RetirementHomes.com - Senior Housing

How to Know When it is Time for Home Care

aadmin — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 08:22:49 +0000

The baby boomer generation is aging, and with that comes concerns from their adult children. How do you know when your parents need some help? Here are some signs that might mean it's time to consider a home care service for your parent(s). If you see any of these signs, you'll also want to speak to your parent's physician, as some of them can indicate depression, dementia, or other health problems that need to be addressed.

Decline in Housekeeping

If your parents have always kept their home clean and neat, and you begin to see piles of newspapers, dirty laundry scattered around, signs of pest infestation, or just usual clutter, it could mean he/she is having trouble getting housework done and could use some help with everyday chores.

Decline in Grooming

Wearing dirty clothes, not washing hair, unbrushed teeth or other declines in personal grooming are a warning sign you should pay attention to. Many older adults are afraid of falling in the tub, others may be suffering from pain that makes daily self-care difficult, and still others may not be able to see or smell well enough to recognize poor grooming. All can indicate they may need some help.

You're Worried About Safety

Worrying about your parent's ability to perform everyday tasks safely is a major indicator that some help at home might be needed. Whether you're worried about slips and falls, safety while driving, ability to prepare meals without starting a fire, or ability to read prescription medication bottles, if you're at all worried about your mom or dad's safety, get in touch with a home care agency and your parent's physician.

Change in Diet

Old age can bring changes in diet, and those are not nessasirly a problem. If, however, you have a parent who has always prepared his or her own home-cooked meals and suddenly starts living off TV dinners or takeout, you'll want to find out why. It could be related to fears of forgetting something on the stove, age-related loss of taste and smell, or even depression. Some help with cooking can help ensure your mom and/or dad gets the nutrition they need.

Other Signs of Trouble

Finally, you'll want to watch for other signs of trouble. Scorched pots and pans, for example, could mean forgetting things on the stove. Loss of interest in previously-enjoyed activities can signal depression or other health problems, items piled around the home present fall risks, and "wall walking" or moving from one piece of furniture to another while walking could mean your parent feels unstable on his or her feet and might need an assistive device.

Final Thoughts

Talking to your parents about home care may not be easy, but these services can prevent severe injuries or even death due to falls or other easily-avoided issues. If you or a loved one needs help please give us a call. We would love to come and talk to your parents about our in-home care services that can help them maintain their independence and quality of life.

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Health and Wellness

senior care

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Baby Boomers

Caregiving

Family and Personal Care

Senior Housing

The Differences Between an Interstate and Intrastate Move

aadmin — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 09:32:17 +0000

Knowing which mover is right for you is more than just knowing who is “reliable.” Different types of moves have different types of rules and regulations based on the route your belongings travel. The major distinction comes between an Interstate and Intrastate move. Not knowing the difference between these 2 types of moves can lead to more stress and higher expenses. Being educated in all aspects of your move will help protect you against possible scams, as well as arm you with the knowledge of the regulations and laws that your movers need to follow.

Here is an easy breakdown of the differences between an Interstate and Intrastate move:

Interstate Moves:

What are they?

When performing an Interstate move (sometimes called a “long distance move”) your belongings at some point cross state/country lines. Regardless of the distance of the move (even if it’s only 1 mile), if your belonging cross state/country lines then your move an Interstate move.

How does this affect me?

When a mover performs an Interstate move they are governed by the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Their website provides a comprehensive list of rules and regulations that Interstate movers must follow (such as being licensed and insured). These rules help protect your rights and keep you safe from scam artists and dishonorable movers. Make sure to visit the FMCSA site (protectyourmove.gov) and learn these rules as well as the obligations that your movers have towards you.

Use this Inforgraphic to help familiarize yourself with what constitutes as an Interstate move:

Intrastate Moves:

What are they?

When performing an Intrastate move (sometimes called a “local move”) your belongings never cross state/country lines. Even if you are traveling hundreds of miles, if your belongings don’t cross state/country lines then your move is an Intrastate move.

How does this affect me?

Firstly, an Intrastate move is not regulated by the FMCSA. You may be thinking that without the FMCSA guidelines your movers could easily scam you. While this fear is completely understandable, it’s important to know that each state has its own set of rules and regulations that help protect you from unscrupulous movers. Make sure to do the proper research on what your state’s Intrastate policies are as each state is different from one another (some may be more lenient and some may be stricter).

Every Intrastate mover needs to abide by their state’s guidelines, so it is important to verify their credentials through the appropriate state channels. Here is a reference to help you track down the different governing bodies in each state: Intrastate Moving Requirements

One way to make your move easier is by using a service like 123Movers.com. We are an online resource that can help you find reputable long distance and local moving companies based on the starting point and final destination of your move. Just fill out our quick and easy form and professional movers in your area will contact you with moving estimates. While every mover listed on 123Movers.com has been screened for licenses and insurance, it is still important that you do your due diligence and double check this information as an added safeguard to your move.

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finances

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moving

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Family and Personal Care

Senior Housing

New Chinese law allows elderly to sue adult children for not visiting

aadmin — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:33:41 +0000

The Silver Wave is often seen as a Western phenomenon, but many countries around the world are experiencing aging populations. One nation seeing a significant graying of its residents is China, home to 1.4 billion citizens, and these demographic changes are creating new challenges for the country’s government.

As recently reported by Bloomberg News, Chinese officials are moving forward with plans to allow the country’s senior citizens to sue their adult children for not visiting enough.

Currently numbering more than 200 million strong, China’s elderly will have the law at their disposal beginning July 1, and they will be able to sue their children for neglect.

“Old people left alone at home are very lonely and lack both physical and psychological care, so it's actually better to live in a home like ours where we have people to care for them,” according to Yang Youling, director of the Xiyanghong Elderly Home in the city of Qufu.

Yang told the news source that despite the benefits of assisted living communities in China, many seniors in the country see their move into such homes as not being in their best interests, and so this new regulation will give them the ability to voice their concerns more loudly.

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Family and Personal Care

Senior Housing

Toronto Nuns Go Green in Retirement

aadmin — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:21:48 +0000

For 58 elderly nuns in Toronto, Canada, a fitting retirement is at hand. They have selflessly cared for the poor, sick and disadvantaged for a lifetime, now they are receiving a well-deserved thanks in retirement.

Even after a working life the sisters can contribute with a prayer partner, contact new immigrants to offer advice or assist staff and visitors.

The retirement building where they live is deemed by the Toronto Star to be "a marvel of modernity, built to the highest standards of environmental sensitivity: solar panels, rain-collection barrels, geothermal heating and cooling, a green roof and even permeable pavers in the parking lot to reduce water runoff."

The Sisters of St. Joseph wanted a building with proximity to nature to enliven their work and prayer lives. The views from the rooms are expansive and accessible to the smells and sounds of nature.

“We wanted simplicity,” Sister Margaret Myatt told The Star. “We wanted it to be as green a building as possible, to respect nature, and to be efficient and sustainable.”

The 4-story building has a ground floor area with a lobby. The second and third floors are utilized as a care center for residents. The top floor is an assisted-living area for the nuns.

In 1891, the Sisters of St. Joseph of founded St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto which has become an internationally-renowned health care facility. As well, they founded Toronto's St. Joseph's Hospital.

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assisted living

older people

retirement homes

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Family and Personal Care

Three ways to use your house for retirement planning

aadmin — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:20:35 +0000

Saving for retirement is a challenge for many Baby Boomers. Knowing how much money to put away, trying to estimate what future living expenses will be, and guessing how long they will live, are all factors in determining how much money to funnel towards retirement.

To help overcome the challenges of saving for retirement, Baby Boomers and seniors can consider a variety of options related to their homes which could provide additional income to help fund their retirement.

As reported recently by the Globe & Mail newspaper, here are three new potential sources of retirement income for homeowners:

1. Sell your house- In many parts of the United States and Canada, real estate is expensive, so if you sell your home, and move into an apartment, the money left over can be invested and used to fund your future retirement plans.

2. Downsize- If moving into an apartment is too much of a change, consider simply selling your home and moving into something smaller, and less expensive. Take the leftover money and use it as an investment.

3. Rent your home- If you don’t mind sharing your home, having a tenant can be a great opportunity for an additional income stream.
Are you a homeowner? How do you plan on paying for retirement? Tell us about it in the comment section below:

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financial planning

money

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Family and Personal Care

Senior Housing

Connecticut Retirement Community Holds Holiday Toy Drive

aadmin — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 13:55:56 +0000

The annual holiday toy drive benefiting the Southbury Needy Fund was a great success for The Watermark at East Hill Connecticut Retirement Community.

New and unwrapped toys for children in the community were generously donated. Tax deductible monetary donations were also accepted to acquire college books for students faced with the high cost of text books.

Michelle Bettigole, Executive Director of the Connecticut Retirement Community told ConnecticutPlus.com that she was delighted to have its residents, guests and associates contribute to this holiday toy drive. “All of us at The Watermark at East Hill would like to extend a big thanks to those who participate in the toy drive, helping to make the holidays special for those in need.”

The Southbury Needy Fund is a year-round support fund for families in need. One hundred percent of donations support local families.

The Watermark at East Hill offers a full spectrum of care: assisted living, nursing care, Alzheimer care - in one retirement community. Also, it houses Watermark University, a senior learning institute with a variety of innovative brain and body fitness courses - computer, cooking, art, music, literature, Yoga, Tai Chi and more.

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senior housing

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CCRC Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Senior Housing

Senior Living

What makes a good therapy dog?

aadmin — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:40:24 +0000

Therapy dogs are known for for working with elderly, disabled people, and children.

In Aiken, SC, a film "Paw Prints: Serena's Story," will premiere on Oct. 11 at the Aiken Center for the Arts. It's the story of a stray German shepard whose special demenor has helped bring joy into the lives of local schools, hospitals and therapeutic counseling centers.

Serena's owners, Steve and Doris Briggs, adopted the stray from a local shelter, according to the AikenStandard.com, they soon noticed five special qualities as a therapy dog.

She possesses a calm demeanor
She possesses the temperament and discipline needed to work in highly active environments with distractions and unanticipated interactions.
She is able to connect with different people: Serena travels to VA Hospitals to visit wounded veterans, and places to visit children and families at risk, among others.
She possesses special qualities to advance human health and well-being through positive interactions.
She is able to be touched by people and remain calm and alert. Children will go up to Serena and touch her eyes, her nose. They connect with her in a special way.

Therapy dogs are popular guests at Assisted Living and Continuing Care residences in North America.

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Senior Housing

How many people live in retirement homes?

aadmin — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:49:34 +0000

The Canadian government released statistics from its 2011 census today. As reported by Canada.com, the census found a growing number of seniors in the country, and a related growth in the number of seniors living in nursing care homes and assisted living communities.

According to the news source, the number of people in Canadian senior living communities in 2001 was about 285,000 people, and by 2011 that number had expanded to more than 393,000- a growth of nearly 38 per cent. Today, about 8 percent of Canadian seniors live in some kind of senior living community. Ten years ago, it was 7 per cent.

Part of that growth is simply due to the aging demographics of Canada – with more seniors today than 10 years ago – but the population of senior living residents rose faster than the number of seniors living alone, which grew by 20 per cent, and the number of seniors living with a spouse or partner, which grew by 35 per cent.

Another interesting tidbit from the Canadian census is the finding that life expectancy among Canadian men is rising faster than among women, and as a result, a growing number of older women are living with a spouse or partner.

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Family and Personal Care

Senior Housing

Are dogs allowed in retirement homes?

aadmin — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 11:58:45 +0000

There are almost 80 million dogs as pets in the United States, and nearly two-thirds of Americans have at least one pet, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

And with 80 million domestic dogs in the United States, a growing number of them are also in assisted living communities across the country, as reported recently by the Chicago Tribune newspaper.

One of the reasons for the increasing presence of dogs in senior living communities is the growing recognition that when seniors look for housing options, they want a lifestyle that makes them comfortable and happy in all areas of life.

"Many times we talk to families that have had a loss of a spouse, and they say, 'I can't take the dog away,’” senior living expert Tami Cumings told the newspaper.

And animals aren’t just about increasing happiness and fighting, depression, either. The Chronicle reports that a 2002 study found fish tanks inside Alzheimer’s Care units boosted the eating habits of Alzheimer’s patients, resulting in weight gain.

When it comes to finding that perfect senior living community for yourself or a parent, making sure that it makes you and them feel at home is centrally important.

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Family and Personal Care

Senior Housing

A Fool-Proof Formula for Easily Preventing Falls in the Elderly

aadmin — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 15:24:08 +0000

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

At the University of Manchester in Great Britain, a breakthrough has occured that could reduce the number of falls in the elderly. The university has created a carpet that warns a senior of the likelihood of a fall. Plastic optical fibers woven into the carpet are central to its effectiveness, in its ability to sound a warning before falls.

Preventing Falls in the Elderly

Tiny electronics act as sensors and relay signals to a computer, and are placed under the carpet, and can map, in real-time, the walking patterns of residents. These signals can be studied to exhibit footprint images and identify gradual changes in gait behavior or the impact of falls or trips.

Dr Patricia Scully leader of The University of Manchester's Photon Science Institute, told MailOnline: 'The carpet can gather a wide range of information about a person's condition; from biomechanical to chemical sensing of body fluids, enabling holistic sensing to provide an environment that detects and responds to changes in patient condition.

Falls in an Aging Society

Professor Chris Todd, a prominent member of the research team told the media source: 'Falls are a really important problem for our ageing society.' He added: 'More than a third of older people fall each year, and in nursing and residential homes it is much more common than that.'

Professor Told went on to tell MailOnline that being able to identify changes in people's walking patterns and gait in the natural environment, such as in a corridor in a nursing care home, could really help in identifying problems earlier on.

Assisted living and continuing care residences in North America and internationally would benefit greatly from this innovation.

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Senior Housing