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Preparing For Your Future Long-Term Needs: A Guide

For many of us, thinking about the future can come with a lot of stress and worry. Even if you have savings for retirement, it’s impossible to foresee what issues might arise down the road. Medical bills, home repairs, and changes in Social Security benefits are all possibilities that can eat into your savings. If you or your partner should need long-term care due to an injury or illness, savings can evaporate.

Fortunately, there are some ways you can prepare. Lifestyle changes can maximize the odds of living longer without long-term care, while building up the savings account can make more options available. The key is to think carefully about how you want to proceed and to look for the best ways to make changes that won’t come at the cost of comfort or safety. The following tips can help you get started, courtesy of Aspen Senior Care.

Live Healthier

When it comes to planning for your future needs, sometimes it helps to look at your lifestyle. If you have health or mobility issues now, what will the next five or 10 years look like? Long-term care is often necessary for seniors who cannot traverse their home safely on their own, or for those who suffer a fall or injury as a result of their disability.

Make positive lifestyle changes now because it’s important to do so. Diet and exercise can play a pivotal role in staying healthy. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the best ways to create healthy habits.

Consider the Cost

Long-term care isn’t just expensive, but many of us dread the idea like it’s some kind of surrender. If independence is important, and the current home can continue to be a safe place to live with minor modifications, then planning on staying in the home for as long as possible can be worth it.

Don’t be afraid to admit what you’ll need help with. A housekeeper coming in once or twice a week to help with the chores that have gotten to be more of a chore can be a godsend.

An in-home senior-care service like Aspen Senior Care in Utah Valley can fill in the gaps and keep you in your home longer than without visits. They can also provide an in-home no-cost no-obligation assessment to help you address problem areas in the home.

Reduce the Risk of Injury

Take a look around the home to see if there are changes that can be made now. Home modifications have become very popular as many more seniors are looking to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

The bathroom and kitchen are often problematic areas. There are easy fixes that can be done, like adding more lighting and removing clutter and items like throw rugs that can lead to a fall. In the bathroom, add a shower seat and grab bars to aid in your balance in both the shower and around the toilet.

Need a new shower stall or need to do something about water pressure or move pipes? For major projects, look for certified plumbers near me to take on the job. Compare rates and look at reviews to get one who’s trustworthy. With the right information, you can confidently make an informed decision.

Look at Finances

Many seniors rely on their retirement fund to pay for long-term care costs, but it’s imperative that you understand what your needs will be when you retire. Look at your income versus expenditures, and come up with a budget. Making a realistic cut in your spending now will help you figure out how much you’ll need in the coming years and what you can and can’t live without.

Even with health insurance and Medicare, long-term care can be costly, as these programs don’t pay for everything. Having a cushion in your savings account will be extremely helpful, and one of the best ways to pad it quickly is by selling your home.

If this is an option, consider downsizing to a smaller place that will save you money and work better for your health and safety needs. If your home is paid off or can list for a higher price, that’s a lot of cushioning for future needs.

Thinking about the future can be stressful, so it’s important to look for ways you can reduce those feelings and stay focused. Careful planning is necessary to ensure that you and your partner will be comfortable for years to come. It’s never too soon to prepare for every eventuality, including the need for long-term care.

Aspen Senior Care provides in-home senior care services and senior daycare to Utah Valley. Get a no-cost, no-obligation in-home assessment today!

About the Author

Annabelle Harris is the creator of Elders.Center. Her goal is to help soon-to-be seniors and already-seniors move gracefully into their golden years with less fear and more confidence. The site features a plethora of resources to help answer common and not-so-common questions about aging.

Safe and Effective Weight-loss Tips for Seniors

Safe and Effective Weight-loss Tips for Seniors

The obesity rate in the United States has reached epidemic proportions across age groups, including senior citizens. That’s concerning for many reasons, not the least of which are the health risks associated with excess weight. If you’re struggling on the scale, use these helpful tips on safe and healthy weight loss for seniors.

Eat Right

The secret to losing weight isn’t in grunting and sweating at the dumbbell rack, but in savoring a delicious meal – that is, the right delicious meal. Fill your plate with lean protein, fruits and veggies, and whole grains, and try to eat slowly so you know when you’re getting full and you won’t overindulge. Also remember that it’s as much about what you don’t eat as what you do – for example, cutting out two 16-ounce sodas a day saves you around 300 calories.

  • Seniors can add more vitamins and minerals into their diets by making careful choices focused on nutrient-rich
  • Nutritious meals can be easily prepared; check out the recipes here.
  • There’s a healthy way to go about gaining weight, too.

Exercise

Despite those caveats about exercise, keep in mind that working out is crucial to losing weight. Sticking to a fitness regimen may feel overwhelming, but in addition to losing weight, some upsides of regular physical activity include lower stress, a boost in energy, and even a lower risk of Alzheimer’s.

Invest in a Home Gym

If you find you’re not working out because you don’t have the willpower to go to the gym, consider creating an exercise area in your home. One of the perks of a home gym is that it can go anywhere. Although you could invest in fancy equipment, a few dumbbells, resistance bands, and a yoga mat are pretty much all you need to create a fully-operational, senior-friendly workout space.

  • Inexpensive workout equipment can be found fairly easily.
  • Invite a friend to join you for exercise. Having a workout buddy can help you stay motivated and provide support and encouragement.

Pay Attention to Your Mental Health

People who are overworked, sleep-deprived, or chronically stressed tend to pack on the pounds. When stressed, your body releases hormones to steel itself for injury, which often means padding on fat as part of its survival mode. With that in mind, be sure to take care of your mental wellness in your golden years. Your mind and body will benefit from it.

  • Mental health can dramatically affect physical health, so it’s important to take care of both.
  • Diet and exercise affect mental health, too. So be proactive in selecting healthy foods and sticking with your workouts.
  • Getting adequate sleep is important for your mental health and critical for weight loss.
  • Know the signs of depression, and if you see them, seek help.
  • When you visit a mental health professional, they may recommend medication. Anxiety and depression medication prescribed online can alleviate your symptoms.

Losing weight is rarely an easy journey when you’re a senior. The good news is that by making some relatively minor changes to your diet, exercise routine, and mental healthcare plan, you’ll be on your way to a healthier weight and a happier life.

The skilled and compassionate caregivers at Aspen Senior Care can provide quality care services for your senior loved one. Call 801-224-5910 to learn more.

About the Author

Annabelle Harris is the creator of Elders.Center. Her goal is to help soon-to-be seniors and already-seniors move gracefully into their golden years with less fear and more confidence. The site features a plethora of resources to help answer common and not-so-common questions about aging.

Best of Utah Valley — 1st Place Winner!

Aspen Senior Care - Elderly couple with their caregiver walking on a path. Best of Utah Valley badge is displayed on the image

Aspen Senior Care Wins 1st in Best of Utah Valley!

We are pleased to announce we have been awarded 1st place in the Home Health category for The Daily Herald‘s Best in Utah Valley Reader’s Choice Awards! The Best of Utah Valley competition allows readers to vote for their favorite local services, businesses, and products from around Utah Valley. 

Our mission is to help seniors in Utah Valley live comfortably and independently in their own homes for as long as possible by providing affordable and reliable in-home care. We perform all care services with professionalism and dignity while treating all seniors as family! We thank those who took the time to vote for us and are grateful to the wonderful people we get to work with each and every day.

Best of Utah Valley 2022 Award Badge

“We are committed to providing the highest quality of care for seniors and their families. We thank our large family of professional caregivers for always going above and beyond for the seniors we serve.” 

— Tory Gali, Administrator

Call us at 801-224-5910 to learn more about our services and our incredible professional caregivers. You’ll see why Aspen Senior Care was voted Best of Utah Valley!

Top Side Gigs for Seniors Looking to Earn an Extra Dime

An elderly man holding money

Looking for ways to earn extra income but don’t know where to start? This question is a common stumbling block for anyone looking to start a side gig. And can be particularly daunting for those looking for a job after having been in a stable career for the better part of their youth. But the brilliant thing about side gigs is that they can be a viable source of income for just about anyone looking for a means to earn extra money. You just have to know where to look. So today, Aspen Senior Care presents our best picks for seniors looking for ways to earn an additional income. 

Teach English

LoveTEFL notes that teaching English to overseas students has become one of the most popular ways to earn an extra income today. If you have an affinity for language, enjoy teaching, and love to meet people from all walks of life, this may be the side gig for you. 

Host Your Own AirBnB

Hosting your own Airbnb is a great way to earn passive income without really having to do anything. AirBnBs are ideal for holidaymakers who want to save on their accommodation expenses by renting out a space that is often more affordable than a fancy hotel. So if you have the space available, why not consider renting it out to earn some extra cash on the side. 

Teach Others

If you have tons of experience in a particular area, why not consider sharing your knowledge with others? Again, this is so easy to do with technology at your side. Because if you don’t manage to find a community learning center nearby, online platforms like YouTube allow you to showcase your knowledge on a global scale. 

How to Find the Right Side Gig

Now that you’ve reached a stage where you’ve decided you’re all in and ready to start that side gig you’ve been dreaming about, this begs the question: where do you start looking? As mentioned before, technology is where almost everything is these days. So looking for your ideal side gig is as simple as doing a quick search online where you’re bound to find what you’re looking for. Or better yet, Creative Lives In Progress suggests phoning a friend or using social media to connect with others searching for the same thing. 

What You’ll Need to Consider

You’ll need to consider when starting your side gig if you want to turn your part-time gig into a full-time business eventually. Suppose you’ve always wanted to become a massage therapist or esthetician, for instance, but never had the chance to. If you decide that this is it for you and you want to pursue your dream further, you’ll also need to consider the type of business you want to file, what contracts you’ll need to sign to set up shop in your area, and what tax bracket you’re likely to fall into. 

That said, LLCs are a popular business type that many new entrepreneurs are now choosing for its various benefits, including tax advantages, additional flexibility, the fact that it has limited liability, and so on. But suppose you feel like your plate is already full, and you can’t manage this area of your business yourself. In that case, a formation service can help you by filing your LLC paperwork, for instance, and is often much cheaper than other more conventional routes. 

If you need to brush up on your business skills, consider taking some business courses. You could even go for an advanced degree like an MBA to gain knowledge of the latest software and concepts like accounting, leadership, human resources, and entrepreneurship. You can’t go wrong by taking classes online, which gives you the added benefit of going at your own pace and completing coursework anywhere there’s an internet connection. It’s also usually much more affordable than attending a traditional campus.

If Anyone Can Do it, You Can

In conclusion, if starting a side hustle seems like the best idea for anyone else but you, take heart that many people from all backgrounds, ages, and walks of life have managed to make their side hustles a success. And if they can do it, so can you.

The award-winning team at Aspen Senior Care specializes in assisting seniors in their homes by providing caregivers you can trust. Give us a call today for more info! 801-224-5910

Submitted by Aspen Senior Care Contributor Sharon Wagner.

How Seniors Can Navigate Getting Married and Building a New Life Together

An elderly couple taking a photo with a cell phone

Getting married later in life is exciting, but it also means facing unique challenges. Fortunately, seniors come to the table with a wealth of life experience, and they can make the process even easier with a bit of planning. By squaring away a few things early in the relationship, you’ll have a stronger foundation. Plus, it ensures you’re both on the same page.

If you’re a senior who’s about to get married, here are some tips from Aspen Senior Care to help you build a new life together with your new spouse.

Dealing with Your Finances

Investopedia notes that one of the trickiest parts of combining your lives is making financial decisions. Money stress can weigh heavily on a marriage regardless of your age. You may have different money management styles that you’ll want to navigate to simplify managing joint funds and expenses. Additionally, you might be fairly set in your ways, creating some obstacles.

Plus, there could be inheritance concerns to work through. Each partner likely has assets they’ll bring into the marriage, and they may already have plans regarding their distribution when they pass.

Since navigating marital property laws is complex, you may want to work with an estate planner. You could also turn to a financial planner to determine how to manage shared expenses or the best approach for maintaining some financial autonomy after you start your lives together.

Living Arrangements for Newlywed Seniors

According to Harvard University, around 79 percent of adults age 65 and up are homeowners. Once you’re married, you’ll need to decide how to handle your housing options. In some cases, you may feel that moving into one of your existing homes and preparing the other for sale is best. In others, you may decide that a fresh start is the better choice.

Consider what each of your homes offers, particularly if you’re part of the 90 percent of adults age 50 and older who want to age in place. Think about the home features you’d like to have today and in the future. If you’re self-employed, you’ll also want to prepare for an interruption in work, prioritize your home office, and obviously, plan ahead.

It’s also possible that a time will come when one or both of you may need in-home care or will want to move into assisted living or skilled care communities. If that time comes, you’ll want to focus on your needs and budget, ensuring you get the best overall fit. Spend time researching local communities now and taking tours to find your perfect option. That way, you can plan for the transition in advance, making it easier to manage.

Image via Pexels - https://www.pexels.com/photo/architecture-facade-house-lawn-259600/

Keeping Your Relationship Vibrant

No matter your age, there are plenty of things that you can do to keep that spark alive. Trying new things together is an excellent option to keep your relationship strong. Whether it’s starting a hobby that you both can enjoy, exploring different cuisines, or traveling to exciting destinations, you’ll have new experiences to enjoy together.

Also consider the benefits of starting a business together, which is a great way to spend more time together, and it creates the perfect opportunity to pad your income. Of course, you’ll want to market your business. First, create business cards that will leave a lasting impression. A professional-looking business card is more visible than email, and offers potential customers and clients something tangible to remember you by. Designing a personalized business card is simple when you use pre-made templates that you can customize by adding images, text, color schemes, and the font of your choice.

Learning a skill or language is another excellent choice, as it keeps your minds active while you navigate unfamiliar territory as a couple. It’s all very beneficial for your relationship, ensuring you remain connected and engaged.

It’s never too late to find love in your life. With the tips above, you’ll be ready to enjoy life with your new spouse.

Contributed by an Aspen Senior Care Contributor.

The award-winning team at Aspen Senior Care specializes in assisting seniors in their homes by providing caregivers you can trust. Connect with us to find out more at 801-224-5910.

Vital Signs Your Aging Loved One Needs In-Home Care

Elderly woman deep in thought

Growing old can be extremely difficult for many people, especially when they live on their own for so long. Some of the physical and mental changes that come with aging can be unbearable. They may try to ignore these symptoms, but they cannot hide from this reality. 

Their overall decline may lead them not to be able to live independently. They will have trouble with everyday activities and may even require the physical help of others to move about, bathe, or eat. It is important to have assistance because you know what your loved ones can and cannot handle on their own. Not only does this provide a sense of security, but it also provides happiness in their old age.

Having a loved one in the home doesn’t have to be a burden. With in-home care services, you can ensure that your loved one is safe and still maintain their independence. In this post, we’ll discuss situations where it is vital for an aging loved one to have 24-hour care from someone familiar with aging problems.

  1. SPOILED FOOD IN THE KITCHEN

Aging can also cause a decline in mental and physical functions, leading to an increase in forgetfulness. It could manifest itself by causing your loved one to lose track of what they have bought. They might not even remember what they have already consumed. They may be unable to handle the frustration of running out of food, so they may go shopping more often than necessary and buy more than they can eat.

The extra food will end up spoiling, leaving them with nothing but an expensive mess when you check in on them. With the assistance of a reliable caregiver, you can help your loved ones continue doing their shopping, but at a slower pace than before. They will enjoy the experience more, and you will be able to save money by preventing them from overindulging. Caregivers can also prepare meals and help your aging loved one get the right amount of nutrition, helping them age well and maintain quality of life.

  1. LACK OF PERSONAL HYGIENE

As your loved one ages, they may find it increasingly difficult to reach areas that are difficult to bathe. It can lead them to neglect important hygiene areas and eventually cause a decline in their health.

They might not be able to clean themselves properly because of their condition. If you see the signs of a smell that is more than just an odor from their food, this could indicate that your loved one needs more help bathing than they are currently getting. A caregiver can help with bathing and other activities such as dressing so you can ensure they stay healthy while allowing them to maintain some independence.

  1. UNPAID BILLS

As your loved one ages, they may find it increasingly difficult to keep track of their finances. Many older people do not even realize that their bills are unpaid and might not have the money to pay their bills.

A reliable caregiver can help your aging loved one keep track of what is owed and what needs to be paid by offering other services, such as mailing and paying bills for them.

  1. MESSY HOME

As your senior loved one age, they will likely have a harder time remembering how they got the house in the state in which it is currently. It could indicate that they need extra help staying organized inside the home and outside of it. You may notice that their once tidy house has become messy or disorganized, which can cause them to feel stressed, making cleaning take longer than before.

The assistance of a caregiver can help you ensure that your loved one can maintain their home and continue feeling at ease in their environment. A caregiver can help move things when needed and make sure the items are put away, ensuring that your loved one can maintain the life they once enjoyed.

  1. DWINDLING SOCIAL LIFE

As your loved one becomes older, their social circle may begin to shrink as time passes. They may have a hard time finding reliable friends and family members who will care for them, which could be hard on their mental state of mind and possibly lead to depression or isolation. It could be due to physical limitations related to age or health concerns.

The assistance of a caregiver can help your loved one continue socializing without needing to leave the comfort of their own home. You can call upon a caregiver to take them out for a lunch date, go grocery shopping, go to the park, or any other activity that keeps your loved one engaged with those around them.

Elderly woman on a park bench looking off into the distance

FINAL THOUGHTS

You may not be able to prevent your loved one from aging, and you may not be able to reverse the effects of aging, but you can make sure that they age with dignity, without any undue suffering. A professional caregiver can help your loved ones maintain their independence, remain in a safe environment and maintain their dignity as they age. You can also ensure that they have enough daily assistance when needed by having a caregiver regularly check in on them.

Author bio

Andrea Gibbs is the Content Manager at SpringHive Web Agency, a company that offers web design services, maintenance, and Internet marketing. She specializes in content marketing, social media, and SEO. She also serves as a blog contributor at Serenity Senior Care. She’s an avid personal development enthusiast and an expert in the field of health and fitness. When she’s not writing she can be found running hills or hiking trails, rooting for her favorite team (the Pittsburgh Steelers), or watching a good Netflix series.

Avoiding Fraud and Scams for Older Adults

Elderly couple walking down a forest path

Millions of elders and older adults fall victim to various scams and financial fraud each year. From bank account information to social security numbers, thieves can target a variety of different financial and personal information. According to the FBI, the over $3 billion a year being lost to scams targeting older adults is only going to increase due to a growing elderly population. Knowing the common signs and types of scams, how to protect yourself and your family’s assets, and understanding the correct ways to report these attempts can help keep you safe.

Recognizing Common Scams

Oftentimes, a scam or fraud begins with a stranger attempting to impersonate a close relative or loved one. On many occasions, someone will send an email or call over the phone pretending to be a child or grandchild of an older adult, and requesting money or access to bank information. This family connection is used to manipulate people more easily and pressures them to let their guard down more quickly than they might have otherwise.

There are a few scams or fraud attempts that are very commonly used amongst potential thieves:

  • Phishing: Someone calls claiming to be a trusted source, i.e. a family member or from a company, and attempts to ask for personal information such as a credit card or social security number.
  • Government Imposter: Someone pretending to be an IRS or government worker and claims you owe money, and threatens you with legal action or imprisonment if you don’t pay.
  • Lottery/Sweepstakes: Criminals pretend to work for a legitimate organization and claim that you have won a large sum of money that you can claim for a “fee.”

While there are many other ways that untrustworthy people can use in order to attempt to steal your information, knowing some of the most common ways can help you recognize them sooner. In situations where you’re concerned your personal information might be stolen, it’s best to know as soon as possible to take the appropriate action.

How to Protect Yourself

It’s important to be able to defend yourself against these financial scams. Should you fall victim to one of these fraud attempts, it can have a very negative effect on your financial plans. It can negatively impact your credit score to buy a house, ability to get loans and can raise your insurance costs. While some situations might be able to be resolved through changing a password, identity theft or direct access to your bank accounts can have a much greater and lasting impact.

As mentioned, phishing is a very common scam targeting older adults, so it’s important to be able to verify identities before giving any information over the phone or online. In addition, double-check their email address, many times it looks reputable, but it’s a fake address changed by a single letter or digit. Never open any websites or links sent to you by an unknown person.

Try to keep any anti-virus software installed and updated frequently, as this is a great way to block unwanted access to your computer or devices. While many computers have built-in protection, if you choose to use a third-party program for extra safety, it’s worth investing in a high-quality option. A general rule of thumb is if an application is free, you are most likely their product, i.e., they are likely selling your information or user profile.

If you think you’ve been targeted by a fraud or scam, it’s best to report it to your financial institutions, or other necessary parties. Some people are ashamed or embarrassed, but that should never be the case, and not acting will only cause you further stress. Taking swift and decisive action is always the best way to minimize any damage that this might cause, and help protect your assets.

Ways to Report Fraud and Scams

There are several ways to report attempted fraud or scam, and you should try and collect all the information you have when reporting them. The name of the person, company, phone number, anything that might be able to help the proper authorities. The more information you’re able to provide, the greater chance they’re likely to find the perpetrator, and in a timely manner.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main agency that collects fraud information and has a specific page to allow scam reports. Through filling out the form, you can help prevent yourself and others from falling victim to any further attempts. There are a few other places to report certain aspects of cybercrime, but it’s important to ensure you’re giving accurate information to an official website. For starters, looking for a .gov or a .org are good indicators of a trustworthy site.

In addition, many email providers have the ability to report fraud directly if you received the mail electronically. This can ensure you never receive emails from that address ever again and helps them track the address and prevent future scams.

Due to the financial stability and trusting nature of older adults, they are targeted by scammers at a much higher rate. Having the ability to recognize a fraud attempt, protect yourself from it, and report it to the proper authorities can help you protect yourself and your family’s financial future, not to mention millions of others as well.

Contributed By:

Aspen Senior Care Contributor

 

A Senior’s Guide To Getting Your Overall Health Back On Track

Image by coombesy from Pixabay

Health is important, but as you get older, it may seem harder and harder to manage. However difficult it might sound, it’s not impossible. No matter what age you are, don’t be afraid to take your wellness into your own hands and improve your health, and overall well-being.

If you are struggling to keep up with your overall health, then read on to learn how to get your health back on track! 

Focus On Physical Health

As you age, it is normal to slow down and become more inactive in your day-to-day life. It’s crucial, however, to keep up with your physical health to maintain your overall lifestyle. As you age, your metabolism slows, and your balance and flexibility decrease. Exercising regularly can help you maintain a healthy weight, and strengthen your mobility. Now, staying on top of your physical health won’t always be a walk in the park, but start by creating a workout plan that fits your goals. Whether that is focusing on implementing more cardio or strength training by joining a senior fitness group, starting slow is still an important first step.

Check-in With Yourself

This year has been challenging for many, and if you are experiencing negative fluctuations in your mood then it can affect your overall well-being. As a senior, it’s essential to find positive ways to navigate your mental health. Start by identifying where you struggle; common mental health problems among seniors include isolation, dementia, and anxiety disorders. Once you are able to pinpoint your issues, then you can take the necessary steps to help improve your mental health. Engaging in hobbies or daily activities you enjoy can help you relax and lower anxiety. Playing brain games has been proven to improve memory function as they serve as a mental exercise. If you still find yourself struggling to improve your mental health, then talk to a loved one or your doctor. It’s never too late to prioritize your mental health, so check in with yourself. 

Image by THAM YUAN YUAN from Pixabay

Experiment With Telehealth

During these uncertain times, you might find it difficult to feel comfortable leaving your house, especially to go to visit your primary care provider. If you’re finding it harder than usual to make the trip, or are uncertain about leaving your house, consider looking into telehealth services. Telehealth services help provide convenient and timely access to a clinic or local doctor. Telehealth is also extremely beneficial as it minimizes your time in a waiting room, and can get you help right from the comfort of your own home. There is a wide variety of sicknesses that telehealth covers, from serious mental illness to blood pressure issues. Don’t let the fear of COVID-19 keep you from sticking to your monthly doctors’ appointments.

Notice The Changes

As you age you will experience changes in your body daily, and although some might just come with age, be aware of what they might mean. For example, erectile dysfunction is extremely common in senior men and can be treated with ED pills. ED can be a symptom of another serious underlying health issue, like type 2 diabetes or chronic kidney disease. This is why it’s vital you take note of the changes in your body and let your healthcare provider know. Understanding what’s normal when it comes to aging and what’s not will help you better comprehend the reg flags and treat them properly.

If you notice negative changes in your overall health- don’t sit around and wait. Seniors are at a greater risk for chronic health conditions such as the flu and COVID-19. Take action and get your health back on track today.

Blog submitted by:

Aspen Senior Care Contributor

In-Home Care Vs. Memory Care – Which Is the Best Fit?

Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay (2)

What is a Memory Care Facility?

Memory care is a special kind of care for seniors with memory issues like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Many communities worldwide offer special services to meet the needs of individuals dealing with the effects of memory loss.

There are different types of memory care options. AARP states, “Many assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement communities, and nursing homes have special memory care “neighborhoods” for dementia patients. There are also stand-alone memory care facilities.” Another option for memory care is a senior day care center like Aspen Senior Day Center in Provo, Utah, which offers memory care services throughout the day but still allows seniors to remain in the comfort of their own homes. 

Professional staff help residents with activities of daily living and help manage medication, provide meals, transportation, housekeeping, and other social activities. Memory care units maintain a higher staff-to-resident ratio than a typical senior living community. The staff is trained in caring for dementia patients, and common areas and units are protected with an access code to avoid wandering.

Memory Care Facilities

  • Special staff training to meet the mental and emotional needs of residents.
  • Intense supervision and safety protocols to prevent wandering.
  • Good staff to resident ratio.
  • Uniquely designed living spaces to ease agitation, anxiety, and disorientation.
  • Safety features like an emergency call system and alarmed doors.
  • Simple navigation and building layout to avoid confusion.
  • Social programs and activities to encourage socialization.
  • Secure fences, gardens, and courtyards for sensory stimulation and exploration in a safe space.

What is In-Home Care?

Many seniors wish to spend their later years at home surrounded by the companionship of their loved ones. For many seniors, in-home professional care may offer practical help along with peace of mind. In-home care allows seniors to remain comfortably in their own homes while receiving aid from professional caregivers. It’s also a cost-efficient option for family caregivers to receive additional respite care.

In-home care caregivers offer help with activities of daily living or “ADL’s.” The intensity of care may vary based on the senior’s needs. Typically care can range from a few hours a week spent preparing meals and housekeeping to round-the-clock supervision.

 In-Home Care 

  • Assistance with ADLs like bathing, personal care, dressing, and more.
  • Ongoing caregiver and family companionship and assistance.
  • Ease of transportation to appointments and everyday errands.
  • Help with housekeeping, dishes, and laundry.
  • Respite care for family caregivers. 
  • Specially trained caregivers who can help seniors dealing with memory loss.

How to Choose Between In-Home Care and Memory Care Facility? 

Consider how much care and help is available in the senior’s home and how much additional support is needed. It’s good to jot down a list of things your elderly loved one needs help with on a weekly, monthly, and daily basis. These notes will help you see the bigger picture to pick the right level of care. Be realistic about how much your family members and friends can help. Keep in mind the long-term, ongoing care during this stage.

Once you’ve drawn this comparison, you’ll have a better idea of how to proceed. Sometimes, creating this list clarifies that in-home care might be the best option. However, there are times where picking from memory care facilities for seniors is a clear choice. So, before you go ahead with either of these living arrangements, you should weigh their offered services along with critical pros and cons.

In-home care

The most significant advantage of in-home care is that seniors get to live out their days with family and friends in the safety of their own homes.

Pros

  • Tailored care based on the senior’s personal preferences and needs. Even the most luxurious senior living communities do not give the same one-on-one attention that a home care agency can provide.
  • The ability to stay at home surrounded by familiar faces as they age.
  • Cost may be flexible based on the hours of necessary care.
  • You get to pick the caregiver based on their credentials, competence, and personality fit to the senior.
  • Seniors develop a personal bond with the caregiver rather than working with multiple caregivers.
  • There’s more room for flexible care arrangements. For example, caregivers can help at different times throughout the day or week to help with specific needs like meals, showers, or errands. 

Cons

  • The cost can be considerably high if you need around-the-clock care.
  • Social isolation is a potential issue as seniors may not interact with peers. Isolation could fuel cognitive decline, health issues, and even depression.
  • You may have to modify the home to ensure safety, such as wheelchair accessibility, potential fall risks, etc.
  • You will have to take care of home maintenance and personal care while regularly stocking household supplies and groceries.

Memory Care

Memory care communities are designed to promote safety and avoid wandering clients. There are caregivers with special training and memory-specific therapies to promote cognitive health.

Pros 

  • Seniors receive 24/7 care.
  • Special community programs and activities to improve quality of life.
  • The living arrangements are comfortable, safe, and welcoming. They are uniquely customized to avoid confusion and disorientation.
  • Several memory care units deploy therapies and technology to ensure positive stimulation so that residents can thrive.
  • Seniors get to interact with people of their age every day. Peer interaction prevents isolation and depression.
  • Family members can visit their loved ones to offer ongoing support.

Cons

  • Based on the facility and the level of care required, the cost can be considerably high. Some luxury memory care facilities can cost upwards of $10,000 per month.
  • Often the transition from moving out of the home to memory care be overwhelming and stressful.
  •  It may be challenging to convince seniors to move from their homes.
  • No two communities are the same, which means you would have to do a large amount of research to pick the right fit.

Understand Your Financial Situation 

Sometimes, the cost of living arrangement is the single deciding factor regarding which option may be the best fit. 

The cost of regular memory care can be considerably high. For instance, it costs upwards of $6000/month to receive memory care in some states. In terms of in-home care costs, Genworth reported the cost of in-home in 2020 to be around $4500 for 44 hours/week.

The best way to understand the actual pricing for different living communities is to compare some of your top choices. You might also want to work with a financial planner to get a more accurate picture of a feasible option. Once you have a full-fledged comparison between the two, you will know which option is the best fit. 

Final Thoughts

When it comes to picking a suitable living situation for your loved one, knowledge is vital. So, ask around and do thorough research, read reviews, and ask for professional advice.

By Holly Klamer

Aspen Senior Care Contributor

The Benefits of In-Home Care for Seniors

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay - 1

More and more seniors are choosing to age in place. After all, who doesn’t want to grow old in their own home? It’s where you feel most comfortable and secure.

As ideal as it may seem, aging in place can be a significant source of concern for family members when their elderly loved one has difficulties with domestic responsibilities and activities of daily living.

Are you concerned about your loved one’s ability to live independently or your growing responsibilities as their caregiver? Why not consider home care services for the elderly?

These in-home care benefits will help you decide if it’s the right option, not only for your senior loved one but also for everybody concerned:

1. Provide a more personalized level of care. 

Residents of senior care facilities are often required to adhere to rigid schedules and care routines. With home care, however, the care services are tailored to the specific needs and timetable of the client. Your elderly loved one will get the help and care they need any time they need it.

The in-home care setting also provides caregivers and their patients the opportunity to develop a strong bond that could prove valuable for aging seniors.

2. Allow seniors the benefits of caring companionship.

Seniors who live alone, especially those with health or mobility issues, are more likely to suffer from depression. Thus, the company of a live-in or in-home caregiver could be very beneficial to their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Social interaction has been shown to boost vitality in the elderly. Seniors who have someone to converse with, eat with, and keep them company are happier and healthier.

3. Access to skilled medical care and help with medication management.

Most elderly people take a variety of prescription medications on a daily basis, making it difficult for them to keep track of everything on their own. With a care professional by their side, you can rest assured knowing that they’re taking their meds on time and as recommended.

Home care agencies can also provide licensed nurses and certified health care professionals, should your senior loved one need it.

4. Assistance with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living).

In-home caregivers assist seniors with everyday chores and hygienic routines such as grooming, bathing, and light housekeeping so that they can maintain a good standard of living.

Aside from that, home care also has the added benefit of allowing elderly clients the privilege of owning or keeping their pets, which is not allowed in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Like social interactions, pet companionship also helps improve vitality in older people.

5. Help ensure that seniors get the nutrition they need.

People over the age of 60, particularly those with long-term health issues, have more specific and demanding nutritional needs.

Old age, prolonged bed rest, and diseases can lead to malnutrition and loss of body mass. A senior’s home care plan may also include meal preparation and dietary counseling to ensure that patients get the nourishment they need to live healthily.

Beverly and Brandon - Square - Aspen Senior Care

6. Give seniors a sense of independence.

Approximately 90% of seniors prefer to age in place. They believe that living out their final years in their own homes is the most convenient and comfortable option. Many seniors are reluctant to move into a nursing home or care facility in fear of losing their independence.

Spending old age at home allows seniors to live the life they’re used to and keeps them engaged with their community, but you can’t dispute the fact that being on their own could be very challenging for them. Having a caregiver by their side helps ensure their safety and security without taking too much of their independence.

7. Cost-effective alternative to care facilities.

Hiring a home care professional is generally less expensive than living in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Home care rates are around $15 – $25 per hour, depending on whether the client needs non-medical, home health care, and skilled care. On the other hand, care facilities for seniors can cost $200 – $500 a day.

With home care, your senior family member receives quality one-on-one care without breaking the bank.

8. Get to spend more time with the family.

Choosing home care means you can visit your senior loved one anytime and spend as much quality time with them as you want, without being limited by rules or visitation hours. 

Nothing beats family as a source of support and strength. This is true for many of us, but even more so for seniors nearing the end of their lives. This is, perhaps, the best thing about in-home care: it allows you to play a more significant role in the care plan of your aging family members.

Author Bio:

Sarah Keller is the Content Marketing Strategist of A To Z Home Care, a team of professional home care providers based in Phoenix, Arizona that specializes in long-term care for your loved ones. She enjoys riding horses and camping with her friends and family in her spare time.