It's that time of year again! All the little ghost and goblins will be anxiously ringing doorbells in their beautiful costumes, waiting for their special treats.
Most elderly enjoy participating in the festivities and look forward to being visited by all the little goblins. But, it can also be a stressful time. Some Seniors can not walk quickly enough to get to the door, or have trouble bending to distribute the goodies. Some are afraid of the masks and fear that answering the door will expose their vulnerability.
There are ways to make this day enjoyable and pleasant for all.
Invite the Senior to your home. They'll enjoy the company and seeing all the goblins!
If the Senior prefers to remain at home, offer to be there to help distribute the goodies and answer the door. Or offer to go to the store to purchase the goodies for them.
In some neighborhoods, the Seniors like to sit outside and watch the parade of Trick or Treaters, and they find it easier to distribute the candy.
If they choose to stay at home and answer the doorbell, be sure the path is clear, so they do not trip as they're hurrying to the door.
Be a good neighbor and watch for any Tricksters preying on elderly neighbors.
Halloween is a fun time. A few precautions will make it pleasant for everyone.
Happy Halloween!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Do You Know Where Your Parents Are?
If you're a Boomer, you probably remember a PSA years ago-- I think it was Channel 5, in New York. Just before the 10:00PM news, it ran-- "It's 10 o'clock- Do you know where your children are?" I must have been just a kid, because I was home watching it!
How times have changed. Would anyone pay attention if it was broadcast today?!
But, now, as the Boomer generation, our focus has changed. We've become the Sandwich Generation. Sandwiched between caring for our children and our parents. We worry about all of them. Are they safe? Are they OK to drive? Are they eating? Similar concerns, just different generations.
I remember my Grandmother used to say that "one Mother can take care of 6 kids, but 6 kids can't take care of one Mother!"
What happens when our parents don't want our help? Typical of most of us, we don't want to accept our frailties and admit that we need help. And, if those parents are miles away, the challenge is even greater.
Fortunately, with Seniors living longer, and many aging in their own home, either because of financial necessity, or by choice, the services that are available to Seniors and their long-distance caregivers are much more accessible than in the past.
Everything from hairdressers to Physical Therapists will come to a Seniors home, so they don't have to worry about driving to appointments, or inclement weather. Services, such as Age in Place, assist with errands and household management, and offer families peace of mind that there is a local contact overseeing their parents.
There are so many options that can improve the quality of life for Seniors and their caregivers, whether local or long-distance. So, when someone says "Do you know where your parents are?" you can say confidently, "Yes, they're comfortably at home!"
How times have changed. Would anyone pay attention if it was broadcast today?!
But, now, as the Boomer generation, our focus has changed. We've become the Sandwich Generation. Sandwiched between caring for our children and our parents. We worry about all of them. Are they safe? Are they OK to drive? Are they eating? Similar concerns, just different generations.
I remember my Grandmother used to say that "one Mother can take care of 6 kids, but 6 kids can't take care of one Mother!"
What happens when our parents don't want our help? Typical of most of us, we don't want to accept our frailties and admit that we need help. And, if those parents are miles away, the challenge is even greater.
Fortunately, with Seniors living longer, and many aging in their own home, either because of financial necessity, or by choice, the services that are available to Seniors and their long-distance caregivers are much more accessible than in the past.
Everything from hairdressers to Physical Therapists will come to a Seniors home, so they don't have to worry about driving to appointments, or inclement weather. Services, such as Age in Place, assist with errands and household management, and offer families peace of mind that there is a local contact overseeing their parents.
There are so many options that can improve the quality of life for Seniors and their caregivers, whether local or long-distance. So, when someone says "Do you know where your parents are?" you can say confidently, "Yes, they're comfortably at home!"
Friday, October 2, 2009
Caregiver Resource
OurParents launches a user forum to help people get first-hand information about senior care providers
posted by Michael Carbine at TOOLS for Independence - 3 days ago
A new user forum recently added to the OurParents.com community allows those caring for their aging parents to ask questions and discuss senior care issues, such as nursing home selection, aging in place problems and paying for senior care, with others who are dealing with the same issues or actually using senior care providers. Membership in the on-line community is free, and members have access to detailed profiles of senior care providers based on the first-hand experiences of people actually using them. In addition to the user reviews, the profiles include Medicare quality data, cost information and other items of interest to those looking for reliable and appropriate care resources for their aging parents. Visit www.OurParents.com. g home selection, aging in place p...
posted by Michael Carbine at TOOLS for Independence - 3 days ago
A new user forum recently added to the OurParents.com community allows those caring for their aging parents to ask questions and discuss senior care issues, such as nursing home selection, aging in place problems and paying for senior care, with others who are dealing with the same issues or actually using senior care providers. Membership in the on-line community is free, and members have access to detailed profiles of senior care providers based on the first-hand experiences of people actually using them. In addition to the user reviews, the profiles include Medicare quality data, cost information and other items of interest to those looking for reliable and appropriate care resources for their aging parents. Visit www.OurParents.com. g home selection, aging in place p...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)