Moving Your Aging Parent to Assisted Living? Tips for an Easy Transition

Is your aging loved one having difficulty around their home? Are they becoming socially inactive or isolated? If so, then it might be the time to consider Assisted Living. Moving your loved one to a senior living facility is the right choice if you feel they cannot live alone at home. However, making a transition to an Assisted Living facility can be challenging. Your aging parent may resist at first and find it difficult to get settled to a new home.

So, how can you help make it an easy transition? Here are some tips that may help.

• Visit often – Before the transition, make sure to visit the Assisted Living facility along with your aging parent so that they get familiar with the staff, residents, surroundings and activities. Once they have successfully moved to the facility, make sure to visit often and stay in regular touch. This will make them feel loved, cared about and help them spend their twilight years peacefully.

• Help them maintain their independence – While it is important for you to stay in regular touch, becoming too overprotective may not be a good option either. Allow them to adjust at their own pace and maintain their independence. 

• Get them socially involved – Assisted Living facilities will organize a number of social activities and cultural programs for their senior residents. Encourage your senior family member to participate in some of the different activities available to them to stay socially connected and engaged.

The most important thing is to find a reputed facility that provides the best senior care services possible. If you are looking for a good Assisted Living Facility In Columbus, contact Always Best Care. The experienced care coordinators of the organization understand the needs of your loved one and help in finding a suitable senior living option.

For more information, call Always Best Care at (614) 284-6764.

Common Questions about Financing Senior Living

Over the last few decades, senior living has changed dramatically and there are more choices than there have ever been before. There are also a number of options for financing senior living. However, there are some common questions among families of seniors regarding the costs associated with these options.  

The most common questions about financing senior living are listed below:

1. How can you pay for assisted living? 

•  Bridge Loans – This loan can help if you have decided to sell your senior loved one’s home to pay for senior living. It is a short-term loan and you can easily pay for Assisted Living until the home sells. 
• Renting the Home – You can also consider renting your senior loved one’s home and the rental payments can help you in covering the cost of senior living. 
• Veterans’ Programs – If your senior loved one is eligible to receive a VA pension, they can use the benefits to pay for Assisted Living.

2. Can a life insurance policy be used to pay for senior living? 

Many times, life insurance can be taken advantage of. One way is by using a life settlement. This is the sale of an existing life insurance policy to a third party. It is typically sold for more than its cash surrender value to the insurance company, but less than its net death benefit. Here are some pros of this type of policy -

• In a life settlement policy, a large lump sum is often issued to pay for the senior’s home improvements, in-home care, or assisted/senior living.
• There are no restrictions on how funds are used and they pay up to seven times more than the surrendered cash value.
• You don’t have to make any premium payments and there are tax deductions available for long-term care usage. 

3. Are you sure that Long-Term Care (LTC) insurance covers Assisted Living or not? 

LTC insurance policies cover people who have chronic conditions or disabilities requiring them to seek help for the basic daily living activities. Policies differ but may help pay for care at home, in an assisted living community, or in any other long-term care center.

You need to consider a number of factors when it comes to LTC for financing senior living, including its benefits, which may be used in a home setting, assisted living or a long-term care center. They typically don’t cover the entire cost of care, but makes the senor care more affordable for you.

Want to learn more? Contact Always Best Care. Their care coordinators can help you find the right Assisted Living Community In Central Ohio. For more information, call them at (614) 284-6764.

Ways to Help Seniors Fight Depression

Is your aging loved one suffering from stress, depression, and other mental health issues? Depression is one of the most common mental health issues among seniors as loneliness and isolation are the leading causes. In addition, you may not have realized this, but older adults suffering from depression are likely to experience higher rates of suicide and malnutrition. To help your senior family member leading a healthy and happy life, it is important to keep them from falling into a state of depression.Are you wondering how can you do this? Here are some ways that can help.

• Encourage exercise – Exercise can greatly help in reducing stress and depression. Low-impact exercises, such as walking, yoga, and swimming, are often best for seniors. Try to make sure that they incorporate regular physical activity in their life to help improve their mood and reduce the feeling of depression. They can even join local clubs or classes to exercise with others supporting them.

• Encourage social activities – Encourage your aging loved one to participate in different social activities and cultural programs. This will not only help reduce their depression, but also gives them an opportunity to socialize with people of similar interests.

• Adopt a pet – If your senior family member loves pet, consider helping them adopting and care for one. Taking care of pet gives them a sense of purpose and really helps in reducing stress and depression. Just make sure that they can care for the type of pet they adopt with ease.

For seniors who live alone, hiring companionship in the form of caregivers is often an ideal option. An in-home care provider will encourage your aging loved one to stay socially active and engaged for an active social life.  They will motive your senior family member to participate in different social and cultural programs so that they get a chance to engage and socialize with people outside of the home who have similar interests. 

If you feel they need more, you can consider moving your loved one to an Assisted Living facility. These facilities provide a number of opportunities for their residents to stay socially active and connected with the outside world. This will not only reduce the risk of depression, but also help your aging parent spend their twilight years peacefully and comfortably. 

To look for the best Assisted Living Facilities In Columbus, contact Always Best Care today. They have highly trained experts who can assist you in finding a suitable senior living option for your loved one’s needs.

For more information, call Always Best Care at (614) 284-6764.

Concerns Seniors Have When Moving to Assisted Living

Most seniors and their families are concerned about the services provided in assisted living facilities and this is probably the main reason many seniors fear moving to this senior living option. Leaving our home and moving to a new place alone is not easy. Seniors have many fears regarding their independency, privacy, social relations and many other things when moving away from the known to an assisted living facility
.

Here are some common concerns that seniors have while moving to a senior living facility.   

1. “I’ll get bored” – Many seniors believe that they will get bored if they move to an assisted living facility because as everyone will be unknown to them. The truth is that there is no time to get bored in an assisted living facility if they want to be active. Almost all the facilities offer several activities for seniors to keep them active and to socialize. 
2. “I’ll lose independence” – Your loved one may be concerned that once they leave their home, their independence will be compromised. However, your loved one will in fact have extra free time to do the things they enjoy doing. 
3. “My loved ones will forget me” – This is the most common fear of seniors who are moving to an assisted living facility. However, moving to assisted living doesn’t mean you will lose importance or your loved ones will forget you. In fact, your relationship with them might even become stronger. 
4. “I will be served terrible food” – Some seniors are unwilling to shift to an assisted living because they believe that the food that will be provided there will not be healthy or taste good. However, assisted living facilities provide well prepared and healthy food to all the residents keeping in mind their health and needs. Many facilities even have kitchenettes in many of their apartments for those still able to cook.

It is important for family members and friends of seniors to ensure that their loved ones do not worry while moving to an assisted living facility. One thing you can tell them is that it is just another home, but includes extra care.

To find the right Assisted Living Option In Central Ohio, get in touch with Always Best Care. The senior care organization is known for providing the best assisted living placement services around.For more information, call them today at (614) 284-6764.

Sleep Disorders in Seniors

Sleep disorders are quite common in seniors and are related to several things, including the use of tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol, or unhealthy sleep habits and comorbid diseases. As you get older, sleeping patterns change causing problems such as trouble falling asleep, not getting quality sleep, or waking up frequently during the night.

Here are some of the most common sleep disorders among the elderly:

1. Insomnia: When seniors are suffering from insomnia, they have difficulty falling asleep at night. The common causes on Insomnia are: poor sleep patterns, medical illness, stress, lack of physical activity, isolation and more.

2. Circadian rhythm sleep disorders: The brain releases serotonin and melatonin when darkness falls as a signal to the brain that it is time to sleep. However, due to circadian rhythm disorders, the brain does not respond to such signals. As a result, serotonin levels become inadequate, which results in erratic sleep or wake patterns.

 

3. Obstructive sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in older people as compared to younger adults. Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea include use of certain medications, excessive daytime sleep, diabetes, consumption of alcohol, genetic factors, smoking, and obesity. Loud snoring is often the first symptom that an older adult is suffering from sleep apnea.

4. Rapid eye movement sleep-behavior disorder: This is caused by the loss of normal skeletal muscle Antonia during the stage of sleep. Patients with this sleep-behavior disorder appear to react to their dreams and may punch, kick, or jump out of bed in response to dream imagery.</li>

5. Hypersomnia: Hypersomnia refers to excessive sleep. People who have hypersomnia can fall asleep at any time. For instance, at work or while they are driving. Head injuries often result in hypersomnia.

A good night’s sleep can be achieved with proper treatment, plus some dietary and lifestyle changes. However, if you are unable to manage your health issues that are causing disturbed sleep, you should look for professional care.

If your health is constantly declining, you can also consider moving to assisted living facility where you will receive the right level of care and support you need. To find the right Assisted Living Community In Columbus, get in touch with Always Best Care. For more information, call (614) 284-6764.

The Importance of Laughter for the Elderly

Laughter often prompts a joyful attitude towards life and has quite a few benefits. It helps you to maintain a positive attitude and stay strong to face challenges and hard times. When it comes to the elderly, laughter can help treat many common diseases like dementia, cancer, or heart conditions. Seniors who laugh a lot are also most likely to live longer and healthier lives.

Here are some more amazing benefits of laughter for seniors:

Reduces Stress Hormone Levels

By reducing the level of stress hormones, the anxiety and stress that impacts your body is cut down. So, the next time you feel stressed for whatever reason, try and cheer yourself up with your favorite comedy show or movie, amusing comic strips or a funny book.

Lowers blood pressure

Research shows that people who laugh even in tough times have lower blood pressure than the average person. You may see a rise during and right after laughing but, quickly drop to normal shortly after. Try to laugh as much as possible.

Leads to the Release of Endorphins 

Endorphins establish a positive state of mind and increase optimism, self-esteem, self-confidence and feelings of self-regard. They also improve mental alertness.

Enhances Immune System

Negative thoughts can affect your body by developing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. On the other hand, positive thoughts can help fight stress and other serious health issues. So, laugh out loud to gain positive thoughts and give your immune system a bit of a boost.

Promotes Better Sleep

        

Laughter helps improve quality of sleep, which is usually affected by various sleep disorders like insomnia or Circadian rhythm sleep disorders.

Increases Personal Satisfaction

Laughter can make it easier to cope with difficult situations. It can also help you connect with other people and spread happiness.

So, practice Laughter Yoga, watch comedy movies, enjoy TV shows, or do anything that makes you laugh.

Seniors who find it difficult to manage their health at home can choose to move to Assisted Living. For the best Assisted Living options in Central Ohio, contact Always Best, a trusted senior care organization operating successfully since 1996. Call (614) 284-6764 to find out how they can assist you.

Seniors: What To Know About Aging & Paranoia

Sometimes, as people age, they can develop a paranoia that upsets and worries their family, friends, and caregivers. The most important aspect to consider when it comes to paranoia in a senior is the frequency and the severity of it. First, and foremost, don’t dismiss the senior’s claims – perhaps they think that someone is stealing their mail, or that their money is being stolen. Don’t immediately believe that the senior is “just being paranoid.” Investigate the claims, but consider that if the senior is exhibiting the following symptoms, they may be suffering from a medical condition.

What are the Symptoms of Paranoia?

• The senior is feeling that they are being unjustly persecuted.

• The senior is seeing or hearing things (people, animals, etc.) that aren’t there.(While this is a  symptom of paranoia, it may also be a side effect of a medication,or vision problems).

• The senior is feeling intense agitation and stress that has no obvious reason why.

• The senior is hearing strange noises (this may have a basis in reality – check for plumbing issues,  tree limbs scratching on the house, pests in the walls, etc.).

• The senior is certain that people are talking about them being their back (this could be related to the  senior’s hearing aid, so check with their audiologist).

What are Some Reasons for Senior Paranoia?

• Certain types of medications can create paranoid delusions. Check with the pharmacist and/or  doctor.

• Delirium.

• Brain tumor.

• Alzheimer’s disease.

• Dementia.

• Vascular damage resulting from a head injury or stroke.

• Urinary tract infections that have gone untreated.

• Cognitive impairment.

What Can Caregivers Do?

• Always treat the senior with love and respect, listen thoughtfully to them and their fears.

• Always be patient and understanding.

• Reassure the senior, but also provide viable explanations to explain how they are feeling.

• Keep a log of the senior’s behavior to show a medical professional in the future.

• Keep in mind that most instances of paranoia can be treated.

Seniors living in the Columbus area, who are interested in learning about Alzheimer’s care in Central Ohio or about assisted living placement, are invited to contact the Always Best Care North Columbus location at 614-284-6764 to set up a free care consultation. They look forward to hearing from you!