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The Holbrook Blog

A group of seniors socializing by grabbing dinner together.
Blog

Best Places for Senior Socialization

Social interaction is vital for people of all ages, but it becomes especially important as we grow older. For seniors, engaging with others can improve mental health, reduce feelings of loneliness, and even boost physical health.
Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities for seniors to connect with others in meaningful ways. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best places and activities for senior socialization— like community gardens, travel groups, book clubs, and more—and discuss how these socialization options offer vibrant avenues for community involvement.

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A person holding a puzzle of a side profile of a person with a few puzzle pieces missing symbolizing dementia.
Blog

Can You Leave a Person With Dementia Alone?

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a profound responsibility that often comes with a complex mix of emotions and questions. One of the most pressing questions for caregivers and family members is whether it’s safe to leave a person with dementia alone. 

The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on a variety of factors, including the stage of dementia and timing, the individual’s capabilities, and whether you’re willing to explore memory care. Here, we explore these considerations to help you make informed decisions about your loved one’s care.

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A nurse checks in on a senior resident in their home, holding them by the shoulders as they smile.
Blog

When to Move From Independent to Assisted Living

Navigating the path from independent to assisted living can be emotional and challenging for parents and their adult children, but it can also be practical and rewarding. Senior living can look different for everyone, so there are no hard-drawn rules surrounding when it’s time to adjust living situations. However, added physical and/or cognitive changes that make completing daily living more complex can indicate that it’s time to change.

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A group of happy seniors are dancing enthusiastically in an open room during a senior dance class.
Blog

Senior Dance Classes: 5 Benefits

Staying active is a great way for seniors to maintain health. Seniors rediscovering the joy of dance may find more than just a fun pastime—dance can also be a gateway to a healthier, happier lifestyle. From building friendships to improving flexibility, the benefits of senior dance classes are extensive.   5 benefits of dance classes for seniors are:  1. Built-In Community  The list of benefits that friendships and socialization have on seniors is long. From reduced risk of Alzheimer’s to encouraging a more active lifestyle, community is key to seniors’ health.     Socialization is a fundamental aspect of senior dance classes. These classes bring individuals with shared interests together, fostering a sense of belonging. Shared activities like dance encourage conversation and connection, helping to form new friendships. Through lighthearted chatter or a shared enthusiasm for new dances, participants forge meaningful relationships beyond the dance floor, which provide companionship and emotional support.  Senior dance classes help build stronger communities by creating spaces for seniors to connect and engage. Participants often form bonds with fellow dancers and instructors, creating a close-knit community that supports one another. The unity extends beyond dance, as participants can organize group outings beyond dance classes.  2. Better Brain Health 

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A senior couple walks together along a beach
Blog

Is It Time to Move? Retirement Living Options Beyond Florida After Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Is it time to move? This is the question that is undoubtedly on many Floridians’ minds in the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton, which made landfall recently and battered the coastline. Florida is a popular destination for retirement living, with countless communities across the state. Many seniors move away from family members in other states to spend their retirement in the tropical sun.  However, with the devastation left by these “100-year storms”, costs for renters, homeowners, and retirees continue to rise. Insurance rates see sharp increases and housing and rental markets become more volatile. The senior living industry is especially susceptible to these changes, with costs for retirees also on the rise. With these increasing costs of retirement living in Florida, it may be time to explore your retirement options out-of-state. There are many reasons to move to a senior living community outside of Florida in addition to escaping the rising costs. Perhaps moving to a community elsewhere will help you be closer to and stay better connected with loved ones or give you peace of mind in a safe environment.  At Holbrook, we’re proud to operate 4 beautiful communities in the Atlanta area. Focusing on luxury and active

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An older adult smiling while holding a paintbrush in front of an easel during a group art activity class.
Blog

7 Art Activities For Seniors

Art activities can be a rewarding way to transform a bland afternoon into a creative journey full of excitement. These activities offer plenty of benefits—from cognitive stimulation to improved dexterity, art activities can be a wonderful answer for a senior looking for something to do.

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An adult grandchild and grandparent embrace happily in a flower garden.
Blog

Activities For Seniors With Dementia

Activities like arts and crafts, gardening, and spending time with animals can significantly improve the quality of life of those with memory loss conditions. 

Structured activities help keep seniors with memory loss engaged and provide them with cognitive, emotional, and physical benefits. Whether it’s a simple daily routine or something creative, the right activities can make a world of difference. Let’s explore some activities designed specifically for seniors with dementia that can promote their overall well-being.

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An older person leans on their spouse's shoulder and smiles while outside on a sunny day.
Blog

Differences Between Skilled Nursing & Assisted Living

Navigating the world of senior care options can be challenging, especially when it comes to making the best choices for a loved one. Many caregivers find themselves at a crossroads when deciding between skilled nursing and assisted living communities. These decisions impact daily life, stress levels, and overall well-being for everyone involved.

The main difference between these options is that skilled nursing focuses on providing a higher level of medical care, while assisted living helps residents live independently while still receiving the support they need.

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A personal trainer guides a senior through gentle stretches to help improve her mobility and flexibility.
Holbrook Acworth

Personal Training for Seniors: 5 Benefits

Fitness isn’t just for the young—it’s a lifelong commitment to health and happiness. This isn’t to discount the power of non-physical fun like arts and crafts, but physical activity offers its own significant benefits to seniors’ well-being.

Many people’s first thought when they hear “personal training” is sweating in the gym or running on a treadmill. While these are of course physical activities, there are also certified personal trainers who specialize in building personalized plans for seniors. The team in your senior living community can likely help you find your own trainer if you’re interested in working on your fitness.

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A senior woman enjoying knitting at a senior living community.
Blog

Benefits of Arts and Crafts for Seniors

Art and creativity aren’t just for the young—they’re a vital part of living a fulfilling life at any age.

For seniors, engaging in arts and crafts can be more than just a hobby; it can serve as a meaningful pathway to an active adult life and improved mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Benefits of arts and crafts include:

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A daughter embraces her mature mother while visiting assisted living.
Blog

Who Qualifies For Assisted Living?

Finding the right care environment for a loved one is a critical component of caregiving, as it directly impacts their overall well-being. An ideal care community fulfills a person’s physical needs while also addressing their emotional and social requirements.

Assisted living is an attractive option for those requiring more care, as it offers a blend of independence and support, bridging the gap between independent living and more intensive forms of care.

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Happy elderly couple sharing a moment and looking at a tablet together, researching retirement communities.
Blog

How To Choose A Retirement Community

When planning your retirement, you may have thought about where you want to live. Retirement communities are a popular option for seniors who want to downsize and have access to amenities and activities specifically designed for their age group. If you’re considering moving into a retirement community, there are several factors to consider when choosing the right one. You should:

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Two older couples laugh together as they walk outside on a dirt trail, the sun shining & big leafy trees surrounding them.
Active Senior Living

The Importance of Senior Fitness

Physical fitness is essential for everyone but becomes particularly important as we age. Regular physical activity is one of the most significant contributors to longevity, boosting energy, protecting your heart, managing aches and pains, and lowering your risk for various conditions like heart disease, obesity, dementia, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some cancers.

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An older woman is smiling and having fun with her assisted living care aide.
Active Senior Living

What’s the Difference Between Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care?

In the evolving landscape of senior care, 3 options have become increasingly prominent: independent living, memory care, assisted living. These care settings are designed to meet the unique needs of seniors, but they cater to different aspects of aging, health, and wellness.
Independent living refers to housing arrangements designed for older adults who are able to live on their own but may benefit from various services and social opportunities. Memory care requires specialized expertise from staff, appropriate safety measures, and cognitively stimulating programs. Assisted living is a community that provides assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) to individuals who require some level of support, but do not need round-the-clock medical care.

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Someone is holding a side profile of a head with missing puzzle pieces near the mind indicating memory loss.
Memory Care

When Is It Time for Memory Care?

Caring for an aging family member can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Age-related memory issues can worsen over time, and since most family members will have to balance other commitments, most aren’t equipped to always care for their loved ones. Memory care provides 24-hour care for people with memory-related issues that impact their day-to-day activities.

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Two older women are playing chess for cognitive stimulation and social well-being.
Senior Lifestyle

Benefits of Board Games for Seniors

Board games are more than just a source of entertainment – in fact, this activity offers a myriad of benefits that go beyond a simple pastime. Engaging in board games can help improve cognitive function, enhance social interactions, and provide a sense of accomplishment. These games often require strategic thinking, memory recall, and problem-solving skills, which can help keep the mind sharp. Playing board games can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation by fostering social connections with family members, friends, or fellow residents in a community setting. Whether you’re a senior looking to stay active or a caregiver seeking to enrich the lives of those you care for, introducing board games into daily routines can be incredibly rewarding. The joy of playing and the laughter shared around a game board can create lasting memories and improve overall well-being. Cognitive Stimulation One of the most significant benefits of board games for seniors is cognitive stimulation. Mental agility and sharpness tend to decline with age, leading to issues such as memory loss and reduced problem-solving skills. However, engaging in mentally challenging activities like board games can help keep the brain active and sharp.  These games often require strategic thinking, planning, and quick

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A senior couple performs balance exercises on a sunny, green lawn.
Active Senior Living

Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises?

As we age, our bodies experience various changes that can affect our overall health and well-being. One often overlooked yet vital aspect for older adults is balance. Maintaining good balance becomes increasingly important as we age since it plays a key role in preventing falls and preserving independence. Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. So, why should older adults engage in balance-enhancing exercises? Primarily because maintaining balance can help: Specialized fitness programs can help strengthen balance in older adults, with a focus on improving stability, enhancing coordination, and boosting overall physical health. With various clubs, activities, and expert-led programs, Holbrook creates an inspiring environment where seniors can thrive and maintain their independence.  Keep reading to find out more about the many benefits of performing balance exercises. Preventing Falls One of the main reasons older adults should prioritize balance exercises is to mitigate the risk of falls. Falls are a major concern for seniors and can result in serious injuries like fractures and head trauma. Balance exercises enhance stability and coordination, decreasing the likelihood of falls and their associated consequences. Simple practices such as standing on one foot or walking heel to toe

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A happy group of older adults taking a picture together at an event in a senior living community.
Senior Living

Ways to Make Friends as a Senior

Making new friends can feel challenging at any age, but it often seems especially daunting as we get older. However, forming new connections is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. There are various ways seniors can make new friends, whether you’re looking to join clubs, attend community events, or explore activities at a senior living community, there’s something for everyone. Why Friendships Matter at Any Age Friendships enrich our lives in countless ways. They provide emotional support, offer new perspectives, and bring joy and laughter into our daily routines. For seniors, maintaining an active social life is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. Friendships can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, making life more fulfilling and enjoyable. The Benefits of Staying Social as a Senior Staying social has numerous benefits. Join Clubs & Organizations Finding Local Clubs & Groups Look for local clubs that align with your interests. Whether it’s a gardening club, a book club, or a sports group, there’s likely something that piques your interest. Local libraries, community centers, and online platforms like Meetup can help you find these groups. Exploring Hobby & Interest-Based Organizations If you have a particular hobby or interest, consider joining an organization

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An older man is engaging in aquatic therapy with a certified aquatic therapist.
Aquatic Therapy

What is Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy, also known as water therapy or hydrotherapy, might just be your new best friend. Imagine a form of physical therapy where you’re guided through exercises in a pool, with the water offering support and resistance to help you move more freely and comfortably. The buoyancy provided by the water reduces the strain on your joints, making it an ideal choice for those with arthritis or injuries.  The warmth of the water can help to soothe muscles and improve circulation, which can be ideal for active adult living. Sounds intriguing? Let’s dive into the details of what aquatic therapy is and why it could be perfect for you. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to enhance your fitness routine, aquatic therapy offers a unique and effective way to achieve your goals. Why Consider Aquatic Therapy? For older adults, physical activity can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re dealing with chronic pain, arthritis, or recovering from surgery. This is where aquatic therapy shines. It provides a low-impact way to improve mobility, strength, and overall well-being. Key Benefits of Aquatic Therapy The buoyancy of water supports your body, reducing stress on your

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A happy senior couple smiling while looking out the window of a luxury senior living community.
Senior Living

The Benefits of Luxury Senior Living

Deciding to move to senior living can be an excellent decision. But why compromise on your future quality of life by choosing a standard community? Instead, spend your senior years in style by choosing a luxury senior living community that prioritizes making every day matter. Luxury senior living offers a wealth of benefits designed to improve your quality of life. And here at Holbrook, we take it a step further. There are plenty of on-site amenities, activities, events, and more to give you a way to pursue your passions every day.  Whether you’re in assisted living, memory care, or active adult living, there’s something for everyone in our community. The Three Types of Senior Living Senior living isn’t just a generic thing, it’s divided into different categories depending on the level of care required by residents. Typically, senior living communities can be broken down into 3 key types: Read along as we explore the different types of senior living and what makes them each unique. Independent Living Independent active adult living is ideal for seniors who are self-sufficient and independent but want a more maintenance-free and simpler lifestyle. In active adult living, you can move to a residential community tailored

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Blog

What Is Active Senior Living?

Making the move to senior living can be an incredible decision. But who says it needs to be boring? For many seniors, active senior living can be an engaging and exciting new step in life where you can spend your days as you choose—all in an environment designed to make every day unique.

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We look forward to
speaking with you