Therapy Animals: Tail wags and kisses do more than you think

Celebrated each April, National Occupational Therapy Month recognizes the valuable contributions of this specialized form of healthcare. While Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care services provide daily support for those we serve, occupational therapy is another method that helps seniors maintain their independence. In this Seniors Helping Seniors blog, well review the field of occupational therapy and explore the ways it can enhance the lives of seniors. Keep reading to learn more about National Occupational Therapy Month and the holistic advantages your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can help provide and practice.Ways Occupational Therapy Benefits Seniors at Home Before we dive into the many ways occupational therapy can help the senior community, lets talk more about what occupational therapy is. Occupational therapy is an evidence-based, skilled treatment that uses activities of daily living (ADLs) to help individuals achieve personal independence. Occupational therapists undergo extensive training to assess seniors capabilities and develop individualized treatment plans that improve their independence and overall well-being.By focusing on everyday tasks, occupational therapy practices can guide seniors in reclaiming their autonomy and mobility. Whether recuperating from injury, managing chronic illness, or adapting to age-related changes, many seniors find valuable support in occupational therapy. Below are a few ways that it can enhance the quality of life for seniors as they age in place.Improves Independence and Quality of LifeAs we age, everyday tasks that once seemed effortless can become more challenging. Simple activities like brushing your teeth, doing laundry, or moving around your home may require extra effort. Through targeted exercises and muscle retraining, occupational therapy can help you safely regain confidence in your mobility. Reclaiming control over your bodys movement restores a sense of independence, which can contribute to a more positive outlook on life.Prevents Falls and InjuriesOccupational therapy incorporates muscle-strengthening exercises and gait training to improve stability and minimize the risk of falls in older adults. This training, combined with other efforts to safety-proof seniors homes, creates a safe and supportive environment that promotes mobility, independence, and well-being.Manages Chronic Conditions and DisabilitiesChronic conditions often related to aging can profoundly impact seniors quality of life and their ability to carry out daily activities. Occupational therapists step in to provide valuable support through adaptive strategies and effective pain management techniques. These methods help seniors learn to navigate the limitations of long-term health conditions, allowing them to preserve their independence and overall well-being.Provides Cognitive StimulationPracticing occupational therapy can help improve cognitive abilities that may have declined or become impaired. This might include participating in activities at home that boost memory, like solving puzzles, playing word games, sequencing tasks, and practicing exercises that promote attention.The Seniors Helping Seniors team loves watching our clients thrive, whether through the assistance of our caregivers or with the help of other senior-focused services. Occupational therapy provides seniors with comprehensive, personalized support that addresses their physical, cognitive, emotional, and environmental needs, enabling them to maintain independence and dignity as they age. This National Occupational Therapy Month, set aside some time to discover how this practice could benefit you or your senior loved one; its one more way that Seniors Helping Seniors clients can stay active, engaged, and brimming with independence in the golden years!

At Grey Matters Health, we're always watching for news articles to help inform and encourage you in your brain health journey. The recent article "Doctors Share The 14 Things You Can Do To Lower Dementia Risk Right Now" from Womens Health provides expert-backed strategies to help reduce the risk of developing dementia. Dementia, including Alzheimers, affects millions globally, but proactive lifestyle changes can significantly lower the likelihood of cognitive decline.Key recommendations include maintaining a healthy weight, managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and quitting smoking. Cardiovascular health is vital, as a healthy heart promotes better brain function. Incorporating physical activity, such as walking or strength training, and eating a balanced diet, like the Mediterranean or DASH diet, supports brain health.Mental stimulation is equally important. Engage in activities that challenge your mind, like puzzles, reading, or learning new skills. Social connections also play a crucial role; maintaining an active social life helps combat loneliness and improves cognitive resilience. Additionally, quality sleep is emphasized, as inadequate rest can lead to harmful brain changes over time.Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding exposure to air pollution are other essential steps. The article underscores that while no single change guarantees protection, adopting multiple healthy habits can dramatically reduce your dementia risk and enhance overall well-being. By starting these practices now, you can protect your brain for the long term.You can read the entire article at www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a63227792/lower-dementia-risk-doctors/.For more about protecting your future independence and longevity, visit www.GreyHealthMatters.org.

How to Create a Home InventoryA home inventory can expedite insurance claims process after theft, damage or loss.Imagine needing to list every possession in your home or apartment, along with each item's worth after your belongings have been stolen or destroyed in a tornado, wildfire or other natural disaster. That task may seem impossible, so it is best to make the list before you need it. Below we've answered your basic questions on why and how you should create a home inventory.Why do I need an inventory of my home or apartment?A home inventory is an excellent way to help make home insurance and renters insurance coverage decisions and expedite the insurance claims process after theft, damage or loss. This record of your insurable assets will not only help you in the settlement of a covered loss or claim but may also help verify tax-deductible property losses and determine the right amount of insurance coverage you need.How do I create a home inventory?The first step is to decide on what type of inventory would be easiest for you to create. A home inventory can be as simple as a list of all your possessions or a visual record for each item, but an effective home inventory should include both for added security. Today, there are even digital tools to help simplify the process of maintaining the list.A written inventory: A comprehensive home inventory list catalogs your belongings and should include the item description (make, model and serial number, if applicable), value and purchase date. You can create your own list using a spreadsheet or fill out a home inventory checklist that's ready to go.A digital inventory: If you have an iPhone or Android phone, there are apps that can be downloaded to your phone, some of which are free. These mobile home inventory apps allow you to record a photograph of the item along with the description, value and purchase date.A visual record: A visual record of your possessions shows proof of ownership. This can be accomplished with a video walk-through of your home or through a series of photographs.Once you decide on the type of home inventory you want to create, according to the Insurance Information Institute, there are some simple steps you can take to start the process. Don't forget to include the items in your basement, attic, garage and any detached structures, such as tool sheds. Also, pay special attention to your most valuable possessions, such as antiques, art, jewelry, collectibles and electronic equipment. If you have any questions about which items are covered by your policy, contact your insurance agent.Record possessions as you pack to move into a new place: When moving to a new apartment or home, take a couple of extra minutes to record the belongings in each room.Pick one area at a time to record: You can start with a hall closet or small kitchen cabinet. Then, after capturing your belongings in that room, move on to the next.Record each item as you redecorate: Whether you are redecorating your apartment or a room, note each purchase you make and save the receipts. It will give you a jump start on your home inventory.Record recent purchases: Get into the habit of recording new purchases. Then, as necessary, go back and record your older, undocumented possessions. Along with the record, be sure to store sales receipts and appraisals (including the appraiser's name and address) to help verify the value of each item.Record important information: Provide a general description, where you bought it, the make and model, and what you paid for the item. Include the serial number if the item has one.Record the number of each clothing type: List, for example, "five pairs of jeans, three pairs of sneakers" Make note of items that are especially valuable.Include stored items as well: Things kept in your basement, attic, garage and other detached structures may not be at the top of your mind; however, you should record those items as well. If you have items in a self-storage unit, make sure to include them as they are usually covered under your home insurance policy.Use technology to create your digital home inventory.Take pictures. Capture important individual items as well as entire rooms, closets or drawers. Label your photos with what's pictured, where you bought it, the make or model and the serial number.Take video. Walk through your house or apartment recording and describing the contents. For example, you might describe the contents of a kitchen cabinet: "Poppies on Blue by Lenox, service for 12 that includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, cup and saucer, purchased in 2015."Use an app. There are many mobile app options that can help you create and store a room-by-room record of your belongings.How should I store my home inventory?Don't let your home inventory become part of a property loss. Whichever inventory method you choose, it's important to keep a copy in a fireproof safe, safety deposit box or digitally in the cloud. You can even email your inventory to your insurance agent. Sending the list has the added value of allowing your inventory to be examined by your agent to see if you need extra home or renters coverage or to add a Personal Articles Insurance policy. If you need information about homeowners, rental, and auto insurance, call a Five Star Rated Agent:  Laurel Flowers State Farm Insurance Agent at 251-675-4736.