The Fieldstone Feed

As your loved one ages you may face the tough decision of whether or not it’s time for them to transition into an alternative living situation. This decision may come when it becomes no longer safe for them to live on their own or if the option for a family caregiver is not there. Your first thought may be that it is time for a nursing home, but that simply isn’t the case.

While previously nursing home may have been your only choice, depending on your situation your loved one may be a candidate for independent living or assisted living. Let’s explore the differences in care: 

Winter officially starts December 21st, so it’s not too early to make travel plans. Holiday time can be busy, filled with celebrations and family times, but it also is a fabulous time to plan a getaway. Depending on your desired activity level and whether you are trying to see snow or leave it behind, here are some of the top travel destinations for seniors!

 Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairment conditions such as dementia, come with many challenges for both the individual living with the disease and their loved ones. One of the toughest and most dangerous behaviors is wandering, which affects 6 out of 10 people.

Just a short time ago, it was incredibly rare to find someone who was part of the “Centenarian Club” or even close to it. But with advances in medicine as well as senior care, people are now living longer. Centenarian’s Day, held this year on September 22^nd, began as a way to honor people who have lived, laughed and endured all the way to 100!

Music is one of the most powerful art forms that can transform your mood and bring people together. If you reflect on some of your greatest experiences, you’ll probably remember that music was also present in those moments. Although it’s common to have different preferences in music, it is rare to meet a person who dislikes music altogether!

Save the date for August 21st and make plans to celebrate National Senior Citizen’s Day! Back in 1988, Ronald Reagan officiated this day as a way to honor and recognize our nation’s seniors. Since then, this day has been deemed an official way to recognize this generation’s lifetime of achievements, sacrifices, and contributions they have made to their communities, families, and country. Although every day is a reason to acknowledge the seniors in your lives, think ahead and do something special on August 21st to go above and beyond for these special individuals.

It’s uncharted territory for all of us, and unlike that time when you were really excited to turn 18 or 21, birthdays aren’t always so fun. Your back may hurt, you don’t remember where you left your keys and your metabolism just isn’t what it used to be.

Happiness isn’t a guarantee, and many seniors experience depression as they age. In fact, it’s estimated that 7 million people in the U.S. over the age of 65 suffer from depression. The good news is that simple changes in lifestyle can make huge leaps in a person’s state of mind. So how can seniors age happily?