How Do You Bridge the Gap Between Independent and Assisted Living?

It's a difficult decision to make, but sometimes it becomes clear that our older loved ones need more care than we can provide at home. If you're struggling with the decision of whether or not to place your parent or spouse in an assisted living facility, this blog post is for you. Here are some signs that it might be time to start considering assisted living.1. Are simple activities becoming difficult?Assisted living facilities are designed to help seniors with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. If your loved one is struggling with any of these activities, it might be time to consider assisted living.2. Does your loved one have difficulty with living independently?Another sign that assisted living might be the best option is if your elderly loved one is having difficulty paying bills, getting around to run simple errands, or attending appointments. If getting from point A to point B has become a challenge, assisted living can help. Most facilities offer transportation services for their residents and have services on-site for a variety of needs. 3. Has there been a decline in your loved ones hygiene or appearance?Has your loved one started to neglect their personal hygiene? Are they no longer keeping up with their usual grooming routine? This could be a sign that they need assistance with activities like bathing and dressing.4. Are you noticing changes in mood or behavior?Sometimes changes in mood or behavior can be a sign of declining health. Has your usually cheerful loved one become withdrawn or depressed? Do they have sudden outbursts of anger? These changes could be indicative of a larger health issue that might be best addressed in an assisted living facility.Making the Decision TogetherOnce you have decided that assisted living is the best option, its important to involve your loved one in the decision-making process as much as possible. Let your Senior Care Authority advisor assess their care needs, explain the options, and schedule tours of places that best fit the needs of your family. Include your loved ones in the process as much as possible so they feel that they are part of the decision to choose the next place they will call home.  If possible, try not to wait too long as adaptive skills can decrease with the progression of age or cognitive decline.Finding the best senior living setting for your loved one can be an overwhelming task, but you dont have to go through it alone. The experts at Senior Care Authority are here to help! We offer a variety of services designed to help seniors live their best life possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your family. 

When someone you love needs extra care, it's time to think about a nursing home. This can be a tough decision, but there are ways to make it easier. Let's look at how to pick a good nursing home that will take great care of your family member.Location and BuildingThe first thing to think about is where the nursing home is. It's best if it's close to you so you can visit often. When you go to see the nursing home, look around carefully. Is it clean? Does it look nice outside? Are there places where your loved one can go outside for fresh air?Look at the rooms too. Make sure you see all kinds of rooms, not just the fancy ones. Ask yourself if the rooms feel cozy or if they look too much like a hospital.Staff and CareThe people who work at the nursing home are very important. You want to make sure there are enough workers to take care of everyone. Ask how many nurses and helpers there are for each patient. Also, find out if the same people work there for a long time. If workers stay at their jobs, it usually means they like working there.It's also good to ask how the workers are trained. Do they know how to help older people with different health problems? Make sure they know how to take care of your loved one's special needs.Daily LifeA good nursing home should help your loved one have a nice day every day. Ask about what kind of activities they have. Is it just bingo and movies, or do they have other fun things to do? Can your loved one go on trips outside the nursing home?Food is important too. Ask about the meals and snacks. Can your loved one eat whenever they want, or are there set meal times? Try to taste the food if you can.Some nursing homes let people help out with small jobs if they want to. This can make your loved one feel useful and happy. Ask if they have chances to do things like help deliver mail or read to other people.Respect and ChoicesIt's important that your loved one is treated with respect. They should be able to make some choices about their day. Can they decide when to wake up or what to wear? Can they eat in their room if they want to? Make sure the nursing home respects your loved one's likes and dislikes.Visitors and FamilyCheck the rules about visitors. Can you come anytime, or are there special visiting hours? It's good if you can visit often. Also, ask if your loved one can make video calls to family and friends.Money MattersNursing homes can be expensive. Many people think Medicare will pay for everything, but that's not always true. Medicare only pays for some types of care, and only for a short time. You might need to pay for some of the care yourself.Ask the nursing home how much it costs and what kinds of payment they accept. Some places might help you make a plan to pay over time.Keep Asking QuestionsEven after you choose a nursing home, keep asking questions and staying involved. Visit often and pay attention to how your loved one is doing. If you see anything that worries you, talk to the people in charge.Remember, the most important thing is to find a place where your loved one will be safe, happy, and well cared for. By asking lots of questions and looking carefully at different nursing homes, you can find the best place for your family member.

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.