Leslie Newlife

The Best Cities to Live in After Retirement

Are you getting ready to start the journey of retirement? You probably already know that there are a lot of things to consider. One of the main things you should think about when you are retiring is where you will live. With so many factors like the cost of the rent, the facilities of the home, and what you will be surrounded by, it’s important to spend a lot of time thinking about your life after work. One of the most crucial details to consider is where you’ll live. Below are some of the best cities to go to after retirement.

Miami, Florida

Miami is a young city in a state where people routinely go to retire. If you want to stay young and enjoy some beautiful weather, there is no place better than Miami. Not only will you have plenty of beaches, sunshine, and eccentricity, you will have a diverse set of neighbors and things to do in your retirement. Miami is probably the most expensive city in Florida, but compared to many of the major cities in the United States, it is more affordable. If you’re living in New York, Chicago, or LA, you will be able to get a nice home and save some money for your retirement.

Phoenix, Arizona

Another great city for retirement is Phoenix. Arizona’s capital city is hot, accessible, and a bit strange. It is a great place to settle down when you want to retire in an affordable city. It’s not exactly a small city for Arizona, either, as it hosts a large chunk of the state’s population. It is quite affordable compared to other cities like LA, Seattle, or New York, which makes it a great place to retire. You can save more money and live in a place where you won’t have to worry about getting too cold. Phoenix is dynamic and has a lot to offer. Look at your options, you just might take the plunge.

Santa Monica, California

If money isn’t an issue, you should think about settling down in Santa Monica for retirement. You can be minutes from the beach, the pier, and all that Los Angeles has to offer. Santa Monica is far enough away from the city but close enough to give you the ability to take advantage of LA’s restaurants and entertainment. If you start looking at Santa Monica homes for sale, you will likely fall in love with what you find. The homes are beautiful and charming. They offer an amazing location secluded from all the madness. If you want to be in a city but in your own creation, why not choose Santa Monica?

Lisbon, Portugal

What about retiring outside of the United States? If you haven’t done enough traveling and want to spend the rest of your life immersing yourself in another culture, Portugal is tough to beat. Not only is it one of the most romantic countries in the world, but the food is also amazing, and the people are friendly and self-deprecating. Lisbon is a great city for retirement because it is affordable, everyone speaks English, and you won’t be paying out the nose for rent. A city full of great people, beautiful music, and saudade, it’s hard not to love Lisbon. When you’re thinking about going abroad for retirement, consider Portugal and Lisbon.

Augusta, Georgia

Augusta, Georgia routinely makes the best places to retire lists for a few reasons. First, the cost of buying a home is very cheap. You can purchase a nice property with some land for a reasonable price, offering you a way to save money you have for other things. Another reason that people retire here is that the population is small and the pace is slow. People are friendly. There is that classic Southern hospitality. You will get along just fine. Are you thinking about heading to the South for a new era of your life? If you do some research on the best cities to retire in, Augusta will pop up.

When it’s time to stop working and plan the rest of your life, people often want to move somewhere new. It provides a fresh start and the ability to create your perfect retirement scenario. Whether money is an issue or not, the best places to retire are usually affordable and accessible. They are typically warm and inviting. Depending on your style, you will surely be able to find the perfect city to retire in.

5 Benefits of Independent Living Communities for Seniors

So, you’ve reached that point in life where the kids are grown and your days of working (full time anyway) are behind you. You now have the freedom to choose where and how you want to live. If flexibility and peace of mind are important to you, consider moving to an independent living community.

Also known as 55 plus, senior communities, or active lifestyle communities, independent living facilities offer the benefits of living in your own home, while having access to services and assistance that older adults may need. There are many reasons why this type of housing is rapidly becoming a popular choice amongst retirees. 

Focus on life, not maintenance 

As you  get older, it’s normal that your needs and priorities change. The dream house that was perfect for raising a family may not be suited to your needs as you enter their golden years. Likewise, a fifth-floor apartment in the city center might start to lose its appeal if you crave a different type of lifestyle. 

Even if you wish to remain at home, it can be tiring to keep up with the demanding maintenance schedule. Aging in place can be difficult in a multi-story home, and remodeling projects can be costly. 

The homes in independent living communities are already designed with useful accommodations, such as grab bars and widened doorways. You can even find facilities that offer additional services, such as housekeeping and prepared meals.

Independent living communities also allow seniors to embrace the new chapter in their life by eliminating the need to devote time and energy to home maintenance. In most communities, outdoor spaces and exterior features are managed by a maintenance team. That means you’ll never have to mow the yard or clean a gutter ever again. 

The option for continuing care

One hidden benefit of choosing an independent living facility is the possibility of continuing care. These communities house different levels of assisted senior living in one location. 

Continuing care facilities also offer enough flexibility for couples to live together, even if they require different levels of support. It also eliminates the likelihood of being separated should either partner experience significant changes to their independence. 

Since these communities have an on-site medical and caregiving team, it also provides safety and security for all residents. Should you need emergency medical attention, help is always nearby. 

There are more than 2,000 continuing care communities in the U.S. and chances are, there is one near you. If you love your neighborhood, you don’t have to move, even if your care needs increase. 

Built-in Community

Maintaining social connection is important for everyone, but it is especially important for seniors who are more likely to experience loneliness. Independent living communities create an environment where it’s easy to meet and interact with people from your generation. 

Independent living offers the best of both worlds when it comes to socialization. You can continue to host your family and friends in your own home for dinners and barbeques. At the same time, you can choose to attend events organized by the community and get to know your neighbors. 

Many communities have common spaces where residents can take classes, watch movies, or play games together. Most communities are well-connected to public transit or will arrange transportation to bring residents to interesting nearby destinations. 

Active Lifestyle

The CDC recommends that people over the age of 65 engage in at least two and half hours of moderate exercise per week. Independent living facilities make it easy for their residents to reach this goal.

For example, many communities have onsite tennis courts, swimming pools, and pickleball fields. You can also join an activity club and go hiking or golfing with other residents. 

It’s not unusual to find communities with excellent amenities like fully-equipped gyms. Otherwise, many independent living communities will offer their residents free or discounted passes to local sports clubs or fitness courses. 

Convenience

Perhaps the biggest selling point of an independent living facility is the emphasis on convenience. Most communities offer turn-key properties – many even fully furnished- that make moving and downsizing a breeze. 

To maximize the independence of their residents, these facilities are often situated in well-planned communities that incorporate everything you need in your daily life. Supermarkets, hairdressers, and shopping centers are usually a short walk away. 

Other independent living facilities are ideally located near economic and cultural hubs, so there’s always plenty to do and see. 

Next Steps

If independent living seems right for you, start researching communities in your desired location. You can schedule a tour of the community, or even stay overnight to see if the lifestyle is a good fit for you.

A Florida Survival Guide for Snowbirds

Florida is a super hot travel destination for seniors during the winter for many reasons, both for fun and health. So if you are considering becoming a snowbird, find out if Florida is a good choice for your winter stay. You can also discover how to handle your car insurance if you store your car for extended trips and other car scenarios for prospective snowbirds. 

Is Florida the best fit for my winter escape?

There are many perks to vacationing in Florida for the winter. The Sunshine State can range from fun, exciting, social, and charming to calming, beautiful, relaxing, and serene. 

It is frequently listed as a number one winter destination for the elderly population as compared to even other similar destinations. This is in part because seniors can readily find a blend between city and nature. There are also many activities that are exciting, healthy, or an ideal combo of both.

Staying active after retirement is very important.  So, as a senior, you may want to know which of these activities is right for you. Fortunately, Florida is rich with activities that are beneficial to physical health, as well as activities that keep you more energetic and lively. The following list provides some great suggestions to get a feel for Florida.

11 Senior-Friendly Activities Found in Florida

#1 – Yoga

There are many studios for yoga found throughout the Sunshine State. And even more exciting is that it is highly popular for groups to get together on the beach to enjoy the sunset and ocean breeze. Yoga is known to help with age-related muscle issues and can also bring a sense of inner calm from meditation.

#2 – Aqua Zumba

If you are looking for a smart workout that blends yoga, stretching, and dancing, look into aqua Zumba. It is an aerobic workout, but because it is in the water, it is softer on the tendons and joints. 

#3 – Dolphin cruises

There is an abundance of prime locations for sighting dolphins and other sea life. You can look into cruises that specialize in finding the best spots for frequent dolphin spotting and even grab dinner and go shelling on the same trip.

#4 – Dance classes

A great way for seniors to stay social and active is to sign up for dance classes.  Florida has a large elderly community, and so it is easy to find a community of like-minded people looking for a fun opportunity to dance and keep engaged.

#5 – Massage

Along with yoga studios, there are many massage studios (or studios offering both) in Florida. Types of massage include reiki, deep tissue, chiropractors, and less intensive types. Find out what is right for you, as a massage might be the perfect thing for your health.  

#6 – Hiking

For those looking to stay fitter and enjoy a more intensive activity that is still outdoorsy, scenic, and calming, Florida has great hiking trails. These trails can be hiked solo or in groups, making hiking available as a social activity as well as a meditative one. 

#7 – Tennis

Another perk of Florida is that many communities will have their own outdoor tennis courts because the weather is so nice. So it is very easy to find local tennis courts, which is a great way to meet your winter neighbors and keep fit.

#8 – Snorkeling

The Florida Keys offer the best snorkeling if you wish to view vibrant, colorful tropical fish, conchs, urchins, sea turtles, coral reefs, and more. But you can even find sand dollars, crabs, and beautiful shells on more northern beaches in Florida. 

#9 – Fishing

Fishing is a great way to get outdoors, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and relax in a less strenuous outdoor activity. Florida has both freshwater and saltwater fishing, a variety of places you choose from, including piers, boats, and chartering, and many species of fish.

#10 – Golf

Golf courses are a very popular amenity in many retirement communities throughout Florida. Some of the biggest golf courses are located in Florida, such as the courses in The Villages retirement community, just north of Orlando. This community boasts 50 golf courses and almost 700 holes.

#11 – Shopping

After long days in the sun, sometimes retreating to a cool, indoor mall is just the thing you need. You’ll find plenty of name brands to choose from, including high-end retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton, and Burberry. And of course, charming local boutiques abound.

In fact, these activities can help combat the growing issue of loneliness among seniors. So allowing yourself to indulge in these types of things can truly help your sense of well-being and enrich your quality of life. 

If you find Florida to look highly appealing for your winter stay, the next question is how to take care of seemingly complicated car and travel logistics to make your dream a reality. 

Ways Snowbirds Can Store, Ship, and Insure Cars for Florida

There are multiple routes you can take when it comes to making arrangements for your car. It is much more effective and safe to have at least one car with you during your winter stay. Uber and Lyft can get you around on a vacation, but it is not a feasible long-term solution. They are often too expensive and less flexible in where they can take you. 

So you’ll want to have your vehicle in Florida. 

Some snowbirds have been known to drive themselves on a long, cross-country road trip. However, this may not be the easiest route, as it can cause a lot of wear and tear to do annually. And it is definitely not the safest route either. Furthermore, overnight stays can get expensive on the road trip, so this is not the most cost-effective option.

Another option is to ship your car through a car shipping service. With these services, your car is attached to a trailer, and then someone drives the trailer south to Florida. Then you can fly by plane for a much quicker, safer, and cost-effective trip. And there are thousands of routes between U.S. cities in the North and Florida.

If you’re on the East Coast, a second way to ship your car is by train, such as Amtrak. This requires driving part of the way to the station in Norton, Virginia. Then you can board the train for the rest of the journey, in addition to shipping your car on the train as well. This option reduces the length of the trip by about a day and reduces any wear and tear on your car. 

Whether you choose to ship or drive your car, Florida requires anyone with a car to register it if they have been there for more than 90 days. And according to Florida law, any vehicle with a current Florida registration must have a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) as well as a minimum of $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL).

Also, snowbirds will often have multiple vehicles. If you have multiple vehicles, naturally you’ll want to find a way to save on insurance if you store one at your northern home. A great option is to look into parked auto insurance, which is a pause on your regular insurance.

Parked auto insurance is cheaper and covers a variety of scenarios that can occur with a car in storage. These scenarios include a limb falling on your vehicle while parked, vandalism, natural disaster, and more. They do often require that you own a second vehicle; additionally, the stored car cannot be driven for the duration of time it is in storage. 

Travel can be both exhilarating and a little daunting. But the more familiar you are with the logistics you need to take care of to have a smooth trip, the more fun it is.

Dorothea Hudson writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, BuyAutoInsurance.com. She has extensive travel experience and lives in Florida.

Your Ultimate Retirement Finance Guide

Growing old is inevitable. All working adults will at one point in time reach retirement age. One thing is certain—you need more care in old age. You get to decide how you will spend your retirement years, what you will do, and how to finance it. Life after retirement does not have to be boring; you can finally do the things you did not have time to do while working. If you plan your retirement finances well, you can have a blast during your retirement years and not be a burden to your family and friends. In this article, we share a few tricks that you can use to achieve your retirement goals.

Even the professional investment advisors will tell you that retirement planning is ideally a lifelong process, and it is never too late to get started. One way you can start planning for your retirement is to start keeping track of your finances.

Keep A Record of Your Assets, Debt, and Net Worth.

Keep a detailed record of your savings accounts, stocks, mutual funds, and bonds. Once you have all of them listed down, you can decide which funds can be used as your emergency funds or reserve accounts. This exercise is a way of determining which funds you are willing to forego in the future and which you want to keep permanently. The investment industry is constantly shifting, and your emergency reserves may occasionally change, which is why you need to stay up to speed on your financial status. If you have trouble taking stock of your assets, it would be advisable to seek the advice of a financial expert.

List Your Retirement Accounts.

Most people have multiple retirement plans running consecutively. Some employers can have the 401(k) plan or 403(b) plan for their employees. An individual may also decide to have a personal retirement plan such as the IRA plan. Make a list of these accounts to get a clear picture of your retirement finances. If you have an annuity titled IRA, add it to this list. The purpose of this exercise is to gauge your retirement finance soundness. If you find that you might have enough put away by the time you retire, you can:

Consider Supplementing Your Income Sources.

Increasing your income will allow you to keep more money aside for your retirement. There are a few ways you can increase your income, including investing in high-return projects. You can also start working on an extra passive source of income. It is important to consider the growth that your current sources of income may have over the years. Another option you may consider is to work on growing your current sources of income. Growing your income allows you to stay focused on what you are working on and presents a welcome challenge if you like a good challenge.

Use a Retirement Calculator.

Not sure about how to gauge your retirement finances? A retirement calculator will help you narrow down how much you should have saved, invested, and insured. When estimating your retirement needs, it is important to know the following things;

  • What do you want to get done when you retire? What will your retirement involve?
  • How much will you need to meet your retirement target budget?
  • Where will your retirement check come from primarily?
  • At what age do you intend to start taking out Social Security benefits?
  • How many years do you anticipate having in retirement?
  • Are you interested in having a financial legacy of any kind?
  • Do you intend on supporting adult children or grandchildren?

Once you have all these different aspects figured out, you can begin mapping out your retirement financial needs.

Steps to Choosing the Right Insurance Coverage

When you are choosing a life insurance policy, there are certain steps you must take to ensure that you are getting the coverage you need. As there are so many different policies and different circumstances each one covers, you have to carefully research your options before making a final choice. Here we have some steps you must take before choosing your insurance cover.

Assess Your Goals

The purpose of life insurance varies from person to person, so it’s important to keep this in mind. You must choose a life insurance policy that is suitable for your own goals. Take the time to assess your life and the reason for you needing life insurance. If you want insurance that is going to guarantee your family’s financial stability, you could choose a term insurance that has affordable rates. If your worry is the costs when you die, then a final expense insurance may be a better choice.

Evaluate Your Needs on a Regular Basis

You need to constantly evaluate your needs and assess your policy according to them. Your financial goals are likely to change as you go through life, and marriage and children are also going to make changes to your financial situation and your need to look after your family in the result of any unexpected circumstances. You should also be aware that you can sell your policy for a lump sum of cash. If you are considering liquidating your policy, you can take a look at a guide that will explain everything you need to know about selling your policy for a life settlement.

Buy at an Early Age

Premium costs are lower if you buy at an earlier age, so if you buy as young as possible you will be able to save money. You also have the advantage of being younger and therefore in a healthier position which will make it easier to buy a policy. Don’t disregard your need for a policy until it’s too late as you may find it prohibitively expensive or difficult to obtain one.

Do Not Conceal Health Issues

Never hide any health issues from your insurance company. If you do, you run the risk of your policy being invalidated when they inevitably find out. You will lose all of your money and leave any beneficiaries without a payout. You also need to disclose information such as whether or not you are working in an industry that is deemed hazardous. There is no benefit to concealing information, so don’t do it!

Choose a Comprehensive Plan

When purchasing a life insurance policy, you must ensure that your plan is a comprehensive one. Your policy should cover you in the event you are diagnosed with a serious illness or are the victim of an accident that leaves you physically disabled and unable to work. Some policies will also allow you to receive an early payout in the event you are diagnosed with a terminal illness. Cover all eventualities, even if they seem unlikely now.

The Best Exercises for Seniors Who Use Wheelchairs

Simply because an older adult uses a wheelchair does not negate their desire to remain active and involved in life. While we cannot do all we used to, many senior people in wheelchairs still wish to stay as fit as possible. Fortunately for them, there are several workouts that they can do without leaving their chair.

Finding workouts that you can perform as a senior might be difficult enough, and it becomes considerably more difficult when you are a wheelchair user. However, several wheelchair workout choices are available to help you maintain your strength, flexibility, and health.

Exercise for Adults Who Use Wheelchairs

Typically, when we think of exercise, we think of activities that require standing, walking, and moving. These activities are, of course, difficult for seniors who use a wheelchair for outdoor use.

Nonetheless, regular exercise is important for seniors who want to live an active, healthy, and happy life, whether or not they use a wheelchair.

Loss of autonomy and independence can lead to feelings of despair and loneliness in many older persons. Being unable to do routine daily tasks such as lifting simple household objects or moving freely from room to room or from inside to outside without help is unpleasant. It may result in a feeling of hopelessness, putting them at risk of future sickness or damage.

However, strength training can significantly improve everyday living for elders who use wheelchairs. When you are strong, just getting through the day becomes a blessing. It is a constant reminder of your better fitness and health, which motivates you to exercise. There are several benefits of wheelchair exercises as well.

What Are the Benefits?

Exercise benefits everyone, and this is true for individuals who use wheelchairs as well. They must still deal with everyday chores such as getting dressed, retrieving items from shelves, and getting in and out of a chair. Certain individuals can choose to take it a step further and engage in adapted sports. Wheelchair exercises have the following benefits:

  • Management of rheumatoid arthritis. Keeping the joints lubricated is facilitated by movement.
  • Obesity management and prevention
  • Improved sleep
  • Reduced risk of heart disease and cancer
  • Stress and despair have a lesser influence
  • Increased cognitive sharpness and decreased chance of developing dementia or postponing its onset

Finally, frequent exercise improves one’s overall quality of life. Daily physical tasks become less taxing and more pleasurable. A consistent workout regimen improves people’s self-esteem regardless of their age or physical limitations.

Flexibility Exercises

Seated Forward Bend

This exercise will benefit your spine, neck, and shoulders by stretching them.

  • Curl your spine forward and bring your body into contact with your thighs.
  • Allow your head to dangle freely and heavily toward the ground and your arms to dangle down near your feet.
  • Hold for 30-45 seconds, then gently return to the starting position, straightening up one vertebra at a time.

Sit and Reach

This exercise’s extending action will stretch your sides and neck.

  • Elevate one arm to the ceiling.
  • Extend the same side of your body as far as possible with your fingers.
  • Turn your head and maintain an upward focus on your hand.
  • Maintain for 10 seconds.
  • Carry out the same procedure on the other side.

Knee to Chest

While strengthening the arms, shoulders, and core, this motion also stretches the hamstrings.

  • With both hands, grasp the back of one leg.
  • Brace your core and maintain its tightness.
  • Raise your leg as high as you can with the help of your shoulders and arms.
  • Hold for 30 seconds before gradually lowering the leg.
  • Repeat on the other side.

Strength Building Exercises

Strength workouts are critical for maintaining muscular tone. While some of these exercises can be performed without equipment, others may need small dumbbells or a resistance band. Also, you can do any of these exercises swiftly to transform them into strength and cardio workouts.

Wheelchair Pushups

This workout requires no additional equipment and strengthens the arms, shoulders, and chest.

  • Grip both armrests of the wheelchair.
  • Maintain a firm core.
  • Push with your arms until they are as straight and as high as they will go, ejecting yourself from your chair’s seat.
  • Reduce your height gradually—do not let yourself fall.
  • Begin with ten repetitions and gradually increase the number of reps each time you do the exercise.

Overhead Presses

Overhead presses focus on the shoulders and triceps. This maneuver requires dumbbells. You can perform one arm at a time or both at the same time.

  • Grip the dumbbell in front of your shoulder with one hand, your upper arm against your side, and your palms facing inward.
  • While maintaining a firm core, gently raise your hand straight up to the ceiling, the action starting in your shoulders.
  • Once your arm is completely extended, return to the beginning position carefully.
  • Begin with eight pushes per arm and gradually increase the number as you gain strength.

Bicep Curls

You will need dumbbells for this workout to assist in increasing arm strength. Alternatively, you might stretch a resistance band behind your wheelchair, holding one end in each hand.

  • Grip the dumbbell or end of the resistance band firmly with your arm fully extended, elbow straight, and palm facing front.
  • Maintaining your upper arm against your side, gradually close your elbow and elevate your hand as high as you comfortably can.
  • Reintroduce your hand to the beginning position gradually.
  • Begin with eight curls on each side and gradually increase the number as your strength increases.

Banded Pull Apart

A vital component of a strong core is a strong back, and being in a wheelchair does not preclude you from strengthening your back. Try this motion with your resistance band.

  • With both hands, grasp the resistance band’s center portion, approximately two feet apart.
  • Maintaining a back and down position for your shoulders, draw your shoulder blades together to allow your arms to spread apart, stretching the band.
  • Extend your arms as far out to the side as possible, preferably all the way.
  • Return to the starting position gradually.
  • Begin by doing this exercise five times, then progressively increase.

Triceps Extensions

Triceps extensions are an excellent alternative if you want to concentrate on the backs of your arms. You will need a dumbbell for this workout, and you can do it with one or both arms.

  • With your arm completely stretched above and your hand extending toward the ceiling, hold a dumbbell in your hand.
  • By bending your arm and pointing your elbow toward the sky, lower the dumbbell toward the rear of your shoulder.
  • Raise your hand slowly back to the beginning position.
  • Begin with five repetitions on each arm and progressively increase the number.


Cardiovascular Exercises

Cardiovascular activities raise your heart rate and are critical for heart health and weight management. Even if you exercise at a modest level, there are several advantages.

Seated Twists

This workout will tone your obliques while also increasing your heart rate. The quicker you move, the greater the effect. To make this workout more enjoyable, try doing it in time with your favorite music.

  • Raise your hands to chest height in front of you, elbows bent, palms facing away from you, and fingers pointing upward.
  • If you have any movement in your legs and hips, gently point your knees to one side of your wheelchair.
  • Make a counter-clockwise rotation of your upper body while keeping your core firm.
  • On the other side, twist your knees and upper torso.
  • For three minutes, alternate twisting to alternate sides.

Seated Foot Taps

If you can move your lower legs, a few minutes of this exercise will raise your heart rate. Your heart rate will increase as you accelerate. Aim for five minutes of this workout and work your way up to ten minutes each time.

  • Begin by softly touching your toes to the ground.
  • Bring one leg forward and tap the heel of that leg on the floor.
  • While keeping one foot forward, point both toes down and tap both toes on the ground.
  • Raise the front foot’s toes and touch the heel of that foot once more on the ground.
  • Restore the initial position of the feet.
  • Rep with the other foot.

Tips

When doing this exercise, you can either have your arms stretched out in front of you or bend your elbows and place your fists in front of your shoulders. However, if you bend your elbows, you may want to keep your hands closer together on the band.

Conclusion

It is worth remembering that any sort of exercise is beneficial to your health. Mobility limitations make certain exercises easier than others. However, regardless of your physical condition, you should strive to include the exercises mentioned above in your routines. It will help you maintain your fitness and wellness. Best of Luck!

Compassionate Care for Aging Parents

Your parents may reach a point in life where one needs a greater degree of care than the other. In this instance, you may need to help them reevaluate their living situation, potentially relocating them to a smaller more manageable home, or even a retirement community or assisted living facility. These types of living environments vary from one location to another, and there are multiple price points and amenities to consider. New LifeStyles can help you make the best-informed decision by providing insights and information on various housing options.

Deciding to Downsize

In some cases, your parents may be able to retain their independent living status by downsizing into a smaller home that allows them to be more self-sufficient or to live independently with the help of some outside services, like nursing care. In this case, you’ll need to help them dispose of belongings they no longer want or need and get situated in their new home. Single stories are often a good bet, as are low-maintenance lawns. Regular meal delivery service and access to outside transportation can help ensure they’re able to maintain some degree of self-sufficiency.

Assessing Care Needs

No two people are the same, and it may be that one parent needs a higher degree of physical care than another. In this instance, a hybrid assisted living facility might be a good option. These environments allow couples to live together in the same facility where one receives a more significant degree of care than the other, who is able to maintain a level of independence. Most of these living options offer tiered plans so that when health needs change, care levels change, all in the same location. This can help ensure couples age in place together, while still having access to the specific types of assistance and medical care each needs.

Researching Options

There are many different types of assisted living environments available, and choosing which one is best for your parents’ needs requires a bit of research. According to U.S News, you’ll need to factor in cost considerations early on. If you sell your parent’s home, you may be able to liquidate enough assets to cover care, or you may be able to rely on retirement savings or long-term care insurance. If your parents have financial assets available to finance their needs, it might make sense for you to have their power of attorney in order to help them manage their money. If you’re planning from far away, a service like SeniorCare.com can be a resource to aid in this process. This site can help you make assessments about what type of living environment is most appropriate for your parent’s needs and budget in the location of their choosing.

Evaluating Facilities

Whether you tour locations in person or virtually, there are a number of different questions you’ll want to ask prospective facilities. According to the AARP, in addition to issues regarding cost and basic care, you may also want to know if there are specialties that would apply to your parent’s unique situation and healthcare needs. For example, some facilities focus primarily on memory care for those with dementia and other memory disorders. Ask about activities, staff-to-resident ratios, on-site medical care specialists, and opportunities for socialization. If you can visit the top selections in person, you’re likely to get a better idea of what would be the best fit for your loved ones.

Even in the best of circumstances, it can be difficult for parents to give up a fully independent lifestyle or become reliant on others. Listen to their questions and concerns with an open mind and try to offer reassurances for this next phase of life. Consider allowing them to be involved in the process of choosing where they’ll go, who gets their possessions, and how they’ll manage the process. By handling the situation with care and compassion, it’s much more likely you’ll be able to make a smooth transition.

New LifeStyles is a resource designed to help you narrow the focus when it comes to making the best decisions for your loved ones. We offer comprehensive, free information on a variety of care options. Visit our site today to learn more, or reach out via phone or email for additional information.

Which Is Best for Your Loved One? Senior Living or Home Care

It is a big decision when trying to choose between a senior living facility or home care for aging parents. However, there are a few factors which can make your decision much easier. Obviously, you want your parents to get the best care possible because they did that for you, not only as children, but throughout adulthood as well. Whenever they were needed, they were there. Now you want to reciprocate to the best of your ability so it really is important to understand exactly what would be best for them in their golden years.

Determine Their Level of Independence

The first, and most important, factor in determining which placement would be best is their level of independence. Are they able to take on most of their self-care? Can they bathe relatively unassisted, and can they get dressed with a minimal amount of help? Are they suffering from dementia where you fear they will wander out in the cold or extremely hot weather? If it’s only a matter of incontinence, for example, then you can provide disposable underwear and keep your bed dry with a bedpad. This is not something that would determine a need for assisted senior living.

Have They Recently Lost a Spouse?

If your aging parent is relatively independent but having trouble living alone because of the recent loss of their spouse of many years, then perhaps living with you would be the best possible alternative. They are already feeling alone so being surrounded by the love of family will help them through their grieving period. Putting them in a residential setting might even make it more difficult for them to go through the stages of grief. This is something that needs a considerable amount of thought when deciding which is best for your aging loved one.

What Is Their Relationship with Family Members?

Another thing which must be carefully weighed is how they get along with family members in the home. For example, if your mother has never gotten along with your husband, it might not be the best situation to bring her into a home where there will be constant turmoil. On the other hand, if there are grandchildren she absolutely adores and has a close relationship with, then making her a part of your family might be nature’s best medicine. There is nothing quite like the love of grandchildren when it comes to living a quality of life so this is one of the most important factors you should consider carefully.

While we never want to put our aging loved ones in a residential setting, there are times when it is necessary. If all adults in the household work full-time and there will be no one to care for them, then perhaps a facility with nurses and support staff would be the better option. Always weigh carefully what is best for your aging loved one, and safety is a huge concern. Once you know what you are looking for, and what is best for your loved one, the decision is easier to make.

3 Ways Custom Mattresses for Seniors Can Improve Their Sleep

Having a good night’s sleep is essential for the physical and mental well-being of senior people. From a scientific viewpoint, an adequate amount of quality sleep is associated with reduced stress, improved cardiovascular health, regulated blood sugar, decreased inflammation, and better cognitive function. 

Generally, older people tend to experience changes in the quality and duration of sleep, with some common issues being pain and discomfort, sleep apnea, daytime drowsiness, nocturia, and restless leg syndrome. This is why they require added comfort to coordinate and manage their sleep routine. In this regard, custom mattresses that are carefully crafted using durable materials are essential for providing senior people with sleep support. The best custom mattresses are made of natural materials such as cotton, wool, and latex and are skillfully designed to provide quality sleep to users.

In this article, we take a closer look at the three main ways that custom mattresses can help senior people improve their quality of sleep.

Helps Manage Pain And Ailments

Many senior people tend to suffer from illnesses such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back, neck, hip or joint pain. These aches tend to deteriorate with inadequate or poor sleep. In this regard, the right mattress can be incredibly helpful to provide them with the ideal support and comfort. 

Generally, a good mattress can help senior people alleviate pain by supporting the weight and the natural curvature of the body. It will also provide pressure point relief so that the user doesn’t experience lethargy, pain, or stiffness.

Having a well-adjusted mattress that enhances spinal alignment and provides cushioning to areas that experience chronic or acute pain will have a significantly positive impact on everyday well-being by allowing the user to feel well-rested and relaxed after their sleep or nap.

Addresses Individual Needs And Requirements

It is important to recognize that mattresses don’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Since different people have varying needs, a custom sized mattress can help address these issues to improve the quality of sleep. 

For instance, many senior people may suffer from loud snoring, which occurs when the airways get constricted. A mattress that provides adequate head and body support can help resolve this. 

Similarly, some older people may have trouble falling asleep on account of allergies and breathing issues from an unsuitable mattress. For this, a mattress that uses natural fibers and materials may prove beneficial.

Another common sleeping concern includes temperature regulation, which is easily resolved by having a mattress made of latex since it is the best material to regulate body temperature. 

Reduces Fatigue

The right mattress can provide older people with uninterrupted sleep and ensure that they feel relaxed and rejuvenated, which can improve their overall health and well-being. Importantly, it can help them avoid waking up in the middle of the night from pain, fatigue, or other factors. 

For instance, depending on whether they sleep on their back, side, or stomach, different mattresses of varying firmness may help with an uninterrupted sleep cycle. Generally, firm mattresses are good for stomach sleepers, medium-firm are ideal for all types of sleepers, and medium-soft are suited to back sleepers. 

Finding The Right Mattress

When purchasing a mattress for senior people, it is good practice to keep the following factors in mind. 

Size

The size of the mattress is the first thing that needs to be considered when going mattress shopping. This is particularly important if someone suffers from health conditions such as restless leg syndrome or is overweight and requires more room.

Firmness

The right mattress should have a suitable level of firmness to avoid stiffness and pain in the body. A medium-firm mattress is a common choice for those wanting better spinal support and pressure point relief. 

Suitability

This includes all the individual factors that need to be considered to ensure quality sleep. For instance, it is important to ask what materials have been used to manufacture the mattress so that it doesn’t run too hot or cold during sleep.

Durability

Always ask the retailer about the durability of the mattress, which refers to how long it is expected to provide support and comfort to the user.

Warranty

When buying a mattress, opt for one that has at least a 10-year warranty so that you can easily take the mattress for repairs or replacement in the future. 

Parting Thoughts

Whether you are shopping for a mattress for yourself or your loved one, make sure to make a list of the individual needs and requirements that you would like to address. This will help you make an informed decision when shopping for a custom mattress, and enable you to purchase the best available option on the market.

Should You Become a Registered Nurse?

Are you thinking about becoming a registered nurse (RN)? If you’re passionate about helping people and looking for a career that offers plenty of opportunities, this could be the perfect job for you.

Still not sure if nursing is right for you? Let’s take a closer look at what this career entails and how to pursue it. 

Career Overview 

Registered nurses work in numerous medical settings. These include hospitals, physicians’ offices, nursing homes and long-term care facilities, schools, and urgent cares. 

An RN’s duties vary widely according to what type of medical facility they work for. In general, they assess patients, record symptoms and medical information, administer medications and treatments, educate patients and their families, and work within a larger medical team to develop a patient care plan. 

Registered nurses generally have impressive salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual income for RNs was $75,330 in 2020. 

This career comes with a lot of job stability and the outlook is good. They’re in high demand thanks to an aging population in need of medical care and a generation of retiring nurses. 

Are You a Good Candidate? 

The ideal nursing candidate possesses critical-thinking skills, since certain situations nurses encounter can be challenging and require quick thought processes.

Nurses should also be compassionate. Although they may be there for happy and joyful moments throughout a patient’s life, they will generally encounter difficult and sad moments. A good sense of empathy is important. 

Good communication skills are necessary for this job. Nurses communicate with patients to assess their medical information and any symptoms they may be experiencing. They then relay this information to the doctor and other staff nurses. 

Since nurses may have to lift patients and generally spend many hours on their feet, it’s important for them to be physically fit. 

How to Become an RN 

The first step to becoming an RN is completing an accredited nursing program. There are three possible degree routes: ADN, BSN, and accelerated BSN. 

In almost every state, it’s possible to become an RN by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). This two-year degree allows you to work as a nurse in most places, but a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) is the preferred degree by most employers. Nurses with a BSN have a higher earning potential than those who hold an ADN. In the state of New York, for example, registered nurses are required to have a BSN. If you want to become an RN, it’s generally recommended that you earn a Bachelor’s degree. 

If you already have a Bachelor’s degree, there’s another option for obtaining a BSN: an accelerated BSN. This degree allows you to earn a BSN in just 16 months. This is an ideal option for anyone who is thinking about going back to school to become an RN. 

Once you complete a state-approved nursing program, you’ll need to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN). This computerized exam tests your knowledge to determine if it’s safe for you to practice as an RN. 

It’s important to do some research on RN license requirements by state. Some states have additional requirements. In New York, for example, these include completing coursework in infection control and child abuse. In Washington, RNs must clock 7 hours of AIDS coursework. Finding out the requirements for your state will help ensure the licensure process goes as smoothly as possible. 

If you think you have what it takes to become a registered nurse, you’ll be among the most coveted. At the end of your educational journey, you’ll find plenty of opportunities at your fingertips.