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Senior Care

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.

Senior Care

Elderlink Wants You to Know
We Are in This Together!

We are facing a very dark period globally. And we know the harsh effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are already telling on you. We want to check on you to ensure that you are safe in your end. Our team wants to assure you that there is light at the end of the tunnel. But only if we all stay healthy and keep the hope alive, can we emerge victorious in the end.

Although it might be demanding right now, but we are assuring you that it’s all going to end soon. Even if we can’t ascertain when the crisis will be over, we are confident that we are drawing closer to its end by the passing of each day.

So please don’t give up! We need you just like you need us during this time of global crisis. While the government is doing all it can to ensure the corona virus is curbed entirely, we expect you to do your part as well. It takes collective effort to drive this virus to its grave. We encourage everyone including seniors to join forces together with the authorities and adhere to the safety measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE GUIDLINES OF “THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL”. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

We are willing to assist you with strength from our collective and unmatched resilience which you need. Now is the time to rise as one and fight this pandemic. We all have to prove that the virus is no match to our collective resolve as Americans.

Even though the way we live our lives and interact with others might have changed drastically during these past few weeks, we are convinced that you can still find the support you need. On our part, we will continue to support government initiatives and remain available to assist you in finding appropriate senior care facilities.

Therefore, you can always reach out to us through phone call or by filling the request form online.

 800-613-5772 or www.elderlink.org

We are in this together, and we will pull through soon. Let’s take collective responsibility and remain safe.

We wish you well.

The entire team at Elderlink

Senior Care

What Should I Consider When Choosing an Assisted Living Facility?

When choosing an assisted living facility, it’s reasonable to consider safety, your happiness, and your comfort. Although it’s essential for the facility to be neat and well-maintained. However, less emphasis should be placed on physical attributes such as furnishings and amenities.

This is because there are other important things to be considered, as well. Fancy or expensive surroundings in the way of furniture, giant TV or Chandeliers does equal happiness. Let’s be honest with ourselves, it is better to seek happiness and comfort, especially during your golden years. Elderlink.org has suggestions and general guidance to help you answering all your questions making this process simple and easy.

We have highlighted some of the things you may want to consider before moving to an assisted living facility near you. We suggest you watch out for these factors when you conduct a check or an inspection on the facility.

  • Does the environment describe a place you can call home?

Do you see the facility as inviting, warming and friendly? Although it’s based on personal preference and what you want from a facility, so if you prefer a cozier and quiet place, you might not like a facility that is bustling with residents and different activities. Completing our initial comprehensive assessment, we can assist you right from the start knowing what you want, expect and hope to find..

  • How does the management handle complaints?

This is extremely important because if you experience some unprofessional behavior from staff you want a home where the issue is resolved quickly and professionally. As much as it pains us to broach this topic, a resident could become a victim of elder abuse caused by anyone within the facility. Knowing the facility is quick to act and are aware to keep an eye out for such behavior is of major importance to you.

  • Do you find the food appealing?

Be sure to look at the weeks menu and the choices they offer. Is the food nutritious and delicious?  Are residents allowed to eat in the privacy of their rooms? If not, what is the walking distance from the rooms to the dining table? Also, are family members allowed to bring food and drinks for their aged, loved one during a visit to the facility?

  • Do they organize senior-friendly activities that you are interested in?

Does the facility provide various fun activities that you can engage in during your stay at the facility? Many assisted living communities provide recreational activities that might interest you. Such activities include a library, gym, swimming pool, and games. Finding such amenities will go a long way to curb senior isolation and depression.

  • Rising health challenges

As we age, we might face health challenges that are beyond our control. Since many assisted living facilities are not designed to accommodate seniors with severe health problems, you should address any issues or questions before moving to an assisted living community. Finding answers to these questions and even more can guarantee your happiness and how long you will reside in such facility.

Elderlink.org is here for you, our clients have sterling testimonials to share about us because we care. It is our goal to ensure your happiness prior to moving to any facility. This is probably the biggest reason we have been in business since 1939, you always come first. Call us today and find what exceptional customer service is all about. 800 – 613-5772.

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ElderLink Shares How Volunteering Can Help Seniors as They Age

As we age, it’s common to establish retirement goals. Most people don’t want to be swallowed in their world of isolation during their golden years. So, they choose to sink themselves in activities and hobbies they enjoy the most.

If you have not been planning towards retirement, it’s not too late to start. It’s wise to avoid scenarios and circumstances that breed isolation as we age. Many seniors do not have a hard time settling for an activity they love or anything that catches their interest. While you ponder over these thoughts and try to fix your mind on the best route to take upon retirement, it’s wise to explore many options. One of them is volunteering. Have you thought of giving back to the community?

There is a connection between seniors and volunteering says
ElderLink.org, because many of them would like to engage in activities that give them a sense of fulfillment and joy.  Even more than that, seniors who volunteer enjoy some health benefits which significantly impact their well being. Here are some of the benefits.

  • Bridge the generational gap

Many seniors find it challenging to connect and relate with younger ones. This is because of the generational gap. Hence, when seniors volunteer with kids and younger adults, chances are they are going to learn to look at life from a different perspective. Also, younger ones can learn a lot about life from their wealth of experience the senior offers as well.

  • It helps to improve self-esteem

The satisfaction derived from making a difference, and putting a smile on the face of another is more than enough to increase the self-worth of many seniors as some may feel left out from the happenings in the world around them. The impact of volunteering on mental health is enormous.

FIVE IMPORTANT REASONS IT MAKES SENSE TO VOLUNTEER

  1. Healthy body, healthy mind – Studies show volunteering is good for both our bodies and our minds. Among other benefits, volunteering can reduce stress, improve mood, help prevent loneliness and lower the risk of developing high blood pressure. So, for older adults with physical ailments, volunteering can make you feel better.
  2. Trying new things – Volunteering allows older adults to stay active. Whether reading to school children, visiting with patients in the hospital or baking dog treats for a local shelter, volunteering offers an array of opportunities to try new things.
  3. Leaving a legacy – Older adults often think about how they have contributed to the world and what mark they will leave behind. Volunteering gives a sense of purpose, while simultaneously making a positive difference in the world by improving the life of another.
  4. Connecting with others – Forging connections with people is part of what makes us human. Volunteering provides more opportunities to connect with different types of people. Communities large and small are always in search of intergenerational opportunities for residents, such as working in a community garden with a group of Eagle Scouts or writing cards to soldiers with a local youth group.
  5. It’s enjoyable – When a senior who volunteers at the library was asked why volunteering is important to her, she said, “It’s fun, and it gives me something to do. ”She’s right; being a small part of something much larger than yourself is just plain fun.
  6. Bottom line, it helps seniors to stay active – So important Seniors engage in activities that can help them to remain physically active when possible. Most volunteering activities include walking, talking, stretching, and other physical activities that encourage seniors to become mentally alert and physically fit.

  • Helps seniors to grow in knowledge and experience

Let’s face it, you are never too old to learn new things. Personal growth is one of the many benefits of volunteering for seniors. Aging should not prevent you from expanding your horizon and gaining experience about new ways of living. More so, it will help you to meet with others who share your interests and goals.

Volunteering is a great way to make new friends, see the world through a different pair of glasses, and one of the best ways to reach for more exceptional accomplishments as you age. ElderLink.org can help you discover various senior living options and facilities that will enable you and your loved one to achieve a sense of accomplishment.

Contact us today and find out how much easier life can be for a senior family member when you are dealing with the oldest and most respected senior referral service in California. 1-800 613-5772 or click this link and tell us how the experts can best assist you and your needs?

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Tips for Making Your Bathroom Senior Friendly

We spend a lot of time in the bathroom. In a sense it can be a fun place to be, we make ourselves look good, feel clean and fresh and so much more. But as we grow older, it may become quite dangerous. We get scared of missing a step and falling to the ground, slipping and falling in the shower or bath, and the list goes on. But the bathroom doesn’t have to be a stressful place as we grow older. Safety is essential for senior living and primary consideration when designing a bathroom or doing remodeling in your home. This post will discuss some tips for making your bathroom senior friendly.

  • Consider grab bars

Grab bars are placed in the bathroom to offer sturdy support to the elderly. Thus, allowing them to move freely. The best places to install these grab bars in the bathroom are around the shower, sink, or on either side of the toilet. While doing this, avoid using cold, sterile rods for installing the bars. Fortunately, these bars can be designed to fit the existing décor of your home. You can even use textured handles for more gripping and many of them have a bit of a designer look, no longer sticking out like a sore thumb.

  • Make it non-slippery

A bathroom can become slippery when it’s wet. However, you can prevent elderly falls before they happen. When retiling your floor, consider anti-skid tiling, or you can apply some anti-slip coating to your existing floor if you don’t want to rip out the old flooring. You should definitely use it in the bathtub or shower where elderly falls are most common.

  • Redesign your shower

A conventional shower can trigger an elderly fall. To make your bathroom senior-friendly, consider a wheel-in or walk-in shower design. This applies to tubs as well. It will prevent slips and falls in the elderly.

  • Shower seats

Some seniors have mobility issues and have difficulty moving around in the bathroom. Therefore, consider including a shower seat in addition to the grab bars. You can either build it into the existing shower or separately. Fortunately, it can be matched with the specific needs of a loved one.

Aside from remodeling your existing bathroom design to become senior-friendly, there are other safety measures you can take, such as:

  • A telephone mounted on the wall of the bathroom close to the shower/bath and in a location where a person can reach it if they were on the ground.
  • Ensure the bathroom door can be easily opened from both sides
  • Proper lighting is essential. A brightly lit bathroom will assist a senior to see clearly, especially if they remove their glasses to shower or bath. Ensure all bulbs are functional
  • Finally, there are plenty of steps to preparing your bathroom to become safe for senior citizens. Spend a moment in your bathroom and seriously look around, what is helpful and what’s a hazard.

These are only a few ideas, the ones we see as most essential, but we are sure if you take the time to look inside your bathroom and consider what could be harmful in any way, you will find others that require your attention.

When it is time to consider senior living for a family member, https://www.elderlink.org/ should be your first choice. We are the oldest and best rated Senior Livings Referral Agency in all of California. One call does it all, 800 613-5772