Nursing Homes|Nursing Home Abuse|Assisted Living Facilities

Since we are in the aging of America, many baby boomers have pets for companions. It is said that seniors live longer, happier, healthier lives with a pet.

Most communities or developments do consider themselves as pet retirement communities. What does this mean? In general, it means that pets are o.k. to have and are not prohibited. However, depending where you live, in a pet retirement community, there may be restrictions on the pet you own. For example, you may not be allowed to own Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinchers, or dogs weighing over a certain weight. Your pet friendly communities or development has what are called 'Docs' or Documents that do have restrictions listed.

The pet friendly retirement communities you choose may have a certain area that is dedicated to a pet park. There may also be restrictions on where you can walk your pet. Be sure to carry all the paraphernalia needed to poop-a-scoop.

Are you going to an assisted living community or independent living community? Be sure to review their policies as to a friendly retirement communities:

* a deposit to cover pet related damages.
* insurance against dog bites
* pet care fee's for pet care you can't provide
* vet availability

It really is not uncommon to see pets in friendly retirement communities. Ask those around you in the community where you plan to retire. They will tell you what a delight it is to have a pet companion in their lives.

Like anything else, do your due diligence in your research for you and your pet retirement communities.

In Miami home health care is becoming more prevalent because of the overcrowding of hospitals. While that's not a bad thing, elderly care in Miami is beneficial to those who have very limited mobility. The specialization for elderly care professions range from nurses to speech pathologists. Where elderly care in Miami is especially important are for members of assisted or retirement communities.

Make no mistake about it, senior citizens need the deepest amount of healthcare and regardless of where they live. Imagine the benefits of having elderly care. There is no risk of an emergency in the transportation of patients from the home to the hospital.

Home health is becoming more prevalent because of the flexibility that if affords patients. It's also cost effective for hospitals and other health professions.

When living in an assisted living center or retirement community, it becomes especially beneficial because of the resources that are already there.

Home health professionals are trained to be aggressive and understanding the needs of every patient. More and more retirement communities are employing home health professionals because they are realizing that there are many benefits to it and structurally it makes sense for the retirement community.

Healthcare is a delicate thing today and you need the best care at any moment's notice. Home health is definitely a way to do so. Getting care at any point in the day is something that will benefit everyone. Allow home healthcare in Miami work for you. It will be the best decision for you and the family.

Long distance caregiver is a new role that is thrust upon children and younger family members these days. After all, families used to live closer together, with children residing and working near their parents, but these days family members are more distant from each other.

According to a report by the Alzheimer's Association, 7 million Americans provide 80% of the care to ailing family members, there are approximately 3.3 million long-distance caregivers in this country with an average distance of 480 miles from the people they assist, and the number of long distance caregivers will double over the next 15 years. The report also states that 15 million days are missed from work each year because of long distance care giving.

Professional care managers (also known as geriatric-, elder-, or aging- care managers) represent a growing trend to help employed and/or distant family caregivers provide care for loved ones. Such experts assist caregivers, friends or family members provide care, make decisions, and find governmental and private resources. They are professionals who are trained to assess the abilities and needs of the elderly, and to evaluate and recommend care for them. Their backgrounds include fields such as nursing, social work, psychology, and gerontology.

These professionals are becoming extremely popular as the liaison between long-distance family members and their aging loved ones. That's why it is important to find a geriatric care manager where your loved one lives, since he or she will have knowledge of the resources in the area and can serve as your eyes and ears when it comes to your distant loved one.

The following is a partial list of what a care manager might do:

• Assess the level and type of care needed and develop a care plan.


• Put the care plan in place and keep it functioning.


• Make sure care is in a safe and disability-friendly environment.


• Resolve family conflicts and other issues.


• Become an advocate for the care recipient and the caregiver.


• Implement and manage long distance care.


• Conduct ongoing assessments to implement changes in care.


• Oversee and direct care provided at home.


• Coordinate the efforts of key support systems.


• Provide personal counseling.


• Arrange for services by legal and financial advisors.


• Arrange placement in assisted living facilities or nursing homes.


• Monitor the care received in a nursing home or in assisted living.


• Assist with the monitoring of medications.


• Coordinate medical appointments and medical information.


• Arrange or provide transportation to medical appointments.


• Assist families in their decision-making.

Services offered will depend on the educational and professional background of the care manager, but most are qualified to cover items in the list above or can recommend a professional who can. Fees vary. There is often an initial consultation fee that is followed by hourly or flat fees for services. Medical insurance usually does not cover these fees, but long-term care insurance might.

When you take into account the time absent from work and time to find the right care resources for your loved ones, along with the cost of travel expenses to monitor their care, you will probably agree that using a caregiver is money well spent. Add to this the stress of handling your own life circumstances combined with being a caregiver, and you will probably wonder how you could have ever done without the care manager.

Most elder people would rather receive basic bedside care from the comfort of their homes than be confined to an assisted living facility. As a result, they hire specialized caregivers and nurses to take good care of them. In addition to these individuals there are also therapists and physicians who can provide at-home care services. Elderly people, especially the sick ones, require a lot of attention. Their bodies are frail as a result of terminal illnesses and the overall wear and tear on the body. Some may not be sick at all, but they do not have youthful energy to cook, clean and care for themselves. This is where you come in. You can't just watch and do nothing. Here are some basic things you need to know about becoming a bedside caregiver:

1. The basic bedside care activities for senior people are divided into two broad categories. On one hand are the Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The second category consists of what is termed as Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Activities of daily living are those that you normally go though on a day-to-day basis. Examples include bathing, dressing, brushing your teeth, going to the restroom, movement from chair to bed, and vice versa. Examples of instrumental activities of daily living are cleaning the house, preparing meals, managing medication, shopping and managing money etc.

2. Frequency of basic bedside care. This is dependent on a number of factors. Of utmost importance is how independent the elderly person remains as you take care of their needs. For instance, a senior person is able to attend to activities of daily living on his or her own. Other activities like laundry and housekeeping require your input. You need to assign someone to perform these tasks on behalf of your elderly parent. There has to be a nurse or caregiver providing round the clock surveillance to ensure that the person is safe and comfortable. Medication is crucial especially to a very ill person. Make sure the correct dosage is followed. The meals have to be prepared at the right time while adhering to nutritional requirements.

3. Couples can take turns at providing basic bedside care. Caring for a sick person requires patience and understanding. You need to have a big heart. It can be inconvenience to your daily routine. You have to be at the person's side for long hours. It is your duty to ensure they have eaten well, have had a change of clothes and that they are generally okay. It means you have to stay awake most of the night. When you are not busy, you can relieve your spouse so that at least he or she can catch up on sleep and recoup some energy.

4. By taking care of your elderly parents from the comfort of your home, you can save a lot of money that could have otherwise been spent on caregivers. In some instances, it is not possible to do this. That is the time you hire a professional through a care giving agency. The rates vary depending on whether you want someone for the day, night or throughout. You can negotiate for a reasonable rate.

While seeking for a basic bedside care agency, ensure that you are dealing with a licensed firm. Some caregivers simply place ads in newspapers, yet they are not qualified or experienced for the task. Confirm that the caregiver has gone through training and is certified to provide elderly care to the sick and other indisposed seniors. Do a background check on all agencies you have short listed before making a final decision. There have been cases of caregivers mistreating the elderly. Always know who you are hiring to care for your loved ones!

Everyone wants to live in peace and happiness even in old age, and senior living options are available for these people. In such a fast-paced world, children usually don't have time to take care of their ageing parents. If they look for some retirement options, however, things could be easier. For all retired people, retirement communities are a great place to spend their lives in happiness and contentment. For most seniors, independence comes with a lot of difficulties, but for those who find it tough to accomplish their daily chores there are assisted living homes. When people get older and their children are unable to take care of them, there are a variety of senior living options.

Most seniors resist frequent change, so selecting a retirement community has to be done with great care. Most of the assisted living homes are set up so that the residents of the facility can have a better quality of life than they would experience in their traditional homes. It has often being observed that when it comes to elder care, the most important thing is to get exercise and have activities that enhance their lives and promote longevity. Improving the quality of life through senior living is a very real possibility, and this is the top goal of the assisted living homes. These facilities are there for all senior citizens, whether they are retired or not and whether they need assistance or not. After retirement, a lot of people tend to stop taking care of themselves as well and try to keep living on their own, but this stage of life ought to be the most enjoyable one. If you want to enjoy your life, then check into the best retirement community.

For retired people, there are a number of senior living options that can be chosen depending on the needs of the individual. The two main choices after retirement are living with family or moving to a retirement community. The choice of these senior homes depends on the overall health, independence, and mobility. If the aged person does not like going very far, then assisted living homes that are located near shopping areas would be best. As we get older, we try to find activities that will keep us engaged and happy. A lot of senior living facilities organize events for elderly people to share their thoughts.

Active seniors who are independent in their daily lives can opt for a regular retirement community which serves their individual needs. Senior citizens need to understand that staying in senior living is not a social stigma, but is a way to enjoy retired life to the fullest without being dependent on anyone. The ideal place for retired people among all the senior living options is the retirement community because it really caters to the needs of retired people.

Assisted Living facilities are generally for person's 60 years of age and older. Typical candidates need assistance with "Activities of Daily Living" (ADLs), but wish to live as independently as possible. Assisted Living communities exist to bridge the gap between seniors that can live independently and skilled nursing homes.

Assisted living facilities provide helpful services such as:

1. Eating,

2. Bathing,

3. Dressing,

4. Grooming,

5. Laundry,

6. Housekeeping,

7. Assistance with medications.

While Board and Care facilities are usually in a private residential home, Assisted Living facilities are larger structures often arranged as senior living communities. These communities can contain as many as 400 residents or as few as 25 seniors. Residents of assisted living communities usually meet in a dining room together with other residents for meals.

A person designated as the 'Activities Director' oversees a key area in the assisted living community - Social activities. The Activities Director typically arranges daily options for residents including outings, crafts, dances, music, educational classes, seminars, and other opportunities. All activities are designed to encourage physical and mental stimulation.

Assisted Living facilities create a care plan for each individual resident upon admission. The care plan details the agreed upon personalized services required by the resident and guaranteed to be provided by the facility. The plan is updated regularly to assure that the resident receives the appropriate care as his or her condition changes.

Assisted Living communities are closely involved in the health needs of their residents. They often have a person designated to oversee this called a 'Health Care Director'. They coordinate the monitoring of health related issues involving medication, diet, personal hygiene, socialization and mental acuity to assist the senior and their family as they interact with health care professionals. If a decline is noted in a specific area, family and health care professionals are consulted by the Health Care Director to resolve issues. Often, because of their experience, unexpected emergency health issues are avoided, as signs of a decline recognized and acted upon early.

Residents can live at 'Assisted Living' communities for many years, even as their health declines considerably. Many offer hospice care and end of life assistance. If you are considering senior care options, assisted living facilities are definitely an option worth looking into.

For all you over 50 dating men, it's time to dust off all those trusty pick-up lines. And for all you over 50 dating women, you can play as hard to get as you want.

With more than 21 million single seniors in the United Sates and nearly four million single senior men and women in Canada, as well as tens of millions of Baby Boomers retiring over the next two decades, it's safe to say that dating is never out of date.

The future is bright for the geriatric generation's exploding single population who want to find a date or possibly even a mate. Whether it's casual dating in search of sex, a new male or female friend, romance or even love that you seek, today's seniors have more opportunity to find what they want than any other senior generation in history.

If you are age 55 or older:

• 6% of you are widowed.


• 9% of you are divorced.


• 4% of you are presently separated.


• 9% of you have never married.

That's a lot of single senior men and women available to date. And with 10,000 people retiring every day and more than 40% of them being single, more than ever before, a life of solitude is a matter of choice.

The burgeoning senior populace, along with its increasing political and social influence, means that the world is becoming more senior friendly. As a result, medical advances allow us to live longer and healthier lives and every community throughout North America is providing more senior social activities. After all, 65 is the new 45!

Studies show that seniors who have a small network of friends and engage in a variety of social activities live happier, self-sustaining and longer lives than seniors who keep to themselves or rely primarily on family for interaction.

Seniors are also discovering that the best way to avoid the dreaded assisted living existence and to stay independent are threefold:

1. Be our own best friend by looking after ourselves both physically and mentally by adopting some surprisingly easy-to-do dietary strategies and modest exercises.


2. Surround ourselves with at least three good active friends with diverse interests so that we are continuously exercising our brain and body.


3. Have someone special in our life where sharing and caring are the basis of a close friendship or romance.

A great way to achieve all of the above is over 50 dating. Instead, many aging people look to their senior years with fear or dread and see it as the start of their decline. It doesn't have to be that way at all anymore. More than any other senior generation before us, we have the means and opportunity to live our Golden years as vibrantly and actively as we wish.

The other good news is that women 50 and older are no longer meek kittens waiting for the alpha male to take the lead when it comes to dating. Today's single senior women, just like men, know what they want and are becoming more assertive about taking their future into their own hands. Mature men are just as apt to be asked out as to be doing the traditional asking out.

The sheer numbers of the expanding senior population makes it more possible than ever to find exactly what over 50 men and women want when it comes to interacting with others of the opposite sex.

As a single senior, what are you looking for? Is it:

• Friendship with someone of the opposite gender?


• Romance?


• Sex in the form of a 'Friend with Benefits?'


• Love all over again?

For any and all of the above, the over 50 dating scene has never been better. The only question is: Are you ready to have fun again and turn back the dating clock?

Assisted Living and its Benefits

Of the many ways we take care of our elderly, the concept of assisted living is one of the most popular. Assisted living offers the best of two worlds for the person served by the system. Independence is at a high while caregivers are available if they should need them. In essence, they are never really alone.

Assisted living facilities are not to be confused with nursing homes. This is a common misnomer. The term assisted living is exactly as it sounds. Facilities provide assistance with what are called ADL's or activities of daily living. This encompasses things such as bathing, eating, dressing and more.

While some assisted living facilities do offer medication assistance as allowed by the state it is located in. Medication assistance can mean anything from preparing the medication to simply reminding the individual that it is time to take it. These facilities do not provide any major medical services, which makes them a whole different type of facility from a nursing home.

The main attraction for assisted living facilities is the individual's independence. The elderly begin to feel that they have lost their independence if they cannot function on their own from day to day. This is where AL facilities play a major role in longevity and quality of life for residents.

The facilities themselves tend to be more attractive to the individual as well as the family. The types of units range from a standalone home to an apartment in a continued care community. However, it is not just the type of residence that appeals to the clients; it is the environment as well.

An environment that allows the individual to live a full life and receive the assistance of staff members only if needed. The staff is always there to watch and step in if they have to. Safety is the major function here. The individual is free to do whatever is available to do at will. Activities are on the schedule and always going on.

All of this freedom mixed with assistance gives the client a feeling of worth, value and security. That goes a long way towards the quality of life for these people. Additionally, the family can rest assured that their loved one is well cared for and happy. Therefore, the benefits are not ONLY for the client.

In the end, all of this needs to be paid for somehow. The usual way is private funding, but there are some exceptions to that rule. Many long-term care insurance policies will cover assisted living expenses if it is licensed. Check your loved one's policy to make sure.

In some states, Medicaid waivers and funds are available to help defer the costs. Check your local statutes and laws governing assisted living. Since AL facilities are regulated at the state level, you will need to check with the state for actual details pertaining to your situation.

The bottom line is that you can place your loved one in a nice assisted living facility. The cost can be deferred by several means and insurance may even cover it. Do a little research and see what your state has to offer. You may be surprised at what you discover.

As we age into our golden years, we face a bit of a quandary. As much as we hate to admit it, we could use some help with some basic daily tasks. At the same time, we want to maintain our independence as much as possible. More and more people are finding that assisted living is a great option because it allows both of these goals to be met.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a compromise between completely independent living and a nursing home. It is designed to provide seniors with help with daily tasks like meals and cleaning, while allowing them their total independence when it comes to daily tasks and such. Although different facilities offer different services, most assisted living facilities do not offer medical care.

Assisted living is by far the most popular senior housing option. Why is this? Well, think the issue through. Most people prefer to live independent and do so. As we age, we might need help with a few things, but it is fairly rare that we suddenly need help with everything! This is where assisted living comes in. We don't have to worry about making meals. We don't have to worry about keeping our living area clean and so on. The staff of the assisted living facility takes care of those annoying issues.

Another reason assisted living is popular has to do with the people occupying the communities. Simply put, they are all seniors who are active. It is not a gathering of really sick people one finds in a nursing home. This collection of active individuals of the same general age gives us chances to meet others with similar attitudes and the same interests. For many seniors, moving into an assisted living facility is one of the best things that can happen to them.

For the longest period of time, the only real option for seniors was to transition from independent living to a nursing home. That constituted a major change in lifestyle and was one reason many seniors viewed nursing homes with such despair. Fortunately, assisted living has created a transition between the two and today provides seniors with a housing option that not only meets their needs, but represents an idyllic living situation in many cases.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) should not be confused with activities of daily living (ADLs). If not familiar with ADLs, please see a previous article written by this author, Elder Care - Activities of Daily Living. These two categories are assessed separately but are actually very connected as far as ability to perform the activities.

This is why IADLs are important to elders and why they need to increase their knowledge on this subject. Understanding these actions may mean the difference between independent living and assisted living out of the home.

IADLs are any actions that we perform on a daily basis that requires the use of an instrument. The use of the word instrument throws most people off because of the multiple meanings. But there really is not a better word to describe all the different items that are included in this category. I'll explain. IADLs include: transportation, shopping, laundry, telephone calls, food preparation, handling finances, housekeeping and managing medicine. With a little thought it's apparent that there is an instrument involved in each one of these activities.

The daily activities performed using an instrument are measured very similar to the method used to evaluate general activities of daily living. The medical professional or case manager uses a chart with headings such as: Always, Frequently, Sometimes, Never. Now let's apply this categorizing to the actual IADLs.

Transportation - This does not mean there is or is not the ability drive. That's a possibility, but it could also mean a person has the ability to understand and use different types of transportation. It's important to understand that if a person is creative and informed enough to find an alternative to an IADL that they are starting to experience difficulty performing, it doesn't mean you have lost the ability; it's just done a different way. For instance, if using a bus instead of a car because a person no longer drives; they would be scored as always able to perform this activity as long as it's independently accomplished.

Shopping - Is the individual able to manage their way through the grocery store, push a cart, carry a basket, select food, and get through the check out process by themselves.

Laundry - In this case the instrument is the washing machine and dryer or clothes line.

Telephone calls - Using the telephone as we age becomes more and more difficult largely due to changing eyesight and advances in technology. There are ways to cope with both of these. Get a phone with bigger numbers; they're inexpensive and available everywhere. Don't let other people force a present of a new telephone with tons of gadgets for you to have to learn when you really aren't interested.

Food preparation - The stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, and general small kitchen appliances are the instruments here. Again if any of these items start to become difficult to use, make adjustments. For instance, if your short term memory is giving your problems use a loud timer every single time the stove is used.

Handling finances - This requires the ability to calculate, write checks, use debit cards, handles cash, schedule and pay bills, and create a budget. Most people of all ages have some problem with this but specifically for elders the difficulty starts to arise with the short term memory. Use calendar. This is not trite, place a calendar where you can see it and put all of your bill payment due dates on it as soon as you receive the bill. Many elders pay a bill the minute they receive it because they are afraid they'll forget later. This is a really good way to get ripped off. Everything that appears to be a bill in your mail may not be so.

Housekeeping - The vacuum is the big instrument here. The act of vacuuming is difficult for anyone, much less a person who may become frail.

Managing medicine - The instruments in this category include the medicine bottle, medicine box, or an automated medicine box.

This is a very basic introduction to the instrumental activities of daily living; a discourse not only meant for elders but for everyone. Either you are an elder, know an elder, or are going to hopefully become an elder. If you want to stay at home as long as possible become educated on these types of issues.

The average monthly base cost of assisted living increased 15% this year, to $2,905. That works out to $34,860 a year The annual survey was conducted by LifePlans, Inc., a risk management and consulting firm that provides data analysis and information to the long term care insurance industry.

Rates ranged considerably by region. The most expensive city was Boston, where people in assisted living facilities spent an average of $4,629 per month. The lowest cost was Jackson, Miss., where the average was just $1,642.

Assisted living is a form of housing for older Americans that is growing in popularity. This is in response to the aging of the population and the preference to age in a home-like setting. The monthly private pay base rates, which are defined as room and board and typically include at least two meals, housekeeping and personal care assistance, were obtained for private rooms with private baths in assisted living facilities. Quarters can range from a small house to a large apartment-style complex.

For the most part, base rates include 24 hour supervision, two to three meals per day, assistance with the activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring and continence), social activities, medication management, laundry, housekeeping and maintenance and recreational and spiritual activities. Most residents pay privately or through long-term care insurance policies.

The average assisted living costs in Georgia are $2,795 for Alpharetta and $2,643 for Atlanta. This is slightly below the national average. Do you have a plan in place to pay for this type of care when you need it? If you have a plan, have you reviewed it recently? Contact us for an evaluation of your plan to pay for assisted living costs.

The senior care industry is seen by many as one of the highest potential markets in 2012, having already grown into a $55 billion industry. As a result, more companies have opened their doors to franchising. But given this increase in home care franchises, prospective entrepreneurs will need to be more discriminating in their choice of investment opportunity to gain an edge over the competition.

Experts say that by 2030, the country's senior population is expected to double to a staggering 70 million. With developments in technology and medicine, a growing number of seniors are expected to live longer - and many of them will want remain in the comfort of their homes for as long as possible. Staying home also poses many benefits for seniors, including lower costs than moving to a nursing or assisted living facility, the ability to remain independent in a familiar and comfortable environment, and for some, close proximity to family and friends.

The combination of these circumstances has brought about the growth of the senior care franchise industry. Each company has something to offer, so how will budding entrepreneurs determine the best one to invest in?

The answer lies in three words: unique selling proposition. Entrepreneurs need to find out what a particular franchise offers that can differentiate it from the rest.

Companies that offer home care franchises will generally offer the service of caregivers. However, only a select few offer comprehensive care management. Care management involves assessing a senior's lifestyle, condition, needs, and preferences, and tailoring a care plan to suit all these factors. This goes beyond traditional caregiving in the sense that it gives caregivers a more comprehensive view of what will best meet the client's needs, enabling them to provide the services or obtain the resources necessary to not only maintain, but enhance the client's quality of life.

Care management is best handled by a professional care manager - someone with expertise in areas such as geriatrics, nursing, social work, or similar fields. Care mangers not only develop the care plan, but also update it to adapt to the changing needs of the senior. They also oversee the caregiver to ensure the plan is carried out properly.

A company with this type of approach can give entrepreneurs a distinct edge over other home care franchises. This careful attention to detail with deference to the big picture allows them to grant the seniors they serve as well as their families not just the care they need, but also peace of mind.

Stockton is one of the largest cities in the Central Valley, and the county seat of San Joaquin County. This former gold mining town enjoys traditional California summers, yet cools down during the winter months.

Stockton residents can expect a lower cost of living as compared to other large cities in the state. While still peaceful and out-of-the-way, Stockton is well-connected to the rest of California by extensive highway systems.

Stockton assisted living is the perfect way for seniors to enjoy a California climate without the bustle of big city tourism.

Stockton Recreation

Active Stockton senior living residents can experience a taste of nature while spending the day on the banks of Stockton's popular Lake McLeod, the city's link to the 1,000 miles of navigable waterways which span across the California Delta.

Enthusiasts of healthful eating will be delighted by Stockton's annual Asparagus Festival, one of San Joaquin county's biggest spring events.

Stockton Activities

Stockton seniors are provided with an abundance of services and activities through the city's four senior centers. Seniors can take classes, travel and socialize with other seniors at the Arnold Rue Center, the Oak Park Senior Center, the Stribley Center and at the soon-to-open Van Buskirk Center.

The Stockton Arena is the area's top venue for sporting events and big-name performers, but Stockton senior living residents can also view concerts, Broadway musicals and even classic movies at the Bob Hope Theatre or the Stockton Civic Center.

Stockton shopping opportunities can be found at Sherwood and Weberstown Malls, while art appreciators will enjoy The Haggin Musuem.

Stockton Medical Facilities

There are two major San Joaquin County medical facilities located within easy accessibility of Stockton assisted living residents. The non-profit, state-of-the-art Dameron Hospital exists solely to serve the healthcare needs of the community. San Joaquin General Hospital operates a string of specialty clinics to provide all types of medical assistance. In addition, Stockton is home to St. Joseph's Medical Center, which employs specialists in cardiovascular and cancer care.

Stockton Transportation

Stockton senior living residents can travel beyond the city by land or by sea from the Port of Stockton or the Stockton Metropolitan Airport.

For more localized trips, seniors receive discounted rates when riding buses operated by the San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD). The Metro Hopper is designed to deviate from its normal route to serve the needs of ADA certified riders. The company also offers Dial-A-Ride services for residents who cannot otherwise be accommodated. The Altamont Commuter Express train (ACE) is ideal transportation for longer trips or weekend getaways.

The dynamic city of Stockton is close to everything, yet far enough out-of-the-way to offer your senior loved one peace and tranquility in a beautiful Northern California setting. Find assisted living for your loved on by browsing our Stockton Assisted Living page.

Don't Think Piecemeal

Even a growing market (like assisted living) is effected by the down economy. In this type of environment, those with a more effective marketing plan will attract a larger share of the available move-ins. Those with weak plans will suffer. So its critical to hone and strengthen your plan. One way to do this is to weave integration into the strategy.

What do I mean by integration? The commonly designed marketing plan is designed to be piecemeal...elements of the plan are treated independently and executed separately. For example, a marketing director will visit professionals in the community and hand out their brochure to "earn?" referrals. When the visit is over, they may send a thank you card and set their calendar for the next visit. (After all, it is the visiting part of their plan.) But they will seldom think about interviewing the professional while they are there and including that professional's expertise in an advertisement for their facility or on their website.

If they would, they would acquire valuable content (along with its credibility) for their ad and/or website. At the same time, they would also be building a stronger relationship that can turn a professional into an ally, and even a key referral source. And the new information on their website would help them to serve their community. This one effort would inject continuity and synergy into their plan, making it more dynamic and effective. The end result, more people take notice, are attracted and are referred. That leads to move-ins.

Flow From One Element To Another

There are seven key elements to any assisted living marketing plan are:

1. Referral Source Development


2. Advertising


3. Community Outreach & Inreach


4. Public Relations


5. Visits & Tours


6. Inquiry and Family Member "Keep In Touch"


7. Website & Internet

When executed well, each element can lead to move-ins. However, when organized as a team, each one can become more powerful and increase their results. For example, what is shown on a tour of the facility will be remembered and trusted more if it has already been seen on the company website. When a variation is also seen on a community bulletin board or in a follow-up mailing, the trust level increases even more. (FYI - Trust is critical to the assisted living selling process.)

Place The Website In The Center Of The Plan

The website is commonly thought of as an extended brochure and an independent element. Big mistake! It should be the hub of all marketing. Most (if not all) strategies should either start on the website or lead back to the website. Some should do both. The dynamics of the added continuity and synergy, as well as the use of technology the market has come to expect, result in a more effective plan. In addition, the staff can save a lot of time on the creative process and may even lower the expenses of execution. Here is an example of what I mean.

• Visit and interview a local professional who serves seniors and/or caregivers...


• That leads to adding their information and a sample of their expertise to the "Support Services" page on your website...


• That leads to including that sample of their expertise in an advertisement in the local newspaper for your community outreach event...


• That leads to the community outreach event that involves the same referral source...


• That leads to a news story released to the local media outlets...


• The event is also added as an "Activity Scrapbook" entry on your website...


• The Scrapbook entry is easily converted into a new, quick, printed in-house handout...


• That leads to follow-up mailings and e-mails to event attendees, family members and referral sources...


• And the new handout is also added to community bulletin boards you have set up.

This one strategy blends together six of the seven key marketing plan elements - referral source development, advertising, community outreach or inreach, public relations, inquiry "keep in touch" and the website. It can also share copy, design elements and photos which saves time and money. Note: Of course, to do this effectively and efficiently, their must be systems in place that take advantage of technology.

Put Me In Coach

Adding integration is similar to managing a team sport. You have to recognize and understand the individual players at your disposal (marketing elements and people), then blend them into a cohesive unit that performs better as a team than as individuals. When designing a plan, you should look at your list of key elements, then weave (at least) some of them into each campaign. They could work together or they lead to one another. The goals of this integrated team include:

• Creating added credibility.


• Building trust faster with the help of continuity and synergy.


• Providing tools to those would like to promote you.


• Saving time and/or saving money.


• Attracting more inquiries.


• Providing more incentive to offer referrals to your facility.


• Improving inquiry/tour/move-in ratios.

This concept of integration is not new, but it is underutilized. A big reason why is that it demands an organized leader who sees things differently, has the ability to blend the positive attributes of people and marketing elements, and works within a company culture that allows change to what has been done in the past. Is it worth the effort and the change? I believe it provides a marketing advantage that should not be overlooked or underestimated. An assisted living company that utilizes integration properly will come out of this down economy with added market share and will be well positioned for growth in better times.

Although Victoria BC has shed its somewhat ill-mannered reputation as a home to "the newly-wed and the nearly dead" it remains a popular retirement destination for people from across Canada and further. Retirement living in Victoria offers much to today's active seniors, this vibrant city and the surrounding communities are home to a population diverse in ethnicity and demographics.

The temperate climate enjoyed in the Greater Victoria region is one major reason that people who are retired from the regular workforce relocate here. Compared with the rest of the country, Victoria offers more opportunity for people who have time to spare to get out and enjoy outdoor sports and activities.

Because Victoria BC has traditionally been a haven for retirees, the city has much in the way of services geared to mature people. There are a plethora of social clubs intended for this demographic and senior centers offering seniors activities and opportunities to meet your peers, which is conducive to aging happily.

There are many different types of retirement communities, including:

繚 Over 55 affordable housing;

繚 Over 50 gated neighborhoods;

繚 Over 55 luxury apartments, condos and townhomes, and

繚 Retirement communities offering various levels of assisted living, from

- Long term care homes;
- Assisted living, and
- Independent living;

For those who don't relish the idea of moving from the home they love or surrendering their privacy to live in a community of seniors there is the option of hiring a home-care service. These can provide a wide range of services to support seniors who prefer to remain in the family home.

Nowadays retired people and seniors are more active and healthier than ever before, because of advances in knowledge and geriatric care. We understand more about how diet and exercise can help us stay healthy throughout our lives, but for those who are facing challenges to their health, there are excellent treatment and rehabilitation services available in Victoria. Due to the number of retirees living in Victoria, there are more geriatric specialists and therapists practicing in the area that you'll find in most Canadian cities.

Seniors and younger retirees who are trying to figure out where to spend their golden years find that living in Victoria is very attractive. Where else in Canada can you find a large community of your peers, diverse options for housing at different levels of care, access to first-rate medical care, treatment and rehabilitation, and of course the temperate climate and beautiful surroundings that's offered to seniors who choose retirement living in Victoria BC?

Due to a major family crisis, my brother and I needed to move our dad into a nursing home. This meant we had to empty out his house and get it ready for sale. The equity in the house was going to be the funds for the cost of his new home. Even though my mom and dad were pretty organized, even a full week was hardly enough time to sort through the "stuff" my parents had collected and housed over the 55 years of marriage they had.

You can start the process now and save yourself, your family, and your elderly loved one the stress, hassle, and any regrets over any lost family heirlooms! Things get thrown away, given away and sold. Sometimes in the rush things can disappear.

You may be wondering... OK, so how and where do I begin to start this endeavor and overwhelming task? Start with what is called a "preliminary sort"

1. You must all agree everything will be put into 5 "lists" - donate, sell, give (to friends or family that needs or wants), toss and keep.


2. The owner - and only the owner should be the ultimate decision maker or where each and everything goes. Even though this may make it more difficult for you, allowing the owner control of their possessions (if they are able) is the main key to success.


3. Decide and agree on an allotted time per room. Ideally no more than 60 minutes per room.


4. A rule that should be agreed upon is: An item can only be touched once before deciding which list it belongs on. If a decision can't be made at that moment, put it on the keep list. If they only get rid of one item in the beginning, at least it's a start somewhere.


5. Be sure to begin with a fairly "simple" room - one where it's not as cluttered such a "junk room"


6. Also make sure you all understand that even if you start early, the entire home can't be finished in a day. Even by being allowed up to an hour per room will not allow completion of this project in one day.

For a majority of people, this is an overwhelming job. Even as grueling as it is for your parent(s), it at times may be a lot more difficult for you! It can be very frustrating to be there and not have much say in what is kept, sold or given away. But please remember that their sense of control over this process is the key element to success. Having said that, you just being there for to cheer them on and for moral support, will keep them focused, on track and motivated.

Incidentally, it is said that "one's trash is another's treasure", you'll likely desire to be there just in case there is something they put in the donate, toss or sell piles that you've always wanted.

Many questions arise once you or perhaps your loved ones start to get older and require extra care as compared with earlier. One significant one is should we facilitate formal proper care or even informal care? Informal proper care may be thought of as proper care that is not being offered from a paid for caregiver, or charity organization. This form of care is nearly always provided through a spouse or family member at the same time they attempt to accommodate a full-time position, a spouse and children, in addition to several other activities. Formal care is at any time care is granted by means of a paid caregiver or facility such as a nursing home or even assisted living home.

The benefits of informal care is which care is typically provided free or perhaps at a affordable fee, and the care is given by means of a loved one so the individual feels further comfortable. Even so, with the busy agendas people have nowadays, plus additional duties, full time informal proper care is quite often not doable. What will often arise is a part time formal caregiver will have to be hired to pick up the slack. But as the individual begins to need to have additional care, a formal option is required.

As soon as informal care no longer is attainable, a transition to formal care ought to take area. This might be assisted living, a nursing home, or even retirement community.

We have two guidelines for making this transition as smooth as possible:

1. It is no secret that care facilities can be quite highly-priced. Whether proper care is delivered in an assisted living facility, adult family home, or nursing home, financial plans need to be made a head of time to assure the individual will receive the proper care required along with the family will continue to be supported. There have been experiences where because the charge of proper care was so high, the wife or husband of the patient ended up in a position where they important food stamps and also subsidized housing to get by. So our advice is to begin planning early. Get a financial adviser to look at the figures with you. Draw out a 10-20 year program so there are no surprises along the way.

2. Transitioning to a new environment might be a shock for countless patients. It is crucial to provide them with confidence early on which they are getting the most beneficial care possible. For this, it is crucial which various other members of the family are present and also providing support. Ensure that the belongs of the patient are moved to their new room, so the individual feels right at home. A few jokes as well as laughs along the way don't help either.

Fellow these two recommendations, as well as your transition from informal to formal proper care will be a good deal smoother.

A challenging part of life is the fear of the unknown. This worry surely is true for making a choice to move oneself or a spouse into an assisted living community. Lots of people don't really understand what life in an assisted living community is like. Instead they depend on pre-conceived suggestions (more like stigmas) that have developed over time. Becoming comfortable with a community, the staff, and its occupants may help seniors adjust to their new way of living. Nervousness is often times overcome as the occupant assimilates into his / her new everyday living routine. Once within their new home, residents can find joy that surpasses what they have experienced in years.

Below are a few of the most common misunderstandings connected with assisted living.

1. I will lose my freedom! In fact, most residents who reside within assisted living communities realize that they're experiencing much more freedom than when they were residing in their homes. Upon relocating into an assisted living community, day-to-day tasks are a thing of the past. You can forget house-work, doing the bills, or even cooking. In cases where one was housebound or at the mercy of a friend or loved one to go anywhere, one can now go where and when they desire utilizing the provided transportation. Numerous residents still drive and therefore are welcome to come and go as they wish. Finally, if they have been taking care of another elderly individual at home such as a spouse, sister, or relative, that care is now taken over by the personnel inside the community.

2. I don't want to stay with a bunch of sick people. The most common assisted living resident is usually a senior citizen that has suffered a mild decline in their overall health. This can be brought on by a personal injury, an ailment, or simply just due to aging. They might encounter challenges to do certain everyday functions such as bathing or dressing, or they are not as sharp mentally as they used to be. However, the majority of occupants are not sick or bedridden.

3. I will lose my privacy. Many aging adults have concerns about their personal privacy within a communal living environment filled with unrelated people. Assisted living communities are created to provide utmost privacy for occupants while also promoting a warm and friendly social atmosphere. Most assisted living communities have large dining rooms, and great rooms for meeting new people and for activities. However, occupants who're in search of solitude can simply find it within the privacy of their own suite or apartment. Several communities accommodate 2 residents to an apartment, while some offer only private rooms.

4. I don't do activities. Activities are always voluntary and no one is forced to do anything they do not want to do. Many people find that even when they do not want to do an activity, they do like the companionship of other people.

5. It will cost too much. Assisted Living Communities are available in many price ranges and can vary from $2,500 to $6,000 a month or more, depending on your geographical area and also the care you need. What a lot of potential residents fail to recognize is that in today's world, it literally costs thousands of dollars to keep up a personal home. If you think of merely the primary expenses related to living in a private home: property taxes, repair, groceries, along with the utilities, one can easily quickly recognize that an assisted living community may actually cost less than remaining in one's home.

6. The food will be poor. There can be a large difference in food services from community to community. It is very important to be an informed customer in order to find the appropriate fit for you or your loved ones appetite and diet plan. Prior to making a final choice with regards to location, you should visit at meal times, test their food, and take notice of the quality of the mealtime experience.

7. I'll never see my children or friends again. This is certainly a stigma from the past. Nearly all assisted living communities have an open door policy that allows guest visitation anytime unlike their nursing home predecessors. An assisted living community is "home" for the resident and ought to be treated as such. Friends may visit any time and can usually stay for as long as they desire. In fact, family and friends will often be encouraged to participate in the activities that are offered. A number of communities even enable residents to arrange for transport to visit their friends and families.

We hope that you will look past some of these fallacies of the past and view assisted living with an open mind. We are confident that you will be happy that you did.

The Alzheimer's Whisperer has the unique ability to communicate with, care for, and comfort a person with Alzheimer's while preserving her own well-being.

First there was The Horse Whisperer, then The Dog Whisperer, and The Ghost Whisperer. I wonder when will we see The Cat Whisperer? While waiting, I met a unique individual in the world of dementia-The Alzheimer's Whisperer. S/He provides guilt-free quality care without losing him/herself.

The Alzheimer's Whisperer demonstrates five keys to caregiving:

1. Know How

She learns as much as she can about Alzheimer's from organizations like the Alzheimer's Association, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, Caring.com's Steps & Stages, and the National Family Caregivers Association. She draws wisdom from others through support groups, educational offerings, and online chats. If she is employed and can't make time for the above, she read books and informational materials in order to know what to expect.

2. Compassion

With knowledge, he is better able to accept the reality his loved one's condition. He exhibits greater compassion while coping with disruptive behaviors and anticipating needs.

5 KEYS to becoming The Alzheimer's Whisperer

1. KNOW HOW

2. COMPASSION

3. COMMITTED

4. EMPATHY

5. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

The Alzheimer's Whisperer recognizes that caregiving is a temporary, yet life-changing journey taken by very special people.

3. Committed

She is committed to providing quality care, despite her intermittent tears and joys. She takes advantage of the continuum of care--adult day care, in-home care, respite care, assisted living or skilled nursing care--and draws on others to help make her job easier. In the tradition of the great animal whisperers, she weighs the value of a pet to bring joy to her loved one.

4. Empathy

Each day, and sometimes every hour, he visualizes how he would want to be cared for if the roles were reversed. This enables him to enter fully into the world of his loved one while not losing himself.

5. Unconditional Love

Developing the first four keys, she experiences an open heart that elevates her own life purpose and meaning in ways she could never anticipate. Despite the challenges, she feels strength.

What better gift can a caregiver share with one with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia than practicing the five keys of The Alzheimer's Whisperer?

A nursing education often seems limited in the career opportunities, but the truth is that a wide range of potential careers are available for nurses. Nurse entrepreneurs are especially able to open many opportunities that use a nursing education along with business skills to form companies that relate to the medical field, but are not necessarily working in a position as a nurse.

Development Businesses:

Starting a new business in the field of development is a great opportunity for any nurse. A nurse who works in development is able to adapt nursing skills to create new medical equipment, software and other solutions that help improve healthcare.

Development businesses related to the healthcare needs of doctors and hospitals work to find solutions to particular problems. The new technologies, software and equipment developed for medical use must understand the problem as well as the potential solutions that might solve the issue.

By making new equipment for doctors, a nurse is able to use his or her medical training and knowledge as well as the practical application of skills in the workplace. That understanding of medical needs, problems that arise at hospitals and the needs of patients who are struggling with illnesses or injuries makes it easier to find potential solutions.

Home Care Businesses:

A nurse who is interested in maintaining nursing skills might consider starting a home care business. Nurses who work in home care provide services to patients or the family of patients who are not willing to move to assisted living facilities but still need more care than their family is able to provide.

The home care business is a lucrative opportunity for any nurse who is willing to visit a patient's house and provide for necessary medical needs. The business not only provides niche services that cater to the particular needs of patients who cannot or will not go to a hospital or assisted living facility, it also is a company that relates directly to the nursing field.

Starting a new home care business is an opportunity that allows a nurse the ability to begin a business while still providing direct care to patients in need of medical help.

Beauty Businesses:

Nurses are not limited to only the medical field, they are also able to establish a business related to beauty and cosmetics. A nurse understands the potential problems and methods of dealing with problems that might occur in beauty treatments and is able to prevent the worst from occurring as a result.

Beauty businesses, such as opening a spa, is another opportunity that provides nurses with a potentially lucrative company. The beauty niche is always popular and offering treatments like peels, permanent makeup and microdermabrations does not require the services of a physician.

A beauty business might also include the development of new beauty products, such as makeup or hair care items. A nursing education is useful in the development of beauty products because nurses understand ingredients that are common allergens or that might create health problems.

Getting training and an education as a nurse does not mean that the only path available is working in a hospital or doctor's office. Nurses are able to create and establish new businesses that will help potential patients with a wide range of needs. Opportunities are available to any nurse who wants to also work in business.

Copyright (c) 2012 Nurse Entrepreneur Network