Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care

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Bella Vista
3 Highlands Crossing Drive
Bella Vista, AR 72715
(479) 855-5600
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Fort Smith
2300 Fianna Oaks Dr.
Fort Smith, AR 72908
(479) 649-7100
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Hot Springs
205 Sawtooth Oak
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 520-0016

Here’s Why Quality Sleep is Important for Seniors.

Here’s Why Quality Sleep is Important for Seniors.

December 17, 2020 By brookfieldseniors2017


We spend up to a third of our lives sleeping. So it’s not surprising that lack of sleep can negatively impact our physical, mental and emotional health. 

While it’s true that seniors don’t need as many hours of sleep as they did when they were younger, it’s also true that sleep offers benefits that are especially important for older adults. 

Here’s why quality sleep is so important for seniors. 

Deep Sleep Improves Memory


Aging can bring natural declines in memory and cognition. While these changes are typically normal and cause no serious issues, many seniors still want to improve their memory and mental agility as they age. 

One of the best ways to keep memory and concentration sharp is getting plenty of sleep. 

Studies have shown that slow-wave sleep (deep sleep) is instrumental in memory consolidation, the process of transferring recently learned information into long-term memories.  

For seniors who are concerned with lapses in memory, getting uninterrupted, quality sleep can help. 

Quality Sleep Helps Maintain Metabolism


As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass and experience hormonal changes. We also tend to become more sedentary than when we were when we were younger. 

Loss of muscle mass is a key contributor to weight gain as we age. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so as you lose muscle and acquire fat, your body needs fewer calories to maintain your weight. Eating the same amount of calories each day leads to gradual weight gain if you aren’t weight training to maintain muscle. Because of health conditions and sedentary jobs, many adults aren’t able to maintain muscle mass into their senior years.

As a result, middle-aged adults gain an average of 1 to 2 pounds per year. As we enter our senior years, those extra pounds can hang around and become harder to lose–even with concerted effort. In fact, according to the CDC, 42.8% of adults aged 60 and over are considered obese. 

Seniors who don’t sleep well may also face issues with maintaining their metabolism and controlling their appetite. 

Quality sleep helps regulate the metabolism so that our bodies can efficiently convert food into energy. It also helps regulate our appetites. Lack of sleep can cause cravings for sugar and unhealthy snacks, and may cause us to overeat.

Quality Sleeps Helps Regulate Mood and Mental Health


Studies have shown that quality of sleep has a direct effect on a person’s mood the next day. 

According to the National Institute on Aging, lack of quality sleep can cause increased irritability, lack of motivation and anxiety. According to the National Sleep Foundation, chronic poor sleep can exacerbate symptoms of depression. 

Older people are already at an increased risk for depression because of chronic health conditions, loneliness and life changes. It’s important for seniors to not only pay attention to their sleeping patterns, but to monitor the quality of their sleep. 

It is vital for seniors who are experiencing sleep disturbances or symptoms of insomnia to talk to their doctors. Lack of sleep can contribute to mental and physical health problems for seniors, especially those who already have chronic health conditions. 

Have more questions about senior health and happiness?

Read the Brookfield Senior Living blog.

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How To Help Seniors Fight Loneliness This Holiday Season

November 25, 2020 By brookfieldseniors2017

Helping Seniors Fight Holiday Loneliness
As the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to socially distance, many of us have had to stop visiting our senior loved ones in person to keep them safe from the threat of the virus. As the holidays approach, social distancing is more important than ever. This is especially true for seniors, who are especially vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19. 

As a result, many seniors are facing a holiday season without visits from family and friends. Many will spend the holiday season completely alone. 

If you’re concerned about a senior loved one this holiday season, here are a few ways you can help. 

Send Special Holiday Meals


The holidays are synonymous with festive meals and dishes. For many of us, the food is our favorite part of the season. 

If your senior loved one is spending the holidays alone this year, you can make their season a little brighter by sending them a favorite holiday dish.

Contact your loved one to find out which holiday meals or dishes they love most, and ask for recipes for preparing the dish like they remember it. 

If your loved one lives in an assisted living facility or nursing home, you can deliver it yourself while following the facility’s COVID-19 protocols. If the meal is being prepared by a favorite restaurant, you can organize delivery through the restaurant itself. Include a sweet card wishing your loved one a happy holiday season, and let them know you’re thinking of them. 

Record a Holiday Video With Family and Friends


One of the hardest parts of the holidays this year is not being able to gather with extended family and friends. Huge holiday gatherings are often a cherished part of the holidays, especially for seniors who have children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and close friends. 

An easy way to bring holiday cheer to a senior facing the holidays alone is to make a video that features family members and friends. 

Organize a family-wide video recording, and ask participants to send their recordings to you via email. You can splice the videos together using free video editing software like OpenShot, iMovie for iPhone, or video editing apps for Android.

You can send the video via email as a file attachment. If your loved one isn’t versed with technology, you can call them and walk them through downloading and watching it. 

Schedule a Window Visit


A window visit is a safe way to see your elderly loved one during the holidays. If they live in an assisted living facility or nursing home, you can coordinate your window visit with the facility staff. 

If your loved one lives alone, make sure they know when you’ll be arriving. If your loved one has physical limitations and has home care providers to help them, coordinate your visit with a caregiver. This will allow your loved one to enjoy the window visit without the stress of getting dressed and walking to the window by themselves. 

To get the most out of your window visit, you can call your loved one on the phone and talk during the visit. Bring a photo album, game or memento that reminds them of joyful holidays in the past. Reminiscing about great holidays can help your loved one feel connected and combat loneliness and social isolation they may feel.

Organize a Socially-Distanced Caroling Event


Holiday carols are a favorite part of the holidays for many seniors. Unfortunately, caroling concerts that many seniors enjoyed at their churches or senior communities for years have been canceled. 

Family members and friends can re-invent this classic holiday tradition by hosting a caroling event of their own, using COVID-19 safety protocols. 

You can organize a caroling event on Zoom with additional family members and friends, and invite your aging loved one to watch or participate. If your loved one doesn’t know how to use video chatting software, you can schedule a time to show them beforehand.

The holidays this year may be a lonely time for many older adults. Fortunately, family and friends can make small gestures to let these seniors know they are loved and cherished, even if it’s from afar. 

Learn more about helping seniors feel socially connected during COVID-19 by reading Brookfield Senior Living’s blog. 

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Brookfield Senior Living’s Bella Vista Retirement Community

October 19, 2020 By brookfieldseniors2017

Retirement Living in Bella Vista, AR

Exceptional Retirement Living in Bella Vista, Ar


Brookfield Senior Living is proud to offer an exceptional retirement community in beautiful Bella Vista at Highlands Crossing. Our community is a Level I assisted living facility that caters to independent seniors who may need occasional assistance with the activities of daily living or household chores. We are the only fully licensed assisted living facility in Bella Vista, Arkansas.

Our Community Emphasizes Independent Living 


At Brookfield Senior Living in Bella Vista, we understand the importance of allowing residents to maintain their independence and individuality. However, we also know how important it is to provide support and assistance to residents when they need it. 

Our emphasis on vibrant, independent living begins with our community’s residential suites.

Our apartments emphasize comfort, privacy and dignity. Each suite offers a kitchenette, refrigerator, freezer and microwave, as well as a private bathroom. Our community is ground level and handicap accessible, making it easier for residents to explore, socialize and enjoy themselves on their own schedule. 

Additionally, Brookfield Senior Living residents have access to a well-rounded array of common areas, recreational activities, and social events. With assistance from our care teams, our residents have all the tools they need to lead active, healthy, engaged and independent lives.

Our Dining Program Emphasizes Nutrition and Individual Needs


Our dining program is designed to accommodate special dietary needs while also maintaining a high standard of nutrition and taste for each resident. We offer three meals per day and unlimited access to our juice and snack bar. 

Our dining program is able to accommodate special requests at holidays and can work with residents’ families and medical recommendations to create special dietary plans. 

Our Payment Options Are Flexible


Brookfield Senior Living in Bella Vista accepts self-pay, Veteran’s Administration payments, and long-term care insurance. We work with each resident and their family to find the best payment method for them. 

Our Care Team is Exceptional


Brookfield Senior Living’s care team consists of experienced administrators, registered nurses and care providers. Our team’s approach to resident care is centered on compassion, dignity and peace of mind. 

In addition to improving our residents’ lives through quality of care, our team emphasizes resident health and encourages an active, engaged lifestyle. Our care team works with each resident to create a care plan that meets their needs while still allowing them to live full, stimulating lives. 

Our Care Services Are Individualized


We understand that not every resident needs daily assistance or support. Some residents prefer limited help, while others may require assistance with the activities of daily living or have short-term care needs during an illness. 

Our care plans are individualized so each resident receives the level of care and support he or she needs. Each member of our community undergoes a resident care assessment, performed by a healthcare professional, so we can find the right level of support and assistance for their individual needs. 

As the care needs of residents change, our approach to care is also changed. This ensures that each resident continues to live a comfortable, active life as a member of our community.

Contact Brookfield Senior Living in Bella Vista Today


If you or your aging loved one is interested in our Bella Vista retirement community, contact us today!

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Exceptional Assisted Living in Fort Smith, Arkansas

September 18, 2020 By brookfieldseniors2017

Assisted Living in Fort Smith, AR
Brookfield Senior Living in Fort Smith, Arkansas is proud to offer a picturesque, home-like environment for our residents to live independently, while still receiving needed support and assistance. Our assisted living facility in Fort Smith, Arkansas offers beautiful apartments, expansive common areas, a supportive and caring staff, and a variety of activities to keep your loved one engaged, stimulated and happy. 

If you have a senior loved one who is no longer comfortable or safe living at home, an assisted living facility, assisted living can be a life-changing improvement. 

Here’s what you should know about Brookfield Senior Living’s Fort Smith assisted living community.

Brookfield Senior Living in Fort Smith is a Level I Assisted Living Facility


In Arkansas, a Level I Assisted Living facility must provide the following for all residents:

  • 24-hour supervision by awake staff members
  • 24-hour assistance in obtaining emergency healthcare
  • Assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs): Dressing, feeding, personal hygiene, ambulating, continence, and toileting
  • Laundry services
  • Assistance with recreation and social activities
  • Transportation assistance
  • Assistance with medication

Level I ALFs are not allowed to permit residents who require a nursing home level of care or who need continuous visual monitoring. 

Residents in Level I facilities must be generally independent, able to administer their own medications and able to ambulate (move around) on their own. 

All residents seeking placement in an assisted living community must undergo a health needs assessment performed by a registered nurse. This assessment will indicate the level of daily care a potential resident requires and can determine whether or not a Level I facility can meet those needs. 

If your loved one is basically independent, but requires some assistance with housework, meals, laundry and transportation, life in a Level I senior living community may be the perfect fit. 

Brookfield Senior Living in Fort Smith Offers a Range of Services for Residents


Our assisted living community in Fort Smith offers residents a variety of services and amenities to make life comfortable and enjoyable. 

Our Fort Smith Assisted Living services include:

  • Basic cable TV
  • High-speed internet
  • Included utilities
  • Transportation to doctor’s appointments and the pharmacy
  • Emergency call system with trained staff
  • Daily light housekeeping
  • Weekly detailed housekeeping
  • Laundry services
  • Basic household repairs and maintenance
  • Fully furnished apartments 
  • 3 daily meals, plus snacks

Our Fort Smith community is proud to offer residents various social and recreational activities throughout the month, including outings and trips. We strive to create a comfortable environment where each of our residents is socially and physically active. We take resident nutrition seriously and strive to create meals that are nutritionally balanced and delicious. 

Brookfield Senior Living in Fort Smith Offers Flexible Care


As we age, our care needs can change. Brookfield Senior Living is dedicated to adjusting our residents’ care plans based on their needs. 

We work with family members and residents’ healthcare providers to provide the assistance that every resident needs. If you feel that your loved one’s care needs have changed, our team is always available to hear your concerns and make necessary adjustments that work for everyone. 

If you’re searching for assisted living in Fort Smith, Arkansas, whether it’s for yourself or an aging loved one, Brookfield Senior Living is here to meet your needs. 

Contact us today to learn more about facility or to schedule a tour.

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Does Your Loved One Need Nursing Care in Hot Springs?

August 21, 2020 By brookfieldseniors2017

level II assisted living It can be hard to acknowledge that a senior loved one needs more care than you can provide. Fortunately, there are senior care facilities that offer a nursing-home level of care in a home-like environment. 

Brookfield Senior Living in Hot Springs is a Level II Assisted Living facility that offers the comfort and coziness of home, as well as the care and support many seniors need as they age. 

Brookfield Senior Living in Hot Springs: A Level II Assisted Living Facility


As they age, many seniors need more care than family members or friends can provide. 

Declining mobility, worsening eyesight and cognitive function, and lower energy can make the activities of daily living challenging, even impossible, for seniors who live alone. 

Over time, we may turn to facility care to ensure that our senior loved ones have access to a greater level of care and support.

Unfortunately, many facilities that offer a nursing-home level of care don’t provide the comfortable, home-like environment your loved one needs to be happy. 

Brookfield Senior Living in Hot Springs is different. 

We are a certified Level II Assisted Living Facility in Hot Springs, Arkansas that can provide a more thorough level of care than Level I facilities. However, we also offer the inviting, comfortable atmosphere of a personal home. 

What is a Nursing Home Level of Care?


Facilities designated as Level I Assisted Living aren’t allowed to accept residents who require a nursing home level of care. 

Level II facilities are permitted to accept residents who require a nursing facility level of care, as long as the individual isn’t bedridden, immobile, totally incontinent, suffering from a terminal illness, or currently violent. 

In Arkansas, a nursing home level of care is defined as:

  • A formal level of care designation that makes an individual eligible for Medicaid-funded, nursing home care in an assisted living environment 
In order for a potential resident to qualify for Medicaid-funded care at a Level II facility, the patient must display a functional need for a higher level of care than is available at a Level I facility. 

People who qualify for a nursing home level of care must:

  • Be unable to independently care for themselves for a sustained period of time
  • Need assistance with at least two Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). ADLs include basic daily activities like grooming, toileting, personal care and hygiene, feeding oneself, and mobility/transferring. IADLs include activities that make it possible to live independently, such as paying bills, housekeeping, doing laundry and taking medication.
  • Must undergo a functional needs assessment that assures that the individual’s health and safety needs can be met in a Level II Assisted Living Facility and do not require care at the institutional level (i.e., in a nursing facility). A resident’s health needs assessment must be performed by a registered nurse (RN). 
Level II facilities must offer separate living quarters for individuals requiring a nursing home level of care and those who do not. 

Additionally, Level II facilities must employ a consulting pharmacist, a full-time on-site administrator, and at least one registered nurse (RN). They must also employ or contract with licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to assist with residents’ healthcare needs. 

Level II ALFs also require at least two staff to be on duty at all times, one of whom must be a CNA. 

How Is Assisted Living Different from Institutional Care?


Assisted living communities provide necessary medical and personal care services in a home-like setting. ALFs provide separate apartments or living quarters that are often personalized to the resident’s liking. ALFs also provide more robust community and recreational activities, including regular outings and trips. Assisted living facilities emphasize community, social interaction, personal independence and quality of life. 

This emphasis on quality of life and happiness in a social setting can make the prospect of long-term care more acceptable for seniors who can no longer live alone. 

Nursing homes or other institutional care settings are more clinical, focusing instead on the medical and personal care needs of the patient. 

Nursing homes often house a larger number of people than assisted living facilities and must offer a higher level of skilled nursing and medical care. Because of the larger number of residents and higher level of care required, most nursing homes place less emphasis on recreation, social interaction and community. 

Brookfield Senior Living: Expert Nursing Care in a Home-Like Setting


Brookfield Senior Living in Hot Springs offers both a Level II assisted living facility and a designated memory care unit for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. 

Contact us today to learn more about our community. 

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Normal Age-Related Memory Loss Vs. Dementia

July 16, 2020 By brookfieldseniors2017

dementia vs. age related memory loss Many people with senior loved ones find it very concerning when that loved one displays signs of forgetfulness or memory loss. Of course, this concern is understandable. Memory loss is often one of the first and main symptoms of dementias like Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Like any serious health concern, however, it’s important to know the difference between normal signs of aging and serious underlying conditions. While dementia is not a normal part of aging, some cognitive decline is. 

Today, we’re examining the main differences between normal, age-related forgetfulness and symptoms of dementia. 

Dementia Is Progressive


Dementia is a blanket term to describe a collection of diseases that cause brain cells to waste away. To be diagnosed with dementia, a person must exhibit cognitive decline in multiple areas, one of which must be memory loss. Other cognitive functions impacted by dementia include judgment, thinking, language, and motor skills. 

Alzheimer’s Disease is by far the most common form of dementia, accounting for some 60%-80% of cases. Other common types of dementia include Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia and mixed dementia. 

The progressive nature of dementia means that the condition gets worse over time. There is no available treatment that can stop or slow its progression, and there is no cure. However, there are treatments that can improve the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease for a period of time.

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias, many people can still work, drive, and live independently. As the disease progresses to the middle and late stages, however, memory loss is typically severe and impacts almost every function of daily life. 

Normal, age-related memory loss does not typically progress into debilitating memory loss.

Dementia Interferes With a Person’s Daily Life


Dementia-related memory loss is disabling. People with dementia have severe short-term memory problems and have trouble identifying common objects. 

People with dementia often become confused and disoriented in the evening hours, have trouble navigating to familiar places, and have issues remembering family members and friends. 

While age-related memory loss can cause occasional short-term memory issues, it does not affect a person’s ability to recognize or use common household objects. It also doesn’t impact long-term memory the way dementia does.

Dementia Can Cause Personality Changes


According to the National Institute on Aging, behavioral changes are a common feature of dementia. 

As the disease progresses, a person with dementia may exhibit loss of emotional control, become paranoid or anxious and show signs of depression. Other common personality changes associated with dementia include unusual sexual behavior, becoming physically or verbally aggressive, and lack of personal hygiene. 

People with normal, age-related memory loss do not exhibit personality changes. They maintain the same level of reasoning, mood, judgment and emotional response that they’ve always had. 

Dementia and Memory Care at Brookfield Senior Living


Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care is a premier provider of care for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia in Arkansas.  Contact us to learn more about our memory care unit today. 

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3 Summertime Activities for Arkansas Seniors During Social Distancing

June 22, 2020 By brookfieldseniors2017

Outdoor Activities in Arkansas Summertime


COVID-19 social distancing is an important part of reducing the spread of the coronavirus. For seniors, it’s perhaps even more important, as the elderly are more susceptible to serious health consequences if they contract the virus.  Despite the limitations on social contact, it’s important for seniors to stay active and mentally stimulated throughout the summer months. 

Check out some of our favorite (safe) summer activities for seniors during social distancing. 

Visit a Local Park


For seniors with access to transportation, a trip to the park is a great way to get exercise, breathe some fresh air and enjoy the sunshine. 

Arkansas’s State and local parks are currently open for visitors, but it’s important to make sure you observe the rules of social distancing: Wear a mask that covers your face and nose, maintain at least six feet of distance between yourself and others, and use hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 60%. 

Hot Springs, Arkansas offers a number of local parks for seniors to visit and enjoy this summer:

  • Entergy Park
  • Desoto Park
  • Hill Wheatley Park
Fort Smith, Arkansas residents can also enjoy local parks, including:

  • Fort Smith Park
For those in Bella Vista, the following parks offer beautiful views and natural scenery:

  • Bella Vista State Park
  • Tanyard Creek Nature Trail
Even seniors with mobility issues can enjoy these parks with the help of wheelchairs and ample seating. 

Window Visits from Family Members


While close personal contact is off-limits during social distancing, there are ways for seniors to enjoy in-person interaction with family this summer. 

Window visits are a great way for seniors to see and speak to loved ones without endangering themselves or people who live near them. 

If your senior loved one’s home or senior care facility offers a space with large windows, organize a window visit where you and other loved ones can sit outside the window and visit through the glass. You can play games, catch up on family photos or simply converse.

Window visits allow seniors to stay indoors in an air conditioned space while also enjoying time with family members. For seniors who are especially vulnerable to heat and sun, window visits are a great way to stay safe, comfortable and connected during social distancing.  

Go Birdwatching


Birdwatching is favorite outdoor activity for many Arkansas natives, since the state is home to a variety of native bird species. 

Birdwatching provides tranquil, relaxing time outdoors while still offering mental stimulation. 

Arkansas offers tons of great birdwatching spots, including: 

  • Lake Ouachita
  • Hot Springs National Park
It’s important for seniors to carefully observe all COVID-19 safety protocols during COVID-19. Check out the CDC coronavirus portal to learn more. 

When spending time outdoors this summer, seniors should always remember to drink plenty of water, wear and reapply sunscreen, and go inside when temperatures get too high. 

Learn more about summer safety for seniors here. 

Have questions about senior care in Hot Springs, Fort Smith or Bella Vista, Arkansas? Contact Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care today. 

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Important COVID-19 Resources for Arkansas Residents

May 6, 2020 By brookfieldseniors2017

Coronavirus Resources For Arkansas Residents


As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we want our residents to feel empowered and educated to protect themselves from the risk of infection. 

We’ve compiled some of the most important coronavirus resources for residents of Arkansas below. 

Arkansas Department of Health COVID-19 Portal


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This is Arkansas’s most complete resource for information on the coronavirus. Find information on testing, personal protective equipment, and complete county data on COVID-19 infections.

You can also find information on the ADH’s coronavirus hotline, open 24 hours a day for healthcare providers and the general public.  

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Coronavirus Center


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The CDC is the most reliable source for the latest information for the public about the novel coronavirus. Find CDC guidelines on personal protective equipment, read a list of symptoms, track your own symptoms, and learn about the best ways to prevent the spread of the infection. 

AHCA/AALA COVID-19 Information Center


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From the Arkansas Health Care Association/the Arkansas Assisted Living Association
Explore information for assisted living facilities and long-term care facilities, as well as the latest protocols for facility employees and residents. 

Arkansas Department of Health: COVID-19 Guidance for Mental and Behavioral Health


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Many Arkansas residents are experiencing mental health crises during the coronavirus outbreak. To support residents with mental health concerns, the ADH has launched a special online center where people can find mental health hotlines, domestic violence hotlines and other support options. 

Guidelines for Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus


There are a few important guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19 that everyone should follow:
 
  • Practice social distancing (at least 6 feet of space between yourself and others)
  • Cover your face and mouth with a cloth covering when around others
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds 
  • Stay home if you feel sick
  • Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
Have more questions about assisted living in Arkansas? Explore our blog or contact us directly today.

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COVID-19: Exercising During Social Isolation

April 8, 2020 By brookfieldseniors2017

COVID-19 Senior Exercise

During the COVID-19 outbreak, seniors need to take extra precautions to protect themselves. This is because elderly people are more likely to experience severe illness if they contract the coronavirus. 

Seniors in assisted living communities have to be especially vigilant about social distancing, since recreation and activities in senior communities are often group-oriented. 

For many seniors, the inability to mingle in groups has a huge impact on their exercise regimen, since they rely on senior exercise classes to stay fit. 

Since fitness is a vital part of senior health and quality of life, we’re examining a few easy ways to continue exercising, even while you’re stuck at home. 

Find Senior Exercise Videos on YouTube


YouTube is a vital resource for seniors who want to continue exercising during COVID-19 quarantine.  There are a number of YouTube channels that cater specifically to seniors’ exercise needs. Here are a few of our favorites:

Jenny McClendon

Senior Fitness with Meredith

Curtis Adams

As little as 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day can help reduce seniors’ risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

Incorporate Easy Strength Training


Strength training is important for seniors because it helps them maintain muscle mass that naturally declines during the aging process. Weak muscles contribute to loss of bone mass, increased frailty and increased risk of falls. 

Check out this easy 20-minute strength training workout for seniors. This workout incorporates upper body and lower body exercises for optimal results. 

If you’re mobility-challenged, this workout outlines seated exercises, including strength training moves. Simply find a sturdy chair, and follow the prompts to get the workout your muscles need. 

Move More Throughout the Day


It’s easy to sit down on the couch and stay there, especially during social isolation when there’s really nothing else to do. 

However, the human body is not designed for a sedentary life. Lack of activity, especially in seniors, leads to accelerated muscle weakness. A sedentary lifestyle has also been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, as well as cardiovascular disease. 

During quarantine and social isolation, make an effort to incorporate more movement into your day. 
  • While you’re watching television, make an effort to stand up during every commercial break. 
  • During household chores, like laundry folding or dishes, take a break every five or ten minutes to do simple arm or leg exercises. Sets of 10 take less than 30 seconds to complete, and will help get your heart rate up without making you feel winded. 
  • Drink more water throughout the day. Instead of filling up a large container at the beginning of the day, fill a small 8- or 10-ounce glass and refill it periodically. Keep your water in the kitchen so you have to walk to refill your glass. 

Don’t Forget Mental and Emotional Health


While physical exercise is a vital part of health and quality of life for seniors, so is mental and emotional well-being. 

It’s important to work out your mind during social isolation. Puzzles, games and books help stimulate the mind. If you have a smartphone, explore the Games option on your app store. 

It’s also important to fight feelings of loneliness during social isolation, too. Even though you can’t see your friends and loved ones, telecommunication makes it possible for you to stay in touch in a variety of ways. 

You can use social media, email, telephone and video chatting to stay in touch with friends. Video chatting services through Facebook Messenger, Zoom, Skype and WhatsApp can help you see your loved ones while you talk. 

Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care is proud to help our residence use telecommunication methods to stay in touch with their loved ones during COVID-19. 

Find out more about our services and locations by calling us today. 

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4 Best Springtime Activities for Seniors in Hot Springs, AR

March 10, 2020 By brookfieldseniors2017

Springtime Activities in AR


Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care is proud to provide Arkansas seniors with a top-rated senior living experience, as well as ample opportunities to explore the community around them. 

At Brookfield, we love helping our residents get the most out of life–and that means getting outside and enjoying some of the amazing activities in Arkansas. Check out some of the best springtime experiences in Hot Springs and surrounding areas below. 

The Grand Promenade


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Located in Hot Springs National Park

Wheelchair Accessible

This beautiful, paved brick walking path is the perfect spot for seniors to take in the sights and sounds of springtime in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

The Grand Promenade is a half-mile trail located inside Hot Springs National Park, between Bathhouse Row and the distant mountains. The walking path is flat and only slightly inclined, making it great, easy exercise for people of all mobility levels. The park features a variety of trees, plants and flowers, as well as a variety of local bird species. The trail is dotted with benches, so seniors can stop and rest while taking in the breathtaking view. 

Downtown Hot Springs, AR


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Downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas is nationally famous for good reason. The main thoroughfare, Central Avenue, offers shopping, art, amazing restaurants, live music and breathtaking natural beauty. The thermal springs for which the town is named power the thermal baths at Buckstaff Bathhouse, while the Fordyce Bathhouse houses the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center. 

You can also visit the Gangster Museum or take in the art at a number of art galleries.

Downtown Hot Springs also offers a variety of springtime events, including Arts & the Park and the Historic Downtown Farmers’ Market. 

Lake Catherine State Park


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1200 Catherine Park Road

Hot Springs, AR 71913

Lake Catherine is one of the five lakes in the Ouachita Mountains, and offers stunning views for visitors–whether you’re boating or not. 

Boat rentals are available year-round, and the park offers a variety of walking trails for people of all abilities. 

There is also a variety of outdoor activities available, including boat tours, guided hikes and fishing. There is also a fully-accessible cabin that offers porch views of the lake. 

Hot Springs Mountain Tower


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401 Hot Springs Mountain Dr, Hot Springs, AR 71901

Wheelchair Accessible

The Hot Springs Mountain Tower is a 216-foot tall steel observation tower inside Hot Springs National Park. 

The elevator takes visitors all the way to the top floor, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Ouachita Mountains and Hot Springs countryside. On the bottom floor, you can read about the history of the tower through local exhibits or visit the gift shop. 

Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care in Arkansas


Springtime in Hot Springs is a great opportunity to enjoy nature and the warmer temperatures. Brookfield Senior Living is proud to support our residents’ adventurous sides with regular trips and recreational outings. 

Are you an Arkansas senior searching for a comfortable, vibrant community? Contact us today to schedule a tour or to learn more about our locations! 

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Question?
The philosophy of assisted living emphasizes personal autonomy and privacy. Our facilities emphasize independence, homelike settings, and the ability to age in place. Our communities are designated as Level I or Level II Assisted Living.
Choosing the right place to live can be difficult. If you are still unsure of which place is right for you, just give us a call at your preferred location and we can talk about it over the phone.
Bella Vista
Fort Smith
Hot Springs
(479) 855-5600
(479) 649-7100
(501) 520-0016
“Brookfield has the most caring staff you could want to care for your loved one, including the kitchen staff. My family has been very pleased and know we can talk to the director or nurse in charge if we feel it necessary, and they are always gracious.” -Eleanor Sherfield

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Bella Vista:
(479) 855-5600
Fort Smith:
(479) 649-7100
Hot Springs:
(501) 520-0016
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Brookfield Assisted Living
  • Potential Residents and Families
  • Our Vision/Mission/Values
  • Services
    ▼
    • Bella Vista Services
    • Fort Smith Services
    • Hot Springs Services
  • Amenities
  • Education and Resources
  • News and Events
  • Gallery
    ▼
    • Bella Vista Gallery
    • Fort Smith Gallery
    • Hot Springs Gallery
  • Careers
    ▼
    • Available Positions
  • Floorplans
    ▼
    • Bella Vista Floorplans
    • Fort Smith Floorplans
    • Hot Springs Floorplans
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
    ▼
    • Review
    • Feedback
  • Veteran’s Benefits
  • Special Offers