When you're an older adult, home accessibility is a top concern. Unfortunately, as we age, it becomes more challenging to navigate our homes and complete everyday tasks. According to the CDC, two in five adults over the age of 65 experience a limitation in their mobility.
There are many ways to make your home safer and easier to navigate as an older adult. Here are 10 low-cost solutions that will improve home accessibility for seniors.
Talking to a senior about their driving abilities can be a challenging discussion to start. For many people, the ability to drive is a demonstration of independence. Giving up that freedom can be a hard thing to do.
Discussing Unsafe Driving with a SeniorThis week we wanted to spotlight a local organization and wonderful resource: The Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center (PEWC). Founded in 2019, the Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center is the first facility of its kind in the Kansas City area providing targeted exercise programs for those struggling with Parkinson’s Disease. They offer rigorous exercise programs like Rock Steady Boxing and Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR!Moves) that address their symptoms. There are also programs like Movement & Mobility that focuses on improving range of motion, coordination, and balance. There is even a unique program called PARTE (Parkinson’s: Art of Expression) which utilizes drama-based exercises to target the motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. From low-impact Mat Pilates class to energetic Movin’ & Shakin’ dance class, these programs offer a wide variety of exercises targeted at addressing their symptoms.
Local Spotlight: The Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center
April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, and it's an important time to highlight a serious disease. Parkinson's Disease is a brain disorder that causes uncontrollable shaking, stiff muscles, and problems with coordination and balance. The disease is progressive, which means that it will continue to worsen over time as the symptoms increase in intensity and further damage is done.
Learn The Signs, Symptoms, and Complications of Parkinson's DiseaseSeniors living a balanced and high-quality life are often mentally stable, socially outgoing, and physically healthy. However, it takes proactive planning for seniors to achieve a high-quality lifestyle.
Help ensure that your senior is actively involved in activities and events that are good for their wellbeing. We are talking fun group programs, senior clubs, trips and many others. And the best thing is that the Johnson County area offers all of these and more.
If you are looking for helpful ideas that are senior friendly, we've put together a list of activities to help you get started.
Getting Involved in Local Senior-Friendly ActivitiesSmart home devices have risen in popularity with the increased use of technology. Smart home devices can help seniors in their daily lives, such as their diet, medication, exercise, and sleeping. Since technology is so advanced, it has also become more accessible to use than ever before.
Many devices can help seniors in their daily activities, such as heating pads, doorbells, and activity trackers. These devices can also aid in keeping seniors connected to their family and friends, making them feel loved at all times.
Benefits of Smart Home Devices for SeniorsSeeking the most suitable type of care for your senior can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. The choices can seem unlimited and therefore overwhelming. How overwhelming, especially when you want the best care for your senior.
How to Determine the Right Type of Care for the Needs of Your SeniorNavigating healthcare when it comes to our parents and our aging loved ones can be emotionally difficult and confusing to implement. Babies don't come with a manual and neither do our parents. When we first hear the diagnosis of dementia, it can be scary. It's a new experience for just about everyone.
Our parents are going to need some help. Dementia is a general term referring to memory loss and cognitive impairments that interfere with their ability to live their lives and act independently. Even when the disease is caught early, your loved one is going to need your help. Their safety, security, and happiness are of the utmost importance.
Navigating The Stages of Dementia with Knowledgeable In-Home Care for Your Loved OnesAs your parent ages, you may start to notice increasing challenges at home, from trouble getting to appointments to trouble paying bills on time. Early on, you may simply need a caregiver to come in for an hour or two a couple of times a week to help with basic tasks. As your parent's capability decreases, you may find yourself needing an in-home caregiver to be present more often. Just how often does a home helper need to visit?
Determining the Frequency of Home Helper Visits for Your ParentFor seniors who cannot drive, there are affordable public and private transportation options. However, locating, comprehending, and using these services are not as simple as one may think. The process can be time-consuming and aggravating.
It is often most effective when an adult child, social worker, or other loved one takes on researching options, registering the senior, and teaching them how to schedule and use the transportation service. There are other factors to consider, including eligibility requirements, pick-up locations, operating hours, routes, wheelchair accessibility, and the purpose of the trip. This article outlines factors and programs to consider before choosing a transportation option for your senior loved one.
Key Considerations and Transportation Options For Your Senior Loved OneIn-home care is a healthy alternative that offers independence to seniors. Caregivers act as guardians that merely ensure your loved ones get nothing but the best services while staying in place. These professionals act as guides for daily tasks such as bathing, cooking, and exercise. Here's how in-home assistance helps seniors restore quality of life and autonomy in today's society.
How In-Home Assistance Helps Seniors Restore Quality of Life and AutonomyThe holidays are a wonderful time, but they can also be hard for some people. This is especially true for seniors who spend a lot of time alone and have to be extra cautious due to COVID-19. Here are some ways to combat the holiday blues with your senior loved ones.
Ways To Combat The Holiday Blues With Your Senior Loved OnesTraveling during the holidays to see family or friends can be a daunting task. The holiday travel season is among the busiest travel times of the year. Everyone is racing home for the holidays, which can make travel difficult and expensive. That is why we have compiled a list of some great tips to make traveling to or from Overland Park, KS easier this holiday season!
Tips for Safe Travel this Holiday Season
Fall is full of lots of fun activities to do with family and friends and Overland Park has a lot of activities to offer! But finding out where and when those events are taking place can take a lot of time and effort. That is why Senior Helpers Overland Park is going to provide you with some of the best fall activities to attend this fall found on the Overland Park local website!
Tips for Finding the Best Local Fall Activities in Overland ParkSenior Helpers is happy to announce that we have a new owner, Jeff Rigler, who has taken over the Senior Helpers Overland Park location!
Senior Helpers Welcomes New Ownership in Overland Park, Kansas