At Pacifica Senior Living, we love our pets! Pets bring joy and love to our lives, and become like family to us. They can be especially important to seniors who enjoy the companionship and sense of purpose having a furry friend can bring.
Many of our Pacifica Senior Living communities are pet friendly so our residents can feel at home knowing their pets are welcome too. Transitioning to a senior living community can be a big step, and bringing a pet along can help ease the transition. Other communities offer pet therapy or have robotic pets to ensure everyone gets to enjoy the benefits of pets!
Exercise is important for older adults, as it can help ensure you are able to keep up with the activities of daily living. Keeping your mobility and flexibility helps you keep up with chores such as dressing, bathing, and even simply getting around with ease.
There are many benefits of exercise for older adults, from helping to maintain mobility and balance, to promoting good lung and heart health, boosting your immune system, and keeping joints and bones healthy as well.
As we age, one of the largest concerns many have is an increase in social isolation. Loneliness, or a loss or social connection has long been linked with growing older, and can have significant impacts on health (mental and physically.)
Many Pacifica Senior Living communities are pet-friendly, welcoming residents to live with their beloved four-legged friends. Pets play an important role in our lives as friends and companions, but did you know that pets offer specific benefits to seniors that make them an even more valuable part of the family?
Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our residents and staff. At Pacifica Senior Living, we are going above and beyond in the face of COVID-19 to minimize the risk of infection throughout our communities, implementing new precautions to reduce the spread of illness.
Intergenerational programs aren’t just for children—they are activities enjoyed by people of all ages. Programs can focus on an array of interests and come in a variety of formats, from arts and crafts to mentorships. There’s something for everyone involved in this intricate mix of people and interests.
A MEANINGFUL COVID PROTOCOL
During this time of uncertainty of Covid-19 – with the multiple variants and changing state responses – the Pacifica Senior Living heightened protocols are presently in place. Our top priority remains the health and safety of our residents and staff.
Vaccinations have been a hot topic since the COVID-19 vaccine became available in December 2020. Now, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are suggesting most Americans will benefit from a standard dose of the Moderna or Pfizer-manufacturer version of the vaccine, as opposed to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine became an attractive alternative to the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines when the public learned it required only one dose, instead of two like the other manufacturers. However, studies show that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is linked to rare -- but serious -- blood clot disorders, which are not a known side effect of Modern or Pfizer vaccines.
Additionally, the CDC claims Americans should consider the efficacy of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines when choosing their dose. Moderna and Pfizer show marked improvements over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine when it comes to protecting vaccinated individuals from serious illness or death.
Prior to this announcement, the CDC treated all vaccines with an ‘equal choice’ approach, however, their current claims strongly encourage Americans to choose Moderna and Pfizer over Johnson & Johnson when receiving their first vaccine or a booster shot.
According to CDC Advisor Dr. Beth Bell, she “would not recommend the Janssen vaccine to my family members, but some patients may -- and should be able to -- choose that shot.” The Johnson & Johnson vaccine will remain available for individuals who are allergic to Moderna or Pfizer, but the CDC does not recommend it as the first choice for individuals who can receive the safer, more effective Moderna or Pfizer doses.
We invite our residents to ask their caregivers or doctors if they have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, or scheduling a booster appointment. We are happy to help our residents get vaccinated and arrange future doses, promoting good health throughout our community. To learn more about our precautionary approach to COVID-19 at Pacifica Senior Living Communities, please chat with us below.
Health Around the Holidays
Do you love the holidays but hate the inevitable pounds that seem to accompany this time of year? Well, here is some good news; according to a study put out in the New England Journal of Medicine, average holiday weight gain is only around 1 pound. Of course there are variations for everyone based on different factors, but the fact remains; holiday weight gain isn’t as bad as we thought.
In the United States, November is American Diabetes Month. Across the nation, senior living communities are bringing special attention to those living with diabetes and highlighting their stories in efforts to help raise awareness for the disease.