It Takes a Village

We must never underestimate the power of touch, whether it's a gentle holding of the hand, massaging of feet, a warm hug, or gentle rubbing of the arm or back. Over the past year and a half, many have felt the absence of this important connection as they were separated from family and loved ones. Touch deprivation in old age is especially a reality for persons living with dementia, medically frail older adults, and seniors who live alone. We have all heard how touch deprivation can lead to or increase feelings of isolation, anxiety, and insecurity. In addition, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many older adults were observed to have declined in physical and mental health as they went for extended periods without in-person contact with those they love.Research has shown that human contact and physical touch have been linked to improved outcomes for premature infants and can be just as beneficial to older adults living with dementia. Healing touch can decrease stress, anxiety, and pain in adults and children and support improved mobility in older adults. Despite an older adults need for touch and being so receptive to touch, they are often the least likely to receive healing or therapeutic touch from healthcare providers or family members.Of course, there are trained, licensed practitioners of therapeutic touch working with patients who report feeling warmth, relaxation, and pain relief due to this type of intervention. Healing and therapeutic touch is widely used by nurses to reduce agitation in individuals with dementia in memory care facilities. Many studies have reported beneficial effects of this non-pharmacologic intervention for the treatment of behaviors seen in patients with Alzheimers. Therapeutic touch may improve quality of life by helping to decrease stress and anxiety to foster emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Some older adults with dementia display behavioral symptoms, such as vocal outbursts, restlessness, agitation, repetitive questions, wandering, pacing, and physical aggression toward self or others. Touch can be a therapeutic modality to treat these behavioral symptoms as well as create present-moment connection, physical contact, and comfort.What is the Healing Power of Touch?Touch therapy works by combatting the underlying causes of touch deprivation. Studies show that touch deprivation in the elderly and dementia patients may lead to a wide range of negative emotions such as:Feelings of isolationAnxietyInsecurityDecreased sensory awarenessIn implementing the strategies of touch therapy, caregivers are introducing elements of compassion that are recognized by dementia patients and are known to create emotional benefits.Aside from the potential positive effects on physical and behavioral symptoms, the fact is, there is just no replacement for human contact. Touch is one of our most basic, essential human needs that remains throughout our lifetime. As we experience physical or mental decline due to aging or illness, the need for human touch may be heightened as we seek comfort and connection with others.So, offering a gentle hug, a touch on the shoulder, back, or arm, or reaching out to hold a hand, is not only a soothing, comforting way to connect with an aging parent or older adult, but it also lets them know they are seen and valued. And ultimately, isnt that what we all want?

Amramp Accessibility is proud to offer high-quality steel ramps that are durable, safe, and long-lasting. Our ramps are built to withstand even the harshest of weather conditions and heavy use, providing reliable access to homes, businesses, and public spaces for people with disabilities.Recently, Bob and Kim Danek of Amramp Connecticut & Eastern New York responded to a call from a customer who had their ramp installed over eight years ago. This ramp has been in use daily, providing safe and reliable access to the customers home.While the ramp did require some maintenance, we are proud to report that no parts needed replacing, just some repainting to keep the ramp looking like new. This is a testament to the durability and longevity of our steel ramps, and we are confident that this ramp will continue to provide reliable access for many years to come.At Amramp Accessibility, we understand the importance of keeping ramps clear and safe, especially during the winter months when snow and ice can create hazardous conditions. Thats why weve designed our ramps with a unique, open-mesh surface that allows wind, snow, and ice to pass through, keeping the ramp clear and safe.Unlike traditional wooden or concrete ramps, which can become slippery and treacherous when covered in snow or ice, our ramps feature an open mesh design that allows snow and ice to melt and pass through the ramp. This helps to prevent the buildup of ice and snow, making our ramps safer and more reliable in any weather condition.In addition to their unique design, our ramps are made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand even the harshest of weather conditions. Our steel ramps, for example, are powder-coated to resist corrosion and are designed to last for many years with minimal maintenance.At Amramp Accessibility, we are committed to providing safe, reliable ramp solutions for our customers, and our unique design is just one way that we achieve this. Whether you need a ramp for your home or business, we have the experience and expertise to create a custom ramp that meets your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about our accessibility solutions and how we can help you achieve safe and reliable access to your property. If you have questions, please call us at 888-715-7598.

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought incredible innovation to our lives, from facial recognition unlocking phones to smart assistants handling our schedules. However, AI also poses significant risks, such as phishing emails, deepfake videos, and voice simulations impersonating individuals. Seniors must be informed of AI fraud to prevent them from falling victim to such schemes.Scams to Be Aware of in 2024As AI technology advances, scammers are finding new ways to develop more intricate and believable schemes. Its important to stay updated on these emerging tactics to protect yourself and your loved ones. These are some of the most prevalent AI scams to watch out for in 2024:AI-Generated Email PhishingAI-generated phishing emails are designed to look incredibly convincing, often mimicking legitimate communications from trusted organizations. The sophistication of AI means that these emails can include personalized details, making them even harder to detect. For example, a phishing email might use an email address like boss@cornpany.com instead of boss@company.coma subtle but critical difference in spelling.To stay safe, always verify the senders email address, look for any inconsistencies in the message, and avoid clicking on suspicious links. If you get an invoice for something you are confident you did not purchase, dont click on the link or attachment; instead, go directly to your credit card account to ensure there are no fraudulent purchases. The same applies to money requests from apps like Venmo and PayPal; go directly to the source without clicking any links.Chatbot FraudChatbots have revolutionized customer service, but they can also be used maliciously. Fraudsters use AI-powered chatbots to engage with victims, extract personal or financial information, or direct them to phishing websites.Red flags for scams include urgent requests, offers that seem too good to be true, or unusual language or grammar. A good rule of thumb is to not share sensitive information like passwords or credit card details through chat interfaces.Deepfake ScamsDeepfakes are AI-generated audio and video clips that make it appear like someone is saying or doing something they never actually did. These can be used to create convincing scams. For example, a common scam involves someone calling and claiming to be a loved one in an emergency and needing money, often mimicking their voice. Instead of panicking and sending the money, you should verify the persons identity, usually by calling them directly.If you receive such a call, look for inconsistencies in video or audio quality, unusual behavior, or other red flags.Investment ScamsFraudsters may use AI to generate convincing investment opportunities, complete with fabricated data and endorsements from seemingly reputable sources. Be cautious of high-pressure sales tactics urging you to make a quick decision, and thoroughly investigate any investment opportunity and the company behind it. Be wary of offers that promise unusually high returns with little risk.If you suspect an investment scam, immediately report it to regulatory authorities and financial institutions like the SEC or FINRA.Social Media ManipulationAI can generate and spread misinformation on social media platforms, influencing public opinion and manipulating users. This can include fake news stories, fraudulent advertisements, and the impersonation of trusted figures.Limit your privacy settings on social media and only accept requests from known individuals. Always verify the credibility of the sources and accounts you follow as well.At The Oberon House in Arvada, CO, we always prioritize your safety and well-being. Your security is our top priority. Contact us today to learn more 303-420-7258.