Mental Health Recommendations from AARP

At Meadow Valley we prioritize genuine wellness. Genuine wellness isn’t solely tied to physical health. It entails social, emotional, and financial health, all of which are cornerstones for the services we offer our residents. Mental health is significantly interconnected with physical health, and being part of a supportive community can greatly relieve stress and combat isolation.

Most people would agree that improved well-being is a desirable goal. Fortunately, there are some ways you can promote well-being for yourself and your loved ones. For practical tips on how to enhance your mental health, check out this AARP article here.

Long-Term Care Planning Month

October is Long-Term Care Planning Month! Meadow Valley is proud to join the rest of the community in acknowledging this month as an opportunity to promote the importance of planning for the future.

The Importance of Planning

Whether it is for our loved ones or ourselves, the core focus of Long-Term Care Planning Month is to recognize the need to plan ahead in order to successfully navigate the future together. As we age, unforeseen medical challenges, expenses and care needs can emerge. Recognizing potential long-term care options and associated costs is crucial but can also be daunting.

In the United States, an estimated 8.3 million people require long-term care. Planning for long-term care often involves considering various options, including retirement communities. However, for many of us, senior living is a topic we rarely think about until it directly impacts our lives or those of our loved ones. Regardless of where you stand in the planning process, particularly if you are experiencing this with a loved one, understanding their needs, gaining financial insights and exploring available options are essential.

Exploring Your Options & Planning Ahead

Exploring your options or helping a loved one understand theirs can be a meaningful way to begin thinking about long-term care.

Advocacy for your loved ones goes hand in hand with early needs assessment and developing a customized long-term care plan that suits your family’s unique requirements.  If you are helping a loved one plan, advocating for them and grasping their needs can be a valuable way to prepare for potential changes in their circumstances. Communication is key. The best thing caregivers can do is to anticipate and support their aging loved ones through regular check-ins should their needs evolve.

A long-term care plan doesn’t come together overnight – it’s a process, and most times, it’s collaborative. Sometimes the solution is to provide the needed support to age in place. Other times, retirement communities are the most suitable choice.

Care Options

According to A Place for Mom, 7 out of 10 people will require senior assisted living at some point. Nationwide, retirement communities are becoming an increasingly sought-after option for those who need long-term care. Senior assisted living services offer personalized care, providing the necessary support and assistance for older adults.

Based on the level of need, independent living could be ideal if your loved one is seeking the benefits of a community and a maintenance-free lifestyle, but doesn’t need daily assistance.

Meadow Valley takes a unique approach by providing comprehensive wellness encompassing physical, social, emotional, and financial aspects to support your loved one and assist your family in the long-term care planning process. We offer individualized care across assisted living, independent living, and memory care, allowing our residents to remain in a supportive community should their needs evolve.

To learn more about our community structure and how we can support long-term care plans, feel free to reach out to us here.

 

Balancing Care & Dignity for Your Loved One

Caregivers play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of their loved ones, especially those in need of assisted care. However, they also must balance this priority with the need to respect their loved ones’ dignity and independence.

This isn’t always easy, but there are some things that caregivers can do to strike the right balance. Together, you can navigate a new normal that ensures the best of both worlds.

If you’re looking for further insights on this topic, check out this AARP article, which delves deeper into finding the right balance between care and dignity. Their suggestions include:

  • Open conversations about change
  • Addressing safety concerns
  • Maintaining independence in all aspects of life where it’s possible

The “ideal” caregiving relationship isn’t the same for every family. However, many seniors and their families may find it easier to achieve a fulfilling balance by looking into a senior living community like Meadow Valley.

Meadow Valley offers a full continuum of care, including maintenance-free independent living for seniors, where cleaning, housework, and meal preparations can be community-managed. Our assisted care provides support from a dedicated nursing team, allowing caregivers to focus on being present and fully enjoy the time spent with their loved ones.

No matter the situation, it’s important to prioritize your loved one’s safety, dignity and wellness, as well as your own. By doing so, you can create an encouraging environment that allows them to live their best life.

For more information about programs that provide assisted care or independent living for seniors, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here.

meadow valley assisted living traverse city

Meadow Valley: Coming Soon!

Wallick Senior Living is thrilled to be nearing the 2024 opening of Meadow Valley, our newest community in Traverse City. Just this past month, we welcomed our very first Meadow Valley resident, Don. As construction continues to move toward completion, we eagerly anticipate welcoming our residents to a home where they can feel rooted and connected for years to come.

Senior Living as a Lifestyle

At Meadow Valley, “senior living” means just that – living life on your terms in a genuine home where fellow residents and staff become like family. Meadow Valley is designed to foster a sense of community. Whether you’re along our scenic outdoor pathways, enjoying resort-style amenities, or simply relaxing in our spacious private suites, our community offers something for everyone, with the broader Traverse City area as a beautiful backdrop.

Senior Living at Meadow Valley centers on your well-being, with a wealth of amenities, services, and activities aimed to support longer, healthier, and happier lives, including:

  • Luxury senior living apartments
  • Movie theater
  • Exercise facilities
  • Game room
  • Full-service beauty salon
  • Barbershop
  • Casual and fine dining venues, including a bistro café

Beyond providing an active lifestyle, we prioritize creating a sense of comfort that truly feels like home. You can expect chef-prepared and nutritious meals, the camaraderie of good friends, and a dedicated team focused on resident well-being.

The Cottages at Meadow Valley

The first phase of our forward-thinking community features The Cottages at Meadow Valley. Nestled on 12 acres, these 20 cottages offer a low-maintenance lifestyle while freeing you from chores like raking, edging, mowing, or shoveling.

With three beautifully designed cottage options, ranging from 2,653 to 2,808 square feet, including finished lower levels and single-floor living, they provide a comfortable space to welcome family and friends. 

A Full Continuum of Care

In addition to our independent cottages, we will offer a comprehensive continuum of care with a focus on three tiers:

Independent Living: This tier of senior living eliminates the stress of dealing with round-the-house maintenance and brings many amenities to you. Independent living focuses on enjoying the surrounding community with as many or as few social activities and events as you like.

Assisted Living: Tailored to seniors requiring additional support, it combines living space, personal care, and health services while preserving independence.

Memory Care: Designed for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, memory care offers a secure environment, regular meals, personal care similar to Assisted Living, and additional structure to aid residents in daily routines.

Physician Services: Senior living at Meadow Valley also includes physician services for residents. We will provide individualized resident-focused care for our community across all tiers. 24/7 licensed nursing support is available for emergency and non-emergency situations, and we will coordinate weekly on-site nurse practitioner and physician visits as needed. Additionally, residents can take advantage of on-site physical therapy and exercise classes.

Meadow Valley – Your Home

Our commitment to community and the meaning of home runs deep. Home is more than just a place – it’s a living canvas painted with the people you meet and the memories you make.

Meadow Valley is a place where residents can live their best lives, whether they seek active days filled with fun or the comfort of knowing specialized care is available when needed. We pride ourselves on offering quality and value that’s hard to match.

Interested in learning more about Meadow Valley? Feel free to fill out our contact form here and follow our updates on Facebook!