Making the Move: 3 Signs You or a Loved One Is Ready for Senior Living

Does the idea of moving to senior living make you or your loved ones wince? If so, it’s time to flip the script, says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, New Jersey’s premier active senior living community, located just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches.

“Senior living is the place to be for today’s older adults,” Charles says. “Thanks to the Baby Boomers, senior living has become very similar to resort-style living. It’s maintenance-free, worry-free and all-inclusive – making it the perfect springboard for active, independent adults who are ready to enjoy their retirement to the fullest.”

A community like Harrogate, a Life Care Community that provides full-service health care for seniors of all ages and stages, makes it easy for today’s seniors to live an engaged lifestyle while also receiving everything they need to age well. “Ask any senior what they want their life to look like, and you’ll probably hear the refrain I want to grow old in my own home,” Charles says. “Well, Harrogate has been designed to help seniors do exactly that. We strive to be a community that older adults are excited to move into, because they know that they’ll receive the assistance they want and the independence they deserve. We’re definitely not your grandma’s nursing home – Harrogate is a destination for a harmonious, fulfilling and experience-rich life.”

Still, some older adults or family members may be hesitant about moving into a community because of long-held beliefs of what a “home” looks like, says Charles. “The most important thing that seniors and their families should know is that senior living is a positive experience these days, instead of a place to be avoided,” he says. “Still, there are certain older individuals who may be hesitant about moving into a community, even if their lives could be greatly improved by the experience. If you’re an older individual wondering if senior living is right for you, or if you’re an adult child considering senior living for your loved one, here are some signs that moving to a community like Harrogate could be beneficial.”

  1. Home maintenance is turning into a real hassle.
    Homeownership is the American Dream, but home chores and home maintenance can quickly become the American Nightmare – especially for older adults. Dealing with the day-to-day drudgery of cleaning, cooking, laundry and other routine tasks can get dull and exhausting. Then, there are all the regularly scheduled tasks that need to happen throughout the year, such as maintaining the lawn, getting the house ready for winter (and shoveling snow), raking leaves, paying real estate taxes, dealing with furnace and air conditioner issues … the list goes on and on. Forget the price tag of all these tasks – the time suck that they cause can be enough to make even a young person throw up their hands in defeat.

That’s why today’s senior living communities are designed to take the hassle of homeownership off seniors’ plates, leaving them all the time in the world to do the things they want to do. For one monthly fee, residents at Harrogate enjoy the comfort of their own private home along with the benefits of a resort-style community. The on-site maintenance staff handles everything from clearing snow to landscaping to even changing light bulbs – you never have to lift a finger again if you don’t want to. And for just one monthly fee, you can say goodbye to real estate taxes, homeowners insurance and home upkeep. Living in a senior living community has all the benefits of home with none of the downsides.

  1. Staying social is more and more of a drag.
    As social creatures, humans crave and thrive on the connections we have with our fellow man. But as we get older, it can get more difficult to find and maintain meaningful connections. Friends and family move away. It becomes harder to get out and stay active. But at a senior living community, staying social is as easy as stepping outside your front door. Think of moving to a community like Harrogate as starting college – only without the homework and career angst.

Whether you’re an active and independent senior or an older adult who needs a little extra assistance, it’s easy to remain social thanks to the regularly scheduled activities and events that take place every day. From learning a new skill to practicing favorite hobbies to scheduled outings and more, there’s always something going on. Best of all, you don’t have to deal with managing the event yourself – all you have to do is show up. At a senior living community, you or your senior loved one can be as social as you’d like with classes, gatherings, social events, hobbies, classes and so much more. The hard part will be figuring out what to say “no” to!

  1. You (or your loved ones) desire peace of mind and security.
    Getting older, as the saying goes, ain’t for sissies. While the mind is willing, the body can be quite weak, and living on your own in a family home can be worrisome. Most houses aren’t set up as a safe and comfortable place for seniors to age. However, a senior living community is intrinsically designed to help older adults remain in a home they love with minimal disruption. For example, at Harrogate, private homes are equipped with safety features like pull bars, emergency alert systems, doorways that are wide enough for things like walkers or wheelchairs and a caring, responsive staff available 24/7. These amenities allow aging seniors to age safely and securely “in place” – allowing them to live their golden years in comfort without having to undertake a big move if and when they require additional assistance.

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,

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are untroubled for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory support and more 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.

Senior Living 101: Your Guide to Housing Options

When it comes time to choose a senior living option – when you decide you’d like to let go of your worries and embrace a more fulfilling, experience-rich life – you may find yourself wondering what is best for you. It all depends on what you’re looking for and expecting from your retirement, says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, Ocean County, New Jersey’s premier active senior living community and located just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches.

“Older adults may find that moving into senior living sooner rather than later brings innumerable benefits,” says Charles. “For example, Harrogate is a Life Care Community, meaning that we provide every level of service on-site at our community. If you’re looking for a place that can be your forever home, where you will always have peace of mind that you’ll experience the highest-quality care no matter what you might need, a Life Care Community may be the right choice. However, if you’d prefer more flexibility and are willing to move to a different location if your needs change, you might want another form of senior living.”

Charles says that while there are plenty of options out there, such as age-restricted communities or communities that only provide one or two services on-site, they come with their own downsides. “We like to put it this way: if you do need a higher level of care, do you really want to move again when you’re older and have less mobility? Or would you prefer to remain at a place that you know and love, so you don’t have to leave your friends and community?”

”Harrogate is the only senior community in the Lakewood, New Jersey area to offer Life Care, meaning that we can be your home for life. If you ever need it, you’ll have our in-home health services delivered to you right in your home. You also have priority access – for life – to our skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services and memory support, all available on-site at our Health Center.”

For Active Seniors: Independent Living

Independent living is exactly like it sounds – a lifestyle where all the chores and details are handled while you enjoy the life that you want. Active and independent seniors can say goodbye to home maintenance, chores and even cooking and cleaning, because it’s all taken care of.

“At Harrogate, we offer residents freedom,” says Charles. “Our 52-acre community provides so many opportunities for you to tap into new and rekindled interests and live the best life possible. It’s like living at a full-service resort!”

Independent living housing can vary from cottage homes to studio apartments. Harrogate offers a variety of floor plans to fit our residents’ lifestyle and budget. Every home is outfitted in style, with a full-scale kitchen, spacious bathrooms and gorgeous views … plus a built-in neighborhood of friends just outside your door. Independent living means enjoying plentiful services and amenities, fine dining every day and so many options to spend your time as you wish.

Care That Comes to You: Home Health Care

Home health care is Harrogate’s version of assisted living. Unlike other communities, where independent living residents usually have to move into an assisted living apartment when they require a certain level of care, our residents have the benefit of receiving in-home care right in their Harrogate residence. Residents continue to enjoy all the activities, amenities and perks of their community. Best of all, you don’t have to move – you can stay in the same apartment that you’ve come to call home.

Home health care provides a wide range of services, including assistance with the tasks of daily living, medication management, mobility assistance and even dementia and Alzheimer’s care. This allows us to help our residents who have cognitive issues to remain “at home” for as long as possible.

Compassionate Care: Skilled Nursing

For individuals who need a higher level of skilled care than home care can provide, Harrogate can help. We have a reputation for delivering high-quality skilled nursing care in a homelike environment. Our team of specialists can handle everything from comprehensive wound care to creative individualized programs for cardiac and pulmonary conditions.

Our skilled nursing center offers both private and semi-private suites, as well as common spaces where you can mingle with others who are enjoying our services. Skilled nursing residents also enjoy similar benefits to our other residents, such as services and activities and excellent dining options.

Getting You Back on Your Feet: Rehabilitation

Following a surgery, illness, or accident, you want to get back on your feet (and back to home) as soon as possible. That’s where our supportive rehabilitation professionals can help you regain your independence. Housed in our Health Care Center, we provide a variety of therapies and services that allow you to return you to the things you love to do as soon as possible. Unlike our other levels of care, we offer direct admittance for rehabilitation, meaning you or your loved one doesn’t have to be a current Harrogate resident to use our services.

“We hear from so many of our residents that they wish they had moved to Harrogate sooner,” says Charles. “That’s the highest compliment we can receive. We’re proud that our community offers so many opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself. It simply makes sense to come while you’re still active and independent so you can fully enjoy everything we have to offer.”

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, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory support and more 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.

5 Mental Health and Wellness Tips for Seniors

Mental health plays such an important part in our overall wellness. If we have a positive outlook, an optimistic approach to life and a feeling of stability, we feel better and our physical health improves as well. But many people are struggling with their mental health these days due to COVID-19 and its upending effect on normal life.

“Nearly half of Americans are saying that COVID-19 has caused harm to their mental health,” says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, Ocean County, New Jersey’s premier active senior living community. “As the pandemic continues to stretch on, it’s probably safe to say that we’ll see even more instances of declining mental health and wellness. That’s why it’s so important to take steps now to care for yourself and your mental health so you can ride out the storm, so to speak.”

Senior adults in particular are experiencing a lot more stress about COVID-19 than the rest of the general population. They’re the group that is most vulnerable to the disease, which is a very real and scary stress of its own. Seniors in general are also more prone to depression, anxiety and poorer mental health due to isolation, physical ailments and other factors.

“It’s essential for seniors to find ways to stay positive, boost their overall outlook and care for their mental health during this pandemic,” says Charles. “Putting good practices into place will not only help you right now, but it will also help in the future when we find a new semblance of normal. Caring for yourself is the biggest gift you can give to yourself at this time – and your body and mind will thank you for it tenfold.”

 

Here are some of Harrogate’s top tips for helping seniors boost their mental health and wellness.

 

  1. Get plenty of sleep.

Ever notice just how much better you feel after a good night’s sleep? It doesn’t just improve your mood and clear your mind; it also improves your physical health, increases your metabolism, reduces your risk of cardiovascular issues and can even lessen your risk of developing a cognitive disease like dementia. Unfortunately, it seems the times when we most need restful and relaxing sleep are when we’re stressed, anxious and worried … all things that make it more difficult to fall and stay asleep.

Experts suggest practicing good “sleep hygiene” in order to get your body and your mind ready for a good night’s rest. Turn off screens (even e-readers) at least an hour before bedtime. Make sure your bedroom isn’t too bright, is the right temperature and has a soothing and calming presence. (If you have a TV in your room, take it out – nothing’s worse for sleep than an in-suite TV). Create a bedtime routine (drinking a mug of tea and reading a chapter of a book) that gets you “in the mood” and you’ll set yourself up for sleepy success.

 

  1. Get moving.

Physical activity releases endorphins in our brain that help ease stress, reduce anxiety and clear our minds. It also helps us keep our bodies healthy, and – for seniors in particular – helps maintain balance and strength, regulates blood sugar and boosts metabolism. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each day. A brisk walk around the block, gardening, doing yoga or holding a dance party in your kitchen are all great ways to get a little more motion in your life. Best of all, getting outside and into the fresh air is free – and CDC approved!

 

  1. Find ways to socialize.

This is harder to do in the age of social distancing, but fortunately, there are a lot of workarounds popping up. Video apps like Zoom, Skype and FaceTime have proven to be fantastic ways to stay in touch with friends and family and feel like you’re “in the same room.” This is great, because loneliness can increase anxiety, stress and depression like no other (and is a real problem for seniors). But if you’re longing for some real face-to-face interaction, there are still options for staying connected. Call a friend and hold a driveway happy hour or lunch break. Meet up for a walk in the park. Depending on how worried you are about contracting COVID-19, you may also be able to hold small gatherings at home or on the patio. However you choose to socialize, do it – even if it’s just a phone call or a text. You’ll feel so much better after spending some time talking with and socializing with people you care about.

 

  1. Find someone (or something) to love.

Pet adoption has skyrocketed during the pandemic because people are able to stay at home with the new puppy or kitten and get them socialized. Pet ownership is a wonderful way to stay mentally healthy and happy – in fact, studies have shown that seniors are happier and healthier when they have a pet to care for and love. Have you been considering four-legged companionship? Now’s a perfect time to adopt. If you’re not up for adopting just yet, you can consider fostering (there’s always a need for it) or start with a lower-impact pet like a fish or even a plant. Studies show that just the act of having something to care for will help boost mental health.

 

  1. Stay curious.

An active mind is a happy, healthy mind. A silver lining of this pandemic is that we suddenly find ourselves with lots and lots of spare time – making this a perfect time to learn a new skill, pick up an old one, go back to school (online, of course), play games … throwing yourself into an activity that you love and enjoy is a great way to stay happy and mentally well. Read those books that have been gathering dust on your bedside table and start a Zoom book club with your friends. Find ways to donate your time and efforts, whether that’s gathering donations for Goodwill or sewing masks to hand out to people in your neighborhood. The important thing is to keep learning, to keep searching and keep finding ways to involve your brain in the world around you.

 

This is what “worry less, live more” looks like.

Let go of worries, and embrace a more fulfilling, experience-rich life – at Harrogate, Ocean County, New Jersey’s premier active senior living community, conveniently located between Toms River and Lakewood, New Jersey.

At Harrogate, you’ll have a newfound freedom to enjoy everything our 52-acre retirement community has to offer. You’ll have ample opportunity to tap into your new and rekindled interests for a better life. And your future health care worries – including skilled nursing and rehabilitation – will be buttoned up with the security of Life Care, a smart plan that covers your care and protects your nest egg.

Offering independent living, skilled nursing, home health, memory support and rehabilitation services, residents at Harrogate enjoy all the perks of an independent living lifestyle minus the homeownership hassles. Perks like spacious, maintenance-free, newly renovated senior apartments with numerous options in a variety of floor plans. A built-in neighborhood of friends – most from the Toms River, Lakewood and Brick areas – just outside your door. Plentiful services and amenities always at your fingertips.

Community, security, purpose, all at one “worry less, live more” spot: Harrogate. Contact us today for more information about our amazing community and see what makes us such a one-of-a-kind experience.

Living the 8 – Your Guide to Healthy Harrogate Living

When you put together your “wellness plan” or your “live right list,” what’s on it? Eating right? Getting enough exercise? Staying happy? If so, you’re on the right track, says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, Ocean County, New Jersey’s premier active senior living community.

 

“Eating a healthy diet, staying physically fit and taking care of your mental health are all important when it comes to overall wellness, but those are only a few pieces of the puzzle,” he says. “There are eight dimensions of wellness that encompass total, overall health, and each of them play an essential role in helping seniors – and everyone else – live their best lives possible.”

 

A MacArthur Foundation Study found that only 30% of how we age is determined by our genetics. A whopping 70% of how we age is determined by our lifestyle. That’s good news for Harrogate’s seniors, who experience an amazing lifestyle the minute they step foot onto the 52-acre campus.

 

“Living the 8 is our proprietary program designed to help seniors age happier and healthier,” says Charles.” It goes beyond the physical aspect of wellness to enrich your days and help you live a happier, well-balanced life. When you come to Harrogate, you know you’re coming here to enjoy life.”

 

What are the eight dimensions of wellness? At Harrogate, we focus on emotional, intellectual, spiritual, physical, health services, environmental, vocational and social wellness.

 

  1. Emotional: An even keel through life’s ups and downs

Emotional wellness is defined as the ability to cope with the situations life presents you, as well as the ability to build rich, satisfying relationships with those important to you. If you have strong emotional wellness, you’re more confident, feel more in control of your life (and your feelings) and are able to handle life’s changes with grace and flexibility. It builds an optimistic outlook, which is great – because studies show that people who are optimistic are more likely to live longer.

 

  1. Intellectual: Staying sharp and engaged

In a 2017 study published in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, it’s suggested that acquiring skills in our senior years can help reduce or delay cognitive decline. That’s the basis of intellectual wellness, which revolves around finding ways to be creative, seeking out new information and knowledge and continually developing your skills. It’s important to find activities that are interesting to you and get your brain cells firing. Reading, doing crossword puzzles, learning a new language or trying out a new hobby are all excellent ways to improve and maintain your intellectual wellness.

 

  1. Spiritual: Finding meaning in each day

Spiritual wellness involves finding a “higher purpose” in life, and aligning your beliefs and values with what matters to you. This doesn’t necessarily have to be religious – spiritual wellness can be fulfilled by volunteering, meditation, self-reflection or spending time in nature. By focusing on spiritual wellness, individuals have a sense of inner peace, a clear understanding of their values and a self-confidence that’s unmatched. People with healthy spiritual wellness also have a curiosity and optimistic view of the world – which, again, is something that helps us age well.

 

  1. Physical: A lean, mean moving machine

Physical wellness means eating right, staying in shape and getting enough sleep. Just doing these things will put you on the right path to whole body wellness. Experts say that senior adults should get at least 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic exercise every week. That translates to 30 minutes a day – totally manageable, right? Exercise can include a brisk walk, yoga, bike riding or even gardening. Pair that with a Mediterranean-style diet, avoiding too much alcohol and fatty foods and getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and you’re set with this level of wellness.

 

  1. Health Services: A proactive approach to health and disease prevention

This aspect of “wellness” is unique to Harrogate and makes up a key component of our “Living the 8.” We help seniors thrive through a combination of expert health care services and person-centered hospitality and attention, and a robust activities calendar. We provide health services so our residents can have their needs and wants met – everything from independent living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and home health services.

 

  1. Environmental: Promoting a healthy personal atmosphere

This dimension of health is linked to your surroundings and the space you occupy – both your living situation and your community at large. When your environment is healthy, you feel better. That’s why Harrogate focuses on providing a community that has a happy, supportive, welcoming feel. We also encourage our residents to get involved in the community in many ways so they can truly feel a part of life here.

 

  1. Vocational: Sharing your talents, skills and life experience

It feels good to give back to our community, as well as find your purpose sharing your talents. Vocational wellness involves finding meaningful work – whether paid or volunteer – that allows you to share your interest, skills and values. This can translate into a new career or it can be something less formal, like tutoring neighborhood children.

 

  1. Social: Building healthy relationships and minimizing isolation

43 percent of seniors say they feel lonely on a regular basis. Loneliness isn’t just sad – it’s bad for your health, increasing your risk of dementia, heart disease and other issues. Moving to a community like Harrogate, on the other hand, provides an immediate sense of connectedness and belonging. Having people we care about and rely on feeds our souls, helps us feel happier and healthier and makes us better people overall.

 

“At Harrogate, our Living the 8 program provides our residents with a happier life, a more supported life, a life focused on wellness and themselves,” says Charles. “Harrogate offers so many opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself and provide you with whole-body wellness, health and happiness.”

 

This is what “worry less, live more” looks like.

 

Let go of worries, and embrace a more fulfilling, experience-rich life – at Harrogate, Ocean County, New Jersey’s premier active senior living community, conveniently located between Toms River and Lakewood, New Jersey.

 

At Harrogate, you’ll have a newfound freedom to enjoy everything our 52-acre retirement community has to offer. You’ll have ample opportunity to tap into your new and rekindled interests for a better life. And your future health care worries — including skilled nursing and rehabilitation — will be buttoned up with the security of Life Care, a smart plan that covers your care and protects your nest egg.

 

Offering independent living, skilled nursing, in-home care, and rehabilitation services, residents at Harrogate enjoy all the perks of an independent living lifestyle minus the homeownership hassles. Perks like spacious, maintenance-free, newly renovated senior apartments with numerous options in a variety of floor plans. A built-in neighborhood of friends – most from the Toms River, Lakewood and Brick area – just outside your door. Plentiful services and amenities always at your fingertips. And day trips around Monmouth and Ocean County.

Community, security, purpose, all at one “worry less, live more” spot: Harrogate. Contact us today for a tour of our amazing community and see what makes us such a one-of-a-kind experience.