There’s an old Italian proverb that goes, “If nothing is going well, call your grandmother.” Grandparents are some pretty special people and always know the right thing to say. You can return the favor this holiday season by showing how much you appreciate them.

Host a Grandparents’ Day Out

Nothing shows appreciation and thankfulness like giving your time. Scheduling a grandparent’s day out is more than just treating your loved ones to some fun and food. It’s saying, “I value you and our time together so much that I’m making today about you.”

Create a Family Recipe Book

Your family’s favorite recipes tell a meaningful story. Treasure your family history by making some family recipes together and writing down the recipes in a book that can be shared with everyone. Your grandparents will love cooking with you and knowing that their stories and memories will live on.

Organize a Movie Night

Blankets? Check. Popcorn? Check. Movie night? Check. Set up a cozy movie night at home with your grandparents’ favorite films or classic movies from their younger years. There are so many great movies that a lot of younger people haven’t seen before, so a movie night lets the grandparents relive their childhood and brings the younger generation back in time.

Share Your Achievements

Grandparents love nothing more than to celebrate and encourage their loved ones to continue pursuing their dreams. Whether it’s a talent show, soccer game, or a tour around the house with all the trophies and ribbons, share your achievements, especially those of the grandchildren.

Teach them How to Use New Technology

Technology has changed a lot over the last couple of years. Spend an afternoon helping them get caught up to speed by teaching them how to use smartphones, tablets, or computers, and how to connect with family members through video calls or social media. Once they feel comfortable with newer technology, it’ll be even easier to stay connected and share experiences and memories together.

Write Heartfelt Letters

Texts might be nice because they send super fast and are easy, but a written letter really comes from the heart. A letter requires you to take the time to sit down, think about the person, address the envelope, and pay for the stamp. Writing a heartfelt letter takes a conscientious effort that your grandparents will always appreciate.

Plan a Surprise Family Reunion

Take a note from My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 and plan a surprise family reunion that brings multiple generations together after many years apart. Your grandparents’ faces will light up as they reconnect with distant relatives and share their stories and experiences.

Share Stories

Nothing is more valuable than hearing stories from past generations, especially your own grandparents. Get a deck of conversation cards or look up questions on the internet that prompt conversation and stories. Find the questions that dive deeper. This is even better if you can record or write down these stories to share with future generations.

How Will You Show Your Grandparents You’re Thankful for Them?

We talked about a lot of different ways to show gratitude to your grandparents. The most important thing is to make sure that you pick an activity they will enjoy. Give them your time, energy, and attention, and they will treasure whichever activity you pick.

Halloween might just be one of the most unique holidays we celebrate as a nation. It’s a time for creativity and fun, while also being a time for horror movies and scary decorations. Whether you prefer the fun, creative side or the horror and scary side of Halloween, there are tons of costume ideas for you, especially if you’re trying to stay under budget. 

Here are 4 costume ideas already in your closet or that cost less than $20.

Classic Movie Characters 

Some movie characters stand the test of time. Even when a movie may not be as popular to watch, people know these characters. We’re talking about Dr. Who, Doctor Brown from Back to the Future, Ponyboy Curtis from The Outsiders, and Johnny Castle from Dirty Dancing. These characters imprinted us with memories to last a lifetime.

You can easily find items for these costumes in your closet or at the nearest thrift stores. You’ll keep your expenses low while adding a touch of nostalgia to your Halloween celebrations.

Garden Gnome

This one’s for all your gardeners out there. No costume is better for a green thumb than a charming garden gnome. This whimsical costume is easy to put together and easy on the wallet. 

Start with a simple red or blue pointed hat (you might already have this). If you don’t have one, you can find one at a craft store or online for a few dollars. Pair it with a white shirt and overalls and voilà, you’ll be the cutest gnome in the garden!

Retro Diner Waitstaff

Halloween is a great time to relive the past and bring back some style. A retro diner waitstaff costume is a great callback to the memories your loved one has with friends and family. After a night out at the roller rink, it only made sense to stop at the local burger joint for a delicious hamburger and fries, so why not bring back those good times with a classy, retro outfit?

You can find affordable aprons and paper hats at a local party supply store or online. Pair them with white button-up shirt and black slacks or a skirt for a complete diner look. Bonus points if you can add a vintage tray and some diner-themed accessories!

Grandparent Costume

Okay, so just hear us out on this one. Some grandparents love being a grandparent so much, they may want to embrace the “senior” theme with humor by dressing up as a stereotypical grandma or grandpa. 

We’re not talking about their normal clothing here. Go raid a closet or thrift store for oversized, vintage clothing, and layer it to create the perfect “old-fashioned” look. Don’t forget the classic props like reading glasses, a cane, and a shawl or cardigan. Have fun exaggerating the senior stereotype this Halloween.

What Will You Be This Halloween?

Halloween is a wonderful opportunity for seniors to join in on the fun and creativity, all without breaking the bank. And a homemade costume is a great opportunity to craft together or go shopping at the local thrift store and laugh about some of your finds. 

So, put on your costume, grab some treats, and let the Halloween spirit fill your senior living community with laughter and joy!

When is the right time to move your loved one out of their home and into a senior living community?

How do you avoid feeling guilty for moving your loved one?

Is there a good reason to move a senior from their own home into a senior living community?

If questions like these have been swirling in your mind, you’re not alone. And you’ve come to the right place. You’re in the middle of making a really hard decision: senior living community or home.

Deep down you want to move your loved one, but you need some help knowing why that’s the right choice. In this article, we’ll explore three reasons why a senior living community may be a better option than owning a home.

More Social Opportunities

Living in a senior living community gives your loved one several opportunities to branch out and interact with new people. There are tons of social circles and clubs in senior living communities. Opportunities like these are unprecedented.

If your loved one remains in their own home, they’ll be in a familiar place, but they’ll be isolated. A senior living community will help them acclimate to their new home and give them plenty of opportunities to meet new people. The friendships and relationships with staff will make them happier and healthier.

Maintenance-Free Living

One of the most difficult parts of home ownership as people age is maintenance. What you could do at 40 may not be possible at 65 and that’s okay! 

But as we become less available and capable of significant upkeep, like mowing the lawn, replacing windows, and painting a room, the home can start to look a little dirty in the corners. While a little dirt never hurt, it can serve as a constant reminder that your loved one isn’t capable of cleaning regularly.

This is where a senior living community plays a major role in shifting the perspective. In a community, your loved one doesn’t have to worry about burdensome tasks and deal with constant reminders that they can’t do some things anymore.

Instead, they can let the maintenance crews take care of it while they enjoy their golden years!

Access to Comprehensive Care

One of the major differences between living at home and in a senior living community is the immediate access to comprehensive care. At home, you need to transport your loved one to their appointments.

Since every community is different, it’s important to ask these kinds of questions during your initial visit. Additionally, make sure the communities you visit and live in offer the care you need. There are several levels of care available in each community, and some communities even have amenities like fitness and wellness centers to help seniors. 

Independence Without the Hassle

Here are a few other benefits of living in a senior living community vs. living at home:

• Meals are provided for you.
• Light housekeeping is done for you.
• Hassle-free living — you pay one bill instead of dealing with multiple bills like water, sewage, heat, etc.

Owning a home is great, but there comes a time when it’s too much to maintain. A senior living community gives your loved one the independence they crave without the hassle of maintenance. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Every person needs different things. Babies need constant attention. Teenagers need space. Adults need help raising their babies and teens. And seniors need the comfort and safety of an assisted living community.

As a senior living community located in the heart of the Midwest, we understand the unique concerns and considerations of individuals in this region. Let’s talk about the right time for seniors to go into an assisted living community and get the attention they need and the life they deserve.

Maintaining Independence and Quality of Life

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are one of the best indicators of self-sufficiency and independent living. ADLs include tasks such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, or even navigating the home. When your loved one starts struggling to do these tasks, it may be time to explore assisted living options.

Health and Safety Considerations

Health and safety is no laughing matter. Chronic and painful conditions can limit and isolate a person from healthy interactions and medical care. Especially when seniors live alone, the risks are too great for accidents. Assisted living communities are equipped to provide the necessary support and care to ensure every senior’s safety and well-being.

Loneliness and Social Isolation

Loneliness and social isolation significantly impact seniors’ mental and emotional well-being. If a senior finds themself alone, and craving social interaction and companionship, they may be ready for a change. Senior living communities offer so many different ways to expand a senior’s friend circle and make lasting connections. Enjoying a sense of community is important for overall happiness and quality of life.

Home Maintenance and Upkeep

Homes hold a special place in our hearts. They’re a chest of memories, laughs, and tears. But with all the good comes a lot of work. There comes a time when maintaining a home is too much work and increasingly difficult to manage. Between cleaning, yard work, home repairs, and maintenance, the tasks are overwhelming and stressful. Assisted living communities ease the burden and take care of all those responsibilities so that your loved one can enjoy life and pursue other interests.

Family Caregiver Stress

Before most seniors enter an assisted living community, their family is normally their caregiver. As wonderful and supportive as this is, it’s incredibly stressful for the family caregiver. A caregiver plays a major role in every aspect of life for the senior. And to fulfill those needs, they need to make sacrifices in their own life, which often means spending less time with their own family. This can be physically and emotionally draining. Switching to a senior living community can be just the change everyone involved needs to balance life and get the necessary support and care. 

Conclusion 

There’s no time like the present to make a change in your senior’s living situation. We always recommend making the change sooner rather than later so that you can do as much research as possible without feeling rushed. 

This decision is hard. There’s so much involved in making the right choice. But if your loved one is struggling with any of the challenges listed above, the right time to switch to an assisted living community is now.

Woohoo! Summer is here! With all your fun plans for this hot season, it’s easy to overlook hydration. You don’t want to make that mistake!

It’s essential for seniors to maintain proper hydration levels. While drinking enough water is vital, did you know that certain foods can also contribute to staying hydrated? To help you stay cool and hydrated this summer, let’s explore the best foods for seniors to incorporate into their diet.

Watermelon

Nothing says summer like a juicy slice of watermelon! With its high water content of approximately 92%, watermelon is an excellent choice for seniors to stay hydrated. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this delicious fruit helps replenish fluids and prevent dehydration. Its natural sweetness and refreshing nature make it a perfect snack for seniors in senior living communities.

Cucumber

Cucumbers are a fantastic addition to summer hydration plans. Composed of 96% water, cucumbers are incredibly hydrating and low in calories. They are also rich in vitamins K and C, which support bone health and boost the immune system. Seniors can enjoy the cooling and refreshing crunch of cucumbers as a snack, or water infusion, or incorporate them into their meals to stay hydrated and nourished. Because cucumbers have a neutral flavor with subtle sweetness, they are easy to add to almost any recipe.

Berries

Berries, like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, are not only delicious but also packed with water content. These superfoods contain approximately 85-92% water, making them a hydrating option for seniors. Additionally, berries are rich in antioxidants and fiber, promoting heart health and aiding digestion. Seniors can enjoy these delightful treats as a refreshing snack, or add them to yogurt, smoothies, or salads to enhance both flavor and hydration.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale are not only nutritious but also high in water content. These greens typically consist of 90-95% water, making them an excellent choice for seniors in the summer months. Leafy greens are great for salads, sandwiches, and wraps. They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and hydration. Seniors in senior living communities can enjoy these versatile greens and their numerous health benefits while keeping their hydration levels in check.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is a natural and refreshing beverage that serves as an excellent alternative to sugary drinks. It is packed with electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and magnesium), which help replenish fluids and keep you hydrated. Coconut water is also low in calories and fat-free, making it a healthier choice for seniors. Like water and milk, you can use coconut water as a base for smoothies and mocktails, offering seniors a delicious and hydrating option.

How Will You Stay Hydrated This Summer?

Staying hydrated during the summer months is crucial, especially for seniors in senior living communities. By incorporating hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, berries, leafy greens, and coconut water into their diet, seniors can enjoy delicious and nutritious options that help maintain proper hydration levels, support overall health, and beat the summer heat. Stay cool, healthy, and energized this summer with proper hydration!

As people get older, making new friends can become a challenging task. People often feel isolated as they age because their children and friends move, and there are seemingly fewer opportunities for seniors to gather together. These kinds of challenges lead to loneliness and isolation, which is the worst thing that can happen to someone as they grow older.

But have no fear, there are many senior living clubs and leagues that offer opportunities to connect with others and make new friends. Here are some senior living clubs we recommend: 

Senior Centers

One of the many great things about cities is that they’re often filled with senior centers. Senior centers are great gathering areas for a range of activities and programs. Your loved one can participate in fitness classes, arts and crafts workshops, games, and other social events. And the best part is your senior can make new friends and find people to spend time with.

Senior Sports Leagues

Almost every child spends at least one season playing sports in their lifetime. And now, your senior can do the same thing. There are senior sports leagues popping up left and right around the country. Seniors can participate in softball, golf, swimming, tennis, disc golf, and many other sports. These leagues are great for physical fitness and socialization.

Book Clubs

C.S. Lewis said, “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” If your loved one resonates with that statement, then a book club is the perfect option for making new friends. 

Book clubs are a great way to connect with others who share your love of reading. Many libraries and bookstores offer senior book clubs, and there are also online book clubs that you can join from the comfort of your own home.

Culture Clubs

The world is filled with culture. And people shouldn’t stop learning about other countries and cultures just because they’re getting older. Culture clubs are great opportunities for seniors to come together to travel around the world, share their stories, and participate in fun activities that teach them about other nations.

And the cool thing about culture is that it’s not limited to travel. Art and theater are great avenues for learning about other cultures, and they’re engaging. Art and acting aren’t just for the young in age but also for the young at heart!

So, whether you’re interested in theater, music, art, or travel there are many senior arts and culture clubs that offer opportunities to enjoy these activities with others. From attending concerts and plays to visiting museums and galleries, these clubs provide a fun and engaging way to make new friends and explore your interests.

Making new friends as a senior can be challenging, but joining a senior living club can be a fun way to meet new people and engage in meaningful activities. Research the different centers, clubs, and leagues in your area to find the best options for loving life and making new friends.

Moving a loved one into a senior living community is a big adjustment for your family and requires careful planning. Figuring out which community is best for your loved one requires you to determine the kind of care they need–but you don’t have to do this alone.

Let’s go over the four main types of senior assisted living care that you can choose from and how to determine which level of care your senior needs.

Type #1: Independent Living

Independent living communities are great options for seniors who can still complete activities of daily living (ADL) but need some help with the light maintenance of a home. Your loved one won’t have to worry about any light housekeeping or emergency services in independent living quarters because the community provides those.

If your senior can safely drive, travel, and maintain a healthy level of personal care, independent living is an excellent option.

Type #2: Assisted Living

Assisted living is a step up from independent living. In short, your older family numbers won’t have to lift a finger for home maintenance in assisted living. The community takes care of it all.

Additionally, the homes come with a kitchenette, linen services, and emergency services. This kind of living situation is an excellent option for seniors who need help outside of personal care. They can’t quite care for a home, but they can take care of ADLs.

Type #3: Short-Term Rehab

At Pivotal Health Care, many of our communities offer short-term rehab services. These services cover physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Residents who need short-term rehab can access these services 5-6 days per week.

We understand that rehab is essential for a senior’s well-being, so we offer these in-house services to help take care of our residents. Seniors need short-term rehab if they are recovering from an injury, surgery, or other accident.

Type #4: Long-Term Care

Long-term care is the ideal service for residents who need assistance with ADLs, health, and personal hygiene. Residents can qualify for long-term care following a thorough assessment from our nursing staff. Following the assessment, the nursing staff will determine which services your loved one needs to preserve their dignity and respect their wishes towards their medical care.

Residents in our long-term care communities have access to 24-hour nursing care, rehab services, and electronic medical charting–all the things necessary for excellent care.

Choosing the Right Level of Care

Finding the right senior living community is challenging. The best way to decide which senior living community is right for you is to schedule a tour and have a list of questions ready to ask.

It’s so important to choose the right level of care for loved ones, and senior living communities have trained professionals who can give you an honest assessment of your loved one’s needs.

If you’re ready to start your search, schedule a tour with one of Pivotal Health Care’s highly-rated communities.

Questions To Ask When On A Senior Living Community Tour

The time has finally come. Your family is looking at senior living communities because your loved ones need assistance with daily activities. Even though you knew this day would come, it’s still hard.

Finding a suitable senior living community is like finding a new home–there are plenty of options but you keep looking until you find the one that feels right.

Here at Pivotal Health Care, we want to help simplify the process for you. Ask these questions during your tours to find the best fit for your family.

Question #1: What’s the cost of living?

No surprise here–it’s important to figure out how much each senior living community costs. This isn’t a job interview where you don’t want to come across as too eager and ask about compensation. This is an important question that needs answering.

However, keep in mind that cost isn’t everything. Remember, your loved ones are living here full-time. Make sure the cost balances out with amenities, safety, food, and other accommodations.

Question #2: What amenities are available for residents?

Knowing what you’re paying for is good, so make sure you find out about all the amenities. Asking this question is especially helpful for seniors with physical limitations and disabilities. You want to make sure your loved one can enjoy their new home and everything that comes with it.

When you ask about amenities, don’t be afraid to ask about events. More and more communities are offering events, live music, delicious food trucks, and many other things. So, if a community has great gathering areas, a pool, or other community spaces, it’s not unreasonable to ask about events.

Question #3: How does the community keep its residents safe?

This one is a no-brainer. You need to find out how the senior living community is keeping its residents safe. There’s a burglary every 30 seconds in this country, and seniors can be at heightened risk because they often can’t physically defend themselves.

Although burglary trends are declining, you want to know if your loved one is protected. Asking about security systems, security guards, and gated communities is essential to making the right decision for your family.

But safety isn’t all about a burglary. It’s also about what happens in case of emergencies. Like when the weather takes a turn for the worse and the power goes out. It’s important to figure out how the senior living community takes care of its residents during these times of need.

Ask the important questions

It’s really easy to get overwhelmed in a senior living community. There are plenty of places to visit, and you’re absorbing information like water out of a firehose. During your tours, take in as much information as possible and grab as many pamphlets as possible. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions and write the answers down.

But most importantly, listen to your gut. Trust how you feel about a community.

It’s that time of year when families gather together to share the holiday spirit. Christmas is a wonderful time to share meals and favorite recipes and give presents to loved ones. 

As you start checking people off your list, you finally come to your older family members. You’re ready to purchase them a beautiful, heartfelt gift, but you’re completely stumped. What do you get someone who can buy anything they want throughout the year?

We want to help you avoid this problem. Here are four great Christmas gifts for the seniors in your life.

Gift Idea #1: Coupon Book

This first gift idea is great for children to give to their grandparents or older family members. A coupon book can be filled with chores that the older family member needs help completing or fun outings and adventures.

The child includes several coupons with different activities, and the recipient “cashes in” on these gifts throughout the year. This is a great way to make a Christmas gift keep giving throughout the year..

Gift Idea #2: Tablets

Don’t live close to your loved ones? No problem. Tablets are a great gift for seniors who live far away. With a tablet, you can video call, share photos, text, call, and post on social media all with a click of a button.

There are so many tablets available on the market today. Find the one that works best for your senior and gives the best access to loved ones.

Gift Idea #3: Custom Calendar

As your family grows, there’s nothing sweeter than photos to remember special moments. Gifting a yearly calendar customized with photos from the year of family members and trips is a great way to spark excitement on every page.

A custom calendar is an excellent way to showcase birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Additionally, calendars are great for seniors with memory loss becuase it serves as a great reminder of important days and offers pictures of family members alongside the holidays.

Gift Idea #4: Cards and Board Games

Card games and board games are a great way to spend quality time with family and laugh with competitive spirit. Whether you’re playing Rummikub, Nertz, 42, Settlers of Catan, or any other game, you can gift your senior their favorite board game.

Want to make it more special? Find a game your loved one played as a child or young adult and surprise them with a new edition. A blast to the past is a great way to lift spirits and give your older family members the opportunity to teach the younger family members a new game.

Christmas Time is Here!

With the holidays around the corner, now is the best time to purchase a meaningful gift. With homemade gifts like coupon books, technology, customized calendars, and novelty games, you’re sure to shock and awe your loved one with a great gift this holiday season.

And from our family to yours, Merry Christmas!

It’s that time of year when family and friends gather for the holidays and enjoy each other’s company. This time together is precious, especially for families with elderly members. The last thing you want is not to see your grandparents on Thanksgiving.

Unfortunately, because of difficult travel conditions and dietary restrictions, Thanksgiving can be challenging for your elderly members. Help them enjoy the holidays with these simple adjustments.

Plan in Advance

Even though the holidays happen every year, it always seems like they come by surprise. Next thing you know, it’s November and Thanksgiving is right around the corner.

Avoid making hasty decisions and travel plans by taking the extra minute to plan the holiday in advance. When elderly members are part of your family, it’s best to consider how travel will affect them.

With enough notice, family members can buy plane tickets or drive into town. In most cases, it’s easiest to visit older family members than to have them come to you.

Adjust the Menu

Everyone has a favorite dish during Thanksgiving. But as people age, some food becomes more difficult to eat, like turkey.

When deciding who cooks what on this special day, consider what’s easier for your elderly family members to eat. This is where casseroles and potatoes come to play. Their softer texture is easier to chew and filled with flavor.

If you’re like most families, you plan on having a turkey. Help the elderly by cutting their turkey into small pieces for them so it’s easier to chew.

Part of adjusting the menu is considering health and dietary restrictions. Consider low-sodium and low-fat options. With a slight adjustment to the menu, everyone can be happy and enjoy their food.

Organize Fun Activities

Thanksgiving is about family time and appreciating one another. Although everyone loves to watch Thanksgiving Day football, have some other activities available.

We strongly recommend board games, card games, fishing (depending on your climate and location), strolls around the neighborhood, and anything else your family enjoys doing.

Better yet, find a way for your older family members to talk about their history and share stories–this will bring the family closer together and give a greater appreciation for the blessings in life.

Focus on Quality Time

Above all else, focus on quality time. Sitting in the same room together is different than visiting with each other. Spend time talking, laughing, cooking, and eating. No one ever complains about time well spent.

Take advantage of the time you have with your loved ones. Focusing on quality time ensures you have the best visit possible every year.

Now You’re Ready for Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with family members, young and old. With the holidays around the corner, take advantage of the time you have with your loved ones with great food, company, and quality time.

We promise you won’t regret it!