Posts Tagged ‘Aging’

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Inspiring Senior Dr. Louisa Littleton

Thursday, April 18th, 2013 by Natalie Vache

SeniorHomes.com recently set out to identify the Most Inspiring Seniors through the Best Senior Living Awards. During the awards program, we found many well known inspiring seniors including Betty White, Fauja Singh, and Edythe Kirchmaier. However we also found another senior that doesn’t get the same amount of press as a 91 year old comedian, or the world’s oldest marathon runner. We found Dr. Louisa Littleton.

As the first female resident at Carolinas Medical Center (CMC) in 1945 and paving the way for women in medicine, Dr. Littleton has been an inspiration to her own local community for decades. Dr. Littleton was nominated by her Sunrise Senior Living community, Brighton Gardens of Charlotte.

Littleton always wanted to be a physician and in 1945-46, she was the lone female in a class of 15 men–clearly a trend-setter in a profession which was largely dominated by men during that time. After finishing the program at CMC, Littleton became the first female pediatrician in Statesville and managed a private practice for more than 30 years.

Now 93, Dr. Littleton’s spirit still lives on to inspire other female doctors. CMC recently created an annual award that bears her name, the “Dr. Louisa Littleton Award”, which is given annually to the female resident who most closely embodies Dr. Littleton’s passion for service.

Dr. Littleton was recently presented with the “Inspiring Senior” award at her community (shown in the photo to the right). Surrounded by friends, neighbors and community staff, Dr. Littleton was made aware of her nomination, her 150 votes, and received a plaque. We’re certain that this won’t be the last of Dr. Littleton’s incredible accomplishments during her lifetime, but we sure are proud to be a part of bringing some much-deserved recognition to a woman who will continue to inspire women in the field of medicine, and seniors everywhere, for decades to come.

To read more about Dr. Littleton, visit her nominee page here.

To learn more about Dr. Littleton, watch an interview here.

 

 

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How Home Automation Can Help Seniors

Friday, December 28th, 2012 by Natalie Vache

This is a guest post submitted by Elli Bishop, a writer and home security industry expert.

Barring any medical issues that would make assisted living or a nursing home a necessity, there’s no reason seniors can’t remain in their homes. With new advances in home automation technology it’s even easier for them to stay put.

The purpose of home automation for the elderly is to create an environment that is easy and safe for seniors to live in, giving them the ability to remain in their home for as long as possible.

What is Home Automation?

Imagine the convenience of turning your lights on before you step through the front door, having them automatically turn off the moment you leave the house, or programming your system to automatically unlock the front door every day at 3:00pm when the caregiver arrives. Or how about automating your home thermostats to regulate heating and cooling so you can reduce energy waste? These modern technological conveniences are no longer reserved for the rich and famous. With home automation services offered by various home security providers, anyone can enjoy the support, security, and savings of a “smart home.”

How Home Automation Helps Seniors

Home automation technology helps seniors maintain their independence by giving them control over their living space and providing the ability to reach out for help in the case of a medical emergency. Standard home automation features include:

  • Remote access
  • Motion detectors
  • Temperature sensors
  • Broken glass detectors
  • Flood sensors
  • Heat and smoke sensors

Many home security service providers also offer easy-to-use touchscreen devices and smartphone apps, allowing seniors can accomplish the following tasks:

  • See who is at front door without having to get up and look
  • Send immediate request for specific help such as medical, police, or fire department
  • Control interior and exterior lighting
  • Regulate and automate the thermostat
  • Remotely turn on and turn off the alarm system
  • Change security codes
  • Set reminders and alerts
  • Watch real-time video of camera-monitored areas outside the home

Home Automation Services Specifically for Seniors

Many home security companies also offer home automation services specifically geared toward seniors where help is just the push of a button away. These services provide state-of-the-art home health security products such as personal help buttons that are small, portable, and can be worn around the neck or as a wristband. These wireless devices are waterproof and have long-range capability.

Senior-driven home automation services also provide elderly customers with the added convenience of speaking with trained emergency response personnel over a two-way voice intercom system. This is especially useful in the event of a fall or emergency medical situation. Other services often include temperature sensors that send alerts if the house reaches unsafe temperatures and reminders to test the personal help button to ensure it is working properly.

Investing in a home automation service allows seniors to can enjoy all the comforts of home with the added security of knowing that if help is ever needed, it’s always there.

How else do you think seniors can benefit from home automation?

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The 5 Best Activities To Do With Our Elderly

Monday, December 10th, 2012 by Natalie Vache

This is a guest post submitted by writer Sarah Jennings.

Our elderly loved ones play a special role in our lives since the day we are born. We don’t always have time for to visit them but when we do it is important to make the best of it since it then are with us for a significantly shorter period of time then the rest of our family. As a child I spent most of my summers with my grandma while my parents worked. My grandma always made sure I had a good time when I was a kid and I made it a point to repay her as an adult. Here are five of the best activities you can do with your elder loved ones to get the most out of your time together.

1.      Card Games

Your grandma could be a sweet, innocent looking old lady until you put a deck of cards in her hands. Card games keep the mind sharp and are something anyone can play at any time. Rummy, Golf, Hand and Foot, and Crazy Eights are classics that are always entertaining for both of you. Be careful when she tries to pull out her little mini-purse full of change though, she’s about to get serious. Ask her neighbors how she got all those dimes.

2.      Go Out For A Meal

Chances are your grandparents liked to spoil by overfeeding you when you were young. Take them somewhere they would like to go and treat them. A little change in routine is good for our elderly sometimes, especially if they don’t get around so easily anymore.

3.      Go For A Simple Walk

If you are like me and have a tight schedule sometimes just a walk to catch up on things is the best thing for both you and grandma or grandpa(or mom and dad). Ask them how they are doing, if there’s anything knew. If they are disabled and require a rollator or some other walking aid, keep it simple and stroll through the park as opposed to trails in the woods.

4.      Watch their Favorite Program with them or a Ball Game

Whether it is grandma’s favorite soap opera or grandpa’s favorite team playing, a good way to get in the habit of regular visits is to show up the same time that their favorite show comes on. You can watch the show and catch up or chat as you’re watching the game. Sometimes just being remembered and having your presence is all they want and occasions like this could be more meaningful to them then you think.

5.      Dominos

This one was my personal favorite to do with my grandma. Chicken foot is a great game that takes a couple hours to complete. It’s simplicity allows for excellent bonding during this time and is great to include kids in as it can help them learn to match the dominos and learn organization.

There are many other activities you can do with your elders to warm their hearts but these are the ones I personally recommend. Sometimes brightening their day is what brightens yours. Sometimes when your overwhelmed as an adult it can be good to go visit them, you might just feel like a kid again, if only for a brief period of time.

Sarah Jennings has been taking care of others her whole life. In 2005, she moved her mother into her family home. She uses her personal experience to share with others about caring for the elderly. She currently writes on behalf of Brookdale Assisted Living.

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A Look Inside Dementia Care Facilities, by a Family Caregiver

Wednesday, October 10th, 2012 by Natalie Vache

This is a guest post submitted by Martha Stettinius, author of the new book “Inside the Dementia Epidemic: A Daughter’s Memoir.”

At age 80, my mother is living with advanced dementia (vascular dementia and probable Alzheimer’s disease), and I’ve served as her primary caregiver for 7 years. She’s lived in my home with my husband and two young children, then in assisted living, a rehab center, a “memory care” facility, and now the dementia ward of a nursing home.

In the spring of 2005, my mother lived with us briefly, but she was unhappy and needed more independence, so we convinced her to move to a nearby assisted living facility. With mild cognitive impairment, she seemed afraid to go to activities, which were held in large groups that included the higher-functioning residents of the adjacent “independent living” facility. Many of the assisted living residents had some degree of dementia, but activities and care seemed tailored to the more independent residents. Staff did not receive extensive dementia training, and interactions were minimal. To my dismay, Mom spent most of her days watching TV.

Late in 2007, after falling and fracturing her pelvis, my mother suddenly became incontinent. The fall may have accompanied a small stroke. After Mom spent some time in a rehab center, the assisted living facility staff were not allowed (by their contract, and by our state’s regulations) to physically help my mother change her adult diapers. I had to hire private aides to come in for several hours a day. The facility’s case manager told me that my mother’s needs had fallen into a “gray area.” Shortly after that, when one of the private aides found Mom in bed one morning soaking wet and uncovered, her adult diaper ripped off, I knew it was time to move her. But where?
Mom would live in this memory care facility for nearly 3 years—years that seemed her happiest in a long time. Mom rewarded the staff’s affection with lots of smiles and laughter. Firmly in the middle stages of dementia, she joined the activities, sparked a romance with one of the men, and generally enjoyed living in the moment, no longer tortured by awareness of her disease. Although she had her moments of agitation, the staff all received special training in dementia care, and they knew how to keep her calm and feeling safe.I toured a local “memory care” cottage, most impressed not with the plush, home-like environment—the light-filled windows, the green plants, the white, long-haired cat lounging on the hearth—or the seeming contentedness of the residents who listened to oldies on a CD—but the forthrightness of the administrator who gave me the tour. When I asked her, “At what point, exactly, would my mother have to move out?” she told me, “Residents must be able to feed themselves, and be able to walk for at least a few steps, for example from the bed to a wheelchair.” That’s the kind of answer I’m looking for, I thought. No “gray areas.”

By May of 2010, however, she seemed to have forgotten how to feed herself, and was losing weight. (She was also running out of savings, and the private memory care facility could not accept Medicaid.) I looked for a nursing home in the area that was on The Eden Alternative registry—a nursing home that follows the philosophy of person-centered care championed by Dr. Bill Thomas and his wife, Jude—or a nursing home that was part of the new Green House Project (also a Bill Thomas initiative), but the closest were 3 hours away.  Mom moved into a local nursing home, where for the past 2 years she has received excellent physical care, if not the emotional sustenance and vibrancy one might find in an Eden Alternative nursing home or a smaller, more intimate home such as a Green House. She lives on the dementia floor, where staff members receive some specialized training, but residents in the final stage of dementia rarely enjoy individual attention or appropriate stimulation. Though she can no longer speak, and is immobile in a wheelchair, Mom still enjoys people and shares her brilliant smile. She is still “here,” and deserves to have a life that includes more than being spoon-fed her pureed meals, and napping through group activities.

I’m hopeful that our new National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease will increase public understanding of Alzheimer’s and the need for specialized care, and that funding and answers will surface as more and more Americans fall prey to dementia.  However, we need to press the Department of Health and Human Services to recommend a minimum number of hours of dementia training for health care providers and facility staff. According to the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, individual states may or may not require dementia education, and their regulations vary by industry (home care, adult day care, assisted living, nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice). Some states, for example, require absolutely no dementia education for staff in the dementia units of assisted living. This must change.

 

About Martha Stettinius, the author:

Martha Stettinius is the author of the new book “Inside the Dementia Epidemic: A Daughter’s Memoir,” available at major online book retailers. She serves as a volunteer representative for New York State for the National Family Caregivers Association. For more information about the book, please visit www.insidedementia.com.

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Joan’s Journey: Home Sweet Home! — Maybe?

Friday, October 5th, 2012 by Jacqui Tom

As anticipated, exciting things did happen on my journey to Southern California: I experienced “Senior Living.” Okay. So just what does senior living mean?

Senior living and senior housing are interchangeable terms, according to the experts at the SeniorHomes.com Web site:

“Senior housing and senior living are evolving concepts, encompassing a place to live and a way to live. Today’s seniors, led by the Baby Boomers, have the opportunity to live life on their own terms. How one intends to live determine where one chooses to live. Choices are expanding as the senior population increases and the market develops to meet their needs and desires.”

Enjoying Life at The Village of Northridge

Which brings us to my recent stay at the beautiful new senior living community, The Village of Northridge in Northridge, California. Following a year-long search of senior communities recommended by knowledgeable counselors at SeniorHomes.com, I chose to re-visit Southern California and The Village to delve deeper than a tour and meal, and truly experience senior living for five days.

On the bright, sunny day of September 18, I walked through The Village front door. The warm and welcoming staff had arranged for my stay and the experience happily met my criteria and expectations. From my surprise “Red Carpet” entrance with key staff members waiting inside to meet and greet me, to the cheerful, friendly residents who readily accepted me as an extended family member, my experience could not have been more positive.

My one-bedroom-plus-den apartment with a balcony was attractive, cozy and completely accessible, with a refrigerator and freezer filled with fruit and snacks. No need for more food, for the 12-hour dining service is delicious and more than adequate with fresh, nourishing, tasty food. Activities in fitness, entertainment, intellect and fun abound. I stayed busy, made new friends and am sorry my stay was not longer. My conclusion: the life of senior living at The Village of Northridge is easy, carefree and comfortable.

What’s Next for Joan?

Is The Village of Northridge “Home, Sweet Home?” Maybe! There is still more Joan’s Journey ahead. In my next installment, I hope I have some good news on the sale of my condo in Baltimore and explore some of the pros and cons I learned while “senior living.” Please join the conversation on senior living by commenting below.

This entry was written by Joan London, a freelance writer living in Baltimore who is looking forward to her cross-country move to senior living on the Pacific Coast. You can read more about her and her search for senior housing by checking out her blog here.

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Joan’s Journey: Miracles Do Happen!

Friday, September 14th, 2012 by Jacqui Tom

Joan’s Journey takes a big leap forward with the sale of Joan’s Baltimore condo.

joan's journey part 8: miracles do happenIn late August, a lovely senior couple, referred by a neighbor, visited my condo and made a bid — in 45 minutes. The couple, apparently rapid decision-makers, had done their homework, knew the neighborhood and available condos for sale, and offered a contract. Nine months without a serious looker, then one buyer in 45 minutes! Yes, miracles do happen.

Three weeks have passed, documents have been delivered to the mortgage company and a deposit is on hold by my realtor. The dollar amount offered by the prospective buyer is considerably less than the amount owed on the condo. This is called a “Short Sale.” Marsha, a Joan’s Journeyer from Houston, responded to an early blog and informed us of this type of sale. Thank you, Marsha.

Moving On Up

The difficult task now is to wait for the mortgage company response and to downsize the items I’ve avoided losing. Each item needs a photo and descriptive tag for the second-hand furniture shop. One tag reads, “For sale: Two matching dark wood cocktail tables with black tops, CAT not included.”

To read the rest of Joan’s latest post and her experience with selling her condo, visit her blog post here.

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Joan’s Journey: Happy One-Year Anniversary!

Tuesday, August 28th, 2012 by Jacqui Tom

On the one-year anniversary of her search for senior housing, Joan London reflects on her journey, recapping how far she’s come and how much is left to accomplish in her search for the perfect senior home.

The Search for Senior Housing: Joan's JourneySeptember marks one year since you joined me on Joan’s Journey to locate senior housing. Where are we now? Or should I say, is the cup full, empty or half full?

Let’s recap. Following several natural near-disasters in August and early September 2011, I made the humongous decision to move across country, from the Mid-Atlantic to the Pacific Coast to be closer to my children. But first I had two daunting tasks: 1) selling my condominium in suburban Baltimore in a down market and 2) identifying the West Coast senior living community that best suits my lifestyle, health and budget.

Selling My Condo
Let’s explore the one-year results of selling my condo. I’d say we’re at 1/2 full. Why? I have a very low, short-bid sale contract offer on the condo, which the mortgage company may or may not accept. If the mortgage company declares the offer too low, the prospective buyer could bid higher or decline the sale. Herein lies the unknown—will the sale go through?

In addition, to attract buyers throughout the nine months my condo was for sale, I incrementally, but drastically, reduced the condo sale price.  Consequently, if and when the sale occurs, I am basically returning the keys to the mortgage company and walking away with no debt, but no income either. I lose my 20-percent cash down payment and the funds I thoughtfully and lovingly invested in upgrades and decorating. On the other hand, I’ve heartily enjoyed eight years in the condo. I know in my heart-of-hearts that it’s time to move on.

Exploring Senior Housing
Which brings us to how full my cup is on Joan’s Journey for senior housing? With assistance from the Care Advisors at SeniorHomes.com, I was able to set-up informative visits to communities on Mercer Island and Bellevue, Washington, close to where my son Brian and my grandchildren live. I fully explored the senior communities in West Los Angeles and San Jacinto Valley areas of Southern California, close to my son Mark and his family. I did not have the opportunity to explore senior residences in the greater San Francisco area where my daughter lives.

The senior housing visits taught me a great deal: 1) I am most comfortable in a warm, dry climate like Southern California; 2) I prefer very active independent living communities with lots of off-site activity; and 3) Open dining hours suit my lifestyle, rather than defined dining room schedules.

Moving Forward
Thus, I conclude that my cup is half full. There is still much to happen, discover and arrange on Joan’s Journey. To move forward, I am scheduled to spend several days with overnight stays at the Village of Northridge independent living community in Northridge, CA, about 20 minutes from visiting my toddler grandson, Oliver, at his home.

Last spring, I visited many senior living communities in Southern California, and the Village of Northridge seem to call itself home to me. Since I have the luxury of time to make my decision, and the good folks at Northridge are agreeable for me to spend several days and nights in a guest apartment at the residence, I’m going to take Joan’s Journey to the next level and experience life in senior housing.

In my next Joan’s Journey installment, I’ll share my first-hand senior living experience. In the meantime, please let me hear from you if you’ve sold your home or condo using a short sale. Your experience may be very informative to Joan’s Journeyers.

This entry was written by Joan London. You can read more about her and her search for senior housing by checking out her blog here.

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Joan’s Journey: Lightning Strikes, Journey Jolted!

Tuesday, August 14th, 2012 by Jacqui Tom

Joan’s Journey is temporarily interrupted by a severe lightning storm. Read her tips on surviving a natural disaster and how it has reaffirmed her decision to make the move to senior housing.

In this Post-911 Era, we can’t hide from natural and man-made disasters, but in some cases we can prepare. That’s what I have learned from my earthquake, hail, hurricane, flood and lightning experiences of 2011-2012.

Recently, more than 6 million folks on the Mid-Atlantic Coast were without power for several days to more than a week during one of the hottest weather events in history. While I “suffered” from the heat, others had more serious issues, perhaps needing power for medical devices or cool storage of medicine.

Disasters can and do happen. Here’s what I learned:

Immediate Action Plan

1. Be prepared. We never think disaster will happen to us, but it can and may. Keep flashlights, water, handheld can openers, water, food, extra medicine and supplies at easy reach. Keep your cell phone charged and within easy reach. Land-line phones do not function when power goes out.
2. Have an escape plan. I had a flashlight near my bed and an exit if I could reach the building front door. But what about my cat hiding under the bed? I now have a “buddy” plan with a neighbor living in my building. We will check with each other by cell phone in questionable situations like the storm.

Short-Term Action Plan

1. Continue to identify senior housing.
2. Inquire if the senior community has a disaster plan. If yes, what is it? Are the residents aware of the plan? Are there escape drills?
3. Determine the back-up plan should a natural disaster occur and evacuation become necessary. In Baltimore, some senior residences have auxiliary power systems. Other senior communities move residents to hotels. Who pays this expense? What if no hotels are available?

Long-Term Action Plan

1. Identify and move to a safe, secure senior housing community, where the concern for physical safety is shared by others who are on site to help.

Have you experienced a natural disaster? How did you handle it? What did you learn for it? Please share your experience with Joan’s Journey and seniorhomes.com.

This entry was written by Joan London. You can read more about her recent disaster survival experience in the latest installment of her blog, Joan’s Journey: Part 7.

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50 Shades Of Aging Grey-fully

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012 by mackenzie

Guest Blogger Joanie with Her Mom

My first step of ill-timed retirement was losing my job fourteen months ago. I have not been successful in finding a replacement or comparable position to this day. At the age of 59, I have noticed that there are younger potential employees that will work for food so to speak. How can I compete with someone who is fresh out of college, willing to work for peanuts, is tech-savvier, and better looking then moi?

I may be faced with my potential remaining years as an unemployed worker, however that does not mean that I will let myself get into a rut of self-loathing or inactivity. On the contrary this newfound idleness strengthens my will to get up and do something. I refuse to rollover and give up; I want to make the most of the second act of my life.

It may be challenging finding the right exercise or eating healthy foods that will help you maintain fit and healthy lifestyles. When starting a new fitness routine small steps are always advised, you would never want to risk injury and wind up in the emergency room because of your over zealousness, would you? The hula-hoop craze of yesteryear was fun and unbeknownst to us back in the 50’s and 60’s was beneficial as well. Presently hooping has become once again an easy way to continue remaining fit in our everyday lives. It is a low-impact aerobic workout that will improve blood flow, coordination, endurance, and potentially may also aid in losing weight!

Eating healthy can be a daunting task as well. There is nothing wrong with eating fresh fruits and vegetables, or adding whole grains to your diet. Finding healthy recipes or concocting them myself is another way to sharpen and keep my brain active.

Stuffed Tomato (for 2)

2 large tomatoes (make sure they are a bit on the hard side and not too ripe)

1 12-ounce can of solid white tuna packed in water

1 or 2 stalk(s) of celery (finely chopped)

4 Tbsp of red onion (you can use less if you think it’s too intense, finely chopped)

1/2 Avocado (chopped)

1/2 Fresh squeezed lemon

Tomato pulp (chopped, discard the part with the core)

Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Cut and scoop out the tomato pulp and set aside. In a large bowl add tuna, celery, red onion, and avocado, add the left over pulp of the tomato (including any juice) and lemon juice, salt and pepper. Mix with fork until desired consistency; making sure it is blended well. Place in hollow tomato.

If you would like a fun activity for the summer try hula-hooping. You can purchase a weighted hoop for about $20 and rock your body back and forth to keep the hoop up and rotating! The recipe also will not break the bank and it’s healthy with cancer-fighting lycopene (tomato) and heart healthy omega 3 oils (fish). Keep active and healthy this summer by being proactive so that one day you can retire and enjoy life to the fullest!

This guest post was written by Joanie Jacobsen.   As author of http://babyboomerway.com/,  she advocates fit and healthy lifestyles by including, exercises, inspirational words and recipes on her blog.

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Joan’s Journey: The Good, The Bad, and The Musty.

Monday, April 30th, 2012 by mackenzie

We have all been waiting anxiously to hear Joan’s final rankings of the communities she visited in Seattle and Los Angeles.  And I am glad to announce that the wait is over!  Joan’s latest blog post details her favorite and least favorite communities in Seattle and Los Angeles.

Joan’s journey has taken her across the west coast looking at Senior Housing near her children.  She is excited to announce her first choice pick, as well as, offer you some advice on how to find the best community for you!

Some of the Highlights from her latest Post:

  • Weather was a critical factor in her decision. Weather became a even bigger deal when one home did not take proper care of their community. A musty, moldy smelling community is no ones first choice.
  • There are some advantages to living in a community that is part of a bigger company. Companies like Holiday Senior Living, allow residents to vacation at any of its 300 plus locations across the United States and Canada.
  • Lastly remember 3 Key things in your Senior Search, RVI:  Research, Visit, Investigate.  Joan stresses the importance of these three things in your senior search.

For more of Joan’s tips and to read about her #1 and #2 communities, go to her blog here.

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