Saturday, September 14, 2013

Tips from 'Modern Senior' about how to stay home longer.

lign: center;">
(picture from Modern Senior website). I was reading a posting from 'Modern Senior' website regarding how to stay home longer, in other words - how to avoid going to a nursing home and live in your own home. According to the article, 'aging in place can have a lot of mental and emotional benefits. One survey showed that the biggest fear among seniors was loss of independence followed second by the fear of having to move into a nursing home. It may come as a surprise that the fear of death came in last with only 3% reporting that it was their biggest fear. Having to leave your home can have a huge emotional toll that ultimately serves as a catalyst to other health problems. Aging in place can actually increase quality of life and longevity.'
The cost of going to a nursing home continues to rise. You need to check with your medical plans to see if and how much they cover. How does Medicare or Medicaid figure in? Best plan is to plan ahead, plan logistically, to avoid the cost.
Mobility, or lack thereof, tends to be the number one problem BUT there are solutions that can help for a period of time:
** One is a stair lift to help with stairs and avoid falls. There are a few different companies that sell them so you can check on what they offer.
** Second is a lift chair which is similar to a recliner that lifts someone up to a standing position and safely gets you seated without assistance.
** Three is a walk in tub or shower (add grab bars) and you can pretty much bathe yourself.
(pictures from my mother's remodel)
. Grab bars at the door can help get people in and out of the house.
Medical alert systems can be a comfort to elderly parents; my mom liked hers and it worked great when we needed it. I can attest to the distance it covers since one day, she drove away with it on & was about a mile down the street when she accidentally activated it. The company called me & 911. We all arrived together and NO MOM!! We were a little nervous, when I noticed her car was not there. So I called her cell phone and she told me she was down the road getting gas for her car. It was a good thing the EMTs and firefighters had a sense of humor!! While on this subject - - you may want to get a lock box (find a somewhat not-so-visible place for it) and keep an extra key in it and let 911 dispatch have the code number (they only give it out when there is a call). Mom was not too enthused about it but the way I figured it, it was better than fire fighters knocking down her door or breaking windows to get in, if I don't get there first and she could not make it to the door.
There are other ways to help get the home in shape for someone who may want to think ahead. See 'Preventing Falls' on Caring for Elderly Parents.
Also from 'A Place for Mom', there are some caregiver apps that can help.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

4 Signs of Caregiving Stress Overload

ElderCarelink email posts 4 signs that should not be overlooked by you, the caregiver, or a close family member or friend. They report that even though the immediate caregiver may not be helping in direct care, the mind is never far from the needs of the older person, thinking about meals, falling, medications. Take the opinion of a family member or friend if they are telling you that you are stressed. Four signs: you skip your own physicals; you isolate yourself from others; you eat and/or drink too much for good health; you are short tempered with the elder, your spouse or your children. If any or all of these sound familiar, take a break no matter how short in order to recharge. For more information on caregiver stress see ElderCarelink

Ranting

You can check out my ranting and stream of consciousness writing about looking at adult service providers with Will.

A Caregiver's Poem

I was looking through a 'Caregiver's Blog: Senior Care Support' and came across a poem that was shared by a writer, Dana, from the blog. The poem was written by Becky Netherland and Dana's grandmother shared it with her. I thought it was great and there is not much to say about it - just read!!! Enjoy!!

Grandma’s Pearls of Wisdom:
(picture from Caregivers Blog)

I’ve traveled paths you’ve yet to walk
Learned lessons old and new
And now this wisdom of my life
I’m blessed to share with you
Let kindness spread like sunshine
Embrace those who are sad
Respect their dignity, give them joy
And leave them feeling glad
Forgive those who might hurt you
And though you have your pride
Listen closely to their viewpoint
Try to see the other side
Walk softly when you’re angry
Try not to take offense
Invoke your sense of humor
Laughter’s power is immense!
Express what you are feeling
Your beliefs you should uphold
Don’t shy away from what is right
Be courageous and be bold
Keep hope right in your pocket
It will guide you day by day
Take it out when it is needed
When it’s near, you’ll find a way
Remember friends and family
Of which you are a precious part
Love deeply and love truly
Give freely from your heart
The world is far from perfect
There’s conflict and there’s strife
But you still can make a difference
By how you live your life
And so I’m very blessed to know
The wonders you will do
Because you are my granddaughter
And I believe in you.

Post Pictures

All pictures, unless otherwise identified, are from 'Clipart'.

Every Sunday Countdown

Hearts for Home

Hearts for Home Blog Hop

4 Seasons Blog Hop

">

Google+ Growing Circles Hop

Mommy Mentionables">
 photo ThisMommasMeanderingMondays_zps5366bef9.jpg

Turn it up Tuesday

Epic Mommy Adventures

Friendship Friday

Marvelous Mondays

Call Me PMc

Do Tell Tuesdays

Do Tell Tuesday

G + Every Wednesday

Social Scatter

Down Side Up Mommy

Fabulous Fridays

Fabulous Friday Link Party

Let's Get Social Sundays

Let's Get Social Sunday