Some seniors recognize the need to start planning for their futures early, while others require a little push in the right direction because they refuse to recognize that their situation might change as they age. Encourage planning early and address the following areas:

1. Look at all resources –in order to help a senior plan for the future, take a look at all of the options by considering family who may be able to provide help, finances and other assets that could contribute to an aging loved one’s future

2. Understand that plans can change – when planning early, a guideline might be put in place. You might decide with the senior in your life that you will be a full or part-time caregiver. But, by the time they actually need help you might not be in a position to follow through. Accept that plans can change, be flexible, and have backup plans in place

3. Enlist help – a geriatric care manager or a senior care provider can help evaluate the future needs seniors may have to aid in planning

4. Organize the legal aspects – encourage your elderly relative to create a will, draft an advanced directive, establish a power of attorney, and go through the estate planning process

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When seniors are feeling down, often their symptoms are either misdiagnosed or not even treated. A checklist of symptoms can help seniors themselves or their loved ones discern if they are feeling the effects of depression. Here are several signs of senior depression and just where to look for help.

• Loss of appetite—A change in appetite usually results in the most common sign a senior is depressed of unintentional weight loss.

• Generally disinterest—Seniors may lose interest in daily activities they once enjoyed or found pleasing.

• Sleepless nights—A depressed senior may have trouble sleeping through the night. This can also explain another sign your senior is depressed, increased fatigue.

• Increased Irritability—Some seniors’ personalities turn increasingly agitated or dispirited when feeling low or depressed.

• Unusual thoughts about death—Abnormal notions about death and dying arise in a down senior.

• Where to get a geriatric assessment—Seniors and senior caregivers can receive help and more information on these depression signs by visiting their primary care physician or other outlets such as hospitals, senior centers, religious affiliations, Medicaid offices, or a local Area Agency on Aging.

Source: National Pace Association

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The holidays are here! But not everyone isn’t quite so excited, many seniors and senior caregivers suffer from the holiday blues and this can be a hard thing to cope with when everyone else is caught up in the joy of the season. Here are some tips and tricks that can help individuals suffering with the blues get through the holidays:

1. Surround yourself with people – even if you don’t have family or friends around that you can spend time with, do join other social events taking place in your community

2. Volunteer – no matter what’s happening in your life, you’ll feel great when you volunteer and give back to those in need

3. Join a support group – sometimes it’s not easy to talk to family about the emotions you’re struggling with, so join a support group that allows you to share your feelings

4. Don’t put pressure on yourself – it’s okay if you don’t feel like celebrating over the holidays, don’t push yourself. Get involved with those things that make you happy, and don’t get down on yourself if you don’t feel joyful

5. Avoid alcohol – alcohol can depress your mood, so even though the wine and eggnog is flowing over the holidays, stick to the non-alcoholic stuff!

6. Know the signs of depression and seek treatment – the holiday blues are one thing, but you also need to recognize depression and get help

Via: Health in Aging

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The holiday season can be hard for many seniors, especially those who have lost a loved one and are remembering times past that can never happen again. For others, the holidays are simply a source of stress because they can be extremely overwhelming. Here are some ways the families can help their loved ones better enjoy the holiday season:

1. Allow memories and past rituals to live on – don’t discourage seniors from reliving those important memories of holidays past, thinking that it will prevent depression. Share memories of family members no longer with you, look at photos, and keep old family traditions alive

2. Make sure visiting seniors are comfortable – to help reduce the stress of seniors coming into your home over the holidays, make sure that your home is senior-friendly, with safety being the primary concern

3. Avoid impulsive holiday activities – to ensure that seniors can be involved with all holiday activities, avoid being impulsive that way seniors can be well-rested for more excitement

4. Focus on the joy – while it’s okay to reminisces, over the holidays make sure that all memories discussed focus on the positive

5. Create new traditions – while you can focus on incorporating old rituals into the holidays, create new ones as well that give the whole family, including seniors, new things to look forward to doing together. Holiday activities can’t just focus on the past

Via: ArticleBase

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Most people will not think twice about the slow movements of an elderly patient of family member. While it is quite normal for body movements to become slower with age, the decreased walking speed could actually be an indicator of future health problems. Many doctors are now using walking speed to assess their patients. Studies have linked a slow walking speed to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The facts that are listed below highlight how slow walking speeds can indicate health issues and risks.

1. A slow walking speed in an elderly patient is associated with the increased risk of death due to cardiovascular issues.

2. Any decreased motor performance can be viewed as a risk factor.

3. Elderly patients should try to stay as active as possible. Introducing a walking exercise into a daily regime could reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

4. Walking speed can be used to predict future health issues. This may not be possible if the patient has broken a hip in the past 2 years, has a debilitating disease or dementia

Source: www.bmj.com

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Many seniors find themselves traveling during the holiday season. While it is wonderful to be reunited with family during these times, the trip preparation can be overwhelming. There are a few tips that will help seniors plan for their travel. By following these tips, planning will be much simpler and more organized. If time allows, seniors should create a short check list that includes what to pack, what special accommodations are needed, etc. The list below contains some tips that will help seniors with their planning.

1. Have a medical check-up prior to traveling.

2. If you have medical needs, make sure to make arrangements ahead of time. For example, if you need a wheelchair, contact the hotel prior to arrival.

3. Make sure to pack all medications and make sure you have enough for the duration of the trip.

4. Check your luggage twice. Include things that will be needed during travel in your carry-on bag. It is suggested to pack all medications in a carry-on as well in case your luggage gets lost.

5. Consider your personal safety. Seniors are a target for theft, so try not to travel at night or alone. Do not wear valuable jewelry and make sure you always carry identification.

Source: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

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Living with someone else is never easy, and adding a senior to your household who has had a lifetime of independence is not an easy process – on you or on them. For some, living together is just too close for comfort; they just get along better when seeing each other only occasionally; others, manage to get on quite well even when in close quarters. Before jumping into any decisions, seniors and their families should all consider if they’re prepared to make sacrifices and changes to their lifestyles. Specific questions
that seniors should ask include
the following:

• What will my role be in paying for household expenses? Does it sound affordable and reasonable based on the living arrangements determined?

• What specific responsibilities will I have? Will I be expected to contribute to household chores or care for any of the grandchildren in the home? If so, how often and when?

• Will I be provided with my own space to maintain my independence? Will I have a room, or a bathroom that’s off limits to the rest of the family?

• What will become of my assets? How will we handle the sale of my home and finances I have in my bank accounts?

• Can I bring my pets to the home?

• Will changes be made to areas of the home to provide for my comfort and safety?

• Will I be a part of family decisions, such as vacations, travel, and hosting of events in the home? Or will the other family members make these decisions?

• Am I able to invite my friends to the home and entertain? What if I want to use the space without the grandchildren?

• What arrangements will be made if I need care assistance? Will someone in the home be able to help, or will we hire senior home care?

Via: Home Instead Senior Care

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Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228

As a senior caregiver, sometimes you are the only source of information for your senior. If your senior is planning on traveling soon, you can easily be the voice of reason. Here are some traveling tips your senior can take with them to their destination.

• Contact a Travel Agent - Travel agents offer additional discounts for senior citizens on vacations, along with age-appropriate itineraries and travel packages.

• Take Your Time While Traveling- Seniors should not pack too much sightseeing into one day. Make sure to take several breaks throughout your trips so you do not become too exhausted. It is a vacation after all.

• Pack All Medications, Special Equipment and Items You Can’t Live Without- All necessary medications should go in every senior’s suitcase before leaving on a trip. However, plan accordingly as some countries do not allow certain medicines on their soil. If you need a wheelchair be sure to pre-arrange one with airlines and hotels before leaving the house. Also, pack all items you can’t live without such as an extra pair of eyeglasses.

• Think About Your Safety While on the Move- When traveling do not fall victim to thievery. Carry only the amounts of cash you need for the day. Also write down your credit card company’s phone number should your wallet or purse be stolen.

Via: eHow

Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228