Submitted by ST. CATHERINE’S VILLAGE
Studies have shown that seniors who live in a Life Plan Community that includes multiple levels of care on one campus reported that their social, intellectual, physical and emotional wellness improved after moving there.
This may be because Life Plan Communities tend to offer environments rich in services, programs, amenities and opportunities that support overall health and well-being. That’s the case at St. Catherine’s Village in Madison. Here, the all-inclusive Life Care program allows residents to move into an independent living apartment or home, then transition to assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing if and when the need arises.
Both environmental resources and personal competence are important to aging well and work together to determine an individual’s optimal level of function, say gerontologists. Stress is a major factor contributing to one’s attitude and overall outlook on life, and Life Plan Community residents reported lower levels of stress than seniors living in other environments. This may be due in part to knowing they are guaranteed services throughout their lifetime and will have a smooth transition as their care needs change.
Another reason Life Plan Community residents report they feel more optimistic may be because they are surrounded by a support system night and day. At St. Catherine’s, for example, seniors are around others who are in the same life stage and going through similar experiences, and they have the assistance of caregivers in times of need. Residents also can participate in a variety of organized activities — from choir to gardening club to daily devotions; from mixers and events to arts, crafts and painting classes — to increase their happiness and reduce stress.
Being physically fit is just as important to a senior’s well-being as emotional health. Staying active contributes to physical wellness, while being sedentary for too long during the day increases health risks. It’s easy for seniors living on their own to succumb to bad habits if no one is around to encourage them to get up and get moving. At a Life Plan Community, there are activities for all fitness levels. St. Catherine’s not only has an on-site fitness center and heated indoor pool, it also offers a variety of exercise classes. These include stretching, chair yoga, low-impact cardio, water aerobics and more.
A healthy diet rich in nutrients not only feeds the body but also can help cognition and memory in seniors. St. Catherine’s makes it easy for residents to eat well by including nutritious dining options and meal plans. When a Life Plan Community resident does experience a health issue, he or she has access to treatments and caregivers trained in senior living.
Located on 160 picturesque and wooded acres, St. Catherine’s Village provides the right care at the right time through independent living in garden homes and apartments; assisted living in Marian Hall; memory care in Campbell Cove; and skilled nursing in Siena Center, Tuscany and Hughes Center — all in a protected environment.
To learn more about senior living options at St. Catherine’s Village Life Plan Community, visit StCatherinesVillage.com or call 601.856.0123 to schedule a one-on-one tour.