Senior Living Blog by UMH | caregiver tips (3)

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.

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!

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.

Winter Weather Safety for Seniors

By: Marissa Salvesen December 18th, 2014

With the arrival of the winter season, the joy and happiness of the holidays is never far off. Unfortunately for many caregivers, it is this time of year that can often cause a great deal of anxiety and stress. As a caregiver, how often do you find yourself worrying about the safety and security of your aging loved one?

Dealing with a "Cranky" Loved One: 10 Tips for Caregivers

By: Austin Malloy December 11th, 2014

Relationships between parents and their kids aren’t always blissful, and this doesn’t necessarily change as we grow older. Whether your relationship has always involved conflict or your loved one has just gotten crankier in old age, caregiving can be a stressful experience.

'Tis the Season: Managing Caregiver Stress During the Holidays

By: Marissa Salvesen December 4th, 2014

The holidays may be all about peace, love and joy, but for many caregivers the time between Thanksgiving and the new year can be filled with stress and frustration.

Healthy Twists on a Traditional Thanksgiving Day Meal

By: Marissa Salvesen November 20th, 2014

Research suggests that the average American eats as many as 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving Day. But enjoying a delicious meal doesn’t have to mean packing on the pounds.

Six Resources to Improve Your Caregiving Experience

By: Marissa Salvesen November 18th, 2014

Being a caregiver for a parent, spouse or child is an important role, but also a demanding one requiring significant physical, emotional, and intellectual effort.

3 Simple Steps to Help Your Aging Parent Manage Their Medication

By: Marissa Salvesen November 11th, 2014

Just over 40 percent of seniors take at least five medications every day.