The Bristal Assisted Living Blog

The Bristal Assisted Living Blog is a guide for seniors and caregivers. We offer information geared towards helping you remain active, healthy and happy and provide valuable resources to determine if and how to initiate the assisted living process. Access our resources here to see what our assisted living communities around Long Island, Westchester and New Jersey have to offer.

The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors

Posted by: The Bristal

Most people associate the term “physical therapy” with recovery from serious injury or with alleviating the effects of a chronic ailment. Physical therapy (or PT), however, also can be an effective and versatile tool for helping to prevent injury, especially for seniors. For example, as we age, muscles tend to weaken, bones become more brittle, and a host of conditions may negatively affect our balance – all of which makes older adults more vulnerable to falls and serious injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the number one cause of injury among … read more

Posted in: Lifestyle Blog
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Helping a Loved One Quit Smoking

Posted by: The Bristal

Given the multitude of ways in which smoking can harm a person, helping a loved one quit smoking could very well be a life-saving achievement, but do not expect an easy task. The Harvard Medical School notes that only about six percent of smokers who try to quit the habit for the first time succeed at being smoke free for more than a month, and on average, it takes five to seven attempts before the smoker quits for good. Therefore, neither you nor your loved one should ever lose heart because of relapses. Success comes with perseverance.

Your … read more

Posted in: Lifestyle Blog
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Best of Assisted Living and Best of Senior Living Awards from SeniorAdvisor.com

Posted by: The Bristal

The Bristal at Westbury, The Bristal at Holtsville, The Bristal at Lynbrook and The Bristal at Lake Success All Receive 2018 Awards from SeniorAdvisor.com

We are honored to have four of our locations recognized by SeniorAdvisor.com as 2018 award recipients: The Bristal Assisted Living at Westbury, The Bristal Assisted Living at Holtsville, and The Bristal Assisted Living at Lynbrook have received 2018 Best of Assisted Living Awards, and The Bristal at Lake Success, our first community exclusively dedicated to memory care, has received the 2018 Best of Senior Living Award. We are truly grateful to our residents and their families who … read more

Posted in: Events, News & Press
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The Bristal Better U Hofstra University Lecture – December 2017

Posted by: The Bristal

The Holiday Season Goes Global

The Bristal Better U Hofstra University December Lecture titled “The Holiday Season Goes Global” was presented by Hofstra University Continuing Education faculty member, Dr. Ronald Brown.

Developed in conjunction with Hofstra University Continuing Education and Pace University, The Bristal Better U is an exciting lifelong learning and personal enrichment program that we offer here at The Bristal. This innovative distance learning program is completely voluntary, it is structured in flexible and easily accessible ways, and as the name implies, it’s a great way for our residents to continue exploring, learning and engaging in the fascinating world around … read more

Posted in: Bristal Better U
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Alzheimer’s Disease: Tips for Maintaining Independence

Posted by: The Bristal

People with early stage Alzheimer’s disease may notice impairment in language, memory, insight and social skills. The changes in ability to remember, follow instructions and carry out tasks that used to be routine, can become challenging. “Accepting changes in your abilities and adapting new coping skills can help you restore balance to your life…,” says the Alzheimer’s Association. In doing so, you can better remain active and retain a sense of control over your life.

What does a coping strategy look like?

Focus on what daily or frequent goals are most important to you. Be realistic about what you … read more

Posted in: Alzheimer’s & Memory Care
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The Bristal Better U Hofstra University Lecture – November 2017

Posted by: The Bristal

Thanksgiving: The Holiday That Makes Us All Americans

The Bristal Better U Hofstra University November Lecture titled “Thanksgiving: The Holiday that makes us all Americans” was presented by Hofstra University Continuing Education faculty member, Dr. Ronald Brown.

Developed in conjunction with Hofstra University Continuing Education and Pace University, The Bristal Better U is an exciting lifelong learning and personal enrichment program that we offer here at The Bristal. This innovative distance learning program is completely voluntary, it is structured in flexible and easily accessible ways, and as the name implies, it’s a great way for our residents to continue exploring, learning and … read more

Posted in: Bristal Better U
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What to Do When Your Loved One Is Coming Home from the Hospital

Posted by: The Bristal

Your loved one is about to come home from the hospital. Are you properly prepared for the homecoming? The answer to this question can be critically important, helping to determine whether your loved one’s return leads to a successful recuperation, or with a readmission to the hospital.

According to the U.S. Administration on Aging, one in five Medicare patients is readmitted to a hospital within 30 days of discharge, and a frequent contributing factor is inadequate access to proper resources at home. Advance planning and preparation can help ensure that your loved one has the resources he or … read more

Posted in: Caregiving & Family
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