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Why Mom Needs a Stand-Alone Cane

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Are you worried about your mother falling at home? When it comes to older adults, the home is a real danger zone—at least when it comes to falls, slips, and other accidents. Despite being the most preventable health risk, falls are the leading cause of injuries among seniors and account for more than half of all serious injuries. What you may not realize is that many of these falls are a direct result from choosing the wrong type of cane. Why Mom Needs a Stand-Alone Cane

If Mom is bearing weight on her cane, then a single tip cane could be more dangerous than using nothing at all. A stand-alone cane is the best option for seniors who need more than just help with their balance. This type of cane provides increased stability and more traction than single tip models.

A stand-alone cane has the added benefit of remaining upright when not in use. If Mom is having mobility issues, it’s also likely that she won’t want to bend over to pick up her cane. Since repeated bending can result in accident or injury, the standing cane offers added safety.

Many falls lead to serious injury, such as broken wrists or fractured hips. Nervousness concerning additional falls often limits our elders from enjoying life to its fullest as they begin to avoid going out or staying in touch with friends for fear of falling. If Mom is nervous about falling, a standing cane could be just the thing she needs to live a full and healthy lifestyle at any age.

Why we love about the HurryCane:

Cutting-edge, patented technology allows the HurryCane, the #1 selling cane in America, to feel like a seamless extension of the body. The HurryCane is unrivaled thanks to industry-leading innovations. A SteadiGrip base simulates your foot’s natural stabilizing points, increasing traction and improving balance. To further maximize stabilization, the HurryCane automatically flexes on inclines, uneven ground, and fluctuating terrain both inside and outdoors. Effortlessly fold the HurryCane to one-third its normal size for compact storing whenever needed, and easily flip back out for continued use. To find the perfect fit that will provide lasting comfort, adjust the cane height between 30.5″ to 37.5″ by simply pushing the button located on the handle. Feel confident using the durable HurryCane to ensure the next steps you take are safe. The HurryCane is tested to support up to 350 pounds and is available in black, blue, purple, and red finishes.

Click here to buy the stand-alone HurryCane – the #1 Selling Cane in America!

Why Mom Needs a Stand-Alone Cane

Why Mom Needs a Stand-Alone Cane Why Mom Needs a Stand-Alone Cane Why Mom Needs a Stand-Alone Cane Why Mom Needs a Stand-Alone Cane Why Mom Needs a Stand-Alone Cane Why Mom Needs a Stand-Alone Cane Why Mom Needs a Stand-Alone Cane Why Mom Needs a Stand-Alone Cane Why Mom Needs a Stand-Alone Cane Why Mom Needs a Stand-Alone Cane Why Mom Needs a Stand-Alone Cane

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Elder Care & Personal Boundaries: 5 Tips for When Parents Move In
Aging

Elder Care & Personal Boundaries: 5 Tips for When Parents Move In

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

In surveys, the overwhelming majority of seniors express a preference for aging in place. But as we grow older, physical and/or cognitive decline can make aging in place difficult. Support from family caregivers and professional elder care services can reduce those difficulties. But if decline becomes severe, you might need to consider alternatives, like having your parent come live with you. Elder Care & Personal Boundaries: 5 Tips for When Parents Move In
Having a parent move in with your family can make it easier to tend to their elder care needs and improve their overall quality of life. But it can also lead to issues with personal boundaries. In caregiving relationships, boundaries are key to quality care and healthy family dynamics, so it’s important that firm boundaries are set and respected. Here are five tips on how to make this happen.

1. Create an Elder Care Routine

Caring for an elderly loved one can wreak havoc on your schedule. That’s true when your mom or dad lives separate from you and your family, but it’s an even bigger issue when you’re living in the same space. Without a regular routine in place, caregiving responsibilities can start to dominate your life. If you’re always “on call” for when your loved one needs assistance, or if you’re performing a bunch of small jobs throughout the day, it can start to feel like you never have time to yourself.
To avoid this, develop an elder care routine that allows you to set aside time for yourself. Set firm boundaries regarding your “off hours” and when it’s appropriate for your loved one to ask for assistance outside of their elder care routine.

2. Plan for Personal Space

When your mom or dad moves home for elder care, boundaries around personal space can become as much of an issue as boundaries around personal time. A new family member will dramatically alter the way your home functions. If you haven’t planned for this change, it could create points of friction between you and your loved one and between your loved one and other members of your family.
If you have the square footage to do so, make sure that your loved one not only has their own bedroom, but also their own living space. Usually, this means a comfortable chair, their own TV, and any other items that they enjoy using on a regular basis. This way, you can steer clear of family disputes or resentments over use of common space.

3. Communicate Clearly

Boundaries can’t be respected if they aren’t clearly stated in the first place. That’s something many family elder care providers learn the hard way. Nobody wants to lay down the law with a parent, especially when mom or dad is suffering from poor health. As a result, many family caregivers stay silent — even as they notice personal boundaries erode and collapse.
While keeping quiet can help you avoid short-term awkwardness and discomfort, it will do you no favors in the long run. Failure to set and clearly communicate boundaries will quickly lead to resentment and can result in family caregivers overextending themselves. Relationships break down, caregivers deteriorate, and the quality of elder care suffers.

4. Respect Your Own Boundaries

Most family caregivers worry about whether or not their loved one will respect their personal boundaries around elder care. But when it comes to respecting boundaries, there’s someone else you need to worry about: yourself.
Family elder care providers are notoriously bad at respecting their own self-stated boundaries. No matter how overwhelmed they become, they feel compelled to sacrifice their personal time and privacy at a moment’s notice.
The result, more often than not, is a downward spiral. Family elder care providers develop severe caregiver stress. Their personal well-being suffers, as does the quality of care they provide. Low-quality care causes their loved one’s well-being to suffer, exacerbating their need for elder care, and the cycle continues.

5. Find Elder Care Support

Far too many family caregivers are their loved one’s only source of elder care. In these cases, it’s almost impossible to maintain personal boundaries, especially as your loved one’s care needs increase. To prevent this, try to get other members of your family involved with caregiving. If elder care responsibilities start to encroach on your personal time and privacy, you’ll have other caregivers who can help shoulder the burden of care.
If family members are unavailable — or unwilling — to lend a helping hand, professional elder care services may be a better option. Many elder care agencies provide respite care on a part-time basis, which allows family caregivers to maintain healthy lives away from care. By hiring an elder care agency, you can ensure scheduled private time on a daily or weekly basis: one of the best ways to ensure your boundaries are respected.
If caregiving is making it hard to maintain personal boundaries and privacy? Your local Visiting Angels® can help. Call 800-365-4189 today or find your local Visiting Angels office to learn more about elder care services in your area.
Finding a Home for Grandma and Grandpa

Elder Care & Personal Boundaries: 5 Tips for When Parents Move In

Elder Care & Personal Boundaries: 5 Tips for When Parents Move In Elder Care & Personal Boundaries: 5 Tips for When Parents Move In Elder Care & Personal Boundaries: 5 Tips for When Parents Move In Elder Care & Personal Boundaries: 5 Tips for When Parents Move In Elder Care & Personal Boundaries: 5 Tips for When Parents Move In Elder Care & Personal Boundaries: 5 Tips for When Parents Move In Elder Care & Personal Boundaries: 5 Tips for When Parents Move In Elder Care & Personal Boundaries: 5 Tips for When Parents Move In Elder Care & Personal Boundaries: 5 Tips for When Parents Move In Elder Care & Personal Boundaries: 5 Tips for When Parents Move In Elder Care & Personal Boundaries: 5 Tips for When Parents Move In Elder Care & Personal Boundaries: 5 Tips for When Parents Move In
 
 

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Maximize Your Mind, No Matter Your Age
Aging

Maximize Your Mind, No Matter Your Age

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson
Baseball great Leroy Satchel Paige asserted that age is a question of mind over matter. “If you don’t mind,” he said, “it don’t matter.” Age, after all, is just a number. But, as we age, it’s important to mind–not our manners–but our minds. Maximize Your Mind, No Matter Your Age
Yes, you can become more brain-powerful. You really can optimize your cognitive capacity. And you can truly maximize your mental operations. But… you have to commit to improving your cognitive processes. We recommend spending five-to-ten minutes a day, three days a week. Here are practices to help sharpen that marvelous computer that sits atop your shoulders.

CREATE A MNEMONIC DEVICE

The mind is an amazing organ. This gelatinous mass of a hundred trillion nerve cells , when maximized, can serve you well. (The need to facilitate memory goes back thousands of years. From Mnemosyne, the Greek goddess of memory, comes the word “mnemonics,” which is simply the use of told that will help us remember. Think about the mnemonic devices you already use (H-O-M-E-S for the first letter of each of the Great Lakes) and commit to using such a device for better recall of information that’s important to you.
What set of things do you wish to remember? Consider acronyms, rhyme, alliteration, visualization, or any other method that works for you, such as noting the word “paper” ends in “er,” as does the word “stationery,” when it means “paper.”
Ever admire those who can rattle facts and figures off the top of their head? (Think of how much more productive you would be if there were certain numbers, statistics, words, addresses that you didn’t have to look up every time you needed them.) Ever wonder if the brains of such people are superior to your own? They are probably not, except in this regard: those with good memories have trained their brains to work for them. Get started doing the same.

PRACTICE

Once a day, have a relative or friend practice with you. Your coach will give you a one-digit number, which you are not to write down until he or she says “Record.” Then, you’ll receive a two-digit number. When the coach says, “Record,” write the number down from memory. Each time, your coach will give you a number one-digit-longer than the preceding number. Keep a log of your progress, specifying how many digits you were able to commit to short-term memory. Here are a few to get you started.
3 87 901 5201 84215 075328 40152856
104867624 6903457182
5 26 738 9320 52916 380157 6281302
392815647 2753019586

CHASE STRESS AWAY

Stress causes increased production of a hormone named cortisol. According to Dr. Blair Justice of the University of Texas Health Science Center, the cortex of the adrenal gland releases this hormone, which can have a negative impact on the cells of your immune system. Cortisol also reduces the number of natural killer (NK) cells, which travel through the body, looking for and destroying aberrant cells. If you don’t have enough NK cells doing their job, the abnormal cells can eventually develop into tumors.
When cortisol is racing through your body, it can damage the neurons in your brain in the long-term and cause your brain to become frozen in the short term. Experts advise engaging in a mental challenge just prior to a stressful event such as meeting a new person, asking someone on a date, interviewing for a new part-time job. There are any number of exercises you can engage in to develop your powers of concentration and control your stress. Here ‘s one.
Have a friend note how long it takes you to complete these six puzzles. Then make up others and exchange with your friend. Time yourself on the second set and strive to beat your earlier time.
EXAMPLE: C-A-T is to A-C-T as 1-2-3 is to
a) 3-2-1- b) 2-1-3 c) 2-3-1 d) 1-3-2 e) 3-1-2
If “C” in CAT is given a “1,” and “A” is given a “2,” and “T” is given a “3;” then the letters in ACT would be represented by the numbers 2-3-1, answer “c.” Time yourself on the following challenges.
1. N-A-P-E is to P-A-N-E as 8-2-4-7 is to:
a) 4-2-8-7 b) 4-7-8-2 c) 7-2-8-4 d) 4-8-2-7 e) 2-7-8-4
2. P-O-R-E is to R-O-P-E as 3-6-9-1 is to:
a) 9-6-3-1 b) 3-1-6-9 c) 9-1-3-6 d) 9-3-1-6 e) 6-1-3-9
3. T-O-P-S is to P-O-T-S as 4-1-7-9 is to:
a) 7-4-1-9 b) 7-1-4-9 c) 9-4-1-7 d) 7-9-1-4 e) 4-9-1-7
4. L-I-P-S is to S-L-I-P as 5-8-3-0 is to:
a) 0-3-8-5 b) 0-8-3-5 c) 0-5-8-3 d) 3-8-0-5 e) 8-0-5-3
5. S-L-A-T-E is to T-A-L-E-S as 6-7-3-5-2 is to:
a) 3-7-2-5-6 b) 2-6-3-7-5 c) 5-7-3-6-2 d) 5-7-2-3-6 e) 5-3-7-2-6
6. S-A-I-D is to D-A-I-S as 2-8-4-1 is to:
a) 1-2-4-8 b) 1-8-4-2 c) 8-1-2-4 d) 2-4-1-8 e) 1-4-8-2
As we grow older, many things no longer matter. But, in the case of our minds, they do matter. And committing to keeping our minds sharp is made easier when we practice exercises like these on a regular basis.
– Dr. Marlene Caroselli is septuagenarian author and speaker whom you can reach at msmccpd@gmail.com.
Answers: 1a, 2a, 3b, 4c, 5e, 6b.

Maximize Your Mind, No Matter Your Age

Maximize Your Mind, No Matter Your Age Maximize Your Mind, No Matter Your Age Maximize Your Mind, No Matter Your Age Maximize Your Mind, No Matter Your Age Maximize Your Mind, No Matter Your Age Maximize Your Mind, No Matter Your Age
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6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia
Aging

6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia

by Silverado
written by Silverado

In spending time with loved ones with dementia, you may find yourself wanting to explore new ways to document or make the most of your time spent together. Cherishing special moments are essential to managing and balancing some of the inevitable disorientation your loved one may be living with. We encourage our friends, family, staff and residents at Silverado with these ways to make individual moments matter. 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia

  1. Have a lunch date

    Sometimes the best way to spend time with our loved one is over a meal to catch up. Dinner plans may feel like an end-of-day routine obligation after a long day, and lunch time usually guarantees good weather, and the rendezvous can be a midday pick-me-up.

  2. Listen to music

    Music is not only therapeutic, but also takes us on an emotional journey. A song can bring back nostalgia, or start an impromptu dance party — both excellent ways to release inhibitions.

  3. Start a memory jar

    Simply start writing favorite memories or notes on special stationery and start collecting them in a special box or jar. It’s good practice to write a new one every day, and read an old memory every day, bringing you a new sense of appreciating fleeting moments and new ones.

  4. Document using Instagram

    With social media in most of our hands today, it’s only appropriate to create an online picture diary on Instagram. It’s the best way to share our greatest news, favorite #TBT’s or day-to-day activities with the online community of friends and family around the world. Use hashtag #SilveradoStory to share with our Silverado family.

  5. Have a creative outlet

    Creative self-expression such as painting or writing are beneficial for improving motor skills and cognitive thinking. They can also potentially turn into a new hobby or passion. Encourage your loved one to be involved with hands-on activities, like journaling to unleash an inner storyteller, or learning a new instrument to interact with other fellow beginners.

  6. Send a postcard

    Getting snail mail is a rare yet still treasured feeling. You can send postcards to loved ones, or even send postcards to yourselves from each city you visit for an instant scrapbook or memento from your trip.

6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia

6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia

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How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly
Aging

How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

As the world moves faster and faster, it becomes easier and easier to move from one place to another. In the modern world, it’s not uncommon for some people to switch addresses every couple years. But society’s casual attitude toward moving can come with negative effects, especially for the elderly. How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly
Over the past few decades, researchers have begun to study a newly understood phenomenon known as Relocation Stress Syndrome. Also known as “Transfer Trauma,” Relocation Stress Syndrome is triggered by a move from one environment to another. Onset of Relocation Stress Syndrome can carry a range of debilitating symptoms, affecting a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health.

“Those of us in the home care industry are familiar with the effects of Relocation Stress Syndrome,” says Larry Meigs, President and CEO of Visiting Angels. “Having seen up close how this condition can impact a senior’s quality of life, one of our primary goals is helping our elderly clients age in place, in an environment where they feel comfortable and familiar.”

What Is Relocation Stress Syndrome?

Understanding Relocation Stress Syndrome starts with understanding its causes. This condition is caused by a change of home environment, whether that’s a move from one house to another, downsizing from a house to an apartment, or moving into a nursing or assisted living facility. When this happens, seniors can experience disorientation, confusion, and a feeling of alienation triggered by the switch from a comfortable environment to a new and unfamiliar one.

The risk of Relocation Stress Syndrome is more pronounced in the elderly than in other persons. This risk is especially high in individuals suffering from cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Sufferers of dementia often rely on familiar environments for comfort and emotional stability, so a change of environment is more likely to be traumatic for these individuals.

While many think of Relocation Stress Syndrome as benign or a purely emotional problem, this is not the case. Seniors suffering from this condition are at higher risk of health problems, including serious illness and injury. Studies have shown that those who exhibit the signs of Relocation Stress Syndrome are at a higher risk of mortality.

Signs of Relocation Stress Syndrome

Relocation Stress Syndrome can trigger a range of symptoms, including physical, mental, and emotional changes. The condition may be characterized by one or more of:

  • Sadness and depression
  • Anxiety, restlessness, and paranoia
  • Anger, aggressiveness, and outbursts
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Isolation or withdrawal
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Changes in eating habits
  • Weight changes
  • Signs of injury or falls

 

It is important to note that while these symptoms may be obvious, seniors will often try to hide the signs of relocation stress. It is therefore important that family members and care professionals stay alert after a move and check in with the senior to ask them how they are feeling.

Avoiding & Managing Relocation Stress

Often, the risk of relocation stress is best managed by making a senior’s current home environment more livable, helping them avoid the need for an unwanted move. This can be done by making safety improvements to the home, re-organizing or renovating to make daily activities easier, or by having family members or professional caregivers assist the senior. These steps are often enough to extend the years spent at home by seniors, delaying or entirely avoiding the need for a move.

In some cases, however, a senior may require facility care. In others, a senior may express the desire to leave their home. When a move is imminent, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of Relocation Stress Syndrome or to manage its symptoms.
These steps include:

  • Listen to any questions your loved one may have about their new living space, and do your utmost to accommodate their concerns.
  • If possible, give your loved one the chance to visit living options in person, and ensure they have a voice in where they live.
  • Plan the move carefully and start making preparations well in advance to avoid unnecessary stress or complications.
  • Use personal items to give your loved one’s new home a sense of familiarity.
  • Take steps to ensure your loved one can preserve their day-to-day routine as much as possible.
  • Have family and friends keep your loved one company to help them ease into their new space.
  • Monitor for signs of relocation stress and check in with your loved one about how they are feeling post-move.

 

Remember that the more support a senior has after a move, the more likely they will be able to cope with the stressors and triggers that come with a relocation.
If you are worried that an elderly loved one may need to move, professional in-home care can help them extend the years they spend at home. To receive a free care consultation, conducted in the comfort of your loved one’s home, contact your local Visiting Angels office today.

Sources:
http://longtermcare.wi.gov/docview.asp?docid=21549
https://www.caring.com/articles/how-to-alleviate-the-stress-of-moving-for-older-adults
http://www.daybreakhometransitions.ca/index.php?page=relocation-stress-syndrome

https://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/downsizing-for-full-time-rv-lifestyle/

 

How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly

How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the ElderlyHow Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly

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House Calls: The Future of Senior Care
Aging

House Calls: The Future of Senior Care

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

There are millions of senior citizens living in America today. While the idea that there is a robust community of like-minded people out there may seem comforting, the reality is that many seniors feel isolated and alone. House Calls: The Future of Senior Care
The aging process can be a difficult and scary time of life, and oftentimes, symptoms of depression can begin to form undetected by family and friends.
Health is of utmost importance. Especially as we grow older, our bodies may require extra care and attention.

Aging Alone – How It Can Hurt

As we age, many of us experience mental, physical, and social changes. Loss can sometimes take its toll on a person – whether it’s a loss of mobility or loss of a loved one. Depression can develop at any stage of life, but the aging population is in a unique position when it comes to this disease of the mind.

1. Depression Can Affect Your Mood

It may sound obvious, but it’s worth stating – depression affects the way you feel and behave. Family members may notice a change in you – irritability, lack of interest in activities, melancholia – and you may feel an increased apathy toward hobbies you once enjoyed.

2. Depression Can Take Its Toll on Your Physical Health

While most people think of depression as a mood-altering condition, what lies beyond a change in mood are health problems that can emerge from this condition. While some people with depression develop mysterious aches and pains that do not improve with treatment, others can also develop skin problems, stomach problems, and even heart problems.
Your body responds to how healthy you are mentally – as depression grows worse, your body’s physical state can deteriorate.

3. You Feel Tired All the Time

One of the most debilitating and common aspects of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders that can occur as a senior is an increase in fatigue. While it’s important to rule out any medical conditions that can cause fatigue, if depression is present, one can feel so tired that they are unable to get out of bed.
It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Millions of people struggle with depression and anxiety, and as a senior, it may feel like you are the only one dealing with these changes in your mind and body. Coping with depression isn’t something that you should do alone – a professional psychotherapist has the tools to help you understand what is happening and how to move forward and heal.

Is Having Someone to Talk to Important?

A feeling of isolation is one of the leading complaints from the aging population. Depression only exacerbates this feeling, and makes one feel as though no one can empathize with you. Many times, senior citizens fear speaking to a professional about their mental health because they do not want to be labeled “crazy.” In fact, 63% of seniors do not receive mental health services they need.
While many people have friends and family they can confide in, oftentimes a trained professional with a different perspective — one who will not judge you based on past experiences and relationships — is the one best suited to lend an ear. They are trained to be able to give you the tools to deal with any stressors that life can throw your way.

Why Should a Personal Consultant Visit My Home?

There are plenty of options for finding and meeting a mental health professional to address your specific needs. There are clinics, one-on-one meetings in an office, and even group meetings. One option that you may have yet to consider is a house call.
Here are some of the aspects that make house calls such a viable option for mental health home care:

  • No Traveling Required: Having mobility issues can make seeking help seem like just another chore. Having someone come to your home to lend an ear takes the difficulty of travel out of the equation.
  • A Familiar Setting: You have the assurance that you will be able to talk in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
  • Someone to Talk to on Your Time: Appointments can be scheduled during times most convenient to you.

Best of all – there’s no waiting room!

Senior Wellness Starts at Home

Admitting that you may need help is one of the biggest steps a person can take. Once you and your loved ones have identified the problems impacting your quality of life, it may be intimidating to seek help in a setting that is unfamiliar and new to you.
That’s why having a personal consultant in your home is such a revolutionary option.

Are you ready to take the next step and get the support you need – at home? Learn more about my new House Call service today.

House Calls: The Future of Senior Care

House Calls: The Future of Senior Care House Calls: The Future of Senior Care House Calls: The Future of Senior Care House Calls: The Future of Senior Care House Calls: The Future of Senior Care House Calls: The Future of Senior Care House Calls: The Future of Senior Care House Calls: The Future of Senior Care House Calls: The Future of Senior Care

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How to Enjoy Downsizing
Aging

How to Enjoy Downsizing

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Do you plan to retire in the near future and thinking about downsizing from the suburban two-story? The question comes up for empty nesters, retirees; people headed to retirement. How to Enjoy Downsizing
It’s a tough thought process. And initially people start with the home; to replace a two-story with a one, or a three bedroom with one or two, and reduce 2,700 square feet to 1,200 or 1,400. That’s a lot of stuff to filter. If you start here, overwhelm may stop the idea altogether way before the fun part.
How about instead, begin with a vision focused on how the new life would look? What lifestyle changes beckon you? How will they benefit? This is where enjoyment dwells. I’ve learned a strategy, with the help of my Facebook group, how to approach moving to a new place and downsizing in the midst of it. It’s not easy but here’s what to embrace to spice up the journey.
Will you feel comfortable moving to a place where you know few people or no one at all? Do you have an outgoing or an inner-directed personality? If outgoing, the concerns of meeting new people is not an issue, but more significant if an introvert. Since the job was your common thread of social contact, how will you replace the connections? Would it make sense to move into 55+ planned community? Would an urban setting fit the bill? How to Enjoy Downsizing
If you like living in a “village” where everything including groceries and fresh produce is within easy walking, an urban area makes sense. However, places do exist where one can live more secluded, and maintain a rural feel of being quiet and safe, yet have access to the amenities of a large city for concerts and such.
Does a specific area of the country better meet your needs over another? Do you enjoy playing in snow? Or, do you want to avoid driving in it to run errands, and paying high heating bills, and dressing in layers all winter?
But again, if hot and humid makes you cringe, then some snow is tolerable, especially if Hawaii or southern California is too costly. That’s the perfect weather, 70-80 degrees year around exists. I’ve lived in snow and now in hot and humid. Both are tough.
So, what can you afford and how much are you willing to pay for a “lifestyle?” Start with research and figure out the perfect lifestyle — then layout the budget to see what you can afford or willing to pay. A few mentioned on Facebook: How to Enjoy Downsizing
South of Baltimore, where there’s a number of retirement communities between Baltimore and D.C. with cultural opportunities (Glen Burnie for example)Small mountain towns outside Pittsburgh, (Washington and Uniontown)
Takeaway — look at lifestyle first, then tackle the space (home.)
Downsizing a House full of Memories

How to Enjoy Downsizing

How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing

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Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services
Aging

Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

Discussing home care services with an aging loved one is difficult conversation – but it’s particularly difficult if your parent or relative is resistant to home care. As a leading home care services provider, Visiting Angels is more than familiar with seniors who initially resist a helping hand around the home. Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services
When a relative continuously rejects home care services that could improve their quality of life and extend their years living in the comfort of home, there are a number of strategies that you can take with them. Most important of all is to have respectful conversations, carefully listening to and acknowledging your loved one’s points of view.

Strategies for Discussing Home Care Services

When discussing home care services with a resistant parent or relative, there are a number of strategies you can use to help your loved one see the benefits to home care services. Here are some strategies you may wish to use:

  • Plan for Multiple Conversations. It’s unlikely that you’ll change your loved one’s mind about home care services during your first talk. Plan ahead for a discussion that unfolds over several conversations.
  • Approach the Topic Sideways. If your loved one is resistant to home care services, start conversations on a different, but related note. For instance, if your parent or relative has age-related strength issues, ask them if there are any activities that you can give them a helping hand with.
  • Listen Carefully. Understanding where your loved one’s resistance to home care services is coming from is important. They might feel that home care services are a threat to their pride, security, or independence. Understanding their concerns makes it easier for you to seek solutions that overcome these worries.
  • Avoid “Crisis Conversations”. Emotions run high immediately after an accident or close call. Avoid bringing up home care immediately after an age-related incident. Instead, give your loved one time to process the event by waiting a few days.
  • Turn to Family. Family members can be helpful when you discuss home care services with your loved one. Privately voice your concerns with other members of your family and bring them into the fold during your conversations. However, be careful not to appear as if you are “ganging up” on your loved one.
  • Start Small. Even if you feel that your loved one could benefit from a full care plan, it may be best to start small. Having a caregiver stop by for a few hours once a week allows your loved one to take home care services for a kind of test drive. As they come to enjoy the benefits of home care services, they may ask you to expand their care plan.

Choosing a Home Care Services Provider

If your loved one agrees to home care services, it’s important to find a home care services provider who your loved one feels comfortable with. This means choosing the right company and the right caregiver.
While some home care services assign caregivers to clients on their own, others like Visiting Angels take a more flexible approach. To make seniors feel more at ease, the agency you choose should have caregivers meet with seniors and their families before starting care. That way, you can make sure the right fit exists before starting home care services.
Do you have a loved one who could benefit from home care services, but remains resistant to care? Contact your local Visiting Angels to learn more about our services and how we can help you ease your loved one into home care.

Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services

Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care ServicesHelp! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services
 

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10 Dementia Warning Signs to Look for this Holiday Season
Aging

10 Dementia Warning Signs to Look for this Holiday Season

by Silverado
written by Silverado

Spending time with loved ones during the holidays means it’s easier to spot small changes in behavior that could be the early stages of memory impairment. While this can cause initial feelings of worry and panic, taking the time to understand the situation is the first step in providing your mother, father, grandparent, sibling or other family member the best care possible. 10 Dementia Warning Signs to Look for this Holiday Season
These are the most common signs that dementia-related changes are taking place in the brain:

  1. Memory lapses that disrupt daily life
  • Forgetting newly-learned information and important dates or events
  • Relying increasingly upon other people to function
  1. Problem solving and planning difficulties
  • Difficulty concentrating and following familiar multi-step processes like recipes or paying bills
  • Simple tasks take an inordinate amount of time to perform
  1. Difficulty carrying out familiar tasks
  • Getting lost or needing directions driving to a familiar destination
  • Needing help managing a budget or remembering how a favorite game is played
  • Confusion using appliances (e.g., microwave or TV remote)
  1. Locational/temporal confusion
  • Frequently losing track of dates and passage of time
  • Trouble understanding things planned for later
  • Forgetting where they are or how they got there
  1. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
  • Vision deteriorating or misidentifying common objects
  • Difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color/contrast
  1. New problems with words in speaking or writing
  • Difficulties during conversations, like losing track and not knowing how to continue
  • Repeating themselves
  • Problems finding the right word or referring to things by the wrong name
  1. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
  • Placing things in unusual locations
  • Inability to retrace steps to find lost items
  • Accusing those around them of stealing
  1. Decreased or poor judgment
  • Poor judgment when dealing with money (e.g., giving large amounts to telemarketers)
  • Lapses in grooming and personal cleanliness
  1. Withdrawal from work or social activities
  • Pulling away from social activities, interests, large groups, sports and hobbies
  • Trouble remembering how to participate in favorite pastimes
  • Seems introverted
  1. Changes in mood and personality
  • Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious
  • Upsets easily in places where they are out of their comfort zone

If your loved one is exhibiting any of these signs, it may be time get support. You can use Silverado as a resource by speaking with a dementia care specialist. 10 Dementia Warning Signs to Look for this Holiday Season

10 Dementia Warning Signs to Look for this Holiday Season

10 Dementia Warning Signs to Look for this Holiday Season 10 Dementia Warning Signs to Look for this Holiday Season 10 Dementia Warning Signs to Look for this Holiday Season 10 Dementia Warning Signs to Look for this Holiday Season 10 Dementia Warning Signs to Look for this Holiday Season 10 Dementia Warning Signs to Look for this Holiday Season 10 Dementia Warning Signs to Look for this Holiday Season 10 Dementia Warning Signs to Look for this Holiday Season 10 Dementia Warning Signs to Look for this Holiday Season
 

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