HowToDoThings.com Recent Living with the Elderly Articles

How To Write a Funeral Program

gin rummy — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:07:23 -0600

When a death occurs often the last thing you can think about is how to write the program for the funeral. Still this should be done. A program allows the mourners a visual remembrance of the deceased and the memorial. You can write a funeral program with a few little tricks by following these steps.

How To Create an Obituary

Cassandra — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:13:58 -0500

With the popularity of the Internet and online newspapers, obituaries no longer have to be short blurbs under 50 words. Several sites are now including full obituaries for everyone, not just celebrities and politicians. When faced with a death of a loved one, it is difficult to decide how to summarize his or her life in a short article tribute. Follow the steps below and you can create an obituary your loved one would be proud of.

How To Survive as a Caretaker for the Elderly

margnorton — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:46:25 -0600

Baby-boomers are struggling to care for their elderly parents. The estimates are that one out of every four adults is now caring for someone else. In the next 20 years, this number is expected to double. Many of today's caretakers are being referred to as the "sandwich generation." They are raising a family and also caring for an elderly parent at the same time. There can be advantages to this, but it is taking its toll. Caregivers are less productive at work, miss more time from work and are more stressed. For the past three years, I have assisted with my mother's care. Prior to that, I was my mother-in-law's caretaker. The following are my suggestions on how to better cope with this situation.

How To Find Senior Care Resources

Laura512 — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 18:50:00 -0600

Finding senior care resources can be challenging if you don't know how to start. There are many resources available to help senior citizens. Since some senior adults are not comfortable using the Internet, this article includes resources for seniors that are available both on the Internet (online) and off the Internet (offline).

The following is an offline list of sources for finding senior care resources:

How To Help Your Senior Who Is Hearing Impaired

L544 — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 10:19:00 -0600

Hearing impairment has far reaching implications not only for the individual with the loss, but also for those close to them. A recent study by the University of Florida indicates that 62% of elderly people admit to difficulty hearing. When you consider our aging population, this is a staggering number of people coping with hearing loss either directly or indirectly as a result of a family member or loved one who is hearing impaired.

In order to effectively help the hearing impaired senior in your life, consider the following tips:

How To Find Senior Housing

Lenore262 — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 16:35:00 -0600

For many seniors, growing older may mean a change of residence. Changes in your financial situation, your growing inability to do routine maintenance or personal changes in your life may give you a very clear signal that it's time to make a move. But a change of residence can be both a challenging and traumatic event. These suggestions for finding senior housing may help to reduce your stress.

How To Find Senior Travel Packages

Laura512 — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 17:04:00 -0600

Many airlines, hotels, and cruise lines offer discounts to senior adult travelers. By taking advantage of these deals you can save hundreds, even thousands, of dollars (depending on how often you travel). Since there are many deals out there being advertised as discounts for senior adults, it pays to shop around for the best deal.

Remember that sometimes promotional offers that are open to all travelers can be cheaper than discounts designed specifically for senior adults, so don't rule those discounts out when you plan your trip. In addition, retired senior adult travelers may take advantage of other discounts by traveling at non-peak times when other travelers would be in school or working.

Most senior travel deals begin at age 65, but a few begin at age 55, or even at age 50! If in doubt, contact the company that is providing the travel service and ask them for the age requirements for their senior adult discount program.

How To Understand the Effects of the Great Depression

Lenore262 — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 16:35:00 -0600

The Great Depression was a national and, in some respects, international catastrophe that paralyzed our society for nearly a decade. As Americans reflect on the history of the last century, they cannot help but center on the Great Depression as either an era which they endured or out of which they were born. Knowing how to understand the effects of the Great Depression can lead Americans to a fuller comprehension of the source of many of their attitudes and values. Here are a few good sources that can lead to a better understanding of the effects of the Great Depression.

How To Plan for Senior Independent Living

Laura512 — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 08:10:00 -0600

Not all senior adults require assistance. Many live independently in their own homes or in senior adult apartments. Many others live in assisted living residences where they receive a small amount of assistance. If you are elderly and intend to live alone, some safety precautions may be necessary. Use the following checklist to increase your safety at home:

Environmental concerns. It may be necessary to make changes to enhance the safety of your home, or to move into a smaller and safer environment. Surfaces such as tables and countertops may need to be lower to accommodate a wheelchair.
Avoid falls. Falls are a common cause of injury for the elderly. To minimize falls, stairs may need to be equipped with ramps or lifts. The bathroom is another frequent place for falls. Make sure that you have skid-proof surfaces installed in the tub and on the floor.

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How To Find Senior Personals

Lenore262 — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 16:47:00 -0600

Common sense and statistics tell us clearly that as our population ages, there will be a growing number of seniors who, through the death of a spouse, midlife divorce or prolonged single lifestyle, find themselves in their senior years looking for companionship, long-term relationship or marriage. But seniors often feel uncomfortable about how to respond to this need. While some rely on chance, senior socials or just give up, others have discovered another way to meet new people that is safe, discreet and allows you to maintain your distance and your dignity. Using senior personals can give you the tool you need to access a social life that may be closer than you imagine. Here's how to find senior personals.

How To Plan Your Nursing Care Routine

Laura512 — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 09:56:00 -0600

If you care for your elderly loved one at home, you will need to plan a workable daily routine to implement his or her care. There is no one nursing care routine that will meet the needs of all elderly individuals living at home. Each nursing care routine will be different based on the individual needs of your loved one.

The most important factor to keep in mind when designing a nursing care routine for a loved one at home is her medical needs. If the doctor says that your loved one needs to be turned in the bed every four hours to avoid sores, then the nursing routine must allow for her to be turned every four hours. Likewise, if the doctor says that she needs medication every six hours, the nursing routine must allow for her to receive medication every six hours.

How To Transition Your Senior Into a Nursing Home

Laura512 — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 06:58:00 -0600

One of the most difficult decisions you will ever have to make is that of moving an elderly loved one to a nursing home. Yet there are times when the severity of a senior's health problems are best met in a nursing facility.

Most seniors are apprehensive about making this move. Stories of neglect and elder abuse at nursing homes can add to their fear. The high costs associated with a nursing home can further add to the stress.

There are things that you can do to ease the transition.

If your senior's health allows it, involve them in as much of the process as possible. This may mean visiting prospective nursing homes with them, or simply discussing the details of your own visits. If your senior is unable to accompany you on the visit to the nursing home facility, photographs may help them participate in the decision.

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How To Find Active Retirement Communities

Lenore262 — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:58:00 -0600

Advances in health care and higher standards of living mean that senior citizens can look forward to more vital and productive years of retirement. Higher life expectancy also means that more and more seniors are facing the task of how to fund living in an active retirement community that will nurture their new senior citizen lifestyle. Using a step by step, organized approach can help seniors to find active retirement communities that will meet their needs.

How To Help Your Senior Who Has Memory Loss

Wendy118 — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 12:17:00 -0600

It is important that adult children know that memory loss is a sign of old age. By the time a person is in their late seventies, they will have lost approximately 10 percent of their brain cells. This means that a senior's vocabulary may shrink. Their verbal, math and spatial skills may also decline.

If your senior seems to be having acute memory loss, you should take him to the doctor to check for Alzheimer's disease, or mild cognitive impairments.

If you have a senior who has memory loss, how you behave and act toward your senior can have a great impact. These tips are for you to help your senior who is displaying mild memory loss.

How To Buy Gifts for Grandparents

Tonya249 — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 19:23:00 -0500

Buying Christmas gifts for grandparents can be a bit tricky. More than likely, they don't need any of the typically "useful" gifts, but on the other hand, you don't want to get them another knick-knack to sit on a shelf gathering dust - and possibly, getting broken by the grandkids! Here are some ideas to delight even the most difficult-to-shop-for grandparent.

How To Find Retirement Communities

Elizabeth69 — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 11:52:00 -0500

You've worked since you weren't much more than a kid and now you are finally nearing the day that you have waited for since you cashed that first paycheck. You are about to retire. No more alarm clocks, no more work--congratulations! Some retirees choose to stay put while others would rather move into retirement communities. If you are considering the latter, here are a few tips for finding a retirement community:

How To Find Jobs for Seniors

Elizabeth69 — Tue, 13 Jun 2006 19:50:00 -0500

Years ago, folks in their senior years weren't likely to remain in the work force; they seemed content to be winding down. Today's seniors are a vibrant, active group, have much to offer, and want to perform to their full potential. Many seniors, retired from their lifelong careers, seek opportunities to share their experience and unique gifts while earning a little spending money. If you are a senior looking for such an opportunity, here are few tips for finding a great job:

Network. Spread the word to friends, family members, and other acquaintances that you are looking for a job. Many will be able to offer suggestions and someone may know of the perfect opportunity!

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How To Choose a Retirement Community

Elizabeth69 — Sun, 28 May 2006 13:02:00 -0500

The term "retirement community" can refer to many types of housing available to seniors. Typically, it is used to describe a community specifically for people ages 55 or over who are healthy enough to live in an independent fashion. Choosing a great retirement community can give you opportunities to meet new people with whom you share common interests, while freeing you from some of the tasks of traditional home ownership, such as lawn care and snow removal. If you are considering a move to a retirement community, here are a few guidelines:

Ask friends and family members for referrals. Often, someone knows of a terrific place, and there is no better advertisement than a satisfied customer!

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How To Choose an Assisted Living Community

Elizabeth69 — Sun, 28 May 2006 10:20:00 -0500

Assisted living facilities offer seniors the opportunity of living in an independent environment coupled with the convenience of 24-hour access to personal assistance. Typically, services include communal meals, housekeeping, outings, and social activities. Choosing an assisted living community is an important decision. Here are a few things to consider to help you in your search:

Assess your current needs and try to foresee your needs in both the near and extended future. The ideal assisted living facility will be able to address those needs for a number of years.
Stay close to home, if possible. Try to find an assisted living community near your friends and family; one of the greatest contributors to our quality of life is the time we get to spend with loved ones. Choosing to live close to those you love will make it much easier to visit frequently.

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How To Choose the Best Retirement States

Elizabeth69 — Sat, 27 May 2006 18:30:00 -0500

You've waited for decades for this day to come, and it is finally here. You are officially retired and are the envy of your coworkers. You and your spouse are considering a move, but to where? The U.S. offers 50 beautiful states; here a few things to consider when deciding the best retirement state for you:

Money matters, specifically taxes. Although many people pay close attention to the state income tax rates of different states, for most retirees who are past their peak earning years, property taxes and sales tax are more significant factors. Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine did a study comparing the real cost of living in the capitol cities for each of the 50 states. Here's a quick summary of their findings:

#1 Dover, Delaware came out to be the most affordable. There is no sales tax and real estate taxes are very reasonable.

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How To Plan Party Games and Activities for Senior Citizens

Kathleen93 — Wed, 24 May 2006 04:32:00 -0500

It's a pleasure to plan party games and activities for seniors. The first thing you need to determine is the limitation of your party-goers. For instance, someone who suffers from arthritis in the fingers might be uncomfortable doing a craft activity. Once you know who will be attending the party, you can begin taking such things into consideration and planning the activities accordingly. Here are some suggestions.

Bingo. This is by far the most popular game among seniors. You can find inexpensive home bingo games at any toy store. For the prizes, go to your local dollar store and pick out some merchandise. Toiletries, kitchen items, personal care products and home decorations would all be good choices. You can either wrap each gift so that they are mystery prizes, or you can arrange them on a table so that the winner of each game can choose a prize.

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