Guilt-Free Assisted Living in Henderson, Nevada

The idea of nursing homes, retirement homes, convalescent homes, etc., has always left a bad taste in people’s mouths. The very concept of leaving your loved one in a drab, dreary, home and taking them away from their homes, cars, and lives still doesn’t settle well with many people, but to people who have faced the situation, there is a different perspective. But that doesn’t mean that there is any guilt-free way to handle such a difficult situation.

It’s definitely natural to feel uneasy and even a little bit selfish when considering a care facility – especially when your parent of grandparent is still of sound mind but may have difficulty dealing with physical issues. But, for most people, once someone begins to need round-the-clock care, it becomes next to impossible to care for them while balancing your job, your family, etc. You simply can’t find the time or energy to do it all.

Nevertheless, there is guilt involved -but there doesn’t necessarily need to be. Assisted living centers in Henderson, Nevada are not just an out-of-the-way place for the elderly to be placed and babysat until they finally give up the ghost, they are specifically designed to increase the quality of life, and encourage the independence and dignity that make your loved ones exactly who they are.

Assisted living centers in Henderson, Nevada are, by and large, very non-intrusive. They strive to offer assistance with daily physical and mentally exercise activities without pressure. Additionally, they offer top notch health care and medication and have therapy programs specifically created to help sharpen minds and retain memory.

The assisted living centers in Henderson, Nevada, may actually instill jealousy in you rather than offering only a reason for guilt or shame. The complexes are generally quite beautiful inside and out and offer kitchens for residents who want to cook for themselves, large closets for storage space, and spacious bed rooms, bathrooms, and living rooms.

Each room has an individual thermostat so that every resident can control the temperature in his or her suite (we all know how many elderly people love it either extremely cold or extremely hot). In fact, the only thing that may remind you that you’re in an assisted living center, and not a high-end apartment, is the emergency call buttons on the walls to be used in case of accident or injury.

Far away from the stereotypical nursing homes, assisted living centers in Henderson Nevada are a way for your loved ones to live happy, independent and socially active lives, while being well cared for based on their healthcare needs.

Art Gib is a freelance writer, The Palms Assisted Living Community in Henderson, Nevada is a full-service, world class assisted living center in Henderson, Nevada.

Caregiving Etiquette: Ten Dos and Don’ts

Moving through the caregiving world with grace and ease is no simple skill. However, having good manners will carry you a long way.As a caregiver we spend our day interacting with family members, friends, and everyone on the Care Team.

Common sense tells you that the people you are closest to warrant an extra measure of consideration. It takes good manners to sustain the love and respect between caregiver and care-receiver.

Dos

1. Encourage family members and friends to show respect and deference to the care-receiver. For example, the care-receiver’s visitors should be treated politely as honored guests.

Noise from the TV, radio, etc., should be kept to a minimum. The care-receiver’s rest hour should be respected. Telephone messages should be carefully taken, and mail given to him/her unopened.

2. Preserve the care-receiver’s feelings of independence. It is important that the care-receiver have control of her/his own money-as long as she/he is capable of managing it.

3. Use your imagination and put yourself in the care-receiver’ shoes. Be understanding and find a way to harness your frustrations.

4. Focus on the care-receiver’s needs and not your own. Talk to your parent. Try to understand how he/she sees it.

5. Let go of unreasonable hopes. Recognize that your parent won’t or can’t change.

6. Express warmth and concern toward the care-receiver. This is especially important when the care-receiver has a poor self-image and many feelings of inferiority. A good caregiver must provide reassurance.

7. Be a good listener. Many times the care-receiver may simply want you to listen.

8. Smile a lot. Be a good friend and companion.

9. Keep confidences. Avoid repeating matters that will not be welcomed by others.

10. Maintain your self-composure and avoid stress. Practice your coping skills in order to maintain your composure and balance.

Don’ts

1. Don’t treat your parent like a child. Even if your parent reverts to childlike behavior, he/she always needs to be treated with respect and dignity.

As the parent’s dependence increases, it is natural for adult children to find themselves unable to communicate in familiar ways.

2. Don’t criticize the care-receiver for occasional forgetfulness and other signs of growing older.

3. Don’t take sides with other family members in disputes or arguments. It is better to be known as someone who is fair and noninterfering.

4. Don’t let an angry situation become emotionally or physically abusive. Step out of the room for a cool down. Seek outside help.

5. Don’t neglect the care-receiver. Make sure your parent gets to all appointments, takes medications as scheduled.

6. Don’t discourage the help of others. There can never be too much help.

7. Don’t assume that the care-receiver has nothing to contribute.

8. Don’t compare what you are doing to what everyone else is doing. Every job in a caregiving situation is important.

9. Don’t underestimate the power of touch. As people age or their illness progresses, there is less human contact. A hug, kiss or pat on the shoulder can enhance the situation.

10. Don’t treat your parent/family member like an alien. When there are several persons in the room be sure to include the care-receiver in the conversation. Do not talk about him/her in the third person as if he/she wasn’t in the room.

A good caregiver is genuine and cares about the dignity, welfare, and feelings of their care-receiver. Good manners are based on good character, which translates to kindness and compassion.

Rebecca Colmer is eldercare advocate, author, speaker, publisher and caregiver. For more caregiving tools, visit Caregiving Tools

Retiring to Prescott, Arizona While Avoiding the Nursing Home

Arizona is a desert. It’s hot and it’s dry. That kind of climate, in conjunction with its beautiful landscapes, makes it a perfect place to live out the retirement years in peace. If you have loved ones that are reaching a point where they have difficulty living on their own, or if you yourself feel like you could use a little assistance now and then, then you might want to consider retiring to a Prescott, Arizona assisted living facility.

The words “assisted living” might inspire images of nursing homes with mean and cranky personnel, tiny rooms that must be shared, and nothing to do but play bridge on cold and decrepit card tables. If you’re concerned about relegating your loved ones (or yourself) to that kind of an existence, then you’ll really want to take a look at today’s modern assisted living centers in Arizona.

Arizona’s Perfect “Retirement” Climate

Arizona is a great place to retire to because of its warm summers and mild winters. Located amidst the Bradshaw Mountains in central Arizona, Prescott’s green beauty might come as a surprise to first-time visitors.

Currently, Prescott winters see less than a half foot of snow for the entire winter, the 2005-2006 seeing less than three inches! Despite being in a desert, Prescott’s altitude of 5,400 feet gives it four distinct seasons.

What a Modern Assisted Living Center Should Provide

A bunch of men and women wandering around aimlessly while waiting for their time to come is far from what you should expect in a modern retirement facility. No matter your age or physical status, you should be expected to be treated with respect and be provided with opportunities to continue growing and learning.

Some modern day assisted living communities provide their residents with privacy, living conditions that are excellent, plenty of activities for all tastes, and even classes where residents can pick up new skills and hobbies.

Be honest now. Would you feel comfortable sending loved ones to a facility that you yourself would not be comfortable living in? A person’s home should feel like a home, and that’s exactly how today’s premier senior-living communities strive to make their residents feel.

Any ol’ Prescott, Arizona assisted living community won’t do. Give your loved ones a place to stay that will allow them to finish off their final years enjoying their life and living it to its fullest instead of just waiting for it to stop.

Granite Gateway Senior Living (http://www.granitegateseniorliving.com/assisted-living) is a Prescott, Arizona assisted living center that provides their residents with dignity, respect, and plenty of activities to keep one busy and loving life. The author, Art Gib, is a freelance writer.

Should You Send Your Elders To A Senior Citizen Home?

Asking your elders to move to a senior citizen home can be a very complicated situation. Most elders dislike the idea as they prefer to stay at their old home. If the elders are suffering from Alzheimer’s, it may make the situation much simpler as their memory has lost gradually. In normal condition, it is often for children to enroll their parents or grandparents in one of these places under terrible feelings of guilt.

Unfortunately, sometimes senior citizen housing is the only choice that you have. You cannot leave your parents or grandparents alone at home where they may endanger themselves. There is no one who can take care of them or assist them as they start needing help to do certain activities that they used to be able to do by themselves. Many accidents have happened because people keep leaving their elders alone at home although they know that those elderly people cannot take care of themselves as they used to be.

The positive aspects of senior citizen home

When we pass our prime time and start becoming seniors, it can be a frustrating experience, especially if we need others to help us to do certain things. In today’s fast-paced world, it is common that children do not have enough time to take care of parents. Children are busy with works and other social events that they need to attend so they leave their elderly parents at home.

A good senior citizen home can be the solution for this issue. You can place your elders in one of these places so they will have experienced staffs to take care of them. Another positive aspect is that they will not be lonely because they can have a social life with other people of their own age. Senior citizen home also offers regular activities to its residents to avoid monotonous life. Loneliness is one of the most common problems for elders and this facility may have the answer for their problem.

The negative aspects of senior citizen home

If you think back how your parents have taken care of you when you were only a small boy, it is hard not to do the same thing for them. It can be a traumatic experience for the whole family to place their elders into one of these senior citizen homes. In addition, many elders, even if they cannot take care of themselves properly anymore, prefer to stay home and welcome death rather than moving into a senior citizen home. Therefore, in many occasion, children force their elders to move.

This is indeed a dilemmatic situation as it seems that elders do not have any rights anymore and they are being lowered to an object. Some elders feel that they are helpless and unloved, which is not the way people should feel for their remaining lives.

What alternatives that you have?

If you do not want to place your elders in a senior citizen home, you have a couple other alternatives. You can hire an au pair for your elders. You should understand that many au pairs come from developing countries so you will not be surprised when you try to find one. An au pair is a good addition to your household as she can help with daily activities of elders, such as preparing meals, serving, and bathing.

Hiring a geriatric care nurse, either part time or full time, is another alternative that you can consider. For both alternatives, you should make sure that you choose the right person who has experiences in taking care of elders and has compassion in doing her job. These alternatives can answer your problem so you do not need to place your elders in a senior citizen home.

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit Senior Home Plan to learn more about senior citizen retirement home.

Five Ways to Improve Caregiver Communications Within the Family

Communication goes on in many ways: exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing or behavior. It is no surprise that most families develop a special and unique communications style. When we talk to our family members, not only do we search for signs of love, but we also look for signs of disapproval. When families come together for making decisions about the care of their parent, they may need to develop or reframe their communication skills.

Here are five ways to improve family communications:

1. Realize the family is a hierarchical institution. There is power of a parent over a child, of an older brother or sister over a younger one. There are shifting alliances between siblings.
As the parent ages, there is a reversal of the roles of helper and helped, and this can be disconcerting. Strive to find the balance so that the needs of one person do not impinge on the actions of the other.

2. Understand the power of being a good listener. Whether you are the caregiver or care-receiver, in most families we want someone to listen to us and to really understand what we are thinking, understanding, and saying. It is not unusual for family members to realize they have never really known very much about real feelings and values of each other. When we concentrate more on listening attentively, our relationships improve, and so do our communications.

3. Learn to be a good speaker who can clearly express ideas and feelings AND help the listener to hear the message. You can improve your odds of getting your message across if you use I statements rather than You statements. A family member is more likely to continue conversation if you say, I feel upset when you _________ instead of You make me upset when you _____________.

4. Become a problem solver. This does not mean just coming up with the answer, it also means finding a solution. Be realistic in your expectations. Allow siblings to help in ways they are able. Keep them informed and included in the caregiving process.

5. Show appreciation and gratitude. Human nature tells us that people respond favorably to those who show them genuine appreciation and gratitude. Just a simple thank you or apology can go a long way. Make a decision to make a positive impact on those around you.

If poor family communication is hindering your decision making process, it may be a good idea to hold a family meeting with a formal decision making process. You may have to enlist the help of an outside facilitator.

Rebecca Colmer is an elder Care Advocate, Author, Speaker, Publisher, and Caregiver. You can find more caregiving tools and resources at her website:
Caregiving Tools

How To Grow Old Gracefully

We have all heard this resolution: “I am determined to grow old gracefully.” It might not have been put quite like that but the meaning was clear, getting older does not equate with giving up. Aging is a journey we all must take and with the proper attitude, lifestyle and a bit of luck, our later years can be very fulfilling.

Perhaps the biggest factor in enjoying our senior years is accepting the fact that we are now older and very normal limitations now abound. The pursuit of a youthful appearance can go only so far until it becomes somewhat silly and even degrading. Wearing our years honestly brings with it a certain dignity that we will benefit from.

We need to tolerate the inevitable loss of our physical strength and realize that asking for help can lead to closer ties with our families and friends. Speaking of friends, now is the time to reach out to old and new ones. If we cultivate the skill of really listening to what others are saying, we might just find that our vast experience gained over the years can be a font of knowledge that is readily accepted by friends in need of a little help.

Many older folks seem to lose the joy that they once had and tend to worry more and withdraw from friends and family. Doctors now say that laughter can be one of the best medicines for a senior citizen. Keeping your sense of humor and being able to laugh at yourself is a great attitude to develop and will increase our popularity with those around us.

Now we come to what I consider to be the most important factor in determining how much we will enjoy our senior years. I believe it is essential to maintain or acquire a passion for some activity and a lively interest in a number of areas would be best.

We will all have much more free time on our hands and using that time wisely will strengthen our zest for life and keep us mentally sharp and active. Travelling, hobbies and group activities all work to keep us engaged and prevent us from drawing in on ourselves and withdrawing from the world; the greatest danger to a seniors state of mind.

A good question to ask ourselves as we approach our senior years is this: “What good does it do us to add years to our lives if, at the same time, we do not add life to our years?” It is a terrific question to ask and our answer will make all the difference in the world as to how we spend our “golden years”.

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Ten Caregiver Tips for Care of the Elderly

The caregiver role is complex and differs for everyone depending on the needs of the care-receiver.Many times, in the beginning, there may only be a few needs, such as providing transportation or helping with shopping or cooking.

Over time, needs increase, requiring additional services, until the care-receiver is fully dependent on the caregiver.Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Every caregiver should know as much as possible about the care-receiver.You should know their characteristics and personality style. For example, you should know their likes, dislikes, family members, ailments, etc.

You should know if the care-receiver is outgoing or reserved, task-oriented or people-oriented. Once you get to know them better you will be able to understand their needs and behavior patterns.

2. Every caregiver should know and understand his/her responsibilities, duties, and tasks.As a caregiver, you have a responsibility to be sensitive to the needs of the care-receiver, and to find a way to satisfy their needs.

This may require you to enlist the help of others. The duties of the caregiver usually change and increase over a period of time. Set up and follow a care plan.

Recording essential daily information will assist everyone on the Care Team. It also allows another caregiver to take your place fairly easily.

3. Stay updated on the health condition of the care-receiver.

As the health of the elder deteriorates and more needs start to surface, it is important for the caregiver to find out how to cope with them.

Keep a log of his/her daily activities (medicine taken, food intake, sleep habits, temperament, etc.) so that you will always have a snapshot view of their current health.This information will help the doctor get a more complete picture of the condition of the care-receiver.

4. Assist as little as possible in tasks the senior can usually handle himself/herself. Just as it is not easy being a caregiver, it is not always easy being a care-receiver.

The gradual loss of independence and control over just about everything is difficult to accept. Remember, seniors have the right to their dignity and pride.

5. Caregivers should express warmth and concern towards the welfare of the care-receiver.

If the care-receiver has a poor self image or feelings of inferiority, the caregiver may have to provide reassurance while ignoring negative behavior.

A caregiver must have patience (and stamina) for change in moods.

6. Be a good listener. Many times seniors may simply want you to listen.They want to share their stories. Caregivers must be careful to avoid put downs and choosing sides.

Pay attention and be able to connect the dots between past, present, and future. Listen intuitively or use your sixth sense to hear underlying messages.

7. Smile a lot. Be a good friend and companion. Be as positive as possible.

8. When friends and family neglect to call or visit, do not hesitate to remind them.

9. Ask for help. Advocate for what you need. Sharing the care of a loved-one benefits everyone.

10. Maintain your self-composure and avoid stress. Elder abuse can occur as a result of caregiver stress.

It is imperative that you are aware of and deal with stress.

Rebecca Colmer is an elder Care Advocate, Author, Speaker, Publisher, and Caregiver. You can find more caregiving tools and resources at her website:
Caregiving Tools

Assisted Living: Conditions to Meet

As much as I hate to admit it, life gets a little harder the longer you live. What used to be a full day’s work can become enough to fill the whole week and even simple things like getting dressed, cooking meals, and cleaning the house can become major accomplishments.

Even though I am a home body through and through, I have to admit that a time might come when I would consider switching to an older resident home that provides assisted living. To even consider such a huge change though, several conditions need to be met.

Independence
First of all, the facility I choose must allow me to be as independent as possible. Even if it would be nice to have someone clean my room, cook my meals, and drive me around, I want to have the option of doing those things myself for as long as possible. And, as I do choose assisted services, I only want to pay for the ones I need.

Being independent naturally includes having my own space. Consequently, it would be nice to find a place where residents live in something closer to apartments than hotel rooms where I can enjoy plenty of room and a kitchen with an oven, stove and fridge. That way I can cook on my own and invite family members over to a home where we can enjoy each other’s company in a private setting.

Environment
Second, the facility I choose needs to be a beautiful place. After all, if I am going to spend the rest of my life in a building other than my home, I want to be able to enjoy the surroundings. Gardens, water displays, and comfortably furnished common areas can all help make the place welcoming and pleasant.

Medical Expertise
Third, I want to have professional health care individuals on hand. As long as I am paying for assisted living, I want to make sure that the nurses and assistants on hand are well-trained and qualified to meet any needs that I develop with old age.

Even though there really is no place like home, there are some benefits from choosing an assisted living facility. For example, in addition to making life easier, I would consider choosing assisted living in Mesa, Arizona because of the warm weather and because of the social opportunities it would provide. After all, loneliness is one of the most common ailments of old age and having a bunch of people around me all the time would help alleviate that problem a lot.

If you are searching for upscale assisted living in Mesa, Arizona you might want to check out the amenities at Courtyard Towers (http://www.courtyardtowersarizona.com/). They provide residents with everything from entertainment to medical care. The author, Art Gib, is a freelance writer.

Avoid Nursing Homes by Planning Ahead

Most people see long term care insurance as nursing home insurance when if fact it is the opposite. Long term care insurance provides options to avoid nursing home placement, unless a nursing home is where an individual prefers to live. And please do not misunderstand, nursing homes have changed significantly over time and many are now very clean and nice facilities. However, a nursing home is usually not where an individual would choose to remain for the final days or months of their life unless there are no other options.

Long term care insurance is becoming more popular as consumers realize it provides options for independence. Many studies indicate that two thirds of individuals over age 65 will require a long term care stay. A long term care stay is a nice way of saying nursing home or skilled facility stay. And over forty percent individuals over age 65 will experience a long term care stay lasting two or more years. This is a long time if you are in a facility in a shared room — not a private room, with a roommate you dislike. Think back to those college years and consider how you might like to be in a similar situation at age eighty.

And surprise, Medicare will not pay for a long term stay. Medicare usually covers days 1-20 if medically necessary and progress for rehabilitation occurs. On days 21-100 the individual pays an insurance co-pay of $128 per day (in 2008) and after 100 days, the individual is totally responsible for one hundred percent of the cost which averages between $175-220 per day (in 2008). As with anything these costs are expected to increase each year by 3-5% percent.

Long term care insurance not only will pay for these long term care stays, it will pay for care to be provided at home, which is where most individuals prefer to live as long as possible. It also pays for day care, assisted living, home modifications and other services depending on the policy.

Many individuals mistakenly think that long term care is too expensive. As opposed to what I ask you? As opposed to $6,000 per month in a long term care facility? Compare a monthly premium of $200 to the cost of $200 PER DAY in a long term care facility and tell me if long term care is too expensive?

Many are shocked when the cost of one year in a long term care facility at $75,000 eats up most of their retirement savings. Or when they have to “spend down” to qualify for public assistance called Medicaid. The government has determined that with the increasing numbers of baby boomers who will require medical care in the future that there is no possible way that the government can fund this care.

Thus the Debt Reduction Act of 2005. This Act states that individuals wishing to qualify for Medicaid assistance will need to spend all of their assets prior to qualifying for Medicaid. And there is a five year look back period to ensure that assets like homes and money were NOT given away to family members in an attempt to avoid the government receiving these funds. When money or resources are given away, the government imposes a penalty equal to the financial amount given away divided by the cost of one month in a long term care facility. So for example, if your parents gave away $60,000 today and wish to qualify for Medicaid in 2009, Medicaid will accept the application and penalize them for ten months of care. This means that they cannot receive services through Medicaid for a period of ten months from the date of their Medicaid application. Which means that if the care is truly necessary, children and other family members will pay personally for the care.

Even more reason to consider long term care insurance not only for yourself, but purchasing a policy for your parents if they cannot afford the premiums. The question is will they pay now or will you pay later for your parent’s care. Caring for parents and the emotional and financial stressors significantly impact the retirement prospects of children. Parents always assume that their children will take care of them but do not consider the impact on employment, retirement income and even marriages and children.

Don’t put yourself, your parents or your children in a situation of requiring care and not having a back up plan on paying for care. Because we will all pay for care one way or another when we are older. It’s inevitable. We will pay because of our ability to have long term care insurance that ensures we decide about our care. We will pay because our parents require care and they have not prepared financially for the cost. We will pay because we did not prepare financially for the cost by having to receive care through public assistance called Medicaid.

Unfortunately the probability that we will all die is one hundred percent absolute. The question is how do you want to spend the last years of your life? In a manner you choose or in a manner chosen for you?

Pamela D.Wilson, specializes in long term care planning and education for older adults. Contact her at The Care Navigator or visit The Care Navigator Blog for free information

Home Health Care in Utah

Last week I attended a seminar that was designed specifically to educate families on how to care for aging parents. The doctor giving the lecture stressed the importance of counseling with family members before your health declines about personal wishes regarding health care. Whether you have already arrived at that point in life or not it would be wise to research your choices and discuss them with your children.

There are a lot of options available as far as health care is concerned. For example, when everyday activities become difficult or dangerous some elderly individuals move in with their children while others sell their home and seek the comforts and company found in retirement communities. After a lifetime of being independent and living on their own, a lot of aging parents can’t stand the thought of leaving their home though. This is a perfectly natural feeling and I would cast my vote with theirs to affirm that there’s no place like home, but if an aging individual wishes to remain where they are some changes may need to take place.

The first steps you can take to ensure increased safety as you age is a little remodeling. Widen doorways and bathrooms to facilitate traffic with a wheelchair, a walker and human assistance. Add a few ramps and handrails to make movement safer too.

Another step would be to have an emergency call system that you can keep on your person. That way, if you fall and lose the ability to reach a telephone, you will still be able to contact family members or friends to get some assistance. Without this device, it could literally take days for someone to come to your aid.

And finally, if your health deteriorates enough, it might be wise to hire some Utah home health care. In addition to the experience and increased safety these professionals provide, in home assistance can help decrease loneliness as well. Your children can feel comfortable knowing that you are not alone and you can enjoy the familiar environment of home and continued independence.

The cost of home health care varies depending on your needs, your provider and where you live. If you qualify, Medicare and other insurance agencies may help pay for home health care, but they won’t pay for it indefinitely. Many policies will only cover the cost for as long as a year and even then you might only qualify for financial assistance when home care has been prescribed by a doctor. That is why families should prepare in advance by saving up funds before illness strikes.

1st Choice Home and Hospice (http://www.fchhh.com/home_health_care.htm) can provide you with excellent Utah home health care. Whether you are recuperating from hospitalization or just getting old they can handle everything from physical therapy to medication. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

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