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Our local experts will help you understand the options available, so that you can make an informed decision that meets your needs, both now and as you age.
In this secure setting, unlike Assisted Living you aren’t behind a closed door but typically engaging in activities outside of your own studio apartment. There are communities focused only on memory care and memory care in more of a continuum of care setting. Care-to-resident ratios are improved over Assisted Living and average 1 to 6-8 typically during the day/evening.
This option is for those who are “independent” and often still driving. They can care for themselves, have a full kitchen and make their own meals. Here, they have access to “services” vs. “care” —and perhaps a restaurant for meals and transportation as needed for shopping and outings, etc.
These senior living rental apartments offer both “services” and “care.” An RN is required to complete a health assessment before you move in. You may not need caregivers coming to your apartment, however, if you had a fall, they would assist you as they know your health history. Care levels can be very high in some options and, as an alternative to a nursing home, this can often feel like a homier approach.
Also called skilled care, this is often the option that comes after a hospital stay. This can be an appropriate, long-term option if needs are medically complex or if resources to pay for care are quite limited and Medicaid will be needed in less than a year.
These communities are licensed as in Assisted Living, but the care is provided in a residential home. This option has the best care-to-resident ratio typically with 2 staff for 6 during the day and evening and 1 awake staff overnight. This option carries a higher cost due to the higher staffing ratios.
Contact Choice Connections to help find your new home! You can reach us at 651-261-5379 or visit our website at www.choiceconnectionsmn.com
Caring for Aging Parents: Let FirstLight Lighten Your LoadWatching your parents age and begin to need help can be one of lifes most emotional and challenging transitions. As they require assistance with everyday tasksfrom getting dressed to grocery shoppingit can feel overwhelming to shoulder these responsibilities on your own. At FirstLight Home Care, were here to support you and your loved ones with compassionate care that makes a difference.The Challenges of Caring for Aging ParentsBeing a primary caregiver for your aging parents can be as rewarding as it is exhausting. Between managing your own responsibilitieswork, family, and personal needsit may feel like there arent enough hours in the day. Many caregivers find themselves stretched thin, sacrificing sleep, hobbies, and social connections to meet the needs of their parents.This cycle often leads to burnout. The constant physical, mental, and emotional demands can leave you drained, making it harder to provide the care your loved ones deserve. Its common to feel like youve lost your sense of self, but remember: you dont have to do it all alone.Supporting Your Aging ParentsThe level of care your parents need depends on their situation. Some may only require occasional check-ins, while others may need help with daily routines like showering, preparing meals, or managing medications.As health challenges grow, these responsibilities can feel like a full-time job. Its a heavy load for one person to carry, especially when trying to balance everything else in life. Thats where FirstLight Home Care steps in to help.How Companion Care Makes a DifferenceAt FirstLight, we offer a range of senior care services, including companion care, dementia care, respite care, and more. Our caregivers are carefully matched to each familys unique needs, bringing much-needed relief to those caring for aging parents.Companionship and Emotional SupportLoneliness is common among seniors, but our compassionate caregivers bring connection and joy to their daily lives. Whether its sharing stories, assisting with communication, or helping them stay socially active, our team is here to keep your parents engaged and happy.Daily Living AssistanceFrom light housekeeping to meal preparation, our caregivers ensure your loved ones home remains a clean, safe, and healthy space. They can also help with hygiene, toileting, and mobility, all while treating your parents with the dignity and respect they deserve.Relieving Family Caregiver StressHaving professional support means youll have more time and energy for yourselfand for your parents. Instead of being overwhelmed by caregiving duties, you can focus on strengthening your relationship with them and creating meaningful memories.Let Us Support Your FamilyCaring for aging parents is no small task, but you dont have to do it alone. At FirstLight Home Care, were here to share the load and provide expert care that brings peace of mind to you and your family.Whether your parents need help with daily activities, companionship, or more specialized care, our trained caregivers are ready to step in and provide the support they deserve.Reach out to FirstLight Home Care today to explore personalized care options near you.Ready to learn more?Discover how FirstLight can make life easier for you and your loved ones. Contact us for personalized pricing or visit your nearest location to begin. Together, we can help your parents live their best lifewhile giving you the space to thrive, too. Call FirstLight Home Care in Bloomington at 612-473-3227.
Six Simple Strategies to Help Seniors Sleep BetterHow did you sleep last night? With National Sleep Awareness Week taking place from March 10th to 16th, its the perfect time to think about your bedtime habits and explore ways to improve your sleep quality.A restful nights sleep is like a reset button for your body and mind, and its especially important for seniors. Good sleep can boost your mood, sharpen your mind, and strengthen your immune system. However, as we age, getting those precious Zs can become more challenging. Changes in sleep patterns, along with environmental and emotional factors, often lead to restless nights.If counting sheep has become your nightly ritual, dont worryyoure not alone, and help is here. The Seniors Helping Seniors team has six simple, practical tips to help you sleep better and wake up refreshed. Lets dive in!1. Stick to a Relaxing Bedtime RoutineYour body loves routines, especially when it comes to winding down for the night. Create a calming bedtime ritual that works for youlike reading a book, doing some light stretches, or meditating. These activities signal to your body that its time to relax. Not sure where to start? Your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can help you incorporate these soothing habits into your evening routine.2. Power Down Your ScreensScrolling through your phone or catching up on emails before bed might seem harmless, but the blue light from screens can disrupt your natural sleep hormones. Try putting your devices away at least an hour before bedtime. Instead, swap that screen time for a calming activity like listening to music or journaling.3. Create a Cozy Sleep SanctuaryA good mattress and supportive pillows can make all the difference in how you feel the next morning. Look for bedding that keeps you at a comfortable temperature throughout the night. Your bedroom should also be dark, quiet, and coolthink of it as your personal sleep haven.4. Limit Afternoon NapsA quick nap can recharge your energy, but long or late-day naps might mess with your nighttime sleep. Keep naps short20 to 30 minutesand try to rest earlier in the day. This way, you can still enjoy a power nap without affecting your bedtime.5. Get Moving During the DayPhysical activity isnt just great for your overall healthit also helps you sleep better. Even 30 minutes of light exercise like walking or yoga can work wonders. Just remember to keep workouts earlier in the day, as late-night exercise might leave you too energized to fall asleep.6. Mind Your Evening MenuWhat you eat and drink before bed can influence your sleep. Heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime can leave you tossing and turning. Instead, try something soothing, like a cup of herbal tea or warm milk, to help you unwind. Need help with meal planning? Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers are happy to lend a hand.Bonus Tip: Keep Your Wake-Up Time ConsistentYour body thrives on routine, so try waking up at the same time every dayeven on weekends. A consistent wake-up time helps regulate your internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.If youve tried these tips and are still struggling with sleep, it might be time to seek professional advice. A healthcare provider or sleep specialist can help identify underlying issues, like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome, and recommend tailored solutions.Sleep is vital for your health and well-being, and you deserve to wake up every day feeling your best. Your Seniors Helping Seniors team is here to support you in creating healthy sleep habits that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Sweet dreams!
Managing your finances can feel daunting, especially as lifes expenses add up. But with the right strategies, you can take control, stretch your dollars, and enjoy peace of mind. Here at Seniors Helping Seniors, we believe financial independence is empowering, and were here to help! From grocery savings to solar panels, these practical tips will guide you toward a brighter, more secure future.1. Shop Smart and Save at the Grocery StoreMany grocery stores offer senior discountsan easy way to save on everyday essentials. Pairing these discounts with meal planning can help stretch your weekly budget. Need a hand? A Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can assist with planning nutritious meals while keeping costs down.2. Tap Into Free or Low-Cost Community ResourcesYour community likely offers a variety of free or low-cost services designed for seniors. Think meal delivery programs, recreational activities, or transportation services. Staying active and connected doesnt have to break the bank, and these resources can add tremendous value to your lifestyle without adding to your expenses.3. Take Advantage of Senior DiscountsFrom restaurants to retail stores, discounts for seniors are everywhere! Many establishments offer lower prices or special deals for older adults. Whether its a favorite coffee spot or a hardware store, these small savings add up, making it easier to enjoy your favorite things while staying within your budget.4. Use a Budgeting App to Track Your SpendingSimplify money management with a budgeting app. These tools make it easy to monitor your spending on groceries, utilities, entertainment, and more. If technology feels overwhelming, your caregiver can guide you through setup and show you how to track your finances effectively. Its a small step that leads to big financial clarity.5. Automate Savings and Bill PaymentsAvoid late fees and grow your savings by automating your finances. Set up automatic transfers to your savings account or schedule recurring bill payments through your bank. This hassle-free approach helps ensure your bills are always paid on time, leaving you more time to focus on what matters most.6. Work With a Caregiver for Personalized SupportA Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can be your budgeting buddy. From spotting local discounts to helping you navigate government programs, your caregiver can provide personalized assistance. Together, you can create a financial plan that fits your needs, so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying life.7. Save on Energy with Solar PanelsIf youre ready to invest in long-term savings, consider solar panels. They harness renewable energy, reducing your electricity bills and your carbon footprint. With available tax credits and rebates, going solar might be more affordable than you think. Plus, its a great way to contribute to a greener planet.A Brighter Financial Future AwaitsYour golden years should be filled with joy, not financial stress. These tips are designed to help you budget smarter and save more, empowering you to live life fully and confidently. If youre feeling overwhelmed, our Seniors Helping Seniors team is here to help. With expert guidance and a caring approach, well work alongside you to create a plan that fits your life.Lets tackle those finances togetheryouve got this!Seniors Helping Seniors Making Life Easier, One Step at a TimeFor more tips and support, visit our website or contact your local Seniors Helping Seniors office.
Connecting Those We Serve to the Best Choices in Senior Living Since 2009Choice Connections is a local, independently owned company. Our mission is to help seniors and their families save time and minimize the stress of finding a new home when their current living situation is no longer the best choice. We offer a four-step process to help find the Best Choice in senior living. You will find that our personalized approach is much more than an internet search. Because we are actively involved in your community, we are well acquainted with the local senior living options and amenities, including assisted living, independent living, residential care homes and memory care. Choice Connections' caring advisors help simplify the overwhelming process of finding the right senior living option. You can trust that we have your loved ones best interest at heart!Our advisory services are free when you start your search with us as communities pay us a referral fee at move in when we have connected you. For more information, please call 651-261-5379 or email us at info@choice-mn.com."Figuring out the right option at the right time for a loved one is really difficult. I have always had a special place in my heart for our aging loved ones and believe in taking good care of them, keeping them safe and happy. Because of that deep passion for helping the elderly and their families (as I did for my own Mom), I am blessed each day as I help families find the right living options or work through an unexpected, stress-filled crisis. I thrive on providing the support they need and walking alongside them on their journey of finding the right senior living option for their loved one. Helping people is what I love to do!"Eunice K. Neubauer, CSA,
Connecting Those We Serve to the Best Choices in Senior Living Since 2009Choice Connections is a local, independently owned company. Our mission is to help seniors and their families save time and minimize the stress of finding a new home when their current living situation is no longer the best choice. We offer a four-step process to help find the Best Choice in senior living. You will find that our personalized approach is much more than an internet search. Because we are actively involved in your community, we are well acquainted with the local senior living options and amenities, including assisted living, independent living, residential care homes and memory care. Choice Connections' caring advisors help simplify the overwhelming process of finding the right senior living option. You can trust that we have your loved ones best interest at heart!Our advisory services are free when you start your search with us as communities pay us a referral fee at move in when we have connected you. For more information, please call 651-261-5379 or email us at info@choice-mn.com."Figuring out the right option at the right time for a loved one is really difficult. I have always had a special place in my heart for our aging loved ones and believe in taking good care of them, keeping them safe and happy. Because of that deep passion for helping the elderly and their families (as I did for my own Mom), I am blessed each day as I help families find the right living options or work through an unexpected, stress-filled crisis. I thrive on providing the support they need and walking alongside them on their journey of finding the right senior living option for their loved one. Helping people is what I love to do!"Eunice K. Neubauer, CSA,
Connecting Those We Serve to the Best Choices in Senior Living Since 2009Choice Connections is a local, independently owned company. Our mission is to help seniors and their families save time and minimize the stress of finding a new home when their current living situation is no longer the best choice. We offer a four-step process to help find the Best Choice in senior living. You will find that our personalized approach is much more than an internet search. Because we are actively involved in your community, we are well acquainted with the local senior living options and amenities, including assisted living, independent living, residential care homes and memory care. Choice Connections' caring advisors help simplify the overwhelming process of finding the right senior living option. You can trust that we have your loved ones best interest at heart!Our advisory services are free when you start your search with us as communities pay us a referral fee at move in when we have connected you. For more information, please call 651-261-5379 or email us at info@choice-mn.com."Figuring out the right option at the right time for a loved one is really difficult. I have always had a special place in my heart for our aging loved ones and believe in taking good care of them, keeping them safe and happy. Because of that deep passion for helping the elderly and their families (as I did for my own Mom), I am blessed each day as I help families find the right living options or work through an unexpected, stress-filled crisis. I thrive on providing the support they need and walking alongside them on their journey of finding the right senior living option for their loved one. Helping people is what I love to do!"Eunice K. Neubauer, CSA,