Caregiving Monday: 10 Alternatives to Transportation for Senior Adults

Do you struggle with providing transportation for your parents or spouse to doctor appointments while you are at work?

This is a great frustration for many and often means even more time off work.

Some suggestions are:

  1. Family—do you have a family member that is not working or retired?  Do you have a teen that is out of school for the
    Ask A Friend or Find a Volunteer
    Ask A Friend or Find a Volunteer

    summer or gets out early in the school year?  If there is a family member that is available to take your loved one to their appointments this is the best option.

  2. Ask a friend—is there a neighbor or friend that lives nearby and could help?  Ask them if they would mind and offer to pay enough to cover their gas and maybe even a coffee or small snack for your loved one and the friend while they are out and about.
  3. Hire a Teenager or Stay At Home Mom—when I was in high school, there was a lady that paid me to drive her to appointments.  This was a great way for me to make money and stay out of trouble and it helped her meet a need.
  4. Facility Buses—if your loved one is in a retirement center or nursing home, they often will provide transportation.  You may have to pay, but just it could be a huge help instead of taking off of work.  Check with the facility where your loved one stays.
  5. Local Churches—most churches have buses that provide transportation to and from the church for services.  Some churches also have a senior outreach program.  Check with area churches to inquire if they have this
    Find A Transportation Service for Senior Adults or Dial a Taxi for Senior Adults
    Find A Transportation Service for Senior Adults or Dial a Taxi for Senior Adults

    program or anyone that could provide transportation for you {even if you have to pay}.  I recommend starting with the church where your loved one and/or you attend on a regular basis.

  6. Volunteer Drive Programs—there are local organizations that often have volunteers that provide needed services, such as transportation.  Check with your local senior center to inquire about what services are available. Often these reservations need to be made in advance.
  7. Door to Door Services—I often see escort drivers and services that provide transportation for the elderly on their outings.  Again, check your local listings or with the senior center. Often these reservations need to be made in advance.
  8. Taxicab—you could always hire a taxicab, although this may become costly.
  9. Some cities have a Dial-A-Ride Program—check to see if your area has this and what the requirements are.
  10. Public Transit—this is always an option, but depending on your loved ones issues and limitations, please take all issues into consideration before deciding on this option.
  11. Resource Line—some cities have an Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resource Line that can provide help and guidance.  Once again, check in your local area to inquire about what is available.

Join the Conversation: What options do you use for transportation?

Transitional Friday: Psalms 121:7-8–The Lord Will Protect Us

Last week, we discussed God’s protection as we watches over us.  This week we are again reminded of this promise.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—Lord Keep from Harm

The Lord will watch over and protect His children from harm.  As we discussed last week, both known harm and unknown harm.  I personally can think of several harmful situations God has protected me from.
    he will watch over your life;

God doesn’t just watch over us for an hour or a day and then tire of us.  He watches over us for our entire life.  Even in those empty, sad moments when we feel all alone and that no one cares, God is still watching over us.
the Lord will watch over your coming and goingcoming and going

            God watches over us in both life and the afterlife.  From before our birth into the world, until long after we enter eternity with Him, God is with us watching over us and caring for us with only the protection He can provide.
both now and forevermore.

His promises, love and blessings last forever.   Time is finite.  Tomorrow is gone forever and yesterday is yet to be.  However, right now is the time we are in and we will never have that time back.  God holds all the yesterdays, todays and tomorrows in the palm of His hand.  He is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega, the same yesterday, today and forever.

Creativity Thursday: 9 Steps to make your creative dreams a reality

I would love to be able to make a full time living writing, but I have not reached that point yet.

However there are ways to turn a creative dream into a reality.

  1. Determine your dream—what do you want to do more than anything

    Dare to Dream and Reach for the Stars
    Dare to Dream and Reach for the Stars
  2. Determine the steps needed to reach this dream—what are the steps you need to reach this particular dream and goal
  3. Be honest—is this dream a reality?  Can you work towards being a full time writer or a singer?  Or do you want to be a basketball player, although you’re only 4’8?  Be honest if this is doable and if it is not then how can you make it doable.  You could become a basketball coach, cover the game for a local radio station or write the articles for the newspaper?
  4. Write out your dream—people are more likely to reach a goal when they write it down
  5. Learn, Learn, Learn—is returning to school an option?  Do you need a coach?  Conferences, seminars, blogs on your specialty, books and online classes are a great way to learn and grow.
  6. Practice, Practice, Practice—begin working on the craft and learning
  7. Network—whether it is attending conferences and seminars, joining local groups or finding a critique group find ways to network and continue learning.
  8. Business—remember that you are working towards establishing a business.  Learn all you need to know about the business aspects of your industry.  I know I’ve learned a lot through trial and error.
  9. Perseverance—don’t give up.  The path is never straight and narrow.  There will be many twists and turns along the way.  The goal is to never give up but keep learning, practicing and working hard to move forward.

 

Leave a Reply: What have you done to make your dreams a reality?

Caregiving Monday: 7 Tips for Staying in Touch with Senior Adults

You’ve heard the saying, “there’s nothing like being a grandparent,” but I think it’s even more so for great-grandparents.

Take Time to Show Your Senior Adult How to Email
Take Time to Show Your Senior Adult How to Email

GG* adores her great-grandchildren, but they live two hours away.  This often makes it difficult for staying in touch.

In this day and age of technology staying in touch is much easier than it used to be.

Some suggestions are:

  1. Email—many senior adults are now on email and can send letters back and forth.  If one party isn’t on email, perhaps a family member could email on their behalf.
  2. Text—I’ve heard many grandparents say that the best way to stay in touch with their grandchildren is through text messages.
  3. Facebook—this is one way to be able to see what is happening in your grandchildren’s lives and view pictures and updates.
  4. Skype—this is a great resource and it’s free {you just need a camera on your computer}.  This is a
    Skype is a wonderful way to visit long distance
    Skype is a wonderful way to visit long distance

    great option to be able to see one another and talk face to face when you can’t be together.

  5. Talk on the Phone—this is always a great option.  Even if it’s just a short weekly call to say hello, share news and say I love you.  This can mean the world to senior adults.
  6. Snail Mail—when all else fails, there is still snail mail letters that can be mailed back and forth.
  7. Visits—of course face to face visits are always the best.  Depending on the distance, even if you can arrange these for every few months to once a year, this is a great idea.  Remember some senior adults can’t stand a lot of noise or prolonged company.  If you live an hour or two away, planning to visit for 2-3 hours on a quarterly basis can speak volumes.

Join the Conversation: How do you stay in touch with loved ones?

*Name altered

Transitional Friday: Psalms 121:5-6–The Lord Watches Over You

Last week, we discussed how God will not let us fall

The Lord watches over you—

The dictionary describes watches as “”to be alertly on the lookout, look attentively, or observe, as tosee what comes, is done, or happens”The Lord Watches
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

under God’s shade we can sit in his delight and assurance.  God is always near his people for their protection and refreshment.

The right hand is the working hand and God wants His people to do their duty.  When we do as God ask, He will give us success.
the sun will not harm you by day,

God will take care of His people when the storms come up in our lives.
nor the moon by night.

God sees what happens in both the open, as well as in secret.  He protects us from both our known enemies and obstacles, as well as those we do not know anything about.

Creative Thursday: 9 Ways to Tap into hidden talents and interest

 

Just start and see where it takes you....you may be surprised
Just start and see where it takes you….you may be surprised

Often I’ve had someone tell me that they are not creative.  However, then s/he will come up with amazing ideas, completely re-

decorate a room or create a poem or picture that is amazing.

Often we have hidden talents and interest that we have not tapped into.

  1. Relax mind and pay attention to where your thoughts go
  2. Relax body and see what you migrate towards.  Is it singing a song?  Drawing a picture? Redecorating a room?  Designing a new wardrobe?
  3. Just start with something and see where it leads you
  4. Is there something you always wanted to try but were afraid?  You have nothing to lose, and maybe you’ve discovered a new hobby.
  5. Try creating either first thing in the morning or late at night—people are often most creative at
    What would your inner child do?
    What would your inner child do?

    these two times of day.

  6. Exercise can bring changes to the brain to help you become more creative.
  7. Get in touch with your inner child—what did you love to do as a child?  What do you wish you could do now?
  8. Be gentle with yourself—it’s okay not to be perfect.  I have a habit of setting high standards, but sometimes I just need to breathe and allow myself to try without being perfect.
  9. Take an inventory—is there a group, interest or place you naturally migrate towards or show interest.  Why is this?  What about it appeals to you?  What does this show about your true interest?

 

Leave a Reply: What hidden interest have you discovered?

Caregiving Monday: 10 Arts and Crafts Ideas for Senior Adults

At 90 years old, GG* still attends crafts at church each Tuesday morning.

GG has always loved crafts and enjoyed numerous projects over the years.  Although she’s not able to do as much as she once was, just the fellowship is good for her.

Some craft ideas are:

  1. Make a book—cutting out various pictures from magazines and writing memories that go with the pictures, they can create a
    Sand Art is a Fun and Enjoyable Activity
    Sand Art is a Fun and Enjoyable Activity

    book.

  2. Crochet/Knit—this is a popular pastime and even with numb hands, GG continues to occasionally pass the time in this way.
  3. Sand Art—I tried this with a group this weekend, and it was a huge hit.  They can mix and match an assortment of sand colors.  There are also numerous plastic containers that can be chosen and this is a very affordable craft.
  4. Flower Arrangements—whether the flowers are real or silk, this is a great idea for decorating a room or giving as a gift.  With dried flowers there are numerous other ideas such as potpourri and dried flower sachets.
  5. Bead Projects—GG has made bead dolls, trees, ornaments and other items with various beads over the years.  We still have many of these and they are beautiful.
  6. Blankets—there are great ideas for blankets, whether it is sewing one or creating a No Sew Fleece
    What better way to say "Thinking of You" than with a homemade card?
    What better way to say “Thinking of You” than with a homemade card?

    Blanket.

  7. Collage—using the pictures cut out from magazines create a collage or memory board
  8. Make Cards—I love this idea, because who doesn’t love getting a card?  Cards can be made for numerous occasions from Christmas and Valentine’s Days to Thinking of You to Happy Birthday to Thank You Cards and much more.
  9. Color Decorations—whether it is coloring shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day, cut out Valentines for Valentine’s Day, decorate Easter Eggs, or make candy canes there are numerous ideas for making and coloring decorations for use.
  10. Paint Bottles—again there are numerous ideas out there that can be used for decorations.

 

Join the Conversation: What other arts and crafts ideas can you think of?

*Name Altered

Transitional Friday: Psalms 121:3-4–God Will Watch Over Us

I have often wanted to do things my way, instead of seeking God’s will.  Last week, we looked at where God reminded us to look unto the hills for His help.   I’m a rebel that has been redeemed.  Today’s verse is a reminder of why we need to trust in God.

He will not let your foot slip—foot slip

If we put our trust in Him and allow God to guide, He will not allow us to fall.
he who watches over you will not slumber;

I need sleep.  There are times when I go on a shortage of sleep, but eventually it catches up with me.  However, we’re reminded that God never sleeps.  He’s always awake and aware of what is occurring, even when we are sleeping.
indeed, he who watches over Israel

He watches over us while we sleep. God never sleeps.
He watches over us while we sleep. God never sleeps.

Israel was God’s promised people.  Even when they were disobedient and God had to reprimand them, he continued to watch over them.  He did not want to see His people become slaves to their enemies or wander in the desert for 40 years, but He knew this was the only way to get their attention.
will neither slumber nor sleep.

Once again, we are reminded that God never slumbers or sleep.  Even when we wonder why He’s not answered our prayers, if He is listening and if He cares, God is still there listening to our cries and prayers.

Join the Conversation:  How has God protected you?

Creativity Thursday: 9 Reasons Why Natural Talent Is Not Enough

Practice makes a big difference
Practice makes a big difference

 

 

“I’ve got natural talent, that should be enough,” we’ve all heard someone say this.  However, there are times when it is not enough.

There is the story of the classical pianist who practiced fifteen hours a day and traveled the country performing.  However, when he stopped practicing on a daily basis, he began to play the same pieces all the time and felt mundane in his work.  When he noticed this he began to practice again and saw a difference in the bookings he received and his audience.

So why isn’t natural talent enough?

 

  1. There is always someone better than you and someone worse than you
  2. We live in a critical society

    Practice Brings Progress...will you be just okay or the best? What does your practice say about you?
    Practice Brings Progress…will you be just okay or the best? What does your practice say about you?
  3. To be the best you have to stay at the top of your game.  How many times have we heard of a performer that allowed success to go to his/her head and spiraled out of control?
  4. Regardless of our specialty, we need to continue to learn new methods, ideas and styles in the industry.
  5. Practice, Practice, Practice makes the best.   Unfortunately at times this isn’t even enough!
  6. We have to work hard to get to the point of success with our talent
  7. Often in order to achieve a goal or the point of success something else has to be sacrificed.  Only the individual can decide what that sacrifice is and if they are willing to make it.
  8. We need to be pushed out of our comfort zones.  This is usually best done with a coach.  We often think of a sport coach or fitness coach pushing us, but there are other types of coaches.  This can be a critique group, a creativity coach or a coach specialized in the field of study {vocal coach, art coach, writing coach, etc}.
  9. Perseverance—often reaching goals and being successful takes persistence.  Imagine if Benjamin Franklin gave up the first time he tried his theory of electricity or Alexander Graham Bell gave up when he was working on the telephone?

It is human nature to think that we are the best and only one that will succeed.  Cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Nashville are full of talented individuals striving to make their mark in the industry and craft of their choosing.  However, only a small handful find success.

Often it’s not the most talented, but the most persistent that eventually succeed.

 

Leave a reply:  How Do You Improve Your Talent?

Caregiving Monday: 10 Simple Activities for Advancing Alzheimer’s

Are you looking for simple activities for your loved one?  Is your loved one in the middle to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s?

String items on a string...you may want to use edible items if you are concerned with being put in the mouth
String items on a string…you may want to use edible items if you are concerned with being put in the mouth

 

These are a fun ideas you may want to try:

  1. Folding—while you are doing laundry, ask to help you fold washcloths and socks.  If they are able to do more advanced folding, that’s also great.   Even if you have to redo these tasks, thank them and praise them.
  2. Stringing—take a handful of cheerios, fruit loops, etc. and ask your loved one to slide these on the screen.   Then you can either save them for Christmas {if it’s near} or put out for the birds to feed on.
  3. Sorting—gather a collection of buttons, rocks, spoons and forks, bottle caps, etc. and ask to sort these items.  One reminder is to make sure they do not place these smaller items in the mouth.
  4. Coloring—working with dementia patients, I discovered they love to color
  5. Play Dough—allow them to make something out of play dough or even clay.  This is a great activity for their hands.
  6. Name that….—whether you have a stack of pictures of Presidents, family members, friends or celebrities, you can play
    Cut out coupons, pictures, or scriptures. You may want to considerable child's scissors.
    Cut out coupons, pictures, or scriptures. You may want to considerable child’s scissors.

    “Name that Person” and ask to name.  If the loved one doesn’t know, give them gentle hints and prompts.

  7. Dolls—you can cut out and color paper dolls, or find a doll or stuffed animal your loved one can hold and cuddle.  We did this with one lady and just holding a doll helped her anxiety.
  8. Play Cards or Games—pick activities and games your loved one will enjoy playing and be able to follow and understand
  9. Roll a Ball of Yarn—take a ball of yarn and let your loved one roll it up into a ball
  10. Cut out pictures—give a magazine and ask your loved one to cut out pictures for you

Bonus Idea: What in the bag?—put a collection of various items in a bag and pull one out at a time.  Allow your loved one to touch and feel and tell you what the item is.

 

Join the Conversation: What other activities have you tried?

 

Transitional Friday: Psalms 121:1-2–I Will Lift My Eyes to the Hills

My life has felt like one long transition at times.   This has been particularly true for the last few years, as I deal with changes and seek God’s will in various situations.

This month I would like to take an in-depth look at one of my favorite Psalm.  I often turn to this verse for both guidance and comfort.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—I will Lift

The Bible takes place in the modern day Middle East.  During the Bible times mountains dotted the region and landscape.

Mountains often are a reference to authority or a rule. The author is most likely referring to God’s throne.

where does my help come from?

I know I often wonder where help will come from.  When my prayers will be answered or how I will get through a situation.
My help comes from the Lord,

The speaker speaks of the greatness, power and glory of the Lord.  Lifting up of the eyes is a gesture of prayer.
the Maker of heaven and earth.

God is the maker of both heaven and earth.  He is the ruler over both the heavens and the earth.

Leave an answer:  Where do you look for help?

Creativity Thursday: 7 Ways Being Quiet Can increase Creativity

I am a natural introvert and enjoy my silence at times.  I often notice that it is in these quiet moments when I can just get still and listen I become the most creative.

We live in a society with numerous distractions but there are times when we just need to turn them off and take a break.

What I’ve discovered about the silence:Creativity Requires Silence

 

  1. I can begin to hear myself think
  2. My sanity is restored
  3. I am able to re-focus my mind
  4. I am a better listener when I’ve been silent
  5. I become more productive
  6. I become more thoughtful
  7. I become more observant

Leave a reply:  How Does Being Quiet help your Creativity?

Caregiving Monday: 10 Activities with Music for Senior Adults

Do you wish you could find activities with music for your loved one?

When I go into nursing homes we often do various activities with music.  Many of these you can also do at home.

Balloons and balls are a great way to encourage movement
Balloons and balls are a great way to encourage movement

Here are a few ideas:

  1. Toss a balloon { or beach ball} back and forth during a song
  2. Purchase a set of rhythm sticks and keep the beat {could also clap hands}
  3. Use Scarves and make different movements to the music
  4. Egg Shakers—shake to the beat of the music  {or make your own using rice and beans}
  5. Assortment of Instruments—play different instruments during a song.  You could also use different containers and pots and pans for various tones.
  6. Dance—if your loved one cannot physically get up and dance, hold hands and slightly sway to the music {this is always a huge hit}
  7. Sing Simple Songs—remind your parents of when they taught you or your children songs.  Many love songs such as The Wheels on the Bus, Three Blind Mice, Incy Wincy Spider, etc.  You can also use the movements.
  8. Make Up Your Own Song—find a subject and make up a song about it, even if it is a song about items you see in the room

    scarves
    Scarves is another great idea that has a number of uses
  9. Sing A Long—sing along to some of your loved ones favorite songs, whether it is hymns, Jazz, or oldies.  Sometimes I even use visual prompts for shorter songs where there is a picture for each word.
  10. Sing To Patient—sometimes just singing to your loved one or putting on a calming CD is the best medicine.  If your loved one easily becomes agitated, this might be a great way to calm the patient down.
  11. Bonus Item: Name that Tune—use familiar tunes and ask to name that tune.  It’s amazing what memories certain songs may prompt.

 

Join the Conversation:  What other activities can you think of with music?