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As we get older, our parents are getting older, too. And while we may not be caring for our parents, we may have to discern how to help someone caring for an elderly parent. Caring for elderly parents can be an all-consuming season of life. Support for friends in this season can be simple acts of kindness or can look like coming alongside them in the care.
Watching someone give everything to care for their elderly parent can be difficult. With all of their focus on their parent, you may see them decline in energy and enthusiasm, neglect and withdraw from normal patterns of life, and even grow in feelings of hopelessness. It’s good and right to want to help during these times, though it can be difficult to know how. Here is some guidance on how to best show support.
When someone is caring for an elderly parent, they may be hearing a lot of internal chatter. Frequently wondering if they are doing the right thing or if it’s making any difference, sometimes listening and encouraging will be the best support.
Let them know they are doing a good job and mention ways you see them making a difference. Offer to sit and chat with them about how they’re doing and let them pick a time that works for them. Tell them you appreciate them and ask if there is anything you can do to help.
In this season of full investment, there may be a list of things they simply haven’t gotten to. By offering to help, you can take some of the pressure off their shoulders, and allow them a bit more room to breathe.
This might look like writing a grocery list and stocking that empty fridge, cooking dinner for them and their parent once a week, washing some of the piled-up laundry, or running some errands and picking up medication. Little things like these will help them to feel supported and less hopeless.
Sometimes the work may be too much for them to manage themselves, and what would be best for them is for you to help with the care of their elderly parent. While you may not be able to give all of your time for support, even a day’s worth will provide relief.
This can look like taking a Saturday to scrub the bathrooms and tidy the house, spending the day with their parent and allowing your friend to take some time to recharge, or even staying the night to help navigate the graveyard shift. Bigger supports like these will remind them they’re not alone.
Perhaps the toughest part of supporting a friend through this time is knowing when it’s time to suggest an alternative method of care. Chances are they’ve thought of this themselves, but haven’t chosen another option because they aren’t familiar with the options available.
Trusting your parent to the care of someone else can be unsettling for some. Knowing if professional care is right for their parent can be difficult to discern. A practical way you can help them with this decision is by investigating the types of care available, and ultimately helping them choose the best option.
While someone caring for an elderly parent may not have time to investigate other options, you can help by doing the research for them. With the assortment of options available, taking the time to understand them on your friend’s behalf is an enormous support. Here’s a look at a few of the options.
As you support your friend in providing care for their elderly parent, you may see that there is only so much they can provide. While they may feel it’s their duty to care for their parent, choosing the support of an assisted living facility is not neglecting that responsibility; on the contrary, it’s fulfilling it.
It’s important for them to be able to recognize when they’ve done all that they can do. As you gently help them see this, you can comfort them in assuring that assisted living is a quality, loving choice, and may be the best choice for caring for their parent.
Learn more about assisted living, and contact Grace Pointe to gather the information you need.
Supporting a Loved One with Diabetic Neuropathy See our latest Blog post:Caring for a loved one with diabetic neuropathy can feel overwhelming, especially as you see them struggle with discomfort and daily challenges. This condition, caused by nerve damage from diabetes, often leads to pain, numbness, and balance issues that complicate everyday tasks. The care experts at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care understand that gaining insight into a loved ones experience and learning how to provide effective support can significantly enhance their quality of life. (See post for more)If you, a family member or friend need a little extra care, and still want to live at home -- We can help with Home Health Care Services --We refer qualified and compassionate home health care providers that have been thoroughly screened to support our goal of making living and aging at home safe, comfortable and affordable. Referred Care Providers are available on an hourly, daily, weekly, or live-in basis.Care Providers: Register and take an important step towards taking control of your career! Case opportunities include days, evenings, nights and extended care shifts. We register companions, Home Health Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, Nurses and LPN's. https://www.americaninhomecare.com
We all know that exercise is important for our bodies to stay healthy and happy, especially as we age. However, finding a good exercise routine that is gentle enough for seniors, but keeps your body healthy and moving, can be a real challenge. Below are six morning exercises for seniors that are easy to mix into your morning routine. Regular exercise and stretching can improve range of motion, stability, and all around mental health.Why Exercise For Older Adults is ImportantExercising helps to slow the progression of many diseases and can even slow the aging process. Studies have shown that older adults, those age 55+, who have been active for most of their lives actually have the similar aerobic fitness of people 30 years younger than them.For older adults who have not been able to stay active their whole life, its not too late to start. Starting now will help not just in the long-term, but there are also plenty of short-term benefits to exercises for seniors.Exercise is essential in managing many long-term health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, or back or joint pain. For example, exercise can help improve high blood pressure and can lower your risk of heart disease progression.Daily Exercises for SeniorsThis exercise routine is meant to be versatile and flexible. Do the exercises that feel the best for you and your unique needs. As you make the routine your own, be sure to start slowly and stop if there is any bad pain.Make sure you have a clear space with plenty of room to move your arms and legs. A chair, water bottle, and towel may also be helpful to have close to you.Also, always start with some nice stretches to get you going.Sit to StandThe sit-to-stand exercise is among one of the best exercises for seniors. It strengthens your lower body and can improve general mobility, and helps make standing up from a chair easier. Eventually, as your strength improves, the goal is to do the sit-to-stand exercise without using your hands.It is normal to feel mild stretching, pulling, tightness, or discomfort as you do this exercise, but you should stop right away if you feel pain.How to do the exercise: Sit on a sturdy chair. Your knees should be bent and your feet should be flat on the floor and shoulder-width apart. Place your hands lightly on each side of the seat. Keep your back and neck as straight as possible, with your chest slightly forward. Breathe in slowly. Lean forward and slightly shift your weight to the front of your feet. Breathe out as you slowly stand up. Try to use as little support from your hands as possible. Stand and pause for a full breath in and out. Breathe in as you sit down slowly. Tighten your core and abdominal muscles to control your lowering as much as possible. Breathe out slowly. Rest for 1 minute, then do another set of 5-8 repetitions. Repeat for a total of 3 sets if comfortable. Knee ExtensionsKnee extension exercises are used to strengthen thigh muscles. These are big muscles in our body and improving thigh muscle strength can improve mobility, reduce knee injury risk, and rehabilitate knee injuries.How to do the exercise: Sitting up tall with your shoulders back and down. Lifting one leg up, extending at the knee. Hold briefly at the top of the movement, squeezing the muscles at the front of the thigh before lowering your leg back down. Ensure the movement is slow and controlled. Alternate legs, ensuring full knee extension (leg completely straight). Rest for 1 minute, then do another set of 5-8 repetitions. Repeat for a total of 3 sets if comfortable. Core twistsCores twists are a fantastic exercise that not only improve the strength of your trunk muscles, including back and ad muscle, but they also help with twisting mobility.How to do the exercise: Grab a medicine ball (or similar object). Sit comfortably in the chair toward the edge of the seat for extra room. Keep the core (abs and lumbar) tight. Stick the chest out. Both hands should be in front of the body gripping the sides of the medicine ball, with elbows bent. Lift the ball a couple inches off the lap then rotate the upper body to the right, keeping the ball in front of the body. Rotate to the middle of the body then rotate to the left, finish by rotating back to the middle. Each rep is one full rotation. Rest for 1 minute, then do another set of 5-8 repetitions. Repeat for a total of 3 sets if comfortable. Seated Shoulder PressThis exercise will help to increase strength and mobility of the shoulders. Please be cautious with this exercise if you have any shoulder contraindications, and/or consult with your physician.How to do this exercise: Choose a pair of low weight dumbbells or do without weights. Sit comfortably in the chair with the hips as far back as possible. Ensure that the back is firm to the backrest of the chair. Keep your core tight. Start with both elbows spread to the sides of the body and align them under the shoulders. Stick the chest out. Face the body straight, palms forward, gripping the dumbbells. Extend the arms up, reaching above the head until theyre fully extended (or get to a range that feels most comfortable). Dont touch the hands together and keep both arms parallel to each other. Once the arms extension limit has been reached, slowly bring the hands down to the starting position, keeping the elbows spread. Dont tuck the elbows toward the middle of the body, extend them out till the top of the back feels a pinching sensation (not hurting) at the shoulder blades. Seated Knee LiftsKnee lifts exercise and strengthen the hip flexors, and quads. Each is an important muscle for sitting and standing.How to do the exercise: Sit on a sturdy chair, keeping the back straight and holding the sides for support if needed. Avoid leaning back. Slowly lift the right knee slowly towards your chest, then back to the beginning position with control. Repeat the motion using the left leg. Alternate the legs. Remember to keep your back straight and avoid leaning back to gain new heights. Seated Chest PressThe seated chest press will exercise your chest muscles, shoulders, and triceps.How to do the exercise:This exercise can be done with a resistance band, dumbells or with no weight all. Choose the option that best meets your fitness level. Place the resistance band/weights/or empty fists at a point on the chair where its directly behind the back just under where the shoulder blades would be. Ensure that the resistance band isnt able to move on the back of the chair; moving it during the exercise can result in injury or target the wrong muscle groups. Sit comfortably in the chair with the hips as far back as possible. Ensure that the back is firm to the backrest of the chair. Keep the core muscles tight. Stick your chest out. Keep both palms down, elbows bent and parallel to the shoulders. Both hands should be positioned just outside of shoulder width. Push the resistance band forward until the arms are fully extended in front of the body (dont touch hands together). Slowly reverse the movement back to starting position. Some General TipsRemember, starting a new exercise routine will take some practice and getting used to. Dont get discouraged if you cant do an exercise or can only do a few repetitions.Here are few things that are normal when starting a new exercise regimen. Its normal to: feel tired when starting an exercise routine. have muscle soreness that lasts a few days. As you get stronger, you may not feel muscle soreness. Here are some tips that can help make your new exercise journey easier: Use smooth, steady movements. Do not hold your breath during strength exercises. This can cause unsafe changes in your blood pressure. Breathe in slowly through your nose, and breathe out slowly through your mouth. Most importantly, Always consult with a physician before beginning any exercise program.Keeping Seniors in Their Homes, Its What We Do.At Senior LIFE, we focus on taking care of the whole person so that they can maintain their independence for as long as possible. We offer various types of therapy for members. Depending on members individual care plans, they may receive any or all of the therapies we offer. Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Speech/Language Therapy Recreational Therapy We are committed to keeping members independent as long as possible. There are no limits on rehabilitation or the amount of therapy services a member can receive.Our care offerings dont stop at therapies. We also offer all the medical and supportive services our members need. These services can include physicians and specialists, nursing care, physical, occupational and speech therapies, personal and home care, medications, meals and nutritional counseling, eye, dental and foot care, durable medical equipment and other medically necessary services.The LIFE Program is a Medicare and Medicaid approved long-term care program that provides complete medical care and supportive services for persons 55 years and older so that they can remain living in their home. The LIFE Program is an alternative to nursing and personal care homes. https://seniorlifepa.com/aboutTo learn more about the LIFE Program, or to see if its the right fit for you and your loved ones, contact us today! https://seniorlifepa.com/contact
National PACE (Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) Month is an annual celebration in the United States that takes place in the month of September. This month-long event aims to raise awareness about the PACE program and the important role it plays in enhancing the lives of elderly individuals. Senior LIFE is a provider of the PACE program, called LIFE in Pennsylvania. The innovative model of care allows seniors with long-term care needs to remain living in their community for as long as possible, as independently as possible. More than 95 percent of PACE participants live outside of a nursing home.The COVID-19 public health emergency taught everyone the value of community and the feeling of belonging. Loneliness and isolation have long been been issues for our seniors. This year, during National PACE Month, we celebrate the connections and communities that LIFE/PACE organizations can foster. This years theme is PACE: Where you Belong.Understanding the PACE ProgramThe LIFE/PACE program is a comprehensive, community-based healthcare model for elderly adults who need long-term care services. It provides a range of medical and social services to seniors, helping them live independently in their own homes and communities. LIFE is designed to provide personalized and coordinated care that takes into account the unique needs of each individual.The Goals of National PACE MonthNational PACE Month serves several important goals: Raising Awareness: The month-long celebration aims to increase public awareness about the existence and benefits of the PACE program. Many seniors and their families may not be familiar with this valuable resource, and National PACE Month seeks to change that. Highlighting Success Stories: It provides an opportunity to showcase the success stories of PACE participants and the positive impact the program has on their lives. Sharing these stories helps inspire others to explore the possibilities offered by the PACE program. Advocacy and Education: National PACE Month also serves as a platform for advocacy, education, and information sharing. It encourages discussions and exchanges about best practices, innovations, and policies related to senior care and the PACE program. Getting InvolvedAnyone can get involved in National PACE Month and help promote its goals. Here are a few ways to participate: Spread the Word: Share information about the PACE program with friends, family, and your community. Use social media platforms to raise awareness and share success stories. Attend Events: Participate in local events, workshops, and webinars organized by PACE programs or community organizations. Learn more about the program and the services it offers. Volunteer: Consider volunteering at a PACE program or a local senior center. Your skills, time, and companionship can make a significant difference in the lives of seniors. Advocate: Contact your local representatives and policymakers to advocate for the expansion and enhancement of the PACE program. Support legislation that promotes access to comprehensive care for elderly individuals. Senior LIFE and National PACE MonthSenior LIFE will recognize PACE Month with a special week long celebration held at each of the LIFE Health and Wellness Center. The special week recognizes the efforts, volunteerism, and extraordinary talents of the Senior LIFE staff and members.This years event will be held September 5th September 8th at each of the LIFE Health and Wellness Centers.The annual week-long event will be filled with activities and events that will engage Senior LIFE with the local community. Past years have featured events such as scavenger hunts, wheel chair races, and carnival days.All activities will take part at the LIFE Health and Wellness Centers. At the center, members of the LIFE Program can see their Primary Care Physicians and participate in rehabilitation programs.LIFE is a team-based model of care based on the idea of effectively and efficiently treating patients with multiple chronic conditions outside of the hospital setting. The LIFE Program takes a comprehensive approach to care management: providers, homecare coordinators, transportation drivers, nurses, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, recreational therapists, and others, who evaluate LIFE members and develop an individualized plan of care. Medical and supportive service services are provided with the intention of putting preventive support in place that sets seniors up to remain living in their homes long term, all at no cost to seniors on Medicaid who live in the community.National PACE Month is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the PACE program and its impact on the lives of seniors. By coming together as a community, we can celebrate the successes, advocate for improvements, and ensure that the PACE program continues to provide exceptional care and support to our elderly population. Lets make National PACE Month 2023 a time of gratitude, recognition, and a catalyst for positive change in senior care. To find out more about the LIFE Program, or to see if you qualify for the program, please contact us today!
Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado, stands at the forefront of assisted living, offering compassionate care and unparalleled support within a vibrant Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). Nestled in the heart of Greeley, our community provides seniors with a nurturing environment where they can thrive and enjoy life to the fullest.At Grace Pointe, we understand that assisted living is about more than just receiving support with daily activities; it's about maintaining dignity, independence, and a sense of purpose. Our dedicated team of caregivers is committed to providing personalized care and assistance tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each resident. Whether it's help with dressing, bathing, medication management, or simply a friendly smile and a listening ear, our caregivers are always there to lend a helping hand with compassion and respect.Our assisted living residences at Grace Pointe offer seniors the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and security. Residents can choose from a variety of spacious floor plans, each thoughtfully designed to provide a warm and inviting environment where they can feel right at home. With amenities such as emergency call systems, 24-hour security, and cozy common areas for socializing, our assisted living residences offer peace of mind for both residents and their families.As part of our CCRC, Grace Pointe offers seniors the assurance of knowing that they have access to a full continuum of care services, should their needs change over time. From assisted living to memory care and skilled nursing, our community provides seamless transitions and comprehensive support, allowing residents to age in place with confidence and dignity.Health and wellness are top priorities at Grace Pointe. Our residents have access to a wide range of services and amenities designed to support their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. From nutritious dining options prepared by our talented culinary team to on-site wellness programs, fitness classes, and spiritual care services, we provide the resources and support our residents need to live their best lives.At Grace Pointe, we believe that life should be filled with joy, purpose, and meaningful connections. That's why our community offers a robust calendar of activities and events designed to promote engagement, socialization, and personal growth. Whether it's participating in group outings, attending educational seminars, or simply gathering with friends for a game night or movie screening, there's always something exciting happening at Grace Pointe.Our beautiful campus is a sanctuary of tranquility, with meticulously landscaped grounds, walking paths, and outdoor seating areas where residents can enjoy the beauty of nature and soak in the sunshine. With breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, Grace Pointe offers seniors the perfect setting to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with the world around them.As part of the Grace Pointe community, residents enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that they are part of a supportive and caring community that values their independence, dignity, and well-being. Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to providing personalized attention and support to each and every resident, ensuring that their individual needs and preferences are always met.Discover the perfect blend of comfort, compassion, and community at Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado. Contact us today to schedule a tour and experience the unparalleled lifestyle our assisted living community has to offer. Welcome home to Grace Pointe.
Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado, sets the standard for excellence in skilled nursing and rehabilitation services within our esteemed Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). With a commitment to compassionate care, personalized attention, and state-of-the-art facilities, we provide residents with the support they need to recover, rehabilitate, and thrive.Our Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at Grace Pointe is staffed by a team of dedicated healthcare professionals who are passionate about providing the highest quality care to our residents. From registered nurses and licensed therapists to certified nursing assistants and social workers, our interdisciplinary team works collaboratively to develop personalized care plans tailored to each resident's unique needs and goals.At Grace Pointe, we understand that rehabilitation is a journey, and we're here to support residents every step of the way. Whether recovering from surgery, injury, or illness, our comprehensive rehabilitation services are designed to help residents regain strength, mobility, and independence. With a focus on evidence-based therapies and cutting-edge techniques, we provide residents with the tools they need to achieve their highest level of functioning and quality of life.Our Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center features state-of-the-art amenities and facilities to support residents on their journey to recovery. From spacious therapy gyms and rehabilitation rooms to private accommodations and comfortable common areas, we provide a warm and inviting environment where residents can focus on their rehabilitation in comfort and privacy.As part of our CCRC, Grace Pointe offers the assurance of knowing that residents have access to a full continuum of care services, should their needs change over time. From skilled nursing to assisted living, memory care, and independent living, our community provides seamless transitions and comprehensive support, allowing residents to age in place with confidence and peace of mind.Health and wellness are top priorities at Grace Pointe. Our skilled nursing and rehabilitation services are complemented by a range of amenities and programs designed to support residents' overall well-being. From nutritious dining options prepared by our talented culinary team to wellness programs, social activities, and spiritual care services, we provide the resources and support our residents need to thrive.Our compassionate caregivers are at the heart of everything we do at Grace Pointe. With a commitment to person-centered care and dignity, our team goes above and beyond to ensure that each resident receives the individualized attention and support they deserve. Whether assisting with activities of daily living, providing medication management, or offering emotional support and companionship, our caregivers are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of our residents.At Grace Pointe, we believe that recovery is not just about physical healing; it's also about emotional and spiritual well-being. That's why we offer a range of support services and programs to help residents and their families navigate the challenges of rehabilitation with confidence and peace of mind. From support groups and counseling services to educational seminars and caregiver respite options, we are here to support families every step of the way.Our beautiful campus provides the perfect setting for residents to focus on their rehabilitation in a serene and tranquil environment. With meticulously landscaped grounds, walking paths, and outdoor seating areas, residents can enjoy the beauty of nature and find moments of peace and reflection during their recovery journey.As part of the Grace Pointe community, residents of our Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that they are part of a supportive and caring community that values their well-being and dignity. Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to providing personalized attention and support to each and every resident, ensuring that their individual needs and preferences are always met.Discover the compassionate care and support of our Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado. Contact us today to schedule a tour and experience the unparalleled lifestyle our community has to offer. Welcome home to Grace Pointe.
Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado, is a beacon of hope and support for individuals and families navigating the challenges of memory loss. Our Memory Care Secured Unit, nestled within our esteemed Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), provides a safe, nurturing environment where residents can live with dignity, purpose, and compassion.Memory loss can be a daunting journey, but at Grace Pointe, we believe that every individual deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity. Our Memory Care Secured Unit is specially designed to meet the unique needs of residents with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other memory-related conditions. With a team of dedicated caregivers trained in memory care techniques and best practices, we provide personalized support and assistance tailored to each resident's specific needs and preferences.Safety and security are top priorities in our Memory Care Secured Unit. Our state-of-the-art facility features secure access and monitoring systems, ensuring that residents are always safe and protected. From secure entrances and exits to enclosed outdoor spaces, we provide peace of mind for both residents and their families, knowing that their loved ones are in a safe and nurturing environment.Our Memory Care Secured Unit offers residents a comforting and familiar environment designed to promote independence, engagement, and overall well-being. Residents enjoy spacious and thoughtfully designed accommodations, providing a warm and inviting space where they can feel at home. With amenities such as cozy common areas, secure outdoor spaces, and life enrichment activities tailored to their unique interests and abilities, residents have every opportunity to thrive and live their best lives.As part of our CCRC, Grace Pointe offers the assurance of knowing that residents have access to a full continuum of care services, should their needs change over time. From memory care to assisted living and skilled nursing, our community provides seamless transitions and comprehensive support, allowing residents to age in place with dignity and grace.Health and wellness are at the forefront of our Memory Care Secured Unit. Our dedicated team of caregivers works closely with residents and their families to develop personalized care plans that address their unique needs and preferences. From medication management to assistance with activities of daily living and specialized memory care programming, we provide the support and resources our residents need to thrive.At Grace Pointe, we understand that memory loss affects not only individuals but also their families and loved ones. That's why we offer a range of support services and resources to help families navigate the challenges of memory care with confidence and peace of mind. From educational seminars and support groups to counseling services and respite care options, we are here to support families every step of the way.Our beautiful campus provides the perfect setting for residents to enjoy the beauty of Colorado's natural landscape. With meticulously landscaped grounds, walking paths, and secure outdoor spaces, residents can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air in a safe and nurturing environment.As part of the Grace Pointe community, residents of our Memory Care Secured Unit enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that they are part of a supportive and caring community that values their dignity, independence, and well-being. Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to providing personalized attention and support to each and every resident, ensuring that their individual needs and preferences are always met.Discover the compassionate care and support of our Memory Care Secured Unit at Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado. Contact us today to schedule a tour and experience the unparalleled lifestyle our community has to offer. Welcome home to Grace Pointe.