If you’re starting to explore assisted living options, you probably have plenty of questions about financing. After all, the average monthly cost of assisted living nationwide is $3,800, with specialized Alzheimer’s care costing an average of $1,200 more. Here are 7 common questions about financing senior living. [Read more…]
It is estimated that for every one case of elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-neglect reported to authorities, about five more go unreported. In a long-term care setting, incidences of abuse occur behind closed doors and are rarely reported by the resident.
Without concrete evidence, many staff and family members struggle with their suspicions of abuse. Facilities state that reports of abuse are to be free from retaliation; unfortunately, this is not always the case, and fear of reprisal will stop both residents and staff members from reporting abuse. [Read more…]
Many seniors are turning to alternative health and wellness therapies in addition to conventional medicine. While doctor’s visits and prescriptions may be imperative to maintaining healthy, complementary practices are becoming popular among seniors as a way to nurture the mind and body. For some, these complementary therapies can be spiritual, for others they are a way to ease anxiety, depression, and symptoms of pain or discomfort. There are several practices that have emerged, and even some that have been around for ages. Read on. [Read more…]
As much as we want to be, we can’t always be with our loved one in an assisted living home or long-term care facility. Busy lives, distance, and other factors often prevent families from being able to spend time together, which is why it’s important to have ways to stay in touch and check in with one another. Here are some simple ways to show that you are thinking about your loved one:
Family Meetings – If you’re lucky to live close enough to your loved one, a weekly family meeting is a great way to check in and spend time together. Many care facilities have areas for activities like board games, recreational areas where you can play shuffleboard, or even outdoor swimming pools. A fun family gathering can brighten anyone’s day. [Read more…]
As a senior citizen or family member of a loved one, planning for inclement weather such as a flood is important. The elderly are more likely to live alone, have physical immobility, or have special needs, which makes them more vulnerable than younger people when there is a flood. Therefore establishing an emergency plan ahead of time will allow your loved one to know exactly what to do if disaster strikes. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a flood: