Seven article excerpts for caregivers include bringing joy to elders’ lives through virtual reality, dementia’s preventable risk factors, the scoop on social security, dig deeper before moving out of state, and two more.
Virtual Reality Brings JOY to Residents in Senior Living
Putting on a light-weight headset and exploring the Antarctic while surrounded by penguins or enjoying the elephants and giraffes on an African Safari brings smiles to residents’ faces at Maplewood Senior Living. VR leaves then more relaxed and talking about their experiences, days later.
Risk factors and risk reduction
Alzheimer’s Disease International posts 12 modifiable or preventable risk factors for dementia including diabetes, obesity, activity, air pollution, head injury.
How to Support Loved Ones During COVID
[TCV Update 6/19/2023: This Active Senior Care FL link is no longer accessible.] An interactive article with links at the top to take you to the topics of interest. Two of their top-level topics with links to subtopics are “Help Older Family Members Feel Connected” and “Benefits of In-Home Care” including live-in care to reduce COVID risk of care personnel coming and going.
Social Security Expert Follows Her Own Advice
Spouses and ex-spouses can apply for social security with certain benefits depending on when you were born. Those born before January 2, 1954 can file a “restricted application” to collect a spousal benefit while delaying their own retirement benefit. Divorced spouses born after Jan 1 1954 will receive the highest benefit to which they are entitled at the age they claim benefits, whether on their own earnings record, as a spouse, or ex-spouse. They don’t get to choose. For more questions call your local social security office.
Retirement – Even When It’s Happy It Can Be Traumatic
While we often look forward to retirement, it can be traumatic if we’re not prepared for dramatic changes in our social circles, relocation, and time management. “Every day feels like a Saturday.” Bestselling book author, Bruce Feiler, looks at the four emotional and psychological aspects of preparing for our transition into retirement.
Digging Deeper on Moving to Another State
Oftentimes, people will say, I’m moving out of state (usually, out of California) because the taxes are too high. In this opinion piece for Market Watch, article author, Harry Sit, digs deeper. If you’re contemplating a move, this article is worth your time for other factors to evaluate including healthcare.
Alzheimer’s Elder Abuse Bill Passed
“I watched my mother struggle and ultimately succumb to Alzheimer’s, and it pains me that a growing number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s and dementia are at risk of potential abuse, neglect and exploitation,” Senator Robert Menendez said. The bill would ensure that the U.S. Department of Justice’s elder abuse training materials include guidelines for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The bill builds on the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act, which became law in October 2017. Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act, is waiting for the President’s signature.
Thank you to ASA’s Generation SmartBrief for some of these posts.
