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Senior Services that Make Aging in Place Possible
Age-In-Place

Senior Services that Make Aging in Place Possible

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

It’s no secret that growing older comes with certain challenges. For many seniors, old age can make taken-for-granted tasks much more difficult than they used to be. This makes it hard or impossible for seniors to age in place without a helping hand (or two, or three). Senior Services that Make Aging in Place Possible
In surveys, more than 80% of seniors state they wish to live at home as long as they are able to. Senior services, such as home care, senior transportation, meal services, and others, can make this possible. If you have an elderly loved one who is starting to struggle with aging in place, here are a few of the senior services you might want to consider to help make life at home more livable for your mom or dad.

Senior Home Care

Home care is perhaps the most popular senior service for aging in place. Designed for seniors who need physical assistance, specialized care, or companionship during the week, senior home care offers a wide range of advantages to seniors. Senior home care providers can help seniors with daily activities like dressing and grooming, assist with everyday errands, provide light housekeeping and homemaking assistance, and monitor seniors to keep them safe.

Senior Transportation

As we grow older, getting from point A to point B becomes increasingly difficult. Many seniors lose their licenses due to declining physical and/or cognitive performance. Others struggle with walking and general mobility, making it difficult to get out of the house. Senior transportation services — whether provided by local public transportation, taxi services, non-profits, or senior home care companies — can help seniors get around town despite mobility difficulties.

Meal Delivery

If a senior doesn’t have a home care worker or family member to prepare their meals, then a meal delivery service can be a great help. There are a number of non-profit meal delivery services that ensure seniors receive healthy and nutritious lunches and dinners throughout the week. These services make a big difference for seniors who find it difficult to shop for groceries or prepare meals on their own.

Maid Services

Physical impairments can make it difficult for seniors to maintain a clean and healthy home. While senior home care providers will often provide light housekeeping assistance, a maid service can provide a deeper clean. This not only makes seniors’ homes more attractive and comfortable, but also improves their health and hygiene, helping limit dangerous bacteria, airborne irritants, and mold growth.

Handyman Services

When things need to be fixed or installed around the home, it can be dangerous for seniors to perform the work on their own. Even changing a lightbulb or fixing a leak can be difficult or dangerous. When seniors have a handyman service they can call on, simple fixes are much easier, much less stressful, and much less dangerous for seniors.

Senior Technology Services

Studies have shown that social media and other technologies can help seniors avoid feelings of social isolation. But many seniors struggle to use these technologies without outside help. To help seniors manage these technologies, many companies offer in-home support to seniors who wish to use the internet, social media, and video chat technologies.

Lawn & Landscaping Services

Just as it can be difficult for seniors to maintain the inside of their home on their own, it can also be difficult to keep their lawn and garden in good shape. Hiring a lawn or landscaping service allows seniors to keep their property’s plant life healthy and attractive, without all of the outdoor labor these activities usually require.

Senior Exercise

There are a number of exercise classes and even personal trainers whose services are specifically dedicated to elderly exercise. These services are designed to reduce the risk of strain or injury for seniors, while giving seniors the activity they need to maintain muscle mass, prevent bone loss, and improve cardiovascular health.
If you have an elderly loved one who is in need of senior services, we invite you to contact your local Visiting Angels. Our senior home care services offer a wide range of benefits to seniors, and can include personal care and companionship care, along with specialized services such as Alzheimer’s care, errand assistance, and help with social media technologies.
Contact your local Visiting Angels office today to learn more about senior services offered in your area.

Senior Services that Make Aging in Place Possible

Senior Services that Make Aging in Place Possible Senior Services that Make Aging in Place Possible Senior Services that Make Aging in Place Possible Senior Services that Make Aging in Place Possible Senior Services that Make Aging in Place Possible Senior Services that Make Aging in Place Possible Senior Services that Make Aging in Place Possible

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Dealing with Loneliness
Aging

Dealing with Loneliness

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Seniors face many challenges, they have financial constraints, difficulty finding work, have problems driving and getting around, deal with chronic illnesses, and if those weren’t enough, so many older adults suffer from loneliness. For the issue of being alone and lonely–do we have more control of feeling isolated than we want to admit? In the elder orphan Facebook group, I hear some members say they are very lonely — while others admit to being alone but rarely lonely. Dealing with Loneliness
Even for me, where I live (in a highrise surrounded by close neighbors,) I experience few residents who never make eye contact while others will stop in the hallways and strike up conversations. I wonder, in some cases, are we our worse enemies? Maybe, if we learn to make contact, talk with people even those we don’t know, would that help us feel more engaged and less lonely?
I posed the question to my Facebook group, and members responded with useful tips and suggestions:

  • “Yes, so true, but know if you make a sincere effort to connect with another, not everyone will respond. Don’t let that one experience stop you from ever trying again. We should all keep trying again and again. It’s kind of like looking for a job, eventually, you will get one if you want one bad enough.”
  • “I think if we become more engaged in groups or volunteering we would be less lonely.”
  • “Having a disability or chronic illness may limit participation. Cultural studies tell us we have multiple identities; one at work, at home, at a place of worship, in volunteer work, etc. Understand your identities – interests, talents, and values. Then pursue them and find compatible people there.”
  • “It has to do with the personality. My friend is amazing, she talks to everyone, everywhere. It never occurs to her that rejection is possible. And everyone responds to her. She was just camping at the North Rim, hanging out with 5 young men in the next tent. I am going to try to be more outgoing like her, but it’s easy!”

No, it isn’t easy to connect with total strangers. But it gets easier over time even if you’re an introvert. I was able to change my approach with people, even being when being shy. Here’s how I changed my introvert behavior to an inclusive approach:

  1. Made eye contact with every person that crossed my path
  2. Said hello to each one and smiled — if they didn’t respond, I was okay with it
  3. Asked many of them, “How’s the day going for you?”
  4. When shopping, make eye contact with clerks and thank them for the help and say, “I hope you have a good day.”

After a month of doing this, I’m amazed by how I felt. It was a fulfilling experience and I felt more engaged. Years later, today, I have conversations with strangers at the bus stop, waiting in the checkout lines — no matter where I go (most times) I don’t feel alone because I know, a conversation and connection is right there waiting to happen. Dealing with Loneliness
How to Thrive When Aging Alone

Dealing with Loneliness

Dealing with Loneliness Dealing with Loneliness Dealing with Loneliness Dealing with Loneliness Dealing with Loneliness Dealing with Loneliness Dealing with Loneliness Dealing with Loneliness

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What are Guaranteed Issue Rights for Medigap
Aging

This Is Why Aging Alone Is Harder And How We Adapt

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

The lifestyle and concept of aging alone is not new, but in the U.S. more people experience aging at home without the support of family nearby (2010 Census.) In the rural area where I grew up, the older generations never worried about being left alone without help. Families saw to it that older members had a place to live, food on the table, received help with daily living, and a bed. Our elders shared in social activities and never felt left out. Even the local township and churches actively participated in caring for elders when they were alone. It gave us a sense of paying it forward or making a difference, not fulfilling an obligation. But in larger cities, there may have been an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, just not where I grew up. This Is Why Aging Alone Is Harder And How We Adapt

Family dynamics have shifted and altered over the last 50 years. More people have moved from their home towns to prepare for adulthood and headed off to college. That’s what happened in my family. However, when my parents needed me in their elder years, their offspring rallied to help. But not all families are capable or willing.
As for me, I wonder who will care for me later on? I’m in my mid-sixties and have no children or a spouse and since I want to surround myself with like-minded individuals, I started a Facebook group to help mitigate our loneliness, lack of support, and to share knowledge and insights on coping. And sometimes we celebrate the decades of shared memories. Over the past year, some members even meet locally.
Most members in the group accept that problems like loneliness, job dissatisfaction, social isolation, ability to make friends, finding worthwhile free time pursuits, dealing with dysfunctional families or physical limitations may apply just as much to a younger adult, a healthy child or teenager, and even a disabled Millennial, or the married couple next door, but generally speaking, older adults may have a harder time with isolation than the younger individuals, excluding people living with a disability.

The Difficult Aging Concerns and Issues

In our group, we discuss tough issues and many times share resources, words of encouragement, and tips that help us get by during difficult times. I believe if one has a family member nearby, it’s easier (but not less painful or worrisome) to face a challenge, an impending medical treatment, and even a hospital stay. However, having support and the love of another individual goes a long way to relieve anxiety.

Real aging alone worries — and support given

  • “Being in the hospital alone. I’ve gone to the ER due to serious breathing issues. Wrote an email to my only family, a brother 600 miles away of my wishes for my cats, my health directives, cremation and my estate.”
  • “I’ve had serious blood pressure issues recently and was hospitalized too. Hope you are better soon. Wish I was closer to help you out if needed.”
  • “Inspired by a (late) friend, I have made a will and I’m currently seeking some sort of pre-arranged cremation services and have contacted my sisters 3,000 miles away and made them aware of my wishes and cleared it with them. Now, since I am the only one left, I can get on living the remaining chapters.”
  • “I had serious back surgery recently and like you will be pretty much alone. To say that I’m terrified would be an understatement. I just know that I’ve done everything else for my back and this is the last step to see if I get any relief from pain which goes on 24/7. This will be a six-hour surgery so not a walk in the park. I certainly empathize with you and hope you will keep me in your thoughts on Thursday.”
  • “I need to coordinate the legal docs and appoint a guardian, maybe a lawyer, to work with the hospital and funeral director. At the end of the day, it may be a smarter more caring choice than distant family.”
  • “Two weeks ago I had surgery and heard the question we all dread..do you have someone to pick you up?”
  • “For the 1st time…I enlisted friends. It was empowering. But ..they won’t always be there.”
  • “This is where we experience the heart of our and sadness. It also brings up so many past hurts and regrets.”
  • “I have no one to manage my affairs when I die. I’m not worried about my fur baby…….there are at least four people who would take him in a heart beat. He’s such a love! But people don’t want to be involved with handling things when a person dies……….unless they are family and I have none.”

Hopes and wisdom shared

  • “We are not alone! Children are negligent and don’t show up—even adult children see sick parents once a year.”
  • “Husbands of chronically ill women can be negligent and nasty. Many of them have family dysfunction and estrangement.”
  • “As I’m writing this and seeing these oppressed and neglected married women with children..we might take a different approach and congratulate ourselves on being strong survivors of life.”
  • “I was in another country, and I developed a.sac of water around my heart. I didn’t die, but I’m still having a lot of trouble walk-ins, lifting, rolling over in bed, etc. It sucks to have no one to call on. I’m new to the area.”
  • “DRGs are the worse thing for single patients. Please make sure the Social Worker knows that you go home to no one and that you have no one to check up on you. Maybe they can transfer you to assisted living for a week or two.”
  • “Whatever you do, DO NOT LEAVE until 1) you have a diagnosis that makes sense to you, and 2) there is someone to come and get you, and see you safely home.”
  • “I’m thrilled by social experiments all over the world bringing students or teens together with the aging in win/win situations. As we face a changing reality don’t forget all of our positives and benefits. The retired have more free time and a lifetime of experience to share. Consider mentoring a young entrepreneur, teaching scouts how to cook, sew, crochet, train a dog. What did our grands teach us? Pass it on!”
Some individuals may read the article and say, “how depressing,” whereas a member of the group, me, would read and say, “how refreshing, people aging at home alone, have a platform to be heard and supported.” This Is Why Aging Alone Is Harder And How We Adapt
New Aging Dilemma: Living Alone At Home

This Is Why Aging Alone Is Harder And How We Adapt

This Is Why Aging Alone Is Harder And How We Adapt This Is Why Aging Alone Is Harder And How We Adapt This Is Why Aging Alone Is Harder And How We Adapt This Is Why Aging Alone Is Harder And How We Adapt This Is Why Aging Alone Is Harder And How We Adapt This Is Why Aging Alone Is Harder And How We Adapt

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Aging

Making Social Connections to Age Well

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

It’s no secret that I run a Facebook group for people growing older at home. It’s geared to the individuals having little to rare support from a family member. Some feel lonely while others do not. Making Social Connections to Age Well
In this group, there are stories of loneliness, physical pain, emotional hardships, and the flip side of adversity, like traveling the world, retiring to another country, finding a more challenging job, while others go back to school for a second or third degree. It’s fun to read the stories and observe how some move out of tough circumstances.
There are big differences between those who thrive and those who struggle. The people who thrive are active, resourceful, and curious. Growing older isn’t a road block, but instead a new phase of advancement and here’s what they do differently:

  • Play games or solve crossword puzzles, and tackle brain exercises
  • Volunteer to make a difference
  • Learn a new hobby or skill
  • Travel and meet people of different cultures
  • Grow a vegetable or flower garden
  • Work part-time to get out of the house
  • Make friends to build a support team
  • Attend classes at the library, senior center or community college
  • Help a neighbor next door
  • Take cooking classes

The one gold standard that sets thriving and struggling apart is actively making local connections. Quite simply, one must get up and get going — and that means get out of the house and start real-life conversations. Here are a few tips to get started:

  • Attend meetings and activities at senior centers, you may not create close connections immediately but don’t give up. Go back regularly and as you form new friendships, ask them to lunch and to bring a friend next. Over a few months you’ll enjoy meeting more new friends and seeing the lunch group grow.
  • Do hobbies and other activities together in addition to lunches. Find local Meetup groups that offer other interests like writing, dancing, hobbies, cooking, walking, and classes to learn technology skills.
  • Libraries are another wonderful resource to build friendships. The Dallas public library offers free painting classes, exercise and yoga, and book clubs and lots more, so check out your local library.
  • Volunteer – Check with your local Area Agency on Aging Department to find ways to help the frail and elderly. Other organizations like AARP, the Senior Corp, and Points of Light will steer you to people or pets who have needs.

If you’re open to meeting new people and I hope you are, then pick up the phone or go to the web to locate the organizations online. If you stay at it and make a reasonable effort, I bet you’ll wind up having a lot of fun and adventure with new friends.
Opt-in to my Newsletter called Age with Purpose. Send an email to Carol@seniorcare.com and in the subject line put Newsletter.
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Making Social Connections to Age Well

Making Social Connections to Age Well Making Social Connections to Age Well Making Social Connections to Age Well Making Social Connections to Age Well Making Social Connections to Age Well Making Social Connections to Age Well Making Social Connections to Age Well Making Social Connections to Age Well Making Social Connections to Age Well Making Social Connections to Age Well Making Social Connections to Age Well

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Seniors Concerns and Needs
Aging

Senior Concerns and Needs

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak
Senior living and housing expenses are significant concerns for older individuals when aging alone, and topics like affordable shelter, transportation, isolation, and lack of connections hold anxiety. Senior Concerns and Needs
The 65 and over age group continues to grow since the boomers now enter the demographic. There are thousands of us on our own, and we are in good company. The elder orphan Facebook group that launched last year now has close to 5,000 members. We face similar challenges, like finding personal care after surgery or if we’re sick and feeling lonely due to isolation.
But it’s not just people living alone that faces these challenges, the married and partnered, and those with adult children have similar concerns. It’s because our most affordable living options are in the suburbs, far from convenient shopping, public transit, and attainable social connections.
It’s the female population that have the greatest numbers in the group category. The statistics show the total seniors in the U.S. to be over 11 million, and of those living alone, 71% are female. Even though men have a higher chance of remarrying, there are a few of them on their own, and many complain about loneliness and isolation.
Research examining loneliness identified functional, psychosocial, and physiologic ill effects, including diminished physical activity, lessened motor function, depression, disrupted sleep, and impaired mental and cognitive function.
Since loneliness is a big concern for older individuals, we must start early and plan when we’re young and healthy enough to set up a lifestyle that minimizes the risks of loneliness, minimal transportation, and living expenses.
The National Institute of Health says that separation is not good for anyone, no matter the age. So, we need to seek out healthy lifestyles like co- and shared housing, independent and assisted living communities, and intentional and intergenerational neighborhoods, all designed to promote connection and support. Each combine the benefits of private homes with those of sustainable living.
All of these lifestyles blend resources for mixed-age communities. Like many, I do not want to age alone. I may live on my own, but, I want to do so in an environment that supports social connections, lifelong learning, fulfilling activities and easy access to transportation. I also want to live in a place that includes all ages, not just the 55+ age group.
Aging without Family Support
New Aging Dilemma: Lving Alone at Home
 

Senior Concerns and Needs

Senior Concerns and Needs Senior Concerns and Needs Senior Concerns and Needs

 

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Kitchen Safety Tips for Seniors Receiving In-Home Care
Aging

New Aging Dilemma: Living Alone at Home

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak
The healthcare industry has recently spotted a new segement in the older adult population. It’s the aging singles who are 55 and over. They are the aged, community-dwelling individuals who are socially and physically isolated, without an available known family member or designated surrogate. Some also refer to this group the elder orphans. New Aging Dilemma: Living Alone at Home
They’ve been in plain sight for decades, but since boomers enter the 60 years, the aging single demographic will intensify, due to their status of having the highest divorce rates and childless marriages. And in a matter of a few years, the prevalence of the generation’s chronic diseases will put a heavy burden on the medical care providers, causing an overload on health care and other services.
According to the U.S. Census, 2010, 27 percent of seniors across America age alone. The same survey discovered nearly 19 percent of women aged 40 to 44 years have no children, as compared to about 10 percent in 1980. Furthermore, in 2009, almost one-third of Americans aged 45–63 years are single, a 50 percent increase from 22% in 1980. The trend shows no signs of reversing to the former condition.
However, being a parent or a partner does not guarantee care in old age, but since the bulk of America’s elderly are cared for by spouses and children, who will advocate for the solo agers?

I belong to the group; I am 66, childless, and spouseless. I was one of the three siblings who helped my parents with elder care responsibilities, and it was tough for my sisters and me. Mother lived with congestive heart failure, and my Father had Alzheimer’s disease. From the caregiving experiences, I know firsthand the highly concentrated attention elder care requires.

After my parents had passed, a startling thought occurred — “who will care for me?”
For people in my situation, alone and growing older, we face extraordinary challenges, especially when the medical decisions are made without the feedback of loved ones.
Last year, I started a Facebook group for elder orphans (a medical term for people aging alone) and the count tallies past 4500. The group discusses the challenges, and members offer support and connection in hopes to relieve the stress and worry that many feels.
Through active participation, I’ve learned that we need education, support, and guidance from health care providers to assist us with preparation for the tough road ahead. But more importantly, we need the medical professionals and teams to acknowledge the status, circumstances, and the issues, and then screen for the aging alone dynamics which carries a basket of risks. New Aging Dilemma: Living Alone at Home

Worries of Those Alone

Some of the worrisome concerns discussed in the group and handled by members:
  • Ageism — just because we’re growing older, doesn’t mean we should give up on aging well. We desire recognition for our strengths and given a chance to offer our skills and to give back and be a productive member of society.
  • How to remain healthy without resorting to medication or surgery — we would enjoy learning alternatives to going under the knife or consuming various meds.
  • Find out how others cope with issues and create one’s solutions — we want to hear how others deal with challenges; what worked for them and then decide if it’s a good fit for us. And if the solution is not a fit, what other options might work?
  • Discover useful local and national resources — we’d like to learn about community services, especially the ones that help us age in place. We don’t have advocates or family members who can research for us, so, we depend on others for direction.
  • Navigate health, care issues, and chronic illnesses – we want to thrive and be well even when living with diabetes, dementia, heart diseases, cancer and other diseases.
  • Gain social interaction — our toughest challenge. Most of us want connection and to make new friends but have difficulty leaving our house due to immobility concerns.
  • Select a health care proxy and surrogate – we need help and direction when choosing someone to speak on our behalf if we should become too ill or incapacitated.
These topics are a few of what the group addresses, plus a few more. Most of us are not health care professionals, so the practical tips and advice come through other’s experiences.
However, at the local community-based services and medical teams, the professionals can do so much more. Just recognizing the fact that we’re living alone, and then assess the risks, would help the older person understand what’s needed to remain safe, healthy, and independent even when no one is around to check on us.
In recent medical research about elder orphans, geriatricians found several risks that affect the elderly:

Social support

Low social support affects the physical and psychological health and in some instances, will increase mortality. A decreased social interaction stems from little support which correlates with depressed affect and arousal, reduced cognitive and social skills, and altered mental functioning.
And for some members of the Facebook group, it’s their only source of social interaction and connection. While for others, they make great strides to maintain face to face interconnections and build friendships. But overall, social detachment is a huge concern.

Isolation and loneliness

Isolation is the state of having minimal contact with others. Even though being isolated can cause loneliness, both are not equal, and both are the risk factor for a physical and cognitive decline.
The online activity that some members find on Facebook is their only source of communications and reaching out to other people. It’s not one’s preference to be alone all the time, but the physical immobility is their greatest burden that keeps them in the house.

Childlessness

It is an important risk factor for social isolation. Like the study mentioned earlier, childless adults often do have support networks, usually consisting of relatives, friends, and neighbors. However, these systems are less likely to provide the long-term commitment and comparable high level of support that children give to parents.
Most members of the group do not have children, but for those who do, they’ve lost communication with the family, they live a long distance away, or they’re forgotten.

Services needed

Community-based aging resource centers and senior organizations must have goals that assist with our medical, functional, social, and safety needs.
  • Help prevent hospital admissions and help us understand how to avoid them
  • How to create advanced directives and choose a reliable, and trusted health care surrogate
  • Teach elder abuse education and where to find support and help
  • Show how to create a care plan far in advance of needing acute care
  • Instruct how to build a personal care team of friends we can count on
  • Give us options and ways to build social connections and help us avoid isolation
  • Help us find transportation when needed
It is challenging for clinicians and social services and even the patients who live alone. But when recognized and assessed properly, the aging singles have potential to struggle less with managing health conditions and the complexities involved in care.
More information on aging issues faced by seniors living alone click here. New Aging Dilemma: Living Alone at Home

New Aging Dilemma: Living Alone at Home

New Aging Dilemma: Living Alone at Home New Aging Dilemma: Living Alone at Home New Aging Dilemma: Living Alone at Home New Aging Dilemma: Living Alone at Home

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