If you are wondering what “Be a Santa to a Senior” is exactly, how it works, or how to get involved with the program, listen to the following audio podcast. This interview with Cheryl Stawovy, one of the owners of the Home Instead Senior Care in Oakmont, gives you vital information if you, or someone you know, would like to participate this holiday season.
Christmas is right around the corner and it’s not too early to start thinking about making the holidays brighter for seniors. Watch this informative video and consider becoming involved in this amazing program. Won’t you be a Santa to a Senior this holiday season?
Q. My 83-year-old mother-in-law misses having a dog after her long-time pet died several months ago. She’s been asking about the possibility of getting a new canine companion. I’m worried that she can’t care for a dog. Do you think it’s worth the trouble and what can I do to help?
Dogs are won
derful companions for humans of any age. According to the Humane Society of the United States, a pet can offer older adults a sense of well being and encouragement, and even a reason for living. Being responsible for another life could add new meaning to your mother-in-law’s own life, according to the Humane Society.
A pet also helps lower a person’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels, the Humane Society reports. And studies show that having a dog increases survival rates in groups of patients who have suffered cardiac arrest. Continue reading
Q. I’m a 76-year-old man who has enjoyed teaching a night class for years. I know I’m starting to suffer from dementia, however, and I’m concerned that this will affect my performance in the classroom. Do you think that will happen and are there ways to keep my mind sharp and continue to teach the subject I love?
Research recently out of Florida State University (FSU) should encourage you. The study found that while dementia may rob an older person of memory and focus, the ability to offer advice seems to be preserved.
FSU researchers have found that older adults with moderate to severe symptoms of dementia can assume advice-giving and teaching roles despite their cognitive impairments. Continue reading
Q. I’m watching my 72-year-old mother struggle with financial issues – she doesn’t have enough income to live on. I fear this will be my fate as I approach my senior years. Are there any solid careers out there for older adults?
Your fears are shared by many. Nearly half of today’s Baby Boomers do not feel confident they will have the financial resources to live comfortably during their retirement, according to a poll from The Associated Press and LifeGoesStrong.com.
With Boomers starting to retire, their financial worries are increasing. While 44 percent are not confident that they can retire comfortably, more than half (57%) report that they lost money in a retirement plan, personal investments or real estate during the recent economic downturn. Continue reading
We are all very excited here at Home Instead Senior Care to have our blog up and running! Our mission is to enable older adults to live independently and comfortably in their homes. We are hoping to provide valuable information on senior care, including the most recent advice from professionals on alzheimer’s and dementia care, diabetes, and many other senior health and safety issues. We hope you will return often to see what’s new.