March 31, 2018

Celebrate National Doctor’s Day

Posted by in Health and Fitness.

Did you know today is National Doctor’s Day? Our goal at Senior Lifestyle is to provide the best possible experience for our residents and their families in our senior communities, and in order to meet that goal, we partner with local physicians as well as healthcare providers in our communities. In senior healthcare, family doctors are increasingly looked to as valued care partners and patient rights advocates. With an emphasis on maintaining optimum health for seniors, doctor/patient relationships have evolved into true partnerships, and as a leader in senior healthcare, Senior Lifestyle celebrates this evolving doctor/patient relationship along with our residents and families. Whether providing care for a loved one at home or searching for senior healthcare communities, families need trusted healthcare providers to help navigate the journey. We’re proud to share that journey with talented physicians who share our commitment to quality healthcare for seniors.

Doctor’s Day was first envisioned by Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles Almond, who felt that her husband and his fellow physicians deserved some recognition for the long hours they spent tending to the medical needs of their patients in rural Georgia in the early 1930’s. On March 30, 1933, Mrs. Almond, with the help of several other physicians’ wives, observed the first Doctor’s Day by hosting a luncheon for her husband and his colleagues, mailing greeting cards, and placing flowers on the graves of deceased doctors. She chose the date to coincide with the anniversary of the first use of ether as a surgical anesthesia, pioneered by Georgia physician Dr. Crawford Long in 1842. By all accounts, the event organized by Mrs. Almond to honor physicians was a success, growing over the years into the holiday we now celebrate. 85 years later, National Doctor’s Day is a federally recognized healthcare holiday, signed into law by George Bush in 1990, and we at Senior Lifestyle continue the yearly tradition of honoring doctors on March 30th.

At Senior Lifestyle, we feel it is important to show appreciation for our fellow healthcare providers and care partners. While luncheons are still quite popular on National Doctor’s Day, there are many ways to celebrate the talented physicians who provide care. Many health organizations honor doctors with recognition ceremonies and some offer patients the opportunity to send personalized messages to their providers. With this in mind, we encourage you to join us in celebrating National Doctor’s Day on March 30th, taking time to thank the physicians who work in our communities and share our commitment to those we serve. To learn more about our commitment to senior healthcare or to schedule a visit to a Senior Lifestyle community near you, please visit our website at www.seniorlifestyle.com.

March 29, 2018

Avoid Scams at Tax Time

Posted by in Personal Finance.

As April approaches, many think of spring in bloom, April showers, and maybe even Opening Day for baseball season, but there’s no denying it and no avoiding it, tax time is here as well. For some, April can be a time of frustration and even fear, especially if the documents necessary for tax filing are disorganized, misplaced, or simply missing. Unfortunately, for many seniors, tax time is not only stressful, but also prime time for financial scams aimed directly at them.

Our goal at Senior Lifestyle is to share valuable information that impacts seniors, and with that in mind, we’ve compiled several tips from the Internal Revenue Service as well as AARP to help senior loved ones avoid falling prey to fraud during tax season.

THE IRS IMPOSTOR SCAM

In this sophisticated phone scam, a caller claiming to be an IRS employee will say that you owe taxes. They may use intimidation, threatening you with arrest or deportation if you don’t pay. They may also tell you to put the money on a prepaid debit card and then give them the number on the card. They may also know a fair amount of your personal information, but remember, the IRS DOES NOT call to demand payment over the phone without first sending a bill in the mail. Additionally, the IRS will NOT ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone or threaten to bring in local police or other law enforcement to arrest you for non-payment. According to the IRS, “Thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams. Scammers use the regular mail, telephone, or email to set up individuals, businesses, payroll and tax professionals.” The Internal Revenue Service also notes that the IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information.

If you have any doubts about whether a contact was authentic, call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040. Or, if you’ve spotted a scam or think you may have been scammed, call the IRS helpline at 877-908-3360 for advice and guidance.

 

TAX ID THEFT

In this scam, your personal information is stolen for the purposes of filing a fraudulent tax return for the refund. It can involve filing a fraudulent return with another person’s Social Security number, claiming someone else’s children as dependents, or claiming a tax refund using a deceased taxpayer’s information.

To avoid tax identity theft:

  • Do mail tax returns as early in the tax season as possible before the scammers beat you to it.
  • Don’t give out personal information unless you know who’s asking for it and why they need it.
  • Do shred personal and financial documents.
  • Do know your tax preparer.
  • Do check the status of your refund after filing at gov/Refunds

 

For help, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490 and visit irs.gov/identitytheft.

Tax time is stressful enough without becoming the victim of fraud, so take precautions to avoid scammers and warn senior loved ones of the signs of fraud during tax season. To learn more about Senior Lifestyle and our commitment to those we serve, please visit our website at www.seniorlifestyle.com.

March 27, 2018

National Diabetes Association Alert Day

Posted by in Health and Fitness.

March 27th is American Diabetes Association Alert Day, a time to shed some light on the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes and encourage everyone to take the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test, a free, anonymous test to assess personal risk factors for the disease. Every year, more than one million people are diagnosed with diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, the disease is the 7th leading cause of death in America. Almost 85 million Americans aged 18 and older have prediabetes, and over 25% of seniors have the disease. The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age

At Senior Lifestyle our goal is to help those we serve live healthy, full lives; with that in mind we’re sharing some basic tips from the American Diabetes Association’s Living Healthy With Diabetes guide to help control the disease and avoid complications. You can also download the entire Living Healthy With Diabetes guide for your use at home.

Weight Control

For diabetics, maintaining a healthy weight can help manage the disease. For those who are overweight, losing even 10 to 15 pounds can make a difference. The American Diabetes Association recommends the Plate Method as an aid to creating a healthy diet.

The Plate Method:

  1. Imagine drawing a line down the middle of your dinner plate. Then on one side, cut it again so you will have 3 sections on your plate like the picture on your right.
  2. Fill the largest section with non-starchy vegetables like salad, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes.
  3. Now in one of the smaller sections, put starchy foods such as noodles, rice, corn, or potatoes.
  4. The other small section is for meat, fish, chicken, eggs, or tofu.
  5. Add an 8 oz glass of milk and one small piece of fruit or 1/2 cup of fruit salad and you’ve got a great meal. (If you don’t drink milk, you can add an extra piece of fruit, light yogurt, or a small roll.)

Physical Activity

Being active is another great way to help control the symptoms of diabetes and avoid complications. Be sure to speak to your doctor about what types of activity he recommends. Everyday activities like gardening, walking, raking leaves and carrying groceries can count toward your physical activity. Any physical activity can help lower your blood glucose; however, there are other benefits to maintaining a healthy habit of being physically active.

Other benefits of physical activity include:

  • Improving your A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol
  • Having more energy
  • Relieving stress
  • Burning calories to help you lose or maintain your weight
  • Keeping your joints flexible
  • Increasing your strength
  • Improving your balance to prevent falls
  • Lowering your risk for heart disease and stroke

Medication Management

If you have other conditions in addition to diabetes, you may be taking several different medications to manage those conditions as well as your diabetes. It is important to take each medication as prescribed and discuss any changes with your doctor. In order to stay on top of your medication schedule, the Living Healthy With Diabetes guide suggests the following:

  • Keep an updated list of your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, dietary supplements including vitamins, and herbal remedies). Record important information about each medicine.
  • Take all of your medicines exactly as your doctor tells you.
  • Use one pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions if possible.
  • Keep medicines in a cool, dry place.
  • Use a pill organizer.
  • Use a reminder timer, an alarm clock, or your mobile phone alarm to remind you when to take medicine.
  • Link pill-taking to something in your daily routine (for example, take your medicine right after you brush your teeth).
  • Use a chart or dry erase board to keep track of your pill-taking.

At Senior Lifestyle, we encourage you to observe American Diabetes Association Alert Day, take the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test, and if you do find yourself at an elevated risk for the disease, speak with your physician about what you can do to lessen your risk of diabetes. Many of the tips we’ve noted above are helpful in avoiding diabetes as well as living with it. To learn more about what we do to stay healthy and active at a Senior Lifestyle community near you, please visit our website at www.seniorlifestyle.com.

March 23, 2018

The Sheridan at Green Oaks

Posted by in Community Spotlights.

A visitor’s first glimpse of The Sheridan at Green Oaks is an impressive and memorable one. The community’s main entrance encompasses a stunning view of the central courtyard as well as a fireplace that provides a beautiful focal point and gathering area for the community. Asked whether this feature, a two-story window that looks onto a beautiful wooded area on 30 acres of land, is the most impressive thing about The Sheridan at Green Oaks, Executive Director Drew Kowalski laughs. He says, “This building and the acreage it sits on are amazing, but what makes us unique is the people in the building. Our concierge team is top-notch; they provide a warm welcome that brings the building to life for guests and residents alike.” He continues, “We’ve built an incredible team here at The Sheridan at Green Oaks, people with a passion for care who bring years of experience and dedication to our community.”

The Sheridan at Green Oaks offers luxury as well as convenience for residents looking for a senior community in the Chicago area with unprecedented access to local amenities in the Lake Forest, Libertyville and Lake Bluff area. This beautiful community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care on a campus with room to explore, accessible by extensive walking paths. A consistent color scheme throughout this Senior Lifestyle community connects Independent Living to Assisted Living and provides visual continuity through all levels of care. The exterior areas follow the natural slope of the site and provide extensive outdoor living spaces with walking paths, fire pits, natural woods and three ponds. The courtyard area provides further connection between all levels of care.

Well-designed gathering areas on the garden level provide light-filled spaces for conversation and activities, while hallways are open, inviting and barrier-free to encourage activity and socialization. An internet café and library provide connection and quiet space in the independent living area, while the memory care building offers a serene environment that includes a tranquility room, beauty salon and a country kitchen designed to encourage interaction for residents and families.

Residents and guests enjoy fine dining in spaces with abundant natural light and views of the courtyard, enjoying exquisitely prepared meals made from locally sourced ingredients. The Executive Chef and Dining Director personalize the dining experience through collaboration with residents on menu choices, special requests and the incorporation of favorite recipes. Thoughtfully planned bar and lounge areas invite friends and family to socialize and play games while the fitness center, multi-purpose room and art studio provide opportunities for wellness and creativity.

Executive Director Drew Kowalski shares that The Sheridan at Green Oaks provides a variety of well-appointed living options at all levels of care. One and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens are available in independent living, along with one and two-bedroom assisted living apartments and studio and shared memory care apartments. He notes, “Visitors feel a sense of warmth from the moment they step in the door, provided not only by the understated elegance of the building itself, but also by the outstanding team of people who staff the community.” For more information about this Senior Lifestyle community, or to schedule a tour and see this senior community in the Chicago area for yourself, please call 224-534-6660 or visit our website at www.seniorlifestyle.com.

March 21, 2018

National Sleep Awareness Month

Posted by in Health and Fitness.

Sleep. It’s one of the few things we absolutely can’t live without, but also something most of us rarely think about and rarely get enough of. According to the National Sleep Foundation, at least 40 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders. These disorders have a myriad of causes, from environmental factors to physical and emotional ailments, but all have one thing in common: they are detrimental to our health and well being. Sleep is important not only for rest, but also for repair, as many body systems undergo a period of restoration during normal sleep. March is National Sleep Awareness Month, the perfect time to implement healthy sleep habits and think about what you can do to get a good night’s rest.

At Senior Lifestyle we know that for seniors, good sleep is especially important. Quality sleep is essential for health, but unfortunately for many seniors, it is difficult to attain. The myth that seniors need less sleep than younger adults is untrue; they simply have more trouble getting the necessary 7 to 9 hours of rest nightly that all adults require to maintain good health. Seniors tend to have more trouble achieving restful sleep, with less deep sleep, more nighttime trips to the bathroom, and a tendency to wake often during the night. Seniors also tend to become drowsy earlier in the evening and wake earlier in the morning than younger adults, a change in sleep pattern that many find difficult to manage.

Several factors contribute to these interruptions of sleep for older adults, most notably the following:

  • Health Conditions
    • Chronic and acute illnesses that develop with age can affect the quality of sleep. Disease like arthritis can cause pain that interrupts sleep, while conditions such as diabetes make nighttime bathroom trips more frequent. Good management of health conditions can minimize their effect on quality sleep.
  • Medications
    • Medications often accompany the medical conditions experienced by seniors. Older adults are more likely to be taking several medications concurrently, and drugs such as those used to control high blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression and anxiety can interfere with quality sleep. Physicians can often mitigate this situation by changing dosage times or even substituting medications for others that don’t cause a lack of sleep.
  • Hormones
    • Melatonin and growth hormone both important sleep hormones, and unfortunately, as we age, we secrete less of both. Growth hormone causes deep sleep and melatonin regulates the sleep cycle. Without adequate amounts of both hormones, it is more difficult for seniors to fall deeply asleep and stay asleep long enough to reap the benefits of a period of rest. The hormonal changes that accompany menopause also often result in interrupted sleep.

During National Sleep Awareness Month, focus on not only getting enough sleep, but getting quality sleep. If you think lack of sleep is becoming a problem for you, make sure to speak to your physician about what you can do to get the rest you need in order to stay healthy and active. At Senior Lifestyle we know that getting older doesn’t have to mean being tired all the time, and your doctor can often recommend simple lifestyle changes and pre-bedtime routines that will improve your sleep habits as well as your overall sense of well being.

What it Means to be Wellderly

Posted by in Mind and Spirit, Health and Fitness.

Are you wellderly? At Senior Lifestyle our goal is to be sure that every resident in our senior communities has the opportunity to be wellderly, so we celebrate Wellderly Week starting on Monday, March 19th with events designed to provide activities in which our residents may find a new passion or talent. We at Senior Lifestyle often hear that age is just a number, but what that number signifies varies widely. For seniors, a life filled with purpose and meaning can make all the difference. Age does not have to limit learning, growth, or vitality, and for many seniors, their retirement years present an opportunity to develop interests that were shelved during their working years.

What does it mean to be “wellderly”? There is a big difference between the number of years you live, or life span, and the number of years you live in optimal health, or health span. Researchers are in the process of studying men and women who are at least 85 years of age who have lived long lives devoid of chronic disease. These people have a very long health span and Eric Topol, MD, a Scripps Health geneticist, refers to these extraordinary people as the “wellderly” and is working to find out what makes them so.

Some goals to optimize the aging process and build the foundation for “wellderliness” from Pamela M. Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP, FACSM, an internationally renowned expert in integrative and preventive medicine:

  1. Focus on achieving a long health span. The goal is not to live long—that’s the life span, which is the number of years you live—rather, it’s to focus on living the longest and most joyful health span possible. Health span years are ones characterized by independent, vibrant, joyful, satisfying, and vital living, either devoid of impairment or with minimal impairment as a result of disease or disability. It’s all relative. The key is to live life to the fullest as you define it.
  2. Practice a healthy lifestyle. You know the drill by now. Mental, spiritual, and physical fitness are of paramount importance if you’re going to live long and well. Wherever you are on your journey, from beginner to master, the key is to keep up your daily practice of nourishing mind and body, continuously creating new challenges and seeking new adventures. That’s the essence of thriving, not just surviving.
  3. Get real. No one—not even the Super Wellderly—escapes aches and pains, sagging body parts, creaky joints, fading vision, and diminished energy. The good news is that if you’re taking optimal care of yourself, you’ll more likely experience less of this age-related mind-body impact. Ditch the “antiaging” hype and embrace the realistic, rewarding goal of augmenting and supporting an optimal aging process.

Finally, express gratitude every time you wake up and realize that you’re still here to thrive and continue this awesome adventure of life.

For our purposes at Senior Lifestyle, the word wellderly refers to those seniors who are able to participate in the activities that bring them joy, give them purpose, and keep them active, pursuits that we at Senior Lifestyle believe contribute greatly to the quality of life of our residents. In our senior communities, we tailor our activities, events and outings to the specific wants and needs of our residents, often discovering new favorite activities from the suggestions of residents. For more information about upcoming events and activities at a Senior Lifestyle community near you, please visit our website at www.seniorlifestyle.com.

March 16, 2018

The Power of Positivity

Posted by in Mind and Spirit, Resident Spotlights, Community Spotlights.

Carlisle Palm Beach resident Myra Goldick embodies the spirit of the Carlisle, with a warm and welcoming smile for everyone she meets, a genuine love for her community, and a desire to help others, especially those in transition. Carlisle Palm Beach Executive Director Chris Kochan notes, “Myra is the perfect example of the Carlisle. The Carlisle isn’t referred to as the Carlisle by Myra, she calls this her home. Myra is the first person who volunteers to help our new residents and make them feel welcome in our community. There hasn’t been a day where Myra hasn’t shown her beautiful smile. Her warm heart and caring sets her worlds apart from others!”

Asked about her habit of making new residents feel right at home, Myra downplays her role and says she’s just doing what was done for her when she came to the Carlisle. Says Myra, “It meant a lot to me to be welcomed to the Carlisle in a time of crisis and stress after my husband passed. I think everyone worries about being accepted as part of a group and this community made me feel comfortable and connected right away. The Carlisle is such an upbeat place to call home!” She loves that the Carlisle team recognizes how important it is to welcome new faces by sharing a meal or inviting someone to join a group, noting that she and the other Community Ambassadors take their roles very seriously simply because they’ve all faced the same challenges each new resident faces.

Myra, a native New Yorker, has made a lifelong habit of looking on the bright side. Her talent for positivity has seen her through a childhood bout with polio, a midlife diagnosis of post-polio syndrome, and three very successful and distinctive careers. When diagnosed with polio at the age of 10, Myra turned to her love of drawing and painting to give her the strength she needed to endure multiple surgeries and rehabilitation. She continued to study art and pursue her passion for creativity throughout school; her innate artistic talent and drive to create won her a full scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Upon graduation she began work in the cosmetic industry, building a successful career. When she was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome and could no longer travel, Myra went back to school and learned the art of hat design, embarking upon her second career as a milliner. After retirement and a move to Florida in 2003, Myra began her third career as a motivational speaker, disability advocate and author, inspiring others with her creative energy and lessons on gratitude and the power of positivity.

When asked to contribute words of wisdom, Myra shares, “Living a successful, happy life requires one to adopt a sense of gratitude. Remaining thankful helps create a positive attitude. While life often offers great pleasure and joy, at one time or another most of us will encounter adversity and sometimes-great tragedy.  It is wise to remember that within every disappointment there is a lesson to learn as well as a gift. Discover the gift and the healing will begin.” She also notes that gratitude is best shared, saying, “It’s important to cultivate the habit of thankfulness; that’s why I speak so often about the things I’m passionate about. The more we share the power of positivity, the more the mindset is reinforced in ourselves and others.”

The Carlisle Palm Beach is proud that residents like Myra call the community home and proud to help Myra share her words of wisdom. To learn more about what makes this Senior Lifestyle community special, please visit our website at www.seniorlifestyle.com or schedule a visit with a Community Adviser today.

March 15, 2018

Signature Style: The Sheridan at Chesterfield

Posted by in Community Spotlights.

The Sheridan at Chesterfield, a Senior Lifestyle community, provides assisted living and award-winning memory care in an inviting, family-oriented setting, combining the open, airy feel of a modern farmhouse with exceptional amenities and a level of service designed to delight discerning residents. Located just outside of St. Louis, Missouri, this Signature Collection community incorporates a resort-style atmosphere with casual yet elegant design elements. Soft wood tones, painted beaming and rustic light fixtures lend themselves to the graceful feel of the community, but equally important, notes Executive Director Denise Niemann, is the family atmosphere of The Sheridan at Chesterfield. She states, “I am very proud of our talented team and their dedication to our residents. Each staff member plays an important role in exceeding our residents’ expectations every day and developing relationships with family members. Families have trusted us with the care of their loved ones and need to know that we are honored to become an extension of their family.”

Common areas throughout The Sheridan at Chesterfield are flooded with natural light and open to gracious outside living spaces. Comfortable sitting areas encourage conversation while an in-house, state-of-the-art theatre room provides additional entertainment options. Perfect for informal gatherings with family and friends, a multi-purpose lounge with games table graces the 2nd floor. A beautiful spa and wellness area, physical therapy, and fully-outfitted fitness room promote wellness while an art studio encourages creativity.

A stunning dining room invites residents to linger over meals and conversation with natural light from a full wall of windows providing a warm, welcoming space to enjoy fine dining. The Sheridan at Chesterfield delivers a personalized Signature dining experience that serves as an opportunity to socialize with friends and family in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere. Locally sourced fresh ingredients prepared by the Executive Chef and served with attention to detail complete the dining experience.

When memories fade, it’s the moments that matter most, and at The Sheridan at Chesterfield, the focus is on creating meaningful and fulfilling moments for those in need of memory care. For these residents, Senior Lifestyle’s embrace memory care philosophy provides a comprehensive approach to wellness with activity options tailored to their personal interests and abilities. This holistic approach to memory care provides opportunities for memory care residents to build authentic relationships in an environment filled with joy and serenity.

 

With well-appointed assisted living studio, one bedroom and two bedroom apartments as well as memory care accommodations, The Sheridan at Chesterfield offers living spaces tailored to the unique needs of each resident in a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. A private town car and shuttle provide transportation for day trips to destinations including shopping and cultural events in the St. Louis area, while full-service concierge services connect residents with entertainment and activities specifically suited to their interests. Executive Director Denise Niemann likens the resident experience at this Signature Collection community to that of the Ritz Carlton hotel’s credo, stating, “The Sheridan experience enlivens the senses, instills well-being, and fulfills even the unexpressed wishes and needs of our residents.” She adds that new residents to the community are welcomed with The Sheridan’s version of a red carpet, in the community’s signature color, Tiffany Blue, with all team members in attendance to greet new arrivals.

Built to serve the community with the feel of a relaxed vacation home, The Sheridan at Chesterfield provides assisted living and memory care options to residents looking to experience the utmost in service and care in a setting offering serenity as well as social opportunities. To learn more about this exceptional senior community, please visit our website at www.seniorlifestyle.com or call 636-614-4657 to schedule a private tour.

March 12, 2018

Financial Options for Senior Living

Posted by in Personal Finance.

One of our goals at Senior Lifestyle is to make the transition to senior living as seamless as possible for new residents and families, and we know that one of the most difficult aspects of making new living arrangements for senior loved ones is the “financial conversation.” We understand that discussions about money can be emotionally charged, and although the conversation itself may seem intrusive to both parents and adult children, it is a necessary one. Understanding what funds and financial options for senior living are available is vital to the search for senior housing. Having solid financial information at the outset of the senior housing search can help streamline the process and will save a great deal of time and frustration, not only for seniors but for their families as well.

At Senior Lifestyle, we care about not only the physical and emotional wellbeing of our residents, but their financial health as well, and that’s why we recommend the services of companies like Elderlife Financial. A leading senior solutions company, Elderlife Financial helps families understand their financial options for senior living and locate and finance senior housing needs, offering a variety of services to facilitate the moving process, including:

Financing Senior Living

A bridge loan can help fund senior living while waiting for Veteran’s benefits or insurance payments to begin or waiting for the sale of a home. This service allows families the peace of mind of an immediate move.

Veteran Benefits Assistance

Many veterans are unfamiliar with the benefits available to them. Elderlife Financial can assist in the process of gathering the necessary information to apply for the “Aid & Attendance” pension benefit, as well as providing short term funding while waiting for benefits to be approved.

Assistance with Insurance

If a long-term care policy is in place to pay for care, Elderlife financial can help navigate the often-complex process of making a claim and qualifying for benefits. Additionally, life insurance policies are a potential source of funding for senior living and can be sold or borrowed against to pay for care.

 

At Senior Lifestyle we know that the search for senior housing can be daunting, but our community advisers are here to help you navigate the journey and understand your financial options for senior living. For information on a Senior Lifestyle community near you, visit our website at www.seniorlifestyle.com to schedule a tour and meet with an adviser. Financial resources are available on the Senior Lifestyle website as well, so help is just a click away!

March 9, 2018

March is Red Cross Month

Posted by in Community Spotlights.

At Senior Lifestyle, we like to show our appreciation for organizations that provide vital resources and support in the communities we serve. The American Red Cross is one such organization, and since March is Red Cross Month, we’d like to take the opportunity to highlight the goals of this organization as well as the services provided.

The Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton in 1881 and has been dedicated to serving those in need ever since. From providing first aid certification and disaster relief to rendering aid to American service members and families, Red Cross staff and volunteers are active across the United States and abroad. The Mission of the American Red Cross states: The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

The organization’s Vision Statement is as follows:

The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action so that…

…all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope;

…our communities are ready and prepared for disasters;

…everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products;

…all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed; and

…in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.

Since the early 1900’s The Red Cross has offered first aid training and other certifications and also developed the first nationwide civilian blood donor program in the 1940’s. The Red Cross responds to roughly 64,000 disasters yearly in the United States and around the world and depends on the American public’s contributions of time, blood and money to continue its services and programs.

We at Senior Lifestyle would like to salute the efforts of the American Red Cross during the month long celebration of the organization, and we encourage you to do the same. Whether donating blood, contributing to the cause or volunteering in the community, your support helps to bring important programs to people in need. To learn more about how our Senior Lifestyle communities celebrate American Red Cross Month and contribute to their local communities, please visit our website at www.seniorlifestyle.com to find a community near you.