Meal planning or meal prepping isnt just a new fadits something thats always existed in one way or another. Now, its becoming extremely popular as more and more people discover its benefits, particularly for seniors at home.For aging adults in particular, meal planning can be the key to unlocking better long-term health, an improved attitude, and saving precious time throughout the day. If you arent already one of the 280 million people watching meal-prepping guides on TikTok, then heres exactly how you can get started:Prepping in AdvanceMeal planning is all about establishing a routine. Help your loved one maintain a healthy diet, allocating one day a week to plan and prepare meals for the next six days to follow. Use this time to cook, cut and pack food in advance so you arent breaking routine or rushing throughout the week. During prep time, also be sure to consider size and space. Invest in storage-friendly, space-saving containers so that you dont make a batch of meals with nowhere to put them. Not only is your day one the key to avoiding cooking time later on, but its also what helps you avoid wasting time guessing what your next meal will be. Identify the Foods That MatterThe key to healthy meal prepping is obviously choosing healthy foods! Help your loved one identify meals that hit the major food groups including fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and whole grainswithout sacrificing on flavor.When meal planning for an aging adult in particular, try to choose foods with little sugar, sodium and saturated fats. Also look for easily digestible options with key vitamins and minerals like cereals with B12. Keep It SimpleYou dont need to be a professional chef to create a healthy meal plan. Choose recipes that are easy to prepare and require fewer, less expensive ingredients. Foods that you can cook in bulk are the backbone of most meal plans. If youre looking for inspiration, dont hesitate to look online and find pre-existing meal plan menus, like this. Variety and FlexibilityEven though you should establish a solid routine and use simpler recipes when meal planning, this isnt meant to be a prison menu! Cook enough options to keep your palate from becoming bored and try to spread out your more diverse meals throughout the week. If you arent particularly interested in the next item on your menu, you can substitute or change things around. Listen to Your BodyWhile the National Institute of Health does have a recommended calorie intake of 2000-2500 calories per day, ultimately, everyones body is different. In week one of planning if you find yourself hungry between meals, incorporate larger portions into week two. Remember though, as you add more calories, youll need to add more nutrient-rich foods as well to keep your diet balanced. Utilize Outside ResourcesMeal planning ultimately saves time and effort, but its still a commitment in itself with its own unique learning curve. Consult friends and family who have had success in the past, watch videos on social media or speak to a dietitian about what they recommend.If you or an aging loved one is struggling to meal prep because of physical limitations, there are also plenty of outside solutions to that as well. SYNERGY HomeCare has a team of professional, around-the-clock caregivers who are more than capable of helping you prepare meals and get them packed up for the week to come. To learn more about SYNERGY HomeCare and its full suite of services, please call 877-432-2692. 

Lets talk PATHWAYS:  Personalized Support for Those Experiencing Cognitive DeclineDecember 5, 2024 By CC Young StaffThis time of year is filled with gatherings, which means you may be spending more quality time with your family members, particularly your parents and older relatives. While time spent together is a blessing, it can also highlight changes brought on by aging. If you believe someone you love is experiencing mild cognitive decline, there are options for keeping them safe while maintaining their independence and quality of life.This year, CC Young Senior Living in Dallas launched the Personal Assistance Toward Health and Wellness As You Succeed (PATHWAYS) program. Designed to serve as a bridge between Assisted Living and Memory Support, PATHWAYS provides extra support and structure in an intimate, small-group setting.We sat down with Nena Paris, CC Youngs Administrator, Assisted Living and Memory Support, to better understand the PATHWAYS program and who can benefit from it. Here are seven takeaways.PATHWAYS was created to fill a need between Assisted Living and Memory Support. The program came about because, often, Memory Support units can have long waitlists and fill up quickly. Truthfully, sometimes people with cognitive impairment dont necessarily need full Memory Support, as theyre not at risk of eloping, or leaving the community without supervision. CC Young has recognized that theres this middle group people who need a little more guided assistance and structure with their daily activities but are not qualified for full-blown Memory Support.PATHWAYS can actually slow cognitive decline. Research has shown that a guided program like PATHWAYS can in fact slow cognitive decline and help people stay engaged. Our program does this by providing residents with personal interaction, along with physical and emotional support, as a way to enhance their overall wellness and quality of life in a positive environment.PATHWAYS promotes resident wellness. At CC Young, we focus on whole-person wellness, using the 7 Pillars of Wellness as defined by the International Council on Active Aging: physical, social, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, vocational, and environmental wellness. Thats also the backbone of the PATHWAYS program, which promotes active aging regardless of cognitive issues. From these pillars, we have designed a comprehensive therapeutic program to support the needs of those with mild cognitive impairment in a joyful, engaging environment.PATHWAYS offers an intimate caregiver-to-resident ratio. Part of what makes PATHWAYS so successful is that the CC Young staff works closely with residents, which means the staff will notice any cognitive changes. In fact, at 1 caregiver to 7 people, the caregiver-to-resident ratio in PATHWAYS is better than both Assisted Living and Memory Support, which are 1 to 25 and 1 to 10, respectively. That also results in PATHWAYS residents becoming like family, as the staff truly gets to know them.PATHWAYS is not just for CC Young residents. Its true anyone from the Dallas community who has a need for the program can become a PATHWAYS resident. Upon entering the PATHWAYS program, your family member would also become an Assisted Living resident in The Hillside at CC Young.PATHWAYS is a less stressful transition for both family members and residents. It can certainly be stressful for families to face the decision of whether or not their family member should enter Memory Support. PATHWAYS offers a comforting solution for both them and their loved ones, as it lessens the pressure of deciding whether full Memory Support is needed now. The PATHWAYS resident may be able to live out their days in the PATHWAYS program or eventually transition to Memory Support, if the need arises.PATHWAYS keeps residents engaged and prevents isolation. To keep PATHWAYS residents engaged, the program takes an active and intentional approach to life enrichment activities, which includes participating in activities on the Assisted Living calendar as well as a specialized PATHWAYS calendar. The biggest differentiator for PATHWAYS is that a dedicated support staff member helps residents plan their day and escorts them to the activities. Since we purposely guide residents to keep them engaged, they are able to remain active and enjoy a better quality of life, while also avoiding any isolation that can be a symptom of cognitive decline.PATHWAYS is just one more service that CC Young offers current and prospective residents and their families. When we noticed an increase of older adults experiencing various levels of cognitive decline but not necessarily to the level of needing Memory Support we wanted to do something about it. We put our heads together and created a solution: PATHWAYS.If you are noticing cognitive decline in someone you love, we encourage you to have a conversation to express what youre observing. Talking to your primary care physician is a good place to start. CC Young is also happy to provide information, so feel free to give us a call at 214-305-9662.

Aging in place is becoming increasingly important for many American families. According to an AARP survey, more than half of Americans aged 50 and older plan to remain in their homes throughout their aging journey. And its no surprise whyaging at home offers familiarity, comfort, and, with proper planning, can be a more economical option that promotes independence for longer.However, the decision to age in place comes with its own set of challenges, particularly financial ones. Rising healthcare and long-term care costs make early and open financial planning crucial for families.If your parent or loved one is considering aging at home, this guide offers practical tips to support their independence while avoiding unnecessary financial strain.1. Start the Money Conversation EarlyTalking about finances with aging parents can be uncomfortable, but its an essential step to ensure their comfort and security. Approach this discussion with empathy and openness, focusing on how you can work together to maintain their quality of life.Here are key topics to cover:Income Sources: Discuss pensions, Social Security benefits, and retirement savings like 401(k)s or investments.Monthly Expenses: Understand their current spending and where adjustments might be needed.Future Costs: Highlight potential costs like home modifications, in-home care, and medical expenses.Creating a clear picture of their financial standing helps families plan effectively and reduces future stress.(Need help starting this discussion? Check out our blog, Tips for Convincing Aging Parents to Accept Help.)2. Understand the Costs of Aging in PlaceWhile aging at home is often more affordable than senior living facilities, its not without significant costs. For context, senior facilities can cost $4,500 to $5,300 per month on average, according to the National Council on Aging.Aging at home avoids some of these expenses, but families should still anticipate:Home Maintenance and Modifications: An AARP study revealed that 52% of out-of-pocket costs for aging at home go toward maintenance and accessibility updates, such as grab bars, ramps, or stairlifts.In-Home Care: Costs for personal care or medical support staff vary depending on the level of assistance needed.Medical Emergencies: Unexpected healthcare needs, especially for conditions like dementia, can lead to surprise expenses.Understanding these costs early allows families to budget appropriately and avoid financial shocks.3. Explore Long-Term Care InsuranceGiven the high cost of long-term care, investing in a long-term care insurance policy may be worth considering. These policies can cover in-home care, nursing services, or assisted living facilities, reducing financial stress when care needs arise.Timing Matters: The earlier you purchase a policy, the more affordable it will be.Evaluate Carefully: Not all policies cover every type of care, and premiums can be expensive.If insurance isnt an option, families can explore alternative strategies, such as hybrid insurance plans that combine life insurance with long-term care benefits.4. Prioritize Home Safety ModificationsCreating a safe living environment is key to helping your parent stay independent at home. Start with basic home modifications:Install grab bars in bathrooms.Add ramps or stairlifts for improved mobility.Ensure good lighting throughout the home to reduce fall risks.These changes can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars but are crucial for safety and peace of mind.Beyond modifications, consider investing in medical alert systems or fall-detection technology to provide an added layer of security.5. Plan for In-Home Care NeedsAs your parent ages, their care needs may increase. Early planning ensures that youre ready for the transition:Start Small: Part-time help from a home health aide may suffice initially, covering tasks like meal preparation or light housekeeping.Scale Gradually: If full-time or overnight care becomes necessary, families should prepare for costs that can exceed $100,000 annually.For lighter support, consider intermediary services like Naborforce, which connects aging adults with Nabors who assist with everyday tasks, such as transportation and grocery shopping. These services can extend independence and delay the need for more intensive care.6. Understand Medicare, Medicaid, and Additional ResourcesNavigating government programs can be daunting but essential for offsetting care costs:Medicare: Covers limited short-term in-home care, typically after a hospital stay, but not long-term care.Medicaid: Offers comprehensive coverage for long-term care, though eligibility is income-based and requires a detailed financial review.Additionally, research state-level programs, veterans benefits, or caregiver compensation opportunities that may be available in your area.7. Stay Flexible and Plan for the UnexpectedEven with careful planning, caregiving can come with unexpected twists, from sudden health changes to financial surprises. Build a cushion into your budget to account for emergencies and remain flexible in your approach.Helping your loved one age comfortably at home requires careful planning, open communication, and the right resources. By addressing finances early, making necessary home modifications, and utilizing services like Naborforce, families can create a supportive environment that fosters independence and comfort.Aging at home is not just a choice; its a commitment to ensuring your parents dignity and quality of life. With a solid plan in place, you can navigate this journey together, providing your loved one with the care and security they deserve.And when you need a helping hand, remember that Naborforce is here to support you every step of the way.A Helping Hand for Older Adults - Naborforce 844-696-2267 Were Naborforce. We match older adults who need a little help and kindness with Nabors eager to provide it, strengthening the communities we serve. Everyone can use a little help. Help around the house. Help running errands. Help preparing a meal. Help by just being a friend! Our goal is to promote joyous and independent aging and living while providing peace of mind to families.