Is it Dementia or is it Depression?

By Cynthia K. Klinowski, RN, MSN

Was your parent always the life of the party, telling entertaining stories and cracking jokes?  As a parent were they caring, affectionate and supportive?  Did the stories fall away?  Did you stop hearing from them; they weren't interested much in your life anymore?

What has changed?  Depression goes undercover among our older population, yet more than 6.5 million of the 35 million Americans aged 65 and older are affected by depression, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Senior depression has many causes, but foremost are retirement, a sense of purpose, the death of a loved one, isolating oneself, financial worries and medical problems.  Heart disease, chronic pain and chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and kidney disease, are triggers for depression.  Sometimes, prescription 

A depressed man sitting on a bench
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

medicines, in particular some pain killers and sedation medications, also trigger depression.

There are many reasons why depression among our seniors may be difficult to spot:  Because of the stigma associated with seeking this kind of (mental health) treatment, depressed people may try to hide their predicament.  Also, the depressive state may cause individuals to isolate themselves from friends and family and keep them from their regular activities.

Detecting depression in seniors also may be tricky because many signs of depression are attributed to the aging process itself:  A lack of energy, loss of appetite, disrupted or less sleep—these are all things we expect as we age.

But they need not occur, and sometimes the result of depression—not age.  There’s a decreased level of energy as we age.  And the elderly sleep less in general, but depression makes it harder for them to get a good night’s sleep.

Learning about people's experiences of dementia (Photo credit: The Prime Minister's Office)

Some notable signs of senior depression include irritability, physical complaints and cognitive impairment.  Depression sometimes can mask itself as someone having dementia, but you treat the depression and the normal cognitive function gets back to normal.

This is why anyone who suspects a loved one may be depressed needs to help that individual seek treatment.  Fear of dementia interferes with seeking treatment, but an individual’s loss of cognitive skills may be caused by untreated depression.  Not only is the depression treatable, but some forms of cognitive impairment 

respond well to treatment.

Relationship proves to be the key to detecting depression and getting a loved one to seek medical help.  Get an individual feeling safe, and they may trust you to help them.  It’s really hearing what a person saying and meeting their needs.

While some physical ailments can trigger depression, the depressive state can worsen pre-existing medical conditions.  Statistics show that when depression is treated in the elderly, the outcome of their physical illnesses improve.  Pay attention and seek medical attention to help diagnose Depression or Dementia.

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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• The first warning sign of dementia?

What’s on the Menu?—What to expect from a Senior Facility

By Bob Gregory

There are lots of items you need to consider when choosing an Assisted Living Facility such as the type of care provided, the amenities, activities, safety, location, size etc., but what about what’s on the menu?  Whether you are choosing for yourself or an elderly parent, you need to keep in mind that the Assisted Living Facility will be “home” and you should enjoy being at “home” and that includes having good food to eat!  Meal plans vary from facility to facility but they can range from no meals for residents who can shop and cook for themselves all the way to three meals and snacks for residents who are not capable of shopping and cooking for themselves or just don’t want to do so.

As background, menus in an Assisted Living Facility must be created and signed off on by a Registered Dietician and conform to the current food guide pyramid.  Residents must be provided three meals daily, snacks and access to food preparation areas between meals.  Meals must be balanced properly and special diets must be able to be met if continued residency is to be maintained in the living environment. All dietary requirements are regulated by the State and not the Federal Government.  A Certified Dietary Manager is required to oversee the Food Service Departments of Assisted Living Facilities.  This certification is taught by the Restaurant Board and the test is administered by the Department of Health.

There are three major considerations when you inquire about menus:

1. General nutrition for the average individual with no special needs.  For residents who do not need a special diet for medical or religious purposes, you will want to make sure the facility serves food you or your elderly parent likes.  Look for variety on the menu and be sure and ask if the facility accepts residents’ input when planning the menu.  Be sure and visit during each meal time so you can observe the presentation of the food and be sure and sample.  Most facilities hire professional chefs and are proud of the food they serve!

   

   1 4408524731_d0b4e27c4f_o (Photo credit: US Army Africa)

2. Medically required diets.  Be sure the facility can handle special dietary needs for medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, celiac disease, and food sensitivities, just to mention a few.  If the facility accepts you or your elderly parent as a resident in need of a special diet, then they are required to prepare the diet.  Don’t be surprised if some facilities do not accept residents who need long term special diets for medical reasons.  This is uncommon but it can occur.
3. Religious observance diets.  If you or your elderly parent adheres to religious dietary requirements, be sure and discuss with the facility to assure they will accommodate the needs.  There are no special requirements to do so, but most will.  You may also want to consider a facility that caters specifically to your religious group.  These facilities are available and may be more suited for dietary needs as well as common interests.

The recent struggle facing the Healthcare Industry, especially Assisted Living Facilities, is to provide a variety of options of visually appealing foods with better quality and presentation than that which has been historically found in Healthcare Facilities.  Further, facilities need to provide this service on a limited budget to keep rents low enough to compete, depending on the market in which they are located.  Tomorrow’s Assisted Living customer has very different expectations than those customers served today.  The expectations of quality, experience and customer service are much higher at affordable rates.  However, customers should expect to pay for additional services and amenities required or requested.

In summary, make sure you include “what’s on the menu?” as one of the questions you ask when interviewing prospective facilities for yourself or an elderly parent.  Also, make sure you sample the food and even ask for a tour of the kitchen to observe preparation.  Finally, ask the current residents what they think of the food and the menu selection.

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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• In Seniors Over 75, Diet May Not Impact Certain Health Outcomes
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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 (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 (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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• Adjusting to Life in Assisted Living Facilities

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.

2. 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.

3. 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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• Nursing Homes or Assisted Living Facilities?

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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. 

5. 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

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 (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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• 5 Ways to Alleviate Family Stress when Moving Elderly Parents
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How do you decide which child to move your elderly parent near when they need a Senior Facility?

By Bob Gregory

If you have siblings that live in different parts of the state or even country, then you may be concerned where to move your elderly parent as they enter a Senior Facility such as an Assisted Living Facility or a Nursing Home.  There are a number of points you need to consider and I suggest you involve your siblings before discussing with your parent.  You may find the “truthful” answers to the question “who gets mom (or dad)” may be upsetting to your parent if disclosed in an open, blunt and possibly spirited debate between you and your siblings. If you are spearheading this conversation, I encourage you to come to your own conclusion and I’ll give you a few pointers.  Yes, I have been here before and it wasn’t very pleasant.  My best advice to you is to, first and foremost, do what is best for your parent!

Here are some questions that need to be answered—honestly!

1. Is it possible to keep mom/dad in the town they currently live?  This will help tremendously so they are surrounded by friends and family that may reside in the same town.  If neither you nor your siblings live in the same town as your parent, then this is a little more difficult as you may find visiting and checking on your parent challenging—especially if the Senior Facility is having issues with your parent and wants to meet with you!
2. Which sibling is most likely to remain for the longest time in the city they currently live?  Once you get your parent in a Senior Facility, you do not want to have to move them if you can avoid it.  The move to a Senior Facility will be stressful enough, but to move several times in a short span is not good for your parent.  You need to choose a sibling that is stable and established in their own city.
3. Which sibling is most likely to visit and care for your parent?  This is the hard one!  We all believe we will be there for our parents, but the truth is most of us have families that demand more time 
    han we have to give.  Some of us travel for work, have small children, or possibly s

   

    (Photo credit: Ed Yourdon)

   pecial needs individuals within our own families.  There’s this practice or that lesson and you know how many games every season you have to attend.  The thought of running by a couple of times a week in the evening or once each weekend sounds very doable but think of your family schedule, work schedule and all the chores you try to cram in on a weekend—will you visit?
4. Who has the best relationship with your parent?  No, I’m not asking who the favorite child is—you already know the answer to that question.  I am asking who your parent respects the most to make decisions, provide guidance and care for them. 
5. Where would your parent choose to live?  This answer will make you smile or cry but either way, your parent should have a say.  I hope the feeling is mutual on the sibling’s side as it would make the move very comfortable for both.
6. Which sibling can keep your parent in the same region of the country?  If your parent lives in Florida, a move to New York may not sound appealing.  Your parent may not wish to adjust to cold, ice and snow.  I’m not picking on our northern friends, the opposite can be true—not everyone loves the heat!
7. Which sibling is most financially stable?   In this context, I don’t mean who can pay the bill for the Senior Facility, but if you or a sibling are having trouble making ends meet, your parent is going to get a lot less attention if you are struggling financially.  You may also find yourself in a situation wh

   

   Moving Day (Photo credit: Gavin St. Ours)

   ere you have to move to find work.
8. Who lives in an area that provides choices in Senior Facilities and medical treatment?  If your parent needs special medical treatment, make sure you place them where they can continue to receive that type of treatment.  Also, if you or your sibling lives in a very rural area or a long way from a city, you may not have many or even any choices in Senior Facilities.
9. This is more of a point than a question but consider the sex of your parent and the sibling.  I’m not being sexist here, but if you take a parent shopping or on an outing and they need help in the restroom, same sex can make the task less stressful for both.

Make sure you address these questions with your siblings and have a plan you all agree to before you sit down with your parent.  The answers to some of these questions should become the cornerstone of your decision as to who your parent should live near.  Be sure the conversation is about your parent’s wellbeing and care and not about what is easiest for you or your siblings.  I hope you find yourself in a situation where there are options from which your parent can choose, but if not, do what’s best for your 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

Related articles

• Role Reversal: Cohabitating with an Elderly Parent
• Is It Time to Find Elder Care For Your Aging Parent?

Are you concerned your parent will be lonely or bored in as Assisted Living Facility?

By Bob Gregory

If you are considering moving your elderly parent into an Assisted Living Facility and you are worried that they will be lonely and bored, don’t. Most Assisted Living Facilities have daily activities that appeal to everyone and are scheduled so residents that want to participate will be able to attend, seven days a week. Activities are usually scheduled beginning mid-morning after all residents have finished breakfast. Most activities finish before dinner, but some special activities are scheduled in the evening.

The following are examples of the types of activities offered:

• Trips to department stores such as Target or WalMart
• Board games
• Movies

  

  Laughter Yoga (Photo credit: The Pointe at Kilpatrick)

• Bingo
• Puzzles
• Fitness  or Yoga classes
• Musical performances
• Art and Crafts classes
• Bible Study
• Worship Services
• Wine and Cheese parties
• Manicures and Pedicures
• Men’s and Women’s Clubs
• Guest Speakers

  

  Resident Appreciation (Photo credit: The Pointe at Kilpatrick)

• Book Clubs
• Morning Coffee and Afternoon Tea Parties
• Costume Parties and Dances
• Video Games

These are just a sample of activities your parent would enjoy in an Assisted Living Facility. These facilities usually have resident committees that plan activities, so encourage your parent to become involved in their facility. If your parent has a special talent, ask them to share their talent with other residents. My Uncle was a pianist and played for the residents in his Assisted Living Community well into his 90s. He was able to fulfill his need to perform and the residents loved to hear him play.

Also, some Assisted Living Facilities have a full time Activity Director to assure their residents have quality activities and functions.  Be sure and ask if the facility you are considering has an Activity Director and if not, ask who is responsible for the activities.  For more information on the importance of an Activity Director, please read my post “How important is the Activities Director at an ALF?” ( http://goo.gl/Qywvw )

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. To learn more about our services, please visit 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

Related articles

• Adjusting to Life in Assisted Living Facilities
• Making the Move to Senior Housing

Should I take over my elderly parent’s finances now that they are moving into a Senior Facility?

By Bob Gregory

Moving to a Senior Facility such as an Assisted Living Facility or a Nursing Home will cause anxieties for your elderly parent and it will also create a few for you as well!  I’m often asked if it is advisable to take over managing an elderly parent’s finances when they move to a Senior Facility and I usually give the same answer—I don’t know, do they need your help?  The move to a Senior Facility does not necessarily mean your parent can no longer handle their own finances, especially if they were handling them competently prior to the move.  If your parent is doing fine with their finances, then they should continue after the move but if they are struggling with their finances, then you should offer to help.

Investment account - bank error in your favor (Photo credit: George Morris)

I was helping my mother long before she moved to an Assisted Living Facility, but only as an advisor regarding investments, credit and basic bookkeeping.  This allowed me to monitor her finances without interfering and help ensure she did not get into trouble or fall victim to scams.  I was fortunate when she realized she could no longer manage her own finances and asked me to take over.  I knew she needed help when bills were paid late or double paid and her checkbook had very few entries.  She also began transferring large sums of money to her checking account fearing she would not have enough money to pay bills.  A candid discussion regarding the “state” of her finances convinced her to let me handle the bills and checking. 

If your parent is competent and not having any issues then you should just monitor and keep an open line of communication so you can step if you are needed.  But, if your parent seems to be struggling financially or just keeping up with the paper work, then you may need to provide assistance.

Here are some ideas to get you started:  

1. Start with a conversation with your parent regarding the cost of the Senior Facility and their ability to pay prior to the move.  This will give you some insight into how your parent is doing financially if you do not already know.  It will also show you are concerned for their welfare.  Be respectful and try to avoid accusing them of being incompetent or incapable even if it is true.
2. Discuss legal documents your parent will need to have in place prior to the move.  In a previous post (http://goo.gl/ESnZ4) I gave you a few documents your parent will need for medical care, but you should also have a durable power of attorney that will allow you to act on your parent’s 

   

   Finance (Photo credit: Tax Credits)

    ehalf to make financial decisions if they are not able.  This is the perfect opportunity to ask your parent to disclose their finances to you so you can be prepared in the event you have to step in.
3. A move to a Senior Facility will usually mean “down sizing” for your parent so offer to store their financial records for them.  Security is another reason to store records as most residents of a Senior Facility go in and out of their living quarters and do not lock the door if they are going to remain within the facility.  You should also suggest consolidating accounts and canceling certain credit cards.  My mother had a credit card from every department store she ever shopped and I managed to get it down to one MasterCard with a very low credit limit!
4.  Offer to create a document to list all of your parent’s financial assets and credit facilities to go along with the durable power of attorney.  This is another opportunity to get access without being forceful.
5. Offer to create on-line accounts for your parent’s bank accounts, investment accounts and credit cards so that you can have access without physical position of the financial instruments.  This will allow you to monitor if your parent refuses to turn over the finances to you.
6. If your parent is adamant about maintaining control, then offer to be a “second set of eyes” to check behind them for errors.  We can all use that kind of help!
7. Finally, offer to bring in a financial advisor to discuss the transition and future financial needs.  Often and “outsider” can make better headway and get your goal accomplished!

Credit cards:  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If none of these accomplishes your goal then here are a few suggestions to help you safe guard your parent:

1. Suggest a two signature requirement for checks written for amounts over a certain dollar limit you and your parent determine to help avoid potential theft if checks are stolen.
2. Ask your parent to allow you to lock up credit cards at your home or in a safe deposit at your parent’s bank.  Suggest they keep one credit card with a low limit to help safeguard against theft.
3. Offer to pay bills from a second bank account that your parent funds and also store financial records at your home.  This can save storage space in your parent’s new living quarters and again, safeguard against potential theft of personal information.
4. Offer to meet monthly to discuss finances or to “help” with bookkeeping.  Your parent will most likely be receptive to any type of a meeting as an opportunity to see you more often!

If you have siblings, I suggest you involve them in any planning and discussions regarding your parent’s finances.  Keep them informed for their peace of mind as well as keeping your activities regarding finances very transparent—especially if large sums of money are involved.  If you take over investment accounts, keep in mind your parent is in a very different stage of their life and you need to conserve principle and not try to build your future inheritance!  Finally, do not get too many chefs in the kitchen.  Make sure one person is in charge of your parent’s finances and avoid managing by committee with siblings.

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. To learn more about our services, please visit 

www.seniorfacilitymarketing.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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• Finances and Your Aging Parents