Leslie Newlife

Seniors at Home: How to Stay Independent at Home Longer

5 Tips for Seniors to Stay in Your Home for Longer

If you’ve ever considered assisted living, moving into a retirement community or life in a care home, then there’s a chance that you &/or your family is concerned about your fading independence. It may be the one thing that’s keeping you going and reminding you who you are and where you’ve come from. As you grow older, your independence as a senior is something that gives you confidence in your own abilities. The approaching loss of it, therefore, can be utterly consuming.

There are a number of reasons why you might be considering senior living and care options, least of all the recommendations from concerned friends and family members, who might be worried about how you’ll cope at home in your advanced years. Perhaps you’re worried about your finances or failing health or have concerns about growing isolated. Whatever your reasons, please know that you are not alone. There are numerous avenues that you can turn to in your quest to maintain independence at this point.

 

Tip #1 Accept Help When it’s Offered

Tips for Seniors: Age at Home LongerLiving independently doesn’t have to mean doing everything for yourself. It’s important to realize that you’re not a burden on anyone, least of all yourfamily members and friends. Whether you choose to accept meals delivered by acatering service, have a little help doing your weekly shopping or get a ridewith community transportation once a week so that you can still enjoy your favorite hobbies, make sure that you’re communicating with the world beyond your front door. Living on your own can be an isolating experience if you allow it to be, so seek comfort, friendship and support from those offering it.

 

Tip #2 Get Regular Health Checks

Taking charge of your independence means being mindful of your health as well. Has anything changed recently? Do you have any concerns? Early diagnosis andtreatment are absolutely vital for a number of conditions and may well reduce your risks of having to stay away from home for extended periods of time, particularlyif your caregiver can formulate an agreeable plan of action with you. Head for your regular health tests, including mammograms, blood pressure and weight checks and the T4 thyroid hormone function test. Chances are that you’ve nothing to worry about,but you’ll receive the best possible care should something show up in your results. Remember; if you should be diagnosed with a particular ailment orcondition, then make sure that you understand the medicines and treatment thatyou’ve been prescribed.

 

Tip #3 Assess the Suitability of your Home

There’s a chance that you’ve lived in your current home for a number of years and that it’s served you perfectly throughout the many life events and experiences that you’ve had the pleasure of enjoying there. However, it’s essential to consider how your home is going to work for you in the years ahead. Think about lighting, the walkways throughout your home, the access points to and from your bath or shower, the kinds of flooring that you have and the steps and stairs thatyou might need to navigate. Could you install ramps? Making nominal changes now will ensure that you can remain in your home for longer, living as independently as possible.

 

Tip #4 Prepare Yourself for Emergencies

Nobody wants to think about worst-case scenarios, especially seniors living alone.However, if you’re to remain at home, then it’s important to think about how you’d handle an emergency, whether it is an issue with your health, a natural disaster or a problem within your community. Keep a list of numbers close at hand, labeled with the names of contacts who could assist you in any given emergency. Similarly, ensure that you have a friend or relative who’s able to reach you with ease. Familiarize yourself with escape routes in the event of a fire and make sure that there’s a safe, navigable way out of any room. You may even decide to install a panic button in order to remain connected with emergency services.

 

Tip #5 Be Mindful of Security

You may feel sound of mind and body, but it’s still important to consider your security while you’re living in your own home, if only to ease the concerns of your friends and family members. The elderly are more vulnerable to attempts of fraud, so always be mindful of whom you’re talking to. Never open emails from senders whom you don’t recognize, and always seek advice if you’re unsure whether a demand or warning is genuine. Home security systems provide homeowners and their families with peace of mind, so ensure that your home is properly lit and monitored carefully. Your home is your palace, and it’s essential that you feel safe there for as long as possible.

While you may have several worry-free years ahead of you, it pays to take care of certain things now and understand your options for when you may need to think about your independence. From live-in care and assisted communities to respite and nursing care, you do have choices. Whether you’re thinking about security, emergencies, healthcare or the suitability of your home, it’s important to re-evaluate your needs every six months and be open to suggestions from your friends and family.

 

Find more related blogs on New LifeStyles senior living blog today.




Why You Should Market for Advertising, Marketing and Sales Activities

Marketing&Sales

Marketing is an integral part of any business and most senior living communities cannot thrive without proper marketing strategies. There are different approaches given to marketing and advertising activities, depending on the nature and size of your business. Budgeting appropriately for these activities is the key to success. Below are some reasons why your senior living community should market for advertising, marketing and sales activities.

  • A Budget Helps to Decide on the Marketing Activities to Engage in

Marketing activities are diverse and can range from brochures, to bill boards, television ads and so on. The cost of any given marketing approach varies considerably. A marketing budget will help your community to decide on the marketing approach that is in line with its resources and capable of giving the highest results.

According to the US Small Business Administration, proper marketing budgets are in the range of 2 percent and 10 percent of sales. On average, businesses spend between 4 and 6 percent on marketing budgets, but this can go up to 20 percent.

  • Budgeting Helps to Avoid Wastage, Errors and Redundancy

When a community is tied to a stipulated amount, it is easy to figure out the most effective way of achieving a given objective while sticking to the stipulated cost. Once this is established, the allocated amount will be directed to that activity without losing focus. Budgeting for marketing and advertising purposes helps managers to be more accountable. Without a clear roadmap, the possibility of wastage increases.

  • Budgeting is Important for Evaluation Purposes

Marketing and advertising campaigns do not end at execution. Their effectiveness must be evaluated using various tools. This evaluation is particularly important for future activities. It is a reflection of what has been achieved or not. At this point, the amount spent proves whether or not the campaign was worth.

Marketing and advertising are important for growth and profitability. When these activities are well aligned and executed, companies are able to scale higher heights and grab a greater share of the market. Without a marketing budget, your community may lack the muscle to send a word about your brand, goods and services.

Checkout the New LifeStyles advertising page!

 

Get Out of the “Elder” Mindset

finding communities

Times change, and if you really look around, you’ll find that more seniors are tech-savvy and up-to-date with the latest innovations, such as phones, computers and more. Marketing to seniors takes creativity and preparation for knowing what they want. They like connection to the inside and outside world. They want to stay active, and they want to have independence. A senior’s life isn’t all about healthcare. There are other factors too, and sometimes it’s the little things that give you the edge over other senior living communities.

  • Connection

One of the most attractive things about a community to a senior is if the community has a network connection. Family is the highest priority and to keep connected, allow your residents to keep in contact with friends and family through Skype, social media and other various means. Ensuring your community has ways to keep in contact with their family gives them extra security and a way to stave off a feeling of isolation.

In addition to staying in contact with those outside of the community, it’s just as important to stay in contact within. Having a Facebook page for the community itself is a very good idea. Connecting with friends to throw together a community event or get-together just because they can, promotes fellowship and security. In addition, a social media page builds a community online promoting influence to other prospects to investigate.

  • Safety

How safe is your senior living community? Retirement living includes freedom. If a community member wants to go for a walk at 8 p.m. with their dog, Trixie, and best friend, George, do you have enough lighting in the neighborhood? Are there enough benches to rest on? Are the sidewalks in good condition or are they a trip hazard? Is your community “senior” friendly through these little things? They’re a possible deciding factor and if you can boast of them for your marketing agenda, then you have an edge.

  • Simplicity

If the normal things you use for marketing strategy aren’t working as well as you’d like, then maybe it’s time to take a different approach. Often times we fall unknowingly into complicated strategies, however, when your efforts aren’t proving as effective, then turn toward simplicity first for new ideas and new angles. Our seniors are now those coming from an era of beginning technology development. Their priorities are in family and enjoyment of retirement living.

Family, safety, security and well-being intertwine with retirement. Build your community upon what is most important to seniors and your community will surely grow.

 

A Few More Useful Tips on Caring for Seniors During the Summer

Taking care of an elderly individual? Summer can present its own unique issues when it comes to senior living and care. Below are some tips you can use to keep your loved one safe.

  • Beware of Insects

Many insects abound during the summer. Some may potentially be able to cause harm to your loved one. Rodents can carry diseases as well. Try to make sure your home is free of them. Get an exterminator to get rid of insects and rodents, and use bug repellents when outside, to keep away mosquitos and other insects. It is a good idea to ask your loved one’s doctor which repellents are okay to use.

  • Be Careful of Allergies

Does your loved one have any allergies that you should be aware of? Do they need to take any medications to help them deal with them? Be sure to find out, and always watch out for local allergy warnings.

  • Keep Their Medications Safe

Medications often require that you store them at a certain temperature. If the temperature where they are stored is too hot, then they may not be as effective. Find out the required storage temperature for each of your loved one’s medications.

  • Make Sure Their Food is Fresh

Food spoils faster in the summer. Make sure that their food and drinks are always fresh. Always keep food and drinks in the fridge when not being used. Ask your loved one’s doctor about the temperature of the foods and drinks you feed them. Hot meals are important, but if it’s extremely hot outside, then it may be better to give them cool foods and drinks instead.

  • Watch Out for Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia and heat strokes can be dangerous, especially during the summer heat. Watch out for symptoms, such as increased body temperature, heavy breathing, nausea and vomiting, and headaches. In some cases, individuals may experience an inability to sweat adequately, while others might struggle with dealing with excessive sweating, especially in their hands, which can be uncomfortable and slippery. This can affect handling objects and even compromise mobility. Get your loved one out of the heat and call for medical help if you see something out of the ordinary.

By using these tips, you’ll make the summer a safer and more enjoyable time for your loved one!

 

How Inbound Marketing Can Work for Senior Living and Care Communities

marketingandsales

Even though the demand for senior living and care communities is growing, the online marketing reach of these companies is often very limited. In today’s environment, inbound marketing can provide a more reliable and cost-efficient method for attracting leads.

What Exactly is Inbound Marketing?

Traditional marketing consists of tactics in which you are reaching out, or trying to grab a person’s attention at the right time. These are often strategies that require casting a wide net, using print advertising, direct mail marketing and broadcast media. Inbound marketing attracts those people most interested in senior living and care to you by providing the content and information those individuals need and want.

Inbound marketing will make use of your blog, social media channels and email newsletters, and produce content for your target at every stage of the buyer life-cycle. This means capturing a person’s attention at the earliest point in the decision-making process, holding their attention, becoming a trusted resource and guiding them to become customers. However, it does not end there. Inbound marketing will also turn your customers, fans and followers into promoters as they share the useful and helpful information you create.

Below are some steps to help you get started:

  • Create Customer Personas

You likely have a good bit of information on demographics. Customer personas take that information to the next step of identifying specific wants, needs, values and essentially the things important to your ideal customer. What things does the majority of the people living in your community have in common? Are the more interesting in on-site activities or group travel? Essentially, you are identifying what is important to your ideal customer for the basis of your content creation.

  • Develop a Content Calendar

This will include social media posts, blogs, newsletters and other digital marketing methods. Take time to consider the questions your personas are asking and the kinds of things they love and talk about. As an example, you may want to write content talk about social opportunities for senior singles, highlight a popular 60s cover band, or list the best local restaurants. You can then blend in other content with a more traditional marketing message.

  • Design a Distribution Plan

No matter how well-crafted the content is, it has no value if people are not reading your posts or watching your videos. Make sure you are sharing your content across multiple channels. Post a link to your blog on your social feeds. Embed your video in a blog post with a corresponding article. Additionally, don’t be afraid to re-share content a week, a month or even a year or more after initially published. While it varies based on the platform, the half-life of online content is very short. Anything you can do to extend it will add value.

  • Convert Your Audience

Throughout the process, your audience will likely need several conversion events. Visitors will convert into prospects, prospects into leads and leads into customers. You will need a well- designed website that helps guide prospects to strong calls-to-action and optimized landing pages. Provide incentives encouraging visitors to subscribe to your e-newsletter, follow on social media or schedule a visit. This gives you the ability to market directly and with a more personalized message.

 

Why Your Senior Living Community Website Needs More Landing Pages

Strong website

How many landing pages does your senior living community website have? Is it 10, 5, 1 or even none? Most online marketers understand the need for landing pages, but some just don’t have enough of them to generate significant lead generation. This is one area that most senior living and care agencies are falling short of when it comes to their online marketing efforts.

  • What Exactly is a Landing Page?

Here is where some people become confused. A landing page is a specific type of web page designed to capture a visitor’s contact information, in exchange for some offer. It could be something as simple as acquiring an email address in exchange for a free subscription to your monthly senior living newsletter. Or, it can be something more significant, like a $50 gift card to a local restaurant in exchange for scheduling a walk-through of your senior living community. In any event, it gives you the ability to continue marketing to your website visitor.

  • Don’t Create Missed Opportunities

There are far too many senior living and care agencies that are sending traffic from their search, social media and email marketing to their homepage. This creates many missed opportunities. When you are sending highly targeting traffic to your senior living website, you need a highly targeted and optimized landing page to generate a conversion event. For example, if you are running a Google AdWords PPC campaign advertising an exceptional senior lifestyle, what is the website visitor supposed to do when they reach your homepage?

  • Know What You Want a Website Visitor to Do

Knowing what you want a website visitor to do will make it easier for you to guide them to that outcome. A landing page will prompt them to complete the action that you want. Once you have their contact information and permission, you then have the power to market to them more directly with personalized messaging.

  • How Many Landing Pages Do You Need?

The answer is more is always better. According to a study shared by HubSpot, websites that increase the total number of landing pages to 10 or less receive no improvement with lead generation. However, those who increase the total number from 10 to 15 increase conversion rates by 55 percent. This increase in conversion rates spikes further when a website has 40 or more landing pages. Why? It’s because more landing pages mean more conversion opportunities, greater variety in the marketing messaging and enhanced targeting.

Facebook Pro Tips: Building a Social Media Community for Advertising, Marketing and Sales

facebook.png

Whether you are a new business or senior living community trying to establish your Facebook community or a large business looking to expand, taking a step back and re­-evaluating your community management strategy can help regain your focus and social media, advertising, marketing and sales success. Below are some foundational tips to always keep in mind.

  • Building a Fan Base

You probably put thought into every status update, every image and every video, but how do you make sure your content gets seen? First, be sure to fully integrate your website content with your Facebook account. You should have contact links on all pages and hyperlinks and share buttons on each individual piece of content. Next, find industry­ relevant groups on Facebook and introduce yourself. There are audiences out there already looking for your content, you just need to let them know where to find you.

  • When to Post

Test Facebook post times during high activity hours at the beginning and middle of the work­day and late in the evening for night owls. Finding your post time sweet spot takes audience awareness, patience, testing and tweaking. Try to consider your audience’s lifestyle when imagining when they might have time to engage on Facebook, then give them something to engage with!

  • What to Post

When crafting your Facebook content, keep the 80/20 Rule in mind.This means that 80 percent of your content should be helpful, engaging content relevant to your audience’s wants and needs and only 20 percent of your content should be brand or product promotion. This content balance helps maintain your reputation as a valuable resource without coming off as a commercial. Use relevant, trending hashtags in your posts to gain additional, organic reach. Try to avoid posting too many “like­ baiting” memes; these may underperform due to newsfeed algorithm filters. Focus instead on posting content that is interesting to your community.

  • How Often to Post

To maintain a valuable information flow for your Facebook community, strive to post at least three to five updates per week. Once you have established your peak hour post times, maximize on all of those engagement opportunities. It is a good idea to also space out a variety of post types for maximum visibility.

To check out New LifeStyles’ Facebook page, click here!

Senior Caregiving: Tips to Maintaining Patience

babyboomer

As the baby boomer generation ages into their 60’s, 70’s and beyond, some caregivers in the United States are finding their responsibilities heavier than ever.

The aging of the baby boom generation could fuel a 75 percent increase in the number of Americans ages 65 and older requiring nursing home care, to about 2.3 million in 2030 from 1.3 million in 2010, according to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB) projects in a recent report.

If you find yourself entrusted with the care of an aging baby boomer, we know you will do your best to bear your responsibilities well; however, even the best of us struggle with patience on trying days. On days when everything just seems overwhelming, try to keep the following tips in mind.

  • Communicate Well

So much of our interactions hinge on the ability to communicate well. This is especially true when working with older generations. When dealing with your loved one, it is preferable to ask him/her questions and what their preferences are instead of order him/her around. Also, use “I” instead of “you” language and offer choices to your loved one instead of simply issuing commands.

  • Refrain from Arguments

When dealing with challenging situations, like episodes of Alzheimer’s or Dementia in your loved one, caregivers should refrain from arguments whenever possible. Instead, you should respond compassionately to the fears and concerns being expressed and do what is in your power to address these needs.

  • Take Time Away for Yourself

Failure to rest and recharge will often lead caregivers to extend themselves beyond their abilities to bear under the load. Be sure to take regular time away from your responsibilities, in order to allow yourself room to recover your physical and emotional equilibrium. Also, you may consider getting help through Respite Care at a senior living community or with Home Care/Adult Day Care. As a caregiver, with the financial resources, Respite Care is a highly recommended way to get a mental and physical break from the rigors of taking care of a loved one.

Whether you manage a team of caregivers or work as a caregiver yourself, consider how best to put these tips into practice. In so doing, you could greatly enhance the level of care available to those within your sphere of influence.

5 Signs That a Switch from Home Care to Nursing Home Care May be Necessary for Your Loved One

Families may care for their loved one at home for as long as possible, or the senior may remain at home independently with caregivers coming into the home or at an assisted living community. Sometimes, due to aging and illness, it may become necessary to consider nursing home care because home care is no longer appropriate. Below are some signs that the current level of senior living and care no longer meets the needs of your loved one.

  • Worsening Health/Chronic Illness

If your loved one is suffering from health issues that continue to worsen, it may become increasingly difficult for their caregiver(s) to keep up with their care. Severe medical issues may require a higher level of care that can’t be given at home.

  • Excessive Difficulties with Daily Living Skills

Your loved one may begin having sufficient difficulties with daily skills, such as bathing, toileting and dressing him/herself. Early on, it may be possible for them to continue to live independently with a caregiver to assist them with these things, but aging, illness and mobility issues may make it more difficult for these tasks to be completed.

  • Caregiver’s Health is Declining

If your loved one is living with a family member/caregiver, the person providing the care may experience significant strain to his/her health, due to the constant demands of caring for an aging/ill adult. The caregiver may develop significant health issues of his/her own that may prevent him/her from being able to care for others. If there is no one else who is able to care for your loved one, then it may be necessary to consider nursing home care.

  • The Caregiver Can No Longer Manage the Demands of the Senior’s Illness and Declining Health

The strain of caring for a loved one may become increasingly difficult as his/her health declines. This may make it difficult for the caregiver to juggle their other responsibilities, such as family and work, while dealing with their loved one’s declining health.

  • Financial Strain
If your loved one continues to live at home or in an assisted living community, there may be an excessive amount of cost for in-home caregivers, home modifications, medical expenses and anything else that may be needed. If your loved one lives with family, they may have a lot of costs that they are not prepared to handle. Sometimes, seniors and their families can’t afford home care and find that nursing home care is more cost-effective.

Preparing Physically and Emotionally for Retirement

You have most likely considered the financial aspects of retirement living. Calculating anticipated income needs and how to meet them is important and you can make plans and take steps toward financial security during retirement. However, preparing for retirement involves more than just looking at the financial side, you must be prepared in all aspects. Below are some ways you can prepare for retirement physically and emotionally.

  • Preparing Physically 

For many who have spent years sitting behind a desk for eight hours a day, a more active retirement lifestyle may be physically challenging. You may find yourself doing more relaxed activities, such as knitting, drawing or reading. Or you may dive into retirement with excitement for new-found freedom and a bucket list of things to do. Activities like home improvement or local trips that used to be confined to the weekend can now be done multiple days a week.

If you are anticipating a more active lifestyle in retirement, then taking steps beforehand, such as going for walks, doing regular exercises or improving your diet, can help you prepare physically to be more active during retirement.

  • Preparing Emotionally

Preparing emotionally is another area that is often overlooked during the pre-retirement phase. Retirement can bring major changes in relationships and in how a person perceives themselves. One relationship that often encounters some strain in the early days of retirement is with a spouse. If you and your spouse spend most of the week away from each other, then suddenly spending all day together can be a source of tension. One way to prepare for this is for you and your spouse to spend some time before retirement discussing what you anticipate retirement being like and how you envision spending your time. A frank discussion may reveal different needs and expectations for doing things together versus doing things independently and can help you start retirement with expectations that are in sync with your spouse.

Preparing for retirement can include thinking about and identifying a new purpose in life. Whether it is volunteering, trying new hobbies, spending more time with family or part-time work, finding a purpose in retirement can help you be excited about getting out of bed in the morning.

As you prepare for retirement, try to make a financial plan and don’t forget to prepare yourself in other areas. Being physically ready for a more active lifestyle and being ready for changes in relationships and identity can help you start retirement on the right foot.