Why Should I Hire a Senior Move Manager®?

Volunteerism is not just about giving time. Volunteering in senior care is about igniting a spark a spark of connection, joy, and purpose that enriches lives on both sides of the giving equation. Learn how you can ditch the ordinary and become an extraordinary force for good in the lives of seniors. This guide discusses the benefits of volunteerism for seniors and ways caregivers can help them get involved in community service.Benefits of Volunteerism for SeniorsVolunteering can greatly boost a senior's self-esteem. It gives them a sense of purpose and accomplishment. When they see the positive impact they're making, it can lift their spirits and improve their mental health. Feeling needed and valued can be incredibly empowering.Social connections are vital for everyone, and seniors are no exception. Volunteering offers a chance to meet new people and build friendships. This helps reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are common among seniors. A vibrant social life can lead to increased happiness and emotional well-being.Physical Health BenefitsStaying active and engaged through volunteer work can also benefit physical health. Movement is necessary for maintaining health, whether it's light physical activity or simply getting out of the house. Some studies even suggest that active seniors are likely to have better overall physical health.From walks around the park with fellow volunteers to light cleaning and tidying up around a community organization, there are a wealth of ways to keep seniors active while doing good for those around them. Still, seniors should always speak to their healthcare providers before starting a new fitness routine.How Caregivers Can Support Senior VolunteerismAs a caregiver, you can help seniors find the right volunteer opportunities. Match these opportunities with the senior's interests and skills. Consider what they enjoy and what they're good at. Equally important is considering their physical and cognitive abilities to ensure the volunteer work is suitable and fulfilling.One of the main barriers to volunteering is often transportation. Caregivers can arrange transportation to volunteer sites. This includes coordinating schedules and ensuring the seniors can get where they need to be. Providing logistical support, like helping with sign-ups and schedules, can make a big difference.Caregivers should offer positive reinforcement and celebrate the senior's contributions. Sometimes, seniors may have concerns or fears about starting something new. Addressing these concerns and providing the support they need can motivate them to take the first step.Get Custom Care and Support Services for Seniors TodayThe benefits of senior volunteerism are numerous, from boosting self-esteem to promoting social connections and improving physical health. Caregivers can help by identifying suitable opportunities, providing transportation, and offering encouragement. Let's strive to support our seniors in giving back to the community.If you need assistance in finding and supporting volunteer opportunities for seniors in Fort Collins, Englewood, Littleton, Windsor, and Longmont, contact us at Senior Helpers Fort Collins. We proudly provide compassionate senior care services that serve the whole person and enhance emotional and physical health.

When you're young, you may desire with multiple floors and big kitchens for entertaining friends and raising your family. We want beautiful yards with gardens and lush landscapes; dogs, cats, fish, and all kinds of things. As we age, those things might become difficult to maintain and upkeep; like cooking meals, bathing, laundry, running errands, taking medicine, operating electronics and even once-easy tasks like using household appliances all become tougher and tougher.The first questions is not how to get into assisted living with no money. Rather, it is; Am I ready - or is my parent ready for assisted living?  Its Tough Making the Move to Assisted Living for you or your loved one, We Can Help!Legend Senior Living Associates have fielded many questions from loved ones about how to move a parent with dementia to assisted living.  Its necessary when things that your parents used to do are now impossible to do independently or when their quality of care decreases to the point where its dangerous and potentially life threatening for them to not have some sort of aid.More than 15 million Americans are currently devoting love, time and care to aging loved ones with Alzheimers and Dementia care needs and sometimes it can be difficult, expensive, and time consuming; thats why assisted living residences are there to give you a helping hand! Heres list of 12 symptoms and signs its time for assisted living:Aggression with dementia or Alzheimers is one of the first signs that its time to start considering placement in assisted living , simply to ensure the safety of everyone. A condition called Sundowning often causes aggression or agitation in the evening.When caregiving is causing Caregiver Stress or burnout these signs can be just as telling as other symptoms. This stress is often damaging to the emotional relationship between you and your loved ones.When you notice an increase in care needs, or escalating care (like helping get someone to the bathroom or helping support most/all a persons weight) that can put a caregiver at risk.Wandering (especially in later stages of dementia) is one of the leading risks of slip and fall hazards.Ensuring seniors are eating healthy, balanced meals, getting vitamins, and have a supply of fresh nutritious food in the refrigerator and pantry that isnt expired. Many aging adults and those with memory needs forget to remove old, expired, or spoiled food.Aging adults with memory care needs or other seniors taking medication dosage correctly and at the right time. Assisted living residences provide seniors medication management and medication problem avoidance. Medical staff at assisted living residences also know things like the safest NSAID (like ibuprofen) for seniors (over 65 years) as well as other medications.When you need medical care or supervision for your loved one in the case of an emergency. Assisted living residences are perfect when theres a risk of a potential health issue, slip and fall, or wandering as theres always staff available and medical help a few minutes away.To keep important financial tasks like paying bills on time, as well as opening and disposing of mail to prevent mail fraud or identity theft.To help seniors get around without hurting themselves. Senior drivers often exhibit physical and mental changes as they age; like slower response time, losses in clarity and vision, drowsiness due to medications, reduction of the ability to focus, or may even judge distances incorrectly and these mistakes can be deadly. Assisted living residences provide free transportation services and safety for everyone on the road.When your loved one struggles with dressing, changing clothing, or is unable to shower or groom themselves. Often, seniors that arent in assisted living homes can go days without showering or changing clothes.When your aging loved one isnt engaging in their favorite hobbies, talking and socializing, or going out and about.If your loved one is exhibiting depression, loneliness, isolation, or the inability to cook or clean without assistance. This goes along with being unable to do the things they once loved to do. Making a Transition to Assisted Living for Seniors Also Makes the Transition Smoother on YouWhile making the decision to move a senior into assisted living is a tough choice, making a transition now rather than later helps adjust and keeps your ageing loved ones safer. You can start the touring process with assisted living communities; finding friendly staff, comfortable features, activities and friendships for your loved ones, as well as a clean environment with a pleasant dining experience and peace of mind.Youll soon find that assisted living residences only require a small initial adjustment before theyre the best opportunity for socialization, dining, activities, personalized care and effective care action plans in place (leaving you in charge without physically doing it all yourself) which is a large burden off of your shoulders.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia is a journey filled with emotional highs and lows. One of the most challenging moments for adult children serving as primary caregivers is when their parents are unable to recognize them. This can be a heartbreaking and distressing experience, and understanding how to respond and how to care for your own emotional health is crucial. Alzheimer's and DementiaAlzheimer's and dementia are complex neurological disorders primarily characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline. Recognizing their nature is fundamental to coping with the impact. These conditions mess up the brain's wiring, interfering not only with memory but also recognition, making familiar faces seem alien to your loved ones. While it is distressing, remember it is the disease, not your parent, causing this heartbreaking moment of non-recognition.Coping With the Moment of Non-recognition When a loved one fails to recognize you, it can be a shocking and emotional moment. It's important to handle it with grace and sensitivity. Stay calm; your reaction can influence your parent's response. Arguing or correcting them may only cause confusion or distress. Patiently reassure them with your presence, emitting love and care. Remind yourself not to take their non-recognition personally; it is the disease at the helm, not their choice.Focusing on Self-Care as a CaregiverAs you navigate these challenging times, taking care of your emotional health is paramount. The adage 'you can't pour from an empty cup' rings true in your role as a caregiver. Regular breaks from caregiving duties will allow you to recharge and can be beneficial for your stress levels. Engaging in hobbies or activities that you enjoy can provide a much-needed distraction and a source of joy. Don't hesitate to seek counseling or support groups; sharing your experiences with those who understand can lighten your emotional load.Navigating the Long-Term Emotional ImpactRepeated instances of non-recognition can indeed lead to continuous emotional distress. It's a stark reminder of the progressive nature of the disease and can challenge your emotional resilience.Focus on the Good TimeDuring these times, focus on the moments of connection and understanding that you still share with your parent. Gently remind yourself that your relationship extends beyond recognition; it's rooted in a lifetime of shared memories and experiences. MournIt's okay to mourn the loss of what once was, but don't let that eclipse the love that remains. If you find yourself struggling to cope, it's crucial to seek professional help. Therapists or counselors specialized in caregiver stress can provide tools to manage your emotions better.Forgive YourselfEmbrace self-forgiveness. You're doing the best you can, and you should cut yourself some slack. Know that it's okay to have moments of frustration or sadness. Resilience is not about never faltering; it is about getting back up every time you stumble.Loving Care for Seniors With Alzheimer's or DementiaThe journey of caregiving for a parent with Alzheimer's or dementia is challenging, and the emotional impact when they fail to recognize you can be overwhelming. Understanding the nature of their condition, managing your reaction, and emphasizing self-care are all crucial to navigating these difficult moments. If you live in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Wellington, or Longmont, Senior Helpers Greeley is here to support you. We offer various services to assist and provide resources to make this journey manageable. Contact us today by calling 970-373-3858.