Thursday, February 28, 2013

To Your Health……and Wellness


By Cynthia K. Klinowski, RN, MSN

The old adage that “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is sage advice.  There is no doubt that to stay healthy is the ideal.  However, as human beings we are all unique, and many of us may fall short of doing all that we can to practice good prevention—especially disease prevention.  Regulatory bodies encourage us to practice preventive health care by supporting programs for immunizations, screenings and the reporting of communicable diseases.  But in the long run we are personally responsible for our own bodily health and well-being.
Health
Health (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)

Your good health is more than a matter of proper diet and exercise.  Genetic or environmental factors may predispose you to certain diseases or chronic conditions.  Behavior and habits in the face of such factors can directly contribute to managing such undesirable conditions.  Regardless of what you may think, you have a great deal of power over many aspects of your health.  Remarkable improvements to your physical and mental well-being can occur when you take control.  You can take action.  You can change behavior.  There is much you can accomplish by simply doing a little bit.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.  The inclusion of well-being seems to 
expand the idea of health to include a sense of appreciation for life.  The concept of well-being, however, is being addressed by many persons and health care professionals around the country as inseparable and therefore essential to health and wellness
.
United Nations World Health Organisation logo
United Nations World Health Organisation
 logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Wellness is considered an enhancement of health and well-being.  It has been defined as a process of living healthier and growing in appreciation of yourself, others, and your environment.  Wellness is taking care of oneself, or self-care.  Mothers have been talking about it for centuries.  The prevention of sickness with “spring tonics” and the use of folk medicine and home remedies are part of all families and cultures.
Taking care of yourself includes taking measures to increase community and environmental health.  In today’s complex society, many new scientific findings concerning treatments, nutritional needs, risk factors, and disease prevention are announced of a routine basis.  Sometimes these announcements are “cure-alls” and do not accurately represent the facts.

Taking care of yourself today requires knowledge and commitment.  It is more than remembering Mother’s admonition to “Put on that sweater or you’ll catch pneumonia.”  Wellness is an active approach to health which is based on physical, mental and social principles.  This includes such activities as eating healthful foods, exercising, reducing bodily and environmental risk factors for chronic disease, and taking care of one’s financial resources.  Wellness can also be thought of as the ability to maximize one’s state of being, whatever that state may be.  Remember that wellness is an individual commitment it is never too late to make that commitment to feel better and increase your enjoyment of life.

If you find you need an Assisted Living Facility, Nursing Home or any other type of Senior Facility, I hope you will consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com.       

If you would like to contribute your thoughts and ideas, please leave them in our comment section. We want to hear them. Helping people care for themselves or their loved ones is what we care about. 

We look forward to reading yours.

Cynthia K. Klinowski, RN, MSN, is a co-owner and senior medical officer of several Assisted Living Facilities in Florida and a guest blogger for SeniorFacilityFinder.com.

Bob Gregory is an advocate for Seniors and is one of the founders of www.seniorfacilityfinder.com. At SeniorFacilityFinder.com, we are dedicated to helping families get the Elder Care help they need without having to provide their personal information! If find you need an assisted living facility or other type of senior facility, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com

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Monday, February 25, 2013

What Safety Features should you look for in an Assisted Living Facility?

By Bob Gregory

Assisted Living Facilities are a great way to extend your independent living and still get the extra help you need with daily routines.   Whether you are considering Assisted Living Facility for your elderly parent or yourself, there are several safety features you will want the Facility that you choose to have in place.  Please don’t assume that all facilities have the same safety features as they may vary greatly from facility to facility.  However, there are certain safety features that all facilities must meet to pass the Fire Marshal’s inspection but even those may vary from State to State.  To be sure, you need to inquire and observe as you visit potential facilities.

Here is a list of safety features you may want to inquire and observe:

  • Are the hallways and common areas equipped with hand rails?
  • Are the floors in the rooms, hallways and common areas safe for walkers, wheelchairs and canes?
  • Is there plenty of lighting both during the day and night?
    Blue Sign for Disabled Automatic Door
    Blue Sign for Disabled Automatic Door
     (Photo credit: QuickLunarCop)
  • Are the bathrooms equipped with matting, safety bars and signaling devices?
  • Are seats for the shower provided or installed?
  • Do the rooms/apartments have call devices for the resident to call for help?
  • Are there loose rugs or mats in residents’ rooms or common areas that can cause slips and falls?
  • Do doors automatically open for residents who use walkers or wheelchairs?
  • Does the facility provide call devices for residents when they are not in their rooms and need help?
  • Do the doors and windows have alarm/chirp devices to notify staff a resident has wondered out?
  • Does the facility use security cameras to monitor exits, halls and common areas?
    Stair lift
    Stair lift (Photo credit: dominiccampbell)
  • Does the facility have onsite security guards or scheduled monitoring by local police?
  • Are the parking lots well lit and easy to access?
  • Are hot water heaters set at an adequate level to prevent scalding?
  • Are residents required to use antibacterial lotion when attending dining or snack functions?
  • Are their lifts on stairs for those who cannot navigate stairs?
  • Does the facility have areas where the floor is at different levels requiring a step up or down?
  • Are elevators monitored and do they have call features?
  • Does the facility monitor rooms to make sure plugs are not over tasked with extension cords?
  • Does the facility have a backup generator for power outages?
  • Does the facility conduct regularly scheduled safety drills?
  • Does the facility have a written emergency evacuation plan?
    Shower Seat
    Shower Seat
    (Photo credit: BigGreenYamo)
  • Do caregivers have emergency call devices should they need assistance with a resident?
  • If a resident leaves the premises, does the facility have a written policy for documenting when the resident left and when they will return?
  • Does the facility provide a locking drawer or safe for valuables?
  • Are visitors required to sign in and out?
  • Are visitor badges required?

You should not only ask the questions but observe the features as well.  Have the person who conducts the tour point out the safety features and explain why they may or may not have some of the features listed above.  You will also want to observe residents who are confined to a wheelchair to see if they are left alone in common areas or is someone (caregiver or resident) with them at all times?  Take note of how well the staff seems to know the residents, as well as any visitors, that may be on premise during your tour.  Be sure to walk the entire facility and go in and out of each door to the outside.  Make sure the outdoor areas are secure by fencing or other structures to deter strangers from coming up to residents.  Finally, ask about the facilities safety record and ask if the police have been called to the facility for any reason within the last twelve months.  Don’t be discouraged if the facility you tour does not have every safety feature listed—some may have more and some may have less—just make sure they have the safety features you deem most important to you or your elderly parent.

If you find you need an Assisted Living Facility, Nursing Home or any other type of Senior Facility, I hope you will consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com
           
If you would like to contribute your thoughts and ideas, please leave them in our comment section. We want to hear them. Helping people care for themselves or their loved ones is what we care about. 

We look forward to reading yours.

Bob Gregory is an advocate for Seniors and is one of the founders of www.seniorfacilityfinder.com. At SeniorFacilityFinder.com, we are dedicated to helping families get the Elder Care help they need without having to provide their personal information! If find you need an assisted living facility or other type of senior facility, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com

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Thursday, February 21, 2013

My elderly parent is physically disabled; will an Assisted Living Facility accommodate his needs?


By Bob Gregory,

Assisted Living Facilities are meant for those who are in need of some assistance with daily living, yet aim to live as independently as possible.  If your parent has been able to live independently with their disability but now needs some assistance, then an Assisted Living Facility may be a good way to extend their independence.   Physically disabled individuals who are not mentally impaired by their disability will certainly be more comfortable in a Senior Facility that has residents their age and possibly with similar disabilities.  Most Assisted Living Facilities are equipped to handle residents with physical disabilities as well as physical impairments that are often associated with aging.  Assisted Living Facilities have several advantages for someone with physical disabilities:
And they call this a walk in the park...
And they call this a walk in the park... (Photo credit: Ed Yourdon)

  • They provide independence with assistance.
  • They provide support and access to care 24-hours a day.
  • They can arrange for on-going therapy and assure the resident receives the treatment.
  • They are accustomed to providing assistance with meals, bathing, walking, eating and other daily activities, such as getting out of bed or moving from a chair to the bathroom.
  • They often provide support groups with residents with similar physical disabilities
Not all Assisted Living Facilities provide the same services so you will need to do your research.  You will find most provide the services listed above but you will need to ask a few more questions to assure your parent’s particular physical disability can be accommodated.

Here are a few questions you need to ask:

  1. Does the facility have residents with the same physical disability as your parent?  This will be a good indication that they have experience in handling individuals with your parent’s disability.
  2. Does the facility have staff with training or certification in dealing with the type of physical disability as your parent?  Keep in mind that the actual medical staff in an Assisted Living Facility is limited but some do have specialist on staff.  Do not be discouraged if they do not have a specialist on staff as there may be other factors that compensate.
  3. Does the facility have staff that coordinates home care visits from a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist or other professional care provider your parent may require?
  4. Does the facility offer transportation services for office visits to a physical therapist, occupational therapist or other professional care provider?  Most facilities do offer transportation but be
     sure your parent’s regularly scheduled appointments are not an issue to be included in the normal transportation schedule of the facility.
    I am blind, but I can see
    I am blind, but I can see (Photo credit: Ed Yourdon)
  5. Does the facility have support groups or guest counselors available for your parent’s type of physical disability?  Support groups are great and if the facility does not have one, offer to help create one or ask if the facility would start a group.  You will find the facility more likely to help out if they have other residents with the same disability.
  6. Ask about the social activities that are available for residents with the type of physical disability as your parent.  It is important that your parent does not feel isolated because of their disability and they stay engaged and socialize!
  7. Ask if the facility will provide special equipment needed or if that will be your responsibility.  You will most likely be responsible for special equipment but it doesn’t hurt to ask.  You may also find that the facility can help find used equipment at a good price.
  8. Ask about additional charges due to special services your parent may require.  Most Assisted Living Facilities are not a “one size fits all” and you may find there will be additional charges for services that are not covered in the standard fee. 
These questions should help you determine whether the Assisted Living Facility you interview will be a good residence for your parent and help extend their independence.  If you find they have residents with similar physical disabilities, ask to speak with the resident and their family for a referral.  Most facilities will be happy to have you do this as they try to provide the highest level of service possible.  Keep in mind that not all Assisted Living Facilities provide the same level of service so you need to make sure they are equipped to handle your parent. Also, consult your parent’s physician and therapist for recommendations as most have relationships with Assisted Living Facilities.  Finally, dealing with physical disabilities is different than mental disabilities so be honest with the facility whether your parent suffers from any mental disabilities due to the physical disability.  It will save a lot of heartache in the future!

If you find you need an Assisted Living Facility, Nursing Home or any other type of Senior Facility, I hope you will consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com
           
If you would like to contribute your thoughts and ideas, please leave them in our comment section. We want to hear them. Helping people care for themselves or their loved ones is what we care about. 

We look forward to reading yours.

Bob Gregory is an advocate for Seniors and is one of the founders of www.seniorfacilityfinder.com. At SeniorFacilityFinder.com, we are dedicated to helping families get the Elder Care help they need without having to provide their personal information! If find you need an assisted living facility or other type of senior facility, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com

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Monday, February 18, 2013

The Assisted Living Facility says my parent needs In-Home Nursing care—why?


By Bob Gregory

It’s not unusual that a resident of an Assisted Living Facility may need In-Home Nursing services that your parent’s facility does not provide.  Keep in mind that Assisted Living Facilities do not provide Skilled Nursing services, so if your parent should need that type of care you will probably have to contract that service from someone other than the Assisted Living Facility.  Generally, an Assisted Living Facility will work with several In-Home Nursing companies that can provide the services you need and they will make recommendations to help you.   Be sure you understand why there is a need for the In-Home Nursing care and that it will be short-term in nature before you sign a contract.  The reason may be an indication your parent needs to be moved to a Nursing Home or Skilled Nursing Facility

Some reasons you may need In-Home Nursing:

  1. One of the most common reasons is due to a hospital stay.  Hospitals try to move patients out as quickly as possible and your parent may not be capable of caring for themselves medically. An Assisted Living Facility does not provide the type of on-going medical treatment that may be required after a surgery or severe illness.  In this situation, you will need someone to stay with your parent that can provide medical care.
  1. Short-term rehabilitation services often require a higher level of medical expertise than is provided by an Assisted Living Facility.  It is common to have these services provided by outside medical companies. There is a wide variety of rehabilitation that require outside services and your parent’s doctor will certainly guide you as to the type you need and make recommendations as well.  Be sure to coordinate with the Assisted Living Facility and ask for candid reviews of the service providers you are considering.
  1. Often there is a need to provide advanced medical supervision as part of a transition service for a rapidly declining resident.  If your parent needs advanced care, such as a Nursing Home or a Skilled Nursing Facility, you may need medical help while finding the facility that best fits your parent’s needs.  The transition service can give you the time you need to locate the proper facility and make the move without having to make a rushed decision.
When additional medical services are requested by an Assisted Living Facility, it is to assure your parent gets the proper medical care they need that is not provided by the facility.  Generally, these services are so that your parent will not have to be moved to a different facility and can remain in their “home” while they recover.  Be sure and discuss this with your parent’s doctor to make sure the services are adequate.  You also need to make sure the services are short-term in nature and that the need is not an indication that your parent is ready for a higher level of care such as the care provided by a Nursing Home or Skilled Nursing Facility.  In-home care can be expensive and it may or may not be fully covered by your parent’s health insurance.  Make sure you monitor the progress and be prepared to locate a Nursing Home or Skilled Nursing Facility in the event you need to move your parent.  You will find the Assisted Living Facility will also monitor progress as they do not want residents who no longer fit the profile of the facility.  It is in both the Assisted Living Facility and your parent’s best interest that your parent is in the right facility with the right level of care!

If you find you need an Assisted Living Facility, Nursing Home or any other type of Senior Facility, I hope you will consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com
           
If you would like to contribute your thoughts and ideas, please leave them in our comment section. We want to hear them. Helping people care for themselves or their loved ones is what we care about. 

We look forward to reading yours.

Bob Gregory is an advocate for Seniors and is one of the founders of www.seniorfacilityfinder.com. At SeniorFacilityFinder.com, we are dedicated to helping families get the Elder Care help they need without having to provide their personal information! If find you need an assisted living facility or other type of senior facility, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com

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Thursday, February 14, 2013

Are symptoms of Cognitive Impairment indicators of Dementia?


For anyone with an elderly parent, especially one in a Senior Facility, the fear of Dementia is always looming.  As your parent grows older, you may begin to notice changes in their memory and I’m sure your first assumption is it is a sign of Dementia.  To give you a little insight, we turn to our guest blogger who is a co-owner and chief medical officer of several Assisted Living Facilities in Florida.

Are symptoms of Cognitive Impairment indicators of Dementia?

By Cynthia K. Klinowski, RN, MSN

It is currently estimated that over five million Americans have some form of dementia, and that number will grow to 16 million by 2050, unless a cure or prevention can be found.  Older adults and others often assume if a person has changes in memory that they have Dementia.  This is not necessarily true but is often a prominent indicator.  Each year, in the United States, more than 500,000 adults are newly diagnosed with a chronic brain disorder, most of which affects cognition and behaviors.  So what is cognition and cognitive abilities?  Cognitive Abilities are those that allow individuals to make sense of their surroundings and think rationally. These are the processes that allow people to experience and interact with others.  They are:
Dementia is not a natural part of growing old
Dementia is not a natural part of growing old (Photo credit: The Prime Minister's Office)

·         Memory
·         Reasoning
·         Orientation
·         Perception
·         Attention

Cognitive Symptoms are the difficulty in word finding, remembering, and understanding.  So Cognitive Impairment may cause confusion because people are unable to understand their environment and lead to difficult behaviors and challenges in communication.  Despite the lack of a vaccine to prevent, or a medication to stop or cure the process, the management of Dementia can improve quality of life for individuals and their caregivers.  Included in this is management of other conditions that interfere with cognitive functioning, such as hearing, vision, pain and depression.  Cognitive problems are far too complex for family members or the individual to diagnose.  When consistent and persistent memory problems are evident, when there is a significant decline in short term memory, and difficulty learning new materials, there is a need for intervention when these problems are noticed by friends, family, and possibly co-workers it is time to consult a physician.

Dementia - The causes of dementia
Dementia - The causes of dementia (Photo credit: The Prime Minister's Office)
If you have concerns about your elderly parent’s memory or cognitive abilities, consult with the care providers at the senior facility as well as with your parent’s doctor.  Try not to over react as your parent may be experiencing other types of issues that do not necessarily indicate Dementia.   As our gue
st blogger indicated, if your parent does have issues with early stages of Dementia, management of Deme
ntia can improve your parent’s quality of life.  Today, many Assisted Living Facilities have Memory Care Units that may allow your parent to remain in their facility without having to move to a higher level of care such as provided by a Nursing Home.

If you find you need an Assisted Living Facility, Nursing Home or any other type of Senior Facility, I hope you will consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com.      
 
If you would like to contribute your thoughts and ideas, please leave them in our comment section. We want to hear them. Helping people care for themselves or their loved ones is what we care about. 

We look forward to reading yours.

Bob Gregory is an advocate for Seniors and is one of the founders of www.seniorfacilityfinder.com. At SeniorFacilityFinder.com, we are dedicated to helping families get the Elder Care help they need without having to provide their personal information! If find you need an assisted living facility or other type of senior facility, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com

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Monday, February 11, 2013

Social Media—connecting Senior Facility elderly residents and their families


By Bob Gregory

Social Media is one of the fastest growing segments of the internet and in 2012 it accounted for 25% of all on-line time!  Most facilities understand the importance of Social Media to promote their facility to potential residents and their families, but don’t overlook the value of Social Media for your current residents.  There are two different uses for Social Media at Senior Facilities and both require different strategies.  These two strategies overlap significantly and are often mistakenly treated as one strategy.  In this post, I’m going to discuss the use of Social Media to connect your current residents with their families.  If you would like to learn about using Social Media to promote your facility, please visit www.seniorfacilitymarketing.com  to learn about our services.

The giant in Social Media is Facebook boosting over 1 billion users!  Over 700 billion minutes are spent on Facebook every month and one of the most noted activities is looking at photos and videos posted by friends.  Users of Facebook always site it is a great way to stay in touch with friends and family that are not in the same city or whose lives take them in different circles.  Thus the opportunity for your Senior Facility to help your residents and their families stay in touch!

If your facility does not have a Facebook page, you need to start one!  If you have a Facebook page, here are a few tips to keep your residents’ families connected:

Senior Facility Finder Facebook
  1. We’ve all heard the old saying “A picture is worth a thousand words” and we all know it’s true.  Everyone likes to look at pictures and it is especially true of families that are apart.  Your first order of business is to post pictures of your residents.  Candid shots are great, especially if the resident is participating in activities and enjoying themselves.  Be sure to include all residents, even if they are camera shy.  Try and coordinate photos with the major activities you list on your calendar and post them as soon after the event as possible.  Make sure you are consistent with your posts as this will keep “friends” checking back often.

  1. Videos can be a bit more difficult for some, but even short clips from a cell phone can be a great way to enhance the story you are trying to tell when a still shot just won’t do.  Videos of dancing, singing and playing musical instruments are great to show action.  Be sure and record clips of guest speakers or entertainers—this shows the families you are providing great activities.

  1. Announcements are also great to post.  Make sure marriage anniversaries and anniversaries of residency are posted and certainly do not forget birthdays!  You will also want to post announcements of upcoming events and outings that families are invited to attend.

  1. Short stories are also good to share.  Whether you have a blog or not, be sure an
    d post stories about residents that they would like to share as well as stories about staff and events that have occurred. 

  1. Ask families for content.  Create a section of your Facebook page and devote it to photographs of residents when they were younger.  This can become a virtual on-line scrapbook for residents and their families to enjoy.  Keep in mind that the intent is to connect and not embarrass!  Encourage family members to comment on posts and make it a point to share them with the residents.  Post information about your residents prior work lives and professions should they wish to share—get permission on this one so as not to upset anyone.

These are a few of the more important items to have on your Facebook page but there are many others.  Make sure you are consistent and diligent as that’s what keeps people interested and coming back.  Start a program to assure family members know you have a Facebook page and that it is important they stay connected.  Be mindful of residents’ privacy and be sure to be tasteful in all your posts.  Safety is always a concern so be sure details of outings do not create a safety concern.  Make sure you include your residents as they should be the “star” of your page—they are the ones the family members come to see!  Also, show your residents your updates on the Facebook page so they will know what their families are viewing.

For families that find they need an Assisted Living Facility, Nursing Home or any other type of Senior Facility, I hope they will consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com.  And if you would like to learn about using Social Media to promote your facility, please visit www.seniorfacilitymarketing.com   to learn about our services.
           
If you would like to contribute your thoughts and ideas, please leave them in our comment section. We want to hear them. Helping people care for themselves or their loved ones is what we care about. 

We look forward to reading yours.

Bob Gregory is an advocate for Seniors and is one of the founders of www.seniorfacilityfinder.com. At SeniorFacilityFinder.com, we are dedicated to helping families get the Elder Care help they need without having to provide their personal information! If find you need an assisted living facility or other type of senior facility, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com

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Thursday, February 7, 2013

Tips for taking your children to visit a grandparent in a Senior Facility


By Bob Gregory

If you have an elderly parent in a Senior Facility such as an Assisted Living Facility or a Nursing Home, you already know how important it is to visit regularly.  I hope you also realize how much it will mean to your elder parent for you to bring along the grandchildren.  Visiting an elderly parent in a Senior Facility can be challenging with children, especially with young children.  Most all Senior Facilities welcome well-behaved children and encourage parents to bring them along.  Children provide such joy to the elderly and it is a reminder that part of each of us lives on through our heirs.

There are a few things you can do to prepare yourself and your children for a visit to the Senior Facility.  Hopefully these tips will make your visit enjoyable for your parent, yourself and your children—not to mention the other residents.

Tips for taking your children to a Senior Facility:

  1. I hope you had a discussion with your children about why their grandparent(s) moved to a Senior Facility prior to the move.  If not, now is the time to explain why they moved and give them a brief definition that describes the Senior Facility.  Be sure and emphasize the benefits of the Senior Facility for their grandparent(s).
  2. Discuss with your children what they will see at the Senior Facility.  This discussion needs to be tailored to the type facility as there are differences in Independent Living, Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Homes.  You have been to visit your parent so you should be able to give them a good description.  If your parent is in a Nursing Home, you need to prepare your children to see elderly in wheelchairs, hospital beds and possibly with medical apparatus.
    Matti
    Matti (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
  3. Plan your trip to coordinate with the best time of day for your elderly parent and your children as well.  If you have young children, you know how important timing naps, snacks and meals can be to having a well behaved child.  You also want to make sure your parent is up and alert during the visit.
  4. Discuss the visit with the caregivers.  They will be happy to tell you the best time to visit to coordinate with activities or snacks that your children can participate in along with their grandparent.
  5. Remind your children to be polite and respectful.  Children are often very honest and speak their minds—call it as they see it!  You may want to rein that in a bit so as not to offend any resident should your children point out sights they are not used to seeing.
  6. Come bearing gifts.  Presents are a great way to break the ice and children love to receive praise for gifts they make or give.  Encourage your children to make a gift, card or draw a picture.  These are always appreciated by grandparents.
  7. Make the first trip a short trip.  Don’t try to do too much in the first trip.  A short visit to say hello and drop off a goodie basket or a small gift will suffice.  This will give your children an opportunity to size up the place without being overwhelmed. 

Be sure and discuss the trip with your children when you return home.  Get their impressions of the facility and ask them how they enjoyed the visit.  Don’t be alarmed if they have negative comments; it is their opinion.  If they have questions, answer them honestly and give explanations.  Reinforce how much the visit meant to their grandparent(s) and encourage them to make another trip with you in the future.  Point out the positive behaviors they displayed during the visit and be sure and thank them for going with you.  I would also suggest picking up a thank you note for your parent to send to your children for visiting.  This will impress upon your children how much their grandparent(s) valued their visit.  I would also suggest you read my earlier post, Need guidance for visiting your elderly parent in a Senior Facility? as some of those tips apply as well! http://goo.gl/uxiSR

If you find you need an Assisted Living Facility, Nursing Home or any other type of Senior Facility, I hope you will consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com
           
If you would like to contribute your thoughts and ideas, please leave them in our comment section. We want to hear them. Helping people care for themselves or their loved ones is what we care about. 

We look forward to reading yours.

Bob Gregory is an advocate for Seniors and is one of the founders of www.seniorfacilityfinder.com. At SeniorFacilityFinder.com, we are dedicated to helping families get the Elder Care help they need without having to provide their personal information! If find you need an assisted living facility or other type of senior facility, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com

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Monday, February 4, 2013

Do you have an elderly parent moving to a Senior Facility?—tips for downsizing.


 By Bob Gregory

In most cases, moving to a Senior Facility will require some downsizing for your parent.  They may need a few items of furniture but if your parent has a house full of furniture, plan for a major project!  It's not just the furniture, think of the kitchen tools, plates, glasses and flatware--both everyday and the fine china.  Then there's the clothes, nick knacks, collectibles, pictures, linens...well, you get the picture!  Not all Senior Facilities provide furnished living quarters so you should check with the facility you have chosen to see what household items your parent will need to bring with them.  Be sure and ask for a floor plan so you can plan your parent’s space so that it is not overcrowded and there is easy access to avoid potential falls.  So where do you begin?  You begin with your parent's idea of how to downsize.  This will tell you what you are in for and set the tone.

Here are some ideas of how to downsize:

  1. If your parent is agreeable, now is a great time to place those family heirlooms in the right hands.  Your parent can divide the household items they will not need among the siblings or other family members.  This can help turn a potentially sad event into a joyous one. 
  2. If your parent needs extra money for the move, a garage sale is a great way to get rid of extra items and make a little money for your parent.  This may offset the cost of the move  or e
    Estate sale
    Estate sale (Photo credit: Lynn Kelley Author)
    ven buy new furniture more suited for the new facility.
  3. Donate items to charity.  This is a great way to help others and possibly create a tax deduction for your parent.  Most of the larger charities will send a truck to pick up the items, saving you and your siblings a lot of work.
  4. Ask the facility if there are residents who need unwanted items.  This is a good way to make friends for your parent.  A word of caution, if your parent has memory issues, they may forget they gave the items as a gift and instead, believe the items to be stolen!
  5. If your parent isn't ready to part with anything, you may want to consider a storage unit.  This can be costly and is usually only delaying the inevitable.  However, if it helps with the transition, it's probably worth the money even if you have to pay!

Downsizing is difficult in any situation, but in the case of a move to a Senior Facility, it can cause your parent to feel depressed.  Be considerate of your parent's feelings and do not argue or fight over who gets what.  Make it as pleasant and as enjoyable as possible for your parent.  Share the stories and memories the items you keep remind you of.  Be sure and thank your parent for the "treasures" you receive and treat them as such.  I also suggest you document the disposal of all your parent's assets.  As I mentioned earlier, if memory is an issue with your parent, you may be accused of not following their wishes should they forget what took place.  Finally, give some thought to this project because once you give away items, it’s hard to get them back.

If you find you need an Assisted Living Facility, Nursing Home or any other type of Senior Facility, I hope you will consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com
           
If you would like to contribute your thoughts and ideas, please leave them in our comment section. We want to hear them. Helping people care for themselves or their loved ones is what we care about. 

We look forward to reading yours.

Bob Gregory is an advocate for Seniors and is one of the founders of www.seniorfacilityfinder.com. At SeniorFacilityFinder.com, we are dedicated to helping families get the Elder Care help they need without having to provide their personal information! If find you need an assisted living facility or other type of senior facility, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com

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