Thinking of Moving Closer to Your Aging Parents? Here Are 4 Things to Consider
Assured Senior Living
Sep 28, 2022
Colorado - Denver Metro
SHOULD I MOVE CLOSER TO MY AGING PARENTS?
As your parents get older, physical, and mental capabilities noticeably decline. Forgetting where the car keys went doesn’t necessarily mean someone is in need of greater assistance, because we’ve all done that. However, when daily tasks become a constant struggle, it may be time to consider moving closer to support your parents or finding support for them. Below are some ways you can help your aging parents by moving closer to them.
Combat Elder Loneliness
Even if your parents are not currently in need of daily support, loneliness is a serious issue among many elders. An article published by the CDC outlines the health risks of loneliness with some staggering statistics. 25% of people over the age of 65 are socially isolated, and social isolation is associated with approximately a 50% increased risk of dementia. Depending on how isolated your parents are, being geographically close to them will help fend off the loneliness if you are able to frequently spend time together.
If you still have younger kids, your parents would love to be able to spend more time with their grandchildren. Plus, living close together makes holiday get togethers much easier and will eliminate any fears you might have of them driving long distances. If for whatever reason you can’t physically be there, whether that be because of COVID or otherwise, you can always Facetime or Zoom family during holidays. It’s not the same as being in person, but it can at least help with their loneliness.
Assist Around the House
If your parents have an injury or other physical ailments, there are many ways you can offer to help around the house. You might be able to help them by lifting any heavy objects, moving furniture, or bringing things down staircases. Make sure everyday use items are in easy to reach places to prevent any unnecessary accidents. According to the CDC, one out of every five falls causes injuries such as broken bones or damage to the head. Stairs and slippery surfaces are common causes of these accidents. Make sure railings are secure and that carpeting covers any slippery surfaces to help prevent injury. These types of preventative measures are tasks that you could take care of by visiting your parents a couple of times, however, if they require daily care you’ll want to look into options for daily at-home care. Most of the time, seniors do not want to leave their homes, so at-home care is a great way to help them retain their independence while getting the assistance they need.
Decide if You Can Afford a Move Right Now
Moving closer to your parents might be a big decision depending on how far away they are. Current housing market conditions might make moving a much more difficult process, so you’ll have to ask yourself, “what house can I afford?” House prices have been pushed upwards significantly, which could work in your favor if you’re planning to move in with an aging parent. However, if you have a family and kids, you’ll want to carefully consider what works best for your family financially. You’ll also want to consider your employment options. Luckily, many employers currently have the option for remote work, so you may be able to make a move without interfering with your current position. If your current role does not offer this, you may have to find remote employment or a new job in the area near your parents.
At the end of the day, you’ll have to make some compromises between where you want to live, your job opportunities, and uprooting your current lifestyle. For those reasons, picking up and moving to support your parents isn’t possible for everyone. If you’re certain your parents need daily help, you might want to have a conversation about assisted living facilities.
Find an Assisted Living Facility
Assisted living facilities provide care at all levels. Facilities like Assured Senior Living provide memory care, home care, or complete 24-hour care as a resident at one of the facilities. This is a great option, especially if you are unable to move closer to your parents. You’ll be comforted knowing that they have constant support, and if anything happens there will be someone there to help. You can still stay in touch and visit them for special occasions, but you won’t have the conflict of moving your family or switching jobs. Having the talk about long-term care might be difficult to have but is necessary if life circumstances prevent you from being able to provide daily care yourself.
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Thrive While Aging with a Senior Emergency Preparedness Plan
Aging is a journey that brings wisdom, grace, and the opportunity to thrive in new ways. While aging brings new joys, it also brings certain vulnerabilitiesespecially when it comes to emergencies. Whether facing a natural disaster, medical emergency, or sudden need for evacuation, preparedness is key to ensuring seniors stay safe, confident, and empowered.A solid emergency preparedness plan is essential to thriving during this stage of life. FEMAs Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults provides a practical checklist for assessing your unique needs as a senior and creating an actionable plan.Keep reading for a short list of ideas on how you can help yourself or your senior loved one build a plan that brings peace of mind and a sense of security.Start with the Essentials: Your Senior Health InformationEmergencies dont wait for anyone, so having easy access to vital health information is crucial. Create a comprehensive list of: Medications (including dosages) Allergies Medical conditions Primary care physician contact details Insurance information Emergency contactsPlace these documents in a waterproof, portable folder that can be easily accessed in the event of an emergency. Ensure that caregivers and family members also have copies.Emergency Kit Essentials for Senior NeedsBuild an emergency kit tailored to the seniors specific needs. This kit should include: Extra prescription medications (at least a weeks worth) Over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, antacids, etc.) First aid supplies Flashlights, batteries, and phone chargers Non-perishable food items and bottled water (enough for 72 hours) Personal hygiene products Copies of important documents and identificationFor those with mobility challenges, consider adding additional supplies, such as assistive devices, extra hearing aid batteries, or any special dietary items.Plan for Senior Mobility and Transportation NeedsIn an emergency, getting out of the home or to a safe location can be difficult for seniors with mobility challenges. Have a transportation plan in place: Identify neighbors or caregivers who can assist with transportation. Explore local emergency transportation services or dial-a-ride programs. Arrange for backup power if mobility aids, such as electric wheelchairs, are used.Caregivers and family members should familiarize themselves with how to operate any mobility devices in case assistance is needed during an evacuation.Stay Informed and ConnectedStaying connected is vital during an emergency, and its especially important for seniors. Create a communication plan that ensures your loved ones know how to reach you, and vice versa. Set up regular check-ins with family, caregivers, or neighbors. Ensure the seniors phone or alert system is always charged and within reach. Sign up for local emergency alerts and weather notifications, which can often be sent via text or email. Consider using an in-home personal emergency response system like Amada Connect that alerts a designated responder to reach you within minutes.Many cities and towns offer specific resources or registries for seniors who may need extra help during an emergency. Registering in advance can make a significant difference.Tailor the Emergency Plan to the Seniors EnvironmentWhether living independently, with family, or in a senior living community, the emergency preparedness plan should reflect the seniors specific living situation. In independent living situations, ensure that the home is equipped with: Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers Ramps, grab bars, and accessible exits Clear communication with local emergency services about any special medical or mobility needsFor seniors in assisted living or other care facilities, ensure the facility has a clear emergency plan, and that the senior and family are familiar with it.Involve the Whole Senior Support NetworkCaring for seniors is a community effort. Make sure that the seniors caregivers, family members, and friends are part of the emergency preparedness plan. Discuss each persons role in the event of an emergency, from helping with evacuation to ensuring medical supplies are in order.A well-rounded plan not only provides safety but also reinforces the seniors support systemleading to greater peace of mind.Practice the Emergency Plan with Caregivers and FamilyJust like any other emergency drill, its essential to practice the plan. Schedule regular check-ins with caregivers and family to review the emergency plan and make sure all necessary supplies are up to date.Run through the steps of the plan with the senior to ensure they feel comfortable and confident. This practice can ease anxiety and ensure that in a real emergency, everyone knows their role.Seek Professional Senior Care Support if NeededAt Amada Senior Care, we understand that emergencies can be overwhelming, and were here to help. Our non-medical senior care team can assist with developing, organizing, and implementing emergency preparedness plans specific to your needs.In-home care services can also provide regular wellness checks, assistance with mobility, and help maintaining your emergency kitensuring that you or your loved one can focus on thriving, not just surviving, as you age.Having a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan isnt just about being ready for the worstits about thriving while aging. When seniors feel confident in their preparedness, they can continue living their lives with dignity, independence, and peace of mind.At Amada, were here to help in every step of the way, ensuring that senior clients are safe, cared for, and empowered to thrive in every stage of life. Lets work together to create a plan that supports their well-being today and for the years to come. CLICK HERE to find an Amada office near you.
Understanding Health Literacy and Why It Matters for Seniors
Health literacy is the ability to understand and use health information to make informed decisions about ones health. For seniors aged 65 and older, health literacy is particularly crucial. As people age, they often face complex health challenges, increased interactions with healthcare systems, and a greater need for preventive and ongoing medical care. However, navigating these systems and making informed decisions can be challenging without strong health literacy skills.October has been marked as Health Literacy Month to promote understanding of what health literacy entails, why it is essential for seniors health, and how improved health literacy can enhance their quality of life.What is Health Literacy?Health literacy goes beyond reading and understanding medical terms; it involves the ability to:Understand and follow medication instructions,Interpret lab results and health documents,Recognize and follow healthcare provider recommendations, andMake informed choices about diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits based on accurate health information.For older adults and seniors, health literacy also includes being able to evaluate the accuracy of health information from multiple sources, such as websites, social media, or even friends and family. This ability helps seniors to filter out misleading health information, focus on what can genuinely support their health, and take the proactive steps needed to a better quality of life.Why Health Literacy is Vital for SeniorsAs we age, healthcare needs typically become more complex, often involving multiple specialists, medications, and treatments. Seniors with high health literacy skills are better equipped to manage these complexities and are often better able to avoid issues like medication mismanagement or unnecessary hospitalizations. Below are some key reasons why health literacy is particularly crucial for the 65-and-above age group:Managing Chronic Conditions:Nearly 80% of adults aged 65 and older have at least one chronic health condition, and managing these often requires a detailed understanding of medication regimens, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring. Health literacy empowers seniors to take active control of their conditions, potentially leading to better outcomes and a higher quality of life.Making Informed Healthcare Decisions:Seniors are often faced with important healthcare decisions, from selecting insurance plans to choosing treatment options. With strong health literacy, they are more likely to understand the risks and benefits of various options and communicate their preferences to healthcare providers, leading to better-aligned care.Preventing Errors and Misunderstandings:Misunderstandings around health information can lead to serious health consequences. For instance, misunderstanding medication instructions or misinterpreting lab results can result in incorrect actions. Health literacy helps seniors accurately follow health instructions and reduces the likelihood of errors.Increasing Confidence in Healthcare Interactions:Health literacy enhances a seniors ability to interact confidently with healthcare providers. This includes asking the right questions, expressing concerns, and understanding responsesall of which contribute to a more supportive healthcare experience.Reducing Healthcare Costs:Seniors with low health literacy are more likely to have hospital stays, emergency visits, and higher healthcare expenses. Improved health literacy can reduce unnecessary healthcare visits by enabling seniors to better manage health issues at home and avoid emergency situations.Ways to Improve Health Literacy Among SeniorsThere are several effective strategies that caregivers, families, and healthcare providers can use to support seniors in improving their health literacy:Encourage Open Dialogue with Providers: Building a relationship with healthcare providers that encourages questions and ensures clarity is essential.Simplify Health Information: Providing easy-to-understand, visual, and step-by-step health information can help seniors feel more in control of their health.Utilize Community Resources: Many community centers and senior organizations offer health literacy programs specifically designed for older adults.Leverage Technology: Teaching seniors to use reliable online resources and apps for medication reminders or tracking health metrics can help bridge literacy gaps.Support Family and Caregiver Involvement: When family members are involved, they can reinforce important health information and serve as a second set of eyes and ears during medical appointments.Preserving Senior Independence Through Health LiteracyHealth literacy is a critical component of well-being for seniors. By equipping seniors with the knowledge and tools to make informed health decisions, we help them gain independence and confidence in managing their health. For seniors, caregivers, and healthcare providers, focusing on health literacy can be a valuable path toward improved health outcomes, reduced stress, and an enhanced quality of life.An Amada Senior Care advisor can assist seniors and families in creating an in-home care plan for seniors managing the symptoms of a chronic health condition. Amada is here for seniors and their families as a Health Literacy resource, so feel free to call us toll-free at 866-752-1961 or CLICK HERE to find an Amada franchise location near you.
Keeping Your Brain Sharp: The Key to Healthy Aging
As we age, maintaining cognitive health becomes increasingly important. Research shows that engaging in stimulating activities can help preserve mental acuity and potentially delay the onset of cognitive decline. 1,2Brain Training Strategies - Keeping your brain active involves a multifaceted approach:Cognitive Exercises Play challenging games like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and chess Try memory-building activities like memorizing to-do lists Learn a new language or musical instrument Take classes at local community centers1 Lifestyle Modifications Change routine activities to challenge your brain Read instructional books Try new hobbies and crafts Engage in creative activities2 The Science Behind Brain HealthResearchers emphasize that brain training is not a guaranteed prevention for dementia, but it can be beneficial. The Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study demonstrated that targeted brain training can help seniors maintain mental skills.2Physical Activity and Cognitive Function - Physical exercise plays a crucial role in brain health. Studies have shown that: Regular physical activity can benefit cognition across the lifespan3 Older adults with higher levels of physical activity experience slower cognitive decline4Holistic Approach to Brain Health - Experts recommend a comprehensive strategy: Maintain a healthy diet Get adequate sleep Manage stress Stay socially active Follow medical advice for existing conditions1 Promising ResearchOngoing studies are exploring "cognitive super-agers" - individuals in their 80s and 90s who maintain exceptional mental performance. Researchers hope to uncover strategies that can help others prevent age-related cognitive decline4 Key TakeawayWhile there's no guaranteed method to prevent all forms of cognitive decline, staying mentally and physically active can significantly contribute to maintaining brain health as we age. The most important factor is to remain engaged, curious, and proactive about your cognitive well-being.References:1 - Brain Training for Seniors - familydoctor.org2 - Brain Exercises: Can They Help Older Adults? 3 - Physical Activity, Aging and Brain Health4 - How the Aging Brain Affects Thinking | National Institute onAging Editors Note: This article was submitted by Craig Luzinski, CEO of Hover Senior Living Community. For more information, please call Hover Senior Living Community at 303-772-9292.
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