Aids For Independent Living: How To Help Our Seniors' Quality Of Life

With age and mobility problems comes a variety of issues that can cause daily life to become stressful for our aging parents. Thankfully, there are products we can purchase that can make all the difference in their lives.

Whether they are living in their own home, with you or an assisted living facility, daily activities can become so much more tolerable. If not downright happy!

MedExSupply has everything under the sun possible for aids for independent living. Just click on the banner at the right to view their catalog. Click on Personal Care and then General Living Aids. If you're like me, you'll see some items that will make your own life easier!

Looking After Your Elderly Parents: Become Senior Friendly

Last month my workplace offered a course on becoming "Senior Friendly". My co-workers knew I'd appreciate us being given the designation as I love my seniors. Having taken care of my Mom until she passed on at 95, I was eager to see what we'd learn.

We were given walkers and with our legs tied together tried to open a heavy door and get outside. We tried to do the same in a wheelchair. None of this was easy at all!

The most heart-touching exercise was wearing glasses to simulate different forms of vision impairment. Mom suffered with macular degeneration. I tried to be empathetic but I know I failed miserably. When I wore those glasses and really understood for the first time how it was for Mom, tears came to my eyes. Now I finally understood and my heart went out to her all over again.

It's hard for younger people not to lose patience. We live in such a hectic, fast-moving time. When we are behind someone in a wheelchair or using a cane or walker, we might begin sighing and fidgeting. Try to be patient!

Nobody asks for any age-related issues to affect their lives. Everyone wants to be vibrant and mobile. And these same things may be affecting us before we know it. Do we want loved ones or strangers becoming angry with us?

I would give anything to have Mom back with me and do things over. With a lot more understanding. But I can't. The best I can do is "pay it forward". So please be patient. And if a "Senior Friendly" course has seminars in your area, think about attending. Have younger people you know consider attending as well.

Life is better for all of us if we could just slow down a little and feel the love toward all people, no matter what their age.

Caring For Aging Parents: What Will The New Year Bring?

We are starting a new year. None of us have a crystal ball. We start each year with a sense of wonderment and hope. Unfortunately, real life takes hold and memories of warm feelings brought on by the holidays are forgotten.

Worries over aging parents never leave us. As we go about our daily lives, doing our jobs, the thought is always in the back of our minds..."Are Mom and Dad okay?" Whether you live close by or a long way apart, the anxiety can consume us.

For me, my Dad passed away while he was living with Mom in the same house they started their marriage in. Although I constantly checked up on them, Mom was able to take care of most of the load. After he passed, my mother never got over her grief. She depended on me more than ever.

To shorten the story, Mom lived with me for many years until she passed at 95. I don't regret it. Even though there were times I thought I'd lose my mind! (smile)

Which is best? I really don't know. Each of us has to deal with the cards given us. Your aging parents may be still in their own home. Maybe an assisted living facility or nursing home. Close by or miles away. Or living right with you in your own home.

Some of you are part of the sandwich generation. You're taking care of teenagers AND aging parents. That has to be the most difficult!

What will the New Year bring? There will be ups and downs. Perhaps their health will deteriorate. Sadly, this may be their last year on earth. We don't know. But, please look for emotional support wherever it's available. For whatever stage in the process you find yourself.

Take time for yourself. Look after yourself with proper rest and nutrition. These must be your priorities. Losing yourself to look after others will benefit nobody.

Live in the moment. Relish the little things. Take comfort in the smiles, hugs and laughter. When the bad stuff happens, know you are strong and you will conquer whatever is thrown your way.

Life's like that. I wish for you a Happy New Year. Filled with health, love, support, understanding and patience. Bless you all!

Books On Tape: A Blessing For Our Sight Impaired Loved Ones!

Growing up, I learned to love books from my wonderful Mother. As her sight became impaired because of macular degeneration, she took up reading large-print books. My best memories to this day are finding her new titles from the library to devour.

Sadly, at the end of her life, she had a hard time reading her large print books. That's when she moved to books on tape. Another blessing. She still missed holding that "book" in her hands but at least she had the love of the words.

Don't overlook the library! It's a treasure trove. They have books on tape. You can go to most of their sites and download books to eReaders. You just need a library card.

Your loved one can and should always enjoy their love for reading. The banner on the right, for Audible.com is one of the popular places to get audiobooks. Just click the picture to learn more...

Caregivers: Happy Holidays To All Parents And Their Children!

As we near Christmas Day, I just want to take this time to wish you all the warmest wishes for the season. I hope all your loved ones can be together. If not, hopefully you'll get a chance to talk with them.

There's nothing like family. Hug them, love them and cherish them. We never know how long we have on this earth. Make every moment count.

And for the New Year, I wish you all health, peace of mind and joyous love!

Slip and Falls: 'Tis The Season...Don't Let It Happen To Your Aging Parents!

Falling down is no fun. Little kids don't mind it. But we older ones know the damage that can be done. It can happen in a flash. We don't see the black ice. There's a light dusting of snow hiding a patch of ice. Bruised bones are bad enough. But broken bones can be life-threatening to our elders.

My mother hated to see winter. She knew she'd be more confined. She became so afraid after so many falls during her lifetime. I'm not elderly but I've had my share of bad falls on ice. Now I have traction grips for my boots. I cover everything in ice-melter. You could say I'm on high alert.

If your aging parents live with you or handy to you, it's easier to make sure sidewalks and driveways are properly maintained during the winter months. If they live by themselves, make sure they take precautions or arrange for someone to make sure the walkways are clear. And don't forget decking. Those are the absolute worse! I've done more splits on mine than I care to count. Pulled groin muscles are no fun either.

My mother had ice grips for her cane and it gave her so much more confidence in going outside in the winter. I'm almost tempted to start using a cane with ice-grips, myself! Like the one pictured here!

Aging Parents: What To Get Them For Christmas When They Say They Don't Need Anything?

We know that the one thing our aging parents want for Christmas is for their family to all be together. During the holiday season, many of our elderly silently wonder to themselves, "Will this be my last Christmas?"

We want to make it special for them. If you live a long way from your parents and can't make it to be by their sides, make a special call. If you have a web cam, make use of that. Maybe arrange for your folks to be near one at an appointed time. They'd love to see your face.

If you live nearby, you can be right there to enjoy the warmth of the season with them. If they live with you as my mother did, you're cooking with gas! The companionship means more to them than anything you could give them.

With that said, we love to give Christmas presents. Even though they say they have everything they need, they usually forget about the items that can make their daily lives more comfortable.

Just the task of dressing can be frustrating and painful if you're afflicted with mobility problems. Now there are places online where you can buy adaptive clothing. (See banner above)

If your parent still lives in their own home, medical alert response aids are a life-saver. Literally. (See side banner)

If they're in a nursing home, there are always items that the home may not supply that can be welcomed. Anything from body lotions, lip balm, special pillows, throw, lights, etc. Just visiting with them, and putting yourself in their place, you'll come up with dozens of Christmas gift ideas!

And remember the most important thing to them is your love. Give them a big hug and kiss. Merry Christmas!

Heated Slippers: Cosy Soles Are The Original!

CosySoles - Heated Slippers for Cold Feet

Heated slippers are the nicest thing to buy anyone of any age. But especially older people are true-blue fans. My Mom always said, "When my feet are cold, I'm cold all over!"


So who can benefit from Cosy Soles heated slippers? Anyone with these problems...

*** Poor peripheral circulation, chronic cold feet

*** Skin disorders, viruses, abrasions, dry skin

*** Foot inflammation, rheumatism, arthritis

*** Tired feet and aches and pains

*** Insomnia, stress

CosySoles Slippers have proven successful in providing relief from the pain of cold feet caused by poor circulation due to . . .

*** Arthritis

*** Muscular Dystrophy (MD)

*** Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT)

*** Raynaud's

*** Scleroderma

*** Lupus

*** Diabetes

*** Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

*** Cerebral Palsy

*** Fybromyalgia

*** Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)

*** and other peripheral neuropathies

CosySoles - Heated Slippers for Cold Feet

And get this...

Dr. Anne Wirz-Justice did a study that has shown that thermoregulation, the body's heat distribution process, is linked to sleep cycles. Redistributing body heat to the legs and feet can increase sleepiness and help initiate a more restful night’s sleep.

Researchers at the Sleep Laboratory in Switzerland, reported that the degree of blood vessel dilation of the hands and feet are the best predictors for rapid sleep onset. The dilation of blood vessels increases the amount of heat loss. The studies showed that the greater the heat loss, the longer time it took to fall asleep..

Many people who could not sleep because of the pain of cold feet actually wear their CosySoles to bed. We have received many testimonials to confirm the benefits of warm feet and hands!

To see what happy feet people have to say about their Cosy Soles heated slippers, click right here...

CosySoles - Heated Slippers for Cold Feet

Caregiver: Seeing Your Aging Parent The Way They Were

Caregiving is one of the most demanding roles anyone can undertake. If you are performing as a caregiver now or you know you will be in the near future, there are some techniques you may find useful. The one thing that always helped me when I was feeling stressed or became impatient was this:

Remember your aging parent the way they were.

Before they grew old, they were young. Before their bodies and perhaps their minds turned against them, they were healthy, vibrant and vital. Remember this.

So many of us look at the elderly and see just what's in front of them now. Well, how did they get like this? They lived a long life. They weren't born looking and acting like they are now.

Get out picture albums. Hopefully you have photos from when they were babies, toddlers and growing up. This puts things in perspective! Remember what it was like to be a teenager? They had those same feelings too. They fell in love. They married. They had and loved you. They struggled, laughed and cried.

And on the way, they grew old. We should be grateful. Look at the people who've lost their parents when they were young. That's grief! Our parents don't like what aging has done to their bodies. Imagine what it must feel like. Now they need help.

So when we are frustrated with some detail or feel like caregiving is taking it's toll, go off by yourself for some quiet time and reflect. Think about the person they were before you ever came along.

The way they were...

Seniors In Your Life? Creative Gifts They Really Need And Love Getting!

Silvert's is the place to shop if you are looking for the perfect gift for the senior on you list.

Find gifts for seniors that have everything! Silvert's offers a variety of gift options for the elderly or disabled. Check out Silvert's Gift Guide to help you find the right present at the right price.

And if you want to send a gift to your loved one? They offer gift wrapping and gift certificates.

Click on the banner at the top of the page to make this holiday special for your beloved senior!