KYW Newsradio:  

Most baby boomers want to age in place at home. Here are some factors families need to think about: https://bit.ly/3uWZ0lC

Brighter News ABC6 TV Philadelphia: How To Support Someone with Alzheimer’s

WHYY PBS NPR: 

Home care industry strained by pandemic: https://bit.ly/2ZjV9i7

FIRST for Women Magazine: 

Make Money Helping Others: These smart women have discovered surprising ways to turn their generous natures into cash: http://bit.ly/2TA0iir

Northeast Times: 

Experts give advice on how to stay cool and safe in heat: http://bit.ly/2N3raX6

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Best news for seniors
As seniors learn how to brave the increased isolation, there is good news to distill from sheltering at home while the virus puts all of our lives on pause. It is the outpouring of love and compassion from those whose mission is to provide seniors with connection and appreciation of what they are enduring.

Connection
Whether it’s leaving a meal or groceries on a senior’s doorstep, or a phone call or a facetime to check-in, loving stewards from throughout the country are creating new ways for seniors to know they are loved. Some college students concocted a 24-hour joke and story line for seniors to call, where others have volunteered to help seniors in their homes. The new “drive by cheers,” where friends, loved ones and senior advocates decorate their cars with balloons, signs and other adornments, then slowly drive by seniors’ homes, honking, cheering and waving the signs bedazzled with messages of love and hope. These compassionate souls ask for nothing in return, but their true rewards are the Cheshire cat smiles and waving hands of seniors, as they peer out their windows. We’re connecting on a whole new level that we, as a country, have embraced.

“These difficult times are peppered with silver linings.”

Look for the silver lining
Every person has a story to tell about the pandemic through their eyes; every person has been affected differently than their neighbor, both physically and emotionally. One thing for certain, these difficult times are peppered with silver linings.

Silver linings include the above-mentioned acts of love and kindness, as well as familial connections that have been enriched by a heightened sense of empathy and love.  Like never before, the “what-ifs” or the unknown about the coronavirus and our futures, have caused Americans to reflect on their lives, their loved ones and what matters most.

Seniors and their families are initiating conversations, no matter how difficult it is for some, to talk about their feelings for one another, reflecting on the past and sharing hopes for the future.  After nearly two months in isolation, we’ve all had time to think and count our blessings. A silver lining indeed. 

It’s one thing to be able to drive over to Mom’s to check on her, but not being able to, weighs on the heart. Proximity-wise, Mom may be two miles from your house, but with quarantine, it can feel like she’s a million miles away, 

Reflection
What about you? What are your thoughts as the virus continues its hold on us? Have you rekindled relationships? Learned how to use video chat with your grandchildren? Taken up a new hobby? Maybe learning a new language? Say “I love you” more often?

“We’re counting on you to write history, seniors, through your eyes.”

Seniors: preserving family history 
Seniors have a historical perspective to compare yesterday-fears to today’s crisis, making them uniquely qualified to be the family historian. What if seniors kept a journal about what it’s like today, in contrast to other historical references they’ve experienced such as war, stock market crash, the Great Depression, polio, AIDS, etc?

If you enjoy writing or journaling, consider keeping a journal of your experiences, your feelings and the struggle we’re having to contain the virus. You may want to include newspaper clippings, notes you’ve received from friends and family—even the toilet paper struggle! This is legacy writing, something you can tuck away for future generations to read and learn how you passed the time, stayed safe, weathered the virus, what you worried about most or how compassion from others brightened your stay in quarantine.

Yes, one must look hard to find the silver lining, but it’s there. Maybe you’re thankful for the outpouring of love by the community or the heightened attention from friends and family. Some are enjoying the opportunity to read, watch new shows or finally finish crocheting the afghan that they haven’t had time to finish until now.

Truly, the number one perk is taking your personal connections up a notch or two. Sharing thoughts, fears and expressing feelings is healthy and comforting.

If you’d like to create a family historical document, try journaling as we wade through the pandemic. Or create a time capsule, a scrapbook or video archive. However you choose to document this uncertain time, it will be a family treasure that provides a window into one of the most difficult periods in world history. 

We’re counting on you to write history, seniors, through your eyes.

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5 Ideas to Stay Socially Connected

For the health and safety of all Americans, health experts and government officials have asked that we battle COVID-19 by staying at least six feet away from others, self-quarantine ourselves if we have a cough or a fever, and not to gather in larger groups. This social distancing is an important part of curbing the spread of the coronavirus and slowing the demand and need for medical equipment and care that doctors are growing increasingly short on.

“For seniors who already struggle with feelings of isolation and lack of social connection,  this added isolation can be a hard pill to swallow.”

While social distancing measures are not a permanent part of our lives, it may be very difficult for some to adjust to the feelings of disconnect from others. For seniors who already struggle with feelings of isolation and lack of social connection because of health issues, lack of mobility, or a large distance between family members, this added isolation can be a hard pill to swallow. 

Fortunately, social distancing does not mean social isolation, it just means that we need to be more creative with our social worlds. Seniors can stay safe and alleviate health risks while still gaining the benefits that socializing can provide.

“Fortunately, social distancing does not mean social isolation, it just means that we need to be more creative with our social worlds.”

Here are 5 ways that seniors can stay social during the time of “social distancing” and continue to enjoy the benefits of normal human connection.

1. Use Social Media and Online Messengers – Group chats on messengers or using social media to share feelings, ask questions, and stay connected can help reduce feelings of aloneness. One group on Facebook is helping people stay connected and drive a sense of community by members from around the world sharing photos of rainbows within the group. The members are creating rainbow art and displaying it in their windows, having their kids draw rainbows on the sidewalk, and sharing their unique rainbow art in the group. This is a great way to feel connected and involved – especially for those that particularly enjoy art and/or developing a sense of camaraderie. 
2. Digital Classes/Events/Activities – The internet is amazing because there is SO MUCH available to everyone. Seniors that enjoy learning something new can attend online classes. There are even fun events like virtual tours of museums that people can participate in online. 
3. Video Coffee/Dinner Dates – Don’t skip out on your Sunday coffee date with your girlfriends. Use a phone or laptop and enjoy your coffee experience from the comfort (and safety) of our kitchen. Not only is the experience going to be less expensive, it is also going to be more comfortable and convenient. 
4. Get on The Phone – Remember when people used to spend time on the phone having full conversations with friends and family members? Seniors can enjoy nostalgic moments while talking on the phone to family, wherever they may be. Many more people are at home with time to connect now – take advantage of it. 
5. Take it to the Neighborhood – You don’t have to violate social distancing requests to connect with others in your own neighborhood. People in Italy have been playing music together from the safety of their own patios and others have connected with neighbors by creating distance games from their sidewalks and front yards. Display something funny in your window each day for the kids in the neighborhood to look forward to. Make signs with humorous jokes to uplift your neighbors spirits each day. Get creative. 

There are many ways that seniors can stay in touch and keep social connections alive – it may require a little bit of thinking outside of the box or getting creative, but the experience will be one that is remembered and treasured. It may even become a new normal that keeps you connected long past this unprecedented time of national social distancing. 

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According to CaregiverAction.org, “More than 65 million people, 29% of the U.S. population, provide care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend during any given year and spend an average of 20 hours per week providing care for their loved one.”   

Caregiver burnout” is a real challenge that can affect all caregivers at some point. The best way to combat caregiver burnout is to know how to avoid it altogether and have some strategies in place to identify and prevent.

“Caregivers should NOT take on 100% of the care of a family member.”

Caregiver burnout often happens when caregivers spend so much time caring for a loved one that they miss out on needed rest and leisure to recuperate and gain strength. Caring for a family member can be stressful, time-consuming, exhausting, and can put a strain on emotional and physical health. With the proper precautions and steps, caregivers can ultimately avoid caregiver burnout and remain in optimal health to provide the best support and care. 

Here are 5 caregiver tips that will help reduce stress and avoid caregiver burnout:

1. Healthy Acceptance – Feeling powerless in any situation is a large contributing factor to depression and anxiety. Many caregivers do not plan on becoming full-time care takers for loved ones and sometimes feel “stuck” in a role that they did not want to be in. Practicing acceptance and shifting your perspective can help alleviate feelings of depression and encourage happiness. 
2. Take Care of the Physical Self – Physical health plays a big role in the overall well-being of caregivers. Staying up-to-date on health checks and keeping doctor/dental appointments is crucial in staying physically healthy. Eating well and adopting a healthy eating plan can increase energy and improve physical and mental health. Exercise and good sleeping habits help maintain good energy, decrease stress, and promote patience and happiness. Taking care of the body will relieve feelings of stress and tension and allow caregivers to provide better support to those who need it.
3. Ask for Help – Caregivers should NOT take on 100% of the care of a family member. Even small breaks from full-time caregiving can provide essential support. Don’t be afraid of asking friends and family for help. Hire in-home support that can provide respite care and allow periodic breaks. Taking personal time is essential in avoiding caregiver burnout. 
4. Get Resources – Talk to a doctor about what local resources are available. There are oftentimes financial resources, as well as respite support and more available to caregivers.
5. Join A Support Group – Many places offer support groups where caregivers can find others who understand and relate to their situations. Support groups are a great place to get suggestions, information, learn about resources, make friends, relieve stress, and learn how to cope with the pressure that caregivers are often burdened with. If a local support group is not available, there are several online support groups that can provide powerful support.

“Physical health plays a big role in the overall well-being of caregivers.”

Caregiver burnout can result in depression, exhaustion, irritability, social withdrawal, changes in appetite and weight, excessive use of alcohol or prescription medication, increase in illness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed. Use these pro tips to prevent burnout and continue to be your best self as you care for others. 

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Remember when you were entering your 20s?

You were unstoppable, defining your world and looking forward to a bright future filled with good health and the rewards of an unbridled thirst for a successful career, right?

Those were Victoria’s dreams, too. Career minded and engaged to be married, Victoria’s dreams were shattered within seconds when a car smashed into hers at a high rate of speed. She spent the next year in the hospital fighting for her life.

Victoria’s stepbrothers and father visited her in the hospital as she lay lifeless in a coma with a maze of tubes, pumps and wires keeping her alive. With no end in sight, the only thing they could do for her was pray for a miracle.

Doctors couldn’t determine if or when Victoria might open her eyes again or breathe on her own, but eventually, she did. Her father and stepbrothers were elated at her progress.

After an arduous year for Victoria and her family, she finally returned home, this time in a wheelchair. Everyone was excited to have Victoria back home where she belonged. Her stepbrothers built a wheelchair ramp for her to get to her front door. Victoria was adapting to her new life, but with the loss of use of one arm and forever mobile by wheelchair, this was an extremely difficult adjustment for this lively young woman. She remembered her life before the accident—she could drive, walk, run, go shopping. Victoria knew she had to create a new life for herself to find happiness again.

“Victoria knew she had to create a new life for herself to find happiness again.”

Victoria moved into a small house behind her dad’s home. She knew she would need around-the-clock care by professional caregivers in order to remain as independent as possible. Being under the care of SYNERGY HomeCare of Beaumont, TX, has been the constant in her days that has improved her quality of life.

As SYNERGY HomeCare of Beaumont’s owner, Stephanie Allen, says, “We’re a part of Victoria’s journey. Early on, we realized she needed caregivers who could roll with her temperance as she adjusted to her new life. After all, Victoria is a 35-year-old woman in the prime of her life, and being confined to a wheelchair can be frustrating and depressing. Our mission is for her to feel the joy of what she can do and expose her to new ideas
and activities.”

Over the years, Victoria’s caregivers and Stephanie have developed a close bond of friendship. Stephanie shared, “Sometimes we’ll get all dressed up and go to the mall and punctuate our day with lunch or dinner at her favorite restaurant, Pappadeaux—she absolutely loves the crab!”

Victoria finds great joy in an adorable little dog, Pookie, who loves to jump onto her lap. Pookie is her shadow wherever she goes. Her caregivers take care of Pookie for her so all she has to do is love her.

Victoria loves her caregivers. Together they play games, watch their favorite TV shows and talk for hours. Sometimes Victoria will call her caregiver who is on the way to her house and ask her to bring her a hamburger. Victoria never hesitates to call Stephanie or Stephanie’s mom just to chat. Stephanie’s mom visits her and they color together and have good conversations.

“At times, Victoria still struggles with her confinement, but because she has had the same caregivers for years, they understand Victoria’s need to express her feelings and can help her get through the rough times.”

Behind Victoria’s house is a large pond. When Stephanie comes over, the two go out on the pier and watch the pond, dreaming of fishing there one day. When Stephanie asked Victoria if she’d like to go fishing, she replied, “How in the heck am I going to do that?” Stephanie was delighted to tell Victoria that she found a special rod for people who only had use of one arm. Additionally, she surprised Victoria by telling her that she asked her stepbrothers if it was all right to build a ramp and a railing to the pier that would allow her motorized wheelchair to drive onto the pier. The brothers were agreeable, and Stephanie’s friends will be building the ramp in the spring. They are excited to spend time fishing together on the pier this summer.

At times, Victoria still struggles with her confinement, but because she has had the same caregivers for years, they understand Victoria’s need to express her feelings and can help her get through the rough times.

With Victoria’s help, SYNERGY HomeCare has learned that it is not a “cookie-cutter” agency. “One size fits all” does not define what SYNERGY HomeCare caregivers do; rather they adapt their caregiving to respect the wishes and needs of each client. SYNERGY HomeCare is delighted and proud to be an extension to Victoria’s “family” and to make a positive impact in her life. This is why Victoria’s caregivers are in the compassionate business of home care, as they remain committed to her, her needs and her happiness.

The post Victoria's victory: overcoming a debilitating car accident appeared first on SYNERGY HomeCare of Philadelphia.

17 Ways to Enjoy Your Time at Home While Social Distancing

While practicing social distancing as suggested by experts, how can we combat the boredom that creeps in as we stay at home 24/7? It’s time to try new things and stretch our imaginations a bit. We’ve created a list of fun ideas to help pass the time while staying in:

1. Download the Nextdoor app on your phone.
   Nextdoor is your local hub to connect and share with your neighborhood. It’s where communities come together to keep a local shopkeeper in business. Neighbors can exchange recommendations for babysitters, plans for local events and tips about what to order at that new cafe down the street. Local agencies can connect with neighbors in need. It’s your opportunity to feel safe and connected with others in your neighborhood. Take a look at Nextdoor here.

2. Download coloring sheets for seniors.
   It’s always fun to color; a pastime that has no age limit. Click here to browse the 100s of coloring sheets you can download, print and color!   

3. Do some puzzles.
   You’ll never run out of crosswords to download, check out the large print ones found here, and the daily LA Times crossword available here.  Download, print and solve! Find more puzzles here:
   Chicago Tribune Daily Sudoku
   Chicago Tribune Daily Jumble

4. Take some free online courses.
   What have you always had a curiosity about? Is it time to take a class to learn more? With all the free online college courses available, you can take classes on everything from gardening to astrophysics. Take a look at the free online courses you can enroll in today.

5. Read free ebooks.
   Check out this site for a list of the 10 best free ebook download sites, and download a huge selection of free books to your digital reader. 

6. Listen to classic audiobooks.
   How about listening to an audiobook? Sit back, relax, listen and enjoy a classic! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have someone read to you? Check here. Love the classic kids’ tales? Choose your favorites here.
7. Listen to a mystery, thriller or true crime podcast.
   Podcasts are all the rage today. You simply find a podcast you’re interested in and listen! Use your smart phone with a podcast app to listen. There are podcasts for every possible interest. You may like thrillers or detective stories—there are podcasts for these genres. Most podcasts air new material with a weekly or monthly cadence. Find what interests you and start listening! Check out the great who-dunnits! Search thrillers here.

8. Take a break with a virtual visit to the New England Aquarium.
   The New England Aquarium plans to post daily online programming for seniors to take virtual tours or watch animal feedings and presentations.
   At 11 a.m. (ET) each day, the aquarium will post videos ranging from live feedings with Myrtle the sea turtle and other animals at the aquarium to videos of educators sharing fun facts about sharks and other marine life. 

9. Watch the Giant Panda Cam from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
   Welcome to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Panda Cams, where you can watch giant pandas Tian Tian and Mei Xiang.
   While you are watching pandas chomp on bamboo, play in trees and tumble in the grass, specially trained volunteers with Friends of the National Zoo are hard at work using these cameras to collect behavioral data on the giant pandas. Please note that while the cameras stream live 24 hours a day, FONZ volunteer operators will only be following the pandas during regular business hours.
10. Clean out your closet and donate clothes you no longer wear.
    Okay, so this one is not as fun, but you will feel great when it’s done!

11. Download games to your phone.
    Here’s a list of top game apps for seniors and how to download them.

12. Write cards or letters.
    When is the last time you wrote a letter to a friend or loved one? 

13. Dust off that jigsaw puzzle hidden in the back of your closet.
    Put your brain to work by doing a jigsaw puzzle.  If you don’t have one hidden in a closet, order one on Amazon.

14. Bake something yummy.
    When is the last time you baked cookies or that delicious angel food cake?

15. Read a book.
    All those books you’ve been meaning to read can finally get the attention they deserve.  

16. Start your spring cleaning.
    Well, now you have the time! You can do a little each day and before you know it, you’ll have a tidy, clean abode.

17. Become the family historian.
    Keep a journal about this historic time. Make note of breaking news and trends, and describe what it feels like. Document any major developments and how they affect you and your loved ones.

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A prime example of the American Dream, Joe beams with pride when reminiscing about outings where he had been honored as a special guest. He proudly displays a photo of himself shaking hands with former New York governor, Mario Cuomo, during a black-tie ceremony celebrating Joe’s “outstanding service to the legal profession and the public.” Coincidentally, this event was held at the same Waldorf Astoria hotel where his father once washed the dishes.

“While the average 105-year-old man might be slowing down, “Lucky” Lucchi is vibrant and thriving.”

At 105 years old, Joe is in better health today than a year ago, largely due to the excellent care he receives seven days a week from SYNERGY HomeCare. His primary caregiver, Rose, laughs and flexes her muscles because she is so proud of how she has helped Joe regain his strength and vitality. While the average 105-year-old man might be slowing down, “Lucky” Lucchi is vibrant and thriving.

Joe continues to receive recognition and invitations to special events for his many life accomplishments. He was recently a guest speaker at an event to honor and learn from centenarians. Because SYNERGY HomeCare caregivers take the burden out of life’s everyday tasks, Joe and his wife of 50 years can still focus on enjoying all of life’s events. They don’t have to worry about laundry, cooking, or running errands because their SYNERGY HomeCare caregiver is at their service.

Joe smiles as he says to SYNERGY HomeCare of Arlington, VA’s owner, Mitch Opalski, “The SYNERGY HomeCare caregivers help me progress. Sometimes people in the community tell me to slow down because I am walking too fast!

Joe Lucchi, his wife, and SYNERGY HomeCare caregiver from Arlington, VA Owner: Mitch Opalski

“Sometimes people in the community tell me to slow down because I am walking too fast!”

During the course of the day, no matter what I ask of my caregivers, especially Rose, she does it well and she does it willingly! She’s good. She always has a smile! Rose is available to help with any chore; she keeps me healthy.”

“SYNERGY HomeCare is a big help, the caregivers know my routine, I don’t have to tell them, they know what I like and need. They help me with everything. My caregivers are prompt and reliable. We have made numerous new friends since starting care with SYNERGY HomeCare; all of this has made a positive impact in my life.”

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