Accepting the Need for Hospice Care

Beth's mothers is in her 80's, and has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. She also suffers from mid-stage dementia. A friend of her's received wonderful care from an area hospice, and would like to see her mother have that kind of care. The problem  is making herself go through the process. Beth's mom knows that hospice means she has been designated terminally ill, though they don’t know how cognitively aware she’ll be when Beth puts everything in place. Beth know's Hospice is right for her mother, but she is still struggling with it.
Read about accepting the fact that our parent is nearing death:

Siblings Caring for Aging Parents

Jamie, Tracey, Billie, and Terry all love their parents Bill and Geneva, but after their mom Geneva's recent hospitalization, Terry and Jamie felt it was time for their parents to make the move to a senior living community that offered more assistance to the both of them. However, Billie felt that their mom and dad could still live at home with minimal assistance, while Tracy thought they needed to move in with her. Sounds like a mess huh?

Read more about siblings caring for aging loved ones 

Read what happens when sibling disagree on Care

Sign Up TODAY!

Advanced Style: Fashion is Good for You!

Eden Alternative Ahead of its Time

Twenty years ago, Dr. Bill Thomas was treating a patient at a local nursing home. After addressing his patient’s immediate needs, he then asked if there was anything else that he could do for her. The patient quietly informed the doctor that she was  lonely! Little did she know that her response would be life changing and help the lives of others in her same situation. Loneliness can seem so unimportant when compared to physical illnesses, however, when removed from familiar surroundings with additional physical limitations and placed in a room with nothing but a television and a window, can have a large impact on one’s wellbeing . Not only would we be lonely but we would also be depressed. 

In Dr. Thomas’ research, he found that there are three plagues that are negatively affecting our elders which include: loneliness, helplessness, and boredom. These plagues are shockingly killing off our elders faster than any other disease. The only way to combat these plagues is through companionship, meaningful activity, and spontaneity. None of which can be found in a pill bottle.

Read More about the Affects of Loneliness

Dr. Bill Thomas and Alive Inside...Wow!

Yummm!!!!!!!!!!!!

June 2012 Life Enrichment Calendar

Ask an Elder: A Curious College Graduate

Dear Elder,

With college students graduating, I know that many of them will be on the hunt for new jobs. My question for you is what advice can you give to some of these graduates? Do you have any tips for finding and landing the perfect job? What advice or recommendations could you give them as they look toward their bright futures?

Signed,

 A Curious College Graduate

Dear Curious College Graduate,

The best advice I could give to someone regarding their future career would be to concentrate on being the best person you can be: honorable, dependable, hard working, etc. Being the best you can be and having a ’good name’ for yourself will help to take you any and everywhere in life. What I have also learned about landing an ideal job is to first research the company you will be interviewing with, such as the name of potential bosses or CEOs. Be knowledgeable about the position and company you are interviewing for and attend your interview prepared with strong interviewing skills, such as good eye contact. Know how to market yourself and what you can bring to the company. Make the employer believe in you and want you for the position!

Signed,

Ann Uranga,

Your Elder Advisor

Keeping Retired Elders Active Can Avoid Depression

Rob is a music minster at a local church. One year he decided to start a choir that featured older retired seniors. He then decided they would rehearse each week during the day, thinking that retired meant that the seniors weren't doing anything. So began his search for choir members. Most seniors found it easy to fit choir rehearsals into their schedule, however, Rob was surprised when he received a call from an elder neamed Betty. Betty, an active church member, told Rob she simply could not join his choir. Rob trying his best to be helpful said, "if driving's the problem I can pick you up." Betty then replied "No Rob I between my dance class, volunteering at the hospital, shuttling my grandkids to practice, teaching bible study, along with my commitments at the community center I just cant fit you in!'

The old model of retirement living, painted a picture of front porch swings and sunsets. However with a new generation of retiree's we are finding the old model is not enough. Read how caregivers are keeping the seniors in their lives active and how important this is in avoiding depression.