By Anna Hazard
View the Rest of the SeriesIntroduction
The second part of our series on smartphone apps for caregivers and other busy holiday planners focuses on holiday themed games & other app based recreational activities that are suitable for relaxation, stress relief, or entertainment with a festive flair. These apps have been rated as proven hits with adults and should also be suitable for entertaining seniors.
All apps are free to use but many can be updated to a more premium version that removes all ads or unlocks more advanced features. Apps
0 Comments
By Anna Hazard
View the Rest of the Series
Part 2 - Holiday Games & Activities for Stress Relief
Introduction
Here are a selection of iOS and Android compatible apps that can be helpful for caregivers and other busy planners during the winter holiday season. The focus in this section is on smartphone compatible programs that will help with the various parts of organization & holiday planning (from automated gift lifts to Christmas specific recipe compendiums) as well as a few programs to help create a more festive ambiance on the user's own device.
All apps are free to use but many can be updated to a more premium version that removes all ads or unlocks more advanced features. Apps
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Previous studies have indicated that the bed and other bedroom related furniture are a the cause of a high percentage of home related injuries after accidents suffered in the kitchen and bathroom. This is particularly so for seniors who tend to spend more time in the bedroom and are already prone to injuries and accidents due to frailer health, to the point that more than 300,000+ seniors over the age of 65 are treated in emergency rooms per year due to bedroom related accidents.
Due to this, special care should be taken when it comes to choosing the proper furniture for an aging in place or accessible bedroom.
By Anna Hazard
View the Rest of the SeriesIntroduction
The next part of our Thanksgiving themed therapy toys series focuses on other DIY sensory options besides the various doughs. This includes sensory sand, paints, as well as a variety of self contained alternatives such as bottles, bags, and bins.
Similar to the doughs previously covered in the first part, these items are easy & inexpensive to craft from a variety of common items and can be used as therapy and stress relief for a wide range of ages. Sensory Sand
By Anna Hazard
View the Rest of the SeriesIntroduction
The upcoming holidays are a time for celebration and the gathering of the extended family from grandparents to grandkids, but it can also be a stressful time due to all the planning, activities, and changes in routines. Sensory toys can be a beneficial addition to the holiday paraphernalia as they are a popular choice when it comes to engaging & stimulating kids as well as Alzheimer's and dementia patients.
In addition, sensory toys are commonly used as hand therapy for those with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or a variety of other hand, finger, or arm conditions. They are also a good source of general stress relief which can be particularly helpful for those feeling frazzled by the holiday frenzy. Here are a selection of various do-it-yourself sensory toys that are inexpensive and easy to make as well as having a Thanksgiving related holiday theme. This includes having pumpkin, apple, cranberry, or mint flavors & scents that are often associated with the Thanksgiving table. Sensory Dough
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Aging in place successfully requires that one's current home is redecorated, retrofitted, or remodeled so that it remains accessible and safe as the user ages and their health & mobility potentially deteriorates. This is particularly essential for the main bedroom as it's one of the most well-used and thus important rooms within the entire household and thus should be one of the first locations remodeled for accessibility and safety.
Of all the rooms, a bulk of a person's time is spent within their personal bedroom whether sleeping or otherwise resting, preparing for the day or night, or while simply reading or using the computer. Those who may have fragile health or who may even become bedridden will be spending a proportionately greater time there as well. In general, seniors tend to spend more and more time within the bedroom as the years advance.
By Anna Hazard
View the Rest of the SeriesIntroduction
Here are a selection of further senior appropriate activities, events, and other suggestions for helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and social isolation that can commonly occur as one ages. The focus is on more Maryland specific resources, but similar organizations & events should be available in various states throughout the country.
By Anna Hazard
View the Rest of the SeriesIntroduction
Loneliness is a common problem to be found within the elderly population as social contact tends to decrease with age due to mobility and health problems as well as shrinking social circles caused by friends & family moving or passing away. These instances of social isolation tend to grow more prominent during major life transitions such as the death of family members, retirement, financial instability, surgeries or other bouts of sickness, as well as losing the ability to drive.
Chronic loneliness can have a particularly marked impact on seniors physical & mental well-being as well as their overall life expectancy. In particular the stress of loneliness and social isolation has been linked to increased risks of developing anxiety & depression, obesity, weakened immune system, cognitive decline & memory problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's & dementia, as well as an overall greater risk of premature death. In counterpoint, people who engaged in productive social activities tended to have longer life spans, improved physical & cognitive function, better moods, and an overall sense of purpose. While certain age related changes in one's physical condition such as hearing loss or low vision can be compensated with relatively minor adjustments, others will require a bit more effort to overcome. Hearing loss is one of the most common types of disabilities within the elderly and can be very isolating as its makes communicating more difficult. Left untreated, it's a condition that has been linked to cognitive decline and increased risk for developing Alzheimers or dementia, thus the use of hearing aids (as well as any necessary visual aids) is emphatically recommended for anyone who may need them.
By Susan Ashby
When looking for activities for seniors, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind. The first is whether this is an activity that you want to do with them, or you are looking for something they can do when you’re not there. If you are providing in-home care, you may be looking for both types of activities.
Before introducing a new activity, make a realistic evaluation of your senior’s abilities.
The activity you choose to introduce should have a chance of success, so don’t overlook one of these obstacles. Aging in Place by Room - Part 27 - Dining Room Flooring, Lighting, & Meal Serving Equipment10/24/2019
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Besides the general layout and furniture contained within the dining room, the specific type of flooring and lighting present can also be optimized for properly aging in place and accessibility. In addition, there are a variety of utensils, tools, and other ableware meant for use during meals (whether they are served within the dining room or elsewhere) that can be very beneficial for a senior or someone with health conditions or physical disabilities.
|
AboutNews updates, tips, and guides on senior care, senior health, stress relief and a host of other caregiving related topics from the professionals at Ella Stewart Care. |