07 Feb
Posted by Lori Solomon as All, Assisted living, Senior Living
01 Feb
Posted by Lori Solomon as All, Senior Living
Avoid a fiasco or an unnecessary remark when people see “Mom”, after a long time has passed. Whether it is for a special occasion, holiday time or just simply an upcoming visit, be sure to inform others about behavior and condition changes since they last saw her. Otherwise they may be shocked, as they compare with their most recent memories. Perhaps suggest they arrange a visit beforehand. Or make suggestions to them on how to communicate, especially if her speech is not intact. However you assess the situation, come up with strategies that will lead to the most successful approach and a pleasant visit.
It is that time of year, where families are stymied as to what to buy their elderly loved ones. There are a number of gift ideas, many of which are for their comfort in mind, not necessarily the latest in gadgets. Home adaptation equipment, such as handheld shower devices, large button telephones and safety objects. Consider entertainment items, such as their favorite music from the past, photograph albums filled with family pictures, videos, large print books or large piece puzzles. Clothing items are appreciated, with easy on/off elastic or Velcro closures. Warm and comfy items are favorites. Gift certificates for grooming, massages, manicures and haircuts are always a hit. Memory aids are useful, such as calendars, message boards or handheld tape recorders. And the best gift of all is companionship …. spending time with your elderly loved ones. Here is an article I wrote that can provide you with more suggestions on how to give gifts that will make this year’s holiday one to remember.
13 Dec
Posted by Lori Solomon as All, Assisted living, Senior Living
If you have older relatives and friends and you just don’t know what to give them, don’t despair… you are not alone! Many seniors have made or are in the midst of life changes, downsizing to smaller living quarters or perhaps have moved to a retirement, assisted living or skilled nursing facility. As a result, most seniors do not want to receive more “things”. Their adult children and friends are faced with a tough question of what to get someone who is trying to “unclutter” at this stage.
There are countless gift giving suggestions that will be appreciated. Instead of giving traditional gifts like a necktie or another doodad to dust – try giving creative, easily consumed gifts or services, to make their lives easier. Use your knowledge about the person to tailor gifts that will be helpful to them. Telephone cards, transportation tickets, coupon books for discount services or a donation to their favorite charity are appreciated. For those with health challenges such as poor eyesight or hearing, arthritis or other physical limitations, there are myriad items that will be welcomed. Gifts such as amplified big button telephones, talking room thermometers, voice activated light switches and specially adapted utensils with large grip handles are helpful suggestions. Personalized memory books, a framed picture of a loved one or themed gift baskets designed with the senior’s special interests in mind are hits! Subscriptions for magazine, large print novels, decks of cards and a stash of favored snacks are sure pleasers. With so many seniors striving to maintain their health, the “gift of health” goes a long way. Pampering services, such as a certificate for a manicure, massage or facial are surely welcomed. Keep in mind that Santa may be a distant memory, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t experience pleasure in unwrapping a gift!
For seniors living in assisted living or nursing homes, the holidays can be a depressing, lonely time. They may have memories of better times in their past, especially for those who have lost a spouse, have family members afar or are estranged from their families. Bring an old photograph album to refresh memories from long ago. Importantly, while visiting “mom” don’t forget her roommate or neighbors. Perhaps “adopt” a senior, to help ease their “holiday blues”. These individuals not only need recognition and a friendly visitor, but can always use personal care items or small pleasures and a friendly visit. Be prepared to listen, listen and listen!
Invite your senior to a holiday gathering, so that they still feel that they are a vital part of a celebration. Offer to bring wrapping paper and lend a hand in shopping for them to buy the holidays gifts they may have in mind. Most importantly, remember the caregivers and staff at senior communities, faithfully caring for your aging loved one. They deserve to be applauded for the hard work that they do!
High on the wish list for many seniors is something that can’t be bought in a store, the one thing their families may find in short supply – time. Plan ahead, make the time, involve the senior and above all don’t let their limitations interfere with an enjoyable visit!
01 Dec
Posted by Lori Solomon as All, Senior Living
I visited China recently, spending a week in Beijing and Shanghai. It was quite amazing to see how active the seniors were and how committed to exercise the people were at all ages to maintain health and well being. Exercise is their lifestyle, not requiring a membership to a fancy gym or the latest in exercise equipment. The local parks are a sight to see…with the look of an Olympics training grounds, though with a flair…. woman dancing with scarves in graceful movement, and other creative types of exercise. A report in their newspaper “China Daily” on November 1st, 2009 reported that more than 50% of centenarians in Hainan province are fit enough to take care of themselves, according to a local government survey. The country’s second largest island, known as the “home of longevity” has 1,163 registered centenarians, 173 of which are men and 990 are women. There are 9 centenarian couples where both husband and wife have passed the 100-year mark! Us Americans need to adopt the Chinese exercise regimen.
19 Oct
Posted by Lori Solomon as All, Assisted living, Senior Living
As I was reading “She Has a Front Seat to Homelessness” - Oct. 15 , 2009 Los Angeles Times (www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-bessie16-2009oct16,0,7618199.story), I though..
There is no fathomable reason that a 97-year old woman should be sleeping in a car, along with her 60 and 63 year old sons. The State of California will provide SSI to them to pay for their room and board for all to live in a senior living facility, staying together, where the sons could live independently and Bessie could receive assisted living services. Each would also receive $125/month extra for incidentals. Depending upon Bessie’s care needs, her SSI may not meet the total cost and an additional maximum of $500 will be necessitated. Having 11 children, 8 still living, and probably a good number of grandchildren and spouses, I can only imagine that there are at least a dozen relatives that could pool their resources to help provide for the matriarch of their family. Each would have to contribute $1.39 per day… less than a cup of coffee! We make free senior housing referrals and placements every day at Accent On Seniors (www.accentonseniors.org)…
04 Oct
Posted by Lori Solomon as All, Assisted living, Senior Living
Elderly people make excellent employees… with their breadth of experience and a maturity in their approach. Turnover is significantly lower than all other categories. The typical elder is not out looking for another job… willing to move from place to place at the drop of a hat for 10 additional cents an hour or seeking to climb the corporate ladder! My mother needs my help today, my child is ill… all the family obligations are no longer reasons to miss work.
Don’t underestimate the experience… even though they may not have the tech world down pat… their techniques may make up for knowing how to “copy” and “paste”. The most remarkable staff member I ever had assisting me was a 92 year old volunteer who worked in my department at an acute hospital. She stuffed envelopes with an organized method that got the job done in a speedy fashion with her nimble fingers.
Shunning tasks that they may consider beneath them, like a 23 year old college graduate may do, will not likely occur. The older employee will likely be more cooperative, grateful for the opportunity to stay active.
Progressive companies are making a concerted effort to recruit seniors. Maturity on the job, as an employer myself… sounds refreshing. Our seniors will not be sneaking in their iPods on the job, texting on their iPhone, and squeezing their social interactions on Facebook into the workday!