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Is It Time for a Senior Living Switch?

When a senior is feeling unhappy in his or her care facility, loved ones want to do whatever is in their power to fix things. However, sometimes the situation will be beyond fixing, and instead a switch to somewhere completely new will be the only option suitable for the senior person’s well being. In such a case, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. First and foremost, transitions must be handled delicately. It is also important to remember that a senior’s unhappiness will not always be explicit, but may have to be discovered by reading between the lines. In some cases, the issue lies not with the facility but instead with the individual. Choosing to change facilities is a big decision that must not be made lightly.

Key Takeaways:

  • According to Patricia Maisano of IKOR International, there are definitive signs when the elderly become dissatisfied with where they reside.
  • When seniors move into a new community, it is a big change and it’s normal to have a transition period while they get used to it.
  • One sign of an elderly loved one being unhappy in their residential community is that they will take meals in their room and not get involved in group activities.

“If your parents are miserable in their senior community, you’ll do anything you can to make them feel better. But have you considered the possibility that the facility itself isn’t a good fit?”

Read more: https://www.ourparents.com/care-topics/2017/12/15/is-it-time-for-a-senior-living-switch/

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What Senior Men Need to Know About Andropause

Andropause or Low T (testosterone) for most men is an avoidable side effect of aging. Many attribute a low sex drive or erectile dysfunction to Andropause however there are other effects that low T has on the aging male body and its functions. Unlike menopause in women, Andropause in men can cause decline in muscle mass production as well as cognitive and memory problems. This article helps to identify some of the most common symptoms although it recognizes that not all men will show signs of symptoms to Adropause.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thirty-eight percent of aging men experience “andropause” or low testosterone.
  • Low Testosterone could be triggered by such things as cancer, diabetes or steroid abuse.
  • Low testosterone can be treated by living healthy and taking testosterone supplements if needed.

“The changes women experience during menopause get a lot of attention, but those associated with andropause, or “low T” – an issue experienced by a number of senior men – don’t get talked about quite as often.”

Read more: https://www.senioradvisor.com/blog/2017/11/what-senior-men-need-to-know-about-andropause/

aging parent

What NOT to Say: Tips for Better Communication with Your Aging Parent

It is always better to be honest with others, right? Even so, there are times when some truths are better left unsaid or at least worded more positively, especially when talking with aging family members. Although we might have the best of intentions in attempting to help seniors navigate life, we could help alleviate problems with hurt feelings in our loved ones by rethinking statements such as the following: Read more

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Empowering Seniors to Go Where They Want, When They Want

All senior citizens share in a strong desire for independence. However, as human beings grow older, this longing for independence can become increasingly difficult to fulfill, especially after a person becomes too old to continue driving safely. Luckily, however, there are plenty of transport options available to seniors aside from driving their own vehicle. Some of these options include pedestrian travel, traveling by bicycle, taking advantage of public transportation options, traveling by train, using a cab or ride hailing service, being transported by friends, family, volunteers, or medical services, and, finally, self-driving cars.

Key Takeaways:

  • As human beings grow older, it becomes increasingly difficult to operate motored vehicles safely
  • Many places offer strong public transportation infrastructure that seniors can take advantage of, other otherwise have nearby cab services available
  • Technology has helped to foster independence for elderly people thanks to the proliferation of ride hailing apps and the coming innovation of self driving vehicles

“Just like family caregivers, seniors often have many places to go each day.”

Read more: http://seniorcarecorner.com/empowering-seniors-transportation

vision loss

New Technologies Provide Real Help for Those with Vision Loss

Impacting millions of Americans, vision loss can be as varied as the individuals who experience it – from simply having to put on a pair of reading glasses to skim through the morning paper, to complete blindness. And it’s a lot more common in older adults, with one in every three senior citizens over age 65 experiencing some type of eye disease that affects vision, like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, as well as others. Thankfully, as with a lot of other challenging conditions, technology continues to explode with choices to improve standard of living for people experiencing vision problems. Simply take a look at a few of the vision enhancement tools that are now available: Read more

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How Seniors Benefit from Pet Therapy

Many animal lovers are incredibly fond of their pets. For Seniors this can be a more added benefit than many may realize. Offering companionship and at times their own individuality, pets used as therapy animals can help reduce the effects of many illnesses including those long term. It has been recognized in studies that therapy pets for Seniors can help improve social skills and enhance moods positively as well as reduce the need for some medications and other treatments. Healthier Seniors many would say are much happier than unhealthy ones and Therapy animals most would say can be a key determining factor.

Key Takeaways:

  • Although cats and dogs are the most commonly used animals for this type of therapy, any species of animal could be used for therapeutic benefits
  • The myriad of health benefits that accompany animal based therapies is well documented by reputable organizations like the CDC
  • Animal ownership provides seniors with social companionship and opportunities for exercise among many other advantages

“Pet therapy is one of the long used treatments for taking control over a range of health problems, depression and mood disorders particularly.”

Read more: https://senior.com/blogs/seniornews-com/how-seniors-benefit-from-pet-therapy

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Why It Pays to be Proactive When Talking About a Financial Care Plan

It’s a sensitive topic to go over with aging parents, but one which needs to be resolved at some point: a financial care plan. Many adult children are reluctant to step into their parents’ financial matters until there is an obvious need, but beginning the discussion ahead of the need provides ample opportunity to ensure everything is in order. Read more

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3 Senior Activities that Improve Balance & Prevent Falls

As people grow older, they become increasingly vulnerable to falling. However, there are certain actions that senior citizens can take in order to reduce the risk of falling and lower the amount of harm that would result from a fall. One important preventive measure elderly people can put into practice is regularly working on their ability to balance through specific exercises. Some senior friendly exercises that are proven to bolster balance include dancing, Tai Chi, and yoga.

Key Takeaways:

  • When it comes to exercise options for seniors, dance is among the best, as it can improve balance and is also fun and social
  • The Chinese art of Tai Chi provides every part of the human body with the advantages of low intensity exercise
  • Yoga offers a myriad of benefits to those who practice it regularly, and seniors will undoubtedly benefit from stronger balancing abilities as a result

“Both medical and elderly care professionals recommend a number of fall prevention strategies that can help seniors and family caregivers lower elderly adults’ risk of falling.”

Read more: https://senior.com/blogs/seniornews-com/tagged/fall-prevention

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How Technology Can Help Seniors Drive More Safely

As we age the ability to do some things may decrease. Decreases in the ability to drive a car can be especially problematic. Thankfully advances in technology have created ways to make this a more comfortable experience. The author here explains some of these advancements to help Seniors with this problem. For example podcasts can provide information for gatherings of awareness, therapy classes and support groups. Technology itself has provided warning systems in vehicles to make a driver aware of potential hazards with their driving habits.

Key Takeaways:

  • Studies show older drivers could use awareness of new cars and their technology
  • Some newer vehicles come equipped with back-up-camera, front collision warnings, automatic emergency breaking, etc
  • some insurance companies offer driver’s training for seniors with newer vechiles

“For most of us who live outside cities with great public transit, losing the ability to drive can be an isolating and traumatic event. That’s especially true for seniors who live alone or in pedestrian-unfriendly suburbs.”

Read more: https://www.senioradvisor.com/blog/2017/12/how-technology-can-help-seniors-drive-more-safely/

preferred home care for seniors

Who we’re taking care of

According to Allison Powell, the members of Community Wisdom share something in common in that they are all caregivers to at least one person, if not many. Some members have adult loved ones on the autism spectrum, many of whom are non-verbal and require constant supervision. Others care for aging parents with physical challenges, as well as Alzheimer’s and dementia. And still others are caring for veterans with PTSD and a variety of physical disabilities. While being a caregiver is never easy, it is good to know that there are others experiencing similar challenges to our own.

Key Takeaways:

  • One caregiver cares for a 180 pound autidtic, teenage son, who functions at a two year old level.
  • It’s not uncommon for caregivers to neglect their own doctor’s visits, as they spend most of their time ensuring their loved one makes their appointments.
  • While many parents struggle with special needs children, others are taking care of their own aging parents.

“Our community members are taking care of many different people with many different conditions and ability levels.”

Read more: https://thecaregiverspace.org/who-were-taking-care-of/