Upload
annette-hallett
View
217
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
1/70
Time Marches On - Senior Life Tips
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided "as is". The author, publishers and marketers of this information
disclaim any loss or liability, either directly or indirectly as a consequence of applying the information
presented herein, or in regard to the use and application of said information. No guarantee is given, eitherexpressed or implied, in regard to the merchantability, accuracy, or acceptability of the information.
Further, this information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational
purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions
you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking
it because of something you have read.
Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not FDA approved they must be accompanied by a two-part
disclaimer on the product label: that the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not
intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
2/70
Table of Contents
Senior Living Accommodations
Making a Home Senior friendly
Medicare
Medicare Prescription Coverage
Coverage for Catastrophes
Medicare Fraud
Reviewing Finances
Preparing a Will
Reverse Mortgage
Nutrition for Seniors
Exercise for Seniors
Employment for Seniors
Vacation Options for Seniors
Seniors and Transportation
Moving Your Parent(s) In
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
3/70
Senior Living Accommodations
Accommodations
As people grow older, they are most likely to spend more of their time in
their own homes due to their infirmity, increasing age or to spend more
leisure time for themselves. Hence, the environment around them plays
an important role in how a person copes with aging.
Issues regarding environment, food, shelter, transportation, and other
important necessities for living can greatly influence senior people to seek
for retirement homes, apartments and other alternatives that would suit
their current state of living. The decision to move for retirement can serve
some implications to the senior people, Therefore it is important to
understand these issues.
At Home with the Family
Staying at home, in the care of family and relatives is considered a
primary arrangement for caring of senior people. It is usually the case for
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
4/70
senior people to move in the homes of their older children. But there are
instances that relatives and friends may provide living accommodations
and when needed, assist in caring for seniors.
Living near a close family member or children or friends can be a fulfilling
arrangement to everyone involved as long as it is managed well. Living
accommodations for senior people that provides privacy and certain levels
of independence can help in lowering stress factors.
When senior people require assistance in their daily activities, a certain
understanding must be given in how much care should be provided
initially and how additional care may be provided when deemed
necessary. Direct family relatives or friends who are deciding to assist in
the care of a senior person should give consideration to some concerns on
who to provide care if the senior needs help with their daily activities or if
nursing care should be required.
Moving to a Lesser Space
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
5/70
Moving to a home or residence that is maintenance-free and involves less
housekeeping work can also be appealing to many senior people. The
most popular choices are retirement homes and villages.
Accommodations in retirement villages may include apartments with
provided services, independent living homes, and care facilities which can
be also known as nursing homes and hostels.
As with living with family and relatives, moving to a smaller space can be
a good arrangement. The cost of moving to a smaller space may differ
depending on conditions and amenities provided. Most senior people find
that selling their residences and moving to a smaller home can generate
funds that they may use for investment or for leisure activities.
Certain factors contribute to the decision of senior people to move in to
retirement villages or nursing homes, which includes security, location
and maintenance. Senior people take comfort that moving to a village or
Home Park can be safe, provides companionship and support especially if
the senior is single or widowed; thus, enabling them to stay active and
involved in community activities.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
6/70
Senior Housings
There are a variety of senior housing arrangements available presently.
These include: Congregate Housing, Home Sharing, and Foster Care
among others. Living alternatives like these cost less than most housing
choices since services and accommodations may be limited. But, they still
can offer an attractive living alternative for senior people.
Communities that are described as senior retirement communities may
consist of grouped houses or apartments in medium or high structures
specially designed for senior people. Seniors who live in this type of
accommodations are usually expected to live independently. Usually in
these communities, the land owner is in charge of the maintenance for
the grounds and exterior of the structure. These facilities are usually rent
based and may vary depending on the amenities.
There are also board and care homes which can be another option for
seniors who are in need of assistance. Care homes provide meals, room
and help in daily undertakings.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
7/70
Nursing Care Facilities
Nursing care facilities provide round the clock skilled care for seniors. In
addition to staff which assists in daily activities, nursing facilities have
registered nurses on duty. Authorized physicians are on-call to provide
supervision for senior health care. Nursing care facilities are regulated
and licensed by law and other agencies and should be certified for
Medicare or Medicaid. Some of the differences in the care provided for
seniors in nursing care facilities are more a matter of degree than kind.
Making a Home Senior friendly
Senior Friendly
A home that may be convenient for people around the ages of 50 to 60
can actually be different when they reach the age of 70 to 80. Eliminating
clutter in homes is one of the first tips to consider in making your home
senior-friendly, since its one of the solutions in preventing accidents from
happening. Adding lighting is another good tip since senior people may
need twice as much light to see clearly.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
8/70
Doing simple makeovers for your home can beneficial for senior people
and may prevent unfortunate incidents and can make life easier for them.
Recreating your Bathroom
Increasing safety and accessibility in your bathroom is highly important,
since it is used countless times everyday. Not only should it be
comfortable and attractive, it should also be safe. Since most accidents
may occur in the bathroom than in any other part of the home.
Build roll-in showers with multiple showerheads which are fixed, height
adjustable and handheld. When using the shower, make sure that the
curtain is not held up by a tension rod, since grabbing it for support may
result to a fall, install grab bars for support. Also, place rubber mats
inside and outside the shower to avoid slipping and falling.
Lowering the bathroom sink and making sure there is proper knee
clearance is also needed. Faucets should also be properly labeled hot and
cold, color coding them with red for hot and blue for cold. Make sure that
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
9/70
water temperature is set on a setting of 120 degrees or lower since most
senior people lose their sensitivity to temperature and may scald
themselves.
Install an elevated toilet to help senior people with problems in their leg
strength and balance. Add handrails on both sides of the toilet.
Lighting Settings
Older people need more light, they also need light to be evenly
distributed since it takes more time for the seniors eyes to readjust in
the changing light. The lighting should be indirect, aiming it at the ceiling
or the walls to prevent glaring.
Installing proper lighting at home can reduce accidents. The outdoor
areas, stairs, kitchen and the living room areas are some places where
the use of proper lightning is needed. Remodel dark hallways, especially if
they lead to the stairs or to brightly lit rooms.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
10/70
Placing flashlights which can be easily reached and looked for is also
needed, check on the batteries every few months. Emergency lights
should come on automatically in case of power outage.
Use rocker type switches for your lighting so you can turn them on or off
even with your elbows if your hands are full.
Kitchen Needs
The kitchen is another room which can cause physical stress for our
seniors. Certain parts of the kitchen are needed to be corrected to ensure
safety. Cabinets and drawer handles should be replaced with D-shaped
handles since they are more comfortable to grasp especially to people
suffering from arthritis. Cabinet shelves should also be sliding or pull out
in order to gain access to items efficiently.
When choosing appliances, look for refrigerators of freezers with side by
side doors so that everything that is needed can be easily placed on the
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
11/70
mid shelf. On the other hand, it is also recommended to use drawer type
dishwashers installed in platforms to prevent seniors from bending over.
The kitchen needs to be user-friendly. Ensuring maneuverability and
adjusting the heights of countertops can spell the difference.
Aging in Place
Since many senior people prefer to age in place, living in their homes
than moving to a nursing home or an assisted facility. The need to make
a home senior-friendly is extremely important.
Doing simple remodeling of your home can be at times costly but, the
rewards to reap will not only benefit our senior people but everyone at
home as well. One floor living arrangements can also be done to lessen
the use of stairs.
There are a lot of options that may aid in the welfare of senior living.
Consulting home builders for remodeling can be arranged. All it takes is a
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
12/70
little innovative designing. Some may consider that remodeling homes
can result to higher costs than average but investing on something like
this not only promotes safety but quality living as well.
Medicare
Medicare
Medicare is a government-sponsored program that people over the age of
65 and those who meet their special criteria turn to for their social
insurance. This program provides health insurance to a certain age group,
normally seniors. Medicare is also partly financed by payroll taxes by the
FICA of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act and the Self-Employment
Contributions Act of 1954.
What Is Medicare
Medicare is a social insurance programs by the United States. It was
initially singed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on July 30, 1965 to
make changes to the Social Security legislation. During the first signing of
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
13/70
the bill, President Johnson registered former President Harry Truman as
the foremost Medicare beneficiary and gave him the first Medicare card.
Medicare is also administered by the CMS or the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services, who also provides Medicaid and the SCHIP or the State
Childrens Health Insurance Program. The department responsible for
giving out cost projections and accounting information to the Medicare
Board of Trustees in order to help them assess the financial health of the
program is the Chief Actuary of CMS. The Board of Trustees, on the other
hand, is required by the law to issue yearly reports on the financial status
of the Medicare Trust Funds.
Ever since the start of the Medicare program, the Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services have bonded with privately-operated companies to
assist with the administration. Often, these contractors are already in the
health care or insurance area. The contracting process might involve
payment and claims processing, clinician enrollment, call center services
and fraud investigation.
What It Does and Does Not Cover
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
14/70
Medicare can provide coverage for nursing care to those who require
long-term care. It can cover delivered care by inside skilled nursing
facilities for those beneficiaries who require long-term medical treatment.
However, Medicare can not actually pay for custodial care, including
assistance with bathing, eating and other daily living activities.
Aside from long-term medical care, Medicare can pay for outpatient
services that a beneficiary can get at a community mental health center
or a hospital under the outpatient prospective payment system. Such
outpatient services include emergency room visit, X-rays or radiology,
getting a cast, or stitches for a cut.
If you are 65 years older and you go out of the United States, Medicare
will not cover any health care expenses you incur outside the country.
However, there are rare cases, where Medicare can pay for the inpatient
hospital services that you receive in Mexico or Canada. While they may
provide you medical care services under special circumstances, it is handy
to have a good travel insurance plan when you are planning to go outside
the country.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
15/70
What is Medicare Part A
Originally, the Medicare program has two parts, namely Part A and Part
B. There are few cases where the original Medicare covers prescription
drugs. However, drug coverage was made possible as of January 2006
due to Medicare Part D.
Medicare Part A is for the Hospital Insurance. The section can cover
beneficiaries hospital stays, including those in a skilled nursing facility, if
definite conditions are met. Firstly, the stay at the hospital must be at
least three days, three midnights excluding the discharge date. The stay
at the nursing home must also be for a case diagnosed during the
hospital stay or for the main reason for the stay.
Also, the care being rendered to the beneficiaries must be skilled, when
they are staying at a nursing home. Part A of Medicare does not cover
non-skilled or custodial services, including assistance in activities of daily
living or ADL.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
16/70
What is Medicare Part B
For the products and services not covered by Part A, Medicare Part B can
help you. Part B of the Medicare program is generally for outpatient
services. It is not obligatory and can be postponed if the beneficiary or
their spouse is still working actively. More so, a lifetime penalty of 10%
per year can be imposed for not taking Part B if not working actively.
Some services included in Medicare Part B are physician services, such
as: X-rays, laboratory, nursing services, vaccinations for pneumonia and
influenza and diagnostic tests. In addition, Part B can also aid with DME
or durable medical equipment, including walkers, mobility scooters,
wheelchairs and canes for those patients with mobility impairments.
Medicare Prescription Coverage
Prescription Coverage
Part D of Medicare or the prescription drug coverage is a program created
to subsidize the costs of prescription drugs for the beneficiaries of
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
17/70
Medicare in the United States. The program was created as a section of
the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of
2003, which was established in January of 2006.
The prescription coverage can cover both generic and brand-name
prescription drugs at involved pharmacies at specific areas. The programs
provides protection for those who have very high cost of drugs or others
that might have unexpected prescription drug bills in the future.
The Medicare prescription drug coverage can cover those who are eligible
for the programs, regardless of their resources or income, current
prescription expenses and health status.
The Enrollment Period
The enrollment for the program is completely voluntary. However, the
first enrollment period started from November of 2005 to May of 2006.
Those who were not able to enroll themselves to the program acquired a
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
18/70
late enrollment penalty of 1% each month based on the average cost of
the premium until their enrollment.
Yearly enrollment periods for the programs start on the 15th of November
of the prior plan year. More so, the initial period of enrollment for the
second year of the Medicare prescription coverage began on November
2006. During its initial year, the beneficiaries eligible for Medicare and
Medicaid were moved from Medicaid prescription coverage to Part D of
Medicare on January 2006.
Recently, there are 1,824 Part D plans available and these plans are
stand-alone. The available plans also vary by number and region, with 27
as the lowest found in Alaska and 63 as the highest in Pennsylvania and
West Virginia. This kind of system allows beneficiaries to choose a plan
the best suits their needs. Plans they choose can cover diverse kind of
drugs at various co-pays. Additionally, they can also opt not to cover
some drugs at all.
The Formularies
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
19/70
Plans of Part D are not obligated to pay for all the drugs covered by Part
D. They create their own formularies or a roster of drugs covered by the
programs for which they can make the payment. However, the formulary
and the structure of the benefit must not be found by the CMS to cause
discouragement in the enrollment of certain Medicare beneficiaries.
Those plans that follow formulary categories established by the United
States Pharmacopoeia must first pass the discrimination test. The Plans
can also change the drugs on their formulary over the course of a full
year with sixty days notice to the involved parties.
In general, the formulary of the plans is organized into tiers and each tier
is associated with a set co-pay amount. Often, most of the formularies
have 3 to 5 tiers.
The Drugs Excluded
The CMS does not have an established formulary and the Part D drug
coverage excludes those drugs that are not accepted by the Food and
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
20/70
Drug Administration. In addition, drugs that are not available by
prescription purchase in the United States, not for use in their medically
established suggestion and those drugs for which payments would be
available under Parts A and B of Medicare are also excluded.
Excluded drugs from the Part D coverage may include drugs that are used
for weight loss or gain, and anorexia, drugs used for erectile dysfunction,
drugs that are used to promote fertility, drugs used for the symptomatic
relief of colds and cough, and drugs that are used for cosmetic purposes.
Barbiturates, prescription vitamins and minerals, and benzodiazepines are
also excluded.
The Things You Should Consider
In order to obtain Medicare coverage for the prescription drugs you use,
you must first choose and join a drug plan. In spite of how a drug plan
decides to offer this kind of coverage, there are some important key
elements that can vary.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
21/70
Some of the factors that might be important to you than others include
the cost, convenience, and coverage. Costs for the drug plan are available
in three categories, namely premium, deductible, and the co-payment or
co-insurance.
As for the coverage, you must decide what formulary you can use, the
prior authorization and the coverage gap. Also, the drug plans must be
contracted with the pharmacies in your local area in order to provide
convenience.
Coverage for Catastrophes
Catastrophes
Be it young or old, natural disasters can affect everyone either financially
or emotionally. No one is exempted when Mother Nature strikes back and
often times, seniors are the ones who get a hard time recovering from
the damage. There are several options that members of the senior citizen
can do in order to prepare themselves and their property for possible
catastrophes.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
22/70
While Medicare does not normally cover catastrophes or damages dealt to
your property, there are other insurance that you must look upon in order
to provide you with a greater range of solutions. However, you can still
rely on Medicare to help you with your hospitalization and drug
prescriptions if the damage of the catastrophe is dealt not onto your
property but to your health.
Homeowners Insurance Coverage
Homeowners insurance coverage is an option that you can explore if you
are living in a disaster-prone area. However, before even attempting to
apply for one, you should ensure that you are knowledgeable about the
insurance and the things it can do for you.
The Homeowners insurance coverage is a standard policy that can give
financial help to your house or property within your house. Normally, the
policy can cover natural disasters and theft. However, there are some
exceptions that might include earthquakes and flood protections, which
might require additional coverage. The Homeowners insurance coverage
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
23/70
can also cover damages caused by household pets and legal liabilities to
anyone caused harm by family members or yourself on your property.
There are four areas required to assess the amount of the house
insurance, such as: personal property, home structure, liability for
protection to others and additional costs related with the repairs to your
property.
How Much Coverage You Need
If you are considering homeowners insurance, it is important to
determine how much coverage you need. This might require you to fully
examine your situation and realize what you can with regards to the
aspects of home insurance for your location.
Normally, you must know the approximate costs of replacing your home if
a natural disaster occurs. Doing so would help you decide on the amount
of coverage you need and is actually appropriate. After that, you will be
able to create and decide on the best choice the suits your needs. There
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
24/70
are policies that operate with a certain amount of limits; you may be able
to use this in order to locate the one that best fits your homes limits.
In addition, it may also be necessary to acquire more coverage that you
normally would need. This provides flexibility in the event of problems in
the future. If you already have a homeowners insurance policy, it is only
evident that you have a protection that can cover the damages to your
property.
However, there are some losses that cannot be covered by the policy. In
other cases, the policies will only cover specific types of disasters. If you
find no coverage that suits you, you may obtain certain coverage through
state-sponsored funds for catastrophes, also known as win pool
programs.
Preparing Yourself for the Catastrophe
The necessary preparation before any catastrophe is an important
element of any risk management procedure. If you are living with
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
25/70
someone in you home, it is important to properly educate them about
what all of you can do in order to survive a calamity. You must be aware
of the weather patterns of the area where you live and what tools and
measures you need to do to prepare for emergencies.
The first step is to prepare emergency supplies in your home. Usually, the
best disaster kit is stored in a portable container like a camping backpack
or a duffle bag. You should also protect the items within the kit by placing
them in waterproof plastic bags. The most important item in your disaster
kit should be the first-aid kit and other essential medications.
You should also set aside some cash to help you get through after the
disaster. If an expected catastrophe is about to occur, important
documents must be stored in an area that can help protect such
documents. More so, you must procure copies of the important
documents beforehand in case the originals are damaged.
The Aftermath
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
26/70
After any catastrophe, it is important to assess just how much damage is
dealt and what repairs can you do. If a certain area of the house is
destroyed, you must rebuild it in a way that it can meet the building
standards that it did not meet before the storm. Additionally, this is the
time to check the damages that can be covered by your homeowners
insurance policy but always be prepared to pay for additional costs for the
repairs not normally covered by the policy.
Medicare Fraud
Fraud
The process of deliberately billing Medicare for services that were neither
received nor provided is called a Medicare fraud. Millions of Americans are
being affected by Medicare fraud. Recently, fraudulent schemes have
developed more elaborate and bolder procedures, thus resulting in
hundreds of millions of dollars in false billings to Medicare. Such actions
can cause misuse of taxpayer dollars and misdirection of funds, which are
intended to aid the beneficiaries.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
27/70
Although the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is doing
appropriate measures to eliminate the Medicare fraud, you must also be
aware of such fraudulences in order to protect yourself from them.
How to Determine a Medicare Fraud
Determining what may cause a possible fraud can help you protect
yourself from it. There are several ways to detect a Medicare fraud and
you should always be suspicious of providers that tell you something that
is beyond your knowledge. For instance, if the provider tells you that a
certain test is free but he or she only requires your Medicare number for
his records, you must know that the provider is trying to pull a scam on
you. Always remember that for clinical laboratory tests, co-payment is
not required and the provider can state that the test is free, in good faith,
since there is no charge for the tests to a person with Medicare.
In addition, be suspicious if the provider tells you that Medicare requires
you to have the item or service. Other fraud indication may include the
provider telling you that they know how to obtain Medicare to pay for the
service or the more tests they give you the cheaper will it cost you.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
28/70
Lastly, be suspicious of a provider that tells you the service or equipment
is free and it would not cost you anything.
How to Report a Fraud
As a Medicare beneficiary, you must be aware of the healthcare services
that you have acquired. When you receive your Medicare Summary
Notice, it is important to make sure that you understand all the items
listed.
If in case you do not remember a procedure listed, you must first call
your physician, supplier or provider that is also listed in your report.
These people can help correct simple mistakes and can help you obtain
information regarding your report that you might have forgotten.
However, if the mentioned people cannot help you with the questions or
concerns you have, you should call or write the Medicare company that
paid the claim. The name, telephone number and address of the company
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
29/70
is also listed on your Medicare Summary Notice, which also shows what
Medicare services are already paid.
How to Avoid the Fraud
In order to help prevent a Medicare fraud, you should report any
suspected instances. If you have received a payment notice from
Medicare, it is important to review that notice. The notice can include the
billed Medicare, paid Medicare and how much you owe. Always ensure
that Medicare was not billed for any health care services or supplies that
you did not receive.
To help you avoid a fraud, remember not to give out your Medicare
Health Insurance Claim Number indicated on your Medicare card to
anyone except to your physician or other Medicare provider.
In addition, avoid providers or health care services or products who tell
you that the item or service is not normally covered but they are
knowledgeable on how to bill Medicare to get it paid.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
30/70
How to Protect Yourself from the Scam
There are several ways that can protect yourself from Medicare frauds
that are rampant everywhere. Always be vigilant and suspicious of
providers that will charge you co-payments on clinical laboratory tests
and other Medicare covered preventive services, such as: prostate
specific antigen or PSA tests, PAP smears and pneumonia or influenza
shots.
Also, avoid providers that actively waive co-payments on any services
without even checking your ability to pay. More so, if a provider claims
that they represent Medicare, make sure that you know his or her name
and check with your provider. Lastly, be suspicious of providers that use
door-to-door and telemarketing techniques as marketing tools and others
who pressure or scare you in buying high-priced medical diagnostic tests
or services.
Reviewing Finances
Finances
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
31/70
If you are nearing retirement, it is time for you to know if the money you
have saved is enough to help you get through after retirement. This is the
time to review your finances and plan everything carefully. There are
several help resources that you can easily find everywhere, from books to
the Internet. This is a good way to know how you can start ahead of time
and achieve a financial stability that you require once you are ready to go
into retirement.
There are several benefits in terms of services that you may receive as a
senior citizen. However, this does not mean that you should just rely on
those benefits and not think about emergency situations that may happen
in the future. Learning from the experts may be very helpful but you too
can do something to help you budget your finances easily.
What is Financial Planning
Financial planning is a dynamic process that allows you to visualize your
personal goals and model the financial consequences of your choices. This
process adds a holistic factor to the method of financial planning through
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
32/70
the consideration of non-financial decisions that you make throughout
your life.
The activities related to financial planning are directed toward achieving
certain personal goals instead of building affluence and maintaining
financial security for the future. When trying out financial planning, you
must understand that most financial advisors are not comfortable with
advising on non-fiscal matters no matter how understanding they can be
to the increasing need of taking more holistic approach to seniors.
In financial planning, the advisor normally explores the issues of your life
as they usually relate to money. The advisor then facilitates a dialogue in
order to communicate his or her interest to you as a whole person. This
can also be accomplished without taking the advisor too far out the tide
of psychology.
Importance of a Financial Planner
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
33/70
A financial planner is important as he or she can help you manage your
money. They use a client-centered approach and help you see the
wisdom in developing a plan for which you can use your money to make a
life after having spent most during your money-making life. You might
find that you can be receptive to professional who have the ability to
draw out your vision of your life and help you in facilitating the
materialization of that vision.
If having a financial planner is important, financial planning per se is also
important. This process can help you explore the meaning of money to
your life as a senior and define the tangibles and intangibles that you
expect your assets to provide you. In addition, you can anticipate events
and transitions in your life and make your financial preparations for those
occurrences.
Financial planning can also assist you in creating financial goals that can
facilitate your life goals. Lastly, through financial planning, you will be
able to acquire a network of professionals that you can be referred to for
further assistance.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
34/70
Budgeting for the Future
Budgeting can help you build a personal and financial freedom. The
budget is also the main necessity of any financial planning because
without it, you cannot make your dreams into reality. Through the
process of budgeting, you can organize current financial information as
well as your long-term financial situation.
Planning for a financial security in the future is important. Setting goals
and realizing what you have saved can help ease the budget since these
are important tools in the process.
Budgeting can be hard but it is fairly easy to locate the areas in your life
where you are probably overspending. By identifying those areas, you will
be able to sport financial problems even before they harm you. If you
have a budget, you can find methods of eliminating your debt and start
saving for your goals.
Tips on Budgeting
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
35/70
One tip to budget properly is to look at your spending habits. Although
being a senior normally entails lesser purchases, it does not mean that
you are not vulnerable to debt and money shortage. If you find an area
that can become problematic, you can easily find ways to change it.
Once you get the habit of creating a budget, you should not just file it
away. Instead, the budget must be reviewed frequently and remember to
keep an eye on it. If there may be times you need to revise categories, or
trim costs, you can easily do so by retrieving your past budgets and
eventually weigh your options.
Preparing a Will
Preparing a Will
Nowadays, accident happens everywhere you turn. When the time comes
you are ready to leave your loved ones behind, remember that memories
are not the only things you must leave. Although you may not have
gained that much property or money during your lifetime it is still
important to create a last will and testament to help distribute anything
you might have left behind. Without doing so can cause arguments
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
36/70
between your loved ones and might even lead into court, thus resulting in
some sort of legal problems.
There are several famous people who have not left a will and they caused
unfed children and unhappy spouses. Although there is no way of
knowing if it is your time already, being ready can help pave your way to
actually resting in peace.
What is a Will
A will is a legal document that allows you to control the disposition of
your assets after you pass away. If you own an automobile, a home,
possessions with sentimental or financial value or a bank account, there is
always something that will be left behind when you die. The will can help
you decide who will receive your assets and the directives regarding the
disposition of your estate.
If a will is the last thing on your mind while you are alive, there are
several effects this action can cause after you pass away. Firstly, if there
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
37/70
is no will found after youve died, the court will be the one who will
distribute your assets, which no matter how contrary to your wishes is
necessary.
If for instance you are single and died leaving two children behind, the
court will dictate how your assets shall pass to your two children equally.
Even if you do not want to equally distribute your assets to your children,
without a formal will, you cannot ensure that the child who should get
most of the assets you left behind will receive what he or she deserves.
Importance of a Will
You may have worked all your life to provide your family with a suitable
nest and some for your money. While people do not usually like to think
about death, one thing is certain and that is death is inevitable. Therefore
preparing a will can help you ensure that your family is taken care of
when you die.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
38/70
No matter how small you will leave behind after you die, it is important to
take control of your legacy and write a will. It is estimated that seven out
of ten Americans die without a will, or in testate; you should not belong
to that seven.
How to Prepare a Will
One of the main reasons why people die without a will is for the fact that
they think it is too morose to ponder on their own demise while they are
still alive. Also, there is the reason that people think too much of the cost
of the wills production and storage, and no requirement for young people
since death is so far in the future.
You must remember that creating a will can be done cheaply and legally.
There are several kits available out there if you want to write your own
will. In addition, there are also solicitors who can prepare standard
versions of wills at reasonable costs. If you consider the trouble and
expense of dying in testate, it is considerably advantageous to die with a
will.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
39/70
When preparing a will, you must think about those you will leave behind,
especially the children, if there are any. Always ensure that the children
end up with your choice of guardians and how your estates will be
distributed. This process is important especially if your net worth amounts
to thousands or millions of dollars as this is normally the limit where
inheritance tax applies.
Some Facts You Need To Know About a Will
You know that a will can help you easily distribute your estate to anyone
you might have left behind after your death. However, there are other
facts that you might want to know about a will.
Firstly, you can appoint your executor in your will. The executor is
someone who has the task of administering your estate after your death
and makes sure that your assets are distributed according to your will. In
case you do not have one, the court will appoint a person, usually one of
your heirs, to distribute your estate.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
40/70
You can also help your estate pay fewer taxes with a will. Through a
properly prepared will, your estates can pay less death tax. This is
especially true if your estate is subject to federal estate taxes.
Reverse Mortgage
Reverse Mortgage
Reverse mortgage is gaining popularity to seniors because it provides a
solution to those who cannot keep up with the traditional mortgage.
Nowadays, reverse mortgages are easily the best salvation for seniors
who have mounting retirement and health income that have combined
with the interest rates and the stock market.
Reverse mortgages allow seniors to live independently and comfortably
right where they want to be. The loan can be any amount depending on
the value of the property, the equity of the property and the interest rate.
More so, there are no restrictions on using the loaned money. Borrowers
can utilize the money to supplement retirement income for the required
upgrades or repairs to their homes.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
41/70
What is Reverse Mortgage
Reverse mortgage is a credit available to seniors and can be used to free
the equity of the home as multiple payments or a single lump sum. The
only obligation of the borrower is to repay the loan, which is deferred
when the borrower dies, the owner leaves or the home is sold.
In the tradition mortgage, the homeowner is required to make monthly
amortized payments to the lender. The equity will then increase after
each payment and eventually after the end of the term, the mortgage has
been paid in full and the property can be released from the lender.
However in reverse mortgage, the owner makes no payments and the
interest is added to the lien on the property. In case the owner collects
monthly payments, or a payment in bulk, the debt on the property raises
each month.
In case the property has improved in value after the reverse mortgage is
taken out, it is still possible to acquire a second reverse mortgage over
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
42/70
the increased equity in the home. However in certain areas of the globe,
the reverse mortgage must the foremost and the only mortgage on the
property.
The Requirements for a Reverse Mortgage
In order to qualify for a reverse mortgage, you must be at least 62 years
old. Fortunately, there are no minimum credit or income requirements for
reverse mortgage though there are other requirements that the
homeowner should reach before qualifying for the loan.
For most cases, the money obtained from the reverse mortgage can be
used for any purpose. There are also other homes that do not qualify for
the mortgage, like mobile homes, although they have their own special
requirements.
Before borrowing, you must seek financial counseling from a source,
which can be approved by the HUD. The counseling can help you and
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
43/70
your family to be safe and ensure that you understand what a reverse
mortgage really is and how it can be obtained.
The Pros of Reverse Mortgage
Reverse mortgage is an excellent alternative for seniors who own their
own home and desire to extract equity from it in the form of cash. More
so, there are no payments required on this kind of mortgage until the
home is sold either by the home owner or the estate.
If the value of your home becomes less than what is owed, the HUD will
make up the difference. This is an absolute advantage since there is no
debt incurred to your heirs or descendants. In addition, the revenue you
obtain from a reverse mortgage is considered as a loan and therefore not
taxable.
The Cons of Reverse Mortgage
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
44/70
With all those advantages of reverse mortgage, there are certainly
disadvantages. Knowing these two key elements can help you better
decide whether reverse mortgage is right for you.
Firstly, once approved by the HUD, the federally insured mortgage can
top out a little over $360,000. If you live in the San Francisco area, the
amount is 50% or less of the median home price on the market. There
are also cases where reverse mortgages do not allow seniors to access all
their equity or even most of their money from the equity.
If you generate a relatively low income and depend on your SSI or
Medicaid, you cannot get more in monthly reverse mortgage payments
than you are going to spend. The money from a reverse mortgage placed
in a bank account can help you be placed over the acceptable limit for
liquid assets set by the assistance programs that you rely on.
Nutrition for Seniors
Nutrition for Seniors
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
45/70
It is only when a person ages does he or she realizes that aging actually
begun since the day of birth. Even the society and the environment ages
and slowly catches up to you. With the issue of aging, there is always the
issue of health. The number of diseases in the modern age is vast and
although evading them can be an arduous task, only through living
healthy can you actually lessen your chances of acquiring them.
Luckily for those who realized the importance of health in their early
years, aging can be a breeze as they can easily and gracefully transition
into retirement. However, for those who have yet to grasp the importance
of having a healthy lifestyle, now is the time to act and start achieving a
healthier you. Conversely, even if you aged gracefully, it does not mean
that you should start neglecting your health. Continuous health
management can help you maintain the health you have long worked for
to gain.
Bodily Changes
Life is a never-ending process of change. From a small zygote to a full
grown kid and from teen to becoming an adult, our body changes every
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
46/70
time we undergo these changes in our lives. Similarly, transitioning from
adulthood to late adulthood entails some changes in the body. The body
changes in correspondence to aging due to the fact that there are
changes occurring in the individual cells and in whole organs. These
changes can result in modifications in the bodys functions and
appearance.
The cells in the body ages and as they age, they also function less well.
Ultimately, old cells must die and this is a normal part of the bodys
function. Sometimes, old cells die because they are programmed by the
body to do so. This process is also known as apoptosis and is sometimes
known as cell suicide. This is important to make room for new cells.
The amount of muscle strength and tissue in the body also decreases.
Also called sarcopenia, this process normally begins around the age of 30
and continues throughout life. By the time you reach 75, the percentage
of muscle mass is usually half of what it was during your adulthood.
Additionally, the levels of testosterone and growth hormones in the body
also decrease.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
47/70
Changes in Your Nutrition
Aging not only entails changes in the body but also in nutrition. Moreover,
the change in your nutrition must compliment the existing changes in
your body. There are several specific nutrient needs the body requires as
people age. For instance, the calorie intake must be altered because there
is more body fat than lean muscle in the body.
Protein is the only health element that usually does not change as we
grow older. However, protein intake can vary because of chronic
diseases. It can be a challenge to balance needs and restrictions of the
body. Although the protein absorption in the body may decrease due to
age, it does not mean that protein should be routinely increased.
Fiber is also important for the body since it can help maintain normal
bowel functions. The fiber is also thought to decrease the risk of intestinal
inflammation. You can gain fibers from eating grain products, cereals,
fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
48/70
Importance of Health for Seniors
Staying healthy can help you live independently longer. Healthy living is
extremely important for seniors to help them better cope to their
surroundings. With the several changes occurring in the body, the better
way to cope with these changes is to maintain your health.
In addition, maintaining good health can help protect you from diseases
that are widespread to the society today. Although there are some
diseases that cannot be avoided since you can carry their genetic
markers, it is still possible to help reduce your risk of developing them.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
There are several things that you can do to stay healthy. For starters,
changing into a more appropriate diet is advisable. You can do so by
eating a variety of nutrient-rich food products. Choosing whole grains and
fat-free dairy products can help reduce the risk of certain ailments. You
can also remain healthy by limiting your fat, sodium and sugar intake.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
49/70
Always bear in mind that the essential part of staying healthy and living
independently is maintaining good nutrition. By practicing a good healthy
diet, you can reduce your risk for developing chronic illnesses.
Exercise for Seniors
Exercise for Seniors
In spite of the number of anti-aging products, one cannot neglect the fact
that aging is inevitable and everyone will go through this process at some
point in their lives. This is living healthy not only through eating healthy
but through exercise as well is very important.
As with the number of exercise routines available from Pilates to weight
lifting, the number of exercises for seniors is vast. From swimming to
stretching and Pilates to strengthening, there are several exercise
alternatives that you can apply. However, you must first ensure that the
exercise you are about to embark on suits your age and the trainer is
knowledgeable about which exercises best suit your age group.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
50/70
Importance of Exercise
There are tons of reasons why exercising is important to the body,
especially for the aging body. There are recent studies stating an
emphasis on exercise for the elderly. Nowadays, the society is currently
inundated with advertisements on billboards, television, magazines and
the Internet, and the multitude of other places that stress the benefits of
exercising to the body.
There is no question that the benefits of exercise being conveyed by the
media reach the children and young adults. However, it is important to
provide focus and extend the message to the continuously increasing
baby boomer population.
The importance of exercise is not limited to providing balance to the
body. It is also important to maintain cardiovascular health. Exercise also
provides an improved sense of well-being and control over ones life.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
51/70
Almost everyone knows that aging is related to dementia. However with
exercise, there is an evident decrease in the risk of dementia and the
natural dulling of the mind or senility commonly experienced by elders.
Effects of Exercise to the Aging Body
The effects and benefits of exercise to the body is vast. Firstly, as a
person grows older, there is an evident loss of muscle quality and
strength in the body. Some scientists even claim that muscle mass
declines about 4 percent each decade from the age of 25 to 50. As such,
exercise is important to help maintain stability in your muscle.
Endurance exercises are also important because similar to the loss of
muscle to the body, there is also a loss of aerobic fitness. It is believed
that loss of aerobic fitness contributes to the reduction of mobility later in
life. And so, if you want to continue doing to ADLs or activities of daily
living yourself and live independently, exercise can help you achieve that
goal.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
52/70
As with muscles and oxygen intake in the body, the joints can also tend
to lose their flexibility as a person ages. If not taken care of, this can lead
to stiffness of the joints and a decrease in the range of motion and
probably risk of further injuries.
Exercise can also improve and maintain your balance. It is estimated that
there are 300,000 patients suffering from broken hips each year. Falling
is sometimes that main cause of injury to seniors. However, this can be
avoided through balance training to help you maintain your independence
and mobility.
Body Strength for Seniors
One exercise routine that you can do is strength training. This kind of
exercise has incredible benefits, especially for seniors. However, there
may be some restrictions to this exercise if you are experiencing high
blood pressure, osteoporosis or arthritis.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
53/70
You can start by lifting weights for all the muscle groups at least two days
each week; you are not required to do this consecutively. Begin with light
weights, such as dumbbells but you can always opt for machines or
resistance bands. Do the exercise at least for one set of ten to fifteen
repetitions. You must also use enough resistance that you can only do in
a 15-minute routine.
Body Stretch for Seniors
Another great exercise that you can delve into is stretching. However, like
with any forms of exercise, it is important to consult your doctor first and
see that you are allowed to perform the routine.
There are several kinds of stretching. There is the hamstring stretch that
you can do while sitting on a chair and stretching one leg out on another
chair. There is also the torso stretch, which you can perform while
standing and clasping your hands straight up overhead.
Employment for Seniors
Employment for Seniors
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
54/70
In todays age, everyone is working to get through a tough day.
Unfortunately, there are some seniors who still decide to postpone their
retirement and continue to work. Although they are considered as
valuable assets to modern-day companies, no one can image the toll their
body handles for working past their prime.
There are several employments available for seniors. In addition, seniors
are likely to be employed due to their experience. The baby boomer
population is reaching its maturity and they possess wisdom and
knowledge about several aspects of business. This is sometimes that
main reason why several companies keep a hold of their senior
workforce.
Why Others Need to Work
There are several reasons why other seniors choose to work. Probably,
they are still unsure if they will be able to attain their goal once they go
into retirement. There are others who are compelled to work because
they are deprived of luxury and do not expect someone to support their
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
55/70
needs after retirement. Yet there are also others who simply want to be
completely independent after retirement and do not want to be perceived
as useless once they go into retirement.
However, there are other seniors who choose to still work because they
are aware of the incredible knowledge they possess. The baby boomer
population is considered as a valuable asset to corporate America because
they have experienced so much and they can be a great source of
knowledge. There are seniors belonging to this group who bestow
knowledge to newcomers to the business.
Available Jobs for Seniors
Although the range of jobs available for seniors are vast, if you plan to
work, it is important to consider key factors that play major roles in
aging, especially your health. There are several opportunities available for
the senior citizens and even though they can be less tedious, they are still
important to some seniors because they still allow them to be active.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
56/70
Similar to the number of job opportunities for seniors, the number of
governmental, public and private organizations that can help seniors with
regards to education, career guidance, job training and placements,
interview and resume skills is plenty. However, if you do not want to go
through all that again, there are still jobs that require little or no
qualifications at all.
One is babysitting. This is a perfect opportunity for a senior to relive their
younger years and provide a grandparent to a childe because,
unfortunately, many children do have the luxury of having grandparents.
You would not find it hard to look for a baby sitting job because most
parents are happy to leave their kids to a more experienced and more
mature seniors as compared to a teenager.
Another is housesitting where you will tend for someone elses house.
Recently, many people have started traveling to see their friends or
relatives to far away locations. Often, these people are willing and happy
to know that their property is being taken care of by someone who is
capable.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
57/70
Working Part Time
Part time jobs are also excellent since they do not eat most of your time.
Several seniors choose to work part time because they still want to
remain active and delay or even avoid dementia, which is usual to elders.
If you still want to enjoy your free leisure time while earning some extra
cash, part time home-based jobs are the right choices. There are several
work from home opportunities that companies everywhere offer. You can
choose from telemarketing to multilevel marketing, which is quite popular
nowadays. However, always ensure that the company hiring you is not a
scam since there are several fraudulences out to get seniors and their
money.
Tips on Looking for a Suitable Job
Looking for a job is not that difficult since you have experienced it all.
However, it you are still having a hard time looking for one, you can start
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
58/70
by doing the conventional method of browsing the classified ads on your
local newspaper.
The Internet is also a great resource. It can provide you any information
that you want including job hiring. Simple searches can do the trick and
all you have to do is to choose the one that suits you best from the list.
Vacation Options for Seniors
Vacation Options for Seniors
After going into retirement, you have all the time in the world and what
better way to spend it than to go on a vacation. There are several senior-
friendly vacation spots both in and out of the country. Also, the usual
tours and cruises popular for early adults can still be tried by seniors. The
options when it comes to vacationing are endless and there is a myriad of
alternatives available.
The basic rule of vacationing still applies whether you are young or old,
which is to sit back, relax and enjoy. Even though you are nearing your
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
59/70
70s, it does not mean that you cannot enjoy a vacation. In fact, this is
the perfect time for you to relax since you have already paid your dues.
Tips on Choosing a Vacation Spot
When planning a vacation, keep in mind to choose the right travel
agency. There is a number of traveling companies that specialize in giving
services to seniors. If you are not that of a travel person, and want to go
somewhere you are some sort of unfamiliarity with, you should look for a
company that specialized in that certain aspect.
There are travel agencies and agents that are not well-equipped to
prepare you for your trip. Always keep in mind to look for an experienced
travel company that can ensure the safety of your trip and make it
memorable. Also, do not think that companies geared towards seniors
only provide trips that are boring and unadventurous. In fact, senior-
oriented traveling agencies can help you satisfy whatever you wish. If you
are adventurous, they can provide you with a tour of some exotic tourist
spot but if you like to just sit back and relax, they can offer a comforting
cruise on the Caribbean.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
60/70
Aside from choosing the right traveling agency, you can also have the
option of making your vacation a group trip. Since it is not advisable for
seniors to travel alone, inviting your family or friends for a vacation is an
excellent idea. Nothing beats enjoying a wonderful vacation with your
loved ones close to you.
Vacation Spot for You
If you are looking for the perfect vacation spot now that you have retired,
there are several destination spots that you can visit. One of the top
destinations for seniors is Tuscany, Italy. Visiting Tuscany can enable you
to enjoy delicious food, excellent wine and some of the worlds best
sunshine.
Although there is not actually any senior vacation spot, do not hesitate to
visit wherever you want since most of the places you plan to visit are
senior-friendly. The most important element that you should remember
when vacationing is fun. Vacations should be fun and memorable and do
not let your age get in the way.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
61/70
Going on Tour
Nowadays, seniors are active and healthy and they want to do things they
have never tried before or even out of the ordinary. If you are the
adventurous type, offbeat tours are exceptional. There are several
companies specializing in such vacations so you shouldnt have a hard
time looking for one that can provide you such a memorable vacation.
If you are adventurous and in perfect physical shape, do not hesitate to
try dog sledding. This kind of tour offers a dog sled ride where you can be
a dog driver or a passenger. You have a pack of six huskies that will drag
you at their fast pace through the snow; you might even see a reindeer
along the way. The best place to experience this kind of tour is going to
the Scandinavian country.
Cruising for Seniors
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
62/70
If you do not want offbeat vacations, cruise ship travel is an excellent
alternative. Cruise travels are safe and secure and offer a wide variety of
activities. More so, they are also a budget-friendly and provide indoor
amenities and medical facilities ideal for seniors.
Luckily, there are cruises that offer age-specific vacations, often geared
for seniors. Normally, these kinds of cruises restrict individuals younger
than 55 and those unmarried individuals under the age of 25 and married
individuals over 21. This is perfect opportunity for you meet people who
are in your age group and enjoy the vacation with them.
Seniors and Transportation
Seniors and Transportation
Seniors are sometimes discriminated in the road due to their age; this
makes driving and transportation a very sensitive topic for seniors. What
one should remember is that it is never too late to learn how to drive
safely and the importance of this education cannot be stressed enough.
Similarly, for those who think that seniors should not drive must
understand that seniors are longing for their independence and do not
usually want to depend on someone else to do things for them.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
63/70
There are driving courses and training procedures dedicated for seniors.
In addition, there are also other options for seniors aside from driving a
car.
When to Stop Driving
There is not the right time for you to stop driving. Only when you feel like
you are becoming a hazard or cannot continue to drive because of a
certain illness will you be able to determine when to stop. However, as
long as you are still capable of driving and still manage to follow traffic
rules and road safety, you must not be afraid of driving.
There are several seniors who continued to drive until the time of their
death. In fact, the reason for their death is not driving-related. This
means that you should not be scared of driving once you reach past your
prime. If you really want to achieve independence, you must still be able
to apply the basic principles of driving in order to ensure your own safety.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
64/70
Options for Seniors
If you are affected with a debilitating disease, getting around the house
can be extremely difficult, not to mention driving a car on your own. In
addition, if you are used to moving or driving around during your younger
years, you might find it arduous just to walk or drive when you reach a
certain age. This is because mobility is limited as a person grows older.
When mobility is limited, there are people who turn to wheelchairs since
they provide an easier method of moving around. However, being in a
wheelchair still requires you to have someone to wheel you around or rely
on your arms, which could be strenuous. The perfect solution is the
electric scooter.
Electric scooters are functional and offer safe method of transportation.
These equipments are quite popular for seniors with limited mobility.
They are also useful for seniors who can still walk short distances but
require aid on long distances. As for outdoor use, there is the four-
wheeled heavy duty electronic scooter. The design used for the
equipments makes them perfect for outdoor trips. They also have safety
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
65/70
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
66/70
In driving, age should not be the determining factor in acquiring a drivers
license. In fact, no matter how old, there are individuals who can be
serious threats to others on the road and they can cause severe
problems.
According to the American Association of Retired Persons, every person
ages differently. More so, aging does not necessarily mean that a person
becomes a safety hazard on the road. It pretty much depends on the
drivers mental and physical health.
There are people who aim at stopping elderly people from driving but it is
important not to mind them. What matters is what you think of yourself.
You are the only one knows more than you. If you think that you are
having issues with your hearing, consult your doctor and ask him if you
are still able to drive. Otherwise, it might be the right time for you to give
the steering wheel to someone else and settle on the passenger seat.
Moving Your Parent(s) In
Moving Your Parent(s) In
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
67/70
At some point in your life, you may have to take care of your parents who
have spent so much time, love and money for you as you grow up. Those
who are tasked in taking care of their aging parents have to make
decisions that can greatly affect both their parents lives and their lives.
Although there are many who easily turn to assisted living environments
in order to help deal with extra work, there are still others who decide to
bring their parents into their own homes. Consider this as an opportunity
for you to share the remaining time they have here. Even those who only
have the best intentions for their parents at heart can find it difficult to
take care of them. However, with some helpful tips, you can make the
most out of your emotional moments together.
How to Take Care of Your Parent(s)
If its time for you to move your parents in your own home, always
remember to encourage social interaction. As much as possible, strive to
involve your parents with any social activities both at home and in your
community. It does not mean that you are moving your parents in your
home and they should be isolated from all social interaction.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
68/70
There are several socially interactive areas that they can visit, including
senior clubs, churches, salons or even bingo. By encouraging social
interaction, you are helping in maintaining their mental and physical
health. Always keep in mind that it is important to help them maintain the
quality of their lives as long as possible.
Additionally, you can consider hiring visiting attendants, especially if you
are trying to balance your career and children with your parents; with so
many things to do always remember to save some of that time for
yourself. If you try to refuse taking time for yourself, you may find it hard
to cope with the new environment. As such, you always have the option
of hiring someone that can look for your aging parents while you are out.
Dealing with an Elderly in Your Home
Dealing with an elderly in your home can be difficult and it can be more
difficult if your parents are suffering from some kind of illness. Be it
Parkinsons disease, stroke or simply old age; remember that you are the
only person who can help your parents cope with the new situation.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
69/70
There are several things that you should consider when you are moving
your parents in your own. Firstly, you must ensure their safety and
mobility. There should not be any accident-prone areas in your home.
More so, the environment you provide must be interactive and motivate
them socially, mentally and physically to help their mind get off aging.
The Three Principles
Although the disadvantages of moving your parents in your home
outweigh the advantages, you should always focus on the positive. When
moving your parents in, you must be sure to yourself that you feel
confident on inviting them to move in with you.
If you are one of those people, you should consider the three basic
principles that can aid in keeping the peace. Firstly, the topic of moving
your parents in your home should not be a taboo.
7/28/2019 Senior Life Tips
70/70
Also, if your parents can still follow some guidelines, it is helpful to draw
up some house rules. This way, conflicts can be avoided and the
environment will remain peaceful and conducive.
Lastly, always learn to take some time off. Even professional caregivers
need some time off and it does not mean that you should not. There are
several community groups that can provide sitting services for your
parents if you want to take some time off; this is perfect opportunity for
you to provide some time for yourself.
Ensuring Safety for Your Parent(s)
Safety is the number one issue when you are moving your parents in.
Because your parents still want to live independently, you should provide
an opportunity for them to do some activities that they can perform
without the help of others. However, you must remember that these
activities should not endanger or harm them in any way.
Your aging parents are fragile in every aspect and it is your task to
ensure that they do not break. If you have a second floor in your house,
th t th h d il t d d t t h