Whitcomb House

Benefits of Living in a Small Assisted Living Community

Assisted living communities can be rather large facilities in which individual quarters are favored over spaces for social interaction, dining, and other activities. At Whitcomb House, we offer spacious private living areas, but we focus on preserving a community living environment in small neighborhoods where residents will feel right at home. This type of atmosphere offers several benefits to our elderly residents, including those listed below.

• Greater independence of residents: Each neighborhood has a variety of amenities that are within close proximity to resident quarters, so getting out and about is practical for those with physical limitations. The common area on the main floor is also accessible by all residents, which allows for freedom to roam and experience more activities.

• Help available when it is needed: Larger assisted living facilities often have complicated fee structures in which residents are charged for the time it takes for a staff member to respond when help is requested. This can discourage residents from asking for assistance when they actually need it. Smaller community living eliminates this issue so that residents can have a close relationship to the dedicated staff—a staff that is available 24 hours a day.

• Promotion of more active lifestyle: Because there are only about 22 residents in each neighborhood, it is easy to organize group activities that fulfill a need for social interaction and mental stimulation. When seniors participate in such activities, they are less likely to suffer from depression and other mental illnesses.

To see the benefits of small community living for yourself, visit Whitcomb House for lunch on us to get a sense of our unique caring and comfortable environment. We welcome prospective residents and their families to visit our facilities. Make an appointment to come and meet our friendly staff by visiting our website or calling (508) 634-2440.

What You Need to Know About Senile Dementia

As the brain ages, there is a risk for dementia, which is a loss of the ability to reason and access memories. As this video explains, Dementia can arise from a number of causes, and it occurs gradually. Signs of this condition include forgetfulness and confusion, but these indicators are often confused with simple aging.

There are some ways to prevent or slow the onset of dementia including physical activity and dietary changes. Introducing supplements into the diet can aid in overall health, and controlling blood pressure can help reduce the possibility of a mini-stroke that can contribute to loss of brain function and increase the onset and effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

For care designed to address the needs of elderly individuals with dementia, visit Whitcomb House in Milford, MA. Contact us on our website or call (508) 634-2440 to learn about our standard Assisted Living services and special Memory Care unit.

Important Questions to Ask a Prospective Assisted Living Home for Your Aging Parent

The transition of a senior into an assisted living home is one that affects the whole family, so you will probably work closely with the staff of prospective homes as the child of an aging parent. You should take the time to look at several homes and find one that can truly meet the needs of your parent so you feel good about the new residence. To guide you in this decision, here are some of the questions you should be asking upon interviewing staff of the assisted living home:

1. How involved is the staff in day to day activities? There are many levels of assisted living care, and the right one for your parent will depend on what he or she is capable of independently. Ask about services such as cleaning, cooking, medical care, and personal care to see what is offered within the facilities. If the assisted living center does not meet the needs of your parent, a nursing home may be more appropriate.

1. What is the staff to resident ratio? Aging individuals tend to thrive in smaller living communities where the staff is able to dedicate more time to each resident. The residents get to know their neighbors and staff members better, so a greater quality of life can be achieved within the community.

1. What do the housing units look like? Assisted living communities often offer individual units that are integrated with common areas for dining and socializing. Take a tour of the facility with your parent and make sure that he or she is comfortable with the accommodations provided and ask about available furnishings in the individual unit.

At Whitcomb House, we offer two types of assisted living care in four neighborhoods designed for enjoyable living for elderly individuals. Our residents thrive in the small community environment we offer with spacious studio apartments and welcoming common areas. Learn more about us on our website or give us a call at (508) 634-2440.

Take A Look At These Tips for Beginning Your Relative's Assisted Living Care

It can be difficult to move away from the comfort of home, but for the elderly, the move to an assisted living facility can be very rewarding. If you have a parent, spouse, or another elderly relative whose physical and mental abilities are declining, contact Whitcomb House to determine if our facility could be a good fit. Check out the resources below for additional information on various topics.

• ABC News offers tips for discussing assisted living with your parents.

• This AARP article offers advice for those who are considering assisted living.

• Learn how to manage your loved one’s finances in this article from the National Caregivers’ Library.

• This NPR story discusses the effect a move to assisted living can have on family dynamics.

• This piece by the USAA Educational Foundation discusses the emotional challenges for family members of seniors.

For additional information on our facilities and elderly care services, visit our website or call Whitcomb House at (508) 634-2440.

Adult Parents in Transition to Assisted Living

When your relatives age and begin to lose the ability to take care of themselves, it can be difficult to determine when it is appropriate to help them begin transitioning to a nursing home, assisted living, or senior care facility. In this clip from “Share It Today,” Keri Kater of Sunrise Senior Living offers tips for understanding when and why to make this big decision. She also gives advice for family members about how to talk to their elderly relative about their move.

If your family member is in need of additional care, contact Whitcomb House to determine if our assisted living residence might be a good home for them. Call us today at (508) 634-2440 for more information.