Lebanon, Tennessee emerges as a haven for those seeking the perfect backdrop for their retirement years. In this quaint town, the friendly disposition of the community is more than just a trait; it’s a way of life. Here, southern hospitality thrives and resonates particularly strongly among retirees. Let’s uncover the reasons why Lebanon is a destination where retirement dreams are not just met but surpassed.

When choosing a place for you or a loved one, tight-knit senior living communities have amazing advantages. To see all of the benefits, you have to experience it for yourself. There are so many advantages, but here are our top three reasons why tight-knit senior living communities, like Hearthside, are the place for you or your loved one.

Team Members Treat Residents Like Family

The small community at Hearthside Senior Living creates a tight-knit environment with impactful relationships. Everyone gets to know each other, and the close environment allows for strong relationships among residents and team members. This makes the community more of a family environment.

“I treat every resident like they are my grandmothers and grandfathers. It’s just a really loving environment.” – Alisha Birchett, Activities Manager

The team knows the importance of their roles and puts as much love and attention into every aspect of their roles at Hearthside. With a smaller tight-knit community, Hearthside brings people together.

Family Members are Involved and Can Relax

When looking for a place for a loved one, the whole aspect can be daunting for everyone involved, not just the new resident. Becoming a part of a new community, moving, and wanting to make sure your loved one is getting the care they deserve is the main focus. This can cause the time you have to share together to become jumbled, chaotic, rushed, or a combination of all three. We want the experiences of our residents and their family members to be one that everyone involved can be themselves and have the freedom to enjoy each others’ company. Families can relax and enjoy their visits knowing that every need is being fulfilled.

“After a few months of being here, I basically know everyone here. It’s funny, I was telling my mom, ‘our family has really grown since we’ve been out at Hearthside.’” – Cathey Sweeny, Assisted Living Family Member

At Hearthside, family members can be involved as much as they wish. Being part of the Hearthside family means your family is our family, it’s as simple as that. We design our spaces and programs to make all family members feel welcome. With a family parlor, family fellowship, and a variety of daily activities, there is something for every member of the family to do while visiting. Without the stress of worrying about getting necessary tasks completed, everyone is free to enjoy their shared time together.

The Quality of Care

Quality of care refers to the degree to which services provided to residents meet established standards of safety, effectiveness, patient-centeredness, timeliness, and efficiency. Above all else, Hearthside knows the importance of quality of care. For example, quality of food is on everyone’s quality checklist, and that comes as no surprise. With 3 meals everyday, having choices and food you enjoy is a vital part of making any community home. With smaller home-style communities, our team can give each resident more individualized attention and care. The personalized and homestyle cooking gives the opportunity for our chefs to get to know the tastes and preferences of all of our residents.

“They do my washing, cooking, and cleaning. It’s home. It has given my family the freedom to move around as they want to, and it has given me the freedom to be free from them and do what I want to.” – Betty, Assisted Living Resident

We strive to provide residents their independence by helping them in their needs to give them freedom to do as they wish. There are many activities and trip opportunities every day, bringing more options to choose from to every resident. We encourage residents to participate in as many activities as they want to and love when families join in too.

We know moving is a big decision. Contact us at Hearthside to join us for a visit and let us answer your questions.

Could it be time for you or your loved one to move to a retirement community but the stigma in retirement communities makes you reconsider? It can be easy to form assumptions or beliefs about certain topics, especially when it comes to retirement communities. Many children feel guilty when suggesting their parents consider a move to an independent living community. The truth is modern retirement communities are helping seniors live a more independent and comfortable life. 

Independent living communities provide a much-needed safe, carefree, and social space to those needing assistance as they age. Independent living communities are also a great option for seniors who are looking to downsize and simplify their lives. Moving your loved one into an independent living community is the best way to make sure your senior gets the most out of retirement years. With access to a wide range of amenities, activities, and services, your loved one can enjoy a safe and comfortable lifestyle. 

Here are a few reasons why moving to an independent living community is the best decision for a senior adult: 

1. More Independence 

While it may seem counterintuitive, retirement communities allow residents to be as independent as ever. As some seniors may not be in the position to handle everyday tasks around the house as well as their personal maintenance, retirement communities preserve their independence. Independent living settings can make residents’ lives easier by handling and assisting with chores and maintenance allowing residents to socialize, relax, and simply enjoy their lives with little pressure. Downsizing makes navigation around one’s living space much easier and safer.

At the end of the day, the health and safety of our residents at Hearthside is our top priority. 

2. Worry-Free Life 

In an independent living community like Hearthside, a resident can live without the burden of many everyday maintenance tasks. Chores such as cooking, laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning, house maintenance, and lawn mowing are all taken care of. From snow removal and lawn upkeep to appliance repair and housekeeping, a retirement community can provide residents with the support that they need, so they can focus on what’s important. 

Retirement doesn’t have to mean loneliness. With more time to socialize than ever before, independent living residents can have a busy social life with family, caretakers, and peers. Studies have proven that a strong social life has a direct impact on mental health and physical well being in senior adults. Living in the same place as peers who are in similar stages of life can greatly improve the attitudes and lives of independent living residents. Plus, a maintenance free lifestyle with lots of free time gives seniors the opportunity to bond over activities and events.  

Activities at Hearthside often include:

• Performances and entertainers
• Sunday church and Bible study
• Fitness activities
• Cards and game events 
• Event and holiday celebrations 
• Movie nights 

4. Financial Stability

Being a homeowner is the dream of many Americans. However, even owning a home comes with its expenses and worries. Home repairs, property taxes, utility bills, property insurance, upkeep of the house and the yard can take a toll on one’s budget. Add laundry, grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning, and it takes a significant chunk of money every month – not counting a personal caregiver’s fees. However, once a senior moves into an independent living community, paying bills gets much more simple!

5. Better Relationship with Family 

As one’s health starts to decline, many times children take on the role of a caregiver, which could result in financial and emotional difficulty for the family. A child who takes on the role of a caregiver is usually forced to make career sacrifices, which may lead to financial hardships and discontent. In 2020, 48 million Americans served as unpaid caregivers for their loved ones. This situation can be further complicated by the strain it puts on family relationships. Fortunately, retirement communities often help to solve this problem by taking on the primary caregiver’s responsibilities allowing family members to have a substantial, stress-free relationship and spend quality time with their loved one. 

Retirement is an exciting time, and aging adults should have the opportunity to continue to live independently without the stress and pressure of their younger years. At Hearthside, we provide residents with a comprehensive package of services and amenities to achieve the mission of maximizing residents’ quality of life.  

Hearthside Senior Living was intentionally designed to help seniors age in place – all within a safe, comfortable, and Christian environment. Our beautiful independent living homes were designed for an independent lifestyle with maintenance-free living as we continue the excellent tradition of independent living for those seniors needing additional services. Contact Hearthside for more information today.

The demand for age-friendly accommodations and neighborhoods has expanded alongside the senior population. In fact, in recent decades the percentage of people settling in senior living communities has increased across all age groups from 65-90.

Today’s older adults have greater wealth than past generations and can afford the best life has to offer – beautiful settings, tailored social activities, fitness programming, exercise facilities, formal dining, and adventure. These highly resourced and active seniors and their families are forward-thinking and therefore desire communities that also have assisted living as a continuing care option. If you are one such person or looking on someone else’s behalf, this article can help you determine

1. The best time to begin the search.
2. The right age to consider assisted living.
3. Key information to expect in making a choice.

Right Timing 

The best or “right” time to begin the search for assisted living (AL) is anytime there is a valid concern about a senior’s ability to live alone. Later in life – maybe because of health problems like a fall or other health event – completing activities of daily living (ADLs) like regular bathing are increasingly difficult. Interestingly in Tennessee alone, almost half of all adults in AL are living with a form of dementia.

Grocery shopping and meal preparation may grow challenging due to transportation issues, fatigue, or low vision. If you are a child or caretaker of an older adult, you may be helping as much as you can and cannot be present around the clock. Perhaps you’ve been asked to aid in finding a new living arrangement because the individual can no longer safely navigate their home.

Other signs that it may be time for assisted living include:

• Trouble managing household tasks like cleaning or garbage removal
• Inability to transfer independently
• Frequent medication errors or omissions
• Weight loss related to poor intake
• Depression due to social isolation, loss, or boredom
• Lack of transportation to medical and other appointments

What Assisted Living Offers

Assisted living provides extra help with the functional and essential tasks listed above. Seniors who are forgetful might need medication reminders and administration. Access to nutritious snacks and appetizing meals prepared by culinary professionals is another significant benefit of living within an AL community. Personal care team members assist seniors with ADLs such as mobility, grooming, dressing, or bathing. Care services are tailored to the resident’s needs and planned according to that individual’s priorities.

Life at Hearthside Senior Living

Life in assisted living at Hearthside means the opportunity to enjoy a safe, comfortable lifestyle with private apartments, ample peer interaction, and individualized attention.  Located in charming Lebanon, TN, Hearthside Senior Living provides just this kind of welcome as well as offers the following all-inclusive services:

• Daily social activities
• Housekeeping
• Fresh towels and linens
• Laundry
• Medication management
• Basic cable television
• Internet (wifi)
• Meals
• Resident assistance 24/7

A defining characteristic of life at Hearthside is the focus on spiritual community. Hearthside was developed by placing Christian ministry at the center of their operations. The opportunity for Sunday worship in the community is a weekly highlight for many residents.

Age of Assisted Living Residents 

The age of older adults moving to AL communities is actually decreasing. For decades the average age of an assisted living resident has been well past age 80. In Tennessee specifically, 54% of AL residents are over age 85. According to the American Senior Housing Association (ASHA), today’s AL residents are predominantly female and around 87 years old. Data also suggests that assisted living residents typically require help with at least two ADLs.

Some seniors choose the traditional retirement age of about 65 to switch to assisted living. This age can be a minimum requirement in some communities. The current trend is for transition between the ages of 75 and 84. It should be noted, however, that the greatest increase is among those 70 to 79 years old, which is indeed a younger cohort!

In truth, there is no prescribed “right age” for assisted living. The choice is a personal one. The decision can be made as soon as individuals no longer wish to live alone or can no longer live independently.

Assisted Living Near You

You may now be wondering, “Where are assisted living places near me or my family member?”

In Middle Tennessee, Hearthside is a nonprofit senior residential community focused on helping older adults make the most out of life. Potential residents and their families will find Hearthside conveniently located less than an hour east of Nashville. Seniors can live independently and securely while remaining fully engaged in life – even if they need extra assistance down the road.

For more information – please contact an assisted living expert at Hearthside today!

There are hundreds of career paths to choose from. One that sometimes is overlooked is the industry of aging services called “senior living.” For most, choosing to work in the senior living industry is the most rewarding and fulfilling career choice.

Even within the industry, there are many types of jobs with each level of care. In assisted living, oftentimes older adults have moved to a community after a health event such as a fall, surgery or other factor. A community setting allows seniors to maintain their independence while enjoying a safe and enjoyable environment alongside their peers. These residents also require help with one or more activities of daily living (ADLs). There are many rewards in working alongside seniors in their new homes. First, it’s an opportunity to help others, but there are additional advantages to a career in a retirement community that you may not have considered.

1. Serving an Active and Aging Population

Did you know that:

• Over 50% of people living in assisted living are over age 85.
• Between 2020 and 2050 the number of adults over age 80 is expected to triple.

Even though the population is aging at an accelerated rate, seniors are also more active than ever before! One in six people in your community will be older than age 65 by 2030.

You may be interested in being part of the movement to support this growing number of seniors, but wondering “where are the assisted living jobs near me?” If you live in Middle Tennessee and want to be of service close to home, then you’ve found an excellent opportunity at Hearthside Senior Living.

Located about 25 miles east of Nashville, in Lebanon, TN, Hearthside offers comfortable, accessible and maintenance-free accommodations including care for those that need extra assistance. That’s where you as a future team member come in—as a provider of skilled and personalized services that benefit others in your community.

2. Experiencing True Teamwork

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and other assisted living jobs are an integral part of an interdisciplinary team. The team is made up of members with different skill sets and responsibilities, but have a common goal. That initiative is working together to elevate the living experience for residents to its highest potential.

Through this shared commitment, respect and confidence grow. Team members learn to recognize one another’s contributions to the community’s well-being, security and longevity. This is how trust is established.

3. Finding Meaning and Purpose

Whether you are looking for a job as a CNA or direct care worker or are interested in a position in community maintenance or food or environmental services, finding purpose in what you do matters.

Working in assisted living means an opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life…every day. Communities such as Hearthside want team members who are motivated by this idea. Being able to co-create a work environment that feels like family is key to job satisfaction, and is why workers stay in senior care positions.

4. Improving Care Outcomes

From the Journal of Aging Studies in 2009, care professionals shared that the “emotional aspect of caregiving provides meaning…through both the satisfaction inherent in relationships and through the effect of relationships on care outcomes.”

What are these care outcomes and how do they improve through connections with assisted living residents?

Relationships outside our own age group encourage intergenerational learning. They also offer the chance for seniors to practice generativity.

“Generativity is the (natural tendency) and willingness to engage in acts that promote the wellbeing of younger generations as a way of ensuring the long-term survival of the species.” -The Psychology of Mattering

The freedom to express oneself openly and share life’s lessons is fulfilling to people, especially in later life. According to science, this opportunity satisfies a developmental goal – to feel valued by having influence and passing on wisdom. The outcome of listening to and engaging in thoughtful interactions with seniors not only can improve loneliness but also

• Quality of life.
• Mood/motivation.
• Functional status.

5. Gaining Marketable Job Skills

As a caregiver, nursing, dining services, or hospitality team member  in assisted living you might spend your morning helping residents with ADL’s and then accompany them to lunch. In the afternoon, you might participate or help lead in wellness-related activities or help residents move from their apartment to the activities room.. Evenings might include assisting frail residents with nighttime routines, grooming, bathing, or preparing for rest.

Because of these important contributions, you will build confidence and sought-after job skills. These might include:

• Professional team building
• Personal care and companion competencies
• Medical records training
• Time management strategies
• Scheduling and transportation coordination

A job in assisted living is a gateway to establishing a career full of purpose and meaningful interactions with others. You’ll share your unique talents within a positive community that is dedicated to caring for its residents. Contact Hearthside to join the team!

As an adult child, it can be difficult to see the signs that our parents need assisted living. Anyone can experience a day when they just cannot keep things straight, with aging it’s no different, but this shift for a senior to care for themselves can be tough to identify. How do we know when our parents need more assistance than we can give?

What Are Signs That My Parents May Benefit From Assisted Living?

For some, when to move a parent into an assisted living community is a very defined life event like a fall or a doctor’s recommendation. However, when it comes to forgetting to lock the door, turn off the stove, or take medication, it’s easy to think this is an isolated incident. This may be a common occurrence and we are only seeing a snapshot of what is currently an everyday rhythm. So how do we know what signs are suggesting a parent may need assisted living and when should we start looking into options?

Signs That My Parent May Need Assisted Living

Here are a few actions that suggest it is time to start thinking about assisted living for  your parent:

• needs reminders to take medication or that they have already taken their medication.
• has had unplanned noticeable weight loss or gain.
• is experiencing a loss of mobility or an increase in falls.
• shows signs of neglecting household maintenance.
• is no longer able to perform daily tasks such as grooming or preparing meals.
• is increasingly isolated or has been increasing their own isolation.
• has had a loss of interest in their hobbies.

Contact an assisted living expert at Hearthside today. https://info.hearthsideliving.com/contact

What Benefits Do Senior Living Communities Provide That I Can’t?

It can be a tough decision to ask for help when caring for an aging parent. We can’t do everything ourselves, and that’s okay. It takes courage to acknowledge that we don’t have all the skills or time to give to 24/7 care. This is not about how much love we have for our parents, it’s about us making sure our parents have the best quality care that they can, with the people who can give that specialized and skilled attention.

Did you know…

AARP states million Americans aged 50 or over, four of every five older adults, are diagnosed with at least one chronic medical condition.

What Can You Expect?

There are multiple different types of senior living communities that offer a variety of levels of care. From independent living to memory care communities, care services are provided to meet the needs of seniors. The best part is that you can custom tailor to the needs of your parent or loved one. This provides your parent with quality personalized care for their needs in a residential setting, all while building a community of support.

Community amenities may include:

• 3 Meals a Day
• Housekeeping
• Emergency Call System
• Laundry
• Wi-Fi
• Cable
• Medication Management
• Resident Assistant 24/7
• Scheduled Activities
• Sunday Worship
• Fresh Towels
• Porches and Outdoor Areas
• Salon

Remember, this isn’t something that you have to do alone. It is okay to reach out and ask for help with navigating the process. There are people who specialize in helping you find the right services for your parent or loved one.

Now What?

Whether you find yourself searching for assisted living after a life-altering event or if additional support and care is needed, senior living provides an affordable, welcoming, and caring living arrangement for aging adults. Hearthside Senior Living can provide peace of mind when it comes to your loved one’s care.

Contact us today to start the conversation about the benefits different types of senior living and our team can provide. We’d love to talk to you about the various options we provide, as well as help you find the best fit for your parent.

Have you determined that an assisted living retirement option is the next best step for your loved one?

If so, you’ve probably begun researching care options, comparing costs, and cross-checking care fees against all-inclusive pricing.

But when it’s all said and done, how much does assisted living cost? And is assisted living a practical alternative for your loved one’s current living situation?

Here’s a beginner guide to help better compare current living expenditures to the costs of assisted living care.

Average Cost of Assisted Living

The national average cost of assisted living is $4,500 per month. In comparison, the average expenditure for a household in the U.S. is $5,111.

However, the price can vary greatly depending on location, size of apartments or suites, and the number of services and care required, as well as the quality and amount of amenities.

Location

The cost of assisted living will generally reflect the cost of living in any given area. For example, expect higher average assisted living costs in Boston when compared to Lebanon due to Tennessee’s lower average living costs. 

Convenience is also a factor, so the community’s proximity to grocery stores, shopping malls, parks, and major highways can also influence the cost of rent each month.

Likewise, communities located in rural areas may be less expensive than facilities located in or near major cities.

Below is a table of the average cost of assisted living across 10 Major U.S. Cities.

Size of Housing

Assisted living communities offer a wide array of room sizes, styles, and layouts. In some cases, apartments may include a kitchen and private bathroom in addition to living areas, bedroom, and common gathering spaces such as activities and dining rooms.

Larger suites provide plenty of space for couples, while smaller more quaint rooms are ideal for those wanting a more manageable space.

Apartments can be furnished or unfurnished, pets are sometimes welcomed, and some communities offer all-inclusive care services.

These specifics will ultimately impact the cost of the final cost of month-to-month expenditures.

Amount of Care Services Required

Different individuals require unique care.

And depending on the community, the amount of and frequency of care can impact the total cost of assisted living.

This is why an initial assessment with the Director of Nursing or other healthcare professional is important to communicate the care needs of your aging loved one. Care levels are often specified by the need for a specific diet, nutrition plan, wellness program, therapy, medication assistance, bathing, grooming or personal care needed.

Factors that can impact the cost of the care plan:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Toileting
• Incontinence
• Laundry
• Meal Prep
• Care Coordination
• Housekeeping

Quality and Amount of Amenities

Seniors today are overcoming stereotypes.

They’re physically active, and technologically engaged, and their retirement options are driven by choice.

Cost of assisted living will be impacted by the number of options and amenities offered by the community.

The list of amenities offered at assisted living communities continues to grow:

• Social gathering rooms for entertaining
• Planned activities and outings
• Salons and barber shops
• Church services and devotionals
• Library
• Volunteer opportunities
• Movie Theatres
• Outdoor walking trails
• Fitness and wellness classes

The True Value of Assisted Living

Maintaining independence, reduced stress from home ownership, and great care are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the true value of assisted living.

Residents enjoy a host of benefits and services that create added value in assisted care.

Activities

Daily activities provide residents with more than engagement; it also gives them camaraderie.

And with an ongoing epidemic of loneliness and social isolation disproportionately affecting seniors, a sense of community involvement is vital to staying happy and healthy.

One of the best parts of a senior community is that guests take part in a number of stimulating activities, from sports and games to all-day outings and events.

Not only do they give guests variation in their day-to-day routines, but they also make for great conversation starters at dinner.

For families still caring for loved ones at home, take a look at this hub of resources for activities.

Dining

A good southern-style, home cooked meal is hard to beat.

Unless it’s a nutritious meal that you don’t have to cook.

Preparing meals can become burdensome as we age, especially when trying to stick to certain foods or diets.

Thankfully, dining services not only take care of cooking, they also cater to specific dietary needs and preferences.

And with the rising cost of groceries factored in, there are invaluable savings in communities’ dining services.

Transportation

It’s not uncommon for aging seniors to face mobility issues.

And unfortunately, it’s not always easy for a friend or loved one to assist with transportation needs.

Most assisted living communities provide transportation to medical visits, church services, shopping, as well as various other destinations.

Social Opportunities 

Assisted living creates opportunities to connect to others with shared passions, interests, and beliefs.

Whether it’s a community event, church service, game night, or post-lunch tea, there’s no shortage of opportunities to create lasting memories with others.

Average National Cost of Living

According to, the average monthly expenditure for a typical American household was $5,111, with housing, transportation, and taxes accounting for the largest portion of taxes.

But because the actual costs can be much more, or less depending on your location, a list of most common expenditures to account for when comparing the current cost of living versus assisted living communities includes;

• Housing
• Transportation
• Taxes
• Household utilities and home repairs
• Food
• Social Security, insurance, and pension contributions
• Healthcare
• Entertainment
• Clothing
• Cash contributions
• Education
• Personal care
• Alcohol
• Gym Memberships

Many factors influence the average cost of senior living.

Location, size of housing, and quality of service all impact the final cost of care.

However, there’s added value in social engagement, dining options, and assistance with daily activities, amongst other factors.

Are you interested in learning more about senior living in central Tennessee? Visit Hearthside Senior Living today.