Posts Tagged ‘Seniors’
Old Colony Elderly Services to Hold Bbq for Seniors at Wareham Council on Aging
by bobcrabtree1 Posted: Saturday, 1/9/2010South Shore Elder Services Provides Special Meals for Seniors With Special Diets
by bobcrabtree1 Posted: Monday, 1/4/2010SSES Nutrition Department offers special meals which are diabetic, pureed, ground or renal, for elders with health issues. These healthy, low salt meals are prepared on special order. A senior or his/her family member, caregiver or a referral source, should contact the Information, Outreach and Referral Department and state they would like a special meals diet. An Information Specialist will complete the initial intake information then make a referral on the elder’s behalf to the Nutrition Department.
Then, the Nutrition Assessment Specialist at SSES will complete the screening, which includes a visit to the elder?s home, and as part of the intake process, obtaining the name of the elder?s primary physician or in the case of a patient receiving kidney treatment, their Renal Nutritionist. Then SSES Nutrition Assessment Specialist verifies the special diet with the physician/renal nutritionist and secures the appropriate forms. Special diet meals commence once the signed forms are received from the doctor/renal nutritionist. Nutritional supplements such as Ensure, Boost or Sustacal are also provided to seniors who have been identified as needing the additional calories during the day.
Meals for special diets as well as traditional ?Meals on Wheels? are delivered Monday through Friday to elders in communities served by SSES: Braintree, Cohasset, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Milton, Norwell, Quincy, Randolph, Scituate and Weymouth.
The ?Meals on Wheels? program is available to anyone aged 60 and older (and their spouses) who are homebound and who are unable to prepare their own meals. All of the regular home delivered meals are heart healthy and low salt.
Hot meals are also served at SSES? central dining centers located within all 11 communities for seniors who are able to travel and who want to socialize with their peers.
?Your Age Info Specialist?
South Shore Elder Services is a non-profit agency that provides valuable resources and services to elders and caregivers throughout the South Shore area. They are located at 159 Bay State Drive in Braintree, MA. For more information contact (781) 848-3910 or visit their website at www.sselder.org.
We all need to choose healthy foods, but it is especially important for some older people. Appetites and the sense of taste can decrease over time. The challenge of preparing meals can seem just too much for people who have limited mobility and balance issues.
Diet is another area where elder care caregivers can help a great deal in improving not only nutrition but the basic quality of life. No one wants to eat food that is uninteresting or unattractive, so it’s especially important to make meals colorful and tasty as well as nutritious and easy to eat.
How do you make meals that are tasty as well as nutritious and easy to eat? Here are some tips to help you:
1. Keep snacks healthy and fun. Eating small amounts between meals can help keep energy levels up and provide variety in a balanced diet. For snacks, try some of these:
a. Raw vegetables like carrots and celery keep well in plastic bags. Dip carrots in low-fat salad dressing, or add a bit of peanut butter to the celery.
b. Fresh fruit or dried fruit like raisins.
c. A handful of nuts or trail mix, always taking into consideration any food allergies or diet restrictions.
d. A smoothie made with nonfat milk or yogurt and fruit.
e. A few crackers topped with cheese.
2. Stock the pantry with foods that have a good shelf life so you’re ready with variety and healthy choices. Think of canned tuna, rice, tomato sauce, soup. Also, think of herbs and spices – they last a long time and can add zest to a meal without extra salt.
3. Use your frozen assets. Frozen vegetables are handy when you need a quick boost for soups and stews. Frozen fruits like berries and melon – partially thawed – make a good dessert over a slice of angel food cake with a dollop of whipped topping.
4. Mix things up – have breakfast for dinner. An omelet with vegetables, a little meat, or cheese, and maybe a spoonful of pasta sauce on top can be a welcome change.
5. Take advantage of take-out. Sometimes a person just wants a taste of pizza or a chicken wing. It’s not something to do all the time, but carryout food can be a treat. Just save leftovers and recycle them. Pizza cut into smaller pieces can be reheated for a snack. Leftover chicken can be lunch, or the meat can be combined with vegetables and pasta or rice for a flavorful stir-fry.
Maintaining the quality of life and the pleasure in living are two of the important goals of caregiving. Food is basic to both. At Dubols, we understand the importance of making sure all your loved one’s needs are met with compassionate care.
To learn more about Dubols’ Elder Care services, visit our web site at www.Dubols.com, or call (301) 497-8968 for a complimentary in-home assessment. Dubols is committed to excellence in elder care, for we know that your loved one’s health blossoms with tender care.
Yewande D. Awoyemi is the administrator for Dubols Home Care. Dubols is a medical and non-Medical staffing agency that provides caregivers for in home elder care services. http://www.dubols.com or call (301) 497-8968.
Lack of Late Notice Caregivers For Seniors Forcing Family Members To Consistently Miss Work
by bobcrabtree1 Posted: Thursday, 12/17/2009Many people responsible for elderly loved ones simply haven’t planned for when aged loved ones abruptly fall ill and require in home elderly care, or if a aged person’s caregiver unexpectedly becomes unavailable for work. Instead of making arrangements for backup care, people more often select to shift their work schedules, many times affecting their careers by being forced to miss work. Absence from work poorly affects the careers of people responsible for organizing senior in home care. Most often these forced absences from the job are due to a senior caregiver abruptly disappearing from work for unexplained reasons.
In recent months surveys have highlighted that when faced with a senior caregiver scheduling emergency, many people were forced to solve the problem by being absent from work. Nationwide, people often times do not have backup plans in place for adult caregiver appointments. Backup plans for senior caregivers are necessary due to the unpredictable dilemmas that arise when planning senior caregivers. Senior caregiver arrangements without backup plans sometimes force people to use surprise holiday time at work, or miss work unexpectedly, so the senior care need will be filled. This uplanned need creates a costly rise in job absences that impacts job performance. Therefore, it’s not a surprise that a lot of people understand there to be a direct and unproductive impact between a senior loved one’s care duties and their potential for job success.
The Committee For Senior Care also found that most people surveyed stated their aged family member care-giving responsibilities have negatively effected their career performance. To prevent negative career impact, anyone who counts on outside sources for aged care should have substitute elderly caregivers arranged. It’s also critical to keep a current address book of family members, and keep it handy for when elderly caregiver needs come up at a moment’s notice. Another good idea is to create and save a personal acceptable database of substitute senior caregivers in the event of emergency.
Recently there are organizations accessible on the web that help people get connected with elderly caregivers when unforeseen requirements arise. A internet request is sent via email to a database of selected in advance nearby elderly caregivers who are willing to work on short notice. This gives people improved odds in finding aged person care at a moments notice solving the emergency care requirement, and also minimizing any possible job burden.
Want to make your personal short list of backup caregivers for seniors, including free background checks on your personal list of selected adult caregivers? Caregivers For Seniors
Old Colony Elderly Services to Hold “elder Care Expo for Seniors and Their Caregivers” on April 15th
by bobcrabtree1 Posted: Wednesday, 12/16/2009The Expo is designed to broaden the community’s awareness about resources available to help manage elder care issues. Throughout the day, attendees can visit information booths that promote good health and well-being and receive free health screenings.
At 11 a.m., Allen C. Waltman, M.D., Director, Geriatrics, Signature Healthcare PrimaryCare Affiliates will present the workshop “Primary Care in the Elderly”. Dr. Waltman is Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and has additional distinctive qualifications in Geriatric Medicine.
Every attendee will receive a free copy of the latest EECO Resource Guide for Older Adults and Caregivers.
There will also be giveaways, raffle prizes, and refreshments. This free, one-day event is sponsored by Elder Education Community Outreach (EECO) and Old Colony Elderly Services’ Family Caregiver Support Program.
For more information, contact Sara Gassett at Old Colony Elderly Services, (508) 584-1561 ext. 272.
About Old Colony Elderly Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elderly Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The organization’s mission is to provide services which will support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.
OCES serves the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.
The agency has 110 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oc-elderly.org.
I’ve researched thousands of web sites on my quest to find reliable and age-relevant resources for Boomers and seniors. I know how difficult it can be to find information on the net that’s accurate, trustworthy, user-friendly, and relevant to our 50something lifestyle. I’m committed to helping Baby Boomers and seniors discover the best content on the net, and I would never endorse a site that I wouldn’t use myself.
1. familydoctor.org http://familydoctor.org/
In addition to providing clear and concise senior health information, this site features a user-friendly format that’s easy to read
.2. Footsmart http://www.footsmart.com/
From the company that provides “smarter, better products for lower body health,” this user-friendly site allows Boomers to shop by brand, style, or by health condition.
3. Seniorclix http://www.seniorclix.org
Seniorclix provides national, state and community eldercare directories in addition to informative articles, brochures, and online courses that focus on the needs of seniors, family members, and caregivers.
4. Glam Girls http://www.cafeglam.com/
Clothes and fashion are a thorn in my side. The Glam Gals are the closest thing to my own personal shopper.
5. Sherrie Mathieson http://www.sherriemathieson.com/
I also love the age-appropriate style philosophy and timeless fashion tips of Sherrie Mathieson, a style consultant for people of all ages.
6. AARP Financial http://www.aarpfinancial.com/
Financial and retirement planning is a monumental challenge. Let the tools and resources at AARP Financial help you.
7. Overseas Adventure Travel http://www.oattravel.com
Explore out-of-the-way places in small groups led by fabulous tour guides who help you discover amazing places and unique experiences. OAT is also great for single travelers who can pay the low-cost single supplement or be matched with a roommate for further savings.
8. Pandora http://www.pandora.com/
This free music site plays your music whenever you want it. Rediscover old favorite artists or find new ones by exploring recommendations based on your personal selections.
9. Home Energy Saver http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/makingithappen/mih.html
This offshoot of the U.S. Department of Energy helps consumers determine how much energy and money can be saved and how much emissions can be reduced by implementing energy-efficient improvements.
10. Better World Shopper http://www.betterworldshopper.org/
I’m all for making this world a better place and I love this site’s concept and fresh approach to rating corporations. Let Ellis Jones, author of The Better World Shopping Guide, show you how you can spend your dollar to make a difference in this world.
Susan Levine is a boomer web entrepreneur and founder of www.50somethinginfo.com, a human-powered vertical search engine dedicated to delivering the best of the net to adults (both men and women) 50 years old and better. Discover more great Boomer sites and tips for senior living at http://50somethinginfo.blogspot.com/
Over 55 Retirement Community – Seniors Never Had It Better As There Are Now Some Wonderful Places To Stay
by bobcrabtree1 Posted: Friday, 12/11/2009Previously it was believed that after people retired, the journey towards the end of life started off. However, the scenario has completely changed now. Today, age doesn’t limit a person from living a life they have always cherished and even if they have crossed the threshold of 55, they lead as spirited life as that of a young boy or a girl. Longevity of people has increased with healthy eating in the form of organic foods and high standards of medical facilities that are available. For the so called senior citizens who have turned 55 or have crossed it long ago and are hale and hearty, the world has now become an oyster where they can discover new surprises each day. Those of the senior citizens who are searching for something new, there is a over 55 retirement community that can become their new address.
A recent survey has found out an astounding fact that over seventy-five million aged people are choosing these retirement homes as their homes because there are some great advantages. And the best news is that, they are at peace with themselves as they have many options to select from now.
An interested person can opt for a residential community which showers with benefits like the chance to play golf, do swimming or engage in other sports events. Sporting activities like fishing, golf, boating, swimming etc. are indispensable part of this kind of living. The provocations of these activities are simply too much and thus there are many who want to experience them, even if they have never done so before. The ones who are choosy about the location, need not worry as there are plenty of sites. An over 55 retirement community can be easily available in the neighboring areas or locations where your relatives and immediate family live in. If you decide to stay in a warm and bright climatic condition, you will not be disheartened too. A quick glance through the internet will more than suffice the urge to settle down in a place of one’s liking. The people associated with real estate business have discovered this new trend and are fast building up these kinds of communities almost all over the country.
In almost all parts of the country these types of communities have come up now, owing to the fact that they become so popular. These are a couple of suggestions for you to follow while looking for Over fifty-five Community Housing.
• Give more emphasis on the location of the community if you are single or married. Or do you want to live at a neighboring place, which is not far off from your friends?
• Expand your search options beyond the known, to all those states where you had always wanted to live.
• You need to search for your over 55 retirement community carefully because there are many catering to different lifestyle needs. Make a list of the things that you think are absolutely necessary for you to have and you can then customize your search according to your needs.
At http://www.myactivecommunity.com you can know more about over 55 communities and also find them. You will surely find your perfect 55+ retirement home here.
At http://www.myactivecommunity.com you can know more about over 55 communities and also find them. Get your ideal 55+ retirement home here.
Swine Flu Prevention Guidelines For Seniors, the Aging & Caregivers
by bobcrabtree1 Posted: Friday, 12/11/2009You have all undoubtedly heard all the recent news about swine flu-but have you thought about what it means for the seniors in your life, your aging parents or you as a caregiver? To date, almost all cases in the North America have been mild and the chances of contracting swine flu are still remote. Just yesterday, President Obama released this official statement: “We are closely monitoring the emerging cases of swine flu in the United States. This is obviously the cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert, but it’s not a cause for alarm.” However, according to the World Health Organization, the number of confirmed cases of swine flu worldwide increased to 236 on Thursday; this is a substantial increase from the previous day’s total of 147. Anyone with an aging parent or a senior in their life, including all certified care managers, should be concerned about the recent swine flu pandemic and the potential risks for seniors. This group is at particular risk due to difficulties recovering if exposed. It is very important to ensure that all home health aides are educated about swine flu Prevention Guidelines as prescribed by the CDC Center for Disease Control(CDC). Obtaining relevant information from all active caregivers, including recent travels and experienced flu symptoms, is a key component of prevention. There are steps that professional and family caregivers as well as the community at large can take to decrease exposure and combat symptoms of swine flue. The Center for Disease Control is constantly updating their site, but the current guidelines and information about swine flu for caregivers is as follows: Swine flu’s symptoms resemble those of seasonal flu-fever, sore throat, cough, congestion, chills, headache, body aches and fatigue. Some patients also report diarrhea and vomiting. If you have symptoms, see your doctor or visit a community clinic. A medical provider’s diagnosis is important and prescription antiviral drugs are most effective when taken within 48 hours of the appearance of symptoms. If you are ill, avoid travel and do not go to work or school. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based cleaners and hand sanitizers. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then discard the tissue. Or if necessary, use your upper sleeve-not your hands. If you’re healthy, wash your hands often and avoid ill people. The flu’s incubation period is 24 to 48 hours. Make certain to follow any new developments regarding public health advice, such as avoiding crowds. Develop an emergency plan. Your plan should include maintaining a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essentials.
Please visit the Gilbert Guide for the very best in Senior Home Care and for more information about Senior Care.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – After back-to-back hospital visits for congestive heart failure, Eva Olweean figured her health was back to normal. But the nurses at her retirement home knew better: Motion sensors in the 86-year-old?s bed detected too many restless nights.
Tiny sensors hover unobtrusively over the toilet, shower and doorways to detect Olweean?s movements inside her apartment. Pneumatic tubes tucked in the mattress and beneath her easy chair measure weight shifts. Caregivers and researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia study the data, noting changes in behavior that could signal medical problems.
Recognizing the coming ?silver tsunami? of graying baby boomers, tech companies are racing to help aging Americans spend more time living independently instead of in nursing homes. For the first time earlier this month, the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas featured a special section devoted to high-tech senior living.
Delaying nursing home living
?We?re talking about an important paradigm shift in how we think about aging,? said Majd Alwan, director of the Washington-based Center for Aging Services Technologies. Alwan led a panel discussion on smart-home technology at the Las Vegas event.
Delaying institutionalization by a year or more, is a significant financial savings, he added. ?Let alone the benefits in quality of life for the senior and for the caregiver.?
Alwan previously led the eldercare technology unit of the University of Virginia?s Medical Automation Research Center, which developed the passive sensor technology used in Missouri.
Unlike medical warning badges worn by seniors, the motion sensors? success doesn?t depend on the cooperation of patients. Elderly people can be prone to forget the badges when dressing, or who might resist the devices as too obtrusive, said University of Missouri nursing professor Marilyn Rantz. more…
Over the last 8 days, the Dow Jones Industrial Stocks have lost 13.6%, which is roughly 1,500 points. While this does not qualify as the largest drop in stock prices in history, it is hurting Americans who have money in the stock market and in pension and 401K plans.
According to the Associated Press a top congressional budget analyst now says that pension plans have lost as much as $2 Trillion over the last 15 months. CNBC’s analyst, Jim Cramer, was quoted on the Today show as saying Whatever you may need for the next five years, please take it out of the stock market. Right now. This week. I do not believe that you should risk those assets in the stock market.
All the combination of all this news has a number of effects on senior homeowners who thought they had a retirement strategy in place to last throughout their retirement years.
Some senior homeowners are being forced to put off retirement. Some who are already retired and have been living off of their investments have been shocked to see their latest statements only to find that their assets have shrunk dramatically. Many cannot easily re-enter the work force nor do they wish to do so at this stage of their lives. For some, the shock of seeing their lives suddenly altered regardless of their careful planning is devastating.
For many senior homeowners the government-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage(HECM or Heck-um) is a viable alternative. The HECM allows eligible senior homeowners to eliminate mortgage payments for life and in many instances, receive a monthly payment to subsidize their income.
The recent legislation that passed, H.R. 3221, raised the national limit to $417,000 for the HUD HECM loan and therefore more borrowers than ever before will be able to take advantage of this program (HUD has not released the effective date of the new limits as of this time but it is expected that they will do so on or before November 1, 2008). Government Reverse Mortgages allow borrowers access to their equity, do not require monthly payments and the seniors always own their home.
Interest rates, borrowers ages, property values all have an impact on the amount for which a borrower will qualify. With the recent increases to the LIBOR (London Inter Bank Offered Rate) margin and with the decrease to housing values in much of the nation, the effect has been one of of eroding the amount a borrower can receive on a reverse mortgage.
Borrowers who were shopping just a few months ago have in some instances been surprised when they made the decision to continue with their reverse mortgage, only to find that the margins had risen on the loans and they were now eligible for less money.
The silver lining in the cloud however is that there are still fixed rate programs available with very low interest rates (if you are paying off a current mortgage and want to take all your proceeds up front – you cannot take a monthly payment with a fixed rate HECM). There are also some Constant Maturity Treasury programs available and those rates have recently dropped making them still very attractive as well.
The end result is that if you or a loved one are 62 or older and own your own home and have recently seen your retirement funds shrink with all that has happened in the financial markets, before you panic, you may want to take a good hard look at this government-insured program.
Michael G. Branson (CEO All Reverse Mortgage Company)is a Mortgage Broker who has over 31 years of mortgage banking experience. Toll Free (888) 801-2762
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