Understanding the Value of a Life Plan Community

Retirement is a significant life transition that comes with its set of concerns, primarily about health care needs and financial security. A Life Plan Community, also known as a Life Care Community or CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community), offers a comprehensive solution that addresses these concerns by combining independent living with priority access to a range of care services.

What Sets Harrogate Apart?

Harrogate offers more than a retirement living space; it provides peace of mind. Choosing a Life Care Community like Harrogate means crafting a smart financial strategy for your future. It ensures that you have continuous access to health care services, including skilled nursing and rehabilitation, under one roof and at a predictable cost​.

Life Care Contract: Your Security Blanket

Harrogate’s Type A Life Care contract is a commitment that safeguards not just your health but also your finances. It is designed to cover potential long-term care needs while protecting your estate. This contract stands out as it keeps monthly fees predictable, even when care levels increase, ensuring your expenses remain manageable.

Financial Benefits of the Type A Life Care Contract

  • Estate Protection: A significant portion of the entrance fee is refundable, offering estate planning benefits.
  • Long-Term Care Access: Residents have priority access to Harrogate’s 5-star-rated Health Center.
  • Savings: Lower costs compared to market rates for similar care services.
  • Tax Benefits: Potential deductions on entrance and service fees as prepaid medical expenses.

Comparing Senior Living Options

When evaluating your Independent Living choices in Ocean County, it’s crucial to understand the differences between various contracts offered:

  • Type B (Modified): Some future care costs are prepaid with a discounted care rate.
  • Type C (Fee-for-Service): Care costs are at market rate, making expenses less predictable.
  • Rental Communities: There is no entrance fee, with monthly charges covering residence and amenities. However, care services may not be provided on-site or at all.

The Harrogate Advantage

With a Type A Life Care contract at Harrogate, the monthly fee remains stable, shielding residents from the escalating costs of health care. The comprehensive monthly fee at Harrogate covers maintenance, meals, wellness plans, and more, providing a carefree lifestyle with financial predictability​​.

A Promise for the Future

Harrogate’s Life Care contract is not just a financial decision; it’s a lifestyle choice that comes with a promise of security and a life of enrichment and ease. To explore the Life Care options at Harrogate or to schedule a visit, contact us or call 732-719-0455.

Oh, What Fun! 10 Senior Holiday Activities in Ocean County

As the holidays approach and as the weather gets chillier, older adults in Ocean County have quite a few options for staying active. At Harrogate, staying physical is staying happy, and a key goal of our 8 dimensions of wellness.

Harrogate is within minutes of Toms River, where you’ll be delighted by fun and family-friendly area attractions

Here are 10 fun and festive ideas on how to spend your holiday season around Ocean County, with Toms River our focus.

In Toms River

  1. Christmas Tree Lighting
    A classic holiday event for family and friends, the Toms River Christmas Tree Lighting takes place in the Town Hall courtyard. Take photos with Santa or pick up some delicious cookies and hot chocolate, benefitting Toms River Fire Company #2.
  2. Victorian Holiday Tea at the Mathis House
    What better way to enjoy the season than to cozy up with a nice cup of tea? Attend Victorian Holiday Tea at the Mathis House for a little taste of Christmastime sophistication.
  3. Winter Wonderland Weekend and the Winter Village
    Visit the gorgeous holiday light displays and revel in the good company of those around you. Take in all that the Winter Village has to offer, with local businesses and companies present.
  4. Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts
    Catch performances of holiday classics like The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol. The Grunin Center is dedicated to providing all kinds of art and entertainment to residents of Ocean County and the Jersey Shore.
  5. Ocean County Historical Society
    Keeping the heritage and history of Ocean County exciting for all generations! Every year in late November, there’s also a Victorian Holiday Celebration that is sure to get you in the spirit.
  6. Academy for Lifelong Learning
    Ever considered picking up a new skill? The holidays are the perfect time, as you can use your new talent to build gifts for friends and family members. And retired seniors receive a free membership!
  7. Robert J. Novins Planetarium
    Just like the Academy for Lifelong Learning, the Robert J. Novins Planetarium is located on the Ocean County College campus. This holiday season, RSVP to the “Wonders of the Seasonal Sky” and “Let it Snow” events.

In Lakewood

  1. Christmas with the Claws
    Organized by BlueClaws Charities, the Christmas with the Claws is a toy drive event usually scheduled toward the beginning of December.
  2. The Strand Theater
    A historic building and location, the Strand Theater often holds holiday-themed performances, showcases and plays. Consult the calendar for fun ways you can be spending your time.

At Harrogate

  1. Harrogate Gingerbread Tour
    Held in early December every year at Harrogate, this combined community event and tour is fun for the whole family. Later, you can cap the night with a holiday movie. Come see how every day at Harrogate feels like a holiday.

Live Where You Already Love to Be at Harrogate

Conveniently located between Toms River and Lakewood in Ocean County, Harrogate is New Jersey’s premier Life Care Community. We offer independent living with numerous amenities and services, so come see how Harrogate can be your home for life!

Why are senior living communities safer than ever?

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve learned a lot about health and safety. We’ve even been exposed to new language about infection control. Terms like “social distancing,” “PPE” (personal protective equipment), and “quarantine” have become part of common conversation. We’ve even heard about friends who “tested positive.”

But encouraging news has made its way back into our lives, as the vaccines have proven to be safe and effective for older adults, with only rare negative side effects.

There was also a briefly held perception that Life Plan were unsafe during the pandemic. The fact is…

Many communities are safer than ever before.

New safety features in senior living since the pandemic have increased more quickly than in almost any other industry. For this reason, occupancy rates have continued to climb in recent months.

The following information will discuss the specific health and safety measures implemented by Harrogate and other reputable communities to combat infectious diseases like the COVID-19 virus.

It’s important to know that not all communities have taken a comprehensive approach. But Harrogate has taken senior safety and health care to the next level through a program called EverSafe 360°. This represents a million-dollar investment in the welfare of those who live, work and visit Harrogate.

EverSafe 360°: The gold standard in protecting community residents

In addition to local and CDC recommendations, Harrogate exceeds health and safety standards with a comprehensive health and safety program. EverSafe 360° was developed by Life Care Services (LCS) LCS, an award-winning leader in the senior living industry.

The LCS family of companies helps Harrogate and other communities fulfill the mission to create the best senior living experience possible.

The EverSafe 360° program represents a new standard of safety for community residents and staff members. It goes beyond pandemic protocols. It’s a cutting-edge plan to reimagine how communities and residents live and work together.

The array of EverSafe 360° facets make it unique among senior living safety programs.

LCS Medical Advisory Board
A carefully selected medical board is responsible for identifying the latest technologies, innovations, and care delivery models. The board then directs and guides communities managed by LCS toward best-in-class service within the current health-care climate.

EverSafe 360° Engage
This voluntary and confidential resident program addresses concerns affecting mental and emotional well-being. These factors include stress, depression, isolation, grief and other related needs. Engage supports seniors as they adapt to the ever-changing needs of aging.

EverSafe 360° Telemedicine
Treating seniors “in place” has never been more essential than now.

Telemedicine allows health professionals to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients at Harrogate safely and remotely.

It provides an overall health and wellness platform to ensure residents have ready access to physician services at all care levels.

Telemedicine has progressed in the last decade and is becoming an increasingly important tool in the American health-care infrastructure.

EverSafe 360° Common Gathering Flex Space
We assess the physical spaces of our community to safely and efficiently prepare for emergency response situations. This includes natural disasters, pandemics, and other disruptive events.

EverSafe 360° Indoor Air Quality
This emphasizes the importance of indoor air quality and its connection to heating, venting and cooling systems (HVAC). Harrogate is committed to improving air quality in our fight against airborne pathogens. How’s that for a breath of fresh air?

EverClean 360°
EverClean 360° ensures a cleaner, safer environment to live, work and play in.

This science-driven platform improves disinfection and indoor air quality within the community. Staff uses environmentally friendly products and chemicals for deep cleaning.

In partnership with P&G® (Procter and Gamble), there’s a focus on using fewer products with greater results. Daily disinfecting utilizes sanitation systems such as electrostatic methods, UV lighting measures and more.

And that’s just the beginning.

The protocols and safety measures listed above make up phase one. Harrogate and LCS are committed to addressing the changing needs of every resident, family, and employee we serve.

Future EverSafe 360° phases already in the works include:

  • EverSafe 360° Emergency Response Team
  • EverSafe 360° Centralized Storage Program
  • EverSafe 360° Crisis Communication Toolbox
  • EverSafe 360° Crisis Response Line
  • EverSafe 360° Enhanced Community Safety Committee
  • EverSafe 360° Employee Impact Council

This Is What Worry Less. Live More! Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate is a nonprofit, boutique community, where residents enjoy a worry-free, experience-rich life with access to all the best life has to offer.

We’re locally owned and partnered with Life Care Services, an LCS company. From opportunities to enrich and challenge yourself to the peace of mind of future care, this partnership gives Harrogate the strength and stability to provide a better experience to residents.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

5 Signs You’re Ready for Senior Living

Wouldn’t it be nice to move to a place where you’re waited on hand and foot – like one of those all-inclusive resorts? If you’re an older adult, your chance to experience that may be sooner than you think.

“Being a senior today can open a world of possibilities,” says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, a premier active senior living community just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches. “Seniors today are ready to take charge of this new chapter of their life, and moving to a senior living community can give you free time along with services that help you age well.”

Charles says it’s important to know what your short-term goals are, as well as longer-term plans. “Understanding what you want to do now as well as how you want to live in the future will help you take actionable steps to find a community that gives you the independent living you crave.”

If you’re wondering whether moving to senior living is the right step for you to start enjoying your current lifestyle to the fullest, here are five signs that may signify that you’re ready to start living the good life.

You want to stop dealing with home maintenance.
If you outright own your current home, you may wonder what benefit you’ll get from moving to a mortgage-free place to a community where you’ll have to pay a monthly fee. However, as you probably already know, a mortgage-free home doesn’t mean a cost-free one.

Think about all the chores, home maintenance and surprise repairs you have to deal with when you own your home. Even if you don’t have a mortgage payment, you have real estate taxes, insurance, utilities and other annoyances. Your golden years shouldn’t be spent dealing with tedious tasks – so why not move to a place where all those chores (and more) are taken off your plate?

You’re ready to be more social.
It’s sometimes nice to be alone, but most of us want to have opportunities to go out and mingle with friends and family. But as we get older, those opportunities may start to drift away as the people we care about move or pass away. As a senior, you may find that your social circle has shrunk quite a bit since you’re no longer having that social interaction at work.

A senior living community allows you to get that social circle back practically instantly since you find yourself living with a large community of people in the same stage of life who are also looking for exciting opportunities. There are so many chances to meet new friends, nurture old friendships and look for new avenues of entertainment.

You want to age well.
Getting older doesn’t mean you have to give up on staying healthy and active. In fact, those things become more important than ever. It can be hard to stay on top of our health when we’re the sole ones responsible for it, though. That’s why retirement communities can be such a boon to your physical, emotional and overall health.

Nearly 90% of adults 50 and older want to age in place “at home,” and by moving into a retirement community early, you can take steps to start living your healthiest life possible while also making your new place a true “home.” It doesn’t hurt that you’ll work with staff and medical professionals to create a life plan that meets your goals, health needs and personal passions.

You want to explore more of the world.
Boredom is actually a health problem for older adults, so it’s important to find new opportunities to explore, learn, adventure and live life. What does that look like for you? Whatever you want!

Whether you want to travel the country in an RV, learn a new language or pick up a favorite old hobby, a senior living community – and a senior living lifestyle – gives you the time and freedom to do just that.

You want an exciting life now and peace of mind for the future.
What you want out of your life today may be different than down the road. No one knows what the future may hold, but moving into a senior living community with many levels of care means that you’ll be cared for no matter how your health needs change. It’s a lot easier to enjoy your senior years when you know you’re living in a place that’s been designed to meet your every need at every stage of your seniorhood.

If you’re ready to start enjoying your life to the fullest, moving to a senior living community may be the right move for you. It’s never too early to take steps to improve your lifestyle, and you may find that you wish you’d moved even sooner.

This Is What Worry Less. Live More! Looks Like
Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a worry-free, fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer. From opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself to the peace of mind of future care, socialization and so much more.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

How Seniors Are Making a Difference Through Volunteering

Retirement and seniorhood are being completely reinvented these days … and it’s making a difference in the world for the better.

“Gone are the days and the idea that retirement means sitting quietly in a rocker on the porch, watching the world go by,” says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, a premier active senior living community just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches. “Today’s seniors age 55 and up are living the best chapter of their lives to date. They’re healthy, active, taking on new challenges and exploring the world. They’re ready to live the life they want on their terms.”

For many, he says, this involves making a positive impact in their communities, whether financially, through their volunteering efforts or both.

“Volunteering their time and efforts is a very popular pastime for retirees because it provides purpose, self-worth and the knowledge that they’re doing something good,” he explains. “It’s a chance for older individuals to pass on the knowledge they’ve learned over the years, as well as do something that’s meaningful for them. Whether they’re volunteering for a charity, spending their time with their grandchildren or starting a new business, seniors are definitely making a difference for the better.”

“At Harrogate, we provide many opportunities for seniors to explore life and donate their time however they wish. It’s a key tenant of our approach to wellness, and since we’re located in a prime spot, our residents have their pick of volunteer programs,” he says.

Why Volunteering Is Beneficial for Seniors

Volunteering is obviously beneficial for the people and causes to which we donate our efforts. But did you know that volunteering also provides a personal benefit? This is especially true and beneficial for retirees, who may find themselves searching for purpose and meaning after leaving a career or facing an empty nest. Here are just some of the many benefits that volunteering provides seniors:

  • A longer life. Many studies have shown that older adults – and people overall – who volunteer have a longer lifespan on average than individuals who don’t volunteer. Why is this? Because volunteering provides opportunities to improve physical, mental and emotional wellness all at once. These are tenants of full-person wellness, which are essential to nurture in order to age well and remain healthy as we get older.
  • Better mental health. Volunteering helps seniors decrease their levels of anxiety, stress, anger and even depression. Having regular social contact while helping and working with others helps you develop a solid support system, boosts serotonin levels in your brain (yes, volunteering makes us happier) and improves overall mood.
  • Improved physical health. Volunteering helps many seniors stay active, both mentally and physically. Seniors who volunteer generally get more exercise, eat better and sleep more deeply than people who don’t donate their efforts or time. All these things are incredibly essential for establishing and maintaining good physical health.
  • Reduced pain levels. It turns out that volunteering is a better pain relief than a lot of OTC medications. According to 75 percent of seniors polled, volunteering has made a huge difference in their chronic pain levels.

Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors Around Ocean County

Seniors are making a difference the world over in seemingly countless ways. Here are just a few of the opportunities for seniors in the Ocean County, NJ area to donate and volunteer their time in the local community:

Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey

Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey is an interfaith nonprofit agency dedicated to providing free supportive services to older seniors and homebound individuals, enabling them to live independently and with dignity in their own homes. They are always seeking caring volunteers to help with daily tasks, provide medical transportation, go grocery shopping, fundraising and more.

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society’s mission is to free the world from cancer – and until that happens, they’re funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients and spreading the word about prevention. Their mission and work are primarily supported by volunteers who fundraise, spread the word and donate to the cause. The New Jersey chapter has a large number of events throughout the year that anyone can become involved in.

The House of HOPE of Ocean County

The HOPE Center (a.k.a. The House of HOPE of Ocean County) is a nonprofit organization that helps individuals and families in crisis meet their basic needs. The HOPE Center offers a variety of services, including a food pantry, community garden, utility and rental assistance, transportation and advocacy. Volunteers work and help this organization by serving in the food pantry, caring for the garden, writing grants, fundraising and assisting in the office.

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Ocean County

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Ocean County serves as a voice in the courtroom for abused and neglected foster children. CASA volunteers meet with the child’s family members, doctors, teachers and foster parents to ensure the judge in the family court system is aware of all the facts to make the best determination for the child’s future. Volunteers form a special, one-on-one relationship with their assigned children, become a role model and truly make a difference in the children’s lives.

Fulfill Food Bank

Fulfill is the largest food bank in Ocean and Monmouth counties, feeding millions of families each day. Fulfill has a network of 289 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, day programs, group homes and more that they work closely with to feed our neighbors in need. Volunteers can help by organizing food drives, packing and sorting donations, helping with office work and mailings, doing tax returns, helping out at mobile pantries and with our feeding program partners, and so much more.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

In October, the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk occurs in the Toms River area. This event links together many businesses in the community to raise funds for breast cancer research. They’re currently seeking out volunteers for this year’s event.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s®

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the Alzheimer’s Association® of New Jersey’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Currently, they are seeking volunteers to fundraise, help with preparation, and raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

These are just a handful of the countless ways that seniors volunteer and make a difference in the world today. If you’re a senior with a passion for helping and the drive and desire to share your talents, don’t wait. Find an organization, business or individual in your area that could use your talents and start donating your time. Not only will you help your community – but you’ll be a healthier, happier, more well-rounded individual because of it!

This Is What Worry Less. Live More! Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a worry-free, fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer. From opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself to the peace of mind of future care, socialization and so much more.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

Honoring Our Past and Celebrating Our Future: 33 Years of Worry Less. Live More!

What does being Lakewood, New Jersey’s premier senior living community mean? It means celebrating 33 years of providing the finest, most vibrant and secure senior living experience – and also realizing that “we’re just getting started,” according to Charles Benjamin, Executive Director at Harrogate, a premier active senior living community just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches.

“Since our doors opened in 1988, we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing the best senior living experience you’ll find in the area,” he explains. “As a Life Care Community, our goal is to build community within and without our walls. We answer to our residents, not shareholders. All our profits are reinvested in Harrogate to improve our buildings, increase staff, add new services and amenities, and enhance residents’ lives – today and in the future.”

When Harrogate opened, Life Care Communities weren’t currently available in Ocean County. “We saw a need and we’ve met it with flying colors,” said Charles. “Harrogate is a not-for-profit organization that is managed by a Broad of Trustees who are local business and civic leaders. This area is part of our lifeblood, and that’s not going to change.”

A Celebration of Services

For 33 years, Harrogate has offered many opportunities for seniors to engage, enrich and challenge themselves so they can live the retirement lifestyle of their dreams. A maintenance-free lifestyle, amenities-rich community, a full suite of care services and a staff of caring, friendly and talented individuals – that’s really something to celebrate.

As a Life Care Community, the biggest benefit that Harrogate offers to seniors in the area is a home for life. Residents at Harrogate are guaranteed access to additional levels of living, at lower-than-market rates, at all times. The community isn’t just blowing smoke about this, either – they’ve earned a reputation for excellent health care, as evidenced by a 5-star quality measures rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

What does Life Care mean? It means …

All the care you need, all in one place.

Independent living residents enjoy perks like spacious, maintenance-free, newly renovated senior apartments with numerous options in a variety of floor plans, along with a huge variety of services and amenities. But if it’s ever needed, they also have access to in-home health services, as well as priority access to skilled nursing, rehabilitation and memory support services, all available on site. You can’t predict the future, but Life Care means that you’ll be prepared for it, no matter what.

An engaged, exciting lifestyle.

No more cleaning house, cooking, tedious yardwork or keeping up the house. Instead, residents enjoy a jam-packed activities and events calendar that’s filled with classes, events, special speakers, trips and concerts. There’s always something going on, and it’s always something fun and enjoyable. Best of all, residents are encouraged to pursue their passions – if the community isn’t offering something that a resident wants or needs, Harrogate will work to make it happen.

Delicious dining.

Chef Joe and his team strive to provide a world-class dining experience daily. Menus at Harrogate are remarkably varied, offering meat, fish and vegetarian choices. Friendly tableside servers get to know every resident so they can know instantly dietary preferences, likes and tastes. With a main dining room offering full-service dining, and the Kettle Creek Café offering more casual and on-the-go meals, every meal is a delightful experience for the tastebuds.

 

A focus on whole-body wellness.

Harrogate’s proprietary Living the 8 program brings together eight dimensions of wellness to enrich the days of residents and help them live happier and healthier lives – for longer. Every dimension is covered: physical, spiritual, social, health services, intellectual, environmental, emotional and vocational. Every day is a celebration of life and wellness, making for a more complete, more rich and more fulfilled life for residents.

Close to everything you love.

One thing’s for sure: Harrogate loves its community, both on and off campus. The community is conveniently located between Toms River and Lakewood in Ocean County, New Jersey, an area that boasts parks, golf courses, public beaches, fine restaurants and shops, and sports. Living here means you’re at the heart of it all, in the community you love, now and always.

“We are having our official anniversary party on July 16, but there is always a reason to celebrate,” Charles says. “We encourage you to visit our community, join in the fun, meet our residents and staff, and see for yourself what our amazing, enriching and engaging lifestyle is like.”

This Is What Worry Less. Live More! Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a worry-free, fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer. From opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself to the peace of mind of future care, socialization and so much more.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

Why Making a Move to Harrogate Is As Easy as 1, 2, 3

Do you like the idea of a maintenance-free, carefree lifestyle that allows you to do all the things you want … but feel a little overwhelmed when you think about all you’d have to do to make that move happen?

Fear not, says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, a premier active senior living community just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches. Making the move to a more enriching lifestyle is easier than you think.

“Making a move to Harrogate is as easy as one, two, three,” he says. “Our 52-acre Life Care Community is designed to tap into your new and rekindled interests, let go of worries and embrace a more fulfilling, experience-rich life. We like to make the move easy, too, so we’re ready and willing to create an incentive package that works for you.”

Charles says that although moving from a private home into a retirement community might seem like a large ordeal, it doesn’t have to be. “We want this stage of your life to truly be the time of your life, so we want to make the transition as smooth and easy as possible,” he explains. “We say that there are three distinct steps that go into moving to senior living. Breaking the process down to three steps makes it feel less daunting and a lot more manageable.”

  1. Research your options.

The first step to moving into a senior living community means finding the right one first. But before you even start looking for locations, sit down and take stock of your retirement and what you want it to look, sound and feel like. For example, what do you want to accomplish next year? In 5 years? 10 years? Even though plans can and do change, it’s always good to have guidelines that will help you narrow your focus and look for locations that will really enrich your life. For example, do you want to spend a lot of time traveling? Learning a new skill? Visiting friends and family?

Next, it’s time to start thinking about what you need to have and what you want to have in a community. Think of it a little like buying a house: you have your wants and needs, which can help you better find and rate different options for yourself and your lifestyle. If being in nature is important to you, for example, you might want to look for locations that are located near (or on) preserves and other gorgeous natural landscapes so you can enjoy the great outdoors without having to travel far away from home.

Then, once you’ve determined what you want your retirement to be, it’s time to start looking at different retirement community options that meet what you’re looking for. A good place to begin searching is on Google. You’ll find plenty of information, including official websites, that will give you a picture of what is available in your desired location. Be sure to read independent reviews and ask friends and family for their information or experiences. Using all the information available to you, you should be able to narrow down your list to two or three communities that meet your desires.

  1. Choose your community.

The best way to see if a community is right for you is by actually visiting it in person. Schedule a tour with each of the “made the grade” communities that are on your list so you can get a firsthand look at everything the place has to offer. Much like you would when looking for a new house, it’s good to have a long list of standard questions that you ask each community when you go and visit. Gathering the same information will help you better compare and contrast when it’s time to choose. The questions you ask can be literally endless, but some examples of things you might want to find out include:

  • What levels of care do you have available at your community?
  • What services are included in the monthly fee? What are not?
  • What activities and events are available on a regular basis?
  • What’s the dining experience like?
  • What is the financial solvency and history of the community?

It’s also good to have a standardized checklist that allows you to rate the community on various things such as appearance, resident health and happiness, amenities, friendliness of staff and so on and so forth. These are the intangibles that you can’t see or feel from the computer screen. Be sure to spend a good amount of time at each community, preferably staying for a meal and activity. You’ll also want to meet some of the current residents and get their take on what life at the community is like. Finally, listen to your gut and what it’s telling you when you’re on site. Does it feel like a place where you could truly be “at home,” or is there something in the back of your mind that’s concerning you?

Finally, after you’ve toured each community on your list (preferably more than once), it’s time to make a decision. In a perfect world, you would know the exact right community for you the instant you walked on campus, but if that isn’t the case, that’s quite all right. Take your various lists and compare and contrast the different communities against each other. Be sure to think hard about if you can see yourself living there or not. Hopefully, you will have a clear winner by the time you’re done with your review, and then comes the fun part – contacting the community and signing a contract for this new stage of your life.

  1. Make the move.

You’ve made all the hard decisions; now comes the enjoyable part – actually moving and starting life in your new community. If you’re currently living in a private home, you’ll probably need to pack up your belongings and get the house ready to sell. Downsizing and decluttering can be a big project, so you may want to enlist the help of an agency that specializes in helping older adults transition from a private home to a retirement community. They can not only help you go through your personal items, but they can also help coordinate moving companies, real estate companies and everything else that is necessary to get you on your way to your new home.

Be sure to get a floor plan of your new space so that you can more easily figure out what items of yours you can keep and what will go (as well as what you might want to buy new to fit into a smaller area). Remember that even though your private living space may be smaller than what you currently have, you’ve actually gained all the space and benefits that the community has to offer.

Finally, once the house is sold and the moving van is packed up, it’s time to move into your new community. The community you choose will be more than happy to help coordinate everything to get you safely and easily into your new home. Once you’re there, you can take a deep breath, relax and start unpacking. You’ve done it – you’ve moved into your new home, and now it’s time to look around and discover everything that awaits you.

This Is What “Worry Less, Live More” Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a worry-free, fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer. From opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself to the peace of mind of future care, socialization and so much more.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

How Short-Term Rehabilitation Puts You on the Path to Recovery

Following an accident, illness or injury, most people need time to recover fully. This is especially true for older adults who recover more slowly from significant incidents. Years ago, hospitals were set up so that these individuals could stay as long as they needed in order to recover enough to go home. Today, seniors and their loved ones have a different option in order to get back to a normal level of function: short-term rehabilitation.

“Short-term rehabilitation is one of the best solutions for seniors who need extra help in order to return home safely following a hospital stay,” says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, a premier active senior living community just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches. “It’s an excellent service that results in fewer rehospitalizations, lowers health care costs, fewer health complications after leaving the hospital and generally better outcomes for patients.”

Short-term rehabilitation at Harrogate combines therapies and rehabilitation services to help seniors regain their independence, getting them back to where they want to be. “Our goal is to quickly restore confidence and strength to return you to the things you love to do as soon as possible,” Charles says. “We’re proud that our average length of stay is five days fewer than the national average, meaning that our rehabilitation clients are able to return to their lives that much sooner.”

No two short-term rehabilitation centers are created equal, so if you’re looking into options for yourself or a loved one, here is some general information to help you make the right choice for your needs.

What is short-term rehabilitation?

Short-term rehabilitation (STR) is inpatient care that’s focused on healing and therapies that allow the individual to become well enough to go home or be discharged to outpatient care. Most short-term rehabilitation takes place in special clinics and facilities, which can be standalone, aligned with a medical center or located at a senior living community.

What sort of care needs would qualify me for short-term rehabilitation?

Because STR is a medical service that can be covered by medical insurance (such as Medicare or private insurance), it’s natural to know what sort of issues or care needs would be covered. Generally, a person who goes into STR is medically stable, but still needs supervised care around-the-clock in order to be safe. If you or a loved one were dealing with injuries from a car crash, wounds that are slow to heal, recovery following a big surgery or progressive illnesses are all conditions that could qualify you for short-term rehabilitation.

How long will I be in short-term rehabilitation?

The short answer is: as long as it takes for you to get well! The longer answer is that you will typically remain in short-term rehabilitation until your care team believes you’re healthy and well enough to be discharged back home. This can be anywhere from two weeks to a month or even more. It all depends on your individual care needs.

What questions should I ask to find the right short-term rehabilitation provider for me?

Since you or your loved one will be staying in short-term rehabilitation for some time, you want to make sure you chose a place that meets both your care needs. Here are some questions to ask to make sure you’re choosing a good facility for you.

  • Is the center licensed and certified? You’ll want a center that’s been licensed by your state and certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) – that way, you know you’re receiving the best possible care.
  • Does the center have the treatments and therapies you will need? Obviously, this is a very big requirement. You’ll want to make sure that the facility can actually treat the care needs that you have.
  • Is there a multidisciplinary team of licensed medical professionals on staff? This allows for a more holistic, whole-person approach to your care.
  • Is your insurance accepted? Even though insurance does cover most costs for short-term rehabilitation, there can be out-of-pocket costs, and you’ll want to manage your expenses accordingly.
  • Is the clinic near you and convenient for friends and family? Experts say that it’s a lot easier for people to heal when they’re surrounded by their loved ones. A convenient location makes it easier for family and friends to visit and support you in your recovery.

Short-Term Rehabilitation at Harrogate

Residents at Harrogate have priority access to our short-term rehabilitation care – and what could be better than recuperating in a place you already know as home? However, you don’t have to be a current Harrogate resident in order to use our rehabilitation services. We offer direct admittance, and we accept Medicare; all Medicare Advantage Plans, including HMOs, long-term care insurance, and private pay. We offer a wide variety of rehabilitation services and care specialties to ensure that you get back on your feet as soon as possible.

We provide comprehensive therapies up to seven days a week, including physical, occupational and speech therapies. Here are some of our specialties:

  • Cardiac rehabilitation: Improving outcomes with multifaceted, medically supervised care
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation: Boosting breathing and functioning to the highest level possible
  • Pain management: Reducing discomfort with compassionate continuous pain monitoring
  • Wound care: Reduced infection and improved healing with careful incision-site monitoring
  • IV therapy: Administering optimal care with the help of effective intravenous therapy
  • Palliative and hospice care: Maximizing quality of life through end-of-life care
  • Dermatology: Specialized treatment for skin, hair and nails
  • Respite care: Providing temporary care for a loved one and relief for caregivers
  • Podiatry: Providing essential foot care
  • Optometry: Monitoring and managing healthy vision and eye care
  • Fall prevention program
  • Post-acute therapy

Our 5-star CMS-rated facility (that’s the highest rating a short-term rehabilitation center can achieve) has board-certified physicians on site four days a week, and specialists on staff around the clock. We offer a very high staff-to-patient ratio, ensuring the very best care for you. Our rehabilitation services are offered seven days a week, and we work with each individual to develop personalized care plans that ensure optimal outcomes.

When you choose Harrogate for short-term rehabilitation, you’ll have the benefit of all our thoughtful services and amenities on our beautiful campus. Our restaurant-style dining will delight as well as nourish your tastebuds, and you’ll enjoy a full calendar of events and activities to make your days exciting and fun. At Harrogate, you’ll find everything you need to get you on the road to recovery swiftly, efficiently and successfully.

This Is What “Worry Less, Live More” Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a worry-free, fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer. From opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself to the peace of mind of future care, socialization and so much more.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

The Journey to Senior Living: A Step- by-Step Guide for Seniors and Families

Are you or a loved one thinking that senior living may be right for you? These days, moving into senior living isn’t the stigma it used to be. Instead, senior living is filled with vibrant opportunities, numerous choices and lifestyles that have younger folks wishing they could move in right now. However, narrowing down the options and taking the steps can be overwhelming, especially at the very beginning.

“As with any big life decision, starting out on the journey can be daunting, but it’s important to remember that you just need to begin with a single step,” says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, a premier active senior living community just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean county beaches. “We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help seniors and their family members understand the process while taking some of the uncertainty away.”

Charles says that it may help to think about senior living like choosing a college, or picking a new house. “A lot of the principles are the same,” he says. “Just remember to do your research, consider your options and make a decision that feels good to you. And of course, remember to have fun. This can be a very exciting time for you.”

Step 1: Decide if it’s time for senior living.

The first step in the process is deciding whether the time is right to move to senior living. While there is no right or wrong answer, here are some questions to ask yourself or your loved one in order to help make that decision.

  • Are you able to do all the things you want to do with no or minimal help?
  • Can you handle personal care tasks on your own, or is it becoming too difficult?
  • Are you able to manage your medications correctly?
  • Are you remaining social and active, or have you become more isolated?
  • Are you tired of dealing with all the chores and tasks that come with owning a house?
  • Are you feeling increasingly lonely or bored?
  • Are you having accidents at home, such as falling or other issues?
  • Do you have hobbies and activities that you enjoy, and are you able to engage with them?

Depending on the answers to those questions, you may decide that senior living is right for you or your loved one.

Step 2: Do your research.

Depending on where you live, you may have a large number of CCRCs to choose from. This can be good or bad, depending on your ability to narrow down exactly what you want. That’s why it’s important to do your homework and understand exactly what you’re looking for so that you can find a community that meets and exceeds everything you want and need.

A great place to start is with our comprehensive guide to CCRCs, where you’ll learn basic information of what’s available to you. Here are some other things to do during your research phase of the journey:

  • Decide on the care level you will need, whether that’s independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing or memory care. Many communities have a variety of different care levels on the same campus.
  • Figure out the price point that works for you. Depending on your finances and benefits coming your way, you may decide that one location will work better for you than another.
  • Come up with a list of the top four or five choices. It does no good to set up tours with many different communities. Having fewer choices can make the decision easier – and, of course, if you don’t like any of the ones you see at first, you can always expand your search.

Step 3: Tour your choices.

The next step in the process is to contact the communities on your list and set up tours. Even though you can get a lot of information online, there’s no substitute for actually going into the community and experiencing the atmosphere, looking at the rooms, tasting the food and interacting with staff and residents. As you know from buying a house, a place that looks great in pictures may have a lot of issues that you won’t see until you step foot inside. Here are a few ways to help make the most of your tours and get the information you need to make the right choice:

  • Ask questions. It can help to have a standardized list of questions (such as the one you’ll find here) that you can take with you to every community you tour.
  • Consider doing more than one tour at each community that you’re seriously considering. We recommend going back at different times of the day. Another option would be to book a short-term stay at the community to get a real feel for what it’s like.
  • Ask if you can meet several of the residents and spend a good amount of time with them. A good community will have “brand champions” who love the community and will gladly answer all your questions.

Step 4: Select your option.

After you’ve toured all your options, it’s time to make a choice. This can be a long process, and a stressful one. However, if you’ve done your research and listen to your gut, your instincts won’t steer you wrong.

Step 5: Get ready to move.

You’ve made your choice – congratulations! You’ve taken the first step towards your new chapter of life. The article “7 Steps to Finding the Perfect Senior Living Community” lists some points for getting ready to move that you may wish to follow, depending on your circumstances:

  • Meet with an Elder Law Attorney to prepare the appropriate documents. These are attorneys that specialize in the legal requirements of aging and/or the preparation of documents useful for end-of-life care.
  • Sell or leverage your home. If there is currently home or property ownership, that equity can be used to help with care expenses.
  • Get help with the move. While you can definitely downsize, declutter and get rid of items yourself, you may wish to consider hiring a professional team that specializes in moving seniors from a home into a community.
  • Apply for and receive Veteran’s benefits. If you or your loved one served in the military, or if you, or they, were married to someone who did, speak to a Veteran’s benefit consultant to see what financial programs you may be eligible for.

Step 6: Enjoy your new home.

You’ve done your research, planned your move and finally you’ve done it – you’ve moved into your new senior living community. Take a deep breath, because now it’s time to do the best thing of all … make the new community your new home. Many senior living communities will have orientation for new members to help them get acquainted with all the services and amenities available for them. You may also wish to ask staff members if they can connect you with other residents whom you might enjoy meeting. Remember, everyone at the community was new once, too. Sooner than you think, you’ll start thinking of senior living not just as “the community,” but as “home.”

5-Star Skilled Nursing Care in Lakewood, New Jersey

 As a Life Care Community, Harrogate provides residents with access to long-term and short-term health care services on our campus – meaning our residents never have to leave their home to receive the care they require. Our Health Center offers both private and semi-private suites, as well as comfortable common spaces where residents can mingle with one another as well as staff. Personalized care plans are developed in tandem with residents’ needs and preferences.

“Our community has a reputation for delivering high-quality skilled nursing care in a homelike environment,” says Charles. “Our team of specialists is trained to handle every aspect of skilled nursing, from comprehensive wound care to individualized programs for specific health needs. We’re among a select few retirement communities in Ocean County, New Jersey, to earn a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.”

This Is What “Worry Less, Live More” Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a worry-free, fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer. From opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself to the peace of mind of future care, socialization and so much more.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

How to Find Quality Skilled Nursing for Your Loved One

When your loved one requires more assistance than assisted living can provide, what comes next? This is when skilled nursing can provide a high quality of life with the support your loved one needs, says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, a premier active senior living community just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches.

“People often use the words nursing home and assisted living and skilled nursing interchangeably, but there are actually distinct differences between those terms,” he says. “Skilled nursing is a service that is provided in a community and is a type of care that can only be performed by trained, licensed nurses. Skilled nursing can take place in a separate facility, or it can take place on-site at a community like Harrogate.”

Skilled nursing, Charles says, includes nursing care, assistance with everyday activities, 24-hour supervision, rehabilitation services if needed, three meals a day as well as a variety of other amenities like you would find at a senior living community. The amount of time that someone spends in skilled nursing can range greatly depending on their level of care needs.

“Some individuals only need to stay in skilled nursing for a short time following a surgery, accident or illness,” he says. “Others may need to live in skilled nursing permanently because their physical or mental health is such that they need constant, trained supervision.”

Skilled nursing services are regulated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). In order to be certified, communities that provide skilled nursing must meet specific, strict criteria and are subject to inspections on a regular basis.

What Care Does Skilled Nursing Offer?

Skilled nursing communities offer a wide range of services and medical care, including:

  • Physical therapy to help an individual recover from illness, surgery or hospitalization
  • Occupational therapy, which includes assistance for adapting to everyday environments, including getting dressed, coordination exercises and memory training
  • Speech therapy which helps address communication issues and swallowing dysfunctions, which can be common in older adults
  • Other services including but not limited to wound care, intravenous (IV) therapy, injections and monitoring of vital signs and medical equipment

How Do I Find a Skilled Nursing Facility for My Loved One?

A good place to start is Medicare.gov’s Nursing Home Compare tool. This allows you to compare skilled nursing facilities in your desired area based on their quality of care, what special services they offer and their health and safety inspection results. Other great resources include friends and family, as well as online research through third-party sites. You may also wish to connect with social workers or your local Area Agency on Aging for more information.

Once you’ve narrowed your search down to a handful of facilities, we suggest touring them in person to get a feel for the facility. Here are some questions to ask in order to help determine whether a community is right for your loved one:

  1. What are the inspection ratings for your skilled nursing facility, or what is your star rating? The highest quality care facilities receive 5-star ratings, while below average quality facilities will receive 1-star ratings.
  2. What activities are available for residents? The best care communities focus on whole body wellness instead of just physical health. Activities provide emotional and mental stimulation for residents, which results in better overall health. Look for communities that provide a wide range of activities that focus on the entire person instead of just a few aspects.
  3. Is there an RN available 24/7? Having a registered nurse on site at all times is essential for providing the very best possible care for residents. An RN should be available to respond to any unexpected needs and provide immediate medical care.
  4. How do you determine care plans? One-size-fits-all is never the correct approach for skilled nursing. Pay attention to how health assessments are done and how personalized care plans are crafted. Be sure to ask about family involvement, as well as how often care plans are revisited to ensure that the resident is receiving the very best possible care as their needs change.

Besides asking questions, you’ll want to use your senses and observation skills to get a feel for what life is really like in the community. Here are some things to pay attention to when you’re on a tour:

  • What are your first impressions of the community? Is it clean and well-kept, or is it run-down and looks like it needs to be updated? How does it smell? Is it cheerful and brightly lit?
  • How does the staff interact with residents? Are they smiling and greeting residents by name? Do they look tired or worn out?
  • How do the residents appear? Are they participating in activities, mingling or otherwise having an enjoyable time? Do they look well cared for?
  • Is it a place you can imagine your loved one enjoying?

5-Star Skilled Nursing in Lakewood, New Jersey

As a Life Care Community, Harrogate provides residents with access to long-term and short-term health-care services on our campus – meaning our residents never have to leave their “home” to receive the care they require. Our skilled nursing center offers both private- and semi-private suites, as well as comfortable common spaces where residents can mingle with one another as well as staff. Personalized care plans are developed in tandem with residents’ needs and preferences.

“Our community has a reputation for delivering high-quality skilled nursing in a homelike environment,” says Charles. “Our team of specialists is trained to handle every aspect of skilled nursing, from comprehensive wound care to individualized programs for specific health needs. We’re among a select few retirement communities in Ocean County, New Jersey, to earn a 5-Star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.”

This Is What “Worry Less, Live More” Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a worry-free, fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer. From opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself to the peace of mind of future care, socialization and so much more.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.