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6 Ways Seniors Can Stay Active This Summer!

After the year we’ve had, there is nothing more refreshing than stretching out our legs and spending some time outdoors. However, along with summer’s green leaves and warm breezes, there also comes very high temperatures and unpredictable weather. Safely enjoy the season with these six activities that will keep seniors cool and on the move!

1. Take a walk down by the water
Nature walks in local parks and arboretums are a great way to get out and relax outdoors! Not only will you see the local flora and fauna, but it doubles as both a great social activity if you go with friends or a great way to clear your mind if you go alone. Be sure to wear sunscreen and bring a bottle of water!

2. Catch a sporting event
Nothing says summer like a classic baseball game! Take a trip to your grandchild’s game, minor league or even a professional event. Many stadiums offer discounts for senior citizens! They also provide handicapped seating for those who have difficulty sitting in stadium chairs.

3. Read outside or indoors with the A/C on
Reading is a great activity for seniors year round, but reading can be especially relaxing during the summer. Seniors can read in the shade and enjoy the outdoor breeze, or they can read inside with the air conditioner on. If they have some issues with their eyesight, they can also try audiobooks, which are a great alternative and can be rented at the library or downloaded to a computer or smartphone!

4. Enjoy a cold treat
Ice cream, you scream, we’re all hot and need a little something sweet. Cooling down with a cool drink, fresh fruit, or special dessert adds some excitement to the day and is a refreshing way to beat the heat!

5. Look at the birds
Another classic summer activity, bird watching is a great way to connect with nature and check out all the colorful summer species returning to Long Island! Keep a list of the birds you see and discover new ones you may not have seen before; hummingbirds and orioles are very active this month, so keep your eyes peeled!

6. Get your hands dirty
Add a little bit of color to your yard and plant some new flowers or vegetables! Gardening is very cathartic and adds unique expression to any space, sometimes with edible results, depending on what you plant. Take a trip to the farmer’s market or your local garden and pick out your favorites to plant this season!

With all these activities, be sure to monitor loved ones for the signs of sunburn and dehydration. Be sure to wear sunscreen, sunglasses and protective clothing and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Overall, stay safe and cool this summer, and don’t forget to have fun!

FAQ: Preparing to Move into an Assisted Living Facility

There often comes a time when we must consider the quality of life and living arrangements for our aging loved ones who may not be able to take care of themselves. In that case, you might consider moving them into an assisted living facility, like McPeak’s. Here are some frequently asked questions that can help guide your decision:

1. How do I go about choosing between facilities?
Every facility is different, so it is important to sit down with your loved one to determine exactly what you are hoping to find, what’s important to you, and what your criteria are. Going over this before you start looking is important, as your loved one may have some expectations or needs that may be different from yours.

2. What is the difference between assisted living and a nursing home?
Assisted living allows seniors to maintain an independent lifestyle with access to assistance to help meet their personal needs. Nursing homes are more ideal for seniors who are not medically stable and need more consistent attention. Assisted living homes also provide a more homelike feel rather than institutionalized nursing homes.

3. What should I bring with me?
Before you pack away everything, go through and pick out things that are special and easily recognizable so your loved one has a piece of home with them. Items such as books, photos, quilts, and even small pieces of furniture can help ground seniors, especially those who may have memory loss issues, as they can identify familiar settings, thus easing their transition.

4. How much does it cost?
Assisted living homes such as McPeak’s are approximately one-third of the cost of living in a nursing home, as all amenities such as food, electricity, aide visitation, and housekeeping are included in the base price. Currently, the rate at McPeaks is $3,300.00 per month.

5. What does dining look like for residents?
At McPeaks, there are three meals served daily which eliminates the need for grocery shopping and cooking. Special diets are observed and prescribed by a physician.

6.What is the visitation policy?
To keep seniors safe during the COVID pandemic, visitation is very limited; however, post-COVID, the hope is that seniors and their families will have more freedom to come and go, visit with family, go out overnight etc. In the meantime, the staff at McPeak’s continue to get tested weekly for COVID-19 and offer vaccinations to any staff members and residents who would like to have the shot.

What is an Estate Plan?

As we get older, it is important to have certain plans in place in order to protect and secure the emotional and financial future of your loved ones. One of the most important processes to start is the Estate Planning process. Here is what you need to know about the four necessary documents that make up an estate plan and how they shape your life’s plan.

What is an Estate Plan?
A collection of documents that protects your assets and personal property (your “estate”) and explains how you want to pass them down. It documents your wishes and specifies exactly who will guard those wishes and act on them in your absence.

The Four Parts of the Estate Plan:

The Last Will and Testament: Lays out who is going to inherit your possessions when you pass on. The will only controls and distributes assets that are in your name alone.
Durable Power of Attorney: Appoints someone to handle your financial affairs if you can’t do it yourself or if you don’t want to do it yourself. It is very important this document is done properly and contains the right language.
Health Care Proxy: Appoints one person to speak with doctors on your behalf if you are unable to communicate your wishes and decisions with your healthcare provider.
Living Will: Personal statement that says, “If I am in an irreversible or incurable condition, I do not wish to have any medical treatment that will prolong my dying.” You don’t necessarily need to have a living will; it depends on one’s personal wishes.

As difficult as the topics of aging, illness, and death can be, knowing you have the necessary plans in place for yourself and your family can provide some peace of mind and structure for your later years.

Taking Care of Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s

If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia, it can be difficult to manage daily tasks. Consider following these practical tips to keep your loved one engaged with their day and reduce frustration.

Keep a flexible schedule
Keeping a consistent schedule for mealtimes, waking up, going to sleep, getting dressed etc., is important for providing a sense of comfort and familiarity for your loved one. However, as they become more dependent, they may be resistant to certain routines; this is why it is important to adjust and adapt to their expectations as needed.

Create a safe environment
Alzheimer’s and other related dementias impair judgment and decision-making skills, so it is important to promote safety by making adjustments to your loved one’s living space. This can include removing rugs and extension cords that can cause falls, lowering the thermostat on hot water to prevent burns, and placing locks on cabinets containing medicine, alcohol, guns or other potentially dangerous items.

Take your time
Anticipate tasks that may take longer than usual and adjust your schedule to them. Be sure to also allow for break times in between tasks in case your loved one is tired or overwhelmed.

Involve them as much as they are able
When others can’t readily help with certain tasks, we tend to put them on the sidelines and do everything ourselves. However, it is important to include loved ones with Alzheimer’s as much as you can, or as much as they can handle in daily activities. For example, just because they need help getting dressed, that doesn’t mean they can’t help set the table or water the yard.

Don’t neglect your own needs
Taking care of a loved one is very time-consuming, but, to be the best caregiver you can be, you must also take care of yourself by making sure you are getting the necessary physical and emotional support. Be sure to be mindful of your mental health, take breaks to eat and exercise, and talk with a trusted friend or family member about what you are going through.

While we will always do everything in our power to help our loved ones, sometimes we need a little extra help. McPeak’s Assisted Living offers a wide range of services that can help care for and comfort those with Alzheimer’s, all while promoting awareness of their impairments. Visit our website to learn more about our services!

Older New Yorkers Now Eligible for the Vaccine Without An Appointment

Senior citizens in New York State can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine without having to make an appointment. This will help more people get vaccinated, said Governor Andrew Cuomo, who lowered the age requirements to receive the vaccine over the past month.

“Thanks to our dedicated providers, we continue to surpass new milestones in our efforts to get every New Yorker vaccinated,” Governor Cuomo said. “Spring weather is here, but we cannot get cocky with COVID, so I urge everyone to get vaccinated and to continue practicing safety guidelines. Receiving a vaccine is easier than ever, with walk-in appointments available across the state. Nothing is standing in your way, so go get vaccinated.”

According to the state’s vaccine tracker, as of May 16, 9,940,875 New Yorkers received at least one dose. That accounts for 49.8% of the state’s population. Meanwhile, 8,295,963 residents, or 41.6% of all New Yorkers, completed the vaccine series. In Nassau County, 779,106 people got at least one dose and 649,435 completed the series. Suffolk County has 759,673 residents with at least one dose and 620,477 finished the series.

Now that walk-in appointments to get the shot are available, it is recommended that seniors who did not get the chance to be vaccinated get the vaccine as early as possible.

Since 1956, McPeak’s Assisted Living has provided care for your loved ones while ensuring they maintain a happy, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyle, right here in Suffolk County, Long Island, near downtown Patchogue. With our affordable prices and excellent standard of care, we have the facilities to accommodate your loved one’s needs and allow them to live to the fullest. For more information, please call us at (631) 475-0445 or visit our contact page.

Show Seniors Some Love This Valentine’s Day

Sunday, February 14 is Valentine’s Day. It is usually the day when couples celebrate their love for each other, usually with cards, gifts, flowers and candy. Some might even plan a night out. However, since last year, many of those typical plans have been altered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For many senior citizens who may feel lonely or isolated on this special day, here are some ways to wish them a happy Valentine’s Day.

For older adults living by themselves, nothing beats the old-fashioned telephone call — more personal than an email or a text message. Children are excited to tell their grandparents good news — an A on a test, their game-winning goal or their performance in the school concert. Their parents also like to talk to them just to make sure they are alright and if they need anything. Hearing a caring, familiar voice on the other line makes all the difference.

For children who are into arts and crafts, they can make a collage of photos showing them with their “nana” and/or “papa” on a poster board. They can take red, white and pink construction paper, cut out heart shapes and glue them to the poster board. If you have a tech-savvy senior, you may want to send them a digital frame filled with photos and videos of their favorite memories that will always be on display. (Please see the previous blog on using technology to stay in touch with seniors.)

Older adults living in assisted living facilities or nursing homes might be pleased to receive a visit from their families. However, New York State Health Law has required these facilities to implement social distancing protocols. Before visiting a loved one, be sure to check the facility’s COVID-19 visitation policy.

In order to help residents combat loneliness on Valentine’s Day, groups such as the Cupid Crew have sent cards with personalized messages as part of its Wish of a Lifetime program from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Volunteers would normally come to deliver the cards to the residents, but, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has adapted to allow those who wish to send a card to either download, print and mail it themselves, or send the card via email.

McPeak’s Assisted Living provides outstanding service based on the belief that it is a community responsibility to preserve the health, safety, comfort and general welfare of the elderly and infirm, who may be suffering from loneliness, anxiety or lack of attention. We also provide particular attention to residents with cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. With our affordable prices and excellent standard of care, we have the facilities to accommodate your loved one’s needs and allow them to live to the fullest. For more information, please call us at (631) 475-0445 or visit our contact page.

Seniors Begin to Receive COVID-19 Vaccines

As the COVID-19 vaccines are currently being rolled out to the general public, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is making sure that the nation’s most vulnerable population — senior citizens — are vaccinated first. The CDC says that those who are 85 years old or older are at the highest risk to develop severe COVID-19-related illnesses or death, including being placed in intensive care on a ventilator.

As the CDC points out, the higher the age range, the greater the possibility of hospitalization or death. Those who are 65-74 years old are five times more likely to be hospitalized and 90 times more likely to die from the virus than those between 18 and 29 years old. For older people between the ages of 75 to 84, they are eight times more likely to wind up in the hospital and they are 220 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than their younger counterparts.

The CDC estimates that 3 million nursing home and assisted living facility residents will require a vaccination due to their living in closed quarters, as well as their age and their health. Most states are rolling out plans that make sure the oldest are vaccinated before the second half of 2021. Those who receive the “frontrunner” vaccines from Moderna, AstraZeneca and Pfizer will have to get a second dose a few weeks later.

According to the Pew Research Center, 55% of those between 50 and 64 years old and 63% of those 65 and older said they were “very” or “somewhat” concerned about getting a serious case of COVID-19. When asked if they would be vaccinated, 60% of the 50-64 age group and 75% of those 65 and older said they would.

Moncef Slaoui, a chief scientific adviser to Operation Warp Speed, is worried that not everyone will want to take the vaccine. Dr. Slaoui said the vaccines will be “useless” if no one decides to get the shot.

McPeak’s Assisted Living provides care for your loved ones while ensuring they maintain a happy, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyle, right here in Suffolk County, Long Island, near downtown Patchogue. We offer art and music classes for our residents, as well as fun games and activities to keep them active. In addition, our facility adheres to strict CDC and New York State Department of Health guidelines and infection control protocols. Since June 2020, McPeak’s has been free of the COVID-19 virus.

We provide particular attention to residents with cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. With our affordable prices and excellent standard of care, we have the facilities to accommodate your loved one’s needs and allow them to live life to the fullest. For more information, please call us at (631) 475-0445 or visit our contact page.

RESOURCES:

https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-vaccine-distribution.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/older-adults.html#:~:text=The%20risk%20for%20severe%20illness,older%20adults%20at%20highest%20risk.&text=need%20to%20know-,Risk%20for%20severe%20illness%20with%20COVID%2D19%20increases%20with%20age,increase%20risk%20for%20severe%20illness

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/17/us/coronavirus-vaccines-nursing-homes.html

https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2020/12/03/intent-to-get-a-covid-19-vaccine-rises-to-60-as-confidence-in-research-and-development-process-increases/

It’s Not Too Late to Make New Friends

Today’s preschoolers and kindergartners are taught, as they grow older, to “make new friends and keep the old.” But for senior citizens, some feel that it is too late in life for them to meet new people. They realize they start to lose touch with their neighbors or co-workers once they retire or move away to be closer to their loved ones. Contrary to what they think, there is still time to expand their social circle.

A recent article from Senior News pointed out that, while it is important for older people to stay close with family, they should also make an effort to make new friends. The article goes on to say that, according to researchers in North America, building up a network of friends reduces the chance of a stroke and heart disease.

The National Institute on Aging also found that seniors who meet other people, whether through social activities or local programs, show signs of improved cognition. Those who are more socially active tend to live longer lives, improve their mood and feel that their lives are meaningful. The agency also found that such interaction keeps the brain fully functional and reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness. The Senior News article also stated that seniors, who have friends close by, feel secure in that they have someone to count on in the event of an emergency.

These new friends also provide a benefit to seniors. The researchers cited by Senior News show that having these people come into seniors’ lives can have a positive influence by encouraging them to eat healthy foods or quit smoking.

The article suggests ways to make new friends. This includes finding people who have the same interests as you; it could be movies, sports or politics. Another suggestion is to join a club, such as a senior league softball team, or attend a lecture that features an interesting topic. Someone who attends these events or joins an organization will soon meet another senior who shares the same interests, resulting in friendship.

McPeak’s Assisted Living provides care for your loved ones while ensuring they maintain a happy, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyle, right here in Suffolk County, Long Island, near downtown Patchogue. We offer art and music classes for our residents, as well as fun games and activities to keep them active. You can look forward to the company of others with mutual interests and the positive joys of making new friends. You’ll always have someone to talk to, someone who cares.

Pets and Seniors: A Perfect Partnership

Studies have shown that pets can help improve the overall health of older adults. Senior pet owners who were surveyed for these studies said their physical health improved, and they felt happier and not as stressed out since owning a pet.

The University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 68% of senior pet owners (ages 50-80) have a dog, 48% own a cat and 16% keep a small pet (bird, fish, hamster) at home. When asked about the health benefits of owning a pet, 79% of those surveyed said they felt less stress, 73% said their pets provide them with a sense of purpose, 65% said they were able to connect with other people and 64% said their pets made them feel more physically active. The latter was mostly true among dog owners.

An article from The Gerontologist, a publication of the Gerontological Society of America, found that, not only did dog owners engage in 150 minutes of physical activity per week — as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — but they were able to improve their walking behavior. In addition, they were more likely to put in 30 minutes of walking than younger non-dog owners and walk at a much faster pace. As a result, dog owners lost weight and made less frequent trips to the doctor.

But it is not just their physical health where seniors see improvement. According to the Michigan poll, 72% of pet owners who live alone and/or have poor physical health said pets help them take their minds off their loneliness and/or symptoms associated with mental or physical illness. Science reported that pet owners who stare into their dog’s eyes for at least five minutes experience an elevation of oxytocin, a hormone found in the brain which improves a person’s mood.

Another surprising result from the Poll on Aging is that 62% of senior pet owners found that their daily routines are more structured because of their animals. By getting into a routine, owners found a greater sense of purpose in their lives and, because they are more mentally acute, they lower their risk of cognitive decline.

McPeak’s Assisted Living provides care for your loved ones while ensuring they maintain a happy, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyle, right here in Suffolk County, Long Island, near downtown Patchogue. McPeak’s offers a variety of services for its residents, including a full-time recreational program with pet-assisted therapy. With our affordable prices and excellent standard of care, we have the facilities to accommodate your loved one’s needs and allow them to live to the fullest. For more information, please call us at (631) 475-0445 or visit our contact page.

RESOURCES:

https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/57/5/930/2632039

https://www.healthyagingpoll.org/report/how-pets-contribute-healthy-aging

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/5-reasons-seniors-should-consider-getting-a-pet-2019-04-03

https://science.sciencemag.org/content/348/6232/333

How to Host a Socially Distant Thanksgiving for Senior Family Members

In addition to turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie, there is another item on this year’s Thanksgiving menu: social distancing. With the holiday fast approaching, it is important to consider what this means for your family when it comes to protecting you and your loved ones against COVID-19, especially with senior family members who may be in attendance.

Here are some tips to help create a safe Thanksgiving for senior family members:

Be vigilant while conducting a guest list to limit risk.

While creating a guest list, keep in mind the risk level regarding the spread of COVID-19, especially when older relatives are coming. Consider having guests tested for the virus 24-48 hours prior to Thanksgiving.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking into consideration the levels of COVID-19 infections in your community, the infection levels in the areas your guests are traveling from and whether or not they have been social distancing prior to the event.

Keep it clean.

It is crucial to deep clean surfaces before, during, and after the event. The last thing you want is a senior guest being afraid to move around for fear of touching a surface and contracting the virus. An attainable approach to this task is focusing on common surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, and faucets. In addition to regular cleaning, set up a private sanitizing station in an easy-to-reach location, for senior guest use only. Setting up additional sanitizing stations for all guests also serves as a friendly reminder for younger guests to keep their hands clean for the safety of their elders.

Designate a separate bathroom for seniors.

If availability permits, designating one bathroom specifically for senior family members is a great way to lower the risk of cross-contamination of virus particles. This may be especially helpful in eliminating the stress of sharing a common space with younger family members who may be less careful and concerned with contracting and spreading the virus.

Carefully choose and explain your serving style.

Consider a buffet style serving that each guest approaches one at a time. Senior family members should either serve themselves first or have a family member carefully make them a plate to eliminate their contact with cross contamination.

Mutual understanding and respect of the rules and precautions are vital to any social gathering, especially one during a pandemic that puts seniors at high risk. It is normal to be anxious during the holidays, especially during these difficult times, and this anxiety may be heightened for senior family members. This is why it is so important to create a safe environment for them to gather with their loved ones and give thanks. However you plan to spend your Thanksgiving, make sure it is safe and enjoyable!

McPeak’s Assisted Living provides care for your loved ones while ensuring they maintain a happy, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyle, right here in Suffolk County, Long Island, near downtown Patchogue. With our affordable prices and excellent standard of care, we have the facilities to accommodate yourloved one’s needs and allow them to live to the fullest. For more information, please call us at (631) 475-0445 or visit our contact page.