Leslie Newlife

3 Simple Steps to ROI Reporting for Your Social Media Marketing Strategy

social media imageOne of the biggest marketing strategy misconceptions is the idea that social media marketing is “free.” This word tends to excite business owners, having them hope for instantaneous and effortless success. The result from this misconception is too often underwhelming and frustrating, but it doesn’t need to be.

Social media marketing is not free. Even without launching paid advertisements on social media, there are content creation and management costs in a successful social strategy. However, social media marketing can be an extremely effective and substantially lower cost option than many traditional content strategy methods. In a 6th Annual Report on Social Media Marketing, Social Media Examiner found that, “by spending as little as 6 hours per week, over 66% of marketers see lead generation benefits with social media.” Good content (through any channel) takes time, skill, and maintenance. Demonstrating ROI through social media can be a challenge, but it is possible.

Social Media Marketing Strategy: How to Measure ROI

Set Actionable Goals

The first step in any strong content strategy is defining concrete goals. Social media marketing is no different in this regard. To measure ROI, you need to have a clear understanding of what campaign success would look like. Are you hoping for an increase in traffic, newsletter sign-ups, content downloads, or product purchases? Establish an average of your current stats for these goals before adding social media; this will give you a clearer picture of how social media impacts your goals.

Short Links

When sharing your content on social media, the use of short links can make traffic easily measured. Before posting your content to your social media channels, shorten the URL with a service like Bitly to track clicks, referring channels, and even location demographics.

UTM

Creating UTM parameters for your campaigns “allows for analytics to interpret the origin and basic engagement information about the visitor.” UTM parameters are tags added to your URL that provide insight into your audience source, channel, keyword alignment, and content element creating engagement in your campaign. Incorporating these elements into your social channel content design supports clearer ROI measurement.

Analytics User Flow

In addition to referencing specified UTM engagement, your analytics user flow/path can support clear insight into conversion success. Creating a download/sign-up/purchase confirmation page enables you to drill down your analytics for conversion source. Follow your audience from acquisition source (social media channels vs. other sources) through product pages, to the shopping cart, check out, and confirmation page. Ensure your confirmation page is not indexed to avoid search traffic. So, while social media is not free, there is immense value in a social content strategy, and reporting social ROI can be relatively simple with the right insight and tools.

The Increasing Demand for Niche Retirement Communities

by: Mattis W.

When more people from all walks of life are hitting their retirement age, it implies the need for a change in an area which society often neglects but should pay close attention to – senior housing.

Let’s take a closer look at the underlying trends to understand what is happening in senior living.

The Cresting Silver Tsunami

According to population and retirement research conducted in 2019 by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the Baby Boomer Generation (people born between 1946 and 1964) is reaching retirement age in record numbers.

As stated in the full research report, the first boomers began receiving Social Security retirement benefits in 2008, and growing numbers will become eligible for Social Security benefits in the coming years. The analysis indicates that the number of baby boomers turning 65 is projected to increase from an average of about 10,200 per day in 2018 to more than 11,000 per day in 2029.

Although the mass wave of retirements was initially projected to hit government in 2011, the recession put many of these retirement plans on hold. This gave government agencies a short while to breathe, but now it appears that the long-awaited silver tsunami has finally arrived, along with the increased demand for senior living options.

Different Generation, different needs?

According to Andrew Carle, a founding director to senior housing program at GMU in Virginia, the Baby Boomer generation is ‘different’. Unlike older generations, the retired Baby Boomers are not keen on the idea of the ‘traditional’ or ‘old’ senior housing options but want to explore their hobbies and interests.

What does this imply in a society which was used to the idea of putting retirees in a place that has become less interesting to retiring Baby Boomers?

For one, the demand for housing for the aging population has increased and appears to remain high as more and more Boomers are leaving the workforce and looking for senior living communities.

At the same time, the expectations for senior living communities have also risen, enabling seniors to spend their golden years in an exciting way.

Same Retirement Communities, But a Little Different

According to Carle, when interviewed by the Chicago Tribune, a typical retiree starts at the age of 65, putters around the house, travels around and enjoys gardening. However, 10 years down the line, boredom sets in and Boomers seek more company and assistance.

It is at this crossroad where demand for niche senior communities is most likely. It is also reflective of the attitude change between generations. Baby Boomers, more so than the previous generation, seeks peers and amusement.

Introducing the “niche senior community’

Unless you know someone who is planning his retirement in a senior living community, the concept of niche senior communities may be new to you.

Given the age-old adage which suggests that °birds of the same feather, flock together; the niche senior community is a trend among retirees who are seeking companion amongst their fellow retirees, thus building a community of older adults who share similar interests or passions.

Examples of niche retirement communities

Art Communities 

The niche retirement communities are already here. An example of this is  the Senior Arts Colony at Long Beach, which was launched in 2013. It offers art classes, galleries of course art equipment for it’s seniors. There are also communities that offer dance and art studios, theater-esque clubhouses, and performance art classes aimed at fostering the artistic talent of their senior students.

Country Communities 

But there are also other areas of interest that a senior niche community  would cater to for the retirees, said Andrew Carle. For instance, in Nashville, Tennessee, there’s a community of elders who are exposed to the country music which appeals mainly to seniors who are either country enthusiasts or were former musicians themselves.

It also is equipped with the right platform for making live performances as well as rooms to make recordings as needed.

 

Golf Communities

Communities such as the River Landing Community in North Carolina are specifically designed for senior golf enthusiasts. Some even offer shops to find the best golf clubs, along with Shuttles to various golf courses in the area or even a dedicated course on site.

As golf is one of the healthiest sports for senior women and men, it easy to see why retirees want to invest more time into it.

Other Niche Communities

For well-off retirees who are capable of financing a retirement setting fueling their passion, niche communities exist to cover topics such as:

  • Recreational vehicles
  • Motorcycles
  • Cars
  • Fitness
  • Equestrians
  • Astronomy
  • Academia and lifetime learning
  • Military Veterans

Is Housing Based on Particular Niches the Future for Seniors?

While it’s difficult to pinpoint precisely when the first few niche communities were established, there were already 100 of them in place since 2011. This number was also set to rise in the subsequent years which puts the demand for the niche retirement communities in an upward trajectory since.

In California alone where three established artist colonies are in place, developer Meta Housing in partnership with the non-profit organization EngAGE claim that their occupancy level seldom drops below 95%, according to Senior Housing News. So if consistent demand allows, more development is likely.

Is living in a niche senior living community right for me (or close family members?)

To decide whether or not a niche living community could be the right choice for you or close family members, you have to consider multiple factors:

  • What are you/they interested in? Unsure? See our latest list of activities for seniors and see if you find a match?
  • Is this interest determining your/their lifestyle to a large extent? Being interested is not enough to warrant a move to a niche living community, passion and desire to expand on that passion is required
  • Where do you/they want to live? While niche communities are growing in number, they are still few compared to the market of senior living options, so location choice matters.
  • Do you/they have the means to pay for it? As advertisers know, passionate people pay a premium. It is for this reason, that most niche living communities are upscale and more expensive than alternative options.
  • Is space available? Refer to New LifeStyles’ retirement community page to find availability.

This article was contributed by Mattis Weiler. He’s the General Editor of Fast Learners, a website helping senior golf enthusiasts and others to become better at golf.

Continuum: Private Duty Home Care and Family Partners: Day Services/Residential Home with Barth Holohan

Barth Holohan

Barth Holohan is the president and founder of Continuum: Private Duty Home Care and the co-founder of Family Partners: Day Services/Residential Home. He started his home care business in 2002, his day services business in 2008 and his residential home business in 2017. Barth has been in the healthcare industry for over 20 years.

“I have a background in healthcare and social work and have always enjoyed being around seniors, so after I graduated from undergrad at the University of Kentucky, I worked for a healthcare consulting company,” Barth said. “I later went to graduate school at Washington University and St. Louis University and got a dual degree in business, an MBA (Master of Business Administration), and an MSW (Master of Social Work), with a concentration in gerontology. When I graduated, I saw the need for being able to help people be independent in their homes, because most people don’t want to go to a community, they want to be independent in the comfort of their own home.”

Barth said Continuum: Private Duty Home Care is made up of a care team that strives to help their clients remain safe, healthy and independent in their homes, no matter what their care needs. Continuum Home Care’s Personal Care Services include: meal preparation, light housekeeping, companionship, bathing assistance, laundry and linen service, shopping and errands, transportation and much more.

“The way Continuum differentiates itself is by being based on what we call a Care Management Model, where we use social workers and nurses to follow the care of people that want to stay independent in their home,” Barth said. “We provide all of the services that people need, which the government doesn’t pay for, in order for people to stay in their homes.”

Family Partners: Day Services/Residential Home is an assisted living community that provides the best possible environment for those with dementia by providing an environment and the stimulation to help individuals live as independent and long as possible.

Barth said the Family Partners Day Services is a Day Center for individuals with dementia who are still living at home and need a place to go during the day that provides them with the help and supervision that they need to be as independent as possible. “When caregivers work, the nice thing about our Day Center is that it provides daily and hourly supervision to seniors with dementia that you can’t get in a senior community or at home. There’s just something special about seniors with dementia being around other seniors with dementia and having activities geared toward them.” According to Barth, he said that at the Day Center, they strive to do anything they can to help families take care of their loved ones with dementia. “We’ll do anything from having dinner made and ready for them, so when they pick up their loved one, they can take dinner home with them. We will order all of their personal care and medical products, we bathe and dress them and just do anything that needs to be done in our adult Day Center so families can interact with their loved one and not be caregivers when their loved one gets home.”

As for the Family Partners Residential Home, Barth said it is in an eight-bedroom residential neighborhood where people with dementia live when they can’t live at home any longer. It ensures a home-like person centered care.

“We have clients that we’ve helped for many, many years stay independent in their home,” Barth said. “For us to be able to provide services that allow them to stay in their home for up to 10 years and longer is huge.”

Barth’s businesses are located in the St. Louis area where there’s plenty of business, so Barth said he isn’t looking to expand to other cities right now, but could see his businesses expanding throughout Missouri in the future.

“As for my businesses, I don’t get too stressed out with running them every day because of the executive directors that manage the day-to-day operations of the businesses, which is very helpful,” Barth said. “I am blessed to have a management structure that is not reliant on me being the only person in charge. Plus, with the Family Partners business, I have a business partner who helps me.”

When it comes to industry partners and working with/helping them, Barth said that whenever he has somebody who calls his companies and can’t benefit from the services, then his job is to refer that person to other businesses who can help him/her. “We help people in whatever way possible, so if that means using another company or community to do a different service, then that’s what we’ll do because it’s not about us, it’s about the client.”

Preparing For In-Home Care

by: James Fleming

If you are a family caregiver, you may be supplementing your caregiving responsibilities with an in-home care attendant for your aging parent. In-home care attendants offer assistance helping with everything from activities of daily living like dressing and eating to instrumental tasks like checking mail, refilling prescriptions, and arranging transportation.

They also uniquely provide companionship, emotional support, and mental stimulation that can help older adults feel more engaged and purposeful in life. Once you have come to a joint decision on a home care agency or home care worker, it’s time to prepare for their arrival.

If you’re initiating home care services for your loved one, keep these simple preparation tips in mind:

Discuss your parent’s need with your parent: You may know all the caregiving tasks your loved one requires of you on a regular basis, however, have you stopped to ask them if there is anything else they need help with that they haven’t mentioned. What are the barriers keeping your loved one from living their ideal life? Perhaps there is something more a home care attendant can help with that you were not yet clued in on because your parent didn’t want to burden you.

Print and post a medicine schedule. If your new home care attendant is assisting with medication refills or making sure your loved one takes their medicine on time, it is critical that you have a clearly posted medicine schedule for them to reference. Remember to include the name of the medication, the dosage and frequency at which it is taken, any adverse side effects to watch out for, and the prescribing doctor’s contact information.

Set your loved one up for success. In-home care can be a tool of empowerment that actually helps your loved one build confidence and self-reliance as they can see to more daily activities and tasks. Set them up for success by equipping them with ease-of-use tools like reacher grabbers and dressing aids, adaptive utensils to simplify preparing food and eating, and mobility aids as needed for getting out for walks or exercise.

Set up remote monitoring. If you are interested in seeing how your loved one gets on during the day with their new home care attendant, consider setting up remote monitoring. Many baby monitors these days come with mobile app syncing so you can safely check on your loved one from the convenience of your smartphone. You may also request a live video chat via Skype or Facetime during the day with your loved one and their home care attendant too.

Share the schedule. A daily routine can provide structure and stability for older adults, especially if they have mild cognitive impairment or medical needs (i.e. taking medicine, checking blood sugar levels, etc). Share your parent’s typical schedule with the new home care attendant and even consider posting it so they can stay on track. It can also help your loved one feel more familiar with their day even though a new person is in their home helping them out.

Let them in on the nuances. While your home care attendant will get to know your loved one and form their own relationship with them, you know them best and sharing little details that could help your loved one feel more at ease with a new person is good. Perhaps there is a story your loved one enjoys telling, or a pillow they like to sit with while they watch TV, or a friend they like to call after lunch.

Make necessary home upgrades. If your home care attendant is helping your loved one get up, get dressed, use the bathroom, or take a shower, your home may be in need of some quick, easy upgrades. Installing rails on the bed and grab bars by the toilet and shower will simplify these tasks for your home care attendant as well as make the whole process safer for your loved one.

Suggest meal ideas. If you have not prepared meals to be reheated by your home care attendant, you may instead want to list off available items in the house for eating as well as what your loved one likes to eat for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner. If your parent puts up a bit of a fight regarding food with their home care worker, they’ll be able to say too that they spoke with you and they know that your parent loves peanut butter and honey sandwiches, for example.

Set expectations. Be ready to set expectations for your home care worker about not just what your loved one needs help with, but what you expect as far as punctuality, phone use while on the job, basic cooking and housework skills, and communication with you while they are with your loved one.

Top 10 Ways To Increase the Quality of Life for Seniors In Senior Homes

by: Cynthia Madison

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1.5 million people live in nursing homes in the U.S and although satisfaction levels among residents and families have increased exponentially over the years, there still are many improvements that can be made to increase the quality of life.

To do that, it’s essential to look beyond the basic requirements of cleanliness, safety and staff professionalism and see senior homes from a holistic perspective: senior homes shouldn’t just be buildings that give seniors a roof over their head and medical supervision, but a new home where they can live in peace, dignity and happiness. Only by doing this can senior homes convince seniors and their families that senior care is a beneficial long-term solution, not the beginning of the end.

1.      Give nursing home residents more personal attention

New research released by the School of Public Health reveals that loneliness is a major issue in nursing homes and that the amount of personal attention received from the staff influences quality of life directly. On average, nursing home residents only spend a cumulated 20 minutes with staff every day, which is not enough to closely monitor residents’ physical health and wellbeing. To increase quality of life, nursing home staff might try to spend more time with seniors, and interactions should not be limited to basic feeding or medication services.

2.      Create a safe and comfortable environment Senior couple image

Most certified senior homes in the States provide residents with an adequate level of comfort, but the administration should aspire to be more than just adequate. A room that only has a bed, nightstand and TV has a very austere, hospital feel and is a downgrade from the senior’s home, so administration should try as much as possible to create a warm space that feels like home. Add decorations and wall art, allow residents to bring items that remind them of home and take into account that a well-planned interior can help elders with cognitive impairments make better sense of their surroundings.

3.      Facilitate social interactions

In addition to encouraging senior home staff to have meaningful personal interactions with the residents, it’s equally important to facilitate the development of a social network between seniors. Research shows that an active social life is essential for seniors because it can help them cope with the loneliness of losing a spouse or the physical changes of aging. Encourage residents to start storytelling groups, take part in group activities and interact with other elders living in the same facilities.

4.      Provide healthy, nutritious meals

Healthy nutrition is just as important in senior years as it is in childhood and the meals senior home residents eat do influence their general mood and wellbeing. In addition to respecting the dietary requirements imposed by pre-existing health conditions, senior homes should offer residents meals that are rich in fibers, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid bland meals as much as possible and aim for diversity when developing meal plans.

5.      Diversify past-time activities

Residents in senior homes have a lot of free time and the way they spend it often determines their perception of the facility. Residents should never feel that they’re bored or trapped in a senior  home. On the contrary, the facility should offer them a wide array of age-appropriate activities they can choose from. For some, reading is the ideal way of spending their time, so your public library or local bookstore should be packed full of lots interesting books and magazines. Others prefer gardening, playing a musical instrument, playing board games, knitting, pottery or painting. Every person now in your senior home used to have a vibrant life – and that should not stop the minute they walk your threshold.

6.      Keep them physically active

Physical exercise is essential for seniors, because it boosts cardiovascular health, increases mobility, reduces muscle pain and mood disorders. Although intense exercise routines are not recommended for safety reasons, there are many other activities that can keep seniors physically active: stretching, yoga, walking, dance lessons, swimming, climbing stairs, or light physical exercises. Apart from the obvious health benefits, they have also been linked to reducing the risk of slip and falls, which are one of the most common accidents in senior homes.

7.      Monitor their mental health

A physically fit resident isn’t necessarily a healthy resident, so staff should also be preoccupied with their mental health. Depression caused by loneliness is a massive issue among seniors, so it’s essential to monitor changes in mood and behavior. Changes in appetite, sleep disorders, and general apathy are serious warning signs and if you suspect a resident is struggling with mental health issues you should not hesitate to sign them up for counseling.

8.      Get the residents involved in community initiatives

Although they live in a senior home, residents should not feel isolated from the local community. On the contrary, getting involved in social causes and helping those in need can give them a sense of purpose and personal fulfillment. For example, in 2016, Rockport Healthcare Services became the first organization to involve every nursing home and assisted living community they serve in fulfilling community service through its A Heart to Serve program. As part of this program, seniors in nursing homes prepare meals for the homeless and deliver them personally to homeless shelters.

9.      Allow pets in the nursing home Elderly with pet image

In 2014, Washington-based nursing home Sunrise Senior Living partnered with local pet shelters to fight for two noble causes: help residents deal with loneliness and give abandoned pets a second chance. Ever since, more and more nursing homes have initiated similar programs and some even put in place bring-your-own-pet policies, which allow seniors to live with their beloved companions in nursing homes.

10. Incorporate new technologies

Times are changing and the average senior no longer rejects technology. On the contrary, more and more seniors over the age of 65 own a smartphone, play computer games and have an active social media presence. Setting up a special area with gaming consoles and computers where residents can use Skype to talk to relatives is the latest trend in senior home care and in the following years, this will become the norm.

Home Care vs. Assisted Living vs. Retirement Communities: Which Option Is Right for Your Future?

by: Cynthia Madison

Understanding senior care and housing services can sound complicated, considering the many options that exist in the United States, but it’s something that you need to navigate if you want to secure a safe and happy future for your retirement years.

When thinking about elder care, nursing homes automatically come to mind, but they are just one of several options you have at your disposal. Here’s how to choose the best one depending on your lifestyle, personal preferences, and health state:

Home careElderly man image

What is it?

Also known as assisted living, home care means that you will still be living at home, but you will be looked after by a professional caregiver. Depending on the case, this caregiver can either live with you full time or only be present at mutually established hours.

Who is it for?

Home care is becoming a popular option among seniors and their families because it still provides a sense of comfort and intimacy to seniors, while at the same time giving their families peace of mind. Home care is a viable solution in these situations:

  • As need supervision and care because you have sustained an injury, or you are recovering after an accident/surgery.
  • You live alone and your relatives are unable to offer you continuous care.
  • You suffer from a locomotor disorder or have a high risk of slip and fall accidents.
  • You don’t have a severe health condition that requires professional medical supervision, but you need someone to help you take your medicine, cooking, personal hygiene, or getting around.

Because you will still be living in the comfort of your home, home care involves no lifestyle changes and requires no getting used to. You will still be living the same independent life, you can go out whenever you like and you can practice your hobbies. The only difference is that someone will be around you when you need them and, if something happens, they will alert the family immediately.

Things to consider:

Home care is a great option for seniors and their families, but your experience with it greatly depends on the professionalism, expertise and approach of the hired caregiver.

The safest option is to contact a certified company that offers senior home care services, because their staff is well aware of the needs and special requirements of senior citizen. They know how to interact, how to provide basic medical care and first aid measures and how to make aging a little easier.

However, many families prefer hiring an independent caregiver, either because they don’t have access to professional caregiving services or because they think this is more cost-effective. In this case, a thorough people search is absolutely mandatory. If possible, work only with caregivers recommended by friends and family, and, if not, do a thorough background search. After all, that person will be inside your hours for hours on end and your safety will depend on them.

Elderly woman imageNursing homes

What is it?

A nursing home is a professional accredited facility that provides permanent residence for seniors. Nursing home staff have more advanced medical skills and provide round-the-clock surveillance for residents.

Who is it for?

Compared to home care, nursing homes offer long term supervision and care for seniors who can no longer look after themselves. In most cases, nursing home residents are over the age of 70 or they are younger, but suffer from a severe health condition. Nursing homes are a great option if:

  • Your health state is not bad enough to be admitted to hospital, but you need something more than home care.
  • You suffer from a serious health condition that requires constant surveillance, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia or cancer.
  • Your home environment is not safe for your medical condition and you need a place with a high level of security.
  • You must be surrounded by highly skilled nursing staff who can help you take your daily prescription meds, monitor your health and administer emergency services if necessary.

Things to consider:

Nursing homes are currently undergoing a culture change and are no longer the stark, austere places people imagine them to be. On the contrary, quality standards have been raised and now not only can you find a reliable nursing home, but also enjoy more variety in terms of lifestyle options. Many nursing facilities offer their residents opportunities for socializing, practicing their hobbies and getting involved in the community, so keep that mind when making a decision.

Retirement communities

Elderly playing chess imageWhat is it?

Retirement communities are large housing complexes designed exclusively for senior residents who can look after themselves, but need services and amenities matching their needs and interests. Residential communities are usually located in warm regions in the United States (Florida, California, Arizona, Texas) and in some of them healthcare services are also provided.

Who is it for?

Retirement communities are an excellent option for financially stable seniors who want to live their retirement years in a peaceful setting, having access to services and events that meet their needs. Choose this option if:

  • You are retired, but in good health and can look after yourself.
  • You want to live with your spouse and be surrounded by a friendly like-minded community.
  • You don’t want to worry about home maintenance issues such as lawn care, snow shoveling or chimney repairs.

Things to consider:

When choosing your retirement community, consider your small term as well as long term needs. Some communities also have healthcare services available, so you might to invest in those if you want to continue living there as you get older, instead of moving to a nursing home.

4 Ways Caregivers Can Tell if Sleep is Affecting a Senior’s Wellbeing

Elderly sleeping imageAs we age, we all sleep less. In fact, seniors sleep less than any other age group, despite the fact that proper rest is a crucial factor in maintaining good health. Sleep helps prevent both long and short-term illnesses as well as stress-related issues, problems that often plague the senior community. Therefore, as a caregiver, it’s important to keep an eye on the sleep patterns of your senior patients. Read on for the specific signs of sleep affecting a senior’s health and how you can help your patients address the issue.

  1. Worsening memory

While some memory loss is expected with age, it can also be exacerbated by lifestyle choices. If you notice your patient’s memory beginning to slip on small things, a lack of sleep may be to blame. Sleep improves the brain’s ability to recall things by consolidating memories and processing them for long-term storage. If you notice your senior patient having unusual difficulty learning new skills, remembering information, or concentrating for long periods of time, you may want to consider helping them readjust their sleep patterns for improved memory storage.

  1. Anxiety

Keep an eye out for signs of anxiety in a senior, including irritability, fatigue, restlessness and avoidance. These are often signs of inadequate rest. Too little sleep can cause the body to go into survival mode, releasing high amounts of stress hormones and causing anxiety. This can trigger insomnia, rapid heart rate, fatigue and irritability in seniors, often aggravating common age-related discomforts. Ensuring your patient is getting proper rest should return their hormone levels to a normal state and alleviate any additional anxiety they may feel.

  1. Poor heart health

If your patient is experiencing unusual, or unexplained cardiovascular issues, they might not be getting enough sleep. The added stress that accompanies a lack of rest can put a lot of pressure on senior hearts. Forced to pump more blood faster, they can easily get overworked. This often leads to high blood pressure, inflammation and heart disease, a condition which affects nearly 68 percent of adults between the ages of 60-79. If you notice any spikes in heart-related issues in your patient, consider asking about their sleep quality. Proper rest can help regulate their cardiovascular system and allow their heart to recover after strenuous days. If this doesn’t alleviate the issue, consider a medical visit.

  1. Weight problems

Sleep regulates hormone levels, including those responsible for appetite and hunger, so consistently missing a few hours can prevent the body from keeping its hormones in healthy proportions. If you notice your senior patient’s weight fluctuating without a disease-related explanation, they likely aren’t getting enough rest. The hormone imbalance that poor sleep can cause often leads to unhealthy nutritional choices and, ultimately, weight gain, especially in seniors who get less exercise. Keep your patient’s appetite-related hormones in check by encouraging them to drink a glass of water after waking up and get around eight hours of sleep every night.

Tips for better sleep

  • Take a melatonin supplement. The hormone melatonin regulates sleep patterns and is responsible for feelings of tiredness. While it occurs naturally in the body, you can give your patient supplemental melatonin in a pill or through snacks like almonds or kiwi for an added boost.
  • Stick to a routine. It’s important to help your patient keep their body on a bedtime and wake-up schedule because it will make it much easier for them to fall asleep on time. Be strict about them going to bed at the same time every night and not sleeping in for too long. This will create a maintained internal sleep rhythm that will help them stay on track.
  • Unwind. Stress can keep seniors from settling into sleep. Help your patient avoid or unload unnecessary stress and anxiety by practicing calming techniques with them before bed every night. Reading, bathing, stretching, or even praying can all have a relaxing effect and help the brain get better sleep.
  • Take a warm bath. Many seniors struggle with arthritis and stiffness which can keep them up at night. Taking a warm bath will not only loosen their joints and relieve some of these aches, but it can also help calm their mind and prepare for a deeper sleep.
  • See a doctor. If your patient has persisting sleep issues, consider encouraging them to consult a doctor or sleep specialist. Professionals may be able to diagnose a sleep disorder or give your patient more specialized treatment.

There are so many ways that sleep can benefit the mental and physical well-being of your senior patients. Make sure you’re helping them get plenty of rest so they’ll stay healthy and happy! New LifeStyles can help you take better care of your patients and yourself.

How to Achieve a Pain-Free Lifestyle

No Pain imageAs we get older, it only becomes increasingly common for us to feel pain in areas we’ve never felt before. While there are many ways that we can actively stay healthy and fit, as we age, so do our bodies. Whether it’s our back, our neck, or our hips, maintaining a healthy and pain-free lifestyle in our later years can feel next to impossible. If it’s pain that is just starting to appear or if you’ve recently had surgery and are in recovery mode, there are three simple ways to help you have achieve a pain-reduced lifestyle for 2019.

Purchase Pain-Relieving Products

The possibilities of where pain can hit our bodies are just endless. That’s why it’s the smart move to invest in certain items that will help relieve your pain as much as possible. If you’re one of the 50 million Americans who regularly experiences chronic pain, the Quell band is a recommended piece of technology that you can wear around your leg for relief. The band works to stimulate the sensory nerves in your calf which then sends signals to your brain to trigger your body’s natural pain blockers. If you’re not a fan of using pills for relief or just feel like you’ve tried everything with no results, it’s really worth it to check out new and innovative solutions for chronic pain. As back pain is a common issue and can be triggered by many possible factors. It’s very possible that it could be coming from what you’re wearing underneath your clothes. With over 97% of women complaining about their bra fit, it’s important that when shopping for your next bra, that it fits you in all the right places. If you’re unsure of how a correctly fitting bra should fit and feel, it’s helpful to look at a bra size guide. This will lead you towards a well-fitting bra that is both comfortable and supportive.

Use the Facilities in Your Community

Whether you’re living in assisted living or independent living, chances are the community that you live in offers beneficial facilities. When living in a community, look for walking paths, available physical therapists, fitness centers including personal trainers and pools. Each of these will be beneficial in helping to relieve any pain you might be feeling. If you’re working with a personal trainer or a physical therapist, let them know beforehand of where you’re feeling pain. Doing so will help you stretch in all the right places and work out the appropriate muscles. As far as pools go, there are many forms of pool therapy that have been seen to be effective in chronic pain relief. For pool therapy options, there is aquatic therapy, aqua jogging, water yoga or simply just floating. As each form of therapy offers different kinds of relief, it’s helpful to do your research and check out the exact benefits that each kind of pool therapy offers.

Find the Right Way to Recoup

If you or a family member has recently had surgery, have just been involved in an accident or have just overcome from an illness, chances are some form of rehabilitation will be needed. Whether you need to hire a caretaker, a physical therapist, find a rehabilitation facility or move to a nursing home, it’s essential that you find the right way to recuperate. Luckily for seniors, much of the rehab necessities will be covered by insurance or Medicare. No matter what happened, it’s key that you figure how long of a rehabilitation you will need. If it’s short-term, a nursing home may be the right option for you as many offer an inpatient rehabilitation service. If it’s long-term, you may want to look into a permanent caretaker or a nursing home that offers long-term rehab care.

What are some of your recommendations for achieving a pain-free lifestyle?

Connect With Your Patient Through Quilting: 7 Activities for Seniors

by: Susan Ashby

Arts and crafts have a long tradition of connecting generations. Quilting is no different. For hundreds of years, families have passed down the craft, signature patterns and plenty of stories to boot.

Why quilting is a great activity for seniorsQuilt image

Quilting requires crafters to use their entire brain, both the creative side and the analytical side. It’s one enormous geometry problem that you solve with your hands. But, unlike your 9th-grade math homework, this one problem is fun to figure out.

A quilting project involves choosing patterns, fabrics and colors you like. And because it’s tactile and hands-on, it helps crafters maintain hand-eye coordination, finger strength and dexterity. Additionally, crafting has been proven to reduce depression and chronic pain, as well as to protect the brain from age-related damage.

Another reason to put quilting on the list of activities for seniors: It’s social. Quilting is a fantastic way to strengthen personal relationships, make new friends and positively impact your community—all while bringing purpose and activity to the daily life of your senior patient.

There are dozens of ways to build a quilting hobby for you and your loved one. Get started with our seven favorite quilting activities for seniors:

Take a field trip to a quilt show or exhibit

When it comes to quilting, simple nine-square patchwork is just the beginning. There are techniques and designs out there that create true works of art. And they’re all over the place! If you have a nearby natural history museum, chances are good they have a quilt or two on display.

In addition to museum-quality pieces, there are also numerous local, national and international quilt shows held every year all around the world. Most quilt shows feature displays, quilting competitions, meet-and-greets with artisans and fabric designers and workshops to help you learn new skills.

Give seasonal cleaning a surprising new purpose

It can be difficult to get seniors to toss old things, especially clothes or bedding that are still usable–even if they’re stained, holey or ill-fitting. Repurposing these items into a quilt project can make it easier to let them go. It’s also a wonderful way to transform items of personal significance into an heirloom that can be treasured. Spread the word to family members to see if they have any fabrics to contribute, too.

Want to make a t-shirt quilt out of old tees or sweatshirts? No problem! Have your senior patient choose the ones they want to memorialize in a quilt. Then, visit a craft or fabric supply store to pick up interfacing, which will stabilize the stretchy material and make it easier to work with.

Log on to find fresh inspiration

If you’re looking for senior activities that will help your patient become more comfortable with computers, smartphones and the internet, quilting might be a fly-by-night surprise. Quilt designers and hobbyists use the web every day to connect with each other, ask and answer questions and share their work.

For inspiration, try introducing your loved one to social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. For help getting started, search for quilt-focused DIY blogs, online crafting magazines and forums like Reddit that promote community Q&As.

Sit in on a local quilt guild meeting

If you’re on the hunt for accessible, low-key activities for seniors, activity-centric groups are prime picks. There are local quilt guilds in towns large and small across America. They are relaxed environments that are always welcoming to newcomers. And given the surprisingly broad age range of quilters, they present a good chance to make friends across generations.

You can find out about these groups online as well as in local quilting or fabric stores. Some sponsor trips to exhibits and shows, workshops with popular crafters and other social gatherings, too.

Volunteer to make quilts for sick kids

Children’s hospitals and childhood disease foundations across the United States accept quilt donations from crafters. The gifts make these kids’ hospital rooms more cheerful and personal. And knowing that someone cared enough to make a quilt just for them eases the stress and worry chronic illness brings.

Plus, your senior might not have to volunteer from a distance. Research has shown that interaction between seniors and children is beneficial for both demographics. If your patient is healthy, able and willing to spend time with kids, volunteering to read, talk or play with tots at a nearby children’s hospital is one scientifically proven way to keep them engaged with society.

Support a dementia patient with a tactile gift

Dementia and early-onset Alzheimer’s are devastating diseases, but research shows that sensory quilts can help patients and caregivers cope. These sorts of items are crafted for sensory stimulation. Different textures, like fleece, flannel and corduroy, give fidgeting fingers something to do while also calling to mind familiar thoughts.

Whether you’re caring for a patient with dementia or your loved one has friends who are slowly declining, creating a tactile quilt is an activity that maintains bond among the two of you, and between your patient, their memories and their friends.

Get lost in Goodwill

If you’ve been to a Goodwill or a thrift store lately, you know how much of a treasure trove it is. From ’80s wedding dresses to tropical button-ups reminiscent of beach vacations, they’re plum picks for a walk down memory lane with your senior patient.

A nice bonus: You can find scores of good-quality quilting materials for a song. Keep an eye out for interesting patterns and textures, natural fibers and items that are discounted because of a flaw, like a weird stain.

If you’re looking for activities for seniors, quilting belongs at the top of your list. It’s an excellent pick for introverts and extroverts alike. It’s also incredibly easy to get started. While machine quilting is certainly in vogue, piecing and quilting by hand is a time-honored tradition. And all you need to get started is your favorite senior plus fabric, needles, and thread.

 

Author Bio: Susan Ashby joined the Superior Senior Care team in July of 2014 as Community Relations Manager. With over 27 years of experience in geriatric health, Susan brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to Superior Senior Care and plays an integral part in connecting consumers and communities with resources for independent living.

Caring for a Spouse with Dementia: Coping and Support

Caring for a Spouse with Dementia: Coping and Support

Dementia is a scary word. That word gets even scarier when you Senior husband wife imagehear the news that your spouse is diagnosed with dementia.

However, there are ways to cope with the diagnosis and help yourself and your spouse through this difficult time. It takes some adjustments to both of your lives but providing the proper care and dealing with the news is crucial. Luckily, neither of you are alone.

What Is Dementia?

The first thing you need to do is learn exactly what dementia is. It’s best to read up on it and ask your doctor plenty of questions to make sure you understand completely.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it’s important to clarify that dementia describes a range of symptoms rather than a specific diagnosis. Particularly, these symptoms affect your spouse’s memory and thinking. Dementia is a diagnosis usually pulled in when these symptoms make it hard for a person to complete their daily routine and activities on their own.

If you see that your spouse is showing signs of dementia, it’s imperative that you schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as you can. This is a condition that usually is progressive, so if it is left alone, it will only get worse.

What Are the Treatment Plans?

When your spouse is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease, their doctor should give you an idea of what to do and what to expect.

The unfortunate news is that for many types of progressive dementia (such as Alzheimer’s Disease), there is no cure right now. There are some medications that are used to treat the condition by helping to improve some symptoms on a temporary basis.

How to Come to Terms with a Spouse with Dementia

There are many steps you can take to understand a spouse with dementia. Many aren’t simple changes but they are all possible.

Accept Change

The first thing that you need to do when you hear the diagnosis is to reflect on what it means. When a spouse has trouble thinking and remembering like they used to, you are likely to see changes in their personality. This has led many people reacting that they feel like their married to someone they don’t know as well as they once did.

The best way to go about this is to accept that the relationship you and your spouse have will be different than the one you’ve both grown used to. Most suggest that you take the time to grieve what you and your spouse have lost but be ready to change the playbook and redefine your marriage.

This can be challenging but with for many marriages that have lasted almost a lifetime, this challenge is one that can be faced together.

They Might Say Things They Don’t Mean

When you are caring for your spouse and as the disease progresses, you might find yourself on the receiving end of hurtful rhetoric. It’s important to remember that this comes from the disease they are battling and not from any real spite.

You can help yourself and your spouse by trying to bring laughter into your lives. Joking around and keeping each other in light spirits is a good way to battle the angry mood swings they might demonstrate. In addition, it will help you to remember that your spouse still has a bright, loving core through the disease.

Don’t Try to Go It Alone

Just as it’s important that you are there for your spouse, you need people there for you. This is a hard time for both of you and it can go a long way to be able to talk things through with someone else.

It’s also a good idea to use technology to your advantage. For instance, medical alert systems and location devices can go a long way. It’s a harsh truth that no matter how well-cared for your spouse is, you probably won’t have them in your sight every minute of their life. In the case that something happens when you are separated, your spouse can simply press a button for help. Most of these devices immediately reach out to emergency responders when activated and location trackers can help your spouse get help even if they don’t know where they are.

What Can You Do for Your Spouse?

As the diagnosis sinks in, you probably are trying to figure out how you can help your spouse deal with the disease they are now battling. Aside from what we’ve looked at so far, there are some things you can incorporate into your life.

Be Sure to Communicate Clearly

Talking to a spouse with dementia can be hard. They might frequently forget who you are, what your conversation is about, and get distracted by other stimuli.

The first thing to do when you sit down to talk with your spouse is to make sure there isn’t anything that would make a conversation difficult such as a television. Then, when you speak to them, call them by name, and tell them who you are. For instance, “[their name], I’m [your name], your [husband/wife].”

It’s also a good idea to keep things simple. Especially for more severe cases of dementia, it might be hard for your spouse to remember and follow long-winded questions or choose from too many choices. Simple choices such as “Would you like this or this for dinner?” work better than “What do you want to eat?”

Comfort Them

Not being able to remember facts such as where you are or who you’re with can be frightening. As such, it isn’t unlikely that your spouse is feeling scared or anxious as well as confused. When you are working with them, remain calm and comforting to help them stay as at ease as possible.

Don’t Be Afraid to Consult the Professionals

Many spouses try to handle their partner’s symptoms on their own. After all, you love them and want to do what’s best for them. 24/7 care, though, can be difficult and often impossible.

It’s also not a bad idea to recognize when you need to recruit help from a professional caregiver. It isn’t uncommon or bad to call in a caregiver even part-time to help your spouse if you have regular responsibilities that would pull you away from your spouse. It’s also not cruel of you to recognize when you need a few hours to take care of your own needs.