 As we close out another year, (albeit one of the more stressful we've seen in quite some time for obvious reasons), it is important to take stock in those positive accomplishments to celebrate this last year, the non-desirables you'd just prefer not to re-live again and learn to release, let go and forget and insure you get some down-time to re-energize, re-focus and be refreshed. Depending on your personality type, you could either be an introvert that recharges by getting away in a quiet place with a good book and having time to yourself reflecting. Alternatively, as an extrovert, recharging your batteries by being together with a group of like-minded friends/family as your down-time could be more inline. Personally, I can take a short while by myself but much prefer getting away with my family or a group of close friends. My family was blessed to be able to schedule a family ski-trip this year even amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and all of its crazy shut-downs, closings, social distancing and mask wearing. We are there as I write this. Our time is special because its a family location we often have visited over the years when our kids were young. Now we find ourselves bringing along our daughters boyfriend (as they talk serious relationship) and have extended family time as well. Just getting out in what I like to refer to as "God's country / Colorado" has been refreshing. Wearing masks here is a little more comfortable and needed just due to the low temperatures, so that's been a good point. The scenery, the time with family, the exercise on the mountain all contribute to helping forget the issues which have dragged me down this past year and excite me for those challenges and opportunities God has in store for 2021. Scripture provides great insight into this practice and the importance of it with one example being Hebrews 12:1. " Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." So let go of that which entangles or drags you down. If not at peace with others, ask yourself if you are at peace with yourself. If not at peace with yourself, ask yourself if you are at peace with God. Blessings as you begin the New Year of 2021! Robert B. Morris Franchise Owner HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE T&R Services, Inc. 3844 N. MacArthur Warr Acres, OK 73122 Tel: (405) 521-1963 Fax: (405) 524-3690 Email: Robert.morris@homeinsteadokc.com Webpage: www.homeinstead.com/okc E-Brochure: https://hisc196.digibro.com 
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 The holidays are filled with gatherings... family gatherings, church socials, and for seniors sometimes there are gatherings of social clubs or parties at retirement communities, assisted living facilities or community centers. Party, party, party time! Festive decorations, holiday music, lots of friends and family, and of course FOOD! There's nothing wrong with celebrating the season with a wonderful meal or special festive snacks! The challenges many seniors face is when those indulgences are too great, and cause other health conditions to worsen. For instance, many seniors struggle with diabetes. It's important that they watch closely their intake of holiday sweets so that they don't spike their blood sugar. Maybe someone can bake special "sugar free" treats using Splenda or Stevia baking products so they can enjoy these special treats without the pressure or risk to their health! Other seniors simply have challenges with their digestive track. Overdoing it with a holiday meal could spell real trouble for them. It might cause a bowel block, problems with severe bloating or gas or even UTI issues if they aren't drinking enough water during these times. Finally, remember that the holidays can be an emotional time for many seniors, especially if they have lost a loved one during that calendar year. Many times a special food dish can not only be beneficial for the diet, but it can feed the soul as well. Take that extra time to make Dad's favorite pie that Mom always made for him every year, and stand back and watch just how much it means to him. Yes, it may be emotional, but there is healing in those types of experiences as well. You may find it necessary to enlist some help with cooking and preparing holiday snacks and meals for your senior loved ones. The incredible member agencies of the Oklahoma Professionals for Home Care are here to help! Their amazing staff would love to assist you and your loved ones during this holiday season. Just click on the "About Us" tab at the top of the page, and then click on "Membership Directory" to find one of our qualified member agencies close to you! Happy holidays to you and all of your loved ones during this most wonderful time of the year! Page Cole Visiting Angels of Tulsa Visiting Angels of Bartlesville Visiting Angles of SWOKC  The healing power of touch. It's a scientific fact that affirming physical touch can have a powerful impact on the life of another human being. Whether it's the bonding influence of a newborn being cradled by it's mother, or a grown daughter holding the hand of her aged mother struggling with anxiety, physical touch has been proven to be a significant factor in positive physical health and mental well being. Many seniors in the golden years of their life may be facing their future alone. Their spouse of decades could have preceded them in death. For most of us, it's hard to imagine what it's like to have been married to the same person for 50, 60, 70 or more years. But for many of our elders from the Greatest Generation, that was and is the norm. Suddenly though, death separates that lifetime relationship, and the loneliness can be devastating. The incredible power of a hug, holding their hand or just sitting close to them to talk can fill a void created by the loss of their partner. Life is so hectic that for many families on the run they find it difficult to make the time to go visit their elderly parents and grandparents. Ball games, school events, work commitments and other schedule conflicts overwhelm the otherwise well meaning family members. Involuntary isolation for seniors happens, even if they happen to live in an assisted living facility or retirement community. What can break they chains of loneliness is simple pat on the back, touch of the hand or hug around the neck. It may very well be the only physical contact that senior receives the entire week! You have the ability to make a huge difference in the lives of those seniors whose paths you cross this week! Show them your heart by reaching out and being affectionate where it is appropriate! If you have an elderly family member that lives some distance from you, and you feel it would be beneficial for them to have greater interaction with someone on a regular basis, maybe you should consider hiring one of the member agencies of the OPHC! Just click "About Us" at the top of the web page, and then select "Membership Directory" to see a listing of our incredible member agencies! Check them out and see if there is an agency close to you that could provide staff to provide someone to meet your needs! Page Cole Visiting Angels of Tulsa Visiting Angels of Bartlesville Visiting Angels of SWOKC  For many families, the holidays mean shopping, travel, office parties and school programs. For just as many seniors, the holidays can be times of loneliness, poor health and danger. It's important that families take the time during the holiday season to make sure that their senior loved ones are well cared for during the holidays.
For widowed seniors, sometimes the holidays can be a sad or lonely experience, especially if their spouse has died within the last few years. The same holds true for seniors who have outlived their own children. Families should be extra sensitive to this loneliness. Talk with your loved one about those most special memories with their family member who has passed. Rather than silently observe or pretend nothing is going on, address these feelings head on, and help them find joy in the memories. As the weather gets colder, seniors are prone to stay inside more often, and for longer periods of time. This can contribute to a variety of physical and mental health challenges. Take advantage of any sunny day wear the weather is temperate to get outside, even if only for a brief time. The fresh air and Vitamin D from sunlight can be incredibly beneficial for seniors. As families travel for the holidays to visit all of the "In-laws and outlaws", there may be times when an elderly loved one stays behind. Make sure that someone is checking in on them regularly while those who normally would do so are out of town. This will give everyone peace of mind, and insures there are limited potentials for serious accident or health problems that might go unattended otherwise. You may want to consider hiring one of the many partner agencies of the OPHC! These agencies are able to supply staff to provide care in your absence! Who knows, your loved one may make a new friend, and find they enjoy the help even after the holidays! Just click at the top of the page where it says "About Us", then click "Membership Directory" for a list of our member agencies in your area! The holidays are time for joy, family and celebration. Make sure that you are intentional and helpful for those wonderful seniors in your life, making their holidays just as wonderful as yours! Page Cole Visiting Angels of Tulsa Visiting Angels of Bartlesville Visiting Angels of SWOKC  We all like to be HEARD. During this political season, every politician is vying for the listening ear of every eligible voter. Children shout, "Mommy, mommy, mommy" until they get a response. We have conversations with our friends and not so friendlies, and although we are hearing them speak, what we really want is a chance for them to listen to US.
Life is no different for our seniors. Their grown children have busy, hectic lives. These seniors desperately want a few minutes of their time, to talk with their family, listen to what's happening in their lives, and to share their own recent experiences and struggles. Seniors living in facilities want the administration to hear their viewpoints on everything from the temperature of the building to their suggestions or complaints about the cafeteria menu. Mostly, seniors aren't through living, aren't through caring and they aren't through hearing and wanting to be heard. There are myriads of reasons why it's critical to make intentional opportunities to listen to our seniors. First, they may have changing needs- physical, medical, emotional, mental or spiritual- that could be indicators to both their short-term and long-term well being. We need to listen for what those needs might be. We also need to listen because seniors have so much value to offer with their words, wisdom and experience. They've seen so much in their lifetimes, and their grown children, grandchildren and people who are a part of their caring process can benefit greatly just by asking questions of our seniors, and then listening well to their responses. Finally, listening is the easiest way in the world for us to offer each other the dignity and honor that is deserved, and that we would want for ourselves if/when we find ourselves in their shoes. Listening means we stop, put aside other things, and make this conversation the priority of the moment. It says to the other person, "You are valuable, you matter, and what you have to say is important." Take some time today to listen! If you or a loved one could benefit from hiring a home health care staff person to be a part of this listening process by working as a caregiver, then give one of our OPHC member agencies a call. Simply click on "About Us" at the top of this page, and then "Membership Directory" for a list of our member agencies! Page Cole Visiting Angels of Tulsa Visiting Angels of Bartlesville Visiting Angels of SWOKC  As we all age, it is only normal that we begin to stock of what is most important to us in this life. For many seniors, this means an introspective look into their personal faith. Religious services, church friends and social events centered around the church may have been an integral part of their lives up to this point in their lives. As age and health issues begin to take their toll on the bodies and sometimes the minds of seniors, there is a fear that these important aspects of their life may suffer or even disappear as options for them.
It is critically important that family members, friends and home care agencies work together to help seniors maintain whatever options for faith involvement they can for aging seniors. If seniors are unable to drive themselves to services, then others should find a way to pick them up, or arrange for their travel using either a home care agency to transport them, or special travel options like Uber or Lyft. As a result of the COVID crisis, many churches have expanded their use of online options for worship and small group participation. Computer desktops, iPads or even a smartphone can provide a window into weekly religious activities. Discussing religious topics with home care staff can be a tricky and sometimes sensitive area. It's important that neither staff nor client try to force any of their beliefs on the other, so that they are able to maintain a positive relationship. However, if they are able to find common ground and be encouragers for each other, then this can be a great way to support seniors. Other ways might include using technology to play religious music, or reading devotional books or Scripture to a senior that has vision problems. The home care agency owners who work as members of the Oklahoma Professionals for Home Care have navigated the waters of supporting seniors regarding access and participation to their religious functions and activities. Talk it over with them and see what they are able to do! Simply click at the top of the page where it says "About Us", and then click on "Membership Directory" to see the list of our current members! Page Cole Visiting Angels of Tulsa Visiting Angels of Bartlesville Visiting Angels of SWOKC  As we move into the Fall, we see a variety of changes in the weather. The cool, crisp air begins to overtake the heat of summer, and the changes in weather can impact seniors in physical, mental and emotional ways.
 As our loved ones age, the sands of time take a toll on so many aspects of their lives. Dementia and Alzheimer's impact 1 out of 3 senior citizens. Serious diseases like cancer and heart disease can bring great difficulties to their health and quality of life. As was mentioned in a previous article, challenges with their hearing and inner ear can bring about issues not only with balance, but the ability to communicate effectively and enjoy life.
One practice families should consider is the use of music to improve the quality of life of their beloved senior family member. Music has a calming, relaxing impact on our attitudes and even on our physiology. The use of familiar or sentimental music with Alzheimer's or dementia patients can calm their behavior and their temperaments. Beyond that, many times the use of music in these situation can bring those individuals back to a point where they can communicate more clearly than they normally do. Music can be provided through a variety of methods. Here are a few suggestions:
Start out slow, and understand that your loved one may have challenges with the complexities or unfamiliarity of technology. You may need to help them, educate and then show them multiple times on how to access a variety of music options. In the end, it will be worth it! Page Cole Visiting Angels of Tulsa Visiting Angels of Bartlesville Visiting Angels of SWOKC  For many senior adults, their automobile is their lifeline to the outside world. As they age, many times their physical and mental reflexes may slow down, making driving more dangerous for them and for others. Families may be forced to face the uncomfortable question "When is it time to take the keys away?"
A senior adult may have many wonderful things in their lives, but it doesn't negate that as they age, they may have also lost control of several other facets of their life. Their grown children may have taken charge of the finances, they may have lost a spouse to dementia or death, and they may have been forced to leave a home they lived in for years, and move into an assisted living facility or retirement community where it is safer for them to live. Facing the reality that there could be still another "loss", the loss of their independence and mobility through driving, could be a difficult pill to swallow. How does a family know whether or not it is time to deal with this issue? First, if there has been more than one accident in a relatively short period of time, it could be a sign that it's time for them to stop driving. This could be not only for their safety, but for the safety and well being of other drivers (or pets) on or near the road. Another sign might be if their hearing or vision has drastically changed for the worse in a fairly quick period of time. This could handicap their ability to safely drive, putting their vehicle and their physical well being at risk. Finally, if they are having a greater frequency of memory problems, driving could become difficult, simply because they could easily become disoriented or lost. So what are the best ways to address an issue like this? One of the most simple ways to confront this issue would be to have a private phone call with their physician. Many times seniors will take the respected opinion of their doctor regarding an issue like this, when they would argue and vehemently reject it if the same conversation and advice came from their grown children. Another way to address it would be to simply find more and better ways for them to accomplish the things they need to do in life WITHOUT driving. For instance, a trip to the grocery store can be replaced with online ordering and delivery of groceries. If their living arrangements allow for it, then public transportation might also be another option. Finally, for the money an individual spends on a car, gas and insurance, it might simply be a great money saving idea for them to use options like Uber or Lyft instead. Most seniors seem to open up to new ideas when it can ultimately save them some money! If none of these options seem to put the family members at the safety and comfortable level needed, then it may be time for a family conference with the loved one. Those who know them best will be able to determine if this should be a "group" conversation, or simply a one-on-one visit with the senior and one trusted family member or friend. Be prepared to spell out the specific concerns and safety issues, as well as explain the benefits and other transportation options. This could place a greater strain on family members need to become the "designated driver" for the senior, so family and friends should be prepared to help out as needed for things like grocery shopping, doctor's appointments and church attendance. This doesn't need to be a horrible event in the life of the senior, or those family members facing it Together, families can find solutions that provide safety and peace of mind. Member agencies of the OPHC have staff who are qualified and able to also provide driving assistance with all of the items listed above. By hiring one of these qualified agencies, family members need not worry about taking time off of work, or feeling overburdened with commitments to taxi their loved one around. Click on the "About Us" tab at the top of the page, and select "Membership Directory" for the list of member agencies available to assist you! Page Cole Visiting Angels of Tulsa Visiting Angels of Bartlesville Visiting Angels of SWOKC  Money... the necessary blessing and evil that seems to impact every area of our lives! So many seniors have worked all of their lives, looking forward to that golden age called "retirement", and many have done a great job when it comes to planning for their income during that retirement period.
But what about planning for the other issues that can come crashing in around around our lives during our senior years? What happens when a senior has a debilitating stroke, and needs extensive care that isn't covered by Medicare? Or how do you pay for care when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, but the family desperately wants to allow them to be cared for in the home as long as possible? These are serious issues, and these issues and issues like them can totally devastate the finances of a family that thought it was financially prepared for old age. It's critical that families explore and understand exactly what Medicare or Medicaid with pay for, and what it will not pay for. If they haven't already checked into the feasibility of Long Term Care insurance, this is also another important option to pursue. Finally, if an individual or their spouse is or was a veteran in the Armed Forces, there may be financial assistance for care as well through the Veteran's Administration. This aid may have certain requirements or restrictions, and will require the gathering of certain documentation as well, so it's critical to begin that process as soon as possible. One critical but very important option that could literally save tens of thousands of dollars later would be for your family to meet with an attorney who specializes in elder law. These lawyers understand the nuances and changing landscape of legal and financial issues regarding seniors. This would include tax issues, financial management of funds, trusts and so much more. Spending just a little with an attorney today could be an investment that could save your loved one thousands of dollars later. The bottom line is simple... Private, one on one care for your loved one in the home is the best option you can provide. But whether you are able to provide in home care, or facility care becomes the only option available, EVERYTHING has a price tag attached to it. Member agencies of the Oklahoma Professionals for Home Care deal with these issues on a daily basis, and are uniquely equipped to assist your family in facing them, or have the ability to put you in contact with qualified people who can do so! Just click on the "About Us" tab at the top of the page, and then click on "Membership Directory" for a complete listing or our members! Remember, Money Matters, and it's up to you now to make the wise decisions to help make the money last as long as possible, and get the biggest bang for your bucks! Page Cole Visiting Angels of Tulsa Visiting Angels of Bartlesville Visiting Angels of SWOKC |
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