Senior Living Blog by UMH | tips for caregivers

The Importance of Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Your Aging Loved One

By: Marissa Salvesen February 14th, 2017

Valentine's Day is a holiday for couples. This holiday can be very painful when a loved one doesn’t have their husband or wife by their side. For your widowed mom or dad, they could be experiencing this pain. Watching others celebrate with their spouses can trigger deep sadness, and even depression, in your aging loved one.

Listen Up: Getting Your Aging Parent to Listen to the Doctor

By: Marissa Salvesen March 3rd, 2015

Although doctors don’t always tell us what we want to hear, their knowledge, education and training mandates that we listen to them.

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Aging & Caregiving | activities for seniors | assisted living | tips for caregivers

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.

Happy, Healthy Holidays: Low Salt, Low Sugar and Low Fat Options

By: Marissa Salvesen December 16th, 2014

While eating right at any time of the year is challenging, doing so during the holidays can feel downright impossible. However, with some advance planning and a commitment to limiting sugar, salt and fat during your holiday meal preparation, you can help your family members -- including your aging loved one -- sail through the season and start the new year off right.

When You Care Too Much: The "Sandwich Generation"

By: Marissa Salvesen July 29th, 2014

You may not have heard of the “Sandwich Generation,” but if you’re reading this post there’s a large chance you’re a part of it. The term refers to middle-aged Americans who are “sandwiched” between caring for their aging parents and their own young children. In fact, nearly 50 percent of adults between the ages of 35 and 55 fall into this category with 15 percent providing financial support at both ends. Caused by a “perfect storm” of an aging population, increased life expectancy and the challenges of financial independence facing today’s young adults, the trend is expected to continue.

Coming to Terms with End of Life Issues

By: Jim Stinson March 11th, 2014

By Jim Stinson, Director of Spiritual Life

Balancing Your Life and Your Loved Ones

By: Marissa Salvesen March 6th, 2014

Balancing the responsibilities of work, finances, family life, and caring for an aging loved one can leave many caregivers feeling stressed and in need of support. It is no secret that finding balance in one’s life can be difficult if you are coordinating care for a loved one. Driving to doctor’s appointments, filling prescriptions, planning and preparing meals, and assisting with household chores are only some of the many items on any caregiver’s to-do list.

How to Become a Better Caregiver in One Day

By: Marissa Salvesen November 21st, 2013

You become a better caregiver by making your loved one’s day a little brighter--a little lighter and a lot happier each time you care for them. And it’s the simple things that are often the most appreciated. If you can “make their day,” you often unknowingly become a better caregiver. Here are six care-giving tips that will surely help to brighten your loved one’s day:

5 Tips for Caregivers: How to Reduce Stress for Your Aging Parents

By: Elizabeth Bemis May 10th, 2013

As a caregiver and child of aging parents, one of the most difficult things you must do is confront the fact that at some point you will need to have “the talk” with your loved one about their future. This is a challenging time for you and your parents as you both begin to acknowledge and discuss their diminishing abilities. Your parents are probably aware of their physical and cognitive changes and they may be anxious and reluctant to speak with you. Here are five steps to help you make sense of the changes and work with your parents to plan for the future: