Leslie Newlife

Facebook Pro Tips: Building a Social Media Community for Advertising, Marketing and Sales

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Whether you are a new business or senior living community trying to establish your Facebook community or a large business looking to expand, taking a step back and re­-evaluating your community management strategy can help regain your focus and social media, advertising, marketing and sales success. Below are some foundational tips to always keep in mind.

  • Building a Fan Base

You probably put thought into every status update, every image and every video, but how do you make sure your content gets seen? First, be sure to fully integrate your website content with your Facebook account. You should have contact links on all pages and hyperlinks and share buttons on each individual piece of content. Next, find industry­ relevant groups on Facebook and introduce yourself. There are audiences out there already looking for your content, you just need to let them know where to find you.

  • When to Post

Test Facebook post times during high activity hours at the beginning and middle of the work­day and late in the evening for night owls. Finding your post time sweet spot takes audience awareness, patience, testing and tweaking. Try to consider your audience’s lifestyle when imagining when they might have time to engage on Facebook, then give them something to engage with!

  • What to Post

When crafting your Facebook content, keep the 80/20 Rule in mind.This means that 80 percent of your content should be helpful, engaging content relevant to your audience’s wants and needs and only 20 percent of your content should be brand or product promotion. This content balance helps maintain your reputation as a valuable resource without coming off as a commercial. Use relevant, trending hashtags in your posts to gain additional, organic reach. Try to avoid posting too many “like­ baiting” memes; these may underperform due to newsfeed algorithm filters. Focus instead on posting content that is interesting to your community.

  • How Often to Post

To maintain a valuable information flow for your Facebook community, strive to post at least three to five updates per week. Once you have established your peak hour post times, maximize on all of those engagement opportunities. It is a good idea to also space out a variety of post types for maximum visibility.

To check out New LifeStyles’ Facebook page, click here!

Senior Caregiving: Tips to Maintaining Patience

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As the baby boomer generation ages into their 60’s, 70’s and beyond, some caregivers in the United States are finding their responsibilities heavier than ever.

The aging of the baby boom generation could fuel a 75 percent increase in the number of Americans ages 65 and older requiring nursing home care, to about 2.3 million in 2030 from 1.3 million in 2010, according to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB) projects in a recent report.

If you find yourself entrusted with the care of an aging baby boomer, we know you will do your best to bear your responsibilities well; however, even the best of us struggle with patience on trying days. On days when everything just seems overwhelming, try to keep the following tips in mind.

  • Communicate Well

So much of our interactions hinge on the ability to communicate well. This is especially true when working with older generations. When dealing with your loved one, it is preferable to ask him/her questions and what their preferences are instead of order him/her around. Also, use “I” instead of “you” language and offer choices to your loved one instead of simply issuing commands.

  • Refrain from Arguments

When dealing with challenging situations, like episodes of Alzheimer’s or Dementia in your loved one, caregivers should refrain from arguments whenever possible. Instead, you should respond compassionately to the fears and concerns being expressed and do what is in your power to address these needs.

  • Take Time Away for Yourself

Failure to rest and recharge will often lead caregivers to extend themselves beyond their abilities to bear under the load. Be sure to take regular time away from your responsibilities, in order to allow yourself room to recover your physical and emotional equilibrium. Also, you may consider getting help through Respite Care at a senior living community or with Home Care/Adult Day Care. As a caregiver, with the financial resources, Respite Care is a highly recommended way to get a mental and physical break from the rigors of taking care of a loved one.

Whether you manage a team of caregivers or work as a caregiver yourself, consider how best to put these tips into practice. In so doing, you could greatly enhance the level of care available to those within your sphere of influence.

5 Signs That a Switch from Home Care to Nursing Home Care May be Necessary for Your Loved One

Families may care for their loved one at home for as long as possible, or the senior may remain at home independently with caregivers coming into the home or at an assisted living community. Sometimes, due to aging and illness, it may become necessary to consider nursing home care because home care is no longer appropriate. Below are some signs that the current level of senior living and care no longer meets the needs of your loved one.

  • Worsening Health/Chronic Illness

If your loved one is suffering from health issues that continue to worsen, it may become increasingly difficult for their caregiver(s) to keep up with their care. Severe medical issues may require a higher level of care that can’t be given at home.

  • Excessive Difficulties with Daily Living Skills

Your loved one may begin having sufficient difficulties with daily skills, such as bathing, toileting and dressing him/herself. Early on, it may be possible for them to continue to live independently with a caregiver to assist them with these things, but aging, illness and mobility issues may make it more difficult for these tasks to be completed.

  • Caregiver’s Health is Declining

If your loved one is living with a family member/caregiver, the person providing the care may experience significant strain to his/her health, due to the constant demands of caring for an aging/ill adult. The caregiver may develop significant health issues of his/her own that may prevent him/her from being able to care for others. If there is no one else who is able to care for your loved one, then it may be necessary to consider nursing home care.

  • The Caregiver Can No Longer Manage the Demands of the Senior’s Illness and Declining Health

The strain of caring for a loved one may become increasingly difficult as his/her health declines. This may make it difficult for the caregiver to juggle their other responsibilities, such as family and work, while dealing with their loved one’s declining health.

  • Financial Strain
If your loved one continues to live at home or in an assisted living community, there may be an excessive amount of cost for in-home caregivers, home modifications, medical expenses and anything else that may be needed. If your loved one lives with family, they may have a lot of costs that they are not prepared to handle. Sometimes, seniors and their families can’t afford home care and find that nursing home care is more cost-effective.

Preparing Physically and Emotionally for Retirement

You have most likely considered the financial aspects of retirement living. Calculating anticipated income needs and how to meet them is important and you can make plans and take steps toward financial security during retirement. However, preparing for retirement involves more than just looking at the financial side, you must be prepared in all aspects. Below are some ways you can prepare for retirement physically and emotionally.

  • Preparing Physically 

For many who have spent years sitting behind a desk for eight hours a day, a more active retirement lifestyle may be physically challenging. You may find yourself doing more relaxed activities, such as knitting, drawing or reading. Or you may dive into retirement with excitement for new-found freedom and a bucket list of things to do. Activities like home improvement or local trips that used to be confined to the weekend can now be done multiple days a week.

If you are anticipating a more active lifestyle in retirement, then taking steps beforehand, such as going for walks, doing regular exercises or improving your diet, can help you prepare physically to be more active during retirement.

  • Preparing Emotionally

Preparing emotionally is another area that is often overlooked during the pre-retirement phase. Retirement can bring major changes in relationships and in how a person perceives themselves. One relationship that often encounters some strain in the early days of retirement is with a spouse. If you and your spouse spend most of the week away from each other, then suddenly spending all day together can be a source of tension. One way to prepare for this is for you and your spouse to spend some time before retirement discussing what you anticipate retirement being like and how you envision spending your time. A frank discussion may reveal different needs and expectations for doing things together versus doing things independently and can help you start retirement with expectations that are in sync with your spouse.

Preparing for retirement can include thinking about and identifying a new purpose in life. Whether it is volunteering, trying new hobbies, spending more time with family or part-time work, finding a purpose in retirement can help you be excited about getting out of bed in the morning.

As you prepare for retirement, try to make a financial plan and don’t forget to prepare yourself in other areas. Being physically ready for a more active lifestyle and being ready for changes in relationships and identity can help you start retirement on the right foot.




Marketing Your Community and Products to Seniors

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Although more and more seniors are using the Internet for their news and even getting on Facebook as a way to stay in touch with their families, some of them still like to have a paper in their hands. Marketing your community and products to seniors online is great, but having physical copies of your information is a good idea too.

Marketing through a doctor’s office is an effective way of reaching a senior. Many seniors have regular appointments with their doctors and many times are looking for something to read when they are waiting for their doctor to see them. They could read something like a magazine that’s available for them in doctor’s offices and hospitals.

When designing your ad piece, ask yourself the day­-old question about how your product benefits seniors. Think long and hard about your call to action and keep the purpose of your product or service fresh on the minds of your consumers.

A direct mailer is also a proven age old strategy and going back to the basics of letters and snail mail is an excellent channel of marketing. This either in print ad form or an effective sales letter. A television ad is another method that would reach a senior. Daytime spots are cheaper than primetime spots and for the leisurely senior, this is perfectly fine.

Another good channel to market through is family of seniors or their caregivers. A lot of people in the industry want to see their clients succeed and live a fulfilling life. How does your product benefit that agenda?

These are many effective ways to reach the senior market. Try to keep emphasis on the benefits they receive from your product or service and remember to respect those living in their golden years.

For information on being included in the New LifeStyles guide, click here.

Senior Caregiving: Parenting Your Parent

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We never expect to become parents to our own parents, but as they age, their need to hold onto their independence conflicts with our responsibility to make sure they are safe and receiving the best care.

It’s hard to know exactly when it’s time to transition from being a concerned child to becoming the parent. You see signs that cause you concern, but you’re not sure if it’s just normal aging or something more serious.

Sometimes, our parents’ health slowly deteriorates, which makes it hard to know what steps to take and when. Other times, a sudden health crisis will push us across that line and we find ourselves instant parents to our parents. However you end up in the situation, below are a few suggestions that can help ease your journey.

  • Be Prepared and Take Advantage of Available Resources

Be as prepared as you can be. You never know what lies ahead, but there are resources available to help caregivers, such as New LifeStyles. Also, try researching all of the available government and state assistant programs. Even if your parents are not yet in a situation that concerns you, it’s better to prepare yourself.

  • Be Patient

Your parents’ dignity should always be considered. They probably won’t like being taken care of because losing their independence is the hardest thing for them to accept. There will be times they resent you, but always be patient with them. Consistently and respectfully explain to them why you’re doing what you’re doing.

  • Ask for Help

You know your limits. If you find yourself stressed out, ask a family member or friend to help you. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and ask for help sometimes even an hour to yourself can help.

  • Take Time for Yourself

Take time to relax or go out and don’t feel guilty about it. Caring for a parent can be physically draining. We all deserve and need downtime. Schedule time for yourself to do something relaxing ­ even if it’s doing nothing. Sometimes, we just need to do nothing in order to recharge.

  • Talk to Someone

Caring for a parent is sometimes harder than raising children. We are used to depending on our parents. The role­reversal is an emotional roller coaster. Talking it out with a friend or even a professional can help get you through any emotional pain.

Lastly, know when it’s time to consider other options, such as a Nursing Home, Home Care or an Assisted Living Community. If you find yourself unable to provide the care that your parent needs, it might be time to consider a Senior Living Community where they will receive the care they need in a setting that is right for their individual situation.

Senior Caregiving: Helping Your Loved One Declutter

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As we get older, we can have the tendency to collect things, some necessary and some that we can completely do without. So it is not uncommon for seniors to end up with a lot of clutter. Perhaps you have been wondering what you can do to help your mom, dad or loved one declutter their living space. Below are just a few ideas to consider:

  • Be Patient and Understanding

Although you might see a big mess, your loved one sees treasured memories and keepsakes. Try not to take over the home, rather, include your loved one in the entire process.

  • Don’t Rush the Cleaning Process

It took a long time to accumulate all of the items in your loved one’s home and it will take some time to go through everything. Plan on taking a day, or even weeks, to get the entire cleaning/decluttering job done.

  • Ask Family and Friends to Join You

More hands will make the work lighter and go by faster. It will also give your loved one an opportunity to spend time with relatives. If there are any heirlooms or keepsakes to be given, they can take care of it at that time.

  • Consider Hiring Outside Help

Think about getting someone to keep things organized, in addition to helping declutter. Also, if you hire someone who is accustomed to working with seniors, they will be more sensitive to your loved one’s feelings during the whole process.

Although the task at hand may be difficult, it can be done. Rather than focusing on how long it will take, patiently work toward the desired outcome – a clutter-free environment that is safer and more peaceful for your loved ones.

Senior Caregiving: The Multi-Generational Family Vacation

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Traveling as a family offers a multitude of benefits. If you are a parent who is also a caregiver for your own parents, this often means planning a multi-generational trip. You may have young children, teens, yourselves and your parents along for the ride, and that requires some planning.

What Are The Benefits?

Sure, everyone loves a getaway. Most couples long for that kid-free vacation on a tropical beach somewhere. Hopefully, you get that. But for now, you are planning a family trip. Perhaps you are hoping to create memories for your children. Memories about traveling with not just their parents, but their grandparents as well. Perhaps your mother or father wants to visit their home country, or finally make it to Paris. Maybe it’s just a road trip to the other side of the country to visit more family.

Whatever the occasion, it’s important to plan a trip of this nature so that it goes as smoothly and safely as possible. Traveling with senior family members is rewarding and a great way to make memories, with that said, keep the following tips in mind for a smooth trip with seniors:

  • Research Your Destination

Pay particular attention to your accommodations. Do they have proper accessibility? If your loved one has mobility issues, will this be a problem? Are there elevators? Will you need to rent equipment, such as a walker or a wheelchair, or will you be bringing your own?

  • Secure Additional Coverage

If you are visiting overseas, be sure to purchase extra health coverage for all family members. This is important because you may not be covered in the event of injury or illness.

  • Check Medications

Be sure that your loved one has all of the appropriate medications. Make photocopies of prescriptions and write out dosages and times. It is also a good idea to research and locate a local pharmacy, just in case you need to replace lost or damaged medications on the road.

Taking a few extra steps prior to your trip can make a huge difference in your enjoyment of your trip. Be sure to take lots of pictures and videos. Try not to over schedule your trip and don’t forget to stop and rest when needed.

Some Differences Between Independent Living and Assisted Living

As seniors begin to advance in age, it may become increasingly difficult for them to maintain the lifestyle to which they are accustomed. This may be due to medical issues, transportation issues or even financial issues. Many may choose to move in with family members, but for some, this is simply not feasible. Many people may think that the next step would naturally be to begin looking at nursing homes, but that isn’t necessarily the case. When it comes to senior living and care, there are other options available for senior living. Two common options are Assisted Living and Independent Living communities. Though both options have many benefits, there are many differences between the two that may help to determine which option will work best. Below are some major differences between Independent Living and Assisted Living.

  • Services Offered

Independent Living (IL) communities are often also referred to as retirement communities. Most residents of these communities are of retirement age and remain almost completely independent. Often, IL residents will live in a separate house or condo within the retirement community. Many times, seniors choose this type of living arrangement because they are on fixed incomes and can no longer afford to live in their own home. Another positive for them is that they can continue to enjoy their independence while no longer having some of the responsibilities that go along with home ownership, such as lawn care, snow removal and keeping up with repairs.  In many IL communities, these services are often included in their monthly expenses. Many independent living communities may also offer social activities for residents.

Assisted Living communities offer more medical services than Independent Living communities. Residents still maintain as much independence as possible, but there is medical staff available to assist with tasks that they may no longer be able to complete on their own, such as maintaining medications, scheduling doctor appointments and providing transportation to appointments as needed. They may also receive assistance with some daily living skills, like grocery shopping, managing money and even preparing meals.

  • Cognitive and Physical Ability and Level of Independence of Residents

Independent Living communities are more appropriate for seniors who are still high functioning in the areas of cognitive ability and physical mobility. They are mostly able to complete most of their daily living tasks and need little to no assistance.

Assisted Living communities are best for seniors who have some difficulty getting around on their own or are experiencing a decline in their cognitive functioning. They may still be able to maintain a certain level of independence, but just need assistance in certain areas.

Let’s Focus On Email Marketing: Advertising, Marketing, Social Media & Sales

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Your first contact with a prospective customer may not generate a sale. This is a fact, and when it comes to marketing communities for seniors, the decision process is rarely immediate.

The first time a senior or the caregiver comes to your site, they may not be ready to take that next step. They may be just beginning to consider retirement living or an assisted living community. It may be weeks, months or even years before they seriously pursue selecting a senior living community.

  • This is Why Email Marketing is So Important

When someone shows interest in your site, it’s imperative that you collect their email address. They may feel good about what you’re offering, but if they aren’t ready yet, there’s a good chance that by the time they are, your community is long forgotten. It’s important that you start building a relationship with them via email marketing.

  • Building Your List

You can build your list by practicing good inbound marketing techniques. Blogging, social media and offering an incentive in exchange for an email signup are a good place to start.

Be sure to offer value in the form of an eBook or other informative download. Send a series of welcome emails and then keep in touch. This is how you stay top of mind, so that in a few weeks or a few months, when they are ready to take the next step, you’ll be the first one they reach out to.

You can send emails about topics that are relevant to seniors and their caregivers. You can notify them of specials, new properties, events in the area and news about your community. Be sure to continue keeping them informed of the benefits you are offering. This is a good way to ensure that visitors to your site don’t just leave and forget about your community.