Leslie Newlife

Five Ways to Make Your Elder More Comfortable

It’s never easy to bring your grandparent, parent, or other relative to a nursing home. You may feel guilty about it, but it’s usually a necessary move. As we age we need help with many things. If you’re feeling uneasy about taking your loved one to a facility for the elderly, there are plenty of things you can do to make sure they are comfortable and have whatever they need. Senior living homes care for your loved one greatly, but everyone is different and different things make them comfortable. Here are five ways to help your elder loved one feel as comfortable as possible at a senior living facility.

Bring Photos & Curate their Environment

You should make an effort to curate the room and environment of your loved one. Bring photos of their family and friends. Not only will this make them happy and comfortable, photos and familiar items will help keep their memory. Do they have specific things that they like to have around? Pillows, stuffed animals, and accessories from home will help the transition and provide comfort in a foreign environment. Whatever reminds them of home and good times should be brought to the senior facility to make them comfortable and keep their identity alive.

Design their Bathroom

While the senior living facility will likely already have holding bars and railings in the shower and bathroom, you should make design changes you can at the home. A shower bench or chair is quite helpful. Put in a high toilet with a bidet. Create organized storage space that they can easily access. Non-slip flooring will help stop them from falling. A tub with a walk-in door can also facilitate the process of getting in and out of the tub. Finally, an emergency alert button in the bathroom will help your loved one call for help should something happen. Think about whatever the facility doesn’t have and ask them about it. You can even offer to install these things if it is a budget issue.

Bring Books & Movies

What movies and books do your elders like? It’s necessary to bring ways for your loved one to entertain themselves. Keeping busy is quite important. You should bring books, movies, magazines, and other sources of entertainment. Think about what they like and bring a few different options so that they can stay entertained. Life can get boring for seniors. The busier they stay, the happier they will end up being. In addition to books and movies, crossword puzzles, games, and other ways to pass the time will make all the difference to how they feel at the facility.

Use Dividers

If your loved one is sharing a room with someone, you will probably want to bring office room dividers to separate their space and give them privacy. Nobody wants to share a room with someone they don’t know. It’s a great idea to provide your loved one with a way to keep their privacy and dignity intact. Of course you should talk to the roommate about it, but if there aren’t currently dividers separating their space most people will prefer some privacy.

Communicate with Staff

Finally, one of the most important things you can do to make your loved one comfortable is to communicate your loved one’s needs with the staff. The more you tell them about their personality, needs, and specific quirks, the better they will be able to care for your loved one. They are professionals, but everyone is different and has their own needs. Sometimes the elderly have trouble communicating these things, so the more you help them by talking to staff the easier everyone’s lives will be. Communication is everything. Do yourself, your loved one, and the staff a favor and tell them about how to help the senior in your life.

It’s always a to-do to bring your elderly loved one to a senior living facility, but it doesn’t need to be overly difficult. Simply do your best to make them comfortable by doing your best to optimize their environment, keep them entertained and content, and communicate with the staff. You will be happy that you did the extra work when your loved one is having a good time at the facility.

Looking to Give Back? Four Humanitarian Charities Worth Noting

Giving to charity is a huge boon for society, and can be a huge personal boost, as well. Charitable organizations help out in many facets of life and the world around us. There are a variety of different types of charitable organizations, and it can be difficult to determine which ones are going to use your money in the most helpful way possible. 

It is important to focus on how the charitable organization uses its profits, and what kinds of programs are supported and presented, as well as how well those programs are followed through. Whether you’re looking to support a more grassroots movement by supporting local charities and want to give online to churches, or your focus is on a more global scale, here are four humanitarian charities worth looking into.

The American Humane Society

The American Humane Society is an animal-focused charity organization that has been around for more than 100 years. With the mission of ensuring the well-being of animals and improving bonds between humans and animals, this charity ranks high up on the list for reputable charities that do what they say they are going to do with your money. The American Humane Society has led major efforts such as improving the treatment of animals used in movies and shows, and quick response care teams for animals in the event of natural disasters. 

With this charity you can rest assured that your donation will be used wisely; over 80% of American Humane Society’s income goes towards animal welfare projects. Whether it is through community action, relief from wildfires, or rescue teams during a hurricane, The American Humane Society is always looking out for our precious animals and wildlife.

Relief International

Relief International is a humanitarian non-profit that has been in operation for 80 years providing communities in fragile settings the opportunities to live a healthier and happier life. Operating in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean, Relief International works with programs that provide health and nutrition, clean water, economic opportunities, and education to communities that would not otherwise have clear access to those resources. 

Relief International takes this one step further, by ensuring that these communities have the tools and skills they need to keep these benefits going for the long run. This charity is also rated very highly as a charitable organization, with over 80% of its profits going directly to its humanitarian programs. Relief International also focuses on boosting local economies and encouraging entrepreneurship for individuals and families to be able to help support themselves. 

Save The Children

This organization has one goal: to end child suffering. Save The Children has been around for over 100 years with a primary focus on keeping children safe, healthy, and educated. Working in both the U.S. and over 100 countries worldwide, Save The Children is very upfront about their finances, with the front page of their website breaking down how your donated dollars are spent. 

Over 85% of their income is used for programs focused on children. In one year this organization helped support over 197 million children with proper nutrition, proper education, and a life free from violence. One main focus for Save The Children is educating women and girls and protecting them from human trafficking situations, in which 27% of the victims are children.

Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders has been providing neutral and impartial medical aid wherever it is needed since 1971. With ongoing medical projects happening in over 70 countries around the world, this humanitarian organization responds to areas that have suffered from such things as natural disasters, political conflicts, and disease outbreaks. Over 85% of their profits go towards medical programs that provide medical aid for anyone in need while urging governments to create policies that will enable medical care in communities that may not normally have access. 

Doctors Without Borders also helps to provide vaccinations, family planning services, access to otherwise unavailable medications, and even sends surgery teams to underprivileged areas, among many other medically-related programs. Without their help, unfortunately, many of these individuals would not otherwise get the care they so deserve and need.

While not everyone may be able to support a humanitarian organization, donating to a reputable non-profit organization can not only help the world around us but also give a great feeling of doing something good for the beings and the environment around us. If you aren’t able to donate, charitable organizations are usually looking for volunteers to help out with a number of things. Whether you give money or give time, giving back to your fellow humans, animals, and the environment is important for everyone.

The Importance of a Caregiver Contract


An essential yet often overlooked family matter is the preparation for elderly care. As the seniors in our families advance in age, daily life can become a struggle, especially when medical conditions arise. Caregiving can be a source of burnout for many families, notably when members are busy with their own lives and responsibilities. Conflicts resulting from who is responsible for care may arise. These issues don’t have to be the case.

One of the best things that you can do for the elderly, ailing or not, is to assign or hire a caregiver. A designated caregiver can provide the utmost attention and assistance when other family members are not around.

Before hiring a relative or health professional, you must draw up a caregiver contract. With this document, the caregiver and family understand the expectations of care. There is little to no room for uncertainties or confusion.

What is a Caregiver Contract?

Sometimes called a personal care agreement, a caregiver contract is a written agreement listing services and responsibilities. The contract includes the following:

  • The duration of care.
  • Caregiver duties.
  • Obligations of the family or hiring party.
  • The location of the provided service.
  • Financial details.

The service location also includes any medical appointments. A medical administration office where your senior receives regular health services is present on any location. The contract can then list any required trips to and from the facility.

The caregiver contract should also include all financial aspects related to caring for your family member. These aspects consist of the payment amount, form, and the person responsible for payments. If payment is attached to additional or optional tasks, the contract should cover that information as well. Determine whether the caregiver receives cash, check, or money transfer and the schedule for payments. There should also be a section where both parties can make amendments to the contract should there be a need for them in the future.

Why is a Caregiver Contract Important?

Since this is a binding written agreement, it provides a blanket of protection to all parties. It covers the receiver of care, the caregiver, and the family of the elderly. The agreement provides answers to any care questions and helps avoid conflicts in the future.

As a protection to the caregiver, the contract plainly indicates their tasks, work hours, and monetary compensation and or allowances. Caregivers can then avoid problems arising from work strains, overload, and underpayment issues. For the family, a caregiver contract gives them a framework that everyone can support in harmony. As such, the agreement must be discussed by everyone involved. Preferably, this discussion happens in a meeting where all parties thoroughly examine the details. Then, those present can sign the document before a licensed notary certifies it.

Updates and Revisions on Caregiver Contracts

Over time, the needs and services required by your aging family member may change. This can be due to medical issues, routine changes, family financial adjustments, or other reasons. As a result, the contract must be reviewed and updated every few months or annually. Periodically reviewing the document ensures that all details are up-to-date and still cover the receiver’s needs. Scheduling contract maintenance also allows the caregiver to bring up any developing concerns. Most importantly, this process provides peace of mind to the family. They know their family’s cherished member is receiving quality care and assistance.

Providing our seniors a quality life and, at the same time, fulfilling our adult responsibilities can be very challenging. Still, with the help of an assigned caregiver plus the protection of a caregiver contract, we can adequately care for our loved ones. Take this information and plan for the future with confidence and ease.

The Value and Benefits of Professional Elder Care Management

Elder care management is the professional support, planning, and coordination of seniors’ lives. In some cases, it also refers to the lives of younger, disabled individuals.

Elder care management involves providing mental, emotional, and physical support. This ensures seniors’ needs are met organically, and without frustration.

For many elderly people, even the simplest tasks require a bit of help. Those in elder care management roles are there to happily provide that assistance. Family members and loved ones are often either under-equipped to fulfill the needs of a senior, or simply lack the time or energy to do so.

This is why good elder care management is so important. Caregivers are there to give support round-the-clock, in whatever way is needed at the time. They make sure that anyone in their care continues to feel as comfortable, happy, and relaxed as possible.

The Role of Elder Care Management Professionals

Those working in elder care management are trained professionals who understand the basic needs and requirements of supporting a senior individual.

Geriatric nurses are different from regular nurses. They’re educated on the complex nature of old age and all the potential struggles and challenges that may come with it. In addition to having experience in first-aid and physical care, they’re trained to recognize any mental or psychological struggles that require treatment.

A big part of elder care management is improving quality of life and enabling seniors to feel content and fulfilled in their last years.

Many elderly people struggle to let go of the past or find themselves feeling anxious about the future. But geriatric nurses know exactly how to soothe these emotional distresses.

Those working in elder care management may also take on the role of running errands for the seniors they look after.

All in all, elder care management fills a parental role to ensure that every need a senior has is met with efficiency, understanding, and a smile.

What Do Elderly Caregivers Do?

There are a multitude of different roles and tasks that an elderly caregiver is responsible for fulfilling.

From making sure seniors take their medication on time to arranging access to certain resources, those working in elderly care think of just about everything, including:

  • Regularly discussing health status and concerns (such as incontinence, falls, sleep behavior, and appetite)
  • Medication organization and consumption
  • Providing trained geriatric massage
  • Running errands (such as grocery shopping, email admin, booking doctor’s appointments)
  • Seeking out resources or information relevant to the client (such as wheelchair rental or dietary changes)
  • Gaining a deep understanding of their client’s medical conditions and personal needs
  • Making conversation and providing clients with comfort or socialization when they want it
  • Acting as a communication channel between elderly people and their families

Many elderly people have medical conditions that do not require hospitalization. But they do require regular medication or exercises to remain healthy.

Geriatric nurses try to help their clients as much as possible, all while allowing them to maintain a sense of independence.

The Five Benefits Of High-Quality Elder Care Management

Elderly caregivers provide monumental support for both seniors and their families. By taking on the responsibility of tending to an elderly person’s needs, caregivers alleviate some of the pressure felt by family members and friends to provide support 24/7.

Having a trained and reliable elderly caregiver look after yourself or your loved one comes with a number of benefits that have tangible impact and meaning.

These benefits include:

  1. Reduced number of accidents

Thanks to the attentive eyes of an elderly caregiver, many accidents or falls may be avoided. Many seniors get confused about medication doses, timing, or instructions for rest. However, with a full-time caregiver, there is a much smaller risk of mistakes like that occurring.

  1. Promotes senior socialization

Many seniors struggle with feeling abandoned or isolated when moving into a new home or care facility. Some of them are mourning the loss of a spouse or friend and are in desperate need of socialization. Even just having someone check in on them a few times a day can help seniors feel seen, and provide them with an opportunity to connect and have a conversation.

  1. Removes pressure for families

Watching parents grow older can be a stressful affair. Especially if you are raising a family of your own. Many seniors require daily intensive care and support, and not everyone is equipped to handle this.

Elderly caregivers take the pressure off family members or partners that are struggling to stretch their time and energy, and help everyone to feel more relaxed.

  1. Provides customization options

There is always so much to do in an old-age facility, and customized care is not always practical. But with an elderly caregiver, seniors can get more direct attention and experience the many benefits of personalized attention. This is especially important if a senior has physical challenges that require the use of a specialized wheelchair, or if they suffer from an illness that requires specific treatment and care.

  1. Improves quality of life

Overall, the role of a caregiver is to make elderly people’s lives as comfortable as possible.

Many seniors find themselves feeling depressed or lonely when separated from their families. Elder care management is all about improving quality of life and providing comfort—be it mental, emotional, or physical—wherever possible.

Elder Care Management in the US

As it stands, elder care management programs have been more broadly adopted over the past ten years. This is in light of US healthcare systems aiming to embrace a better package of services provided to seniors. Particularly for those with frail, complex, or chronically ill conditions.

The value that elderly care adds to American families is immeasurable. According to a 2020 report, 1 in every 5 Americans are caregivers, making up 21.3% of the population as a whole.

Caregivers play an invaluable role in both US and global healthcare systems. It is through their support that seniors can transition smoothly and comfortably into their old age.

From performing the complex and grueling duties of a professional nurse to simply being a kind set of eyes and ears, those in elder care management roles provide comfort, safety, and support in ways that nobody else can. They’re there to make the golden years exactly that.

How Seniors Can Deal with Anxiety

Whether you are giving care to an elderly person or you yourself are in your golden years, it is never easy for seniors to have anxiety. And closures because of the pandemic are not helping. The good news is that there are several things you can do for yourself or your loved one to focus on the positive and reduce feelings of anxiousness.

Using Medication

There are several ways to reduce anxiety in your daily life, but it is also important to recognize when you or your loved one needs medication. Using prescription beta blockers during big moments can help you or your loved one remain calm during big moments. These are trusted by professionals to block shaking hands, racing heart, and other symptoms of nerves. If you want to see if a prescription works for you, you can start your online visit with the medical team.

Having a Set Routine

It is a good idea to choose a routine and stick to it. For example, you or your loved one might decide to finish breakfast and getting ready for the day before checking the news. That can alleviate symptoms of morning anxiety. Others feel more anxious in the evening, so having a set dinnertime and nightly routine can reduce these symptoms. Older people can spend time with grandchildren, which is often a great way to reduce symptoms of nerves. Plus, it can help develop intergenerational relationships, which both you and your grandchildren can benefit from. Be sure to also include time for hobbies and crafts, dedicating time to something that you already know you enjoy can give you something to look forward to and help prevent stress, boredom, or even anxiety.

Practicing Mindfulness

If you are providing care, offer to listen to their feelings and fears. Don’t just assure them everything will work out in the long run. By listening to them and reassuring them that their feelings are normal, they will have one less thing to worry about. It is important to let them know how common it is to feel nervous during a crisis. For seniors experiencing anxiety, it can be helpful to practice mindfulness as well. Consider the skills you have previously used for managing adversity in life. Use these skills to manage your emotions now as well. You might turn to journaling, meditation, or even therapy. You can get therapy through a virtual platform so you never have to leave the comfort of your home. You might also practice mindfulness through bathing or listening to music from a happier time in your life.

Reminding Yourself of Happier Times

If you or your loved one have previously spent a lot of time visiting family and friends, being in isolation more can show itself as depression or anxiety. It’s a good idea to relive happier memories instead of thinking about the negative changes the present has brought. There are several things you can do to bring back these memories. For example, try cooking some of your favorite foods. What did you cook or enjoy eating when you were young? Look through your favorite cookbooks and find recipes online. Since many restaurants are offering only limited service because of the pandemic, now is a great time to try something new at home.

The Ultimate Guide for Finding the Perfect Apartment as a Senior Renter

It used to be the norm to want to reach your golden years in your own home, the one you bought with your hard-earned money. But times are changing — and so are preferences. Now, studies show that more seniors are deciding to downsize and give renting a chance due to the multiple benefits that come along with this lifestyle choice.

For instance, imagine not having to worry about maintenance or property taxes; being able to enjoy living in a community surrounded by people your own age and with similar interests; and, more important, having the option to move whenever and wherever you want — perhaps closer to family or somewhere warmer and prettier.

Granted, seniors have several options when it comes to renting in retirement: depending on your preferences and needs, you can opt to live in assisted or active senior housing, the latter of which includes independent living communities, retirement communities, senior cohousing, or homes or apartment for rent. So, to help you navigate this adventure, we put together a guide that has everything you need to know — from choosing the best apartment for you to negotiating your lease and legal aspects to be aware of.

Benefits of Renting in Your Golden Years

With all the freedom that renting provides (specifically, being able to pack your bags and move wherever you want), it’s easy to see why it’s gaining popularity among seniors and younger people alike. Add that to the comfort you have in knowing that, if something goes wrong in your apartment, you have maintenance professionals ready to step in and repair whatever needs fixing at any time of the day.

Financially speaking, you would also have lower overall costs, as well, given that you’d no longer be paying property taxes or home insurance. It’s also important to point out the multiple benefits and amenities provided by apartment communities — from central locations and beautiful common areas to on-site entertainment centers, gyms and swimming pools.

How to Find the Right Apartment as a Senior

In the age of technology, it’s so much easier and faster to search for the apartment of your dreams. All you have to do is go to the apartment listings website of your choice, input your city and preferences, and browse through hundreds of verified apartments for rent in Hampton.
When searching for an apartment online, you can also:

  • View apartments in any state, city, neighborhood or zip code
  • Search by budget, location or apartment/building amenities
  • View photos, videos and floorplans of apartments
  • Get firsthand opinions of the community by reading reviews left by other residents
  • Sign up to be notified by email whenever a new apartment matching your criteria becomes available
  • Contact the property directly, schedule an appointment and finalize your application — all from the comfort of your home

But, there are drawbacks, as well. For example, it’s important to pay extra attention online as there is the possibility of scams. Therefore, never agree to pay anything upfront before you sign the lease. To that end, if you feel like something’s off or if the offer is too good to be true, proceed with caution and double-check by contacting the property directly. It’s also wise to only use websites like rentcafe.com, which has verified listings that ensure the property information is reliable and up-to-date.

Pets, Service Animals & Apartments

Wondering if you can bring your beloved pet with you once you start renting? You definitely can: rental properties are increasingly accepting pets nowadays, so finding a new, pet-friendly home is easier than ever. However, before making a commitment to move to a particular community, make sure to find out whether it has any breed restrictions. This information should be available on the property’s website, along with any other details regarding pet fees or pet rents.

Notably, if your pet is a service or emotional support animal, it will be accepted at any property, regardless of whether the property is pet-friendly or not. In this situation, breed restrictions and other fees would also not be applicable to these types of pets.

Questions to Ask Your Future Landlord

Before signing anything, it’s important to have a discussion with your landlord. Specifically, here are some questions you should ask:

  • How much is the security deposit and is it fully refundable?
  • Are utilities included? If so, which ones?
  • Is maintenance available 24/7, and where can I submit maintenance requests?
  • What is the penalty for breaking the lease early?
  • Is the rent a fixed rate?
  • Is renter’s insurance required?
  • Are there additional, one-time fees?
  • Can I negotiate my payment date based on when I get my Social Security check?

Note that, according to the Fair Housing Act of 1968, senior renters are protected by law against any discrimination based on age. Plus, if you’re on a fixed income, you may have certain protections against rent increases, as well.

Life as a Resident in a Rental Community

Apartment living has changed significantly in the last few years, so expect a plethora of new and impressive amenities, including:

  • The option to set up automatic, online payments for the monthly rent
  • Common areas to socialize with neighbors or family
  • Opportunities to learn about community events through online portals
  • Use of on-site fitness, business or entertainment centers
  • The option to submit maintenance requests online

Now that you’ve found the perfect apartment and signed your lease, all that’s left to do is enjoy this new adventure you’ve embarked on!

What to Know About Being a Caregiver for Your Parent

For many families, making use of nursing facilities or hired in-home caregivers simply isn’t an affordable option. If your parent has already suffered from one or more medical problems, you may be wondering what you can do to help. Adults in this position may need to step in and personally ensure that their parent is healthy and happy. If you’re conducting research on what to know about being a caregiver for your parent before you take on this responsibility, here are a few things you should consider.

Caregiving Is Demanding

Becoming the primary caregiver for your parent means dedicating time, resources, and energy to their welfare. Frequent medical visits drain hours out of the day, and adjusting to an additional person in your home is undeniably exhausting. You will have to decide if this is a process you are capable of handling before you opt to become your parent’s caregiver. Fortunately, if you do take on the responsibility, there are resources available to help you in all the difficult aspects, from support groups to financial options.

Caregivers Can Receive Compensation

If your parent needs assistance with multiple activities that impact their quality of life, like showering or getting around the house, you may be able to receive compensation for helping them. Plans like Medicaid can pay in-home caregivers an hourly wage to help maintain the financial stability and well-being of you both. However, your income, your loved one’s income, the state you live in, and many other factors can impact your eligibility to be a paid caregiver.

You May Need to Train

Caregivers don’t always need to play the role of nurse for their loved one, but there are bound to be times when that kind of assistance is necessary. If you will spend most of the time as your parent’s primary caregiver, it is in your best interest to seek caregiver training programs as early as possible.

Many free programs exist that can fill new caregivers in on the legal, financial, and medical aspects of the work and help prepare them for what’s to come. Finding a program that specializes in your parent’s needs, such as Alzheimer’s and memory care, will be especially helpful.

Another thing to know about being a caregiver for your parent is that you don’t necessarily need to be the primary caregiver to remain involved. Even from a distance, children of aging parents can help their parents adjust to medical, financial, and social changes by frequently reaching out. By remaining a resource that your parents can rely on, you can help them thrive without sacrificing your own financial or mental well-being.

Are Old Tunes Best for an Old Soul?

Music therapy isn’t always the first form of therapy you think of when it comes to senior care, but playing and listening to music has been proven to keep the mind young. When you hear some of the best road trip songs from the 1950s or a song your mother used to sing, the feeling you get is more than nostalgia.

The power of music is universally known and used to instill pride, unite the people of a nation, and create an atmosphere. In recent history, music was used as a treatment for soldiers returning from World War I and World War II for mental and physical healing.

The charitable act of performing music for children, the elderly, or those healing has been in practice for centuries within the U.S. and is documented for almost every culture globally.

If music is not currently a part of your self-care or caretaker routine, it could be in your best interest to count it in.

What is music therapy, and who is qualified?

Music therapy is a therapeutic technique that can help patients achieve mental and physical health goals through various musical and sound methods.

Music and sound can be used to improve mood, be a sleep aid, and increase mobility skills for individuals. With so many things to gain, why don’t seniors and caregivers make more effort to incorporate music into their daily lives?

The answer is that most people don’t think of music therapy as an option. Music is often seen as a hobby or something to do as a leisure activity. However, sound and music can be one of the best ways to treat mental and physical ailments. 

Although simply listening to more music is likely to improve the mood of you or your patient, music therapy techniques are more than pressing play.

If you are a caretaker or just find music therapy interesting, you should know what qualifications you want when looking for a therapist. A trained music therapy professional needs to have been issued the Certification Board for Music Therapists’ credential along with a bachelor’s degree in music, psychology, or medicine.

How is music therapy done?

In a music therapy session, you can expect to do anything from profoundly listening to creating your own music. Activities such as analyzing lyrics, composing music, and singing songs support treatments for emotional, spiritual, and trauma healing.

There are multiple ways a music therapist may use music as a healing agent. Music therapy sessions range from stationary to active, depending on the overall goals for the patient.

To improve strength, mobility, and cognitive abilities, sessions may include dance or rhythm-keeping activities such as tapping fingers and toes to a beat.

You can expect to be asked to talk about the meaning of melodies and lyrics and the emotions that different types of music make you feel. Getting used to instruments such as drums, keyboards, guitars, and harmonicas are highly encouraged, especially if you’re not already musically inclined.

 Each session of music therapy will be different, which keeps the programs engaging and productive. Believe it or not, even methods that target what sounds will improve sleep for older adults and reduce stress.

What conditions can music therapy help?

You don’t necessarily need to be ill or suffering to benefit from music therapy, but it can be a way to supplement other medical forms of treatment. Doctors will often recommend lifestyle changes in addition to prescriptions, but breaking out of old habits is easier said than done.

Music therapy is a great way to create new healthy habits while providing extra support for any already prescribed medications.

A list of conditions and illnesses music therapy can be used to help treat include:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Behavior disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Blindness
  • Deafness or hearing loss
  • Cancer
  • Depression
  • Headaches and migraines 
  • Hormonal imbalance and mood issues
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Substance abuse
  • Stroke
  • Road rage and anger management

Those who participate in music therapy vary since the treatment is a practical therapy method for a wide range of ages and conditions. Sound and music therapy has shown to improve conditions for those who have participated in military service, people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and victims of trauma and crisis.

This therapy has also shown results for people in correctional facilities, rehabilitation, and individuals with various mental health disorders. 

Not all who participate in music therapy need to receive a diagnosis to start. Others participate to get guidance on stopping self-harming behaviors such as binge eating, undereating, violent or angry outbursts, or those socially withdrawn.

Can music therapy help me physically?

The mental health benefits of both music and sound therapy are more than worth the effort of giving it a try. However, the benefits of partaking in music therapy don’t stop there.

Physical ways patients see the positive results of effective music and sound therapy include:

  • Improved cardiac functions
  • Improved motor development
  • Improved organ function
  • Improved respiration
  • Reduced heart rate
  • Reduced pain
  • Regulated blood pressure
  • Regulated digestion
  • Relaxed muscle tension

The connection between your emotional and physical state has profound effects on your overall health. Regardless of why you’re considering music therapy, there are endless ways you can find life-altering results.

Will insurance cover the cost of music therapy?

If you have to receive treatment for your health, why not choose a therapeutic method that allows you to have fun? Music therapy is just one of the must-haves to improve senior quality of life and is deemed necessary by insurance as well.

If you currently are enrolled in a Medicaid or Medicare health insurance policy, your coverage likely already includes music therapy treatment. Regulation for music and sound therapy differs from state to state, but it isn’t uncommon to need a prescription to initiate the coverage.

The only way to know exactly how much coverage you can receive is by talking to your current provider or shopping around for a better rate. Considering music and sound therapy are beneficial for patients in treatment and recovery, it shouldn’t be challenging to apply for pre-approval.

Talk to your doctor and explore what options are available to help you live a happier, healthier, and more joyful life.

About The Author:  Danielle Beck-Hunter writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, AutoInsurance.org. Danielle is an insurance expert who began researching senior care when her grandmother was misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

How to Protect Your Keepsakes from a Flood

Often, the most precious items that we own are also the most irreplaceable. Valuable keepsakes help us remember the important memories in our lives, whether they’re vintage photos or priceless antiques that relatives passed down through generations.

In an instant, however, a natural disaster—such as a flood—can wash them away without a care, and you’ll lose decades’ worth of memories. Before it’s too late, learn how to protect your keepsakes from a flood if your house is in a flood-prone area.

Keep Your House Clean

After you’ve lived in your home for so long, it is difficult to imagine cleaning it and downsizing your collections of stuff. Maintaining a clean house is important for protecting your valuables from the unthinkable—knowing where everything is at any given time will help you know if something goes missing.

If your house is too cluttered to clean on your own, have your home care assistant, friends, or family members help you undertake the project. You may need a professional cleaning company to clean your home for you quickly.

Once you have a clean slate, take inventory of your most beloved belongings. Create an organized chart or list and keep it somewhere safe, so you can double-check it if a flood ever impacts your home.

Digitize Photos, Film, and Documents

Physical media formats may disappear in a flood, but digital versions of those same memories can last forever—especially if you store them on cloud storage. Cloud storage keeps your files in your personal online space, which prevents them from washing away, like if you had stored them on a flash drive, CD, or computer.

Because you never know when a flood can strike, you must digitize your media sooner rather than later to avoid losing your fragile photos. You may need help from a child or grandchild to ensure that everything is easily accessible to you. All your favorite keepsakes will have digital copies in case you ever lose the originals.

Pick a Safe Place to Store Keepsakes

Finally, the best way to protect your keepsakes from a flood is to keep them high and dry wherever you store them. Don’t stow them away in your damp, cold basement where they’re the most at risk of flood damage—keep them in a closet upstairs where it’s dry. Higher floors are less likely to flood, making them ideal for precious memorabilia. Utilize shelves, storage bins, and acid-free photobooks to keep things tidy.

A flood is disastrous for your home, but you don’t have to lose generations’ worth of antiquities and memories to the damage. Take small steps now to protect your keepsakes, and you can focus on the big picture if water ever makes its way inside the house.

How to Design Safe Bathrooms for the Elderly

Most of us love large, luxurious bathrooms. But bathrooms for elders need special design features and a number of helpful components. The wrong tiling, lighting or sanitary fixtures can result in major inconveniences and dangerous mishaps.

The last thing any elder needs is a fall in their old, vulnerable age.

So, here are some safe and convenient ideas for a bathroom designed for older folk: 

1) Non-slip flooring

Fancy tiles look great till they are wet and slippery. Most bathroom accidents and slips are due to soapy, wet floors in the shower, bath or even dry areas onto which the water sometimes overflows.. There is a wide and beautiful selection of anti-slip bath floor tiles to choose from. When purchasing online or from a store, double check the anti-slip properties of your tiles.

If you’re moving into a home that already has tiling, place non-slip mats in strategic positions. The spots from where one steps in and out of the shower and bath-tub, and inside the shower cubicle or bathtub. To be on the safer side, place non-slip runner mats along the length of the bathtub. Lay down a non-slip mat at the door of the bathroom as well. 

Speaking of doors, wide, sliding doors on the entrance and shower are easier to handle than those with complicated locking systems.

2) Grab or holding bars and railings

Be sure to include short or long grab bars on the wall areas near the toilet, when getting out of the shower and in the dry area to assist elders at every point. The height of each bar should match its usage. For example, the ones near the toilet should be reachable when sitting down. 

Good, solid holding bars are essential for elders with arthritis, weak muscles or post surgery. The latest statistics tell us that by 2040, close to 80 million Americans will be diagnosed with arthritis. So, holding bars will never be a wasteful idea and they are quite inexpensive to buy and install. 

Plus, if the elders you are designing for need caretakers, these bars can also help them to assist better.

3) Shower bench or chair

Age affects our ability to balance. The solution is to offer a waterproof shower bench to sit on while bathing. Old folk can relax and stay calm instead of feeling traumatized and nervous every time they enter the shower.   

Bath time is meant to rejuvenate and destress, but if standing upright is a task, a shower bench will help. Since they’re designed to be placed in the shower or bathtub, shower benches are stable and don’t slip around. They have small holes in the seat and back to allow water to drain out and prevent nasty collections. You can choose benches with armrests or without. Also, they are height adjustable. 

4) High toilet with bidet

A high toilet would be one that is at least 17 inches from the floor. It’s better on aging knees and back to install a high toilet. Makes it easy to sit and get back up, especially when coupled with grab bars on the side. 

Many elders suffer from weak bladders and when they need to go, they need to go! The toilet’s placement, therefore, should be close to the door for easy and quick access.

Many elders like the idea of a bidet as it helps them to clean themselves if needed, without depending on others. So consider installing one for the benefit of the aged. 

5) Easy, well arranged storage

To begin with, an elderly’s bathroom should be minimalist in terms of the number of bottles, tubes and bath items being stored. Too much stuff will tend to spill over onto the floor causing them to bend over and pick up, every time. 

Once you have decided on all essential bath products and bath aids for seniors, store them in pull out drawers rather than cupboards. Every item should be easily accessible, not too high nor too low. In fact, refrain from installing any drawers lower than average knee height.

Towels, wash cloth drawers should be close and within reach from the shower area. If you’re installing a shower bench, store soaps and shampoos in walled shelves or a sturdy shower caddy, at a lower height, so that one doesn’t need to stand up to take and put back bottles. Similarly, if it’s a normal shower situation, keep the shower caddy high enough so that one doesn’t need to bend to get stuff. 

Another neat trick is to keep permanent dispensers that can be refilled instead of product bottles. These can fit right into the caddy cavities and can be accessed via a pump spray mechanism…. much simpler.  

6) Walk-in tubs with doors and features

Walk-in tubs are genius ideas for elderly people’s bathrooms. These tubs eliminate the horrific possibility of tripping over the side or experiencing excruciating pain when stepping in and out of the tub. They also prevent chances of slipping on entering a tub. 

The latest breed of walk-in tubs offer a range of features such as comfort seating, handrails and bubble jets. Check them all out before choosing. 

7) Emergency alert systems

Even after taking the maximum precautions, you never know when an accident can occur. An alarm system in the bathroom can be as simple as a bell or an app-enabled emergency signal that pings emergency contacts within seconds. 

Finally, plan the dimensions of the bathroom to accommodate walkers, wheelchairs if needed, without making it too big. Spacious bathrooms are always preferable than small, dingy ones but for elders, it takes more effort to move from the shower, to the toilet and back to the washbasin. 

Most bathrooms and toilets that adhere to universal design rules are usually safe for elders. They take into consideration many of the points we’ve discussed above. However, all elders have their own needs and comfort levels, so if you’re designing for someone, it’s best to discuss your ideas with the seniors you’re designing for. Ask them for their inputs and recommendations and share your ideas with them to see how you can improve on every aspect, terms of safety and convenience.