Senior Moments from H.O.M.E.

Here H.O.M.E. goes again, digging up another reason to celebrate one’s mind and put it to good use!  We are all about prevention, whether it be by way of our Home Upkeep and Repair program, our Moving program, our Shopping Bus or our affordable Good Life Senior Residences.  In the spirit of prevention and in honor of “National Train Your Brain Day”, which is observed annually on October 13^th, I challenge you and your brain to do something fun, interactive, challenging, and stimulating on this day! (or every day for that matter)

How big of a problem is social isolation among older adults?

Bigger than you might think. One just has to look at some of the news articles to know that social isolation is a trend that is only getting worse.

I had the pleasure of presenting to Rush Generations members last month, where both Dr. Alexander Sasha Rackman and I both addressed social isolation from our individual perspectives: Dr. Rackman being a geriatrician and myself being a gerontologist and social worker.

After receiving an email from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), and being a newbie to the term “SNAP Gap”, I was prompted to do a Google search to learn more! And, as I suspected it had nothing to do with snaps on comfy clothing.

Volunteering makes a big difference! Not only does volunteering make a difference for those being served, but it also has an impact on those serving.

Don't believe me? Take it from these volunteers who regularly serve and share meals with seniors at Pat Crowley House.

Here we are on the cusp of celebrating Independence Day! There's lots of excitement in the air about what to grill, who is bringing what dessert or where the best fireworks will be. At the same time people are reflecting on what independence means to them, as Americans and as a nation.

It is time to take notice and stop the abuse now!  You may be asking what abuse are we referring to. If I told you elder abuse would you believe me? Would you know what constitutes elder abuse and how to recognize or report it?

Who knew we had so much talent under the roofs of H.O.M.E.’s Good Life Senior Residences.  Well, we did! In honor of Older Americans Month, we are celebrating our Good Life residents and all those we have had the pleasure of meeting and providing housing and services to over the past year.

As organizations like H.O.M.E. finish recognizing and celebrating National Volunteer Month, were you scratching your head thinking, "I have always wanted to volunteer but not sure where?"

What are you doing for self-care? Does this question make you squirm, make your palms sweat or cause your mind to go blank, wondering how to answer? 

There are three April holidays or observances that are related to self-care: National Humor Month, Stress Awareness Month and Physical Wellness Month.

Did you know there are fifty plus national holidays/observances that are honored in April? Who knew there are so many! I didn’t. I do need to confess, though, that my eye was drawn to April being National Licorice Month. I will look into that later as part of my self-care. 

Providing care to an older adult can be complex. Added to that complexity is the fact that many people never plan or are trained to provide the type of care that is often required when an older adult returns home after a hospital stay. This is where the CARE Act becomes critical for caregivers to be aware of.