Know Your Community Resources

If you work with seniors, it is incredibly important to be aware of your community resources. There are a variety of programs available at a low-cost, or no cost. One of the best resources is your local Area Agency on Aging. Each state is divided into regions, and an Area Agency on Aging typically serves around five counties. They are your go-to for information regarding resources in your local community.

For South Carolina:
https://aging.sc.gov/

Human Connection is Vital

This is one of the most touching videos I have ever seen. It reminds me that we all need human connection, at each and every age.

Tips for Motivating Seniors to Exercise

Below are some tips on ways to motivate seniors to exercise:

1.  Educate– teach them that regular physical activity- including endurance, muscle strengthening, balance, and flexibility exercises are essential for healthy aging.
2. Help them set realistic goals and develop an exercise plan.
3. Create a chart, or “prescription” and make easy to understand:  type of exercise, frequency, intensity, how much time spent in each activity.  Check up with them on their progress and re-evaluate goals over time.
4. Refer seniors to community resources such as senior fitness classes at the YMCA or other such groups.
5. Help them connect to support groups on-line.

For more information please visit:

http://www.nia.nih.gov/Go4Life

Does My Loved One Need a Caregiver?

When do you know if your loved one needs a caregiver?

Below are some items you may want to monitor, as you visit your loved one.

-Mail is piling up, bills are not being paid, calls from collection agencies
-The yard or house is no longer being maintained
-Changes in personal hygiene or change in typical behavior (like smoking in the bed, when the person used to only smoke outside).
-Changes in typical habits of eating/diet and exhibiting weight loss (or noticing clothing is now loose)
-Forgetting to take medication
-Unexplained dents or scratches on car (from bumping into objects when driving)

Caring For Those Who Care

To learn more about this terrific series visit:

https://telusfund.ca/projects/caring-for-those-who-care/

Billy Graham

Billy Graham lived to be 99 years old and lived a life of commitment and servanthood. As a senior, he continued to pursue his passion.  Here is a wonderful article on his funeral.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2018/march/billy-graham-funeral-last-crusade-charlotte-trump.html

Caregiving For The Elderly

Have you ever considered the complex job of being a caregiver for an elderly individual?  Did you know that in the United States, the vast majority of care that allows older people to live at home is provided by family members?