Baywoods of AnnapolisBaywoods of AnnapolisWhy should I consider a Continuing Care Community We all wonder when are we ready to consider a Continuing Care Retirement Community? Many of us have considered a move to a retirement community, but many people are not sure when we should make the transition. If you are able to maintain your independence while still living in your own home and do not feel that your home and its upkeep
Pet Friendly Retirement Community Pets can bring so much joy and help relieve anxiety and stress. In this article, we’ll review how to make sure your retirement community is well-aligned with the needs of you and your pet. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that pets can be comforting companions, particularly as we grow older. Walking a dog can provide great exercise, loving companionship, and help provide purpose. So, you may wonder why a retirement community would have policies against pets? As it turns out, there are some very valid things to consider, on both sides of the proverbial fence. One of the top priorities with a senior bringing a beloved pet to any community is to ensure that both the senior and their pets’ well-being is taken into consideration. While pets can provide an array of benefits to their human parents, unfortunately, they can also present some challenges. Seniors may not be able to continue to remember to properly medicate or feed their pets. As the animal gets older, the pet may require special care or costly medications. Getting them to a veterinarian for routine care may also be a challenge. Furthermore, if you begin to experience
Retirement Community Menu Diet and food choices are obviously critical to a long life with good health, so it’s important to know that your retirement community is offering food choices that you’ll be eager to consume. We’ll outline the top five things you should consider about potential retirement communities when it comes to dining. Preparing food for a large group of seniors can present some interesting challenges. Factors such as medication side effects, special dietary requirements, decreased ability to taste, and providing obese or underweight residents viable meals are all considerations. Even with these challenges, it is possible to ensure your retirement community offers the selections you are seeking. Here’s how: Does your retirement community involve residents in menu planning? Is a nutritionist involved in meal planning? Many communities have food committees where residents assist chefs with meal suggestions or recipes. These suggestions are then often reviewed by a nutritionist to ensure the meals meet certain vitamins, minerals, and caloric requirements. Flexible Dining Schedule or Multiple Dining Rooms? Flexibility is important so that residents can adopt a schedule that is conducive to their preferences. Some communities, like Baywoods of Annapolis, offer several dining venues to accommodate a variety of preferences.
Making the decision to move into a retirement community is a large step. Planning for a new life at an assisted living community can seem like a mysterious process, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to make the retirement planning stages easy. Financial PlanningHaving a reasonable idea of monthly expenses is the best place to start when planning for life after retirement. Beginning with a monthly calculator, figure out a standard budget for your expenses. Groceries, gas, dining, and entertainment expenses all add up, so take the time to consider every aspect of your retirement finances. Once you set a budget, stick to it. Total the amount of your Medicare payments and investment accounts to determine what you can allocate to each area of your budget each month. Having a clear idea of what you can spend takes the stress out of planning. For further information on financial planning, talk to one of our representatives about the investment of living at BayWoods. Social PlanningSome retirees wonder how they will fill their time once they finally retire. To ease the worry of empty days, plan how your retiree will be involved socially and mentally. Look at a community’s program
Choosing a Retirement Community Here are 3 steps to help you in selecting the right community for your future. Choosing a Retirement Community can be an exciting venture. How to select the best retirement community for you can be a great experience. There are many options available out there. Several considerations should guide your decision when searching for the ideal retirement community. Here are some guidelines to consider as you decide. Follow the ABCs…… Availability of Programs A – is for Availability, when choosing a retirement community look at the programs that are available to you. What are your interests and how does the retirement community’s activities match up to you? Example; trips, outdoor amenities, transportation, etc. At BayWoods of Annapolis, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of programs that will keep you engaged. The town of Annapolis is rich in culture and yet has many sporting events close by. To look at all we have to offer, contact us. Bountifulness of Support Services B – is for Bountiful, you want to choose a retirement community that offers you the right amount of support services on site for your future needs. At BayWoods of Annapolis, we believe that
Sandwich Generation If you are between the ages of 40-59, you are likely feeling the push and pull of the so-called Sandwich Generation. What is the Sandwich Generation? It’s when you are caring for aging parents, trying to launch children, and potentially provide care for grandchildren; needless to say, it can be stressful. Splitting your time and energy between the kids and the parents is no easy task but if you’re working full-time, it’s almost impossible without help. Here are some tips to help you take control of the situation. Self-Care is Important Take a breather. Along with all the other priorities, you are balancing, take the time to do something that brings you joy and relaxation. Your health and nutrition should not suffer because of everyone else’s needs. Be sure to keep up with your own doctor’s appointments and eat well. After all, who will be there to care for them if something happens to you? Get rid of the guilt! Anything and everything you are doing for both your parents and your kids can be a thankless job. But, do the best you can and don’t feel guilty about what you can’t do. Signs Your Parent Needs More
Retirement Communities Checklist Each of us has personal preferences for the types of activities and amenities we prefer. Use this helpful checklist to compare and evaluate the retirement communities you visit and to assist you with the decision-making process or contact Baywoods of Annapolis for more information! Location: Community is in an area near family/friends Community is convenient to shopping, dining, and entertainment Community provides easy access to hospital, physicians, and other medical care Campus: Well Lit (Walkways, Parking Lots, Entrances) Handicap Accessible Parking for personal vehicles and guests Landscaping and community areas are well maintained Fitness center on-site Swimming pool Community hall for larger gatherings Services: Independent living through long-term care Transportation available to local areas Nutritionist/Chef on-site Dining menus varied Dining accommodates special dietary needs Care: Assisted Living Wellness Services Financial: Monthly Fees or Dues? Buy-in Fees? Care Fees? Are Tax and Interest Deductible? Can you build equity? Are there estate advantages? To schedule a personal tour of Baywoods of Annapolis, contact us today! For easier use, please download and print the Checklist here!
Stay Mentally Sharp in Retirement The role of mental health and longevity is well documented. Just as we need to exercise our bodies to protect cardiovascular and bone health, working out our brains is essential to preserving our mental, social, and emotional health. Mental Stimulation and Combating Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s disease is very common today. It’s characterized by mild memory loss in the early stages and can progress to include a decreased ability to make decisions or participate in activities of daily living. Starting at age 65, your risk of developing Alzheimer’s doubles every five years. To minimize your risk, experts in the field suggest that following a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables and exercising your brain with activities can be beneficial. BayWoods of Annapolis residents enjoy a well rounded daily schedule of activities offering both mental and physical stimulation. contact us for more information. Staving Off Dementia Dementia is an umbrella term for all forms of cognitive impairment. Dementia is most commonly associated with memory loss, but it can also manifest as a loss of language skills, motor activity, or ability to plan and make decisions. Vascular dementia, for example, can be the result of a stroke. There’s
Pet Friendly Retirement Community Pets can bring so much joy and help relieve anxiety and stress. In this article, we’ll review how to make sure your retirement community is well-aligned with the needs of you and your pet. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that pets can be comforting companions, particularly as we grow older. Walking a dog can provide great exercise, loving companionship, and help provide purpose. So, you may wonder why a retirement community would have policies against pets? As it turns out, there are some very valid things to consider, on both sides of the proverbial fence. One of the top priorities with a senior bringing a beloved pet to any community is to ensure that both the senior and their pets’ well-being is taken into consideration. While pets can provide an array of benefits to their human parents, unfortunately, they can also present some challenges. Seniors may not be able to continue to remember to properly medicate or feed their pets. As the animal gets older, the pet may require special care or costly medications. Getting them to a veterinarian for routine care may also be a challenge. Furthermore, if you begin to experience
Continuing Care Retirement Communities Moving to a senior living community is an important step toward gaining independence and enjoying the everyday pleasures that retirement living can bring. Make the most out of your time in a senior living environment by following these tips. Get Involved In a Continuing Care Retirement community, there’s always something to do! Join a club or a fitness class, learn how to do something new by taking a class, or hit the links on a putting green. At BayWoods of Annapolis, we have many activities and programs to cater to any interest. We offer monthly trips, St. Johns College lectures and exclusive access to the Fitness Center to keep you living your best. For more information on our program offerings, get in touch with us. Take Advantage of Outside Offerings There are fewer things more relaxing than taking in the sights of the sailboats on the Bay, but it’s also beneficial to get away. BayWoods of Annapolis offers ample opportunity to explore our historic city by coordinating outings. With access to our parking garage, you’re free to come and go as you please. Check out the Orchestra at the Naval Academy, visit various museums, or take
Cooperative Senior Living We all reach a point in our lives when living in your home doesn’t seem like the best alternative. Sometimes not even safe. Many turn to senior living communities for an easier alternative lifestyle for assistance. Cooperative living is more or less the best of both worlds. Owning in a Co-Op offers benefits that traditional options lack. Here’s why you should consider a cooperative arrangement for your retiree. Your Living Space and Yes you own it. Seniors sometimes feel as if they’re losing autonomy when they move to senior living communities. In a cooperative living environment, residents can choose their own Apartment home and can customize their living space. Co-Ops provide a clear sense of ownership and a place to call home. Take a virtual tour of one of our living spaces. A Community for the Residents At BayWoods, the residents are the community. An elected board meets monthly to propose community improvements and organize well thought through budgets. Our Residents have the option of voting on proposals and shaping the future. Don’t take our word for it – come and see what we’re all about! It’s A Resort Lifestyle Unlike traditional senior living communities residents are
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