Greetings,In our last bi-monthly newsletter, I mentioned we had nominated one of our caregivers Jane, as the Caregiver of the Year for Visiting Angels nationwide. We were notified at the end of January, she was selected to move onto Round 2 of nominations! This round, we must submit video testimonials about Jane from the client, family members, office staff, and our owner Karen. By the time you read this, we will have submitted the video testimonials and will hear back by March 21st if Jane is a semi-finalist for this prestigious award. The winner of this years Caregiver of the Year award will be announced at the Visiting Angels 26th Annual Conference being held in June and will receive $5,000. There are many team members deserving of consideration for Caregiver of the Year, yet Janes exceptional qualities really stand out. Id like to share an excerpt from the written nominations highlighting Janes contribution.Jane has worked with our team for almost three years. She is dedicated to her work and committed to her clients. She is always on time and never calls out, no matter the weather conditions. The dignity of those in her care is a top priority for Jane while maintaining a positive attitude. Shes willing to go-with-the-flow in any circumstance. For example, when her client resists wearing oxygen and doesnt remember why they need to wear it, Jane knows how to navigate the situation with grace and patience. On the other hand, she holds her ground with difficult clients, and even though it may be uncomfortable, she handles it with respect and kindness.Nominating a caregiver of the year is not just a process, its an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary dedication and compassion of someone whose role is to serve others. Being a part of this journey of recognition has been rewarding because it highlights the invaluable contributions of caregivers nationwide and the importance of acknowledging their efforts. Its been a reminder of the power of appreciation and the significance of recognizing individuals who demonstrate excellence in their work. Im pleased to be a part of a nationally known and locally owned company, like Visiting Angels, who understands the importance and joy of recognizing others. In the end, nominating a caregiver is about acknowledging the countless acts of kindness and the immeasurable impact caregivers have on the lives of others. Whether or not Jane wins nationwide, she is our Visiting Angels of Medford, MA Caregiver of the Year 2023, and that is something to celebrate! I look forward to giving you another update regarding the award in May. All for now,Abby

We live longer, healthier lives than ever before, which has upended many stereotypes about what it means to be over 60. More seniors are engaged and active well into their 80s and beyond. With so many more years ahead of us, its no surprise that dating among the senior set has also increased. Whether you have already dipped a toe into the senior dating scene or are curious about getting started, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind on your journey. Be ConfidentSocial norms are always changing. Today, its perfectly acceptable for you to make the first move and ask someone on a date, regardless of your background or gender. Whether you are using a smartphone dating app or website- LinkOpens in New Tab or chatting up a neighbor, having confidence in yourself is key. Keep an Open MindDont be too quick to judge, keep an open mind, and be an attentive listener. Ask questions. Be present in each conversation. This will make your date more engaging and enjoyable. Remember that those you are dating, like you, will have lived full lives of love, loss, hard work, and joy. This can all seem overwhelming, but it doesnt have to be. It can be truly thrilling to discover more about another person with a rich, full life.   Be Upfront With Your ExpectationsWhat are you looking to get out of a new relationship? Are there certain things that are absolutely off the table? Maybe you are seeking long-term commitment over a more casual situation. While you dont want to rule out a potential partner right away, it can be helpful to have these conversations early on to avoid hurt feelings.Dont Dwell on the PastWhile it can be fun to reminisce about certain moments in time, try not to dwell too much on the past- LinkOpens in New Tab on your first couple of dates. This should be time spent getting to know each other and your likes and interests. While your past informs who you are today, its not all that there is to enjoy. Dont fail to mention your current hobbies and interests. Sharing them can be a lot of fun!Be Respectful and KindMost first dates can be pleasant if you approach someone with kindness and respect. Youll no doubt be nervous, but dont forget the power of a positive attitude and a cheerful smile. Pay attention to your date and how they react to the way a conversation is going. Dont take offense if they dont respond how you might expect them to. A little bit of kindness can go a long way, whether you are seeking friendship or romance.Explore New Connections at Friendship VillageFriendship Village of South Hills, a senior living community in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania (near Pittsburgh), is an exceptional place to pursue your passions and make new connections. Join a club, sign up for a group exercise class, or socialize over a nice meal or glass of wine. Here, every day is full of opportunity and the excitement of new adventure awaits around every corner.Contact us to learn more! 

At its core, Sagora Senior Living is about helping people enjoy retirement with style and dignity. We believe in a resident-first philosophy and create environments that foster community and connection for seniors.  As people age, the importance of community and connection becomes exceedingly important but can be challenging to find. Moving into the holiday season, the need for connection and a village becomes even more important! Theres no shortage of challenges seniors face when it comes to staying connected to the larger community. From diminished mobility and lack of transportation options to the inevitable loss of family and friends in their social circle, it can be difficult to maintain a strong base of human relationships and a wide sense of community. But these aspects of a seniors life are critical to healthy aging and the capacity to thrive. For a multitude of reasons, as people age it is common to feel as though your social circles are shrinking. Some factors that contribute to this are retirement, living alone, lower energy levels and/or mobility issues, grown children who live elsewhere, or social distancing measures necessitated by illness.  On average, older adults are at a higher risk for loneliness and social isolation. Knowing this is a challenge for seniors, its important to understand how loneliness and social isolation can impact seniors and what you can do to combat it. Social isolation does much more than affect your mood. In fact, theres a large volume of research connecting social isolation to a long list of health issues. One study by the National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) found that seniors who experience prolonged social isolation are at significantly higher risk for dementia, heart disease, stroke, and death. Considering these findings, social support and community involvement arent luxuries for seniors. Rather, theyre an integral part of the healthy, independent aging process. Having a social community has been associated with better health outcomes, higher levels of activity, and more positive moods for older adults. On top of that, having a social network can also provide seniors with a sense of purpose and a support network in the event of loss or health issues. Many senior living communities, such as Sagora Senior Living, offer opportunities for seniors to socialize with their peers. However, help for isolated seniors who have chosen to age in place can be trickier. Below are a few ideas on how older adults can stay connected:     Join a hobby or interest group     Sign up for group fitness classes, or find a walking buddy     Attend community events, such as religious services, farmers markets, or public concerts     Spend time at community centers     Take advantage of senior meal services (both in-person and delivered) While it is a bit more difficult for isolated seniors to engage, connect, and feel like they are part of a community it is possible. Especially if there is someone in their life that can call and check in on them. For individuals living in a retirement community, it is much easier to find your tribe and individuals to form connections. When talking about the role community plays in the life of a senior, its clear that the impacts are undeniably profound. And one of the most obvious and effective ways to foster and sustain a strong sense of community is through the choice of residence. If you or the senior in your life could benefit from a more supportive village, it may be time to consider the advantages of a senior living community. In so many respects, this type of living creates the ultimate sense of community because its based on the very concept of living near others. From neighbors and friends to staff and volunteers, theres immense opportunity for human contact on a range of levels. Its the place where seniors can garner a feeling of belonging and comfort simply by living among other residents and interacting with the people around them. This is a stark contrast to seniors who live at home, feeling lonely and waiting around for busy family members to call or visit. If you or your aging loved one is limited in mobility or otherwise unable to get out and meet new people, theres a serious risk of mental and physical decline. Its just not as easy to nurture friendships, make connections and connect to the community, which can create a perfect storm for isolation, depression, and a severely diminished quality of life. Community living and personal independence go hand-in-hand, however counterintuitive that might seem. It works something like this: The ongoing availability of community and social interaction cultivates mental and physical health, which in turn enables seniors to live more independently (as opposed to requiring increased assistance with daily routines and activities). Essentially, its about living life more independently as a result of living among a community that helps you thrive. And for those willing to embrace the kind of assistance and support that comes with living in a senior living community, they find that opening themselves up to outside help gives them greater energy and enthusiasm for living an enriched and purposeful lifethe very essence of independence. With a customized care plan thats uniquely designed to promote independence, seniors not only maintain dignity and usefulness but also thrive in ways they might never have imagined. To be clear, senior living doesnt mean you have to be around people all the time. When you require time and space for yourself, its there for the taking. But the larger community still exists, and its available for social interaction, human connection, and a sense of purpose when those needs must be met. Communities like Elison play a vital role in creating environments that foster community and connection for seniors. We provide indispensable community support that seniors who seek to truly thrive can rely on. And its all within reach for you or the senior in your life. We are proud to play a vital role in helping seniors live longer and the best life possible. With 62 communities in 12 different states, Sagora Senior Living offers seniors the chance to live in active, social communities where they can thrive on a daily basis.