Activities for Seniors To Find Meaning and Purpose in Everyday Life Think of a regular day in the life of a senior loved one. Hopefully it provides a couple of uplifting and enriching experiences: enjoying breakfast, engaging in a pleasant activity or interest, visiting with a friend or relative, watching a popular TV show. Nevertheless there is a difference between positivity and purpose. The need for a life rich with meaning and purpose is becoming more apparent, especially in the life of senior loved ones. Viktor Frankl, world-renowned psychiatrist and survivor of the Holocaust, explains poignantly, “What matters is not the meaning in life in general, but rather the specific meaning of a person’s life at a given moment.” For individuals whose identity has been focused entirely on a profession and raising a family, and who now have reached a season of retirement and fulfilled family responsibilities, it could be hard to find other meaning and purpose. At Amy’s Helping Hands, we make it a top priority to help identify activities for seniors…
Wandering and Alzheimer’s Disease: Why It Happens and How to Help Of the numerous impacts of Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most concerning is the individual's tendency for wandering and also the potential dangers which could arise in the event that the senior becomes disoriented or lost. Wandering can take place if the older adult is: Scared, confused or overwhelmed Trying to find someone or something Bored Wanting to maintain a familiar former routine (for example, going to work or shopping) Taking care of a basic need (such as looking for a drink of water or going to the bathroom) The goal is twofold; to keep the senior safe and secure, as well as to ensure his or her needs are met to try and stop the desire to wander. Try the following safety measures if your loved one is prone to wander: Be certain that the house is equipped with a security system and locks that your senior loved one is unable to master, such as a sliding bolt lock out of his or her range of vision. Many different alarms exist, from something as simple as placing a bell over…
Summer Activities for Seniors & Caregivers Enjoying the warm summer temperatures doesn't have to be a distant memory for elders and caregivers. Finding an interesting activity that is suitable for a senior’s abilities may take some creativity and planning, but it is well worth switching up the routine and getting out of the house. The Benefits of Getting Outside A main advantage of heading outdoors, even for a short period of time, is being able to soak up some sunlight. Sun exposure generates vitamin D, which is necessary for a healthy brain, bones and muscles. Getting out also enables elders to socialize with new people, and be stimulated by new experiences and environments. Ideas for Outdoor Activities When selecting activities to do with your loved one, focus on hobbies and interests that they used to enjoy. What is something they always wanted to try? Don’t be afraid to ask what they miss doing or what they’d like to revisit. Have a couple of suggestions prepared to choose from and head outside to enjoy the day together.…
Seniors Are at Risk When it Comes to Driving Every time an incident occurs on the roads that involves a senior, the question arises again whether or not people of a certain age should have to pass their driving test again, or have special restrictions for operating a vehicle. Chances are, if you have a senior loved one, this has been a topic of conversation, or you have at least thought about his or her safety behind the wheel. If you have concerns about a senior in your life driving, consider a few things, and speak with them about driving. If the family agrees driving is still an option, take advantage of a few safety tips, which are listed below. Risk Factors While everyone ages differently, and accidents on the road can be caused by anyone, some seniors suffer from health issues that make them more likely to be involved in accidents. A variety of risk factors cause crash rates to be higher among seniors. Sometimes, the accidents are caused by careless mistakes. Distractions can lead to running red lights and stop signs. People…
Protecting Seniors From Falls One of the major causes of injuries for seniors is falling. While accidents happen, a number of falls could be avoided by taking a few extra precautions and planning ahead. Falls that may not be serious for someone who is young or middle aged could be serious for a senior. As we age, bones become brittle and even the slightest fall could cause serious injury. Recent statistics have shown that ¼ of seniors over the age of 75 that experience a fall will not survive past 1 year. In order to avoid the inconvenience and pain of falling, take measures to avoid the danger. Sometimes, avoiding a fall can be as simple as relying on the assistance of a helper. Amy’s Helping Hands provides qualified helpers to help seniors in navigating their lives without accidents. Fitness Helps One of the best way to lessen your risk for falling is by staying in shape. Getting up and about keeps your body nimble and your coordination sharp. Instead of dealing with stiff joints and sore muscles, you will stay…
Excessive Clutter In A Senior's Home Can Be An Accident Waiting To Happen Caregivers can help you or your loved one deal with the hazard of over-accumulation. After a lifetime of living in one location, things can accumulate, leaving the family home packed tight with items from the lives of many people. Seniors may find themselves overwhelmed with all the memories and souvenirs in their homes. This is especially true when the time comes for them to move. Perhaps they have chosen to move to an assisted living facility or they are moving in with another family member. Maybe they have not reached this point yet, but they want to make their personal surroundings more inviting. If they are now living in an “empty nest,” it may be time for them to let go of some things from the past and enjoy their homes as all their own. If you are a senior and you need assistance sorting through a lifetime of household goods, you can call on the services of a companion aide, or caregiver, like those from Windsor Ontario’s Amy’s Helping Hands, to help you with this kind of…
