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Summer is a time for sun and fun for a majority of people. It’s a time of year that most of us look forward to. Unfortunately for seniors, the summer time can also be a dangerous one if the proper precautions are not taken. Here are some tips for seniors as the summer season begins.

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1. Hydration

Hydration is important for anyone when the weather heats up but can be especially important as we age. Remember that you can easily become dehydrated and should drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Speak to your doctor and ask if water is enough. Your medical care provider may suggest that you drink a sports beverage with electrolytes or added vitamins throughout the day.

2. Medications

Medications that you take during winter may not have an adverse effect … Read more...

Making the decision to move your parents into assisted living is not an easy one. You worry that you are offending your parents, and they worry about a change in lifestyle. What you need to know is that today’s assisted living communities aren’t like they used to be. Today’s communities offer seniors a way to maintain as much independence as possible, and they will still have a peace of mind knowing that help is just a phone call away.

If you are wondering when the time is right for assisted living, here are some signs to look for. Although a discussion about moving into an assisted living community can be a hard conversation to have with your parents, you must remember that you are trying to do what is best for them and have their best interests in mind.… Read more...

When your parents are of an age that you begin to think an assisted living community may be in their best interests, it’s time to have a serious talk. It’s not unusual for aging parents to buck the idea of moving out of their homes and into a “center,” simply because they have a misconception of what assisted living really is.

Your parents, and maybe even you, will have a picture of a sterile hospital setting with lonely seniors lining the halls. This is nothing like what assisted living communities are like today. Think of these living centers as a way for your parents to maintain as much independence as they can while having people nearby who can provide the care they need.

If your parents are considering an assisted living community, or if you believe it is time … Read more...

Are you considering assisted living for your aging parents? For many older adults, making the move to an assisted living community is a stressful transition. Because of this, making the decision can be an emotional one for adult children.

Many people have visions of lonely people in wheelchairs lining the halls of a sterile facility when they begin to think about assisted living. The truth is that modern assisted living communities are nothing like what you may be picturing.

If you and your parents have made this decision together, there are ways that you can help to ease the stress of the transition. Any move can be difficult, but it can be made easier. Here are some tips.

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1. Continue Routines

One of the most stressful things about moving into an assisted living community is a disruption … Read more...

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s for everyone! From children to seniors, people love showing love. If you are residing in an assisted living community, there are some great options for spending the day with those you are closest to. Here are some ideas for you.

1. Decorate

Nothing says Valentine’s Day like pink and red hearts. Cut out hearts from thick paper and hang them up in hallways and on doors. Make a chain garland out of colored paper and string it in doorways. Let your imagination run wild.

2. Invite Family and Friends

The holiday isn’t just for couples. Why not invite your children and grandchildren to spend a bit of time with you? Ask staff about organizing a social for anyone who wants to participate. You can make cards, buy small gifts or spend … Read more...

Ugly Christmas sweaters are all the rage. People have parties and encourage dressing in a way that you would never on any other day of the year. Ugly sweaters aside, receiving an unexpected or unwanted gift can be a bit disappointing. Your thoughts immediately turn to your ability to regift or return the item without hurting the giver’s feelings. You don’t want to ask for a receipt so that you can exchange the gift, but you don’t want to be stuck with something you’ll never use. Problem solved. Here are several ways you can exchange that gift without having to ask your loved one for the receipt.

1. Check Policies

Different stores have different policies regarding the return or exchange of an item without a receipt, so always check the store’s policy first. For example, Walmart will return an item … Read more...

It’s that wonderful time of year: Annual cookie baking and exchanges. Desserts lining tables. Treats at every turn. If you are diabetic, you may be dreading this time of year. We always want what we can’t have, and that’s never truer when you are tempted constantly. The good news for you is that you don’t have to deny yourself if you have the right tips in mind.

1. Eating Right

Try to stick to your normal eating schedule throughout the season to keep your blood sugar levels steady. If you are invited to someone’s house and dinner will be served later than you are used to, eat a small snack before you leave and then eat a bit less than usual at dinner. If you decide that you want to indulge in a sweet treat, eat fewer carbs with dinner. … Read more...

This year, as you begin to shop for your loved ones, looking for just the right gift, keep in mind that changes to technology can bring about issues with safety. While you may not be prone to slips and falls and other types of physical dangers when you shop from the comfort of your couch or recliner, you are putting your safety at risk. How? Because nefarious criminals are just waiting behind their own keyboards for you to make one wrong move.

If you don’t keep Internet shopping safety in mind this holiday season, you could very well find your identity stolen. Perhaps worse, you could wake up to find your bank accounts drained and your credit cards charged to their maximum limits. Here are some tips to stay safe this holiday season.

1. Look at the URL

When … Read more...

If you have a loved one in assisted living, you may be struggling to come up with a great gift for them this holiday season. It can be challenging finding just the right gift for anyone, but what do you choose for someone who doesn’t necessarily need anything and won’t necessarily tell you what they want? We’ve put together a great list that you can use as a starting point when you are creating your gift-giving list.

1. Time

The best thing about time is that it’s free. The next best thing is that most people don’t feel as if they get enough of it from the people they love. Giving the gift of your time to someone can be an absolutely amazing gift. Give it freely this holiday season.

2. Activity Books

If your loved one has grandchildren, … Read more...

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, you may be wondering how you will spend the day. As a senior, you may be expecting a houseful of loved ones or cooking a simple meal for two. No matter how many guests you will have, there are ways you can safely enjoy the day. Here are a few ideas for Thanksgiving activities you are sure to enjoy.

1. Football Bingo

Football bingo is a hoot! Get on your computer and create a bingo card and a list of words commonly used by football game announcers. Give each guest a blank card and the word list. Have them place the words, one each, in the boxes on their card. As you are watching football, you get one mark when an announcer says the word or phrase on bingo board. The game ends … Read more...