Community Connection Newsletter | May 2020 | News & Announcements

Adjusting to a New Normal By Valarie Cook With the way, the world has changed for a bit, we wanted to figure out a way to stay connected to the outside world. We miss all of our attendees and supporters of our Academy program, and we want to see you, even if that is virtually.

Well, we are going to do just that! We changed the Academy to virtual events. This way you can still engage with fun topics, learn something new, and do it as a community. We have rolled out our first two interactive virtual meet-ups for May 19 and June 11. There are a lot of moving parts to pull it off, but it worked, and we're excited! Stay tuned for updates with more classes! You can check the website samaritas.org/theacademy or go to our Facebook page, to stay up to date, or sign up for the email newsletter to get real time updates.   We are going to do this moving forward until we figure out our new normal. We plan to have one a month and maybe even two if possible. We are excited to engage with you again, and see your happy and smiling faces soon.

"Don't Stop BeLeafing" at Home Gardening May 19 at 3 p.m. We are hosting a "Don’t Stop BeLeafing" Academy Class on Zoom that will help you with tips and tricks about planting in pots. Visit www.samaritas.org/theacademy for more details. Click here to register.

"For the Zen of It" - Self Compassion 101   June 11 at 3 p.m. This virtual meeting is about mindfulness and how to help your with anxiety. Visit www.samaritas.org/theacademy for more details. Click here to register. 

Complete the 2020 Census This Month Don't forget to complete the 2020 Census. It only takes a few minutes to answer questions by phone or online. The information you provide can help the state decide how to spend tax dollars to cover Medicare, Medicaid and more. Take a look at this handy guide for more details. 

May is Foster Care Awareness Month This May, during National Foster Care awareness month, you can show your support by sharing any of the social media posts with your friends and family to raise awareness of the issue. You can also consider purchasing the official #ItTakesAPurpleVillage window sticker, where $5 dollars of every purchase will be donated back to the Samaritas Foster Care program. Visit this website for details. 

See what else is going on at Samaritas this month! Check out the list .

Give us a Shout Since the start of the Coronavirus Pandemic, many of our employees are working in extraordinary circumstances to keep themselves and residents like you safe and well. If you've had a good experience with a Samaritas nurse, attendant or other staff member. Tell us about by sending your emails, videos or other comments to seniors@samaritas.org. We may use them for a post on Facebook or Instagram in the future.

Five Healthy Eating Tips Even though you may be stuck at home, it's still a good time to focus on your diet and avoid the temptation of just eating snacks. For older adults, it is even more important to get the proper nutrients each day to help your body function in the best way possible. Here are five easy ways to eat healthier and boost your metabolism. 

1. Drink plenty of liquids. Drinking liquids such as water or natural juice can be a great way to stay healthy. Water not only keeps your mouth hydrated, but helps you stay full longer. Try to limit beverages with a lot of sugar or sodium. 2. Try some “Super Foods”. “Super foods” are foods that are low calorie but high in vitamins or fiber. Some you can try incorporating into your diet are kale, broccoli and avocados. These foods help with cognitive function and help to support your immune system. 3. Opt for whole grains. Whole grains are a great substitution for refined grains. Refined or enriched grains remove many of the nutrients. Eating whole grains like brown rice, whole grain cereals and whole wheat bread will provide nutrients such as fiber, potassium, magnesium. 4. Plenty of Protein. Try to get as much protein in your diet as possible. Proteins help with your muscle and bone function, as well as supporting a healthy diet. Try incorporating things such as eggs, beans, lean meats such as chicken and nuts.

5. Moderate Proportions. Eating in moderate proportions is a great way to eat a balanced and healthy diet. It will also prevent weight gain. Reduce, but don’t eliminate. Eat your favorite foods, but go for smaller portions and eat less than what you usually would. Eating healthy as a senior can be difficult. These steps will point you in the right direction for a healthy and happy diet.

Samaritas offers retirement living for seniors with five communities throughout Michigan. Whether you want independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory support or rehabilitation therapy, you’ll find a home that feels right.  Contact us at seniors@samaritas.org to s chedule a tour, learn about promotions and more. 

Samaritas Senior Living Grand Rapids 2000 32nd St. SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49508 | S amaritas.org/Senior-Living | (833) 505-CARE (2273)

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