Cantissimo Senior Living Blog

Aging is a natural and inevitable process of life, yet it is often surrounded by myths and stereotypes. These myths can be harmful, perpetuating negative attitudes and beliefs about aging and older adults. These attitudes and beliefs can lead to ageism and discrimination. They can prevent older adults from living healthy, fulfilling, and active lives. Therefore, it is important to recognize and challenge these myths and to embrace and celebrate the aging process.

By recognizing and challenging the myths about aging and supporting older adults to live healthy and fulfilling lives, we can create a society that values and respects the aging process and older adults. This can help promote the well-being and dignity of older adults and create a more inclusive and age-friendly society.

A common perception of senior living is that it is an irreversible step in one's life journey. However, many don't realize there are short-stay options available for various situations, including assisted living.

Assisted living is for people who need some help with daily activities but are otherwise independent. Housing is typically home-like, apartment-style units with private bathrooms and some kitchen amenities. Dining is generally communal, and social activities are available for residents.

In exploring senior living options for the first time, older adults and their families might feel apprehensive. Experience Beyond Measure correspondent Mike Lawson recently sat down with Jennifer Thorson, Executive Director of The Harbors Senior Living Community of Fridley, in Minnesota, to throw some light on the subject.

In her role at The Harbors, Thorson oversees the full range of operations, including managing employees, meeting prospective residents and their families, and handling the paperwork for leases. "I make sure that everything is streamlined and running flawlessly, but I get to do the fun stuff, too."

Note: This post has been updated May 17, 2021.

Even though the COVID-19 virus continues to spread, the U.S. vaccination process is cause for decreased transmission rates nationwide. Nearly one-third of the U.S. population, above the age of sixteen, are fully vaccinated, with an average of two million tests administered daily. In the last two weeks, daily reported cases of infection are down 29.7%. There are currently three FDA unapproved vaccines under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), including the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

How mRNA Vaccines Work

The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are both classified as mRNA vaccines. Unlike other vaccines, this type does not inject the virus into an individual. Instead, mRNA vaccines create a protein that triggers an immune response to produce antibodies. Obtaining antibodies for COVID-19 protects individuals from getting infected when they come in contact with the virus.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., significant attention has been given to the impact on senior living facilities. In Minnesota, as of June 1, there were 1,050 deaths related to COVID-19. Of these, 608 (58%) were among skilled nursing facility patients, and 259 (25%) were residents of assisted living facilities. Across the country, reports of severe outbreaks of the infection in senior facilities are regular news.

How is this playing out on the front lines? According to Jennifer Thorson, Executive Director at The Harbors Senior Living Community in Fridley, Minnesota, the pandemic pushed her facility to the limit when it first hit. “We had absolutely no choice but to get on top of this to make sure that we had all the proper procedures in place and be in constant contact with the MN Department of Health for their guidance. Being in a smaller facility such as the Harbors, only having apartments, we were able to control it into one wing of the building and assign a single care provider to take care of those residents who tested positive, limiting the spread even more.”