A Grateful Heart

There is a song that we used to sing in church as a child that said, "There's a roof up above me, I've got a good place to sleep. There's food on the table And shoes on my feet. You gave me your love Lord And a fine family, So thank you Lord for your blessings on me." I remember that song fondly because it reminds me of the simple things and that among all the many things we may lack to find a moment to be grateful for the things we have. Many families have struggled with the economy and for the aging social security does not seem enough to live on. We sometimes struggle not only financially but emotionally, mentally and physically. The Thanksgiving Season is a time of harvest. In the traditional sense, we learned in school about the Pilgrims and Indians and how they shared of their crops and harvest. Thanksgiving is a time of both harvesting and giving. Truly in our gratitude we find in our hearts to give to those around us. As we take a moment this time of the year to be thankful for our families and a table full of pleasantries, may we also find it in our hearts to share of our abundance however big or small. May we also be thankful to the giver of all life, love and good things. A grateful heart is truly a grateful heart. Happy Thanksgiving!

Independent or Assisted Living: Options and Answers

There has been a growing trend in the last couple of decades to provide a social, safe and an active community lifestyle for seniors. The biggest need for those 65 and older is assistance with medication followed by bathing. As we age, we began experiencing balance issues and many injuries are caused by falls for those 60 and over. Assisted living facilities and Independent Retirement Communities are providing secure environments for seniors. Aging In Place is a way for older adults to have everything they need right where they are.

Assisted living is a living arrangement that assists with personal care needs such as housekeeping, bath, and mobility assistance while also offering a variety of meaningful social activities. Assisted living assists aging adults with keeping their independence with little assistance. Independent Living provides a variety of housing options from apartments to free standing homes. Services provided by Independent Living Facilities are yard maintenance, housekeeping and laundry services. Often Independent Living communities will provide entertainment and limited transportation for their residents as well.

While searching for the right living environment, consider these three things: The type of atmosphere that is right for you, current and future needs, and stay for a weekend. When choosing a place for retirement consider if it meets your needs with accommodations for family visits, if doctors are nearby and the proximity of churches and friends. Ask if the facility allows you to bring your own furniture. Get an activities calendar and a meal schedule. The second area to consider is your current or future needs. If you currently have a chronic illness such as Parkinson's Disease or MS, then you will want to find a facility that is most qualified for your level of care. Thinking ahead also can help from the need of moving again. A great way to understand Assisted Living or Independent Living is to go for a weekend visit. Most communities welcome families of individuals to visit and have an apartment available. This is a great way to get an idea if that retirement community is right for you and your needs.

There are services available as well for those searching for Assisted Living and Independent Living care. A Place For Mom is a wonderful research to help families and individuals find the best retirement community for their needs.

~April Cummings
Marketing Director, Southern Companions
www.SouthernCompanions.net

Online Dating After 50

Many individuals over the age of 50 are now finding themselves single as the result of a divorce or death of a spouse. For individuals 50 and older, isolation is a troubling issue. Life changes and we become ‘empty nesters’ or find ourselves alone from results of life changes. Studies have shown that as people get older close friendships decline and it seems harder to build new relationships. We know that social connection is an important part of a healthy and happy life. Men and women over 50 are interested in finding a companion or love but many are not sure how to meet new singles.

With the growing trend of online dating, mature adults have found a great way to connect. Mature dating sites have become popular with curious baby boomers back in the dating scene.  These sights are designed for those looking for love and/or companionship. For example, OurTime.com is a sight designed specifically for adults 50 and over. There are other sites such as SeniorPeopleMeet.com that are age specific and now AARP has an online dating site for 50+. Online dating is a great way to connect and meet new local singles to find companionship or soul mate.

Here are a few tips for online dating after 50:

1.      1. It’s okay to be choosy!

Be specific about deciding what you want and don’t settle for anything than less than you deserve. At any age we all need to recognize our value and what we are bringing to the table.

2.      2. Be agreeable.

Focus on the things that are truly important values and limit political views or confrontational topics.

3.      3. Photo is first.

Post a nice photo with a smile. A smile goes a long way and is an attractive quality.

4.      4. It’s in the initiation.

Ladies, allow the men to initiate. Men will pursue when they are interested and they enjoy the challenge. Men, don’t be shy! Women love the attention and want to see your winks, pokes, and notes.

Are There Alternatives To AARP?

For those Americans 50 and over there are organizations that offer a voice for social issues and their specific needs and concerns. Non-profit organizations AARP, AMAC and Generation America are advocates for issues such as Social Security and Medicare. They function similarly offering benefits and discounts for their members however, they each take very different stances on social and political issues.

AARP certainly is a household name and nationwide organization with offers to receive benefits as a member that include discounts for auto insurance, travel and phone services. It is a non-partisan organization with the mission to enhance the quality of life of its members and help create positive social change. AARP also provides a magazine and monthly bulletins that provide their members with valuable information on living healthy, financial planning, consumer protection and caring for aging parents. AARP's website offers discussion forums, information on their public policy and tips for those 50 and over. Local chapters with community volunteers are also an additional benefit of an AARP membership.

AMAC (The Association of Mature American Citizens) has been giving the more conservative Americans 50+ a voice since 2007. With 575,000 members across America, AMAC and its members are working to protect religious freedom, saving Social Security, and repealing Obamacare. AMAC offers its members benefits such as national discounts including auto insurance, hotels, car rental and more. Additional benefits are available such as dental and prescription discounts and roadside assistance. AMAC has a website with informational articles regarding hot topics for baby boomers and senior citizens as well as the AMAC Advantage magazine.

Generation America is conservative organization supporting libertarians, Tea Party and other like-minded individuals. Their mission is to neutralize the voice and influence of AARP claiming that they support liberal causes. On Generation America's web page they voice their values to include being completely honest with their messages and to put its members welfare above profit. Offering the same benefits for their members, they also provide valuable information for those individuals 50 and over on their website and via their eMagazine. There is also a way for Generation American members to contact representatives and other government officials via their website.

Both AARP and AMAC have magazines available for their members and all three organizations offer low membership costs. Their memberships also include a spouse. These organizations act as advocates for their members. As we are aware, there have been cuts in the American budget that has affected our senior resources in the communities around the nation. Before we make a decision, let's make sure we understand which organization is the best voice for our social and political beliefs and represents us well.

Answers To Caring For The Aging (FREE CARE PLAN GUIDE)

Suddenly you have become a caregiver for a loved one, often a parent, and you have so many questions about care options. Very few have read about caring for their elderly parents or have limited knowledge about elder care or elder care law. When you are thrown into the role of being a caregiver, seldom is there the chance to read a book to get information as you may need to make quick decisions. One of the biggest concerns we see in our industry is that individuals aren't aware of the resources that are available for their loved ones and are not exactly sure where to begin their search.

We have created a simple guide for caregivers or potential future caregivers to help guide them in the right direction when they have questions regarding care options. Questions such as what is a care plan? Should I visit the doctor with mom or dad? Do we place mom is assisted living or choose home care services? Other topics mentioned are included such as having the 'parent talk' and other crucial conversations to prepare for certain possible events such as illness or their personal desire for their quality of living. 

This simple care plan guide is available for FREE download at www.SouthernCompanions.net. 

Our hope is that this will help families in our community as well as across the nation in a unique and simple way to make a difference in the lives of their families enabling them to make the best care options for their loved ones.

~ April Cummings

Marketing Director, Southern Companions

Serving Our Community

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY

This year Southern Companions is excited about new opportunities for 2013 that allow us to continue to provide the care our community relies on. We have a brand new website with easily accessible information regarding home care services and both our blogs, The Senior 411 and Bingo, BBQ and Baby Boomers.

The good news is we are living longer than ever before. With life expectancy growth and the baby boomer generation, is the growing need for caregivers and home care services. 80% of the elderly suffer from a chronic illness and there is an increase in cognitive diseases such as dementia.

One of the biggest needs we consistently see from families is knowing where to begin when they become a caregiver. We have created a complimentary care plan guide that will provide individuals with helpful information for senior care and a guide to have the knowledge to get the best care options for their loved ones.

Get your FREE care plan guide today by visiting our website! www.SouthernCompanions.net

Southern Companions has also developed some wonderful relationships in the Gainesville, GA community and surrounding areas and we are grateful to continue these relationships and using these partnerships to benefit our community in big ways. We have teamed with a network of healthcare providers to bring educational presentations to our community about senior topics and resources.

We are excited to continue to provide our Northeast Georgia communities with educational opportunities to ensure families and individuals will understand their senior options or resources and continue to thrive.

BE A REFERRAL PARTNER with SOUTHERN COMPANIONS!
678.971.4147

To receive a complete copy of Southern Companions' Newsletter with updates on senior care, local interest and activities plus more, email us at april@southerncompanions.net!
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Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. ~Robert Louis Steven-
Southern Companions Home Care Services
“Allow Us Into Your Home and Into Your Heart” 623 Green Street Ste B Gainesville, GA 30501
678.971.4147

Just Keep Moving!

The effects of a sedentary lifestyle range from increased illnesses to a loss of muscle that leads to immobility. That means that as we age the less we move, the less we are able to get around. Research shows that is not healthy and will increase our doctor visits and decrease our independence. Exercise is a must for aging healthy.

Regular exercise has wonderful effects on our bodies and mind. It helps boost energy and strengthen our muscles that will keep us at a healthy weight and lessen our chances of such diseases as diabetes or heart disease. When we are active it also improves flexibility which assists with your muscle strength to maintain independence in getting out and staying active. Exercise also helps improve our mood. If we choose to participate in group activities, that is another great way to increase our mood and is a great motivation for exercising regularly. Other benefits of exercising daily are better sleep, improves balance and also will help improve an individual's stamina and overall health. 

Age doesn't matter and even with physical limitation or a disability there are great ways to keep active. In the kid's film, Nemo, Dori says to Nemo "Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming." That's exactly it. Just keep moving! There are many senior programs and other exercise groups who specifically are modified for seniors or others with physical limitations. Even a small amount of physical activity daily will make a large difference. The benefits from exercise are definitely worth it.

Here are a few ideas for fun activities!

1. Water aerobics - This is a perfect activity for seniors or those with arthritis or back problems. It is low impact and reduces the stress on joints, knees and back.

2. Silver Sneakers - there are many senior exercise programs at your local gym or other facility available with modified activities for groups.

3 Modified Yoga - Yoga is a wonderful strengthening and stretching activity. 

www.southerncompanions.net