American Orchards Blog

Life at American Orchards – A Conversation with Carol and Susan

Life at American Orchards – A Conversation with Carol and Susan

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After a year of living at American Orchards, Carol (Mother) and Susan (Daughter) reflect on the transition to senior living and the impact it has had on their family. Like many, Carol and Susan were nervous about the transition and how they would find a place that would not only be a wonderful home but […]

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Finding Community: Helping Seniors Avoid Social Isolation and Loneliness

Finding Community: Helping Seniors Avoid Social Isolation and Loneliness

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Once someone reaches 50 to 60 years of age or older, the most ideal situation for him or her is probably to be surrounded by family, friends, and maybe even grandchildren. Unfortunately, loneliness in seniors is a common problem in America today, and it can lead to a loss of well-being. Social isolation has been […]

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Costs of At-Home Caregiving Compared to Assisted Living

Costs of At-Home Caregiving Compared to Assisted Living

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When our loved ones are no longer capable of caring for themselves, we want to be sure they are getting the best possible care available, whether from an assisted living community or a family member. Many families want to provide the care themselves or feel obligated to take on the responsibility because they are worried […]

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How To Make the Transition to Assisted Living or Memory Care

How To Make the Transition to Assisted Living or Memory Care

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Moving elderly to assisted living can be trying. New places, faces, and fear of the unknown can make it unsettling for all parties involved. If you are wondering how to help elderly parents, loved ones or yourself, adjust to an assisted living or memory care setting, American Orchards in Gilbert, AZ has some tips and […]

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How to Help a Family Member with Dementia

How to Help a Family Member with Dementia

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The struggle with dementia can be grueling for all those involved: the patient themselves, their caregivers, other loved ones, even neighbors, mail carriers, and delivery people. If you are struggling with how to help a parent with dementia, here are some tips for dementia caregivers, and information about assisted living and memory support options for […]

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Enjoy Your Daily Meals with Our Senior Living Food Service

Enjoy Your Daily Meals with Our Senior Living Food Service

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Many senior living communities treat food as an afterthought, resulting in tasteless dishes that leave residents and their families high-tailing it for the nearest fast food options. At American Orchards, we do things differently. We believe eating is meant to be more than a utilitarian act that simply meets one’s daily nutritional requirements. Food is a […]

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Differences in 24-Hour Care in a Senior Living Center

Differences in 24-Hour Care in a Senior Living Center

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Try as you might, eventually there often comes a day when being the caretaker for a loved one becomes too overwhelming, and is ultimately not safe or healthy for you or them. The silver lining is that there are wonderful options to help ease the burden. At American Orchards in Gilbert, AZ, we have well-trained […]

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Top 5 Benefits of a Memory Care Facility

Top 5 Benefits of a Memory Care Facility

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When a loved one is in need of extra care, you want to be sure you choose a living space with the best available assistance. If this family member has Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other memory disorders, there may be a better option than a traditional assisted living center. A memory care facility offers more comprehensive […]

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How to Know When It’s Time For Assisted Living

How to Know When It’s Time For Assisted Living

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Assisted living is an excellent option for those who are growing older and need help with some daily tasks, but want to maintain a sense of independence. The diverse communities found in assisted living homes offer a great social outlet, since most of the residents are in similar situations. About 700,000 Americans currently live in […]

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Benefits of Art Therapy for Senior Citizens In Assisted Living

Benefits of Art Therapy for Senior Citizens In Assisted Living

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Our brains need to get a workout just like the muscles in our body or they will start to deteriorate, which may result in the loss of cognitive abilities. Art therapy has been found to be quite beneficial to seniors, like those enjoying life in an assisted living care center.

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How to Help a Loved One with Memory Loss Transition to a Memory Care Facility

How to Help a Loved One with Memory Loss Transition to a Memory Care Facility

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As our loved ones grow older, the care paradigm shifts and adult children often times become the caretakers of their parents, grandparents, and other elderly family members. Any kind of healthcare responsibility can be challenging, but when a family unit encounters memory loss in the elderly, there are unique obstacles that can be difficult, sometimes […]

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Pace Magazine Helps Find the Right Place to Live for Aging Loved Ones

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Carole-Lynne Richardson of Pace Guide to Senior Living and Chrissy Hall of our very own American Orchards Senior Living sat down with Arizona Midday host Jan D’Atri in March to discuss a new platform that helps families find the right place to live for aging loved ones. HOST: Time now to talk about families and […]

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American Orchards Senior Community Participates in Nature Room Study

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The senior living community offers a unique therapeutic approach for the care of people with dementia. GILBERT, Ariz. — Lori Reynolds, an occupational therapist and gerontologist, along with a team of researchers recently conducted a study on the benefits of viewing nature for persons with Alzheimer’s disease, at American Orchards Senior Community. A nature room […]

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American Orchards Ranked in Top Ten by Ranking Arizona

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American Orchards Senior Living Community in Gilbert is excited to announce that we were ranked #8 in the Independent & Assisted Living category for the 2018 edition of Ranking Arizona. Earning a spot in Ranking Arizona is no easy feat. More than 20,000 companies are nominated each year, and only those companies revered and trusted […]

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Resident and Former Chancellor of Connecticut State University System, President of ECSU, David G. Carter, Passes At 75

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A beloved resident of the American Orchards senior living community in Gilbert, AZ, David G. Carter, passed away on March 17 after battling cancer for some time. Carter served as former president of Eastern Connecticut State University and chancellor of the Connecticut State University System. He has been credited as leading the Connecticut higher-education institutions […]

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What is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care?

What is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care?

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Understanding the vast senior living industry doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Determining the best establishment for your loved one will ultimately depend on a variety of factors, including your loved one’s needs, abilities, environment, and your budget. However, with time and the right approach, finding the perfect senior housing option can be a comforting and […]

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8 Symptoms & Warning Signs of Dementia

8 Symptoms & Warning Signs of Dementia

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It is inevitable that as we grow older our bodies and minds will no longer function as they did in our younger years. Even so, caring for a loved one who may be showing early signs of dementia can be among the hardest things we may ever be asked to do. And the effort and […]

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How to Choose the Right Memory Care Community for Your Parent

How to Choose the Right Memory Care Community for Your Parent

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With nearly 8 million men and women diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or some other form of dementia every year, thousands of their adult children or other caregivers become responsible for finding the right memory care facility for their aging loved ones. Unlike traditional senior living communities, “memory care” facilities offer specialized services and settings that […]

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How Assisted Living Facilities Are Regulated and Graded

How Assisted Living Facilities Are Regulated and Graded

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Due in part to its great year-round climate and its moderate cost of living, the state of Arizona has long been a popular place for older adults to live after retirement. This popularity has only increased as our nation’s population has grown older, with a proportionate rise in the number of assisted living facilities to […]

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The Difference Between Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

The Difference Between Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

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Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are often considered interchangeable terms. But there are distinct differences you need to know if you are considering one or the other for a loved one. About Assisted Living Facilities Assisted living facilities usually cater to the same age group as nursing homes, but their purpose and function share […]

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Elderly Enrichment: The Importance of Activities for Seniors

Elderly Enrichment: The Importance of Activities for Seniors

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The decision to move yourself or an elderly loved one into an assisted living community can be a difficult one to make. Just as importantly, it can be a difficult decision to stick with after you’ve actually made it. Understanding the benefits of assisted living is the best way to reassure yourself that you’ve made […]

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Help For One of the Hardest Conversations You’ll Ever Have

Help For One of the Hardest Conversations You’ll Ever Have

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We all want our parents to live in their home peacefully until the end of their days, but this just isn’t realistic in most cases. As our parents and loved ones continue to age, they become progressively less able to care for themselves in the same comfort and safety than they were when they were […]

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What Is Memory Care for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Patients?

What Is Memory Care for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Patients?

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What is memory care for seniors and how does that differ from traditional assisted living? Both help the elderly maintain a satisfactory way of life, but memory care is specialized for those with certain cognitive health conditions. When elderly people develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, you may notice they begin to experience memory […]

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