Maintaining a good quality of life is essential for staying healthy. This is particularly true for seniors whose health needs increase as they grow older. As a senior, it’s important to be at an optimum weight because being underweight could mean a significant lack of nutrients, while being overweight could increase the risk of contracting diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more. So seniors need to stay active and maintain a healthy diet.
Fortunately, this has been made a lot more achievable today, largely thanks to modern technology. It’s been found that the use of technology among older adults is on the rise, with approximately 70 percent of seniors now embracing the internet. This makes technology a viable solution to helping seniors take better care of their health independently. It’s hard to deny that fitness trackers and watches are becoming more and more ubiquitous. And for good reason, too, as they are proving to be very handy devices that perform a myriad of functions, including keeping people motivated to meet their fitness goals. Seniors, in particular, could greatly benefit from these devices because of the ease-of-use that most models offer and their general unobtrusiveness. Many older adults are embracing smartphones, too. The larger screens and adjustable keyboards of today’s smartphones make them very easy to use, not just to stay connected, but also as a feasible tool in helping you keep your health in check. To help protect this investment, spend a little money on a case that can help protect it from damage. Use apps to achieve your fitness goals. Your smartphone is only as good as the apps installed in it. Thankfully, there’s now an app for just about everything under the sun, including many that can keep you on track for your health goals. This runs the gamut from tracking your physical activity to making sure that you eat right. There are even apps that help you track the data that matters most to you, like your BMI, glucose levels, and more. Beyond the physical, there are also apps available that focus on enhancing your mental health. These range from smart games to training programs to skills tests—all of which are designed to train your brain and keep your cognitive functions in tip-top shape. Go online to learn more about your health insurance And speaking of mental health, much of staying healthy relies on how well you stay away from stress and maintain your peace of mind. One way to achieve this is to ensure that you have healthcare coverage that you can rely on. This is where Medicare comes in. This federal healthcare program offered to seniors is actually a lot more complicated than most people realize, which is why it’s important to make sure that you have ample coverage for your specific needs. Know that Medicare’s Open Enrollment period is from October 15 to December 7. This is an excellent opportunity to review your coverage and make changes if necessary. So to make sure that you’re getting the best possible coverage, it’s important to take the time to do your due diligence and learn about your options. The internet is a fountain of information, so you’re sure to get answers when you go online. You can even make use of Medicare’s revamped Plan Finder tool, which offers exciting new features. No doubt, you will find recommendations online to expand your coverage with Medicare Advantage plans. Despite the added premiums, these plans are worthy of consideration as they come with additional services, such as prescription drug coverage, which could be exactly what you need to reduce out-of-pocket expenditures. Technology truly is a godsend for the young and old alike. Needless to say, it is in your best interest to take advantage of it as you strive to reach your health goals so you stay accountable, committed, and motivated, as well as fully in control of your well-being. Guest Author Hal Salazar Elders Today
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Getting rid of extra weight when you’re older can be a little more challenging. But getting to a healthy weight can help you look and feel better at any age. By losing weight, you can decrease your chances of developing diabetes and heart disease while giving yourself more energy. Need some pointers to help you develop your weight-loss plan?
Sign Up for Some Classes If you have a hard time getting to the gym, try signing up for some workout classes instead. Group fitness can keep you motivated to keep moving. All that exciting energy can be contagious and can drive you to exercise a little harder. You can try one of the more popular classes, like Zumba or Jazzercise, to get your heart rate up. There are also some low-impact options that are great for seniors. Know When to Schedule a Check-Up For the most part, you shouldn’t have any problems starting a new diet or exercise plan. As long as you’ve had a fairly recent physical, you’ll be fine adding some exercise or healthy foods to your daily routine. But if you’re living with a chronic illness or have not had a check-up, be smart and set up an appointment with your healthcare provider. You can discuss your weight concerns and figure out if you need to be careful when starting your new workout plans. Your doctor may also be able to refer you to nutritionists or physical therapists that can help you reach your weight loss goals safely. Carefully Clean Up Your Diet Avocado toast isn’t just for millennials. You need healthy fats to keep your heart and body strong. So think twice before you cut all fats out of your diet. Foods like avocados, eggs, and nuts can actually help you stay thinner as long as they are consumed in the right amounts. Be careful of cutting down your calories too much, too. Eating too little can actually prevent you from losing weight and cause other health side effects as well. Look for Fun Ways to Burn Calories Working out doesn’t have to burn you out. If you don’t want to waste time on a treadmill, try some more exciting ways to get the exercise you need. You can go on an evening bike ride with your partner, or play in the pool with the grandkids. If you have a dog, get in some regular, brisk walks in the park to get you both out of the house. If you’d prefer to work out alone, get some headphones so you can listen to music that will fuel your workouts. A secure stand that you can prop up anywhere will also come in handy as you follow along with interactive online training and workout videos. When you actually enjoy your workouts, you will be more likely to stick with them and stick to your plans to lose weight. Avoid Jeopardizing Your Joints This may come as a surprise, but extreme dieting and exercising can actually harm your joints. As we age, our joints become more susceptible to injury and pain, so be careful as you take steps to get into shape. Opt for low-impact cardio, and make sure your strength-training and exercise sets are balanced. Be sure to stretch and warm up before getting active, and try adding yoga to your fitness routine to increase flexibility. Don’t Get Tricked by Gimmicks When you’re looking to lose weight, it can be easy to get sucked into fads and crash diets. But as a senior, you need to be especially concerned about how these gimmicks will impact your health. So many of the weight-loss supplements on the market have no FDA approval and can even interact with other medications. Every year, thousands of people have to seek medical care due to the side effects of supplements, so be careful when planning out your weight-loss strategy. When it comes to taking off those extra pounds, these healthy options are your best bet. Losing weight takes some dedication and work, but you are more than capable. Changing your body can change your life, so start your weight loss journey today. Guest Author Hal Salazar Elders Today
Though Americans may associate multigenerational households with other countries, during the past decade, a large number of aging parents and children have decided to share living spaces. According to Pew Research Center, about 64 million Americans are members of multigenerational homes, which may include grandparents and even great-grandparents who join daily family activities.
Inviting an older relative to live with your family may not be the right choice for everyone, but for those who wish to save money and forge better relationships between the generations, it may be a great option. Consider the following ways to prepare your house for a senior family member before he or she moves in to maximize safety and comfort in your home. 1. Removing Fall Hazards to Promote Safety Your senior parent or grandparent may be perfectly healthy and not prone to falls and trips, but he or she will still be moving into an unfamiliar space. Do your best to remove objects with sharp corners and any hazards that could contribute to a fall before the move takes place. 2. Ensuring Your New Resident Has Personal Space No matter how much your aging mother loves her small grandchildren, she likely doesn't want to see them — or listen to their squeals and screams — around the clock. Make sure that your newest resident has enough space in which to rest and relax, and ensure that he or she has a place to retreat to if the house becomes too loud. 3. Remodeling Key Rooms for Accessibility If your senior loved one has a disability or mobility issues, consider remodeling his or her room and bathroom to include accessibility features. This could mean widening the doorways for a wheelchair, putting non-skid tiles in the bathroom, or adding handrails next to the toilets for stability. If your family member has accessibility measures in his or her current home, try to outfit your home with similar ones for a smooth transition into the new living space. Get in touch with a contractor if accessibility is a new topic for both you and your relative or if you're not sure what to add to make your home easier to navigate. Of course, paying for accessibility features will not come cheap. It’s important, therefore, to also look at financing options to ensure that your loved one gets the necessary upgrades for his or her space. Find out what is refinancing, either your own home or your loved one’s, and how it can potentially cover any renovations that need done. 4. Adding Brighter Lighting to Dim Areas Even if your senior family member doesn't have poor eyesight, increasing visibility by adding brighter lights in areas such as staircases, bathrooms and hallways could prevent a painful fall. When you're considering these home upgrades, check with your mortgage lender to determine whether it's a good time to refinance your mortgage. This will replace your old loan with one that has a higher balance, and you will be able to use the difference to finance necessary home modifications or medical care. 5. Asking Your Senior Loved One for Suggestions Your senior family member will likely have a few upgrade ideas when he or she transitions from living independently to living with you. Consult with Lifestage, a senior advisor in Spokane to pinpoint areas of the transition that may be especially difficult. Remember that your senior loved one will probably have mixed feelings about leaving his or her place of residence and moving to your family home. This period will likely be difficult in various ways for both you and your senior family member, and good communication can help it happen more smoothly. Guest Author Libby Howell http://grandparent.info/ Image via Pexels
At the height of the pandemic, moves to senior communities were put on hold except in certain circumstances. Now that transmission rates are down, lives are moving forward. However, people are still experiencing some uncertainty as they try to get back to normal. Lifestage has assembled some resources to help provide a little peace of mind as we emerge from the pandemic.
Living Arrangements and Affordability Seniors have a number of living arrangement options these days, and many involve apartment-style living and cohabitation. Learn more about what’s available to you so you can make an informed choice.
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COVID-19 caused tremendous disruption of life. We’ve emerged from lockdown, vaccines are widely available, and communities are safer. If COVID-19 left you uncertain about senior living arrangements or unable to pay the bills, you certainly weren’t alone. As we recover together, know that help is available and better terms can be negotiated with lenders. Lifestage is a senior advisory agency with over 100 years combined experience in various aspects of the healthcare industry. We specialize in making a personalized match with retirement communities at all levels of care from independent living to memory care. This senior care referral service is offered at NO-COST to the family, so get in touch today. Guest Article by Harry Cline newcaregiver.org/ The New Caregiver’s Comprehensive Resource: Advice, Tips, and Solutions from Around the Web Photo Credit: Pexels
We’re living longer and healthier lives. What seemed like “old age” to us years ago is now merely the age of wisdom and no regrets. Population experts at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Vienna go so far as to argue that age 60 should now be classified as “middle aged,” not old.
Of course, this doesn’t mean all of the seniors in your life are happy about events that are commonplace as we grow older. It may be harder to visit faraway children and grandchildren, friends may have had to move to assisted living or nursing homes, or are deceased. Your senior family and friends may be frustrated by negative stereotypes in the media, or ageism in the workplace – things that tell them they should be feeling old, even if they don’t. The happier we remain, the less we fear getting older. By selecting gifts for the seniors in your life that inspire them to embrace the freedom and happiness they’ve earned, you are restoring their belief that age is, in fact, just a number. Aging In Place lists a few ideas. Three cheers for fitness Engaging in physical activity is still beneficial in our senior years; in fact, improving muscle strength and balance can prevent falls, and aerobic activities can keep heart muscles healthy and improve metabolism. However, particularly if the seniors in your life are not currently physically active, don’t spring a gym membership on them and expect them to go solo. Many fitness clubs have senior-only classes that are low- or no-impact. Yoga designed for seniors can be a lifelong pursuit, and it greatly improves balance and promotes healthy sleep. Buy a few classes to test the waters; finding same-aged friends to join can also increase participation and staying power. If your senior friends and family are already engaging in physical activity, find a gift that demonstrates your support in their endeavors. Grab those running tights in the newest tech fabric that they may not think to purchase for themselves, purchase them a membership in a food co-op to support an overall healthy lifestyle, or give them a sleek armband so they can use apps on their smartphone to work out. Look good, feel better Regardless of individual viewpoints on the physical signs of aging, such as wrinkles or graying hair, how each person chooses to handle it is a personal choice. As Psychology Today notes, for those over 60 “… it’s not uncommon to be shamed by others about wearing makeup and/or appreciating it.” That’s unfortunate. The desire to present oneself as physically attractive doesn’t vanish as we get older. Consider giving your senior a spa day, a self-care indulgence suitable for men or women. Extend an invite to dinner at a nice restaurant, complete with a trip to the hair salon for an “updo” – for no reason. Nutrition is also an important internal mechanism that fights the external signs of aging. Consider giving your senior’s healthy diet a boost by giving them a collagen supplement that can be incorporated into shakes and other beverages. The benefits of collagen include younger skin, healthier joints and bone loss prevention. You might “innocently” offer them a taste of a collagen shake first to demonstrate how good it tastes, so they won’t be skeptical when they receive the gift! Make their time your time Finally, nothing says you care like giving your time. Carve out an hour or two a week to visit your senior friends. See a comedy together, share some of the newer songs on your playlist with them, and help them navigate the latest social media platforms; keeping up to date is important to healthy and happy aging. Another gift idea addresses the fact that more retirees are returning to school. Maybe your loved one would love to explore a new subject or earn that MBA they never got. There are accredited institutions that allow for flexibility so seniors can take the classes they want and still enjoy retirement. Get creative by making a gift certificate or basket with the promise to pay for some classes or books. Giving seniors gifts that inspire a healthy life may also assure you that as you age, you too can do so well and happily, without worrying about the number. Guest Author Hal Salazar Elders Today
Moving can be one of the most stressful life experiences for people of any age. There are a variety of reasons why someone may choose to move. As a senior, you may be looking for more senior-friendly housing. There are three ways hiring movers can ease the majority of your stress.
Takes Care of Your Health Stress has a real impact on your physical health. When you experience stress, your muscles tense, resulting in tension headaches and shoulder, head and neck tension. Among older adults, about one in seven suffer from lung ailments, such as asthma or COPD. Unfortunately, in times of stress, you may suffer rapid breathing or shortness of breath. Acute stress can trigger panic attacks, resulting in asthma attacks. According to Michigan Medicine, you can relax your mind and body through deep breathing exercises. Be mindful of your surroundings and your reactions. Mindful meditation can calm you through exercises that help you acknowledge the world around you without attempting to alter it. Try to journal during the moving process to help you get your feelings out about the major changes. When you have full-service movers, they do everything for you. You can focus on your emotional and physical health because the movers will supply the packing materials, conduct the packing, and load and unload the trucks. Movers can even unpack your items too. Protects Your Home To allow movers into your home takes trust. Always hire licensed, reputable moving services. Check the reviews and testimonials to ensure that your choice will not take advantage of your situation or harm your valuables. Your movers may also be able to suggest a locksmith for your safety. Brand new locks can help you feel safe and settled in your new place. To find the best rated locksmiths in your area, search for locksmiths near you. Before you hire a local locksmith, check for any complaints online. Look at testimonials, as you did with the movers, and check ratings. Top-rated locksmiths should be licensed, bonded and experienced. Make sure to ask whether they offer a warranty for their work to protect you against mistakes. The cost to rekey your door may be between $50 and $150, but prices may vary. When moving to a new home, you want to feel safe and settled. Brand new locks and a security system will allow you to protect your valuables and yourself. Prevents Injuries Naturally, you may want to assert your independence by helping during a move, but it may be dangerous when it comes to heavy objects. For elderly adults, the leading cause of nonfatal and fatal injuries is falling. When carrying heavy furniture or boxes, the likelihood of falling and injuring yourself increases. Likewise, about 44 million Americans have osteoporosis, and if you are among those Americans, you could suffer fractures through heavy lifting. When you have movers, you can relax and only have to carry what you are physically able to. If you come across an object that is too heavy, do not test it. Know when to give in and let the professionals have a chance. Moving is stressful for all adults, but it may come with even more stress and tension for older adults. To keep yourself healthy and without injuries and to protect your assets, you should only allow professionals to help you. Hiring a professional mover can help mitigate stress and streamline the process. Guest Author Hal Salazar Elders Today
You’ve recently received your Medicare card, you’re signed up for Social Security, and now you’re ready to really “retire.” When you decide what this means to you, you might find that your current house doesn’t fit the plan. You may need a smaller space, especially if you live alone, can’t afford the utilities, or have budding issues with mobility or vision.
The big question now is what to do with your home. Should you keep it to leave as an estate for your family? Is it better to sell it and put the money toward your smaller space? If you don’t need a quick injection of cash, can you rent it out for enough money to cover your new mortgage? Prepare a Sound Budget The last thing any retiree wants to do is set themselves up for a precarious financial future. With that in mind, carefully establish a budget for whatever downsizing solutions you’re seriously considering. Weigh in factors like cost of living in your new living situation, what you can earn from your solution, and don’t forget that moving will be one expense you can count on. Moving Carefully Movers are notorious for scamming people, especially seniors. As you tally up costs and to avoid becoming one of their victims, be sure to research reviews from actual customers before you select a moving company. Get quotes from several companies in your area, and make sure you understand in detail what services their quotes cover. Selling Before you commit to putting your home on the market, you’ll need to figure out what it’s worth and how much you’ll make from the sale. There are many things that go into this, but a good starting point is to determine the average selling price in your area. If you have significant equity, or better yet, if your home is paid off, you might be able to purchase your next home outright, and/or pay off other debts. Selling is usually a great idea if you have a larger home and enough equity to avoid a mortgage in the future. For example, if you owe $100,000 on a home that you expect to sell for $500,000, you can reasonably anticipate buying a $300,000 condo or cottage and having some money to spare to cover closing costs and any senior-friendly changes you want to make to your new home. Keep in mind that you will also need to compare your property to similar properties within a few miles of where you’re located. Take into consideration the condition of your home, and then determine if you want to sell as-is or make upgrades that might increase its value. Renting If you don’t have a ton of equity, it might make better financial sense to turn your house into a rental. This can be especially prudent if you have a low monthly mortgage and your home is in an area with relatively high rental rates. Renting for more than you pay each month, when you factor in insurance and maintenance, ensures your mortgage continues to be paid on time and supplements your Social Security or pension. If your home is in a tourist-friendly area, it may be prudent to rent it to vacationers. A vacation rental has the potential to bring in significant income if it is in the right location and provides the amenities tourists are looking for. Of course, you’ll need it to stand out in online listings and look beautiful for your guests, so if you choose this route, consider working with an expert designer who can help with every aspect of setting up your spaces to make them irresistible to renters. Along with an experienced interior designer, many find that hiring a management company is their best option. A property manager can handle many important responsibilities like home cleanings, security, booking and checkout, and local guest support. One concern here is that there are many regulations that govern the process of becoming a landlord. Rentec Direct explains that these fall under the scope of both federal and state laws. You may also have to contend with your homeowner’s association, which might require that the owner or a relative remain on the premises. Keep it in the Family When your desire is to pass down the family home, you must realize that this means you may not enjoy a financial gain. RBC Wealth Management asserts you should confirm that your children or grandchildren actually have an interest in the property, first and foremost, since they might have other plans. Another potential difficulty here is if you have multiple heirs and have not made a will. This can leave your personal desires open to interpretation and can create turmoil in the family if you die intestate. What’s more, there are some complicated legal- and tax-related issues in gifting a large asset like a house, so consider discussing your particulars with an attorney. Anytime you’re handling a big life decision, it’s best to get some advice from family members and professionals if you are unsure of the best route. Remember, what you do with your home now can affect you in the future. Unless health or finances push you toward one or another, take your time, put yourself first, and don’t rush the process. Guest Author Hal Salazar Elders Today Image via Pexels
There are two kinds of pain. Acute pain and Chronic pain. Acute pain begins suddenly, lasts for a short time, and goes away as your body heals. Acute pain can be caused by injury such as a broken bone, or from treatable medical conditions such as a kidney stone.
Pain that lasts for three months or longer is called chronic pain. Chronic pain can be caused by health conditions such as arthritis. It may also follow acute pain from an injury or surgery. Living with any type of pain can be hard and it may lead to other issues such as:
Describing Pain Many people have a hard time describing pain. Think about these questions when you explain how the pain feels:
Doctors often ask you to rate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain you can imagine. Treating Pain Treating, or managing, chronic pain can be accomplished in many different ways. Some treatments may involve medication, and some, including physical therapy may not. Ask your doctor how long it may take before you feel better. You will likely need to stick with the treatment plan as prescribed before you get relief. It's important to stay on a schedule. As your pain improves, you can likely become more active and will see your sleep and mood improve. Medicines Your doctor may prescribe one or more medications to help relieve your pain. Talk to your doctor before starting any medication including over the counter medications.
It's important to take exactly the amount of pain medicine your doctor prescribes. Don't chew or crush your pills if they are supposed to be swallowed whole. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're having trouble swallowing your pills. Mixing any pain medication with alcohol or other drugs can be dangerous. Make sure your doctor knows all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements. What Other Treatments Help with Pain? In addition to drugs, there are a variety of treatments that may provide relief. It may take both medicine and other treatments to feel better. As always be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin any treatment.
There are things you can do yourself that might help you feel better.
Whether you plan to work until age 70 for peak Social Security benefits or you’re hoping to keep busy for the foreseeable future, a retirement job can be an engaging way to pass the time. Lifestage invites you to consider one of these options for re-entering the workforce with zeal.
Start Your Own Business Perhaps you always dreamed of being your own boss during your working years, but you never had the opportunity to strike out on your own. Why not give entrepreneurship a try in retirement? Many seniors find fulfillment as small business owners. When you’re setting up your small business, consider registering your company as an LLC for tax breaks and limited liability. Check out the specific regulations for the state where you operate your business. Working with a lawyer during this process can be pricey, so if you don’t want to handle the paperwork on your own, you may want to seek assistance from an online formation service. If you intend to hire some employees to help you run your business, then you’ll need to learn more about payroll. Defining payroll in layman’s terms, payroll involves the act of paying the people you hire for the work they’re doing. You’ll need to distribute paychecks on a regular basis, tackle the appropriate taxes, and make sure you keep accurate records regarding your employees’ wages. It’s a lot more involved than it first appears, so it’s important that you do your research or get help before you hire your very first employee. Caregiver Working as a caregiver can be a wonderful way to secure additional income while helping others. Depending on your background, you could easily land a job as a home health aide or personal care aide. Just keep in mind that caregiving can sometimes be a difficult role. So be prepared to implement work-life balance boundaries so you can offer the best possible care while also being mindful of your own needs. Insurance Agent Working in the insurance sector is ideal for retirees because of the flexibility and on-the-job training. You can often work from home in insurance jobs like sales agent, claims adjuster, or underwriter. Many roles don’t require a degree, but ongoing training gives the support you need to excel (and meet sales goals). Communicating with clients and developing positive relationships is vital in insurance roles. If you enjoy working with people and solving problems, insurance may be the right field for you. Plus, this fast-paced, collaborative field will help you stay social, which can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Before applying for a job, research companies to see if they’re the right fit. Travel Jobs If you hope to travel during your retirement but need to finance trips, a travel job might be an ideal fit. AARP explains that travel jobs like travel agent, event planner, campground host, tour guide, or a Peace Corps role are excellent for retirees who want to see the world. And, the Peace Corps has no upper age limit, so anyone can apply to work for them. The organization also offers health and dental benefits during your service. However, the compensation you receive could affect your Social Security benefits, which is an essential factor in your employment decision. Other travel jobs can involve free lodging in exchange for minor groundskeeping tasks, such as at RV parks or campgrounds. Many volunteer opportunities that include free lodging are available via Volunteer.gov. In partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and National Park Service, you can explore nature and culture wherever you want to travel. Bookkeeper Bookkeeping is a field that can involve everything from data entry to file organization. As a bookkeeper, you can work in professional, technical, healthcare, finance, and insurance areas. Bookkeeping requires attention to detail and a focus on facts and figures, and you can often work from home. However, if you prefer to work in an office with a team of colleagues—which offers socialization and mental perks—those types of roles are common, too. Freelance Writer Whether you like to stay up to date on neighborhood news or enjoy writing about your life experiences, freelance writing might be the perfect fit. Consider reaching out to local newspapers and magazines for journalism jobs, or contact businesses with websites for short-term copywriting gigs. Freelancing is ideal for seniors since you can work as much or as little as you want. Plus, becoming a digital nomad is also a possibility with freelancing. Plenty of older adults are making the leap and traveling the world while working retirement jobs. It’s important to remember that freelancing also demands that you keep organized with taxes, health insurance, and other financial aspects of self-employment to succeed as a freelance writer. Working through retirement is a choice many seniors make, and finding the right position is easier than ever. With your expertise, plus a few refreshed skills, you can choose any of these roles and continue to enjoy the perks of retirement. Guest Author Hal Salazar Elders Today Photo via Pexels
Acting as a caregiver for your senior or disabled loved one when their health is declining is hard enough, but handling those responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic has been even harder. When you’re a caregiver, you deal with high levels of stress and anxiety, and the pandemic has only added to your long list of concerns. However, by following these tips, you can navigate this difficult phase with dignity and ensure that your loved one gets the care that they need.
Options for Long-Term Care If your loved one’s health has been declining, you may be struggling to keep up with their needs. It may seem like a risky time to consider transferring your loved one to an assisted living facility for long-term care, but if they require more support than you could realistically provide on your own, you may need to explore this possibility regardless of the extenuating circumstances. With vaccinations in full swing, however, you may find that many potential communities have reopened spots for new residents. Once you find several options, be sure to take a tour of each community to get an idea of what your loved one can expect. Financing Long-Term Care If you have found a safe assisted living community where your loved one can enjoy high-quality care, you will need to help them figure out how to cover the costs. According to Daily Caring, your loved one may be able to use their private savings, long-term care insurance or Medicaid. If none of these options work for your loved one, they could consider selling their home to foot the bill. You can assist them in researching home prices and real estate market trends in their area. Bear in mind that it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of selling a home in the current market before making a final decision on financing long-term care for your loved one. Plan for the Move When you and your loved one have found the appropriate space, it’s time to start paring down their belongings and preparing for the move. Your loved one may have difficulty parting with cherished items, so be patient and helpful as they decide what to keep and give away. Consider also helping them determine whether they need new furniture or if their couch, chairs or loveseat will work in the new space. If fit isn’t an issue, having their furniture cleaned is a great way to prepare for a fresh start. Research reviews to determine a furniture cleaning company’s reputation before making a deal, and be sure to clarify their cleaning methods and whether it comes with a warranty. Discuss Final Wishes The thought of saying goodbye to your loved one is heartbreaking, but you need to speak with them about their final wishes. Next Avenue recommends having this conversation while your loved one is still of sound mind and can convey their own opinions. You can use the information you glean from this discussion to create or update an “advance directive” that outlines their end-of-life plans in regards to health care. As a caregiver, you may feel like you’re holding down another full-time job. Supporting your loved one as their health worsens presents a fair number of challenges. However, rest assured that your loved one appreciates all you do for them, even if they can’t express it. By carefully weighing their long-term care options, taking precautions to keep your home safe and clean, and being willing to have those emotional conversations about their final wishes, you’ll feel confident that you’re doing everything you can to keep them happy and healthy. Lifestage is a senior advisory agency dedicated to helping older adults establish a successful legacy and find support through every life stage. For a consultation, reach out to us today. Guest Author Hal Salazar Elders Today Photo via Pexels |
AuthorTy Strahl is the areas leading senior adviser. Her job is to help you navigate the many aspects of aging and to help seniors who are in transition to find the right solutions for their individual needs. Archives
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