The Senior Referral Network is hosting events aimed at helping people prepare for and thrive in retirement. More than 225 people attended The Center in Prescott in March, where they could gather information related to senior care. Network representatives and family members honored the late Debbie Stewart with the Hometown Halo Award. “Debbie was a huge light in the senior services community and helped so many by creating the Senior Connection,” said Cecelia Jernegan, who emceed the event, noting … [Read more...] about Stewart Family Receives Hometown Halo Award
Candace Lea
Making Human Connections as We Age
What is it we want in life? Some may say it’s the connection with others, whether that is family, friends or community. As we age, we might look back at our life and long for the connections we once had or maybe the ones we never had. Reminiscing is a normal part of aging. What can we do to help our elders feel connected? Let’s have a chit-chat: There is nothing better than a good old-fashioned “talk.” Seriously, who doesn’t like to be heard? Our elders love to be heard. It helps them feel … [Read more...] about Making Human Connections as We Age
Preventing Falls as We Age
Winter brings slippery conditions that can lead to a fall. Falls are not just wintertime accidents; they can happen any time of the year. Seniors are especially vulnerable because of age and health conditions. There are several things you can do to decrease your risk of falling. But unfortunately, there are no guarantees, because sometimes accidents just happen. Here are some recommendations on what you can do to stay upright and not take a tumble. Walking and Exercise: I’m sure you’ve heard … [Read more...] about Preventing Falls as We Age
Hydration is Key to Staying Healthy
Hydration is such an important part of staying healthy. Staying ahead of your thirst is really a key facture. Watching what we put into our bodies such as caffeine, which can dehydrate, can also be a benefit. Ingesting other foods and liquids besides water is also really helpful. Back in the 1970s and ‘80s, we didn’t walk around with a water bottle like we do now. This is progress! But where does that leave our elders who did not grow up with the push to stay hydrated? The balance of having … [Read more...] about Hydration is Key to Staying Healthy
Adult Day Center Celebrates Four Decades of Care
The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center (SJRC) celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. A boots-on-the-ground organization, SJRC is on the front line supporting family caregivers by offering the needed respite, education, resources and support through its medical/social model, Arizona Department of Health Services-licensed, adult day health program. In acknowledging the spirit of caregiving on behalf of their late founding Executive Director Susan J. Rheem, Adult Care Services is proud to … [Read more...] about Adult Day Center Celebrates Four Decades of Care
Assisted Living Communities: How to Choose the Right One
Many years ago, my family was faced with the fact that my grandma could no longer live alone. Grandma was around 94, sharp as a tack, and did not want to live with me. Keep in mind, grandma raised me, so I was more like the younger daughter than the granddaughter. I respected her decision, and now that I look back, she and I would have been way too feisty to live together. At 94, grandma was still very independent, but she was also afraid of change and suffered from depression and anxiety. My … [Read more...] about Assisted Living Communities: How to Choose the Right One
Taking Care of Mom
It’s May, such a beautiful month filled with sunshine, butterflies and Mother’s Day. Picture this: You are a child, you walk through the door after school and your olfactory senses come alive with the smell of home-baked pie. You immediately relax and know that mom has baked something wonderful! Not only has she baked your favorite chocolate pie, but she made extra pie crust treats with cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top. Life is good! We all know moms do so much. They care for us as babies, … [Read more...] about Taking Care of Mom
What is a Memory Café?
Memory Cafés are a worldwide recognized support system for those persons afflicted with dementia or other cognitive impairment. The cafés are meant to be fun, educational and relaxing for both the caregiver and the person diagnosed with a memory disorder. According to the University of Washington, the idea of memory cafés or Alzheimer’s cafés started in 1997 by Dutch psychiatrist Bere Missen. His goal was to bring people with dementia and their caregivers “out of the shadows and into the light.” … [Read more...] about What is a Memory Café?
Love is a Many-Splendored Thing
Yes, that’s a song, and it is a song that comes to mind in February. It’s that time of the year where love is in the air. Heck, love may be everywhere. Love comes in many different forms: Love for your partner, love for your kids, love for your pets, love for your friends. The main component is caring. Have you ever met a couple and you think, “Wow, they seem to have a special love for each other!” Let’s talk about one of those love stories and how it’s evolved over the years. Mary and … [Read more...] about Love is a Many-Splendored Thing
Staying Resilient as We Age
What is resiliency and can it help us as we age? Being resilient means you bounce back after a challenge in your life. A few examples of these challenges are: hearing bad news about a loved one, a death or illness of a loved one, a change in your health, a big change in life such as retirement or moving from where you live. Being resilient does not mean you do not feel all the emotions, because you do! You feel it all, and that is actually a part of being resilient: being open and honest … [Read more...] about Staying Resilient as We Age
