Inside a Bucket List

On August 30, 2010, In Aging in America, Caregiving, Healthy Aging, Healthy Living, By SilverCensus

I had an interesting time camping this weekend with a friend of mine who is going through a divorce in her senior years. She wanted to get out and re-experience things that she and her husband did together but with other people.

We discussed a lot of things, but she tended to bring many of the discussions back to her husband. However, she still felt it was mandatory to continue doing the things she loves with new people.

So then we started talking about bucket lists. She could only think of two at the time, sky-diving and fly fishing in Yellowstone, but it got me thinking about specific things on a bucket list and why those things are always postponed.

What is it about items on a bucket list that aren’t done earlier in life? Bucket-list items are challenging, scary, thought-provoking, and sometimes insightful. They make us think about our mortality and take us back to a deeper understanding of ourselves, beneath our dollar amounts and name-brand clothing we wear.

So why do we push these bucket-list items off? Because they’re scary and challenging, and many humans fear change. It’s part of our ego that has to fit in with others and makes us think that superficial things define us.

Items on a bucket list shouldn’t have to be on a bucket list. Pushing the envelope with ourselves is something that more people should do to learn more about themselves before it’s too late. So no matter how old you are, start crossing items off of your bucket list TODAY!

Post by Kate Valdovinos.

SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge. Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health care agencies, HUD senior housing & independent living communities. We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses. Our Care Managers are available at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com. Your online integrated health care marketing experts.

 
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Caregiving is a Full Time Job

On August 29, 2010, In Caregiving, Employment, Seniors in the Work Place, By SilverCensus

After graduating from college, I moonlighted for an attorney. Frequently he would post employment opportunities and request that I review qualified candidates. I would often chuckle while reviewing these resumes trying to figure out what the person actually looked and acted like. To this day, almost twenty years later, one resume still stays fresh in my mind.

A woman named “Sally” with an impeccable resume graduated from Harvard Law School.  Her career blossomed at a prestigious law firm in Washington DC for a few years and then she claimed “Motherhood/Nurturer” as a job tile for the later part of her career.  Suddenly the image that I had envisioned of this woman went from a Hilary Clinton type to a frumpy lady changing diapers.  How disappointing.   I was young and wildly carefree, still yearning to be back in college with no worries.  At the ripe age of 22 with no children, I could not image how this woman could dare claim “Motherhood” and “Nurturer” as a full time job.   Better yet, her resume even defined her daily responsibilities as the gardener, chauffeur, baker, housekeeper, personal assistant, teacher, chef and nurturer.

Almost twenty years later and now with four small kids, Sally’s resume continues to haunt me. Haunting my mind not in a bad sort of way, but filled with admiration and gratitude for her humility and courage.   Sally was right. Motherhood IS a full time job.   I embrace Sally’s wisdom and applaud her for having the courage to boldly give a possible employer a mere taste of her daily life.  Sally was right to include Motherhood and Nurturer in her resume.  I often think of her when juggling work and family whether preparing lunches at 6am, finishing three loads of laundry each night, conducting a conference call in the school pickup line, or driving to karate practice.  Here’s to all Caregivers!

SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge. Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health care agencies, HUD senior housing & independent living communities. We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses. Our Care Managers are available at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com. Your online integrated health care marketing experts.

Article Posted by Daphne Cook of SilverCensus Senior Living & Health Services

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HearUSA to Administer the AARP Hearing Care Program

On August 29, 2010, In Aging in America, Caregiving, Healthy Aging, Healthy Living, Senior Home Care, The American Economy Affecting Seniors, By SilverCensus

Unfortunately, almost three out of four hearing-impaired Americans who could successfully be treated with hearing aids go without detection and treatment.

That is almost 36 million people, according to the American Academy of Audiology.  Why the disparity in hearing care, compared with other health fields, such as vision, where practically everyone seeks – and receives – assistance?

We know that there are many reasons why people are not receiving the hearing help they need.  Among these are other healthcare priorities, stigma, cost, and fear that the hearing aids won’t work.  We also know that significant advancements in hearing technologies, accompanied by more qualified hearing care providers, have resulted in more accurate fitting strategies and improved success rates.   To achieve better consumer acceptance and satisfaction, the goal is to bring higher standards of care and up to date developments in hearing care into a responsive and accountable hearing aid dispensing community.

The AARP hearing care program provided by HearUSA was designed to meet that challenge and to increase consumer awareness, confidence and success with hearing aids.

The program features licensed, qualified audiologists and certified hearing aid dispensers, all of whom have agreed to following industry best practices for hearing aid dispensing; a thorough case history, interview, and hearing test, including a pre and post assessment of the impact of hearing loss on quality of life.  From there, the program offers a selection of digital hearing aids, ranging from mid to high range technologies, which is intended to provide each recipient with a satisfactory level of performance that can be enhanced to meet individual needs and requirements.  The products are placed into five categories and pricing levels, in order to simplify and streamline the decision making process.

All hearing aid purchases will include a savings of 20% compared to a national pricing survey, a 3 year warranty at no additional charge, directional microphones (when appropriate) at no additional charge, a free 3 year supply of hearing aid batteries, and an educational support program either in book or DVD format.

Finally, each participating hearing care provider will be testing the hearing aid in the ear to ensure that the fitting is appropriate, and directing the AARP member in a follow up rehabilitation program over a 90 day period. During that time, the member will be asked to provide survey data on their use and satisfaction, so that HearUSA and AARP can monitor the progress and success of the program.

The Hearing Care Program was developed to address many of the reasons that people choose not to use or might not do well with hearing aids.  Through education and awareness activities, the program will work to reduce stigma and offer cosmetically appealing products that function wirelessly and intelligently.  By incorporating good providers with a disciplined fitting process, providing top notch hearing aids with a wide range of performance, and monitoring member feedback, HearUSA and AARP are attempting to change the perception of hearing aids and improve the quality of life for AARP members and the public.  The educational support system is a valuable component of that process, and will offer ongoing support through the first several weeks of adjustment.  Plus, AARP members will have purchase security and peace of mind that comes with purchasing hearing aids with a 90 day 100% money back guarantee.  For additional information on the AARP Hearing Care Program,  please call HearUSA at 1-888-829-5594, Monday through Friday, 8:30AM to 8:30PM.

Florida Hearing Specialists

Proper Hearing Care is Vital to Quality Living

Article Written by: Cindy Beyer, Au.D., Senior Vice President – HearUSA

SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge. Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health care agencies, HUD senior housing & independent living communities. We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses. Our Care Managers are available at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com. Your online integrated health care marketing experts.

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Salons A Great Option For Seniors

On August 27, 2010, In Aging in America, Caregiving, Healthy Aging, By SilverCensus

If you are reluctant to go to a salon, there might be reasons to go that you haven’t thought about before. Bradley Studnicka, hairdresser and stylist, has a few ideas and tips for seniors that are worried about the costs as well.

One obvious reason that a trip to the salon can be worthwhile is that it’s a great way to socialize. Creating new friendships and being out and about is a great way to stay active. Also a trip to the salon is very interactive. Having a regular hairstylist is building a relationship. They want to get to know you so they can offer advice on style based on who you are, not just what you look like.

Another obvious reason is that a new hairstyle or salon service can make you look nicer and younger which can improve self-esteem.

If you are concerned about costs, check out different salons that may have some promotions or coupons available. You can also talk to your stylist about setting up a monthly discount as a returning customer versus cost per visit. Also, groups rates are sometimes available so talk to your friends and make it a fun, monthly outing!

Salons don’t just cut hair. They can offer waxing, tanning, massages, and other beauty and health-related services. Shampoos can be a great way to revitalize your hair, and skin treatments can help your skin stay healthier and younger looking. Eyebrow waxing is a cheap way to change your look too.

Studnicka also said that there have been advances in hair coloring that can completely eliminate and cover grey and white hairs well and also are not damaging to sensitive skin.

Many continuing care retirement communities have salons, so check into what they have to offer!

Post by Kate Valdovinos.

About SilverCensus:
SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge.  Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health care agencies, HUD developments & independent living communities.  We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses.  Our Care Managers are standing by 24/7 at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com

 
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Senior Corps Offers Help Where It’s Needed

On August 26, 2010, In Aging in America, Caregiving, Healthy Aging, Seniors in the Work Place, By SilverCensus

Senior Corps has many great opportunities for people over 55 to get involved with their community.

One program is called Senior Companions which connects volunteers with people with disabilities or that need help with day-to-day tasks.

They also have a program called RSVP that matches the volunteer’s professional skills with an organization that could use them. For instance, Senior Corps may ask a retired nurse to give immunizations at a local non-profit shelter or ask a retired builder to offer their services with a non-profit housing project.

Another great program that Senior Corps has is the Foster Grandparent Program. Volunteers are connected with young children in school that have a difficult time learning. The volunteer is matched with a student based on their needs.

I watched a video about the Foster Godparent Program and it was very inspiring. It showed three volunteers talking about their experience in the Foster Godparent Program with one of the children they are teaching.

One man said that there is a 40% drop-out rate for middle school children in his area and this program is saving lives because it keeps kids in school. If children are taught the basics of reading, it makes future schoolwork possible. The video also interviewed a teacher who said that she is thrilled to have volunteers in the class because they offer her students one-on-one coaching that is sometimes not possible when there are 30 kids in class.

Senior Corps is a national organization, so check to see if there are any existing programs in your area!

Post by Kate Valdovinos. Information from www.seniorcorps.gov.

About SilverCensus:
SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge.  Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health care agencies, HUD developments & independent living communities.  We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses.  Our Care Managers are standing by 24/7 at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com

 
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