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Retirement Planning

10 Job Roles For Aging Parents

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Many people believe that they are now old and don’t have to work anymore, but this isn’t the case anymore. With growing age, you learn many lessons, and one of these is to work as long as you can and put your experience to good use. It is best if you never relied on others, not even your children. Moreover, working elders are more likely to stay fit and healthy for longer because their brains and bodies are active.

According to a research report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 40% of old age people ranging at least 55 or older are either working or looking for work. You might not have expected, but there are plenty of jobs available out there for older people.

It doesn’t matter if you are retired – you still can work and make your living, because there is nothing more pleasant than living by yourself and meeting your needs.

Read on to know more about the most flexible high earning job opportunities for senior people. You don’t have to work long hours shift; instead, you can have a part-time job which is available in abundance and will make you earn some extra money, have new acquaintances, or can try a different career – the one that you might have never opted because of your then-current roles.

Most Preferred Job Roles for Aging People

Below detailed is a list of job roles that are feasible for people of old age.

1. Consultant

The job role that topped the chart for people of old age is being a consultant. It is a perfect job role for older people who are knowledgeable and with a lot of valuable skills if you had worked in any corporate environment and have a better understanding of the particular field than you must present yourself for this role.

Companies hire consultants for specific fields where guidance and training are needed. This role can be a perfect fit for you, with flexibility in working hours as well.

Part-time consultants can make around $35 /hour.

2. Part-time Driver

Driving in your suitable-available hours is fun, and with being old and not having opportunities for more jobs, part-time driving is genuinely feasible and makes you good money too.

There are several cab services like Uber, myTaxi, Lyft, etc. that hire independent drivers with the flexibility to work in different shifts, timings, and even days. According to a survey conducted by BSG (Benenson Strategy Group), around 23% to 25% drivers of Uber are over 50 years, and what’s more exciting is the average amount that you can make.

These cab services are always in search of older people who could drive at their convenience and cover the routes. This job doesn’t demand any prior driving experience.

The average collection of a part-time Uber driver is around $9 to $15 in an hour.

3. Childcare Provider

Most couples have different working hours, and they often found it way too expensive to hire a baby sitter from a home care provider. Babysitting is an opportunity for older people to look after other people’s children and can even work in a childcare provider agency.

There are also childcare education programs that help you in learning how to provide intensive care to toddlers. After having the certificate or license, the chances of getting a position is more evident in any home care service agency.

Older people who provide childcare assistance are making a good wage average of nearly $10 to $13 an hour.

4. A Salesperson In A Retail Store

Making money online is much easier, but a lot of old people just don’t get it. Therefore, a popular job among these people is working as a salesperson in a nearby retail store. Salesperson positions have flexible schedules with good pay. Interaction with customers makes it more joyous.

You can work in your favorite store, for instance, clothing stores, sports stores, bookstore, pharmacies, etc. Also, you can have a day well spent with people who have similar interests like yours.

The average salesperson makes around $14.12 per hour.

5. Gardener

Gardening is known as a well-liked hobby among older people. But you can make good money by working officially as a gardener. There are many jobs available in a nursery, or a landscape company. Though it is believed that this work is often seasonal, you can still make money from it.

The average hourly wage of a gardener is around $12 to $14.

6. Administration Assistant

Do you have the abilities and qualities to manage things? If yes, then several companies hire administrative assistants to run through operations smoothly, answering phone calls, and drafting emails, etc.

The average pay for this job falls at around $15.

7. Writer

Brands are always on a hunt for writers with the capacity to write on almost all genres. If you a story-teller or can do creative writing like blogs or articles, then you can choose this career as a profession.

You can be a prospective freelancer writer by staying home, writing at your own free will, and maintaining perfect work-life balance. If you have a solid academic background with at least a master’s degree, then you can also provide research paper writing service to students.

Writers make good money, but a regular writer makes around $20 to $30 an hour.

8. Pet Sitter

Pets are considered an integral part of a family, and pet sitting is quite a brilliant job. Also, this job could be a perfect fit for the people who are pet lovers. It doesn’t require any prior experiences, certification, or even a lot of physical strength.

Pet sitting could be an ideal job role with a good payoff as well. According to the New York Post, pet sitters are making around an average of $3300 a month.

9. Teacher

Do you love kids? Do you have enough expertise in your field or a subject? If the answer is yes, then teaching is the most go-to profession for you. It is a profession in which a person never retires. You can also assist students with their term projects for additional earning because a lot of students go to essay writing service UK companies for specialized aid.

If you can’t work full time, there is good news for you. Several educational institutes hire visiting faculties. Check out at your local school, community college, or a center for any adequate opening based on your skills and expertise.

It has been estimated that the average income of a part-time teacher in the US around $30,000.

10. Courier

Being a courier can be difficult, but if you can keep up with the time and manage things up, this could be an ideal job role for elders. There are plenty of opportunities in it. From medical reports delivery to food and from furniture to home appliances, people buy everything online, which means that the demand for this job is significant.

It has been estimated that couriers can make around $14 on an hourly basis.

Conclusion

People who work while aging enjoys many perks like getting good paychecks, having a well-established social circle, sharp mental capacity, and retirement savings.

If you are still thinking about what to do, I have mentioned many opportunities that anyone can avail of concerning their availabilities and can make the most of it, because everyone deserves to live a happy and independent life.

Author Bio

Claudia Jeffrey is currently working as Content Strategist at Crowd Writer, a credible platform to get on-time delivery of essay help UK. She has gained a credible reputation with her outstanding write-ups on the health and well-being of elders. She likes to share her views and opinions through writing.

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Healthy Living

How to Keep a Productive Mindset During the Whole Day

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Nowadays, everybody is busy. Even little children are busy with their own things. Most adults wake up every morning with tons of activities waiting to be performed. As a father, CEO, essay writer or lawyer, you know what I’m talking about.

The only people who succeed in this world are those who know how to manage their time and productivity effectively. People who can’t manage their time well never get the most important things done and this pulls them down like a sea anchor.

If you’ve been struggling to maintain a productive mindset, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we are going to discuss a few great tips that will help you maintain a productive mindset the entire day. Let’s get started!

Put it down on paper

You should write down every activity or project you are expected to work on. Assignment writers Australia agree that writing down things organizes your mind and reduces the amount of energy needed trying to remember the tasks. You should prepare this list preferably at night before you sleep or when you wake in the morning. After creating the list, organize the activities, organize them in order of priority.

Start with the most important task and progress until you are through with the list. Start working on the most important task until you complete it successfully. Then move on to the next task. Never progress to task 2 when task 1 is not complete.

There is no point in starting something and failing to finish. It’s better not to start at all. But if you want to maintain a productive mindset, you have to work hard on your tasks and stick with them to completion.

Start with the difficult task

No one loves working on difficult tasks. However, the most difficult tasks are usually the most rewarding if done efficiently and completed successfully. It’s easy for us to fall into the trap of starting with the easiest task and progressing to harder tasks.

People who do this never complete the most important tasks and that’s why they never succeed. Starting with the hard task boosts your energy and motivation as you progress with the easier tasks. Completing a hard task is a powerful confidence booster.

Eliminate distractions

The number one killer of productivity and effectiveness is distractions. In the past, it used to be either a knock on the door or a phone call. Nowadays, we have distractions around us every time. The tools we use to work with can easily distract us. How many times have you gone into the office to work only to find yourself chatting with your friends or watching videos on YouTube? It’s absolutely amazing how much time is wasted unconsciously.

You have to take back control of your time and life. Say no to distractions. Switch off your phone or keep it away. Turn off the notifications on your computer. Block sites that will waste your time using the right apps. Focusing on your work and completing your tasks will help you achieve your goals easily and quickly.

Take short breaks

No matter how hard you love to work, there is always a limit. Scientists have conducted a series of research and found that concentration levels start declining after 90 minutes of focus. Even if you have a pile of paperwork to work on, you should take short breaks after 90 minutes.

Taking a short break will help your mind and body refresh and recover the energy you need to be more productive. During the short break, you can take a walk, go for a jog, meditate, chat with friends or drink a glass of water.

Eat healthy foods

How does the food you eat affect your productivity and energy levels? In every way. Poor health is mainly caused by eating foods that add no value to your body such as junk food. Have you ever noticed how you felt after eating a vegetable salad vs fries and burgers?

The most productive people eat the right foods to keep themselves fit and energized. It’s important to consult your nutritionist if you are having a hard time knowing the right food to eat.

Exercise regularly

Exercise not only improves your physical health but also your mental health. If you want to have a productive mindset you have to get out and exercise every day.

This does not mean you have to hit the gym every day. You can leave your car or motorbike at home and walk to the office. Getting your heart racing will boost your creativity and moods.

Learn to say no

Why do the majority of people say yes when they should be saying no? You see, saying yes is easy. You don’t have to quarrel or disagree with anyone. However, it’s really costing you in the long run. The most successful people say no to almost everything. And you should too.

You should not let other people dictate how your day is going to be. Saying no will make other people respect you and your plans. Once you learn how to say no, you’ll never complain or explain.

Delegate

You should not be working on everything that appears on your list. Your main goal should be to complete the most important tasks that can only be done by you. If others can do the same work, delegate the task.

As the popular saying goes, two heads are better than one. By delegating tasks, you will have more time to focus on the most important tasks. You’ll also get more work done at the end of the day.

Conclusion

Time management is the foundation of success and achievement. People who don’t know how to manage their time effectively have no chance in our competitive world. You can have a productive mindset the whole day by practicing the tips discussed above as soon as you can. Get started now! You have nothing to lose.

 

By Isabell Gaylord

Isabell is a writer and a journalist who contributes to Rush Essayand MyAssignmenta lot. She can spend hours with a cup of latte in one hand and an exciting book in another and enjoys spending time with interesting people as she believes they bring her strength and inspiration. Follow Isabell on Twitter.

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Elderly woman suffering with parkinson's disease symptoms
Conditions & Treatments

Living with Essential Tremor: 3 Important Pieces of Advice

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

My journey with essential tremor is unique, just like every person living with this condition. My tremors developed and progressed over a number of years. Gradually, everyday tasks, such as using the trackpad on my laptop, became harder to do. Logging onto my computer and clicking on boxes on the screen was very difficult and drove not just me but my husband crazy! I also experienced what I called a tsunami in my cup from the beverage splashing out of the cup or having food fall off the fork, onto my plate in the middle of a restaurant. My son, noticing my tremors were getting worse, encouraged me to speak to my doctor about treating my tremors.

With my son’s encouragement, I spoke to my doctor about treatment options for essential tremor. In general, I tend to react poorly to medication – and brain stimulation or surgery were not options with which I was comfortable. Following my doctor’s appointment, I did research and found a local support group, where I was able to connect with others living with essential tremor and to learn about their experiences and management methods, which I found extremely helpful.

Through my involvement in the San Ramon Essential Tremor Support Group, I was introduced to many people who were living with essential tremor, as well as interesting speakers who came to talk to the group about treatment options and advances in the essential tremor arena. One of the guest presentations was from Cala Trio; two individuals came to our group to speak about a new medical device and wanted to know if anybody would like to participate in a study. They said that Cala Trio™ was a non-invasive, wrist-worn, targeted therapy device. It works by providing gentle stimulation to the nerves in the wrist. That stimulation interferes with the area of the brain where the tremors originate. This instantly piqued my interest, and I volunteered right away. It has been a few years since that initial meeting, and I’m thrilled to say that Cala Trio has greatly improved my life.

For those impacted by essential tremor, here are three pieces of advice:

  1. Find a support group: It can be easy to feel isolated and frustrated with yourself quickly, but a support group is an excellent way to meet with others sharing the same struggles as you and will connect you with numerous resources to aid in your everyday life. You may even learn some helpful techniques from your fellow members, like the importance of lids and straws for drinks, asking a waiter to have your meal pre-cut in the kitchen, and even the new technology offered on your smartphone to assist with dialing a phone number or writing a text message. Through my local support group, I have found additional materials that have been helpful such as the International Essential Tremor Foundation’s
  2. Be an advocate for yourself and talk to your doctor about what kind of treatment plan works best for you: I have always been a huge advocate for myself and encourage you all to do the same. What saddens me the most is how many people don’t realize what essential tremor is, including physicians. I did my own research and participated in a trial with Cala Trio. After my participation in the study, I took all my information on Cala Trio to my primary care physician to discuss getting a prescription for the device, as I found this treatment option worked the best for me. I can honestly say the results I have seen with Cala Trio have been remarkable.
  3. Listen to your body: Pay attention to what factors might be making your tremors worse, such as caffeine consumption or fatigue, as both exacerbate tremors. Get plenty of rest, and don’t push yourself too hard. Essential tremor can be triggered by stress, so in addition to plentiful amounts of rest, take time to check in with yourself mentally, and make time for activities that relax you. Go for daily walks with a loved one, work on a passion project, do whatever you need to do to ensure your stress levels are at a minimum every day.

Living with essential tremor is challenging, but there are numerous ways to improve your quality of life without surgical treatment. Bolster your support system, talk to your physician about treatment plans that work for you, and listen to what your body needs; you just might find these steps will make all the difference.

By: Holly Love

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Senior woman holding cane
Seniors & Covid

Companion Care Aids Families During Pandemic

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have been far-reaching for the millions of families with aging loved ones, leaving many adult children anxious about more than their parents’ immediate health.

More than 77 million baby boomers turn 65 years old –a rate of 10,000 per day –with the Census predicting that seniors will outnumber children by 2035. Each of these individuals will ultimately need some level of care and aging support.

This care will fall mainly onto the shoulders of family members who will either become the primary caregiver or must navigate the many considerations of senior care options. In a restrictive pandemic environment, trying to make the best strategic, financial, social, and safety-conscious choices is challenging.

Choosing Assisted Living

More than two million of our senior Americans have moved of their own accord, or been relocated at the behest of their children, into long term care communities, many of which provide the daily care support and the amenities one could find in an elegant hotel.

Today’s assisted living developments offer “carefree” living with ample leisure time, peer connections, meal preparation, transportation, and minimal caregiving support. Those communities with transitional living options allow seniors to move within the property to higher levels of care.

But with the stringent COVID-19 health protocols, maintaining a healthy and well-trained staff has become exceedingly difficult. Add to this that residents are mandated to remain socially-isolated from family and peers, feelings of anxiety and depression are increasing and reports of neglect are on the rise. In the case of loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related disease, one of the most critical components of quality care is knowing the person’s habits, disease stage, personality, and quirks. These tasks take time and attention; short-staffing hurts.

According to the U.S. Elder Justice Council, an initiative funded by the U.S. Dept. of Justice and supported by the Dept. of Health and Human Services, a lack of adequate staffing is one of the primary factors affecting preventable harm in seniors and costing $2.8 billion in Medicare hospital costs alone. These statistics were gathered before the pandemic.

Aging in a Private Residence or Family Home

The National Council on Aging reports that nine out of 10 seniors plan to continue living in their current homes for another five to 10 years. The most significant reason for doing so is that they like where they live and have family and friends nearby. At least 66% do not want the hassle of moving, which includes the difficult decisions of selecting what personal items will fit into often much smaller accommodations and how to manage the actual move.

A benefit to aging in place at home is the independence of choice, especially during COVID-19 quarantine requirements. Mom or dad is free to pick who they socialize with, what hobbies they pursue, and create their schedule as they desire. For disease prevention, living independently also allows one to self-select contact with others.

There are downsides to aging in place: potential social or mobility-related isolation, home maintenance concerns, safety from falls or other injuries, and the costs of dealing with the unexpected.

Cutting Risk, Enhancing Life with a Professional Caregiver

Many families avoid the downsides of senior living communities or aging at home by introducing a professional caregiver to mom or dad.

Spouses and family members can work with companion care companies like Georgia-based Angel Companions to tailor non-medical care specific to the needs and schedules of their loved ones.

In senior communities, a professional caregiver can fill in the gaps and support a busy staff. They are an excellent liaison for family members unable to visit loved ones, and they can be of tremendous support during a loved one’s final days as emotion and obligations collide.

In the home, in addition to supporting activities of daily living, professional caregivers can perform a variety of tasks designed to enhance aging in place and family integrity. Managing social engagements and hobbies, meal prep, performing light housekeeping, shopping, and attending medical appointments are among the tasks that many families integrate into a care plan.

Health and Financial Benefit of Companion Care

In the United States, 16 percent of elderly adults with Medicare insurance return to the hospital within 30 days of discharge. Top reasons for readmission include confusion-related mistakes, improper follow-up care, or not understanding how to care for an aged love one properly.

In addition to being an extra hand – and heart –the use of professional caregivers has been shown to lower these rates, which reduces insurance costs and positively affects overall health.

Most of all for families, professional caregivers provide peace of mind for that mom and dad will remain safe, secure, and at peace as they age in the place they call home.

Lisa Parks is a marketing and communications consultant, and Alzheimer’s Community Educator, who advocates for seniors and people with disabilities. www.imagecomgroup.com

 

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Health Products

“JayPad” is the new buzz word for senior engagement

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

There is always light at the end of the tunnel. The coronavirus pandemic has been devastating to everyone, especially to seniors who are subjected to the highest risk medically and mentally. We rely on the scientists and healthcare professionals to tackle the medical part. Unfortunately, the mental part of the pandemic fallout is left on the shoulders of the senior care centers and families.

California software company HealthJay and the National Adult Day Services Association have recently announced their partnership to address this escalating issue of pandemic loneliness. The industry leading organization and the Silicon Valley tech firm look to the JayPad and HealthJay ecosystem to provide some relief to this mounting challenge.

Pandemic loneliness has caused anxiety, depression, sleep, and food disorders which have inflicted an emotional toll on seniors, in addition to the medical damages that they suffer from COVID-19.

“This virus has taken an extraordinary toll on seniors. Not only medically but mentally. JayPad’s virtual programming can help with social isolation, allowing Adult Day Services (ADS) centers to provide virtual care programs with seniors staying at home,” says Donna Hale, Executive Director of NADSA. “This partnership is the first ever effort for a technology to cater for the Adult Day Services industry. With this pandemic, our industry is working outside of the box to re-establish normalcy for our seniors.”

This nationwide Partnership will potentially introduce over a quarter million adult day care seniors to virtual services.

The tablet “JayPad” is designed for seniors, and adults with disabilities with easy / automated access to a full suite of video conferencing features, allowing more human connections. The tablet users can use their voice to tell a Chatbot to place audio or video calls. The center administrator can schedule reminders for members’ daily video classes, therapy, and social activities. Here is the catch – users do not need password nor log-in to participate in any video conference. A pop-up reminder will show up on the JayPad 15 minutes prior to the virtual class. When it starts, the User just taps a “Join Now” button on an Activity Starting popup, and they placed into their virtual group class!

For non tech-savvy seniors, the navigation to place a call in current overcomplicated devices can be frustrating. Well, with the JayPad, users can choose from their pre-configured “avatar” phone book, or use their voice.

“Seniors are craving for more human interaction, but they are often discouraged from the overcomplicated tech out there.” says Rosita Wong, CEO of HealthJay. JayPad takes a simple approach with a Chatbot and “one-tap to join” group video features which makes senior participation in virtual programming doable. “The industry is responding to the lingering impact of the pandemic with long-term tech engagement. This is a paradigm shift for an industry that has not kept up with the tech world that has progressed so rapidly”.

The JayPad offers virtual classes, COVID wellness checks, social group games, and Smart Features such as voice commands, video calls, social chats, and a check-in button. It is supported by an ecosystem including a mobile app for caregivers to monitor senior JayPad users, and an admin portal allowing adult day centers to deliver daily services virtually.

Sean Allen, CTO of HealthJay, points out that many senior centers are incorporating virtual programming into their re-opening strategy. “Senior-friendly tech that works will lead the industry to a new path, opening doors to care programs for many more seniors in remote areas. The JayPad is designed to achieve just that. Our social games, such as group Bingo, aim not only to provide social entertainment, but also to exercise and sharpen cognitive skills.

HealthJay has designed a family of senior care devices and apps, including the JayPad (tablet), the JayWatch (wearable with fall detection), the JayMobile App for families and caregivers, and FlightDeck (admin portal).

Content is provided by HealthJay Inc. (www.healthjay.com)

 

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Mature lady unpacking paper bags in kitchen
Diet & Nutrition

Is Alcohol Good or Bad for Your Bones?

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

So you enjoy a glass of wine or two with dinner, the occasional cold beer with friends, or a fancy cocktail at social gatherings…

But have you ever wondered how alcohol might affect your bone health?

After all, research shows that once you hit age 40, you lose about 1% of your bone density a year. This is especially concerning for women who are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis — a condition where bones become weak and prone to fracture.

Does this mean you have to give up your glass of wine with dinner? Well, it depends on whether you’re in the habit of having one glass or several…

As you can imagine, chronic heavy drinking is bad news for your bones.

Alcohol must be detoxified by the liver, and too many wipes out the liver’s supply of glutathione — the body’s most important antioxidant. This destroys the liver’s ability to eliminate not just alcohol, but everything else it needs to clear… a situation that ramps up inflammation in the body.

This affects your bones because chronic, low-grade inflammation sends your osteoclasts (the specialized cells that break down bone) into overdrive. And since building new bone takes much longer than breaking down old bone, too much osteoclast activity results in bone thinning and, ultimately, osteoporosis.

So it’s not surprising that excessive alcohol consumption has been repeatedly associated with low bone mineral density (BMD), elevated markers of bone resorption (bone breakdown), and increased risk of fragility fractures.

But before you say goodbye to your favorite Shiraz, there’s some good news too…

Recent research shows that moderate alcohol consumption actually supports bone health and lowers your risk of hip fracture.

In this study, researchers collected data on a large number of people over a 34-year period:

  • 75,180 women aged 53 on average when the study began
  • 38,398 men aged 50 or older when the study began

 

Compared to no alcohol intake, low to moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of hip fracture!

Now, it’s worth noting the results from observational studies need to be taken with a grain of salt because other factors could be at play. For example, in this instance, people who have a glass of wine a day might also follow a Mediterranean diet or walk more. So these factors could also contribute to their reduced risk of fracture. Nonetheless, these initial findings are promising…

But what do the researchers mean by “low to moderate” alcohol intake?

No more than 20 grams of ethanol (alcohol) per day for women and 30 grams per day for men.

To put that in perspective, here’s the ethanol content of various types of alcoholic beverages:

  • 12.4 grams for a 4-oz glass of red wine
  • 12.1 grams for a 4-oz glass of white wine
  • 13.9 grams for a 12-oz glass of regular beer
  • 13.1 grams for a 12-oz glass of light beer
  • 14.0 grams for 1.5-oz shot of liquor

 

As you can see, there’s no need to give up your glass of wine with dinner! In fact, one glass a day may be just what the doctor ordered.

But why is moderate alcohol intake good for your bones?

In women, moderate alcohol consumption boosts estrogen and has been associated with reduced bone resorption. This makes sense as estrogen slows the rate of bone remodeling after menopause.

Wine, particularly red wine, is especially beneficial due to its phenol content. (Phenols are compounds that affect the taste and color of wine!) Studies show that certain flavonoids, a type of phenol present in wine, promote the creation of osteoblasts (the specialized cells that build bone), and inhibit the creation of osteoclasts. What’s more, higher phenol intake has been associated with higher BMD.

So not to worry, you can toast the health of your bones with a moderate amount of alcohol. Just make sure you keep the guidelines I shared above in mind!

Author bio:

Lara Pizzorno, MDIV, MA, LMT

Lara is the best-selling author of “Your Bones: How You Can Prevent Osteoporosis and Have Strong Bones for Life – Naturally”. She’s also a member of the American Medical Writers Association with 30+ years of experience and the Resident Bone Health Expert at AlgaeCal.

 

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How To Downsize With Alzheimer’s In The Mix
Housing Tips

How to Downsize with Alzheimers in the Mix

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

We have said it before, and you will likely hear us say it many more times: downsizing is taxing on the body, mind and spirit. More than just the physical aspects of sorting, donating, discarding and packing, downsizing takes an emotional toll on everyone involved in the process. How To Downsize With Alzheimer’s In The Mix

The emotional stress of downsizing can be triggered by memories of the items you are sorting, attachment to a home where you may have raised a family and made many memories, and the echoes in the back of your mind whispering that change can be scary, even if you are otherwise looking forward to the next stage in your life.

All the emotions associated with the downsizing process can be complicated further if one of the seniors involved is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Persons with Alzheimer’s disease may already feel anxious or agitated, which can worsen if they are taken from a familiar environment and placed in a new one. So, when downsizing in this kind of situation, there are certain tips and tools that can make the transition smoother for not only the person with Alzheimer’s, but also for others who are involved in the process. Ho

Tip #1 – Take it Slow and Communicate Often

Sometimes downsizing needs to be a rushed process. Maybe one spouse is ill or has become unexpectedly disabled and the current living situation no longer is conducive to that person living a healthy and happy life. But when downsizing a person with Alzheimer’s, it is in everyone’s best interest to take the entire process as slowly as possible.

Just because a person has Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean they can’t have the process explained to them, so be prepared to discuss with your loved one why the decision to downsize has been made, as well as what they can expect every step of the way. Be prepared to explain the steps over and over again; while this may be frustrating for you, it is critical for the person with Alzheimer’s to be reminded of things in a calm and consistent fashion.

Be sure to make the person part of the process, communicating often and helping them to feel as if they are still in control of the situation. So much about living with Alzheimer’s can make the person feel like they have lost control of everything in their lives, which can lead to frustration, anxiety and even depression. Downsizing should never be something that is happening to them, but with them.

Tip #2 – Sorting, Discarding, Donating

It is never easy to part with our belongings, especially ones that are associated with fond memories of relationships with friends and family. While it’s normal to feel a strong attachment to our things, individuals with Alzheimer’s tend to have a more trying time parting with items with which they feel connected. Convincing someone with Alzheimer’s that they need to part with an item, when they are determined to keep it, can be a frustrating experience for all involved. It can cause the person with Alzheimer’s to experience increased levels of anxiety and stress, which will further impair their cognitive functioning.

If there are items that the person rarely uses, but has them in various locations throughout their current home, it may be best for a small team of downsizing helpers to go into the home ahead of the planned downsizing and removing those items from the environment. Many people with Alzheimer’s do not miss items they do not frequently use, so removing them from the environment before the person has an opportunity to obsess over their worth may be the best approach for everyone.

This is one area where those assisting with the downsizing process must be prepared to lose the battle. If the thought of donating or discarding a particular item is causing undue stress to the person with Alzheimer’s, be prepared to place that item in storage rather than discarding or donating it. Purchase a number of sturdy, plastic bins to store these kinds of items, and then store them – either in your home or a storage rental facility – in an area that is near to where you are downsizing. Simply knowing their items are nearby and safe often is enough for the person with Alzheimer’s.

Tip #3 – Make a Memory Album

This is something that we recommend to any senior or boomer who is downsizing, especially of possessions they plan to discard or donate. Taking photos or video of the items, and then making a special memory album, is a great way to continue to embrace the meaning and value of these items, without physically taking the items with you from one location to another.

Involving the person with Alzheimer’s in this process can be a great distraction from the task at hand, keeping them calm and focused while the rest of the downsizing team does its job.

Tip #4 – Something Old, Something New

When transitioning the person with Alzheimer’s to their new living environment, it is best to do most of the unpacking prior to the individual moving in. Just as the packing up process can be anxiety and aggression-inducing for someone with Alzheimer’s, unpacking in a new and unfamiliar space can have a similar effect.
Try to place a few precious mementos from the old residence in their new living quarters to help calm and reassure the person during the moving-in stage. Seeing something familiar in their new surroundings can help the person with Alzheimer’s form a connection to their new space. Place photos of their loved ones in a place that is visible from their bed, so the photos are the last thing they see at night before going to sleep, and the first thing they see when waking up each morning. How to Downsize with Alzheimers in the Mix

Even if all of these tips are followed, it is still possible that the person with Alzheimer’s may have a difficult time adjusting. Be sure to consult their healthcare provider before the process begins, as well as afterwards, especially if the individual experiences increased episodes of anxiety, aggression or depression.
Have some tips to share about helping someone with Alzheimer’s through the downsizing process? We would love for you to share them with our readers in the comments section.

By Mary Spann

Mary Spann is the founder and president of Upside of Downsizing®. In addition to her 26 years in construction, interior design, and home staging, Mary also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, making her uniquely qualified to assist with the downsizing process. Mary learned the key components of construction and interior design at an early age. Her father was a prominent custom home builder in Minnesota and Texas, and her mother was a successful interior designer and a real estate broker.
For more tips on how to downsize a house full of memories Click Here.

How to Downsize with Alzheimers in the Mix

How To Downsize With Alzheimer’s In The Mix How To Downsize With Alzheimer’s In The Mix How To Downsize With Alzheimer’s In The Mix
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Aging

Benefit of Social Media for Seniors

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

The fastest-growing demographic on Facebook, seniors are flocking to social media like never before. And it’s not just Facebook that’s seeing an influx of the older generation. More and more over-65’s are also joining Instagram and Twitter.

Not only do people use social media to catch up with family and friends, and share their lives with people they don’t necessarily see every day, but it’s also increasingly becoming how people view and keep up with news and current affairs. The same goes for the senior demographic.

Seniors on social in numbers

In Australia, 89% of online consumers use social media. This is up from 79% in 2017. While not the largest group on social media platforms, seniors are still signing up in hoards. Of the above number, 30% of people aged between 50 and 64, and 24% of people over the age of 65 access social media sites at least once a day.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the population is now sitting above 25 million people. And according to the Yellow Social Media Report, there are 15 million Australians using the platform. That’s 60% of the Australian population.

While the majority of those users are between the ages of 25 and 55, the 55-plus age group still represents a decent 2.8 million users, with 4 in 5 of those surveyed by Australian Seniors reporting that they use social media platforms.

The benefits of using social media

Various studies have shown that the internet, and indeed, social media, has become an important tool in reducing isolation, loneliness, and depressive symptoms in those who use it, including seniors. If that’s not a large enough benefit, here are some others.

Keep in touch

Social media is a wonderful way to keep in touch with people around the world. Whether it’s sharing pictures, sharing stories or sharing news, millions of people log on to social media platforms every day just to see what’s going on in their network of family, friends and even acquaintances. For seniors, it’s also a great way to find people they may have lost touch with over the years and to keep in touch with their grandchildren. Social media really has revolutionized the way people connect.

Stay up to date

For many social media users, it’s not just about staying in touch with family and friends, it’s also about staying in touch with global news and current events. Today’s generation of seniors follows news sites, sports teams and even people of interests on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. For many around the world, regardless of age, social media is where we get our news and often, it’s where news breaks the fastest.

Interaction and entertainment

There’s something delightfully charming about all of those cat videos and why should the grandparents of the world miss out? Whether it’s following an entertainer they love on social media or watching clips from comedians, anyone can be entertained on social media. Plus, there are communities out there based on absolutely anything. Love to bake? Find a baking group and join in on the conversation–they’re happening on Facebook and Twitter.

Be wary

There’s no denying that the benefits of social media far outweigh the benefits of not being on there. Even if it’s just creating an account on Instagram to follow the people you care about, you’re still engaging with those around you. Just remember to never overshare information, especially personal details, always ask before you post a picture of someone, invite and accept friend requests wisely and try to avoid courting controversial topics.

Luke Fitzpatrick

Luke Fitzpatrick is a Forbes contributor and a guest lecturer at Sydney University—in his past, he worked for startups in both South Korea and Australia.

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Caregiving

Tips for Selecting the Right Skilled Nursing Facility

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Staff ratios, certifications, therapists on-staff . . . there are so many factors to consider when having to choose a nursing facility. Most importantly, does the site provide quality care? Below we walk through the challenges, the types of facilities, and what to look for, as you look to select the long-term care facility that is right for you.

Challenges of Finding a Quality Nursing Facility

Your first task is to understand what type of facility you need. If you’re coming from a hospital or other facility, your doctors and nurses will help. Here are some of the terms you might hear.

Types of Nursing Facilities – Skilled Nursing, Nursing Homes, and More

The services available at nursing facilities differ, though there is some crossover.

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)

A skilled nursing facility, or SNF, is geared toward people who are recovering from an injury or hospital stay. Residents receive help with dressing, bathing, and other activities of daily living, as well as services like physical and occupational therapy to aid your recovery.

Nursing Home

Despite people using the two terms interchangeably these days, a skilled nursing facility and a nursing home aren’t the same. While SNFs are structured for rehabilitation and temporary care, nursing homes are exactly that — homes. Instead of condition-specific care geared toward discharge, nursing homes provide routine support for ongoing needs.

Rehab Center

Rehabilitation centers are designed specifically to help patients recover their independence after an injury or illness. Patients are usually transferred to these facilities after hospital stays to receive physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and related services. Patients also receive nursing care and help with daily needs.

Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH)

As you might assume, a long-term acute care hospital provides hospital-level care for people who need to stay for an extended period. In most cases, LTACH patients stay for 25 days or more.

A long-term care hospital usually takes patients who are expected to improve, but who may take time to do so.

Making the Best Choice

Some people enter nursing facilities from their homes; others transfer from a hospital. The latter option is often easier because your care team is there to determine the next steps.

Discharge Planning

When a hospital sends you somewhere for post-acute care, it’s easy to feel intimidated. Where are you going? Is it any good?

To help patients answer these questions, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized two rules for discharge planning.

  1. Hospitals are now required to provide patients with access to post-acute facilities’ quality scores and outcome results, including rates of pressure ulcers and hospital readmissions.
  2. Any skilled nursing facility with reports of abuse, neglect, or patient exploitation will have a consumer alert marked next to its name on Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare

Take advantage of these rules and research the material you’re given when you’re getting ready to leave the hospital.

Quality Checks and Certifications

As a patient or family member, you have the right to learn how others have rated a facility. Nursing Home Compare is a great resource, but you should also check the facility’s ratings regarding any special medical needs you might have.

If you have wound care needs, or if you’re worried about pressure ulcers (commonly known as “bedsores”), check out a facility’s quality status using the Vohra Center of Excellence Finder. Skilled wound care staff means that a facility takes the well-being and safety of its patients seriously.

Few things are more important for seniors than selecting the proper facility to meet their long-term needs. Make sure you are equipped with the right knowledge to make the right decision.

About the Author:

Kathy St. Fleur is a registered nurse with over 15 years of experience in healthcare administration, nursing, and case management. She currently serves as the Director of Intake Services for Vohra Wound Physicians. She lives in south Florida with her four children. Kathy is passionate about helping other nurses expand and enhance their careers both at the bedside and beyond.

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