NEWS & ARTICLES

4 Reasons Assisted Living Provides A Better Lifestyle Than Living Alone

Assisted Living Benefits Many seniors desire to live in their family home as long as possible.  Often, seniors are concerned that they will have to sacrifice a certain level of independence as time goes on.  At Baywoods of Annapolis, we have worked with seniors of all ages to provide them as much (or as little) support as they need.  In this article, we’ll discuss some of the common ways that

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Your Brain Activity: How to Stay Mentally Sharp in Retirement

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

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Physical Activity May Be the Fountain of Youth

Senior Citizen Exercises With as little as 30 minutes per day, you can stay fit and feel younger too!  A variety of low-impact physical activity can be incorporated into anyone’s daily routine.  In this article, Baywoods of Annapolis takes a look at some of the most common and innovative ways seniors can stay fit! According to the National Institute on Aging, “exercise and physical activity… can help prevent diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions affecting older adults.”  Below we’ve listed the four main types of exercise and physical activity that are recommended for seniors.  Many of these can be done from the comfort of your own living room!   As always, check with your physician before starting any exercise program.  Ok, here we go! Endurance exercise is aimed at increasing your endurance through low impact activities that make you breathe faster, speed up your heart rate, and burn off calories. These kinds of activities may include brisk walking or jogging, dancing, tennis, and more! Strength training is vital to preserving muscle mass, controlling weight, reduces the risk of osteoporosis, and decreases injury risk. You can begin strength training right at home with light weights, resistance bands, or by using your

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Is Your Retirement Community Pet-Friendly?

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

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Is Your Retirement Community Pet-Friendly?

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

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Life Enrichment Programs Integrate Retirees into Their Community

Life Enrichment Programs Regardless of your stage in life, we all want to feel personally connected.  In this article, we discuss the value of life enrichment programs and what you can do to ensure you’re getting all that you desire! Life enrichment programs are often designed to engage, connect and create personal relationships among residents.  This process is much more than just an activity calendar.  The goal is to integrate and transition into the new community and lifestyle.   By being socially active and involved in the community, many residents live full, balanced lives that provide diversity and a rewarding lifestyle. Some of the activities offered at Baywoods of Annapolis include: Art Openings Ballet, Opera & Musical Matinees Bingo! Full Moon Parties on the Waterfront In-House Shopping Monthly Lecture Series Movie Nights Pot Luck Dinners Putting Challenges Sunday Brunch Visiting Performing Artists And so much more! Baywoods of Annapolis is conveniently located on the waterfront and near downtown Annapolis, which is also a mecca of culture and waterfront activities.  This prime location allows us to offer a wide variety of on-site or local events that appeal to every whim. One of the biggest advantages to living at Baywoods is that the

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Why Onsite Health Care Services are Crucial for Retirement Communities

Onsite Health Care Services When you are choosing a continuing care retirement community, it’s usually based on the idea that you’re currently able to live independently. Most people know that situation may change later, and want to make sure that if the need arises that there is a full compliment of services available to help them. Retirement communities come in many varieties, but one of the major factors that should influence your decision in choosing one is the availability of onsite health care services. At BayWoods of Annapolis, we provide short-term rehabilitation services, traditional skilled nursing care as well as assisted living care. We are able to support those living Independently by offering many support services here on site. That means no unnecessary shuttling back and forth from health care facilities. If you have any questions about the onsite care offered at BayWoods of Annapolis, feel free to contact us as a resource for your needs. Once you move to a retirement community, your health care requirements may change down the road. BayWoods of Annapolis works to provide peace of mind for our residents. You can enjoy the independence of your own living space knowing that onsite medical services are

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How Can I Help My Family Member Through Short-Term Rehab

  When your parent/family member has a set back from an injury or illness that limits their ability to complete their everyday task a physician in a hospital may recommend short-term rehabilitation.  Be supportive and positive about the initiative.  What once was easy to do on a daily basis now seems almost impossible.  There is often a looming fear that this current disability is now more long term.  Here’s how to keep things in perspective and encourage your loved ones throughout the rehabilitation process. Keep a Positive Attitude The glass is half full, the rehab goals are obtainable and they are reasonable.  The process made is dependent on how much effort is put in to reach the goals set by the therapy team.  Your loved ones may look to your reaction to guide their own.  Stay positive and maintain a good attitude throughout the process.  It increases the likelihood that they’ll follow suit.  Provide constant encouragement to your parent or family member and remain as involved as possible.  Keep stressing the end result. Get Involved If possible, talk to your loved ones/parents physical, speech, or occupational therapists after each session.  Know the plan of care for your loved one’s program. 

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3 Tips for Living in The Sandwich Generation

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

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Promote Longevity With These 5 Senior Fitness Trends

Senior Fitness Trends There’s always a new fitness craze: Gurus are combining the latest health techniques to invent classes that keep participants coming back for more. Seniors may not have the strength for trampoline aerobics or Yogalates, but regular exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Encourage your retiree to participate in these gentle low-impact fitness trends that are both good for the body and easy on the joints. Sit and Be Fit This class is conducted from a chair and focuses on improving functionality and mobility. Depending on an individual’s fitness level, participants may use weights, resistance bands, and medicine balls to strengthen their cores to improve balance. Water Aerobics Aqatic exercise provides a low-impact option that’s beneficial for anyone with limited mobility. Using water for natural resistance, water aerobics provides cardiovascular and strengthening benefits in a virtually risk-free environment. BayWoods of Annapolis proudly offers water aerobics classes for residents – contact us for further questions. Silver Sneakers This nationwide program offers free or low-cost fitness activities in conjunction with Medicare plans. Silver Sneaker classes vary by location but focus on improving balance and strengthening major muscle groups to encourage ease of movement and to alleviate symptoms

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Brainteasers: 4 Ways to Exercise Your Brain

Brain Health Just like the muscles in your body, your brain needs stimulation and activity to prevent atrophy and maintain mental health.  In this article, we’ll highlight five ways you can exercise your brain for optimal results! Exercise. There are many studies that show that exercising actually promotes brain health.  One study published in the journal Neurology, showed that physical activity could slow brain aging by as much as 10 years!  This doesn’t mean that you need to be an athlete but activities such as walking, gardening, yoga, or simply being active during the day can also have major benefits to your cognitive abilities, so get that body moving! Diet. Eating foods that are rich in anti-oxidants help neutralize free radicals.  Nutrition is good for the mind and body.  Following the guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org) will help ensure you’re eating balanced. Brain Exercises. There are a variety of brain fitness programs that help your brain process language, hearing, speed, and accuracy.  Some of these programs are games while others are more instructional.   You can also exercise your brain with puzzles, learning a new card game, or other activity that challenges you. Sleep On It. There is no

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