0 Planning a Move to Care for a Senior Loved One

• Assisted Living
• Author Sharon Wagner
• 11-21-2022

  Image via Pexels Planning a Move to Care for a Senior Loved One Caring for a senior loved one comes in many forms, from helping them remain social and active to assisting with daily tasks. If your loved one lives far away and can no longer care for themselves, it might be time to think about moving closer to ensure their safety and comfort. While it's a major life change, making a move will allow you to find out what your loved one's needs are so that you can better assist them, whether that means helping them downsize or find a nursing facility or home health provider. If they can no longer maintain their home, or if you need help selling your own house prior to the move, work with a local real estate pro. Then come up with a plan for the move itself and for the care of your loved one in the coming months. Read on for more information, presented by Enjoying Aging.   Simplify The Moving Process – Research And Secure A Mortgage With your loved one's needs on your mind–among other things–you don't want the move to pile onto your stress levels. The good news is, you can simplify the process quite a bit with a solid plan that includes doing some homework on the area you'll be moving to, figuring out where to find grocery stores, pharmacies, and gyms, and getting pre-approved for a home loan. This will not only give you peace of mind where your finances are concerned, but it will also allow you to make a quick purchase once you find the perfect home. Check your credit report and, if necessary, boost the score before applying for a loan by paying down debt and taking care of your bills on time.   Take A Look At Your Loved One's Living Situation Once you have your own home taken care of, it's time to thoroughly check your loved one's living situation to find out whether their home is a healthy, safe space for them. Many seniors find that their homes become more and more challenging to maintain over the years, which can lead to leaks, damage, and dangerous mold. If you suspect your loved one's house needs repairs, look for local resources that can help at low or no cost, and talk to your loved one about making a move. Age Space notes that not only is downsizing a great option for older adults who need less to take care of, but it can also help them save money and stay safe at the same time. One possibility is moving to a smaller space such as a rental home, condo, or apartment. There are plenty of options to choose from as it pertains to square footage, the age of the property, and the neighborhood. In fact, there are a number of different websites available that can help you find the perfect apartment for your needs and lifestyle.       Enjoying Senior Living Find a Senior Living Facility Near You. Click On Your State To View Listings in Your Area. Find a Community Near You Content Marketing Offers the Highest Return On Investment Online, or content marketing and advertising, is currently the second-highest method of promoting businesses following only Television which, for now, remains in the number one position. Experts have predicted that digital ads will surpass TV by 2025 and not look back. For cost-effectiveness, and the ability to directly target your audience, nothing matches the ROI of digital marketing. Learn More Digital Marketing Offers Three Opportunities To Reach Your Audience Studies show that the majority of people will use their phones to search for content that addresses their current needs and then switch to their computers for more in-depth research before making final decisions or purchases. With three different platforms, computers, tablets, and phones, it is important to make sure your audience can follow your content and ads on any device. The upside to this is you have three opportunities to reach them. All of our Websites are developed to work flawlessly on all three platforms. Learn More   Another consideration is apartment communities that are designed specifically for seniors. These are often far more affordable options than an assisted living facility yet still provide many similar benefits. In some cases, they will even make exceptions that allow a younger family member to live with an aging parent to facilitate their care needs.   Staying In Place Another option is to let your loved ones stay in the place they are most familiar with; their own home. If your intentions are to move to take care of them why make them move? In many cases, there is enough equity in their home to get them approved for a reverse mortgage. There is a lot of false information going around about this type of mortgage and while they are not the right choice for some, they can be the perfect solution for others.   Take Steps to Help Them Stay If your loved one needs help with daily tasks and their home is still in good shape, there are a few things you can do to help it stay that way. Making modifications is an easy way to help a senior age in place, and you can also clean, declutter, and take care of the exterior of the home. Simple chores such as sealing up cracks around windows or clearing the downspout of debris can go a long way toward preparing the house for cold weather, as can cleaning the gutters to prevent water from backing up against the roof or foundation. It's important to hire a pro for the latter, as they can perform a cleaning safely and quickly while checking for potential issues.   Be An Advocate One of the best things you can do for your senior loved one is to be an advocate for their rights and well-being, whether it's at a doctor's appointment or at an appointment to secure safe accommodations. The National Association of Realtors suggests familiarizing yourself with senior rights as they apply to fair housing and the code of ethics that realtors and landlords must abide by, which includes the inability to discriminate against an individual due to their race, sex, or disability, among other things.   Be A Negotiator You might not think of yourself as a natural negotiator, but when it comes to advocating for a senior loved one, negotiating skills can come in handy. Whether you're dealing with a healthcare provider, an insurance company, or a retirement community, it's important to be able to make your case and get what you want. That's not always easy, but there are some things you can do to improve your chances of success. First, it's important to stay focused on your goal. Don't get sidetracked by other issues, and be prepared to walk away if you're not getting what you want. It's also helpful to know what the other side is likely to offer and to have a realistic idea of what you're willing to accept. By being prepared and staying calm, you'll be more likely to get the outcome you're hoping for. In summary, lending your senior loved one a hand as it pertains to making a move may seem daunting, but by researching the new locality ahead of time, securing a mortgage, considering their living situation, and understanding future options, you both will be better equipped to execute your plan. Soon, they will be living comfortably in their new home to finish out their retirement years! If you need tips and resources to help you age well, be sure to spend some time exploring the different content provided by Enjoying Aging.   A special thank you to Sharon Wagner at seniorfriendly.info for contributing this article.   If you enjoyed this article, or have a topic you would like to suggest for a new article, please leave a comment in the form below.  

0 What Seniors Need to Know About Pet-Friendly Assisted Living Communities

• Assisted Living
• Author Lydia Chan
• 10-13-2022

  Image via Pexels What Seniors Need to Know About Pet-Friendly Assisted Living Communities It probably comes as no surprise that pets can provide senior citizens with companionship and foster a sense of responsibility. Because of this, many senior living communities accommodate pets to serve as companions to residents. In this article, Enjoying Aging shares some tips to help you find the best assisted living community for both you and your pet.   How to Look for Pet-friendly Communities The internet is one of the best resources for finding a pet-friendly community. Go to your favorite search engine, like Google or Bing, type in "pet-friendly assisted living communities in [location]," and check the search results. You should see a list of pet-friendly communities in the area. Check each assisted living community's website for more information about living with pets in that community. Another way to find a pet-friendly senior community is to visit senior care websites, which offer a wealth of information about senior assisted living communities. Sites such as A Place For Mom, Caring.com, Enjoying Senior Living, and Senior Advice can help you compile a list of pet-friendly communities in your area. Learn each community's pet policy, and don't hesitate to ask questions so that you become well-informed.   Common Pet Policies You Need to Know Assisted living communities adhere to rules to ensure the residents' safety and comfort. Some communities may only allow certain breeds and sizes. For an extra fee, some communities can also provide personalized pet care, or they may work with third-party vendors to assist with grooming, dog walking, and feeding. Once you find a pet-friendly community that appeals to you, learn more about its policies on keeping pets to help you make an informed decision about whether to choose this as your new home.     Things to Consider Before Taking Your Pet to the Community Before transitioning to assisted living with your pet, make sure that your furry friend is trained and well-behaved. If your dog has a history of jumping on people or biting, it may be best to enroll your pup in dog training or obedience classes. Also, consider the environment the dog will be living in. If it's not used to indoor life, it may make more noise and look for ways to get out. Be realistic, as problems can still arise. Will you be able to properly care for the pet in the assisted living community? If not, does the community offer extra pet services? In some instances, it may be wiser for you to find a new home for your pet or consider a different senior community.   Enjoying Senior Living Find a Senior Living Facility Near You. Click On Your State To View Listings in Your Area. Find a Community Near You Content Marketing Offers the Highest Return On Investment Online, or content marketing and advertising, is currently the second-highest method of promoting businesses following only Television which, for now, remains in the number one position. Experts have predicted that digital ads will surpass TV by 2025 and not look back. For cost-effectiveness, and the ability to directly target your audience, nothing matches the ROI of digital marketing. Learn More Digital Marketing Offers Three Opportunities To Reach Your Audience Studies show that the majority of people will use their phones to search for content that addresses their current needs and then switch to their computers for more in-depth research before making final decisions or purchases. With three different platforms, computers, tablets, and phones, it is important to make sure your audience can follow your content and ads on any device. The upside to this is you have three opportunities to reach them. All of our Websites are developed to work flawlessly on all three platforms. Learn More   Why Purchase Pet Insurance? Like your health insurance, pet insurance helps cover veterinary costs for your pet when it's injured or sick. Having pet insurance prevents you from having to dip into your savings to pay for expensive veterinary care. When choosing pet insurance, consider the premiums, deductibles, coverage level, and maximum pet age before making a decision. To avoid problems, carefully evaluate sample quotes, research and compare pet insurance coverage and considerations, and read customer reviews.   Stock Up on Supplies and Toys When considering pet supplies and toys, it's important to choose items that are safe and easy to use. First, safety is paramount. Look for products that are made from non-toxic materials and that don't have small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Second, ease of use is important. Seniors may have limited mobility or dexterity, so look for products that are easy to grab, hold, and manipulate. Third, consider the pet's individual needs. Some pets may need extra support for their joints, while others may need products that encourage mental stimulation or provide a sense of security. Lastly, don't forget to read reviews before making a purchase. This way, you know all the supplies and toys you're getting are worth the money you're spending on them.   Plan Accordingly Use the guide above to help you find a pet-friendly assisted living community, and smooth your transition by purchasing pet insurance. By stocking up on supplies (and reading reviews), looking into pet insurance, and ensuring the assisted living facility is right for you and your pet, you can rest easy knowing that your new home is perfect.   A special thank you to Lydia Chan at alzheimerscaregiver.net for contributing this article.   If you enjoyed this article, or have a topic you would like to suggest for a new article, please leave a comment in the form below.

0 Common Signs That It May Be Time for Senior Assisted Living

• Assisted Living
• Author Lydia Chan
• 10-02-2022

Photo via Unsplash   Common Signs That It May Be Time for Senior Assisted Living As your senior loved ones get older, you might have to consider moving them into assisted living. But how do you know when it's the right time? Often, there is no clear and definitive sign that a senior needs daily care, but you can keep an eye out for some common indicators and red flags. Certain behaviors, physical limitations, vision loss, and mental health conditions can signal that moving into assisted living would be beneficial. Recent Falls or Other Injuries Due to a variety of medical and age-related factors, household injuries are unfortunately common among seniors, especially those living alone. Injuries from falls can affect a senior's quality of life significantly, limiting their activities and socialization opportunities while increasing their risk of falling again. Full-time care in an assisted living facility can help your loved one avoid injury in the future. Your aging loved one might also be experiencing significant vision loss due to cataracts or macular degeneration. If you notice behavioral changes like grabbing onto furniture, increased falls, or squinting, or if you notice more bruises that could be from bumping into unseen objects, take your loved one to be checked by their eye care professional.     Trouble Performing Daily Activities Is your loved one able to cook, clean, bathe, do laundry, maintain their home, and tackle other activities of daily living? Seniors who have trouble with these tasks may suffer rapid weight gain or loss, increased risk of infection, loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Keep an eye out for signs that your loved one may be struggling with their daily activities. An empty fridge, an unusually unkempt home, an overgrown yard, and new body odors may signal that your senior loved one could use some help with their daily living tasks. In some cases, a grocery delivery service (or picking up groceries yourself) can help your loved one. In other cases, such as dealing with cleaning around the house and backyard, you're better off hiring some assistance.   Isolation and Loneliness If your senior loved one lives alone, they may be experiencing the negative effects of isolation. Sadly, loneliness can increase the rate of mental and physical decline in old age. Seniors often experience isolation when they lose their ability to drive or develop mobility difficulties, or when long-time friends move out of their neighborhood. Some signs that your loved one may be experiencing loneliness include sleeplessness, increased spending, loss of appetite, and a change in the frequency of phone calls. Fortunately, moving into an assisted living community will provide your loved one with numerous socialization opportunities so they can avoid the threat of isolation and loneliness.   How to Talk About Assisted Living If you think assisted living is right for your loved one, it's time to talk about it. These can be very tough conversations to have. Assisted Living Today recommends broaching the subject when your loved one is feeling happy and relaxed and there are close friends and family around for support. Try not to push the subject if your loved one gets upset. You can always bring it up again at a later date. Think of your first conversation as a way to plant the seed and get the ball rolling on further discussions. Most importantly, don't tell your loved one that you made this decision for them already. You might have an easier time convincing a reluctant senior to consider assisted living if you approach your conversation as a negotiation and do some research and gather information before beginning your discussion. Look up assisted living communities in your area and find out what alternatives are available, such as adult day care services or accessibility solutions for aging in place. Be prepared to answer any questions or concerns your loved one might have about moving. These resources can help you kick off your research: 7 Benefits of Assisted Living How to Manage Your Expenses While in Assisted Living How to Make a Home Safe for Your Aging Parent   Assisted living facilities provide assistance with all kinds of daily activities, from cooking to bathing, which can be an enormous help to seniors and their family caregivers. Still, it's very difficult to confront the idea that your loved one may need to move into assisted living. While it may be tempting to put this decision off, for now, you'll have a much easier time planning and discussing your options without pressing time constraints. Planning ahead will ensure you make the best possible decision!   A special thank you to Lydia Chan at alzheimerscaregiver.net for contributing this article.   If you enjoyed this article, or have a topic you would like to suggest for a new article, please leave a comment in the form below.     Content Marketing Offers the Highest Return On Investment Online, or content marketing and advertising, is currently the second-highest method of promoting businesses following only Television which, for now, remains in the number one position. Experts have predicted that digital ads will surpass TV by 2025 and not look back. For cost-effectiveness, and the ability to directly target your audience, nothing matches the ROI of digital marketing. Learn More Digital Marketing Offers Three Opportunities To Reach Your Audience Studies show that the majority of people will use their phones to search for content that addresses their current needs and then switch to their computer for more in-depth research before making final decisions or purchases. With three different platforms, computers, tablets, and phones, it is important to make sure your audience can follow your content and ads on any device. The upside to this is you have three opportunities to reach them. All of our Websites are developed to work flawlessly on all three platforms. Learn More