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Tag: aging parents

According to the CDC, millions of people over 65 have horrible falls that result in hospital visits every year. One out of four aging adults falls each year. These statistics are staggering.

When an older adult falls, it is nowhere close to the same as someone younger falling because our bones become more brittle as we age. If an aging adult falls, they are more likely to break a bone or worse. Not to mention if someone older falls once, the likelihood of them falling again increases.

Falls can happen at any moment. Even simple movements like reaching into an overhead cabinet can trigger a fall. Luckily, there are simple exercises that help with balance and strength which ultimately help reduce falls by making you steadier on your feet. These exercises can be done in the comfort of your home. 

We found these exercises on YouTube from a channel titled Bob and Brad. Bob and Brand, both former physical therapists, have many videos on YouTube where they work together, using their physical therapy training, to create videos of exercises specifically geared for aging adults. 

Exercise 1

Grab a tissue box and remote control for this exercise. Then stand between two high tables or countertops. Put the remote on one table and the tissue box on the other. Use one arm to pick up the larger object and move it across your body to the other table.

Then pick it up again and move it back to its original location. Do the same with the remote control using the other arm. As for how many repetitions the aging adult should do, Bob and Brad recommend doing it until tired. However, if you find the exercise easy, you can increase the distance from the countertop or table or increase repetitions.  

Exercise 2

You can use the same tissue box and remote control for this exercise. This time place the objects on the countertop/table. Your loved one should be standing far enough away, so they must lean forward and reach for the items.

Have them lean forward to pick up the larger item with one arm and bring it to them while standing up straight again. Next, lean forward and put it back on the table/countertop. If that is too easy, move to the smaller object and have them put it down further away from where they are standing. 

Preventing Falls While Exercising

The last thing you want is for your loved one to fall while exercising. Make sure to be nearby while they exercise so you can provide instant stability if they get off balance. It is also a good idea to have them wear a gait belt for extra safety. 

When it comes to ensuring your loved one remains safe and comfortable at home, contact us at Next Day Access. We offer many accessibility devices to keep your loved one safe and independent at home.

Posted in Health & WellnessTagged , , , , , , ,

This year, Father’s Day is June 19th which is fast approaching. Sometimes figuring out what to get Dad can be a challenging endeavor, especially if you want to get him something special or sentimental. We have a fantastic aging father gift idea / suggestion for you, called Storyworth! 

What is Storyworth?

Storyworth is an opportunity to share your father’s memories and special moments in a beautiful keepsake book. Your father can then share the book and the experiences and advice within the text with loved ones. The hope is that your father’s legacy will live on for his grandchildren and many generations to come. 

How Does Storyworth Work?

Step 1

You chose a question to help get him to start writing and send it in an email. 

Step 2

Your father simply replies to the question you emailed him, and then it is shared with you. 

Step 3

After one year, his replies and stories that stem from his responses are bound by Storyworth into a charming and beautiful keepsake book. 

To ensure these books last for generations, the Storyworth company designs the book with quality materials. This ensures the book looks fantastic and ages nicely over time. 

If you feel stumped trying to come up with questions, just go to their website. This is also the website you use to get everything set up. The Storyworth team has plenty of sample questions to help you get into the flow of sending weekly questions. Here are a few examples from their website:

  • What is one of your fondest childhood memories? 
  • What things matter most to you in life? 
  • What items do you think you cannot live without? 
  • Do you have any regrets in life? 
  • Who are your favorite artists? 

Why Storyworth?

Storyworth books can include photos that contribute nicely to the layout and intimacy of the book. It is also a wonderful way to stay connected with family who no longer live close by. The aim of these books is to conserve memories of the past to pass on to future generations while learning more about the special people in your life that matter most to you.

You will likely be surprised by some things, and other things might help make sense of why you react the way you do in specific scenarios. Maybe you are more like your father than you realize. 

Since Storyworth began, it has been getting rave reviews, such as this one from Adrianne in Rochester, New York, “Storyworth is more than just a book, more than a collection of stories. It is the gift of time you spend with family uncovering those stories. There has never been a gift that has held more meaning or value to me.” 

At Next Day Access, we are privileged to help families as they shop for mobility equipment or accessibility devices that can make their aging loved ones safer and more comfortable while they are aging in place.

We see the bonds between the families and the love children have for their aging parents as they shop. We thank you for making us the place you go to for all your aging loved ones’ needs, and we would like to extend a heartfelt Happy Father’s Day to all the dads this year.

Posted in Celebrations & AwarenessesTagged , , , , , ,

It’s not a conversation we ever wish to have but sometimes it’s necessary. You notice your parents struggling to get up the stairs or get around in the bathroom safely. At first you may think it’s just a phase but you slowly start to realize their episodes on the stairs and in the bathroom are a common occurrence. You know it’s time to have a tough conversation with your loved one. But how do you do that without causing more distress? Take a look at these tips for having tough conversations with aging parents.

  1. Always approach with love, kindness and compassion

Going into these conversations with the right attitude and tone is so critical. Step into their shoes and understand that change is hard and slowly losing your independence is a difficult and frustrating transition. Listen to them and hear what they’re saying before responding after presenting the changes you wish to make to their home.

  1. Present your solutions

Lay out your plan for their care and present how adding things like grab bars or stair lifts can better help with their well-being. You’ll want to have done your research and provide accurate information when it comes to what solutions you’re looking into. Don’t forget to add in the benefits of installing a ramp or stair lift to ensure your loved one sees the benefits.

  1. Ask for their input

Don’t forget to include them in the decision once you’ve presented to them. Asking what they would like to see or would make life easier for them is key to helping them remain as a decision maker and maintain independence.

  1. Know this is ongoing

Things will continue to change for loved ones as they grow older. Make sure it’s known there could be follow-ups to this initial conversation. Discussions of a home health care nurse coming to help or assisted living could potentially come up and have their mind readied for these conversations can help them in the future.

We understand these conversations are difficult and they tend to not get any easier. We hope these four tips can help you approach these discussions with love and compassion. Have you had to have these tough conversations? If so, what are some tips for having tough conversations with aging parents can you share?

Posted in Aging in Place, CaregiversTagged , , Leave a Comment on Tips to Having Tough Conversations with Aging Parents

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