Winter’s cozy charm comes with shorter days and cooler weather—and for some seniors, it can bring Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This winter-linked depression can dampen one’s mood, making it hard to enjoy the season’s comforts. The Seniors Helping Seniors® team is committed to helping your loved ones thrive no matter the season. Learn what SAD is, how it affects seniors, and our top tips for boosting spirits during winter’s chill.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder

It’s normal to feel a little low in the winter with less sunlight and more time indoors. Many seniors notice their mood improves as spring arrives. However, if these shifts go deeper—affecting your thoughts, emotions, and daily routines—you might be dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder. This type of depression follows a seasonal cycle, most commonly appearing in winter and lasting several months. Symptoms mirror general depression but may also include specific signs tied to the season.

SAD Symptoms in Seniors

For many, Seasonal Affective Disorder begins with mild symptoms in late fall or early winter, intensifying as the season wears on. Most symptoms fade as the sunny spring days return. In seniors, SAD often presents as oversleeping, low energy, carb cravings, weight gain, or feeling down most of the day. Other common signs include trouble concentrating, disinterest in hobbies, and feelings of hopelessness or guilt. Understanding these symptoms can help guide seniors toward effective support and care.

Tips for Combating SAD This Winter

Managing SAD starts with small, intentional changes to daily routines. Simple steps like getting outside during daylight hours, staying active, and eating a balanced diet can improve energy and mood. Brighten your space with natural light or use a light therapy box to mimic the sun’s uplifting effects. Engaging in hobbies or socializing can also help lift spirits. A Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can lend a hand by assisting with tasks, keeping seniors engaged, and ensuring their days are filled with light, warmth, and encouragement.

Winter may bring shorter days, but with the right strategies, it doesn’t have to dim your spirits. By making small lifestyle changes and seeking support when needed, seniors can combat the symptoms of SAD and embrace the season with renewed energy and optimism. The Seniors Helping Seniors® team is here to brighten every day by providing companionship, assistance, and encouragement. Together, we can make this winter a season of warmth and connection. If you or a loved one could use a little extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out to our caring team today.

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The holidays have arrived, bringing winter weather, sparkling lights, and the quest for that perfect gift. Stumped on what to get the senior in your life? We’ve got you covered. The Seniors Helping Seniors® team has curated a list of thoughtful gift ideas for seniors. Whether they love exploring new hobbies, staying cozy, or just enjoying the festive season, you’ll find inspiration here. Keep reading to unwrap the best holiday gifts for seniors and make their season truly special!

Thoughtful and Practical Holiday Gift Ideas for Seniors

For the Memory Keepers

Sentimental seniors often treasure gifts that celebrate their favorite moments. If your loved one values preserving memories, personalized keepsakes are the way to go. These thoughtful gestures keep their happiest times close at heart and make for heartwarming gifts they’ll cherish.

• Gather their favorite photos and print them on a comfy blanket
• Create a custom engraving on a piece of jewelry
• Turn a treasured photo into a fun puzzle

Your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can help you find the perfect photo or source of inspiration to make the ultimate custom gift for your loved one.

For the Hobbyists

Does your senior loved one have a passion for trying new things? Support their interests this holiday season with a thoughtful gift tailored to their favorite activities. Whether they enjoy creating, observing nature, or diving into a good story, a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can help you discover exactly what will light up their holiday.

• Inspire their creativity with an adult coloring book and a set of colored pencils
• Give birdwatchers a close-up view of their feathered friends with a new pair of binoculars
• Make reading more accessible with an audiobook subscription or a monthly magazine subscription

For the Home Chefs

Food-focused gifts are a recipe for holiday joy. Whether your senior loved one enjoys exploring new flavors, customizing their kitchen, or documenting their culinary creations, there’s something for every type of home chef. And if they need extra support in the kitchen, a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can assist with meal prep and cleanup, so they can enjoy their culinary passion without the stress.

• Treat their taste buds to a gourmet tea or coffee sampler
• Give their kitchen a personal touch with a custom cutting board
• Help them preserve treasured recipes with a beautifully designed recipe journal

This holiday season, the most meaningful gifts come from the heart. Your senior loved one will cherish a present that reflects their personality and shows how much you care. The Seniors Helping Seniors® team is here to help you and your family enjoy a season full of joy, warmth, and connection. If your loved one could benefit from a little extra help with daily tasks, household upkeep, or personal care, consider the gift of support with a dedicated caregiver.

With our team by your side, the holidays can be less stressful and more focused on what matters most—time spent together. Contact us today to explore our in-home care options.

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The holidays bring cherished time with loved ones, joyful gatherings, and, of course, plenty of delicious food. But for seniors managing diabetes, holiday treats and big meals can be a challenge. With holiday spreads often packed with carbs, sugars, and rich dishes, it can be tempting to let healthy routines slide. But you don’t have to opt out of the festivities completely.

The Seniors Helping Seniors® team understands how important it is for all seniors to feel included in every celebration without risking their health. We know how much those special holiday moments mean, and we’re here to help make diabetes management simple and stress-free this season. That’s why we’ve gathered our best tips to help you navigate holiday gatherings while keeping your blood sugar steady and your health a top priority.

Read on to find out how you can fully participate in the festivities, share joyful moments, and make memories that last—all while staying on top of your diabetes care.

3 Tips for Managing Diabetes Without Missing Out on Holiday Fun

The festive season is filled with delicious treats, large family dinners, and a break from the usual routines—a joyful time but also a season of extra challenges for those managing diabetes. With so many tempting foods and potential disruptions, it can be tricky to keep blood sugar levels steady.

But don’t worry; with a bit of planning and mindful preparation, seniors can savor all the fun while staying on top of their diabetes care. Below are three practical Seniors Helping Seniors® tips for keeping your diabetes management on track, from mindful food choices to finding balance in routines. Let’s make this holiday season one to remember—joyful, balanced, and worry-free!

Bring a Healthy Option

Holiday gatherings often mean potlucks or family-style meals, which makes it the perfect opportunity to bring a healthy dish! When carbs and starchy sides are common contributions, consider switching it up with a nutritious vegetable-based dish. Roasted Brussels sprouts, a colorful salad, or stuffed peppers are festive, delicious options that will be total crowd pleasers.

If you’re looking for recipe inspiration or need a little help with meal prep, a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver is happy to pitch in, making sure your dish not only tastes great but supports your health. Bringing something you can enjoy guilt-free allows you to focus on the joy of gathering and sharing a meal with loved ones, without stressing about your blood sugar levels.

Stick to Your Mealtime Routine

Regular mealtimes can make a big difference in diabetes management, but keeping those routines steady during the holidays isn’t always easy. With spontaneous gatherings and sweet treats around every corner, mealtime routines can feel a little out of sync.

Whenever you’re invited to a dinner party or holiday event, try to stick to your usual eating schedule by having a healthy snack at your regular mealtimes. If you plan to eat more at the event, adjust your portion sizes accordingly. Bringing along a small snack helps ensure you don’t skip meals and keeps you on track no matter where you are.

Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers can also help by packing snacks or prepping meals in advance, so you can enjoy all the festivities while maintaining your diabetes routine.

Plan Your Plate

With holiday tables loaded with all kinds of tempting dishes, from rich casseroles to creamy desserts, it’s easy to get carried away. One way to enjoy holiday meals without overindulging is to scope out the options before you serve yourself. Take a moment to check out all the dishes and plan your plate with balance in mind.

Try filling up on lean proteins, vegetables, and other diabetes-friendly options first, while saving small portions for the indulgent dishes you love. If you’re really looking to keep things light, consider using a smaller plate to help you control portions. A Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can assist in navigating choices that suit your diet and help you feel confident in managing your holiday meals in a way that brings joy and wellness to the season.

The holiday season doesn’t have to be a time of stress for seniors managing diabetes. With thoughtful choices, a bit of planning, and the right support, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy all the fun and flavors of this special season. By sticking to routines, bringing along a nutritious dish, and thoughtfully selecting from the holiday spread, you can savor holiday memories without sacrificing your health.

Having a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver by your side can add even more support, helping with meal preparation, reminders, and even holiday shopping for diabetes-friendly snacks. Reach out today to find out how our caregivers can make holiday diabetes management less stressful and more enjoyable, so you can embrace each moment.

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Tis the season for joy, togetherness, and… fall hazards for seniors. As the holidays approach, so do unique risks for falls that can make this time of year a little less merry for older adults. Festive lights, slick surfaces, and that extra holiday clutter can turn even familiar spaces into potential fall zones.

With gatherings, decorating, and cooking in full swing, it’s easy to let safety slide. But a safe holiday is a happy holiday! From creating clear walkways to securing outdoor spaces, there are simple steps to prevent falls and keep your holiday gatherings fun and secure. A Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can help you navigate these seasonal challenges, ensuring your space is as safe as it is festive.

Plus, there are steps you can take to create a fall-free holiday zone in your home. Keep reading for our top tips on fall prevention and making the most of this season safely.

Safety Challenges for Seniors During the Holidays

Winter brings its own set of seasonal slip-ups—slick sidewalks, damp entryways, and even fallen leaves. The festive season adds an extra layer of challenges for seniors, but a little foresight can go a long way. While the holidays are all about enjoying family, friends, and fun, it’s also crucial to keep safety in mind.

Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers are skilled at spotting risks and making spaces safer, but there are simple steps you can take too to keep your balance and your holiday cheer intact. Read on for our top tips on avoiding slips and stumbles so you can celebrate on solid ground this year.

6 Fall Prevention Tips and Strategies

Clear Out Clutter

Holiday decorations and seasonal storage items can clutter up your space, turning small items into tripping hazards. Take some time to tidy high-traffic areas and hallways. Keeping these spaces open and free from clutter ensures you can safely move around, and a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can help with rearranging items or storing decorations securely.

Stick to Simple Holiday Decorations

Oversized decorations are fun to look at but can quickly crowd your space and make navigation tricky. Opt for simple holiday decor that stays out of walkways and doesn’t block any entrances. When you’re ready to deck the halls, call on a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver to assist; they’ll help ensure your home stays safe, accessible, and easy to navigate.

Avoid Twinkling Lights

While twinkling lights bring the holiday magic, they can also cause visual distractions, making it harder to see obstacles in your path. Instead, consider steady lights that provide brightness without the flicker. Our caregiving team can help with placing lights to brighten areas where you need them most, ensuring your home is cheerful and safe.

Secure Extension Cords

Extension cords often come out for holiday decorations, but loose cords can be a tripping hazard. Tuck cords along the edges of the room or secure them with cord clips or tape. Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers are happy to help with arranging decorations safely, so you can focus on celebrating without worrying about hazards underfoot.

Step Away from Ladders and Stools

Ladders and stepstools can be risky for seniors, especially if you’re handling decorations alone. For holiday setup that requires height, ask a family member or caregiver for assistance. They can help hang decorations safely, and it’s the perfect time to chat about your upcoming holiday plans.

Keep Children’s Toys in One Area of Your Home

With grandchildren visiting, it’s easy for toys to end up scattered all over the house, creating unexpected tripping hazards. Designate a specific area for toys and ask family members to help keep it tidy. With the help of our in-home care services, you can ensure toys are stored safely, so you and your loved ones can celebrate without worry.

As the holiday hustle and bustle fill the air, keeping your space safe can help you fully enjoy the season with peace of mind. Clearing out clutter, simplifying decorations, and asking for help when needed are easy ways to safeguard against holiday falls. Plus, with a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver by your side, you’ll have an extra set of hands to handle decorations, secure walkways, and keep everything organized.

Taking these small precautions can lead to big rewards, allowing you to celebrate every moment of this holiday season safely and joyfully.

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Halloween isn’t just for kids; it’s a fantastic opportunity for seniors to embrace the fun and festivities of the season. The spooky holiday offers a wonderful opportunity for seniors to connect with family and friends through enjoyable activities that brighten their spirits. Whether it’s crafting seasonal decorations, baking delicious treats, or enjoying classic Halloween movies, there are countless ways to create lasting memories. The Seniors Helping Seniors® team came up with a list of thrilling ideas to help you have a hauntingly good time this Halloween.

Festive Halloween Activities for Seniors

Decorate a Pumpkin
Bring the spirit of Halloween to life with a classic Halloween activity: pumpkin decorating. Unleash your creativity by carving a Jack-O-Lantern, or keep it mess-free by painting your pumpkin instead. To make this activity more accessible, you can decorate an artificial pumpkin or a pumpkin-shaped piece of cardboard so your creation can last longer. Your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can help set up the supplies, provide assistance with carving, or even help with clean up.

Host a Scary Movie Marathon
Gather your friends and family for a spine-tingling movie marathon featuring classic Halloween films. Whether it’s a beloved cartoon or a light-hearted spooky flick, movie nights can be a great way for seniors to relax and bond with loved ones. With a caregiver’s assistance, you can create a cozy atmosphere complete with popcorn and blankets, ensuring everyone feels included and comfortable while enjoying the show.

Bake Some Seasonal Treats
Get into the Halloween mood by baking delicious, themed treats! From bat-shaped cookies to pumpkin muffins, baking is a fun and rewarding activity. Seniors can enjoy the process of mixing, decorating, and, of course, tasting their creations. Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers can help by gathering ingredients, guiding the baking process, and ensuring a safe environment, making it a sweet way to celebrate the holiday together.

DIY Halloween Crafts
Crafting spooky decorations can be a delightful way to get into the Halloween spirit! There are plenty of easy and fun DIYs for seniors of all skill levels. For example, you can make festive lanterns using mason jars, white cheesecloth, and LED tealights. Wrap the jars with cheesecloth to resemble ghostly figures, adding eyes made from black markers or paper. Place an LED tealight inside to illuminate the eerie effect. Having handmade decorations around your house adds a personal touch that can brighten up any home.

The fun Halloween festivities we’ve shared are designed to bring smiles, spark joy, and create special moments together. From pumpkin decorating to cozy movie marathons, these activities are intended to lift spirits and make lasting memories. And let’s not forget the magic that a Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home caregiver can bring—they’re here to help set up the fun, offer companionship, and ensure everyone feels included. So, gather your family, grab your craft supplies, and get ready for a Halloween full of laughter and connection. Here’s to celebrating the season with creativity and joy!

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Fall is in the air, bringing with it pumpkin patch adventures, apple picking, baking sweet treats, and watching the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold. While this time of year offers plenty of seasonal excitement, it’s also important to focus on mental well-being—especially for seniors. The shorter days and cooler temperatures can disrupt daily routines, making it harder to stay active and get outside. The Seniors Helping Seniors® team understands these challenges and wants to help you stay happy and healthy this season. That’s why we’ve put together a list of simple tips to beat the seasonal blues. Keep reading for our advice on staying positive, active, and engaged this season.

How Autumn Can Impact Mental Health for Seniors
One of the main culprits of seasonal mental health challenges is the decrease in sunlight, which can affect sleep patterns and mood. Known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this condition can hit seniors especially hard, leading to feelings of fatigue or even mild depression. Additionally, with cooler temperatures and fewer outdoor activities, it’s easy for feelings of loneliness to set in.

One keyway to address mental health challenges in the fall is through companionship, and Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services can make a world of difference. For seniors who may struggle to maintain their routines or feel isolated during this season, a caregiver provides not only support but also connection. We also encourage small, consistent efforts to stay engaged—it can make all the difference during the fall months. Scroll down to discover a few simple mental health boosting ideas you can incorporate into your fall routine this year.

Ways for Seniors to Stay Active and Connected in the Fall

Stay Physically Active
Even as temperatures drop, physical activity is key to maintaining mental well-being. Daily movement—whether it’s a walk through the neighborhood, indoor stretching, or light yoga—releases endorphins, boosts energy, and reduces stress. For seniors who may find it hard to stay motivated, an in-home caregiver can offer gentle encouragement, lead simple exercises, or join them for outdoor walks.

Connect with Loved Ones
Social interaction is vital for combating feelings of loneliness, especially during the fall when shorter days can limit outings. Regular phone calls, video chats with family, or attending community events (virtually or in person) can make a big difference. Whether it’s arranging a visit from a friend, setting up a video call with family, or just enjoying a conversation over coffee, a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can help ensure that seniors stay socially connected.

Create an Enjoyable Routine
Establishing new routines can make the fall season feel comforting rather than isolating. Developing fun rituals, like reading by a window, baking fall treats, or doing a craft project can be a great source of serotonin that you can look forward to each day. Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers can support these routines by assisting with preparations, offering company, and encouraging participation in activities that stimulate the mind and lift the spirit. Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers work alongside seniors to make everyday moments enjoyable, helping them embrace the beauty of the season with comforting and positive habits.

By staying active, socially connected, and creating enjoyable routines, seniors can thrive during the cooler months. And with the support of a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver, seniors receive personalized assistance and companionship that ensures they don’t face these challenges alone. Let’s make this fall a time to focus on wellness and ensure that everyone has the resources they need to enjoy the season to its fullest. Together, we can make this season one filled with joy, comfort, and well-being.

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As the summer days fade and September welcomes a new season, many seniors find themselves adjusting to changing routines and shorter days. This shift can sometimes bring on feelings of social isolation, which can impact mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The Seniors Helping Seniors® team understands how challenging it can be to stay connected with loved ones, especially if they’re far away.

To help you stay socially engaged this fall, we’ve put together six easy tips to connect with friends and family, whether they’re near or far. But first, let’s explore the effects of social isolation on well-being and the signs to look out for in your loved ones.

The Impact of Social Isolation
While autumn gives us a break from the summer heat, fewer daylight hours and cooler temperatures can often lead to more time indoors and a greater sense of isolation. Social isolation isn’t just about being alone— it has implications on mental health, leading to increased loneliness, sadness, and anxiety, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The National Institute on Aging also reports that older adults facing isolation are at a higher risk for depression and cognitive decline. Isolation can harm physical health, contributing to cardiovascular problems and a weaker immune system.

Feeling lonely from time to time is perfectly normal. In fact, nearly one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel this way, according to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). If you’re looking for regular companionship, a compassionate Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver could be just what you need. Because they’re mature adults themselves, they can connect on a personal level, fostering a meaningful friendship grounded in empathy and care. Aside from leaning on a caregiver, here are a few simple ways to stay in touch with loved ones this fall.

Catch Up in Virtual Gatherings
Thanks to technology, staying in touch with faraway loved ones is easier than ever! Video calls on your smartphone or computer let you chat with friends and family just like a phone call, but with the added joy of seeing their smiling faces. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver to help set up video calls on platforms like Skype or Zoom.

Schedule Regular Phone Calls
Life gets busy, making it tough to always find time for a call with friends and family. Skip the back-and-forth of missed calls and voicemails by setting a specific time and date to catch up with loved ones. A regular catch-up session—whether weekly or monthly— can ease feelings of isolation by giving you something to consistently look forward to.

Write a Heartfelt Letter
In today’s fast-paced world, there’s something extra special about receiving a handwritten letter. It’s a beautiful way to let someone know they’re in your thoughts. Plus, being pen pals can be a fun way to maintain connections!

Your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can help with sending out letters or bringing in the mail, so all you need to worry about is what to write.

Join a Club
Making new friends as an adult can be a challenge, but it is possible! Expand your social network by joining a local club. Whether it’s a book club, birdwatching group, or walking group, there are endless opportunities to meet like-minded people. Your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can help you find the perfect group that matches your interests.

Create a Memory Album
When chatting with loved ones isn’t an option, flipping through photos of them can be a comforting alternative. Gather your favorite snapshots of friends and family to create a photo album or scrapbook. Looking through these cherished memories can bring comfort and joy until your next conversation.

Staying connected to loved ones benefits your well-being and uplifts those around you. Every action you take to reach out, whether it’s a call, a letter, or a virtual hangout, brings you closer to a healthier and more fulfilling life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by isolation or experiencing symptoms of depression, remember there are resources and support available to help you navigate these feelings.

And for ongoing companionship, consider connecting with a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver. Our compassionate caregivers are here to offer friendship, support, and a meaningful connection. Contact us today to learn how we can make a difference in your life.

The post Six Simple Strategies for Seniors to Combat Social Isolation This Fall appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

As fall arrives, we say farewell to the zesty, bright flavors of summer and embrace the warm, comforting tastes of autumn. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice enthusiast or a fan of fresh squash and zucchini from your local farmer’s market, there’s a fall recipe for every palate. This September, the Seniors Helping Seniors®  team is here to help you enjoy the season with simple, healthy recipes that complement the cozy, cooler days. Read on to discover the benefits of a healthy fall diet for seniors and check out our top fall recipes!

The Importance of Balanced Nutrition for Seniors

For seniors, eating healthy in the autumn is particularly important as the season brings cooler temperatures and a higher risk of illness. A balanced fall diet packed with seasonal fruits and veggies helps boost immunity, manage weight, and provide the energy needed to stay active. Nutrient-rich foods like squash, apples, and Brussels sprouts offer vitamins and minerals that support bone health, heart function, and mental clarity. Your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver is always ready to help with meal preparation or cook your favorite dishes, ensuring you stay healthy and nourished. Just ask, and they’ll be there to make it happen!

Eat Up Tasty Fall Flavors

One of the best ways to embrace the fall season is through delicious, seasonal foods! Check out your local farmer’s market for fresh inspiration or take it up a notch by heading to an apple orchard with a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver to pick your own apples. It’s a fun way to enjoy the crisp autumn air and add some fresh flavors to your diet. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds over a salad for a nutritious crunch, or dive into our Seniors Helping Seniors® fall recipes to make the most of the season’s bounty!

September Recipe Ideas for Seniors

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

This warm, comforting oatmeal is high in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion. Pumpkin adds a dose of beta-carotene and antioxidants, while nuts provide healthy fats that are good for heart health.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk or a dairy-free alternative
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A handful of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• Fresh apple slices or dried cranberries for topping

Instructions:

1. In a small pot, combine the oats and milk. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Stir in the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Cook until the oats are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Serve hot, topped with chopped nuts and fresh apple slices or dried cranberries for added flavor and texture.

Butternut Squash and Kale Salad

This colorful salad is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, which are important for immune function and bone health. The fiber in kale and squash aids digestion, while pumpkin seeds add a crunchy source of protein and healthy fats.

Ingredients:

• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
2. In a large bowl, massage the chopped kale with a little olive oil until it becomes tender.
3. Add the roasted squash, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and pumpkin seeds to the kale.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, toss well, and serve.

Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips

These apple chips are a healthy, low-calorie snack rich in fiber, which helps regulate digestion. Cinnamon adds a burst of flavor and has anti-inflammatory properties. This snack is perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without the added sugars and unhealthy fats of traditional desserts.

Ingredients:

• 2 large apples, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on the baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle the slices with ground cinnamon. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired.
4. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping halfway through, until the apples are dry and crisp.
5. Let cool before serving.

Fall is a fantastic time for everyone—from kitchen beginners to culinary pros—to explore seasonal recipes! With a bounty of fresh fruits and veggies in season, healthy eating is simple. Add a splash of color to your plate with these Seniors Helping Seniors® autumn recipes and enjoy delicious meals that keep you on track with your nutrition goals. Get cooking and enjoy the taste of the season!

The post The Role of Nutrition in Senior Health: September’s Focus on Eating Well & Seasonal Recipes appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

August marks the end of carefree summer days and the beginning of the back-to-school rush. As children nationwide squeeze in their last fun moments in the sun, parents and guardians scramble to prepare everything for a successful academic year. It’s a busy time for families, from buying art supplies for elementary students to sorting out tech gear for high schoolers.

Grandparents and family friends, this is your chance to lend a hand! Show your support for young learners in your life with a thoughtful and practical gift. The Seniors Helping Seniors® team has put together a list of unique, must-have items that students of all ages will genuinely use and love.

Check out our top back-to-school gift ideas for kids across grade levels, approved by grandkids from kindergarten to high school! Keep reading to find the perfect gift.

Back-to-School Gift Ideas for Grandparents

As the back-to-school season kicks in, families focus on gathering all the essentials – pencils, notebooks, and backpacks. You can always pitch in by buying some of these necessities. But for seniors who want a more personal touch, the Seniors Helping Seniors® team found useful and fun back-to-school gift ideas for your grandkids that go beyond the basics.

Whether you’re just down the street or miles away, these gifts are perfect for shipping or hand-delivery. Before shopping, check in with the parents or guardians to ensure your gift isn’t duplicated. Scroll down to explore our best gift ideas for elementary, middle, and high school students!

Creative School Supplies

While a plain wooden pencil gets the job done, many kids would love to write with a funky gel pen instead. Here are some exciting school supplies that might not be on the official back-to-school shopping list, but your grandkids would be thrilled to have. These items will help them stay organized and motivated all school year long.

• Elementary Students: Whimsical sticker packs, erasers in a fun shape, novelty pencil toppers, themed bookmarks.
• Middle School Students: Goal-setting planner, trendy notebook covers, colorful pens and highlighters, a stylish pencil pouch.
• High School Students: Magnetic locker accessories, interchangeable binder covers, high-quality mechanical pencils, a compact desk organizer.

Personalized Back-to-School Gear

Help your grandkid stand out and avoid mix-ups by giving them custom items. Personalizing gifts with their name or favorite color is a thoughtful way to show you care.

• Elementary Students: Backpack or lunchbox with their favorite animal or character printed on it.
• Middle School Students: Reusable water bottle in their favorite color from a popular brand.
• High School Students: Stylish laptop sleeve or phone case that reflects their personal style.

Games & Gadgets

School is all about learning, but there’s always time for fun! Keep your grandkid’s mind engaged throughout the year with interactive books or exciting tech gizmos that encourage them to do their best.

• Elementary Students: Activity books with coloring pages or mazes, math or reading games, age-appropriate jigsaw puzzles.
• Middle School Students: Popular youth novels, a Bluetooth speaker, a portable charger to keep devices powered throughout the day.
• High School Students: Noise-cancelling headphones, a smartwatch for tracking fitness, a music streaming subscription.

As the back-to-school season approaches, you have a wonderful chance to brighten your grandkids’ school year with thoughtful and unique gifts. Whether it’s creative supplies, personalized gear, or engaging tech gadgets, these items can help them begin the year with enthusiasm and confidence.

If you need assistance with shopping or other tasks, a Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home senior caregiver can make the process much easier. Our caregivers are here to help you select, purchase, and even wrap the perfect back-to-school gifts, ensuring that you are fully prepared to support young learners.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn how Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services can help make this back-to-school season smooth and enjoyable for you and your family.

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Birdwatching is more than just a delightful pastime—it’s a wonderful way to connect with nature, boost your mood, and enjoy some gentle outdoor activity. For seniors, creating a backyard haven specifically designed for birdwatching can offer endless hours of joy and relaxation.

Imagine the pleasure of sipping a cup of tea while watching colorful feathered friends flit and chirp just outside your window. In this Seniors Helping Seniors® guide, we’ll walk you through simple, accessible ideas to transform your backyard into a serene wildlife retreat that makes birdwatching accessible, enjoyable, and enriching.

But first, let’s talk about why birdwatching is such a great hobby for seniors.

A Full Flock of Mental Perks

Birdwatching provides seniors with a perfect blend of mental stimulation and physical activity. It boosts mental sharpness by challenging seniors to recognize and remember different birds. Physically, birdwatching encourages light, manageable exercise that promotes circulation and flexibility, whether you’re walking around your garden or simply standing and observing.

The Seniors Helping Seniors® team encourages you to enjoy the dual benefits of stress relief and gentle movement as you immerse yourself in this engaging hobby.

Attracting Birds to Your Backyard

Want to turn your backyard into a bustling bird haven? It’s easier than you might think! With a few thoughtful additions, you can transform your outdoor space into a welcoming environment that draws in a variety of beautiful avian visitors.

Bird Feeders

• Types of Feeders: Place bird feeders at eye level a comfortable distance from your desired viewing point. There are plenty of options that cater to different avian species. Platform feeders accommodate a wide range of birds, but tube feeders are best for small birds, and suet feeders are designed to attract woodpeckers and other insect-eaters.
• Bird Seed Selection: Research your native bird species to determine which kind of seed they prefer. Use seeds that attract a variety of birds, such as sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, and suet cakes.

Bird Baths

• Design: Choose a bird bath with a shallow, easy-to-clean basin and a gentle slope to make it accessible for all types of birds. You can also use shallow dishes or bowls with a textured surface to make it easy for birds to drink and bathe.
• Maintenance: Clean the bath every few days to prevent algae growth and disease. Consider a solar-powered fountain to keep the water moving, which helps attract more birds and keeps the bath cleaner longer.

Natural Elements

• Bird-Friendly Plants: Berry-producing shrubs like holly and elderberry provide food for various species while flowering plants such as coneflowers and bee balm attract nectar-loving birds like hummingbirds. Find out what’s native to your local area before planting.
• Nest Boxes: Birds can be picky when it comes to real estate. To attract your desired bird species, make sure to pick the right home for them. Birdhouses with small entrance holes attract wrens and chickadees, while larger holes are suited for woodpeckers and blue jays.

With the right mix of feeders, bird baths, and natural elements, you’ll soon be enjoying a lively and picturesque birdwatching experience right from your own home. Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers are always happy to help with light yard work, so you can achieve the backyard paradise of your dreams.

Take Birdwatching to New Heights

Ask your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver to help you set up a comfortable chair and a pair of binoculars by your favorite bird-friendly spot in the backyard. Pick a location that’s both close to your bird feeders and free from hazards like uneven ground or sharp objects. Consider adding a side table for holding binoculars or a bird guidebook, and make sure the area is well-lit for ease of use. Installing a small, shaded awning can provide comfort on sunny days while having a nearby rail or support for stability can enhance safety.

As you settle in, note the different species that visit and consider keeping a journal of your observations. You can also bring your mobile phone or a digital camera to practice capturing photos of your flying friends. Each venture will reveal something new—whether it’s a flash of color from a rare bird or the charming antics of a familiar species.

Birdwatching is not just about spotting birds; it’s about experiencing the calming rhythm of nature and finding pleasure in the small, everyday miracles. This peaceful, rewarding hobby sparks joy and also fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world around you.

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Welcome to the future of exploration, where travel is just a click away! Thanks to the power of virtual museum tours, discovering the world has never been more accessible or exciting! These virtual tours offer a fantastic opportunity to explore global treasures, stimulate your mind, and enjoy a vibrant cultural experience—all from the comfort of your home. Picture yourself strolling through the halls of the Louvre, admiring the Mona Lisa, or delving into ancient artifacts at the British Museum without leaving your favorite armchair.

The Seniors Helping Seniors® team wants to show you how these experiences can spark joy, stimulate your mind, and turn each day into an exciting journey. Let’s get started.

What Are Virtual Museum Tours

Virtual museum tours are online experiences that allow you to explore museum exhibits and galleries from anywhere with an internet connection. Using high-resolution images, interactive features, and sometimes even virtual reality technology, these tours offer a way to view art, artifacts, and historical displays as if you were physically present in the museum. They provide an immersive experience where you can navigate through different rooms, zoom in on specific pieces, read detailed descriptions, and listen to audio guides.

For seniors, virtual museum tours are especially beneficial. They eliminate the need for physical travel, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues, and they provide a way to enjoy cultural and intellectual stimulation without leaving home. Additionally, these tours can be enjoyed at one’s own pace, with the ability to pause, revisit, and explore in-depth, making them an ideal option for lifelong learners.

Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers can help you set up and navigate these virtual tours, ensuring you have a smooth and enjoyable experience accessing the world’s cultural treasures right from your living room.

Free Virtual Museum Tours for Seniors

The Louvre (Paris, France)
Tour Overview: The Louvre offers virtual tours of its vast collections, including the iconic Mona Lisa, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and classical sculptures. The interactive platform allows users to explore the museum’s renowned exhibits and learn about their historical significance through detailed descriptions and high-resolution images.

Why It’s Great for Seniors: The intuitive navigation and accessible interface make it easy for seniors to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of one of the world’s most famous museums without the need for physical travel.

The British Museum (London, England)
Tour Overview: This virtual tour allows users to explore the British Museum’s extensive collection, including the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and ancient Greek sculptures. The online platform features an interactive timeline and detailed maps to enhance the user experience.

Why It’s Great for Seniors: The user-friendly design and educational content make it a perfect choice for seniors interested in history and archaeology, providing a comprehensive look at humanity’s past.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (Washington, D.C., USA)
Tour Overview: The Smithsonian offers a variety of virtual tours showcasing exhibits on natural history, including dinosaur skeletons, gemstones, and biodiversity. The tours include 360-degree views and detailed information about each exhibit.

Why It’s Great for Seniors: The immersive 360-degree views and extensive educational resources make it an engaging and informative experience for seniors fascinated by natural history and science.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, USA)
Tour Overview: The Met provides virtual tours of its diverse collections, featuring everything from ancient artifacts to modern art. The online platform offers high-quality images, audio guides, and educational videos.

Why It’s Great for Seniors: The wide range of exhibits and accessible features ensure that there is something for everyone, allowing seniors to explore various art forms and historical periods at their own pace.

The beauty of virtual museum tours lies in their ability to bring the world’s greatest art and historical collections directly to you. With free access to many of the world’s most renowned museums, the possibilities for discovery are endless. Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers are ready to assist you in navigating these virtual platforms and ensuring you have a seamless and enjoyable experience. Ask them to help you set up a virtual museum tour today and start exploring!

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This July, the Seniors Helping Seniors® family is happy to be feeling blue – that’s because it’s National Blueberry Month. These little blue gems are packed with flavor, nutrients, and antioxidants, making them a delicious super fruit with incredible health benefits for seniors. Reaching their peak ripeness in the summer heat, now is the perfect time to incorporate them into your diet. Whether you love them in baked goods, sprinkled over a summer salad, or as a solo snack, we’ve gathered our favorite blueberry recipes just for you.

But before we get cooking, let’s explore why blueberries are our all-time favorite (hint: they’re amazing for senior health)!

Blueberry Health Benefits for Seniors

Blueberries are low in calories but high in essential nutrients and fiber, making them a satisfying snack that helps control appetite. These tiny fruits are a fantastic choice for weight management, especially for seniors. Unlike sugary snacks like cookies or chips, a handful of blueberries won’t spike your blood sugar and will keep you feeling full longer. That’s why the Seniors Helping Seniors® team suggests grabbing a bowl of fresh blueberries instead of reaching for a bag of potato chips. You’ll enjoy a delicious treat that supports your weight management goals and nourishes your body with vitamins and antioxidants.

Weight management isn’t the only benefit blueberries offer. Here are a few other incredible health perks bundled up in these tasty blue delights.

1. Antioxidants: Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
2. Cognitive Health: The flavonoids in blueberries have been linked to improved brain function and may help slow age-related cognitive decline.
3. Heart Health: Blueberries can help reduce blood pressure and lower LDL cholesterol levels, which are critical for maintaining heart health.
4. Digestive Health: High in dietary fiber, blueberries aid in digestion and help maintain regular bowel movements, preventing constipation.

Easy, Healthy Blueberry Recipes That Taste Like Summer

Here’s our vibrant summer blueberry recipe roundup. Whether you’re craving a tasty snack or a nutritious breakfast, these recipes are not only delicious but also simple to make. Plus, a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can assist you every step of the way, ensuring meal preparation is stress-free and enjoyable.

By enlisting their help, you’ll find it easier to maintain a healthy diet and have more fun in the kitchen. Now let’s get to the recipes!

Blueberry Chia Pudding

Ingredients: Chia seeds, almond milk, blueberries, vanilla extract, honey

Instructions: Mix chia seeds with almond milk, vanilla extract, and honey. Let it sit overnight in the fridge. Top with fresh blueberries for a nutritious and delicious breakfast or dessert.

Blueberry Almond Energy Bites

Ingredients: Rolled oats, almond butter, honey, dried blueberries, chia seeds

Instructions: Mix rolled oats, almond butter, honey, dried blueberries, and chia seeds. Roll into bite-sized balls. These no-bake energy bites are perfect for a quick, healthy snack.

Summer Blueberry Quinoa

Ingredients: Cooked quinoa, blueberries, cucumber, red onion, mint, lemon vinaigrette

Instructions: Mix cooked quinoa with blueberries, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and fresh mint. Toss with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing, protein-rich meal.

Blueberry and Chicken Salad

Ingredients: Grilled chicken breast, mixed greens, blueberries, goat cheese, almonds, raspberry vinaigrette

Instructions: Combine mixed greens with sliced grilled chicken, blueberries, crumbled goat cheese, and sliced almonds. Drizzle with raspberry vinaigrette for a light and healthy main course.

We’ve loved sharing our favorite blueberry recipes and their amazing health benefits with you this National Blueberry Month! From tasty snacks to nutritious meals, blueberries are a fantastic way to boost your diet. For a fun and safe cooking experience, enlist the help of Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services. Our caregivers are ready to support you in the kitchen, turning meal prep into a joyful activity.

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Ah, the dog days of summer! And no, we’re not just talking about the heat. Longer daylight hours and warm weather make it the ideal season for fun-filled adventures with your furry friends. On days that are too nice to stay indoors, why not have some fun in the sun with your dog (or daring cat)?

Whether you and your pet want to break a sweat on a hiking trail or cool down with a sweet treat, there’s something to suit every activity level and interest. To help you plan the perfect day, the Seniors Helping Seniors® team has gathered some fantastic pet-friendly summer activities for you and your four-legged companion.

In this article, we’ll share fun activities for seniors and their pets to enjoy together. Plus, we’ll give you tips to stay safe and cool outdoors! So, grab your furry friend and get ready for a perfect summer adventure.

Must-Try Pet Bonding Experiences for Your Summer Itinerary
Spending time with pets isn’t just enjoyable—it’s also beneficial for seniors’ health and well-being. Studies have shown that animal ownership can lower stress levels, reduce feelings of loneliness, and even lower blood pressure. Plus, the companionship and unconditional love our pets provide can brighten even the dreariest of days.

Keep reading to discover easy, exciting ways to celebrate the season with your beloved pets and make this summer one to remember!

Explore the Outdoors
Take a detour from your dog’s usual morning walk by heading to a local park. Going on a leisurely hike is a great way to stay active, connect with nature, and enjoy the sunshine. The fresh air and scenic views are sure to make you both feel rejuvenated. Remember to bring plenty of water and take breaks in the shade to keep your pet cool and comfortable.

Take a Day Trip
Visit a nearby pet-friendly beach, a charming small town, or a picturesque countryside spot. You can ask your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver to assist in researching the best pet-welcoming locations nearby so that you and your furry friend can have a fun outing. Hit the open road for an enriching little getaway filled with laughter, tail wags, and sunny memories!

Splash Around
Turn your backyard into a summer playground by setting up sprinklers or a kiddie pool for your pet! This simple and fun activity can provide hours of entertainment and a great way to cool off. Watch your pet frolic and splash in the water, bringing joy and laughter to both of you. It’s an easy way to stay active and beat the heat together.

Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a delightful picnic with your pet in a neighborhood park or your backyard. Load up some pet-friendly treats and a comfy blanket and relax under the shade of a tree. A Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver would be happy to help prepare a healthy summer recipe for your picnic. It’s a wonderful way to spend quality time together while soaking up the sun. Don’t forget to bring some toys for extra fun and entertainment.

Attend a “Dog Swim Day”
If your dog is a strong swimmer, check out local pools or community centers for “Dog Swim Day” events! These special days, usually occurring at the end of the summer, allow dogs to swim and play in the pool. It provides a fantastic opportunity for exercise and socialization that both you and your pup will love. Make sure to bring a towel and some treats for after the swim!

Make Pet-Friendly Ice Cream
Treat your pet to homemade ice cream! Use ingredients like yogurt, peanut butter, and fruit to create delicious and safe treats for your furry friend. Make sure to check with your vet before giving your pet new foods. Not only will your furry companion love the tasty reward, but it’s also a wonderful way to cool down on a hot summer day.

Visit an Animal Shelter
For seniors who don’t have pets, take a trip to your local animal shelter with a Seniors Helping Seniors® companion! Spend time cuddling and playing with the animals, offering them love and companionship. It’s a heartwarming experience that can bring joy to both you and the shelter animals. Who knows, you might even come home with a new furry friend!

The Seniors Helping Seniors® family understands the importance of maintaining a strong bond with furry friends while ensuring your safety and well-being. Remember to take a few precautions during the hot summer months.

Here are a few tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for you and your pet:

• Stay Hydrated: Make sure both you and your pet have access to plenty of water, especially during outdoor activities.
• Avoid Peak Heat: To prevent overheating, try to schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
• Watch for Signs of Overheating: Keep an eye out for signs of heatstroke in your pet, such as excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy. If you suspect your pet is overheating, move them to a cooler area and provide water immediately.

If you’re a senior looking for assistance in enjoying these pet-friendly summer activities or are interested in learning more about Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiving services, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our compassionate team is here to help you make the most of this summer season with your beloved pets.

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Did you drink any water today? Summer weather can be intense, with temperatures often soaring into the 90s and humidity making it feel even hotter. It’s easy to get dehydrated quickly, especially when you’re out enjoying the sunshine. If you want to increase your water intake, the Seniors Helping Seniors® team has your back with some delightful tips to help you stay hydrated all summer.

Read on to discover fun and easy ways to keep cool and quench your thirst in the heat. Enjoy the read and stay refreshed!

The Importance of Proper Hydration
When summer heat and high humidity can be intense, it’s even more important for seniors to stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to a range of health issues such as urinary and kidney problems, heat stroke, and even heart complications. As we age, our sense of thirst diminishes, making it easier to forget to drink enough water.

It’s recommended that seniors drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, though individual needs may vary based on activity level, health conditions, and climate. Keeping up with your fluid intake is a simple yet powerful way to support your overall health and well-being.

Now, let’s explore some great tips to help you keep your water intake up this summer!

Add Flavor
Let’s start by tackling a common hydration challenge: finding water boring or unappealing. If you’re looking to add some excitement to your daily water intake, consider infusing it with other flavors. Add slices of juicy peaches, tangy pineapple, or a sprig of fresh mint to your water to enhance its taste.

By experimenting with different flavor combinations, you can transform your water into a refreshing and enticing beverage that you’ll look forward to drinking throughout the day.

Start a Routine
Do you ever forget to drink enough water? It happens to the best of us. A simple fix involves establishing a hydration routine. For example, make a habit of drinking water before you brush your teeth and having a glass with each meal.

Your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can hold you accountable by providing gentle reminders and ensuring you’ve always got water nearby. With their support, you can stay hydrated and feel your best every day.

Carry a Reusable Water Bottle
In the warm weather, staying hydrated on the go is a must for your health and well-being. However, remembering to drink enough water while you’re out and about can be challenging. That’s where carrying a reusable water bottle comes in handy!

Consider investing in a lightweight, easy-to-carry bottle that you can conveniently refill throughout the day. Whether you’re soaking up the sun at the beach, exploring charming coastal towns, or enjoying a scenic nature walk, having your water bottle by your side ensures you stay hydrated and ready for all the fun, summer adventures.

Set Reminders
Sometimes, remembering to drink enough water can slip our minds. Stay on track by setting alarms on your phone or tablet reminding you to sip throughout the day. Another method is to scatter sticky notes around your home to keep hydration top of mind.

Your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can lend a hand too! They’ll help set up these reminders and ensure you stay hydrated, even on your busiest days. With a few little tricks and their support, you’ll stay refreshed and hydrated all day long.

Revamp Your Diet
A healthy diet is just as important as drinking water to stay hydrated. Avoid ultra-processed foods, which are often high in sodium and can make you thirsty. Instead, eat water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and tomatoes. These foods not only provide hydration but also give you important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, keeping you healthy.

By including these in your meals and snacks, you’ll stay refreshed and nourished, supporting your well-being as you enjoy the sunshine!

Whether you’re basking in the warm sunshine or cooling off with a day trip to the beach, remember to prioritize hydration and take care of yourself this summer. With these tips and a little help from Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services, you’ll stay hydrated, healthy, and ready to make the most of the sunny days ahead. Here’s to staying refreshed and embracing the warmth and beauty around you!

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Every year, on the last Monday of May, citizens celebrate Memorial Day to honor the brave US service members who sacrificed their lives for our country. It’s an impactful opportunity to remember and appreciate their selflessness and dedication.

Initially known as Decoration Day, this observance originated in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Every year, communities would gather to honor fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers and tokens of appreciation. This tradition continues to inspire us today.

Declared as a federal holiday in 1971, Memorial Day has evolved into a day of remembrance for all US service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. Americans across the country are encouraged to take a moment to reflect on their bravery, courage, and dedication to our freedom.

As we draw closer to this significant day, the Seniors Helping Seniors® team would like to help you embrace its spirit of reflection, unity, and gratitude. We have put together a list of ways that seniors pay tribute to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom and cherish the memories they have left behind.

Keep reading to discover Memorial Day events, volunteer opportunities, and other heartfelt ways for seniors to show their support.

Meaningful Ways to Honor Heroes

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, a time for picnics, laughter, and cherished moments with family. However, for seniors, it’s also a chance to pause and reflect on the real significance of this significant day.

Amid your Memorial Day celebrations, consider taking a moment to incorporate some meaningful activities that honor the brave heroes who sacrificed everything for our country. Whether it’s attending a local memorial event, volunteering at a veteran organization, or simply taking a moment of silence, seniors can find beautiful ways to pay tribute to the brave souls who have made our freedom possible.

To help you create an impactful day, the Seniors Helping Seniors® team has compiled a selection of heartfelt Memorial Day activities that are perfect for seniors. Plus, most of these activities can be done right from the comfort of home with help from a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver.

Attend a Local Memorial Day Event

Check if there are any local Memorial Day parades, ceremonies, or memorial services happening nearby. Attending these local events is a wonderful opportunity for you to connect with your community and honor our military heroes.

Need a ride to a local Memorial Day event? Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers can provide transportation around town – all you have to do is ask!

Write Personalized Letters to Veterans

Support Veterans this Memorial Day by writing letters or cards expressing your gratitude. Personalized messages of thanks can be incredibly touching, and military personnel know that their service is appreciated.

Volunteer at an Event or Veteran Organization

Seniors can contribute their time by volunteering at veteran organizations, hospitals, or community events specifically dedicated to honoring Veterans on Memorial Day. It’s a great way to make a difference and show gratitude to those who have served.

Check out local Disabled American Veterans volunteer opportunities or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs programs you can volunteer with. You can also ask your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver to help you find local organizations to volunteer with.

Donate

Seniors can make a difference on Memorial Day by donating to organizations that support Veterans, such as the Wounded Warrior Project or the American Legion. There are plenty of local Veteran organizations and groups you can support. These organizations also often host special programs on Memorial Day.

Participate in a Moment of Silence

For seniors who prefer to stay at home, observing the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day is a meaningful way to show respect for US service members who sacrificed their lives. This quiet moment of reflection allows seniors to honor the sacrifices made by our military heroes while staying connected to the commemorative spirit of the day from the safety and comfort of their homes.

How Seniors Helping Seniors® Supports Veterans

Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services provides personalized care for the senior Veteran community beyond Memorial Day. Our ongoing support extends beyond a single day of remembrance. Through our care, we encourage heartfelt expressions of gratitude and ensure that the sacrifices of our military heroes are honored and remembered throughout every season.

Our caregivers understand the unique needs and cultural norms of Veterans. We create meaningful connections that encourage gratitude and aim to make a lasting impact in the lives of both seniors and veterans.

If you want to learn more about how our in-home care services can support you or a loved one, please get in touch with us today. We’re here to help.

The post Five Thoughtful Ways for Seniors to Provide Support and Recognition on Memorial Day appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

This May, join the Seniors Helping Seniors® team in recognizing Older Americans Month. To celebrate, we want to share expert advice and tips to help seniors age healthily and happily at home. This article suggests simple lifestyle adjustments that make home life better for seniors.

Many older adults want to maintain independence in a familiar environment. Feeling comfortable and supported makes a huge difference. That’s why the Seniors Helping Seniors® family made this guide. Our simple tips can help seniors and their loved ones have a healthy and happy time at home as they grow older.

Read on for our easy-to-follow tips on living your best life at home during Older Americans Month and beyond.

What is Older Americans Month?

Older Americans Month is celebrated every May to appreciate the wonderful contributions and achievements of older Americans. This heartfelt observance, led by the Administration for Community Living, invites us to reflect on the challenges faced by seniors and ways we can promote their healthy aging.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Powered by Connection.” It focuses on the vital role of meaningful relationships in one’s well-being. The Seniors Helping Seniors® mission revolves around this concept. Keeping in touch with loved ones can become difficult as we age due to changes in our routines, health, or living arrangements. But staying social is key to living a happy, fulfilling life! That’s where having an in-home senior caregiver comes in. They can make a big difference in your overall well-being and help connect you with the people you care about.

Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers, who are seniors themselves, become close friends with their clients. This companionship brings so much joy and comfort to our seniors, and it leads to even better care. For seniors who want to remain at home in their golden years, our caregivers provide reliable support and a caring hand whenever they’re needed. With a compassionate caregiver, older adults can age in place with confidence.

Benefits of Remaining at Home

When it comes to deciding where to live as you get older, there are a variety of options available. While nursing homes or assisted living facilities may suit some, others may prefer to stay in their homes or communities for as long as possible. This concept of “aging in place” empowers seniors to maintain a sense of independence and comfort in a familiar setting. Creating an environment that caters to physical, emotional, and social needs is essential to make this happen with in-home care resources to assist you along the way.

Tips For Aging in Place

• Prioritize Home Safety:Assess your living environment for any potential safety hazards and make the necessary changes, like adding grab bars, removing tripping hazards, and ensuring that you have proper lighting. Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home caregivers are amazing helpers who can make your home safer. Lean on them so you can relax and enjoy your time at home without worrying about any safety concerns.
• Improve Accessibility: Adjust furniture placement or install ramps to make the home more accessible. Your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can provide mobility aids and support to help you or your loved one maneuver their home more efficiently.
• Simplify Your To-Do List: Call in for extra support if household chores are piling up. Our Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers can lend a hand with light cleaning, home maintenance, and repairs so you can have a cozy and safe living space.
• Get On-the-Go Assistance: An in-home senior caregiver can offer rides to appointments, run errands, or socialize. Your caregiver would happily arrange transportation services or accompany them on these outings.
• Stay Connected: Make sure to participate in social activities. A Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can join you and accompany you to community events or help you connect with others virtually. Having a reliable friend can help combat loneliness and improve overall well-being.

The Seniors Helping Seniors® Difference

Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home senior care services can make a significant difference in the lives of older adults. By providing support that focuses on safety, accessibility, simplified tasks, on-the-go assistance, and social connections, seniors can truly thrive in their own homes. With the help of Seniors Helping Seniors®’s kind and compassionate caregivers, aging in place becomes not just manageable but enjoyable. As we celebrate Older Americans Month, let’s prioritize the well-being and happiness of our seniors and ensure they age with comfort, independence, and a strong sense of community.

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April showers bring May flowers… and a dusting of pollen. While we welcome the arrival of warmer days and sunny skies, many Seniors Helping Seniors® clients face symptoms from springtime allergies. As we age, weakened immune systems or pre-existing health conditions can make older adults more vulnerable to allergies. With the allergy season peaking in April, symptoms like congestion, itchiness, and sneezing often come in full swing. If you’ve been struck by spring fever this year, the Seniors Helping Seniors® team wants to help. In this blog, we’ll review seven senior-focused tips for navigating the allergy season. Keep reading to discover our best advice for enjoying the beauty of spring while minimizing the annoying symptoms of allergies.

Springtime Allergy Season

Colorful flowers, lush leaves, and warm sunshine beckon seniors to venture outside and enjoy the natural spring beauty. However, with all the new growth comes an increase in tree, grass, and weed pollen that can lead to itchy eyes and stuffy noses for many people. Spring weather can also be unpredictable, with fluctuations in temperature and precipitation affecting pollen levels and worsening allergy symptoms. The Seniors Helping Seniors® family cares about your well-being this spring, and we encourage you to take necessary precautions to protect yourself from excess pollen exposure.

Many seniors, especially those with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cardiovascular issues, experience more severe and prolonged allergic reactions. Persistent symptoms may interfere with daily activities, sleep, and overall well-being. The Seniors Helping Seniors® team wants to ensure you enjoy the beautiful weather this spring. Below, you’ll find our best tips for managing seasonal allergies.

Monitor Pollen Levels

Pollen levels can change quite a bit throughout the day, depending on various external factors. But don’t worry! Local weather forecasts and other online references make it easy to keep track of pollen levels. When pollen counts are high, limiting your time outdoors might be a good idea. If you need help accessing digital resources, your friendly and helpful Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can lend a hand!

Invest in an Air Purifier

Air purifying devices boost indoor air quality by clearing out airborne particles like pollen. They work wonders in refreshing rooms that often gather contaminants, leaving behind noticeably cleaner and fresher air. Adding one to your home is a simple and effective way to create a healthier environment for you and your loved ones.

Keep Windows Closed

While opening windows can bring in fresh air, it also invites pollen and allergens indoors. If you struggle with severe allergies, keeping cool with AC might be a better choice. And don’t hesitate to ask your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver to help you tidy up those pollen-prone spots in your home. They’re here to support you in creating a comfortable and allergen-free environment.

Replace Air Filters in Your Home

It’s important to change the air filters in your home every three months. If it’s been a while since you last replaced them, spring is the perfect time to do so. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters offer extra protection against pollen and other contaminants. The extra shield helps maintain a healthier indoor environment for you all season long.

Wear Protective Clothing

Just as you’d apply sunblock before spending time under the sun, it’s important to take precautions to minimize pollen exposure during allergy season. Before going outside, put on a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a pollen mask for added protection. And after enjoying the outdoors, don’t forget to take a shower to wash away any lingering pollen from your skin and hair.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water each day offers numerous health benefits. It not only keeps you hydrated but also helps flush out pollen and other pollutants from your system, easing allergy symptoms such as dry throat and nasal congestion. Don’t forget to carry a reusable water bottle with you — it’s a simple way to stay hydrated and feel your best throughout the day.

Consult a Healthcare Professional

If you’re experiencing severe symptoms that you can’t manage at home, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor. They can prescribe allergy medication to help ease the effects of pollen and other irritants. If you need transportation to your appointment, your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver would be more than happy to give you a ride.

Spring brings a sense of renewal and promise with longer days and warmer temperatures. The Seniors Helping Seniors® family understands how vital it is for seniors to embrace this rejuvenating season without the burden of seasonal allergies holding them back. We hope this guide has offered valuable insights to help you navigate and manage pollen exposure this spring. Remember, our compassionate Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers are here for you, ready to provide the caring support you need to enjoy every moment of this special season.

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Celebrated each April, National Occupational Therapy Month recognizes the valuable contributions of this specialized form of healthcare. While Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services provide daily support for those we serve, occupational therapy is another method that helps seniors maintain their independence. In this Seniors Helping Seniors® blog, we’ll review the field of occupational therapy and explore the ways it can enhance the lives of seniors. Keep reading to learn more about National Occupational Therapy Month and the holistic advantages your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can help provide and practice.

Ways Occupational Therapy Benefits Seniors at Home

 Before we dive into the many ways occupational therapy can help the senior community, let’s talk more about what occupational therapy is. Occupational therapy is an evidence-based, skilled treatment that uses activities of daily living (ADLs) to help individuals achieve personal independence. Occupational therapists undergo extensive training to assess seniors’ capabilities and develop individualized treatment plans that improve their independence and overall well-being.

By focusing on everyday tasks, occupational therapy practices can guide seniors in reclaiming their autonomy and mobility. Whether recuperating from injury, managing chronic illness, or adapting to age-related changes, many seniors find valuable support in occupational therapy. Below are a few ways that it can enhance the quality of life for seniors as they age in place.

Improves Independence and Quality of Life

As we age, everyday tasks that once seemed effortless can become more challenging. Simple activities like brushing your teeth, doing laundry, or moving around your home may require extra effort. Through targeted exercises and muscle retraining, occupational therapy can help you safely regain confidence in your mobility. Reclaiming control over your body’s movement restores a sense of independence, which can contribute to a more positive outlook on life.

Prevents Falls and Injuries

Occupational therapy incorporates muscle-strengthening exercises and gait training to improve stability and minimize the risk of falls in older adults. This training, combined with other efforts to safety-proof seniors’ homes, creates a safe and supportive environment that promotes mobility, independence, and well-being.

Manages Chronic Conditions and Disabilities

Chronic conditions often related to aging can profoundly impact seniors’ quality of life and their ability to carry out daily activities. Occupational therapists step in to provide valuable support through adaptive strategies and effective pain management techniques. These methods help seniors learn to navigate the limitations of long-term health conditions, allowing them to preserve their independence and overall well-being.

Provides Cognitive Stimulation

Practicing occupational therapy can help improve cognitive abilities that may have declined or become impaired. This might include participating in activities at home that boost memory, like solving puzzles, playing word games, sequencing tasks, and practicing exercises that promote attention.

The Seniors Helping Seniors® team loves watching our clients thrive, whether through the assistance of our caregivers or with the help of other senior-focused services. Occupational therapy provides seniors with comprehensive, personalized support that addresses their physical, cognitive, emotional, and environmental needs, enabling them to maintain independence and dignity as they age. This National Occupational Therapy Month, set aside some time to discover how this practice could benefit you or your senior loved one; it’s one more way that Seniors Helping Seniors® clients can stay active, engaged, and brimming with independence in the golden years!

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Seniors, it’s time to make every dollar count and thrive financially with our Seniors Helping Seniors® exclusive budgeting tips. In today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape, seniors in the southern region must manage their finances wisely, to ensure a comfortable and stable future. In this blog, we will explore various practical strategies and resources. From taking advantage of senior discounts offered at grocery stores to utilizing budgeting apps and automating savings, we’ll cover all the essentials. Whether you’re looking to extend your retirement savings, protect your investments, or explore sustainable energy solutions such as solar panels, our guide is here to help. Join us as we embark on a journey to empower seniors with the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve financial well-being and peace of mind. Keep reading and let’s dive in!

Shop Smarter at the Grocery Store

Many popular grocery stores offer senior discounts that can help you save money on your food and household item purchases. By taking advantage of these discounts, you can reduce overall expenses and stretch your money further. Your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver is happy to help you develop a meal plan that maximizes your weekly grocery budget.

Take Advantage of Free or Low-Cost Community Resources

As a senior citizen, you have access to a range of free or low-cost community resources and services that can help you stay active and engaged while saving money. These local resources include senior centers, meal delivery programs, transportation services, and recreational activities. By taking advantage of these community resources, you can maintain a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle without putting a strain on your finances.

Look for Senior Discounts

Keep your eye out for senior retail discounts, particularly at chain restaurants and fast-food establishments. Many restaurants often offer special menus or discounts for seniors. Also, retailers offer ongoing discounts for seniors on various merchandise. By actively seeking out and utilizing these discounts, seniors can enjoy affordable dining options and savings on essential purchases, making their money go further without sacrificing convenience or quality.

Use a Budgeting App to Track Expenses

Discover the ease of managing your monthly expenses with user-friendly budgeting apps. These handy digital tools simplify tracking across categories like groceries, utilities, transportation, and entertainment. If you’re not tech-savvy, your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can assist you in setting up the app, inputting data, and understanding your financial insights. Together, you can navigate your finances with confidence, ensuring a clearer understanding of your spending habits and empowering informed decisions for a brighter financial future!

Automate Savings and Bill Payments

Simplify your finances by setting up automatic transfers from your checking to savings account and automating bill payments. Automating payments is a straightforward process that you can quickly arrange online by visiting your bank’s web portal or your biller’s website. You’ll be able to choose the frequency and payment date. This is a hassle-free way to stay on top of your bills and avoid late fees and penalties.

Get a Helping Hand from Your Seniors Helping Seniors® Caregiver

If you’re looking for some help managing your finances, turn to your Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home caregiver. They know plenty of tricks to save you money, from finding discounts to tapping into government programs and community resources. Together, you and your caregiver can come up with a budget that works for you, so you can worry less and enjoy life more.

Install Solar Panels

Take advantage of the sunshine by installing solar panels to reduce energy costs over the long term. Solar energy systems can harness this renewable resource to generate electricity for your home. By investing in solar panels, you not only decrease your reliance on traditional energy sources but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing your carbon footprint. Additionally, many areas offer incentives, rebates, and tax credits for solar panel installations, making it an even more financially attractive option.

As you reach your golden years, it’s crucial to take control of your finances. This guide provides valuable tips and strategies to help seniors budget better and save more money. Navigating finances can be overwhelming — that’s where our dedicated Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers step in. With their expertise and support, they can help you implement these strategies seamlessly into your daily routine. Together, you can develop a personalized financial plan that aligns with your goals and circumstances. The Seniors Helping Seniors® team is here to support you in confidently navigating the complexities of financial management and enjoying peace of mind, knowing that your bank balance is secure.

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How did you sleep last night? The Seniors Helping Seniors® family is celebrating National Sleep Awareness Week from March 10th to March 16th. It’s an excellent opportunity to reflect on your habits and consider any adjustments you can make to enhance the quality of your sleep.

A good night’s sleep can make all the difference in how you feel the next day — especially for seniors. It’s like hitting the reset button for your body and mind. Undisturbed sleep allows you to recover from the day, leading to improved cognitive function, better mood regulation, and a strengthened immune system. However, achieving a peaceful night’s rest becomes increasingly difficult with age.

Sleep patterns can change as you get older, leaving many seniors tossing and turning instead of snoozing peacefully. Environmental and psychological factors can also make falling asleep and staying asleep challenging. Do you find yourself counting sheep every night? The Seniors Helping Seniors® team is here to lend a hand. We’ve gathered six helpful tips to help you catch those Z’s. Keep reading to find out how to start sleeping better and wake up feeling rejuvenated every morning!

Establish a Bedtime Routine

It’s much easier to fall asleep once your mind and body know it’s bedtime. Create a consistent wind-down routine to signal that it’s time to relax and prepare for sleep. Try incorporating activities such as reading, gentle stretching, or meditation to help calm your mind and prepare your body for a restful night’s sleep. Your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can help incorporate these relaxing techniques into your home assistance.

Limit Screen Time Before Bed

Take devices out of your bedtime routine. The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can stimulate your brain, hindering the natural production of melatonin in your body. Try to unplug and disconnect from screens at least one hour before bedtime.

Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment

Everyone hates waking up with a crick in their neck. Investing in a better mattress and supportive pillows can prevent discomfort and pains. Your bedding also makes an impact on the quality of your sleep. Consider the material and feel of your sheets; you want a fabric that will keep you at a comfortable temperature all night.

Limit Daytime Naps

As tempting as it is to take a cat nap in the afternoon, be mindful that longer or more frequent naps can throw off your nightly sleep routine. Keep your naps short and sweet, around 20-30 minutes, and schedule them earlier in the day. This way, you can still enjoy a refreshing break without sacrificing your ability to get a good night’s rest.

Stay Active During the Day

Regular physical activity can help you sleep better. Thirty minutes of moderate exercise each day can benefit your overall health and well-being. Just be sure to avoid vigorous workouts right before bedtime, as it can be too stimulating.

Watch Your Diet

It’s important to pay attention to what you eat and drink, especially before going to bed. Consuming heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime can disrupt your sleep schedule. Consider switching to calming beverages like herbal tea or warm milk in the evening to help you fall asleep. If you need assistance with meal planning or adjusting your diet, your Seniors Helping Seniors® team is here to support you every step of the way.

Set Your Alarm for the Same Time

Consistency is key when it comes to establishing a healthy sleep routine. Your body thrives on regularity, so try to set a fixed wake-up time and stick to it, even on weekends or days off when sleeping in feels even more tempting.

If you still have trouble getting a good night’s sleep despite trying different methods, it might be time to seek expert guidance. Consulting with a sleep specialist or healthcare provider can provide personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your unique needs. They can also help identify any underlying sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome, that might affect your sleep quality. Your health and well-being are important, and your Seniors Helping Seniors® team is here to support you in getting the restful sleep you deserve.

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Even though Valentine’s Day has passed, there are no rules on when you can show gratitude toward those who matter most. Throughout the year, Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services demonstrate that Love is in our Care®. We do this with heartfelt acts of service and compassion. Our caregivers work tirelessly to provide exceptional assistance to seniors nationwide, and we cannot thank them enough for their hard work!

To show our appreciation, we’ve compiled a list of five simple yet thoughtful ways to help you surprise your or your loved one’s Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver. These ideas will allow you to acknowledge their commitment and show how much you value and appreciate their service.

1.      Write A Personalized Card

Crafting a tailored card is an easy but also profound way to express gratitude to your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver. Write down specific instances in which they made a difference in your life and let them know how much you appreciate their dedication. Whether it’s store-bought or homemade, a heartfelt card can convey genuine emotions and make your caregiver feel truly valued on this special day.

2.      Give A Small Token Of Appreciation

Small gestures can leave a lasting impression, so consider giving your caregiver a thoughtful gift that reflects your gratitude. It could be something as simple as a handcrafted item, a personalized trinket, or a homemade sweet treat. These small tokens of appreciation are tangible reminders of how much you care, and they’ll make your caregiver feel cherished and recognized for their hard work.

3.      Plan A Friendly Outing

Spending quality time together outside of the home can be a great way to express your appreciation and foster a deeper connection with your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver. Plan a “friend date” where you can enjoy a casual lunch, a relaxing coffee break, or even a visit to a local attraction. By making plans to spend time together, you can connect personally and create joyous memories that strengthen your relationship.

4.      Make A Care Package

Assembling a thoughtful care package with items catering to your caregiver’s well-being is another way to show your gratitude. Include scented candles, soothing teas, or a cozy blanket to create a relaxing atmosphere. Or put together a basket with their favorite candies and treats! Make this care package even more meaningful by adding a personalized note expressing your thanks.

5.      Perform An Act Of Kindness

Finally, kind acts can be a powerful way to display your appreciation. Whether it’s extending a heartfelt compliment, brewing your caregiver’s favorite coffee, or planning an activity together at home, these small acts of kindness show that you recognize their hard work and want to make their day a little brighter.

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While physical fitness is crucial for seniors’ health, nurturing one’s mind is equally as important. Brain exercises enhance cognitive abilities, memory, and focus, similar to how diverse workouts target specific muscle groups. At Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services, we understand the unique needs of our clients in the Northeast. That’s why we’ve gathered eight enjoyable memory games designed to improve mental skills and keep the mind agile. Read on to discover these delightful, brain-boosting activities and let’s play!

Jigsaw Puzzles

Solving jigsaw puzzles can enhance visual-spatial skills and improve problem-solving abilities. Connecting pieces of different shapes and colors tests patience and sharpens an individual’s eye for detail.

Simon Says

Playing Simon Says, a classic childhood game, encourages active listening and short-term memory. It’s a fun way to exercise one’s ability to follow instructions accurately while encouraging quick thinking and coordination. Partner up with a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver and give it a try!

Trivia

Answering trivia questions is a great way for seniors to test their knowledge of different subjects, while also learning new facts and improving memory. Looking for a topic? Consider exploring the Northeast’s history, geography, and local culture. Challenge friends, family, or a caregiver to a few rounds and see who wins the title of ultimate trivia champ!

Crossword Puzzles or Sudoku

Completing crossword puzzles and Sudoku challenges vocabulary, logic, and problem-solving skills. Tricky brain teasers promote mental agility and are a delightful, accessible way to keep the mind sharp and active.

Word Recall

Word Recall is a fun game that involves remembering and reciting words. To start the game, pick a word. Next, each player takes turns adding a new word that begins with the last letter of the previous word. For example, if the first word is “apple,” the next could be “elephant,” and so on. This simple game is an engaging way to improve language processing and recall.

Chess or Checkers

Challenge a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver to a game of chess or checkers! Strategy games demand critical thinking, planning, and foresight. Playing a few rounds hones analytical skills and enhances concentration and decision-making abilities — all from the comfort of home.

Name That Tune

How well do you or your senior loved one know your favorite songs? Our clients can test their music knowledge with this enjoyable recall game. To get started, have a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver play a few seconds of a song and try to guess the title and who sings it. Studies show that music can stimulate the part of the brain responsible for memory and emotion. Not to mention, hearing familiar tunes can also bring back positive feelings of nostalgia.

Memory Tray

Improve short-term memory using items found around the house. Participants will need a partner for this one — a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver makes the perfect teammate! Start by asking them to place some items on a tray or tabletop. Study the pieces for a minute or two and then have them remove the objects. Afterward, try to recall as many items as possible. This game is an interactive way to challenge attention, concentration, and visual-spatial abilities.

These memory games are specifically tailored to engage seniors, providing enjoyable moments of connection while challenging their minds. Activities like playing word games or testing analytical skills can boost brain function, improve cognitive skills, and enhance seniors’ overall mental acuity. When paired with Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services, mental agility training enables seniors to live their golden years to the fullest potential, while staying connected to their community and their roots.

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Every passing year leaves behind its own set of special memories. The Seniors Helping Seniors® family loves helping those we serve to reflect on the past and document its most meaningful parts. The result is a tangible keepsake showcasing our clients’ treasured moments and personal growth.

From scrapbooking, organizing digital files, and creating memory boxes to journaling and expressing through art, we’ll explore various ways to reflect on the past year’s experiences below. Whether looking to capture the significant events that brought joy or the small moments that warmed the heart, Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers can help you or a senior loved one create a beautiful picture of the year gone by.

Document Valued Moments in a Journal

Writing down thoughts, experiences, and emotions at the end of the year is a personal time capsule, providing a vivid account of cherished memories for seniors to revisit and reflect upon. Through journaling, you or a family member can remember highlights, challenges, and personal growth encountered throughout the year in a reflective and meaningful medium.

Capture Memories with Scrapbooking

Transform treasured memories into tangible keepsakes by creating a personalized scrapbook. Artistically compile photographs, mementos, written anecdotes, and other important items in a book or binder to share with loved ones. This creative outlet helps you reflect on your or your special senior’s life, showcasing the resilience, joy, and beauty in everyday experiences.

Create a Personal Time Capsule

Gather special items from the year, like souvenirs, letters, and trinkets, to make a curated collection of memories. It’s like a treasure chest full of important moments, stories, and emotions, enabling seniors to touch the past in a meaningful way.

Organize Digital Files

Thoughtfully arrange digital photos, videos, and documents to keep them safe and accessible. Sorting digital files can bring back beautiful moments and feelings from the past, eliciting happy memories whenever seniors need a little nostalgia.

Chart The Year’s Journey

Create a visual map or timeline of places visited, events attended, or experiences had during the year. This guide allows seniors to trace their journey, giving them a clear picture of the special moments they’ve cherished.

Express Memories with Art

Artistic endeavors like painting, drawing, or crafting let seniors creatively show their feelings and memories. Use different materials to make something unique and forever capture a favorite moment.

Share The Experience!

The only thing better than walking down memory lane is doing it with a good friend, like a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver. No matter which method you or your loved one uses to document 2023, there are so many opportunities to share stories and form closer connections along the way! Whether it is a tale of triumph, disappointment, or a story that always gets a laugh, our caregivers love learning about the events that make our clients who they are.

As the year draws to a close, the Seniors Helping Seniors® team recognizes that the power of journaling, scrapbooking, and creating becomes ever more apparent. These aren’t just creative outlets; they’re time capsules of a year lived fully. As we turn the page to a new year, try implementing one of these creative avenues into your routine or that of a loved one. The moments captured today will build a legacy of memories for tomorrow!

The post Remembering 2023: Preserve The Year’s Cherished Moments With Seniors Helping Seniors® In-Home Care Services appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

The holiday season calls for joy, celebration, and connection! Technology can help increase accessibility during this festive period; however, many seniors feel overwhelmed navigating the digital space. To help our clients stay active and engaged during the holiday season, the Seniors Helping Seniors® team has put together a handy guide with easy-to-follow tech tips designed to elevate every experience during this special time of year.

1.      Monitor Winter Weather with a Mobile App

Stay updated and ready for shifting weather in the Northeast by using a dependable weather app on your phone or mobile device. Monitor conditions and declining temperatures to organize your plans and prioritize safety throughout the winter months. Unsure about downloading apps? Reach out to a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver for assistance!

2.      Add Smart Devices to Your Home

Simplify your daily routine with smart devices like voice-activated assistants or smart thermostats. Voice-activated assistants help you stay on track during the holidays by tracking shipments, providing information, and setting reminders. Smart thermostats automatically adjust the temperature of your home so you can be comfortable without lifting a finger.

3.      Connect with Faraway Loved Ones via Video Chat

Virtually celebrate with long-distance friends and family this holiday season through face-to-face video chats. User-friendly platforms make it easy to share festive moments, exchange stories, and express love despite the miles separating you. Ask your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver to help you schedule a call.

4.      Try Online Holiday Shopping

Avoid crowds and long lines during the busy holiday season by shopping online from the comfort of home. Using the internet, you can effortlessly search websites for gifts, compare prices, and have items delivered directly to your doorstep.

5.      Send Personalized E-Cards to Friends and Family

Add a personal touch to your holiday greetings by sending customized e-cards. Express your warmth and well wishes digitally, selecting from various designs and messages to spread joy to family and friends.

6.      Schedule Medication Reminders on Your Devices

The hustle and bustle of the holidays make it easy to forget to take medications on time. Maintain your health regimen throughout the season by setting up medication reminders on your devices.

7.      Embrace the Festive Spirit with Online Music and Video Streaming

Set the holiday mood by streaming your favorite festive movies and songs. Music streaming platforms have millions of seasonal tunes to create a cheerful ambiance at home. You can also use video streaming platforms to find the perfect film for a holiday movie night.

8.      Arm Yourself Against Holiday Scams

Scammers frequently exploit the festive spirit, aiming to deceive seniors through fake charity appeals, bogus online shopping offers, or fraudulent calls posing as relatives in need. Remain vigilant and stay informed to safeguard your finances and personal information.

The Seniors Helping Seniors® family wants to help you stay connected, secure, and enjoy the season’s festivities. Whether checking the weather or video chatting with family, these tech tips make the holidays cozier and more convenient. Paired with the compassionate assistance of a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver, you’ll be set to savor a fun and safe holiday season!

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Autumn represents change and reflection, making it the perfect backdrop for seniors to embrace the therapeutic benefits of music. During this transformative season, sentimental and nostalgic feelings often arise. Creating an uplifting fall song playlist can be a cathartic way to express emotions. In this blog post, we explore music’s profound impact on seniors’ emotional, physical, and social well-being. Continue reading for a few Seniors Helping Seniors® recommendations on curating an inspiring autumn soundtrack.

Explore The Power Of Music

Music therapy, a method of using music to promote well-being, is a powerful tool for seniors in the autumn. The practice uses musical elements, such as sound, rhythm, melody, and lyrics, to facilitate personal growth. Music’s ability to evoke emotions and memories is particularly influential this time of year.

Listening to mindfully chosen melodies provides plenty of benefits for the senior community. These might include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood
• Stimulated cognitive function

In addition, Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers can use elements of music therapy to foster social interaction, communication, and self-expression, contributing to a holistic approach to in-home senior care.

Introducing music therapy into your autumn routine can be as simple as curating a playlist that mirrors the season’s essence. You can make a compilation by jotting down your favorite songs, hand-picking albums from your record collection, creating a custom CD, or digitally organizing your songs on a music streaming platform. Whichever method you choose, Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers are ready to provide their support. Below, we’ve outlined four different categories and inventive ideas to guide you in creating an ideal fall-themed playlist.

1.      Let Emotions Lead

Autumn’s emotional depth can be your guide when curating a playlist. Consider a mood or feeling you want to evoke and choose resonant songs. For a joyful tone, go for lively tracks with optimistic lyrics and cheerful melodies. Alternatively, select songs with slower beats and contemplative themes for a more reflective sound.

2.      Stick to a Genre

Add thematic structure to your playlist by focusing on a singular genre. Select a style that resonates with the season’s mood. Consider genres like folk for a cozy, reflective ambiance or classic rock for a more celebratory feel.

3.      Pick a Topic

Base your playlist on an autumn-related topic. Whether it’s songs about cozy nights around a bonfire or the beauty of falling leaves, concentrating on fall subjects allows for a playlist with a consistent theme tailored to the unique aspects of the season.

4.      Stay on Beat

Mirror your autumn mood through your playlist’s tempo. Include slower, melodic tunes for reflection and introduce faster beats for celebration. Focusing on musical rhythm creates a dynamic soundtrack for your fall routine.

Crafting a themed playlist during autumn can be a simple and enriching experience. Listening to music that evokes certain feelings, whether through a singular genre, specific song topics, or precise musical rhythm, can stimulate seniors to connect with feelings that arise in the fall. No matter your musical preferences, Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers can help you find harmonious notes for an introspective autumn soundtrack.

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The Seniors Helping Seniors® family takes pride in facilitating meaningful, lasting connections between caregivers, clients, and families. We base our mission around the importance of forming a positive relationship between those giving and receiving in-home senior care.

Strong, trust-based comradery contributes to an efficient, fulfilling, and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. So this month, let’s make it a point to get to know one another a little better!

The Benefits of a Positive Client-Caregiver Relationship

As dedicated companions, Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers add moments of joy to each day. Fostering a deep connection offers countless benefits to physical and mental well-being. Once you feel comfortable around your caregiver, their presence can alleviate stress and anxiety surrounding your or your loved one’s in-home care.

A strong bond provides emotional support and instills a sense of belonging as well. As with any friendship, it’ll take time to get to know your caregiver. However, inquiring about their life and uncovering their personality is an easy-going way to become close.

The Purpose of Asking Questions

Giving your caregiver a friendly “3rd degree” helps improve communication skills and encourages them – and you – to open up. After all, sharing details about yourself is often easier when both parties are participating in the conversation! This dynamic exchange can lead to better understanding, reduced stress, and a more personalized care experience.

As you know, Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services makes pairing caregivers and clients with similar interests and backgrounds a priority, so our caregivers often have plenty in common with those we serve. Who knows what similarities you can uncover with a few fun-loving questions! Enjoyable conversations form the foundation of a strong bond, and provide an endless array of meaningful topics to explore.

Ready to get started? Here are five lighthearted questions Seniors Helping Seniors® clients can ask their caregivers for a deeper friendship.

Question 1: Did you or your family have any traditions growing up? What were they?

This question encourages your caregiver to share cherished memories and customs that have been passed down. You’ll be able to glimpse into their cultural heritage, upbringing, and the bonds they share within their family.

Whether it’s a holiday tradition, a special family ritual, or a unique celebration, this question evokes meaningful stories from their past, fostering a deeper connection and understanding between you and your caregiver.

Question 2: Is there a book, movie, or song that holds a special place in your heart? Why is it important to you?

Preferences in literature, cinema, and music are often deeply rooted in our emotions and personal experiences. This question encourages your caregiver to share their artistic tastes along with the feelings, memories, and life events associated with it. Discussions about art, music, and literature can give you insight on the unique perspectives that shape your caregiver’s character.

Question 3: What is the most treasured item you own and what’s the story behind it?

Personal possessions frequently carry sentimental value and powerful memories. By inquiring about their most cherished belongings, you invite your caregiver to share the emotions, experiences, and stories attached to the physical object.

This question opens a window into their past, allowing them to reminisce about meaningful moments or relationships that have shaped their life. In turn, you’re able to gain a deeper understanding of their values, attachments, and what brings them joy.

Question 4: What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever traveled to, and why did you love it?

One’s choice of a favorite travel destination often reveals personal preferences, interests, and the experiences that have left a lasting impact. Asking this question to your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can lead to engaging conversations about cities, cultures, landscapes, and funny moments on the road. Their response reveals their unique experiences and perspectives that have contributed to their personal growth and worldview.

Question 5: Is there anything specific you’d like to know about me or my life?

Friendship is a two-way street; sharing is just as important as asking! Opening yourself up demonstrates your willingness to create a reciprocal connection. It encourages your caregiver to get to know you better, creating a space for deeper conversations and mutual understanding. You never know, they may surprise you with the fun questions they ask!

Watching our caregivers and clients form quick and lasting connections is one of the most rewarding aspects of our in-home senior care. It’s also one of the many ways we provide assistance that feels less like a service, more like getting a little help from your friends®! Ultimately, the act of asking questions, along with the genuine exchange of stories and insights, lies at the heart of our mission to provide not just care but also lasting connections and joy every day.

The post Break the Ice: 5 Fun Questions To Help You Get To Know Your Seniors Helping Seniors® Caregiver appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

Crafting beautiful and festive pumpkins doesn’t have to involve sharp tools and a big mess to clean up. For seniors in the Heartland looking for an orderly and safer way to decorate their fall gourds, the Seniors Helping Seniors® family has gathered a range of creative options that promise all the charm of pumpkin decoration without the fuss.

In this article, we’ll explore accessible hands-on crafts that allow seniors to showcase their creativity, embrace the season, and make beautiful decorations to display at home. Keep reading for a list of fun, pumpkin carving alternatives every senior in the Heartland can do this autumn!

Painting

You don’t have to be an expert artist to create a fall masterpiece. With a palette of acrylic paints, brushes, and a pumpkin as your canvas, you can let your imagination run wild without any sharp tools or messy pieces.

This art form can be easily tailored to individual preferences and skill levels. The sky’s the limit of what you can paint on your pumpkin! Draw a silly face, paint a fun pattern, or stick to one color to match your home décor. Need a bit of inspiration? Draw from the beautiful nature of the Heartland area.

Glitter

Add some sparkle to the season with this easy and fabulous DIY project. Start with a clean, dry pumpkin of your choice and apply a layer of adhesive or glue evenly onto the surface. Make sure the areas where you want the glitter to adhere are fully covered. Then, sprinkle glitter generously onto the glue, making sure to coat the pumpkin thoroughly. The result is a dazzling pumpkin that celebrates fall with a touch of glamor.

Buttons

Break out your button collection for this cozy, fall craft! Enlist the help of your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver to pick a variety of buttons in different sizes, shapes, and colors to suit your creative vision. Using a strong adhesive like craft glue, carefully stick the buttons onto the pumpkin’s surface, arranging them in patterns, designs, or even creating whimsical faces. Your button-adorned pumpkin will be a unique and delightful addition to your space.

Tip: If you want to keep your buttons, use a pin instead of glue so you can remove them once the season is over.

Fabric

Add warmth and texture to your fall decorations by wrapping a pumpkin in fabric. Start by choosing the material. You can pick a fall-themed flannel or burlap, or think outside the box with vibrant colors and prints.

Next, cut the fabric into small pieces or strips that can be easily wrapped on the pumpkin’s surface. Using a strong adhesive like craft glue or a hot glue gun, carefully stick the fabric pieces to the pumpkin, layering and overlapping them to achieve your desired look. You’ll be left with a cozy, homespun pumpkin that will make a perfect addition to your fall décor.

Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers love helping our clients tap into their creativity, so be sure to invite them to join the fun. After all, crafts are even more enjoyable with friends! A pumpkin decorating party makes for the perfect fall get together as well. Invite a few friends or family members over, whip up some fall snacks, and let’s craft some beautiful memories together!

The post Get Festive this Fall! 3 Mess-Free, Seniors Helping Seniors® Alternatives to Pumpkin Carving appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

Growing older can be an amazing experience, and having your aging parents involved in your life and your children’s can be an enriching and wonderful thing for all concerned. However, as our parents move through their golden years, some additional challenges may emerge around balancing caring for them and caring for the younger members of your family. While this may seem difficult, it’s generally not an insurmountable issue. Seniors Helping Seniors understands the complexities of elder care, so with that experience in mind, we’d like to offer some tips for balancing caring for aging parents and raising children. It is not a proscriptive list, so feel free to pick, choose, and adapt our suggestions to work for you.

Clear communication is key: As in all human relationships and all family ventures, clear, consistent, and open communication is the key to success. As we age, we may become less adaptive to change, be it personal or within the family. You might want to include your aging parents in the conversation if you’re moving, if your kids are changing schools or going to college, or if your work schedule is changing. Give them a space where voice concerns, ask questions, and otherwise get comfortable with the new things happening around them.

Listening is part of communication, but unfortunately, we all sometimes forget to listen to our family members–especially the elderly. The fact is that your aging parents are still adults, and they still have needs, feelings, and preferences. As part of clear communication, ensuring that you’re listening to their desires, opinions, and thoughts is a big step in ensuring that they’re being taken care of and that you can better balance their needs with everything going on in your life.

Just as you need to involve your parents and listen to their needs, it’s also important to keep your children in the loop when it comes to life changes, particularly those regarding your aging parents. Young children may need some help understanding why their grandparents are coming to live with them, are less mobile than they used to be, or are moving to an assisted living facility. Older children have their own emotional needs, and as young adults, they deserve to have their thoughts and needs heard.

Take care of–and make time for–yourself! In all of this, you are important, and you deserve to be loved, cared for, supported, and treated with kindness. You’re a human and you’ll need to take breaks, do things you enjoy, or just rest now and then. Involve other family members, reach out to friends and neighbors, and find supportive programs to help you take care of your parents and keep the kids occupied while you do the things that make you happy and help you feel good about life.

Finally, and maybe most importantly: ask for help when you need it and accept help when it’s offered. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that all of this is your responsibility, 24 hours a day forever. The reality is that you need time for yourself, as we pointed out above, and your aging parents may need some additional care or companionship that you’re not in a position to offer them. By using the available resources to get the help that you and your parents need, you’ll make everyone’s life easier and make the time you spend with them that much richer.

Caring for older adults can be challenging, but Seniors Helping Seniors is here to help. Our team of senior volunteers understands what their fellow seniors need, and are there to help with a variety of day-to-day tasks or provide a bit of age-appropriate companionship as needed. The golden years are a precious time, meant to be enjoyed to its fullest, and our unique approach to senior care helps all involved get the most out of them. If you’d like a little help or company for an aging parent, if you’re a senior who could use a hand at home, or if you’d like to volunteer, get in touch with us today!

The post Tips for Balancing Caring for Aging Parents and Raising Children appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

Healthy Aging Month, celebrated every September, brings awareness to the physical and mental changes seniors experience as they age. This month-long observance also reminds seniors to care for physical and mental health throughout the golden years. Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services enable older adults to lead a vibrant and fulfilling life. A kind hand and a positive perspective will help you or your senior loved one remain connected, curious, and content as you navigate the later years.

The Significance Of Healthy Aging

Healthy aging is a conscious choice with remarkable benefits for older adults. The goal is not only living longer, but living better. Prioritizing physical and mental health enables seniors to improve their well-being and outlook. This includes lifestyle changes like engaging in regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and finding activities that bring joy. Continue reading for four Seniors Helping Seniors® ways to promote healthy aging this month.

1.     Focus On Physical Well-Being

During Healthy Aging Month, make movement an enjoyable part of your or your special senior’s routine. Non-strenuous activity helps us stay fit while improving overall well-being, and an active lifestyle builds muscle and mobility for everyday life.

Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Explore workouts that match your fitness level or that of a loved one. Some options that the Seniors Helping Seniors® family loves include yoga, swimming, walking, and even dancing!

2.     Nurture Emotional Health

Mental health matters as much as physical health. Prioritize self-care this month by incorporating mindfulness into a daily routine.

Peaceful activities like meditation, breathing exercises, or journaling center thoughts and reduce stress. Seek opportunities to connect with friends and family. Sharing stories, laughing, and being present with loved ones combats feelings of isolation and loneliness, contributing to a positive state of mind. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for help.

3.     Take Preventative Measures

Healthy Aging Month is the perfect time to schedule regular check-ups with a healthcare provider. Monitor health and keep up with recommended screenings, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and bone density tests. Be sure to follow recommended vaccines, including influenza, pneumococcal, and shingles.

Your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver is happy to give you or a senior loved one a ride to any appointments. Proactive measures empower seniors to take control of health, allowing our clients to continue enjoying life to the fullest.

4.     Make Positive Lifestyle Choices

Lastly, this month offers an excellent opportunity to incorporate better habits into a daily routine. Consider setting specific goals that align with your well-being aspirations or those of a loved one.

Aiming to eat healthier? Start cooking with more nutritious, nutrient-rich foods. Want to build a better sleep schedule? Try going to bed an hour earlier and reading before going to sleep. Or, get more organized by committing to decluttering at home. It takes about two months for a new habit to stick, so don’t wait to make lifestyle changes.

Healthy Aging Month reminds seniors to take care of their well-being. As we age, each day presents an opportunity to make positive changes. Whether embarking on a new exercise routine, practicing daily mindfulness, or starting a positive habit, there are plenty of ways to nurture physical, mental, and emotional health. Add a layer of support by enlisting help from a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver. With their assistance, the seniors we serve can confidently navigate this journey, knowing that their well-being is in capable hands.

The post Make the Most Of Healthy Aging Month! Prioritize Personal Wellness With Seniors Helping Seniors® In-Home Care Services appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

Everyone views aging differently. To some, the idea of getting older is scary. Others embrace it with a youthful ferocity! At the end of the day, your mindset is more important than you think. It plays a large part in the quality of life experienced throughout your Golden Years.

Seniors Helping Seniors^® in-home care services is committed to inspiring others to age gracefully and independently. One of the ways we encourage our care recipients to make the most of their senior years is by promoting “positive aging” techniques.

What Is Positive Aging?
Positive aging is all about mindset. It refers to the idea that if you maintain an optimistic outlook in your senior years — coupled with healthy habits, social engagement, and mental stimulation — you’ll feel good about yourself, remain physically active, and continue to engage fully in all aspects of life!

Incorporating positive aging techniques into your daily routine might sound difficult, but it’s easier than you think. Of course, our Seniors Helping Seniors^® caregivers will stand by your side, ready to help you create and practice a program that will do your mind and body good!

Now that you know why positive aging is important, let’s discuss five simple ways Seniors Helping Seniors^® care receivers can work the power of positivity into everyday life!

1 – Embrace Your Age!
Age is just a number, after all. Maintaining a youthful outlook and adapting to your changing abilities can help you accept that growing older is a normal part of life – one that every person (including your Seniors Helping Seniors^® caregiver) is attempting to navigate.

The first step in discovering the power of positive aging is to accept the aging process by working with it and not against it. This makes it easier to cope with the challenges this stage of life presents, and instead, start looking forward to the possibilities!

2 – Make Fitness A Priority
Just thirty minutes of daily exercise can revolutionize your health. It can help you look and feel younger, complete tasks more easily, and prevent accidents and falls – all of which are essential for maintaining a positive outlook. Try the following Seniors Helping Seniors^® suggestions to jumpstart your fitness routine:

Go for a walk
Walking is an excellent way to get the blood pumping while improving heart health, boosting mental clarity, and lowering blood pressure. Commit to a daily walk with a friend, family member, or your Seniors Helping Seniors^® companion!

Explore senior fitness classes
There are plenty of exercise options for active seniors! Look into what classes your local senior center, gym, or fitness studio offers. Activities like water aerobics, chair yoga, and body weight workouts are popular among seniors and provide low impact workouts that will still make you feel the burn!

Don’t get discouraged if it’s tough to keep up at first. Your workouts will become easier as you build strength. Be consistent and you’ll soon look forward to your daily exercise regimen!

3 – Stay Connected
Building and maintaining close relationships is also essential to a positive aging plan. Doing so can combat loneliness, improve self-esteem, and foster a sense of belonging. Not sure where to begin? Try one of the following to make new friends or reconnect with some old pals:

• Organize a monthly dinner with friends or family where everyone brings a different dish
• Join a social group, like a birdwatching or book club, pickleball league, or volunteer service
• Make it a point to attend your grandkids’ sporting games and performances – they’ll love having you there to cheer them on!

As always, remember to lean on your Seniors Helping Seniors^® caregiver. They’re available to get you to and from social events or to accompany you on a new adventure, so let’s go!

4 – Nurture Healthy Habits
Maintaining a balanced diet is critical to the aging process. Eating right helps keep your weight at an appropriate level and supports heart health. These simple diet rules can help you stay on track:

• Incorporate lean proteins, plenty of vegetables (especially those that are orange, red, and green), substitute whole grains whenever possible, and stick to low-fat dairy products
• Drink lots of (the right) fluids – water, tea, and coffee – and stay away from beverages that are high in sugar
• Look for foods that are high in fiber and vitamin D as these are both vital for aging individuals

There are also certain habits you should avoid to continue functioning at the highest level. First, don’t skimp on sleep – a restful night’s slumber is essential in keeping the body functioning properly. Also, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Both of these can cause serious health issues in people of all ages.

5 – Sharpen Your Brain
Your mind, like your body, thrives when you push it to the limit. A strong brain keeps you sharp and is a key ingredient for your positive aging recipe. Add games like Sudoku and crossword puzzles to your daily routine so your brain gets the exercise it needs.

Learning a new skill can improve intellect as well. Check local resources, like a university or community center, to see if they offer any skill-building classes that peak your interest. Gaining a new ability cultivates positive thoughts and builds confidence. Not to mention, it’s fun and will leave you with an activity you’ll look forward to!

We told you it was easy to practice positive aging! In fact, you’re probably doing a lot of these things already. Don’t be afraid to ask your Seniors Helping Seniors^® companion for ideas on how to keep a positive mindset as you mature – remember, they’re going through the same stage of life as you are. Incorporate the above Seniors Helping Seniors^® tips into your daily routine and you’re bound to feel great, stay active, and retain your youthful exuberance for life!

Incorporating positive aging techniques into your daily routine might sound difficult, but it’s easier than you think. Of course, our Seniors Helping Seniors^® caregivers will stand by your side, ready to help you create and practice a program that will do your mind and body good!

Now that you know why positive aging is important, let’s discuss five simple ways Seniors Helping Seniors^® care receivers can work the power of positivity into everyday life!

The post Mind Over Matter: 5 Seniors Helping Seniors® Tips For Practicing Positive Aging! appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

Seniors Helping Seniors® In-Home Care Agency thanks U.S. News and World Report for including us in their story on how to determine if an aging parent needs support. It’s important to be able to recognize the signs that your parent or loved one needs assistance. We were honored to lend our knowledge to this article, and we invite you to read the whole story at the link below! 

Can Your Aging Parent Still Live Alone?
Aging is a fact of life, and for many older adults, there comes a time when they can no longer look after themselves as they once did. Often, the adult children are left to determine when that time comes, and it can be a challenging period for both kids and parents.

While it’s not always easy to know when it’s time, experts say the following signs could mean you need to talk with your parents about changing their living situation.

https://health.usnews.com/senior-care/articles/assessing-aging-parent-cant-live-alone

The post How to Determine if Your Aging Parent Needs Additional Support appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

The Seniors Helping Seniors^® family loves seeing our care receivers enjoy the best parts of each season. With summer fast approaching in the Northeast, it will soon be time to break out the shorts, light the citronella candle, and dust off the patio table for the season’s first outdoor feast!

It can be tempting to indulge throughout the summer months. With family cookouts, vacations, and the urge to spend time enjoying the outdoors in lieu of the kitchen, we often opt for quick, not so healthy choices. A nutritious, balanced diet, however, is important for active seniors all year long.

The good news is, continuing to eat right over the summer months doesn’t have to be complicated. Soak in these four Seniors Helping Seniors^® tips for a summer of healthy – and delicious – eating!

Keep It Balanced

Making good decisions isn’t hard once you know what to choose. Let’s look at the layers of the food pyramid and determine the best foods to reach for and which to skip.

Grains

The foundation of the food pyramid is the grain group, which encompasses things like rice, pasta, bread, and oats. When stocking the cabinets, whole grains are best. Whole grains are made using the entire grain kernel and, therefore, are good sources of dietary fiber, minerals, and Vitamin B.

Fruits and Vegetables

We all know fruits and veggies provide plenty of dietary value, but which are the most nutritious options? Look for produce that is red, orange, purple, and green, as these fruits and veggies contain vitamins and minerals that are especially important to senior health.

P.S. – The Northeast is known for its abundant fruit and vegetable production, so check the local section of the grocery store or visit community produce stands for some excellent options!

Dairy

When choosing milk, yogurt, and cheese products, go with low-fat or fat-free options. Calcium is the major benefit in this group, but dairy products also provide phosphorus, Vitamins A and D, B12, potassium, and more.

Protein

Protein covers a wide variety of foods, including meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and legumes (like beans and lentils). Look for meat and poultry that’s lean or low-fat and seafood that’s high in omega-3s and has a low mercury count. For a vegetarian meal, substitute legumes as a tasty and nutritious option.

It’s important to mix it up when it comes to protein. Many people eat plenty of meat and poultry, but often skimp on fish and legumes. However, each category has specific vitamins and nutrients that are key to a balanced diet.

Advantages of Sensible Eating

When a variety of nutritious foods are incorporated into a balanced diet, the mind and body will benefit in spades! For example, healthy eating helps:

• Reduce cholesterol
• Lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes
• Promote proper bowel function
• Support a healthy nervous system
• Boost immunity and prevent infection
• Encourage healthy eyes, skin, and gums
• Maintain strong bones and teeth
• Improve concentration and attention span
• Increase energy and mental clarity

Preparation Is Key

How food is cooked contributes to a healthy diet as well. During the summer months, grilling is an excellent option and produces flavorful dishes. Better yet, it’s a wonderful time to gather with loved ones and your Seniors Helping Seniors^® companion to enjoy the outdoors and fellowship while dinner is cooking!

Grilled to Perfection

Cooking on the grill is easy and requires little preparation. Simply apply your favorite seasoning combination or marinade and get grilling! As the food cooks, excess fat and oil drip away, leaving a wholesome and delicious dinner.

Try these tips and tricks from Seniors Helping Seniors^® in-home services to make grilling a breeze:

• Invest in a meat thermometer and always ensure poultry is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F and pork to 145°F.
• Cook veggies in foil packets with seasoning and a little oil (extra virgin olive oil or canola are best). Ensure the packet is sealed at the top and place it directly on the grates until the veggies are tender.
• Craving something sweet? For dessert, try grilling pineapple, peach, or watermelon slices for an after-dinner treat!

One of the best things about this method is there’s minimal clean-up required, leaving more time to spend enjoying your dinner companions!

Practice Proper Portion Control

Consuming the right amounts of each food group is important as well. When making a plate, follow these Seniors Helping Seniors^® suggestions for a balanced meal:

1. Envision a vertical line directly down the middle of the plate
2. On the right, add half whole grains and half lean protein
3. Fill the left side with fruits and vegetables (heavier on the veggies)
4. Eat dairy in moderation

Now, all that’s left is to choose a healthy option to wash it all down…

Drink Up!

Staying hydrated is key, especially when summer heat kicks into high gear! Water is an essential nutrient and should be the majority of what’s consumed throughout the day. Try fruit-infused water for a twist on the traditional or sparkling water for something bubbly. Tea and coffee are good options as well and provide several health benefits of their own.

Avoid sugary drinks or those with high salt content and stay away from consuming alcohol in excess. These actually contribute to dehydration and a number of other issues.

Who’s ready to welcome summer?! With these tips from Seniors Helping Seniors^® in-home care services,

The post Savor The Season With Seniors Helping Seniors® In-Home Services: 4 Tips For Healthy Summer Eating appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

April is National Occupational Therapy Month and Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services is taking a moment to champion this life-changing treatment. Occupational therapy (OT) helps people of all ages maintain, or regain, the skills necessary to perform everyday activities.

Similar to its better-known counterpart, physical therapy, OT provides a number of benefits throughout the body. Where the two differ most is in their purpose. Physical therapy focuses on improving pain in one part of the body, while occupational therapy is focused on adapting daily tasks to make them easier. For our care receivers, that means doing more of the things you love most!

Let’s explore the ways this branch of therapy can help our active senior community continue to reap the rewards of an independent lifestyle!

Physical Benefits

Occupational therapy helps strengthen the body by increasing flexibility, re-conditioning muscles, and teaching adaptive movements that put less stress on muscles and joints. Here’s a closer look at the physical advantages of OT.

Enhanced Range Of Motion

As a senior, improving flexibility can change a lot! Stretching allows the body to be less rigid. In turn, this decreases the chances of injuries like a muscle strain or pull. It can also make daily tasks – such as vacuuming, gardening, or walking – easier to complete.

Treatment to better range of motion can include a number of methods. For example, to improve shoulder flexibility, an occupational therapist might suggest seniors complete a series of stretches, practice dressing the upper body, and work on strength training exercises for that area.

Decreased Chronic Pain

When you lead an active and fulfilling life, chronic pain, like arthritis and muscle aches, can really slow you down. Getting support from an occupational therapist can help, however.

To assist with pain management, these professionals demonstrate adaptations for the activities that are most important to everyday life. The technical terms for these strategies include things like reduced muscle tension, ergonomics, safe body mechanics, and neuromuscular re-education. Simply put, these methods are alternative ways to complete tasks with less strain, and therefore pain, on the body.

Maximize Mental Health

The advantages of OT far surpass physical improvements. Cognitive functions like memory and brain capacity can see an uptick as well! It can even help relieve stress and anxiety.

Better Memory And Increased Brainpower

Occupational therapists are trained to evaluate thinking skills in addition to physical abilities. Again, there are a variety of techniques that can be used to improve cognitive function.

Memory-enhancing activities like crossword puzzles and brain teaser games are often encouraged to keep the mind sharp. An occupational therapist may also break challenging tasks down into a series of simple steps and cues, making them easier to complete for those with memory loss.

Additionally, occupational therapists can work with seniors on exercises that improve vision. It might not seem closely connected to memory and brainpower, but enhanced sight allows seniors to gather and process information more easily, benefiting cognition.

Reduced Stress And Anxiety

With age, the ability to perform everyday tasks often declines, taking a toll on mental health. You or a senior loved one might start to feel helpless and depressed due to this loss of function.

An occupational therapist, however, will focus on the tasks that CAN be completed, inspiring seniors with a sense of empowerment! As for weaker skills? OT is utilized to identify these and work to improve them.

Adaptive Living

Ultimately, the goal of occupational therapy is to enable individuals, seniors included, to live comfortably and independently. Improving physical and mental wellbeing is certainly helpful in retaining personal freedom, but OT extends beyond this.

Home Modifications

Not only will occupational therapists work with the body and mind to make life easier, they will also assist in adjusting areas of your home, or that of a senior loved one, with the same end goal. Here are some ways these professionals might alter a living space for better daily functionality:

• Suggest safety improvements, like adding handrails in bathrooms, increased lighting, and clearing clutter from walking paths
• Re-label medications, cooking items, and cleaners so they’re easier to distinguish for individuals with sight loss
• Add visual cues throughout the home to help those with memory loss or dementias navigate and complete tasks

Shared Knowledge

Occupational therapists often encourage family members and caregivers to become familiar with the exercises their senior loved one has been practicing during OT. This ensures improvement doesn’t stop at the end of a session.

The more seniors can incorporate occupational therapies into a daily or weekly routine, the easier it will be to stay physically active, mentally fit, and autonomous. Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers are happy to assist those we serve with the strategies learned through occupational therapy. From helping complete daily exercises to adaptive strategies, we’re here for you or the special senior in your life!

The post Occupational Therapy: A Seniors Helping Seniors® Suggestion For A More Independent YOU! appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

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Part 2: Identifying Caregiver Burnout and Utilizing Resources to Avoid It —

Are you currently caring for a loved one? Maybe your parents? Or do you find yourself possibly having to care for your parents soon? Caring for a loved one is an honor but it can also lead to burnout. We’d like to share with you some ideas and resources to help avoid this. Welcome to The Senior Circle where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

Caring for your loved one, your parents, it can be really draining. It can be physically draining, mentally draining, and it can affect you tremendously, so it’s really important that you understand that it’s very common for family caregivers to experience burnout. You may feel guilty or inadequate at times with the level of support that you’re able to provide, but it’s important, it’s very important that you take care of yourself. There are some signs that you should look for. Some things that you might start experiencing that really would be red flags for you. If you’re starting to feel very fatigued, if you find yourself becoming irritable or if you find yourself withdrawing from activities that you would normally love to engage in, these are signs that maybe you should consider reaching out for some help. If you start feeling guilty, if you start feeling physically that you’re being affected and maybe even experiencing illnesses, it’s time for you to consider getting somebody else on your support team.

Reach out for help. If you have a family support system, fantastic. That’s a wonderful way to do it. Ask your siblings, ask your other loved ones if they’re able to dedicate some time to supporting your parents or your loved one. If you don’t have a family support network, you have options as well. There are companies that are non-medical that can provide support for you. Seniors Helping Seniors is one of them. And the support that’s available to you will give you the ability to be there as an adult child and not only provide the support that’s needed in activities, but also love on your parents the way you really want to. Every family’s different and you may have disagreements about how you decide to proceed with the care for your loved one, but as a primary care provider, it’s very important that people recognize and respect your decisions.

There are other ways if you don’t have family support to incorporate things that could be helpful for your loved one. You could, for example, enroll them in an adult daycare program. There are many available and they can be incredibly helpful to your loved one’s daily routine and give you time as well. You can sign them up for meal delivery services. Those are very important and can be very nutritiously done. So that’s something to consider as well. There are volunteer senior programs out there that you might want to consider. Contact a church. Contact somebody to find out if there are programs that might be able to be incorporated into your parents’ support system. And you can also reach out to friends, reach out to loved ones, and find out if there’s somebody that can help. If you end up, like I said earlier, hiring professional services, that’s a wonderful option as well.

The important thing is to give you back some time. The important thing is to make sure that you’re taken care of as well. While you want to make sure that the services are there for your loved one, you also want to make sure that you can be the adult child and love on your parent as well.

Another thing to keep in mind as you’re walking this walk with your parents is making sure that you take them into account. Acknowledge that asking for help, accepting help, can be really challenging. Our senior loved ones have been accustomed to being able to do the things that they’ve done for years and recognizing that things are becoming a little bit more difficult can be very challenging. We need to recognize that and accept that we can incorporate our loved one’s desires into our plan of support. Make sure you discuss things with your parents before you just put them into place. Make sure you understand their fears. Make sure you understand their concerns. Make sure they feel part of it because, in the end, that’s going to make it so much easier for you because it’s going to be something that’s much more accepting by them. It’s important that we listen to them, that we understand their concerns and we bring them into the fold of the care plan.

It may be as easy as talking to them about options and services that they have available, such as mobility devices. If they’re having a difficult time around just maybe talking to them about the different kinds of walkers that exist or things they can use. It might be a medication device that could be incorporated into their day that would help them if they’re not remembering to take their medications correctly. There are certain home modifications that could be discussed that aren’t incredibly invasive but it could be as simple as putting grab bars in their showers to make sure that they’re safer. Recognizing these things early on and just presenting these potential services or things that could help them will help them feel a part of the plan and a part of what’s being decided. As an adult child, you don’t want to come in and bulldoze or kick down the door and say this is the way it’s going to be. But at the same time, you want them to know that there are things that they could do and options available for them.

All in all, we know that caring for your loved one, caring for your parents can be very stressful and very difficult. But if you take steps to make sure that your parent feels secure, safe and loved, I think you’re gonna do very well. If you have any questions, if you’d like to know anything about what non-medical services, private duty care could provide for your senior loved one, please give us a call at Seniors Helping Seniors. We’d be happy to discuss with you the different types of services that are available and how we might be able to help. You can reach us at 248-969-4000 and we would love to talk to you.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

The post Preparing for your Elderly Loved One’s Care – Part 2 appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

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Part 1: Recognizing the Type of Care Needed —

Are you currently caring for a loved one? Maybe your parents. Or do you find yourself possibly having to care for your parents soon? How do you even start? What do you think about? What questions do you ask? Let’s talk about that today.

Welcome to The Senior Circle where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

Studies show that about 17% of adult children will end up caring for their parents. And that number rises as our age increases. Caring for our parents can be incredibly rewarding. It can be fulfilling. It means a great deal to us to be able to care for those that dedicated so much time and dedication to us, but it can also be very stressful. And we find that a lot of adult caregivers find themselves burnt out. The easiest way to avoid that is to understand exactly what comes along with caregiving and understand the type of support and care that our parents need.

We want to always be realistic about the type of care that our parents need. And one of the things that we can do is try to really understand the support level that they require. You can even try journaling, keeping track, actually keeping lists of the things that you find your loved one struggling with can be very helpful. Those lists can be created on a daily basis. What activities during the day are they struggling with? Those lists can be weekly and then monthly. Once you’ve compiled that list, you’ll really get a good understanding of the things that your parents or your loved ones are really struggling with and could use some support in.

So by making these lists, it really gives you a good understanding of the types of things that can be done to support your parents or your loved ones. You’re making a list of ADLs. You might have heard somebody talk to you about ADLs at one point or another. Maybe somebody from a home care company or a hospital asks you, “So how are they doing with their ADLs?” I love it when people throw acronyms around like you’re supposed to know what they are. But ADLs stand for Activities of Daily Living. And these activities are considered crucial for a person to be able to remain independently and safely on their own. Those activities of daily living that we speak of are, they’re different things such as having functional mobility, being able to get around, being able to bathe oneself. So bathing is an activity of daily living. Toileting, being able to take care of oneself in the bathroom. Feeding oneself is also considered an activity of daily living, as well as dressing. So when you’re making these lists, you can determine if one of these things is included in those things that are becoming more difficult for your parents. So Activities of Daily Living are considered extremely important. And you might even hear about activities of daily living for example with a long-term care insurance company, that’s criteria that they take into account to determine if someone who has long-term care insurance can actually avail themselves of the benefits. Are they able to handle their ADLs?

There are other activities that are called IADLs, they’re Instrumental Activities of Daily Living that are a little less essential per se in terms of being able to stay independently and safely in one’s home. But they’re also very important. For example, maintaining one’s home, doing light housekeeping in the home is important. It’s important to be in a clean environment. Laundry is an instrumental activity of daily living that is something that we all need. We need to make sure that we have clean clothing but also clean linens for our bed, clean towels, et cetera. Shopping for necessities, that’s an instrumental activity of daily living. If we can’t shop and we can’t bring things into our home that are necessary, then we need some support. We need support with transportation to and from, doctors appointments, running errands, and things of that nature. Meal preparation is very important as well. Our seniors or our loved ones who are unable to do that for themselves experience a lack of the ability to handle that instrumental activity of daily living.

So what we see is that there are two levels, kind of, of activities that are crucial and very important for our loved one to be able to remain independently in their home. As you’re making lists, and as you’re noting in these daily, weekly, monthly journals, you can see the types of things that are just becoming a little bit more difficult. You can make a plan to support in those areas and you’re not alone.

In our next video, we’ll discuss the things to look for to identify caregiver burnout and the different things that you can do and the help you can seek to avoid it.

All in all we know that caring for your loved one, caring for your parents can be very stressful and very difficult. But if you take steps to make sure that your parent feels secure, safe, and loved, I think you’re going to do very well.

If you have any questions, if you’d like to know anything about what non-medical services private duty care could provide for your senior loved one, please give us a call at Seniors Helping Seniors. We’d be happy to discuss with you the different type of services that are available and how we might be able to help. You can reach us at 248.969.4000 and we would love to talk to you.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

The post Preparing for your Elderly Loved One’s Care – Part 1 appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

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Are you like me and pretty much everyone I know that feels like the amount of things that we accumulate in a lifetime is outrageous? Do you have things in your home that you’re hanging onto but really don’t know why? Today, we’re gonna talk about all our stuff and what to do about all of it.

Welcome to the Senior Circle, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely, and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

I saw a headline recently that stated, “Sorry Nobody Wants Their Parents’ Stuff.” And I thought what? I admittedly have too much stuff. I’ve been making a very concerted effort though to reduce the amount of things that I have in storage bins and boxes, tucked away in my basement.

I’ve found that many people my age seem to find themselves in a similar situation. We’ve got a lot of stuff. We’ve accumulated things ourselves. We’ve acquired things from our parents that have passed on and we still have things of our adult children in the house.

As we store something safely away it’s usually due to emotional attachment or fearing that we’re getting rid of so something extremely valuable. What we really need to consider though is that frankly, our adult children are not gonna wanna be the ones that have to make decisions about the bins and the boxes of the stuff in our attic.

The things that I have found to be the most commonly held onto and learned be the least likely to be coveted by our kids as maybe we have once thought are surprisingly common. For example, antiques.

Antiques, they’re dark, so dark, that some people even know them as brown pieces. Honestly, these pieces have become furniture, non grata so to speak. We keep them for sentimental reasons but our kids don’t want them. Mid-century items are pretty stylish right now but anything other than that, it just doesn’t interest them. They’re kind of a Target and Ikea generation. They just don’t have the emotional connection to things that earlier generations did. It’s not a bad thing. It’s just a reality.

Linens. I mean, go ahead and offer that hand-embroidered pillow case, guest towel, or table linen to your adult kids. I’m pretty sure they’re gonna scrunch their face and try very delicately to tell you that they would never use those items. What you can do though, is find maybe a theater troop that could use the items for sets or costumes.

Sterling Silver. Let’s face it. Do your adult kids wanna spend a Saturday morning polishing silver in between their kids’ soccer games, baseball tournaments and dance recitals? I actually think people would be better off trying to sell these sets as a whole to sites like replacements.com. They piece the sets out and then they sell them as individual items. There that’s one less item or one less box to have in your basement.

Fine China and Porcelain.  This goes for your fine China as well. I mean, when’s the last time you actually saw your adult son using a saucer? There are actually some lines of China that could be worth something, but again, you’d be better off selling it to replacements.com in many cases. Unless it’s a very highly solicited line, there’s no likelihood that it’s worth your adult children going through the process of trying to unload it.

How about those greeting cards, photos, and magazines. We keep these things again for very personal and emotional reasons. I have here are some things that I came across that are really hard to imagine getting rid of. These here are some Christmas cards from friends and family, school records from the kids and even some of their art projects. Now there is a possibility that the kids would want some of these things and all it really takes is asking them to find out. But if they don’t, a good option is to find a way to memorialize these things by digitizing them. It could be a project that you seek their help with and ultimately enjoy together as opposed to them having to go through things later when we can’t participate. But once things are in electronic form we feel less guilty about disposing of them physically.

Jewelry is something that we really just need to verify the worth of. There are sentimental pieces that you may wanna check with your kids about, but frankly, if the things have value they may just prefer that they be sold.

All in all, it really just comes down to knowing what we have and determining if we really need to keep it all. While we think our kids are going to enjoy walking down memory lane with all of our stuff, that’s probably not gonna happen. Bite it off by pieces so it isn’t quite as overwhelming. Take your time and when you’re done, I think you’ll feel very accomplished.

It’s a big task though. If you have an elderly loved one that could use some help with organizing things in order to feel a bit less overwhelmed you can call Seniors Helping Seniors, because we we can help with that. Just give us a call at 248.969.4000. We’ll be happy to help. And until then, happy sorting.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

The post Sorry, Your Kids Don’t Want Your Stuff appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

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How do you help a loved one who doesn’t want help? We speak to many adult children who would like to see their elderly parents receive support. They know that it would provide a safer environment and would even prolong their ability to remain in their home. Sometimes, though, they run into resistance, as the help is not always welcomed. Today we’ll discuss this, and a list of a few helpful tips.

Welcome to The Senior Circle, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

Caring for the elderly can be challenging, particularly if a loved one doesn’t want the help. It’s important to try to understand what’s causing your loved one’s resistance and how you can encourage cooperation. One of the toughest challenges you can face when caring for the elderly is resistance to the care itself.

Our goal today is to hopefully help anyone dealing with this to maybe understand why resistance to care might develop, and explore some strategies for fostering the cooperation. If your loved one is in need of care, he or she is likely dealing with loss, physical loss, mental loss, the loss of a spouse or the loss of independence. Accepting help might mean relinquishing privacy and adjusting to new routines. As a result, your loved one might feel frightened and vulnerable, even angry, that he or she needs help, or guilty about the idea of becoming a burden to family and friends. In some cases, your loved one might be stubborn, have mental health concerns, or simply think it’s a sign of weakness to accept help. He or she might also be worried about the cost of certain types of care. Memory loss might also make it difficult for your loved one to understand why he or she needs the help.

So what’s the best way to approach a loved one about the need for care?

Sometimes the doctor will start a discussion with your loved one about their care needs. If you’re starting the conversation and you suspect that your loved one will be resistant to care, whether from family, other close contacts or a service, consider these tips.

• Determine what help is needed. Make an honest assessment of what kind of help your loved one needs and which services might work out best.
• Choose a time when you and your loved one are relaxed. This will make it easier for you and for your loved one to listen to each other and speak your minds.
• Ask about your loved one’s preferences. Does your loved one have a preference about which family member or what type of service provides care? While you might not be able to meet all of your loved one’s wishes, It’s important to take them into consideration. If your loved one has trouble understanding you, simplify your explanations and the decisions you expect him or her to make.
• Enlist the help of family members. Family and friends might be able to help you persuade your loved one to accept the help.
• Don’t give up. If you’re loved one doesn’t want to discuss the topic the first time you bring it up, try again later.

When you find yourself facing a lot of resistance you could try a few different approaches to encourage cooperation.

• You might suggest a trial run. Don’t ask your loved one to make a final decision about the kind of care he or she receives right away. A trial run will give a hesitant loved one a chance to test the waters a little bit and experience the benefits of assistance. Help them understand that they do not have to commit to anything long-term that will be unpleasant for them.
• Describe the care in a positive way. Refer to respite care as an activity for your loved one, something that they’ll like. Talk about a home-care provider as a friend. You might also call elder care a club, or refer to your loved one as a volunteer or helper at the center that they go to.
• Explain your needs. There are times that appealing to their hearts and their consideration for you really makes a difference. Consider asking your loved one to accept care to make your life a little easier. Remind them that sometimes you’ll both need to compromise on certain issues.
• Address the cost. Your loved one might resist care out of concern about the cost. If your loved one’s care is covered by Medicaid or other funding, share that information to help ease his or her worries.
• Pick your battles. Do your best to understand your loved one’s point of view, and focus on the big picture. I would suggest that you avoid fighting with your loved one about minor issues related to his or her care.

One thing that I would add about this is that these strategies might not be appropriate when dealing with a loved one who has dementia. Dementia makes it more difficult to process the information, and it really could cause more confusion and distress.

You might try all of these things and still have difficulty convincing them. What do you do then? If your loved one continues to resist care and is endangering himself or herself, enlist the help of a professional. Your loved one might be more willing to listen to the advice of a doctor, a lawyer or a care manager about the importance of receiving the care. Resistance isn’t uncommon, many care-givers face it. By keeping your loved one involved in the decisions about his or her care and explaining the benefits of assistance, you might be able to help your loved one feel more comfortable about accepting help.

If you feel helpless, or even fearful, that your efforts to convince your loved one to accept are not working, don’t struggle with the situation on your own. In the struggle to provide care for those that you love, remember to accept help and assistance for yourself as well. Talk to your family, friends and professional care services near you that can help. Always feel free to reach out to Seniors Helping Seniors for support or with questions that you have regarding your loved one’s care at 248.969.4000.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

The post Resistance to Care appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

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As our elderly age, nutrition is something that becomes difficult to focus on. In today’s video, we are going to address some of the reasons why and also talk about some things that we can do to help with that challenge.

Welcome to The Senior Circle, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

Why is nutrition important for older adults?

Nutrition is about eating a healthy and balanced diet so your body gets the nutrients that it needs. Nutrients are substances in foods that our bodies need so they can function. They include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Good nutrition is important, no matter what your age. It gives you energy, it can help you control your weight and it may also help prevent some diseases, such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even certain cancers.

As you age, however, your body and life change, and so does what you need to stay healthy. For example, you may need fewer calories, but you still need to get enough nutrients. Some older adults might need more protein while others need to focus on their carbohydrates.

Some changes that can happen as you age can make it harder for you to eat healthy.

• These include changes in your home life, such as suddenly living alone or having trouble getting around.
• Health, which can make it harder for you to cook or feed yourself.
• Medicines, medicines can change how your food tastes, make your mouth dry, or take away your appetite.
• Income, which means you may not have as much money for food as you once did.
• Your sense of smell and taste can change.
• You can develop problems chewing or swallowing your food.

So how can you eat healthy as you age?

To stay healthy as you age, you should:

• Eat foods that give you lots of nutrients without a lot of extra calories, such as fruits and vegetables, you will wanna choose different types with bright colors, whole grains are great, like oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, and brown rice. Try to keep seafood, lean meats, poultry, and eggs in your diet for great protein, in addition add beans, nuts, and seeds as you can tolerate.
• Avoid those empty calories. These are foods with lots of calories and few nutrients, such as chips, candy, baked goods, soda, and alcohol. As great as these things taste, they really do our bodies no good. It’s good to enjoy our food, but these things need a great deal of moderation.
• Pick foods that are low in cholesterol and fat. You especially want to try to avoid the saturated and trans fats. Saturated fats are usually fats that come from animals. Trans fats are processed fats in stick margarine and vegetable shortening. You may find them in some store-bought baked goods and fried foods at your fast-food restaurants.
• Some people lose their sense of thirst as they age, but we really must drink enough liquids! This is so very important so you don’t get dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to many complications. There are also certain medicines that might make it even more difficult to go without fluids. And you need to make sure you keep those up.
• Another helpful thing to do is stay active. If you have started losing your appetite, exercising may help you to feel hunger. You don’t have to run a marathon, but keep moving.

So what can you do if you’re having trouble eating healthy?

Sometimes health issues or other problems are making it hard to eat healthy. But here are some tips that just might help:

• If you are tired of eating alone, try organizing some potluck meals or cooking with a friend. You can also look into having some meals at a nearby senior center, community center, or many churches organize community meals.
• If you are having trouble chewing, see your dentist to check for problems as they may be able to help alleviate the issue.
• If you are having trouble swallowing, try drinking plenty of liquids with your meal. If that doesn’t help, check with your health provider. A health condition or medicine could be causing the problem and you’ll want to catch that as early as you possibly can.
• If you’re having trouble smelling and tasting your food, try adding color and texture to make your food more interesting.
• If you aren’t eating enough, try adding some healthy snacks throughout the day that can help you get more nutrients and calories.
• If an illness is making it harder for you to cook or feed yourself, check with your health care provider. He or she may recommend an occupational therapist, who can help you find ways to make it easier.

At Seniors Helping Seniors, we’ve had the opportunity and blessing to help many folks with their daily needs, including meal preparation and planning. If you have any questions or a situation you could use some help with, feel free to give us a call at Seniors Helping Seniors at 248.969.4000.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

The post Nutrition and the Elderly appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

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In this video, the second part of our series on Sundowner’s, we explore more techniques to help our loved ones experiencing this challenging symptom of dementia.

Welcome to “The Seniors Circle,” where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

In part one of this video on “Sundowner’s and How to Help Your Loved One,” we talked about what Sundowner’s is and about a few things that we can do to support our senior experiencing symptoms of anxiety, stress, or fear later in the day. There are other things that we can do to help soothe loved ones as well. So let’s dig into it.

You may want to consider adjusting the light exposure. Some experts suggest that our hormones and body clocks are regulated by exposure to light, and that when light is limited it throws us off. If it’s hard to get enough exposure to direct sunlight, try a light box and use bright lights in the room. As it gets dark outside, increase the indoor lighting. This can really be important in the winter when days get shorter. It’s a good idea to turn lights on porches and outside windows that help prevent a senior suffering from Sundowner’s from feeling that it’s already bedtime.

You can try playing music and calming sounds throughout the day in order to help regulate mood. More cheerful, instrumental music in the morning with singalong favorites or show tunes can activate and energize, whereas when sundowning is settling in, it’s a good idea to try more calming music, maybe solo piano, or classical guitar, or even having a relaxation channel on a music app would work. There are also sound machines that mimic the sounds of storms, waves or white noise that can reduce anxiety and help one calm down.

Many people have found that using essential oils can be calming. Lavender, rose, chamomile, frankincense, and other essential oils are some that are being used. If you’re looking to encourage waking up and stirring activity during the day, you can try jasmine, peppermint, rosemary, or a citrus, like grapefruit, lemon or orange. You can always try different scents to see how your loved one responds to them. You can use these oils and diffusers as aromatherapy, or just put some maybe on a handkerchief or on some clothing.

Personal touch is something that can be very soothing and relaxing for someone who experiences anxiety. A wonderful hand or foot massage can relax tense muscles and increase feel good hormones. During the transition of afternoon to evening it might be a good idea to introduce to your loved one’s routine at a neck rub with calming essential oils.

Lastly, there are herbs, supplements and medications that can help with things such as symptoms of Sundowner’s. Be sure to talk to your loved one’s doctor though about things that could be helpful. Also make sure that you understand the possible side effects that could occur. It’s been shown that those suffering with dementia sometimes respond much differently than we would expect them to sedating drugs, anti-anxiety medication, and antidepressants. Talk to the physician about herbs and supplements, such as lemon balm, valerian, chamomile, and holy basil. Many supplements claim to be calming and stress reducing, including melatonin, magnesium, and B, C and E vitamins. It’s important to be very alert if using any of these supplements as a brain suffering with dementia can respond very differently to certain treatments.

Anyone that is caring for someone who suffers from sundown syndrome requires creativity, flexibility, empathy, and strong observational skills as they attempt to determine what triggers their loved ones and how to address the behaviors. Unfortunately, there isn’t a textbook that shows two people with dementia being exactly alike, so we have to be prepared to take different approaches until we find the technique, structure and routine that works. Success may be obtained, but it might be temporary, but even a little bit of success can greatly ease the anxieties of our loved one, as well as the stress experienced by those caring for individuals with Sundowner’s. If you’re caring for someone with sundowner symptoms and have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at 248-969-4000 and a representative from Seniors Helping Seniors would be happy to discuss with you your situation and what might be helpful.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

The post Sundowners – Part 2 appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

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Have you heard the term sundowners? Let’s dive into learning what it is, and what we can do to help someone experiencing it.

Welcome to the Senior Circle, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely, and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

If you have a loved one suffering from dementia, you may have heard of the term sundowners. It is a term that is used to describe a change in behavior that usually occurs later in the afternoon, and into the evening. All of a sudden, things just get a bit little bit wonky. Many call it sundown syndrome or sundowning. According to the Alzheimer’s Association as many as 20% of people with Alzheimer’s experience sundown syndrome.

This symptom of dementia along with other conditions as well, are commonly seen upon the approach of the sun setting which appears to trigger sudden emotional, behavioral or cognitive changes. There might be some mood swings, or they may become very anxious and restless. They may exhibit an anxiety that causes surges of energy, and increased confusion. In very challenging cases you might even see hallucinations and delusions. Unfortunately some of the symptoms can include very challenging behaviors like pacing, rocking, crying, becoming very disoriented, becoming angry and sometimes even violent. A lot of people that experience sundown syndrome feel urgently that they need to go somewhere, or do something but they can’t really explain what it is they are supposed to do. In some cases, we find that the behavior doesn’t last a long time and with some redirection the behavior subsides. For others however this anxiety and behavior can last all night. It can unfortunately cause a switching of sleep schedules, creating a situation where your senior is awake all night, and extremely tired during the day. There are multiple theories about why this happens. Some say it has to do with the dimming of lights, be them natural or lighting in the home. This, some say, gives a senior with sundowners the sensation of needing to change activities or go home. There is a thought process that suggests that evening and darkness can cause fear, making someone feel unsafe and insecure.

Sundowners is very challenging not only for the senior who’s struggling but also for family members charged with their care. One can feel very helpless as to what can be done to help someone who is struggling with sundowners, but fortunately there are a few techniques that can be tried and just may show results. We always want to be aware of triggers that can exist that cause a senior to experience challenging behaviors and symptoms. Fatigue is one of the things that we should be very aware of as we know that it can spur on difficult behaviors. During the afternoon and early evening the activities that we consider normal can produce anxiety for a loved one. For example, as people get home from work and school, a household can get pretty chaotic and noisy. Many times it is during the evening that the TV is turned on, and it may be loud or intense such as a game show or the news. Meal times are great times for families to get together, and share about their day but this can also create a lot of cross talk, something that is very difficult for someone with dementia to follow, and that may cause anxiety.

Another trigger to watch in addition to fatigue is nutritional. Cutting back on stimulating foods that contain caffeine and sugar can help reduce anxiety. Another thing that is important is to maintain a routine, and have structured activities, activities earlier in the day are to be maximized in order to reduce the amount of napping that our senior does during the day. There are challenging activities such as bathing that should be avoided around dusk and at night as this can be stressful. Plan a routine and structure that will bring as much peace into your seniors transition as possible.

Try to simplify your seniors surroundings, and adjust the sleep environment to accommodate more likelihood that they’ll actually get some rest. If there is too much stimulation anxiety and confusion can be worsened. In a nutshell what we want to try to do is reduce the amount of physical, visual and auditory clutter in our senior loved ones sleep environment.

Trying to reason with someone in the middle of a sundowning experience probably isn’t gonna go very far. What tends to work more effectively is trying to validate their feelings to let them know that you are listening. It may not make much sense to you at all but knowing that you are there for them can be very comforting. Try to redirect them from thoughts and anxieties by diverting their attention to favorite activities. You could consider talking about their favorite foods, animals and loved ones. We had a person that Seniors Helping Seniors cared for that was very gratified by finishing the laundry. So every day at the end of the day we had a load of bath towels fresh out of the dryer that needed to be folded and put away. Because they were the last load, it gave a sense of comfort and closure to our client for the day.

Unfortunately there isn’t a textbook that shows two people with dementia being exactly alike so we have to be prepared to take different approaches until we find the technique, structure and routine that works. Success may be obtained but might be temporary, but even a little bit of success can greatly ease a loved one’s anxieties as well as the stress experienced by those caring for individuals with sundowners. Look for our next video that will include a few more ideas as to how to support your loved one. If you are caring for someone with sundowners symptoms, and have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Contact us at 248-969-4000, and a representative from Seniors Helping Seniors would be happy to discuss with you your situation, and what might be helpful.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

The post Sundowners – Part 1 appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

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Did you know it’s estimated that about 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s Disease? Let’s talk a little bit about it and what it is and how to recognize early signs.

Welcome to the Senior Circle, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative disorder that affects each person differently. There’s no test to diagnose Parkinson’s Disease. So, diagnosis is typically based on medical history, along with physical and neurological exams. It’s incurable and very devastating to those coping with the disease and their loved ones.

With sometimes very subtle symptoms, it can be easy to miss. In the case of Parkinson’s, the earlier it’s diagnosed, the easier it is to manage the progression of the disease through medication and surgical procedures.

Surprisingly, something that suggests the possibility of early Parkinson’s, is a sudden change in the size of handwriting. People with Parkinson’s have a hard time controlling movement due to the changes in the brain. This can make the motor, the fine motor skills like writing more difficult. Has your loved one’s handwriting gotten much smaller than it was in the past. You may notice the way they write words on a page has changed such as letter sizes are smaller, and the words are crowded together. A change in handwriting may be a sign to Parkinson’s Disease called Micrographia.

Tremor is the most recognizable sign of Parkinson’s. A slight twitching or shaking of a finger, hand or foot is common. The person experiencing the tremor will likely be the first to notice. However, as the disease progresses, the tremors will become noticeable to others. There are other reasons though that we shake. Shaking can be normal after lots of exercise, if you’re stressed or if you’ve been injured. It could also be caused by a medication that you take.

Have you noticed you or a loved one, no longer smell certain foods very well? If there seems to be more difficulty in smelling foods like bananas, dill pickles or licorice, you should ask your doctor about Parkinson’s. Now your sense of smell can be changed by a cold, a flu or stuffy nose, but it should come back when you’re better.

Another thing to look for, is difficulty with sleeping. Early signs include uncontrollable movement on a regular basis during sleep. Kicking, thrashing and falling out of bed can be an indication of a serious problem. It’s normal for everyone to have a night when they toss and turn or experience quick jerks of the body when initially falling asleep, but more severe movement could be an issue.

Is there stiffness in the body, arms or legs? Does your loved one’s arms not swing like they used to when they walk? Sometimes stiffness goes away as one moves around, but if it doesn’t, it could be a sign of Parkinson’s Disease. There could be stiffness or pain in your shoulder or hips. People sometimes say their feet seem like they’re stuck to the floor. We cared for a gentleman once a really lovely man named John and John had Parkinson’s disease. And one of the most interesting things that I found about the whole situation, was during our assessment, he indicated to me that I might have to clap at him. And I thought, what? Clap at you? And he said, “Well, what happens is, sometimes I bend over to, for example, tie my shoe, and something happens between the brain and my movement, and I get stuck. I get stuck in that position and my brain just can’t react. So all it takes, is a quick, it’s loud and somehow it triggers the brain.” And when he hears that, he’s able to react and continue moving on. I found that fascinating. Parkinson’s mainly affects those adults over 60 years of age. Most adults feel stiffness and a slowing down at this age. The difference with Parkinson’s, is that the stiffness and the slowness doesn’t go away as you get up and start your day.

People in early stages of Parkinson’s, often speak in low tones, a hoarse voice, or with little inflection. This is something to take note of, especially if it doesn’t resolve relatively quickly.

Parkinson’s can affect the natural facial expressions. People often comment that some individuals have a blank stare, which is often called masking. If your loved one seems to have developed a tendency to have a serious, depressed or angry look on their face, it could be a sign of Parkinson’s.

If your loved one seems to be stooping, leaning or slouching when they stand, it could also be a sign of the disease. Posture will change in small ways at first and then gradually worsen as the disease progresses.

What can you do if you have Parkinson’s Disease? Work with your doctor to come up with a plan to stay healthy. It could consist of the following:

• a referral to a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in the brain
• receiving care from an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or speech therapist
• meeting with a medical social worker to talk about how Parkinson’s will affect your life

It’s important to start a regular exercise program to delay further symptoms and talk with family and friends who can provide you with the support you need. It is our honor at Seniors Helping Seniors to assist seniors that have many different needs, including Parkinson’s. If you have questions or would like to discuss caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s Disease, feel free to contact us 248-969-4000.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

The post Parkinson’s Disease appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

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Elder abuse or the intentional physical or psychological harm or neglect of seniors is surprisingly common. Today we will talk about the seven types of elder abuse, the many different forms it can take and what steps you can take if you feel that someone you know is being mistreated.

Welcome to the Seniors Circle, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

One in 10 older adults experiences elder abuse or mistreatment of some sort according to the National Elder Mistreatment Study conducted by the National Institute of Justice.

We have a very quickly aging population, which requires that we as a society intensify the resources, tools, education for preventing and addressing elder mistreatment. One of the responsibilities of caregivers and family members is being educated about risk factors, signs, and symptoms of senior abuse.

As we discuss the types of elder abuse and the many different forms it can take, we will also discuss how to report elder abuse if someone you love could be in danger. There’s a National Center on Elder Abuse, the NCEA and it recognizes seven main types of senior abuse. Some, such as neglect or emotional abuse maybe more difficult to notice or prove than physical abuse.

Physical abuse is the use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment according to the NCEA. this includes hitting, kicking, shaking, burning, and other violent acts. There are more overlooked types of physical abuse that include forced restraints, starvation, or force feeding and inappropriate administration of drugs. There are some warning signs that could suggest that a report of abuse be made such as:

• Bruising on the face or the core of the body. This is because most accidental elderly bruising happens on limbs and extremities.
• Broken bones, sprains or serious injuries, especially without a reported fall.
• Signs of being restrained like a strap or a rope mark.
• Sudden changes in behavior.

There are also situations when a direct report of physical abuse is received from the elderly victim.

Sexual abuse can happen, which includes any type of nonconsensual sexual action toward a senior. This means anything from rape to inappropriate touching, forced nudity or photography. Seniors with significant cognitive impairment can’t give sexual consent.

Emotional abuse is the infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through verbal or none verbal acts. There could be insults, threats, verbal abuse and harassment, forced social isolation and gaslighting, which is manipulating someone into questioning their sanity and judgment. These are all forms of emotional abuse.

Financial or material exploitation is when an abuser steals or mismanages the senior’s money or possessions. If checks are being cashed without permission, signatures are being forged, or there’s gross misuse of guardianship or power of attorney, this is abuse.

Neglect is another type of abuse. It’s the refusal to provide a dependent senior with necessities like food, water, appropriate shelter, hygiene and medicine. Neglect can also be financial if the family member responsible for a senior’s finances refuses to pay for appropriate care.

Abandonment is a more extreme version of neglect in which a caregiver who’s assumed responsibility for a senior desserts them. Usually seniors are abandoned in their own homes or after a hospital stay, but they can also be left in public locations or with law enforcement. An abandoned senior would be referred to Adult Protective Services, or the APS if contact with family members can’t be made.

Self-neglect is when a senior engages in behaviors that are harmful to their health or safety, like refusing to eat, drink, take their medication or perform regular hygiene. This is most common in seniors with mental illness or cognitive decline.

So who is it that’s typically being abused?

The majority of senior abuse victims are female. Whereas the majority of abusers are male. This according to the American Psychological Association. Adult children are the most common perpetrators of elder abuse followed by spouses and other family members. There’s also concern of abuse of elderly in hospitals, long-term care homes and nursing homes even with strict regulations. Abuse by family members often goes unreported since seniors don’t want to get their adult children or relatives in trouble. If you suspect a sibling or family member is abusing an elderly loved one, bring up the topic calmly with your senior. Don’t start by making a direct accusation because they’ll be more likely to share their experiences if they don’t feel like they’re condemning someone that they care about.

So what are some of the signs that our elder is being abused?

Seniors are prone to falls and accidents, as well as changing behaviors due to medication or cognitive decline. These signs don’t necessarily indicate elder abuse, but they certainly are red flags that should be carefully recorded.

• Bruises, cuts, burns and other physical signs of trauma.
• Confusion, depression, or if they suddenly become socially withdrawn.
• Their finances suddenly change for the worse.
• Bedsores, poor hygiene and weight loss.
• Unexpected negative reaction to physical contact.
• Unexplained venereal diseases, or injury to private areas.
• Self-doubt or unwillingness to speak.

If you notice any of these signs, take detailed notes or photographs of injured areas. Record any behaviors you witness or testimonies from the senior. These records can be vital in reporting elder abuse and prosecuting an abuser to keep your loved ones safe.

If you believe a senior is in immediate danger, dial 911. Explain the situation the best that you can including detailed descriptions of the senior and their caregiver.

At the end of this video, we’ve included several important numbers that you can consider contacting if you believe someone is being mistreated. Remember, we’re all in this together and we need to be looking out for one another. If you have any questions or would like some assistance in determining to whom you should report abuse of an elder, please do not hesitate to contact us at 248-969-4000.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

The post Elder Abuse appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

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In today’s hurried world, it’s hard sometimes to slow down. With our elderly, we really need to do that. We need to not rush them. Today we’re gonna talk a little bit about rushing our elders and why we should avoid that.

Welcome to The Senior Circle, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

I have the opportunity to meet with many people that are looking for help for their loved one. I have heard many a woe from people that are growing weary of the responsibility of caring for someone elderly in their life. There is a certain level of patience, perception, and discernment that is required, I believe, when engaging with someone elderly that may be challenged physically or neurologically. We forget, sometimes, that our elderly might take a little more time to process things or they may not move as gingerly as they once did. This can cause us to feel hurried or impatient. I was speaking with the adult daughter of a prospective receiver awhile back and she shared an experience with me that really made me reflect. She shared that her mother had had help in the home before. And during that time, she had gone to her mother’s home and found that she was unusually sad. When she asked her Mom what was wrong, she answered quietly with, “She threw my sweater,” referring to her caregiver. It took a bit for her to get to the bottom of it, but it became clear after asking some questions.

Sometimes we are so hurried to get things done that we forget the small things. I’m sure that her caregiver didn’t aggressively throw the sweater or do it out of anger. Yet, even if she tossed it in order to hurry, in the eyes of the person she was caring for, she threw it. It may be a small thing, but it clearly made an impression and wasn’t small to her. Respect is something that can be shown in so many ways, especially for our seniors. This lovely woman was used to things being placed all her life, not tossed or discarded. She was a very intentional woman who had accomplished many things during her adult life. She was orderly and gave care to her actions. She was now less nimble. The smallest of things, such as getting ready in the morning took longer. But she still appreciated order and respect. The fact that someone, even if it was someone that was trying to help her, threw her sweater, was hurtful to her. She felt hurried, rushed, and probably even a little discarded herself.

This was a reminder to me that sometimes we need to slow down and remember that we can exude confidence, while giving comfort and showing compassion at the same time.  We can be helpful and supportive without rushing. We just need to be perceptive of our senior’s needs and put ourselves in their shoes, so to speak.

There are a few things that we can remember when helping our elderly that can help us in our efforts. Do not hurry with our older folks. They may have trouble following rapid-fire questioning or torrents of information. By speaking more slowly, you are giving them more time to take in and better understand what you are saying. Sometimes if someone feels rushed, they’ll feel that they are not being listened to or understood. They will also hesitate to share with us what might be on their minds for being fearful that they are taking too much of our time up or, representing a burden for us. Show empathy to seniors by responding to them and to their emotions. Use phrases like, “That sounds difficult,” or “I’m so sorry you are dealing with this, maybe I can help you to get through it.”

More than anything, just understand that we are all in this together. We are all gonna be there someday and whatever we can do today to invest in a better world can only help everyone in the long run. Be kind, be gentle, and if you are providing support to a senior, be patient. Seniors have so much to offer and give back, don’t ever miss an opportunity to be blessed by someone that has the ability to share their experiences and their heart. As the saying goes, stop to smell the roses, life is too short to miss it just to get to the next chore. I appreciate your time today. If you need help with a senior loved one, please don’t hesitate to contact Seniors Helping Seniors at 248-969-4000. We would be happy to assist you in any way that we can.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

The post What’s the Rush? appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

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In part one of this two-part series, we discussed the Advance Directive and what it may contain. Now we will go into it a little further and discuss how to make sure that others are aware of what our wishes are.

Welcome to The Seniors Circle, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely, I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining is.

We’ve established that an Advance Directive is a legal document, and that it is designed to provide guidance for medical and health care decisions in the event that someone becomes unable to make such decisions. We talked about some of the things that may be included in the Advance Directive such as a Living Will, A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, and a DNR, or Do Not Resuscitate Order. Even if you are in good health, you might want to consider writing an advance directive. An accident or serious illness can happen suddenly. If you already have a signed advance directive, your wishes are more likely to be followed.

So, how does one write an advance directive? You can write an advance directive in several ways.

• It can be a form provided by your doctor
• Write your wishes down by yourself
• Call your health department or state department on aging to get a form
• Call a lawyer
• Use a computer software package for legal documents

Advance directives and living wills do not have to be complicated documents. They can be short, simple statements about what you want done or not done. Remember, anything you write by yourself or with a computer software package should follow your state laws. You might also want your doctor or a lawyer to review what you have written. They can make sure your directives are understood exactly how you intended. When you are satisfied with your directives, have the orders notarized. Then give copies to your family and to your doctor.

If you ever want to change your advance directive and you are of sound mind to do so, you may change or cancel your advance directive at any time. Being of sound mind means you can think rationally and communicate your wishes clearly. Again, your changes must be made, signed, and notarized according to the laws in your state. Make sure that your doctor and family members are aware of the changes.

If you change your mind, you can also make your changes known while you are in the hospital. Tell your doctor and any family or friends who are present exactly what you want to happen. Usually, wishes that are made in person will be followed in place of the ones made earlier in writing. Be sure your instructions are clearly understood by everyone you have told.

Another question that I ask during assessments, is whether our prospective client has heard of the Vial of Life. The Vial of Life is a smart way to have your medical information on hand just in case of an emergency. Seniors need this because of their constant medical changes and medications. It’s truly the right thing to do. Let’s face it, in an emergency situation, many people find it difficult to think straight, and in this case, all emergency personnel who are trying to help you need to know many things about you, especially if you have a complex medical history.

They would love to know:

• Who you are
• What medications you are using
• What illnesses you have
• Who your emergency contact person is
• Specific health information, like, what is your normal blood pressure.
• Are you wearing hearing or seeing devices?
• Do you speak English? And, if not, what language do you speak?
• They will want to know if you have Advance Directives, and most importantly in an emergency, a DNR.

If there is a Do Not Resuscitate Order in place, but the documents are not available to present to the first responders, they are in most states obligated to proceed with life saving measures, including CPR. In some states, a DNR is only applicable in a hospital setting.

Senior adults should definitely have a Vial of Life. However, the Vial of Life is applicable for people of all ages, especially individuals with chronic or severe medical conditions, developmental disabilities or people that live alone. Emergency responders know to look for information on someone in their home alone having an emergency. There are different forms that can be filled out and placed in an obvious place. But the most obvious form of the Vial of Life is the red pouch that has a magnet and sticks to the refrigerator. These can be ordered online and in some cases obtained from your local Fire Department.

Talk with your loved one if you feel that they would benefit from having a Vial of Life available. Find out if they have Advance Directives in place. Let them know that you want to make sure that their wishes are followed. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Seniors Helping Seniors at 248-969-4000. We would be happy to assist you in any way that we can.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

The post Advance Directives – Part 2 appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

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This is the first of a two part series that will shed a little light on what an advance directive is and how they can be effectively created, stored and applied.

Welcome to The Senior Circle, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

As the owner of a private duty home care for seniors, I’m responsible for doing in home assessments prior to commencing services. One of the questions that I always ask is whether or not the person we will be caring for has advance directives in place. Many times, there’s not a clear understanding of exactly what an advance directive is.

An advance directive is a legal document. It tells your doctor and family what kind of medical care you want and the event you can’t tell them yourself. This could happen for example, if you are in a coma, you’re seriously injured, you’re terminally ill, you have severe dementia or if you suffer a stroke or a heart attack.

A good advance directive describes the kind of treatment you would want depending on how sick you are. It could describe what kind of care you want if you have an illness that you’re unlikely to recover from. It could also describe the care you want if you’re permanently unconscious. Advance directives usually tell your doctor that you don’t want certain kinds of treatments or may say that you want a certain treatment no matter how ill you are.

There are a few things that could be included in an advance directive. For example,

A Living Will. A living will is a written legal document. It describes the treatments you would want if you were terminally ill or permanently unconscious. These could be medical treatments or treatments that will help you live longer. A living will doesn’t let you select someone to make decisions for you.

It could include a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. A durable power of attorney for health care is another kind of advance directive. It states whom you have chosen to make healthcare decisions for you. It becomes active anytime you are unconscious or unable to make medical decisions. A durable power of attorney is generally more useful than a living will, but it may not be a good choice if you don’t have another person you trust to make these decisions for you. Laws about advance directives are different in each state, and while they’re legal in most states, they may not be officially recognized by the law in yours. They can still however guide your loved ones and your doctor if you’re unable to make decisions about your medical care.

An advance directive could also include a Do Not Resuscitate order or a DNR. Hospital staff or first responders try to help any patient whose heart has stopped or who has stopped breathing. They do this with cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR. A DNR is a request not to have CPR if your heart stops or if you stop breathing. Your doctor can put the DNR order in your medical chart. Doctors and hospitals in all States accept DNR orders. They do not have to be part of a living will or another advance directive.

Other possible end of life issues that may be covered in an advance directive may include

• Ventilation, if and for how long you’d want a machine to take over your breathing,
• Tube Feeding, if and for how long you’d want to be fed through a tube in your stomach or through an IV.
• Palliative care or comfort care. This keeps you comfortable and manages pain. It could include receiving pain medication or dying at home.
• Organ donation, specifying if you want to donate your organs, tissues or body for other patients or for research.

Creating an advance directive is a good idea. It makes your preferences about medical care known before you’re faced with a serious injury or illness, and frankly will spare your loved ones the stress of making decisions about your care while you’re sick. Most people consider an advance directive something that only a senior citizen would have in place, but really any person 18 years of age or older can prepare an advance directive.

People who are seriously or terminally ill are more likely to have one in place. For example, someone who has terminal cancer might write that they don’t want to be put on a respirator if they’re not breathing. This action could reduce their suffering, it can increase their peace of mind and give them more control over their passing.

Even if you’re in good health, you might wanna consider writing an advance directive. An accident or serious illness can happen suddenly. If you already have an assigned advance directive, your wishes are more likely to be followed.

In part two of this series, we’re going to discuss how one goes about writing an advance directive and what needs to be done with it once it has been established. Until then, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Seniors Helping Seniors at 248-969-4000. We’d be happy to assist you in any way that we can.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

The post Advance Directives – Part 1 appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

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When asked, the majority of seniors would answer that they’d like to stay in their homes as they age. There are many benefits of aging in place, and today we’d like to talk about some of them. Please join us.

Welcome to the Seniors Circle, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

According to one AARP survey, roughly 90% of American seniors wish to live at home for as long as possible. I think we can all agree that seniors vastly much more prefer to age in their home environment than transition into a facility or senior community. Frankly, if 2020 taught us anything, it’s that when possible, home is the safest place to be. Seniors generally feel this way even in cases where physical or cognitive decline make it difficult to live independently.

In my over 13 years of experience of serving seniors, I can confidently say that seniors want to stay in their homes. However, given the challenges of aging, we also know how hard it can be to choose between aging in place and senior living communities.

Becoming aware of how living at home benefits seniors makes the decision much easier. We know that those who are able to age in place enjoy a sense of independence and comfort that only being home can provide. On average, they also enjoy better health outcomes, while also incurring lower care costs.

While the reasons may seem obvious, here are four things that make remaining in their homes so important to our seniors.

They want to maintain their independence. Age-related physical and cognitive decline can make day-to-day life quite challenging for seniors. At a certain point, elderly adults need help from others to accomplish everyday tasks. At this point, total independence is no longer possible, but with help from family, friends and professional caregivers, seniors can maintain aspects of independence while still living at home. Most important of all, elderly adults have control over their routines, activities and life decisions.

This kind of independence is less likely for elderly adults who move to senior living communities. In these communities, residents have a little less control over their lives and their routines. There can be a certain dependence that develops upon nursing staff and aides who are forced to split their time and attention between multiple residents.

By aging in place, seniors can maintain a greater degree of personal independence. They’re able to live their lives as they see fit, and they enjoy a sense of dignity unavailable to many elderly adults.

Familiar surroundings and routines are important. The phrase “Home is where the heart is” might be a timeworn cliche, but its sentiment remains as true as ever. A person’s home is the most important place in their life. It gives them a sense of familiarity, comfort, and security.

For many seniors, the emotional value of home is far more important than its monetary value. Elderly adults cherish having a space that is truly their own, a space that isn’t just like their home, but actually feels like one. While some seniors quickly adapt to community living, many seniors never truly feel at home in a nursing home or assisted living community.

Staying in one’s home allows older adults to stay in a familiar and cherished space. This is a critical and underrated factor in seniors’ quality of life.

Healthier and safer environments are important. In a large number of situations, seniors choose to live in nursing or assisted living communities because they believe this will be safer and healthier than living at home. While true in some cases, this belief is often unfounded. Several studies have found that nursing home residents have worse health outcomes than seniors who choose to age in place, even if seniors are in similar health.

There are several factors at play here. One is the emotional toll of leaving home. Homesick seniors are at a higher risk of stress and depression, and both accelerate physical and cognitive decline. Another reason is the risk of infection. Studies have shown that nursing home residents are at much higher risk of bacterial and viral infections, including life-threatening infections such as pneumonia. 2020 certainly is a prime example of how quickly a virus can spread.

Aging in place tends to improve seniors’ quality of life, which improves their physical health. It also insulates them from the bacterial and viral risks found in senior living communities, and their chance of contracting a serious illness.

Cost savings of living at home also should be taken into account. Nursing homes and assisted living communities are often too expensive for seniors and their families. In an assisted living center, a bed in a shared room will typically run between 10 to $20,000 a year, while a private room could cost upwards of $75,000. These costs can climb even higher in nursing communities when seniors require specialized care.

Aging in place also comes with a price tag though. Many seniors need to modify their homes to make them safer and more livable. In a number of cases, seniors also need to hire an in-home care provider to assist with light housekeeping, routine errands, or activities of daily living.

Despite these costs, aging in place is typically less expensive than living in an assisted living or nursing facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who choose to age in place can save thousands of dollars per month in care costs.

If you have a loved one who could benefit from aging in place and would like to learn more about aging in place, please give us a call. Seniors Helping Seniors makes life at home easier for seniors by customizing home care plans that are designed specifically for an individual’s needs. Call us to learn more about our services or to request a free in-home consultation. You can reach Seniors Helping Seniors at 248-969-4000.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

The post Aging in Place appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

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It’s not uncommon for a senior suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s to become resistant to bathing. It’s also very frustrating for a caregiver. Today we’re gonna talk about a few tips to handle bathing with a senior who is suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Welcome to The Senior Circle, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

People with dementia may become resistant to bathing. Such behavior often occurs because the person doesn’t remember what bathing is for and doesn’t have the patience to endure lack of modesty, being cold or other discomforts. Loss of independence and privacy can be very difficult for the person with dementia. The disease also may increase sensitivity to water temperature or pressure.

Don’t take disruptive behaviors personally. Remaining flexible, patient and calm will serve you best as you try some of the tips we share today.

Bathing is a matter of personal choice. Today most people in the US bath or shower daily. But 30 years ago, it was normal to have a bath only twice a week. However, washing is not just about smelling fresh and looking well kept, it also helps prevent ill health. Not washing enough can lead to infections and skin complaints.

If the person you’re caring for doesn’t choose to wash as often as you would wash yourself, that’s not necessarily something to worry about. However, if their personal hygiene is causing problems or concerns, you will need to be a little more persuasive.

• Make sure the person washes their hands before eating or handling food and after using the toilet.
• The bottom and genitals should be washed every day to prevent infection. Urinary tract infections are much more common in older people.
• The face should be washed every day to keep the skin clear.
• One should have a full body wash, for example, a bath shower or a sponge bath, which is washing the body with a wet sponge or cloth but without immersion in water, at least twice a week. This doesn’t have to be done all at once though. Make use of opportunities as they arise. For example, washing different areas of the body on different days.
• Teeth or dentures need to be cleaned twice a day to maintain oral health.

If the person with dementia doesn’t want to wash, try to remain calm and find a way around that that doesn’t involve confrontation.

Think about what the person’s routine was like before they had dementia and encourage them to maintain that level of cleanliness.

There are some things that you can do to encourage someone to bathe.

You can try giving gentle reminders about using the toilet or washing. Think about the timing of your request or the way you phrase it. A person may adamantly refuse to wash when you suggest they should, but may decide to wash themselves later in the day. Try to be flexible.

• You may find it easier to reason with the person that they should wash if they’re going out or if they’re expecting visitors. Be sure to take advantage of those opportunities.
• If bathing or showering causes the person distress, a sponge bath may be sufficient.
• If the person is reluctant to change their clothing, try removing dirty clothes and substituting clean ones at bedtime or after a bath. This can help prevent arguments. If they always want to wear the same clothes, it can be very helpful to have a number of the same items. There’s nothing wrong with that.

Before you begin, when bathing a person with dementia, allow the person to do as much as possible on their own. Be ready to assist when needed but try to offer only the level of help necessary. In the earlier stages, the person may only need a reminder to bathe. As the disease progresses though, he or she will require more assistance.

Prepare the bathroom in advance by:

• Gathering the bathing supplies. Have large towels that you can completely wrap around the person for privacy and warmth. Shampoo and soap ready before you tell the person that it’s time to bath.
• Making the room comfortable. Pad the shower seat and other cold or uncomfortable surfaces with towels. Check that the room temperature is pleasant.
• Placing soap, shampoo and other supplies within reach is really important. Try using hotel size plastic containers of shampoo and have a wash cloth ready to cover the person’s eyes to prevent stinging.
• Monitoring the water temperature’s important as well. The person may not sense when the water is dangerously hot or may resist bathing if the water is too cool. Always check the water temperature even if the person draws his or her own bath.

These things can help make the experience more relaxing for you and for the senior your caring for. Remember, meet them where they’re at. Try to encourage gently and consider every step in the right direction, a success.

If you have any questions or would like some assistance with a loved one, please do not hesitate to contact us here at Seniors Helping Seniors at 248-969-4000. We’ll be happy to help.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

The post Bathing with Dementia appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

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Every new year brings with it a renewed desire to set objectives. Join me as we explore ways to go about it with intention and purpose to successfully meet your goals.

Welcome to The Senior circle, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

WOW what a year! So in late 2019 and early 2020, just like every other year everyone was talking about resolutions. It feels a little different though this year. Resolutions are tough under normal circumstances not to mention after the last nine months that we’ve had during 2020. With that said though understanding your goals for 2021 is still important. I’ve tried plenty of ways to keep resolutions and lots of ways to even decide on those resolutions.

I have a collection of thoughts for you today all from folks that have found their paths to success and want to share ideas and suggestions about how to make this year one that you look back on and are proud of and grateful for having had the strength and the willpower to take it on with intent and purpose.

Many of you are familiar with the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and its author, Jack Canfield. He shares ideas for growth and self-improvement that I believe can be applied to this new year and really to any time. He suggests that each month for 30 days in a row, we commit to doing something new that we’ve thought about doing but haven’t done and see how it affects our life. Some ideas are starting to exercise for 30 minutes. Listen to only positive music. Don’t read the newspaper. Stop watching television. Eat only vegetarian or raw food. Verbally appreciate at least 10 people a day. Get eight hours of sleep. Meditate for 20 minutes. Visualize your goals as already completed. Do 20 minutes of yoga. Read a self-help book every morning for 30 minutes. Spend an hour with your spouse. Call one of your children on the phone. Write a handwritten thank you note to someone. Drink 10 glasses of water. Take a nap. Listen to motivational CDs on the way to work. That’s a very long list of things to choose from but obviously we aren’t going to do them all or at least not all at once. Start this month and do one activity for the next 30 days in a row, and then assess how it has impacted your life. I haven’t decided which of these many things I’ll do but I do intend on choosing something and trying it every day for 30 days.

An editor of the online publication, Success suggests writing letters to three people in your life, friends or family to let them know what they mean to you. I admit myself that connection with some that I love could definitely benefit from reaching out and doing so in writing adds a special touch. It could be as much as a letter to as little as a meaningful greeting card.

Author, speaker, entrepreneur and trainer, Niurka suggests that we increase our awareness of our thoughts by becoming aware of what leaves our mouth by recording everything we say for at least an hour each day for an entire month Words have power. When you listen carefully to your language you’ll know whether or not you’re moving with momentum and purpose toward your ultimate vision. As you develop an awareness of your communication you become empowered to purposefully choose language that inspires and empowers you to realize your vision. If you catch yourself speaking about limitations or problems, give yourself the chance to look for solutions and possibilities. Niurka further states that holding yourself to a higher standard and your choice of language is key to achieving consistent, outstanding results.

Do you have a friend that you may not speak with for months but when you do, it feels like yesterday? It’s great to have someone in your life like that but maybe it’s a good thing to try this year and not let months go by. Life is too short. Make time for those relationships. Work schedules and family obligations sometimes get in the way, well they get in the way a lot. It can be simple. Maybe a handwritten note, a card or even sending something little that you know they enjoy. Just try to stay in touch with those that you love.

Another author and expert, Todd Duncan gives his advice in terms of time management. While his advice is used primarily by business people and entrepreneurs when evaluating their profit and productivity is appreciated. I think it’s relevant to those of us that are looking to be as productive as we can be in our lives and in our daily activities. He says that we should determine the things that we’re doing that are not allowing us to be productive and create what he refers to as a “not” to do list. He suggests that we do an exercise in 15 to 30 minute increments, keeping track of our activities throughout the day. After doing this for a week we can determine how much time it is that we’re dedicating to things that aren’t productive. We can look at it also in the sense of determining what things we invest time in and don’t bring us joy or they don’t bring joy to anyone for that matter. We can recognize those things that cause us anxiety sadness, or frustration. Upon completing this list we can, at that time, create our not to do list and start dedicating time to things that are important to us and allow us to be more productive and fulfilled.

Whatever or however we decide to have the best 2021 possible, we should all remember that we have an opportunity every day to be the best version of ourselves. We have the option to take the day on with positivity, energy and determination. We can be purposeful in our effort to always be the best that we can be, it’s our choice. Whether we start with committing to new things, staying connected with loved ones, watching our words or dedicating time to prayer. Let’s do it for the sake of betterment of ourselves and for the world around us.

Happy New Year!

If you have any questions or would like some assistance with a loved one, please do not hesitate to contact us here at Seniors Helping Seniors at 248-969-4000.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

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We all know that this holiday season has a very different feel for everyone than in years passed. More seniors will be forced to spend the holidays alone, so join me to chat about some things that could help our seniors feel the love that they are so needing.

Welcome to “The Seniors Circle” where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relative information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

Many people feel pressured into getting into the spirit, where everything is merry and bright, but for our seniors, even during a normal year, the holidays can be a very lonely time. Many people are concerned for their senior loved ones this year, especially, as they know that there is even more isolation with the COVID pandemic.

The yuletide spirit for many brings on many happy and heart warming thoughts, but for our elderly, it also brings on a certain loneliness. There are losses that our seniors inevitably experience that make celebrating a challenge. Lost love ones, friends that fall ill and pass away, and changing living environments can bring on loneliness and frustration with the things that our seniors can no longer do or experience.

There is a great deal of focus given to family and friends during the holiday season and while some people will be able to gather and spend time with their loved ones, COVID has definitely changed the landscape for most of our family plans. Our loved ones need to feel engaged and supported, and it is important to promote these feelings while being safe. It will be difficult to navigate the pandemic while also making sure that the isolation does not become too overwhelming for our senior loved one. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, older adults that are socially isolated are at a much higher risk for depression.

It’s a very busy season and you probably have many plates up in the air, but if you sense that your senior loved one is feeling lonely or depressed, there are some things that you can try to help lift their spirits. It’s important remember the true meaning of the season, the things that are truly important and the people that you truly care about. It might be time to turn down the noise a little and focus on what is truly important. Use some of the following ideas to help boost your loved one’s spirits if you feel that they are struggling:

If your senior is in a long term facility, you may wanna try to connect with the activities director to find out if they can assist with organizing virtual visits for you and your family. You could take it a step further and try to engage with a school so that there could be virtual visits with students. Studies show that the interaction with younger adults can be very uplifting. There might be a pet therapist that you could coordinate a visit with so that your loved one can engage meaningfully and be uplifted. Animals tend to bring a great sense of joy to our seniors.

Remind them how important they are as a part of your life, your family members’ lives and these annual holiday celebrations. They may feel useless or burdensome if they cannot contribute to or fully participate in the festivities like they used to. Encourage them to do what they are capable of doing and be especially careful not to act like what you do for them is done out of a sense of duty. Show them they are loved.

Remember that the practice of sending Christmas cards is something that our seniors have enjoyed for many years. As the years progress, however, these same cards tend to bring with them sad news and the number of cards received decreases. It’s a good idea to actually be with your loved one while they are opening cards in order to provide the support for them that they need as they take on difficult news. You might wanna enlist your friends and family to pitch in and send upbeat cards and news to brighten their spirits. If you can, help your loved one prepare cards to send out themselves, making them feel engaged and connected with the ones they love.

Check with your loved one’s religious organization to see if they can offer social and/or spiritual support. For example, the Stephen Ministry is a program offered by many Christian churches that provides one-on-one support to those who are having difficulties in life. Many churches can arrange for a congregant or leader to visit a senior in need, either in person or virtually. Just having someone to talk to can go a really long way toward relieving depression.

Adding festive touches to their home or room in the long-term care facility, could be helpful as well. You’re gonna wanna start to make sure that these items don’t present a safety hazard, of course and try not to overwhelm them. And maybe decorate in stages to prolong the fun and give them something to look forward to. Many seniors love reflecting on past holidays as they unpack special decorations, so be sure to listen to their stories and ask about those special pieces. If you can’t be there in person, at least phone or video call while they’re decking the halls. Some small, easy-to-use decorations in senior apartments include, removable window clings, garland and artificial wreaths or floral arrangements. If you are unable to access the community, speak with the personnel there, they are usually very accommodating as their resident’s best interests are their primary concern.

Cook traditional food or treats with your loved ones, this always brings back great memories. If you are unable to get together, make the treats and send them to them so that they can enjoy them and maybe enjoy them with their friends. Send them decorative things for their table so they enjoy a festive atmosphere.

The most important thing you can do with a senior to make them feel loved and included this season is to simply spend time with them in a safe way. Look at family photos, watch home videos or holiday movies, listen to seasonal music, or do crafts together. For some families, these traditions may need to take place via FaceTime or Zoom or while both of you are social distancing and wearing masks. Regardless of what you decide to do together, any time that you can spare is a precious gift.

Knowing how to juggle your senior and the holidays can be challenging, especially while you are being limited in the type of contact you can have with them. Just know that whatever you are able to do is enough. You are enough. Do what you can and do it safely and it will be appreciated. Remember that this year things are just gonna be a little different, we are all facing difficulty of some nature and whatever effort you are able to safely put forward is good enough. Get creative and try to embrace the joy of the season. If you have any questions or would like some assistance with a loved one, please do not hesitate to contact us here at Seniors Helping Seniors at 248-969-4000.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

The post Reducing Loneliness in Elders During the Holidays appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

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Having a conversation with someone you don’t know very well can be stressful enough. But if that person’s an elderly person, it can be even more awkward. Today we’re gonna talk about some tips and topics that make conversation with the elderly easier and more engaging.

Welcome to the senior circle, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely, and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

Having the opportunity to hold a conversation with a senior may not happen very regularly for some people. But when it does, it may or may not be a very comfortable thing to do. Some struggle with coming up with things to talk about, or have difficulty in general with talking with the elderly. Seniors don’t have many chances to talk and have conversations with others, so it really can be a wonderful opportunity to bless a senior with meaningful exchange, without struggling to figure out what to talk about, and how to talk to them.

When you find yourself fortunate enough to spend some time chatting with an older adult, there are some things that could be helpful, could make your conversation more meaningful, and bring comfort to you and the senior. Master these things, and you will keep your senior and yourself happily engaged in conversation.

• You’ll want to give the senior your full attention, and allow for some time. Be patient, as your senior may take a little longer to organize their thoughts and express themselves.
• Focus on a particular topic without jumping from topic to topic, as this can be confusing for them.
• Use basic questions. Maybe even stick with less open-ended ones that will require too much sequencing for the senior, especially if they have Alzheimer’s or dementia.
• Remember that it may be difficult for them to hear you, so choose your setting wisely. Don’t try to talk in a very loud and busy environment.
• Choosing a topic of interest to discuss really isn’t much different than when you’re chatting with someone in your own age group. Seniors may not have the same perspective as you, but it may be very enlightening to hear what they have to say. We can learn so much from others, especially those that have some living under their belt.

According to the Trending US online publication, there are some very good topics of interest that you can take up with a senior, and have a really meaningful conversation.

• Ask them about their past. They love to reminisce, and share about their life and their childhood memories. Sometimes they’ll share about challenges that they have faced, and how they overcame them. It can be helpful to us when we’re facing challenges to remember these things. You never know what you can apply.
• Ask them about their opinions on the present. Seniors love to compare things from their past to now. This could include foods that were traditional for their families, or ways that they and their siblings or loved ones kept themselves occupied. Ask them their views on current technology, and how they’re using it.
• Bring up their likes. Find out from them if they have any favorite types of music, movie, or show. you may be surprised that there are certain things you have in common, and this can bring up some really interesting conversation.
• Also, find out if there are any fun activities they like, or liked, to participate in. If it’s something you know about, go at length, and discuss it. You can also mention some activities that you might feel are of interest to them, and ask if they’d like to learn more about them.
• Ask them about their accomplishments. Discussing their achievements makes them feel happy about their accomplishments. Ask them about what they’re proud of. It can be about the buildings they constructed, their achievements at the places they worked, or the trophies and metals they received as rewards in sports. It could be their families, their children, or even their pets. If they worked, ask them about their previous jobs, if the positions still exist, compare them to how they used to be handled. Ask them how their achievements shaped their lives, and what lessons they would like to pass to the current generation.
• Discuss the colleges they went to. Some elderly people are very proud of their academic achievements, and this can be a great topic for them. They also like to discuss their college life. So ask them whether they went to any college, what they studied, and did they use to make any extra income during their college days by doing some jobs or anything like that. Also ask their opinions about those colleges today. They will tell you about how the college life was during their time, their academic achievements, and how these help to shape them. If they never went to college, you can ask what they did instead.
• Discuss their families. Elderly people feel so happy to discuss their families. You can ask them about how many brothers, sisters, they had. Their names, where they are, and what they’re doing. Try to discuss what they remember about their family members as they were growing up. They’ll tell you a lot, even about their family members who’ve passed on. It gives them comfort, talking about their loved ones.
• Ask them about their spouses. many seniors like to discuss their spouses, so this is also a really interesting topic. They’ll open up and tell you where they met, how they met, and how old they were when they met, how they got engaged, and got married. Ask them to compare their weddings, to modern weddings.
• Talk about what they do to get rid of stress. Most elderly persons get stressed out about things, and they’d be willing to discuss this. Some may also be feeling lonely, especially when their children are grown ups and no longer live with them. It’s interesting to let them discuss with you how they cope in such situations, and even with the day to day life.

Discussion topics for the elderly are plenty. There are many great discussion topics that you can discuss with the elderly. You need to be creative, and talk to them about something that makes them feel happy. Enjoy the opportunity, and go with the flow. You’ll both be so glad you did.

If you have any questions and would like to chat with us, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Seniors Helping Seniors at 248-969-4000.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

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Holidays can be meaningful and enjoyable for someone suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and for their families. But they can also be very stressful. Today we’d like to talk about the holidays and give some hints on how to find that right balance.

Welcome to the Senior Circle. Where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi. My name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

Traditions and holiday rituals are important to maintain and can really add to the sense of belonging for a person with memory loss. It can be reassuring for someone suffering from memory loss to participate in traditional activities. They may somehow feel a link to the past. It is typically a time of celebration. But there’s also a sense of loss for the way that things used to be. There are demands that come along with the holidays. Time and energy are precious to us as caregivers, but we also know that these activities bring joy and peace to our loved ones. There are some things that we can do to make holiday celebrations and traditions a more relaxing and happy time. We just need to adjust our expectations and maybe modify some of the traditions.

While the holidays call for festive decorations, it might be better to create a calm and safe space by toning down that environment a little bit.

• Avoid blinking lights, or large decorative displays that may create confusion, and try to avoid having to rearrange a room in order to accommodate the decor.
• You’ll certainly want to avoid safety hazards like using lit candles or fragile decorations that could be mistaken for edible treats, like artificial fruits. If you put up a tree, you’ll want to secure it to the wall.
• Play your loved one’s favorite holiday music. You’ll want the volume to be relaxing as opposed to too loud.

Things that you can do to help your loved one enjoy the holiday are: work together.

• Plan a cookie baking session focusing on the task itself, enjoying each other, rather than focusing on the outcome.
• Host smaller gatherings. It’s important to keep celebrations quiet and relaxed.
• Plan gatherings around your loved one’s schedule in order to keep routines as intact as possible.
• If you’re having guests, provide a quiet place for your loved one to have time alone if needed, or to visit with fewer people at once.
• If you go to a gathering, it’s best to plan on shorter visits in order to not overwhelm.

It’s important to prepare your family and friends that may visit. Let them know how things have been going by providing an update as to your loved one’s condition.

• Advise them of any changes in behavior or memory since the last time they saw your loved one so that they can be prepared.
• Suggest ways that they can encourage communication with your loved one, by listening patiently, and not criticizing repeated statements or errors.

Simplifying celebrations and planning ahead will help create a pleasant holiday experience for you, your family, and your loved one. If you have any questions and would like to chat with us, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Seniors Helping Seniors at 248-969-4000.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

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If you have a loved one that suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or has some type of memory loss, you may be concerned that they might wander. Today’s episode will discuss some signs that could indicate there’s a risk of wandering, a few ideas to prevent wandering and finally, how to be prepared if your loved one should wander.

Welcome to The Seniors Circle where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

It is a terrifying prospect to think of one’s loved one in a position where they not only don’t know where they are, but they may not be safe either. Whether it be outdoors in the elements, in inclement weather or in areas of very high vehicle traffic that they’re unable to navigate, we never want our loved ones to have to go through this.

Signs That Could Indicate There’s a Risk of Wandering

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six in 10 people who suffer from Alzheimer’s will wander, and it can be very dangerous. Some of the signs that could indicate that there’s a risk of wandering include, noticing that your loved one is forgetting how to get to familiar places, has begun to talk about fulfilling former obligations, such as going to work, trying to or wanting to, go home when they are at home. Maybe they’ve become very restless or begun to pace, or have started to ask questions about the whereabouts of past friends and family.

Prevent Wandering

If one of these things strikes a chord with you, please know that it’s not a given that you’re going to be facing an emergency very soon. There are actually some things that we can do to prevent wandering and I’d like to share some of those things with you today.

1. One of the first things that we can do is having a routine. This provides structure, which is something that really helps reduce the stress and agitation.
2. We can identify the most likely times of the day that wandering may occur, plan things or activities for those times, in order to avoid restlessness.
3. Reassure the person, if he or she feels lost, abandoned or disoriented. If a person with dementia is trying to leave to go home or go to work, use language that’s focused on validation as opposed to correcting them. For example, say, we’re staying here tonight we’re safe and I’ll be with you. We can go home tomorrow after a good night’s rest.
4. Make sure that all of their basic needs are met. Have they been to the bathroom? Are they thirsty or hungry?
5. Avoid really hectic environments. This is very confusing and can cause a great deal of disorientation.
6. Any locks that are installed should be placed out of the line of sight. Put them either high or low, just not right where they’ll be seeing them.
7. Use devices that alert when a door or a window is opened. There’s sophisticated alarms that can be used, but a simple bell can work as well.
8. Ensure that there’s always supervision. Do not leave someone with dementia unsupervised and never lock someone in their home or in a car alone, for example.
9. Keep car keys out of sight. A person with dementia may not just wander by foot. If a person is able to still drive, consider using a GPS device that’ll help you if they do get lost.
10. Another trick that can be known to work is, placing black doormats in front of doors. The mat is perceived, many times, by someone with memory loss as a black hole in which they’re afraid of falling. This causes them to avoid going near that door.

Have a Plan If Your Loved One Does Wander

It’s very important to have a plan in place in case your loved one does wander. Know what your plan is in case of an emergency, in order to act quickly.

1. Keep a list of people that you would call on for help and have their information easily available.
2. Ask neighbors, friends, and family to call if they see your loved one alone.
3. Keep a recent close-up photo and updated medical information to provide to authorities.
4. Know the neighborhood, pinpoint dangerous areas near the home, such as bodies of water, open stairwells, dense foliage, tunnels, bus stops and roads with heavy traffic.
5. Believe it or not wandering generally follows the direction of the dominant hand. So it’s helpful to know if your loved one is right or left-handed.
6. Keep a list of places where the person may wander. This could include past places of work, former homes, churches, or even restaurants.
7. If your loved ones do wander, search the area for no more than 15 minutes. If the person has not been found within that timeframe, call 911 in order to file a missing persons report. Just make sure that you inform the authorities, that the person does have dementia.

As a family caregiver, your loved one’s safety and happiness are your primary concerns. With these preventative measures, you can prevent wandering while improving the quality of life for your family member.

If you have any questions or would like assistance or support in any of these areas, please feel free to reach out to us at Seniors Helping Seniors at 248-969-4000. We would be happy to help in any way we can.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

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Today we’re going to explore some of the behaviors that come along with hoarding. We’re also going to share some tips to guide folks that are helping someone actually go through the process of de-cluttering.

Welcome to The Seniors Circle where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

A study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that the overall prevalence of hoarding behaviors around 4%, but this number increases to 6.2% for those aged 55 and older. As we age, many people face a dramatic decline in the quality and frequency of their social interactions. Researchers at the University of California in San Francisco conducted a study that found a whopping 13% of older adults experiencing late-life depression also report severe compulsive hoarding.

People with hoarding disorders are also likely to experience other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders, like obsessive compulsive disorder, alcohol dependence, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Seniors are particularly vulnerable. For example, age-related mobility issues compound the dangers of hoarding.

When conducting a home safety assessment for an older adult, one of the first things we’re sure to do is inspect walking paths and hallways throughout the house. We’re trying to ensure that the senior we’re visiting has the ability to safely navigate their home space. We will make suggestions revolving around organization and delicately address the need to remove clutter to prevent falls. We worry not only about the fall risk that hoarding can increase, but also other risks such as fire hazards, poor hygiene and nutrition, and poor sanitary conditions.

Potential Indicators

• Areas exist in the home that are “off-limits”
• Bills get lost in the clutter
• Excessive debt due to compulsive shopping
• Clutter is such that it takes hours or days to tackle
• Pathways are narrow

A hoarder’s home can become a hazardous environment pretty quickly. Not only does this jeopardize a senior’s health, safety, and independence, it also prevents them from getting the assistance they may need to age in place. Family caregivers and professional caregivers from in-home care agencies can’t provide adequate support to elders who live in cramped, unsafe, and unsanitary homes. Another concern is that older adults who hoard are often the targets of adult protective service investigations because of the dangers their hoards present to themselves and to others.

Anne-Marie Botek wrote an article for Aging Care that offers support and tips for those that are trying to support someone that is exhibiting hoarding behaviors.

Find Support
The first of five things she suggests is find support, seek out the ear of a friend, family member, or even a therapist that can support you through the situation. There are frustrations that will come along with tackling hoarding, and you’ll benefit from talking with somebody that can help. You know you have the hoarder’s best interest in mind, but you can sometimes become viewed as the enemy. People with hoarding tendencies can become very anxious in regards to their things, and may express their anger and frustration with you. It’ll help to have someone to talk to.

Establish Trust
Also you can establish trust, it’s very important for the person you’re trying to help to understand that you’re truly on their side, it’s difficult for a hoarder to even imagine their things being removed, or even just being moved, and their anger could intensify quickly. It’s in your best interest to communicate with the person that you’re trying to help and be patient. Begin slowly, explain your commitment to respecting their decisions and demonstrate that respect throughout the process. As much as you would like to go in and quickly remove everything without permission, this would quickly backfire. Any action that’s taken underhandedly would likely result in damaging your relationship and any progress that you might have made otherwise.

See Out a Medical Evaluation
Seek out medical evaluation, it’s important to rule out dementia, depression, and other mental health conditions that may be contributing to hoarding behaviors. In the past, there’s been a tendency to classify hoarding as criteria to diagnose an obsessive compulsive disorder, but is more likely now to be considered a potential symptom for a neurological issue that should be addressed.

Be Realistic in Goal Setting
Also, you want to be realistic in your goal setting. In some situations, the hoarder’s collection of things can completely take over a home, and even spill into the outdoor area as well. It can be incredibly overwhelming to even begin the task of taking it on, and it’s important to break the job into smaller manageable tasks in order to continue to make progress and be able to celebrate the smaller successes. A hoarder will feel less pressured and rushed if they’re able to participate in accomplishments and not feel under duress.

Celebrate Success
Lastly, celebrate those successes. Even a small milestone, like recycling stacks of newspaper should be celebrated. Once a smaller task is completed, a hoarder is more likely to become comfortable with taking part in the process. With each accomplishment, a hoarder can become more confident and encouraged in their decision making and organization. It may take a long time, but a hoarder can ultimately regain their home and enjoy a safe, comfortable living environment.

If you have any questions or would like assistance or support in any of these areas, please feel free to reach out to us at Seniors Helping Seniors at 248-969-4000. We would be happy to help in any way we can.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

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Hearing loss can be challenging to deal with, particularly with older adults. Today we’re going to discuss different types of hearing loss and different ways to cope with it.

Welcome to the Senior Circle where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

Approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. But some people may not recognize or want to admit they have trouble hearing. older people who can’t hear well may become depressed or they may withdraw from others because they feel frustrated or embarrassed about not understanding what’s being said. Let’s face it, sometimes older people are mistakenly thought to be confused, unresponsive or uncooperative because they don’t hear well. It’s understanding why they might be in denial.

There are however reasons to be concerned. We know from studies that older adults with hearing loss have a greater risk of developing dementia than those with normal hearing. Cognitive abilities, including memory and concentration, decline faster in older adults with hearing loss than in older adults with normal hearing. Treating hearing problems can be important for cognitive health.

Some people may have a hearing problem and just not realize it. Some things you’ll want to look for are:

• Are you having trouble hearing over the telephone?
• Are you finding it hard to follow conversations when two or more people are talking?
• Do you often ask people to repeat what they’re saying or need to turn up the TV volume so loud that others complain?
• Is it more difficult to hear when there’s background noise?
• Do you think that others seem to mumble?
• Is it difficult to understand when women and children speak to you? This would be due to the higher pitched voices.

Hearing loss comes in many forms. It can range from a mild loss, in which a person misses certain high-pitched sounds to a total loss of hearing.

There are two general categories of hearing loss.

• Sensorineural hearing loss happens when there’s damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss unfortunately tends to be permanent.
• Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot reach the inner ear. The cause may be ear wax buildup, fluid or a punctured ear drum. The positive side to this type of loss, is that medical treatment or surgery can usually restore one’s hearing loss.

Common Causes of Hearing Loss

• One of the most common causes of hearing loss are loud noises.  Loud music, loud mowers, snowblowers, and things of this nature can result in permanent hearing loss. We should protect ourselves by either turning things off, moving away from these loud noises, or using ear protection when we’re exposed to these things, especially for a prolonged period of time.
• Earwax or fluid buildup in the ear can also be a problem as they block sounds from reaching the inner ear. A doctor may be able to suggest mild treatments if wax buildup is the problem.
• A punctured eardrum can also cause hearing loss. The eardrum can be damaged by infection, pressure or putting objects in the ears, such as cotton-tip swabs. A doctor should be contacted if there’s pain or fluid draining from an ear.
• Certain health conditions that are common in older people such as diabetes or high blood pressure can contribute to hearing loss. Viruses and bacteria, a heart condition, stroke, brain injury, or a tumor may also affect your hearing.
• Heredity can cause hearing loss as well, but not all inherited forms of hearing loss can take place at birth. Some forms show up later in life.
• Presbycusis or age-related hearing loss, comes on gradually as a person gets older. It seems to run in families and may occur because of changes in the inner ear and auditory nerve. Presbycusis may make it hard for a person to tolerate loud noises or hear what others are saying.
  • Age-related hearing loss usually happens in both ears, affecting them equally. The loss is gradual, so someone with this type of loss may not realize that he or she is losing some of his or her ability to hear.

Coping with Hearing Loss

There are things one can do to help coping with hearing loss. If you notice signs of hearing loss, talk to your doctor. If you have trouble hearing, you should:

• Let people know you have hard time hearing them.
• Ask people to face you and speak more slowly and clearly, also ask them to speak a little louder without shouting.
• Pay attention to what is being said and to facial expressions or gestures.
• Let the person talking know if you don’t understand what they’re saying.
• Ask the person speaking to reword a sentence and try again.
• Find a good location to listen, placing yourself between the speaker and the sources of noise and look for quieter places to talk.

The most important thing you can do if you think you have hearing problem, is seek professional advice. An ear, nose and throat doctor may be a good fit for you or an audiologist who can identify and measure hearing loss.

Here are some tips that you can use when talking to someone who actually has a hearing problem:

• First and foremost, don’t shout. You will likely need to speak perhaps a little more loudly than normal, but try to speak slowly while also speaking naturally.
• In a group, include people with hearing loss in the conversation.
• Find a quiet place to talk, to help reduce background noise especially in restaurants and in social gatherings.
• Stand in good lighting and use facial expressions or gestures to give clues.
• Face the person and speak clearly. Maintain eye contact.
• Don’t hide your mouth or eat or chew gum while speaking.
• Repeat yourself if necessary using different words
• Try to make sure that only one person talks at a time.
• Be patient. Stay positive and relaxed.
• Ask how you can help.

There are many times devices that could assist with hearing. A hearing aid is something that may be suggested. An audiologist would help with determining the right one and helping to understand how to use it.

There are assistive devices, mobile apps, alerting devices, and cochlear implants that can help some people with hearing loss. Cochlear implants are electronic devices for those with severe hearing loss and they don’t work for all types of hearing loss. Alert systems can work with doorbells, smoke detectors and alarm clocks to send you visual signals or vibrations. For example a flashing light can let you know that someone’s at the door or a phone is ringing. Some people rely on the vibration setting on their cell phones to alert them to calls.

A very important thing to do is involve your doctor if you feel that you’re experiencing hearing loss in order to determine what is best for you. To learn more about hearing loss, you can also reach out to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

If you have any questions for us, please don’t hesitate to contact Seniors Helping Seniors at 248-969-4000. We would be happy to help in any way we can.

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As folks age, there are different options available in terms of housing in terms of living environments. Today, we’re going to compare assisted living communities to nursing homes facilities.

Welcome to The Senior Circle where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

Today, I’d like to discuss the differences between nursing homes and assisted living communities. The biggest differences between these two types of senior housing centers revolve around medical services provided and the physical layout of each community.

In terms of the care that is provided. residents in a nursing home require around the clock care and monitoring. They typically live with more complex healthcare conditions that require the assistance of a skilled nurse or a physical or speech therapist. Some could even require respiratory care services. By contrast, residents that are in an assisted living community, generally, they require custodial care. It might be a person who lives with early stages of memory loss and isn’t quite safe living alone or it could also be an adult with mobility problems that need a little help transferring from their bed to their favorite chair.

How senior housing communities differ in the physical layout is one obvious difference is when you tour both a nursing home and an assisted living community, you’ll see that their appearance is different. While a nursing care center generally looks a little institutional because of the type of care that’s provided, an assisted living community usually resembles more of an upscale apartment community. Nursing home residents are more likely to share a room with another senior while residents that are in an assisted living community usually have their own apartment to live in.

Both types of the senior housing communities focus on keeping our older adults who call them home safe, healthy and happy and both provide support in what are referred to as the activities of daily living or ADLs. That includes bathing, dressing and personal care. Some other similarities between the two types of communities include medication management. We all know that mistakes with medication are a leading reason seniors end up in an emergency room but managing them can be difficult especially for seniors who take many different types of medications each day. Both types of communities can help residents safely manage their medication. Life enrichment. We also know that isolation and loneliness put older adults at greater risk for health problems such as depression, diabetes and high blood pressure. Assisted living communities and nursing care centers offer a variety of life enrichment activities designed to meet residents’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs. They have supportive services. What causes many older adults to make a move to a senior living community of some kind is the need for support with tasks like their light housekeeping, laundry, transportation and both of these types of communities offer those types of services. They provide a safe and secure environment. While the physical plant of these two types of communities are different, what they have in common is that both are designed with the security of an older adult in mind. From handrails and grab bars to emergency call systems, both assisted living and nursing homes help residents stay safe. They also provide well-balanced meals. Good nutrition is also a focus of both types of communities. Residents benefit from three well-balanced meals and nutritious snacks each day, a big plus for adults who may be struggling to plan and prepare meals at home.

While at Seniors Helping Seniors, we’re dedicated to helping people remain in their homes, we do provide services wherever our seniors consider home. We can enhance the services that are provided in communities and can help folks remain in an independent setting or an assisted setting if they’re not quite ready to transition to another environment. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Thank you very much and you have a great day.

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There’s so many types of services that are available for our seniors out there. But today I want to focus on two. I’d like to point out the differences between home care and private duty home care.

Welcome to The Senior Circle, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

Today I want to talk about the differences that exist between home care and private duty home care, also referred to as skilled care versus non-skilled care. So a lot of people that we talk to will say to us, “Well, we don’t think we’re gonna need any help because the hospital told us we’re gonna have home care when mom comes home.” And that’s great. It’s something that I’m really grateful for. A lot of our customers, our seniors, benefit so much from that.

But I’d like to talk about the difference between skilled home care and private duty services. So after a hospitalization or a stay at, for example, a rehabilitation center, it’s very common to have home care prescribed for someone that is returning to their home environment. And what that means is that you’ll have skilled care coming in. Typically a nurse will visit one, maybe two times a week, but their goals are to assess your situation, assess your health, take vitals, make sure that medications are being taken properly, make sure there aren’t any adjustments that need to be taken, or made to those medications, and help communicate with the physician. There’s also a physical therapist that could be assigned as well that will come in once or twice a week in order to do exercises, to teach mobility exercises so that those things can be improved upon as the home caring continues. An occupational therapist may also be prescribed, someone to come in and make sure that the house is safe, make sure that any adjustments that need to be made, for example, in the kitchen and things of that nature are done. Perhaps speech therapy as well. But those are the types of things that home care will handle. They can handle wound care as well.

These are things that are all prescribed by a doctor. Typically, each of these visits are gonna last, 30 minutes to 45 minutes each time. And it’s very helpful because it does certainly help in the recovery of someone that’s had a hospital stay or, like I said, a stay in a rehabilitation center.

Private duty, on the other hand, comes into play when there are challenges with mobility, challenges with the ability to handle a lot of the activities of daily living (ADL) on a regular basis. So private duty is a service that can be contracted so that things such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, transportation, assistance with personal grooming and bathing are taken care of. Things of this nature aren’t necessarily prescribed by a physician, but it’s realized by the senior themselves or a loved one that the needs that they’re going to have on a daily basis are greater than those that can be met two or three times a week that the home care is going to be covering.

In terms of costs of these types of care, any skilled care that is prescribed by a physician would be typically covered by Medicare up to 35 hours a week and wouldn’t be at the cost of a person that’s requiring the assistance. Private duty home care, as it’s not prescribed by a physician, is, unfortunately, not something that Medicare typically covers and is something that, many times, is paid out of pocket. There are different programs that can help with private duty home care, such as veterans benefits. Some veterans have the eligibility to receive a certain number of hours a week, a month, of service. That is helpful. People with long-term care insurance plans that have care on their plans are also eligible, many times, for that benefit. There are different ways that can be looked at in different avenues, but typically, private duty home care is an out of pocket expense. Sometimes, what you’ll find is that a skilled care company also provides private duty home care. So the services might be provided by the same company, but only the prescribed services are actually what’s covered by Medicare and the other services would be private pay.

If you are going to require private pay services, just some things to keep in mind is, you know, you want to verify a couple of things with the person or company that’s providing the services. Are they bonded and insured? Do they conduct criminal background checks? Are there supervisory visits? Do they have backups in place? things of that nature.

But I hope this has been helpful in terms of determining the difference between skilled care and non-skilled care. But if you have any questions or aren’t clear and you’d like to go over that with somebody, we would be happy to help out.

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Are you worried about your elderly loved ones driving? Today, we’d like to share some tips and ideas about approaching your senior loved one as driving becomes a little bit more challenging.

Welcome to The Senior Circle, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

Hi, everyone. One of the most difficult things to realize as an adult child is that driving for your elderly loved one, your senior parents, has become either dangerous or challenging. It’s difficult to understand how much driving means to our seniors, but if you think about it, as we were growing up, remember how much we looked forward to becoming 16 and getting that driver’s license and what that meant to us? It meant a certain level of independence. It meant that we could go where we wanted to go when we wanted to go there, and that’s exactly what it means for our parents. Their independence is crucial, and whenever something is threatened in that realm of their independence, it’s hard.

One of the things that’s really important for us as adult children is to just pay attention to certain things, because there are things that can affect our loved one’s driving and they could be health issues, they could be medication related, they could just be age-related issues that are making driving dangerous, unsafe, just not the best thing for our loved ones.

A lot of times their memory is affected, and that’s certainly a problem. We want our loved ones to be able to remember where they’re going, how to get home, et cetera. Aging can impact their decision making. It can become harder to see. Vision is important. We need to be able to see where we’re going. We need to be able to see other vehicles and react to them. We need to be able to read the signs and see traffic signals in order to drive effectively. We can see that our elderly loved ones, many times, become just a little bit slower in their reaction time, and that makes driving challenging as well.

So we really need to watch for certain signs, and there are some things that could show us that there just might be a problem. Seeing a few more dings and bumps on mom or dad’s car could be indicative of an issue. You know, when you start seeing them appear more often, that is something to certainly pay attention to. They might even share that they’ve gotten a few more tickets. You know, as violations start to creep up, that’s an area that we need to pay attention to. You’ll notice as well. As you’re hanging out with your parents, you’ll notice if their reaction time is just becoming a little bit slower. In day-to-day activities, we can see it, so we know that that’s affecting their driving as well. We want to make sure that they can see properly. As I’d mentioned, you know, vision is extremely important. They need to be able to see those traffic signals. They need to be able to respond to signs and see other traffic. That’s gonna make a huge difference for them.

So if you do recognize that there are some issues, as I said, it’s a hard conversation to have, but the best way to approach it is just be honest. Approach it honestly and gently remind your loved one that you’re concerned. You’re concerned for their safety and you understand that it really is a threat to their independence to consider stop driving, but that you really do worry about them being safe and being able to get where they need to go. Have some alternatives in mind. Do some research prior to talking to them because most communities actually have services available for seniors so that they can get out, they can get to church, they can go to the store, they can do the things that they need to do, and they can plan on doing them just in a slightly different way. There are professional services out there where a caregiver can actually use their vehicle in order to get them where they need to go, and that can be very effective as well.

Be prepared. Talk through these talking points with your senior and list the positive facts. List the positive things such as, you know, having a goal to reduce maybe even expenses, reduce stress. There are positives to not having the responsibility of a vehicle, insurance, et cetera. It’s hard to parent your parent. It really is. Just have patience with yourself. Give yourself some grace as you have these discussions, and just remind yourself of the potential danger that your loved one faces when they are driving unsafely. And, you know, material things can always be replaced, but lives, when lives are legitimately at risk, it definitely is time to have that conversation.

If you’d like to talk to somebody about this challenge and bounce some ideas off of someone, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll share ideas with you at Seniors Helping Seniors.  Give us a call today and we’ll help you out. Until next time, have a great day.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

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If you or someone that you’re with were to suffer a stroke, would you know what to do? In an emergency situation such as this it can be scary and frightful, but today we’re gonna talk about some tips and some things to keep in mind in case that were to happen.

In today’s episode, I’ll be addressing how to identify a stroke. In our last series, we discussed measures that we can take to avoid having a stroke, now let’s talk about what to do if we think we, or someone near us, is actually having one. It can be a very scary situation. I was doing an assessment for a client once when her husband started exhibiting some behaviors that I would definitely consider unusual, I addressed it immediately with the adult son that was also present, and we were able to establish pretty quickly that he was experiencing a stroke so we called 911 and EMS arrived within minutes. It’s important to act fast. Getting medical treatment within three hours of the first symptoms of a stroke can make the difference between recovery and lifelong disability.

So how do we recognize a stroke? Identifying a stroke very quickly is extremely important. Too many people ignore the signs of a stroke because they question whether their symptoms are actually real. A renowned cardiologist, Dr. Ross, recommends that we not wait if we have any unusual symptoms at all. Listen to your body, trust your instincts and if something feels off, get professional help right away.

I love acronyms. The National Stroke Association has created an easy acronym to help you remember and act on the signs of a stroke. If you feel that you have a risk of having a stroke or have a loved one that might be at risk, you may wanna write this down, post it on your refrigerator and have it there for easy reference. So the acronym itself is FAST, F-A-S-T.

The F is for face, does one side of your face droop when you smile? Really, smile in order to check. Arms, when you lift both arms, does one arm drift back down? Speech, is your speech slurred or does it sound odd? Time, if you see any of these signs in yourself or someone else, call 911 right away. Remember how we said that getting medical treatment within three hours of the first symptoms of a stroke can make the difference between recovery and lifelong disability? That’s why time is so important.

There’s some warning signs that you can look for. Warning signs are clues that your body’s gonna send you saying that the brain isn’t receiving enough oxygen. If you observe one or more of these signs of a stroke or brain attack so to speak, don’t wait, call a doctor or 911 right away. If you experience sudden numbness or weakness in your face, your arm or your leg, that could be a sign, especially if it’s on one side of your body. Sudden confusion, or trouble talking or understanding speech patterns is a sign, sudden trouble seeing in one or both of your eyes, sudden trouble walking, having dizziness or loss of balance or coordination, or a sudden severe headache with no known cause could also be a sign.

More dangerous signs that could occur include double vision, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and sometimes the warning signs they only last for a few moments and then they disappear, and those brief episodes they’re known as transient ischemic attacks or TIAs, they’re sometimes called mini strokes. And although they’re brief, they identify an underlying serious condition that really isn’t gonna go away unless there’s medical help. Unfortunately, since they clear up, many people ignore them, but don’t. Pay attention to those things, it really could save your life.

If you’d like more information about this, please call us at Seniors Helping Seniors, we’d be happy to help. Until next time, thank you and have a great day.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

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Suffering a stroke is something I wish upon no one. Today, I’d like to talk about some tips and things that we can do to avoid suffering a stroke.

In part one of this series, I shared that my father had experienced a stroke at the age of 58. That was absolutely devastating to our family. We never want to hear that anyone has suffered from a stroke or any significant event of that nature, but when it happens so close to home, it makes you look at things a little differently. It can inspire one to reevaluate some of their own choices, and hopefully improve the odds of not experiencing something of this nature themselves.

We discussed in part one some things that we can do to prevent a stroke, and now I’d like to expand a bit on that information. We talked about lowering our blood pressure, treating AFib and diabetes.

Another thing that we can look into is a tough one. One that’s a daily struggle for me and for many of us. The dreaded effort of losing weight. Obesity, as well as the complications linked to it, including high blood pressure and diabetes, raises your odds of having a stroke. If you’re overweight, losing as little as 10 pounds can have a real impact on your stroke risk.

So ideally, the body mass index or BMI is 25 or less, but that may not be realistic for you. It’s best to get educated input regarding losing weight. Work with your doctor to create a personal weight loss strategy, designed just for you, your body type and your metabolism.

Some things to keep in mind and to focus on are trying to eat no more than 1,500 to 2,000 calories a day. Now, of course, this is going to depend on your activity level and your current BMI.

Increase the amount of exercise you do with activities like walking, golfing, or playing tennis, and by making activity part of every single day. And while we’re talking about exercise, that movement is very helpful in your quest to avoid a stroke. While exercise helps to lose weight, we also discussed in part one the fact that exercise contributes to lowering your blood pressure. It also literally stands on its very own as an independent stroke reducer. We should all try to exercise at a moderate intensity at least five days a week. Some of the things that you might want to try are, take a walk around your neighborhood every morning after breakfast. Maybe get some friends together and start a fitness club with them. A friend of mine who spends the winter in Florida has a great group of friends that get together every single morning and they walk. It’s a great opportunity to socialize and also to get some fitness in at the same time. A good way to gauge whether what you’re doing is effective or not, when you exercise, try to reach the level at which you’re breathing hard, but you can still talk. Next time you need to go up one floor in an office building, take the stairs instead of the elevator if you can. And don’t worry if you don’t have a ton of time, if you don’t have 30 consecutive minutes to exercise, break it up. Do 10 to 15 minute sessions a few times each day.

Finally, another thing to consider is if you enjoy a cocktail, do it in moderation. Believe it or not, having a little alcohol may decrease your risk of stroke. Studies actually show that if you have one drink per day, your risk just may be lower. However, once you start drinking more than two drinks per day, your risk goes up significantly. That’s where balance comes in. Bottom line is that you should either not drink alcohol at all, or do it in moderation and keep it to one glass a day. So, what do we need to remember? As mentioned, have no more than one glass of alcohol a day. You might want to consider having red wine as your first choice. It contains resveratrol, which is thought to protect the heart and the brain. Watch your portion sizes. A standard-sized drink is a five ounce glass of wine, 12 ounce glass of beer, or 1.5 ounce glass of hard liquor. Again, it comes down to what many say, everything in moderation.

Thank you for hanging in there with me. Here’s to your health and the health of your loved ones. If you have any questions, please give us a call at Seniors Helping Seniors at the 248-969-4000. Thanks and take care!

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Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

Suffering a stroke is something I wish upon no-one. Today I’d like to talk about some tips and things that we can do to avoid suffering a stroke.

Welcome to the “Senior Circle” where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

My father suffered a stroke when he was 58 years old and it completely rocked our world. It was a very challenging thing for him to go through, but we were very blessed that he worked very hard to regain much of what he had lost in terms of his physical and neurological abilities and he was able to recover significantly.

Looking back, one does wonder if there were signs, things that could have been picked up on and whether there were steps that could have been taken to avoid that stroke. Strokes are a leading cause of death and disabilities in the U.S. today. I’d like to share some of the things, that according to well known cardiologists, should be considered in an effort to rein in the risks today that exist, potentially reducing the likelihood of stroke activity.

One thing we can look at is lowering our blood pressure. High blood pressure is a huge factor, doubling or even quadrupling your stroke risk if it’s not controlled. We know that high blood pressure is the biggest contributor to the risk of stroke, and that’s both in men and in women. So one of the biggest differences that a person can make to their vascular health is to monitor their blood pressure, but even more importantly, making sure that it is treated if it’s elevated. Everyone’s a little different, so you should know your baseline. Ideally, some say that blood pressure should be less than 135/85. But for some, a less aggressive goal, such as 140/90, may be more appropriate. Mine personally tends to run low, but I just kinda keep track of it so that when I have to have it taken, I know what to expect and I can share that with the medical professional if I’m asked about it.

So what are some of the things that you can do to lower your blood pressure?

One, you can get that salt in check. It’s suggested that you reduce the salt in your diet to no more than 1,500 milligrams a day, and that’s about a half teaspoon. It really is amazing when you look at ingredients on things, especially processed foods, how much sodium they contain. Avoid high-cholesterol foods, such as burgers, cheese and ice cream.

Try to eat a healthy diet. Be sure to include fruits and vegetables every day and consider having a serving of fish two to three times a week. You’ll also want to include healthy grains in your meal line-up.

This is a big one that requires some commitment, but get more exercise. It doesn’t have to be a gym membership and a goal to lift heavy weights, but move around. Get thirty minutes a day in of walking, swimming or any other activity that gets that heart rate going.

If you smoke, quit. I don’t even think we need to get into this or talk about it. Just please, quit.

And when it comes to blood pressure medication, if they are prescribed, take them as ordered by your physician. At Seniors Helping Seniors, we help many clients with medication management as this is something that can be challenging. Just make sure that you’re following your doctor’s prescription and if it’s easier, use a pill organizer that will help you keep track of each of your dosages.

Another culprit of stroke risk is atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib.  AFib is a form of an irregular heartbeat that causes clots to form in the heart. Those clots can then travel to the brain, producing a stroke. AFib is believed to carry almost a fivefold risk of stroke and really should be taken seriously. If you have AFib, your goal really needs to be to get that treated.

Two things you’ll want to think about is if you have symptoms, such as heart palpitations or shortness of breath, see your doctor for an exam. You may need to take a blood thinner, such as warfarin, which is Coumadin, or one of the newer direct-acting anticoagulant drugs to reduce stroke risk from atrial fibrillation. Your doctors can guide you through this treatment and staying on top of the situation will help you significantly avoid experiencing a stroke.

Finally, make sure that your physician is monitoring your blood work for your blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a serious condition that needs to be monitored Having high blood sugar damages blood vessels over time, making clots more likely to form inside of them. If you’re experiencing issues with your blood sugar, be sure to follow your physician’s instructions very closely and follow a diet that’s specifically focused on lowering your sugar levels. To get a little technical, they say you should eat at least 14 grams of fiber daily for every 1,000 calories consumed and to keep your cholesterol down to 300 milligrams a day.

In part two of this series on strokes, we’ll discuss further things that can be done to prevent strokes, and in the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to give Seniors Helping Seniors a call at the number on the screen at the end of this video. Thank you for joining us today, till next time.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

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Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

Today we’re going to be discussing that age-old question of whether or not it’s okay to share an untruth with someone who’s suffering from memory loss.

Welcome to The Senior Circle, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

Hi, everyone. So listen, if you’ve ever had to deal with somebody who has dementia, memory loss symptoms, things of that nature, you’ve dealt with the questions, the repeated questions that are consistently asked, and some of those questions are hard ones. So we find ourselves sometimes asking, is it okay to lie to my loved one who has dementia or the person that I’m caring for?

Quite frankly, I think there are two schools of thought on this. You’ve got your folks that believe that truth is absolutely necessary in all circumstances, and believe me, I firmly believe in truth and I firmly believe that we are even required by who I consider my bigger power to tell the truth. I do believe, however, that there are situations that we do need to be sensitive and creative in regards to what we say to someone who is suffering from dementia.

I think there’s a lot of truth in meeting someone where they’re at and meeting them in their reality. In a person’s mind who has dementia, there are things that cause anxiety. There are things that cause fear. So when we’re asked questions that are very difficult to answer, for example, if your widowed mother continually asks about her husband, if you were to answer every time that question was asked, “Dad has passed away,” it truly brings a situation to your mom that she’s experiencing the grief of his death each time you say that.

So I really do believe that there’s a moment that we have to, we have to consider the reality of the dementia patient, the consequence of the truth in certain circumstances, and what we can do to creatively move our dementia patient onto another reality. For example, redirecting is very important. So anytime there’s a difficult question that has a difficult answer, it’s usually better to look for a way to redirect and not necessarily have to answer.

In order to do that, we kind of have to understand why the question’s being asked. Is our loved one fearful? Is our loved one anxious? Do they believe they should be somewhere that they don’t necessarily have to be? Are they thinking about needing to go home? Because a lot of times, with a redirecting statement, we can ease that fear, ease that anxiety without necessarily having to tell a lie. But I do believe that there are circumstances in which we have to weigh the consequence of the truth to our loved one or the person that we’re caring for and determine whether or not we want to consistently give that truth to that person.

I believe that there are times that we do need to creatively come up with answers that might not be 100% true, but will bring peace and comfort to a loved one. I’ve spoken to many, many physicians. I’ve spoken to, in fact, a geriatric specialist here in the Detroit area who firmly believes that we have to operate in the reality of our seniors that experience memory loss. And the moment we start adding to their anxiety, we’re really not helping them.

So just food for thought, something to keep in mind. I encourage you to, yes, always tell the truth, but I also encourage you to be creative and look for ways to redirect. It’s always easier to see them respond with a joyful or an appeased reaction than an anxiety-riddled one. So that’s my thought for today. And if you are struggling with anyone who has memory loss, dementia, and you have questions, there are a lot of resources out there. The Alzheimer’s Association is fantastic, and if we can do anything, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Thank you and have a great day.

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We’re so glad to have you back. Today we present part two of a two-part series on fall prevention.

Welcome to The Senior Circle, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi. My name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among seniors 65 years of age and older. Falls threaten the independence, the mobility and safety of a senior. In part one of this video, we discussed the importance of a doctor’s visit, and the evaluation of medications. Now I’d like to focus on some things that we can do in the home to support our seniors in their quest to stay vertical.

Keep them moving. Physical activity is so important. With your physician’s approval and guidance, your senior loved one could consider activities such as walking, water workouts, or maybe chair yoga. These things help with balance, strength, coordination and stability. If the idea of exercise frightens them, discuss this with your doctor. Chances are, he or she can get them involved with a very monitored exercise program, or connect them with a physical therapy program that would help them regain their strength and their gait.

Help them wear sensible shoes. Footwear is very important. Try to have your loved one avoid shoes or slippers that may make them slip, stumble, or fall. As comfortable as slippers are, they’re really not the best choice. Properly fitted and sturdy shoes are typically the best option. This also can help with arthritic pain in the joints.

Take a look around the house. Things around the home can actually create fall hazards. Remove piles of newspapers or boxes and cords from walkways. Consider moving some furniture or plants if necessary in order to create better pathways.

Throw rugs are tremendous culprits for falls. Make sure if there are any rugs, that they’re in the home and secured. You might even wanna consider using double-face tape or slip-proof backing in order to hold it in place.

Use non-slip mats in the bathroom and consider using a seat in the bath in order to sit while showering.  Adding appropriately installed grab bars is very wise and will give your loved one much needed support and give you some peace of mind.

Light up that living space. Keeping your loved one’s space brightly lit up helps to avoid tripping over things that might not be seen if it’s too dark. Consider using night lights in the hallways, bathroom, and in your bedroom. You might wanna replace some traditional switches with the kind that light up or glow in the dark. Be sure to turn on a light before going up or down stairs.

Some of these tips are small things that can be done and some are a little more involved, but anything that we can do to help our seniors avoid a dreaded fall, the better chances we have of actually avoiding one.

As a non-medical home care company, Seniors Helping Seniors has provided support for many seniors in the effort of maintaining their independence. We’ve made sure that our seniors, your loved ones, are applying these tips in order to stay safe. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at the number at the end of this video, or connect with us at our website, www.seniorcareeastoakland.com.

The post Fall Prevention – Part 2 appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

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Thank you for tuning in today. Today, we bring to you part one of a two-part series on fall prevention. Welcome to “The Senior Circle”, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi, my name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among seniors 65 years of age and older. They threaten the independence, mobility, and safety of a senior. If you have a senior in your life that you’re worried about falling, here are a few tips and things to consider.

Make an appointment with their doctor. Make sure they have a list of their prescribed medications, supplements and any over-the-counter meds they’re taking. Ask some questions. How are their medications interacting? There’s a possibility that they’re creating the potential of a fall. Some medications cause sleepiness or affect our thinking and decision making. The doctor may decide to wean them off something or perhaps look for an alternative.

Has there been a fall or loss of balance before? If so, make sure that you share as many details as you can about the situation so that your doctor could help as much as possible in determining what might be contributing to the issue. Some health conditions could also be causing a higher risk of falls. Some eye and ear disorders are many times responsible for falls and loss of balance. There are other medical conditions that cause dizziness, numbness, shortness of breath and more and these are the types of things that the doctor might be able to help you with.

The doctor may recommend that your loved one consider using a cane or a walker to help keep them steady. This can be a big step for a senior, but it can contribute so much to their independence.

There are other things that are helpful, as well. Putting handrails on both sides of the stairs to use for support. Using non-slip treads on stairs, giving them traction. Installing a raised toilet seat or even better, one that has handles on the sides to push up from or to hold as they sit down. Having grab bars in the bathroom for the shower or tub is also very important.

If you’re interested, you could have your loved one’s doctor suggest an occupational therapist visit. Occupational therapists are specialized in helping finding solutions in the home and they could help make some very helpful suggestions.

There could be cost involved, but the cost of a fall and the risk of your loved one’s health could be much more costly. Their safety is worth the investment.

Download Free Home Care Assessment Checklist here: https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

The post Fall Prevention – Part 1 appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.

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Welcome to The Senior Circle, where we hope to inspire and help others by providing valuable, relevant information related to caring for an elderly loved one. Hi. My name is Dawn Neely and I’ll be your host. Thank you for joining us.

If you’re caring for a person with dementia symptoms, such as memory loss, inability to function, agitation, or aggression, you know the challenges that come along with it and how difficult it can be. Our world has been shaken by this new crisis that we’re all experiencing with the COVID-19 quarantine. To say that it has made things more difficult for caregivers is a tremendous understatement. While before this crisis, we could consider outings or visits that could help our loved one throughout the day, we’re limited in what we can do.

What I’d like to do is share some tips for caregivers who are in isolation with a person with dementia, some things that hopefully will help you now and also on a daily basis. At it’s best, the task of caregiving for someone with dementia has been referred to as the 36 hour day, and that’s when we can at least count on support from family, friends, different day programs that are available. The stress, however, at this point, with the restrictions in place due to COVID-19 is monumentally higher. I’m not an expert, I don’t have a PhD in psychology, neuroscience or really anything for that matter, but I do have 12 years of experience working with some amazing people, caregivers and professionals, that have shared important, useful information.

One of the most important things is to keep a schedule. I believe that daily routines are key for those suffering from dementia. Even though our schedules can get out of whack when we don’t have appointments and places to be, it’s important to get up at the same time, follow a morning hygiene routine, maintain meal schedules, and also nighttime rituals. This will provide that structured environment that really helps your loved one feel safe.

Another thing is to avoid lengthy napping. Taking a long nap during the day can throw your loved one’s biological clock off and make it very difficult for them to sleep at night. As tempting as it is to let them sleep for more than 15 or 20 minutes, it may cost you in the end.

Try to get some exercise into the daily routine. Activity and movement help with mood and are also believed to improve cognition. If you and your loved one are able to get outside, enjoy a short walk. Everything counts when it comes to movement. Try to make it fun. Work it into the schedule and make sure that it happens on a daily basis.

It’s important, especially now, to make sure that we’re eating nutritiously and maintaining our immune system. Preparing meals that are considered comfort foods for your loved one is a great idea, especially if they can get involved with the preparation. We have a client that loves to teach our caregiver how to cook her favorite meals. The caregiver takes care of the more difficult tasks, but our client directs and makes sure that it’s done properly. The familiar smells of our favorite foods can be tremendous memory aids, so this could spark some recall and you might get some great stories about old family traditions. Just try to make sure that those healthy meals are part of that daily schedule and their routine.

Finally, think of ways to remotely connect to your support network. Try to schedule daily video chats with friends and family, even if it’s for short periods. Most people with dementia will unfortunately have a short attention span, so they’ll benefit from briefer, more frequent contacts. It’s also very important for you as the caregiver to remain connected to your support network, so know your tribe. Connect with those that uplift you and care about you and your loved one. Let them know how you are doing.

This is a challenging time for everyone. We have uncertainty of what things will look like on the other side of this crisis. But follow your loved one’s lead on this one. Stay in the moment. Stay positive, both for them and for you. Stay connected with valuable resources out there like the Alzheimer’s Association, the Area Agency on Aging, and if there’s anything that we can help with, don’t hesitate to reach out. Be healthy and stay safe.

If you think your senior loved one could use some help at home and would like to download our Free Home Care Assessment Checklist, click on the following link:

https://theseniorcircle.com/checklist

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