We are just rounding out the tail end of winter and happily heading into milder, brighter days in the spring. Recently during the holiday season many of us have had the pleasure of spending time with our senior loved ones, which generally offers the opportunity to assess their current living and health situation and if their needs are still being met. If a higher level of care is needed, there are plenty of options available and there’s no better time than the present to begin looking into them accordingly.
Jen Wolf-Wubbels of Southlake Village Rehabilitation and Care Center explains, “After visiting your loved ones this winter it may have become apparent that their current living situation is no longer adequate for their needs. The best solution is to work with your loved one to determine what their next move will be. To reduce the stress of this transition, sit down with your loved one and discuss their needs as well as their wants and wishes in a new home. It is also important to talk over finances. Discuss with your loved one if they have Long Term Care Insurance, meet Medicaid qualifications or if their new home will be paid for privately.
Once you have discussed this it is time to decide what type of community you should be touring. Depending on your loved ones physical and medical needs you will want to choose from independent living, assisted living, or a skilled nursing facility. If you are unsure where to start it is okay to call the facility and ask for their admissions team. The admissions team at the community will be able to walk you through the care and services they provide to help you determine if the facility will be able to meet your loved one’s needs. If they are not, they will be happy to point you in the right direction. Once you have gathered your initial information, make a list of several facilities you would like to tour. You can call and set up appointments or just stop in for a tour. Please be aware that if you choose to tour later in the evening or on the weekend the admissions team may not be available to answer all of your questions. When touring, be open and honest about your loved one’s needs and how your loved one’s care will be paid for. Each community has different medical capabilities and availability based on pay or type.
If possible, take your loved one with you for the tours. If they are physically unable, show your loved one pictures from the facilities website. At Southlake Village we have many pictures on our website as well as a virtual tour. We also provide you with a photo sheet with many photos of our facility during your tour. If you would like, please feel free to take pictures; we just ask that you be courteous of our resident’s privacy.
Once you have toured, sit down with your loved one and discuss all the options, what you liked, didn’t like and where you felt the most comfortable. Once you have determined the best fit, contact the community’s admissions representative. They may ask that you complete an application and require medical information be obtained from your loved one’s physician to determine if the community will be able to meet the needs of your loved one. This is also a good time to provide the community with copies of your loved one’s insurance cards and advanced directives.
The Southlake Village admissions team is happy to assist you and your loved ones with planning for senior living. Feel free to give us a call at (402) 327-6300.”
“When trying to balance the want for independence with the need for extra assistance, it’s most important to keep as the primary focus the provision of the most appropriate care for that particular moment in time,” adds Amy Fish, Administrator at Lancaster Rehabilitation Center. “Evaluate what additional services will help maintain their utmost freedom and independence while providing them the safety and security desired. Easy things like arranging for meals on wheels, or chore services might be the minimal answer. Don’t feel like you need to make a major jump to 24-hour care if that’s not what is vital or necessary as a first step. It will often be better received if services are gradually introduced, especially to those seniors who are very independent.
When a decision is made on the services needed, and the elder is in agreement with this help, make sure your expectations are clearly communicated to the provider selected to deliver this service. Often, a breakdown in communication leads to frustration on everyone’s part. Hold the provider accountable to your expectations, and solicit feedback often from the elder receiving the services to ensure their comfort with the change.”
As for the winter weather that will likely hang on for the next couple of months, Fish advises, “Getting out and about in the winter months can be treacherous for anyone, let alone for those who have physical limitations or safety concerns. Therefore, before deciding to make that trip to the store or medical appointment, seniors need to be sure the route will be free of obstacles like snow banks or icy sidewalks. Volunteering to clean the drive or sidewalk for a senior is a kind gesture and may allow them to make even simple trips to the mailbox worry free. Another kind gesture would be offering to assist them with their travel needs, or just stopping by to pass the time. The cold and dangers of winter can isolate seniors, making simple tasks more difficult. It is important to lean on the many resources our community offers to seniors every day, including things like meals on wheels, and home health care services. At Lancaster Rehabilitation we also offer short term respite stays where seniors can take up temporary residence until spring arrives. That way, they get all the comforts of home plus an actively engaged activity program and delicious home cooked meals!
Socialization is always important for anyone, but particularly seniors who might have a tendency to become more isolated as debility or access to resources becomes more prevalent. It is important to get involved in helping elders do the things they’ve always enjoyed. Once spring arrives, setting up simple patio gardens or making trips to a local greenhouse are enjoyable ways to spend the day. Fresh air and sunshine are enjoyable to most anyone! You could also plan a picnic lunch where elders can enjoy spending time with family and grandchildren. Or attend a local sporting event, where handicap accessibility is provided.”
“It’s important to take action before you are faced with a crisis situation,” agrees Pam Carlson of The Waterford Communities. “Take the time to shop around for services that fit your loved one’s long term needs. Change is difficult to accept, especially if you are not a part of making the plan. My advice is always to narrow down your top three choices and let your loved one help to make the final decision. Knowledge and choice are powerful tools when seniors begin to lose their independence.
During the winter months we all tend to have less social interaction. This is especially true for seniors who aren’t able to handle getting out in the elements as well. The Waterford offers social interaction on a daily basis regardless of the weather. Residents are able to exercise daily and attend activities of their choice. For some residents the joy is just in being able to meet their friends three times a day for a delicious home cooked meal.
The best practice is if you don’t absolutely need to be out in the bad weather, don’t be. At the Waterford we bring services such as Nurse Practitioner visits, lab draws and therapy services right to you. Also, stay hydrated! Many falls and illness in seniors are due to lack of hydration. A few tips to stay hydrated are to keep a bottle or cup of water by your bedside or chair. Drink at least a full glass or bottle of water between each meal. During meals opt for water over caffeinated beverages such as coffee and soda.”
“Winter weather can increase slips and falls at any age,” adds Eldonna Rayburn of Homestead Rehabilitation Center. “If you must go outside when it is icy, make sure your shoes or boots have non-slip soles. Try to avoid footwear with shoelaces as these easily come undone and become tripping hazards. Look for paths that have a railing for you to hold on to. Do not attempt walking in any area without adequate lighting. Dress adequately for the cold and remember to cover your ears and mouth to avoid illness due to exposure. Keep your path in view at all times—carrying large objects or multiple items can block your view to uneven surfaces and ice. Finally, keep a mobile phone with you in the event you do fall and may need help.”
Aside from precautionary measures that will help you in staying healthy and maintaining your independence, many times there are more complicated issues that need to be addressed. “After visiting loved ones, frequently the reality of decline is hard to accept,” says Stephanie Petersen, RN and owner of All About Family. “None of us like to see our parents, grandparents, or loved ones become more dependent while fighting for their independence. If they need help with daily activities, companionship, or a multitude of types of assistance I encourage you to contact a home care agency. It can also be helpful to interview a couple of different ones before making a final decision. You need to feel comfortable with the caregivers that will be spending time with your loved one!
If your loved one is able to remain in their home with care, transitioning is not as much of an impact as if he/she needs to be transferred to assisted living. If seniors remain in their home, the ‘adjustment’ is generally just getting used to us being in their home and feeling ‘invaded’ by people they do not know. My goal with All About Family is to become part of YOURS! All efforts are made to have the same caregivers matched up with your loved one.
This builds a relationship and the trust that is needed for most seniors to feel comfortable with someone being in their home. If they need to be transitioned from living in their home to an assisted living facility and we have already been involved, I encourage families to allow us to continue care for at least a week to help them adjust to their new surroundings and caregivers. We are a friend who can break the ice for them. However, if you have chosen to pass on in-home care and start with the transition to assisted living, we can serve as an adjunct resource in that arrangement as well.
The transition to a facility is difficult on EVERYONE, not just your loved one. The decision can be a very emotional struggle for the family member who is appointed as the Power of Attorney/next of kin, so do not underestimate the impact it may have on you! My only advice when faced with this type of move is to let them know you love them, that you are concerned for their safety and that if you were in their shoes, you would want your family to do the same exact thing. Assisted living centers are very good at instructing you how to decorate and other ways to ensure your loved one becomes acclimated to the new environment, which will help him/her adjust to the transition as smoothly as possible.”
She adds, “With a bit of winter yet this year, senior safety is at the forefront. Deciding to move your loved one to a facility is hard enough, but if they fall and are forced to be placed in a different care setting immediately that can be traumatic. Throw rugs in the home and ice outside are two of the main culprits. If they do not need the rugs, get rid of them! When All About Family staff is in the home, they are very aware of the expectations: Be by their side! We also encourage movement when we are with our clients. This keeps their blood flowing and muscles warm. Along with regular activity, stay physically healthy by eating/drinking well, getting plenty of rest, and having a happy heart! Appetite is a difficult one sometimes; however, I’ve found that seniors seem to eat better when someone is sitting with them.
During the winter months I also encourage all families to have an emergency kit for inclement weather: This includes bottles of water, granola bars/canned foods (don’t forget the opener), good sources of protein such as peanut butter, canned tuna, etc., a weeks’ worth of medications, matches, candles, flashlights with extra batteries, and a set of clothes.
Looking forward to spring yet? Yeah, me too! Outside activities always brighten moods! Going on a walk or a ride in the wheelchair does wonders for the spirit. Just getting outside with fresh air can decrease anxiety. Our staff can also accompany clients to the park if they like. Watching children play and giggle brings joy and cheer to seniors. Seniors always like to have something to look forward to as well. Give them something positive to think about—a wedding, a baby, graduation, fishing trip, and celebrations of all kinds. Ask them for suggestions, if appropriate, and try to incorporate it into your plans. Shoot, invite them to help you prepare if able! They need to have a purpose, self-worth, and a reason to wake up the next day.”
“Having ‘the talk’ with a parent or senior loved one can be one of the most difficult challenges for adult children/caregivers,” agrees Kayla Schaf, Marketing Director for Legacy Retirement Communities. “The first step is to better understand the issues—and where to find good information about things that seniors need to deal with on a regular basis. Unfortunately this isn’t always easy. Sadly, it’s not the kind of wisdom that seems to come naturally with age. As a matter of fact, most people don’t think about senior issues until they’re staring them in the face.
The good news is that there are a lot of great resources available to help guide that difficult conversation. There is a book that we’ve found extremely helpful in understanding how seniors feel and think—and the adult children of many of our residents have found it a useful tool as well. David Solie’s book, How to Say it to Seniors: Closing the Communication Gap with Our Elders, is a very practical guide that can help you better communicate with your aging loved ones. If you would like to receive a free copy of this book please contact me at Kayla@legacyretirement.com.
The next step is to be aware of the benefits and problems if nothing changes for your loved one. Take inventory and find out what is going on at home that is concerning and what is still working. Have there been obvious health changes? Is he or she eating well? Is the home being taken care of or are there piles of clutter or signs that things are getting neglected? Taking notice of the present will help you clearly identify concerns and focus on solutions in the future. A good question to ask is ‘What living situation will allow mom or dad (or loved one) to be safe, comfortable, and to receive appropriate attention so that they can enjoy life?’
Many times the best way to get started is to talk to someone who has been through this season of life. Legacy Retirement Communities has been voted Lincoln’s number one choice in retirement living since 1997 by no accident. It is our mission to help families navigate the options regardless if a move is ever made. Legacy Staff are a free resource to you and we are just a phone call or visit away from helping you discover the best options for your loved one.”
Deb Maguire, Administrator at High Plains Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, also offers some useful approaches specifically for those who are experiencing memory loss or signs of dementia:
“We understand that caring for a loved one with memory loss is a difficult and challenging experience. We also understand the decision to place a loved one in the care of others is perhaps the most difficult decision you will ever make. High Plains is here to help ease your mind. Our philosophy of care is focused on the knowledge that to provide the care and support our residents need, we must know and understand memory care and the every changing impact it has on their ability to understand their world. We get to know each resident’s life story to create moments that are meaningful to them personally. We strive to provide a warm, caring and supportive environment where our residents can experience daily routines and familiar faces. Our programs are designed to add meaning and value to their lives and to help them feel comfortable in their environment. As partners in care, we will work together to build a plan that supports their independence and provides them with the sense of belonging that is so important to all of us. Our philosophy of care is a simple one: To care for each resident with dignity and respect and join you in honoring them.
Q: Why is it important to know about the resident’s past experiences, preferences and life story?
A: It can give us clues to present moods, fears and behaviors, and also give us ideas for engaging them in conversations, reminiscing and triggering pleasant memories.
Q: What does it mean to minimize a person’s disability?
A: By allowing and assisting the resident to do as much for themselves as possible, also recognizing their limitations and not frustrating them by asking or expecting them to do something they are not able to do by themselves, allows them to maintain their independence and boost self-esteem.
Q: How do you train staff to handle behaviors?
A: We know that a resident’s challenging behavior is just another form of communication. With limited abilities to understand their environment and express themselves, residents develop their own way to communicate – positively or negatively. All behavior is communication. This allows us to let them have meaning and purpose to every day.
Q: What do you mean by “We care for the whole person”?
A: It means not only do we meet the residents’ physical needs, but it is equally vital that we address their social, emotional, mental and spiritual needs, to ensure that their lives continue to hold meaning and purpose.
Q: How can families be incorporated into the Meaningful Moments program?
A: We encourage family to participate in events and activities, provide them with ideas for interacting with their loved ones during visits, join them in conversations and give them interesting bits of information about what their loved one has been doing since their last visit.
Here at High Plains Alzheimer’s Special Care Center we offer a wide range of activities to keep your loved one socially engaged. We take a holistic approach to caring for memory disease and other related dementias. This allows them to continue to experience life in a meaningful way bringing moments of meaning and joy into their daily routines. Call today to schedule your tour at (402) 483-0250—just ask for Deb.”
Above all, being supportive of our senior loved ones is of the utmost importance. “This month especially, consider being a Valentine to an elder in your life,” suggests Larry Gadeken, Director of Guardian Angels Homecare Inc. “They may have been a widow or widower for many years but that heartache is still there. Winter weather can also cause isolation and increased depression in elders. Possible gifts could be coupons for an outing, setting up a visit with a close friend, home repair, concert tickets, car washes, groceries, fruit or specialty foods baskets, gift certificates or even a letter stating how they have made a positive impact in your life and special memories you have with them. When writing a letter or card be sure to accommodate them if they have limited vision.
One of the mental tasks of aging is life resolution. Sharing memories with them that are positive can help them reach a level of satisfaction as they look back on their life.”
He also offers some helpful tips for approaching the conversation when a higher level of care may be needed:
-Have the talk before they need help if possible. If they feel rushed and under pressure the easiest answer is usually NO. Whatever their needs are should direct the kind of assistance you pursue for them. Finding out what things they already have in place and their desires for their future will assist in the decision making process. Things such as: what are their personal and financial goals, what is their financial ability to achieve those goals, do they have a living will, what insurance do they have, and are they eligible for veteran or other benefits. If their desire is to stay in their home make sure you evaluate the accessibility and safety of their home.
On a more personal level you need to know their desires for the future: things like, what is it they need you to support, what issues are nonnegotiable that you can agree to fight for on their behalf. If they know you are on their side any discussion will be better received and supported.
-To get started you may use an article you’ve read or even this article as the reason to deal with this issue. You may even be reviewing your own plans for these issues-anyone older than 50 should have a plan in place for these types of issues-living will, 5 wishes document, etc. (http://fivewishes.org/). Treat your parents as adults, strive for agreement when possible, be kind, gentle and empathetic, proceed with flexibility and humor and ask for those same things from your elderly family members.
-Find common ground by establishing that you have the same goal of them living out the rest of their life as healthy and happy as possible and that you want to work together to help them achieve those goals.
-Realize that they may never see this the way that you do. Assure them that they deserve to be taken care of and assisted. Assure them that they are not a burden but an asset to your family and your life. Assure them that putting things in place now will keep them from being a burden to anyone, may keep them from declining more and should help them avoid having choices taken away from them. Let them know if you feel they are unsafe, but respect their right to live as they choose. Honoring them will lead to a more trusting relationship. If they trust that you value their control over their own lives they may be more open to discussing issues with you in the future.
-Agree that whatever is implemented will be on a trial basis. It is hard to make a decision that is for the next few years, just deal with the next 3 months for now.
-You may need to gently share recent observations you have made. Such as being unsteady on their feet and a possible fall risk, inability to perform normal daily tasks such as keeping the home organized and clean, not eating healthy meals, feelings of sadness, forgetfulness, ignoring personal hygiene issues, etc. Consider all issues that may require a change or some level of intervention.
Holly Breucop, RN, BSN, who will be overseeing Tabitha’s newest service line, EngAGE by Tabitha™, which will provide innovative, first-of-its-kind proactive aging consultation services for older adults and their family members, also offers her expertise regarding finding the right fit for care:
“The first step should be to talk with the Elder about your concerns; then, offer to call Tabitha Continuum Navigation at (402) 486-8520 to set up a no-cost, no-obligation home visit and consultation to discuss all the available options. At that visit, a Continuum Navigator will evaluate, foremost, the Elder’s story, getting to the heart of the individual’s goals and the lifestyle they desire. Then, together with the family we can begin to discuss what options are available to help the person meet those goals safely. At Tabitha we strive to make any necessary transition smooth and seamless, with minimal disruption to an Elder’s daily life. Some of the choices we offer to help do just that are Tabitha Meals on Wheels, Tabitha Adult Day Services, Tabitha’s medical and non-medical home care programs, and our innovative technology options including VoiceCare emergency response system and Telehealth home monitoring.
In fact, one of the easiest ways to be prepared for a health emergency—no matter the time of year—is the VoiceCare emergency response system, available through Tabitha. With the press of a button worn inconspicuously around the Elder’s neck, VoiceCare will contact designated responders such as family, neighbors or emergency personnel. It is both an affordable and effective way to be prepared should an urgent health need arise unexpectedly.”
AlarmLink USA provides security and emergency systems that are wonderful for seniors who are able to continue living in their own homes. The AlarmLink Medical Alert is especially popular among seniors, and truly is a life saver. RJ Lipert, owner of AlarmLink USA, explains, “We have an array of products and services that can be tailored to fit the needs and lifestyles of seniors. Our most popular of those is the Personal Emergency Reporting System, which is a supervised wireless emergency reporting product. The transmitter is convertible, meaning that we can install it in a wristband or a pendant in addition to options for table-top or wall-mount consoles. This system offers 24/7 emergency monitoring from the staff at AlarmLink USA, 2-way voice capabilities, smoke detection, and it’s also waterproof.
Because the lives and assets of our clients are at stake, we are committed to the flawless execution of our systems. We would be happy to provide more information on the various options for seniors and a free estimate on any of these products. At AlarmLink USA, we take great pride in knowing that we play a role in keeping seniors safe and secure in their home, wherever that may be.”
If a move is on the horizon or already scheduled for this spring, you may need to utilize a storage facility for the transition or for a temporary home for belongings until everything settles down or they can be picked up by family members. Strong Box Storage is a locally owned and operated facility that offers plenty of options for storage and moving supplies to get you relocated smoothly, and with the many security features, 24-hour access and on-site staff you can be assured that your belongings and treasured possessions are safe and can be reached whenever you need them.
Many decisions will need to be made regarding care and living arrangements, but having the discussion regarding end of life arrangements sooner rather than later is of the utmost importance too. “End of life conversations stir up a lot of emotion, and are one of the most difficult things we will ever discuss with our loved ones, even for those of us who work daily with planning and funerals,” says Jodi Finch of Roper & Sons Funeral Services. “The best piece of advice I can give is that conversations about death and end of life arrangements are not something that take place once, and are never spoken of again. Start talking early, and have these conversations often. Write down things that are meaningful – ways that you want to be remembered, songs that you love, flowers that you want (or don’t want), note photos that you would like included in a tribute video, and so on. Write down whether you want a traditional service and burial, cremation, Life Celebration service, and any other special wishes; you may even want to write your own obituary. Most importantly, make sure that your family members know where to access this list or journal.
We offer a guide called ‘Having the Talk of a Lifetime’ free of charge, to help jumpstart these conversations. This resource offers tips for starting and continuing important, meaningful conversations with those we are closest with, and a section for journaling our thoughts, ideas, and wishes. This journal is often a great way to start a conversation in a light-hearted way, that can lead into ‘heavier’ conversations that include actually planning your funeral or memorial service. This guide is available by calling Jodi at 476-1225, or by stopping into Roper & Sons between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. seven days a week.”
She continues, “We are very lucky in Lincoln to have a wide variety of choices when considering funeral planning. Each funeral home has something very unique to offer, and each funeral director has their own style of assisting families. At Roper & Sons, we believe in treating your family as we would our own. Our funeral directors are compassionate, knowledgeable, and experienced. We can work within most budgets, and provide almost anything that you may desire when planning your funeral or memorial service. It is very important to be able to express your wishes both with your loved ones, and with the funeral director planning the service. There are a wide variety of service options; the most important thing to remember is that this is one final time for everyone to say their goodbyes, and to remember you as you wish to be remembered.
We highly recommend pre-planning and pre-paying your services, no matter what type of service you choose. We hear time and time again how a pre-planned, pre-paid funeral service is one of the best gifts ever given to a loved one. It goes without saying, death brings a huge emotional burden and during times of crisis, we do not usually think clearly. There are over 150 pieces of information a funeral director will ask for when meeting with your family, some of which is necessary within the first 24 hours following death in order to process the death certificate. This information includes things that may not be readily accessible, such as your social security number, dates of military service, or even your mother’s maiden name.
Additionally, when you have pre-paid your service, your family is relieved of a financial burden that can, at times, be overwhelming. Your pre-arranged plan is held outside of your estate; you are the owner and the funeral home is the beneficiary. Not only does pre-arranging ensure that your family is relieved of the financial burden, your costs are locked in at the prices quoted at the time of purchase (with a few small exceptions that are outside the control of the funeral home).”
“End-of-life planning is a hard conversation to start, but it is best for everyone to share their wishes long before it becomes a concern, especially when dealing with chronic illnesses like heart disease or COPD,” agrees Lisa Pham, RN, Executive Director of Hospice Community Care of Nebraska. “Often, individuals are relieved that someone is talking about it! This can greatly reduce stress when the time for hospice arrives. By having these discussions early, you can devote time together making memories instead of hard decisions.
Hospice is about each individual deciding how the rest of their life will be lived. Educating yourself about hospice is essential to planning for the future and taking advantage of what hospice has to offer. One of the most important aspects is being aware that hospice services are a benefit of Medicare and most insurance plans. Anyone can talk to a hospice provider at any time, not just at end of life. Knowing what to expect and how hospice works will take away the fear of the unknown.”
It can often be difficult for seniors to admit declining health even if it’s not an issue that would require a higher level of care or assistance—a prime example being hearing loss. An easy way to start the conversation is to simply ask, “When was your last hearing test?” If your loved one is reluctant to get tested, tell them it is as routine as any other annual checkup. You get your blood tested, your eyes tested – why not your hearing? At Nebraska Hearing Center, hearing evaluations are always free. Why not get that annual check-up?
Setting and monitoring your baseline is really important. Recent studies from John Hopkins University show there may be a link between poor hearing and Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Researchers believe it is due to the part of your brain that processes sound not being utilized as it once was. “This alone shows the importance of monitoring your hearing on an annual basis,” says Leslie Frank MS, CCC-A, owner and Audiologist of Nebraska Hearing Center. People with declining hearing also tend to slowly isolate themselves from society. “It’s not because they want to,” she explains. “It is just easier. It is easier to stay home than to go enjoy lunch with friends in a noisy restaurant.”
Technology has really transformed the world of hearing devices. They aren’t your Grandpa’s hearing aids anymore. Brand new to Audibel, which is made by Starkey Labs, is the Invisbel 2 and the A3 hearing devices. The Invisibel 2 is a device that you put in and take out yourself. It goes completely into the ear canal and is invisible. New technology just released this month, is designed to nearly double our already leading noise reduction while still preserving speech. It works best for those with a mild to moderate hearing loss. The A3 has new technology that analyzes the sound coming in and provides patients with an automatic setting for the best audio. The A3 is also an excellent fit for those suffering from Tinnitus. “There are so many who contemplate hearing devices,” states Leslie. “Now is really an exciting time to see what is new on the market.”
Hearing evaluations are always free at Nebraska Hearing Center, which is centrally located at 5625 O St; Suite 104. Call (402) 486-3737 or check out our website nebraskahearingcenter.com to find out more about Nebraska Hearing Center.
Although spring is not quite in the air, it’s never too early to get up and shake off the winter blahs. While many seniors tend to slow down in the winter months, experts say that keeping active all year is key to good health. The proven benefits of regular exercise include lower blood pressure and blood glucose, improved sleep and mood, less fatigue, joint pain, and constipation, and weight control. “These are all good reasons for older Americans to keep moving during the winter months, emphasizes Katie Johnson, Wellness Director for Legacy Retirement Communities. “Luckily, the Lincoln community offers a wide variety of ways for the older adult to get active.” She also offers some the following tips for staying active this spring:
Getting started: If you are not already active, check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. They will discuss certain restrictions, if any, they see in your exercise plan.
What Lincoln seniors can do to “spring” into action in 2015:
Walking at the mall — Climate control and even surfaces make mall walking a great way to stay in shape.
Taking the stairs — Stair climbing exercises the same muscles necessary for keeping your balance while rising from a chair, so it’s important to keep these muscles strong.
Swimming — Check out the Lincoln YMCA’s, fitness centers, and gyms.
Take part in a community race — Whether you participate or go and cheer on the athletes, the Lincoln community has a variety of great walks/runs throughout the spring and summer months.
She adds, “The Legacy Retirement Communities put a very strong emphasis on keeping our residents active and engaged throughout the year. In fact, 72% of our residents are involved in exercise through the use of the Fitness Centers, group exercise classes, incentive programs/contests and outside community events. The stronger and more fit we keep our residents, the longer they can remain independent and maintain a good quality of life.
Although warmer months are ahead of us, older adults won’t be able to enjoy them if they aren’t careful during the winter conditions upon us now. Fall prevention while out and about during the winter months is of top priority for older adults. Some tips for staying safe in the winter weather include:
Proper footwear — Rubber or neoprene soles provide better traction on snow and ice than either plastic or leather soles.
Decide if you need to venture out — Listen to local forecasts and decide if your trip out is really necessary. If the weather is hazardous, choose to stay home. If you do need to go out, allow yourself plenty of time.
Snow removal — If you are not able to get out and shovel, arrange to have your sidewalks and driveway cleared after snowfalls.
Be aware! — Be aware of your surroundings and look for any obstacles in your path. Could there be black ice? Are the steps shoveled? Are the parking lots cleared? Being aware of things ahead of time will help you be proactive instead of reactive.”
“There are so many places in Lincoln that formally organize activities for adults to attend and then there are also places that are more individually focused,” adds Jennifer Gibbons, RN, Director of Nursing and owner of Elite Professionals Home Care Company. “Joining a book club or simply going to a bookstore for socialization and coffee can both be fun! There are bowling groups, bible studies, craft groups, exercise groups and computer classes. Lincoln is also a great place to get out and explore all the wonderful parks, trails and new development areas including Union Plaza and the Railyard on nice warm spring days. All of these activities, along with many more, are great for older adults to stay active and involved. Staying social and active along with trying something new adds to an individual’s quality of life and happiness. Elite Professionals Home Care Company assists many of our clients in attending a variety of daily activities and helping our clients explore new places and things. We also provide transportation to and from activities for some individuals while for others our staff members remain with the individual and participate with them. Everyone enjoys the socialization!
However, as we are still stuck in the harsh winter season for a while longer, we encourage our clients to always ensure that they have proper amounts of food and water in their homes. When having to venture outside; dress in layers and use coats, hats, and gloves to ensure that the skin is not exposed. Wear shoes with traction on the bottom to prevent falls. If it is possible, be sure to go out with another person. When driving; be sure your car’s tires have good tread to prevent slipping, be sure to not let the gas tank levels get too low, have your battery and fluid levels checked when getting an oil change. Most importantly, if it is dangerous outdoors remain at home until the weather conditions improve! No outing is worth getting hurt! Be safe first!”
She also advises, “There is a great amount of information to know and understand when starting your search for a home care agency for a loved one and it can be very overwhelming. Call a few agencies and ask questions relating to your family’s expectations and needs. In my opinion, it is important to know if the agency is certified through Medicare and Medicaid, if the agency is licensed through the State of Nebraska and what type of background checks are done by the agency prior to hiring their employees. Other important questions to know and ask : what type of insurance is carried on the employees who will be in your home, what services are provided by the agency and the total cost of those services, what involvement will a nurse have in the type of care your loved one will receive and if there’s a charge for this nurse oversight. Staffing is also very important; how does the agency staff its visits and do they have a process to ensure visits or hours are completed if an employee is ill or cannot complete your visit that day? At Elite Professionals Home Care Company we help families answer all these questions with answers that will give them peace of mind. We take the time to get to know the family and make sure to understand their needs to ensure the transition is smooth. Be sure to choose the agency that you feel best meets your family’s expectations and care needs.
Elite Professionals Home Care Company offers a special 24-hour caregiver program. This program offers one on one care with around-the-clock assistance and is paid at a flat rate every day. It is specifically designed to allow for the patient to continue to do all the things that they love in the community as well as in their home. The care is tailored to the patient so that the patient is able to continue doing the things they love; for example: going to church, participating in craft groups, attending exercise programs, etc.
If an individual is not ready for 24-hour care in their home, Elite Professionals Home Care Company offers anything from one hour visits per day up to 24 hours per day. These visits may consist of a homemaker for companionship/errands/cleaning, a certified nursing assistant for assistance with bathing/dressing/medications/ personal care, a skilled nurse visit, and physical, occupational, or speech therapy visits. Because Elite Professionals is Medicare and Medicaid certified, if one of our clients has a setback or a hospitalization they can return home under Medicare with the same company & caregivers that they are already familiar with. This eliminates the confusion and work of having to find another provider for those specific skilled cares.
Many long term insurance companies are including home health coverage in their client’s policies. We accept many different long-term care insurance plans from a variety of our clients. Those clients receive cares anywhere from 1 hour per day to 24 hours per day. Depending on the client’s specific long-term care policy, many of them have found that their home health care needs are very affordable!”
Now is the perfect time for seniors and their families to reach out, find information, and begin making those important plans for the future—even if it’s just making plans for getting out more often this spring, arranging for necessary health check-ups or getting legal affairs in order. As you can see, whatever your needs there’s no shortage of wonderful resources in the Lincoln area who are more than happy to help you navigate your journey. Being proactive is the key to covering all of the bases and getting the most out of life at any age!