If remaining independent as you age is a goal, or you have a loved one who wants to continue living independently, there are several essential skills to consider. From managing money to doing your own laundry, activities of daily living (ADLs) matter when determining if it is safe to live on your own as an older adult. In 2020, approximately 14.7 million older adults lived alone, or 28% of the population; many of them were lonely or in poor health. While it is not always easy to control those factors, there are things you can do to help age better and more comfortably. By being prepared, you will reduce some of your health risks and may be able to stay independent and content with life well into your later years. Here are nine critical, independent living skills you will need and valuable information on when assisted living or a similar care option may be a better choice. Money Management One of the most important independent living skills is money management. Anyone, from young adults to seniors, who want to live independently should be able to manage their funds. This can include the ability to pay bills, go grocery shopping, and handle personal care purchases regularly. Nutrition and Cooking Many seniors who struggle to live independently do not eat well, which can lead to increased health problems and medical care costs. With the right preparation, you can have the knowledge and ability to prepare healthier meals.Fitness and Movement Ability Staying active is another essential independent living skill. Staying active, whether or not you have disabilities to work around, is vital and can reduce your risk of injury. Strength training and movement practice, such as yoga, will help maintain strength, keeping you from losing balance and falling. Willingness and Ability to Adapt Families need to help aging members where possible, but not everyone has family nearby to teach them about technology updates or other helpful improvements. Being willing to adapt and learn will help with any new transitions that occur in the future. For example, you may want a part-time job or return to school to keep your mind sharp and stay active and engaged in your community. Effective Communication Communicating effectively is vital in every stage of life, and as a senior, you need to not be afraid to speak up for yourself. Whether you need help with your budget, have a problem with your teeth, or recognize that you are having trouble doing something you used to do easily, you must be able to communicate well so others can help you when you need it. Self-Advocacy for Security Along with good general communication, its valuable for you to be your own advocate. You know your body best, so work with your doctor if you notice a change and take advantage of any resources offered to you. When you prepare for aging and focus on the transition, you can often develop independent living skills more quickly. Stress Management and Regulation Controlling stress is a valuable skill at any age because stress can hurt your health. Older adults who struggle the most with independent living tend not to have ways of regulating their stress and emotions. If you have a job you like, hobbies to enjoy, or other ways to keep stress at bay, it will go a long way to keep you happy and healthy. Self-Esteem or Contentment Feeling content in life or comfortable with yourself matters, too, because independent living requires good mental health. If you are anxious or depressed, it can be a lot harder to get through the day all by yourself. Personal care may suffer, tasks will not get done, and your budget could suffer, too. Transportation Skills Whether you drive a car or use public transportation, the goal is to ensure you have access to the people and services you need to get around. If you start to notice differences in your vision and cannot drive anymore, for example, you want to make sure you have other people or agencies you can contact to help you get around. Top 3 Reasons to Consider Caregivers or Assisted Living If you or a loved one lacks the independent living skills needed to age-in-place, or remain safely and independently at home, it may be time to consider help. This could include ongoing assistance with specific tasks, options to manage medical care, and even help with laundry, hygiene, or picking out and putting on clothes. When older adults struggle with food, basic activities of daily living, or other issues, it is essential to identify the problem and find the right ways to treat it. Whether that is someone who comes into your home and provides in-home care or you are considering a move to an assisted living community, making the right choice can improve your quality of life. Here are three reasons to consider an alternate option to independent living: Falling or Frequent Injuries Falling can cause significant injuries, and that is especially true in seniors. If you are starting to fall frequently or have other injuries that happen often, it may be time to find additional help and someone who can perform various tasks, such as making meals and keeping your home clean. Falls and injuries could also mean the need to transition to assisted living, so you do not have to worry about taking care of your house. Challenges With Hygiene, Food, and Care Eating, showering, and cleaning are essential ADLs, and when you start facing many difficulties in one or more of these areas, it is time for some help. Fortunately, there are resources for older adults who may need a service to come in, so you are getting healthy food and staying clean. Memory or Financial Concerns If you begin having trouble remembering things and struggling to manage bills, it may be time to reach out for support. Many seniors are also vulnerable to financial scams, which can cause serious problems for future security. Its not always easy to see your needs in these areasor admit the needbut assessing your life routinely and looking for areas that might put you at risk is essential. The Support You Need for Living Independently If you or a loved one wants to continue living independently but may need a little extra help, CarePatrol offers senior care advisory services at no cost to you. We provide senior care solutions to help you find the right community from the option to maintain independent living to the need for additional services at home or in a care community, were here to give you the information and support you need. Reach out to a local senior care advisor today.
As the summer days fade and September welcomes a new season, many seniors find themselves adjusting to changing routines and shorter days. This shift can sometimes bring on feelings of social isolation, which can impact mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The Seniors Helping Seniors team understands how challenging it can be to stay connected with loved ones, especially if theyre far away.To help you stay socially engaged this fall, weve put together six easy tips to connect with friends and family, whether theyre near or far. But first, lets explore the effects of social isolation on well-being and the signs to look out for in your loved ones.The Impact of Social IsolationWhile autumn gives us a break from the summer heat, fewer daylight hours and cooler temperatures can often lead to more time indoors and a greater sense of isolation. Social isolation isnt just about being alone it has implications on mental health, leading to increased loneliness, sadness, and anxiety, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The National Institute on Aging also reports that older adults facing isolation are at a higher risk for depression and cognitive decline. Isolation can harm physical health, contributing to cardiovascular problems and a weaker immune system.Feeling lonely from time to time is perfectly normal. In fact, nearly one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel this way, according to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). If youre looking for regular companionship, a compassionate Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver could be just what you need. Because theyre mature adults themselves, they can connect on a personal level, fostering a meaningful friendship grounded in empathy and care. Aside from leaning on a caregiver, here are a few simple ways to stay in touch with loved ones this fall.Catch Up in Virtual GatheringsThanks to technology, staying in touch with faraway loved ones is easier than ever! Video calls on your smartphone or computer let you chat with friends and family just like a phone call, but with the added joy of seeing their smiling faces. If youre not sure where to start, ask your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver to help set up video calls on platforms like Skype or Zoom.Schedule Regular Phone CallsLife gets busy, making it tough to always find time for a call with friends and family. Skip the back-and-forth of missed calls and voicemails by setting a specific time and date to catch up with loved ones. A regular catch-up sessionwhether weekly or monthly can ease feelings of isolation by giving you something to consistently look forward to.Write a Heartfelt LetterIn todays fast-paced world, theres something extra special about receiving a handwritten letter. Its a beautiful way to let someone know theyre in your thoughts. Plus, being pen pals can be a fun way to maintain connections!Your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can help with sending out letters or bringing in the mail, so all you need to worry about is what to write.Join a ClubMaking new friends as an adult can be a challenge, but it is possible! Expand your social network by joining a local club. Whether its a book club, birdwatching group, or walking group, there are endless opportunities to meet like-minded people. Your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can help you find the perfect group that matches your interests.Create a Memory AlbumWhen chatting with loved ones isnt an option, flipping through photos of them can be a comforting alternative. Gather your favorite snapshots of friends and family to create a photo album or scrapbook. Looking through these cherished memories can bring comfort and joy until your next conversation.Staying connected to loved ones benefits your well-being and uplifts those around you. Every action you take to reach out, whether its a call, a letter, or a virtual hangout, brings you closer to a healthier and more fulfilling life. If youre feeling overwhelmed by isolation or experiencing symptoms of depression, remember there are resources and support available to help you navigate these feelings.And for ongoing companionship, consider connecting with a Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver. Our compassionate caregivers are here to offer friendship, support, and a meaningful connection. Contact us today to learn how we can make a difference in your life 720-551-4444.
This May, join the Seniors Helping Seniors team in recognizing Older Americans Month. To celebrate, we want to share expert advice and tips to help seniors age healthily and happily at home. This article suggests simple lifestyle adjustments that make home life better for seniors.Many older adults want to maintain independence in a familiar environment. Feeling comfortable and supported makes a huge difference. Thats why the Seniors Helping Seniors family made this guide. Our simple tips can help seniors, and their loved ones have a healthy and happy time at home as they grow older.Read on for our easy-to-follow tips on living your best life at home during Older Americans Month and beyond.What is Older Americans Month?Older Americans Month is celebrated every May to appreciate the wonderful contributions and achievements of older Americans. This heartfelt observance, led by the Administration for Community Living, invites us to reflect on the challenges faced by seniors and ways we can promote their healthy aging.The theme for this years celebration is Powered by Connection. It focuses on the vital role of meaningful relationships in ones well-being. The Seniors Helping Seniors mission revolves around this concept. Keeping in touch with loved ones can become difficult as we age due to changes in our routines, health, or living arrangements. But staying social is key to living a happy, fulfilling life! Thats where having an in-home senior caregiver comes in. They can make a big difference in your overall well-being and help connect you with the people you care about.Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers, who are seniors themselves, become close friends with their clients. This companionship brings so much joy and comfort to our seniors, and it leads to even better care. For seniors who want to remain at home in their golden years, our caregivers provide reliable support and a caring hand whenever theyre needed. With a compassionate caregiver, older adults can age in place with confidence.Benefits of Remaining at HomeWhen it comes to deciding where to live as you get older, there are a variety of options available. While nursing homes or assisted living facilities may suit some, others may prefer to stay in their homes or communities for as long as possible. This concept of aging in place empowers seniors to maintain a sense of independence and comfort in a familiar setting. Creating an environment that caters to physical, emotional, and social needs is essential to make this happen with in-home care resources to assist you along the way.Tips For Aging in PlacePrioritize Home Safety:Assess your living environment for any potential safety hazards and make the necessary changes, like adding grab bars, removing tripping hazards, and ensuring that you have proper lighting. Seniors Helping Seniors in-home caregivers are amazing helpers who can make your home safer. Lean on them so you can relax and enjoy your time at home without worrying about any safety concerns.Improve Accessibility: Adjust furniture placement or install ramps to make the home more accessible. Your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can provide mobility aids and support to help you or your loved one maneuver their home more efficiently.Simplify Your To-Do List: Call in for extra support if household chores are piling up. Our Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers can lend a hand with light cleaning, home maintenance, and repairs so you can have a cozy and safe living space.Get On-the-Go Assistance: An in-home senior caregiver can offer rides to appointments, run errands, or socialize. Your caregiver would happily arrange transportation services or accompany them on these outings.Stay Connected: Make sure to participate in social activities. A Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can join you and accompany you to community events or help you connect with others virtually. Having a reliable friend can help combat loneliness and improve overall well-being.The Seniors Helping Seniors DifferenceSeniors Helping Seniors in-home senior care services can make a significant difference in the lives of older adults. By providing support that focuses on safety, accessibility, simplified tasks, on-the-go assistance, and social connections, seniors can truly thrive in their own homes. With the help of Seniors Helping Seniorss kind and compassionate caregivers, aging in place becomes not just manageable but enjoyable. As we celebrate Older Americans Month, lets prioritize the well-being and happiness of our seniors and ensure they age with comfort, independence, and a strong sense of community.
Grace Manor at North Park is a privately owned senior living community in the heart of the North Hills of Pittsburgh. Our caring and professional staff understand that staying close to home and a familiar environment is very important. Our goal is to offer a community where a senior can stay connected to friends and family, while enjoying stress-free independent living.The key for the easiest transition to Senior Living is the development of a comprehensive Individual Service Plan (ISP) that successfully identifies the support and services a resident may prefer and require. Translating assessment information into goals and objectives, the trained professionals at Grace Manor will create the plan with the ultimate outcome desired.Unlike many Senior Living Communities, Grace Manor services are All-Inclusive. Our monthly resident rental prices are fixed and predictable. No a la carte LCP (levels of care pricing) similar to 96% of the Senior Living Communities. This means that as a residents ISP is continually re-evaluated and geared to a seniors daily condition and situation, the appropriate level and type of care is always provided. We feel this gives a resident and their family the most peace of mind, as they know care is based on need, and not on escalating (level of care) costs.Some of the customized levels of services that will be prioritized and structured for our residents include:LPN administered medications and treatmentsMeal planning for specific dietary requirementsPreferred or necessary housekeeping servicesLevel of assistance with bathing, dressing, dining, personal hygiene, etcTransportation needs to doctors appointments and shoppingCoordination of care with personal physicianEncouragement of inclusion in social and wellness activitiesAssistance taking medicationsGrace Manor daily activity choices are filled with offerings such as Fun & Fit Programs, Nails and Tales, antique car cruises, bingo, church services, Steelers tailgates, arts and crafts, live entertainment, movies (in our state-of-the-art theater), card clubs, coffee and social chats, cooking classes, and Holiday celebrations. Please take a peek at this months activity calendar to see whats happening today!When a House Becomes a HomeGrace Manor was designed to have the look and feel of an elegant, comfortable condominium building. A dignified and compassionate setting combined with a safe and comfortable environment provides premier senior living in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. Dignity and services can be delivered in the privacy of a residents suite, while a vibrant lifestyle is always available throughout the facility.Every SuitePrivate, specially designed bathsEmergency call systemHeat and smoke alarmsWireless internet accessRoom for personal furniturePrivate and semi-private roomsFacility AmenitiesLibrary room with computer desk, recliner chairs, 90 gallon salt water fish tankCinema room with large HD plasma television and surround soundCinema also used as ChapelLiving room with fireplace and beautiful pianoFlorida room with 12 foot palladium window for warmth and sunlightBeauty Parlor and Barber ShopArts, Crafts, and Cooking room with a plethora of arts/crafts supplies and kitchen areaPrivate and elegant dining roomWireless internet access100-foot covered front porch24,000 square feet with three acresCall (412) 367-4722 to Schedule A Tour!
Grace Manor at North Park is a privately owned senior living community in the heart of the North Hills of Pittsburgh. Our caring and professional staff understand that staying close to home and a familiar environment is very important. Our goal is to offer a community where a senior can stay connected to friends and family, while enjoying stress-free independent living. The key for the easiest transition to Senior Living is the development of a comprehensive Individual Service Plan (ISP) that successfully identifies the support and services a resident may prefer and require. Translating assessment information into goals and objectives, the trained professionals at Grace Manor will create the plan with the ultimate outcome desired.Unlike many Senior Living Communities, Grace Manor services are All-Inclusive. Our monthly resident rental prices are fixed and predictable. No a la carte LCP (levels of care pricing) similar to 96% of the Senior Living Communities. This means that as a residents ISP is continually re-evaluated and geared to a seniors daily condition and situation, the appropriate level and type of care is always provided. We feel this gives a resident and their family the most peace of mind, as they know care is based on need, and not on escalating (level of care) costs.Some of the customized levels of services that will be prioritized and structured for our residents include:LPN administered medications and treatmentsMeal planning for specific dietary requirementsPreferred or necessary housekeeping servicesLevel of assistance with bathing, dressing, dining, personal hygiene, etcTransportation needs to doctors appointments and shoppingCoordination of care with personal physicianEncouragement of inclusion in social and wellness activitiesAssistance taking medicationsGrace Manor daily activity choices are filled with offerings such as Fun & Fit Programs, Nails and Tales, antique car cruises, bingo, church services, Steelers tailgates, arts and crafts, live entertainment, movies (in our state-of-the-art theater), card clubs, coffee and social chats, cooking classes, and Holiday celebrations. Please take a peek at this months activity calendar to see whats happening today!When a House Becomes a HomeGrace Manor was designed to have the look and feel of an elegant, comfortable condominium building. A dignified and compassionate setting combined with a safe and comfortable environment provides premier senior living in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. Dignity and services can be delivered in the privacy of a residents suite, while a vibrant lifestyle is always available throughout the facility.Every SuitePrivate, specially designed bathsEmergency call systemHeat and smoke alarmsWireless internet accessRoom for personal furniturePrivate and semi-private roomsFacility AmenitiesLibrary room with computer desk, recliner chairs, 90 gallon salt water fish tankCinema room with large HD plasma television and surround soundCinema also used as ChapelLiving room with fireplace and beautiful pianoFlorida room with 12 foot palladium window for warmth and sunlightBeauty Parlor and Barber ShopArts, Crafts, and Cooking room with a plethora of arts/crafts supplies and kitchen areaPrivate and elegant dining roomWireless internet access100-foot covered front porch24,000 square feet with three acresCall (412) 367-4722 to Schedule A Tour!