You’re likely making the move to assisted living for a reason.  Not too many people wake up one day and think, “I don’t want to live in my gorgeous mansion anymore; I’d rather live in a senior assisted living facility!”  You are probably facing the same problems that many people deal with as they age, such as an inability to continue supporting a household, medical problems, or even a mental or physical issue that renders you unable to properly care for yourself.  And whether you are without the support network of a family, you don’t want to be a burden, or you simply want to keep some measure of independence, an assisted living facility may provide for all of your needs.  But that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy.  So here are just a few tips to help you find the place that’s right for you so that you can make your transition a little less difficult.

1. Find a place that suits you. Certainly you’ll have to locate a suitable facility in terms of your particular needs, but you should also find a place where you think you can live out the rest of your life in comfort and happiness.  This could mean staying close to home and the family you love.  Or maybe you’re one requirement is that you can retain a family pet.   You might require a room with a view of the ocean and a saltwater breeze.  Or perhaps what you really want is to remain active, mobile, and independent (but still have access to assistance).  You need to decide on your priorities and desires before you even start looking to ensure that you find a home that suits your wants as well as your needs.
2. Ask about services. It is imperative to know what kind of services you’ll have access to when you move into a particular facility.  Do they have an on-site clinic or do they offer a nursing staff for round-the-clock medical care?  Will you have your own room?  Your own apartment?  Your own house?  What is the level of privacy?  Is there a gym and/or swimming facility provided?  What about personal trainers or a nutritionist?  Can you arrange for inexpensive housekeeping, cooking and grocery services?  If your mobility is limited or you suffer ongoing medical conditions, these are the kinds of questions you need to ask so that you don’t move in and then find yourself without essential services.
3. Ask about activities. We all need a reason to get out of bed in the morning.  For some people it’s enough to have a laptop and Internet connection, but most of us crave human companionship (and many seniors are still very active).  So find out if there are planned activities provided by the assisted living facility (for example, mixers, dances, movie night and field trips), or if there is access to other activities like swimming, golf or tennis.
4. Stay connected. One of the most important parts about moving into a facility is that you don’t feel like you’ve been completely torn away from your old life.  You need to make sure that the facility you choose provides access to phone and Internet (or allows cell phones), has ample visiting hours (or even allows guests), and provides information or even services to assist you in travel.
5. Know your options. When it comes to assisted living, there are several options for seniors housing that come with varying levels of service and freedom, from senior communities to nursing homes.  If you want to choose the one that is best for you then you should know about all of them so that you can make an informed decision.

This guest post has been brought to you by Evan Fischer at Comfort Life.

Ever wonder why chiropractors, physiotherapists and massage therapists have packed schedules every Spring? Because the Spring/Summer sport season has kicked off and one to many unprepared players have attempted a return to their favorite activities. One of the season’s most popular seniors’ sports is golf. Here are a few simple tips on how to make this season a safe, smooth and enjoyable one:

• Start slow. Your first time out, maybe play 9 holes instead of 18. Or better yet, hit the range for a few warm up swings before you make it out to the course. Let your body get used to swinging a club again.
• The right tools. Make sure your clubs are the right length and material according to your strength and swing. Playing with unsuitable clubs can cause discomfort and pain, not to mention the fact that they can easily hinder your game.
• Warm up…and down. Go for a light walk and do some stretches before and after your game.
• Push, pull or carry. Ease into the season. Don’t carry your golf bag over one shoulder for 18 holes. Pull your bag on wheels, take turns in the golf cart, or make sure you have a bag with two straps so that you can easily distribute the weight as you walk with it.
• Proper shoes. Invest in a good pair of golf shoes. A shoe with great support and maximum comfort can prevent knee, hip and lower back pain.
• H2O. Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water as you play – particularly on especially hot and humid days.

On the Watch Elder abuse is a growing concern in our society. Seniors are taken advantage of by strangers and even by their own family members on a regular basis. Whether it be emotional or physical abuse, it is a serious issue facing many families throughout North America.

There are a few warning signs you can look for to make sure your senior loved one is safe and happy:

• State of personal neglect (un-showered, tattered clothing, broken glasses, dehydration, weight loss)
• Physical injury (unexplained bruises, markings, black eyes, welts, cuts)
• Behavioral changes (withdrawal from conversations, unresponsiveness, emotional distress in the form of rocking, biting, sucking fingers)
• Odd changes in banking activity (sudden and unexplained money withdrawals, alterations to legal matters such as change of Power of Attorney or personal Will)

Should you identify any of the signs listed above, deal with the matter right away. Contact local authorities, seek help where needed and tend to the threatened safety of your elderly loved one.