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5 Great Gift Ideas for Seniors

The Holidays are just around the corner, and many of us will be buying gifts for seniors in our lives. Show them you care with these five great gift ideas that are sure to be big hits with your elders.

EasyCall Medical Alert System

Peace of mind could be the greatest gift you can give a loved one. With EasyCall, more seniors are living independently because they know help is never far. One push of the EasyCall pendant and you’re connected to professional dispatchers who will send help any time of day. EasyCall is waterproof and is guaranteed for life, and can even detect falls automatically. Learn more about EasyCall.

Large Type Puzzles & Crosswords

As we age, our eyesight diminishes, and we have to adjust to limited vision. One way to combat this is with large type puzzles and crossword books. Not only are puzzles and crosswords fun, but they can also help keep our brains healthy too. Staying engaged mentally has been shown to help with symptoms from dementia and Alzheimer’s, so encourage your loved ones to pick up a pencil and solve a few puzzles. Penny Publications has some great options.

Home Accessibility Upgrade

Besides EasyCall, a home accessibility upgrade is another great way to help seniors maintain their independence. Installing a ramp to the front door, sturdy handles in all showers and bathrooms, and adding some smart home features like automated lights, can make life much more comfortable for your older loved ones. This Old House has a great video on retrofitting a home for accessibility.

Robotic Vacuum

Who likes vacuuming? No one we’ve ever met. Give the gift of clean floors, while also relieving your loved one of hauling a heavy vacuum cleaner around the house. Smart vacuums range from $300 to $800, and all are capable of vacuuming your floors autonomously. Higher prices get buyers bigger batteries, and better software potentially improving how they clean. Tom’s Guide has a great buyers guide to help you get started.

Memoir Writing Kit

What better way to create memories than to help an elder in your life write their memoir? Everyone has a story to tell and kits like this are designed to get the creative juices flowing. Memoir writing kits range in complexity and depth, but each one is designed to help you tell the story of a loved one. Learn more at Empire Book Publishing.

EASYCALL: THE PERFECT MOTHER’S DAY GIFT

Avoiding Falls with Kitty Litter and Other Winter Safety Tips

With winter’s cold conditions, it’s more important than ever to prevent falls inside and outside the home.

Ice is of particular concern, especially when temperatures dip into the 30s and below. The risk of slipping and falling on icy patches will only increase until spring arrives, so it’s vital to be looking for ways to prevent falls. What can we do?

According to Mindy Renfro, chair of the American Physical Therapy Association, you should carry around some kitty litter.

Do you mean the stuff that cats go potty in? Yep, it’s absorbent, affordable, and—most importantly—gritty.

Renfro writes at the National Council on Aging, “Encourage older adults to carry a zip-top bag filled with a lightweight kitty litter in their pocket to cast out ahead of themselves on slick surfaces.”

The Council also recommends a few products that help older adults prevent falls and call for help if they do slip.

Fall alarm systems, like EasyCall, which are motion-triggered if a fall occurs.
Higher toilets in the home.
Replace multifocal glasses with single vision eyeglass lenses. Changing between focal lengths can cause a loss of balance in some.
Grab-bars in the bathroom and next to outside steps or inside thresholds.
Strong railings on both sides of stairways and automatic lights over the stairs.
Cover the entryway to the home and provide a table to set down bags while finding keys.
Shorter days mean more time in the dark—give your loved ones life small flashlights to attach to keys, hats, and coat buttons.

With a few additions to the home, you can make the wet and icy winter months a litter safer for the senior in your life.

Beyond EasyCall: Finding Long-Term Care For Your Loved Ones

Personal medical alert buttons like EasyCall provide 24/7 immediate access to help, so your loved ones can keep their independence longer. But what happens when your loved one’s needs make it necessary to increase the level of care. Navigating the world of long-term care and assisted living can be tough. Luckily, there are resources that can help.

Beyond EasyCall: Finding long-term care for your loved ones

In California, seniors can choose from over 3,500 licensed long term care communities. And it’s no wonder since nearly 14 percent of Californians are 65 or older.

Finding the right living situation can be tough. That’s why Caring.com has gathered info on Assisted Living throughout the state of California.

At Caring.com, you can compare the costs of assisted living in various cities and learn about financial assistance for assisted living. Finding the most affordable care is a big concern for seniors since average monthly costs can exceed $4,500.

Click here to explore assisted living resources near you: https://www.caring.com/senior-living/assisted-living/california

Making Sense concerning Medicare

More than 61 million people rely on Medicare benefits. Unfortunately, Medicare rules and regulations can be complicated and challenging to navigate.

Caring.com helps you understand your Medicare eligibility and how to enroll. The web guide also helps you understand the different levels of Medicare benefits, how to qualify, and what the limitations are coverage are.

Learn more Caring.com’s Guide to Medicare here: https://www.caring.com/medicare/

Protect Your Independence With EasyCall

EasyCall is an affordable and reliable way to maintain your independence. With EasyCall you get the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 professional monitoring and a customized response plan in case you experience an emergency.

Why is having EasyCall a great idea? Consider these three facts:

By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be over the age of 65.
Almost 75 percent of baby boomers want to stay in their current residence for as long as possible.
The average cost of an assisted living facility is $45,731 per year.

It’s clear what these figures add up to. More adult children of baby boomers will find themselves taking on the role of caregiver to an aging population. The question is, how can we provide care to someone who values their independence? The answer is a personal emergency response system from EasyCall.

If there’s an emergency when you aren’t around, EasyCall helps seniors get help in an instant. Delays can be costly. Doctors know that when people get help within the so-called “golden hour” after an incident are much more likely to fully recover and return to their homes.

With EasyCall, you’re never truly alone.

EasyCall: The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift

This year, instead of a ‘typical’ mother’s day gift, give your mom the gift of independence. EasyCall is the perfect gift for mothers who want peace of mind while living on their own.

With EasyCall’s personal medical alert system, you’ll spend less time worrying about mom’s safety and more time enjoying each other’s company. Here are just a few of the benefits EasyCall offers:

For Mom

Get help right away: EasyCall offers 24/7 support in case of emergencies and a customized response plan: we can call you or send help right away, the choice is yours.

Independence: Many seniors who receive an EasyCall medical alert system can stay in their homes longer because their families know help is available at the push of a button.

Security: EasyCall is designed to be worn all day, including in the bath or shower. Since many falls occur in the bathroom, you’ll never be far from help in the case of an emergency.

Confidence Boost: We’ve had many seniors tell us they’re afraid of falling because they know they could be stuck on the floor for hours or days. With EasyCall’s automatic fall detection, we’ll send help as soon as a fall occurs. There’s no need to push a button or call for help. Our professional dispatchers will automatically receive a signal that you have fallen and will send help to your home.

For You

Peace of Mind: You’ll know you’re in good hands with free professional installation and a lifetime guarantee on all EasyCall medical alert systems.

Visit us online to learn more about EasyCall!

https://advancedsecurity.us/easy-call/benefits.html

Join the City of Eureka for Free Senior Balance Classes

If you’re caring for an older loved one, then you know that falls are a major concern. In fact, a serious fall is one of the leading reasons seniors end up in the hospital. Anything we can do to help prevent falls means a longer and more vibrant life. Now, a free class can help the senior in your life improve their balance through strength and exercise.

The City of Eureka welcomes everyone to a free workshop to improve balance. A Matter of Balance is an award-winning class that helps improve balance skills in older Americans. Participants will learn strategies to avoid falls along with exercises to improve strength and balance.

Date: Mondays, March 16 – May 4, 2020
Time: 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
Classes are held once a week for eight weeks and run for two hours each.
Place: Adorni Recreation Center 1011 Waterfront Dr. Eureka
Fees: None

Check out the City’s website to learn more: https://eurekaparksandrec.wordpress.com/2020/02/26/matter-of-balance-feb2020/

Even with the best preparation, falls will happen. Seconds count when someone falls. That’s why EasyCall is there 24/7 with help. Just a push of your EasyCall button, and you’ll be speaking with a trained dispatcher who can send an ambulance, call a friend or neighbor, and more.

Three Ways to Boost ‘Well-Being’ for Seniors

As caretakers, it’s easy for us to become focused only on the physical well-being of our loved ones. Of course, making sure our loved ones are comfortable, well taken care of, and all their needs are met is our primary responsibility. But it’s important not to lose sight of other parts of “well-being.”

Mental stimulation, social interaction, and feelings of self-reliance and a sense of purpose are all parts of well-being that go beyond physical well-being.

With that in mind, here are three areas of well-being that we, as caregivers, should focus on.

Spirituality

Whether it’s attending a beloved church or simply enjoying nature, certain activities will fill our hearts with and souls with joy. Be sure you include activities like this in your caregiving plan.

A Sense of Purpose

As our loved ones age, we tend to take on more and more responsibility on their behalf. However, a major part of feeling good about oneself is having a sense of purpose, and knowing that we’re helping others.

Look for ways to involve your loved ones in activities they can manage but can also be considered “chipping in.” From folding laundry at home to volunteering a few hours reading to children, there are many ways for seniors to contribute to their families and communities.

Social Interaction

Far too many seniors live their final years in isolation. That’s why it’s so important to take advantage of activities and programs that help seniors connect with others. Your local senior center, library, and community centers are full of ways to help your elderly loved ones engage with their communities.

Don’t forget to take care of your own needs, too, as a caregiver. It can be easy to overlook our own spiritual and social needs when we’re committed to the well-being of another. As always, EasyCall is here to support you in your role as a caregiver with 24/7 help at the push of a button.

All the best,

Happy National Caregivers Day!

This Friday, Feb. 21, marks National Caregivers Day. Here at EasyCall, we’re big supporters of all the caregivers across the country who are helping their family members live better lives.

Did you know there are more than 66 million family caregivers in the United States? Every year, these dedicated individuals selflessly contribute over $375 billion worth of care to their loved ones.

It’s a challenge to provide high-quality care to others while also caring for oneself, raising a family, working full-time, and more. To help, we’ve rounded up online resources that can help you as a caregiver and hopefully help you find a little rest and relaxation in your day.

National Family Caregiver Support Program
https://www.acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers/national-family-caregiver-support-program
The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) provides grants to States and Territories to fund a range of supports that assist family and informal caregivers to care for their loved ones at home for as long as possible.

Eldercare Locator
www.eldercare.acl.gov
The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, is the first step to finding resources for older adults in any U.S. community. Visit the organization’s website for an instant connection to resources that enable older persons to live independently in their communities. The service links those who need assistance with state and local area agencies on aging and community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers.

Family Caregiver Alliance
http://caregiver.org/
The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) strives to improve the quality of life for family caregivers and the people who receive their care. For over 40 years, FCA has provided services to family caregivers of adults with physical and cognitive impairments, such as Parkinson’s, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and other types of dementia. The alliance’s services include assessment, care planning, direct care skills, wellness programs, respite services, and legal/financial consultation vouchers.

Caregiver Action Network
http://www.caregiveraction.org/
Caregiver Action Network is a leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the millions of Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age. CAN serves a broad spectrum of family caregivers ranging from the parents of children with special needs to the families and friends of wounded soldiers, from a young couple dealing with a diagnosis of M.S. to adult children caring for parents with Alzheimer’s disease. CAN is a non-profit organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge.

Thanks again for all you do and Happy National Caregivers day!

Seniors, Stay Engaged with Lifelong Learning 🎓

Being an engaged and active learner is something we should all strive for.

One of the great opportunities seniors enjoy is having the time to learn about subjects that were always interesting but too time-consuming to explore. Educators call this “lifelong learning,” and our golden years are the perfect time to explore fascinating topics.

Universities and colleges offer special low-cost or even free courses in topics ranging from art history to painting, geography, and more. Here’s a quick list of some great lifelong learning resources, perfect for the senior in your life:

Take a College Course

In Northern California, Humboldt State University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers more than 40 classes every year for seniors over the age of 50.

Go Online for Lifelong Learning

The internet offers endless variety and opportunities for lifelong learning.

You can learn a foreign language with the BBC or enroll in more than 40,000 courses from Udemy.com.

The online video service Youtube is filled with lectures and talks taken straight from university lecture halls and beyond.

For even more ideas, check out the Easy Living blog and their great list of resources for free and low-cost lifelong learning opportunities for seniors.

Our senior years offer an opportunity to engage with our communities in new ways. Starting a new course, developing a new hobby, or even earning a new degree are just a few ways to make these years rewarding.

Four Unexpected Winter Health Tips for Seniors

Beyond the seasonal colds and cases of flu, winter brings other health challenges. The sudden changes in the weather lead to dry and cracking skin, raise the chance of slips, and trap us indoors for months as we seek shelter from the cold.

Make this year different by taking a proactive approach to health this winter. With these unconventional tips, you can help the senior in your life stay healthy and safe this winter.

Find Out if Chills Have a Medical Cause

Many seniors report feeling cold even while the rest of us feel toasty warm. Always feeling cold can be caused by slow circulation—something that affects many of us as we age. Thyroid conditions can also lead to a loss of temperature regulation. Before you buy another electric blanket, check with your loved one’s doctor to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing chills. We’ve spoken with folks who have received treatment for malfunctioning thyroids, and they all report not feeling as cold. If you’ve already eliminated medical reasons for being cold, it may be time to invest in smart thermostats, space heaters, or microwaveable heat packs.

Maintain a Healthy & Varied Diet

Staying indoors for the winter months can lead to another unexpected complication for seniors: nutritional deficiencies. Our winter hibernations can cause unhealthy habits, including eating the same things over and over. Yet, we need variety in our diets to get all the vitamins and minerals we need. Vitamin D is especially crucial in the winter. Ideally, we absorb our vitamin D when our skin is exposed to the sun, but that exposure is limited in winter. That’s why nutritionists recommend consuming foods that are fortified with vitamin D, like milk and seafood, such as salmon and tuna.

Swap Canes for Walkers to Avoid Falls

The chance of falling skyrockets in winter. Frosty conditions can spell disaster for seniors, who aren’t as agile or mobile as they once were. When it’s slippery and wet outside, caregivers recommend walkers instead of canes. Others suggest keeping two walkers, one for indoors, and another that can get dirty when heading out.

Use Unscented Lotions to Soothe Dry Skin

Cracked and dry skin is painful and unattractive, but traditional treatments might not be as effective as we thought. For example, doctors recommend avoiding baby oil, which contains mineral oil and fragrances that often irritate the skin. Instead, experts recommend skin-friendly, fragrance-free lotions and creams. Stores are stocked with effective, unscented products that can reduce dry skin. For some, dry skin can get so bad that it cracks in a condition known as “winter itch.” Winter itch is a form of seasonal eczema, and, thankfully, it can be treated with antibiotic ointment. Ask your doctor if you or a loved one is experiencing this uncomfortable but treatable skin condition.

Winter is full of hazards for young and old alike. Caregivers should pay extra attention to the health and wellbeing of seniors this season. With a bit of planning, seniors can have a healthy and safe winter and get ready for warmer months ahead.