Loving our furry friends makes us healthier.

For National Dog Day on August 26, we honor our four-legged friends and their amazing contributions. They calm and comfort, save lives, help those with disabilities and serve in the line of duty alongside law enforcement and military personnel.

It’s fitting that cat lovers have their day, too, with National Cat Day on October 29. There are few things that can soothe a stressful day than petting a purring cat or laughing at a mischievous kitten. It’s what makes looking for a pet-friendly senior living community so important.

Taking care of a cat or dog can provide a sense of purpose and create much-needed structure and routine to our days, especially as we age. As retirement — or the pandemic for that matter — keeps us closer to home, a pet companion’s unconditional love and loyalty can stand in for family and friends. Just knowing there’s someone at home who needs you and is happy to see you can feel reassuring and rewarding.

Along with love and companionship, pets offer a variety of benefits for seniors.

Whether you love a cuddly cat or a plush pooch, caring for a furry friend could be good for your health*, according to scientists. It’s possible that a well-matched pet can help:

  • Decrease stress and anxiety
  • Decrease blood pressure
  • Decrease loneliness
  • Increase exercise and outdoor activity (dogs)
  • Decrease cholesterol levels (dogs)
  • Increase socialization (dogs)
  • Improve sleep
  • Improve self-esteem

*According to the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Making a move? Look for pet-friendly senior living communities in Phoenix, AZ.

If you’re looking to make a move with your favorite canine or feline, it’s important to verify that the residence, immediate neighborhood and broader community are all pet-friendly.

  • What are the rules and limitations regarding pets?
  • Does the apartment, condo or patio home have room for you and your pet to move?
  • Do you have easy access to the outdoors for your dog to exercise?
  • Can you easily take your dog for an extended walk or run?
  • Is it a safe area at night?
  • Is there a fenced-in dog park?
  • Are there pet waste stations?
  • Are there any organized pet-friendly activities?
  • Is there assistance available to care for your pet while you’re away or receiving medical care?

At Beatitudes Campus, your four-legged friend is most welcome. You’ll find doggie treats in every building, multiple dog parks with pet waste stations and paved walking areas throughout our campus — all within a gated, secure community monitored by staff 24/7. Our Beatitudes at Home program offers a variety of helpful services, including pet care.

Contact Beatitudes Campus in Phoenix, AZ

For more about Beatitudes Campus and our pet-friendly services and amenities, call us today at 602.883.1358 or send us a note using the form below.

Residents give you the facts.

Over time, myths and misconceptions can take the place of facts, especially when you’re talking about something that’s unknown or involves change. That often happens with senior living because people tend to think of what communities were like 50 years ago.

Today’s communities are working hard to meet the high expectations and preferences of older adults, which means you’ll find flame-grilled steaks and Starbucks coffee, line dancing and putting greens instead of stiff chairs and floral wallpaper.

To dispel some of the most common myths about senior living, we asked Beatitudes Campus residents to share their experiences. Here’s what they had to say.

MYTH: I’ll be stuck doing crafts.
FACT: Nope! Beatitudes Campus residents are a social and friendly group. We create and lead all types of programs on campus.

“Whatever your interests, it’s easy to find a program, group or amenity dedicated to it. If not, you can create your own. I’m a retired software developer. I use my technology background virtually every day, volunteering about 25 hours a week to host a Tech Talk show as well as to record and mix a weekly Happy Hour featuring performances by resident musicians. Both programs air on the closed-circuit TV channel for everyone to enjoy. It’s a lot of work, but I love it!

My wife and I take as many lifelong learning classes as we can, serve on committees and are involved with the Design Studio, a campus think-tank made up of residents who discuss ways to make Beatitudes Campus better and prepare for the next generation. But, of course, if you do like art, pottery, jewelry making and other types of crafting, you’ll find that here too. There’s something for everyone.”

— Robert Andrews, resident since June 2019

MYTH: The food is terrible.
FACT: Not at all! Beatitudes Campus’ has 4 restaurants with so many choices.

“We looked at several different communities and ate at each one. Beatitudes Campus offered the best dining options hands down. They offer more choices and flexible hours. Our financial plan includes $400 in dining credit at the Beatitudes Campus restaurants, which adds a lot of value, especially with no tipping allowed. You can choose the Bistro for breakfast and lunch. There’s Buckwalds, a steakhouse grille-type place for lunch and dinner, and Elaine’s for elegant dinners. They’re all very good.”

— Phil Adelman, resident since July 2017 

MYTH: I’m concerned about moving because I think I’ll regret it later.
FACT: Not likely. Most residents wish they moved sooner.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say they wished they hadn’t moved to Beatitudes Campus. My grandmother and mother lived here and now my sister and her husband as well as my husband and me. Given that three generations of our family have lived at Beatitudes Campus, I’d say our best advice is don’t wait too long. Move while you’re still young enough to enjoy it. My husband and I have been married for 32 years. We’ve made a lot of decisions together. Moving to Beatitudes Campus was the best decision we’ve ever made.”

— Cynthia Cielle, resident since June 2019

Let’s talk about it!

For more facts about senior living communities, call us today at 602.883.1358 or send us a note using the form below. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook to see more of the active senior lifestyle at Beatitudes Campus.

Are you making decisions based on fact or fiction?
Find out as we dispel a few myths about senior living.

When you’re trying to decide on the best plan for your future, it’s natural if lingering concerns make you hesitate. What if those concerns are rooted in long-time myths about senior living and misunderstandings? How do you sort fact from fiction? If you’re thinking about your future, you need the facts, especially now when a worldwide pandemic has all of us feeling particularly uneasy.

MYTH: I’m safer where I live now.
FACT: You’re likely safer living in a well-managed senior community.

If you live in a condo or standalone home, you likely have to venture out in public quite a bit, which exposes you to a lot of people with the virus. Senior living communities are focused every day on keeping people safe, so your risk of exposure is much lower. Plus, it’s easier to stay home. Right now, most communities are delivering groceries, meals, medications and other essentials to your door. If you do get sick, many senior living communities offer in-home care and support if you need it.

MYTH: I’ll be even more bored than I already am.
FACT: Senior living communities are working hard to keep people entertained and engaged.

Certainly, life has a different tempo now. For example, just a few months ago, Beatitudes Campus was buzzing with activity as residents gathered for book club meetings, happy hours, fitness classes, musical performances, worship services, cards, games and more. But, today, we’re all finding new ways to connect and enjoy life.

Staff at senior living communities are hosting socially distanced events and online book club meetings, fitness classes, educational programs and other special activities. With virtual tutorials, residents are learning new skills at home, such as painting and jewelry making. Others are enjoying the outdoors on cooler evenings by walking, tending to their flowers and talking with friends on the patio — all socially distanced, of course.

MYTH: I already have everything I need.
FACT: At a senior living community, you’ll have access to everything you may need and more.

At a senior living community, you have the resources of the entire community available to you, from helpful staff and home delivery of the essentials to onsite healthcare. At Beatitudes Campus, we’re also providing frequent COVID-19 screenings and testing so you don’t have to travel to your doctor’s office or wait for hours in line at a testing site. And, when the pandemic is over, you’ll be able to enjoy an even more vibrant community filled with lots of in-person entertainment, and educational, fitness and social opportunities — all things that don’t come with a typical standalone house.

MYTH: This is not the time to make a move.
FACT: Now is a great time to plan your next move.

If you’re feeling uneasy about moving right now, that’s completely understandable. As you know, it takes time to make decisions, so why not use this time to explore your options? Learn about the services and amenities provided by senior living communities. Talk to residents. Ask about costs.

For starters, you can check out videos and floor plans on our website for a quick armchair tour of Beatitudes Campus. For an in-depth look, we’re offering video appointments with a residency counselor who can show you more and answer your questions.

See More: Virtual Tours

If you are ready to move, now is a good time. The real estate market is strong in Phoenix with high home values. At Beatitudes Campus, you’ll find residential options in a variety of sizes and styles. And, depending on your timeframe, we have an exciting, new option coming in the future. We would love to tell you all about it.

Let’s Talk!

For more facts about senior living communities, call us today at 602.883.1358 or fill out a contact form below.

Broaching the topic of your future care with adult children can be awkward and difficult for both parties. Each may feel a bit of denial about the realities of aging. For the elder loved one, it’s that they are no longer as independent as they’ve always been or considered themselves to be, and for the adult children, it’s that their parents still exist in their minds as strong, self-reliant figures, and this image is being turned on its head.

Here are some topics to touch on with your children when you decide it’s time to share your thoughts about your future care.

Health:

Educate your children on the reality of the current state of your health and what you know about the trajectory of your health in the near future. Perhaps you are still in good health but are planning for the future. However, if your health or independence has begun to decline, this may be a good time to share it, especially if it could be hereditary. It can be jarring to learn that a parent is no longer completely healthy, so make sure the conversation is open, answer any questions, and consider providing resources for your children to learn more.

Living Arrangements:

If you have already made arrangements to move into a retirement community or even an assisted living community, tell your children about how and when you came to this decision. Keep in mind: They may be blindsided but also potentially pleased by aspects of the conversation, including the idea that they will not be your caretaker as they may have anticipated. Share informational materials about the community with them and let them know why you are excited about this place. This move could alter how you currently spend time with your family, so discuss how visiting will work now. Let them know that this decision will free the family up to focus on the most important things without having to worry about potential care needs. If you haven’t yet made solid plans, ask your children for their opinions and ideas about your future care.

Future Care Wishes:

This can be a hard conversation to have, but it is important to discuss end-of-life choices and other related official matters. Discuss long-term care, your will (if this applies), and how to handle medical decisions if it becomes pertinent. Again, this can be a delicate topic for adult children to discuss with their parents, so keep the conversation light and candid. Let them know that you are not discussing this because it is relevant at the current moment, but because it is relevant for your future as you plan out your aging process.

We want your family to be a part of the most important conversation; your future! Our team is happy to discuss with you and your loved ones the details of your plan for successful aging at Beatitudes and are happy to provide resources, such as brochures, pricing, services and amenities. We would be delighted to give your family a virtual tour of our campus and your potential new home.

To learn more about your vibrant senior living options at Beatitudes Campus, call us today at 602.883.1358 or contact us online at BeatitudesCampus.org.

The above content is legally licensed for use by myLifeSite.

Staying Active Offers Big Benefits for Older Adults

In honor of National Senior Health and Fitness Day on May 27, we invite you to mix more motion into your routine. Whether you’re learning to exercise for the first time or are a fitness enthusiast, now is a great time to take the next step toward better health.

Physical exercise offers significant benefits for all older adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other well-respected researchers. Being active helps maintain your ability to live independently and reduces your risk of developing diabetes and some cancers. It can help control arthritis pain, reduce your blood pressure, and improve your stamina and strength as well as your mood and emotional well-being.

Given those benefits and so many more, it’s essential that we stay physically active as we age. It’s also why Beatitudes Campus proudly fosters an engaging, active lifestyle. And, because everyone enjoys different types of activity, we offer a wide variety of fitness and wellness opportunities. From line dancing and tai chi to walking and water aerobics, from putting on the golf green to Wii bowling and more, there’s something for all ages and all fitness levels.

CDC Fitness Fast Facts

  • Improve your energy and stamina by doing activities and exercises that get your heart beating faster several times a week.
  • Get stronger by making your muscles work harder at least twice a week.
  • Virtually all types of motion counts as exercise, including walking the dog, doing laundry, taking the stairs and playing catch with grandchildren.
  • Among adults aged 65 years and older, walking and gardening or yard work are, by far, the most popular physical activities.

Try a Class

If you’ve ever played sports or enjoyed playing outside with your kids or grandkids, you know that exercising with others can be a lot of fun. It brings laughter and camaraderie and provides motivation and social support.

The best fitness classes bring together all of those elements plus an experienced instructor who takes the guesswork out of what to do, how to do it and when. If you’re looking for motivation and expert guidance while staying at home or want to try a class before taking it in person, check out the free exercise videos on the Beatitudes Campus Fitness YouTube channel.

Free Exercise Videos on the Beatitudes Campus Fitness YouTube Channel

Beatitudes Campus’ fitness trainers Mike Smallwood and Camille Beaubien lead you through a variety of exercises that promote strength, balance, mobility and flexibility. You’ll also find instructor-approved tai chi and yoga videos posted by residents. You can follow along in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

For most exercises, all you need is a chair and hand weights. If you don’t have hand weights, you can use something around your home that has some weight and is easy to grip. For example, try a filled water bottle, canned goods, a book, or bag of rice or beans.

Beatitudes Campus is all-in with fitness and wants to help you stay active and motivated. Be sure to join our fitness trainers Mike and Camille as they guide you through various wellness activity YouTube videos from home!

If you’re looking for additional research and education on the benefits of physical activity, check out this science-based guide from the CDC for the benefits, how to track your progress, and more.

Growing Stronger — Strength Training for Older Adults

To learn more about all of Beatitudes Campus’s fitness and wellness opportunities call us today at 602.883.1358 or contact us online at BeatitudesCampus.org.

Whatever you call it — downsizing, rightsizing or KonMari — simplifying and organizing your belongings offers tremendous benefits, from financial advantages and less maintenance to energy efficiency and greater happiness.

Making your surroundings fit what matters most to you is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your family. But, as we all know, sorting through a lifetime of accumulated stuff isn’t easy. That’s why we’re offering some simple tips and tricks for downsizing to help you on your way.

Where Do You Begin?

  • Start sooner rather than later. Moving in general is a busy time. It doesn’t matter whether you’re moving in a month or thinking about five years from now. Start the process of downsizing now before you add the stress of a move. Starting long before a move is in your sight is even better. Whether you’re 45 or 75, you’ll immediately benefit from all that streamlining and simplifying.
  • Moving takes good planning. Prepare for it as you would any other important experience in your life such as going to college, getting married, starting a business and retiring. Senior living expert Brad Breeding offers a few important issues to consider as you go through the process, including understanding that you can’t keep everything and your kids may not want your stuff.
  • Accept your emotions. Your belongings have become a part of your life and your memories. While culling the clutter can feel incredibly freeing, it can also bring up emotions akin to grieving. As you’re sorting through it all, let the laughter, tears and memories flow. For the things you won’t be keeping, take photos to help you recall those special memories anytime.
  • Downsizing is also a gift to your family. Although they may not realize it now, you’re relieving your children of the future responsibility and burden of culling through your belongings. Take all of their comments — good and bad — in stride. Their opinions are important, but this is your life and your choice.
  • Think of downsizing as a new beginning. When your belongings and space realistically fit your current lifestyle, your world opens up to new possibilities. For starters, less maintenance, more money, more time and more energy add up to more me-time for traveling, exploring your interests, and visiting friends and family. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can savor it all.

Making Your Move

So you’ve conquered downsizing your stuff and now you’re ready to choose a new downsized space that matches your lifestyle? There are additional factors to consider beyond the size of the floor plan—so you can make the best decision for you.

Consider The Importance of: 

  • Having a strong social network of friends
  • Finding purpose and fulfillment
  • Taking care of my mind, body and spirit
  • Having quality health care available if I need it
  • Having predictable living expenses
  • Making my own choices
  • Feeling true peace of mind about the future
  • Protecting my estate for my loved ones
  • Not burdening my family with becoming my caregiver

As you evaluate your options, we invite you to explore Beatitudes Campus. You’ll discover a vibrant community of friendly neighbors who share your interests. Plus, you’ll enjoy an array of convenient services that make life easier as well as amenities, learning programs and volunteer opportunities that bring a rewarding sense of fulfillment and purpose. Best of all, our attentive, caring staff and 5-star health services provide the ultimate peace of mind today and in the future.

We’re Here for You

To ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible, we’ve partnered with Moving Station® to bring you expert moving advice and coordination through their Moving Made Easy® program at no cost. It’s our gift to you.

As part of the program, you’ll have a Personal Relocation Manager with you every step of the way. They’ll answer your questions and help you find trusted resources for selling your home for the best price, organizing and downsizing your belongings, planning your move and more.

To learn more about Beatitudes Campus and our free moving program, call us today at 602.883.1358 or contact us online at BeatitudesCampus.org.