.png)
Chicagoland’s # 1 senior housing concierge service
We help seniors and their families find the best senior housing in Chicagoland. Our service is FREE and we have over 85 years of combined senior housing experience
5 star reviews on
.png)
.png)
Choosing an assisted living facility is something that you should put great thought into; as this facility will be caring for you or your loved one every day of their life. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind when choosing an assisted living facility.
These are just a few of the important things to keep in mind when choosing an assisted living facility. Because choosing an assisted living facility can be time consuming and stressful, we can’t recommend enough how important it is to have someone who is experienced on your side when looking for the facility that fits your current and ongoing needs. Senior Living Experts is here for you when it comes down to choosing an assisted living facility for you or your loved one in the Chicago area.Photo by National Garden Clubs
Which is better, non-medical home care or memory care for dementia patients? The job of Senior Living Experts is to present as many facts and choices as possible so that you can choose the best dementia care for the Chicago senior you care about.
Our services are free and meant to offer guidance in helping you choose the right type care for the senior(s) in your life. We can’t answer the question, “What is best, non-medical home care or memory care for dementia patients?” This is a choice that we can only help guide you in, by providing as much knowledge to the client and family as possible.
Non-medical home care offers a variety of services; most of which are similar throughout the home care industry.
Providing at home caregiving for a client depends upon the client’s level of need (physical and mental).
Memory care refers to a facility that is specific to those who have dementia for any reason. This article about choosing Chicago assisted living facilities helps to explain what a memory care unit is about. This short 2 minute video helps explain dementia; because not all dementia is related to Alzheimer’s disease.
The biggest question when dealing with a loved one who has dementia is: Do you want non-medical home care or memory care for dementia patients like your senior loved one?Photo by Neill_blue from Unsplash
It has been all over the news.. Mickey Rooney who accused his step-son of elder abuse stood in front of congress this week to talk about his experience."If elder abuse happened to me, Mickey Rooney, it can happen to anyone," the 90-year-old actor said in testimony to the Senate Special Committee on Aging.Abuse can be neglect, physical harm or financial exploitation or all three.Mr. Rooney said he spoke because "Please, for yourself, end the cycle of abuse and do not allow yourself to be silenced any longer," he said.A study by the Government Accountability Office released at the hearing estimated 14 percent of elderly Americans experienced some form of abuse in 2009.So if you know of someone who is being abused what should you do or what can you do? I have posted some links to the best resources I could find on elder abuse on the web. Please watch out for it and report it. It shouldn't have to happen at all.National Center on Elder Abuse - www.ncea.aoa.govIf you suspect elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, Click Here for state reporting numbers, or telephone the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or the local police for immediate help..
There are five things you may not know about psoriasis, a condition with no cure that impacts over seven-million people in the US, including distinct health risks for seniors.When it comes to living with psoriasis, Senior Living Experts has you covered with comprehensive information pertaining to dermatologists and other providers in your area. Did you know that over seven-million people in the US live with psoriasis? The symptoms can range from mild to severe and is frequently seen with co-occurring medical conditions, increasing the health risks for many sufferers.
Psoriasis is no laughing matter; it is a serious chronic inflammatory disease that has no known cure. Psoriasis typically affects adults, including seniors that may experience joint-pain, called psoriatic arthritis. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, which impacts about 80% of those diagnosed and that manifests in patches of inflamed, red skin with scaling skin. Usually, people with psoriasis notice the outbreaks on knees, elbows, hands, feet, and scalp. Approximately 20% of those with psoriasis have severe conditions with more than 5% of their body afflicted with these often-itchy, irritating skin-patches.It is not unusual for people with psoriasis to also have other diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or depression.
Psoriasis has been shown to have a strong genetic link, and if one of your parents suffered from psoriasis, there is a good chance that you will, too. Outbreaks can be triggered by habits and lifestyle, which may lead to long periods of remission for many patients that choose to change specific daily habits that could be contributing to their condition. Some outbreak-triggers include:
There is no cure for psoriasis but lifestyle changes may impact the severity of your outbreaks and the frequency of your symptoms; for example, losing weight or moving to a different climate could impact your psoriasis. This condition is also treated with topical agents and phototherapy in more severe instances.
There are additional risk factors and health repercussions that exist for seniors with Psoriasis. It can be difficult to control elderly-onset psoriasis due to co-occurring medical conditions and medication risks specific to seniors. Physicians and providers may find themselves in the position of having to sacrifice treatment for mild-to-moderate psoriasis in light of addressing other serious medical issues, as medications often exacerbate and initiate psoriasis symptoms. Seniors living with psoriasis also have increased incidence of heart disease, obesity, and lymphoma. Additionally, psoriasis patients are also at a higher incidence of depression, suicide, and unhealthy habits, such as smoking or excessive drinking. Psoriasis takes a toll on the psyche, as well, and it is estimated that 50% of psoriasis patients also suffer from depression, which can be particularly troubling and difficult to treat among seniors.
Make a note: October 29th is World Psoriasis Day, initiated by the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA). The aim of this recognition is trifold: to raise awareness, disseminate information, and to give those living with psoriasis a voice in the understanding and treatment of this chronic disease. It may also help bring people together, both to relegate the stereotypes and social anxiety associated with psoriasis, as well as to create a supportive network that can improve the quality of life for those living with this disease.
Do you have symptoms of psoriasis? A dermatologist is the best provider to contract for diagnosis and treatment of symptoms associated with psoriasis. Senior Living Experts is at the helm of healthcare, helping patients navigate, network, and find the resources, providers, and answers that they need. Find a provider to address your psoriasis and to offer solutions that impact the severity, frequency, and stigma of this serious medical condition.
Last night I finally had a chance to sit down and read my friend Mark's book about reverse mortgages. Not the most exciting topic in the world so I congratulate him for tackling it. Of course it's something he is passionate about so it certainly makes it easier.
It took me about 1 hour to read the whole thing. I challenge anyone to ask me a question about reverse mortgages, their pros and cons, why you would get one and how they may be better than a home equity line of credit.
In Chicago, I have meet many seniors who paid off their homes they bought 50 years ago - homes that are now worth a million dollars. These same seniors are getting by on minimal social security checks and or pensions. Their costs have increased and yet they are literally sitting on a million dollars. If the senior wants to stay in their home (and the majority do) and they need a little help, I think it’s a great idea that they can borrow from themselves to do so.
Needless to say, I recommend the book for anyone who is considering his or her options. It’s easy to read and understand and finish knowing how they work. I personally have worked with Mark on the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk Committee (that’s him at the walk in the picture). He is smart and he is honest. And that is the kind of person you would want working with you for a reverse mortgage.
Click here if you want to contact him or learn more! (You can also buy the book from the Amazon link on this site!)
Photo by Jeffrey Czum from Pexels.
Gambling addiction in the elderly has become more common than you may think. Often people assume that gambling means spending too much time at a casino; but it can include a lot more.
There are three types of gambling addictions recognized; however, gambling addiction in the elderly is always something to be concerned with because they can quickly go through a lifetime of savings.
It's important that you address gambling addiction in the elderly as soon as possible because if left unaddressed it can lead to loosing their entire lifetime savings in a relatively short length of time.
Gambling addiction in the elderly can cause the golden years to become frightening and sad if someone doesn't step in to help.Picture by: deluxtrade / 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
You might think that meeting the marketing or admissions person on a tour is all you need when searching for senior housing for your loved one. Not so. While the marketing and admissions person is indeed important and is the person that will be able to tell you about availability, cost and show you around, there are three other people I think you should try to meet. When scheduling a tour at a community ask if its possible to meet some of the following people.
1. Executive Director (ED) - This is the person who should have a sign on their desk that says "The Buck Stops Here." This person sets the tone for the building and is ultimately responsible for making sure it runs smoothly on a daily basis. Sometimes on tours we will run in the ED and shake hands. Trust your gut. I am sure everyone is going to seem very excited to meet you, especially if there is a chance that you may be moving your loved on in. But gauge how that person really makes you feel. Do they make you feel welcome? Was their door open? Are the approachable? I have meet some that are all numbers and closed doors. I have also meet some that are too caring and spend their entire lives there. You are trying to find someone in between. Observe the ED with some of the residents. Does he or she know everyone by name? Are they really stopping to talk with the residents? If the resident is in a wheelchair does the ED get down to their eye level to talk to them?
If you are every having an issue with the care, the food, the whatever... this is the person you are going to be dealing with. I hope their door is open.
2. Nurse - This person is going to be ultimately responsible for your parents care and medication management. They will be reviewing the files, and making sure meds are properly taken. Sometimes they will be involved in routinely weighing the residents, checking blood pressure, maybe taking blood or checking insulin. While you might think that any nurse that chooses to work in an assisted living building must be caring and good with seniors - never assume.
example: I had a situation where I took a client to a very nice assisted living building to be assessed by the nurse. The nurse usually needs to ask a number of health related questions, review their medical history and make general observations. The client I was working with was relatively young (73) and has what she liked to call a "touch" of dementia. This nurse spoke to my client like she was a child. This of course caused my client to get very paranoid and scared and caused her to start acting very defensive. (Typical behavior for someone in this state.) Instead of understanding the reactions, the nurse continued to stare at and talk at the client. I would hope that a nurse would have enough experience in geriatrics to know not to speak to an elderly person like a child and not to continue to upset a person with dementia. They should know how to work around these behaviors... Needless to say the client and I chose not to move her there and she is now in another residence that specializes in Alzheimer's and dementia. This new place also worked closely with her doctor to get her medications in order so that her behaviors were more controlled.
3. Resident Service Coordinator or Director - This person is going to have more contact with your loved one than either the nurse of the ED. They will be the first person to contact you if your loved one is not doing well or has changed their eating habits or stopped going to activities or needs help with bill paying, etc. You are going to want someone who is warm, and sharp and caring. Trust your gut on this one too. This person may look or appear a little frazzled, I have yet to see one who doesn't. If they look calm, cool, collected and like they haven't a care in the world, then they aren't doing their job. On the other hand if they look like they are going to lose it and quit tomorrow, then they are not getting the support they need from the other staff to do their job. This person may or may not also be in charge of hiring and managing caregiving staff, which is extremely important.
Hopefully, when you start looking into senior living options you will be able to meet some or all of these people on the tour. It is not always possible, but maybe on your first tour you meet one and then you schedule a second tour for lunch - bring your loved one and taste their food that they claim is so great! - and see if you can meet and OBSERVE the rest of the staff in action.
The marketing director/ admissions person is good, but they can't do it all.
Questions? Ask me! Comment or email me, I have been on more tours than I care to remember and have been the marketing director at an assisted living community.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living helps your loved one continue to remain as independent as possible while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Often times when people think of senior living they think of Assisted Living as the main form of care. However, there are many branches of senior living that are easily misunderstood or looked past.
So, what makes Assisted Living different from other forms of care? Each branch of care depends on how much care a person will need. It ranges from Independent Living to Memory Care.
Independent Living
First, Independent Living is structured so the resident can choose to pay for any extra services they desire. Assisted Living includes the services, whereas, Independent Living is like having A La Carte services available.
Independent Living is designed to keep all services and activities close by, so the resident does not need to travel far in order to access what they need. There are recreational centers, libraries, bistros, and outdoor space available for the residents.
The resident can choose to get assistance with services such as dog-walking, laundry, and daily check-ins. Once someone uses a certain amount of additional A La Carte services, it may become more economical to choose Assisted Living as their choice of residency.
Memory Care
Second, Memory Care is another type of care that involves more supportive cognitive services. This is specifically aimed towards those who have Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive impairments.
This type of living is placed in a separate memory care unit with 24-hour supervised care, along with an easy layout so the residents can navigate easily. It revolves around keeping the residents not only physically healthy but mentally healthy as well. There are activities planned by staff in order to accomplish this goal, while also entertaining the seniors.
Memory Care is a great option for your loved one if they need more supportive cognitive services, as it will help them feel safe, stress-free, and supported.
Supportive Living
Next, there is Supportive Living. This form of care is the most similar to Assisted Living.
The main difference between Assisted Living and Supportive Living is that Supportive Living is subsidized by the State and there is a financial safety net. In Illinois, services offered in Supportive Living can eventually be covered by Medicaid once assets have been spent down.
Assisted Living and Supportive Living involve similar places of residency and services offered. This is a way for residents to be supported financially while still receiving the personal care services they need.
In-Home Care
Finally, there is In-Home Care, which is when a caregiver comes to your loved one’s home and helps them with the services they need.
The resident can choose how much care they need. It ranges from a few hours a day to 24/7 care. The caregiver can help with companionship, transportation, cleaning, and financial management, among other things.
In-Home Care is a way for the resident to be in the comfort of their home while being offered services to help support them with their needs.
Where Should I Place My Loved One?
Assisted Living seems to be the first thing that comes to mind when having a conversation about senior living. However, there are many different branches that are offered depending on the person’s level of care.
When looking at where to place your loved one, it is important to consider how much care they will need. This will determine whether they will be placed in Assisted Living or one of the other forms of care.
No matter which form of care your loved one ends up being placed in, they will be supported and assisted, depending on how much care they need.
https://seniorlivingexperts.com/what-should-i-look-for-in-a-memory-care-community/
According to the 2017 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures published by the Alzheimer’s Association, out of the 5.5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s dementia, around 96 percent or an estimated 5.3 million are aged 65 and older.The number is expected to continue to grow fast that, by 2050, the figure is projected to rise as high as 16 million.In the meantime, patients with Alzheimer’s have to live with the disease day in and day out. What can you do to make their lives less of a struggle?Consider hospice care, a special way of caring for people who are living with a terminal disease, while providing support to the family.Hospice care providers have the expertise to deal with dementia from the onset right throughout the end of life process. Their services may include medical care, counseling, respite care, and grief support.
It is important that you recognize when an elderly loved one needs hospice intervention. Since Alzheimer’s disease goes through progression, it is not always necessary for patients to receive hospice care early on. You just need to know when the time is right.Degenerative brain disease has three main stages – early stage or mild Alzheimer’s, middle stage or moderate Alzheimer’s, and late stage or severe Alzheimer’s. Among these stages, it is during the moderate to late stages that hospice intervention is necessary.During the middle stage, a patient will require more direct help and care from loved ones and doctors, what with them becoming frustrated more frequently and experiencing a variety of behavioral changes.During the late stage, on the other hand, most of a patient’s communication skills will be lost and recent events are often a distant memory or forgotten altogether. Add to this the physical limitations that a patient experience, such as the inability to swallow, sit up, and/or walk, constant care is crucial.Still unsure if an elderly loved one needs hospice care? You must not hesitate when any of the following symptoms manifest:
When you notice one or all of these symptoms, opt for hospice intervention right away.
Check if they offer the following:
Better yet, consult with Senior Living Experts that can help you choose the best hospice care provider and facility. They are more than willing to be a part of both hospice and palliative care for a senior loved one, ensuring that their specific needs are met.
Often there are misconceptions regarding what we do as Senior Living Advisors in the marketplace. Recently, at an educational event for seniors, a gentleman said, “ When you get paid by the senior living communities, my rate goes up because they have to pay you!” I told him in no way is this true. Communities have a line item in their budget for services like ours. They expect to pay us, and are prepared for that without affecting the resident’s monthly rate in any way. As a matter of fact, as Senior Living Advisors, we are able to negotiate rates for our clients. Often, a family may favor one community over another for various reasons, but the rate may be just out of their comfort zone. In this case, we can work with the senior living community to compromise on a rate that works well for the family. The more we negotiate, the less we make. So, in no way does the senior become impacted financially from the use of a Senior Living Advisor. On the contrary, as we will find a way to make it work financially for our clients.Another misconception, is that we will only show senior living communities that we have contracts with. Again, this is not true. We do have contracts with around 230+ communities in the Chicagoland area, city and suburbs. I would say we work with over 90% of all senior living communities in Chicagoland as a whole. But, there are some we do not work with. Sometimes communities might feel they have enough contracts with referral services, or if they are full, they may not feel they need our assistance. However, just because we don’t have a contract with a particular community, does not mean we will not suggest our client take a look at it. If it’s an obvious possible fit for the client in location, budget, and level of care, than suggesting anything other than them seeing it would be unethical. We would be doing a disservice to the client who is hoping to find the best possible living arrangement for the next phase in life.Our goal at Senior Living Experts, is to provide the best senior living options to our clients based on their specific needs and desires. We are here to protect our clients finances by working to get them the best monthly rate possible, as well as suggesting they go see all communities that would fit their wish list. Regardless, if we personally benefit or not, is placed on the back burner. Because if we don’t provide our service with integrity, than none of us will gain anything of real importance and value throughout the process.
Moving seniors to a new residence can seem like a daunting job. This brochure from the American Healthcare Association on Moving into assisted living can be helpful. Photo by David Bailey MBE ©
We’ve all discovered that friends and family may have good intentions when offering help, but can often fall short of the needs.
Focusing on one room at a time will keep things in perspective and eliminate being overwhelmed.
Reducing the amount of “things” that you have to move is going to be a big part of the process. Chances are many years of saving have led to a house filled with a variety of items. Sort – Begin with boxes or bins labeled:
Senior Living Experts can help get you through the entire process of moving seniors to a new residence with expert guidance and knowledge.
It’s important to remember our seniors who are often isolated and lonely in terms of making sure we visit them enough, and the occasional surprise gift that we all love to receive from time to time. Recently, there was a national news story about a young girl who discovered what it was that residents in skilled nursing facilities would like as a small gift. You would think would be more than things such as Kleenex, hand cream, candy bars, and other simple toiletries that we all take for granted. The girl was able to raise enough money to supply all the residents with these basic needs that meant so much to them. Here are some other ideas to keep in mind for your senior loved one when deciding what special surprise you would like to get them:
Who doesn’t like to reminisce about old times and great memories? It means so much to the senior to be able to recall all of the family and friends that made their lives so meaningful. Recalling family parties, momentous events, family vacations, and the kids when they were young. A date added to each picture would help to recall the exact time and could trigger even more happy memories the senior shared with their family and friends at the time. This, a truly meaningful gift for a senior.
We have made these for my husband’s mom using pictures of all of her grandchildren. Each month, she gets to flip over a new picture and smiling face of her beautiful grandchild. You may be able to add some wording on the event in the picture, the names of who is in the picture, and their ages at the time. It’s definitely a conversation starter when guests come into the seniors home, and is great for those family members who live far away and can’t see each other as often. It’s a good way to highlight family traditions as the months go by and the events we share throughout the year.
Talk about technology, how about a digital photo frame that changes installed pictures every couple of seconds? It’s like a revolving photo album! Another great gift for a senior, and conversation starter. The movement of the photos really brings them to life, and helps the senior feel as if their loved one is literally in the same room as them. New pictures can be added all the time very easily.
Another great gift for a senior, both in terms of working the brain through putting together a puzzle, but also doing so with the end result being a big picture of their loved ones! In most senior living communities, you will see puzzles being worked on by residents. It’s a popular activity. So, for the senior to have their very own, very personal puzzle to work on would be a highlight of their day! Once completed, the senior can have the puzzle framed.
We made a CD of all of my mom’s favorite songs for her 70th birthday. She loved it! And, at her party, we played the CD and we all ended up loving it too! We remembered all of her favorite artists and songs, and it brought back so many memories. We all know how important music is to helping people feel calm, happy, and having the ability to trigger memories. Mom can play it anytime she wants to remember the times during the popularity of those songs, but also to remember the culmination of all of her favorites at her birthday party!
Another great gift idea, is a gift card for the senior to be able to go out to their favorite restaurant, or for the family to arrive with their favorite meal once in a while. It could be a prime rib steak, or an old fashioned Chicago Style hot dog, but either way, the senior will love their favorite bite to eat!
It’s often hard for seniors to get around when driving has been given up. So, ride vouchers through the village they live in, or ride sharing services, may be a great gift to give an active senior who needs to get around.
Any picture can be put on just about anything, so why not a warm, comforting blanket? It’s great for seniors to literally feel wrapped up in their family’s love, and the senior will feel their family with them at all times. Some folks may not be aware of technology being able to print a picture on so many items, especially a blanket, so this gift may really be a showstopper!
Recently, during the holiday season, we received a request from a senior who wanted a warm, hooded sweatshirt. My mom is also someone who loves getting warm, fleece sweatshirts. Easy pull on pants are another good option for seniors, as well as slip on shoes. We all love new things and could use a new pair of clothing items as a great gift.
The best gift to give a senior is your time. When they see your face, they light up. They are so excited to catch up and see what you have been up to, how your family is doing, how your kids are, and just be in your presence. They have everything they want in terms of material possessions. Instead, what they want is your time, your arm while walking, your kiss goodbye, and your promise to come back real soon. So, don’t waste your time 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.
Retirement communities in the Gurnee area offer ideas for cheering up the lonely, in honor of Cheer Up the Lonely Day on July 11th, such as decorating the wheelchairs of seniors.Do something that matters and celebrate Cheer Up the Lonely Day on July 11th this year. Many people, particularly seniors, suffer from chronic loneliness; it is estimated that is one in five Americans are persistently lonely. Further studies show that lonely people have 14% increased risk of premature death. Check with Senior Living Experts to find senior services and resources that may help your loved one feel less-lonely, and that will improve overall quality of life. In the meantime, do something for someone else on Cheering Up the Lonely Day- or any day!
There is something about fresh flowers that brightens any day; take flowers to a lonely neighbor, friend, or stranger! Deliver them in person and save on florist costs, plus it will give you a chance to say ‘hello.’
Sometimes, the most meaningful thing you can do for another person is to spend time with them. Make sure that it is time that is free from interruptions or distractions. Visit a library for a good book and read aloud, play games, or do a puzzle together. If you really want to celebrate Cheering Up the Lonely Day on July 11th, plan to have a party. Since this is so close to Independence Day, you may be able to find great discounts and savings on patriotic-themed party supplies!
Take your lonely person outdoors for some fresh air; plan on having a picnic and enjoying the day, if the weather permits. You don’t have to prepare and pack a ton of food; make things simple. Pick up a loaf of fresh-baked bread, a pound of tasty cheese, and a bottle of wine or sparkling water. Head outside to a favorite picnic area, a nearby garden, or a scenic spot to enjoy the snack with your friend.
It has been proven that interaction with animals enhances well-being and is the perfect antidote for loneliness. Arrange for therapy dogs to visit your lonely person or people; ask local councils on aging or assisted-living facilities for more information.
It is reported that if you hug five people each and every day, you can cut your stress by 25%. Physical contact is healthy and is something that a lot of isolated and lonely seniors do not get a lot of. Give someone a hug- especially if they are lonely.
Be silly and celebrate the day; decorate a wheelchair or walker to brighten a lonely person’s day. Pick up some crafting supplies- you don’t need a lot- and bring a little bling to their mobility device.
Everything is better with fresh flowers- including your mobility device! Attach water tubes (the ones used by florists in arrangements and bouquets) to the armrests, sides, or hardware of a walker or wheelchair. Add a single bloom and perhaps some greenery- fresh herbs make a fragrant addition- for your loved ones with mobility issues.
There are so many cute and clever stickers found widely in crafting stores and sites; these make excellent decorations for a walker or wheelchair! You can also find decorative printed tape that you can wrap around handles, legs, or other element of a walker or wheelchair to give it a fun and festive look.
Inexpensive glow lights are another great way to gussy-up a wheelchair. These come in pendant-style glow lights as well as cylindrical-shaped lights so you can tape or tie them to the chairs arms, back, or handles easily. Buy these online or at local dollar discount stores.
Crepe paper streamers are a simple way to bring a celebratory air to anything- including a wheelchair. Another simple and fool-proof suggestion is to wrap colorful pipe cleaners around the spokes of the wheels. These are easy to add, and they won’t compromise the function of the wheel or create a hazard.
Plan-ahead and make wheelchair totes, bags, or caddies to share with your special people that use wheelchairs or walkers. These can be secured to the mobility device with ease, usually a button or Velcro, and will help lighten the load by carrying items for the user. Recruit crafty friends, coworkers, or neighbors to help you make a bunch of these totes to share with loved ones or to give to residents of a nearby assisted-living facility.Celebrate Cheering Up the Lonely Day by extending yourself to do something for someone else. Visit a residential or assisted-living center and brighten the day of those living there, or reach out to someone who lives alone and who might be feeling a little bit lonely. Review online resources for information related to senior services, programs, and providers. Representatives gather data with a personal care evaluation to find the right options and offerings to improve your senior’s life.
There are five things that Senior Living Experts in the Chicago area want everyone to know about strokes, including causes, symptoms, long-term impact, and why calling 911 is imperative.In the United States, someone has a stroke every 40 seconds; a stroke occurs when blood flow is blocked and oxygen is prevented from reaching the brain. Subsequently, brain cells begin to die quickly which causes the lasting effects of stroke activity, including speech impairment, vision issues, paralysis, memory loss, difficulty swallowing, mood swings, and even death, if your brain is deprived of oxygen and blood for more than four-minutes. In a country where there are around 800,000 strokes per year, the repercussions of this health condition are far-reaching and it is the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States.
When a stroke happens, the brain is being deprived of oxygen and necessary nutrients to function. Think about the symptoms in terms of the easy-to-remember acronym FAST;;face drooping, arm weakness, speech impairment, and time to call 911. If someone close to you demonstrates any of these signs, call for help and additional testing to identify if stroke activity, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), has occurred. Perhaps the scariest fact is that you can have a stroke and not even realize it until you have a CT scan or MRI later.
Anyone and everyone is at risk of a stroke, although some additional risk factors and genetic predisposition can play a significant role. Individuals living with heart disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes are even more at risk, as are African-Americans due to higher rates of hypertension (high blood-pressure). This demographic is about twice as likely to have some sort of a stroke, as well as having at a younger age too. Strokes have become such a widespread health issue that May has been dubbed National Stroke Awareness month to bring more attention, and prevention, to this medical malady. Some additional risk factors for having a stroke include:
If you have a parent, grandparent, or sibling that has suffered a stroke, your risks greatly increases- particularly if they had the stroke before the age of 65.The impact of strokes in the US go far beyond the individual’s health and well-being; strokes are the #5 cause of death in this country. For African-Americans, strokes are the #3 cause of death due to genetic predisposition, including an increased propensity for hypertension and high blood-pressure. Since strokes contribute to mood swings and depression, it would seem that the lasting effects of a stroke include physical, financial, and mental repercussions and problems. As mentioned, strokes are the leading reason for long-term disability in the US and contribute to burdens on individuals, healthcare, and societal resources widely.
Someone suffers a stroke every 40-seconds in this country, equating to around 800,000 strokes per year. The leading cause of stroke is high blood-pressure; therefore, it makes sense to maintain a healthy blood-pressure to reduce the risk of a stroke. A healthy blood-pressure is typically 120/80mmHg or lower. It is estimated that 80 million Americans have high blood pressure and around half of these cases are uncontrolled- which makes a stroke potentially imminent. Those living in residential or assisted-living situations may have more resources available to maintain a healthy blood-pressure, through diet, exercise, and medical supervision. These types of interventions can dramatically lower an individual’s risk factors, and potentially prevent stroke activity.
It is estimated that around two-million brain cells die each minute during a stroke, which is why fast response is warranted and necessary. At the first signs, symptoms, or suspicions of stroke-like activity, don’t hesitate to call 911. Anyone who experiences mild stroke activity is even more likely to suffer additional, often more-severe strokes in the future. Make sure to request additional scanning and testing during routine appointments to rule-out strokes, especially after the age of 65.A stroke kills someone every four minutes in this country; assisted living facilities are there to support and rehabilitate those recovering from strokes. In addition to medical treatment, living facilities can offer assistive devices and adaptive equipment to help patients maintain as much autonomy as possible, while also providing support and collaboration with family and caregivers. Reduce your chance of having a stroke by scheduling regular doctor visits and planning on tests that can identify risk factors or determine when a TIA as occurred. If someone you love has been affected by a stroke, talk with assisted living staff to find feasible solutions and treatment plans to provide the tools needed for a full-recovery.
The Alexian Brothers Senior Services Department is hosting a seminar called:"Where Health Begins: Nutrition For The Aging Parent" Date: Tuesday, July 11, 2007Time: 7:00pm- 8:30pm Where: Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Conference Room 2800 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village Proper nutrition is a very important part of an older adult's total well being. Susan Rizzo, RD, from the Alexian Brothers Hospital Network and Kim Kirchherr, RD, are both registered dietitians. They will talk about the nutritional value of foods and provide helpful information for family caregivers to learn about proper nutrition. There is no cost for this program, but registration is required. Call Alexian Connects M-F 7am-5pm to reserve your spot! 1-866-253-9426
We at Senior Living Experts thought you needed some good news. Here's a list of all the ways Senior Living Communities, Average Americans, and Companies Are Helping Seniors During COVID-19.
What do Senior Living Communities do in the face of Covid-19? They get creative to keep their residents happy and connected to their loved ones! Entertainers are providing their services to residents from the courtyard outside of communities so residents can enjoy from their balconies. Our Referral Partner, Lincolnwood Place, provided this to their residents last week.
Activities Directors are so creative in their ideas to provide engagement for the residents, but in a safe way. Here, you see residents enjoying a Bingo game from each other their rooms, abiding by the 6 foot distance rule.
Several communities have arranged FaceTime between seniors and loved ones. One example of this is Maplewood Senior Living (in Connecticut) have arranged for robots to provide FaceTime type capability, games, jokes, for residents to enjoy in their rooms.
What do Americans do when faced with Adversity? We come together. we all have the capability of helping our neighbors by checking in on them. Our very own, Kerry Quirin, has contacted Downers Grove Township and placed herself on a list to shop for homebound seniors. Stay safe and healthy everyone! Here are some ways in which our fellow Americans have joined the fight against COVID-19:
Our Referral Partner, Providence Life Services, is asking anyone who has the capability to sew face masks and send them to their office in Tinley Park. Contact Senior Living Experts for the address.Here is a link to learn how to make face masks:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FB--BOyTiU
In addition to companies like Target who are announcing pay raises, bonuses, and a new paid leave policy during the Covid-19 crisis, companies are stepping up.
Hope you found all of these amazing initiatives uplifting. Stay safe and have a good weekend!
We all know someone who is getting older- a parent, grandparent, or another family member- and, because they become unable to live alone, you begin thinking about a senior living community . Whether you're looking into this possibility now or preparing for the future, many families like yours wonder if it's worth it. Here are some reasons why a senior living community is worth the extra expense:
No matter the size of your home, there will always be maintenance involved in living there. Things like yard work and daily cleaning can be tolling and sometimes unachievable for seniors. This does not even include repair costs and the headache involved in hiring someone to help. When moving into a senior living community these issues are nonexistent or greatly minimized, leading to a more relaxed and enjoyable retirement for your loved ones.
Everyone as they age require different care to remain happy and healthy, and in senior living those goals are easily attainable. When picking a community, whether it be assisted living or memory care plans for each senior are personalized to meet their needs. Health, both physical and mental, can be discussed with a Senior Living Advisor to find the best match in a community.
As we age getting out and about gets harder, so therefore making and maintaining friendships can also be more difficult for seniors. One of the great things about senior living communities is how they are meant to be social places. Whether your loved one is alone or does have a significant other, talking and enjoying activities with others is crucial to many senior's happiness and mental health. Seniors care communities offer many fun, enriching activities and amenities for seniors to enjoy all in a safe way matching their level of ability.
Life on your own can be a lot of paperwork and errands. One of the most convenient things about senior living is that one payment covers most of your needs. There’s no more need for weekly grocery store runs and paying the water bill because most of your loved one's needs will be covered.
Deciding when to move into a senior living community can be a difficult question for many families, but one thing to keep in mind when making this hard choice is that moving on your terms is always better than waiting till you must. Selling a home and moving to a new place is stressful so it's best to make the move while you're in good health. This also allows your loved one to have a bigger say in what they want in a community rather than waiting till the family must make the choice. Though senior living communities do carry a higher expense they are well worth the cost for your loved ones. Whether in Barrington, Lake Barrington, North Barrington, Lake Zurich, Deer Park, Inverness, Bull Valley, Crystal Lake, Schaumberg, and Hoffman Estates, senior living communities should be a top priority for your loved ones as they age!
Your loved ones have reached an age where little gestures can have a great impact. Their livelihood and identity may feel restricted or lost within an assisted living community or a memory care community, mostly with the social isolation of COVID-19.
This is something you can help remedy. Send your elderly friend or relative a care package that will provide warm greetings and let him or her know they are in your thoughts. Here are some care package ideas that will brighten the day of your loved one:
Fun Activities
While many assisted living communities provide residents with activities, they may not offer the games or recreation that your loved one enjoys. Create an activities package designed especially for them, that incorporates their personal interests and hobbies. For the artistic soul, assemble a basket that includes paint, brushes, paper or canvas, and a book of picturesque scenes that will inspire a work of art.
For the senior who wants an escape through entertainment, create a package with his favorite movies that will suit the television and entertainment equipment he has in his room. If he doesn’t have his own television or DVD player, you could send him a tablet with downloads of the movies he enjoys. Mostly in a time of social isolation, this individual act of kindness—and the joy your loved one gets—goes a long way.
Seasonal Gifts
Send a basket that has a bundle of seasonal specialties. During the winter, you can send a holiday basket that includes a cozy throw blanket, holiday treats, handmade gifts and photos of family and friends. Springtime is perfect for gifts like seasonal produce, Easter-themed gifts, and flower bulbs that can bloom on the windowsill.
For summer, create a basket with photos of the beach, a handheld fan, sunglasses and dried exotic fruits, like mango and pineapple. Autumn is a time when you can provide your loved one with cozy slippers, pumpkin spice treats, and miniature pumpkins for festive decor.
Flowers Are Always Appreciated
Flowers are always a wonderful gift that will help your loved one brighten her room. The presence of plant life will increase the tranquility of her room and make it feel like a place of solace. You can send your loved one bouquets from FTD — a company with an online service that helps you create custom bouquets for delivery. There are a number of seasonal and special occasion bouquets that are available. Make sure you incorporate your loved one’s favorite flower, so the arrangement will feel more personalized.
Decadent Delights
Send your elderly friend or relative a basket full of goodies that will delight his senses. For the chocoholic, include drinking chocolate, a box of various truffles and maybe a humorous T-shirt that has the famous quote of “life is like a box of chocolates.” They can share it with all their friends! If your friend enjoys French cuisine, send her a package that includes video of Julia Child’s television program, a baguette, cheese and some French wine. You can also create an edible arrangement for someone who is a healthy eater and may have dietary restrictions. The arrangements can be custom made for the particular dietary needs or preferences of the gift receiver.
Celebrating the holidays with seniors can be challenging. Senior Living Experts is sharing these ideas for gifts for seniors and activities for the seniors in your life.
If you’re loved ones are in a senior living facility (assisted living, nursing home, etc.) we have some great ideas for gift giving and activities. These ideas can be adjusted to the needs and abilities of your loved one.
These gift ideas will be gifts that they can continue to enjoy throughout the year.
If your senior loved one lives in a senior living facility they will most likely have options available to keep them active. However, these options are a nice way to celebrate the holidays with seniors before, during and after the season.
Senior Living Experts wishes you and yours a very happy holiday season! We hope these tips, ideas and activities will help you enjoy the holidays with seniors.
Photo by katesheets
Assisted living facilities in the Hinesdale area can help you know when rehabilitation is needed for seniors through assessment. This can speed recovery and preserve autonomy.The goal of rehabilitation for seniors is to help restore them to maximum functioning after a medical trauma, injury, or fall. Assisted-living facilities are often the site of rehab for seniors that are unable to safely return to their living situation, but that could be prepared with treatment, intervention, and support. Another important element of rehab services is the assistance provided to the senior in making the transition home, including provision of case management, home health care, and follow-up appointments with providers. Senior Living Experts can point toward an assisted-living facility near you for assessment and possible referral for rehabilitative services.
During the assessment, a determination will be made regarding whether the stay will be short-term or long-term. Short-term rehab typically lasts from a couple days to a month or longer with the aim of returning the patient home as quickly as possible. Long-term rehabilitation could last for months, depending on the severity of the underlying reason for the stay. Regardless of the duration, rehab may involve treatment from physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and specialized physicians.Some situations that merit time in a rehabilitative care center include:
Around 300,000 people fracture a hip each year in this country; when this occurs, surgery is often involved. Rehab stays provide post-op care in addition to physical therapy to regain mobility and function. It may be too difficult for the senior to fend for themselves after this medical episode, or they may lack support at-home to ensure assistance with activities of daily living. Furthermore, a hip fracture can lead to a host of other serious medical issues, particularly without medical intervention and care.
Seniors recovering from joint injury or replacement may step-down to a rehab facility for treatment. For example, arthritis impacts 40-million people in this country. Limited mobility, chronic pain, and inflammation are some of the symptoms of arthritis that rehab can help. A physician at the assisted-living will likely reach-out to a rheumatologist for consult, assessment, or intervention during the rehab stay.
Another time for rehab is following an amputation. It is estimated that there are 185,000 amputations each year, in addition to the two-million amputees in the United States alone. This number is expected to increase two-fold by 2050, which makes the need for rehabilitation services and facilities a growing demand. Diabetes affects around 12-million seniors over the age of 65, and over 50% of amputations are related to complications from this debilitating disease. Rehab services may focus on both physical therapy to treat the amputee as well as emotional therapy to help the patient adjust to their new circumstances.
Neurological disorders, diseases, and conditions are another reason a senior may have rehabilitation. Aneurysms, Parkinson's disease, brain injury, and stroke are a few of the diagnoses that could benefit from short or long-term rehab. Around 400,000 people in the US suffer from Muscular Sclerosis, which impacts the neurological system, and that could be referred for rehab at some point in the progression of their disease.
Individuals undergoing cancer treatment or enduring biopsies of surgery for tumors will benefit from a stay in rehab. Support during this difficult time can make the difference in how quickly the senior bounces back after treatment or hospitalization. Plus, in-patient or residential rehab can improve prognoses among cancer patients by providing the perfect platform for an interdisciplinary approach to treatment, which can speed recovery and improve outcomes. The access to specialized providers and engagement of family in a recuperative setting creates a comprehensive treatment plan that can give the patient the best possible chance for full recovery.
Assisted-living facilities are the first place to go when wondering about rehab service provision. Your medical provider may refer or you can inquire by speaking to staff and setting-up consults or appointments. Whether you are in need of short-term or long-term treatment, rehab stays will get you on the road to recovery quick and going home as soon as possible.Rehab is merely another tool and resource that seniors can access in times of need. Rehab stays can preserve the independence and autonomy of older individuals by helping them recuperate quicker, recovery swiftly, and return home fast following a medical issue, injury, or trauma. Senior Living Experts can connect you with assisted-living facilities that may deem rehab a pragmatic treatment option with the goal of restoring the senior to their optimal level of function before going home.
.png)
.svg)
Your expert advisor will accumulate information necessary for proper placement, such as your needs, location, and budget.
We provide numerous recommendations based on the details provided. Our goal is to combine your needs with our knowledge of senior communities.
Your advisor will accompany you on tours so your search can be as thorough as possible. We want what’s best for your loved ones just as much as you do.
After a choice has been made and your loved one has moved into their new home, we will continuously check in to make sure everything is going well.
.svg)
Together, let’s begin the journey to finding the home that will enhance the life of your family.
-(1).png){kind=logo}
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
