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Respite Program at The Ashford: The Perfect Holiday Getaway for Your Loved One!

Season’s greetings!

We know how special the holiday season can be, not just for family gatherings but also for taking a well-deserved break. That’s why we’re excited to share our Senior Living Respite Program – it’s like sending your loved one off to a holiday camp, but with all the comforts of home!

Imagine your elderly family member enjoying a wonderful experience at our senior living community, where they can:

  • Make New Friends: Your loved one will enjoy meeting and engaging with other residents, sharing stories, and meeting new people.
  • Delicious Meals: They’ll savor a variety of nutritious and delicious meals prepared by our skilled chefs, ensuring they eat well and enjoy every bite.
  • Fun Activities: From arts and crafts to game nights and fitness classes, our fun-filled calendar will keep them entertained and active.

Our respite program not only provides them with a joyful and engaging environment but also gives you the opportunity to take a breather. It’s the perfect ‘try before you buy’ way to explore all our senior living community has to offer – without any long-term commitment.

Whether you’re traveling during the holidays or simply looking for some personal time to recharge, you can rest easy knowing your loved one is enjoying themselves in a safe and caring atmosphere.

If you’d like more information or to schedule a visit, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us here. We can’t wait to welcome your loved one into our community for a holiday adventure!

The Ashford at Sturbridge Resident Celebrates 105th Birthday

Pictured: Hilliard City Council President Tina Cottone Delivers a Special Proclamation to Evelyn Monahan

On Monday, Wallick Senior Living’s The Ashford at Sturbridge celebrated resident Evelyn Monahan’s milestone 105th birthday.

Hilliard City Council President Tina Cottone visited to present a proclamation honoring Evelyn’s remarkable longevity and “her lifelong commitment to family, friends and the community.” The Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce and Evelyn’s favorite entertainer, John Bare, also joined in the festivities, alongside her loved ones and fellow residents.

 

View a highlight video of Evelyn’s celebration from the City of Hilliard here:

 

About Evelyn

Evelyn has been a cherished member of The Ashford since 2019. Her incredible life story spans more than a century.

Pictured: Senior Living Advisor Christy Perry and Evelyn Monahan

Born on December 1, 1919, in Byesville, OH, she moved to Columbus following her mother’s passing when she was just eight. She later me t “her Frank,” a Navy serviceman, who she married in 1939.

Shortly after their marriage, Frank was deployed to Pearl City, Hawaii and Evelyn survived the Pearl Harbor attacks (while eight months pregnant with their first child) and subsequent blackouts in Honolulu.

She remembers a neighbor staying with her while Frank was called to fight. They went through the blackouts together and remember seeing bullets from planes fly past them and land in their neighbor’s house in a chest of drawers while on the way to church one day.

Pictured: Evelyn Monahan with Family

After the war, Evelyn and Frank returned to Ohio and raised three children together.

Evelyn is proudly German and Welsh. Today, she remains fascinated by the developments in electricity and technology through the decades.

The secret to life, according to Evelyn, is to get artificial valves and accept life as it is.

“God gave you this life to live. Even though there are bumps along the road, this too shall pass.”

Happy birthday, Evelyn!

Rediscover Your Role: Embrace the Joy of Connection at The Ashford

We understand that contemplating a transition for your loved one to a senior living community can bring about feelings of guilt and uncertainty. However, retirement communities, independent living, assisted living or even memory care are not ‘nursing homes’.

At The Ashford, we want to assure you that making this decision is not only an opportunity for your loved one. It’s also a chance for you to reclaim your role as a daughter, son, or family member – without the overwhelming responsibilities of caregiving.

Think of joining our community as sending your loved one to ‘Golden College’ for their golden years. Here, they will discover a vibrant lifestyle filled with engaging activities, delicious meals prepared by our onsite chefs and the chance to forge new friendships – all whilst enjoying the comfort of their own private apartment. Our all-inclusive community is designed to enhance independence while providing the support and care they need, when they need it.

By choosing The Ashford, you can rest assured that your loved one will thrive here; allowing you to focus on what truly matters – enjoying precious and meaningful moments together without the strain of senior caregiving.

Let us help you explore this enriching path forward for your family. We would love to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the benefits of living in our community. Feel free to reach out to us here.

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving!

How The Ashford Eases the Burden for the Sandwich Generation

Are you part of the “sandwich generation,” balancing the demands of caring for both your children and aging parents? If you’re in your 50s and feeling the pressure of managing multiple responsibilities, you’re not alone. Many adults are finding themselves caring for aging parents while still raising their own families. This can be an overwhelming time, but at The Ashford, we’re here to help ease that burden.

The Challenges of the Sandwich Generation

As life expectancy increases, more people are facing the challenge of providing care for elderly parents while still being actively involved in their children’s lives. The emotional, financial, and physical demands of being a caregiver for both generations can leave you feeling stretched thin. Whether your parents need help with daily tasks, medical care, or just a safe and supportive community, the stress of ensuring they’re well taken care of can affect your overall well-being.

How The Ashford Can Help

At The Ashford, we understand the unique challenges of this phase in life, and we’re here to support both you and your loved ones. Our senior living community offers a range of care options that give you peace of mind while ensuring your parents receive the attention and support they deserve.

  1. Customized Care Options
    Whether your parent is looking for more independence in independent living, needs some help with daily activities in assisted living, or requires specialized care for memory issues*, our tailored services allow them to thrive.
  2. Compassionate and Experienced Staff
    Our dedicated team is passionate about providing high-quality care with a personal touch. You can rest easy knowing your parents are in good hands with caregivers who genuinely care about their well-being.
  3. A Vibrant Community
    Seniors at Wallick aren’t just cared for—they’re engaged in a vibrant community full of social activities, wellness programs, and events that enrich their lives and keep them connected with others.
  4. Award-Winning Facilities
    Our senior living communities have been recognized for excellence in care and service. With state-of-the-art amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, your parents will feel right at home in a safe, secure, and comfortable environment.

Why Choose The Ashford?

Choosing a senior living community is a big decision. By partnering with The Ashford, you’re choosing a team that prioritizes your loved ones’ comfort, dignity, and happiness. We offer:

  • Personalized care plans to meet the specific needs of your parents.
  • Continuum of care that adapts as your parents’ needs change over time.
  • Peace of mind for you, knowing that they are safe, well cared for, and thriving.

Relieve the Stress and Find Support

Caring for elderly parents can be demanding, but you don’t have to do it alone. Let us be your partner in providing compassionate, professional care for your loved ones so you can focus on your own family and well-being.

To learn more about how we can help or to schedule a tour of one of our communities, contact us today. Let us show you how we can make this stage of life easier for both you and your parents.

*not available at all communities

Adjusting to Senior Living at The Ashford

With any move, there can be stages of adjustment. For older adults, that transition can look different. Making the move into a senior living community can be prompted by a variety of challenging lifestyle changes, but senior living is meant to uplift and benefit your later stages of life.

Here are some ways to help adjust to senior living and make the most out of this period of your life.

Explore What Your Community Has to Offer

Push yourself to explore the community so you can become more accustomed to the senior living lifestyle. From there, it is easier to find a routine, get settled and start enjoying this new chapter. There are opportunities to expand your social activity with shared community spaces and events, but balance is also accessible with private rooms. Our senior living communities are built to sustain a happy and healthy lifestyle so that you can keep enjoying life.

Give Yourself Time to Adjust

Knowing that every day may not look the same is important to keep in mind when moving into a senior living community. It takes time to feel comfortable and adjusted to a new place. Many experts suggest that it can take 3-6 months to adjust to senior living, but Wallick Senior Living communities are equipped to help personalize the adjustment process. That way, you can focus on yourself and how you spend your time. From art classes to cooking classes, Wallick offers residents the choice to participate in activities that fit their interests.

Reflect on Your Previous Environment

In moments of change, it’s beneficial to reflect on what usually makes you feel comfortable. Try to emulate that feeling in your new home. Reflecting on the best parts of your previous home can also make you feel more comfortable with that chapter’s ending and the beginning of a new one.

We hope that when you open the door to your new home, you feel a sense of peace and belonging. These tips are here to encourage you to make active choices to embrace the senior living lifestyle.

To learn more about adjusting to senior living and the moving process, click here.

Managing Stress with Summer Activity

Stressors in the Later Parts of Life

Entering the elderly stages of life comes with new varieties of change. Some may deal with the loss of loved ones, health conditions, loneliness and other changes. Change could also bring on feelings of stress because of its disruptions to routines and needs. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) discusses the dynamic between aging and the stress that this period of life can bring.

During this period of life, it becomes important to manage stressors in a healthy way. For everyone, this can look different. One factor that adds complexity to life stress and our ability to manage it, especially as we age, is seasonal weather changes.

Embracing Routines in Senior Living

The summer heat can make it harder to indulge in our favorite routines, from daily walks to spending time with loved ones. Our senior living communities are here to help you adjust to these changes and continue to enjoy every day. We understand the importance of maintaining routines and their direct impact on overall wellness.

If there are added limitations to residents’ activities due to weather, we are prepared to provide comfortable and enjoyable alternatives. Our activities directors are aware of how changes in the seasons may affect stress. We always plan a diverse calendar of indoor activities for residents, providing the same level of stress reduction and mental stimulation as their usual routines that might be affected by high temperatures.

Having different coping strategies is one way that you can stay on top of managing stress during this period in your life. Here are some ideas for finding new stress-reducing habits outside of community activities.

  • Visit with peers to share advice and new interests.
  • Take proper precautions when going outside, like staying hydrated, monitoring medication effects and spending time in the shade outside.
  • Try new television programs, books, and games to occupy your time.

When possible, our communities are prepared to help you stick to your routine. In a recent interview with Channel 2 (WDTN), Sara Ward, The Ashford of Beavercreek Executive Director, spotlighted the Wallick Senior Living team’s dedication to helping residents beat the summer heat while allowing them to enjoy their favorite activities.

“In a heat wave like this, we’re going to make sure that if a resident wants to sit outside or wants to go on a walk, that we’re checking on them more frequently. We are making sure that they have water for their walk,” she said.

Keeping an Open Mind

Moments of change can be difficult to manage when your self-care is at stake, but it is important to know that stress during this period in your life is still normal. It will be helpful to continue being gracious with yourself and to try new things.

One of the beautiful things about being a part of a senior living community is that some of the burden of managing change is taken off residents. Our associates are here to uplift our community members and encourage them to reduce stress in the areas where we can.

Learn more about the activities we have planned by viewing our community updates located here.

Wallick Senior Living Featured on NBC4’s Daytime Columbus

“In making a transition to a community like one of ours, you’re surrounded by people, you’re surrounded by activities, you’re surrounded by possibilities.”

Wallick Senior Living was featured on Daytime Columbus! Check out the full interview here, where Adam Squires, Regional VP of Sales, and Kimberly Gibson, Executive Director of The Ashford at Sturbridge, shed light on the genuine wellness and mission-focused aspects of our communities.

Discover the Perfect Senior Living Option at The Ashford

At The Ashford, we know that choosing the right retirement living arrangement is a significant decision and that understanding senior living can be overwhelming. We are dedicated to providing a nurturing environment tailored to meet the unique needs of our senior residents. Below is an overview of our offerings: Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care.

Independent Living: Our Independent Living apartments are designed for seniors who are self-sufficient and want to enjoy a worry-free lifestyle. Residents have access to a range of amenities, including housekeeping, dining options, social activities, and fitness programs, all within a secure and vibrant community.

Assisted Living: For those who need a bit of extra help with daily activities, our Assisted Living offering gives personalized support. Our professional staff is available 24/7 to assist with tasks such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and more, ensuring residents maintain their independence while receiving the care they need.

Memory Care: Our Memory Care program is specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other memory-related conditions. We provide a safe and structured environment with specialized care plans, therapeutic activities, and highly trained staff to support the unique needs of each resident, promoting their well-being and quality of life.

At The Ashford, we are committed to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where our residents can thrive. We invite you to visit our community, meet our team, and see firsthand the exceptional care and services we provide.

Please feel free to reach out to us here to schedule a tour or if you have any questions. We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in finding the perfect living arrangement for your loved one.

Senior Living | The Ashford

Initiating a Thoughtful Conversation About Senior Living

As we transition into the Summer season, I wanted to reach out and share some insights that might be helpful if you’re considering senior living for yourself or a loved one.

This season of warmth and family time can also serve as a time of reflection, particularly regarding the health and well-being of our family members as they age. It’s not uncommon to notice changes or challenges that may indicate a need for extra assistance or a transition to a senior living community.

If you’ve recently spent time with a loved one and found yourself contemplating their future living arrangements, I understand that broaching this subject can feel delicate yet necessary. Here are some tips to help navigate this conversation with empathy, respect, and understanding:

  1. Choose the Right Time and Place: Find a quiet, comfortable setting where you can talk openly and without distractions, ensuring there’s enough time for a heartfelt discussion.
  2. Express Your Concerns with Love: Start by expressing your love and concern, using “I” statements to share observations and feelings, emphasizing your desire to ensure their safety and happiness.
  3. Focus on Specific Observations: Share specific instances or observations from your time together, avoiding accusations and instead offering genuine concerns based on what you’ve observed.
  4. Acknowledge Their Feelings: Recognize that this is a sensitive topic and allow your loved one to express their emotions without judgment, reassuring them that their feelings are valid and important.
  5. Present Senior Living Options Positively: Research senior living communities in advance and highlight the benefits they offer, focusing on the opportunities for social engagement, professional care, delicious meals and enhanced quality of life.
  6. Involve Them in the Decision-Making Process: Make your loved one an active participant in the decision-making process and tours; discussing options together and addressing any concerns they may have.

Initiating a conversation about senior living can be challenging, but it’s an important step toward ensuring the well-being and happiness of your loved one. By approaching the discussion with empathy and patience, and by involving them in the process, you can help ease the transition and create a plan that prioritizes their genuine wellbeing.

If you have any questions or would like further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to support you every step of the way!

Simplifying the Transition to Senior Living: Downsizing with Grace and Purpose

As you consider retirement communities, navigating the process of downsizing can feel overwhelming. Rest assured, you’re not alone on this journey. Our compassionate team here at The Ashford is here to support you every step of the way. Let’s explore how you can approach downsizing with grace and purpose, making the transition smoother and more meaningful.

Embracing the Journey

Moving to a senior living community like ours marks a new chapter in life, filled with opportunities for growth and connection. Embrace this transition as a chance for you or your loved one to simplify your surroundings and focus on what truly matters. Yes, the change may be uncomfortable but there is so much to look forward to.

Creating a Plan

Start by creating a personalized downsizing plan. Break the task into manageable steps and set aside dedicated time each day or week to sort through belongings. Start with one room and create Keep, Donate, and Get Rid Of piles. Remember to clearly label boxes. It may be best to begin with less emotionally charged areas and gradually move on to sentimental items.

Discerning What Matters Most

View downsizing as a process of discernment rather than deprivation. Consider what possessions, whether it’s a favorite cozy sweater or a treasured piece of wall art, bring comfort, utility, or a sense of connection. Choose items that serve both practical and sentimental purposes, keeping in mind the space constraints and lifestyle offered by your new home in a senior living setting. It’s like going to college or moving away from home – take what you need and what will serve you best in this new chapter.

Preserving Memories

As you declutter, take the time to reminisce and share stories with loved ones. Preserve the essence of significant moments even as you simplify your physical surroundings. Photographs, letters, and keepsakes can be cherished in memory books or digitized for easy access.

Seeking Support

Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family members, or professional organizers if needed. Surround yourself with positivity and encouragement, celebrating each small victory along the way. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress and peace of mind.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Approach downsizing with confidence and purpose, knowing that you’re paving the way for a brighter, more fulfilling future in a new environment. Embrace the opportunity to experience joy, living life on your terms and forming blossoming connections that await you in our senior living community.

If you have any questions or concerns as you navigate senior living options, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team at The Ashford is here to listen, support, and guide you through this journey with empathy and understanding.

Feel free to get in touch and explore our independent living, assisted living and memory care options by scheduling a tour at one of our communities today! Reach out to us here.