Engage. Contribute. Be a part of something bigger.
Socialization is an important part of aging well because it enhances our overall quality of life in many ways. At its core, socialization combats isolation and loneliness, which improves mental and emotional well-being. Regular interaction also instills a sense of belonging and purpose, helping us boost our cognitive abilities as we age. When seniors engage with others, they also get more physical movement, reducing the risks of chronic disease and mobility issues.
Many people opt to remain in their own homes as they age, which can be an isolating experience. “When they choose to live in a community of people their age that offers a wide range of activities like group exercise classes, religious services, volunteer opportunities and games, they flourish,” says Kelly Adams, Executive Director of Arbor Terrace Basking Ridge. “In fact, most people tell me their only regret is not making the choice sooner.”
Arbor Terrace Basking Ridge, which opened this fall, is managed by The Arbor Company, which has over three decades of experience caring for seniors around the country. The residence offers three separate neighborhoods: Assisted Living, which provides extra care as needed; the Bridges Program, which is unique to the Arbor Company and offers cognitive support and extra safety measures for people in early-stage cognitive decline; and Evergreen, which is secure memory care for seniors with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 20 percent of people over 65 have mild cognitive impairment, a condition in which cognitive changes are noticeable but not yet dangerous. While many senior communities offer assisted living and memory care, Arbor Terrace is unique in providing the Bridges neighborhood to serve the needs of people who require a bit more cognitive assistance but aren’t quite ready for memory care.
Adams, whose background is in social work, has seen the positive results forged by seniors making deep connections with others through engagement. Activities at Arbor Terrace focus on the different abilities of the residents. “Levels of exercise vary: For some, activity might be venturing to the dining room every day for meals with friends, while more active residents will participate in a program in the onsite fitness center,” Adams says.
Another drawback to aging at home is access to medical care. Making and keeping doctors’ appointments can be a challenge. “We are all guilty of having pain that we let go on for longer than it should, but early detection is important,” Adams says. “At Arbor Terrace, we have regularly scheduled visits from doctors and medical providers to assist our residents. This way, issues are addressed in a timely manner and appointments are simple and convenient.”
Arbor Terrace also offers physical, occupational and speech therapy onsite, which makes the logistics of staying healthy easier. “As we get older, the most important thing is living in a place that provides safety and enhances socialization,” Adams says. “One of our goals is to make sure that people are engaged. We do not limit freedoms: If residents want to visit their children, they can. We also make sure that our residents remain part of the Basking Ridge community, through attending religious services, engaging in volunteer opportunities or socializing at community events.”
Learn more about the programs and services available at ArborBaskingRidge.com/Lifestyle.
