Fellowship Square Blog

Fall prevention will never be one-size-fits-all, but at Fellowship Square-Mesa, embracing AI technology has brought measurable improvement and peace of mind. With tools like Helpany’s Paul, senior living communities have the power to move from reacting to falls to preventing them altogether. Read More

National Volunteer Week celebrates the power of giving back. At Fellowship Square Historic Mesa, resident Gary Smith leads the "Back to the Garden" volunteer program, which encourages seniors to stay active and connected through roles like companion visits, dining help, and event planning. Volunteering improves wellness, provides opportunity, and builds community. With 123 volunteers and growing, Gary's goal is to get 50% of residents involved. "Purpose and connection," he says, "that's what it's all about." Read More

February is Senior Independence Month, which is a time to celebrate seniors' ability to be independent. At Fellowship Square Historic Mesa, we support seniors in maintaining their independence while recognizing that seeking support when it's needed is just as important. Staying active, managing medications, socializing, and volunteering are key to thriving in later years. We encourage seniors to embrace independence and ask for support when necessary. Read More

January has arrived, and it's a great opportunity to start a new or rediscover a hobby! At Fellowship Square Historic Mesa, we believe that hobbies aren't just fun but also important for senior well-being. Whether it's painting, gardening, writing, or playing cards, hobbies are creative outlets that create opportunities for seniors to be social while promoting mental health. Studies show that hobbies boost happiness, health, and overall life satisfaction. This National Hobby Month, take a moment to discover what brings you joy. Read More

Discover the heartwarming story of how a high school senior enlisted his grandmother's help for an elaborate prom proposal, showcasing the power of intergenerational activities for seniors. Prom is a special milestone for many young people, but its importance isn't limited to the young! Read More

Fellowship Square Resident Harriett Kostelecky shares fond memories of Spring on the family farm! Harriett volunteers for various activities and events in our senior living community. Each month, Harriett comes up with a theme accompanied by a short story. She then creates themed centerpieces for the dining room tables and a “giveaway” for each resident that reflects the theme. This month, you are reading the short story. Read More

April 22nd is Earth Day. What better time to get your hands dirty and enjoy a little gardening? Learn about the many health benefits that come from this most enjoyable activity. Read More

If you’re wondering, "How much is Independent Living?" or "Who pays for Independent and Assisted Living?" - you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll explore the costs and financial considerations of Independent and Assisted Living, shedding light on who pays for senior care, what’s included, and the available financial assistance options. Read More

As we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature; this and other physical factors make it harder for seniors to cool down. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down properly. Understanding the causes and risk factors associated with heat exhaustion in seniors is essential to prevent its occurrence. Read More

If you or a loved one are considering a move to an independent living community, you're likely full of questions: what to look for, what to ask while touring a community, and more. In this post, Fellowship Square Phoenix has created a step-by-step guide to help you choose the ideal senior living community that suits your lifestyle, location preferences, interests, and budget. Read More

When we retire, it is important to continue to stay physically active and maintain social activities. A wonderful way to combine these, and feel the reward of giving back to the community, is volunteering. That's why we provide so many opportunities to do just that for our residents at Fellowship Square Historic Mesa. Read More

Are you considering a move into an independent living retirement community? It's an exciting step towards a lifestyle filled with friendship, convenience, and the freedom to pursue your passions. We understand that this process can feel overwhelming, but we're here to help! In this article, we'll share four essential tips to help you "rightsize" to make your transition into independent living as smooth as possible and ensure that your new home reflects your individuality and personal style. From decluttering and prioritizing to creating a personalized floor plan, we'll guide you through every step of the process. So, let's get started on this exciting journey towards a fulfilling and vibrant retirement! Read More

As we age, it's natural to seek ways to maintain our independence and have an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Engaging in activities that nourish the soul and foster social connections is essential to preserving our independence and overall well-being. In this post, we'll explore the relationship between social connections and our physical health, the importance of community for seniors, and how Independent Living Communities provide an environment where seniors can thrive. Read More

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize our health and well-being, and one key area that is often overlooked is balance and fall prevention. It’s common for people not to talk about falls; they may think it’s a normal part of the aging process and there is nothing they can do about it, or they may not be aware of some common fall risk factors. Contrary to what some may think, there are simple, proactive measures seniors can incorporate into their daily routines, significantly reducing the risk of falls and allowing them to enjoy the benefits of aging gracefully. Read More

As the summer heat intensifies, staying cool and active becomes even more important, especially for seniors. Arizona has hit record temperatures this year, and our season is far from over! We are expected to hit triple digits throughout the month of August. September may bring FOOTBALL and FALL, but it still brings the HEAT! This article will explore some simple tips and enjoyable ways for you to stay active and cool during Arizona's hot summer months. With a little creativity and some smart choices, you can beat the heat and continue your daily exercise routine. Let's dive in! Read More

Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects an estimated 58.5 million adults in the US. It causes joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain, making everyday tasks challenging and painful. And while there is no cure for arthritis, it can be treated and managed to help reduce pain and improve overall quality of life. Understanding the nature of arthritis pain is crucial in finding effective ways to manage it. Read More

As seniors embark on an exciting new chapter in their lives, many consider various options, including senior living communities. One important factor to consider when exploring retirement community options is whether the community is for-profit or non-profit. While both types of communities provide valuable housing and support for seniors, non-profit senior living communities have unique benefits that deserve attention. Read More

Humans are social beings. Whether we identify as introverts or extroverts, we all need social interaction for positive mental, emotional, and physical health. Maintaining social connections becomes increasingly important for our overall well-being as we age. Unfortunately, many seniors find themselves facing social isolation and loneliness, which can have detrimental effects on their mental and physical health. However, there is a solution: senior living communities. Read More

As we age, it is important to reflect on our life and remember that a certain level of wisdom comes with experience. But sometimes, life and circumstances can become so challenging, it’s hard to rely on our own experiences for comfort. Read More

As we age, we often face tough decisions regarding our living situation. People often research and compare two options: receiving in-home care versus moving into a senior living community. This post will look into the different types of home health care services, examples of each, and the costs involved. We will explore the same points in senior living so you can easily compare the two options side-by-side to determine the best option for you and your family. Read More

As we age, we often face tough decisions regarding our living situation. People often research and evaluate two options: receiving in-home care versus moving into senior living. This post will look into the different types of senior living and home health care services, examples of each, and the costs involved Read More

Enhanced Retirement Living™ is a relatively new term to describe a class of senior living - and it is more than just Independent Living with services, it is specifically designed for older adults who want to enjoy active lifestyles while maintaining their independence. Read More

Here we are, mid-way through summer! July is one of the hottest months in Phoenix, so those of us living in the Valley are looking for ways to entertain ourselves inside. We created this ‘bucket list’ of activities and projects that can be done inside, by yourself, or with a group of friends. And some of the activities Read More

Fellowship Square takes a look at the phenomenon of the “super ager” — and tips on how to become one. Read More

Sometimes we all need a little reminder to take a step back and look at our blessings in life. A few months ago, one of our residents, Lucille C., shared her musings about finding joy with us. We loved it so much that we asked if we could post it on our blog, and she agreed! Whether it's COVID or anything else going on in the world, looking for small things Read More

Sometimes we all need a little reminder to take a step back and look at our blessings in life. A few months ago, one of our residents, Lucille C., shared her musings about finding joy with us. We loved it so much that we asked if we could post it on our blog, and she agreed! Whether it's COVID or anything else going on in the world, looking for small things Read More

Trust is the reliance on the integrity, strength, and ability of something or someone else. Read More

There are many important factors to think about when choosing a senior living community for yourself or a loved one. Read More

We know that along with aging come changes in vision, range of motion and cognitive response so we’d like to offer these driving suggestions and reminders for Arizona seniors who drive. Read More

One cannot underestimate the impact of genuine hospitality, as it fulfills the basic human need to be accepted and loved. Read More

seniors who reside at Fellowship Square Mesa and in the surrounding community spent part of their day traveling on grandiose adventures to places like Niagara Falls, the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, the Antarctic coasts to visit penguins, the clouds above for a wild skydiving ride, and so on Read More

Infrastructure is the underlying foundation or basic framework of an organization that is needed for it to function successfully. Beyond being a comfortable, resort-style campus that is well-maintained for senior residents, Fellowship Square Mesa has invested much time and resources into our infrastructure behind the scenes which greatly impact the communication, health support, safe environment, and entertainment that we provide. Read More

Senior residents at Fellowship Square Mesa have enjoyed many outreach activities in our community. Read More

When choosing a senior living place to call home as an aging adult, it is important to consider a number of factors about the organization beyond the living accommodations and amenities that meet your needs. Read More

The impactful use of technology among aging residents at our resort-style senior living community in the East Valley is turning heads across the nation; but, more importantly, is greatly improving the seniors’ quality of life. Read More

Intentionality is at the heart of our Reflections Memory Care services and hospitality. Read More

We all know that summers in Mesa, AZ can get very hot. Many say it’s a small price to pay for the amazingly beautiful weather that we are blessed to enjoy nine months of the year. Well, very hot is about to become dangerous, especially for seniors. According to our latest forecast from the National Weather Service, central Arizona is under an Extreme Heat Warning with dangerously hot conditions and afternoon temperatures climbing to as high as 118 degrees for the next seven days. With this in mind, we want to make sure that our Fellowship Square Historic Mesa residents, staff, family members and others are aware of the dangerous consequences of heat exposure and how to prevent them. Read More

From campus events, fun activities, health care support, and wellness classes to neighborly social hours, there are always opportunities to pair the sense of community with the valued independence that is sought. Read More

The well-being of our residents will always come first while we look to celebrate life with them. We invite you to join us on our incredible journey of aging well together. Read More

More and more research is showing that having faith can benefit the human spirit as well as the body, helping us to live longer and happier lives. Read More

At Fellowship Square-Mesa, we prioritize lifelong learning amongst our senior residents so they continue to try new things, increase their self-confidence, meet people who share their interests, and avoid the trap of stagnation. Read More

Fellowship Square-Mesa wants to set the record straight for how our seniors have survived the pandemic and are now celebrating together in person. Read More

The Fellowship Square-Mesa community has taken unique steps to prioritize our ‘fall prevention’ approach for residents, since it is of utmost importance to their health and well-being. Read More

Fellowship Square encourages residents and seniors to take advantage of the spring season and have a little fun. Need some inspiration? Here are a few ideas… Read More

At Fellowship Square-Mesa, we’re changing senior living for the better by using technology to enhance each resident’s life—allowing them to remain independent even longer. Read More

The biggest priority a.t Fellowship Square-Mesa is the health and well-being of our residents—especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic Read More

Unless you are one of the few people who follow the mantra, "if I haven't touched it in a year, I don't need it," preparing for a move almost always feels like a daunting task. The longer we live in our homes, the more 'stuff' we accumulate. And while some items Read More

At Fellowship Square, hospitality and community are life changing. Creating a welcoming atmosphere where friendships are forged and stories are shared, is our specialty. Read More

Fellowship Square offers seniors tips for decluttering their living spaces this year. Read More

We have all experienced a great deal of change and uncertainty this year. Staying physically distant and trying to adjust to a ‘new normal’ has proven challenging. However, as 2020 comes to a close, Read More

While speaking with a colleague last week, she mentioned that a friend is looking for Independent Living for her grandmother. Still, she and her grandmother are both nervous about moving into a retirement community during the COVID pandemic. Read More

What a joy to be back at Fellowship Square Phoenix. After spending some time getting to know the leadership team it is clear they are amazing and dedicated to Read More

Social isolation during Covid-19 is harder for seniors than we think. Fellowship Square Historic Mesa is working to help their independent and assisted living residents amidst the pandemic. Read More

Catching Love Instead of COVID Amid the restrictions of COVID-19, seniors are finding joy in each other's company. In the case of these two, they are now planning a future together. Click on the link to watch this video to learn their story! Read More

Fellowship Square offers seniors five easy money management tips to help them budget their funds — while still having fun throughout their retirement. Read More

Fellowship Square offers the following tips for managing medications. Read More

Fellowship Square suggests some easy ways to virtually connect with their beloved seniors. Read More

For those that don’t think getting a good workout can be done in the water, Fellowship Square invites them to “dive in” to these water fitness facts and tips. Read More

Our Alexa Community at Fellowship Square-Mesa is one of the newest technological advances in Senior Living today. Alexa Community uses smart technology devices that are programmed to be a daily household helper. Fellowship Square-Mesa was one of the first Senior Living communities to adopt this technology into its campus. Read More

One of the (many) wonderful things about being part of the Christian Care/Fellowship Square team are the extensive opportunities for professional growth. Read More

Fellowship Square has a few quick ideas to help seniors lighten up their meals this season. Read More

Fellowship Square offers some fun ways seniors can get some vacation vibes. Read More

July has been designated as Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month, and while most people (especially in the Valley of the Sun) are already well aware of the dangers of overexposure to the sun, one can never be too careful! Fellowship Square offers seniors tips to help them stay safe from the sun as the summer heat intensifies. Read More

My journey as part of the Christian Care ministry began in 1987. How amazing to be part of this growing ministry, now the largest not-for-profit in Arizona with 6 campuses. Read More

Sometimes, change can be scary and uncomfortable, and other times, it is bittersweet. At Christian Care, we are in a time of bittersweet transition as we have two retirements to celebrate Read More

Sometimes, change can be scary and uncomfortable, and other times, it is bittersweet. At Christian Care, we are in a time of bittersweet transition as we have two retirements to celebrate Read More

Early in my career, I learned that people want to know what you believe; they want to know where your heart is leading you, and where it will lead them. As a leader, my main job is let people know how much I care. This sets the tone for our success as a senior living community. Read More

Early in my career, I learned that people want to know what you believe; they want to know where your heart is leading you, and where it will lead them. People want you to communicate personally and individually. As a leader, my main job is let people know how much I care. This sets the tone for our success as a senior living community. Read More

Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday, June 21. This day offers an excellent opportunity to reconnect with Dad, share memories and find ways to show him how much he means to you. Read More

Immersing yourself in a great book can make your brain come alive. Science is now proving this to be true. When we read, we not only improve memory and empathy, but research shows that it makes us feel better and more positive too. Science has shown that reading has amazing health benefits, including helping with depression, cutting stress, and reducing the chances of developing memory impairments, later in life. Read More

This was not a typical picture day. Even though we all work together, on the same campus, this was the first time, we were together in one place in over two months. Thanks to COVID-19, our Senior Living Campus has been locked-down since March 11, 2020. When we made the decision to lock-down, there was no going back. We were moving forward with a vengeance to protect our residents. Lock-down meant there would be no movement throughout the different entities on campus. Read More

Our independent living seniors are among the most vulnerable people during the COVID-10 Pandemic. We're working hard to make sure that our seniors are safe and cared for. We're addressing people's concerns for the senior community within this blog post. Read More

As you may have heard in the news, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified at a Goodyear, AZ community. Read More

In response to Arizona Governor Ducey's declaration of a public health emergency Fellowship Square Historic Mesa has put an action plan in place for COVID-19. Read More

In this crazy time, I think we could all use a heart-warming story. Lucky is a common term we use when we have good results, or good fortune. But we all know… nothing happens by chance. Read More

In Senior Living, we serve people every day. To succeed in this industry, we must put service before self. Read More

Continuing to enhance our senior living community Fellowship Square Historic Mesa is happy to share that the Independent Living community is now a keyless door lock property, which improves the security and convenience for our residents. Read More

Happy 2020! Like most people this time of year, we are thinking about new beginnings and ways to live more intentional each day. There is a quote, "The people with the best advice are usually the ones who have been through the most." Read More

From weight loss to poor hygiene, experts recommend using holiday visits with elderly relatives to watch for signs they may need to think about choosing an independent or assisted living facility earlier than anticipated. Read More

In part 2 of this two part series covering Christian Care's 40th Anniversary, I asked three members of our senior leadership to share some of their thoughts about this momentous milestone, and what they see for the future of the organization. Read More

This year marks Christian Care’s 40th anniversary. On September 21st, we will be hosting a reception at Christian Care Health Center to celebrate this significant milestone. In this two-part series, we will look at the history of our senior living organization, and hear from leadership as they reflect on our history and what they see for the future of Christian Care. Read More

In 2013, Fellowship Square began working with the LAVIDGE agency to update their brand identity, create new marketing collateral and launch a new website. Read More

We are happy to announce another promotion on the Phoenix Campus! Ricky Dodds first started with Christian Care as a Safety & Security officer in 2014; this June he was promoted to the Service Coordinator for the Manors, our subsidized senior Living apartments. Read More

Fellowship Square Senior Living and Christian Care Companies, one of the largest not-for-profit senior living operators based in Arizona, announced the promotions of two key employees. Jenna Meyer, NHA has been named Director of Health Services, while Heath Van Gysel, RN has been named the Director of Assisted Living. Read More

In a new study, researchers have found that a bacterium largely responsible for gum disease also contributes to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Read More

The startling truth gleaned from recent studies is that some forms of stress are very good for us. It appears that Nietzsche was right when he said, “That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.” Our biggest problem is the lack of stress. However, the type and quality of stress we are under defines whether it will help or hurt us Read More

Fellowship Square Historic Mesa has onsite outpatient rehab for seniors as part of their Healthcare Services, which all residents and community have access to. This allows convenience of care for the senior living campus. Read More

Volunteering is a great activity for all and the seniors who live at Fellowship Square Historic Mesa love to give back to the community. They also really appreciate it when community volunteers help them like students from Benedictine University of Mesa. These young athletes came to our continuing care community in Mesa and helped enhance our common areas. Read More

For those in an assisted living community, seniors want to make sure they keep a strong and healthy body. They achieve this through a well-balanced diet, good hygiene, and a positive outlook on life. Read More

Fellowship Square Phoenix takes pride in the community they’ve built through their Christian Care roots. The staff at this assisted and independent living facility truly exemplify their service by being leaders of the heart. The company invests in their people to make it a better place for the staff which creates a great environment to call home. Read More. Read More

At Fellowship Square Historic Mesa, we remain focused on supporting the residents of our independent and assisted living communities by enhancing and expanding our wellness services. Wellness Connection is an array of services that we are pleased to offer to our residents. Most of these services can help our residents remain independent or recover from illness or injury. Sometimes however, residents struggle with serious illness and may be nearing end of life. These individuals need ongoing and compassionate relief from symptoms and related stress. That’s where hospice services can be invaluable to the residents of our continuing care community in Mesa. Read More

September is Fall Awareness Month. We must learn that as we age Falling is Not a normal part of aging. Have you had your gait checked? Read More

What is a common element you will find in the most inspired senior living options? Exercise. The National Council On Aging reveals that just 37% of Americans over the age of 60 are physically active every day — meaning that the vast majority do not get enough exercise. Read More

A house call from a Doctor might be from the past but is still utilized today. Dr. House Visits is a service that will bring primary medical care to our residents right in their own Fellowship Square Historic Mesa Independent Living apartments or Oasis Assisted Living or Memory Care home. Read More

Some of the best years of one’s life occur in the “golden years.” These are the days of relaxation, but also of explorations and freedoms that come with retirement. Fellowship Square reminds seniors of the very best parts of aging! Read More

Supportive Services can help our residents stay independent longer. When they need a little more help than our standard independent living or assisted living services provide, we can bring caregivers to their apartment to help with things like medication reminders, shower and dressing assistance, meal preparation or help to the dining room, escorts to activities or even walking the dog. Read More

The brain controls many aspects of thinking—remembering, planning and organizing, making decisions, and much more. Read More

Our residents participated in National Senior Fitness Day in May. We hosted the community to join the residents in some of their wellness activities. The independent living residents enjoy staying active and working out with their friends, and having members of the Mesa community join us was fun! Read More

Fellowship Square Historic Mesa is offering a FREE Community Event, June 8, 2018, for people looking for a long term care solution and aren't sure if independent living is the right option for them or their loved ones. Read More

Lew is an active participant in the Fellowship Square Phoenix community, one would never guess that Lew is 97 years of age. With a twinkle in his eye, and a sparkle in his smile, Lew is a great conversationalist and can execute a great joke! Lew was in the Navy Air Force as an RM3C from 1940-1943 in World War II, where he served as a dive bomber radio and radar operator and tail gunner. He then was stationed in Pearl Harbor, arriving just two days after the Japanese bombing, where he rose to the rank of Aviation 3rd Class. Read More

With advancing age the body changes and so do calcium and vitamin D needs. Calcium and vitamin D are two of the most important nutrients for bone health. Unfortunately, as compared to younger people, seniors are especially vulnerable to calcium and vitamin D deficiency – largely because the body changes with advancing age. Read More

Wanda, now 88 years young, grew up in Texas, but her life took to the skies when she joined the military. Wanda learned to fly a T-34 plane for the United States Air Force at Kirkland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She served as a USMC Captain in Korea from 1951 to 1954. Read More

In this second interview for our "A Day in the Life" series, we hear from Kim Sanders, Director of Dining & Housekeeping Services. By all accounts, Kim is extremely dedicated to providing a very high level of customer service and to elevating residents' everyday experiences. Read More

In this first interview of our "A Day in the Life" series, we talk to Eric Kirby - the new Executive Chef at Fellowship Square Phoenix. Eric has been with Fellowship Square Phoenix since 2011, and was recently promoted to Executive Chef - a position he has transitioned into with ease. He oversees the Food Service Department for our entire senior living community - independent living, assisted living & skilled nursing. Read More

The MIND diet can drastically lower your risk for Alzheimer’s disease, among other conditions. Here’s what the lead researcher suggests regarding MIND and foods thought to be “good for you.” A Mediterranean-inspired diet was recently proven to dramatically lower the risk of dementia in older adults. But just because it originated in Italy doesn’t mean you should stock up on frozen pizza and lasagna. Instead, the MIND diet focuses on plenty of vegetables, whole grains, beans and olive oil. It even recommends a small glass of red wine daily. The meals are also linked to a healthier heart and longer life, coupled with a reduced risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. Read More

Fall-related injuries account for the biggest portion of the injuries that older patients present with in the emergency room, so it pays to know how to reduce risks of falls in seniors, both for the affected demographic and their families. The following safety tips for fall prevention are a great place to start. Read More

There are many reasons to focus on having a healthy heart at any age. For senior adults maintaining a healthy heart and brain can help preserve your independence and quality of life. Making positive lifestyle choices is the best way to affect positively both your heart health and brain health. Forming new habits in areas like physical health and exercise, diet and nutrition, cognitive activity, and social engagement — can help keep your body and brain healthy and potentially reduce your risk of cognitive decline. Read More

Every day as I walk the halls of Fellowship Square-Mesa I am reminded of what resilient people live in our community. Residents who have overcome a set-back of some kind but demonstrate to everyone their capacity to recover and bounce back. According to the dictionary the definition of resilience is just that, “the capacity to recover from difficulties and bounce back.” Here are five ways to increase your resilience as you age: Read More

Some seniors have some preconceived notions about assisted living facilities, but these connotations are actually often untrue and sometimes totally far-fetched. Fellowship Square sets the record straight about these often-negative myths! Read More

As a senior citizen over the age of 75, there are specific safety precautions that should be discussed with a doctor prior to beginning a new exercise routine. Once Doc has given the green light, read on for some fitness tips to get started! Read More

Packing and preparing to move a loved one into an assisted or independent living community can be an emotional time for all family members involved. However, with some information from the community — including what items are already provided, specifics on space and any restrictions — and this handy checklist, moving day can become an exciting part of the loved one’s next phase in life. Read More

As we age, it is important to ensure our safety, and the safety of others, when we are driving. If you are concerned about your own driving or worried about a friend or loved one, keep an eye out for these warning signs: Read More