All posts by richard.chase

Elderlink Explains How Seniors Can Benefit From Arts And Crafts

There have been drastic changes in the way we live our lives within the past six months. A lot has happened. Unfortunately, we can’t undo the past, but we can adjust our lives to suit reality. For seniors, it is no different. COVID-19 pandemic has forced many seniors to limit their social interaction, stay indoors, and protect themselves in every manner possible.

Undoubtedly, living in isolation and staying indoors may take its toll on the elderly, especially those already experiencing the adverse effect of loneliness. Many seniors can overcome such feelings by engaging in senior-friendly activities. One of them is art and crafts. Contrary to what many think, they have many countless benefits, and seniors can leverage them to combat the adverse effects of isolation and social distancing.

Arts and crafts are both beneficial and enjoyable. Here are some of the benefits that the elderly can’t afford to let go, especially in these critical times that the world is in right now.

  • When seniors create art, their minds are automatically stimulated—research as shown that this can be a great way to combat emotional illness for the elderly.
  • Anything created through arts and crafts can provide a sense of self-esteem and accomplishment. There is a feeling of self-fulfillment that envelopes the heart each time we make something unique and beautiful out of our imagination.
  • Seniors who use a wheelchair can learn a craft they can do with their hands. These include but are not limited to painting, pottery, and drawing. The emotional satisfaction that it brings is immeasurable.
  • Since arts and crafts involve working with the hands, experts have shared this will help to increase blood flow and agility in the arm, hands, and fingers.
  • It helps to tighten the family bond when seniors create something beautiful and present it as a gift to other family members. Seeing our work through the eyes of others creates a feeling of self-pride and belonging.

Many seniors lived hectic lives when they were younger. And they know the significance of getting satisfaction from a job well done. As we retire, we desire that kind of pride too. Therefore, seniors who spend time doing some art and crafts work can easily enjoy the benefit of this significant activity, thereby enhancing their emotional and physical wellbeing.

Elderlink is always looking to ways of assisting the audience we so passionately serve. Finding the right place to live is very important, and we are proud of our history in bringing these services to seniors, and their families is a safe and efficient way. Call us today if you are looking for a new place to call home for yourself or a family member and know Elderlink cares about each of their clients. 800 613-5772 one call and we do it all.

ELDERLINK HAS BEEN ASSISTING SENIORS WITH THEIR HOUSING NEEDS FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS. HERE ARE SOME THOUGHTS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN

Relocating to a New Home? Here Is How to Stay Safe

Moving an elderly parent(s) are both physically and emotionally tasking. Aging brings specific health challenges that you may not have control over. Worst still, due to financial constraints, you might not be able to live independently. In a bid to live within your means, you might have to move once every few years, either alone or with your adult children. 

Relocation is never an easy process for anyone, and it’s notably tougher for seniors. Elderlink.org will assist and find the correct living facility to meet your needs. Whether you are moving into an independent living facility, nursing home, or assisted living facility due to declining health status, the experts are here. Elderlink has got you covered.

We understand, for most seniors, it’s reasonable to have safety concerns. This post highlights some vital tips for you and your aged loved one to stay safe once the move begins. 

  1. Have a blueprint of your new home

We suggest you create or ask for a blueprint of your new location before you move. Knowing the exact footage in each room will help you to determine the kind of furniture that would fit inside and the ones that will not. More so, the blueprint will help you know the essential items to keep and the ones to part with as you make plans to move. 

  • Part away with excess belongings

The issue, what to keep or trash is often the bone of contention between the elderly and their children. The problems often happen based on the size of your old home and generally the smaller size of your home. If you are moving to another house in a faraway city, you may need to part ways with many belongings or pay heavily for moving them. Moreover, you must follow the guidelines set by the senior living community you are probably moving to and move only the items they consider as “safe” and “necessary.”

  • Hire a junk removal service

It helps if you declutter your home and its surroundings when moving. You don’t need to pack that broken dinnerware, useless gadgets and unused items to your new home. That is why you need a junk removal service.

  • Find a new doctor

Healthcare should be paramount in our lives. Moreover, an emergency could occur anytime. What if it struck a few days after relocating to your new home? And you have not yet familiarized yourself with the new place or the nearest medical facility? To avoid problems, you need to find a new doctor in your new location before you move.

  • Hire senior-friendly moving service

Not all moving companies can render a senior-friendly moving service to their clients. You must find one whose mode of operation suits your lifestyle and moving purpose. Seniors need help with almost everything when moving. So endeavor to hire a professional moving company that performs packing and unpacking services as well as truck loading and unloading. 

A senior move can be way more comfortable when we make the right decisions and plan the move ahead of time. If you are moving to California, contact us for more information about senior living facilities in your region. Elderlink.org has been serving California since 1994.

As our past clients say, “You are the Best” senior living locator in California, one call and we do it all. 800 613-5772 

(This agency does not refer to low-income apartments, SSI, Section 8 or HUD facilities)

(PLEASE NOTE, SOME INDIVIDUALS REQUIRE HIGHER LEVELS OF CARE MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY. ADDITIONAL CARE INCREASES COST. NOT ALL FACILITIES CAN MEET THEASE NEEDS. TALK TO OUR COUNSELORS ABOUT EACH INDIVIDUALS NEEDS AND REQUIREMENTS)

Elderlink Reviews How Senior Citizens Are Coping With the Change

(NOTE)Elderlink takes every patient’s life and health seriously. To us, you are not a number or a name; you are our client and responsibility. Finding you a senior living facility is the easy part. More critical, finding you a facility that follows every government required COVID 19 rule, plus continuously test other tenants for fever, coughing, or additional symptoms of this hideous disease regularly is a must for you to live there. We will hold your hand to ensure your next living location meets these and all other safety factors.

A few years ago, being hospitable was seen as a desirable habit. But the story is no longer the same as you read this post. We are now scared of welcoming visitors into our homes, visiting public places, accepting gifts from anyone, or visiting the sick in the hospital.

Thriving is an essential aspect of living. In any situation we find ourselves, the first thing we should seek is how to succeed in staying healthy, only then can we survive. It’s no longer news that senior citizens are facing severe challenges globally as a result of the pandemic. How can the elderly thrive amidst such circumstances?

Thriving is paramount to your mental and physical health. It’s also a sign of independence. But in any society, the elderly cannot thrive without help from others. How can they seek help and remain safe?

Elderlink has suggestions for senior family members who still live on their own. If you are struggling to cope with the effect of the pandemic, learn lessons from those who are already thriving. Seniors who struggle for survival during these critical times should do the following:

  • Live in a secure environment

The elderly are encouraged to live a secure environment that supports healthy aging. Family members should make their homes as safe as possible for their elderly parents. When children provide the needed care for their parents, they can help them feel secure and alleviate the feeling of stress.

Seniors who live alone due to divorce or losing a spouse can leverage social engagement, senior-friendly exercises, and volunteer their service to help combat the feeling of loneliness and depression.

  • Get support

The significance of getting support at the right time cannot be overemphasized. In the United States, different medical communities offer assistance to seniors during the coronavirus pandemic. Also, our state provides access to free consultations, incentives, and moral support to seniors, which can help them deal with stress.

Many religious and Non-for-profit organizations have availed themselves to give the elderly moral and financial aid during the lockdown and even after.

How assisted living communities are helping

The “no visiting” rule established by assisted living communities across the country has made it difficult for seniors to connect with their families during the pandemic. But this is for their good too as it has provided a safe environment for seniors to thrive. Such stringent health protocols will help to protect them and make them less vulnerable to the virus.

If you abide by the rules set by your community and government, then learn from others who are successfully coping with the pandemic, you will be able to find the inner peace you seek and stay safe as possible during these unprecedented times.

ELDERLINK IS HERE FOR YOU. We will find you the right facility with the right qualities for you to live in comfort and safety. Call us today and get on the right track for the appropriate living location for you or your loved one. 800 613-5722

Elderlink Discusses Leaving Lockdown? How to Help Seniors Cope with Fear

Although the pandemic is still hitting hard, an increase in adherence to safety precautions and good hygienic practice has led to better management of the situation. Do you sometimes feel you are better off shopping from home and accessing almost all your needs online? You are not out of place. Statistics have revealed that 7 out of 10 Americans relied heavily on online shopping during these past few months of global unrest. Since the virus is still evolving, it’s therefore paramount that we continue to practice social distancing, good personal hygiene, and other healthy practices to curb the spread of the virus.

Elderlink.org sees the lockdown rules are changing significantly for many states as they are getting relaxed gradually. It feels great to know that soon; life will return to normal once again. All of us expected many people would be resuming work in various states, and most businesses that were formally shut are now reopening.

In this, there is a spark of hope.  Still keep in mind, it also triggers fear in the minds of many people who are scared of what lies ahead of them. Elderlink recommends you adhere to state laws and newly launched sanitation practices, what if our anxiety becomes overwhelming?

How Much Is Too Much?

Will the active cases of COVID -19 increase tremendously when things bounce back to normal? Are your safety and that of your elderly loved ones guaranteed as you visit public places? These are the questions on the lips of many. You don’t have to panic but take necessary actions to help the elderly cope with fear.

Encourage them to practice safety measures that include:

  • Shopping from home

Most seniors prefer to shop for necessities themselves. But not at this time, encourage your elderly parents to seek help when they can. They can also buy online for their needs instead of visiting malls regularly. More so, older adults can help their elderly parents with specific tasks that require them to leave their homes frequently.

  • Maintaining physical distancing

Seniors are easily vulnerable to a variety of ailments, and the virus is not an exception. But they can reduce the rate of vulnerability when they maintain social distancing each time they visit public places.

  • Seek professional help

Although many businesses have shut down their doors due to the pandemic, we promise you we aren’t shutting ours on you. We remain committed to providing top-notch senior referral service. So feel free to call us and discuss your senior care needs. We will offer expert advice based on your situation. 800 613-5772. Elderlink, serving California since 1939.

Helping the Elderly to Practice Social Distancing

It can be challenging to get older parents to understand the significance of social distancing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The elderly have a higher risk of contracting the coronavirus because of the weakened state of their immune system and possibly other physical issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seniors are advised to take social distancing seriously and remain indoors if possible. But what if your elderly parents don’t want to listen to you?

The truth is that facing too much resistance from your aged parents regarding social distancing might lead to frustrations and stressful conversations. If they continually ignore the advice of the CDC, Elderlink offers these tips to help get the message heard. 

  • Get A Health Expert To Speak With Them

If you observed that your aged parents hardly listen to your advice even before the pandemic started, then you should know that you might not be the right person to advise them on social distancing. The truth is that most parents see their adult children as kids. Therefore, you should think of someone your parents can easily trust, such as a health practitioner or a close friend.

  • Advice With Love And Not Control

Most times, the reason for their resistance could be how you advise them. It is best to keep in mind; this is not the perfect time to shout and forcefully restrain them from others in the neighborhood. Instead, let love lead. Let them know the reason why you want them to distance themselves from others. More so, reassure them of your constant love and how you want them to stay safe and healthy.

  • Share Information From Reliable Sources

Each day, rumors spread on various social media platforms and all across the internet about COVID-19. That information might make it challenging to know what to accept or not. It is more challenging to tell them to disregard any information they get online that does not emanate from authority sites such as the CDC.

  • Regular Communication

Most times, you might not know what your parents are going through unless you speak with them often and ask about important current events, and what do they think?. If they aren’t following the CDC guideline, again talk to them with patience and respect. We know many of us may be a bit on edge with all that is happening today. When speaking to anyone, including your parents, the conversation may get a bit heated if you find they are following the wrong information. It is not a matter of whether you are right or wrong, but convincing them to change a habit they are probably used to for many years.

While trying to encourage your parents or any senior to distance themselves from others, it’s vital to consider another risk factor, which is isolation and loneliness – the leading cause of depression in the elderly. Do what you can to offer solutions for both situations. 

Call us today, and we will assist you in finding the right senior housing to meet all the needs of your parents and loved ones. Call 800 613-5772.