A fear of change can be caused by feeling a loss of control or discomfort with uncertainty. These fears often come into play when transitioning to an independent senior living community.

Let’s explore how you can help your loved one overcome their fear of transitioning to an independent senior living community by knowing what they can expect and discovering the benefits of senior living.

What to Expect in an Independent Senior Living Community

A retirement community has a lot to offer. To help your loved one overcome the fear of the unknown, it can help to focus on the positive aspects senior living communities offer and how they enhance older adults’ lives. Let’s explore the benefits of senior living that await your loved one so you can help them step out of their comfort zone.

Social Engagement and Companionship

Independent senior living communities offer a vibrant social environment that can help your loved one overcome the fear of loneliness and isolation. Older adults often worry about losing connections and becoming socially isolated as they age. However, independent senior living communities provide ample opportunities for social engagement, fostering a sense of companionship and belonging.

Independent living communities offer something for everyone, depending on interests and personality. From happy hours and wellness sessions to lectures and painting classes, there are plenty of opportunities available to engage in community life and meet new friends with similar interests.

Simplified Lifestyle and Reduced Responsibilities

The fear of change often stems from concerns about managing daily responsibilities and maintaining a household. Moving to a St. Louis independent senior living community can help alleviate these worries by providing a simplified lifestyle and reducing the burden of household chores.

Lawn maintenance, snow removal, and everyday chores are handled by staff members within the independent senior living community. These benefits of senior living enable your loved ones to spend more time on things that matter the most to them, such as enjoying time with loved ones, pursuing passions, and picking up new hobbies.

Full Event Calendar and Engaging Activities

One of the myths about senior living is that it’s boring, and many older adults worry that transitioning to independent living means leaving behind activities they enjoy. But that’s not the case!

Communities are buzzing with plenty of social events. And your loved one can participate in as much or as little as they want. Whether it’s enjoying a good book in the library or taking in a game of cards with a group of friends, there is a variety of fun for your loved one to get involved in that will enrich and fulfill their life.

Delicious Dining Experience

Dining is at the heart of the community, and an essential part of life. Your loved one won’t have to “say goodbye” to foods they enjoy in independent living.

Restaurant-style dining rooms offer a variety of menu options that cater to individual preferences and needs, ensuring that residents have easy access to nutritious, delicious meals every day.

Or, if your loved one wants to enjoy a quiet evening in their apartment or villa making one of their favorite recipes, most apartments have private kitchens.

Variety of Fitness and Wellness Opportunities

There are several benefits of staying active, such as reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and strengthening bones and muscles. Independent living communities empower residents to focus on their wellness and maintain an active lifestyle no matter their age or fitness level.

Yoga classes, a dynamic fitness center, and more are beacons of the community’s commitment to residents’ health. Fitness classes are tailored to older adults and consist of peaceful yoga sessions or fun-filled dance classes. The fitness centers are also fully equipped with easy-to-use equipment for residents.

Explore the Benefits of Senior Living Communities

Moving to an independent living community can be a change filled with fear and anxiety, but many residents who initially feared the transition find themselves wishing they had moved to an independent living community sooner!

Learn more benefits of senior living and start exploring your options by booking a tour of one of our Bethesda communities. See the Bethesda Difference in person!

The post Overcoming the Fear of Change: Why Your Loved One Might Benefit from Moving to a St. Louis Independent Senior Living Community first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Some ways to help the transition to assisted living go more smoothly include:

• Deciding what to bring in advance
• Moving belongings into their new home a couple days early
• Encouraging social interaction
• Helping your loved one have a positive emotional transition

1. DECIDING WHAT TO BRING

It’s a good idea to start the packing process well before the move-in date. Find out which personal items are most important to your loved one, but avoid bringing too many of the same item, such as coats. Also keep in mind that unlike the smaller items (clothes, keepsakes, photographs), larger items like furniture will require some planning when moving to assisted living. Ask the assisted living community what furniture, if any, will be provided.

Some families choose to furnish apartments with brand new furniture. However, be sure to bring some familiar items too. This will help your loved one feel more comfortable and establish that feeling of being “at home” in their new apartment.

2. MOVING BELONGINGS EARLY

Find out if it’s possible to move your loved one’s possessions a day or two prior to the actual move-in date. This will give you the opportunity to set up their apartment by unpacking, assembling furniture and running errands. As a result, you can spend their first actual day at the community focused on helping them adjust to their new home.

Assistance may be available from the community to help you with the move-in process. Ask for a floor plan to get an idea of how the apartment should be organized and arranged—this will make setup easier and faster for you, and help your loved one adjust more quickly.

3. ENCOURAGING SOCIAL INTERACTION

A great way to help your senior loved one acclimate is by getting them engaged in the activities offered at the  assisted living community that appeal to them. Focus on the opportunities they will have to make new friends and participate in events. Ask for an activities calendar and find the events that they will enjoy most. Also, help them meet new neighbors by joining your loved one for their first meal in the dining room.

4. HELPING MAKE THE EMOTIONAL TRANSITION A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE

Moving is an emotional experience for all of us—but even more so for an older adult. Moving to assisted living can feel overwhelming and daunting, but it can also be an exciting change that should be embraced. Both of you may experience many different emotions throughout the process, but these feelings are normally temporary as everyone works on adjusting to this next phase of life. It’s important to recognize these feelings and find ways to embrace the move.

Let your loved one know that you understand moving to assisted living and navigating the transition may be hard for them, and that you are here to talk and listen. Be respectful, but be upbeat! Positive reinforcement will help your loved one focus on the benefits they will gain from moving to assisted living.

Start your transition to assisted living by booking a tour at a Bethesda Assisted Living community today.

The post 4 Tips for an Easy Transition to Your St. Louis Assisted Living Community first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Below, you’ll find lists of fun and easy-to-make Halloween costumes for seniors including additional items you’ll need to bring them to life.

Timeless and Easy Halloween Costumes for Seniors

• Pumpkin: Wear orange clothing and add green hat or leaf stem.
• Black Cat: Dress in black and add cat ears and tail.
• Rosie the Riveter: Blue shirt, red bandana, and strike a flexed arm pose.
• 1950s Sock Hopper: Poodle skirt, saddle shoes, and scarf.
• Fortune Teller: Colorful shawl, headscarf, and jewelry.
• Witch: Black dress, pointy hat, and broomstick.
• Scarecrow: Plaid shirt, overalls, and straw accents.
• Cowboy/Cowgirl: Western shirt, jeans, and a cowboy hat.
• Ghost: White sheet with cut-out eye holes.
• Pirate: Striped shirt, eye patch, bandana, and toy sword or parrot.
• Hippie: Tie-dye shirt, peace sign accessories, and headband.
• Farmer: Overalls, plaid shirt, and a straw hat.
• Mummy: Wrap yourself in white fabric or bandages.
• Clown: Colorful clothes, big shoes, red nose, and a little face paint.
• Superhero: Cape, mask, and bright clothing.
• Librarian: Glasses, cardigan, and a book in hand.
• Chef: White coat, chef hat, and spatula.
• Magician: Black suit, top hat, and magic wand.
• Tourist: Hawaiian shirt, sunhat, and camera.
• Fairy Godmother: Glittery dress, wand, and a tiara.

If you or your senior loved one requires the use of a wheelchair to get around, don’t fret. Not only will it not prevent you from having some holiday fun, but it can also be incorporated into your design to make your costume even better! The chair can become a vehicle or another prop – or it can be camouflaged to take it out of the picture altogether.

Halloween Costumes for Seniors Who Use Wheelchairs

• Flower Pot: Decorate the wheelchair as a pot and wear a flower hat.
• Train Conductor: Disguise the wheelchair as a train engine and wear overalls and an engineer’s cap.
• Royal Throne: Dress up the chair as a throne and wear a crown and robe.
• Ice Cream Truck: Decorate the wheelchair with white poster board to replicate the truck and add ice cream advertisements. You can wear an ice cream vendor outfit or dress as your favorite ice cream sundae.
• Bookworm: Camouflage the wheelchair as a stack of books and wear glasses and book-themed accessories.
• Parade Float: Decorate the wheelchair festively with streamers and balloons.
• Spaceship Pilot: Use construction paper decorated with glitter or other flashy materials to transform the wheelchair into a spaceship. Don’t forget to wear a helmet!
• Classic Movie Star: Drape faux fur or a glamorous wrap over the chair for a Hollywood look.
• Candy Cart: Decorate with candy wrappers and wear bright colors to dress as the vendor.
• Pirate Ship: Add cardboard sails and a Jolly Roger flag to the chair and wear a pirate hat.
• Game of Thrones iron throne: Similar to the “royal throne” look, use metallic spray paint and cardboard instead to embody the iconic throne.
• Batmobile: Black panels and the Bat-symbol turn the chair into a superhero vehicle.
• Cinderella’s Carriage: Use tinsel, fairy lights, and cardboard on the wheels for a magical effect.
• DJ Booth: Create a DJ table with cardboard and wear headphones and sunglasses to complete the look.
• Titanic passenger or crew: Decorate the chair as the ship using cardboard or construction paper and wear period attire.

Have fun, but keep it safe

When creating wheelchair Halloween costumes for seniors, it’s important to select lightweight materials such as cardboard, foam, or fabric, as they are easy to wear and maneuver. Decorations should be attached with Velcro or zip ties for easy removal, allowing for adjustments whenever needed or quick removal if necessary. Always be sure that neither wheels nor controls are obstructed by costume elements, and enhance visibility at night by adding lights or reflective tape.

Halloween costumes for seniors should not drag on the ground. This will prevent tripping or becoming caught in the wheels of wheelchairs or walkers. Avoid masks or face coverings that might interfere with breathing or block vision, and be careful to use non-flammable materials, especially around open flames like candles or jack-o’-lanterns.

The costumes should not be too tight or restrictive, and allow the senior to move comfortably and easy access to emergency medication (if necessary). If props are included, make sure they’re lightweight, easy to handle, and free from sharp or pointed edges. For seniors, supervision during costume events can provide helpful assistance, and it’s wise to check in regularly to ensure ongoing comfort and safety throughout the festivities.

With these tips, Halloween can be both safe and fun for you and your senior loved ones.  Just don’t get carried away with too much Halloween candy!

Find more ways to celebrate Halloween on Bethesda’s blog!

The post 35 Fun and Simple Halloween Costumes for Seniors first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

It’s time for the “second spring,” which for many means it’s time for enjoying fall foliage in St. Louis. Predictions claimed the leaves would start changing colors around October 6, and will peak between October 27 and November 10.

SmokyMountains.com provides an interactive map predicting fall foliage across the U.S. If cooler fall days continue, the St. Louis area should see four to five weeks of color change this season. And throughout much of the St. Louis area, seniors can enjoy the colorful view from their car or on easy, safe walking paths.

10 Places to Admire Fall Foliage in St. Louis 

1. TOWER GROVE PARK

Tower Grove Park is a wooded Victorian park with grassy meadows and approximately 7,000 trees. It is the second-largest park in the city, which makes it a great spot for enjoying fall foliage in St. Louis.

Location: 4257 Northeast Dr., St. Louis

Open: Sunrise to sunset daily

Phone: (314) 771-2679

2. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN

The Missouri Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark and home to a wide variety of plants and trees. Advance e-ticket purchases are recommended to ensure faster entry and guaranteed access. Shuttles are available.

Location: 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis

Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (Last entry at 4:30 p.m.)

Phone: (314) 577-5100

3. FOREST PARK

At 1,300 acres, Forest Park is the city’s largest park. It features beautiful landscapes sprinkled with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, lakes and streams—making it a dream destination for those seeking beautiful scenes of fall foliage in St. Louis.

Location: 5595 Grand Drive, St. Louis

Open: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Phone: (314) 367-7275

4. SUGAR CREEK PARK

Sugar Creek Park is a small, 20-acre park off interstate 270 and Dougherty Ferry Road with a short walking trail.

Location: 435 Des Peres Rd., Des Peres

Open: Dawn to dusk daily

5. LONGVIEW FARM PARK

Longview Farm Park features trails that wind through woods and around a lake alongside stables and pastures.

Location: 13525 Clayton Rd., Town and Country

Open: 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily

Phone: (314) 587-2812

6. CREVE COEUR LAKE MEMORIAL PARK

At Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park, woodlands surround a 320-acre lake located in Maryland Heights. Trails in the park are both paved and unpaved, and relatively flat. The trails are shared by walkers, runners and cyclists.

Locations: 

Sailboat Cove: 13725 Marine Ave., St. Louis

Upper Creve Coeur: 13236 Streetcar Dr., St. Louis

Open: Dawn (half hour before official sunrise) to dusk (half hour after official sunset) daily. Gates open by 7 a.m.

7. MAIN STREET IN ST. CHARLES

Main Street is located along the tree-lined banks of the Missouri River. While viewing the foliage, you can visit a wide variety of shops, historic buildings and restaurants.

8. LONE ELK PARK

Located approximately 30 minutes west of St. Louis,  Lone Elk Park is a wildlife management area, with bison, wild turkey, waterfowl, elk and deer. Miles of paved road wind through the park.

Location: 1 Lone Elk Park Rd., St. Louis (It is advised that you use a GPS or a print out for directions to the park.)

Hours: 8 a.m. till official sunset daily

9. ROCKWOODS RESERVATION

Rockwoods Reservation is a 1,880-acre state forest and wildlife conservation area in St. Louis County. There are about 13 miles of foot trails, some easier than others, that take hikers near caves and along Hamilton Creek. However, paved roads throughout the reservation allow you to drive through easily.

Location: 2751 Glencoe Rd., Wildwood (Approximately 40 minutes west of St. Louis.)

Open: Sunrise to one-half hour after sunset daily.

Phone: (636) 458-2236

10. DR. EDMUND A. BABLER MEMORIAL STATE PARK

Babler Memorial State Park is a 35 to 40-minute scenic drive west from St. Louis to Wildwood. Babler’s trail options are described in detail on their website.

Location: 800 Guy Park Dr., Wildwood

Open: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily April through October and 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily November through March

Phone: (636) 458-3813

Find more fun activities for seniors by visiting Bethesda’s Senior Living blog.

The post 10 Best Places for Enjoying Fall Foliage in St. Louis first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Before You Get Started

Before you begin, there are a few tips to follow to ensure your crafts are fun and fast:

• Prepare all of the supplies needed for the project before involving your loved one
• Complete any time-consuming, preliminary steps before starting the craft project
• Make sure you have plenty of room to move around comfortably
• Have “extra hands” to help, if needed
• Allow plenty of time to complete the craft, or schedule more than one session to make sure that you finish

1. No-Sew Shirt Sleeve Pumpkin

Photo credit: Home in the Finger Lakes

This adorable and easy to make No-Sew Shirt Sleeve Pumpkin is made with a long-sleeved shirt, some twine and artificial leaves. It’s the perfect pumpkin to display in a room or a common area and one of the most enjoyable Halloween crafts for seniors.

To craft this rustic, country-themed pumpkin, you will need:

• An old long-sleeved shirt (fall colors will look the best)
• Twine
• Rubber bands
• Fiberfill to stuff your pumpkin
• Glue (we recommend Mod Podge)
• Scissors
• Pencils
• Optional: artificial fall leaves

For step-by-step instructions, visit Home in the Finger Lakes.

2. Jewel-Covered Bling Pumpkin

Photo credit: hercampus.com

Who doesn’t love bling? Seniors will love making these jewel-covered pumpkins to decorate their homes and living spaces.

For this sparkly project, you will need:

• Black spray paint
• One plastic pumpkin
• Assorted craft jewels

The key to making this project one of the best Halloween crafts for seniors is by using large gems, which are easier to handle. For the best results, use craft jewels that have adhesive backs to reduce complicated steps. It’s still a good idea to have clear-drying glue on hand, just in case the jewels don’t want to stick to the pumpkin.

Plastic pumpkins are suggested because they can be stored and reused as a decoration for years to come. They also are lighter than real ones. When spray-painting the pumpkins, do so in a well-ventilated area, and remember to lay newspaper down to protect surfaces. Once you have prepped the pumpkin, your loved one can enjoy decorating!

For instructions on how to make this fancy bling pumpkin, visit HerCampus.

3. Mummy Candy Cans

Photo credit: HGTV

These spooky-cute little mummies are the perfect treat for trick-or-treaters. Since this project requires pliers, make sure that the cans are prepped for seniors before beginning, and no stray metal bits are sticking out. Once again, when spray painting, make sure it takes place in a well-ventilated area.

You will need:

• Clean, empty tin can (any size will work)
• Black spray paint (matte or semi-gloss)
• Cheesecloth
• “Googly Eyes”
• Hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Pliers

For instructions on how to make these little ghouls, visit HGTV.com.

Get Inspired with More Halloween Crafts for Seniors

The fun doesn’t stop with these three craft ideas. Get together with your senior loved ones this fall to spend time and create Halloween decorations. Find inspiration from Mod Podge Rocks!, visit Bethesda’s blog for more Halloween ideas for seniors, or come up with your own fun ideas to celebrate the season!

Here at Bethesda, fall is a fun time for our senior residents and their families. Learn more and visit a community near you to see what Bethesda has to offer!

The post 3 Easy Halloween Crafts for Seniors first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Here are some retirement questions to ask yourself before turning in your resignation letter:

1. Financial Readiness

Do I have enough savings and income sources to support my desired lifestyle once I retire? Have I accounted for inflation, healthcare costs and potential emergencies? Remember, none of us really knows how long we will live, what our health will look like in a few years, or what the economy will be like in the future. It’s important to be prepared for anything.

2. Healthcare and Insurance

What are my healthcare needs, and do I have adequate health insurance coverage? Have I considered long-term care insurance or other options for potential future health or care needs? Just because we’re healthy now doesn’t mean we will be in the future. It’s important to have contingency plans. And where do you plan to live? Retiring to a different climate or to be nearer to our kids and grandchildren will mean we have to find new doctors. Make sure they will be covered by your insurance network.

3. Lifestyle and Activities

How do I want to spend my time in retirement? What hobbies, interests, or activities do I want to pursue? Have I planned for social engagement and staying active? Unfortunately, many new retirees find their new “life of leisure” to be boring. They don’t have any place to be or deadlines to meet, and spending their days watching television wasn’t what they had in mind. Is it time to learn how to play golf or pickleball? Maybe you’d like to travel. The time to figure these things out is before you make the transition to retired life.

4. Housing and Living Arrangements

Where do I want to live once I retire? Is my current home suitable for aging in place, or should I consider downsizing or moving to a retirement community? Sometimes seniors find that although they no longer are tied to their office, they’re tied to their home. Plans to travel are thwarted by the fact that someone needs to be around to mow the lawn, and confirm everything is working correctly and that the house is secure. Would relocating to a retirement community, an apartment building, condominium or otherwise downsizing be necessary to free you up to pursue your retirement plans?

5. Family and Relationships

How will my retirement impact my relationships with family and friends? Have I discussed my plans with my loved ones, and do they support my decisions? It’s important to set expectations ahead of time. If you have young grandchildren, your adult children might assume that you will always be available to babysit. While we all love to see our grandchildren, do we want it to be a full-time job?

6. Purpose and Fulfillment

What will give me a sense of purpose and fulfillment in retirement? Have I thought about volunteering, part-time work, or other ways to stay engaged and contribute to my community? Feeling unnecessary can lead to depression. It’s important to our sense of worth to be able to contribute in some way. What organizations where you live could benefit from your donated time?

7. Legal and Estate Planning

Have I updated my will, power of attorney, and other legal documents? Have I planned for the distribution of my assets and communicated my wishes to my family? When your financial picture changes because you’re leaving your career, it’s the perfect time to revisit these important legal necessities.

8.Emotional Preparedness

Have I considered the psychological aspects of leaving the workforce, and how I will adjust to this new phase of life? Talk to your retired friends and family members about how retirement affected them and what they’d have done differently had they known in advance. Ensuring you stay connected to a network of friends and family will make the transition easier.

Knowing which retirement questions to ask yourself can help you make informed decisions and create a retirement plan that aligns with your goals and values. Figure out the answers now, and ensure you live out your golden years exactly how you want!

Curious about independent senior living? Find more information on our blog!

The post Important Questions to Ask Yourself Before Retirement first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

At many senior care communities, memory support is available and tailored to the specific needs of the residents living in those communities.

Advantages of a Memory Support Community in Assisted Living

“Mild cognitive challenges start to become more and more apparent as we age,” says Lea Ann Coates, Residency Counselor at Bethesda Hawthorne Place, an Assisted Living and Memory Support community in St. Louis. “This becomes an issue when forgetfulness starts to affect an individual’s ability to complete basic daily activities.”

When seniors move to assisted living communities, however, this worry can be resolved easily. For example, reminders from staff can be part of each resident’s care plan — something as simple as a prompt for changing clothes or a knock on the door when it is mealtime. The support could also be something much more critical to health and well-being, like complete medication management.

“Our support minimizes memory challenges for our residents and focuses on maximizing their abilities,” says Lea Ann.

However, there may be a point when memory issues become a safety concern in assisted living. Some typical red flags include:

• Residents losing their ability to find their way around the building
• Confusing day and evening hours
• Packing a bag or suitcase
• Trying to get ready to go to work
• Looking for a formerly-owned car
• Expressing the need to meet their children (who are now adults) at the school bus

“When our staff starts to document these thoughts or actions, it becomes time to assess for a move to a secure memory support neighborhood, because safety could be potentially compromised,” Lea Ann says.

Memory Support Neighborhoods in Assisted Living

A memory support neighborhood is a secure environment for residents whose memory challenges are beyond the occasional to moderate age-related forgetfulness.

In this setting, even though residents live in their own apartments, they need prompting, reminding, re-directing, and sometimes re-purposing for most of their activities of daily living. There is concern that should the resident leave the neighborhood without supervision, he or she would be unable to find their way home or may even exit the campus.

“Consistency is key in a memory support neighborhood,” says Lea Ann. “This means keeping activities, mealtimes, and personal care as close to a routine as possible. Residents become familiar with the ebb and flow of the neighborhood. This decreases the opportunity for confusion.”

Many memory support neighborhoods also tend to be home to fewer residents than their assisted living counterparts. Such is the case at Bethesda Hawthorne Place. “This means staff has more time to get to know residents, have more interaction with them, and provide more personalized attention due to their increased need for direction,” Lea Ann says.

The physical layout of the community is also important to make walking and way-finding easy. At Bethesda Hawthorne Place, the neighborhood is in the shape of a rectangle, so there are no dead-ends. That keeps residents from becoming frustrated by the need to turn around at the end of a hallway or having that hallway lead directly to an outside door that they are unable to exit.

“Increased activity provides focus and keeps the mind from repetitive thoughts that might be worrisome,” says Lea Ann.  “Our neighborhood makes it very simple for our residents to keep moving.”

Learn more about the advantages of a memory support community in Bethesda’s assisted living. Contact us today!

The post Advantages of Assisted Living Communities Offering Memory Support first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

It checks several important needs of our senior loved ones, including:

• Getting some exercise
• Keeping their mind sharp with a stimulating activity
• Social interaction among family members, friends or fellow birdwatchers
• A scheduled activity to stave off isolation and loneliness

Missouri is ideal because dozens of beautiful bird species can be found throughout the state in the summer months. All you need is a field guide to help you figure out where these Missouri birds are likely to be found and identify different species, as well as a good pair of binoculars to help you get a closer look. If you want, add photography to your birdwatching so you can enjoy your finds long after the hunt is over.

Learning the Ropes

Now that you’re ready to embark on your new hobby, how do you get started? A fantastic way is to join a local birdwatching group. Its members will be able to teach you tips for spotting our feathered friends, clue you in about local birdwatching hot spots, and help you get prepared with the right equipment. They’ll also likely have regularly scheduled outings that you can join.

Getting Equipped

You’ll need to be patient — it might take a few tries before you learn the habits of several types of Missouri birds and where to find them. Bring a notebook to jot down your observations about bird behavior, preferred habitat, and other helpful things to remember. Most importantly, don’t give up. Once you get a feel for the hobby, it will become a lot easier. And don’t expect to succeed every time you go out. Birdwatching can be like fishing: Some days you do everything right, but the fish just aren’t biting. Fortunately, if you don’t see the specific bird you’re looking for on a given day, you’re still out in nature, getting fresh air and exercise, and there’s plenty of other natural beauty to see.

Spot these 10 Missouri Natives

Now that you’re properly equipped and ready to go, what are you hoping to see? Below you’ll find some popular Missouri birds to put on your “birdwatching checklist.”

Northern Cardinal

Known for its bold red color, the Northern Cardinal is common to Missouri, but it’s a favorite of birdwatchers for its beautiful feathers.

American Goldfinch

Found in meadows and backyard gardens, the American Goldfinch is easy to notice because of its bright yellow feathers.

Eastern Bluebird

Another vividly-colored species, the Eastern Bluebird can be found in open fields and along roadsides.

Indigo Bunting

Still feeling blue? The Indigo Bunting stands out in its preferred home, Missouri woodlands.

Red-headed Woodpecker

A species you might hear before you see it, the Red-headed Woodpecker has a black and white body to go along with its remarkable red head.

Barn Swallow

Another common but popular bird is the Barn Swallow, which is recognizable by its forked tail.

Great Blue Heron

If your neck is getting stiff from looking up, the Great Blue Heron can be found on the ground, wading in an around lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

Baltimore Oriole

St. Louis may be Cardinals country, but during the summer months, the Baltimore Oriole can be seen in parks and around gardens sporting their black and orange plumage.

Eastern Kingbird

Don’t want to leave your neighborhood to search for birds? The Eastern Kingbird might just come to you. It loves to perch on wires and atop backyard fences. It’s an aggressive bird that chases off much larger birds that dare to come into its space.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

You must have a sharp eye to see them because they’re small and quick. But the Ruby-throated hummingbird is a beautiful sight with its iridescent green feathers.

Happy Hunting!

Remember that to avoid over-exposure to heat, you should bring plenty of water on your excursions, apply sunscreen, and be prepared with mosquito repellant. And remember, it’s not just about being successful. Most of the fun is in the chase!

Find more fun ways to spend your golden years on Bethesda’s Health & Wellness blog.  

The post Missouri Birds to Watch for This Summer first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

So how can seniors with pets who still live in their family home (often called “aging in place”) continue to care for a pet? Keeping pet while aging in place can be difficult if you’ve started to experience some of the physical and cognitive challenges of growing older.

Benefits of Having Pets

The physical, mental, and emotional benefits that seniors receive as a result of interactions with their pets have been well documented. Studies show that seniors who care for pets also take better care of themselves, with the following results:

• Lower risk of heart disease
• A more positive outlook on life
• A sense of purpose and being needed
• Lower stress and anxiety levels
• Lower blood pressure
• Companionship that relieves feelings of isolation

Hazards of Keeping a Pet While You Age in Place

Despite the benefits, keeping a pet can create some hazards for senior adults. For example, seniors should watch for the following safety hazards related to owning a pet:

• Tripping over pets, pet toys, food and water bowls
• Slipping in pet waste or on spills
• Being knocked over by an exuberant pet
• Falling while walking a pet or chasing it if it scrambles away

Safety for Seniors with Pets

Many steps can be taken to make the home safer for seniors with pets, including:

• Promptly clean up spills from food and water bowls.
• Clear walkways, hallways and stairs of pet toys.
• Have a designated place where leashes and other pet equipment are kept out of the way.
• Sit down before bending over to engage with a pet to avoid falls.

If a senior adult wants a new pet, the relationship will generally last longer — and be safer — if the pet has the proper size, temperament, and care needs that fit the home and the abilities of the senior.

For example, cats are generally calmer than dogs. Many love to cuddle, and they are small and light enough to lift if needed. While cats are more into peace and quiet, dogs are more energetic, like to be walked, and can provide a sense of security. Small dogs can be a tripping hazard, and large dogs may be too strong to handle safely. Older dogs may be great options for seniors to adopt — they usually enjoy mirroring their activity level with the people around them.

What if You Need Help?

There are many options to assist senior adults facing decreasing strength, mobility and stamina. Financial assistance may also be available to seniors to help with pet costs.

The Humane Society of the United States provides a list of national and state resources to help people afford their pets.

In addition to the list, consider the following tips for responsible and accessible pet ownership:

• Veterinary care options are available for pet owners who cannot afford the full expense of veterinary care. Assistance may include pet food, supplementation, spay/neuter assistance, and medication payment relief.
• Traveling veterinarians make house calls, and mobile vet clinics are increasing in number.
• Dog walkers can be found online, or you may want to ask a friend or neighbor about their experience with a dog walker before selecting one.
• Grocery and pet stores now deliver pet supplies to the home.
• Routine and emergency pet services are available, including boarding and kennel services, and can be found online.

Talk to your veterinarian about services and options in your community. If you are receiving home health assistance, your caregivers may know of other local resources as well.

Planning to age in place? Visit Bethesda’s Senior Home Safety blog for more tips.

The post Senior Home Safety: Keeping Your Pet While You Age in Place first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

What began as a lighthearted way to share glimpses of daily life with families has evolved into a powerful tool for challenging outdated assumptions about senior living. While Bethesda has long embraced other social media platforms, TikTok offers a fresh, creative way to showcase the reality of life in today’s senior living communities.

“I meet a lot of people who don’t really know the difference between nursing homes and independent living,” says Ashley Nelson, Corporate Sales Counselor at Bethesda Terrace. “TikTok is a fun opportunity to show that our residents are living vibrant, meaningful lives—and that choosing a retirement community doesn’t mean giving up your independence.”

Very few residents have the TikTok app, but they love being part of the filming. In one recent video at Bethesda Terrace, Ashley and Life Enrichment Coordinator Nikki Ross invited residents to form a circle for a group dance. The result was joyful and unscripted.

“We showed them the inspiration video, and they all thought it was so funny,” says Nikki. “We didn’t have any music, so they were just dancing to their own beat. We filmed it right after happy hour, so a lot of them got involved, and it became our most viral video yet with more than 250,000 views and 13,000 likes!”

At Village North, curiosity is growing. A few residents have started inquiring about the app and the process for making videos—and some have even started downloading TikTok themselves!

“We have two residents that absolutely love making the TikToks,” says Adrienne Loyd, Life Enrichment Coordinator at Village North. “They’re very interested in the process, always asking me how I edit videos and add voiceovers.”

Adrienne has started hosting watch parties for the residents, complete with popcorn, where residents can gather to watch the posted videos from both communities and discover popular trends themselves.

And it’s not just the residents who are enjoying the results—families are tuning in, too.

“I love when families see the videos, because it shows them that we’re having fun here,” says Adrienne. “It reassures them that their family member is in a place where they’re supported, valued and enjoying life.”

The TikTok accounts have also sparked interest beyond current residents and families. Both communities have seen an increasing number of followers and plenty of positive feedback. In some cases, touring families have mentioned seeing Bethesda on TikTok.

“One viewer even commented on a recent video, ‘When I retire, I’m coming to Village North!’” says Adrienne.

Follow Bethesda Terrace and Village North on TikTok and for more resident stories, visit Bethesda’s blog!

The post Lights, Camera, Action: Bethesda Takes on TikTok first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.