» aging parents needs

You Can’t Unscramble Scrambled Eggs…

You Can’t Unscramble Scrambled Eggs…

Even though we live in a technologically advanced country, no matter how hard we try…there is no way we can unscramble the scrambled eggs and make it whole again. Likewise, whatever happened in life, whatever is done…you can’t undo. However, you can let go and live in the present and move forward.

Whether you are the sandwiched generation, aging parents, grandparents or even young adults…we have things in our life we wish did not happen. Wouldn’t you agree it is hard to live with guilt or regrets?

How do we embrace the now…the present and move forward?

As we get older, the pile of regrets and ‘should haves’ multiplies and it is no wonder 6 million Americans above 65 years of age are suffering from depression. Depression is not caused by regrets alone; there are many factors that contribute to this disease in the elderly. Some of the causes may be loneliness, lost of a spouse and loved ones, the effects of medication, immobility, multiple illnesses, aches and pains, malnutrition, lack of social interactions, no purpose or just not challenged like before. All become magnified when we are socially isolated, live alone or perhaps housebound.

Here are 5 ways to help your aging parents or grandparents embrace the present:

Social gatherings and activities: Spend time encouraging and make plans for them to attend social gatherings and activities for seniors or for people of any age. Places to look for: local library, places of worship, senior centers and places to volunteer. I’ve seen the elderly taking time to serve in the soup kitchen and feel a sense of accomplishment. Play it forward, become a school grandparent or be a classroom tutor or teachers helper to offer one on one help to a struggling child.

Social Media: Pew Report wrote, people ages 50 and above using the internet has increased 88% between 2009 and 2010. Social media is a new way for grandma or grandpa to reach out. Grandma posts photos and looks at photos of family members across the country and can chat live with one of the grandchildren. This is a great way for seniors to stay in touch with old friends and chat with family members all day. Grandma just increased her social network using social media…sharing stories, giving responses and posting photos of grandchildren to her friends. Teach other Grandma’s how to post to social media and show them how to upload photos and sent to family.

Read and attend classes: Internet brings the possibilities of distant learning and online learning. Grandpa or grandma has all the options of taking classes without having to leave home. From book discussions to how to use social media…there are plenty to choose from. Reading and learning will help seniors to stay in the present, stimulate their mind, and give them a sense of purpose. It may be a way for them to meet new friends and start a hobby.

Good night’s sleep: Are the medications keeping grandma or grandpa awake at night? Lack of sleep will cause them to feel lethargic and increases stress. Check with their health professionals about their health and the medications prescribed. A little adjustment in combination of medication may help to reduce sleeplessness. A good night’s sleep will help grandma wake up happier.

Thought Pattern: According to WebMD cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective way to help a person’s thought pattern. Negative dysfunctional thinking affects a person’s mood, sense of self, behavior and physical state. So grandma may need professional help to identify her negative thought patterns and move to a road of better thought. Church friends, senior centers or speaking with social worker may be a starting point.

Start a conversation with your aging parents or grandparents and find out more about their thought patterns and lifestyle. Is there something that needs an immediate fix with easy solutions or do they need professional help? Keeping In Touch Solutions often provides the first step, a daily call from a concerned care caller lets them know how much they are valued and supported.

Let go of Yesterday….can’t unscramble or undo yesterday, worry, fretting and dwelling on the past only deepens the problems. So pray and keep moving and thinking forward.

Start the day with gratitude.

Please let us know how we can assist you in your care giving needs. Our clients tell us that they appreciate their daily check in call because it makes them feel safe, and secure knowing some one cares about them.

You can reach us at keepingintouchservices@gmail.com or

Call 1800-788-1280.

Visit our website www.KeepingInTouchsolutions.com

Diana Beam is an entrepreneur with a vision and a heart for the elderly. She has more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, long term care administrator, home health care pioneer, senior real estate specialist and owner of Keeping in Touch Solutions. Her passion is to see working women and men with elderly parents set free from guilt of not having time or proximity to their aging parents and helping the elderly with their aging needs and transition challenges. Diana lives in Indiana with her husband Ron and they have 3 grown children, 2 grandsons and a golden retriever named Hope and a calico cat named Ms Dottie. Grab her free report, 7 ways to provide maximum support to your parents, today. If you’d like to learn more about Diana and how she helps elderly clients through Keeping in Touch Solutions, check out her website at www.keepingintouchsolutions.com.

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Diana, October 21st 2011 | Tags: aging parents needs, caregivers to the elderly, caring for aging parents, daily check in for seniors, help for your aging parents, keeping in touch solutions, senior and depression, seniors loneliness
Posted in Caring for elderly parents, Seniors and Depression, Seniors Loneliness

Summer and Your Aging Parents

We are in the heat of summer. Most families have children home from colleges and schools…a time to have short or long trips and also a time to just enjoy the great outdoor. How about aging parents and grandparents?

What are your aging parents up to during the summer months? Most of our elderly parents and neighbors are living in older homes probably by themselves without the luxury of visits from children and grandchildren. They may be living in the heat without a proper working air condition system or their budget may not allow the convenience of an air condition unit.

How can children of aging parents or neighbor’s to the elderly help prevent them from heat stroke or dehydration?

Here are three simple tips to help you care for your aging parents and enjoy the summer:

Air conditioning unit: Older homes usually do not have a central air conditioning system. The most economical air conditioning units are the removable units installed on windows. Visit your aging parents and find out what their needs are for cooling.

The window units are the easiest to install especially if they have double hung windows. Most importantly, know the square footage of the room that you want to install the unit before you set out to buy one.

According to Good House Keeping Magazine, air conditioners use British Thermal Units (BTUs) which refers to the cooling power of the air conditioner. Generally, a 500 square feet space needs a 12,000 BTU unit.

Window units are cheaper than whole house air conditioning. You may be able to get one for less than $500. This simple solution can prevent heat stroke this summer.

Liquid intake: Summer is a time we sweat most and dehydration might occur more frequently. According to WebMD, dehydration occurs when the loss of body fluids, mostly water, exceeds the amount that is taken in.

The lack of water intake may result in palpitations, confusion, weakness or dizziness.

There are many studies on how much liquid is enough for the body. Will 8 cups a day be enough for our aging parents? WebMD has this to say:

Approximately 80% of our water intake comes from drinking water and other beverages, and the other 20% comes from food. Assuming these percentages are accurate for most of us, the recommended amount of beverages, including water, would be approximately 9 cups for women and 12.5 cups for men.(Includes the liquid from fruits and vegetables).

Have your elderly parents forgotten their needed liquid intake? Do you have someone who calls them when you are busy with work and children?

Vehicle maintenance: Your elderly parents’ vehicle may also face challenges during the summer months. With the heat, comes the need for a proper working cooling unit for their vehicle. When was the last time they got it checked?

Can you imagine your aging parents driving in a hot afternoon to your Uncle Joe’s house 50 miles away and the vehicle’s air conditioning stops working?

This situation happens…a little help from you on the car maintenance comes a long way for their comfort and safety.

We, at Keeping in Touch Solutions, can help you keep in touch with your aging parents when you can’t. We fill in the gap. Are your aging parents in need of someone to keep in touch with them daily?

We’re here for you. Please call us to find out our services at 1800-788-1280 or visit us at Keeping in Touch Solutions.

Let us know what you like about this article by placing a comment.

Diana Beam is an entrepreneur with a vision and a heart for the elderly. She has more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, long term care administrator, home health care pioneer, senior real estate specialist and owner of Keeping in Touch Solutions. Her passion is to see working women and men with elderly parents set free from guilt of not having time or proximity to their aging parents and helping the elderly with their aging needs and transition challenges. Diana lives in Indiana with her husband Ron and they have 3 grown children, 2 grandsons and a golden retriever named Hope and a calico cat named Ms Dottie. Grab her free report, 7 ways to provide maximum support to your parents, today. If you’d like to learn more about Diana and how she helps elderly clients through Keeping in Touch Solutions, check out her website at www.keepingintouchsolutions.com.