Seniors and the Positive Impact of Social Media

Author

Comfort Keepers

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Comfort Keepers

Posted on

Jul 02, 2018

Book/Edition

Colorado - Western Slope

Despite the myth that older people cant manage technology because of cognitive deficits, seniors are flocking to social media at a rapid pace.
In fact, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ (and Hangouts), Pinterest, and Instagram all note higher adoption rates among adults 65 and older ? and see seniors as their fastest growing audience.

Seniors Benefit Socially, Mentally, and Physically

Older adults who have had positive experiences on social media have reported elevated moods. An American Psychological Association (APA) study found that seniors who spend time on social media sites were more likely to participate in activities that can lead to greater health, such as cooking healthier recipes, and finding easier ways to clean and maintain their homes. The study also indicates that they have lower blood pressure and fewer instances of diabetes, and less negative health habits such as smoking, depression, or disease. This is attributed to the ability for self-education on any number of topics, and remaining in-the-know about the latest technology trends.

Social Media Keeps the Family Together

Facebook is particularly useful for linking up with loved ones. It makes for more frequent conversations and helps close the generation gap.

Sharing current photos allows seniors to see their grandchildren change and grow, and creates a closeness and involvement that may not have existed, especially if the family isnt living close by. Video chats also area great way to communicate in real time. There is also the opportunity to relive fond memories or create new ones through postings of photos and home videos.

Family Peace of Mind

When a family lives apart, there can be stress and anxiety on both ends. Social media allows seniors and their families an easy way to check in as often as they wish. This is especially important if the senior is living alone and may experience ill health, a fall, or may not be eating or sleeping well, taking medications, or getting any form of exercise. Family caregivers can use social media to ask critical questions that will let them know whats occurring in their loved ones life.

Community Engagement and a Sense of Belonging

Feeling connected is very important to any seniors wellbeing. Social media allows the senior to make plans with others to meet up outside of the home. It also allows seniors who are unable to leave home to socialize online to combat loneliness.

Shopping Online offers Convenience and Savings

Even if a senior cant venture out of the home due to physical limitations, inability to drive, or inclement weather, for example he or she can always shop online and enjoy the ease of home delivery. In addition, there are lots of money-saving coupons and online sales, which can be especially convenient and sensible for those who are penny-pinchers or on a fixed income.

Some Precautions Should Be Taken

Family caregivers may want to monitor their seniors activities, ensuring that the he or she is not falling for phishing scams and the like. They may also want to make sure they are connecting with trustworthy people especially if they are conversing in chat rooms and through blogs. They should also watch their monetary spending to ensure a senior isnt overspending on items they dont need.

Learning How to Use Social Media

A great source for seniors and family members is AARPs Social Media Education Center. There, you can find out about how to use specific (and commonly used) social media websites, apps, and blogs. Visit http://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/tek/social-media-education-center/

Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jeff Pitts, owner of Comfort Keepers. He may be reached at. 970-241-8818 or by email: jeffpitts@ckcolorado.com

Other Articles You May Like

Food Bank of the Rockies Nourishing Communities on the Western Slope

Of the 32 counties we support in Colorado, 13 are located west of the Continental Divide and served by our phenomenal team in Grand Junction. Through mobile pantries and partnerships with more than 110 Hunger Relief Partners in this region, our team is able to meet the specific needs of these communities and bring food where it is needed most. We know that budgets can be stretched thin these days, so by leveraging the power of community and through programs like Everyday Eats for Older Adults, Food for Kids, mobile pantries, and more, Food Bank of the Rockies provides food to 1 in 9 people facing hunger in Colorado.Need a referral to your local food pantry? Do you want to apply for SNAP benefits? Want to learn more about our programs? Interested in volunteering or making a donation? We would love to hear from you!  To contact us, please call 970-464-1138 or 877-953-3937 (toll-free) or visit foodbankrockies.org.  Editors Note: This article was submitted by Food Bank of the Rockies. For more information, please call 303-371-9250.

Understanding ADLs and IADLs: Keys to Pennsylvanias Medicaid HCBS Programs

Pennsylvania offers Medicaid waiver programs under the Community HealthChoices (CHC) umbrella and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) Waiver (often referred to as the PA Council on Aging Waiver). These programs help older adults and individuals with physical disabilities remain in their homes or community settings instead of entering nursing facilities. CHC and the PDA Waiver provide long-term services and supports (LTSS) based on assessed functional needs, emphasizing assistance with ADLs and IADLs. Covered services may include personal care assistance, adult day services, home-delivered meals, transportation, home modifications, assistive technology, and respite care for family caregivers. In addition, Pennsylvanias CHC Waiver offers Participant-Directed Services that allow participants to hire and manage their own caregivers, including family members. To qualify, applicants must be Medicaid-eligible, at least 60 years old (for PDA Waiver) or 21+ (for CHC), and require a nursing facility level of care as determined through a standardized functional assessment of ADLs/IADLs. In this article, we explain what Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are and how needing help with these tasks is central to qualifying for Pennsylvanias Medicaid waivers like CHC and the PDA Waiver.What Are ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)?Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are fundamental self-care tasks that a person must perform daily to maintain independence. Difficulty with ADLs often signals a need for supportive services. Core ADLs include: Mobility (Ambulating/Transferring): Safely walking, getting up from a chair, or transferring from a bed to a wheelchair. Dressing: Selecting and putting on appropriate clothing (including handling fasteners) without assistance. Eating: Feeding oneselfusing utensils to get food from a plate to the mouth and consuming it. Personal Hygiene: Bathing or showering and performing grooming activities like shaving, brushing teeth, and combing hair on ones own. Toileting (Continence): Independently using the toiletgetting to the toilet, transferring on and off, and cleaning oneself afterward. When someone can no longer perform several ADLs without help, it indicates that ongoing care or support is likely needed.What Are IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living)?Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are more complex tasks that allow a person to live independently in the community. While not necessarily performed daily, they are essential for managing ones household and life. Key IADLs include: Shopping for Essentials: The ability to shop for groceries, pick up prescriptions, or purchase clothing and other necessities. Meal Preparation: Planning and cooking mealsgathering ingredients and safely using kitchen appliances. Housekeeping: Keeping the home clean and livable tasks like cleaning, laundry, and taking out the trash. Money Management: Handling finances, such as paying bills on time, managing bank accounts, and budgeting. Transportation: Getting around or arranging transportationdriving oneself or using public transit or rides to run errands and attend appointments. Medication Management: Managing and taking medications properly remembering to take the correct medicines at scheduled times and refilling prescriptions. Communication: Using the phone or computer to communicatelooking up phone numbers, making calls, sending emails, and staying in touch with others. Trouble with IADLs is often one of the first signs that someone needs more support, even if basic ADLs are unaffected.Why ADLs and IADLs Matter for Medicaid Waiver EligibilityIn Pennsylvania, needing help with ADLs and IADLs is a central eligibility criterion for the CHC and PDA Waiver programs. These waivers serve individuals who would otherwise qualify for nursing facility care but prefer to remain in their own homes or community settings. Eligibility is determined through both financial and functional assessments. The functional assessment evaluates whether an individual requires hands-on assistance with ADLs and/or significant help with IADLs, thereby meeting a nursing facility level of care. Pennsylvania uses standardized toolsoften the Pennsylvania LongTerm Care Assessment System (PaLTAS) or the Minimum Data SetHome Care (MDSHC)to score independence in ADLs and IADLs.During the functional evaluation, an assessor reviews abilities such as transferring from bed to chair, walking safely, eating, toileting, meal preparation, housekeeping, medication management, and managing money. Cognitive issuessuch as memory problems due to dementiaare also considered since they impact daily functioning. If an individual cannot perform multiple ADLs without assistance or has significant deficits in IADLs, they are likely to meet the level-of-care requirement and become eligible for waiver services.Community HealthChoices (CHC) WaiverCommunity HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvanias comprehensive HCBS waiver program for individuals aged 21 and older who require a nursing facility level of care. Administered by the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), CHC is a managed care program that combines physical health, long-term services and supports, and pharmacy benefits under a single plan (with behavioral health carved out). To qualify for CHC: Be age 21 or older. Meet Medicaid financial eligibility guidelines. Require a nursing facility level of care (confirmed through functional assessment). Live in a setting that meets HCBS requirements (e.g., home, apartment, assisted living). Be a Pennsylvania resident. Once enrolled, participants receive a comprehensive package of services tailored to their needs. Covered services may include personal assistance, home-delivered meals, adult day services, behavioral support, professional nursing, home modifications, assistive technology, transportation, and respite care. CHC also offers Participant-Directed Services, allowing participants to recruit, hire, train, and supervise their own caregiversoften family membersto assist with ADLs (bathing, dressing, toileting) and IADLs (meal preparation, medication reminders).PDA Waiver (Council on Aging Waiver)The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) Waiver, also called the Council on Aging Waiver, serves seniors aged 60 and over who require nursing facility level of care but choose to remain at home or in other community-based settings like domiciliary care homes. To qualify: Be age 60 or older. Meet Medicaid financial eligibility requirements. Be assessed as requiring nursing facility level of care (through the functional assessment). Live in a qualifying community setting. Covered services under the PDA Waiver may include personal care assistance, home-delivered meals, homemaker services, personal emergency response systems, respite care, adult day services, minor home modifications, and transportation. Like CHC, the PDA Waiver emphasizes managing ADL and IADL needs to keep participants safely in their homes.Participant-Directed ServicesBoth CHC and the PDA Waiver offer Participant-Directed Services, which empower participants to choose and manage their own caregivers, including family members, friends, or neighbors. Under this model, participants develop a service plan with guidance from a care coordinator, set schedules, and handle payroll tasks. This flexibility helps ensure that personal care and IADL support align with participants preferences and routines.Signs That Your Loved One May QualifyBelow are practical indicators that someone may be eligible for Pennsylvanias CHC or PDA Waiver due to difficulty with ADLs and IADLs: Trouble with Personal Care: Skipping showers, unkempt hair, or wearing dirty clothes may indicate difficulties with bathing and dressing (ADLs). Malnutrition or Weight Loss: An empty fridge or significant weight loss suggests issues with meal prep or feeding oneself (ADLs/IADLs). Mobility Decline and Falls: Struggling to walk without assistance, needing help to stand, or experiencing frequent falls signals reduced mobility (ADL: transferring/ambulating). Medication Errors and Memory Problems: Missing doses, mixing up pills, or forgetting appointments point to challenges with medication management and scheduling (IADLs). Household Neglect: Piles of mail, unpaid bills, or a cluttered home reflect trouble with housekeeping and money management (IADLs). A combination of needing help with several ADLslike bathing and toiletingand difficulties with IADLssuch as meal prep and housekeepingstrongly indicates a nursing facility level of care. Document these challenges for the functional assessment to demonstrate eligibility.Were Here to Help: Next Steps and Contact InformationNavigating Pennsylvanias Medicaid waiver programs can be complex, but you dont have to go it alone. At Passion to Care, we specialize in guiding Pennsylvania families through the CHC and PDA Waiver application processesfrom the initial functional assessment of ADLs and IADLs to completing paperwork and coordinating services once approved. If you notice your loved one struggling with daily tasks or if a professional has recommended nursing facility care, it may be time to explore CHC or the PDA Waiver. Our compassionate, family-first team ensures your loved ones needs are met with dignity and respect. Call us or contact us today to learn how to get started with Pennsylvanias Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services.

The Importance of Social Interaction for Seniors and How to Facilitate It

Social interaction is a cornerstone of health and well-being, particularly for seniors. Engaging in social activities can significantly impact their mental, emotional, and physical health. This post aims to underscore the importance of socializing your parents or elderly loved ones and provide practical suggestions for encouraging meaningful social engagement.Research has consistently shown that seniors who maintain active social lives enjoy numerous health benefits, including reduced risks for chronic diseases, lower blood pressure, and decreased rates of depression and anxiety. Social interactions can also play a critical role in preserving cognitive function, thereby potentially delaying the onset of dementia and Alzheimers disease.However, fostering social connections for seniors can sometimes be challenging. Mobility issues, health conditions, and the loss of peers can make it difficult for them to maintain their social networks. Here are several ways to help your elderly loved ones stay connected and engaged:Leverage Community Events: Many communities offer events tailored to seniors, such as exercise classes, art workshops, and social clubs. Encourage your loved ones to participate in these activities, which can be great opportunities to meet peers with similar interests.Embrace Technology: Online platforms and social media can be invaluable for seniors, allowing them to connect with friends and family members despite physical distances. Introducing your parents to simple-to-use apps and devices can open up a world of interaction.Encourage New Friendships: Help your elderly loved ones find new social circles by encouraging them to join clubs or groups based on their interests. Whether its a book club, a gardening group, or a cooking class, these activities can provide both a sense of community and a chance to learn something new.Volunteer Together: Volunteering is not only a way to give back but also a powerful method for socializing. Engaging in volunteer work allows seniors to feel connected to their communities and provides a sense of purpose.Schedule Regular Visits: Regular visits from family members, friends, or caregivers can significantly boost a seniors mood and sense of belonging. Even short, frequent visits can make a big difference in their overall well-being.Facilitating social interaction for seniors is about creating opportunities for connection and ensuring they have the support needed to engage with their community. By prioritizing social activities and leveraging resources both offline and online, we can help enrich the lives of our elderly loved ones, contributing to their happiness and health. If you have any questions, please contact AmazingCare at 303-755-3170.

Local Services By This Author

Comfort Keepers

Home Health 540 Main Street, Delta, Colorado, 81416

Comfort Keepers Delta/Montrose brings compassionate, non-medical home care to Delta, Montrose, Cedaredge, Olathe, Hotchkiss, Paonia, and Ouray. We help older adults stay safely at home with:Personal Care & Mobility Assistance for daily living tasksFriendly Companionship that brightens each day and reduces isolationHousekeeping, Laundry & Nutritious Meal PrepAlzheimers & Dementia-Focused Care tailored to changing cognitive needsFlexible Respite Services for overworked family caregiversOur caregivers are carefully vetted, insured, and continually trained. Using our Interactive Caregiving philosophy, we engage clients in activities they lovewhether thats gardening in Deltas sunshine or reminiscing over Montroses rich historyto keep minds and bodies active.We collaborate with Delta Health, Montrose Regional Health, local VA clinics, and area senior centers to coordinate holistic support.If youre searching for trustworthy in-home care in Delta, Montrose, or nearby mountain communities, call us at 970-240-4121 for a complimentary consultation. Discover how Comfort Keepers can help your loved one live independently and joyfully at home.

Comfort Keepers

Emergency Response Systems 514 28 1/4 Road, Grand Junction, Colorado, 81501

With the use of CareLink MobileHelp, Comfort Keepers provides a simple solution to many accidents and medical emergencies. CareLink MobileHelp is a medicalalert system that works nationwide, beyond the home with all the same features as traditional in-home systems. CareLink MobileHelp keeps you connected to a live monitoring center regardless of your location. You can have the freedom to continue participating in the activities that you enjoy in and outside your home, knowing that you are always accompanied by a highly efficient medical alert system.

Comfort Keepers

Non-Medical 514 28 1/4 Road, Grand Junction, Colorado, 81501

Comfort Keepers Grand Junction: Trusted Non-Medical Home Care on Colorados Western SlopeComfort Keepers Grand Junction is a premier provider of non-medical home care services for seniors and disabled adults throughout Mesa County and the Western Slope of Colorado. Our mission is to elevate the human spirit by delivering personalized care that supports independence, enhances well-being, and ensures safetyall within the comfort of home. Whether your loved one needs assistance with daily activities, companionship to combat isolation, or support for memory-related conditions, Comfort Keepers is here with compassionate, customized care.Personalized Non-Medical Home Care That Makes a DifferenceOur non-medical home care services are designed to promote independent living while offering meaningful support tailored to individual needs. From basic assistance with daily routines to specialized support for chronic conditions, our caregivers provide comprehensive, respectful care that helps clients maintain dignity and control in their daily lives.We assist with a full range of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including:Personal Care Assistance Help with bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and mobility.Meal Preparation Nutritious meal planning and cooking based on dietary needs and preferences.Light Housekeeping Support with laundry, dishes, vacuuming, and organizing to maintain a safe and clean home.Transportation & Errands Safe accompaniment to medical appointments, grocery stores, or community activities.Our services are always provided with a gentle touch and a focus on enhancing quality of life.Engaging Companion Care to Combat LonelinessAt Comfort Keepers, we recognize that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. Our companion care services are designed to build strong, meaningful relationships between caregivers and clients. Whether its sharing stories, playing games, or enjoying a walk, our caregivers offer heartfelt companionship that boosts mental wellness and reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation.Specialized Alzheimers and Dementia CareCaring for a loved one with Alzheimers or dementia requires special training and compassionate understanding. Comfort Keepers offers specialized memory care services that are tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with cognitive decline. Our caregivers use proven techniques to stimulate memory, promote calmness, and help clients remain in familiar surroundings where they feel most at ease. We focus on preserving dignity and routinetwo essential elements for seniors living with memory loss.Respite Care for Family CaregiversWe understand that family caregivers need rest and support, too. Our respite care services allow loved ones to take a well-deserved break while ensuring their family member continues to receive the highest level of care. Whether for a few hours a week or longer-term coverage, Comfort Keepers is a trusted partner in relieving caregiver burnout and providing peace of mind.Interactive Caregiving: Our Unique ApproachAt the heart of Comfort Keepers is our Interactive Caregiving philosophy. We dont just do things for our clientswe do things with them. This unique approach encourages participation in everyday activities to keep seniors mentally, physically, and emotionally engaged. Whether folding laundry together, gardening, or preparing a meal side-by-side, our caregivers strive to help seniors stay connected, independent, and purpose-driven.Trusted, Local, and Highly Trained CaregiversEvery Comfort Keepers caregiver is thoroughly background-checked, bonded, and insured to ensure the highest standard of safety and professionalism. But more than that, they are chosen for their kind hearts, dedication, and ability to build genuine connections with those they serve. We carefully match each caregiver to their client based on personality, preferences, and care needsfostering trust and familiarity from the very beginning.Strong Community Partnerships for Seamless CareAs a locally owned and operated home care agency in Grand Junction, Comfort Keepers is deeply rooted in the Western Colorado community. We collaborate closely with organizations like St. Marys Medical Center, Community Hospital, VA Western Colorado Health Care System, senior centers, and rehabilitation facilities to provide coordinated care and smooth transitions home from the hospital or clinic. These relationships ensure that our clients benefit from a continuum of care that is both compassionate and efficient.Serving Grand Junction and Surrounding Mesa CountyComfort Keepers is proud to serve seniors and families throughout Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, Clifton, and the wider Mesa County area. Our locally-based care team understands the unique needs of our community and is committed to delivering exceptional home care services right where our clients live.Experience the Comfort Keepers DifferenceChoosing the right non-medical home care provider is an important decision. At Comfort Keepers Grand Junction, we go above and beyond to ensure every client feels supported, respected, and empowered to live life on their terms. If you're searching for reliable, compassionate, and award-winning home care services in Mesa County, look no further.Contact Comfort Keepers Grand Junction today at (970) 241-8818 to schedule a FREE in-home assessment and discover how our caregivers can make a meaningful difference in your loved ones life. Let us help you bring comfort, safety, and companionship home.