What to ask before considering aging in place

What to ask before considering aging in place

by Lauren Comment Closed
The term, “Aging in Place,” has become a popular catchphrase for modern seniors. However, its meaning may vary widely, depending on who is using the term and for what purpose. A government agency defines aging in place as, "the ability to live in one's own home and community independently, regardless of age, income, or ability level." Generally, “aging in place” is the first preference for most seniors; a survey by the American Public Health Association indicated that 90 percent of seniors want this option. However, this does not tell us if the term, “in place” refers to their longtime home in the old neighborhood or to a totally new environment. No matter the location, aging in place can work well only with good planning and preparation. To successfully age in place, seniors sometimes need the help of skilled professionals, as well as family members (if available) and a support network. Seniors and adults of all ages should bear this in mind...
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Florida is growing. Here is what that means for you

Florida is growing. Here is what that means for you

by Lauren Comment Closed
If you can recall the Florida of the 1950s, you remember a small-population state with only three urban areas that could be called “cities.” Miami, Tampa-St Petersburg and Jacksonville have now been joined by fast-growing communities like Orlando, Ft Lauderdale, Ocala and Kissimmee. For decades, our state’s growth has seemed phenomenal, beyond reasonable expectations. Many people have predicted that this growth would slow or end, but that is not happening. The pandemic of 2020 has actually sped this trend. From July 2019 to July 2020, Florida is estimated to have added 241,256 new residents. Some estimates project state population to reach 26 million by the year 2030. This would make the state of Florida bigger than the nation of Australia. What does this mean for the current and future senior residents of the Sunshine State? To begin, seniors cannot complain too much about Florida’s growth without seeming hypocritical. After all, retirees and seniors account for a big part of that trend. Florida...
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Five tips for home organization this spring

Five tips for home organization this spring

by OurSeniors.net Comment Closed
If you’re like most people, you appreciate an organized home. With everything else going on, we tend to let household organization get to the point where it becomes somebody else’s problem and the junk drawer becomes invisible to the naked eye.  Unfortunately, it’s not going to take care of itself. Not to mention the number of unsurprising psychological benefits to being organized.  Clutter and chaos create stress, fatigue, and an overall feeling of discord that translates to your everyday life.  Getting things in order can lead to comprehensive, large-scale improvements in your lifestyle, and the energy expended taking care of the matter can be satisfying and constructive. Proper organization can offer you the luxury of time and serenity:  not spending 30 minutes trying to locate that pair of scissors “you know you left on the counter right here!” is worth its weight in gold!  Ridding yourself of disorder provides peace and knowing everything is in its place provides security, all of which is...
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These are some basic internet skills for beginners

These are some basic internet skills for beginners

by Lauren Comment Closed
For decades, seniors have been stereotyped as being “technologically backward,” not willing to adopt new ways of communicating or learning. This may have been true in the past, but it is far less so today. According to the Pew Research Center, 67% of all seniors were using the internet in 2018. That was before the pandemic, and this event has surely made the internet and mobile digital devices, tablets and smart phones, more used than ever. Basic internet and digital skills are now as important to seniors as they are to younger people. These skills can help to keep seniors safe, connected, mobile, informed, even well educated. They are as important today as a telephone connection was in the 1950s or basic reading was in the early 1900s. Still, many seniors do not feel confident doing basic digital tasks like instant messaging, completing a Google search or using a social media platform like Facebook. These skills can make daily life far...
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Are you still driving? Here are a few things to consider

Are you still driving? Here are a few things to consider

by Lauren Comment Closed
Most of today’s seniors have had a life-long relationship with automobiles. As teenagers, our “wheels” were a status symbol and the key to a freedom we had never had as children. Suddenly, we could go somewhere without Mom or Dad!  For many of us, getting a driver’s license was more memorable than any birthday or graduation celebration. Today, that relationship with cars and driving endures. The ability to drive still means individual freedom and independence. Driving is a very practical skill, giving seniors the ability to keep medical appointments, shop on their own, visit, help friends, volunteer or just to have fun. Most people are reluctant to give this up, even if their driving skills are declining. This situation has been called a “silver tsunami,” as more and more seniors reach an age where driving ability is impaired. To be clear, many seniors remain among the safest and least accident-prone of all drivers. Still, we cannot ignore the fact that increased age...
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What Is The Difference Between a Nursing Home and an Assisted Living Facility?

What Is The Difference Between a Nursing Home and an Assisted Living Facility?

by Lauren Comment Closed
| Written by Regina Asihene, M.D. from Majestic Gardens | Families often have to make a difficult decision on the type of residential care that is needed for a senior member of the family who may be declining.  Does mom or dad need a nursing home or an assisted living facility?  This article will simplify the major differences between a nursing home and an assisted living facility. 1. Nursing homes are for those who need more medical care in a clinical setting. Assisted living facilities are for those who need personal care in a home-like, social setting. Individuals who have frequent hospital admissions or multiple medical problems likely need a nursing home to continue to get more skilled nursing and limited medical treatments.  People who need assistance with most of the activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, toileting, transfer, mobility, feeding) probably need a nursing home.  A nursing home is for someone who needs medical professionals for 24 hours. An assisted living facility is...
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Spring Cleaning Ideas to Detox your Home

Spring Cleaning Ideas to Detox your Home

by Lauren Comment Closed
The idea of “spring cleaning” is nothing new. There is something about renewal that has stayed with the spring season for decades, but have you ever thought of it as a way to “detox” your home? A detox can be a physical and mental concept where we remove any build up around us that no longer serves a purpose in our life. Whether its dust and dirt or actual items we have bought, removing things can make us feel immediately better. There are also a few things we can do to ensure our homes are not harming our health by promoting allergies or other illnesses. Invest in an Air Purifier We may think that the air in our home is safe, but when we open our windows or have people visiting us, that can quickly change. An air purifier ensures that daily pollutants such as dust, smoke, pollen and pet dander are removed. People with allergies or compromised immune systems can benefit from...
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A son needed to help his mother, so OurSeniors Team stepped in

A son needed to help his mother, so OurSeniors Team stepped in

by Lauren Comment Closed
| Testimony by Richard L. | Dad is dead! Mom has Parkinson's, stage 5. She cannot talk, walk, or anything beyond crying and screaming. She is trapped in her body, some of you may understand this. I received word through the assisted living facility that my Mom and Dad had been living in for several years, Dad had died. The only reason they told me about it was because no one was paying the bills. They wanted money, did not care that Dad had died, just that they were not getting their money. This opening statement of the bills not being paid is very pertinent to this letter of praise. I hope you will continue to read even though it appears to be long, it may reference what you are going through now or need to know about the future of your parents lives and yours. So, the bills are not being paid, the last will of Dad turned everything over to...
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Tips for Managing Your Home When Moving into Assisted Living

Tips for Managing Your Home When Moving into Assisted Living

by Lauren Comment Closed
Moving into an assisted living community is a beneficial decision for many seniors. If you notice common signs that you may need some support with your day-to-day routine, assisted living can help you maintain your independence and enjoy a higher quality of life. Before making the big move, take some time to research and tour different assisted living facilities. Learn about the atmosphere, staff, and amenities offered at different places. It's also important to consider the cost before making your selection. Regardless of where you live, give yourself time to review facilities, both in-person and online, so you can find the perfect fit. If it's time to move into assisted living, you must also decide what to do with the family home. Do you sell it? Rent it out? Give it to a family member? There are pros and cons to every option. Here are some things to consider before moving out of your home. Cashing in by Selling Your Home Before selling your...
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What if you don’t want to live in a senior community?

What if you don’t want to live in a senior community?

by OurSeniors.net Comment Closed
If you asked a room full of 40 adults between the ages of 30 and 60, “Hands up if you want to be forced to move out of your home and go live with strangers,” it would be amazing if anyone raised their hand. Almost no one wants this, yet this is exactly the solution adult children might suggest to a parent who needs a bit of help. It’s never put that way, of course—it’s more likely to be part of a conversation about how good the assisted living facility is, how much safer it would be to live here, and how much “help” is needed. It’s a difficult conversation and an even more difficult situation, especially since recent statistics state that 90% of seniors wish to age in their home. Unfortunately, staying independent at home isn’t always possible. Moving to an assisted living facility can be a good choice for those who wish it, but what about those who don’t?...
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