Three Scientifically Proven Ways Music Improves The Lives of Older Adults
There is no denying the power of music. Across cultural and societal lines, music has been proven to bring people together. A recent study from the Tokyo University of Arts went so far as to claim this was why music was first developed: to create communities and societies. As we age, music plays an important role in our quality of life.
Simple Practices for Strengthening Your Spiritual Health As You Age
Older age is a time of change, and that makes it a time of great opportunity. Many retirees take the advantage of a newly-open schedule to take up a charitable cause, explore a new hobby or travel. Why not also consider older age an opportunity to get in improve your spiritual health?
3 Ways Aging Leads to a Better Life
Mary Ann Spina, a Pastoral Associate at Holy Cross Church in Deerfield, Il, recently hosted an event at Chicagoland Methodist Senior Services focused on turning around the perception that because our bodies age, seniors can’t enjoy life as much – or even more than – they ever have before.
3 Ways to Help Your Loved One Open Up About Spirituality and Aging
Most of us spend our lives wondering what will come next. From mundane tasks like which bill we have to pay, to more significant decisions like how many kids we’ll have, our minds are always a few steps ahead. For our older loved ones, though, wondering what comes next can lead to some difficult questions that lack concrete answers.
The Importance of Spiritual Health As We Grow Older
Do you view aging as a spiritual journey as well as a physical one? Spirituality can help older individuals approach aging in a meaningful, positive way.
6 Ways Seniors Can Prepare Their Homes for Winter
Older adults have a higher risk of weather-related health issues and injuries, particularly in the cold winter months. Icy sidewalks and snowy yards and roads make falling a risk for […]
Fun and Therapeutic Arts and Crafts Projects for Older Adults
Arts and crafts can be more than just a fun recreational activity for seniors: as The Assisted Living Federation of America and the American Art Therapy Association explain, art therapy allows older adults to work through their psychological issues more readily than traditional talk therapy.
Access Movies and Concerts Without Leaving Home
Beyond Hulu and Netflix, there are many other services that allow you to stream digital entertainment – including movies, television shows and even concerts – from home. These services are less expensive than visiting a movie theater or concert hall, convenient and (most importantly) fun!
Chicago Caregiver Resources 101
Caring for a spouse, parent or other family member with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is an immense commitment that often requires lifestyle changes and increases stress. It’s no surprise that […]
Caregiving Spotlight: What It’s Like Looking After an Ill Parent or Spouse
Providing care for an ill parent or spouse is something that we often don’t ever plan for. It’s easy to assume that you’ll never be the caregiver for a loved […]
Surviving and Thriving as a Caregiver
Caring for an older loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is a big commitment. Between doctor appointments, keeping up with medication schedules and finding new ways to adapt to […]
How Caregiving Changes Your Relationships
Though the technical aspects of caregiving, which includes tasks such as administering medication or escorting to medical appointments, are frequently top-of-mind for caregivers, a much less discussed issue revolves around […]
Making Your Home Fall-Safe
According to the National Council on Aging, one in three adults over the age of 65 will fall each year. As a caregiver, you know how dangerous these accidents can […]
Celebrating Falls Prevention Day with Prevention Reminders
Wednesday, September 23 is Falls Prevention Awareness Day, a day aimed at increasing awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults. Now in its 8th year, Falls […]
Your Loved One Fell. Now What?
Falls are a big concern for those with older loved ones. A fall can be very serious for seniors; injuries can include everything from extensive bruising and broken bones […]
Preparing Your End-Of-Life Wishes: Things You Didn’t Know
There are many reasons why people fail to have their end-of-life wishes known. Often, the fear of having a conversation about such a heavy topic or being unsure of how […]
I Think My Older Loved One is Being Unethically Treated – What Do I Do?
Making the decision to seek outside help when caring for an older loved one is a difficult choice. You know no one will take care of them as well as […]
Ethics in Senior Care: 3 Resources
Medical care in any capacity comes with a host of ethical conundrums. But with older adults, ethical issues tend to arise more often, due to the frequency of illness and […]
Preparing your home for an older loved one after a hospital visit
Caring for an older adult in your home will certainly require some lifestyle changes, but it will likely require some modifications to your surroundings as well. Here are a few things you can do to get your home ready:
The Discharge Planning Checklist for Family Members
With a bit of advanced planning, you can be confident that the transition from hospital to rehabilitation program is smooth and stress-free. Keep the following checklist handy so you don’t miss any steps in the process.
Taking Care of your Skin
Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States? And the main way of getting this disease is through ultraviolet rays from the sun. While a little Vitamin D from the sun is good for us, too much exposure can be extremely harmful to our bodies.
Rainy Day Activity: Track Your Family Tree
If you’ve ever wanted to track your family history, you’ve likely been overwhelmed by the number of resources available to you. A quick Google search presents an overwhelming number of […]
How to Keep Older Loved Ones Safe in Hot Temperatures
So how can you help keep your older loved ones safe in hot temperatures?
10 Ways to Spend Time with Grandparents and Older Adults This Summer
Are you looking for ways to enjoy the summer with your grandparent, parent or other older adult in your life? Here are 10 things to do this summer that you’ll both love.
5 Smart Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health as You Age
Even if you aren’t diagnosed with a mental illness, your thoughts, emotions and attitude affect your energy, productivity and overall health. It’s imperative to take care of your mental health as you age in order to strengthen your ability to cope with everyday hassles as well as more serious crises and challenges.