Senior Living Blog by UMH | Aging & Caregiving (24)

Aging & Caregiving | assisted living | caregiver tips

Discovering the "In Between"

By: Jim Stinson February 17th, 2015

There is a wonderful children’s book called God in Between. As with most children’s books, adults would do well to read it.It was written by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso and published by Jewish Lights Publishing in 1998 and is “For People of All Faiths, All Backgrounds.” It is one of the few books I kept when downsizing and moving to a condo. It is the story of a window-less, road-less, overgrown town, and its people who sense something missing in their lives. People are cut off from one another and cannot watch or see anything beyond their own four walls. They sense that if they can find God (whose existence is not certain to them) they might find what they are missing. Much to their surprise they are led to discover that God (the meaning for their lives) is not missing. He, She, It, has always been present, but unseen because they are not connected to each other. They discover that God is found “In the between. In between us.”

Does My Aging Parent Need Speech Therapy?

By: Marissa Salvesen February 12th, 2015

Communication is an essential part of human interactions. Without the ability to exchange information, ask for help, and share our feelings, a number of devastating consequences can ensue. For aging adults suffering from age-related speech issues or those who are recovering from stroke, dementia or a head injury, speech therapy offers an extremely useful means to regaining the essential skill of communication.

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Aging & Caregiving | assisted living | caregiver tips

Gaining Confidence After a Big Fall

By: Marissa Salvesen February 3rd, 2015

More than a third of people over the age of 65 fall every year. And while fractures heal, confidence levels may be shattered. Unfortunately, failure to reverse this trend can lead to an increasing state of debilitation. Read on to learn how to help your aging loved one regain his/her confidence, mobility and independence following a fall.

Three "Brain Games" Websites for Keeping Older Minds Sharp

By: Marissa Salvesen January 29th, 2015

While cognitive decline can be a natural part of the aging process, it’s possible to counter the trend through brain teasers, memory games, and other mental “workouts”. Read on to learn three websites packed with brain games for seniors, as well as other suggestions for helping to keep your aging loved one’s brain in tip-top shape.

Losing Patience : 5 Tips for Caregivers

By: Jim Stinson January 27th, 2015

“What do you miss the most about being in your home of so many years?” That’s a question I often ask our newer residents when checking in on their adjustment to living in one of our communities at United Methodist Homes. Invariably the answer goes something like this: “I miss getting up, going downstairs, fixing a cup of coffee, enjoying it for awhile, having breakfast, and then going upstairs to wash and dress for the day.” Or, “I miss the daily routines, walking downtown, seeing neighbors, chatting, walking home with some little thing I might want or need during the remaining day.” Along with those comments comes a host of other things of that nature!

4 Key Pneumonia Prevention Tips for Seniors

By: Marissa Salvesen January 22nd, 2015

Seniors are particularly vulnerable to complications from pneumonia. In fact, according to the CDC, pneumonia -- along with influenza -- is one of the leading causes of death for people aged 65 and older. Don’t miss these four pneumonia prevention tips designed to help keep seniors safe from this life-threatening illness.

"Healthy" Foods Your Aging Parent Should Avoid

By: Marissa Salvesen January 20th, 2015

With so many Americans committed to eating right, it’s not exactly surprising that food manufacturers are responding with more fat-free, sugar-free and low-sodium options than ever. However, distinguishing healthy foods from “healthy” foods can be a challenge, particularly when it comes to promoting nutritious eating habits for your aging loved one. These four foods may be less healthy than you think.

9 Tips to Improve Your Aging Loved One's Driving

By: Marissa Salvesen January 15th, 2015

Just because driving abilities change with age doesn’t mean it's time to take away your aging loved one's car keys. While driver safety can be a sensitive subject for seniors, you can help reduce risk factors and promote better driving through these nine safety tips.

5 Safe and Fun Hobbies for Seniors

By: Marissa Salvesen January 13th, 2015

Hobbies are an excellent way to support the mind and body while staying active, connecting with others, and finding a sense of fulfillment -- all experiences which often diminish with age. Inspire your aging loved one with these five ideas designed to help him/her put down the remote control and pick up a rewarding new hobby.

Caring from Afar: Tips for Long-Distance Caregiving

By: Marissa Salvesen January 8th, 2015

Just because you are far away from your loved one doesn’t mean you can’t play a valuable role in his/her life.

Aging & Caregiving | assisted living

Coping With Loss Over The Holidays

By: Jim Stinson December 23rd, 2014

The holiday season is about over! For many that is a statement that is said with relief; for others it is said with a sense of wishing it could last a little longer.