5 Tips for Reaching Seniors On Social Media

When it comes to marketing to seniors, many people overlook social media. The reality, however, is that many seniors are using social media, and with the proper social media marketing strategy, you can reach them effectively. Here are some tips for marketing to seniors on social media.

Choose the Right Social Media Platform

Facebook and Twitter may be better platforms to use than something like Snapchat or LinkedIn, which attract a younger crowd. Instagram is also a good platform. Don’t forget Youtube, which is a great place to establish yourself as an expert on retirement living advice and also provide peeks into what life is like in your community.

Tap Into the Power of Visuals

Social media lets you create a portfolio of the best snapshots of your retirement living community. Use Instagram and Facebook to showcase the best moments experienced at your community and the pictures that best display the comfort and warmth that you offer.

Use Demographic Targeting

Facebook has great tools that let you target specific demographics in your advertising campaigns. You can target people of a certain age, people who make a certain amount of money per year, people who have shown an interest in a particular subject, and much more. This makes it easy to target either seniors or their children.

Establish a Community

Social media allows you to establish a community. You can provide a platform where you offer tips and advice on retirement living. You can use your platform to announce upcoming events and other happenings at your living facility.

Promote Trial Runs

You can promote trial runs at your facility. For example, you can host one-day events that allow people to experience what living in your community is like without any commitment. This is a great way for people to get over the fear that they may not like it.

Long-term Care Insurance is Different from Traditional Health Insurance

Many believe that the government will pay for their long-term healthcare needs when they’re older. Unfortunately, several misconceptions circulate the web regarding health insurance for seniors, and these days many rely on social media posts for their daily news. Though, some media posts may be unreliable and it’s important for your health and wellness to keep up-to-date with reliable information from a verifiable source.

Common Misconceptions Regarding Health Insurance Coverage  

One common misconception: “my health insurance will cover the costs of my long-care needs.” Only under certain circumstances and up to a maximum of 100 days will Medicare cover your long-term care needs. Typically, most health insurances plans don’t even cover the costs of basic care needs associated with chronic illnesses or traumatic injuries. As a result, many seniors are seeking long-term care insurance plans to help them pay for these additional costs.

Long-term Care Insurance is Different from Traditional Health Insurance

Traditional health insurance is not the same as long-term care insurance (LTCI). Simply put, LTCI covers your long-term care needs when the effects of aging impact your daily life. It includes support and services, such as custodial and personal care, in your own home or a nursing facility. Like any insurance policy, the various benefits and care options depend on the preferred insurance company you choose. This will determine how much funds you can spend to pay for the services and personnel you need to help you with activities, like eating and dressing.

How Do Insurance Companies Calculate Your Premiums?
Insurance companies calculate your premiums on the following factors:
  • Age ~ Specifically, the age you were when you purchased the policy. The older you are, the more likely they are to decline you. Some insurance companies deny seniors over the age of eighty-years. The younger you are when you purchase LTCI the better because you have more time to build up your assets for the future.
  • Gender ~ Women live longer than men and insurance companies feel it is only fair that women pay up. Ladies expect your premiums to me much higher than your male counterparts.
  • Health ~ This one is a no brainer. If you are currently receiving treatment for a chronic illness, it’s likely you will have higher premiums or possibly be denied coverage.

There are other variables insurance companies consider, like inflation and the benefit period, but ultimately your age and health play a pivotal role in your premiums. What’s important is to do your research and compare insurance prices before choosing one. There are varying price ranges, but an average LTCI for a couple in their late fifties or early sixties typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 per year.

Long-term Care Insurance is Different in Each State
Long-term care insurance is state regulated and each state has different companies and policies available. The best time for you to buy LTCI is when you are in your mid-fifties. If you are looking for a place to begin, talk with your provider or try searching here. Start planning today to enjoy a healthier tomorrow!

5 Tips for Being More Effective When Marketing to Seniors

When marketing to seniors, you can’t use the same tactics that everyone uses to target the millennial audience. This is especially true when creating ad campaigns for your retirement living community. Here are some tips for marketing your retirement community to seniors and their loved ones.

Be Straightforward

Cute and catchy marketing slogans may work for the younger crowd, but older people generally want you to get to the point. Be straightforward and clear with your message. Clearly explain the benefits you provide.

Don’t Confuse Them

Remember that seniors may not be familiar with slang words and abbreviations. Even simple slang abbreviations like LOL may be unfamiliar to them. They may not know what various emojis signify either. Avoid referencing cultural fads that are popular among the young crowd.

Focus On Customer Experience

When marketing to seniors, always focus on providing the highest value. Emphasize this in your advertisements. A big part of this is having great customer support. Be authentic, caring, and helpful in your marketing campaigns and in the way you interact with new leads.

Use Sponsored Content

Consider using native advertising (sponsored material in a publication or website besides your own, often in the middle of another article) when marketing to seniors. You want to stay away from being overly promotional. Sponsored content and native advertising on other blogs can help you get the exposure you want without seeming too pushy.

Focus On Pain Points

Try to focus on your target demographic and place an emphasis on their pain points. If you are targeting a middle-aged daughter who wants the best for her elderly mother, for example, focus on the things that cause her pain and how you will alleviate it. In such a case, it might be her worrying about her mother while she is taking care of her children or trying to balance taking care of her mother and her responsibilities at work.

Let New LifeStyles help you market to seniors in need of help. Click to view the many ways we can help you get your message in front them.

Home Care: Complications of a Stroke

A stroke happens when a blood vessel gets blocked or it ruptures. The brain is not able to get enough blood and oxygen so it is unable to continue to work normally. Eventually, brain cells die.

There are many complications of a stroke and these include:

Each person who suffers from a stroke is different. This makes it hard to know what challenges each person will have and the best way to help them. There is no cut-and-dry way to help them. Instead, you have to work through each complication that they have.

Many struggle with communication. Many are unable to communicate the same way after their stroke. Sometimes, comprehension is the issue while other times a patient may have aphasia.

Difficulty swallowing is also another common complication from a stroke. Not only does this make communication difficult, it can also make it hard to get the nutrition that they need. Special diets may be necessary, though you may also have to help them clear out their mouth.

Many have behavior changes. They may act impulsively, without thinking. Many don’t understand their limitations and try to do more than they are able to.

Many patients struggle with their emotions after a stroke. Because of their limitations and how hard it can be to do things, many patients are angry. Others get anxious and become depressed.

Because there are many complications that happen after a stroke, it is important that caregivers are prepared to help. They may need to help with every day tasks like bathing, eating, and drinking. They also will need to be there as the emotions take over.

UV Light Disinfection Systems for Senior Housing

Disinfection is an important factor in the operation of senior care communities. It is particularly crucial in skilled nursing facilities where residents are prone to illness. Harsh chemical cleaning agents are no longer ideal for sanitizing. Health care facilities are adopting ultraviolet light systems to assist with disinfection requirements.

Why is disinfection important?

Proper cleaning is necessary to prevent the spread of various illnesses and diseases. Not only is it essential for the residents, but it also helps protect caregivers who work with high-risk and sick individuals.

What is UV disinfection?

Ultraviolet light is invisible to the human eye. The sun emits large amounts of this light, but most of it is absorbed by Earth’s ozone layer. Such light has the capacity to kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Exposing air, water, and surfaces to UV light has proven to eliminate dangerous microorganisms. A recent study provides an interesting insight into this process.

Advantages

  •         Deactivates microorganisms within seconds
  •         Environmentally friendly, having no dangerous byproducts or chemicals
  •         Reliable
  •         Cost-effective
  •         Low maintenance, easy to use

Disadvantages

  •         Adaptation – The primary drawback of UV disinfection is that cells can evolve and adapt to this type of irradiation. It is a complex process, and research is being performed to help prevent and understand it.
  •         Shadow areas – UV light disinfection works by line of sight. This means that if an object is blocked from the light, it will not be affected. It is commonly referred to as the shadow effect. It can be overcome by moving the light source or objects so that adequate UV rays reach the intended areas.

Safety

Humans should not be exposed to UV light. It can damage eyes and skin. People cannot be in a room while it is being cleaned with an ultraviolet light source. The light cannot penetrate glass, so it is possible to observe a UV sanitation system through a window or glass door.

Does UV disinfection kill all microorganisms?

The answer to this question really depends on the exact UV wavelengths and the amount of exposure. Some microorganisms are difficult to deactivate and require longer amounts of time exposed to the UV light source. Additionally, certain bacteria are only killed by specific wavelengths. That being said, with the correct UV light source, most bacteria, viruses, and protozoa can be eradicated. This includes C difficile, commonly known to be difficult to kill. On the other hand, UV disinfection does not damage staff, also known as MRSA.

Intelligent room UV disinfection systems

Because people cannot be in the room while it is being disinfected with UV light, these systems utilize autonomous robots. Several companies manufacture these devices. It takes approximately 15 minutes for a robot to disinfect a room. The robots navigate the space to reduce the impact of the shadow effect. They also have the ability to focus on germ hot spots like sinks and high-traffic surfaces.

UV disinfection may not eliminate the need for traditional cleaning; most experts agree that this procedure is best used in combination with conventional disinfection methods. As research continues, and as we learn more about the potential of UV light, we likely will see more of these systems being implemented in the senior care industry.

National Senior Health & Fitness Day

25th Anniversary Theme: “Active Today…Healthier Tomorrow!”

Registration NOW OPEN for the 25th Anniversary of National Senior Health & Fitness Day:

Wednesday, May 30th

Register FREE for a Limited Time: Save $30+ on the Event Fee!

National Senior Health & Fitness Day is the nation’s largest older adult health & wellness event, always held the last Wednesday in May. This year’s event is set for Wednesday, May 30th. Visit FitnessDay.com for event details. 

Organizations interested in hosting a local Senior Health & Fitness Day event must register in order to legally use the event name and logo, which are federal trademarks. This year’s event registration is $29.95 per location, but for a limited time, you can get a  free online event registration — a $30.00+ value — compliments of one of our national event sponsors!

When you complete your free  online event registration, you will receive an e-mail receipt which is your license to legally use the 2018 event name and logo, along with the following benefits:

1. Unlimited access to the special 2018 Senior Health & Fitness Day program website, with all of the resources you will need to plan and host a successful Senior Health & Fitness Day event on Wednesday, May 30th.

2. A free subscription to Fitness Day News, our e-newsletter with regular event updates and additional materials and resources for your event.

3. Access to the 2018 Senior Health & Fitness Day store, with official event promotion items — T-shirts, buttons, balloons, pens, handout bags and more that are only available to organizations that have registered.

Hurry! This free online event registration is only available for a limited time!

Questions about 2018 National Senior Health & Fitness Day and the free online event registration offer?

Contact us: 

E-mail:info@fitnessday.com

Phone: 800-828-8225 (weekdays 9-5 Central time).

Thank you for helping us select the theme for the 25th Anniversary of National Senior Health & Fitness Day:

“Active Today… Healthier Tomorrow!”

For the third year, we sent a survey to groups that have participated in recent Senior Health & Fitness Day events. We asked them to select their favorite theme from among the four finalists. 

This year’s winning theme: “Active Today… Healthier Tomorrow!” was the favorite. Thank you to the organizations that sent in their favorite theme selection.

This year’s winning theme was submitted by Patricia Hamm of Camarillo, California. Ms. Hamm’s winning entry was selected from nearly 1,000 submissions. She will receive the special 25th anniversary prize of $350, and her theme will be featured on event materials and official promotion items.

Watch for more about Ms. Hamm in an upcoming Fitness Day News issue.

About the Event:

National Senior Health & Fitness Day is the nation’s largest older adult health and wellness event, always held the last Wednesday in May. This year’s 25th Anniversary event is set for Wednesday, May 30, 2018.

More than 1,000 local organizations will host Senior Health & Fitness Day events for more than 100,000 seniors — across the country on the same day.

Local groups interested in hosting a National Senior Health & Fitness Day event must register in order to legally use the event name and logo, which are federal trademarks.

The 2018 event registration fee is $29.95 per location (plus shipping), and there are a limited number of free event registrations available, courtesy of one of the event’s national sponsors. 

For more about the 25th Anniversary of National Senior Health & Fitness Day, please visit fitnessday.com or e-mail: info@fitnessday.com.

What To Look For In An Adult Day Care

As some people age and no longer are able to care for themselves on a full-time basis, many people end up moving back in with their children or other loved ones. While this can be a good solution at night and on weekends, those that need to work are not able to care for their parents during the day. In these situations, going to an adult day care facility could be the best option. When you are looking for an adult day care facility, there are several different factors to take into consideration.

Ability to Meet Needs

The individual needs of someone who requires adult day care varies considerably from one person to the next. Because of this, it is important to confirm that the adult day care facility has the ability to provide the services you need. Some of the common services can include assistance with eating, light therapy, and other forms of care.

Quality of Staff

Since they are responsible for caring for your loved ones, it is also important to consider the quality of the staff at the property. You should focus on what the staffing ratios are to ensure that the staff will adequately be able to meet the needs of all people.  You should also confirm what the education and experience is of the staff members to ensure they are equipped to handle any emergency that arises.

Overall Atmosphere

Finally, you should try to get a feel for the overall environment at the property. Since the attendee will be spending up to eight hours per day in the property, it would be ideal to find one that is comfortable and fun to attend.  Part of your review should include reviewing activity calendars, getting a feel for the energy in the property, and even tasting the food. All of these factors can have a major impact on the overall experience that someone can have.

Use the search box above to find an adult day care near you.




Website Essentials For Senior Care Providers

When it comes to selecting a care provider, today’s seniors and their families have an overwhelming number of choices. Many individuals and families begin the search for care online. This is an excellent opportunity for any company looking to market itself and grow its client base. Here are a few examples of necessary content on any senior care website:

Services

One of the first things seniors and their families will look for in a care company is services offered. Whether needing in-home carememory careassisted living or full-time nursing home care, each senior will require something different. Services should be easy to find from the homepage of the website and listed out clearly.

Options

Seniors and their families will look for things that make a particular provider unique. This is the area where a company has the opportunity to shine. Some examples that should be shared on a website: particular housing options in assisted living facilities, customizable services for in-home care, staff awards and accreditations, and insurance partnerships.

Cost

This is one of the most frequent concerns of families when searching for senior care. Most companies choose not to list expenses on their websites but add links to contact them directly. This often leads to a dialogue between potential clients and the company of their choice. These families then receive a more personalized summary of expected costs.

The decision to seek care for senior family members is often difficult and emotional for both the senior and their relatives. It is important to address these individuals with genuine compassion and caring, even online. This simple act could be the factor that sets one company apart versus another. As they are often the first line of contact with seniors and their family members, websites are important tools at care companies’ disposal.

Did you know that New LifeStyles builds, hosts & maintains websites specifically for the senior living and care industry? Let us give you a quote to update or build your mobile friendly website.

4 Behaviors That May Be Signs of Dementia

Dementia is a frightening, stressful, and often strange collection of behaviors that progress in severity over time. Caring for a loved one or being aware that you may have a genetic link to this frightening issue poses many challenges to the afflicted and the caregivers alike. For this reason, it is paramount to be on the lookout for the early signs and behaviors. This way all parties can plan accordingly.

Wandering

Perhaps one of the better known early signs, people with dementia will often start wandering seemingly aimlessly. This behavior arises because the sufferer will wish to run an errand or go somewhere but forget along the way. This can also involve wanting to satiate a physical need, like hunger or thirst and are typically preceded by a trigger. It is important to look for patterns in these occurrences to identify possible triggers.

Repetitive Speech or Behavior

Another early sign of dementia is the frequent repetition of a word, statement, question, or activity excessively. Though, usually annoying rather than harmful it is important to note that this behavior can be triggered by anxiety or fear and the situations in which repetition appears is important to note.

Paranoia

Among one of the most painful and frustrating for loved ones and caregivers, paranoia is another early behavior. Watching someone you love or care for become suspicious, accusatory, and reclusive can be very difficult. Simply, keep in mind that it is the nature of the disease and is equally distressing for your loved one, only they may lack the awareness to cope with it like a loved one or caregiver might. Don’t take it personally.

Difficulty Dressing

Subtle changes in the way a person suffering from dementia begins dressing is another early sign that something may be psychologically amiss. With advanced patients, this may look like wearing evening clothes like a gown or tuxedo to bed but as an early sign, it may appear as suddenly mismatching patterns when they were previously very coordinated or excessively layering clothing.

Keep these signs in mind if you suspect yourself or someone you love may be exhibiting the early signs of dementia. With preparation for what steps may have to be taken will make the transitions that may happen later a little easier for everyone.


What to Look for in an Adult Day Care

As some people age and no longer are able to care for themselves on a full-time basis, many people end up moving back in with their children or other loved ones. While this can be a good solution at night and on weekends, those that need to work are not able to care for their parents during the day. In these situations, going to an adult day care facility could be the best option. When you are looking for an adult day care facility, there are several different factors to take into consideration.

Ability to Meet Needs

The individual needs of someone who requires adult day care varies considerably from one person to the next. Because of this, it is important to confirm that the adult day care facility has the ability to provide the services you need. Some of the common services can include assistance with eating, light therapy, and other forms of care.

Quality of Staff

Since they are responsible for caring for your loved ones, it is also important to consider the quality of the staff at the property. You should focus on what the staffing ratios are to ensure that the staff will adequately be able to meet the needs of all people.  You should also confirm what the education and experience is of the staff members to ensure they are equipped to handle any emergency that arises.

Overall Atmosphere

Finally, you should try to get a feel for the overall environment at the property. Since the attendee will be spending up to eight hours per day in the property, it would be ideal to find one that is comfortable and fun to attend. Part of your review should include reviewing activity calendars, getting a feel for the energy in the property, and even tasting the food.  All of these factors can have a major impact on the overall experience that someone can have.

Click to find Memory Care for those suffering from dementia.

Developing SEO, PPC, & Social Media Campaigns For Senior Communities

In a world where digital communications and online communities help drive sales and admissions for senior communities and care agencies you must learn to evolve quickly with trends, as well as understand how to effectively communicate with your audience. Your tasks can be overwhelming when attempting to put together the puzzle pieces. SEO, PPC, & Social Media marketing are common buzzwords, and marketing firms will try and sell you on their expertise, but how can you be prepared to launch a digital marketing campaign, especially when you are new to the space? Read on…

Social Creatures

Humans are social creatures, and much of our communications are carried out online. Customers will seek out information, advice, and reviews online. The important thing to understand when setting up a Facebook, Twitter, or other social media outlet for your community or agency is quite simple: The customer is King.

You must provide your customers with relevant information that offers some value in their search for a senior community. This means that your online presence should be an accurate and positive representation of your real world self. Pictures of your facility and its amenities are valuable assets that should be displayed within your social accounts, as are positive reviews, and current information about activities you offer. Make sure you have these things ready before launching a social media marketing campaign.

Understand Thyself

SEO and PPC (Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Click) marketing are powerful tools that can put your community’s online presence in front of your target market, but you must have a strategy. Before launching any type of digital marketing campaign for your community, you must have a solid understanding of how you want to present yourself to potential tenants, and you must know who your target audience is.

Ask yourself a few questions: What pages do I need to get in front of more visitors? What content do I want displayed on these pages? Do we have any important offers or key points that we need to get in front of more eyes? Creating the content that you want to promote online is the most important part of creating a successful campaign.

Step By Step

Don’t get overwhelmed with your tasks at hand. There is a wealth of information available online to help you craft the perfect campaign, and rushing things will not help you on your path to success. We hope these simple tips will help you get started!