Mississippi - Southern

Have you made your funeral wishes known to those you leave behind? Have you determined who will pay your burial expenses?Funerals can be a difficult topic to discuss, but a fact all our families will face one day. If you take time to preplan your funeral, you will relieve your family of a great burden at a difficult time in their lives. They will not have to make important costly decisions at a time of great stress. This is a time when emotions run high and can lead to family conflicts about your funeral plans that can be made will in advance, thoughtfully and clearly, without family disagreements and with guaranteed costs. Remember, your funeral is for those you leave behind. It's a time for family unity and love, a time to openly grieve and support one another. It's part of your legacy; a gift you can give to those who love you.How can I pre-plan? It's simple and cost effective; a pre-need funeral plan can be made and paid for in advance. Your wishes are considered in detail, clearly thinking of and planning for this time. Funding has several options; your funeral pre-need planner will explain all this to you and answer all questions. You will have peace of mind and your family will no longer be burdened with this inevitable event. It's a gift they will always be thankful for.For further information contact Sheila Stewart, pre-need planner, 228-596-1848Author: Sheila Stewart

If you are an elderly mom or dad, or an adult son or daughter of an elderly parent and you live far apart from one another, you may like to know about a Geriatric Care Manager (GCM). A GCM is a professional with specific training and knowledge in caring for the elderly. Caring involves understanding the need for and application of social work, psychology, nursing, medical care, home safety and security, and home assistance. A GCM can assess an elderly persons condition and needs, recommend services, and be an advocate for wellness and independence while aging at home. Recently, a friend of mine received a call that his father fell in the bathtub and was being placed in an ambulance for a trip to the hospital. The call did not come from his mother, but from a professional care manager he hired to see after his parents who lived 525 miles away in a suburb of Chicago. His mother pressed her life alert button, the service called her, called an ambulance, then called her care manager who was there in less than 15 minutes. Our friend, her son, was assured his dad was being cared for and the care manager would keep him posted on dads condition. GCMs may be nurses, social workers, or geriatric specialists that are qualified in planning for aging and referring services for the elderly. Youve heard the term plan ahead to avoid problems ahead. Maybe its time to give attention to these things since aging, absent early death, is inevitable. One of these two things will happen and its better to be prepared either way. The website www.caremississippi.org can lead you in the right direction.

Thanksgiving is more than just a day for feasting; its a cherished occasion that invites us to reflect on gratitude, connection, and warmth. For seniors, participating in or creating meaningful traditions can foster a sense of belonging and joy. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that keeping traditions alive plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of our loved ones. Lets explore some heartwarming ideas and tips to help you create special Thanksgiving traditions that seniors can treasure for years to come.Setting the Stage: Create a Warm and Inviting AtmosphereCreating the perfect Thanksgiving atmosphere begins long before the main event. Its about making your space welcoming and cozy so that everyone, especially seniors, feels at home. Decorate Thoughtfully: Choose decorations that evoke fond memories. Consider using family photos from past Thanksgivings to create a nostalgic display. Handmade crafts by grandchildren, or traditional decorations like pumpkins and autumn leaves, can add a personal touch.Reflection Zone: Set up a special area where seniors can sit comfortably and reflect on their favorite memories or share stories. Create a gratitude tree where family members can hang notes of what they are thankful for.Involve Them in Planning: Ask seniors for their input on the Thanksgiving menu or activities. Involving them in the planning process not only respects their preferences but also empowers them. Its a beautiful way for seniors to feel a connection to the holiday.Comfortable Seating: Ensure that there are comfortable seating arrangements. Invest in cushions or blankets for added warmth. Consider the mobility needs of seniors by arranging the seating to minimize any inconvenience in movement.By creating an inviting atmosphere filled with familiar sights and sounds, you can foster a sense of warmth and comfort, allowing seniors to feel part of a loving, connected family.Cherishing Traditions: Activities to Foster ConnectionThanksgiving is the perfect time to create lasting traditions that will help seniors feel included while allowing them to share some of their cherished experiences.Cooking Together: Invite seniors to share their favorite recipes and cook together. This not only creates a delicious meal but also provides an opportunity for storytelling and bonding. Encourage them to share tales of how they celebrated Thanksgiving when they were younger.Thanksgiving Memory sharing: Prior to the gathering, ask each family member to prepare a story about their favorite Thanksgiving memory or what they appreciate most about the seniors present. When everyone shares, it creates a beautiful tapestry of traditions and experiences, deepening family connections.Gratitude Circle: After your meal, gather everyone for a gratitude circle. Each person can voice what they are thankful for or a favorite memory from the past. This can be a touching moment for seniors, reinforcing their importance in the family and leaving them feeling cherished.Creating a Memory Book: Start a family Thanksgiving memory book where everyone can contribute their thoughts, photos, and drawings each year. Involving seniors in this activity ensures they feel vital and valued within the family legacy. Crafting: Create holiday crafts together, like making festive table centerpieces or card decorations. This activity can ignite creativity and ensure everyone feels included in the holiday preparations.Thanksgiving is a time to reflect, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories together. By focusing on traditions that foster connectedness and joy, you can create a Thanksgiving experience that speaks to the heart of what the holiday truly represents.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand the importance of environment and connection in enhancing the lives of our loved ones. This Thanksgiving, lets join together to create cherished moments that warm the heart and build lasting memories for seniors, transforming the holiday into a loving celebration. May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments that you and your family will remember for years to come. Happy Thanksgiving!

More than 30 million Americans of all ages suffer from hearing loss. Early detection of hearing loss allows for more effective intervention. In some cases, hearing loss can be corrected medically; In other cases, hearing loss cannot be cured but can be successfully managed with the use of hearing instruments.Because hearing loss is often a gradual and cumulative process it can easily develop into a significant handicap before it is diagnosed. Take this simple quiz to find out if you may have a hearing loss.1. Do you frequently ask for words or sentences to be repeated?2. Do you strain to understand conversations?3. Do you often turn up the television or radio louder than others would prefer?4. Do people often sound as though they are mumbling or speaking too softly?5. When you are socializing, does background noise bother you?6. Do you misunderstand what others are saying or answer questions inappropriately?7. Do you remove yourself from conversations or social situations because it is difficult to hear what is being said?8. Do you need to ask others about details of a meeting that you just attended?9. Do you have difficulty hearing the doorbell or telephone?10. Has someone close to you mentioned that you might have a problem with your hearing?If you answered yes to three or more of these questions, you may have a hearing problem and should have your hearing evaluated by a professional audiologist. Early detection of hearing loss, followed by proper treatment, allows for the most effective solutions to many hearing problems. New technology provides much more than simple amplification, such as adjustments for volume, background noise, directionality and different frequencies of sound. Also, youd have a difficult time noticing the new instruments in someones ear, as some instruments are very small, with shapes and colors to blend-in.The most important message here is early detection and proper treatment lead to the most effective solutions. Consult a professional audiologist if this applies to you or someone you care for.For additional information call Charlene Taylor, Au.D., Gulf Coast Audiology, 228-328-0085 .Author:Charlene Taylor