Education

A free caregiver conference!‍

Friday, November 16, 200710:00 am to 2:00 pm

‍Advocate Christ Medical Center Auditorium (Use Imaging Center Entrance)

4440 W. 95th Street, Oak Lawn

(Entrance and free parking at 43rd & Kilbourn - follow signs to Imaging Center)

Are you overwhelmed from the demands of your parents, relatives and friends?  When combined with the financial and emotional stress of caring for your children and spouse, working full time and planning for your own retirement, this can create a crisis situation for families.  Learning how to balance the competing demands on your time, attention and finances now, can save you headaches in the future. Attend the free panel discussion on planning for the future and an education fair.

To register call 800-323-8622 and ask for 1Mo4 (I have NO IDEA what that means)

‍Panel Discussion

10 am - noon

‍Experts from the fields of law, social service, medical and ethics answer the question, "What are the 3 most important things a caregiver needs to know?"

‍Lunch and Keynote Speaker

Noon - 1 pm

‍Hear author, Maya Hennessey share her experience as a family caregiver.  Maya is the author of "If I Only Had This Caregiver Book" and brings insight and humor to the caregiver experience.  Free lunch will be provided.

‍Educational Caregiver Fair

1pm - 2 pm

‍Care providers will be on hand to help you think about what you need to know as a family caregiver and introduce you to options available.

Space is limited, please call to reserve your seat.  FREE RESPITE is available, please inform the operator that you need this assistance.This conference is brought to you by the National Family Caregivers Association, Chicago Department on Aging, Age Options, Advocate Christ Medical, Rush University

March is National Healthy Sleep month. We’re going to focus on healthy sleep habits for seniors and how finding the right Chicago assisted living facility can encourage healthier sleep habits.Part of our purpose here at Senior Living Experts is not only to help seniors find living facilities that fit their needs; but to help seniors and their families learn be informed about issues that can focus on living a quality filled life.

Promoting Healthy Sleep Habits for Seniors

Our sleep needs change as we age. As infants sleep is constant; however, as adults our sleep needs become more stable. As we age we find that there are a number of reasons why healthy sleep habits for seniors are harder to come by:

• Alzheimer’s – Common problems with sleep often occur in those with Alzheimer’s disease. Many become confused between days and nights, others wake often throughout the night, and many have anxiety that can keep them from a restful night’s sleep.
• Medication – Often seniors face a number of ailments and diseases that require taking medication. The side effects of many medications can cause problems with sleep.
• Improper Diet – There are a number of foods that can cause problems with your sleep, especially as we age. Spicy foods can cause heartburn or acid reflux at night. Caffeine is known to keep people awake and seniors often spend hours sipping cups of coffee throughout the day. Reader’s Digest offers this article on 16 Foods that Help You Sleep.
• Inactivity – Being less active results in being less tired. This can often cause you to have problems falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Chronic Pain – A number elderly suffer from aches and pains. Whether the pain is constant or intermittent pain can cause problems sleeping; often keeping one from falling asleep or waking one up throughout the night.

These are just a few reasons why seniors may have problems sleeping.

5 Ways Chicago Assisted Living Facilities Can Help Promote Healthy Sleep Habits for Seniors

1. Special Memory Units – If your loved one has Alzheimer’s we can help you find memory units that specialize in caring for those with dementia and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s. When living in special units designed for those who have dementia (both non-Alzheimer’s & Alzheimer’s type) they can focus on keeping them active during the day to help avoid confusion between night and day.
2. 24 Hour Nursing Staff – Some Chicago assisted living facilities offer a 24 hour nursing staff. While some medications are necessary & their side effects cannot be changed there is the ability for the nursing staff & sometimes facility physician to address sleep issues created by medication.
3. Food Services – The ability to have meals prepared is one of the many specialty services that you can look for when deciding on a senior living facility. You can choose to remain somewhat independent by preparing some of their own meals or take advantage of a full meal service. The best part is meal services can help you get the nutrients needed to help encourage healthy sleep habits for seniors.
4. Therapies – Many senior facilities have on site therapists to offer a variety of therapy sessions to residents; helping them to stay active and moving safely. The increased action is also beneficial in making you feel invigorated during the day while helping to increase tiredness at night.
5. Pain Management – More and more senior living facilities are incorporating pain management into their care. This can include a number of non-pharmacological pain management techniques and therapies that can help decrease & manage pain better.

Make the Choice to Take Charge of Your Sleep Habits

Our free services can help you find the most comfortable types of senior living to fit your needs. Don’t worry about unhealthy sleep patterns and problems that make sleep evasive for you or your senior loved one. Contact us today to set up an appointment and help us make sure that you live a life that promotes healthy sleep habits for seniors.Photo by Neville Wootton Photography

The holidays are quickly coming upon us, so Senior Living Experts would like to share some holiday tips and ideas for seniors in order to make it fun for everyone!

Holiday Tips and Ideas for Seniors – Chicago Outings

It can be difficult to take senior family members out during the holiday season; especially with winter weather to deal with. Besides a holiday care package, taking your loved one out for some time outside of their living facilities is another great way to enjoy the season!These ideas may help you find a way to get them out and enjoying the community.

1. Holiday Events Calendar for Chicago – Find out what’s going on in the Chicago area with this online events calendar. Take notice of the free events, such as the annual Downtown Oak Park Winterfest that offers a variety of free events on December 3rd along with the option of purchasing a $20 ticket to the Cookie Walk. If you’re from the Oak Park area or live nearby check out their man other December events for the holidays here.
2. Music Therapy – The benefits of music are amazing and can work wonders on the mind and body. Locally, every Friday at Millennium Park there will be free Christmas Caroling at Cloud Gate so bundle up and enjoy the fresh air and sing-a-long. You can also enjoy music at home to create an atmosphere of calmness and serenity.
3. Christmas Lights in Chicago – Everyone loves to see the beautiful light displays during the holidays. This guide to the holiday lights in Chicago is a helpful resource. You can also take short trips around your neighborhood (using your car or transit systems) to see the lights in the early evening. Keep trips short and remember that blinking lights could be confusing to some dementia patients.
4. Holiday Tours – Prices vary to fit nearly every budget and include everything from helicopter tours to a holiday light tour via the trolley. This guide provides some great ideas for everyone, young and old.

Special Note: Remember to choose the outing that fits the abilities of your loved one best and always inquire about any special needs, such as wheelchair accessibility and places to rest if your loved one can walk but has limits.

Holiday Tips and Ideas for Seniors - Safety

Safety should always be considered when you are planning an event or special times with your senior loved one. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

• Holiday Lights – Solid lights are best because when lights blink, flash, or look as if they are moving it can cause problems with seniors. Those with dementia can become confused with the blinking; while the non-solid lights can also cause loss of balance for anyone, including seniors who are at risk for falling.
• Candles – Using LED flameless candles are the safest and best option. Today’s LED flameless candles are affordable and come in a variety of options. Realistic looking candles provide the ambiance and look of a real candle without the dangers. Many even come with a remote now so you don’t even have to get up to turn them off and on.
• Holiday Clutter – During the holidays our house can suddenly appear to look like it blew up! Be careful of holiday clutter. Gifts, decorations, extra cords, and other clutter can cause falling hazards and also confusion in those with dementia.

Happy Holidays from Senior Living Experts

Senior Living Experts hopes that your holiday season is filled with loving memories. We hope these holiday tips and ideas for seniors will help make your holidays safer and happier.Photo by fabiencambi

It can be said, without much question, that one of the biggest fears when we are searching for a place for our senior loved ones to live and be cared for is elder abuse. Let Senior Living Experts help you make the right choice.

Elder Abuse Statistics

A recent study focused on the number of injuries and possible abuse cases that occurred in certain New York City facilities; deciphering the differences in those with special needs such as dementia care and the stages of their dementia. While the study was small it brought attention to the fact that elder abuse can and does happen.

• According to StasticBrain 9.5% of the elderly will experience some type of abuse
• Abuse is more prominent in those with dementia*
• Abuse becomes more prevalent as dementia worsens*
• Statistics may be grossly underestimated due to the difficulty of obtaining information and doing research on those with dementia; along with the probable hidden violations that go unreported.
• Inability to communicate, impaired judgment, and the impaired memory of dementia patients makes them an exceptionally highly targeted group.
• Less than 1% of those abused were recorded on the patient records in nursing homes*
• According to the NCEA 47% of those in a research group who had dementia were abused by their caregivers.
• Psychological abuse is the most common type of abuse seen among the elderly with dementia; with over 88% of those studied being abused psychologically.
• Physical abuse affected nearly 20% of those in the 2010 NCEA Study of abuse of adults with dementia.

Elder Abuse Specifically in Nursing Care Facilities

Abuse can occur anywhere, but concerns are high when looking for the right facility to care for your loved one. Not only do you want to be sure that the facility can accommodate the needs of your loved one but you must be certain that they are as safe as possible.

• According to statistics from NORS nearly 8% of complaints they addressed dealt with abuse
• Abuse by caregivers and staff are not the only type of abuse experienced; as abuse by other residents of nursing care facilities has become noticeably more common*
• Financial exploitation is another form of abuse that occur, even in nursing care facilities
• According to StatisticBrain 36% of nursing homes have been in violation of elderly abuse laws

Let us help you find the safest place for you or your loved ones to live, without fear. There is no question if elder abuse occurs but when it occurs and where; using professionals to find the right home for your loved one can help you rest more easily.*NCEA Abuse of Adults with Dementia Photo by  JSchley / Pixabay

“Complexity creates confusion, simplicity focus.”--Edward deBono

‍Eleven seconds. The National Council on Aging tell us that on average an elderly person suffers a fall in the United States every eleven seconds.  In the four minutes you may spend reading this article, approximately 22 older Americans will have fallen, and unfortunately, almost a third of these falls will directly contribute to their eventual death.

When an older loved one falls, it often starts a chain reaction of questions, decisions and complexity that many of their adult children are unprepared to ask or address. Caregiving, bill-paying, cognitive ability, investment management, insurance coverage, having up to date legal documents in force, and future housing decisions all need to be addressed. The impact of the Coronavirus pandemic has only made these decisions more difficult.

This complexity can be overwhelming and stressful—and if not managed well can be costly. The key to managing such a crisis is in taking inventory of the situation, getting all the issues on the proverbial table and building a plan to simplify as much as you can. German-American painter Hans Hoffman explains simplification as follows, “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.”

‍Start by making lists of the key areas of your loved one’s life:  Medical, Financial, Legal, Housing, Family.  Under each heading start with questions or primary concerns you may have.  Include contact information for professionals who are familiar with their situation, so you know where to find it.  What is his/her medical prognosis?  How long will their assets last if care is needed? Is there any long term care coverage?  Who has been identified as the key decision makers for medical or financial issues?  If it is unsuitable to bring them back home, what housing options will be a best fit? If we need additional help, what family or friends can be counted on to be resources?

Continue to jot down questions when they come to you so that when you have the chance to speak to their doctor, attorney, financial planner, insurance agent, Realtor®, care advocate or senior housing advisor, you are ready to get the answers you need.

Separate any documentation you can find into files for financial matters, insurance, legal and housing.

‍For finances, consider consolidating multiple accounts with one firm. Not only does it simplify record keeping, but also likely saves on account fees and limits your required interactions. Also, by organizing and consolidating with a single firm, the future estate settlement after death will be much easier to process. Look into setting up direct deposit and automatic bill-pay wherever possible to simplify the day-to-day financial management.

Review insurance policies so you have awareness of what is covered. Understand the “triggers” for a long term insurance claim (if a policy exists) along with policy exclusions.  Determine whether or not a life insurance policy might have an accelerated death benefit option available to access life insurance proceeds while the senior is still living to help pay for care.

Review the estate planning documents, with an attorney if necessary, to review powers delegated to whom under the medical and financial powers of attorney, as well as wishes that were noted in any advanced medical directives about desires for life sustaining measures.Geriatric Care Managers can help with building a care plan to optimize the return to health and set expectations for rehabilitation, therapy, and assistance with the activities of daily living (ADL's).

Finally, meeting with a Senior Advisor can provide resources on bringing care into the home if necessary or vet the myriad of independent living, assisted living, memory care or continuing care retirement communities that might meet your health care needs location and budget.The prospect of managing this unfamiliar scenario may seen daunting, but by taking an organized approach to addressing needs and concerns and involving experienced, trusted professionals that have been through similar experiences many times with other clients, you can avoid the complexity that results in increased stress and unnecessary expenses.

‍For more feedback and to help identify gaps in your loved one’s living transition, take this Living Transitions Assessment and receive a customized report with steps to consider.

Caregivers and family members of Alzheimer’s patients will have to understand that communicating with Alzheimer’s patients is different than it used to be for them. These tips will help you and your family to move forward in a positive direction.

Changes in Communication Skills

The brain of an Alzheimer’s patient changes and can make communicating more difficult. Here are some common changes that can typically occur:

• Difficulty Keeping Order – A common problem with Alzheimer’s patients is that they cannot keep the order correct when given directions; causing confusion and frustration in everyday tasks that were once easy.
• Inability to Find Words – Finding the right word can be hard for those who suffer from dementia (a common symptom of Alzheimer’s). Common words that typically are used in their everyday vocabulary can become difficult to find in their head.
• Lack of Attention – You may find that your loved one has difficulty paying attention; this is a common problem with those who have Alzheimer’s.
• Understanding – Alzheimer’s patients will often have difficulty comprehending and understanding words because of their inability to fully process words or actions.
• Increased Sensitivity – Increased sensitivity to sounds and lights can cause over-stimulation and aggravation; making communicating more difficult.
• Focusing – Blocking out sounds such as a television or other conversations and noises around them can cause a problem with focusing when being involved in conversation.

7 Tips for Communicating with Alzheimer’s Patients

These tips can help you when trying to communicate with your loved one.

1. Make Eye Contact – Keeping eye contact when you communicate may help your loved one focus on what you are saying.
2. Distraction – Try to carry on a conversation in a quiet area to avoid distractions.
3. Use Names – Be sure to address your loved one with their name and remind them of who you are as you talk.
4. Touching – Touching can sometimes be too stimulating for someone with Alzheimer’s but it can also help to bring them back into the conversation that is taking place.
5. Empathize – Try to put yourself in their place and understand how frustrating it must be trying to communicate when things are so confusing.
6. Encourage Them – Encouraging them to talk with you may help them retain the ability to communicate longer into the progression of the disease.
7. Using Other Methods of Communication – Because communicating with Alzheimer’s patients can be difficult it can be beneficial to use touching, writing or other methods to convey a feeling or expression.

Everyone is different when it comes to communicating and you will have to use the methods and techniques that work best for you and your loved one. Just remember that you can enjoy being with your loved one and not necessarily have to talk in order to enjoy each others company. Communicating with Alzheimer’s patients can be very difficult but it can be done if you put in the extra effort. Please contact Senior Living Experts if you'd like more info about Alzheimer's placement. Photo by fsHH / Pixabay

An interesting correlation is evolving among those that receive memory care in Naperville: Is there a link between sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s? Many studies show a connection between sleep deprivation and dementia among seniors. Most individuals that live with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia struggle with sleep; since dementia seems to contribute to sleep, could sleep apnea be a sign of an underlying dementia? While researchers continue to seek answers that could lead to more concrete ways to identify those at risk for Alzheimer’s, make sure that your loved one has the resources and providers they need to establish if they are at risk. Senior Living Experts can point toward practitioners in your region that have expertise in this complex area.

Memory Care in Naperville: Is there a Link Between Sleep Apnea and Alzheimer’s?

assisted living professionals, caregivers, and researchers have been looking to find if a link exists between poor sleep and dementia. Seniors experiencing symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease often have a recorded history and documented past of sleep problems, in particularly, insomnia and sleep apnea.Is there a link between sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s? Researchers in the field chime-in:

Sleep Deprivation

It has been studied and established that short-term sleep deprivation is linked to transient cognitive impairment. If so, does chronic sleep deprivation cause more lasting repercussions, such as dementia? While it has not been shown that sleep deprivation causes dementia, it does contribute to the inability to make, store, and recall memories among older individuals.

Sleep Apnea

Another memory loss study indicates that sleep apnea may speed-up the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. On average, those studied with sleep apnea were diagnosed around five years sooner for the disease than those that do not experience sleep issue. Furthermore, sleep deprivation contributes to the overall risk of dementia, and those with sleep apnea have nearly twice the risk of developing dementia.

REM Sleep

REM sleep is a critical phase of the normal sleep pattern, and studies show that those who have difficulty reaching REM sleep are more likely to have dementia. These individuals dream less- around 3% less than those enter REM sleep phase without issue.

See a practitioner to determine if sleep apnea is forecasting other symptoms of dementia

It can be difficult to determine if the signs of memory loss, confusion, or irritability are dementia or if they are simply part of the aging process. The best way to assess and diagnose is through a face-to-face visit with a provider that is familiar with the patient, and that has some experience in geriatric practice. Make note of concerning behaviors or changes in mannerisms to relay to your senior’s physician during your next visit.Some things to look for when determining if your loved one has signs of dementia include:

• Sleep disturbances
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Mood instability
• Aphasia or difficulty following conversations
• Change in appetite or weight loss
• Inability to recall events, names, etc.

While there are some behaviors and patterns that follow the natural path of aging, these examples could be indicative of an underlying issue, including Alzheimer’s disease. Make sure to report such instances to your provider, and consider using tips from professional caregivers to help your loved one during this often-difficult time.Some ways that you can help those struggling with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia are:

• Remain calm, don’t yell, and maintain patience. Becoming frustrated will only increase your loved one’s angst and anxiety.
• Let your loved one speak and give them time to find the right words before attempting to help them with what they are trying to say.
• Know that symptoms increase at night, referred to as ‘sun-downing.’ Plan visits, events, and activities earlier, during daylight, whenever possible.
• Try to evoke memories that your loved one may hold on to, such as very long-term remembrances with photos, conversations, and walks down Memory-Lane. This may engage your senior more than talk related to recent events or situations that may not be as firmly embedded in memory.

Above all, remember that you are of little use to your loved one with dementia if you don’t take care of your own needs. Take time to unwind, decompress, and recover from the rigors of attending to those with increasing symptoms of dementia. Avoid caregiver burnout or compassion fatigue by taking care of yourself and setting firm boundaries with those around you.Make sure to find practitioners and providers in the region with experience working with geriatric clients, as well as those with an understanding of dementia. Senior Living Experts can help you find the right physician, caregivers, and facilities to assist when you- or someone you love- is living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, preventative tactics and approaches can slow the progression of these conditions, and the right medical resources are literally at your fingertips!

On Thursday I stopped by the *hopping* Northeast Levy Senior Center, (corner of Lawrence & Damen) which is one of the regional senior centers run by the City of Chicago.  I walked in and was greeted by a very friendly girl at the front desk.  She seems to be the “traffic” director.  She guides you to what you need.I wanted some information on what was happening in the city for seniors and to say hi to my friend Paula who is the executive director there – but happened to be out of the center at a meeting – bummer.Anyways,  they had two tables set up with information on various programs and events going on for Chicago seniors.Did you know they have people there who can help you get through the Medicare Part D maze?  More about that in another post..In the large cafeteria I saw about 70 seniors finishing up and exercise program.  There were also about 15 other seniors in there talking, knitting, etc.  I think they were waiting to take advantage of a boxed lunch.They have a large work out room and I saw 3 ladies busy on the treadmills.Down the hall there was an area with a few tables, which were full of men playing cards!Further down the hall, in another meeting room – I saw about 10 ladies in there taking a class.The only unusual thing I noticed was that  the pictures of Mayor Daley must have been taken when his dad was Mayor...(well not really but he has been in office for 17 years right?) Technically, at 63 years old, the Mayor eligible to take advantage of all the senior centers have to offer.  You only have to be 60!Bottom line was that I saw at least 150 busy, active, social seniors spending a cold but pleasant Thursday in Chicago.More on some of the activities and services I learned about coming up…

Photo from Levy Senior Center Foundation

Over the years Mother's Day gifts can become more and more complicated. Mom's change and macaroni picture frames are no longer "acceptable" gifts; but you always want her day to be special.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas for Senior Moms

One of the biggest things to remember about most mom's is that it's truly not the gift that counts as much as it is the time you give them. Remember that each of these gifts depends upon the health and abilities of your mother, along with their cognizance level.

• Pedicure/Manicure - A great gift for a mom either homebound or in senior living, you can bring a small bag or basket with everything you need for an informal and fun pedicure and/or manicure. A soft massage of lotion can be relaxing to mom or grandma's arthritic hands or feet, a soft buffing of the nails and light painting can make her feel extra special..
• Snack Basket - You can combine both special treats that mom may not be able to get on her own (a favorite cookie or candy) and tuck these treats in with some fresh fruits, fruit cups, and other healthy snacks that she can easily eat.
• Craft Basket - If your mom knits, crochets, or enjoys any type of craft you can put together a plastic container with a lid that's filled with yarn or patterns. There are other types of crafts that seniors can enjoy, depending upon their abilities also.
• Anti-Skid Socks Craft - You and your mom or grandmother can create fun anti-skid socks together while visiting at a senior living facility. This idea is inexpensive, fun, and give you something to do during a visit.
• Bathrobe - A new bathrobe can be a great gift for any senior staying in a nursing home or still living at home. Allowing them to feel comfortable and cozy, a bathrobe can be a great purchased gift.
• Books & Magazines - If your loved one enjoys reading a book (large print if needed or add a magnifying glass to help with the smaller print) then a few books you think they'd enjoy is always a good idea. For those that used to enjoy reading look into audible books that they can enjoy someone else reading to them without the strain on the eyes.
• Games - Books of word games and challenging mind games are always a great way to help keep their minds busy. Whether it's "Word Finds," "Crossword Puzzles" or "Maze Games" keeping their mind active is always a plus.

The Best Gift for Mother's Day

The best gift you can give anyone is the gift of time and for a mother that can mean a simple visit with a small gift of love. Mother's day gifts for elderly moms simply need to come from the heart; with the best gift being creating a memory of time together. Photo by ngocdai86 / Pixabay

‍

Senior Living Experts offers free services to help you find living conditions that embrace aging safely. Living alone increases the risk of death but accepting a style of living that encourages quality of life as you age can help you live a healthier, happier life

‍

When addressing the challenges facing those with Alzheimer’s disease, assisted living facilities in the Chicago area have resources to tackle this health epidemic head-on. From early identification of the disease, to support for the patient’s family, these residential facilities provide well-rounded care, from a holistic perspective, to allow patients to thrive.Know what to expect about Alzheimer’s, including the following important information:

Signs and symptoms.

Alzheimer’s signs of early onset; it is estimated that individuals usually live eight-to-ten years following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, though many may live for as long as 20 years with the disease. The symptoms of dementia may get written-off as normal signs of aging, but should be reported to providers and taken seriously.Early signs of dementia include:

• Short-term memory loss.
• Difficulty adapting to change.
• Mood changes.
• Loss of interest in things that were previously enjoyed.
• Difficulty finding the right words to express one’s self.
• Confusion.

Since this is a progressive disease, there are seven identified stages of Alzheimer’s disease, which measure the rate of decline caused by this terminal condition. The earliest stage marks no decline, while the seventh stage is marked by limitations- including inability to swallow- which typically precede death.

Distinct challenges.

One distinct challenge of Alzheimer’s is being able to identify a problem and early intervention. It is not easy to persuade someone to get help for mild dementia symptoms, which may also be attributed to age or personality. Some symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty expressing one’s self, misplacing belongings, becoming lost, difficulty problem-solving, memory loss, as well as personality changes and withdrawal. As the mild symptoms progress to the moderate stage of the disease, the need for daily support may increase, confusion deepens, and many patients may display suspicion of those around them.

Genetic predisposition.

There seems to be a strong genetic link connected to whether a person will have Alzheimer’s disease during their lifetime. There are both risk genes and deterministic genes present related to Alzheimer’s disease that can predict whether a person is likely to contract this condition. Risk genes indicate a predisposition but not a guarantee that blood-relatives will show signs of Alzheimer’s, while deterministic genes guarantee that the person will develop Alzheimer’s disease at some point.Some other risk markers for Alzheimer’s include:

• Age, as risk increases over the age of 65. Around one-third of individuals over the age of 85 have Alzheimer’s disease.
• History of head injury.
• Any type of heart disease.
• Lifestyle, including diet, activity-level, alcohol use, and smoking.

Ethnicity may also play a role in predisposition to this condition. Studies indicate that aging Latinos are one-and-a-half as prone to have Alzheimer’s than older Caucasians, while senior African-Americans are twice as predisposed to dementia-related illnesses.

Resources available.

Fortunately, patients and caregivers don’t have to go it alone. Over five-million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. This has created a network of accessible resources, including Alzheimer’s support groups as well as national advocacy organizations, to provide information, education, and empathy to those living with this condition. Work with providers and practitioners to find resources in your community to help not only the patient, but also to provide a caring network to family, friends, and caregivers, who live with the day-to-day rigors that dementia presents.

Caregiver support.

Even with supports in place, care-giving burnout is a very real risk. If you are taking care of someone battling Alzheimer’s, self-care is imperative. Enlist help, take time away, and engage the community in supporting the patient, and preventing compassion fatigue from compromising your efficacy at helping someone you love cope with this disease.Support may also manifest in resources to help family and caregivers adjust to changes caused by the illness:

• Have open, honest communication.
• Elicit information pertaining to the patient’s wishes.
• Engage the patient as often as possible.
• Connect with others in similar positions.
• Take the fear out of the disease by talking about it.

Assisted living facilities in the Chicago Area.

When patients demonstrate declines earmarked by the seven stages of Alzheimer’s, it may be necessary to make some changes. Talk with the patient about moving to a residential setting that is equipped to address challenges and manage symptoms, including assisted living facilities in the Chicago Area that offer specific resources, interventions, and treatment for Alzheimer’s patients.Visit and discuss treatment options with staff at Senior Living Experts in the Chicago area to determine the best approach for your Alzheimer’s patient. The key to maintaining autonomy and quality of life may lie with a residential setting that is accustomed to the diverse challenges and obstacles facing those living with the disease. Enlist a supportive network of providers, advocates, and caregivers for tools to help the entire family live with Alzheimer’s.

We know the aging population is predisposed to health threats due to their immuno-compromised state. But did you know that seniors with diabetes have an even higher risk?In general, diabetics are more likely to experience severe symptoms when fighting a virus. It is for that reason that it is important for the elderly and the diabetic to practice self-isolation and increased hygiene practices, especially during times like these. To be clear, diabetics are not at greater risk necessarily of becoming infected; it’s just that their complications can be more dire! It is important to be aware of the best way to stay safe and hygienic during a viral outbreak such as the COVID-19 outbreak currently taking place. Diabetics should use some of the “best practices” that are the same as they are for the seasonal flu:

1. Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. A way to keep things interesting is by singing a verse or two of your favorite song to try and make sure you wash for long enough.
2. In between washes, or if water and soap are inaccessible, use alcohol- based hand sanitizer. It should be at least 60% alcohol. Be careful that you don’t only use hand sanitizer, as people tend to become dependent on it, and it is still quite healthy to stick to the trusty water and soap!
3. When sneezing, be sure to direct your nose towards your elbow or a tissue. Coronavirus spreads via droplets so if you sneeze in the direction of an individual, droplets of saliva, or other bodily fluids can potentially infect other individuals.
4. Avoid touching your face, nose, and eyes. If you do, be sure to sanitize your hands in whatever way is available to you.
5. Be sure to clean your hard surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, phones, and computers regularly with an alcohol- based disinfectant that can kill viruses. Coronavirus can live on hard surfaces for multiple hours, and up to a few days.
6. It is less important to try and clean all soft surfaces, as Coronavirus can’t survive in such conditions.

Planning during a time like this is quite important. Be sure to collect as much as you possibly can. Information is arguably more important than hoarding food and supplies for the apocalypse, so make sure you have the contact information of your health professionals, your pharmacy and your insurance provider.There are some items that you should keep in mind and keep on hand, especially if you are being self-contained:

1. It is a great idea to try and secure extra refills on your prescriptions so you do not have to leave the house. Also see if your pharmacy can deliver (Consider that pharmacies and pharmacies may become a bit overburdened!).
2. Try and keep lots of fruits and vegetables on hand to maintain your health, even during this trying time.
3. You may be less active than normal, and you therefore may not pay attention to the fluids you are drinking. Be sure to drink enough water!
4. Lower the risk of exposure when in large public spaces. Try and find an outdoor space where you can walk but minimize human interaction. Stretching your legs and getting fresh air is still very important for your physical, mental, and emotional health.

More than 100 cases of COVID-19 have been identified and diagnosed in Illinois. Containment is key to minimizing spread. If we are going to #flattenthecurve, it is imperative that all members of society, Chicago and beyond take this seriously. Even while we are going through this difficult time, senior living communities, whether in Barrington, Lake Barrington, North Barrington, Lake Zurich, Deer Park, Inverness, Bull Valley, Crystal Lake, Schaumberg, and Hoffman Estates, are taking all the necessary precautions to keep your loved ones safe. Senior Living Experts can help you find the best senior living community in the area.

For more information: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home.htmlhttps://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/treatment-care/planning-sick-days/coronavirus

This week, for the first time, I heard the term, “Elder Orphan”. Of course, as a Senior Living Advisor with Senior Living Experts for twelve years, I have come across dozens of seniors who have no children, and no extended family members. Just the term, “Elder orphan” pulled at my heart strings. To navigate aging on your own, has got to be a lonely and frightening road to experience. According to CNN, about 22% of seniors over 65 years old are Elder Orphans, having no family in their lives. Some say being alone in life is not something to be concerned about. They will be just fine. This could certainly be true, however, there is value in being aware of services available to our seniors who may want more support as they age.

Senior Care Specialists for Elder Orphans

Geriatric Care Managers are a great option for seniors who may be alone in navigating their care, their daily bill paying, coordination of doctors appointments and personal plan of care. Some can act as Power of Attorney, which is necessary to care for the healthcare and financial issues that inevitably come into play as seniors age. Geriatric Care Managers take the entire plan of care of the senior and make sure all players on the seniors team are acting as they should to give the senior the support they need.

Calling Senior Living Experts would also be a way to construct a support system around the senior so that they can seek help from the right professional. Not only does Senior Living Experts assist in finding seniors communities to live in, we also have a wide network of other senior professionals who can assist the senior. Some of these are Elder Law Attorney’s, Senior Move Managers, home care providers, senior certified realtors, caregiver stress counselors, financial advisors, grief counselors, etc. We can create a network around the senior so that seniors are not alone at all.

Elder Orphans Facilities

Senior Home Sharing is another concept in the western suburbs of Chicago that may continue to grow in popularity. About five to ten seniors share a home, each having their own bedroom, and sometimes sharing a bathroom with another resident. There is a 24/7 manager in the home who prepares meals, does light housekeeping, and conducts activities for residents to enjoy. The atmosphere created is a very family-like, collaborative environment where everyone looks out for one another. The monthly fees to live in a shared home are very reasonable, so it’s a great option for seniors looking for more support.In closing, last night on World News, there was a story of a WWII Veteran being buried, but had no family members. When fellow Americans found out about this, dozens of strangers became family and attended the Veterans services so that he was not alone. Whether someone chooses to be alone or not, there are services available, as well as selfless people who simply want to let the senior know, they are there for them.

May is Arthritis Awareness Month and our focus is on those who suffer from debilitating arthritis. The term arthritis itself means inflammation in the joint area and can not only be debilitating but cause chronic pain that can change your life forever.

The Most Common Types of Arthritis

There are 100 different types of arthritis; however, these 4 are the most common types experienced:

• Gout - It's often a surprise to many that gout is a form of arthritis.
• Fibromyalgia - Fibro is an auto-immune disease in which the body literally attacks it's own system. Auto-immune diseases often have common symptoms of chronic pain, degenerative symptoms, and fatigue.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis - RA is another auto-immune disease that presents itself with common symptoms as mentioned above.
• Psoriatic Arthritis - PsA or Psoriatic Arthritis is also an auto-immune disease and commonly presents itself along with an unsightly rash like psoriasis; hence it's name.
• Osteoarthritis - OA is the most common type of arthritis

Caregiving for Debilitating Arthritis

Arthritis can be so painful and symptoms so severe that it becomes debilitating. When arthritis affects your quality of life it can be beneficial to seek out caregiving or some type of assisted living that can help make your life easier.

• Mobility - Once arthritis becomes debilitating, mobility can become a very big concern. Having someone available to assist you safely as you move around can help keep you more active and help slow deterioration while also reducing pain.
• Diet - Assistance with eating a balanced diet can help in many ways including maintaining weight, losing weight, eating anti-inflammatory foods, having healthy options ready to eat without needing to fix meals yourself.
• Medication Monitoring - Many assisted living facilities can monitor your pain levels; provide medication on time, regularly; suggest alternative methods of dealing with mobility & pain; and much more.
• Safety - Assisted living facilities are designed to accommodate those who are fall risks or need assistive devices for safe mobility. Grab bars, specially designed floors and other safety designs are commonly built in and help keep residents safe.
• Depression - Debilitating arthritis means that you can no longer do many of the things you used to do and this can cause feelings of depression and worthlessness. Caregivers, whether in-home or in a facility, can not only recognize signs of depression but help you address it.
• Socialization - Any debilitating disease will decrease your ability to continue many of the forms of entertainment you used to enjoy. Living in an assisted living facility can help you maintain your independence while being around others; most likely resulting in you finding a multitude of options to socialize and find new hobbies.

Senior Living Experts can help you find the best options to deal with your arthritis while maintaining your independence. The reality is that arthritis can be extremely painful at any level; but debilitating arthritis literally changes your quality of life.Photo by handarmdoc/Flickr

Earlier this week, as I was talking with a son about his mom, I had a very real Alzheimer's moment.  One of those things that happens.  Those warning signs.  Those 'safety' concerns...

Here I was talking to this gentleman about his mom's safety and how moving out of her large home into an independent living community would give the both of them piece of mind. 

And then I smelled the most horrible smell in the world.

I had been steaming some vegetables (using the steamer my grandmother gave me) in one of my beautiful Calphalon pots and *forgot* about it.  I had taken the veggies out but forgot to turn off the stove and therefore the water boiled away and I cooked my pot.  Luckily, after a good soak, the pot was as good as new.

But now I think I might need at least move to a place that provides meals... at least I know a bunch of good ones!  :)

Photo by Askar Abayev from Pexels

‍

I am constantly around seniors.  And many of the seniors I am around are in long-term care or considering long-term care. Most of them have many ailments and take lots of medications.  The exposure to this has really made me think about healthy aging.

I am starting to really pay attention to what I eat - because it seems to be one of the most important parts. Studies I read about cancer or Alzheimer's - they always talk about the healthy foods that people eat that prevent or slow down these diseases.

After years of eating the quickest and cheapest food out there, I have found myself spending more and more time (and money) in Whole Foods.  I am also going more often because I buy smaller amounts of fresher food.

That is one of the reasons I recommended Dr. Weil's book on this blog - there is a link to it on Amazon on the right. → I think he is the end all be all on the subject of healthy living and healthy eating.  The only problem is he makes me feel horrible sometimes. (Does anyone else feel this way or just me?) I hate fish!  I don't have the discipline to follow all the suggestions... but its something to aspire too.

So I will continue to read as many labels and I can bear and stay as far away from fast food as I can so that I can look forward to enjoying a nice long life and live as independently as possible in my future.

But if I do need assisted living, at least I will know where to go and how much it’s going to cost.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

‍

I was looking at the 'stats' for my blog just now and I noticed that someone found my page by entering the following question into their search bar:  "assisted living places in illinois that take medicare payments".  Here is your quick answer.NONE.Medicare does not pay for long term care.  It will pay for long term care in a rehab center after discharge from a hospital.  It will pay for out patient therapy which can be performed in and assisted living home.  But it does not pay for ROOM and BOARD. In Illinois we have some assisted living facilities that can be paid for via Medicaid, called supportive living facilities, but the rest are private pay.

‍

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

‍

Dr. Cheryl Woodson, Family caregiver, geriatrician, and author is a tireless advocate for seniors and their families.  On Thursday, August 16th, 2007 she will be presenting an informative FREE lecture titled:
"To Survive Caregiving" Daughter's Experience, A Doctor's Advice on Finding Hope, Help, and Health."
This event is going to be held at the Hallmark at 2960 North Lakeshore Drive in Chicago.  They offer free valet parking. Seating is limited so please RSVP by August 13th, 2007 to (312) 329-9060.  The event is also sponsored by Senior Bridge, an excellent private duty and care management company here in Chicago. 

The first fifty registrants will receive a complimentary copy of "To Survive Caregiving"

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

‍

Activities are a very important part of life as you age; especially if you are living in an assisted living facility. No matter what, we want to age well and as healthy as possible despite the physical and mental trials and tribulations we are handed.

Why Activities are Important in assisted living

There are 6 main aspects to healthy aging. It’s important to understand how to evaluate activities programming in assisted living facilities properly in order to ensure that the following are taken into consideration:

1. Healthy Diet – Eating a healthy diet is important for healthy aging.
2. Mental Stimulation – Constantly offering activities to keep the brain active is a vital part to aging well.
3. Quality Sleep – Keeping a schedule and sleeping well helps the brain recharge for the next day.
4. Social Life – Remaining socially active is imperative to feeling as though you are appreciated and serve a purpose.
5. Managed Stress – One of the benefits to living in an Assisted Living Facility is that stress can be limited and conditions controlled to minimize stress levels.
6. Physical Activity – Physical activity can continue throughout most of life and making sure the Assisted Living Facility you choose offers continued physical activity is important.

How to Evaluate Activities Programming in Assisted Living Facilities

Senior Living Experts will help you evaluate activities programming in assisted living facilities by asking the right types of questions to help find the activities your loved one is most likely to both appreciate and benefit from.

Types of Activities That Are Beneficial

• Seniorcising – A term that refers to exercising “senior style,” seniorcising allows people of all ages and abilities to exercise with a focus on what they can do; giving them a feeling of achievement. Even the slightest of activity can be beneficial as we age.
• Gardening – Many residents of Assisted Living Facilities are forced to leave their homes and gardens; however, a very beneficial activity includes small but safe gardening areas.
• Games/Puzzles/Reading – Having access to regular games, puzzles & reading is essential. If there is always something to do it reduces the chance of boredom.
• Community Outings – It's important that outings into the community are available to shop or visit local places of interest within the community.
• Social Interactions – We are social creatures and this need for social contact doesn’t end as we age. It’s important that programs that include social interactions with a variety of types of people regularly; especially helpful are events in which younger generations interact with the seniors.
• Classes – You’re never too old to learn and learning is a very important way to slow down the loss of cognitive impairment. Learning can include a new language, a craft, or even a creative art.
• Music – Music has long been associated with stress relief and brain stimulation that’s beneficial to aging.

Here are some categories to cover and questions to ask include:

Surroundings, Environment, Safety

• Is both the inside and outside kept up; free from litter, smells, etc?
• Does the staff look and act professional?
• Are residents greeted by name and with kindness?
• Do visitors receive immediate assistance; including being greeted at the main entry point so the staff knows who comes into the facility?
• Is the overall atmosphere pleasant, clean, safe, and happy?
• Are there enough safety and ADA (American Disabilities Act) features to accommodate current and future needs? (Non-skid floors, wide doorways to fit wheelchairs/motorized mobility vehicles, grab bars, memory units for those with dementia available, etc.)
• Are there smoke detectors, sprinklers, marked exits and clear pathways to all exits?

Policies, Services & Amenities

Our blog on Assisted Living Pricing will help alert you to some of the possible hidden costs.

• Are all amenities included in the price or is there a fee schedule available to add amenities as needed?
• What are the moving rules and fees that could be charged?
• Do they provide regular assessments with the client’s physician to ensure that their needs are being met while continuously adjusting to changes in the resident’s abilities?
• Is there a 24 hour service staff available on-site?
• What are the policies for smoking, alcohol use, and visitors?
• Can residents have food and/or cook in their apartments?

Socialization

• Do they offer a variety of on-site activities to keep residents entertained and busy?
• Are there off-site trips to help residents remain active in the community?
• Does the facility allow or have pets?
• What holidays are celebrated in the facility?

Assisted Living Facts

1. There are over 31,000 licensed assisted living facilities across the United States and over 200 listed for Chicago on Senior Housing Net.
2. Assisted Living means that a number of amenities can be offered, many with 24/7 care to help the residents. A staff can assist with a variety of tasks that can include; meals, laundry, transportation, fitness/gym, health services, safety and more.
3. All 50 states require licensing and inspections for assisted living facilities; however, this does not mean that you are necessarily guaranteed quality of care in an assisted living facility. Some facilities will maintain higher levels of standard than others (another good reason for utilizing Senior Living Experts).

Here at Senior Living Experts we know how to evaluate activities in assisted living facilities, making it easier for you to narrow down your choices for your loved one.Resources:American Alzheimer’s Association (ALZ.Org)Photo by Z-Solutions

What are the Best Activities for Seniors? The “best” is in the eye of the beholder, but with a little help from dailycaring.com, here is a list of options for seniors to consider for fun activities to engage in on a daily basis:

Activities for Elderly that Build the Body

Regular Exercise

In all senior living communities, we find full on fitness centers, or at the very least, the space available to hold a fitness class of some short. For seniors who are less mobile, communities offer chair exercise and chair yoga as alternatives. I have seen balance machines in communities with detect for the senior in which direction they would fall if in fact, they were to lose balance. This tool helps the senior understand which direction their body would tend to fall, and then therapy team members can teach the resident “how" to fall properly. Nobody expects to fall, but often this is what we see happen to seniors all too often. If we are able to educate them on the safest way to break your fall, they may not experience fractures, which we certainly all want to avoid. Exercise is a great activity for the more mobile senior too, and can add Tai Chi as an option, a walking club, dance classes, and trainer supervised resistance training. After a hard workout, we are also seeing more massage stations brought into senior living communities to relax the senior, loosen tight muscle groups, and make the senior aware of any potential health concerns noticed.

Go outside!

This is so important, even in the cooler weather. We all need sunshine and fresh air on a daily basis. If a senior cannot get outside, open a window. Sit inside, but in the sunshine and close your eyes letting the sun hit your face. This is an enjoyable activity for anyone, especially seniors who are often more prone to being indoors. I was visiting a senior living community a week ago, and when I left, it was about 30 degrees outside. It was dark as well, as it’s only the beginning of March in Chicago. As I opened the door and walked out onto the front porch of the community, I see a son enjoying some time with his mom and both were all bundled up! I was so happy to see that the son realizes how important being outside is, and how important fresh air is to make us all feel alive! March in Chicago, 30 degrees, bundled all up... Do what you have to do to get your senior outside everyday!

Activities for Seniors that Promote Imagination and Creativity

Arts and crafts

As in hobbies, our lives are so busy, we often don’t get to be as creative as we would like to be in terms of drawing, painting, sculpting, putting together scrapbooks, and the newest craze being coloring books! Working on our “masterpieces” causes one to relax, reduces stress, and anxiety. We often lose ourselves in our artistic works not realizing how much time has gone by! Senior living communities consider creativity and art to be a very unique and celebrated activity for seniors as you see some of the residents’ works displayed around the community for all to enjoy.

Hobbies

Often our lives are so busy, we don’t get to partake in the hobbies that we love as much as we would like to. Being a senior is a great time to pick up the hobby that they used to like to do, but never had the time for. Now is the time! Whether it’s knitting, woodworking, gardening, playing an instrument, or baking, senior living communities support their residents by finding ways to bring these hobbies back to the seniors who are willing to try them again. More and more communities that are new are actually waiting for their seniors to move in to determine an activity calendar because they want resident input. If the residents want to garden, raised garden beds will be built, supplies purchased, and plots divvied up! If a resident always played a particular instrument, but no longer has it, there is an opportunity to rent one and allow the resident to try it again. Hobbies are a great activity for seniors to re-familiarize themselves with, and share their hobby with their new friends.

Activities for Elderly that Sharpen the Mind and Helps to Relax

Reading

This is a great way to exercise the brain, relax, and let yourself go into another world through a great story. Seniors can choose a great book, but also magazines, E-reading, and audio books are a great option as well. Reading an old favorite can help the senior recall the events of the story which is a great tool to exercise the brain by recalling the plot, sequence to the story, and conclusion. In senior living communities as a favorite activity for the seniors, book clubs are a popular and well attended activity slot for the day. This gives the seniors the ability to participate in discussion, relate the storyline to their own lives, and is an important tool in overall socialization for the seniors. If the senior was never a big reader, they may not be aware of audiobooks as another form of storytelling, as well as the E-reading phenomenon now, so we need to be sure to introduce those mediums as a way for seniors to engage in this activity.

Play games

Game rooms are a big part of senior living communities now. Rooms are often dedicated to Scrabble playing, card playing of all kind, Bingo, word searches and puzzles. This allows residents to form groups who would like to play, or simply going in the game room on their own and putting in a few pieces to the puzzle, is a great activity for seniors.

TV, Movies, and Music

We don’t want residents watching too much TV as there are so many other more enriching activities to take part in. However, with shows from the Food Network, for example, the recipes can be followed by the baking club at the community, and a delicious treat can be created by the residents! Demonstration kitchens are often seen in senior living communities now as a way to bring a favorite recipe back for all to try. Movie nights are a regular fun activity for seniors as they reminisce about their favorite actors, favorite lines in a movie, and favorite love stories or adventures. Finally, music is imperative as a favorite activity to be brought to seniors on a daily basis. We have seen studies on how playing music to non-verbal Alzheimer’s patients can trigger language, conversation, and old memories to surface. Entertainment is an escape, just like a favorite book.

Best Social Activities for Seniors

Visitors

In working with seniors for 23 years this year, I have learned two things that the senior loves as an activity: anything to do with children and pets! They love both, and when children or animals walk through the doors of a community, faces brighten up! A lot of communities offer pet therapy as a favorite activity, as well as intergenerational activities such as seniors helping young children to read and write. It works both ways here, as the child is just as happy to be with the senior, as the senior is to be with the child.

Volunteer/Charity

Many seniors who live in senior living communities choose to volunteer at their nearest hospital or church. Volunteering gives seniors a sense of purpose, and this activity is as beneficial for the senior, as it is for the receiver. Knitting for the newborn preemies at the nearby hospital, stuffing envelopes for a not-for-profit organization, assembling care packages for the troops are just some ways a senior can help to give back. It’s a purposeful activity for the senior, that has a ripple effect in the good that it does for so many.Many senior living communities are stepping up their activity programs by asking residents what they have always wanted to do, but never could. So, when something like “skydiving” is brought up, don’t be surprised if the community works to clear the resident for the potential of fulfilling a lifelong dream! Activities are important for all of us on a daily basis, but for seniors, it’s the lifestyle that they so deserve. If you are looking for the right senior living solution for your loved one, contact us at (773) 938-3772 and we’ll be happy to help you

It’s IBS Awareness Month. We want you to understand how Chicago assisted living facilities can help irritable bowel syndrome in the elderly. Senior Living Experts can help make life a little easier for you or a senior loved one who suffers from IBS.

5 Ways Chicago Assisted Living Facilities Can Help Irritable Bowel Syndrome in the Elderly

First of all you need to begin the process of finding the right assisted living facility. There are a number of ways that Chicago assisted living facilities can help with irritable bowel syndrome in the elderly.

1. Special Diet – The diet you eat is especially relevant in those who have IBS. Finding a facility that prepares meals will help manage the IBS as much as possible. Once you know your trigger foods your diet is the beginning of eating foods that can help manage your symptoms. This comprehensive list of common trigger foods will help.
2. Other Health Issues – In addition to IBS it is common to suffer from other health issues too. Finding a facility to help with other health problems associated with IBS can make life easier by addressing the symptoms.
3. Fibromyalgia – A significant statistic associated with IBS is that 60% of those who have it are also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. FMS takes a heavy toll on the body; but with assisted living there are options available to help with the symptoms. On site therapies & treatment for IBS is probably one of the most helpful resources.
4. Stress & Anxiety – Both can affect those without IBS so it’s likely safe to assume that even without IBS stress plays havoc on the digestive system. It’s estimated that 60% of those who suffer from IBS have some type of mental disorder. Disorders are commonly associated with anxiety.
5. Lack of Energy – One of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome includes suffering from tiredness and lack of energy. Having housekeeping and personal hygiene assistance can help seniors use their time to concentrate on doing things they enjoy. Light housekeeping and assisting you with getting ready to for your day allows you to focus on enjoying life and rest.

How Assisted Living Can Help Seniors with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Consequently choosing the right senior living facility can make a big difference in your quality of life. The amenities offered and chosen are as important as location of the facility when you need help with certain health issues.

Amenities of Assisted Living That Can Help Seniors with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Meal Preparation – Soothing the Symptoms of IBS with Diet Therapy
• Housekeeping
• Laundry Services
• On Site Therapies (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Therapeutic Massage Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, etc.)
• Transportation (especially helpful for keeping doctor’s appointments)
• Indoor Pool Access & Gym (helpful for those battling joint pain caused by IBS or Fibromyalgia) – Also see this article on using water therapy for relief of IBS symptoms

In Conclusion

Let our team help you find the senior living facilities that can give you quality of life while living with IBS. assisted living facilities in Chicago can help irritable bowel syndrome in the elderly when the facility offers the amenities to manage IBS symptoms.Photo by H o l l y.