It can be challenging to leave a house full of memories. As a result, you must think of ways to make the transition easier to bear. However, things can get a bit more complicated when it comes to making the transition for the elderly. Fortunately, helping your elderly parents move house can be a smooth experience if you follow some easy steps. So if you need to help your parents downsize, move to an assisted living community, or your home, here are some tips to help you plan better.

1. Make decisions together
When the time comes to relocate, talk with your parents about all the alternatives available. Find out what they think about care and stand-alone houses, as well as moving in with you. Make them part of the process and outline all the steps with them. Ensure they understand each step and are ready to take it. After all, they must first want to relocate and have the time to do so. 

When all of you agree that moving is the best option, you can begin planning the details. For instance, start looking for neighborhoods for the elderly together. Your  parents need to live in a community where they can integrate, feel safe, and stay active. Also, they need to have all the necessary amenities as close as possible. Therefore, look together for neighborhoods with a hospital, shops, parks, bus stations, and whatever else your parents need. That way, you will ensure they have an easy and happy life following the move. At the same time, they will have something to look forward to before the move. 

In the end, you will see that having open talks with your parents about the relocation will only be beneficial. You will guarantee that everyone is on the same page and understands that relocation is the best choice. Furthermore, your discussions will make the whole process less stressful and easier to handle.

2. Create a detailed plan for the move.
When helping your elderly parents move house, you must plan meticulously. Moving is a difficult change, and you need to make it as smooth as possible. Therefore, a plan can help your parents have an easy transition to their new home. First, you can set the date and time of the relocation. Then, organize the steps you need to take between now and moving day. For example, decide when and what you will pack, what car you will use, and which road you will take. Plan the meals for the day before and the day of the relocation. If you need to travel for more than a day, look for accommodation for the number of nights necessary. In short, consider all the tasks you need to do before the big day, and you will make the relocation easier for everyone. 

3. Don't forget the essentials
Before you move your parents to their new home, there are a few things you must arrange. First, notify the neighbors that your parents will be leaving and provide a contact number. Second, update the mailing address and inform relevant institutions. Banks, utility providers, local authorities, and insurers are some examples of such institutions. Third, talk to your parent's doctor and ask for a referral for a new doctor. Also, transfer their medical files and prescriptions. Doing all these tasks will allow your parents to have an easier relocation. And if everything is in order before they move in, they can concentrate better on settling in and nothing else.

4. Sort and organize their belongings
Moving your parents will probably require some downsizing. As a result, you should walk through the whole house and make an inventory of their belongings. Then you can sort them into categories and decide what to do with them. You can make boxes with labels on them to make sorting easier. You can, for example, make containers for items to keep, donate, or throw away. However, don't let your or your parents' feelings overwhelm you too much when it comes to sorting. Even though there might be items that you are emotionally attached to, not all of them are worth keeping. At the same time, remember that what may seem insignificant to you may be a priceless memory for your parents. So let them keep some of the items they love, especially if they don't take up too much space. Or deposit them in a storage unit for safekeeping. 

5. Get help with the move
During the relocation of your elderly parents, you might need some help. All of the planning and tasks can be a bit too much for just you and your spouse. As a result, get the whole family involved. Call your siblings and other relatives that can help, and work as a team. If needed, you can also call friends that are willing to help. Yet, ensure that you let everyone know in time that you will need their help. That way, they can plan the days or weekends when they can come and help with packing, sorting, or whatever else you need.

However, if it's hard to find help amongst friends and family, you can hire a moving company. You can research which ones are the best in your area and ask for quotations. Besides that, you can read reviews and see what other people think of a company's services. That can help you spot unprofessional companies and stay away from scams. So, if you come across a company with only vague and positive reviews, you might recognize fake moving reviews and avoid them. Instead, ask for recommendations from family and friends that have used moving services to make the final choice.

6. Prepare the new home
One of the main concerns while helping your elderly parents move house is their safety. As a result, before you relocate them to their new home, ensure you set it up. For instance, make all the necessary renovations, such as making the bathroom more senior-friendly. Also, decorate the place to make it feel comfortable and familiar. Use some old pictures and items that they love to help them accommodate faster. Your loved ones should have a much smoother transition if you carefully prepare the new house for them.

Final words on helping your elderly parents move house
Moving the elderly can be a difficult task. However, if you use these tips, you can make the transition a lot easier. Pay attention to your parents' needs, listen to their concerns, and work together on a plan. That way, you will avoid creating trauma.

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For many seniors, retirement means more time to spend on activities they enjoy. And starting something new can be fulfilling and energizing for retirees. So read on for a few ideas from the Livingston County Consortium on Aging that will add some spark to your life.
 
Find Community
If you’re getting close to or entering retirement, you may find yourself with more free time than you’ve been accustomed to. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, so it’s important to surround yourself with a supportive community such as your church. Being involved in your church can not only provide you with a community of peers, it also gives you the opportunity to share God’s love with the next generation.
 
Start Your Own Business
For a growing number of seniors, retiring means starting the business they always wanted to launch but never had enough time or energy to actually do it. Once you’ve developed your business idea, do some market research and figure out who your target clients are. When you have a business plan in place, assess your finances: startup costs can vary widely depending on the type of business you’re trying to start, and you may need funds beyond what you have available in your savings account. Besides looking for investors, Bench notes that you can apply for grants earmarked for small business owners.
 
Take time to write an outstanding grant application to catch the eye of the reviewers. Don’t hesitate to consult a guide on how to start a business to help you with all the legal steps when it’s time to register or incorporate your company. Having professional help on your side could save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run.
 
Discover New Hobbies
If you’ve ever wanted to learn to dance, paint, or play a musical instrument, now is the perfect time for you to finally try that new hobby. Many classes are available for seniors, and thanks to the internet, you can even learn from the comfort of your own home. Tutors offer their services online or in person to teach just about anything: a foreign language, writing, graphic design, or even cooking.
 
Having a hobby allows you to escape the tedium of your everyday activities; Mindvalley explains that it increases your personal creativity and can even lead to personal growth as you find a new purpose for your life. Your confidence level also gets a boost as you get better at something. Furthermore, hobbies are a great way to make new friends: by joining clubs and attending group classes and activities, you will meet people who enjoy the same things as you. Plus, a relaxing hobby can help lower your stress and anxiety levels, making you an all-around happier person.
 
If you find that anxiety or depression creeps up on you as you age, you may wonder whether it’s worth finding anti depression meds. For many people, prescription medication can be a boon for alleviating symptoms, though this isn’t for everyone. If you’re interested in finding out more about depression medications, you can book a telehealth appointment to meet with a doctor online who can evaluate your symptoms, and, if necessary, prescribe medication. They will also be able to answer any questions you may have about treatment or potential side effects. And once a medicine has been prescribed, they can send the prescription to your local pharmacy for easy pickup.
 
Stay Healthy
As you get older, you should strive to make exercise part of your weekly–if not daily–routine in order to maintain bone strength and health, good balance, and flexibility, but please be sure to check with your physician before starting a new exercise regimen to avoid potential injuries. Research shows that extra pounds can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and a slew of other ailments, and regular exercise will help you maintain a healthy weight.
 
Your diet also plays an important role in keeping your body in shape and energized. Now that you’re retired, you may find yourself spending more time dining out or snacking between meals, which can greatly contribute to weight gain. Eat a variety of fresh, nutritious, healthy foods to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs to function properly, and consider “meal-prepping”, or planning your meals in advance, for a more balanced diet throughout the week.
 
Enjoyable activities and a healthy lifestyle will keep seniors going strong as they age. So, explore new hobbies and discover your passion. It’s never too late to get started on a new adventure!
 
The Livingston County Consortium on Aging is an active network of public and private individuals and agencies that provide advocacy, outreach, and resources for local seniors. For more information, please visit our website or contact us today!

Thoughtful Suggestions for Sharing News of a Bereavement
When a loved one passes away, the close relatives of the deceased are faced with the difficult task of informing others and dealing with the deceased's affairs. Finding fitting tributes and memorials for each aspect of a person's life is often a challenge, but it's something that can help with the grieving process too. The Livingston County Consortium on Aging weighs in.
Sharing News of Bereavement With Family Members
The first task should be to tell the closest family members and friends so that they have time to process the news. Close relatives should be at the top of the list of people to tell about the death, notes Bereavement Advice Centre. Calling each person individually or delivering the news face to face is a good idea if you feel able to do so.
Consider asking some of those relatives to take on some of the burden of spreading the word. Arrange a small wake or get-together where you can celebrate the person's life with those who meant the most to them and who likely mean a lot to you.
Memorializing Social Media Accounts
Many people have large groups of social media friends, and this is one area where modern etiquette can be confusing. Consider sharing the news of your loved one's death with a few of their closest, most trusted friends so they can pass the news on to the wider friend groups. Then memorialize their Facebook account and social media accounts so those who weren't as close are made aware of what has happened.
It can sometimes be hard for friends to know what to do when they hear of a person's death. Sharing funeral wishes, suggestions for charitable donations, and information about funeral arrangements as part of a memorial post may help.
Informing Colleagues of the Person's Passing
When a working-age person dies, it's important to inform their employer so that their manager can tell their colleagues about the death. This is a sensitive issue and one that should be handled carefully. If the deceased worked for a small business and you know their colleagues well, you may wish to deliver the news in person, but for bigger companies, it's worth letting the manager inform people and offer support to those who are grieving.
A person's colleagues can often be their friends and old classmates. One way to reach out and communicate what’s transpired, as well as funeral and viewing information, is searching online for the graduating class of the deceased. It’s a good idea to try to identify the class officers, who are usually in contact with others, and who are charged with getting the word out.
Consider the Practical Issues
Sharing the sad news of a person's passing is just one of the issues people have to deal with when they're faced with bereavement. There are financial and legal issues to deal with as well. As Vera Gibbins blogs on MassMutual, probate can be a complex and involved affair. If you find yourself having to sell the deceased's home, consider working with a real estate agent who understands the technicalities of probate sales and how they affect both buyers and sellers. Having the right experts on your side can make life much easier.
Celebrate Your Loved One's Life With Memorials
Dealing with the passing of a loved one isn't easy. Take the time to celebrate their life in as many ways as possible. Talk to friends and family, memorialize their accounts, and make sure colleagues and others who were in their life are informed sensitively. Ask for help with practical and financial issues so you aren't overwhelmed, and take the time to grieve for yourself as well.
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There is a common misconception that technology, networking, and older adults don’t mix. There’s only one problem with that notion: It isn’t true! No matter your age, you can become the most effective networker in your area if you want to. All it takes is a commitment to put yourself out there and enact a few simple strategies. 

Whether you’re hoping to start a business, launch a nonprofit, or volunteer for meaningful causes, networking is essential to your mission. And Livingston County Consortium on Aging has given you a few practical tips to get you started!

Understand the Importance

Whatever type of organization you are trying to put together or service you are trying to provide in your community, you need people and groups around you for support. Networking presents opportunities for meeting your next business partner, client, mentor, and other individuals who can walk with you through the ups and downs of leadership. When you meet challenges down the road, you can lean on your network to help you through. Plus, it’s fun to meet new people who share similar passions!

Start Online    

Perhaps the best place to start networking these days is online. There are many social media platforms designed to help professionals and community members build the network they need. Create a LinkedIn profile that is optimized to connect you with the individuals and groups who could prove most helpful to you. Rather than simply filling out your profile with all the information you can think of, be thoughtful and make your profile stand out. And take the same approach to platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Along with engaging on social networks, constantly look for virtual events (e.g., workshops, conferences, seminars, etc.) related to your industry or service of interest, and attend as many as you can. Such events are an excellent way to meet like-minded professionals and community members, not to mention learn about your trade.

If you’re starting a business, your network will prove invaluable when it comes to finding workers to help you build and grow your company. That said, if you have trouble connecting with specific types of professionals through your network, you can turn to online job boards. These sites allow you to compare the rates, experience, and reviews of candidates so that you can choose the best professionals for your virtual assistance, web design, and content writing services.

Get Involved in the Community

If your hope is to volunteer at local organizations, now is the best time to start. But even if volunteering isn’t your ultimate goal, it’s a great way to meet new people and make meaningful connections while serving your community. Look for local charities and nonprofits that share your values, and commit to serving at least once a week.

Be Genuine          

As you begin to meet more people, don’t be afraid to make personal connections. Whether we are interacting with individuals or companies, we all desire authenticity. Being real doesn’t mean that you aren’t professional. Just be your wonderful self when networking, and you will make lasting impressions! 

Stay Connected

Finally, you must maintain the relationships you build. Use all the tools at your disposal to stay connected to professionals and other individuals. Utilize video chat and phone calls to interact with others, and stay on the lookout for opportunities to arrange meetings and get-togethers—whether in-person or virtual.

You can be a successful networker in your golden years as long as you employ the right strategies. Remember to take advantage of online networking platforms, start serving in the community, and be authentic in your interactions. And of course, work hard to maintain the professional relationships you are building!

Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about the work our organization does for aging adults in the community? Visit livingstoncoa.org today!

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Home is where families make memories, but people with dementia might see it differently. For them, it might be the place where their world changes and their memories begin to fade. As a caregiver for an Alzheimer’s patient, you can make the difference and make this journey as comfortable and pleasant as possible.  

As of 2020, Alzheimer’s disease affects about 5.8 million Americans who are 65 years old and older. It can be your grandparent, your cousin, your sibling, or even your parent who faces the diagnosis. Eventually, those with Alzheimer’s require round-the-clock care, and for many families, that means taking the loved one into their own home. 

Homes are not often designed to meet the needs of people over 65. Research published in American Family Physician reports that the benefits of modifying and adapting a home for a person with dementia is that it promotes independence and prevents accidents. People suffering from Alzheimer’s are more comfortable at home or in a familiar setting. If you are taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s, a few pre-planning tips from Livingston County Consortium on Aging can go a long way. 

Safety

In addition to progressing memory loss, Alzheimer’s patients begin suffering from limited mobility, a loss of motor function and balance. The National Institute of Aging provides a general safety checklist that takes this into consideration. Follow these few tips:

Bathrooms: 

• Handrails: These are added to walls to aid in support of getting up from the toilet or out of the shower.
  
• Raised toilet seats: Because of a patient’s loss of strength a raised toilet seat can help make trips to the bathroom more comfortable and safe.
  
• Bath seat: Having a bath seat in the shower can prevent slips and falls that can cause serious injury.
  

Kitchen:

• Cabinets: Install child-proof latches on cabinets that hold prescription medicines or dangerous cleaning products and/or chemicals. 
  
• Appliances: Assess which appliances can become dangerous or a possible hazard and limit or supervise their use. This can mean installing shut-off valves or circuit breakers to stoves. 
  

Around the House:

• Lighting: Maintaining bright light can reduce the chances of falls. Keep night lights throughout the house, especially in bathrooms and dark hallways that are accessed at night. 
  
• Obstructions: Remove rugs or small objects from walking paths. Remember that people with Alzheimer’s become easily confused and disoriented; simplifying their surroundings can keep a sense of calm and order. 
  
• Outside: Those suffering from Alzheimer’s tend to wander off for a number of reasons including feeling nervous around others and general confusion. Consider installing a fence around the yard to help prevent your loved one from inadvertently leaving the property. Finding a fence contractor is easier than ever -- simply search online for “fencing companies near me” and use Angi to research and contact the pro of your choice.
  

Comfort

There are a few alterations people can do to help their loved one feel at home and ease anxiety or depression. According to the Huffington Post, implementing some design elements in consideration of common Alzheimer’s symptoms can provide familiarity and security. These modifications include:

• Contrasting colors: Alzheimer’s patients may have trouble distinguishing between similar colors as they experience a loss of spatial awareness. Providing contrast helps them identify what they’re looking for and prevent frustration. For example, putting bold signs on the doors to label rooms, painting handrails, and light switches. 
  
• Familiar environment: Making a person’s environment feel familiar provides ease and prevents stress and depression. Decorate their room with a theme of something they love, as well as pictures of close family members.
  
• Clutter: Having too many scattered items is not only a safety hazard but can also aggravate someone with Alzheimer’s disease. 
  
• Overstimulation: Someone with Alzheimer’s is very sensitive to outside stimuli. Avoid having too much noise happening at the same time.
  

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, caretakers can take comfort in knowing that by providing these few accommodations their family member experiences far less frustration and confusion. Understanding Alzheimer’s can help you adjust and modify your home as the disease progresses. The important thing is to use pre-emptive measures to prevent unnecessary accidents and injury as well as improving quality of life. 

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Livingston County Consortium on Aging provides for collaboration, advocacy and communication between agencies and persons concerned with the provision of services to all aging adults. Reach out to us today! LCCOA48843@gmail.com

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