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News For Senior Wellness From Senior Advisors Vancouver, WA
Senior advisors Vancouver, WA know video games are not just for kids and teenagers any more! With the advent of new technology, video games now have a variety of uses for seniors and people with mobility problems. The invention of motion sensor and controller-free games has brought into being a new way of doing physical therapy and exercise. The user has only to stand and move in front of the sensor in order to play. This technology is a perfect fit for the senior population. The game also provides immediate feedback to the user about how well he or she is following the movements. A company called Log-Tek USA has taken this new technology and created a tool like an exercise video game that can be used by physical therapists and occupational therapists to teach patients how to perform their exercises effectively. It provides real time feedback to the senior about how she is performing the exercises and allows the […]
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Senior Advisors Vancouver, WA: Call Us
Just like most of the rest of the country, much of the senior population uses cell phones in their daily lives. It is estimated that nearly 70% of Americans 65 and older now own a cell phone. That is just a little less than the 75.5% of the overall population that owns cell phones. This percentage will continue to increase as the baby boom generation ages. One of the main characteristics seniors appreciate in a cell phone is simplicity of use. A phone with more bells and whistles is not usually going to be the phone of choice for a senior. Because the seniors of today did not grow up with cell phones, they are not usually as comfortable with the technology as the seniors of tomorrow will be. The top cell phone features that seniors usually look for are the display and the buttons. Since many seniors have diminished vision the display needs to be easy to read, which […]
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A Facebook Study From Senior Advisors Vancouver, WA
A recent study done at the University of Arizona was designed to test whether teaching older adults to use Facebook could a) help improve their cognitive functioning, and b) enable them to feel more socially connected. The participants ranged in age from 68 to 91. After eight weeks the study group that learned to use Facebook scored 25% higher than their pre-study scores for cognitive function and also on their social variables, which included loneliness levels and amount of social support. The improvement may be due to participating in the social nature of Facebook, or due to the mental activity of learning something new, or a combination of these two factors. There is a body of research that shows that older people who stay cognitively active, learning new skills and using their intellect, will score higher on cognitive tests than those who don’t keep their minds active. Another group of studies shows that those who stay socially engaged, are less […]
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Media Exposes Why Getting The Right Help In Making Assisted Living Decisions Is So Important
Choosing the correct facility for your loved one is the first step in making sure they receive the care that they need. The media has presented some examples of cases where residents were in the wrong environment for their needs. My sympathy goes out to the families who have had to endure the heart break of knowing that the quality of life for their Mom or Dad was physically and emotionally painful. I talk with families all the time about finding the best place for people to live. The physical and mental needs of residents change and often families should consider a move to an environment where the level of care is higher. No matter where an elderly loved one is living, family needs to be their advocate. This is really difficult when residents and family are in a relationship with caregivers and managers. This is an emotional business (remember that it is a business). Just remember that there are […]
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New Computer Options For Senior Housing Vancouver, WA
Senior citizens are using computers more than ever before. Many seniors in senior housing Vancouver, WA use computers on a regular basis. It makes sense that seniors would find computer technology not only useful, but also enjoyable. The most common reason seniors give for using computers is keeping in touch with family and friends: a full 93% of seniors gave this as their top reason for using their computer. The next two most popular reasons for internet use among seniors are making purchases online and accessing information. Because computer use by seniors is growing, there are some new options in computers. Some new computers have been designed especially to be easier for people in the senior age group to use. Here are some examples. For seniors with little or no previous experience with computers, Telikin has come out with a new touch-screen computer. It’s ready to use right out of the box and comes pre-loaded with simplified software for email, […]
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When It’s Time To Make The Move To Senior Housing Vancouver, WA
Families often wonder when it is the right time to start the process of moving an aging parent or grandparent into some kind of senior housing Vancouver WA. If you have a loved one who is living alone, these are some of the signs that it may be time to open the dialogue about moving to an assisted living facility. A parent is talking about the possibility of a future move. This may signal that he or she is recognizing that they have a limitation of some kind, or that they see a need for more help. They may be more open to the idea of moving than you thought. They have some difficulty walking or are becoming unsteady on their feet. Falls can lead to serious injuries. Falls that occur when an elder lives alone can become a life-threatening situation. A parent is having changes in appetite or showing signs of weight loss. If they are not eating or drinking enough, this […]
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Senior Housing Vancouver, WA: Opening the Conversation
When you are feeling concerned about your parents continuing to live in their home, the best way to address your concerns is just to start talking. Just jump in. It may feel uncomfortable to you or to them, or both, to talk about senior housing. It may bring up scenarios you’d rather not think about. But getting these issues out into the open and getting your parents’ perspective will make your life less stressful later. Begin by explaining that you need to have an honest discussion and that your loved ones’ input is valuable to you.Here are some suggested questions that can get the conversation started. If the time comes that you are no longer feeling safe living alone in your house, what would you like me to do for you? If I noticed that you weren’t eating well and you were having trouble preparing meals for yourself, what would you like me to do to help? If your eyesight […]
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The Benefits Of Exercise In Senior Housing Vancouver, WA
Adding even minimal amounts of exercise to your routine while living in senior housing in Vancouver, WA, can have both immediate and long term benefits for senior citizens. Any increase in physical activity can result in improved strength, balance, sleep patterns, mobility, appearance and mood. You will impact your long term health by adding exercise to your daily routine as well. Risks for conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis will decrease. Statistically, you will be likely to have fewer hospitalizations, require fewer medications, and live a longer, more independent life. Increasing your physical activity will also enable you to more fully participate in the activities you now enjoy. Exercising your pet, playing with your grandchildren, gardening, traveling, and even routine activities will become easier. Before beginning any new exercise regimen, be sure to consult your doctor to see if there are any reasons you shouldn’t perform certain types of exercise, or to detect any hidden […]
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Many Elder Care Facilities In Vancouver, WA Welcome Pets
As seniors prepare to move from their homes into various types of elder care facilities Vancouver, WA, one of the big questions that comes up is “Are pets allowed?” In many homes pets are an important member of the family, and this becomes a huge part of the decision when choosing a new living situation. The good news is that more and more senior living communities now allow pets. Pets are important to the mental and physical health of seniors according to the National Institute of Health. Pets provide companionship, unconditional love, encourage physical activity and provide routine for seniors. After determining if your potential senior living community allows pets, there are more questions to ask: are there restrictions on the breed, or about size? Are there behavioral rules? Are there additional costs associated with having a pet? Some of the common expectations you will find at elder care facilities include that dogs need to be walked regularly and cats […]
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Elder Care Facilities Vancouver, WA
The benefits of volunteering can be seen at elder care facilities Vancouver, WA. One of the big benefits to seniors is the sense of purpose volunteering can provide. Having a meaningful purpose supports a healthy lifestyle that involves increased physical, mental and social activity. There is a real feeling of well-being that comes from volunteering. There are many opportunities to be physically active, mentally active and socially active. With that comes significant health benefits. One feels more connected with the wider community, and is less likely to feel lonely or isolated. Studies show that volunteer activities can have especially great advantages for seniors with chronic health condition such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Volunteering has also been shown to help overcome depression. Seniors themselves have reported seeing many benefits from volunteering. Some of these observed benefits besides improved physical health include: building a stronger emotional foundation; having a mission in life: seniors want to […]
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Caring For Aging Skin You may notice the following changes as your skin ages. It becomes thinner and loses fat, looking less smooth than it used to. Veins and bones become more prominent through the skin. Scratches, cuts and bruises take longer to heal. The years of tanning or being out in the sun […]
Short Term Options Many seniors who are looking for senior housing don’t know about short term stay options that are available at many senior living communities. There are a few different reasons you or your loved one might need a short term stay. At some senior communities they offer flexible, temporary and customized […]