Why Moving to Senior Living During the Winter Is a Great Idea

Winter is one of the most challenging times of year for everyone. While it’s a great opportunity to travel and see family for the holidays, the changes in weather create unsafe conditions for everyone. Seniors suffer the most in the winter because of the cold and isolation.

Pivotal Health Care’s senior living communities directly meet these concerns with a full staff of trained caregivers. If you have been going back and forth on moving into senior living, you will regret not doing it sooner by the time winter rolls around. Given the colder temperatures and hazardous conditions, a senior living community can help you stay warm, safe, and provide companionship.

Reason #1: Staying Warm is Essential

Our bodies are fantastic at managing internal temperature and finding ways to keep us warm. We sweat in the summers to lower our body temperature. We shiver in the cold to raise our body temperature.

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Nonetheless, if your body needs to constantly regulate temperature due to external conditions, you are overexerting your body. After a few weeks, your body will be tired and vulnerable to sickness and disease. 

In a senior living community, you are surrounded by friends and caregivers who will make sure your room and home are warm and that all your heating needs are met.

Reason #2: Staying Safe in Hazardous Weather

During the winter, we get rain, snow, hail, and ice. It can be incredibly dangerous to venture out into the elements on your own. Driving becomes much tougher when there is black ice or freezing rain.

If you are living on your own or with your partner in the winter months, you have an increased chance of injury or death. Even though Kansas and Missouri don’t get the most snow in the country, we receive enough to warrant regular shoveling. When older adults shovel snow on their own, they increase the risk of injury. 

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Reason #3: Senior Living Provides Companionship

The winter months are synonymous with holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day. Families love to gather together for any and all holidays. Unfortunately, while we might gather together for a day or two on the occasion, many seniors are left home alone outside of holiday trips.

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When you combine shorter days with loneliness, it’s no surprise that seniors struggle with depression. In a senior living community, your loved one can enjoy the holidays with family without worrying about what happens when everyone leaves. Once their family leaves, they still have their friends in the community and caregivers who are there to meet their needs and share stories. Senior living provides the necessary companionship for a healthy aging process.

Conclusion

The winter months bring great beauty and festivities, but they also leave seniors in precarious positions. If you move into a senior living community in the winter, you are guaranteed to be warm, safe, and have companionship. 

At Pivotal Health Care, we want to help you live your best life. With our senior living communities, you can experience and enjoy your senior years as much as possible. Contact us today to set up a free visit and meeting.

Easy DIY Costumes for Seniors

Easy DIY Costumes for Seniors

Halloween season is upon us and stores are filled with costumes for you to choose from. However, you don’t really want to spend money on costumes you will only wear once for a little while with your grandchildren. Make your own costumes using things around the house and from your closet.

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5 Easy Halloween Costumes

Farmer

Farmers are a classic Halloween costume. Not only are they easily recognizable, but they are also easy to create with a few things at home.

Here’s what you need for your farmer costume:

  • Overalls
  • Boots
  • Flannel or plaid shirt
  • Handkerchief or bandana
  • Hat
  • Shovel or pitchfork (optional)

For this costume, all you have to do is get dressed and carry a few items around. You can save money and be super comfortable. Who doesn’t love a pair of overalls and flannel?

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Couples Costume: Popeye and Olive Oyl

For those of you looking to match your significant other, there are several options available. It’s normal for people to feel silly dressing up on their own, but when you can get dressed up and match someone, it becomes much more fun. Dressing up as Popeye and Olive Oyl is a classic Halloween costume with nostalgic roots for many seniors.

It’s incredibly easy to dress up at home. Here’s what you need for your costume:

Popeye

  • Jeans
  • Brown shoes
  • Black t-shirt
  • Red bandana
  • Captain’s hat
  • Pipe

Olive Oyl

  • Brown shoes
  • Black skirt
  • Red blouse

This costume is sure to get some smiles and may even win you a costume contest. Other options for couples’ Halloween costumes include Princess Peach and Mario, Oil and Vinegar, and Salt and Pepper.

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Milburn Pennybags

Milburn Pennybags, lovingly known as Mr. Monopoly is a great Halloween costume that is a surefire way to get a conversation started.

Here is what you need to look like the famous board game character:

  • Black suit jacket
  • Black pants or blue pants
  • White dress shirt
  • Red tie
  • Wooden cane
  • Iconic white mustache (real or fake)
  • Bag of money (optional)

If you notice, we didn’t mention a monocle, and that’s because Mr. Pennybags never officially wore a monocle. This Mandela Effect has confounded people for decades, but it is true. Wearing a monocle might look right, but it certainly wouldn’t be authentic.

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Punny Costume

Everyone loves puns. And there is nothing better than seeing the look of realization on people’s faces when they get your joke. This Halloween, try a clever costume and see how many of your family and friends get your joke.

Here’s what you need for this Halloween costume:

Breadwinner

  • T-shirt
  • Gold medal
  • Loaf of bread

Chip on Your Shoulder

  • T-shirt (color to match the color of the chip bag)
  • Bag of chips

Smarty Pants

  • Pants
  • Smarty candy

*You can use hot glue or scotch tape for each of these costumes to hold it together

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This Halloween, don’t settle for what you can find in stores. Nothing brings more joy and smiles than well-crafted DIY Halloween costumes. With these easy costumes, you are sure to spend more time with your family and friends and less time picking out a costume.

3 Best Dog Breeds for Older Adults

Dog’s are called “man’s best friend” for a reason. They are loyal companions who show unwavering love to their owners. Similar to people, there are thousands of breeds with a variety of personality traits. Some dogs are better with children. Others require a more active lifestyle. There are dog breeds for seniors that would be especially great for you. 

As you are looking for your next best friend, consider adopting a dog with the right energy level, manageable cleanliness, and a friendly personality.

What to Look For in Dog Breeds for Seniors

Dogs have an array of personality traits. It’s important to know what you are looking for in a dog before you start shopping. You need to consider the energy level, cleanliness, and friendliness of your next companion.

  • Energy Level: It’s essential to know the energy level you can handle with a dog. If you walk in the mornings and evenings, a more active breed will fit your lifestyle.
  • Cleanliness: Cleanliness is essential. Hypoallergenic and noshed breeds are great options to consider.
  • Friendliness: Most people want friendly dogs. It is crucial to consider the balance you desire between warm and protective.

Once you’ve considered the kind of personality and energy level you want in your companion, it’s time to start looking into breeds that fit your lifestyle and requirements.

3 Best Dog Breeds for Seniors

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and West Highland White Terrier have proven to be the best companions for seniors.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These gentle lap dogs are an excellent choice for seniors. They are considered a toy dog breed and come in at 13” tall and weigh between 13-18 pounds. With a 12-15 year life expectancy, these pups will be your best friend for a long time. This breed requires moderate exercise. They are easy to train and incredibly friendly with all people.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Corgis are easy to train and love daily walks and exercise. Their playfulness translates well to being great around other people. This breed is an excellent senior pet, standing 10-12” tall and weighing in at around 30 pounds. With their playful demeanor and low maintenance, you will enjoy spending time outside with your pup.

West Highland White Terrier

These happy, loyal, and entertaining dogs are a joy to watch and own. They are small too. These Terriers are 10-11” tall and weigh 15-20 pounds. They also live for a long time with a life expectancy of 13-15 years. These dogs have loud personalities and love to make you smile and laugh.

Conclusion

When looking for a new dog, it is essential to find one that fits your lifestyle. The best dogs for seniors are smaller, friendly, easy to maintain, and easily trained. These kinds of dogs are great senior pets and will be around for 10-15 years. 

If you are interested in adopting these breeds, continue your research at the American Kennel Club. They have excellent information on all breeds, so you can find the right companion.

Why You Should Choose Senior Living Sooner Rather Than Later

Over thousands of years, humans have shown that we prefer structure and routine over impulsivity and “c’est la vie” attitudes. We like the familiar over experiencing something new.

This attitude is especially true when we consider moving, even more so when someone decides to move to senior living.

Moving can be a difficult decision for many families because there are many things to consider.

Thankfully, with communities through Pivotal Health Care, moving sooner rather than later is smoother and more manageable than expected.

But it all starts with you. You need to do it sooner than later!

Why?

Moving When You Are Healthy Makes for an Easier Transition Period

Moving can be an incredibly stressful experience. It is even harder to do when you are not healthy and feeling well.

Making the transition to an independent living community when you are in good health helps ease this difficult transition by simply minimizing your stress.

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According to the CDC, between 2014-2017, the emergency department (ED) visit rate for persons aged 60 doubles by the time the person reaches 90 and over.

In other words, as you get older, your health declines rapidly, and you need healthcare services.

Don’t wait to be in critical health for you to decide to move.

Take Advantage of Opportunities Available in the Community

Unfortunately, as a person ages, some things become more challenging to do than others. For some seniors, a simple walk is no longer possible without assistive aid.

Senior living communities have so much to offer seniors both recreationally and socially. The younger you move in, the more you can take advantage of these opportunities. Participating in activities has been proven to boost your mood and health.

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All PHC facilities have an activity director who organizes events and gatherings for residents.

There Is Minimal Home Maintenance

Home maintenance can be a hassle. You don’t have to worry about the minutiae involved with taking care of a home when you live in a senior living community.

Senior living communities provide services to minimize the stress and frustration that can come with home maintenance. From regular lawn maintenance to safety and security, you are taken care of at all times.

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This way, you can enjoy independent living without all the responsibility sooner rather than later.

A Senior Living Community Cost Less Than a Nursing Home

Finances are always something to be considered. Saving money allows for more fun and enjoyment like trips, accessories, and fun outings!

Paying for a nursing home can cost over $100,000 per year. A senior living community costs less than half of that per year, which means you can spend more time and money doing the things you love.

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Conclusion

Moving out of a home is hard. It’s even harder when you think you are going to some strange place.

Thankfully, senior communities are homes. And they can be your home.

The worst thing to do is wait until it is too late to move into senior living.

Everyone who has walked through the doors of a PHC community wishes they came sooner.

So why wait? Live life to the fullest. Learn more and book your tour now!

Five Ways for Seniors to Stay Hydrated During Hot Summer Months

It’s hot and humid, but the sun is shining without a cloud in sight. It is easy to throw caution to the wind and run outside with your kids and grandkids. It’s also easy to suffer from dehydration in this kind of heat.

By no means should you stay inside all summer and never enjoy this beautiful weather. Here are five ways to stay hydrated during the hot Summer months.

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Five Ways to Stay Hydrated 

Water

Simple enough, right? Water is the best way to stay hydrated during the summer months, but it can be a hassle to keep up with it. And if you are out and about with friends and family, it can be more challenging to make sure you are drinking enough water. The best way to correct this is to set reminders on your phone every 15-20 minutes. When the reminder rings, it is time to drink a glass of water.

Electrolytes

Water is the best hydrator, but you can be in danger if your salt levels are too low. If you have not supplemented enough salt into your diet during the day, you must drink electrolytes. Some electrolyte

 options include Gatorade, Body Armor, Liquid I.V., and coconut water.

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Cooling Towels

Our bodies are pretty temperamental. Cooling towels are excellent choices to help stay hydrated because they assist your body’s natural regulation system–homeostasis. As you hydrate, keep a cooling towel on your neck to help your body maintain a stable temperature.

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Avoid Energy Drinks and Alcohol

Stay hydrated this summer by avoiding energy drinks and alcohol during the day. Energy drinks contain copious amounts of caffeine and sugar. Even if you get sugar-free beverages, the caffeine can hurt your heart as your body works to stay hydrated.

Alcohol is another drink to avoid. While you might enjoy a cold drink at the end of the day, drinking a few during the day while outside will dehydrate your body more quickly.

It is best to save energy drinks and alcohol for times when you are inside and relaxed.

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Don’t Be Outside for Too Long

When you enjoy the beautiful weather, it is easy to forget how long you have been outside. Unfortunately, the longer you are out in hot and humid weather, the harder it is for your body to stay hydrated.

Limit your time outside to less than an hour when you have no coverage or indoor facilities nearby. If you want to take long walks and strolls, try going during the morning or later in the evening.

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Enjoy Your Summer, and Stay Safe

The most important thing for you to do this summer is enjoying it with your friends and family. When you use these five tips along the way, you are guaranteed to have a safe summer regardless of the heat and humidity.

So get out there. Enjoy your summer, and stay safe!

 

5 Reasons Why a Senior Living Community Is Great for Introverts

As you get older and start looking at your next transition in life, a senior living community is an excellent option! However, as exciting as it may be for some, there are others who get nervous about big transitions and new experiences. Introverts struggle with moving to a new place and dealing with the anxiety of meeting new people all at once.

 

While introverts are quieter, more reserved individuals who typically don’t do well in large crowds, a senior living community is a great option for 5 main reasons!

 

Reason 1: Introverts Will Own Their Home

One of the biggest concerns for introverts moving to a new place is whether or not they will have their own space. Introverts want to have a space that is solely theirs for privacy and comfort purposes. In a PHC community, seniors can have their own homes. These homes will provide introverts with the independence they crave. 

 

Reason 2: Senior Living Communities Provide Quiet Environments for Introverts

Not only will introverts have their own spaces to rest and recharge, but we create a quiet environment. These serene locations are away from the busy life of a city and provide residents with a peaceful community.

 

Reason 3: The Community Will Become the Introvert’s Family

A great benefit to these communities are the experienced employees who know how to help seniors in every way imaginable. Because they are specially trained and experienced, there is a level of trust and companionship created within the community. Introverts need people they can trust and having a strong, stable community like this is the first step to building a family at our community.

 

Reason 4: Introverts Won’t Be Depressed in a Senior Living Community

Depression is one of the biggest risk factors for seniors. What initially starts as boredom for some seniors turns into depression.

Staying active and busy is a great way to help prevent certain types of depression. A senior living community has a ton of activities available tailored to seniors to help them enjoy their lives. Introverts can take advantage of these opportunities and prevent the risk of boredom and depression.

 

Reason 5: Introverts Can Live at Their Own Pace

Introverts can easily stress out about moving into a new place so being given the time to acclimate is important. In a senior living community, nobody is rushing you to do things or pressuring you to participate. You have the autonomy to acclimate at your own pace since you live in your own space.

 

Senior Living Communities Are a Great Place for Introverts

Senior living communities are great options for everyone because they provide excellent health services and provide seniors with opportunities to live an active and healthy life.

 

Although introverts might be a little tentative at the start, these communities are excellent places for them because it helps maintain their preferred level of socialization while being able to enjoy their alone time in their own homes.

Amazing Superfoods For Seniors

Over the last several years, there has been a bunch of talk about superfoods. Fitness gurus have encouraged people to eat quinoa, kale, ancient grains, and the list goes on. We know these foods have been around for some time, so why do they get a random burst of attention? Better yet, what even makes a superfood a superfood? And who are they good for?

First off, a superfood is a food that is incredibly high in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. While there is no one food that provides your body with all the necessary vitamins, these foods are significantly higher in quality that other types of food.

 

Also, superfoods are great for everybody to eat! There really is no distinction in regard to who it is better for, but there are some considerations when thinking about your own personal health.

 

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Best Superfoods for Seniors

Nuts

One of the most chronic illnesses among seniors is cardiac health. While a lifelong habit of healthy eating is necessary to maintain a healthy heart, it is never too late to start. Nuts are an excellent way to introduce superfoods into your diet and improve heart health. Hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, pecans, and many others are excellent sources of protein and will improve the health of your heart!

 

Dark, Leafy Greens

While bitter in taste to some, dark, leafy greens are excellent sources of nutrients and are incredibly versatile in the kitchen! You can easily have greens in a salad or as a side dish, but even better than that is you can have these greens in smoothies and breakfast drinks!

 

Greens are significantly high in folate, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins. These nutrients, among others, are shown to improve mental health among seniors! So not only are you eating deliciously healthy food, but you are also giving your brain the nutrients it requires to properly function!

 

Tea and Coffee

Yes, you read that right! You can still enjoy your hot morning and evening beverage without worrying about it’s health benefits! Tea and coffee provide your body with caffeine and vitamins to go through the day. This superfood is great because it can complement all other foods you are eating. Tea is famously known to be packed with vitamins and weight loss attributes! While coffee sometimes has a bad reputation for making people jittery and anxious when over-consumed, there are studies showing that caffeine, and coffee in general, helps improve your memory pathways.

 

When it comes to superfoods, there are a ridiculous number of options available! Studies are constantly being conducted on the best foods to eat and the nutritional value in different types of foods. One of the best ways to find what works for you is to consider your health, what you need to improve about your health, and implement the necessary foods into your diet!

 

Nowadays, there are so many culinary options available that you don’t need to feel blocked in with a super strict diet. So go out there and eat some greens, or nuts, or drink all the coffee in the world! Remember, they’re superfoods!

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The Most Unusual Therapy Animals

Every year more and more people are registering their cats, dogs, bunnies, and hamsters as therapy animals! All of these animals make great companions and provide years of support and comfort. But for some people, these animals are too common—people like different. Take a look at some of the most unusual therapy animals!

1. Chinchillas

Chinchillas are incredibly soft animals who love to socialize with their humans. They crave socialization and human interaction, which makes them great for families. In the case of therapy animals, chinchillas can lower blood pressure and stress simply due to their presence. As animals that love to be gently held and pet, chinchillas are incredible creatures and can calm even the most anxious person.

2. Chickens

Chickens might be the most popular farm animal in America, but they have slowly made their move into the suburbs and urban areas! But does that make chickens a great therapy animal? Absolutely. Chickens require you to be outside! Studies have shown that being outside will improve your health and your mood! So not only will the chickens learn to follow you and show you their love and appreciation, but because they will get you outside and working, they help improve your life! Chickens are truly amazing therapy animals.

3. Parrots

Birds of a fleather, flock together! Do you struggle with stress and carry a tremendous amount of anxiety with you? A parrot might be your best friend! Parrots are great companions and can help alleviate stress and anxiety! A parrot’s beautiful song and their playful personality will lift your mood and encourage you. As therapy animals, parrots can help you on hard days and can bring a smile to your face.

4. Micro Pigs

It is no surprise why micro pigs have grown in popularity over the last several years! They are absolutely adorable! Micro pigs are great companions and are incredibly loyal to their owners. While it may take some time to develop a strong bond between you and your micro pig, once that bond has been formed, you pig will absolutely love you! Micro pigs have been compared to dogs in their loyalty to their owners, so it should come as no surprise that they will double as great therapy animals as well!

5. Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons are considered the best first reptile pet for any owner! These little guys are great companions and bring a big personality to the table. Their sociable nature makes them great for families and excellent for therapy. Using a bearded dragon for therapy will help you improve you life and well-being because these guys will bring a smile to your face every day!

 

Therapy animals are becoming more common by the day, and people are getting really creative with their options! These animals can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

 

7 Ways for Seniors to Improve Video Calls (Part 2)

In 2021, video calls are necessary for staying in touch with family and friends. That’s why it is so important that each call has the best possible quality. Following last month’s article, here are 3 more tips to improve your video calls: limit the number of people on your call, turn the volume up, and use Wi-Fi.

 

Limit the Number of People on the Call

One of the greatest difficulties with video calls is losing connection or having poor connection. This issue increases when the number of people on the call increases. If multiple people in one house are on the same call, they are each using Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi uses broadband signal—a set amount of signal sent out to the house to be used.
The more people using the Wi-Fi at the same time, the weaker the signal will be for each device since the broadband has to be split several ways. When this happens, it is very easy for calls to be dropped. The best way to improve call quality is to limit the number of devices connected to the Wi-Fi at the same time.

 

Use Wi-Fi Instead of Data

Speaking of Wi-Fi, using Wi-Fi instead of data allows for seamless streaming and service for the video calls. Data can easily go out due to location and telephone service, whereas Wi-Fi is more consistent, and should a problem occur, it is easier to fix.
If you have a limited data plan, most plans will run on slower speeds once the limit has been met. On Wi-Fi, cellular data is not used, so you do not have to worry about exceeding your data limit. The one caveat to this rule is that Wi-Fi does have limits depending on your internet provider. Before making video calls, make sure your local internet provider has a plan strong enough for video calls. The last thing you want is to make video calls and exceed your internet usage limit!

 

Turn the Volume Up

The last thing to do when speaking on a video call is to turn the volume up. Starting the call with the volume turned all the way up makes for easy listening and allows for proper adjustment afterwards.

One of the most difficult things about video calls is not being able to hear the person clearly. This problem can be solved by simply turning the volume all the way up. However, the use of volume should be adjusted to the setting and the user’s hearing ability. It would be rude and inappropriate to blast the volume when sitting in a restaurant or in the middle of a store.

 

Gone are the days of only being able to hear a loved one’s voice. In 2021, it is possible to hear and see your loved ones all the time because of technology. Technology has improved our lives in more ways than we can fathom. Let’s take advantage of these opportunities and connect with those closest to us.

7 Ways Seniors Can Improve Video Calls (Part 1)

One of the greatest lessons we learned from 2020 was how to use technology to our advantage. Programs like Facetime and Zoom brought families and friends close together when distance and safety inhibited gatherings. While there is nothing better than physically being next to your loved ones, technology has proven it can help strengthen relationships from afar. However, programs like Facetime and Zoom can be a bit tricky to use. In the next two posts, we will cover 7 ways to improve your special moments with family and friends via Facetime and Zoom. Here are our first four tips to improve call quality:

 

Use a computer for your Facetime and Zoom calls

One of the best ways to improve your call quality is to use a computer for your Facetime and Zoom calls. When using Facetime and Zoom on a computer, the screen will remain stationary and the speaker on the computer will be conveniently targeted towards the person. Additionally, the screen is typically bigger on a computer, so it will be easier to see the loved one with whom you are speaking—which is what these calls are all about! Click here for step-by-step instructions.

 

Turning up the brightness on your phone

Turning up the brightness on your phone and moving to a well-lit area will help you see the people with whom you are speaking. These often overlooked and underappreciated adjustments for Facetime and Zoom calls will increase the quality of your call tremendously. There is a level of trust and familiarity that comes with being able to see the person with whom you are speaking.

 

Using a stand greatly improves Facetime and Zoom calls

In the event a computer is not available, being able to properly prop up your phone or tablet will help improve your calls.Many phone cases come with built-in stands, and tablet cases can be bought where the screen cover converts to a stand. Using a stand greatly improves Facetime and Zoom calls because it stabilizes the camera and lets the user speak more comfortably.

 

Having your phone or computer approximately two feet away from your face

As people are slowly making their way back to working in the office again, properly using Facetime and Zoom on the go is a must-have skill! It is common to see people holding their phones incredibly close to their face when on a Facetime and Zoom call. However, this is not the best way to have a call! Having your phone or computer approximately two feet away from your face allows for your entire face and torso to be in the frame. Likewise, when you have several people trying to talk to another person, having the phone or tablet extended out about two feet allows for everyone to be in the frame.

 

The last thing you want to experience when calling your loved one is a shaky and dark video. These four tips will greatly improve the call quality with your loved ones when used simultaneously. Make sure your next Facetime or Zoom call is spent saying “I love you” and not “Hold on… I can’t see you!” Spend less time dealing with technology issues and more time talking with your family.