Getting Older Doesn’t Mean Avoiding Fun and Adventure

There are a lot of changes that come with getting older. Some of them are great, and others aren’t as wonderful. But aging doesn’t mean you need to stay home and do nothing. You can still get out and experience plenty of adventure. Even if you don’t want to travel very far, for example, there are all kinds of things to get involved with closer to home.

Finding fun things to do, either by yourself or with friends, is among the best ways to keep living life, and stay young and mobile as long as possible. From an evening out at a local establishment to visiting countries around the world, being older often means retirement and time to travel. It can also mean that kids are out of the house, and you have time to do the kinds of things you’ve always wanted to do. Here are a few things to consider, so you can have some great experiences.

How About a Fireworks Show?

Fireworks and sparklers aren’t just for kids. They can be fun at any age, and the brilliant flashes of light can really make people smile. With roman candles in bright colors and different styles, you can choose something you love, pick colors that make you happy, and celebrate all sorts of events. Whether you’re living alone or have family and friends around you, roman candles and other types of fireworks can bring a lot of joy and color to your world.

Most places have shows on big holidays, like the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. But you don’t need to wait for those dates to light up the sky with quality, beautiful fireworks. As long as you’re following local regulations, you can set off fireworks for other special occasions. Getting older is something to be celebrated, and what better way to celebrate than with something bright and cheerful?

Where Would You Like to Travel?

Travel is another great way to experience more of what life has to offer as you get older. With kids grown up and retirement or working from home as just a couple of your options, there’s no better time in life to travel. Seeing the sights, having experiences you never had in the past, and trying out new things can add a lot of joy to your later years. You don’t have to stay home when you really want to see what else the world has to offer.

You can go with a group through a scheduled tour, head out with family or friends, or simply go exploring on your own. No matter what option you choose, there will be adventures and experiences all over the country and throughout the world. A lot of seniors are traveling more than they used to, because they see the value of interacting with other people and cultures.

Should You Relocate for a New Adventure?

Relocation is another way to have a new adventure when you’re older. If you aren’t tied to a particular place, or you want to try out living in a different area or climate, what’s stopping you? There are all kinds of locations, from small towns to big cities, where you can settle in and find like-minded people to spend time with. Relocation can feel like a huge step, but if you’ve always wanted to live somewhere else, or would like to move back to a place that felt like home, there’s no better time than the present.

Whether you’re in the 50s or your 80s, you can move to another place if you want to. You never know what kinds of adventures could be waiting for you in a new space, and how much joy you might find in the experience of being somewhere new. After doing your research and choosing a place, you can plan for all the great things you want to do once you get settled in, and have more to look forward to.

Would a Senior Living Option Be Right for You?

In some cases, senior living might be the right option. There are apartments and group-living situations, as well as 55+ parks and housing communities. With so many great options, you can choose one that gives you the value and experiences you’re looking for. There’s no reason to settle for something that doesn’t make you happy, or live in a place you don’t like, just because the years are passing.

From moving to a new place or traveling the world to lighting off roman candles in bright colors and styles, you can pick some of the things that make you happiest and fit them into your life. Getting old is an adventure in itself, and the more you get interested in all it has to offer, the more you can do things you enjoy as you age. People who stay engaged with life often live longer, stay more mobile, and feel happier. Why not be one of them?

Seniors and Social Media: Staying in Touch with Family and Friends

Getting older is a fact of life and a blessing many people hope to experience. However, as people age, they face new challenges related to their health, finances, and social lives. Children move away, your social circle gradually shrinks, and you may feel isolated. 

It’s even worse when you move to a new city or retirement community where you don’t know anyone. The good news is that there’s no need to feel isolated or alone. Social media can help seniors stay in touch with family and friends, connect with others who share their interests, and even make new friends. How do you achieve this?

Share Photos and Memories on Social Media

An excellent way seniors can stay connected to their loved ones is by sharing photos and memories on social media. It keeps everyone updated on what’s going on in your life. Together, you can reminisce about past experiences. 

Sending current photos lets your loved ones see how you’re doing and what you’ve been up to. You can check out Facetune for help enhancing each photo. You’ll end up with great pictures for your social media posts. Encourage them to also share their photos with you to stay up-to-date on their lives.

Video Chat Often

Video chat is the next best thing to being there in person. Seeing each other’s faces and talking is an excellent way to catch up and connect. You experience the person’s energy, see their reactions and have a more natural conversation. You learn much about a person when seeing their facial expressions and body language. 

Schedule a few minutes every week to chat with your family and friends. Choose a day and time when you know you’ll have no interruptions. The best part is, it doesn’t cost much to video chat.

Consider a Joint Social Media Group

Another way to connect with your loved ones is by starting or joining a collaborative social media group. It’s perfect for sharing recipes, articles of interest, family news, and fun photos. 

You can also join groups related to your hobbies or interests. You’ll make new friends who share your passions, and it’s a great way to showcase your strengths. Also, just following up on what your loved ones are posting is a way of staying connected. Like, comment, and share their posts to let them know you’re thinking about them.

To keep safe while on social media, ensure you only share information with people you know and trust. Don’t post personal information, such as your address or phone number. 

Be cautious about the photos you post. Once something is online, it’s there forever. If you have concerns, talk to your family and friends about what’s appropriate to share. Other ways to stay safe are:

  • Use strong passwords for all your accounts
  • Don’t use public Wi-Fi to access your accounts
  • Be careful about the links you click on
  • Keep your software up-to-date
  • Log out of your accounts when you finish using them

Live Stream the Important Moments

Did you know you can live stream your life’s most special moments? Social media lets you share these occasions with your loved ones as they happen, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or holiday celebration. It’s the next best thing to being there in person. 

Live streaming works best for those with family and friends living in different parts of the world. They can all watch and celebrate the event with you, even if they can’t be there in person.

Create Balance

However, as much as social media is an excellent way to stay connected, it’s also important to have a life offline. Make sure you’re getting enough exercise, eating healthy, and spending time with people in person. Plan to meet with family and friends for lunch, coffee, or a walk in the park. Create a balance between your online and offline life.

Helping an Elderly Loved One Overcome Drug or Alcohol Addiction: 5 Tips

Drug or alcohol addiction is a serious problem with devastating consequences. It’s even more complicated when it’s an elderly loved one. Senior citizens are more likely to abuse alcohol or drugs due to retirement, the loss of a spouse, social isolation, or chronic health problems. They’re prone to more health problems, which is a recipe for disaster. How do you help them overcome the addiction?

Seek Professional Help

Detoxing someone at home is complicated, especially for an older adult. Seek professional help. They will assess the situation and create a customized plan. It may include inpatient or outpatient treatment, medication, and counseling. 

Work with Behavioral Health Centers to deal with other underlying issues such as mental health disorders, chronic pain, or grief. Because of the sensitive nature of addiction, find a facility specializing in treating the elderly. They have the experience and compassion to help your loved one through this tough time.

Educate Yourself

Before helping someone else, educate yourself. Learn about addiction and how it affects the brain. Doing this helps you better understand what your loved one is going through. It’s also important to understand the different treatment options available. This way, you’ll make informed decisions on what’s best for your loved one. 

Take time to understand the unique challenges the elderly face with addiction. It will help you provide the best possible support for your loved one. Additionally, connect with support groups for families of addicts. They’re a great source of information and support.

Create a Supportive Environment

One of the most important things you can do is create a supportive environment. It means being there for your loved one, both emotionally and practically. Show them that you love and support them, no matter what. 

Be patient, understanding, and non-judgmental. Avoid lectures or ultimatums. Instead, have frank and open discussions about the addiction and its impact on their life. It’s also important to provide practical support, including help with financial issues, childcare, or transportation. If your loved one is in treatment, ensure they have what they need to succeed. Offer to attend appointments with them or help find ideal treatment centers. 

Encourage Healthy Habits

You can’t force someone to overcome addiction. However, you can encourage healthy habits. It means helping them develop a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep. Encourage them to avoid triggers, such as places or people associated with drug use. 

Help them find new and healthy activities to replace drug use. Find ideal hobbies, social activities, or volunteering. The goal is to help them discover joy in sobriety. Spend quality time together exploring different activities that take their mind off addiction.

Be Prepared for Setbacks

Recovery from addiction is a long and complex process. There will be setbacks along the way, such as relapses. Be prepared for these setbacks. Have a plan to deal with them, including additional treatment, support, or home environment changes.

Health concerns such as chronic pain, mental health disorders, and physical decline can lead to increased vulnerability to relapse. Address these issues as part of the treatment plan. If your loved one does relapse, don’t give up on them. Show them that you still love and support them. Help them get back on track with the treatment plan.

Take Care of Yourself

As you take care of your loved one’s needs, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Find a balance between caring for your loved one and yourself. Set boundaries, take time for yourself, and seek support from family and friends. Most importantly, join a support group for caregivers of addicts. This will help you cope with the stress of caring for a loved one with an addiction.

Put Safety First: Renovation Ideas for a Senior-friendly Home

While some seniors choose to stay in senior living communities, most prefer to live in their own homes. They believe this is a better choice because it allows them to be as independent as possible and feel much more comfortable. But most homes aren’t designed to fit older people’s needs. Therefore, it’s imperative to make the necessary modifications and create a senior-friendly home that enhances safety.

As people age, the risk of slip-and-fall accidents increases, so it’s essential to eliminate any potential hazards. Home renovations are indeed a significant investment, but in the long term, they are more affordable than staying at a nursing home. In this article, we’ll look at different senior-friendly upgrades to make your home as comfortable and safe as possible.

Remove obstacles

You may find it difficult to let go of some items in your home, but they can quickly pile up, creating an unsightly look. Having clutter in your living space increases the risk of tripping hazards. Therefore, before making any significant improvements, start with eliminating clutter.

Arrange your home in a free-flowing and elegant layout to ensure there’s good traffic flow. You should also organize loose cables and cords, so they don’t become a potential hazard. You can attach them to walls with clips or place them behind your furniture.

Enhance visibility

When your home is well-lit, safety is no longer a concern. As you age, your eyesight starts failing; consequently, a dark room can lead to bumps and falls. To avoid this, it’s essential to ensure that there’s enough lighting across your home in areas like the entryway, staircase, hallway, and rooms.

During the day, ensure natural light can get into your home. If it is lacking, you can get creative and add reflective mirrors or skylights, for example. Or, if this is possible, you can enlarge the windows. Another alternative is to add lighter window treatments. You can contact an electrician to make the necessary modifications like adding good ambient lighting, strip lights across your staircase and motion sensor lights.

Make your entryway accessible

Your home’s entryway is a high-traffic area, so it’s critical to increase ease of movement. When you’re at home, you’ll need to go out and bask or simply take a walk. Even if big houses have different entryways, the main entrance is common in all living spaces.

A practical idea is to install a ramp at your home’s main entrance to protect yourself from falls as you walk in and out. This modification is especially ideal for seniors using a wheelchair, stroller or wheeled luggage.

Update the flooring

Regardless of your age, the bathroom is a high-risk area in homes and can be especially hazardous for seniors. Younger people have more balance, so they can hold themselves if they slip. While they may only sprain an ankle, the health implications can be more severe for seniors, as they could hurt their spines, leading to further complications.

Different anti-flooring solutions are available, such as bamboo, vinyl, or ceramic tiles. Another idea is to add non-slip pads in your bathroom to enhance safety. Supposing the flooring was warped, you should repair or replace uneven spots or visible damages that can lead to tripping hazards.

Choose senior-friendly hardware

Household fixtures such as cabinets, drawers and door knobs look very stylish. For most homeowners, keeping up with the trends is essential, and they try to make their homes modern and timeless. For instance, oak kitchens have come back in style even if no one expected it, and homeowners are looking for practical ways to bring this design into their homes. However, for seniors, the most important thing is safety and being able to do things independently.

Therefore, fixtures that require twisting, pinching or pulling aren’t suitable for seniors. Supposing your home has such fixtures, you can opt for lever-style knobs instead to reduce the difficulty of using them. Another smart upgrade is installing touchless faucets – you just have to place your hand under the spout when you want the water flow to start and take your hand away to stop it.  

Modernize your furniture

There are several things you need to consider when purchasing furniture, such as sturdiness, comfort, safety and functionality. Wobbly furniture is an option you should avoid because it won’t support your weight; thus, you’ll be at risk of sliding and falling. Rather than conventional sharp-edged furniture, you should opt for a round corner one, as it reduces the chances of bumping into it and bruising yourself.

Your bed should also provide safety; thus, you should adjust its height so that it can protect you from getting hurt. One way to do this is to ensure your feet lay flat on the floor as you are seated on your bed. For extra support and stability, you can add bed rails to this piece of furniture. Consider placing a nightlight or a flashlight by your bedside. This will help ease movement, especially when you need to use the bathroom at night.

Invest in assistive technology

Technology makes your life easier in multiple ways. Whatever area in your life, these technological tools are designed for different purposes that can benefit you significantly. This is also true when it comes to creating a senior-friendly home. Smart appliances can help you increase security and safety in your living space, and they revolve around medical emergency systems, door locks, appliances, fire detectors, etc.

What’s more, they can send alerts to your phone, and you can operate and modify them. You may need to pay a monthly maintenance fee for these smart appliances, but the charges are affordable and reasonable. Plus, it’s worth making this investment, considering the benefits it can bring in the long run.

The bottom line

Safety is the most important thing in a home for seniors. Therefore, it’s essential to take a look at your current home and make the necessary adjustments to ensure you are protected and can live as comfortably as possible. These simple yet practical ideas will help you design a senior-friendly home that accommodates your needs.

Start Planning for Your Golden Years Today

Planning for their retirement is something a lot of people don’t do, especially if they’re still working. However, it doesn’t have to be that way anymore. Planning for your retirement needs is one of the most important things you can do to enjoy your golden years. You deserve to live your life on your terms without being dependent on anyone. Here are a few ways you can start planning for your retirement

Invest Wisely

The first step is to invest wisely. This is the best way to build your savings and prepare for income that will sustain you well into your golden years. The smartest thing to do is find the best gold IRA companies and invest in them. This will give you the returns you’re hoping for.

Start Small and Build Up Gradually

If you’re just starting to save for retirement, it’s important to remember that it will not happen overnight. The first few years of saving are going to be the hardest. It’ll take time to build up your nest egg and see results. That’s why it’s so important to start small. You should ensure you’re building up as much money as possible in the shortest amount of time possible.

The Earlier You Start Saving, the Better

If you want to make sure that your retirement years are comfortable, it’s important to start planning for your future now. The earlier you start saving, the better. Studies show that people who started saving for retirement at the age of 25 had a 90% chance of success compared to 25% for those who waited until age 40.

Pay Off as Much Debt as Possible

There are so many reasons to pay off your debt. For starters, it will help you save money. As you pay off your debts, you’ll have more money available to invest in your retirement plans and other things that will help you reach your goals.

Another reason to pay off your debts as soon as possible is that it helps build your financial independence. When you have less debt and more money saved up for retirement or other goals, you’re free to pursue anything else you want in life right now.

Finally, there’s the fact that paying off all of your debts will make life much easier for yourself and others around you. When someone has all their bills paid up early, they never have to worry about late fees or missed payments again.

Cut Back on Unnecessary Expenses

When you cut back on unnecessary expenses and start planning for retirement, you’re investing in yourself. You’ll be able to live more comfortably, which means you’ll be able to spend more time with family and friends and do things that make you happy.

Plus, when it comes time for your retirement fund, those extra savings can go a long way! By starting now, you’ll have a better chance at living the retirement life you envisioned.

Conclusion

Planning financially for your retirement should be approached with the same forethought and ardor as you would a detailed business plan. It would be naive to assume that you could continue to receive the same level of income you are earning now. No matter how financially successful an individual is, chances are they have experienced some economic hiccups in their lifetime.

A prudent financial plan starts with a realistic assessment of what real retirement savings will look like. To derive that number, a person must first understand the extent to which market forces impact their situation. We hope these tips can help start your planning today.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Casket Online

A casket becomes one of the necessary and pricey items on the list when organizing a typical full-service funeral for your loved one. Understandably, making funeral preparations may be a difficult process, and Omega Funeral Home can help make the process of honoring your loved one easier. However, without doing your homework, you could not discover the ideal casket and risk exceeding your budget.

A proper casket for a loved one is among the most significant funeral purchases you should make. Today’s marketplace offers a variety of casket kinds and designs. In addition, online stores are among the greatest sites to buy caskets of exceptional quality and original design.

Choose the Proper Material and Color
When buying a casket online, you have various color and material choices, such as gold caskets. Consider what color and substance you would prefer for a friend or member of your family who has passed away before making a decision. The sort of material or color the deceased individual preferred while living could provide an excellent criterion for your selection. In addition, the appearance and feel of any certain casket material that you individually favor might also be a decisive element.

Cost
The materials used to create the casket, the style of the casket, the design, your location, and where you’re buying it are a few of the variables that will affect how much the typical casket will cost. A casket often costs over $2,000, making it a very pricey investment for most families. These caskets typically start at roughly $1,200 if you’re considering buying one only for cremation. However, there are many other pricing points available if you shop around. Low-end caskets for sale may cost you more than $10,000, or you can buy a straightforward casket online for less than $500.

Unique Qualities
In addition to the adjustments, unique features can be added. These choices allow you to customize it further. For example, to preserve the memory of the deceased, they add touching details. In addition, you might decide to install tools that will lift the deceased when they are seen. There are two ways the lid opens up for viewing. Either a single sofa or a double couch are options. In addition, the lid can be completely opened for viewing with only one couch. A memory tube might make identifying a casket easier. In the event of an accident following incarceration, it enables simple identification.

Criteria for Cemeteries
Some cemeteries have regulations stating that caskets must be enclosed in concrete vaults. Because of the weight of the ground, caskets decay with time. The weight may also increase due to the use of large equipment to dig graves. The ground becomes uneven as a result. Therefore, grave vaults are needed to keep the graves from collapsing. The weight of the ground can be supported by caskets positioned on these sturdy foundations. Inquire about the particular regulations for vaults at your cemetery. However, some green cemeteries may not require these conditions.

Don’t Ignore Reviews
When buying a casket online, it’s crucial to remember that the item should have an excellent evaluation. The sort of casket you buy is of great quality if it has positive ratings. It will assure you that you are providing for your loved one, who you will never see again, in the greatest possible way. Online casket merchants can assist you even in a virtual environment. Such a decision might feel devastating since it is irreversible. Even with planning, facing the idea of burying a loved one or oneself is difficult. Take your time while looking for caskets for sale online to avoid the burden of having to choose from a funeral home’s small selection. It can reduce the strain, broaden your possibilities, and provide an economical solution.

Tips for Baby Boomers to Go Back to School

Today, more and more adults are going back to college. You don’t have to be a kid to get caught up in the excitement of the start of a new school year. As more technology and online courses are being developed, it is now easier than ever to get back to school as an adult. There are a few ways to make the transition easier.

Consider the Financial Side of Things

When you are getting your degree, you’ll want to spend some time looking at financial aid options. Students can qualify for various types of aid, no matter their age. One option is to search for scholarships you might be eligible for. There are Going Merry scholarships for college available that can make your degree that much more affordable.

Communicate with Loved Ones

Baby Boomers are more likely than their younger counterparts to have kids, spouses, or other family members who depend on them financially or emotionally. Going back to school can be quite the adjustment for everyone in the family. That’s why it is so important to set clear expectations from the start of what it will look like for everyone. Take some time to explain to them the benefits of your going back to school. This can reduce tension that might come from your changing schedule.

Come Up with a Schedule

Keeping yourself organized can help both you and your loved ones. Everyone should know when you are working, sleeping, studying, and taking care of other tasks. That way, they will know when you have free time and family time. It can be stressful to add extra study time when your schedule is already busy, which is why planning out your schedule can help you relax. You won’t have to feel as stressed when you know you will have time to get everything done.

Choose a Major That Helps You Meet Your Goals

Younger people may have the luxury of spending a couple of years in school before deciding what they want to do with the rest of their lives. However, as an adult, you need to maintain active longevity but may not have that type of time. What you study is a big decision because it can be one of the biggest factors in how much you earn once you have finished your education. If you major in engineering or technology, you may have better earning potential than someone who studies arts or social work. Still, you don’t want to go with a major just because it has higher earning potential. If you do not have an aptitude for mathematics, for instance, a career in that field may not be the best choice for you. You can take online aptitude assessments and work with the school’s career center to find out which areas match your strengths the best.

Reduce Stress Over Assignments

If it has been a while since you were last a student, getting back into the swing of things can feel nerve-racking. But know that tests and assignments are designed to help you get to know the material better. As long as you remember what you have to do, you can succeed. The difference between taking courses as a young person and as a Baby Boomer is that you are taking the ones you want to this time around. They can help with long-term career growth.

Don’t Forget to Take Time for You

Adults going back to school are more likely than younger people to have other responsibilities, such as work and family, to juggle while getting their degree. Any major life change can increase your stress levels. Getting caught up in the additional responsibilities can cause you to put your self-care on the back burner. However, staying healthy is part of what will help you succeed. Make sure to set aside enough time each day to do something for you, whether it is a hobby you enjoy or just reading a good book.

Helping to Improve the Quality of Life for Seniors

No matter how old someone is, they need a sense of purpose to keep them going. A senior citizen may be retired and no longer have children left to raise, and not feeling like they have a purpose may harm their mental health. If you’re caring for a loved one, try to understand how they may feel and come up with a plan for helping these years be some of their best. 

Encourage Physical Activity

Seniors may have a certain routine they follow each day because it’s what gives them comfort. This may or may not include physical activity. Depending on their physical limitations, you may want to encourage incorporating exercise into their daily ritual. Some ideas include chair yoga, resistance bands, water aerobics, and body weight exercises. 

Walking is another form of exercise that can benefit them in numerous ways. It allows them to get out of the house and enjoy the fresh air. Walking can also help reduce pain, lower blood sugar, improve heart health, and improve mental health. Before encouraging physical activity, it’s a good idea to make sure they have the green light from their doctor first. 

Keep Them Involved 

Some seniors end up spending their elderly years feeling lonely and left out. Keeping them involved can help increase their sense of purpose while keeping them busy. Visit them often, but if you can’t do that, then try to pick up the phone and give them a call. Include them in what’s going on with their life so they don’t miss anything. If you’re expecting a baby, consider letting them be involved in your pregnancy and use a Chinese calendar baby gender 2022 to get a sneak peek at what gender the baby may be. 

Find Good In-Home Care 

There may be a time when it’s getting harder for them to live on their own and you may have to consider finding in-home care for them. Many seniors like their independence and the freedom to live their life the way they want to. If they still can live on their own, home health care can give them their freedom while offering the right amount of help. This will allow them to stay in the home that they feel the most comfortable in. 

Before looking into this type of care, it’s good to gauge what level of care they’d need such as determining if they need help bathing, if someone should do the grocery shopping and meal preparation for them, if they have a hard time remembering to take their medications, and if they need help with household chores. 

Provide Mental Stimulation 

The same daily routine can be boring, and it’s good to add some mental stimulation to their day. Help your loved ones find their passion and encourage them to pick up a couple of hobbies to keep their days full. Good mental stimulation will help keep their cognitive skills sharp. Some activities can include arts and crafts, jigsaw puzzles, board games, Sudoku, gardening, reading, and spending time outdoors. 

If they try an activity and don’t care for it, don’t force it. You can keep encouraging them to try different things so they can find what they like doing. 

Encourage Social Interaction 

Social interaction is crucial at any age, but it can improve the quality of life for a senior citizen. Certain factors may make it difficult for your elderly loved one to interact socially as much as they might have done in the past such as lack of transport options or physical limitations. Social isolation is a problem some elderly face, and it’s something that can be avoided. Visiting and communicating often is the key. If you’re not able to visit them, finding someone in their area to check on them and spend time with them can make all the difference in the world to them.

Life Hacks for Making Household Tasks Easier for Seniors

Seniors have done and experienced so much in their lives, and now they’ve earned the right to relax. They won’t be able to avoid some chores entirely, but this does not mean they can’t learn better ways to complete them.

Look over these life hacks for making household tasks easier for seniors and help improve your loved one’s way of life.

Place Reminders

Give seniors the tools to manage parts of their daily routine. Some things might slip their mind from time to time. Help them remember small and big tasks by placing reminders in a visible place.

Choose an area of the house they frequent most. Make a list on a whiteboard and update it daily with whatever tasks need completing.

Let Others Carry the Load

Seniors don’t need to manage everything by themselves. They shouldn’t. If you can outsource some tasks, then do that. Instead of having a senior going up and down stairs or bending over to do laundry, pass this task on to someone else.

Allow a professional laundry delivery service to pick up and drop off their clothes and linens for them. These experts will clean all their items with exceptional care and make their clothes and sheets feel brand new.

Round Out Sharp Furniture Edges

Nobody wants just to sit still all day, seniors included. Sometimes they still want to feel useful, and that’s okay. Moving around the house and getting things done can make them feel like their contributing.

But for everyone’s peace of mind, make sure the house is safe to move around. Counters, tables, and nightstands have sharp edges that cause injury. Smooth out these edges and corners by adding guards that mold into the edges and soften them.

Organize Medications

Sometimes incorporating technology to help remind seniors when to take their medication can cause more confusion than it’s worth. Rather than using an app, opt for a more straightforward method.

The calendar app on their phone might be too difficult to read. A physical calendar or a spreadsheet on the fridge can work better. Buy a pill organizer, too, so they know the correct quantity of pills to take and on which days.

Make your senior’s life easier by incorporating these life hack tasks into their daily routine.

Moving Parents Closer to Home: Tips on How to Navigate Moving Finances

Taking care of your family can be a difficult task, especially if your parents aren’t close to where you live. You may find that eventually there will be a time in your life when you need to take the next step and move your parents closer to home. A lot can go into a move and a transition like this, and in some cases it could be hard to get your parent(s) onboard with the decision.

Whether the move is cross country, a few hours away across the state, or just 30 minutes down the road, having a conversation and a game plan in place can help ease the moving process for everyone.

Have the Family Conversation

Before jumping ahead and planning out all the logistics, it’s smart to have the initial family conversation. Having this conversation for some may be hard and awkward at times. In the long run, having this talk to determine your parents’ plan for care as they get older can benefit both you, your siblings, child, and your parents.

This family conversation is crucial for understanding where your parent(s) stand on the situation and it allows you to see where their head’s at with where they see themselves as they transition to this next phase of their lives. Ask your parent(s) what they want and take into consideration their side of things. Then voice your ideas. This will give both sides the ability to share their thoughts, hopes and opinions on the situation.

Sometimes you may be on the same page, other times, there may be some gray area. If your parent(s) are on the fence about making the move, some points you may want to bring up to them would be:

  • Being closer to the greater family can ensure safety for them
  • It allows for more family time since they won’t be too far away
  • The move can permit easier assistance if they have medical issues
  • Downsizing to a new home can save money and ensure they are in a space that is easy to maneuver around and take care of as they get older

During this conversation, if you have siblings, it’s a good time to discuss who will take on the caregiver role.  Determine if you will all be hiring someone to come take care of your parents every now and then if needed. It may be helpful for everyone to hire someone to come in part time or full time to check-in on your parent(s) now and then. There are chances of caregiver burnout so hiring extra help is never a bad thing in most cases it just benefits everyone.

Once you come to a consensus of what is best for the family, stay organized and take notes and write down ideas and dates within a planner. Not only will it keep you and your family on track, but it will allow for everyone to be on the same page when it comes to what was discussed and decided on to ensure a flawless transition.

Consider Care

If during the conversation, you and your family have decided that extra care may be needed, it’s a good idea to look into various care options for your parent(s). Depending on the health of your parent(s), you’ll want to research different levels of care for them. Even if they aren’t ready for extra care, it’s still important to learn about options for the future.

If your parent(s) don’t need much care but are looking for more social interaction with those their age, an independent living situation may be best for them. If they are in need of some assistance when it comes to day-to-day activities you may want to think about an assisted living community so they can have help when needed.

Parent(s) who may have medical issues that may hinder their living situation and ability to be on their own, should potentially consider a nursing home as an alternative. If your parents have dementia, memory care is a great option. That way, you can still visit them but won’t have to worry about them being on their own and have a peace of mind knowing they are in good hands and being monitored.

Some people like having their family members in close quarters and have the ability and room to do just that! If that is you, it could be a good idea to create an in-law suite. You can work with them to really make it their own, whether that be you take them shopping for furniture and items to decorate the space or have them plan the layout with you. Get them involved so they feel that they have a say to make it their new home. A tip if they are moving into your home would be to look into senior programs so they can still feel connected with others their age.

Plan Moving Logistics

Once you’ve decided on potential care for your loved one(s) and have agreed on the move, the next step is to plan out moving logistics. It’s a good idea to have a strategy in place when it comes to moving to ensure you are considering all the aspects of a move so your loved one(s) can experience a flawless relocation.

As you start to plan out moving logistics, you’ll want to take into consideration the move-in dates of your parent(s) new home. Whether this be a move into your or your siblings’ home, a smaller home, an assisted or independent living community, or a nursing home, keeping this in mind for the move is crucial. Once you know the move-in date, it gives you the ability to lay out the rest of the moving plan.

If you need more support with moving your parents, moving companies can offer this assistance. There are options such as hiring a moving crew, ordering a moving van yourself, or even ordering a pod to fill and have the company drive it to your new location.

Typically a move means selling a home or ending a lease, if that’s the case for your situation, you’ll want to have a plan in place to make sure the house is packed up and ready for the next homeowners or renters. This can be a lot for your parent(s) so make sure that you are there to be of assistance and maybe even consider hiring packers if you don’t have a lot of helpers around. If you have a big family it may be a good idea to plan a week or weekend that everyone can pitch in to work together to help pack up belongings. Take inventory and make a list to decide whether you’ll be keeping, donating, or storing items. This is a great way to stay organized throughout the move. If your loved ones aren’t ready to part with certain items, invest in a storage unit closer to where they’ll be living so they can access the items whenever they want.

If your parent(s) live across the country, decipher your travel timeline. In some cases if they are far away, you’ll have to designate more time to the move and whether or not you’ll get moving trucks and pack up cars to relocate or if you all pack up the home and take a plane back home while you wait for their belongings to be shipped or transported.

Figure Out Moving Finances

A moving budget is another important part of moving logistics. You’ll want to make sure your loved one(s) have enough money allocated to make the move. It’ll also help you and your siblings figure out if there’s a need for you all to pitch in on any of these costs.

To stay on track and to see how much your parent(s) could potentially be spending, develop a spreadsheet of all the expenses involved with the move. Do some research, call around and get some price points, and mark all the expenses down. Once you have the pricing  figured out, you’ll want to think about various payment options to support the move.

Consider speaking with your parents about potential payment options that can cover the move and any home improvements they need to make before moving out of their home. Talk to them about their retirement fund, savings,  or a personal loan. You may even discuss with your siblings or spouse about potentially taking out a personal line of credit or using a credit card to help out. Another idea you could pitch would be for them to hold a garage sale to weed out some unnecessary items.

Lastly, make sure they have some extra money in an emergency fund in case problematic situations arise that may skew costs of services involved with the move (example: important items that could have been damaged or broken during the move). Having an emergency fund can also ensure your parents and/or you and your siblings aren’t borrowing too much to support the move.

Make the Move

Using these steps to get a plan of action for your loved ones is essential for a seamless transition. Now that you’ve had the conversation, planned out care and logistics, it’s now time to make the move! Get your loved one excited about this next step in their life journey and enjoy the move with ease.