In his book Thanks!, professor and gratitude expert, Robert A. Emmons, says there is overwhelming evidence that practicing gratitude is good for us. Gratitude is positively related to things like life satisfaction, vitality, happiness, optimism, and hope, he says. Wonderful benefits like these can benefit adult children and aging parents alike. Yet, how to start?…
When home-shoppers arrive in Florida, realtors love using the phrase, “Location! Location! Location!” It’s a timeworn guideline for real estate and selling preferred locations. It’s also important when a family is considering a move for an elderly parent needing a new residence with services and facilities for assistance and care. Location may mean more frequent…
Everyone seems to advise a new angle on eating better foods to increase nutritional value. Of course, losing weight is also encouraged. All have good intentions, particularly those suggested by physicians to promote healthy eating habits. When reviewing an assisted living community, an important consideration should be the dining room and its menu and services.…
Waking up this morning, I see the blue sky. I join my hands in thanks for the many wonders of life; for having twenty-four brand new hours before me. – Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist teacher, Nobel Peace Prize nominee There is no doubt that being the caregiver of a beloved spouse or an aging parent…
“Had to give up tennis,” complained one of our residents. “But that didn’t mean I quit living. I switched to playing pool.” “Can’t do either,” replied his companion. “But I betcha I can beat you at poker.” Staying active keeps you young, no matter how you look at it. From doctors’ advice to TV ads,…
As people age, fall related injuries increase with each decade of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every three adults ages 65 and older falls each year. Since many falls occur while someone is involved in everyday activities, here are just a few tips that can reduce the risks:…
Providing cheerful assistance is a regular practice throughout our assisted living and memory support community. It’s not just instinctive behavior but the cardinal principle of a successful assisted living environment. We pride ourselves on helping residents whenever possible – even with the simplest acts of kindness and courtesy. During this holiday season, I recalled a…
Have you ever been in the supermarket checkout line and experienced a cashier talking to a fellow cashier while ringing up your groceries? Annoying, isn’t it? On the flip side, I’m sure you’ve noticed that gem of a cashier who really looked at you eye-to-eye, and smiled as she asked, “Did you find everything okay?”…
The stunning film Gravity in which two astronauts are lost in space got me to thinking about how often senior living decisions suddenly come upon us. If you haven’t seen the film, it’s well worth a trip to your local theater. Many think it will be the Academy Award winner as Picture of the Year…
Let’s face it. There are times when all of us skip a meal for one reason or another. For many seniors, however, skipping meals and improper nutrition are the norm rather than the exception. My mom’s favorite saying when asked what she ate during the day is: “I improvised”. Typically that means she had a…