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Discover the latest community news, events and senior living trends at Montgomery Place

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Signs it Might Be Time for Assisted Living

Deciding if it's time to move into an assisted living community can be challenging. It's important to consider their overall health, safety, and ability to care for themselves. Start noticing signs that indicate you may benefit from the additional support and services provided in assisted living. It might be time to talk with your family and friends about this transition. While resistance is common, addressing these signs early on can help ensure their well-being and quality of life moving forward.

There are several red flags to watch out for when determining if it's time for assisted living. Signs such as forgetfulness, changes in hygiene habits, difficulty managing medications, unexplained injuries, social isolation, neglecting household upkeep, and weight loss are indicators that your current living situation may no longer be suitable. Notice any of these signs occurring with more frequency or severity. It may be time to consider discussing the option of moving into an assisted living community where you can receive the care and assistance you need.

Is Your Home Becoming More Than You Can Handle?

Being unable to care for your home properly can be incredibly concerning. It creates an unsafe and unsanitary living environment and can also become at risk of burglary or other dangers. An unkempt lawn or cluttered home can make it difficult for emergency responders to access the home in an emergency, further endangering your loved one. Additionally, hazards such as rodents, insects, mold, and peeling paint can impede the ability of caregivers to provide necessary support and care.

Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring safety and well-being. It may be necessary to enlist the help of professional cleaners or organizers to address the clutter and unsanitary conditions in the home. Making sure that the home is clean, organized, and free of hazards will improve your quality of life and ensure that you can receive proper care from home care services without impediment. Ultimately, addressing these issues is essential in providing a safe and comfortable living environment for your loved one.

Concerns For Your Safety

It is important to address safety concerns as we age. If you have difficulty navigating the stairs in your home or if there has been forgetfulness and wandering, it may be time to consider alternative living arrangements or additional assistance. The National Council On Aging's statistic that an older adult is treated for a fall in an emergency room every 11 seconds is alarming and highlights the seriousness of this issue. Falls are not only a leading cause of injury deaths and brain injuries in America, but they can also result in severe physical and emotional consequences for our aging relatives.

In addition to the risk of falls, impaired memory can be a significant safety concern for older adults. Forgetfulness could be a sign of cognitive decline or even dementia, both of which require medical attention and monitoring. It is crucial to address any signs of memory impairment early to ensure you receive the appropriate care and support. By staying vigilant and proactive about potential safety concerns related to navigation difficulties and memory issues, we can help protect the well-being and quality of life while getting older.

The Right Community For You

At Montgomery Place, we understand the importance of finding the right senior living community for yourself or a loved one. We take a compassionate and understanding approach to help families transition to assisted living. Our team is dedicated to easing any tension and providing guidance as we share our senior lifestyle options and determine what would be the best fit for each individual. Visiting our communities is a crucial step in making an informed decision, so we encourage families to come and explore our amenities and care programs firsthand.

During a visit to Montgomery Place, guests can meet our team members, ask questions about our services and programs, and get a feel for what life is like in one of our communities. Our staff is welcoming, knowledgeable, and eager to provide information to help make decision-making easier. Whether you are looking for independent living, assisted living, or memory care options, scheduling a tour at a community near you today can give you peace of mind, knowing that you are making an informed choice about yourself or your loved one's future living arrangements.

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seniors and instructor doing water aerobic exercises
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Water Aerobics for Seniors

Water aerobics is a fantastic way to stay active and healthy without putting excessive strain on your joints. It provides a low-impact workout that can help improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. You can benefit greatly from water aerobics as it allows you to move freely and comfortably in the water while enjoying the many benefits of exercise. As people become seniors, water aerobics becomes even more useful and essential to having an active lifestyle.

Here are a few simple and fun water aerobics exercises that can be incorporated into a fitness routine: water walking, leg lifts, and arm curls. These exercises are easy to perform in the water and can be modified based on individual fitness levels. By engaging in regular water aerobics sessions, seniors can improve physical fitness while reducing pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. It is important to find enjoyable ways to stay active as anyone ages, and water aerobics provides a refreshing and fun option for maintaining health and wellness.

Simple Water Aerobic Exercises for Seniors

Arm curls are a great water exercise for seniors as they help strengthen the arms and shoulders muscles without putting too much stress on the joints. Water weights create resistance, which is essential for building muscle strength. This exercise can be easily modified to suit each individual's fitness level by changing the weight of the water weights or the number of repetitions.

To perform arm curls, seniors should stand in shoulder-height water with their water weights held down at their sides, palms facing up, and elbows close to their bodies. By keeping a slow and controlled motion while lifting and lowering the arms, seniors will feel the burn as they work their biceps and forearms. Consistently incorporating arm curls into a water exercise routine can help seniors improve their upper body strength and maintain muscle mass as they age.

Leg lifts are a great water exercise that can help strengthen the muscles in the legs while also improving balance and core strength. By utilizing the resistance of the water, leg lifts provide a challenging workout for all leg muscles. To perform leg lifts in the pool, stand with one leg out to the side and slowly lower it before crossing your other foot over it. Repeat this motion ten times on each leg to fully engage and work those muscles.

Water (aqua) walking or jogging is a fantastic way to improve cardiovascular health and circulation while being gentle on joints. Walking in water provides resistance, making it a great workout for strengthening muscles without stressing the knees, hips, and ankles. It's a perfect exercise for individuals with arthritis or joint pain who still want to stay active. Starting off slow by walking back and forth in the pool's shallow end can help build up stamina and gradually increase endurance.

Benefits of Water Aerobics

Water aerobics is a recommended exercise for seniors because of its low-impact nature and numerous benefits. One of the main advantages is that it offers a cardiovascular workout without stressing the joints, making it suitable for those with arthritis or other joint problems. Water's resistance also allows for a comprehensive workout to enhance muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, and range of motion.

Water aerobics offers both physical and mental health benefits for seniors. Exercising in water can be calming and reduce stress and anxiety. Participating in classes can create a sense of community and belonging. It is a fun and effective way for seniors to stay active and improve their fitness levels.

See The Amenities We Have to Offer at Montgomery Place

Montgomery Place offers an array of amenities to enhance residents' lifestyles, including a 24-hour fitness center and heated indoor pool, various spaces for intellectual and spiritual activities, a library, an art studio, and private gardens. The community is pet-friendly and equipped with Wi-Fi. Dining options feature chef-prepared meals with flexible dining points. Transportation services, like a daily shuttle and private car service, ensure convenience. Comprehensive services include 24/7 security, maintenance, housekeeping, and all utilities, with options for additional personalized services.

Ready to take a look? Tour our award-winning community today! You can contact us at (773) 753-4100

Featured Image: Ground Picture / Shutterstock

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Chair senior yoga poses for at-home
Apr 9, 2024 |
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At-home Chair Yoga for Senior

Welcome to a journey of health, flexibility, and peace explicitly tailored for those with needs for low-impact fitness activities. If you're seeking a gentle yet effective way to enhance your well-being, you've found the right place. At-home chair yoga for seniors offers an accessible path to maintaining physical activity and promoting mental health, all from the comfort of your home or the supportive environment of Montgomery Place. This article delves into the essence of chair yoga, demonstrating why it's an ideal practice for adults seeking to improve their lifestyle without the strain of traditional exercises.

At Montgomery Place, we believe that it's never too late to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Chair yoga is just one of the many ways we are helping our senior community to live independently and thrive. By prioritizing the physical and emotional well-being of our residents, we are creating a nurturing environment where seniors can enjoy a fulfilling and active lifestyle.

By residing at Montgomery Place, you're not just exploring a practice; you're connecting with a community dedicated to senior wellness in Chicago. Ready to transform your daily routine with a practice tailored to your needs? Let's embark on this journey to wellness together, embracing the beauty of aging with grace, strength, and vitality.

Why to Try Chair Yoga

Chair yoga emerges as a beacon of hope for seniors striving to maintain an active lifestyle without overtaxing themselves. It stands out for its adaptability, ensuring everyone can partake regardless of mobility or fitness levels. This form of yoga mitigates the risks of falls and injuries, offering a safe haven for those concerned about balance and stability. The benefits extend beyond the physical realm; chair yoga is a conduit for mental serenity, reducing stress and enhancing cognitive function. Its low-impact nature, paired with significant health benefits, makes chair yoga not just an exercise but a lifestyle change worth embracing.

The practice of chair yoga also offers an excellent opportunity for social interaction and community building. Although it can be done individually, we encourage our residents to engage in group sessions, either virtually or in person, following health and safety guidelines. These sessions not only promote physical health but also help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, fostering a sense of belonging and support within the Montgomery Place community.

Chair Yoga Poses for Adults

Embarking on the chair yoga journey unveils a variety of poses designed to stretch, strengthen, and stabilize the body, all while seated or using a chair for support. Begin with the seated mountain pose to ground your energy and improve posture. Transition into the seated cat-cow stretch, a delightful way to enhance spinal flexibility and relieve back tension. Don't overlook the seated spinal twist, a simple yet profound pose that revitalizes the spine and stimulates digestion. For those looking to fortify their lower body, the chair-assisted warrior poses offer a way to build strength and balance without the fear of falling. Lastly, the seated forward bend invites you to deepen your practice, stretching the back and legs while calming the mind. These poses, among others, form the foundation of a practice that is as nurturing as it is empowering.

Senior Communities in Chicago

At Montgomery Place, we are committed to providing our residents with the tools and resources they need to lead vibrant, independent lives. Offering a variety of wellness programs, including chair yoga, Montgomery Place is a beacon for seniors seeking a balanced and enriched lifestyle. We understand that embarking on a new fitness journey can be daunting, especially for seniors who may be new to yoga. That's why our team at Montgomery Place is here to guide and support you every step of the way. In Chicago, communities like ours play a crucial role in providing the support and resources necessary for a fulfilling life.

senior chair yoga

We invite you to become a part of our community, where wellness is a way of life and every individual's needs are met with care and expertise. Whether you're interested in chair yoga or seeking a supportive environment to call home, Montgomery Place offers an unparalleled experience for seniors in Chicago.

Contact us to learn more about our programs and how you can join a community that celebrates wellness and independence daily. Together, we can embark on a journey toward a healthier, more vibrant future.

Featured Images: n.k.junky / AlenaDziachuk | Shutterstock

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Montgomery Place shares top senior activities near Chicago
Mar 13, 2024 |
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Top Senior Activities in Chicago

Chicago is a great place to live. With legendary attractions like Millennium Park, Wrigley Field, and the Magnificent Mile, the Windy City draws thousands of tourists each year. Many attractions in Chicago offer free admission all year long or discounts for seniors on certain days.

These are some of the activities seniors can enjoy around Chicago, as well as activities offered at Montgomery Place: Senior Living Community in Chicago.

Activities Around the Chicago Area

Chicago is filled with interesting things to do and see. Activities that seniors can enjoy include:

Museums

Chicago has some of the greatest museums in the nation. Many offer free admission to everyone all year long, and some feature free days for citizens of Illinois.

Chicago museums with free admission include:

  • Hyde Park Art Center

  • Museum of Contemporary Photography

  • Smart Museum of Art

  • Jane Addams Hull-House Museum

  • National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture

  • Chicago Cultural Center

  • National Veterans Art Museum

  • Loyola University Museum of Art

  • National Cambodian Heritage Museum

Public transportation from Hyde Park where Montgomery Place is located is provided by Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra.

Animals

Animal lovers have access to two great attractions in Chicago. The Lincoln Park Zoo is always free and open 365 days a year. Featuring massive waterscapes that house marine mammals, brightly colored fish, octopuses, sharks, and other water creatures, the Shedd Aquarium provides a glimpse into the wonders of the aquatic animal world.

The Great Outdoors

Chicago is home to lakeside beaches and some of the best public parks in the world. Chicago Botanic Garden encompasses 365 acres of nature and beauty and offers free admission days.

Shopping

Chicago's Magnificent Mile includes more than 450 retailers, all within walking distance of Downtown Chicago. Chicago Premium Outlets offer discount shopping right outside the city.

Music

Millennium Park on Michigan Avenue hosts the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, and the World Music Festival. Visitors can also enjoy shows, talks, exhibits, movie screenings, and more.

Activities You Can Find at Montgomery Place

Montgomery Place offers a wide range of enriching and entertaining activities and community amenities for residents to enjoy. Examples of popular events include:

  • Chess Club: Chess tournaments with other residents and student volunteers are held in the game room

  • Tai Chi: Instructor-led classes are available to all

  • Film Committee Movie: The film committee selects English-language movies that can be watched in residents' apartments or in the lounge where popcorn is included

  • Yoga: Instructor-led classes for everyone

  • Hewson Swift Concerts: Residents select music from their own collections

  • Friday Night Speakers: The speaker's committee selects individuals to speak on a variety of topics

Senior living activities at Montgomery Place focus on residents' physical, spiritual, and social well-being.

See Why People are Coming to Chicago in Their Retirement Years

One of the reasons Chicago is a prime location for retirement is that there is so much to do here. Those who want to remain active in their retirement years have access to outdoor activities, museums, world-class restaurants, a vibrant art scene, excellent public transportation, and so much more.

Chicago also offers seniors a variety of incentives, including:

  • Good Healthcare

  • Retirement Income Tax Exemption

  • A Four-Season Climate

  • Central Location

  • Wonderful Neighborhoods

For those who enjoy city life, Chicago is one of the most exciting locations in the country.

See What Chicago Has to Offer

If you're looking for a place to retire, or your loved one needs help with relocation, Chicago has a lot to offer. Montgomery Park is a not-for-profit organization with a 5-star CMS rating, recognized for short-term stay rehab and skilled nursing care.

Contact us for more information or to schedule a tour.

Featured Image: Sean Pavone/ Shutterstock

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Montgomery Place's guide to retiring in Chicago
Mar 12, 2024 |
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Guide to Retiring in Chicago

Whether you want to remain active in retirement or look forward to more peaceful days focusing on things you enjoy, Chicago has a lot to offer you or your loved one. The best neighborhoods and affordable living options make retiring in Chicago a top choice for many.

Montgomery Place: Senior Living Community in Chicago provides an array of services for a fulfilling retirement in the Windy City.

Why Seniors are Retiring in Chicago

A vibrant art scene, world-class restaurants, an excellent transportation system, and culture on every corner make Chicago one of the most livable cities in the United States.

Retired citizens of Chicago enjoy:

Retirement Income Tax Exemption

In Chicago, almost all retirement income is exempt from income taxes. That includes pensions, Social Security payments, and earnings from retirement savings accounts. For those who own their own homes, several property tax exemptions apply.

Good Healthcare

The state of Illinois has access to an excellent healthcare system. Home to some of the nation's top-ranked hospital systems, Chicago offers quality medical care to those who choose to retire here.

Central Location

Chicago's central location makes O'Hare International Airport one of the busiest airports in the world. An easy stopping point for airlines, you can access any destination from Chicago. For fun road trips, many of America's best Midwestern cities are just a short drive away.

Unbeatable Climate

The city of Chicago has four distinct seasons. You can experience lush springs with incredible blooms and warm summers that are perfect for swimming and outdoor activities. Picture-perfect falls with gorgeous colorful leaves give way to snowy winters and ice skating.

Chicago is a great place to retire if intense heat is not your thing.

Activities Galore

No matter what you're into, it's happening in Chicago. Home of the Chicago Cubs and America's second-oldest baseball stadium, Wrigley Field, it's a great place for baseball fans.

Offering some of the nation's most diverse cuisine, Chicago is filled with eateries, including classic diners, food trucks, and fine dining establishments, all within a block or two of each other. There are more than 23 Michelin restaurants located in our beautiful city.

Art lovers can choose from a variety of museums, art galleries, live music venues, and Broadway-style performances. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is one of the finest in the country.

Excellent Transportation Infrastructure

Chicago has one of the best transportation systems in the U.S. The Chicago Transit Authority is a great option for those who don't want to drive or who have limited mobility.

Get to Know the Neighborhood in Chicago

Located in the historic neighborhood of Hyde Park, Montgomery Place provides lakefront senior living at its finest. Despite its proximity to Lake Michigan and the University of Chicago, Hyde Park is a compact and richly woven community that is easy to navigate and filled with interesting things to do. The neighborhood fully embraces Montgomery Park and vice versa.

Make the Most Out of Retirement

To get the most out of retirement, you need a place with the services and amenities you desire to call home. Montgomery Park offers:

  • Flexible dining options

  • Access to an indoor pool, fitness center, art studio, and garden

  • Social, cultural, and intellectual activities

  • Scheduled transportation to medical appointments

  • Bi-weekly housekeeping and linen services

  • Premium cable, internet, and utilities

  • A chef's kitchen, washer and dryer, and walk-in closets

Special accommodations such as salon and barber services, laundry and dry cleaning, custom interior design, and specialized nursing services are available for an additional fee.

Find a Community You Can Call Home in Chicago

If you are looking for the best place to retire in Illinois, Montgomery Place: Senior Living Community in Chicago is a community you'll be happy to call home. We are a not-for-profit organization with a 5-star CMS rating that has received accolades from U.S. News and World Report for our short-term stay rehab and skilled nursing home care.

Contact us to learn why we represent the ideal place to enjoy retirement years or to schedule a tour.

Featured Image: Rudy Balasko / Shutterstock

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Hobby classes for seniors near Chicago
Mar 11, 2024 |
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Top Hobby Classes For Seniors Near Chicago, IL

Retirement signals the end of one stage of life and the beginning of a new one. With more time for reflection, the saying "Age is just a number" gains new significance. This period provides a sense of freedom. However, some seniors may focus on the past instead of embracing the present. One valuable aspect of retirement is the chance to pursue new hobbies.

Regardless of whether you are always on the go or like to live life at a slower pace, at Montgomery Place: Senior Living Community in Chicago, IL, you can be yourself. Keep reading to find hobby classes available to check out.

Art Classes

Unlocking Hidden Talents! Often, due to the demands of career and family, many innate talents remain dormant or unexplored during our younger years. Retirement provides a golden opportunity for seniors to delve into these untapped reservoirs of potential. Whether it's sketching, writing poetry, or crafting, a hobby can unlock hidden talents, bringing immense personal satisfaction. Luckily for residents, there is an active art studio with classes at Montgomery Place.

Physical Fitness

Physical Fitness, such as yoga, is a great hobby for seniors who want to be active and fit while stretching their minds. Many low-impact physical fitness activities give people a great way to improve memory. As a result, gaining better muscle memory and more movement coordination. Water aerobics, for example, allows seniors to remain flexible, which can help fight against cancer or other diseases that cause stiffness in the body.

Montgomery Place has amenities such as a 24-Hour Fitness Center, with group exercise classes and a 24-Hour Heated Indoor Pool, with group water aerobics for residents.

Gardening

Perfect for stress reduction and mental health. Engaging in activities one loves can be a therapeutic experience. Activities like knitting, gardening, or even bird watching can be meditative, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. In an era where mental health is crucial, hobbies act as a cushion, providing solace and mental relaxation. Having areas where your community is like Montegormay Place's private gardens, greenhouse, and conservatory with Wifi throughout the community and garden is important for keeping active.

Cooking Classes

Cooking is the perfect hobby for givers because they can put time and effort into something that others will enjoy. Who doesn't love the sizzle and scent of something delicious cooking on the stove? Combined with learning about nutrition and healthful eating, cooking can also come with a tremendous amount of health benefits. Poring over old cookbooks and perfecting your recipes can be a fulfilling hobby that is great for your mind and body. Joining a cooking class is useful so you can come back to your unit at Montgomery Place, which has a full chef's kitchen for those who enjoy cooking. Create a night trying out your newly learned dishes with your neighbors.

Reading and Writing

Many people have "writing a novel" on their bucket list, but writing for yourself can also be satisfying. Reading books, magazines, news articles, and blogs can bring enjoyment and stimulate your mind. Both reading and writing are beneficial for maintaining a healthy brain. The library at Montegomary Place is the perfect space to test out your reading knowledge, join a book club or discover new writing ideas.

Other Amenities for Hobbies Available At Montgomery Place in Chicago, IL

Other areas to pursue hobbies can be at Montgomery Place's chapel and meeting rooms for intellectual, cultural, and spiritual events and activities.

See What We Offer Retirees in Chicago!

Residents at Montgomery Place can participate in a variety of activities that promote social, physical, and spiritual well-being. There are over 30 clubs, classes, interest groups, and committees available, all run by residents. Older adults can live life on their own terms, at their own pace, and in their own homes at Montgomery Place.

Featured Image: Jacob Lund / Shutterstock

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