For more information about the author, click to view their website: CarePatrol Collin County Central
Why You Should Use a Professional When Seeking Senior Living Housing Options
As our loved ones enter their golden years, one of the most important decisions they and their families will face is finding the right senior living community. With an abundance of options and complex considerations, this process can be overwhelming, stressful, and emotionally taxing. However, there is a solution that can alleviate these challenges and provide valuable support during this significant transition: partnering with a local housing consultant, that is a certified senior advisor.
Senior Housing Consultants, that have earned their certified senior advisor (CSA)® accreditation are dedicated professionals who adhere to a stringent Code of Ethics while advocating for older adults and their families. When searching for the perfect senior living community, here are several compelling reasons why seeking the expertise of a CSA can make all the difference:
Act as an Expert Guide:
Navigating the world of senior living housing options can be confusing, with communities often promoting their amenities and ambiance. A knowledgeable senior care advisor possesses intimate knowledge of the various communities and can provide essential information, such as performance and violation report from the state of Texas. Furthermore, they are well-versed in the jargon associated with senior housing, including care levels and community fees, enabling them to ask the tough questions on your behalf.
Offer Objective Information and Opinions:
A reputable senior housing professional will accompany you on in-person tours of recommended communities, bringing an unbiased perspective. By considering the social, medical, and financial requirements shared during the care discovery process, they can help you identify communities that best align with your needs. Moreover, they can facilitate meetings with current residents and their families, giving you valuable insights into the community's atmosphere and resident satisfaction.
Provide Smart Community Recommendations:
Each senior adult has unique requirements, and a certified senior advisor will conduct thorough research to recommend the best community for you. Their commitment extends beyond the move-in process; they remain available to address any concerns or discrepancies after your loved one has settled in. A great consultant empowers seniors and their families by guiding them through the decision-making process, informing them of potential considerations, and connecting them with additional services and support.
Stand in Your Corner for Negotiations and Lease Signings:
The process of selecting a senior living community involves numerous negotiations and agreements. When you have a senior housing professional representing your interests, they will approach each community from your perspective, ensuring that the final agreement aligns with your social, medical, and financial requirements, fostering an environment that enables seniors to age in place comfortably.
Be Your Rock During Emotional Moments:
Moving to a senior living community is a significant life event, and emotions can run high during this process. Having a compassionate, yet objective, third party by your side can help you stay focused on the essential aspects of the decision-making process and prevent emotions from derailing an otherwise well-considered transaction.
Provide Fair and Ethical Treatment:
When seeking a Senior Housing Consultant, look for a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® who is a member of the National Placement Referral Alliance (NPRA). The CSA designation is a hallmark of expertise and dedication to serving older adults. Earning this certification requires passing a rigorous exam and maintaining the highest ethical standards for the welfare of seniors. The NPRA is a reputable national trade association that aims to professionalize the senior placement industry, ensuring families have access to trustworthy guidance when searching for their loved ones' next place to call home.
The decision to move to a senior living community is one of the most significant choices older adults and their families will face. Partnering with a certified senior advisor can alleviate stress, offer objective insights, and ensure that your loved one finds a safe, caring, and consistent environment that meets their social, medical, and financial needs. By enlisting the services of a qualified professional, families can navigate this transition with confidence, knowing they have a trusted advocate by their side. The journey when looking for senior housing can be a smoother and more fulfilling experience for all parties involved when you partner with housing consultants that are CSA’s.
Tracy Toomer, a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®, CDP, MBA, with CarePatrol of Collin County is here to help. Tracy can provide you with the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions in finding a wholistic approach to safer senior living.
Author:
Tracy Toomer, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®, CDP, MBA, CarePatrol Collin County, Board Member, Alzheimer’s Association Dallas & Northeast Texas Chapter; Board Member, National Placement Referral Alliance of Texas. LinkedIn: https:///www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-toomer-certified-senior-advisor-csa-mba-aa37b615
Our eyes are incredibly precious, yet its easy to take our vision for granted until problems arise. Lets focus on proactive steps to maintain and improve our eye health. Here are some tips to keep your vision in top shape:Schedule Regular Eye Exams:One of the best ways to safeguard your vision is by scheduling regular eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect vision problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications. Make it a priority to see your eye doctor at least once a year, even if you dont currently wear glasses or contact lenses.Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the suns harmful UV rays. Whenever youre outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days, wear sunglasses that offer UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from potential damage. Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens: In todays digital age, many of us spend a significant amount of time staring at screens, whether its for work, leisure, or staying connected. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.Eat a Balanced Diet:Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts and seeds. These nutrients can help protect against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.Practice Good Eye Hygiene:Proper eye hygiene is essential for preventing eye infections and irritation. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Follow your eye doctors recommendations for contact lens care, including proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storage.Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your eyes and body hydrated.Get Plenty of Sleep:Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including eye health. During sleep, your eyes receive much-needed rest and replenishment. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce eye fatigue and maintain optimal visual function.By incorporating these simple yet effective tips into your daily routine, you can help protect and preserve your precious eyesight for years to come.Your eyesight is irreplaceable, so take care of your eyes today for a brighter tomorrow!
Moving to a new home can be scary and stressful, especially for older people. But don't worry! Here are some easy ways to make moving day less scary and more fun.1. Pick the Right HomeFirst, choose a new home that feels good. Think about what you like. Do you want a garden view? Do you need help with cooking? Make sure your new home has what you need to be happy.2. Make ListsWrite down everything you need to do. This helps you remember important things. Start early and take your time. Don't rush!3. Choose Special ThingsWhen you move to a smaller home, you can't take everything. Pick the things that mean the most to you. It's okay to feel sad about leaving some things behind.4. Get Help from MoversHiring people to help you move can make things much easier. They know how to pack and move your stuff safely.5. Use Good BoxesUse boxes that stack well. Plastic boxes with lids are great because they're easy to pack and unpack.6. Say Goodbye to Your Old HomeHave a party to say goodbye to your old home. Take lots of pictures to remember it. This can help you feel better about moving.7. Think Happy ThoughtsMoving can be exciting! Think about all the fun new things you'll do in your new home. You might make new friends or try new activities.8. Pack a Special BagPack a bag with things you'll need right away in your new home. Put in things like:MedicineToothbrush and toothpastePajamasSnacks and waterThis way, you won't have to search through all your boxes on the first night.9. Make a Moving Day PlanPlan out your moving day. Know when you'll leave and when you should arrive at your new home. Don't forget to plan for breaks along the way.Remember, moving can be a big change, but it can also be the start of a great new adventure in your life!
When moving to a senior living community, it's important to know what to bring and what to leave behind. This guide will help you pack smart for your new home.Before You Start PackingVisit Your New Home: Take a look at how big your new space is.Talk to Residents: Ask people who already live there about what they brought and what they wish they had.Check with Staff: Find out what furniture and items the community provides and which items are not allowed.Involve Family: Let your family pick items they might want to keep, especially heirlooms.What to BringClothes and Personal ItemsEveryday clothesToiletries like toothbrush and shampooMedicationsMobility aids, like walkers or canesSpecial ItemsPhotos and artwork that you loveSmall mementos that make you feel at homeFurniture (if there's room)A comfortable chairA small table or nightstandA bed (if not provided)Lamps for lightingOther Important ThingsBedding and blanketsKitchen items if you have a small kitchen areaTV or radio (if allowed)Pet supplies if pets are permittedWhat Not to BringExpensive jewelry or valuable items that could be lost or damagedClothes you no longer wearLarge furniture pieces that won't fitBig appliances that the community providesHeaters or air conditioners that may not be allowedLarge rugs that could be a tripping hazardRemember, your new home will be smaller, so you'll need to choose carefully what to bring. It's perfectly okay to ask for help from family or friends if packing feels overwhelming.
Your loved one deserves a knowledgeable, professional and trusted partner for this journey. Choosing the right senior housing shouldn't be based on internet search or appearance alone. CarePatrol advisors study your family's unique situation and, using their industry certifications and extensive experience, provide unbiased guidance to help you answer the most important question, "Will this community truly care for my family member?"We promise to help you find the right: Assisted living Independent living Memory care Continuing care retirement communitiesTestimonials."Tracy was professional, caring, and went wayyyy beyond what I would have expected to help me take care of my parents. She was punctual, didn't waste my time looking at properties that weren't appropriate for my mother's needs, and a great advocate. She asked questions, that I didn't think of asking each facility. I can't say enough good things about her. I highly recommend her services to anyone in need. I'm proud to call her friend! "- Melanie StewartTracy Toomer was invaluable in helping us find a lovely home in an assisted living facility for my 92 yr old Mom. Her professionalism as well as care and warmth made a very difficult time much easier and found a wonderful new life for my Mom with caring supportive staff and residents. We feel so blessed that Tracy loves her work so much and was dedicated to finding us the best situation within our budget. The service CarePatrol provides gives that peace of mind that comes from knowing loved ones are well cared for.- Bonnie Walton"I want to tell you I think you are a fabulous woman. My opinion of you is that you are a professional with integrity in the highest sense of the word. I am grateful to God that he brought you into our lives". - Mary StierhoffCarePatrol is the nation's largest and most trusted senior living placement organization. Therefore, choosing the right senior housing solution shouldn't be based on internet searches or appearance alone. CarePatrol's nationally accredited Certified Senior Advisors(CSA)study your family's unique situation and, using their extensive knowledge and experience provide unbiased guidance to help you answer the most important question, "Will this community truly care for my loved one and treat them with the respect & dignity that they deserve?"CarePatrol of Collin County, TX, is passionate about helping you find an exciting home filled with friends, where you can relax and focus on building some of the best memories of your life. We aren't interested in placing our clients in the first place that comes along. We want to find the perfect fit that meets your lifestyle, physical and emotional needs, and social interests so you can continue to live a meaningful and vibrant life. We take the time with each of our clients to understand what makes them special to find a community where they will thrive. We learn about your physical needs and assess a community based on their ability to support you in every way you need. We advocate for you and your family and will always strive to deliver our services with the highest level of integrity, support, and compassion. Meet Tracy Toomer"Families know they can trust me because I am consistent - I follow through on what I say I will do, I will listen and support you, and help make decisions that are right for the family.Tracy is passionate about empowering seniors and their families as they face the complex challenge of finding the right senior living community. She listens carefully to all of her client's needs, concerns and preferences before recommending appropriate levels of care such as: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, or In-Home Care.Learn more about CarePatrol of Collin County