Happy New Year! As we step into this fresh start, it’s an ideal time to prioritize our health and well-being. Let’s forget about those unsustainable resolutions and instead focus on what truly works for YOU. Here are four simple ways to cultivate a healthy and fulfilling year:

1. Get Moving and Feel the Difference

Staying active is essential, but it should also be enjoyable! Explore the many ways to get your body moving and find what you truly love. Whether it’s a refreshing swim, a walk with a friend, or that dance class you’ve always wanted to try. Think of it as an investment in your independence, energy, and ability to keep up with grandkids. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

At  Village on the Park Bentonville, we offer a variety of fitness classes to suit different needs and abilities, including chair yoga, aerobics, and strength training.

2. Keep Your Mind Active

Just like our bodies, our minds need regular workouts! Make time for mentally stimulating activities such as reading, puzzles, games, or learning a new skill.

And don’t underestimate the power of social connection! Join a book club, attend an inspiring lecture, or simply enjoy a lively conversation with your neighbors. At Village on the Park Bentonville, our calendar is packed with engaging activities, including clubs, classes, and game nights.

3. Nourish Your Body with Healthy Foods

Healthy eating is a common goal, but it doesn’t have to be restrictive. Enjoy delicious meals and treats in moderation while focusing on making gradual, sustainable changes. Try swapping out processed snacks for fresh fruits and vegetables, incorporating more veggies into your meals, or simply increasing your water intake.

At Village on the Park Bentonville, we make healthy eating easy by offering delicious meal options prepared with fresh ingredients and packed with essential nutrients.

4. Prioritize Your Well-being

Life can be demanding in retirement! Taking time to relax, de-stress, and practice self-care is vital for both your mental and physical health. Discover what helps you unwind, whether it’s meditation, spending time in nature, or enjoying a quiet evening with a good book.

This new year, let Village on the Park Bentonville be your partner in achieving your lifestyle goals. We offer a vibrant community, enriching activities, and helpful resources to support you in living your best life.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling new year!

The holidays are a busy time of year! With all the festivities and family gatherings, it’s important to take a moment to observe how your aging parents are doing. This time together provides a valuable opportunity to assess their well-being and determine if they could benefit from some extra support. Here’s what to look for:

1. Home Environment:

• Home upkeep: Is the house tidy and in good repair, or are there signs of neglect, like unread mail or unfinished chores?
• Meal preparation: Are they cooking regular meals for themselves, or is the refrigerator looking bare? Are there expired products or other indications they’re struggling in the kitchen?
• Personal care: Are they maintaining good personal hygiene? Are they bathing and dressing regularly?

2. Everyday Activities:

• Mobility: How easily are they moving around the house? Are they experiencing difficulty with stairs, getting up from chairs, or walking?
• Medication management: Are they keeping track of their medications? Are pill boxes organized, or are medications scattered and possibly being missed?
• Cognitive function: Are they following conversations, remembering appointments, and managing finances without issues? Are there any signs of confusion or forgetfulness?

3. Social and Emotional Well-being:

• Social interaction: Are they actively engaging in conversations and family activities, or do they seem more withdrawn than usual?
• Mood: Be mindful of any noticeable changes in their mood, such as increased sadness, anxiety, or irritability.
• Hobbies and interests: Are they still enjoying their hobbies and participating in activities they like?

4. Safety:

• Driving: If they’re still driving, how are their driving habits? Are they confident and alert on the road?
• Falls: Have they had any recent falls or close calls? Are they showing any signs of unsteadiness or problems with balance?
• Home safety: Are there any potential hazards in the home, like tripping hazards or poor lighting, that could increase their risk of falls?

Next Steps:

The holidays can be a joyous occasion, but they can also bring to light subtle changes in our aging parents’ abilities. By being observant and proactive, you can help ensure they receive the support they need to live fulfilling lives.

Need guidance on senior living options or how to best support your aging parents? We’re here to assist you. Contact us today.

Moving to a senior living community is an exciting adventure! It’s an opportunity to simplify your life, connect with others, and enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle. But the thought of packing up a lifetime of belongings can be overwhelming. This room-by-room guide will help you navigate the process and ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable transition.

Bedroom:

• Clothing: Pack a variety of clothes for everyday wear, relaxing at night, and special occasions.
• Bedding: Bring your favorite sheets, blankets, pillows, and a mattress pad for a restful sleep.
• Personalize Your Space: Make your new room feel like home with photos of loved ones, artwork, and décor.
• Nightstand Essentials: An alarm clock, reading lamp, and nightlight are always helpful to have on hand.
• Important Documents: Keep important documents like your ID, insurance cards, medical records, and financial paperwork organized and easily accessible.

Bathroom:

• Toiletries: Pack all your essential toiletries in one box: shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, medications, eyeglasses, etc.
  • Keep it Accessible: This toiletries box should be kept separate and easily accessible, not packed away with the rest of your belongings.
• Bathroom Basics: Don’t forget items like a soap dish, toothbrush holder, non-slip bath mat, and a wastebasket.
• Comfort Items: Bring bath towels, a comfortable bathrobe, and non-slip slippers.

Living Room:

• Create a Comfortable Space: Bring cozy throw blankets, lamps, and your favorite furniture pieces, such as a sofa or loveseat, recliner, coffee table, and end tables.
• Entertainment: Pack your favorite books, magazines, games, or craft supplies, along with your TV, radio, laptop/tablet, and cell phone.
• Cherished Belongings: Display your treasured family photos, keepsakes, and décor that brings you joy.

Kitchen:

• Dining Essentials: Pack a few sets of dishes, cutlery, and glassware for enjoying meals and snacks in your new home.
• Appliances: A small coffee maker or toaster oven can be handy for preparing quick meals and beverages.
• Pantry Staples: Don’t forget your favorite coffee, tea, and snacks!

Tips for a Stress-Free Move:

• Declutter First: Before packing, take the time to declutter and donate or discard items you no longer need or use.
• Pack with Intention: Walk through your home and choose only the items you truly want, need, and have space for in your new residence.
• Label Everything: Clearly label each box by room and contents to make unpacking a breeze.
• “First Day” Box: Pack a separate box with essential items like toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, and a phone charger.

Ready to start your new chapter in senior living? Schedule a tour at Village on the Park Bentonville today! We’d be happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have about making our community your new home.

Staying socially engaged is key to maintaining a healthy mind and body as we age. Plus, it’s fun! At Village on the Park Bentonville we know just how important social connection is, which is why we’ve fostered a lively community where it’s easy to connect and create lasting bonds. Here are a few exciting ways to stay socially connected at this stage in life.

Enjoy Brunch with Friends 

There’s nothing quite like sharing your favorite breakfast dishes with your favorite people! Our residents can savor chef-prepared meals right here at Village on the Park Bentonville. They love having fantastic company to enjoy it with too – whether it’s with their fellow residents or inviting friends and family to join the fun!

Explore an Art Class 

Taking a class is a fantastic opportunity to meet new faces while partaking in a hobby or picking up a new skill! Our residents love art classes like painting, drawing, and sewing.

Organize Game Night 

Game nights are a regular highlight on our activities and events calendar! Our residents love getting together in our common areas for exciting card games, board games, and bingo. Playing games is fun, keeps your mind sharp, and strengthens your bond with friends and neighbors. Not in the mood for competition? Why not put together a puzzle instead?

Participate in Book Club

Do you love discovering and discussing new books? Joining a book club is a wonderful way to have insightful conversations about great reads. We have a variety of book clubs here catering to different genres, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

The secret to staying connected as you age is to find activities you love that let you interact and connect with others in meaningful ways. As our abilities, interests, and routines change, it might take a little extra effort and intention to put ourselves out there socially. At Village on the Park Bentonville, we provide a wide array of social activities and events tailored to diverse interests, creating a strong sense of community. 

Want to learn more about life at Village on the Park Bentonville? Book a tour and experience the joys of a socially fulfilling lifestyle!

One of the biggest worries seniors have about moving to a senior living community is whether family and friends will still visit. At Village on the Park Bentonville, we understand that staying connected with loved ones is essential. That’s why we’ve designed our community to be a place where everyone feels welcome and can enjoy spending time together.

• Movie Night: Catch a movie with your family in our on-site theater. With comfortable seating and a wide selection of films, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some quality time together.
• Culinary Experiences: Indulge in delicious meals with your loved ones at our restaurants and cafes. We offer a variety of dining options to satisfy all taste preferences.
• Celebrations Made Easy: Planning a party or special event? Look no further than our versatile event spaces. Host any type of gathering, from intimate family dinners to large birthday celebrations.
• Game Night Fun: Gather your friends and family for a fun-filled game night in one of our inviting common areas. Choose from our collection of games or bring your own family favorites.
• Arts & Crafts: Unleash your creativity with our wide selection of art supplies. You and your guest can create personalized gifts, decorate picture frames, make home decorations, and more. 
• Nature Exploration: Take a stroll through our beautiful grounds and gardens with your grandkids. They’ll love exploring!

Join the Fun! We invite you to visit Village on the Park Bentonville and see for yourself why our community is the perfect place for you and your loved ones. Contact us today to schedule a tour.

Thinking about transitioning to a senior living community but concerned about downsizing? Downsizing may seem overwhelming, but with proper planning, it can be easier. We understand that the sentimental value and functionality of your possessions can complicate the decision-making process. Here are some organizational tips to help you prepare for your move. Let’s kick off Spring Cleaning!

Imagine Your Goal Lifestyle

Sometimes you need a bit of motivation to kickstart the organizing process, and what better way than to focus on your personal goals? Whether it’s cutting down on chores or enjoying more social activities, looking forward to the aspects of senior living that excite you can provide the necessary motivation!

Visualizing the look of your new space can be an enjoyable way to identify essential items to bring with you to your new home at Village on the Park Bentonville. Our team is ready to help you create a furniture plan for your future residence, making it easier to make decisions when you have a list of items you plan to keep.

Tip: Instead of trying to look at all your items at once, it is better to identify your essentials, so you have a good starting point.

Find What Works for You

There are many ways to go about downsizing, so it’s important to discover what works best for you! Consider when you feel most energized during the day. If mornings are your peak time, consider scheduling organization for then. Another idea is to listen to music to maintain momentum while decluttering. Try out different techniques to find the organization method that resonates with you the most!

Tip: Create a timeline with designated dates and times, breaks included, for your downsizing projects and commit to it. Having structured time for work and rest will help the process flow more smoothly.

Take it One Space at a Time

This packing tip is ideal for those who are goal-oriented! Taking on one area or spot at a time is usually the best approach. This method allows you to feel a sense of fulfillment each time you finish organizing a full closet or messy desk. There is a satisfying feeling that comes with checking off tasks on your to-do list!

Categorize Items

We recognize that your things may hold sentimental value and it may be challenging to separate from them. We recommend dividing your belongings into four categories so that each item can find a good use.

• Keep – Keep things that are meaningful to you – they will bring warmth to your new space.
• Gift -Giving away items that hold special memories but are no longer useful to you can be a thoughtful gesture. Your children, grandchildren, or neighbors might find joy in using these items, especially knowing that they came from you.
• Donate – Donating to nonprofit organizations is a wonderful way to help your gently used items find a new home. Be sure to search for nearby resale stores, as some may provide free furniture pick-up services! 
• Discard – While not always enjoyable, the greatest advantage of this option is the sense of cleanliness and order that comes with throwing items in the trash or recycling bin.

Tip: To determine if you will miss something, simply ask yourself if you have used it within the last year. If not, chances are you won’t use it in the upcoming year either.

Add Labels

Don’t forget to label each box with both the contents and the room it belongs in before packing. This will make it easier to unpack later on and locate items when needed.

Tip: Before moving, prepare a special box called the “Right Away” box for essentials you will need immediately after moving, including glasses, medications, and chargers.

Don’t be discouraged by the idea of downsizing – with these tips, the process can be made easier! Downsizing also brings benefits like decluttering, lessening the stress of home maintenance, and more opportunity for fun in a senior living community.

Whether you have questions about downsizing or are curious about a free furniture plan, our team is ready to help!

What does independence mean to you? We believe it means having the freedom to live life your way! At Village on the Park Bentonville, we are dedicated to keeping that sense of freedom! Here are our tips and tricks for fostering the independent lifestyle you want!

Staying Fit

Feeling strong and healthy is key to doing the things you love! Studies show that incorporating fitness into your routine can actually help slow the effects of aging. We offer fun and beneficial fitness options to match your goals and needs – think energizing exercise classes, nature walks, or gentle stretches. Our goal is to keep you active and engaged, whatever that looks like for you.

A Full Social Calendar 

The National Library of Medicine cites connection as a way to promote your mental and physical well-being! Our Village on the Park Bentonville calendar is filled with opportunities to try new things, make friends, and have fun. Picture outings to your favorite restaurants, creative craft workshops, or competitive game nights – the good times never stop!

More Time for What You Want 

Senior living isn’t about restrictions; it’s about expansion! When chores like housekeeping and cooking are taken care of, you gain hours in your day. Our Village on the Park Bentonville team is here to make your life easier, giving you more time to pursue new and old hobbies and spend quality time with loved ones.

Senior living is a way to enhance your independence with plenty of fitness, social, and support opportunities! We can help elevate your lifestyle, giving you the freedom to truly embrace all the good things in life. Ready to have more fun and less worry? Contact us!