Happy New Year! The new year is a great time for older Americans to take stock of their lives and consider how they can live healthier and happier – or as the saying goes, “Add years to your life and life to your years!”
Today, requiring care in a senior living community no longer means giving up a full and enriching lifestyle for older Americans. In fact, forward-thinking senior living communities now place a major emphasis on ensuring that their residents have an active, purposeful lifestyle that enhances their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Not surprisingly, adult children with aging parents in memory care frequently have anxiety and questions about visiting their loved ones. Common concerns include: Will mom/dad even know who I am? What should I say? Do my visits have any value? How often should I visit mom/dad in memory care?
Recent researchby the US Department of Health & Human Services projects that most seniors age 65 or older will need long-term care at some point in their lives. As noted by the long-term care experts at the Mayo Clinic®, “If
We’ve all heard the saying, “It takes a village,” with regard to raising children. Similarly, it could be said that “it takes a family” to care for an aging parent.
“As an adult child, having siblings can be a blessing when it comes to caring for a parent who needs ongoing care,” says Susan Irrgang, RN, LNHA, Executive Director at Saunders House in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.
None of us has a crystal ball. Illness, injury or disability can occur at any time during our retirement years. Healthcare, legal and financial authorities agree that planning for the long-term care needs of yourself, or an older loved one, is extremely important.
“The holidays are fast approaching and that means family gatherings, parties with friends and great food and drink – all of which can contribute to adding some unhealthy pounds over a short period of time,” says Susan Irrgang, RN, LNHA, Executive Director at Saunders House in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.
“Registered dietitians tell us that moderation is the key during the holidays. But if your sweet tooth and your love of holiday feasts are more than your willpower can handle, there is another helpful solution – exercise!”
We’ve always known that a good night’s sleep is good for our physical and emotional health. Getting enough “zzzzz”s makes us feel refreshed, alert and ready for the day.
“Recent research studies also suggest that there is a dangerous downside to not getting sufficient sleep,” says Susan Irrgang, RN, LNHA, Executive Director at Saunders House in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.
According to theAmerican Stroke Association®, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. After a stroke, it is very common to have communication problems.
