When we think about safety for older adults, we often think of it in terms of the risks at home and how to eliminate falls. We focus on immediate hazard prevention such as improving lighting, adding grab bars and handrails. Removing items from high shelves and dark basements. All these things are necessary and important for successful aging in place. But safety for seniors goes beyond tangible tactics. Here [...]
It’s practically a universal truth: If you are in a good mental state of mind, you’re more inclined to be active and exercise. If you are well and fit, your mind feels sharper and more focused. Mental and physical health are equal partners. The need for that balance grows even stronger with age. The Circular Relationship between Physical and Mental Health For an older person, physical decline - be it [...]
“Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a dreaded list of chores. It can be a rewarding experience that helps provide some structure and organization in your life.” — Peter Walsh Ah spring. The days get longer, the sun gets warmer. Spring is traditionally that time of year to give your home a cleansing scrub after being cooped up all winter, but it’s also a good time to assess your home [...]
What comes to mind when someone says the word “accessible” in the context of aging in place? Does it conjure up images of an institution? A sterile environment? An accessible home, when given the right foresight and consideration, can be just as “homey” as any non-accessibly transformed home. Sadly, however, either due to the fear of creating an unattractive environment or the natural tendency to ignore a decline in health [...]
For many of us, it’s hard to remember when our phones weren’t our constant companions. When Google couldn’t give us the answer to any of our questions. For the younger generation, this is all they have ever known. They are malleable and adapt well to new things. For an older generation, while smart phones and Facebook allow them to keep in touch with their grandchildren, going out of those bounds [...]
Although the vast majority of Americans (about 90 percent over age 65) want to stay in their homes to live out their golden years, unfortunately, it’s not always that simple. As time marches on and we age, homes that were perfectly functional to us can pose obstacles later on as our abilities decline. Think about when you were young and could bound up and down the stairs. As you age, those steps [...]
Richard* is an affluent retiree living on his own. He’s in his mid-80s and appears fine physically but he’s starting to slow down and make some mistakes. Richard’s daughter, Meg,* knows this and keeps tabs on her dad by checking in regularly either on the phone or in person. One day, Richard has a fall which requires a trip to the emergency room and he’s subsequently admitted to the hospital. [...]
Katherine was a recent widow. After her husband passed away, his private caregiver, Amanda, convinced Katherine that she could continue to help her with whatever she would need. Katherine could function independently and didn’t really need assistance. But she wanted Amanda’s companionship. So Katherine continued to employ Amanda and allow her access to her credit card — feeling she could trust her since she took such good care of her [...]
No one likes clutter…but have you ever thought about the costs? As we grow older, clutter can seriously impact the lives of aging adults – financially, physically, mentally and emotionally. Americans collectively spend a whopping $2.7 billion every year simply replacing items that have been lost due to clutter or disorganization. Clutter can result in a number of financial consequences including: ● The loss of income due to the misplacement [...]
Barbara is 86 years old and recently widowed. Her husband of 65 years handled all of the mail, bill paying and filing. Now, she is saddled with a pile of paperwork and bills that need to be paid. She is overwhelmed and realizes she needs help. But Barbara doesn’t have any nearby family who can assist her — her closest family member lives about three hours away. Barbara knows if [...]
