by Shelley | Aug 29, 2024 | Caregiving
Dear Donna:
My husband and I are helping his mom start to downsize her home. We are planning to begin the search for a senior living community in January. My husband and his siblings were raised in this home and the idea of sorting through everything is overwhelming.
Do you have any tips for families trying to prepare a parent for downsizing to a senior living community? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Nicole in Dundee, MI
Tips for Downsizing Before a Move to Senior Living
Dear Nicole:
First, know that you aren’t alone. This is a common concern families share with us. In fact, it’s one of the leading reasons people put off making this move despite knowing what a good decision it is.
Over the years, our teams have learned many best practices to help make this process feel less daunting. The two we usually talk about first are starting early and being patient and empathetic. Since you are already beginning the process, you’ve conquered our first suggestion.
With regard to demonstrating empathy and patience, we like to remind adult children that what you see as clutter might in fact be sentimental to an older person. When in doubt, ask questions about anything your mother-in-law wants to hang on to that might seem unnecessary.
Here are a few more suggestions that you might find helpful:
Set clear goals for each room and determine what you want to keep, donate, or discard. Many families find it helpful to utilize the four box method. Get four boxes and label them “keep,” “donate,” “sell,” and “trash.” As you work your way through each room, place items in the appropriate box.
Most people moving from a house to senior living will have less space in their new apartment or villa. If you’ve got a few senior living communities in mind already, you might be able to get ballpark measurements for the new space. That will give you time to think about what will fit. Use this as a guideline for what to keep and what to rehome.
- Tackle one room at a time.
Focus on one room or area of the house at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Complete that space before moving on to the next. It may be helpful to start in the rooms used least often, such as the basement, attic, or guest rooms.
Working in short bursts (e.g., 30 minutes) of time may make it easier to maintain focus and make the process less daunting. It’s also easier to fit thirty minutes or an hour of downsizing into your day or week.
When it comes to cleaning out the closets, parting with clothing, shoes, or accessories can be tough. If your mother-in-law hasn’t worn something in the past year, encourage her to consider letting it go. You can adapt the length of time a bit for seasonal goods and household items. For example, if she has an abundance of Christmas decorations, those that haven’t been used in at least three years might need to find a new home.
Scan important documents, photos, and keepsakes to reduce physical clutter. Not only will it take up less space in the new senior living apartment or villa, but it may also be easier to organize for future use or reminiscing.
Get family or friends involved for support and a fresh perspective. They can help you make decisions on items you might be holding on to. One word of caution, however, is to select people you feel will be supportive of this transition and who have a serious desire to make it easier.
If you have a lot of items your mother-in-law will need to part with, consider hosting an estate sale. It’s a good way to sell a lot of things quickly and can help you finance some of the expenses associated with moving. Be sure to ask for references from friends and family who have used estate sale companies in the recent past whenever possible.
Research local charities, shelters, or organizations that will accept your donations and schedule a drop-off or pickup. This might require a little time depending upon what you have to give away.
- Dispose of hazardous waste properly.
Check local guidelines for disposing of items like paint, batteries, and electronics. Your city or township probably has collection sites or hosts safe disposal days a few times every year.
One last tip is to remind yourself of the benefits of downsizing, such as a smoother move, less stress, and a more organized living space. While it may feel like a lot of work now, the end result will be worth it!
One final resource you might want to consider is hiring a senior move manager. These professionals have experience helping families with all phases of a transition to a senior living community. From downsizing a home to organizing an estate sale, they provide a valuable service to busy families.
I wish you the best of luck, Nicole! I would also like to invite you to visit a Heritage location with your mother-in-law when you are ready to begin your search.
Kind regards,
Donna
by Shelley | Aug 29, 2024 | Healthy Aging
October is often the month when cases of the influenza virus begin to climb. It often leaves older adults wondering if they need another flu shot this year or if last year’s still offers coverage. There are plenty of myths and misconceptions about vaccines in general, specifically whether flu shots are really effective.
The quick answer to this question is yes, an annual flu shot is an important part of an older adult’s wellness toolbox. Now let’s take a look at why the medical community considers it so essential.
Why Annual Flu Shots Are Essential to Seniors
- Minimize risks of complications.
For younger people, coming down with the flu might not seem too bad. The person might be sick for a few days before bouncing back. But for seniors, the flu may lead to serious health complications, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections. It can also worsen chronic health conditions, like asthma or heart disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals aged 65 and older account for the majority of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths every year. Having a solid prevention plan is important, and that usually includes vaccination.
- Compensate for a weakened immune response.
One of the most serious reasons why seniors need a yearly influenza vaccination is that the immune system naturally declines as we age. This phenomenon, known as immunosenescence, means that older adults may not respond as effectively to infections as younger individuals.
With aging, the immune system produces fewer antibodies. That means it may take longer for the body to recognize and respond to pathogens. As a result, seniors are at a higher risk of contracting the flu and experiencing more severe symptoms if they do become infected.
- Accommodate annual variations in the virus.
People might think getting a flu shot every few years is enough. That approach fails to consider how much and how frequently the flu viruses mutate. New strains of influenza emerge each flu season. Because of this variability, the composition of the flu vaccine is updated annually. It’s designed to provide the best possible protection against the predicted viruses for that season.
- Contribute to overall community protection.
Vaccination is not just a personal health measure. By having an annual influenza vaccine, seniors also help promote a healthier community. When older adults get vaccinated, they contribute to herd immunity, which helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants, individuals with certain medical conditions, and those with weakened immune systems.
For older adults who spend considerable time in public places or those who reside in senior living apartments or villas, this can be especially important. By getting the flu shot, seniors can reduce the overall prevalence of the virus in their communities, thereby helping to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Flu Shots Are Typically Covered by Insurance and Medicare
With the rising costs of health care, people might be reluctant to have a flu shot for fear it will be expensive. The good news is that most private insurance plans and Medicare will cover the costs of the influenza vaccine. If it’s not covered, check with your local health department. Many offer free clinics for area residents to receive their necessary vaccines.
For more flu prevention tips, we encourage you to visit “Prepare to Shoo the Flu” on the Heritage blog.
by Shelley | Aug 29, 2024 | Dear Donna, Healthy Aging
Dear Donna:
My mom has several friends who have recently moved to assisted living communities. Both are widows whose adult children don’t live nearby. According to my mother, they are both happy to have made this transition. She’s been dropping hints that this might be something she is considering, too.
While I think my mom would benefit from social activities and having staff nearby 24/7 in case she needs help, I’m not sure I’m ready to give up being her caregiver. It’s a role I’ve been playing for almost five years now. While it can be demanding at times, such as when she’s not feeling well, I feel like I should be the one to care for her.
Because her friends’ families live out of town, it’s not been an issue for them. But I wonder if the staff at senior living communities truly wants adult children like me to be actively involved or if it’s just a nuisance. Any insight and advice would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Stacey in Saginaw, MI
The Role Adult Children Can Play in a Parent’s Senior Living Community
Dear Stacey:
It’s completely understandable to feel the way you do, particularly as you’ve been caring for your mom for so long now. The good news is that senior living communities welcome family involvement. It can be especially helpful during the early days after the transition when our team is trying to get to know a new resident.
At Heritage Senior Communities, for example, we believe that the best care occurs when residents, families, and team members work together. In fact, that partnership is really what “community” is all about.
If your mom does decide she’d like to make a move to an assisted living community, here are some tips you might find useful for getting involved.
- Make it easier for staff get to know your mom.
By regularly visiting and making small talk with staff, you’re helping them do their job. The more they know about and understand a new resident’s situation, the better equipped they’ll be to care for them. Studies have shown that when team members at an assisted living community know a resident well, they will be able to identify small changes in their well-being more quickly.
Knowing your mom’s family background and personal life story, such as her career, marriage, and children/grandchildren, will be helpful. So will understanding her health and wellness. These paint a complete picture of your mom for staff. That’s important because it helps build bonds and connections. Stronger connections can lead to a more homelike experience for your loved one.
- Offer to share your time and talent.
Most senior living communities welcome volunteer involvement. There are typically opportunities to assist with administrative tasks, special events, daily activities, and outings to nearby destinations. The nice thing is these don’t require any special training or skills. Just a friendly smile and helping hand!
If you do have a unique talent, such as playing the harp or teaching gardening or watercolor painting, the community will likely be excited to have you share them with residents. These types of activities are a popular part of daily life. Plenty of research shows that volunteers themselves reap many rewards when they donate their time to others.
- Make yourself available to staff.
One final tip is to make certain the staff at your mom’s senior living community knows that you are interested in helping out however you can. That includes ensuring the community’s leadership team understands that you want them to call with any questions or concerns they have about your mom. When you make a point of having a warm relationship with staff members, they’ll feel more comfortable reaching out to you.
Plan a Visit to a Heritage Location Near You
If your mom does want to move forward and begin exploring senior living communities, we hope you will put Heritage on your list. One of our experienced team members will be happy to show you and your mom around and answer any questions you might have. Give us a call to set up a time!
Kind regards,
Donna
by Shelley | Aug 29, 2024 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
When a spouse, parent, or other senior family member has Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, caregiving can be an around-the-clock responsibility. Because of the cognitive changes associated with most forms of dementia, safety is a real concern. So are challenging behaviors. It often leaves family members mentally and physically exhausted.
Memory Care Can Be a Solution
One solution that can help ensure the senior receives the care and support they need is memory care. These specialized dementia care communities work with an older adult’s abilities instead of focusing on their losses. Dedicated dining, meaningful daily activities, and experienced caregivers allow residents to live their best quality of life.
However, the myths and stigmas associated with memory care often make families fearful and uncertain. It can lead to situations where a senior loved one doesn’t receive the type of support they need. We thought it would be helpful to look at some of the inaccurate ideas about memory care and share the truth.
Myths about Memory Care Communities
Myth: Memory care is just a long-term care center.
Fact: While long-term care centers provide support to people with various types of health needs, memory care communities specifically assist people who have dementia. Programs and services in a memory care community are uniquely designed to work around the challenges commonly caused by a memory impairment.
Myth: Residents in memory care communities are isolated.
Fact: While memory care residents may reside in a dedicated space within the community, they are not isolated. Team members and caregivers work hard to promote social interaction and engagement using structured activities, group outings, and specialty dining. They also encourage residents to connect with each other and the staff.
Myth: Memory care is only for advanced dementia.
Fact: Memory care communities accommodate individuals at every stage of their illness, not just those with advanced symptoms. But when a senior moves to a specialized dementia care community earlier in the disease process, they can settle in and feel more comfortable at the community before their memory loss and symptoms worsen.
Myth: All memory care communities are alike.
Fact: Memory care communities vary widely in terms of services, amenities, and staff training. Each provider also has a unique philosophy of care. It’s important to research and visit several to find the best fit for your loved one.
Myth: Memory care communities restrict residents’ freedom.
Fact: While safety and security are priorities, many memory care communities provide residents with many choices in their daily routines. The goal is to encourage independence as much as is safely possible.
Myth: Memory care is too expensive for a typical family.
Fact: While memory care is usually a little more expensive than traditional assisted living communities, a senior may qualify for financial assistance programs, such as special financial benefits for veterans. Some long-term care insurance policies also include dementia care programs. It’s worth talking with the staff at the community to determine which options are available.
Myth: Memory care team members don’t need specialized training.
Fact: Reputable memory care providers invest in and offer training programs focused on supporting the unique needs of seniors with dementia. These often cover disease progression stages, communication techniques, nutrition, and more.
Visit a Heritage Senior Community Near You to Learn More
With specialized dementia care communities throughout the state of Michigan, families will likely find an option that meets their needs. We encourage you to call the Heritage location nearest you today to learn more!
