For more information about the author, click to view their website: Saint Therese Senior Living
Last year the U. S. Surgeon General
issued a very important Surgeon General Advisory, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation 2023.”
Unlike other advisories that touch on things like opioids, obesity, HIV/AIDS,
and smoking for instance, this latest one is about the need for social
connection.
Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy wrote, “Loneliness is the
subjective feeling that you’re lacking the social connections you need. It can
feel like being stranded, abandoned, or cut off from the people with whom you
belong—even if you’re surrounded by other people. What’s missing when you’re
lonely is the feeling of closeness, trust, and the affection of genuine
friends, loved ones, and community.”
He went on: “Loneliness is far more
than just a bad feeling, it harms both individual and societal health. It is
associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke,
depression, anxiety and premature death . . . And the harmful consequences of a
society that lacks social connection can be felt in our schools, workplaces and
civic organizations where performance, productivity and engagement are
diminished.”
For aging adults, which is my focus,
the lack of social connection and loneliness was brought to everyone’s
attention during COVID when seniors and their families were isolated from each
other. No one who had a mom or dad in senior living during that time will
forget the anxiety around trying to connect with their loved one.
The advisory focuses on “cultivating a
culture of connection,” one that rests on the core values of kindness, respect,
service and commitment to one another. And it offers practical recommendations
on what different groups of people can do to advance social connections. All
can be found on SurgeonGeneral.gov, but I’m including here
several recommendations aimed at individuals.
Of course, the last bullet is an
absolute given in senior living communities like Saint Therese.
We believe one of the most important benefits to older adults in our community
– be it independent, assisted, memory care or nursing home – is the opportunity
to make social connections and live well.
As your parents age, you may find yourself taking on the role of caregiver, especially if they wish to remain in their own home. While caring for aging parents can be rewarding, it also presents unique challenges. This comprehensive guide offers essential advice for caregivers navigating this important responsibility.Creating a Caregiving PlanDeveloping a structured approach is crucial when caring for aging parents. Start by creating an elder care checklist to ensure you're addressing all aspects of their well-being:Assess their living situation and home safetyReview financial and legal mattersEvaluate health and medical needsConsider emotional and social supportPlan for emergenciesA well-organized caregiving plan helps manage tasks efficiently and reduces stress for both you and your loved one.Assessing Living Arrangements and SafetyOne of the first steps in caring for elderly parents is evaluating their living situation:Conduct a thorough home safety assessmentInstall grab bars and improve lightingRemove tripping hazardsConsider a medical alert systemExplore aging in place options or assisted living if necessaryEnsuring a safe environment is crucial for maintaining your loved one's independence and well-being.Managing Financial and Legal MattersAddressing financial and legal concerns is a critical aspect of elder care:Review bank accounts, investments, and assetsInvestigate long-term care insurance and government benefitsEnsure essential legal documents are in place:Valid willPower of attorney for finances and healthcareAdvance directive or living willOrganizing these matters early can prevent complications and provide peace of mind.Coordinating Health and Medical CareEffective management of your loved one's health is paramount:Compile a list of medications and dosagesSchedule and attend medical appointmentsCoordinate care between healthcare providersMonitor for changes in health or behaviorAssess needs for assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)Regular communication with healthcare professionals ensures your loved one receives appropriate care.Providing Emotional and Social SupportMaintaining your loved one's emotional well-being is as important as physical care:Watch for signs of depression or anxietyEncourage social interactions and activitiesConsider counseling or support groupsResearch local senior centers or community programsArrange transportation for social outingsKeeping your loved one engaged and connected can significantly improve their quality of life.Practicing Self-Care as a CaregiverCaring for yourself is essential when caring for others:Set realistic expectations and boundariesJoin a caregiver support groupMaintain your own health through regular check-upsIdentify backup caregivers for breaksExplore respite care optionsRemember, taking care of yourself allows you to provide better care for your loved one.Effective Communication and Family InvolvementOpen communication is key to successful caregiving:Hold regular family meetings to discuss care plansAssign roles and responsibilities among family membersAddress conflicts or concerns openlyKeep a caregiving journal to track changesShare updates with family members regularlyInvolving family members can distribute responsibilities and provide a support network.Preparing for EmergenciesBeing ready for unexpected situations is crucial:Create an emergency contact listDevelop a plan for natural disasters or medical emergenciesEnsure easy access to important documents and medicationsProper preparation can make a significant difference in crisis situations.Considering Professional HelpSometimes, additional support may be necessary:Evaluate the need for in-home care servicesResearch reputable home care agenciesConsider hiring a geriatric care manager for complex situationsProfessional assistance can complement family caregiving efforts and provide specialized expertise.Caring for aging parents is a journey that requires patience, dedication, and adaptability. By following this advice for caregivers and utilizing resources like an elder care checklist, you can provide comprehensive support for your loved one while maintaining your own well-being. Remember, every family's situation is unique, and it's important to tailor your approach to your specific circumstances. With proper planning and support, you can navigate the challenges of caregiving while cherishing the time spent with your aging loved one.Contact The Caring Mission today for a free assessment and to learn more.
Loving Touch: Professional Organizers for SeniorsA home is more than just a place; its a sanctuary filled with memories, love, and comfort. For seniors, the home represents decades of life, experiences, and cherished moments. As time passes, however, maintaining this space can become overwhelming. The thought of downsizing or reorganizing can feel daunting, especially when it means parting with items that hold sentimental value. Thats where A Call to Order Professional Organizers steps in. With a loving touch, we help seniors navigate these changes, ensuring that their homes remain a reflection of who they are and what they love.Understanding the Emotional Needs of SeniorsAs we age, our connection to our homes deepens. Every corner, every item has a story, a memory attached. For seniors, the idea of reorganizing or downsizing can bring about a flood of emotionsnostalgia, fear of losing independence, and even anxiety about the future. Its not just about rearranging items; its about preserving dignity, honoring memories, and creating a space that feels safe and comforting.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand that the process of organizing a seniors home is not just a physical task but an emotional journey. Our approach is centered around empathy and respect. We take the time to listen, to understand what each item means to our clients, and to ensure that their wishes are honored.We work closely with seniors to create a space that reflects their current needs while still holding onto the essence of their life story. Whether its deciding which items to keep, donate, or pass on to loved ones, we guide them through each step with patience and understanding. Our goal is not just to organize a space but to create an environment where they feel safe, loved, and at peace.Tips for a Compassionate Organizing ProcessOrganizing a seniors home requires a delicate balance of practicality and emotional sensitivity. Here are some tips to ensure that the process is both effective and compassionate:Start with a Conversation: Before diving into the organizing process, have an open conversation with your loved one. Discuss their feelings, fears, and hopes for the future. Understanding their emotional state will guide you in making decisions that respect their wishes.Take It Slow: Downsizing or organizing can be overwhelming, so its important to take it one step at a time. Break the process down into manageable tasks, focusing on one room or area at a time. This approach reduces stress and allows for thoughtful decision-making.Honor Their Memories: Recognize the sentimental value of items and find ways to honor those memories. For instance, if a senior has to part with a beloved piece of furniture, consider taking a photo of it or writing down its history. This way, the memory is preserved even if the item is no longer in the home.Involve Them in the Process: Empower seniors by involving them in the organizing process. Allow them to make decisions about what stays and what goes. This not only ensures that their wishes are respected but also helps them maintain a sense of control and independence.Create a Space for the Future: As you organize, keep in mind the future needs of your loved one. Consider their mobility, health, and daily routines. The goal is to create a space that is not only organized but also functional and safe for years to come.A Call to Order Professional Organizers is committed to providing compassionate and thoughtful organizing services for seniors. We believe that a home should be a source of comfort and joy, and our role is to help seniors maintain that sense of belonging. With our loving touch, we transform homes into spaces that are organized, functional, and filled with love. Whether its helping with a small reorganization project or guiding through the process of downsizing, we are here to support seniors every step of the way.Organizing a seniors home is about much more than decluttering; its about preserving a lifetime of memories and creating a space where they can continue to thrive. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we approach every project with empathy, patience, and care. Our goal is to ensure that seniors feel respected, loved, and supported throughout the process. With our professional organizing services, we help seniors not just manage their space but embrace a new chapter of their lives with confidence and peace of mind.
Gifts for Grandma, Grandpa, or Aging ParentsIts no secret that shopping for gifts for grandma, grandpa, or an older parent, can be difficult. A life well lived also means theyve probably acquired everything they need for their day-to-day tasks. Do they really need another stock pot, blanket, or screwdriver? Probably not. And those kinds of gifts are BORING with a capital B. Why not find something thats new AND solves a problem?How do you buy a gift for a senior who already has everything?The trick is to find a present that adds value and independence to their life. As we age, things that we took for granted in our youth become much harder as the years pass on.One such example that many seniors struggle with is the simple task of clipping fingernails. The standard fingernail clipper hasnt changed for over 70 years. Its small and requires a surprising amount of vision and dexterity.Now imagine youre a senior with advancing arthritis or decreasing vision and what used to be a simple task is now a lot more difficult. Maybe you have MS or Parkinsons and fine motor dexterity is an everyday challenge. Or perhaps youre fully capable of clipping your own nails, but want additional convenience. Or maybe youre a caregiver and clipping fingernails is low on your priority list. Any way you look at it, theres no right or wrong reason to want a bit of independence.In fact, there are over 50 million people in the US alone who have limited dexterity, strength, or vision. And tens of millions more who dislike the messy and annoying process of clipping fingernails. If your parent or grandparent needs help, theyre certainly not alone.Get them something that makes their life easier.Introducing the ClipDifferent Pro: the easiest-to-use nail clipper on the planet. Its easily one of the best gifts for grandma, grandpa, or an aging parent.The ClipDifferent Pro is a revolutionary, first-of-its-kind, automatic fingernail clipper that safely trims fingernails with the simple touch of a button. Its effortless, safe, leaves no mess, and is built to last.It includes FREE SHIPPING and a FULL GUARANTEE!It uses a bit of science, a bit of magic, and a few top-secret components that elevate the act of fingernail clipping from boring to holy cow!.Put simply, the ClipDifferent Pro utilizes a high-capacity, rechargeable NiMH battery to power a finely-tuned, patent-pending trimming mechanism manufactured with surgical grade stainless steel, to create the most seamless, clean, and nearly effortless fingernail clipping experience youve ever had. Dont Just Take Our Word For It Heres What Others Are Saying The ClipDifferent Pro is so simple and easy to use! Rollie Rodgers (Korean War Veteran and Living with Parkinsons) It gives me one more way to be independent. Rick Zeidler (Vision Loss) Ive won the war but its these day-to-day battles that we have to deal with. Rick Ebner (Living with MS) I think anyone will find the Pro fabulousespecially those who have challenges with fine motor skills. Geno Mucciacciaro (Disabled Veteran with Neurological and Central Nervous System Issues) Once you see the Pro work, its hard to go back to the old way of clipping your nails. Butch Donohue (Amputee/Limb Loss) Every home needs to have one of these! Tamara S. (Home Health Care Advisor) I need to buy one of these for my husband! Velma Hagar Ristaino (Author, Inspirational Speaker)
At Saint Therese, Every Moment is MeaningfulFacing a serious illness or terminal condition is difficult. Because we know how stressful and uncertain this time can be, we strive to provide comforting, holistic hospice and palliative care in a peaceful place founded on love and compassion.Just as during other chapters, important decisions must be made regarding medical care and your loved ones wishes throughout the final pages of his or her story.At Saint Therese, we consider the whole person their physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual needs. We offer two holistic, supportive approaches to comfort care. Both our palliative care and hospice care manage symptoms and pain of serious illness with spiritual support as requested. In addition, hospice care provides positive, compassionate support for terminally ill residents.Our person-centered care goes beyond clinical needs and emphasizes a celebration of love and life. Care providers form close, personal bonds with residents, their families and their friendsempowering each of them to honor every day as they choose. We provide 24-hour skilled nursing with daily assistance such as meal preparation, dressing and medication management. Because family members and friends wish to spend as much time as possible with their loved one, our hospice and palliative care services are surrounded by peaceful settings, both indoors and out, ideal for gatherings, rest and reflection.Hospice and palliative care are available at:Saint Therese of New Hope Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn ParkSaint Therese of WoodburySaint Therese of St. OdiliaIn addition, families may seek solace and comfort at our hospice and palliative care center, Saint Therese at St. Odilia, a unique, tranquil eight-bedroom home located in Shoreview on the parish grounds of St. Odilia.Find peace of mind at Saint Therese. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a tour.
Throughout our decades-long history, our rehab and wellness division at Saint Therese has continued to grow and evolve, remaining innovative in how we elevate and uphold the lives of the individuals we serve. As we strive to continue growing, our rehab and wellness division has officially been renamed Ascend Rehabilitation in honor of the vision to rise, lift up and support adults in living their very best life.Ascend Rehabilitation brings highly trained physical, occupational and speech therapists, as well as fitness professionals to Saint Therese communities. Taking a comprehensive, compassionate approach, our therapists help older adults get and stay healthy, able, fit and moving in order to age well and live where they want to live.Throughout all our lifestyle options, Saint Therese strives to provide the peace of mind and confidence that comes with continuity of care. No matter where you are in your journey to health and wellness, our care team journeys with you. We offer inpatient, outpatient and home-based services. We also specialize in wellness and fitness programs designed for older adults and incorporate state-of-the-art equipment and specialty programming.The Ascend team, many of whom have served Saint Therese for many years, advocate for our community members and do what it takes to help each live his or her preferred lifestyle. Just as in other facets of our communities, we build relationships that go beyond reading a name off a medical chart. We get to know you, we understand your history, your needs and well be with you every step of the way.
Enriching Every Day with Love & CompassionSome amount of memory loss is typical as we age, but when a situation progresses beyond forgetfulness and puts the safety of your loved one and others at risk, it may be time to consider memory care options. At Saint Therese, we understand the fear and uncertainty that can come with a diagnosis of Alzheimers disease or other form of dementia. In a time when many difficult decisions must be made, look to the compassionate memory care professionals at Saint Therese for personalized, comprehensive services in a secure, safe setting. Every member of the Saint Therese community is unique, with specific needs. As with our other lifestyle options and services, memory care plans are individually designed to best provide for physical, social, intellectual and spiritual well-being. With personalized, holistic care, nutritious meals and therapeutic activities and programming that allow our memory care residents the freedom to do more, we believe every day, each of our residents can live their best life. To provide the highest possible level of care, every employee who serves residents of memory care apartments or suites receives annual training to maintain their Dementia care specialist certification. This industry-leading program emphasizes person-centered care for each stage of dementia as well as support for families. All memory care plans include specialized engagement activities, cognitive support and assistance with every day needs such as: meal preparation, dressing, grooming and medication management.At Saint Therese, we approach memory care with respect and compassion. Contact us and schedule a tour today.