Leslie Newlife

Best Gift Ideas for Your Older Parents This Winter

Finding gifts for your older parents might feel like it gets more difficult as the years go on, especially when it feels like they already have everything they want or need. However, there are still plenty of gift ideas for your parents if you can’t think of anything.

There’s always at least one thing they don’t have that might benefit them in the future. So with that in mind, here are the best gift ideas for your older parents this winter.

Photo Album

The best part about this gift idea is that your parents will always need photo albums to capture new memories as the years go on. Developing some of their photos and organizing them in an aesthetically pleasing album is a fantastic way to allow your elderly parents to relive their precious moments. Also, if you have any seniors in your life with dementia, this book might be a way to remind them of their most comforting memories.

Stylish Canes

If your parent needs mobility assistance, one gift idea could be to buy them a stylish cane that correlates with their wardrobe or fashion preferences. There are many reasons to use walking sticks for brisk walking, one of which is that it makes traveling around a retirement community or assisted living center easier.

Canes come in different colors, shapes, and styles. They also come from countless materials, such as wood, metal, and plastic. Buying a cane for a loved one is a special gift because it’s practical yet meaningful.

Weighed Blanket

As you age, it often becomes harder to fall or stay asleep. This is especially true for patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s who have sleep disturbances that lead to unrest.

Luckily, weighted blankets can provide sleep benefits by using deep pressure stimulation. This type of stimulation has similar effects to receiving a hug from someone, and it helps fight stress, anxiety, and insomnia. If your parent says anything about having trouble sleeping, this is the best gift to soothe their slumber.

Overall, there are many great gift ideas for your parents, and these are just a few selections. Nonetheless, now that you know some of the best gift ideas for your older parents this winter, you can make sure that this holiday season is extra special.

Ways Seniors Can Practice Safe Medication Management

Most seniors are prescribed several different medications with different dosages taken at different times of the day. With this number, a mix-up can easily happen. That is why safe medication management is vital for senior health.

Taking medications the right way is crucial for treating an elder’s existing health condition and managing its symptoms. Having a simple system can help avoid common medication mistakes seniors make. This includes missing doses, taking the wrong prescription drug, or taking more than the doctor prescribed.

Tips To Live By

According to studies, about 87% of seniors take one prescription drug, while 36% take five prescription drugs or more. Not only that but, 38% of seniors use common pharmaceutical drugs or over-the-counter medications. To practice safe medication management, here are some tips that can help you out:

Take Your Medication As Prescribed

It is essential to take your medications regularly as instructed by your healthcare provider. Moreover, if you are experiencing some side effects or have questions, it is best to communicate with your doctor openly.

It will help if you don’t take any prescription drug your healthcare provider did not prescribe you. Doing so can be very dangerous. It is best to keep in mind the following:

  • Misuse of prescription drugs, such as taking another person’s prescription opioids, for example, can lead to addiction;
  • If you are currently having some symptom, like pain, and is taking someone else’s pain medication instead of consulting your doctor, your health problem might get even worse;
  • It is essential to know that doctors don’t just prescribe medications easily. They tend to consider several factors like drug interactions and allergies. Hence, taking medications not instructed by your doctor can lead to severe reactions or unexpected side effects.

It is also best not to skip any doses or abruptly stop taking your prescription drugs without talking to your doctor first. This is true even if you feel like you are getting better or think that the medication is not working. Some prescription drugs, such as antibiotics, need to be continually taken even if the infection stops bothering you for the drug to work properly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that about 125,000 yearly deaths in the United States are due to medicines not being taken correctly. Not taking your medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider can worsen your existing health problem or lead to hospitalization.

Have a Medication List

It is recommended to write what medication you are taking and keep that list. Always make sure that the list is up-to-date. Moreover, you can also consider giving a loved one or friend a copy in case of an emergency.

The following is what your medication list should have:

  • Over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal preparations you take;
  • Your prescription drugs’ brand name and generic name;
  • How often you take the medication;
  • The dosage of your medications;
  • Why you are taking the prescription drug;
  • The number of the local pharmacy where you usually fill your prescriptions.

Ensure Proper Storage of Medicines

One of the ways to make sure your prescription drugs are always safe and effective is by providing them with proper storage. Medicines that are not properly stored might not work as well or might even be harmful to you even if they are not yet expired.

It will help if you make sure to read the storage instructions for your prescription drugs. Several medicines require to be stored in a refrigerator. On the other hand, other prescription drugs cannot be exposed to high temperatures.

Most of the time, prescription drugs require to be stored in a cool and dry place. This can be a storage box, high dresser drawer, kitchen cabinet, or closet shelf. It will help if you put them away from sinks and hot appliances.

Most people store their medicines in the bathroom. However, this is not recommended. The bathroom is usually exposed to a wide fluctuation of humidity and heat, which might damage the prescription drugs.

Check Out Potential Side Effects and Medication Interactions

 Medication interactions tend to occur when:

  • A supplement or herbal preparation can affect the action of another prescription drug you are taking;
  • An existing medical condition makes a specific medication potentially harmful;
  • A certain type of non-alcoholic drink, alcohol, or even food, reacts with your prescribed medicine;

What you need to do to avoid harmful medication interactions is research more about it. Learn about the potential side effects and medication interactions your prescription drug might have. Furthermore, you can also ask your doctor about it to avoid any potential harm.

In a Nutshell

Most seniors have multiple medications prescribed by their doctor. Not knowing about safe medication management can often lead to common medication mistakes, thus harming a senior’s health. Common medication mistakes include missing doses, taking the wrong prescription drug, or taking more than the doctor prescribed.

5 Benefits of an Activity Tracker for Seniors

Activity trackers are a great tool to keep track of your fitness and other lifestyle elements. Fitness buffs and athletes are raving about these incredible gadgets, but seniors can benefit from them in a variety of ways too. Fitness trackers are an excellent way to keep seniors healthy and active, in addition to helping one age gracefully. Activity trackers have grown in popularity over the last decade, with most people wearing one at least once a day. It’s simple to see why, given how well fitness monitors have helped individuals boost their exercise levels. Being active is vital as you get older to help prevent the increased risk of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, stroke, and obesity.

Seniors’ Health Monitoring

There are a variety of fitness tracker brands on the market, each with a different amount of tracking. Some are designed specifically with senior citizens’ wellness in mind. These senior-focused monitors can also provide alerts to caregivers in sudden or alarming shift inactivity, which can help elders receive better home care.

Sleep Monitoring

Sleep appears to play a substantial impact on both physical and mental health, according to research. However, because you are, well, asleep, it can be difficult to tell how well you are sleeping. Many fitness trackers can measure your sleep and tell you the period you spent in deep sleep, when you fell asleep, how frequently you woke up during the night, and when you woke up. They can also politely remind you to go to bed and wake up, ensuring that your sleep routine remains consistent.

Setting And Monitoring of Objectives

Perhaps you’re recuperating from an injury or sickness, or maybe you’re transitioning from a half marathon to a full marathon training schedule. Activity trackers like Kore 2.0 can meet you where you are, personally tailoring your objectives and monitoring your achievement – whatever that looks like for you.

Furthermore, since fitness trackers for seniors save data and offer progress reports, seniors may reflect on their achievements and see how they’ve progressed. That may be a powerful motivator for seniors to keep going and create new goals.

Self-Accountability

Fitness monitors keep track of your progress against your most formidable rival: yourself. They motivate you to exercise more today than yesterday, boost your calorie objectives, or walk another mile by sending you notifications. Gradually raising exercise objectives can have long-term health and wellbeing benefits, potentially allowing seniors to live independently for longer.

Encouragement from a Group

Fitness trackers are intrinsically individualistic, but they also have a group dynamic in which people wearing the same brand of tracker compete against one another for the number of steps taken in a certain amount of time or the number of calories burnt over a week. That might encourage seniors to walk more since they know someone is watching them – and competing against them!

Find an easy-to-use fitness tracker like Kore 2.0 for seniors to help your loved ones increase their physical activity. Don’t forget to educate your loved ones on how to operate the equipment to ensure their success. It may take some time for the elderly parent to grasp on, but the effort will be well worth it.

5 Ways to Senior-Proof Your Home

The majority of us hope to maintain our independence and remain in the comfort of our own homes for as long as possible. Whether seniors live alone or with their families, there are a number of home renovations that can help reduce the risk of common problems seniors face as they age. 

Hiring a Contractor for Your Renovations

The right contractor can help you with your home renovation needs. Consider using a service like Networx to find one in your local area. Read through Networx reviews to find great leads for anyone who’s interested in connecting with a good contractor. 

  1. Add a Wheelchair Ramp 

Even if you’re not wheel-bound, there’s no wrong time to consider adding a wheelchair ramp to your home. It costs approximately $1,000 to $3,000 to add a wheelchair ramp, so it’s never too early to plan ahead. 

Also, keep in mind that a wheelchair ramp isn’t just for wheelchairs. It’s for anyone who has a difficult time climbing the stairs, which is something that happens to most of us as we age. You might find yourself in a wheelchair or walker later down the road, so it’s ideal to add a ramp whenever you can. 

  1. Update the Bathroom 

Falls are common among the elderly. One place where these accidents may happen is the bathroom. Sitting down and standing up at the toilet isn’t easy on an aging body. The slippery shower can also create a fall risk. 

Fortunately, there are bathroom changes you can make to help reduce the fall risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends installing grab bars both in and outside of your shower, as well as alongside the toilet. Installing a taller toilet that’s easier for seniors to sit on is also an ideal option. 

Another factor to consider is flooring. Although tile can be beautiful, it can also pose a major fall risk if it’s not slip-resistant. Upgrading to slip-resistant tiles in the bathroom (and anywhere else in the house) can help reduce the risk of falls. 

All of these changes may cost a few hundred dollars and can help create a safer bathroom for seniors. 

  1. Switch to Wider Door Frames

If you have narrow doorways in your home, it might be necessary to widen them to better accommodate a wheelchair or other mobility device. AARP recommends using doors that are 32” wide at a minimum but opting for doors that are 36” wide, if possible. 

Widening the doorways will require a contractor to replace the current doorframe, install new insulation and drywall, and paint the walls. It will generally cost about $500 per door but could be more or less depending on where you live. 

  1. Change Your Door Handles

Since seniors have a difficult time twisting, pinching or squeezing things as they age, so it’s ideal to consider replacing your door handles. Consider opting for lever-style instead of doorknobs. 

  1. Add an Elevator or Stair Lift 

If your home has at least two stories, it might be ideal to consider adding an elevator so you don’t have to worry about the stairs. This expense can be a costly one. Chair lifts can cost around $4,000 while elevator installation can cost about $20,000. 

Paying for Home Renovations 

Unfortunately, medical insurance doesn’t cover the cost of home renovations for seniors. You will need to pay for the cost of renovations out-of-pocket. In some cases, taking a reverse mortgage or home equity loan may be a good way to cover this expense. 

Home renovations can be undeniably costly. But it can be a much cheaper option than other senior care alternatives, such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities. 

These are just a few ways to senior-proof your home. Making a few changes to your home’s design can help you maintain your independence outside of a long-term care facility for as long as possible.

6 Quick Lifestyle Changes to Stay Healthy During Cold & Flu Season

The weather has turned colder, which is an exciting time of year in many ways. We know that fall and winter months are when the holidays occur, which brings a feeling of magic, nostalgia, and joy to our lives. We also know that the fall and winter months go by another name – cold and flu season. While there are simple ways to protect ourselves during cold and flu season, like staying away from friends and loved ones who are ill and getting our flu and pneumonia vaccines, we can also make quick changes to keep ourselves healthy. 

Part of being healthy is making sure that our immune systems are in tip-top and fighting shape. It doesn’t take a lot of work to get to where you want to be as far as immunity goes, so let’s dive into what these changes are. And, as always, if you’re taking routine medications daily, make sure you discuss any changes you want to make with your doctor or pharmacist. 

You Are What You Eat 

You’ve likely heard the adage, “You are what you eat.” While this is not only true, changing what you eat can immediately impact your overall health and well-being. While you’re sure to be tempted during the holidays to indulge in baked goods and heavy meals, remember it’s okay to do so as long as you include balance in the equation. If you’re attending many events where unhealthy food will be served, make sure at home you’re eating whole foods, even plant-based. Try “eating the rainbow,” meaning eat foods in various colors to get the maximum amount of nutrients on your plate at one time. Healthy eating habits are the cornerstone of a healthy life. 

Supplement Where You Need To 

Including supplements with your healthy eating habits will give you the maximum benefits of your wise choices. Vitamins many Americans are lacking are – Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Zinc. So supplement with those after getting your doctor’s approval. If you struggle with sleep, supplementing with things like CBD and Melatonin products is a great way to ensure you’re getting a good night’s sleep. 

Speaking Of Sleep 

Speaking of sleep, they don’t call it beauty rest for no reason! Ensuring you get in eight to ten hours of sleep a night is critical for overall health and wellness. Suppose you’ve tried a more holistic approach to getting better sleep, like supplements and calming routines before bedtime, and still aren’t seeing results. In that case, it’s worth talking to your doctor to know if you need prescription medication to help you catch those z’s. 

Let’s Get Physical! 

Physical activity not only helps your health but also improves your mood. Studies have shown direct links between physical exercise and mental health improvement. The key to sticking with physical exercise habits is making sure you’re partaking in the form of exercise that you enjoy. So, whether it’s walking, biking or swimming, find a physical hobby you enjoy and aim to do it for at least thirty minutes every single day. Not only will you feel good, but it will also help you shed unnecessary weight – which will only improve your overall health. 

Stay Social As Much As Possible 

Being more locked down the last couple of years, we realized how meaningful our social connections were. So, based on your comfort levels, try to remain as social as possible. Sharing intimate relationships is key to our mental and physical health studies show. Loneliness is a bigger killer than heart disease or cigarettes. Make sure you’re making time to spend with the ones you love. Laughter is, after all, the best medicine. 

Seek Treatment When Necessary 

As seniors, it’s essential to guard your health closer than you may have in your younger years. If you’re feeling “off” and unwell, make sure you at least phone into your GP’s office to speak with a nurse. You never know when something that might seem minor to you requires an appointment with your doctor. Don’t delay routine appointments and care, and when in doubt – ask your medical team. If you bury your head in the sand, minor problems become much more significant. 

So there you have it. The tips mentioned above are quick ways to take control of your health this cold and flu season and enjoy the holidays and beautiful winter months feeling great. Here’s to your health!

Top Tips for Improving Your Wellness and Living a Better Life

We all want to live a healthier life. Unfortunately, this does feel like it takes a significant amount of effort which can be difficult to muster after a hard day at work or if you’re already feeling generally unhealthy. First and foremost, you need to find your drive to improve your physical and mental wellness, and this task is down to you. However, learning about the ways in which you can improve your health can help to give you some extra inspiration to get started, so we’ve put together our top tips for improving both your physical and mental wellness so that you can live a better life.

Get Plenty of Sleep
One of the most important parts to living well is sleeping well. Getting plenty of sleep on a regular basis is very worthwhile and can help you to see some improvements to your daily life almost instantly. First off, as an adult, you need to get roughly 7-9 hours of sleep per day, but it’s not just enough to get the hours in. You’ll want to set yourself a regular bedtime that you follow strictly to keep your circadian rhythm in check. Having a healthy sleeping pattern reduces your risk of serious diseases such as stroke, and also provides you with extra energy throughout the day. This extra energy from sleep reduces your desire to eat extra calories to get energy instead, and therefore reduces your chance of gaining excessive weight too.

Drink More Water
Many of our bodily functions rely on the intake of water in the body. To maintain healthy function of some of the most essential tasks inside our bodies, it’s important to make sure you’re staying hydrated. These tasks include digestion, the absorption of vital nutrients, the creation of saliva, and also regulating a healthy body temperature. The amount of water you need to drink generally is impacted by external factors, however it’s recommended that adult men drink 13 and a half cups per day, and women drink 11 and a half cups. This may sound like a lot, but if you get into the habit of keeping a bottle of water with you at all times, it’ll become second nature to keep sipping it over the course of the day.

Exercise More
Staying fit and active is another key element to improving physical and mental wellness. It’s recommended that we all do at least 2 and a half hours of exercise per week to maintain a healthy fitness level. This improves our bodies in many ways, but it primarily increases your heart health. Of course, keeping our hearts healthy is comprised of much more than just exercise, so for more information on how to take care of your heart, check out Dr. Ruscio’s guide. Of course, other than keeping our hearts healthy, exercise is a very good way to keep us feeling happy too. There are strong links between exercise and positive mental health, especially if you’re exercising outdoors or with others. It can give you a moment to contemplate life and mentally digest any issues you’re having while also improving your physical appearance, and ultimately boosting your self-confidence.

Reduce Alcohol Intake
It’s important to remember that alcohol itself is a form of neurotoxin. Luckily, our bodies are equipped to process this and filter certain harmful chemicals like alcohol out of our systems, allowing us to unwind with a drink at the bar and socialize with friends, without feeling too guilty. However, our liver and kidneys, which predominantly serve to clean our blood and remove these harmful toxins, are limited in how much they can handle. You don’t necessarily have to give up alcohol here, although it’s definitely beneficial to do so. However, it’s worthwhile thinking of ways to cut down on the amount you drink. For example, if you were to drink 2 to 3 alcoholic beverages per day, you could end up causing damage to your liver which can lead to serious complications. Binge drinking can also harm your liver. This generally means drinking to get drunk, by consuming a lot of alcohol within a short space of time. Of course, everyone has different alcohol tolerances, so the limits are varied, but it’s generally stated that binge drinking is when men drink five our more drinks or women drink four or more drinks in a space of around two hours.

Talk About Your Mental Health
Speaking about our feelings and being open with those we care about is incredibly healthy and can help us to deal with mental health problems or lead us to seek more professional assistance. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 20.6% of US adults experienced some form of mental illness in the year of 2019. This accounts for about 51.5 million people. If you are struggling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or some other serious mental health disorder, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in those struggles and there are also many ways to find help for these problems. After speaking to those you care about for support, it can feel a whole lot easier seeking out further assistance from your doctor or a therapist. Ultimately, remember not to suffer in silence, and admit when you need help.

Sleep Tips for the Elderly

Getting enough sleep is important for everyone, but it is especially crucial for older adults. Unfortunately, many older adults have a hard time getting enough sleep due to a variety of factors such as insomnia and aches and pains that make it difficult for them to fall and stay asleep.

If you are an older person who has trouble sleeping or you know someone in this situation, here are seven sleep tips for the elderly designed to help you get better rest.

Get the right mattress

If you are an older person, there’s a greater likelihood that your aches and pains could make it difficult for you to fall asleep. An uncomfortable mattress can worsen these problems, so it is essential to get a bed that helps alleviate these aches and pains. As a result, you should invest in a mattress that is comfortable and supportive enough for you so that you can sleep soundly at night.

Keep a consistent sleep schedule

A consistent sleep schedule can go a long way toward helping you get the rest you need. You should go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. 

To help you stack on track, you will probably need to use an alarm at first. However, over time, your body should train itself to feel tired and wake up at your regular bedtime and wake-up time.

Avoid caffeine late in the day

Another helpful tip for improved sleep is to avoid caffeine late in the day. Caffeine is a stimulant, which means that it can prevent you from falling asleep hours after consuming it. 

A cup of coffee in the morning is fine, but steer clear of having caffeine as an afternoon pick-me-up. Instead, if you need an energy boost, try to splash some cold water on your face or go out for a walk.

Limit screen time before bed

If your bedtime routine includes sitting in front of the TV or computer, then you may need to adjust this habit. Watching television or using a computer close to bedtime can be stimulating and keep you from falling asleep. 

The blue light from these tech devices can suppress melatonin production. Melatonin is a critical sleep-inducing hormone that is triggered by light. While this does not mean you have to avoid screen time altogether in the evenings, you should plan to turn off your tech devices at least an hour or half-hour before your scheduled bedtime.

Create a comfortable sleeping environment

To get better sleep, you need to create a cozy and comfortable sleeping environment. Invest in soft sheets and blankets, and make sure your room is at a cool temperature. If the room is too warm, it could make it harder to doze off, or you might wake up from overheating in the middle of the night.

Establish a relaxing nightly routine

As mentioned earlier, you should avoid screen time right before bed. However, you can replace it with a relaxing nighttime routine that’s screen-free. By helping yourself wind down, you should fall asleep easier.

A healthy, calming bedtime routine might include taking a warm bath or shower, reading your favorite book, or drinking some decaf tea.

Get regular exercise during the day

Regular exercise during the day should also improve your sleep quality at night. Exercise is a natural stress reliever that releases endorphins in the body, making you happy and relaxed. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day, preferably early in the morning or later in the afternoon, so it does not interfere with your bedtime routine.

Conclusion

If you are an elderly person who is having trouble sleeping, try incorporating these tips into your daily routine. These helpful sleep tips include buying a comfortable mattress, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, not drinking caffeine in the afternoon or evening, cutting back on screen time, creating a relaxing sleep environment, establishing a calming nightly routine, and exercising regularly. You may have to get used to incorporating some of these changes, but the good news is that you will lead a much healthier life by getting more quality sleep.

Best Ways to Reconnect with Your Grandkids

Social interaction is an essential part of life, and that doesn’t change as you get older. Luckily, there are quite a few ways for seniors to stay connected in retirement communities, but no one can bring you joy quite like your family, especially your grandchildren. Unfortunately, it is easy to lose touch with them, and the pandemic has made that even more of a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together some of the best ways to reconnect with your grandkids. We don’t want you to miss out on any more time than you have to with them.

Set Up a Video Call

There’s a good chance that some of you have already tried video calls, but if not, now is the time to do it. Kids are big on visuals—that’s why they usually don’t like talking on the phone. However, if they can see you, they will be much more willing to stop what they’re doing and say hi.

Plus, there will be benefits for you too. Many kids enjoy showing people the weird things they can do, and they can’t do that if you are only using audio. Making the switch to video chat will help you see all of the fun stuff that they do every day, making it feel more like you live right there with them.

Plan a Day Visit

As long as you’re either vaccinated or take the proper precautions, our next suggestion is to plan out some time to visit them and spend the day together. Make sure it’s just you and the grandkids—no parents. If you aren’t close, this might feel awkward for a bit, but as long as you have some fun things planned, it should help them open up a bit.

There are plenty of things outside for you all to do together, but it would be best to ask them what they want to do before you start making plans. That way, you won’t have to constantly worry about whether or not they’re having a good time.

Go to Their Events

If you can’t seem to figure out something to do together, the least you can do is go to their events and support them. Whether they’re in a school sport or like to perform at the local theater, the more you go to these things, the more they will start to open up and grow closer to you.

Take an Interest in Their Interests

By far, the best way to reconnect with your grandkids is to learn more about the things they’re interested in and talk to them about them. Simply ask them what they like to do in their spare time, and they’ll likely go off on a long tangent about their friends or the games they enjoy playing.

Be sure to listen carefully to what your grandchildren say. If you don’t understand something they mentioned, don’t be afraid to ask for more info about it. Really show them that you’re interested in the things they like. You can even go the extra mile and find out more about those things in your spare time, then come back and talk to them about what you learned. We’re sure that will excite them and get them to speak with you even more.

How Seniors Can Save on Car Insurance

Teenage drivers tend to have auto insurance premiums that are more expensive. However, premium rates will start to come down with each passing year. This occurs as you gain more experience on the road and prove yourself to be a safe driver.

However, seniors who have tons of driving experience are often subjected to skyrocketing premiums. The average rate seniors pay for auto insurance is at least $2,500 per year. Typically, auto insurance companies view seniors as risky clients. This is because eyesight and reflexes get poorer with age. And, therefore, seniors are thought to be more likely to get into accidents.

While you can’t stop the aging process, there are a few things you can do to get the best car insurance premiums possible.

 Enroll in a defensive driving course.

 As earlier stated, older drivers pay higher premium rates because they deal with difficulties such as poor eyesight, slower reflexes, and reduced mobility. All these contribute to the likelihood of getting into a car crash when you’re behind the wheel.

So, what if you proved to your insurer that you’re still a safe driver who’s eligible for lower premiums? One way to do this is to take a defensive driving course to polish up your driving skills.

AAA is one of the many insurers that offer defensive driving lessons at cost-friendly prices year-round. You can enroll in these classes either online or in person. Once you complete the course, you may be eligible for a discount of up to 10% off your auto premium rates.

Consider the option of higher deductibles.

 With most insurance policies, policyholders can choose the tradeoff between monthly premiums and the deductible. A deductible is the maximum amount of money that a policyholder pays out of pocket for an insured risk.

Typically, higher deductibles translate to less protection and lower monthly charges. On the other hand, lower deductibles translate to comprehensive coverage but higher monthly premiums.

When you’re old and want to reduce the amount of money you pay to your insurance monthly, choosing a higher deductible makes perfect sense. However, keep in mind that this exposes you to more risk when driving. This is because you’ll be less protected by the insurer in the event of an accident and you’ll have to pay a lot of cash out of pocket.

Look into a low mileage discount.

 Generally, seniors drive less compared to other drivers. A retiree doesn’t have daily commitments that rack up miles on the odometer. Most insurers take into account mileage when deciding your monthly premiums. More miles mean higher premiums.

And, because you don’t drive as often as before, you can ask your insurer for a low mileage discount. You only need to prove to your insurer that you’re driving fewer miles than you used to.

Choose a pay-as-you-go policy.

 Switching to a pay-as-you-go policy will give you an even bigger discount. With this policy, you pay a specific base rate, after which you pay for every mile you cover.

This is an affordable option for senior drivers who spend less time behind the wheel. Ask your auto insurance company about this option, or search around from other providers about a pay-as-you-go policy.

Turn to technology.

Technology is here to make our lives better. In fact, it can lower your insurance premiums. Some insurers use technology to decide on your premium rates based on your actual driving behavior. They use telematics monitoring devices to check your driving speed, the number of miles you drive, as well as how smoothly you step on your brake pads.

Ask your insurance provider if you’re eligible for discounts when you install these monitoring devices in your vehicle. If you’re a safe driver, you might get better premium rates.

Look into specific senior auto insurance.

 Some insurance providers offer auto insurance policies designed specifically for seniors. One such auto insurance company is The Hartford, which has an auto coverage policy for seniors and special incentives for drivers aged 50 and above.

The Bottom Line

There’s stiff competition in the insurance sector. This means affordable rates for senior policyholders. You don’t have to stick with your insurer if they’re not offering the best rates. There’s no harm in comparing quotes from several providers in your area with a view of getting the best deal out there.

Ultimately, you want to keep your finances in check, and your car insurance rates are a starting point. But, before you settle for an insurer, make sure to look online for reviews just to make sure that you’re working with the best company in the market.

How to Start a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly

During the past few decades, the demand for elderly care facilities has been constantly on the rise. Society is suffering from having fewer available caregivers in the family circles to take care of the elderly, disabled, or people in need of assistance conducting daily life activities. Starting a business in the residential care industry can be a considerably rewarding experience, and not just in a financial way.

Many people find it hard to stay alone at home, and with people being busier than ever, the distressing situation is not likely to get better. The aging population projections state that there could be about a hundred million people older than 65 by 2035, which would be a 60% increase since 2016.

The average lifespan is increasing, and if you want to make the most significant contribution to improving the quality of life in the later years, here is a guide for starting a residential care facility for the elderly.

First Steps in Starting a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly

Once you develop your business plan, look for options to best insure your business property because it is the principal contributor to the functioning of your business. Your insurance plan should cover each facet of your residential care facility business plan. You can make further adjustments depending on whether you are inclined to operate an independent or assisted living facility, a memory or specialty care center, or a continuous care retirement community, also known as CCRC.

Residential Care Facility License

If you want to be a certified administrator of a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly, Adult Residential Facility, or a Group Home program, apply for the Initial Certification Training Program (ICTP), where you must complete 40-hour training. If you want to opt for NH or Nursing Home Administrator, there are an additional 12 hours of classroom instruction. After completing the training program, you have to pass a test administered by the Department of Social Services with a score of 70 or above within 60 days.

Once you pass the test, you will receive a congratulatory letter from ACS or the Administrator Certification Section, after which you have to submit a completed initial administrator application packet within 30 days of receiving the letter. You have to submit a  LIC 9163 Request for Live Scan form for a statewide (Department of Justice) and national (Federal Bureau of Investigations) criminal background check. You also have to submit a LIC 508 Criminal Record Statement, and in the event of a criminal record conviction, provide a written statement describing the circumstances regarding the crime.

Premises and Furnishing

When choosing a location for your residential care facility, location plays a key factor, so opt for a quiet environment away from the city noise but not too far for visitors to drop by. Look for different financing options whether you purchase or lease the facility premises, and consider giving advantage to prospects with existing furnishing pieces when evaluating your options and their potential. 

Multi-functional furniture can be incredibly useful in a residential care facility, although the overall design should be focused on safety while incorporating a homey touch. Explore different furniture arrangement options, and make room for residents to be able to enjoy their hobbies.

Residential Care Facility Staffing and Training

Residential care facilities for the elderly usually have licensed administrative workers, medical staff including a medical director and director of nursing, housekeeping and janitorial staff, cooking and dining staff including a dishwasher or wait staff. Hiring positions like landscaping staff and someone to remove the leaves or snow can significantly contribute to the overall attractiveness of your premises. 

The employees you hire should have credentials matching your clientele’s needs, including physical therapists. As the manager of a residential care facility, you have to plan ongoing training and include volunteering activities to present and optimally manage an effective program for the occupants of your premises.

Advertising Your Residential Care Facility

Whatever you do, if you neglect the marketing aspect of your business, you will never see the true potential of your effort. Make sure to include different marketing types in your strategies, like print leaflets and cards, for example, but do not undermine digital advertising like TV and the radio. Your residential care facility should have a website as its dedicated corner on the Internet, and you can run ads to advertise it.

Conclusion

With the rise of living standards and technology, business entities that focus on residential care facilities have to recognize the potential for improvement and raise the standard quality of life for people in all assisted living facility types. Whatever your motive for starting a residential care facility, it is virtually impossible to fail if you closely follow the best practices and guidelines outlined.