Home & Living Archives – OurSeniors.net

A great option for short term care

November 26, 2021November 24, 2021 by OurSeniors.net Staff WriterNo Comments

Being a caregiver can be hard. In fact, we all burn out at some point and will need a break. When a primary caregiver needs a break, respite care can provide short-term relief. Respite care is basically time off so that the primary caregivers can get away from their responsibilities for physical and emotional relief. Respite can be arranged for a few hours, several days, or even weeks. Respite care can be done in different settings: at home, in a nursing home, or at an assisted living facility. How much does respite care cost? Respite services charge by the hour or by the number of days that services are provided. Most insurance plans do not cover these costs. You must pay all costs yourself that are not covered by insurance or other funding sources. If you choose respite in a hospital or a skilled nursing facility, a nursing home, then Medicare will pay only five days in a row. Majestic Gardens Living provides...

Cooking every day can be complicated, meal delivery services are not

November 9, 2021November 8, 2021 by OurSeniors.net Staff Writer Comment Closed

One of the biggest challenges faced by many seniors is the task of daily meal preparation. It is not uncommon to find a senior who has resorted to eating breakfast cereal or some other very basic food at every meal. Planning, shopping for, storing and preparing a balanced meal can be a complicated task, even for seniors who are physically up to the job. Sometimes, this seems so troublesome that seniors simply give up and skip regular meals. If you or a senior loved one has difficulty getting “three squares” a day, a meal delivery service may be a solution. Senior meal delivery or food delivery services may help to fill in gaps in nutrition and save preparation time, making it possible for a senior to remain at home. If you are thinking about this possibility for yourself or a loved one, here are some things to keep in mind: Think about the budget. The costs of these services vary from basically...

How to Phase-In Healthy Visits with Relatives and Friends

November 5, 2021November 3, 2021 by OurSeniors.net Staff Writer Comment Closed

In the early weeks of the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a lot of conflicting information that created a lot of confusion about safety. Many people know about the benefits of spending time outdoors, but there was a sudden urgency from warnings suggesting that people should stay indoors for safety. As the months passed, we learned precisely how to change habits to stay safe and help stop the spread of the disease which quickly impacted thousands of Americans. Nearly two years since the pandemic arrived in the U.S., people are returning to normalcy. However, there are still numerous questions about phasing in specific activities such as visiting relatives and friends. We will address some of those questions here. According to the Centers for the Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s okay for people that are fully vaccinated to return to do most of the activities they were not able to do at the height of the pandemic. This includes visiting friends and family....

How often should you clean out your refrigerator?

September 28, 2021 by OurSeniors.net Staff Writer Comment Closed

When we clean our home, the last thing we think about is our refrigerator. It’s hidden, and there’s typically food in it at all times, making it hard to take the time to empty it for cleaning. What many of us may not know is that bacteria can linger in there from things leaking or spilling. There are also temperature zones within the fridge where bacteria can grow faster than others. Areas such as the doors that are exposed to warmer temperatures when opened are more prone to bacteria growth. This means it's important to consider when to clean it out and make sure the items inside are not making you sick. So, how often should you clean out your fridge? At least every 3-4 months. This is a great timeframe to take a look at any spoiled food, ensure your items are stored properly, and, of course, wipe it down and clean it from top to bottom. A great way to...

When should you stop driving?

September 21, 2021September 21, 2021 by OurSeniors.net Staff Writer Comment Closed

It’s no decrease that as we age, our ability to do certain things starts to decrease. So, the thought of; “When Should I Stop Driving” may have crossed your mind at some point. As we age we may experience a decrease in our vision, our hearing may be impaired and our motor skills and reflexes might also slow in comparison to what they were. Another concern is that any health conditions that we possess may be worsening or may pose a general threat to operating motorized vehicles at all. It's never what anyone wants to hear but it's something that everyone will have to think about at some point. As we age we will also experience a reduction in our strength as well as our coordination and flexibility. The important thing is to think about all relatable factors in conjunction with the general safety precautions you would have to take to control a car. Remember that everyone ages and everyone ages differently...

Preparing for hurricane season before it’s too late

July 30, 2021July 27, 2021 by OurSeniors.net Staff Writer Comment Closed

Hurricane season lasts from June to November of each year. NOAA predicted an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season this year with 13-20 named storms. Now is the time to prepare and here are some preparations you can start now: Your medicines - It is possible that prescription medication may not be attainable for a long period after a major storm. Have a full supply of all necessary medications; do not wait to the last minute to get prescriptions filled. Also, make sure that you have a good supply of any over-the-counter medications you take, as well as first aid supplies. Water and food - This is an obvious preparation for all people including seniors. Food should be non-perishable items for at least three days for each person in the house. Experts recommend at least one gallon of drinking water per person each day. Think of your pets - Dogs and cats are important parts of many senior households. Preparing for them is an important...

This is a great option for short-term care

July 27, 2021 by OurSeniors.net Staff Writer Comment Closed

| Written by Dr. Regina Asihene | Being a caregiver can be hard. In fact, we all burn out at some point and will need a break. When a primary caregiver needs a break, respite care can provide short-term relief. Respite care is basically time off so that the primary caregivers can get away from their responsibilities for physical and emotional relief. Respite can be arranged for a few hours, several days or even weeks. Respite care can be done in different settings: at home, in a nursing home, or at an assisted living facility. How much does respite care cost? Respite services charge by the hour or by the number of days that services are provided. Most insurance plans do not cover these costs. You must pay all costs yourself that are not covered by insurance or other funding sources. If you choose respite in a hospital or a skilled nursing facility, then Medicare will pay only five days in a row. Majestic...

Feeling Lonely? Adopt a Pet!

July 20, 2021July 19, 2021 by OurSeniors.net Staff Writer Comment Closed

There is no question that loneliness is one of the most common problems faced by seniors. It’s a serious problem too; loneliness can lead to increased stress, more frequent use of alcohol or tobacco and a number of medical problems. Unfortunately, the isolation made necessary by the Covid-19 pandemic has made this problem all the worse. Adopting a pet may offer seniors at least a partial solution to the problem of loneliness. Having a pet gives seniors both companionship and a purpose in life. Pets depend on their human companions for care, making a senior feel needed. Some pets provide increased security and the opportunity for exercise and social interaction. Seniors benefit physically and emotionally from having a pet companion, and the new adoptee finds care and a loving home. It can be a win-win situation, but there are some things to think about before jumping in. The first consideration is commitment. A senior must understand that pet ownership involves a long-term...

Here are a few tips for getting rid of summer pests

June 25, 2021June 23, 2021 by OurSeniors.net Staff Writer Comment Closed

Imagine yourself waking up bright and early to make a fresh cup of coffee. Sleepy-eyed you reach for sugar and notice dozens of little ants crawling over your counter! Welcome to summer in Florida, when the weather is perfect for creepy crawlers. Sugar ants (Linepithema humile), also known as Argentine ants, are one of the toughest bugs to get rid of. Their diet consists mainly of sweets and once they find some in your home, they leave a scent trail for others to find it. Only measuring 2.2 to 2.8mm, these ants will come back even after insistent cleaning and killings. So, what can you do to keep them away and off of your counters? Here are a few home remedies to help you keep the little buggers away from your snacks: Keep your counters, stove, and cabinets squeaky clean and dry After every meal you make, use a sponge with soap and water to wipe down all surfaces rather than just using a paper...

What to ask before considering aging in place

May 25, 2021May 24, 2021 by OurSeniors.net Staff Writer 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...

Category: Home & Living