Comprehensive Guide to Senior Living Options, Lifestyle and Community

Retirement is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a new one filled with opportunity, growth, and connections.At Presbyterian Senior Living, our Life Plan communities (also known as a continuing care retirement community or CCRC), provide a variety of senior living options on one campus: independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.Whatever level of living, we believe retirement should be an adventure of opportunities designed to enrich every aspect of life physical, emotional, spiritual, environmental, social, and intellectual.Life Plan Community OptionsReasons to Make the Move to a Life Plan Communityor CCRCCommunity Experiences at a Life Plan CommunityYou can shape your futureConnections Thrives in Active Adult Communities8 Ways Senior Living Enhances Lifestyles in Levels of LivingAt PSL, youll discover a nurturing environment that promotes active living, lifelong learning, social connections, cultural enrichment and personal growth.Youll discover communities where residents thrive through active lifestyles, engaging experiences and holistic wellness.Youll discover where you belong.Life Plan Community OptionsOur Life Plan Communities include three primary levels of living:Independent LivingIndependent Living provides a range of residential options designed for older adults who want to maintain an active, carefree lifestyle without the worries of home maintenance.

Residents enjoy enriching activities, social opportunities, and amenities such as dining, fitnes,s and organized excursions and trips.In a Life Plan Community, seniors may have the opportunity to choose from apartments, townhomes, cottages, and single-family home styles.These residences are designed with older adults in mind featuring accessibility enhancements and safety features.Assisted Living / Personal CareAssisted Living / Personal Care bridges the gap between independent living and more intensive care such as skilled nursing.

This option is ideal for individuals who need assistance with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, or medication management.Our trained team provides support when needed and works with families to provide personalized care.The team fosters independence while offering support, so residents can enjoy a fulfilling, dignified lifestyle.

With Personal Care/Assisted Living support, residents will have the opportunity to make new friends, and memories and give the freedom for family members and residents to spend more quality time with one another.Memory CareMemory Care provides specialized compassionate care for individuals living with Alzheimers or other dementia and memory-related diseases.Personalized care focuses on maintaining residents independence through meaningful activities and carefully structured programs.Our dedicated team creates a secure, nurturing environment designed to support cognitive function, preserve dignity, and enhance quality of life.Skilled NursingFor those requiring advanced medical care, our skilled nursing team provides compassionate, around-the-clock support.

Residents in Skilled Nursing receive all the care they need in a warm, home-like environment.Nursing and care support team members assist with tasks of daily living such as bathing and dressing, feeding, medication management, and more.Programmed activities provide stimulation and engagement as well as the opportunity for social connection with other residents.Reasons to Make the Move to a Life Plan Communityor CCRCIndependence, Stress-free Living, and Peace of MindPeople look forward to retirement for many different reasons.

One of them is the freedom to spend your days however you like.Many seniors dream of traveling the globe, cheering on their grandkids at school or sporting events, or pursuing long-neglected hobbies.However, they frequently are surprised by how much they are still tied down.That lack of flexibility is often related to their house.

Maintenance tasks and the financial costs associated with owning a home can limit what youre able to do during retirement.One solution to consider is a move to a Life Plan community.Learn about different senior living options (Life Plan Community) and what to consider.Schedule a Tour with a community that seems best fit for you.For many older adults, a Life Plan community brings peace of mind as it helps them live fuller, healthier lives.

Many residents move to free themselves from the burdens of home ownership and enjoy a communitys social and wellness aspects.From well-balanced meals to a robust activities calendar to access to safe transportation and on-site assistance, the list of benefits is a long one.At Presbyterian Senior Living, our communities offer a host of maintenance-free living options to fit your preferences.

From floor plans to meal plans, our communities are planned to provide both independence and peace of mind.Independent Living vs.Assisted LivingWhile you may move in as an active, independent adult looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle, youll do so with the knowledge that other levels and types of care are available if they become necessary.

By making this move, youve created a solid plan for today and the future.Less time spent worrying about the future means less stress and a healthier you.The biggest difference between independent living and assisted living is the level of assistance provided.Assisted living communities offer help with daily activities (ADLs), like bathing, while independent living communities do not.

Additionally, assisted living communities tend to be slightly smaller, allowing staff to deliver personalized care to residents.In contrast, independent living focuses on a maintenance-free lifestyle, often featuring a wider array of amenities and social activities.And dont forget how communities support current medical needs, too.For example, if you need to recuperate from surgery, many communities offer short-term rehabilitation or home health services, allowing you to recover in your own community.Find more about our Transitional care services here!Finally, our communities are thoughtfully designed with comprehensive safety features, from 24/7 security personnel to emergency response systems.

This multi-layered approach to security allows seniors to focus on what matters most: enjoying their retirement, pursuing their interests, and building meaningful connections with fellow residents, all while knowing they're in a protected environment that's dedicated to their well-being.Personal Growth and FulfillmentAt Presbyterian Senior Living, we believe retirement is a time for growth, exploration, and fulfillment.We believe it is a time to thrive.Residents at PSL enjoy a blend of independence and support, allowing them to pursue their passions, take on new challenges, and build meaningful relationships.

The freedom to choose how they spend their time is fundamental to our philosophy and we strive to provide communities where residents can truly flourish.Our holistic approach to senior living ensures that residents are supported in every aspect of life physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.From wellness programs to recreational activities to social events, every aspect of our community is designed to enhance quality of life and foster a sense of accomplishment.Active Lifestyle OpportunitiesActive living isnt just about exercise its about embracing vitality.

Aging gracefully does not mean slowing down, says Kevin Mallon, Corporate Director of Thrive Wellness.Rather, it is about making each day intentional and vibrant.Recreational activities provide opportunities to stay active in a fun and social setting.Residents engage in walking clubs, gardening groups, or low-impact sports like pickleball and shuffleboard.

Residents working together in Greenhouse at Pine Run Village.Cathedral Village even offers a Folk Dance Group while Westminster Woods offers weekly line dancing.These options not only keep residents moving but also create connections within the community.Staying active is fundamental to both physical and mental well-being.Being active and connected daily makes for a less sedentary or isolated life.

Whether its a solo workout in the gym or a group fitness class, a stroll on a community pathway, or a vigorous game of pickleball, every resident can access activities that promote strength, flexibility, and overall health.One example of how PSL communities encourage physical activity and socialization is organized walking clubs.Residents can enjoy scenic pathways with friends, making fitness enjoyable and socially engaging.For a more formalized approach to active living, our fitness and wellness programs cater to all levels of ability and fitness goals.Our centers are equipped with state-of-the-art exercise machines and weights, allowing for a full-body workout in a safe environment.

From daily exercise classes and aquatic programs to yoga, tai chi, and strength training, residents can choose the activities that fit their preferences and mobility.Lifelong LearningAt PSL, we believe the mind can remain vibrant and inquisitive at all ages.Our Lifelong Learning programs are developed to keep minds engaged and curiosity alive.These programs offer residents the chance to rediscover old passions, dive into new subjects, and stimulate their minds.Through partnerships with local colleges and universities, as well as area cultural and historical organizations, residents can choose from a variety of classes and lecture series such as history, science, literature, and technology.

At Cathedral Village in Bethlehem PA, the Village College offers an array of topics.Recently lectures included Introduction to the History of the Ukraine, Bethoven: His Life and Times, and Historic Roadways and Waterways.According to Harry Gratwick, a retired history teacher and a lead organizer and teacher at Village College, the benefits extend far beyond intellectual stimulation.I think you meet new people, and make friends, Harry says.The socializing aspect is crucial.

Also, the intellectual aspect is important, but the social elementlistening and engaging with a wider segment of your communityis equally valuable.As a presenter, Harry has observed how the social aspect of his classes has evolved.Unlike in a traditional school setting, where students are concerned with exams and grades, Village College encourages a freer exchange of ideas.Its a place where retirees can come to learn, socialize, and connect on a deeper level.At Green Ridge Village, topics in itsLiving and Learning Series ranged from The Hubble Telescope to Tasty Plants and Hungry Critters: Tales from the Field, Forest and Garden.

The Long Community plans regular trips to Quest for Learning, a Lancaster, PA, tradition of senior education and community.Additional resident-led workshops cover everything from digital photography and creative writing to knitting and woodworking, offering hands-on ways to explore new skills.Technology tutorials are also offered for those interested in learning more about smartphones, tablets, social media and video conferencing to stay connected with far-flung family and friends.For example, Kirkland Village recently offered a Cyber Security Basics class.Community Experiences at a Life Plan CommunityDining ExperienceDining venues within PSL communities range from casual cafes to formal dining rooms, offering meals to match everyones tastes.Entre selections vary from robust traditional meals to heart-healthy fresh selections.Delectable lunch menus can include hot entres, daily specials, made-to-order sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts.

Easy to-go options make it convenient to enjoy a chef-prepared meal for those days residents prefer to stay at home.Healthy delicious meals are a cornerstone of well-being.Our culinary teams take pride in providing a dining experience that combines nutrition, taste and social enjoyment.These teams also emphasize seasonal ingredients, local sourcing and diverse menu options that accommodate dietary needs and preferences.At Westminster Woods at Huntingdon, the dining team hosts a monthly Healthy Living Cooking Class for residents.

During each session, Robert, the Assistant Director of Dining Services, demonstrates meal preparation for a healthy, themed meal.Following his demonstration, residents enjoy the taste treat and receive copies of the recipes he prepared.Regular dining options range from comfort food classics to international dishes.Our chefs are dedicated to creating meals that are both nutritious and flavorful.

Our dining team includes staff dietitians to ensure meals meet residents dietary needs without compromising taste.With rotating menus and special themed dining events, residents can look forward to exciting new meals and a dining experience that encourages socializing and connection.Another example from Westminster Woods is their specialty-themed meals.One popular example was Family Style Dinner.

Not only did it create new dining memories for the residents but it brought back past memories and created great conversations.It was fun to hear residents say at each table are we passing to the right or left, and watch them enjoy the experience.The home-style menu consisted of platters of sliced turkey (both white and dark meat), platters of house-made stuffing balls, cranberry sauce, bowls of green beans, bowls of mashed potatoes and gravy, and fresh baked sliced bread.To top it off, each resident was offered a warm apple cobbler for dessert.Outdoor Spaces and AmenitiesAs important as our dining, fitness, and gathering spaces are to our communities, PSL communities are designed with inviting outdoor spaces that promote relaxation and well-being.

Our beautifully landscaped gardens, walking paths, and patio areas offer residents a peaceful retreat where they can enjoy fresh air, connect with nature, and unwind.These walking trails are thoughtfully laid out to accommodate leisurely strolls as well as brisk fitness walks.These walking trails give residents a chance to exercise at their own pace by themselves or with a group of friends.

Garden areas offer a lush, colorful environment that residents can enjoy throughout the seasons.Ware Presbyterian Village, Oxford, recently dedicated its new Tranquility Garden.The Georgian-style garden offers peace, simplicity, and areas to sit and enjoy the space, relax, meditate, or remember a loved one.Community gardens allow residents to grow their own vegetables, flowers or herbs, fostering a sense of accomplishment and connection to nature.Patio spaces and shaded seating areas provide perfect spots for reading, meditating, or enjoying a cup of coffee with friends.Finally, many communities feature designated areas for opportunities for physical activity as well, such as shuffleboard courts, fishing ponds, and trout streamsOutdoor spaces at PSL enhance the beauty of our campuses but they also provide space where everyone can relax and spend time with friends and familyCultural EnrichmentCultural experiences are a vibrant part of life at PSL.

Residents enjoy trips to local museums, theaters, and historical landmarks as well as opportunities to attend concerts, art exhibits and cultural festivals.Residents can attend musical concerts or visit art exhibitions with a cultural calendar designed to inspire and stimulate creativity.On campus, we host live musical performances, film screenings, and guest lectures by authors, artists, and community leaders.Residents can participate in in-house creative outlets such as musical ensembles, theater groups, and art classes.These activities allow residents to explore their talents and develop new passions.At Pine Run Village, Village Voices has over 25 members.

The group presents numerous concerts throughout the year, spreading joy and music across the community.In addition to attending the concerts in person, residents can watch a video feed of the concert from the comfort of their home.Quincy Village produced a completely homegrown musical production.Written and directed by an Independent Living resident, the musical The Reluctant Grandpa featured Quincy Village residents in all roles.

In addition to the live performances, the show was recorded and featured on the communitys YouTube channel.Communities also host on-campus cultural programs, including guest speakers, live performances, and international food tastings.A favorite event at Pine Run Village features is the monthly international celebration.Each month a different country or region is selected.

Dining and entertainment work together to create an authentic meal, decorations, and a program.Residents are encouraged to share their own cultural backgrounds, making the community a vibrant and diverse place.By connecting with local culture and celebrating the arts, residents gain a greater appreciation for the world around them and have a chance to continue exploring their cultural passions.Wellness and HealthWhile healthcare and fitness are hallmarks of Presbyterian Senior Living, wellness extends far beyond physical health.Its the mindful achievement of health in all aspects of life.Wellness is an active process, a conscious self-directed evolving process, becoming aware of and working toward a healthier self, says Mallon, the corporate director of Thrive Wellness.PSLs Thrive Wellness program promotes a philosophy of engagement, purposeful living, and meaning in everyday life.

Thrive Wellness is resident-driven, explicitly focusing on six dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, spiritual, environmental, social, and intellectual.Thrive Wellness promotes a culture of wellness, engagement, and purposeful living to empower all individuals to live their best lives.This is not a calendar of activities.Its a culture that encourages everyone to live and experience life along six dimensions of wellness and purposeful living.By addressing all dimensions of wellness, we empower residents to lead vibrant, independent lives.Our fitness centers offer classes led by certified instructors who understand the unique needs of older adults.

They help residents improve mobility, balance, and strength.Wellness programs, such as mindfulness sessions, nutritional counseling, and stress management workshops, are available to help residents take a proactive approach to their health.Another key component of our fitness programs is integrating functional fitness.This emerging trend emphasizes physical abilities with exercises that mimic daily tasks.

These might include standing from a sitting position or reaching upward.By incorporating these movements into classes, our fitness team helps residents stay strong and independent.PSL is committed to providing residents with access to healthcare services that support long-term health and quality of life.From on-site health clinics and regular wellness check-ups to physical therapy and rehabilitation services, residents have the resources they need to maintain optimal health.Our partnership with healthcare professionals ensures residents receive comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs, whether its preventative care or chronic condition management.You Can Shape Your FutureConnections Thrives in Active Adult CommunitiesSocial Engagement and ConnectionsFriendship and community are vital to joyful living.

Theres plenty of evidence to show how important it is to stay social as you grow older.By doing so, you may be able to prevent or delay medical conditions associated with isolation.One of the greatest benefits of joining a senior living community is engaging with others.After retiring, many older adults find their social circle shrinking.

Old friends may relocate to another city or state to be near adult children.Relationships with former work buddies might drift apart once you no longer have daily contact.The older you get, the tougher it can be to make new friends.

Fortunately, at Presbyterian Senior Living, social engagement is at the heart of community life.Calendars are brimming with activities such as trivia nights, holiday parties, games tournaments, movie nights, themed dinners, and wine tastings.Residents can participate in book clubs, art groups, gardening clubs, or musical ensembles.

Regular mixers, socials, and coffee hours provide opportunities for new residents to meet others and quickly establish a sense of belonging.Richard and Joy, residents at Quincy Village, shared Here, your neighbors are a part of your life.There isnt anyone on this street or in the whole community who we dont feel is like a friend.Residents can also participate in volunteer opportunities, giving back to others while building camaraderie and a sense of purpose with neighbors.For example, Pine Run Village hosts a program called Opening Minds Through Art.For this activity, Independent Living villagers are trained to teach art to residents in skilled nursing and memory care units.

This program gets individuals with dementia involved in creative expression and fosters meaningful connections through the process of artmaking.One year, the session ended with two pieces of artwork consisting of mosaics of painted tiles.These pieces then became the backdrop for a concert by the Village Voices.Finally, many communities host intergenerational events, like visits from local schools and clubs.

These events foster connection and vitality across age groups.For example, residents from the Glen Meadows Retirement Community Assisted Living and Healthcare neighborhoods met with preschoolers from the Notchcliff Nature Program at Glen Meadows for their final Elder Flower Walk of the school year.Students, parents, and teachers led the group with songs, crafts, and story time and ended the hour with soothing chimes.Follow us on Facebook for all our latest happenings.In another example, students at the Sacred Heart School in Oxford, Pa., host an Annual Senior Prom for the residents of Ware Presbyterian Village while Presbyterian Village joins forces with the Hollidaysburg Area School District High School Key Club for a Senior Prom.

They are always a fun night of music, dancing, laughing, chatting and making new friends.8 Ways Senior Living Enhances Lifestyles in Levels of LivingEnjoy Life on Your Own Terms!Whether its the freedom that comes from residing in an independent living community or a helping hand to maintain your or a senior loved ones quality of life, PSLs Life Plan communities offer choice and flexibility.Every person's journey unfolds a little differently and PSL can help you thrive in any stage of life.Wework togetherto enrich residents' lives at every stage of the aging journey.In addition to the 9 Pillars of Senior Living we have already outlined, our Assisted Living / Personal Care and Skilled Nursing services can continue your or your loved ones journey to embracing a fulfilling life through the following points: 1.

Independence and Tailored SupportPreserving independence is vital to maintaining a high quality of life.Our communities craft personalized care plans that empower residents to remain as self-reliant as possible while providing the support they need.This balance fosters a sense of accomplishment, self-worth, and autonomy, helping residents thrive.2.A Safe and Comfortable Home Safety is foundational to well-being.

Our secure environment and added safety features bring peace of mind to residents and their families, allowing joy to flourish.3.Meaningful Social and Recreational ActivitiesLoneliness can dim anyones spirits but assisted living and skilled nursing neighborhoods are alive with opportunities to connect.From art classes and gardening to movie nights and dances, theres something for everyone.

These activities spark friendships, rekindle passions, and promote an active, engaged lifestyle.4.Bridging the Distance with TechnologyTechnology plays a significant role in keeping residents connected to loved ones and the world around them.Our team is able to assist residents with video calls, social media, and other digital tools to make it easier than ever for residents to stay engaged and reduce feelings of isolation.5.

A Sense of Purpose Volunteering and meaningful contributions can strengthen a sense of purpose.Whatever level of living, residents might mentor others, help welcome new community members, or participate in community service projects.These experiences create fulfillment and a deeper connection to their environment.6.Wellness Programs That Energize and UpliftThe need for physical activity doesnt end.

Our trained team members are able to help residents in assisted living / personal care with activities tomaintain health and vitality.Communities offer fitness options, tailored to the appropriate level of activity, to keep residents moving and engaged.7.Compassionate Assistance When Its Needed MostOur team members provide caring support with daily tasks, such as bathing, grooming, or medication management, so residents can focus on enjoying life.This allows families to share quality time together without the strain of caregiving responsibilities.8.

Respect and Dignity in Daily LivingAt the core of every great community is a culture of kindness, respect, and dignity.When residents feel valued and understood, they experience greater contentment, belonging, and happiness.A Sense of Belonging Begins HereLife Plan communities offer a nurturing environment where joy can grow, independence is celebrated, and lifes many pleasures are rediscovered.Presbyterian Senior Living comprehensive approach to senior living helps residents discover experience all three.Through active lifestyles, engaging activities, lifelong learning, and a holistic approach to health and wellness, you, too, can find your path to connection, wellness, joy, and fulfillment.Our communities are more than just a place to live.

They are a place to belong.