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Looking for the fountain of youth? We may have found it by
becoming a volunteer! It turns out that volunteer work comes with many
emotional, mental, and physical health benefits, including better cognition, a
longer life, and reduced depression.
Nearly 25%
of people who volunteer are over the age of 65. Here’s a look at some
of the top benefits of volunteer work and volunteer opportunities in your area
that welcome older adult volunteers.
Volunteering gives you purpose
Having a sense of purpose is essential for good health and
overall well-being. As we grow older, our understanding of purpose may feel
like it is starting to fade. While our children may rely on us less or we
retire from our jobs, this only offers us more time to dedicate to our
passions.
Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose, but be sure
it’s linked to a cause you care about. You may rely on the people you help
while volunteering to show up and offer your much-valued time and
support.
Volunteering reduces social isolation
Studies show that many older adults become more isolated as
they age. Adults who are socially isolated are at a 64% risk of developing dementia and at a 29% risk of
premature death. They are also more likely to experience psychological
distress.
Fortunately, volunteer work is one way to reduce social
isolation by way of new friends and increased social opportunities—especially
if you join volunteer groups with other older adults.
According to a report from AARP, nearly two-thirds of volunteers who
stayed engaged in a community service program for older adults called Senior
Corps experienced reduced feelings of isolation. According to the Administration for Community Living, 84% of Senior Corps
volunteers said they experienced improved or stable health after spending two
years in the volunteer program.
It even lowers blood pressure ...
Yes, it’s hard to believe, but volunteering helps lower
blood pressure. An estimated 70% of adults in the United States aged 65 and
older suffer from high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the risk
for a large number of life-threatening complications, including stroke, heart
failure, and dementia. However, research shows that volunteer work not
only reduces high blood pressure in older adults but also
contributes to increased psychological well-being.
If you suffer from high blood pressure, volunteer work may
be an ideal complement to your current treatment. Ask your doctor about the
safest types of volunteer work you can do based on your health condition. You
could also use a wearable device or medical alert with GPS from Medical
Guardian to keep you connected to emergency medical services in the event you
need help—regardless of whether at home or away.
And it reduced depression!
An estimated 70% of older adults with depression who
volunteer said their depression symptoms improved after their first year of
volunteering, reports the AARP. Volunteer work can help combat many symptoms of
depression, including anxiety and sadness. It does this by improving
access to social and psychological resources, which are shown to fight
negative moods such as depression and anxiety.
New research suggests that people who volunteer are
generally more satisfied with their lives and rate their overall health as
“better” compared with people who don’t volunteer. Additionally, people who
volunteer at least once per month report better mental health than those who
volunteer less frequently or not at all.
Volunteering extends life
Reduced depression, a sense of purpose, and lower blood
pressure can potentially add years to your life. When combined, the health
benefits associated with volunteering may help extend your
lifespan.
Don’t want to leave your house? Volunteer opportunities are
available both in-person and virtually. Virtual volunteering is ideal if you
live in a rural area or have a health condition that prevents you from leaving
home.
Your healthcare provider, community center personnel, or
caregivers are great resources for local volunteer opportunities. Or you could read this article on how to find volunteer
options. You can also look into the following volunteer programs that seek out
older adults for volunteering:
Senior Corps with AmeriCorps
Elder Helpers
Habitat for Humanity
National
Park Service
Meals on Wheels
Feeding America
Road Scholar
Humane Society
At Medical Guardian, we aim to empower you to live a life
without limits. We offer a medical alert with GPS and several other wearable
devices for aging adults who want to stay active and healthy while enjoying
their favorite activities and volunteer work. Contact us today 800-668-9200
to learn about our products and services.
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.
June is Safety Month, a timely opportunity to improve home safety for older family members. For first-time caregivers, addressing trip hazards can help reduce the risk of falls. A few focused changes can create a safer and more comfortable space.Common Trip HazardsCreating a safer home begins with recognizing the common trip hazards. Clutter and loose items can quickly turn a home into a dangerous space for anyone, especially seniors with mobility concerns. Clear pathways are necessary for safe navigation. Start by organizing and decluttering areas like hallways and living rooms. Regularly check these areas for loose items, such as shoes and bags, and find a designated spot for them.While rugs and carpets add comfort to a home, unsecured rugs can lead to trips and falls. To minimize risks, consider removing rugs from high-traffic areas altogether. Flooring that isn't level can easily lead to falls. Check your flooring for uneven surfaces. If you find them, consider using affordable solutions like threshold ramps to even out these potentially hazardous areas.Addressing Specific Areas in the HomeDifferent areas in the home require tailored attention. Stairs and hallways are often involved in falls due to limited space and low lighting. Install sturdy handrails on both sides of staircases, and check that lighting fixtures provide enough illumination. Upgrading to brighter bulbs or adding supplemental lighting can help reveal any obstacles and reduce shadows that might cause confusion or missteps.Bathrooms are especially hazardous because of moisture and slippery surfaces. To create a safer space, install grab bars near the shower, toilet, and bathtub. Use non-slip mats both inside and outside the shower area. These simple additions can help prevent accidents and offer support where it's needed most. Keep daily-use items, such as toiletries and towels, within easy reach to minimize unnecessary stretching or bending.Even kitchens present their own challenges. Avoid placing frequently used items in overhead cabinets or on low shelves that require crouching. Keeping everyday items at a comfortable height encourages safer movement. Appliance cords should be positioned away from walkways to prevent accidental tripping. Regularly check for new risks that may arise from changes in layout or equipment.Additional Safety TipsBeyond removing physical trip hazards, certain measures can help enhance overall safety in the home. Adequate lighting is critical in every room. Night lights in bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms can support safer navigation after dark. Motion sensor lighting is another helpful addition, especially in transitional spaces like stairwells and entryways.Proper footwear also contributes to safety. Encourage the use of sturdy, closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles rather than slippers or socks, which may slide on smooth floors. If needed, explore mobility aids such as walkers or canes to provide greater stability. These tools can help prevent falls and allow seniors to move with greater confidence.Helping Loved Ones Stay Secure at HomeAddressing trip hazards is a practical way to support safer daily routines. Each changewhether it's better lighting, cleared pathways, or rearranged storagecontributes to a more secure space. Remember, you don't have to do it alone. For those in Loveland, Estes Park, Greeley, Windsor, and Wellington, Senior Helpers Greeley offers personalized guidance for caregivers seeking to improve home safety. Whether you're just getting started or need support with ongoing care, Senior Helpers Greeley is available to assist. Contact us today and make your home a safe haven for your loved ones, 970-344-9489.
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.
As a trusted leader in personal safety and medical alert systems, Medical Guardian has been empowering seniors and their families for over two decades. With a mission to provide safety, security, and peace of mind, Medical Guardian offers state-of-the-art solutions that enable seniors to maintain independence while staying connected to immediate help whenever needed.Who We AreFounded on the belief that everyone deserves to feel safe at home and on the go, Medical Guardian has grown into one of the most recognized names in the personal emergency response industry. With a focus on innovation, accessibility, and reliability, we are committed to delivering products and services that enhance the quality of life for seniors nationwide.Our Solutions: Tailored for Every LifestyleMedical Guardian understands that no two lifestyles are the same, which is why we provide a wide range of medical alert systems to meet unique needs. From home-based devices to on-the-go wearable technology, our solutions are designed to fit seamlessly into daily life. Key offerings include:In-Home Medical Alert SystemsPerfect for seniors who spend most of their time at home, these systems provide 24/7 monitoring through easy-to-use base stations and wearable help buttons. With features like fall detection and two-way communication, help is always just a button press away.Mobile Medical Alert SystemsFor active seniors, our mobile systems offer GPS tracking and nationwide coverage, ensuring safety wherever life takes you. These portable devices are lightweight and discreet, providing peace of mind without compromising mobility.Wearable TechnologyCombining functionality with style, our wearable devices include medical alert watches and pendants equipped with cutting-edge technology. These devices are not only lifesaving tools but also fashionable accessories that integrate seamlessly into any wardrobe.Fall Detection TechnologyFalls are one of the leading causes of injury among seniors. Medical Guardians advanced fall detection sensors can automatically alert our monitoring center in case of a fall, even if the user is unable to press the button.Caregiver ToolsMedical Guardians products are complemented by innovative caregiver tools, such as activity tracking and location monitoring, to keep loved ones informed and reassured.PERS Solutions for Senior Living CommunitiesMedical Guardian proudly partners with senior living communities to provide Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) tailored specifically to the unique needs of Affordable Housing, Independent Living, and Assisted Living environments.Our solutions are designed to increase resident safety, empower staff with reliable tools, and deliver added value to your community. By integrating Medical Guardians systems, senior living communities can enhance their reputation as safety-focused environments while offering peace of mind to residents and their families.With flexible plans, seamless integration, and ongoing support, Medical Guardian makes it easy for senior living operators to implement top-tier safety solutions for their residents.Commitment to ExcellenceAt Medical Guardian, safety is more than a productits a promise. Our U.S.-based monitoring centers are staffed by highly trained professionals who are ready to respond within seconds of an alert. With multiple monitoring centers, we ensure redundancy and reliability, so no call goes unanswered.Each product undergoes rigorous testing to meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Additionally, our customer care team is available to guide families and senior living communities through every step, from choosing the right device to troubleshooting and technical support.Why Choose Medical Guardian?National Reach, Local Care: While Medical Guardian serves clients nationwide, our services are personalized to meet the needs of each individual and their community.Proactive Safety Solutions: Our devices go beyond emergency response, offering proactive monitoring and tools that support overall well-being.Affordable Plans: We believe safety should be accessible to everyone, which is why we provide flexible and affordable plans without hidden fees.Trusted by Millions: With thousands of 5-star reviews and endorsements from leading senior-focused organizations, Medical Guardian is a name families and communities can rely on.Empowering IndependenceSeniors face many challenges as they age, but losing independence doesnt have to be one of them. Medical Guardians medical alert systems are designed to empower seniors to live life on their terms, with the freedom to pursue their passions and the confidence that help is always within reach.Whether youre a senior seeking greater independence, a caregiver looking for peace of mind, or a senior living community exploring safety solutions, Medical Guardian is here to support you every step of the way.For more information, visit MedicalGuardian.com or call 1-800-734-2092 to speak with a representative.
As a trusted leader in personal safety and medical alert systems, Medical Guardian has been empowering seniors and their families for over two decades. With a mission to provide safety, security, and peace of mind, Medical Guardian offers state-of-the-art solutions that enable seniors to maintain independence while staying connected to immediate help whenever needed.Who We AreFounded on the belief that everyone deserves to feel safe at home and on the go, Medical Guardian has grown into one of the most recognized names in the personal emergency response industry. With a focus on innovation, accessibility, and reliability, we are committed to delivering products and services that enhance the quality of life for seniors nationwide.Our Solutions: Tailored for Every LifestyleMedical Guardian understands that no two lifestyles are the same, which is why we provide a wide range of medical alert systems to meet unique needs. From home-based devices to on-the-go wearable technology, our solutions are designed to fit seamlessly into daily life. Key offerings include:In-Home Medical Alert SystemsPerfect for seniors who spend most of their time at home, these systems provide 24/7 monitoring through easy-to-use base stations and wearable help buttons. With features like fall detection and two-way communication, help is always just a button press away.Mobile Medical Alert SystemsFor active seniors, our mobile systems offer GPS tracking and nationwide coverage, ensuring safety wherever life takes you. These portable devices are lightweight and discreet, providing peace of mind without compromising mobility.Wearable TechnologyCombining functionality with style, our wearable devices include medical alert watches and pendants equipped with cutting-edge technology. These devices are not only lifesaving tools but also fashionable accessories that integrate seamlessly into any wardrobe.Fall Detection TechnologyFalls are one of the leading causes of injury among seniors. Medical Guardians advanced fall detection sensors can automatically alert our monitoring center in case of a fall, even if the user is unable to press the button.Caregiver ToolsMedical Guardians products are complemented by innovative caregiver tools, such as activity tracking and location monitoring, to keep loved ones informed and reassured.PERS Solutions for Senior Living CommunitiesMedical Guardian proudly partners with senior living communities to provide Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) tailored specifically to the unique needs of Affordable Housing, Independent Living, and Assisted Living environments.Our solutions are designed to increase resident safety, empower staff with reliable tools, and deliver added value to your community. By integrating Medical Guardians systems, senior living communities can enhance their reputation as safety-focused environments while offering peace of mind to residents and their families.With flexible plans, seamless integration, and ongoing support, Medical Guardian makes it easy for senior living operators to implement top-tier safety solutions for their residents.Commitment to ExcellenceAt Medical Guardian, safety is more than a productits a promise. Our U.S.-based monitoring centers are staffed by highly trained professionals who are ready to respond within seconds of an alert. With multiple monitoring centers, we ensure redundancy and reliability, so no call goes unanswered.Each product undergoes rigorous testing to meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Additionally, our customer care team is available to guide families and senior living communities through every step, from choosing the right device to troubleshooting and technical support.Why Choose Medical Guardian?National Reach, Local Care: While Medical Guardian serves clients nationwide, our services are personalized to meet the needs of each individual and their community.Proactive Safety Solutions: Our devices go beyond emergency response, offering proactive monitoring and tools that support overall well-being.Affordable Plans: We believe safety should be accessible to everyone, which is why we provide flexible and affordable plans without hidden fees.Trusted by Millions: With thousands of 5-star reviews and endorsements from leading senior-focused organizations, Medical Guardian is a name families and communities can rely on.Empowering IndependenceSeniors face many challenges as they age, but losing independence doesnt have to be one of them. Medical Guardians medical alert systems are designed to empower seniors to live life on their terms, with the freedom to pursue their passions and the confidence that help is always within reach.Whether youre a senior seeking greater independence, a caregiver looking for peace of mind, or a senior living community exploring safety solutions, Medical Guardian is here to support you every step of the way.For more information, visit MedicalGuardian.com or call 1-800-734-2092 to speak with a representative.