Florida - Southwest

Did you know June 15th  is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day? One of the best ways to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day may be to learn more about the unfortunate prevalence of elder abuse in our communities and ways it can be prevented. Let us discuss three ways to advocate for elders at risk this month. Understand the prevalence of elder abuse. The most well-known type of elder abuse may be that which occurs in nursing homes, but elder abuse may also occur in an assisted living facility, the elders home, a family members home, or even out in the community. Just as the location of abuse varies, so do the types. Elder abuse ranges from physical abuse, to emotional abuse, to neglect and abandonment, to sexual abuse and financial abuse. The most typical victims of elder abuse may be those adults who are dependent upon others, from assisting them in their home with their activities of daily living, to a person who assists them with financial transactions. While both men and women can both fall victim to elder abuse, women can more often be the victim. Both being aware and spreading awareness that elder abuse is occurring everywhere can be a great step in identifying and preventing or stopping it.Know the signs of abuse. Signs of abuse include the older adults becoming withdrawn, such as being less talkative or not tending to their hygiene and appearance.Weight loss and agitation can be signs of stress related to the abuse. In the case of physical abuse, there may be outright signs of abuse, including unexplained cuts or bruises, broken glasses or marks from unnecessary restraint. Financial signs of abuse may present in the forms of collection notices, utilities being turned off, or even eviction, if the elders funds are being misappropriated or stolen.Know how to help. With all the varied possibilities of abuse, as well as the various signs of abuse, the most vital step a person who suspects abuse can take may be not to ignore it. If you see a possible sign of abuse or have a gut feeling that something seems off, take the time to look into it. This may include talking to the elder about the possibility of abuse, while also remaining aware that the elder may not feel comfortable or safe disclosing abuse. In addition to speaking to the older person about the existence of abuse, you can enlist the assistance of other friends and family members, make a report to the local adult protective services agency in your community or speak to the elders physician, regarding the possibility of abuse. The physician may be able to help investigate the abuse by talking with the elder and will also likely be a mandatory reporter of suspected abuse under the state laws where the elder resides.Be sure to spread the word about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th and share these tips. Together we can make a positive difference in the lives of the elders in our communities.For assistance with elder related legal issues, please get in touch with our office to schedule a time to meet.

8 Helpful Tips for Seniors Who Want To Make New FriendsMaking friends is something that should be easy and intuitive, right? Thats the way it used to be when we were kids. All you had to do was strike up a conversation on the playground. But as we get older, making friendships becomes harder as our days fill with family, jobs, and life in general. One of the most exciting things about being a senior in retirement is having the time and opportunity to make new friends. If you havent had the opportunity to do this for a while, you may be feeling a little rusty. Fear not finding friends is easier than you think.Why are friendships so important?As Abraham Lincoln once said, The better part of ones life consists of ones friendships. Friendships fill up our souls (and our social calendars), and for older adults, they help keep you happy, healthy and sharp. According to the National Institute on Aging, feelings of loneliness and social isolation are linked to a variety of health and mental issues, including:      Heart disease      High blood pressure      A decreased immune system      Obesity      Depression      Cognitive declineConversely, seniors with a vibrant social life report being healthier, having better mental health, being more physically active, and even living longer. Social interaction often declines as we age since were taken out of the daily routine of jobs, school and family. Thats one of the many reasons why older adults may choose to move to a senior living community. Its a little bit like going to college, because you find yourself instantly connected to others in a similar stage of life. Senior living communities are great places to find others with common interests who are also looking for new friends to spend time with. 8 Ideas for Making New FriendsWhether living at a community or at home, here are some tips for seniors who want to meet new people in their golden years. 1. Get on Facebook. Social media is an excellent way for seniors to connect with others in their community and beyond. Approximately half of adults ages 65 and older use Facebook, making it a great platform for meeting people of all ages. You can find special-interest Facebook groups for just about anything, from hiking enthusiasts to cooking classes to virtual (and in-person) book clubs, and so much more. 2. Become a volunteer. Volunteering in your senior years provides meaning and purpose and expands your social circle as you interact with other volunteers. Organizations like VolunteerMatch can help you find organizations that align with your interests and passions.3. Join a senior center. Senior centers provide social activities for older adults, making them good places to make new friends while also doing something you enjoy, like taking a class, going to the gym, or attending a lecture.4. Attend religious services. Spiritual wellness is one dimension of whole-body wellness, and individuals who participate in religious services report better physical and mental health than nonreligious individuals. Going to a place of worship puts you in contact with people who have shared beliefs and values. There are also often volunteer opportunities, such as teaching children or singing in the choir, where you can meet others and form intergenerational friendships. 5. Try something new. Ever wanted to play an instrument, try your hand at woodworking, surf the waves, or sing in a choir? Expanding your horizons with a new hobby or activity puts you in contact with like-minded individuals of all ages while doing something fun and exciting, too.6. Go to the gym. Not only will you meet others, but youll also get a great workout doing so. The app SilverSneakerscan help you find gyms and other health and wellness activities in your area.7. Take a class. Many universities and community colleges have classes and programs geared toward older lifelong learners, where you can find others with similar interests. Your local parks and recreation centers often have learning opportunities as well. Strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to you or form a study group to get to know others in your class. 8. Put yourself out there. The most important tip for making new friends is to simply be open and available. Call someone you havent seen for a while and invite them to coffee. Reach out to someone in your gym class and ask if they would like to join you for a walk or a lecture. Say yes when other people invite you to do things. You may be surprised at how easy it is to form new friendships.Explore the social side of senior living at The Terraces at Bonita SpringsWe know how important friendship is, which is why every day at our senior living community is filled with programs, events, activities, and so much more. Check out our Events calendar to find your new favorite activity (and make plans to come visit us).  Making friends after 60 isnt impossible, and it certainly doesnt have to be difficult. By following these tips, youll find yourself filling your social calendar with meaningful, exciting and fun opportunities in no time. 

If your retirement plans include downsizing and moving, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) may be the perfect fit for you. But do you know what a CCRC is? Lets take a closer look.What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?A CCRC is a residential community for older adults (typically age 65 and older) that provides a variety of housing options along with services, amenities and a continuum of care designed to address the changing needs of residents as they age. One advantage of a CCRC is that residents are able to remain in the same community as their needs change. This alleviates the stress of moving multiple times and enables residents to maintain existing relationships in a familiar environment.How does one choose a CCRC?Structure, services and fees vary greatly among CCRCs, so its good to ask questions. For example:- What types of contracts are available?- Is there an entrance fee? Is it refundable?- What types of care are available?Do they offer Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing Care, Memory Support or other levels of care?- What services and amenities are included? Which ones are available for an additional fee?- Is the CCRC financially stable?Can I evaluate a CCRCs finances?When you choose a CCRC, you're planning to be there for the long term. So its important to know the community is actively planning for that, too. Some questions to ask include:1.Is the organizations most recent audit or annual financial report available for review? Are statements of financial position, operation and cash flow included?2. Does the organization have a positive net worth? If not, how is its long-term financial health affected?3. In the past few years, have operating revenues exceeded expenses?4. To what degree does the organization rely on non-operating income from donations, endowments and investments?5. Do the organizations financial ratios indicate it has the resources to ensure its ability to provide services now and in the future?6. Does the organization have an endowment? If so, what size?How is it used and managed?7. Is there a resident assistance fund? How can residents qualify?8. Does the organization have a formal risk management program?9. What type of insurance does the organization have?10. How are residents involved in strategic and financial planning and decision making?Source: Consumer Guide to Understanding Financial Performance and Reporting in Continuing Care Retirement CommunitiesEditors Note: This article was submitted by The Arlington of Naples, a new CCRC coming to Naples, Florida. For more information, call 239-206-2646 or visit www.ArlingtonNaples.org.

When is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; a time when people throughout the U.S. run, walk, raise funds and do what they can to increase awareness. American Cancer Society findings indicate this disease is estimated to be the cause of death for 43,250 women and 530 men in 2022. In addition:As of 2021, breast cancer became the most common cancer globally, accounting for 12 percent of all new annual cancer cases worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.Knowing ones family history is important, yet 80-85 percent of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history, according to the National Library of Medicine.One in eight U.S. women, around 13 percent, will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.Breast Cancer in SeniorsOlder age increases the risk of several types of breast cancer. However, advancements in diagnosis and highly individualized treatment plans are increasing the odds of recovery for older patients and making it possible for many to live longer, healthier lives. Some facts for older adults to consider:According to the National Cancer Institute, women 70 and older have a one in 24 chance of developing breast cancer at some point in their lives. Men can also get breast cancer.Treatment is dependent on the individual and may include surgery, hormone-blocking pills, targeted radiation or a combination of these therapies. Chemotherapy is used occasionally.Healthy, active, independent patients have the best chance of a good outcome.Support Someone with Breast CancerWhen the need to get involved and make a difference is strong, there are organized events such as Race for the Cure. If breast cancer hits close to home and a friend or family member has been diagnosed, there are several ways to support them during their journey. The side effects of treatment, for example, make it difficult for people to do daily activities such as housework, shopping and caring for their family. Keeping the persons individual needs in mind, your support may include:Transporting to and from hospital appointmentsCleaning and vacuumingWashing clothes and ironingGardening or yard workCooking meals for freezingTaking children to or from school and activitiesBabysittingShopping and pharmacy runsWalking dogsOrganizing pantries or closets to make items more accessibleSimply being available is the most important thing you can do to support your friend or family member. Include them in plans and let them decide if theyll attend. Accompany them to doctors appointments to serve as a second pair of ears, join them for a movie, check in with a call or text, or just sit and listen when they need to talk. Sometimes the only thing someone needs is a hug and, surely, we all have one of those to share.Breast Cancer Awareness RibbonsDuring the month of October, youll notice people wearing pink ribbons. These breast cancer ribbons have become universal symbols of the breast cancer cause, raising awareness and bringing people together in solidarity. Making your own ribbons is easy and wearing them throughout October shows your support for those battling breast cancer.Ongoing, Dedicated Awareness is Critical.While October is an important month to spotlight breast cancer, the need for awareness isnt limited to one month. Every day is an opportunity to make a difference. Help get the word out about the importance of health screenings and take a moment to consider how you can support your community, friends and family members. When we work together, a little time and effort go a long way.