivering high-quality skilled nursing care in a homelike environment. Our team of specialists can handle everything from comprehensive wound care to creative individualized programs for cardiac and pulmonary conditions.

Our skilled nursing center offers both private and semi-private suites, as well as common spaces where you can mingle with others who are enjoying our services. Skilled nursing residents also enjoy similar benefits to our other residents, such as services and activities and excellent dining options.

Getting You Back on Your Feet: Rehabilitation

Following a surgery, illness, or accident, you want to get back on your feet (and back to home) as soon as possible. That’s where our supportive rehabilitation professionals can help you regain your independence. Housed in our Health Care Center, we provide a variety of therapies and services that allow you to return you to the things you love to do as soon as possible. Unlike our other levels of care, we offer direct admittance for rehabilitation, meaning you or your loved one doesn’t have to be a current Harrogate resident to use our services.

“We hear from so many of our residents that they wish they had moved to Harrogate sooner,” says Charles. “That’s the highest compliment we can receive. We’re proud that our community offers so many opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself. It simply makes sense to come while you’re still active and independent so you can fully enjoy everything we have to offer.”

This Is What “Worry Less, Live More” Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a worry-free, fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer. From opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself to the peace of mind of future care, socialization and so much more.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory support and more for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

Moving Made Easy® Transitioning Your Life

Moving made easy? It’s not too good to be true. In fact, it can be smart, easy and – dare we say it – enjoyable.

“These may be unprecedented times, but that doesn’t mean that transitioning your life isn’t a smart move,” says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, Ocean County, New Jersey’s premier active senior living community and located just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches. “In fact, it’s one of the best moves you can make, and Harrogate can help make it easier for you thanks to our partnership with Moving Station.”

Charles says that it’s never too early or too late for seniors to begin transitioning to a more fulfilling, experience-rich life. “Even with COVID-19, this is still an excellent time to make a move,” he says. “This is especially true in fall, because moving now means you’re able to avoid another year dealing with home maintenance in winter. Instead, you can enjoy an easy season at our maintenance-free community.”

The State of the Real Estate Market

 It may seem surprising, but the real estate market is hot, hot, hot. While showings and home sales slowed at the beginning of the pandemic, they’ve made a significant rebound since then. Historically low interest rates are just one factor. Another is that “starter homes” (read: more affordable homes for young families or first-time home buyers) simply aren’t being built, making the inventory low as demand continues to rise.

In the New Jersey area, the housing market has been heating up in part due to the pandemic shutdown. People are moving from the large cities and settling in the suburbs, and as more and more companies improve their work-from-home policies, people are free to move and go where they want or need to go, whether that’s for a school system, to be close to family or simply be in a desirable area.

Preparing Your Home for Sale

Just because the real estate market is incredibly hot doesn’t mean that you can simply put a for sale sign in your yard and wait for the offers to roll in. That’s why it’s so important to hire a professional real estate agent to help show off your home in the very best light (and get you the best offer possible).

90 percent of home buyers begin their search online, so you want to make sure your listing looks as great as possible. Professional photos are a must, but also consider a virtual walk-through. Because of COVID-19, the majority of buyers will only schedule showings of homes they are seriously considering, and having a virtual walk-through will make it easier for them to literally see themselves in your home.

Consider current home trends as you and your real estate agent are staging your home for sale. These days, buyers are looking for houses with a home office space, so consider having a spare bedroom do double-duty. Finally, be sure to price your home correctly. Too high, and you won’t get any bites – too low, and you may not get the full value for your place. Again, a real estate professional will help you figure out the best way to stage, arrange and show your house in order to get the most eyes and most bids.

Getting Ready to Move

Before you put your home on the market, you’ll want to get ready for your move. Not only does this get you in the right mindset, but it also will help you purge and downsize your items (and clear out your house so it’s easier to stage). Here are a few tips from the experts:

  • Give yourself plenty of time to complete the process. No matter how long you think it may take, just know it will take even longer than that. Don’t try to get through everything in a weekend – or even a week. Several weeks and up to several months is a more realistic timeline.
  • Take time to reminisce. Going through your home is like going through tangible memories, and it’s inevitable that you will want to stop, go through things and reminisce about old times. That’s perfectly fine. Give yourself the time to do that and build it into your schedule.
  • Don’t start with a big room at the very beginning of this process. Start someplace that doesn’t have much emotional attachment, like the linen closet or the laundry room. This will get you into the groove and be less overwhelming. Plus, completing a smaller room will give you the momentum you need to keep going.
  • Get rid of rooms you won’t need. If you won’t be needing an office, third bedroom, den or other space, you can get rid of pretty much everything in them right now. Depending on what you have, you may want to hold a garage sale or take things to the consignment shop. Nextdoor and Facebook Marketplace are also great places to offload items.
  • Consider giving heirlooms and legacy gifts at this time. Are there items you want to leave to your children or grandchildren? Instead of waiting for them to read the will, give those pieces to them now if you won’t have space for them in your new place. This way, you’ll be able to see your descendants enjoying them.
  • Get rid of duplicate items. This is particularly true in the kitchen, where (if you’re like most of us) you have a preponderance of spatulas, spoons and silverware (just to name a few things). Consider your needs moving forward and purge accordingly.

“Moving is a big decision, but with foresight and planning, it can be an enjoyable one,” says Charles. “If you’re considering moving to a community like Harrogate, you can take advantage of our partnership with Moving Station as well as our experienced staff. We’ve helped many older adults transition into a worry-free and carefree lifestyle, and we look forward to doing the same for you.”

This Is What “Worry Less, Live More” Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a worry-free, fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer. From opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself, to the peace of mind of future care, socialization and so much more.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory support and more for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

6 Ways Laughter Benefits Aging and Wellness

We all know that sharing a laugh with others is a great way to boost your mood, improve your day and make things seem generally sunnier. But did you know that laughter can also improve your overall health – and help you age well, too?

“For older adults, laughter truly is the best medicine,” says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, Ocean County, New Jersey’s premier active senior living community. “As we age, we naturally become more susceptible to health ailments, and it’s more important than ever for us to care for our minds, bodies and souls in order to live the best possible lives.”

Charles says that it’s never too late to start on a path to healthy aging. “Our goal at Harrogate is to help our residents age happier and live healthier, which is the foundation of our Living the 8 program,” he says. “We’ve developed a program that brings together eight dimensions of wellness to help seniors live a happier, well-balanced life. It should be no surprise, then, that laughter is a huge part of that program!”

What are the ways that laughter can benefit wellness, particularly for seniors? Research has found six distinct benefits that can have us feeling better, aging better and living better all the way into our golden years. And that’s definitely something to laugh about.

  1. Improved cardiovascular health.
    Laughter is good for the heart, both figuratively and literally. Laughter has been proven to increase blood vessel function by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol. This is caused by a boost of circulation – our hearts pump a little more efficiently when we laugh – and increased blood oxygenation as we draw air into our bodies for those deep belly laughs and gleeful giggles. This leads to improved cardiovascular health, which lessens the risk of developing heart diseases and other issues – the leading cause of death in America today.
  2. Pain reduction.
    Laughter instantly triggers a reaction in our brains that provides an anesthesia-like effect for hours after the joke has passed. Endorphins are released when we guffaw, which are hormones that help regulate pain in our bodies. Cortisol also drops, which reduces pain and inflammation throughout the body. In addition, laughter can increase levels of endorphins, which help regulate pain in the body.
  3. Stress reduction.
    Stress wreaks havoc on our bodies, reducing the efficiency of our immune system, increasing our levels of anxiety and depression, impacting our sleep and eating habits and generally being a detriment to our overall health. Laughter is a great way to combat stress, as those chemical reactions that help reduce pain also help reduce stress, boost our moods and make things seem not so serious.
  4. Better core strength.
    Can you laugh your way to flatter abs? It’s possible. Laughter exercises the abdominal muscles and your diaphragm, and also instantly relaxes other muscles in your body that may need a break. Engaging your core helps strengthen your back muscles (which can help reduce back pain), increase overall strength and improve your breathing. That’s great news for seniors with asthma and bronchitis.
  5. Improved relationships.
    Besides the surprising physical benefits of laughter, it also brings us closer together. Some experts believe that the health benefits of laughter all stem from the improved social interaction and support that we receive from laughing together. No matter what language we speak, laughter is a common thread between us all. By laughing together, we bond with others and become more emotionally attuned to each other. Laughter is a great tool for improving the quality of interpersonal relationships – so much so, in fact, that some experts believe all the other health benefits flow from the improved social support laughter brings.
  6. Better mental health.
    Laughter improves our moods through various chemical releases and stress relief. This in turn promotes emotional well-being and a better sense of self-worth, which also creates a more stable mood and a more positive outlook. By laughing, we become more optimistic overall. Studies have shown that seniors (and other individuals) who have a sense of optimism also have a strong sense of resilience in the face of adversity, like job loss, financial issues, death and other major stressors.

Bringing More Laughter into Your Life
Since August is National Wellness Month, it’s the perfect time to inject some more humor and laughter into your life. There are always ways to find lightheartedness and happiness in any situation, as long as you open yourself up to the possibility. Here are some suggestions for how to get a good belly laugh each and every day.

  • Watch something funny. Whether that’s a silly cat video, a humorous gif or a favorite sitcom, something that tickles your funny bone will do just the trick.
  • Talk to someone every day. Even if you’re socially distanced, you can still pick up the phone and text or call a dear friend or family member. Ever noticed how laughter happens more naturally when you’re talking to someone?
  • Do something nice for yourself every day. When we care for ourselves, we’re more open to the possibility of humor and happiness. Pampering yourself – even if it’s as simple as drinking a cup of coffee outside or reading a chapter of a favorite book – will put you in a better frame of mind and make you more open to the humor and happiness around you.

This Is What “Worry Less, Live More” Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a worry-free, fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer. From opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself to the peace of mind of future care, socialization and so much more.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and more for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.