Another summer will end this month, which ultimately means we are facing another Nebraska winter very soon. We are all generally affected (and often inconvenienced) by inclement weather in Lincoln, but the winter months can be especially challenging for seniors. The time for making plans and decisions, whether short term for thriving in the midst of another winter or long term arrangements to ensure everything is in place, has come for many seniors and their loved ones. As the ancient Chinese proverb goes, “The best time to build a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
With the fall season approaching, seniors and their families begin to consider a move to a senior living community,” says Roxann Rogers-Meyer of Immanuel Communities. “Memories of the past winter surface and families may initiate conversations about senior housing choices and services. Maybe the family is concerned about their loved one shoveling snow and walking or driving on ice-covered surfaces. Maybe the senior is worried about being home-bound because of bad weather. Immanuel communities, featuring four communities and two care communities in the Omaha area, is transforming the way most people view senior living. We invite seniors and their families to visit one of the Immanuel communities for a personal visit to explore the senior housing choices.
Immanuel communities exemplify a holistic approach to wellness that addresses the Body, Mind and Spirit. Seniors can significantly improve the quality of their life in later years by staying active and fully engaged in life. We encourage residents to participate in a tailored exercise program, sign up for a yoga class or attend a life-long learning program.
Our tag line, uniquely your own, invites residents to share their passions, their past, their professional experience and their talents with the rest of their community. Talent shows at the Immanuel communities featuring residents and staff allow unique talents to shine. Immanuel communities embrace all dimensions of wellness as we transform the way people view senior living.”
“Seniors should always have the support they need to maximize their independence and live a longer, more fruitful life,” adds Jim Janicki of Hillcrest Health Services. “In the community, that support may come in the form of social contact with friends and family, exercise opportunities to stay fit and maintain better balance, attentive health care from their physicians and providers, and a safe living setting that is conducive to the aging process. Should the home no longer be conducive to their independence, seniors and their families should consider a move to an appropriate retirement community.
A place like Hillcrest’s new Grand Lodge – opening soon at Hillcrest Country Estates – offers amenities that can improve seniors’ health and mental outlook, such as an indoor heated saltwater pool, fitness center, fine dining, movie theater, performing arts center, outdoor gardens, a putting green and other features that keep seniors active longer.”
He adds, “Staying active socially helps exercise the brain and ward off plaque development that leads to dementia-related disorders. Also, spending time with friends and family helps avoid or control depression, especially during the isolating winter months. If a senior really doesn’t have access to friends and family, and can’t leave the house, then hiring a private duty caregiver to visit a few hours each day can be a helpful option.”
In addition to the option of in-home care, home modifications can also help extend the amount of time that seniors are able to continue comfortably and safely living in their homes, which is also commonly referred to as aging in place. “Of course all of us age and aging in place is as it says: We will all get older and as we do some things, like stairs for example, become more difficult to negotiate,” says Craig Broadstone, owner of Omaha Remodeling Associates, LLC. “Just even the step or two or more to the front door or from the garage to the kitchen can be an insurmountable obstacle to some. Other added aging diseases such as arthritis, Parkinson’s, knee, hip or shoulder issues can make staying in your home quite a trial.
The worst style of homes for aging in place and modifications are the multilevel and split entry, as the goal of home modification for seniors is fewer barriers and hazards for a safer environment. Depending on the home to be modified, a true or raised ranch is generally the most conducive to modifications. It is always most desirable to have a master suite on the entry level floor as well as an accessible bath not only for a resident homeowner, but for visitors as well. A multistory home can be modified with residential elevators, or stair glides and lifts are available for modifying other entry issues. Kitchen, bathrooms, entries, doorways and laundry rooms are all areas that need to be regularly accessed for safe, comfortable living.”
Broadstone adds, “Many of us, of course, if given the choice would rather stay in our homes as long as possible. The financial aspect of moving to an assisted living facility versus remaining in one’s own home is also a concern for many seniors and their families. Some insurance policies may offer options for coverage that help defray the costs and also help pay for in-home care as well, so make sure to educate yourself on all of the options that are available. It is wonderful to be able to keep your lifelong things about you–the memories, the photos and the familiar surroundings as we age. Aging in place is merely being able to age where you want to. It may be in your home, in an accessible apartment or a space built in the family’s home, or it may be in an adult or an assisted living community that offers wonderful activities and new friends to enjoy. Aging in place is allowing yourself to enjoy aging where you want to with fewer restrictions while remaining safe and comfortable.”
It truly is of the utmost importance for seniors to live in an environment where all of their needs are being met and they are receiving the level of care they require, no matter where that may be. One of the main reasons, especially in the winter months, is avoiding a catastrophic event after which the senior may end up in a nursing home instead of an assisted living facility. Lisa Arp of SilverRidge Assisted Living and Memory Support explains, “If you have a family member or a friend that has a family member that is on the border of living by themselves, and you are not sure, ask yourself this: Do you see them on a ladder? Shoveling snow? On the roof? Mowing the lawn? Raking leaves? Driving long distances? Any of these things could lead to a broken hip, arm, or shoulder, driving accident or worse. It is up to family members or friends to notice that these things are out of the realm of possibilities for these folks. Have a friend or hire someone you ask? You could, but what if one has dementia and forgets that they hired someone and does it anyway. All of the above leading to an event that puts them in the hospital is avoidable if you are proactive and have a conversation early. Introduce the topic to them ahead of time. Make them understand that they are very much involved in the process. If they do have dementia, the conversation is really not going to be a good one. But if they are in the early stages they might still eventually decide to talk about it and they may make it sound like their idea. Go along with it. Don’t argue. If it is their idea, absolutely fantastic! That will make life so much easier for you! Stick to your guns though. This is a touchy talk but very necessary! Social interaction and activity out of the house is important for seniors as well as anyone. Winter depression is not any different than any other seasons. All you have to do is shut the shades. Interaction with someone that is their same age and in their same situation is helpful due to the fact they are not feeling alone and isolated in their situation.”
Winter can be a hard time for seniors because it is harder to get out of the house and get around due to the cold and ice. This can cause feelings of isolation and depression. It is important to plan ahead before the winter gets here,” says Mindy Crouch of Pando Geriatrics. “If you are already in a routine of getting out of the house than it is easier to keep it going when the weather gets bad or your mood gets depressed. Look into public transportation or have a list of people that are ready and willing to drive you around so you don’t have to worry about it when the time arises. It is important to remember that as we get older, we can still do the things that we used to do but may have to do them in a different way. This is where people get frustrated because they don’t want to change and want to do things as they used to but it is okay to have to find a new way to accomplish the same task.”
Worrying about snow removal, snow storms, house maintenance, who is going to get the groceries, trips to church and doctor appointments and so on can be a lot for seniors and their families. Kristina Krumme of Elk Ridge Village Retirement Community adds, “My advice would be to get seniors settled into a community before the cold winter months. A move isn’t always easy but it is highly beneficial in being proactive. Winter months seem to drag on forever with the cold and long days, especially for seniors who do not have daily socialization and stay home alone all the time. This isolation can lead to loneliness and increased depression.
We do offer a grief support group which is now in session. Many seniors struggle with losing a spouse of many years, a child, family and friends. We also offer a caregiver support group for those who have loved ones that are affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s on the 3rd Monday of the month at 6 pm.”
She adds, “Seniors and their families need to plan for the future instead of waiting for a crisis or a situation where they have to act fast and not on their own terms. Making the move sooner rather than later is always better for both the individual and their family. Also, make sure all financial affairs are in order; health power of attorney, financial power of attorney and living will. Get documents and passwords in one place and inform family of where to find those health and financial records so you don’t have to worry about it when they are needed. If you are a child or family member don’t be afraid to have the talk about making a move, financial and health topics. Sometimes it’s something the parent or loved one has had on their mind as well and it is a relief to bring it up. These things are all part of life and need to be talked about and again, it’s better to do it on your terms instead of crisis situation.”
Overall, social support helps seniors take better care of themselves. For those who cannot be present as a caregiver or regular companion to elderly loved ones, there are wonderful local companies who specialize in providing companionship services, such as socialization, cognitive stimulation, playing games and letter writing. The journey of finding a care provider for yourself or a loved one seems overwhelming and can prove to be a daunting task. Rick Magill, owner of Comfort Keepers Omaha & Council Bluffs, advises, “Before you can determine how to select the care provider, you must first decide when the appropriate time is to introduce the care. The first step is being ‘proactive’ in understanding and researching your options while maintaining your loved ones’ wants, needs, and goals. While those steps are underway, it is imperative that you ask numerous guided questions about how each option can support the quality of life and enable as much independence as possible. For example, Comfort Keepers would set up an initial evaluation with one of our registered nurses, who in turn would go through all aspects of home life, needs, wants, level of care, medical conditions, etc., and create a plan of care that our certified nursing aides would carry out on a scheduled basis.
Some common concerns that we see, especially through the winter months, is a back-up plan for bad weather and the possibility of loved ones in need of care being left alone for hours or days without assistance. However, when with a care provider such as Comfort Keepers, not only is our internal staff ensuring safety by communicating with families but our CNA’s and Companions will never leave your loved one in a situation of concern or safety. It is a way for families to take comfort and peace of mind if a situation as such, were to arise.”
Magill adds, “Another common concern we see is the lack of socialization and staying active throughout winter months. Some ways to keep your loved ones active is to encourage group activities and outings when weather permits. Comfort Keepers will work with families to ensure that this happens on a regular basis or as requested by your loved one. For example, our Comfort Keepers can provide transportation and companionship to assist in daily activities that one may not be able to partake in by themselves or when family is not able to assist as much as they would like to. The importance of having an active social life is imperative, as it is the key to healthy aging and happiness. At Comfort Keepers, we provide an approach to care that is focused on the ‘whole person’ and keeps individuals active and engaged in life. It is called Interactive Caregiving and it focuses on four areas of care, which are essential to maintaining your loved ones health and independence: senior mind, body, nutrition and safety.”
Continuity of care is vital for seniors’ health and wellbeing. “When their health, care, safety and activity needs are being met, we find that seniors are able to continue living comfortably at home,” says Jennifer Andreoli of Home Instead Senior Care. “At Home Instead, we assess the senior’s activity and health to make a determination of what type of care is needed. We see ourselves as a vital part of the senior’s caregiving team, which includes the senior’s family, health care professionals and Home Instead CAREGiver.
During the winter, the most common concerns for seniors include being appropriately dressed for the conditions and having adequate and working heat in their home. Seniors should have the furnace checked annually to ensure it’s in good working order and heating ducts are properly ventilated. It is also important to check the ventilation of any fireplaces or wood stoves. If a senior is using space heaters, make sure they are at least three feet from anything flammable and are not connected to a power strip – both of which are major fire hazards. It is also important to make sure seniors’ thermostats are set above 65 degrees, as they can suffer hypothermia without knowing they are in danger.
Additionally, falls are a major risk in the winter – both inside a senior’s home and out. Outside, it’s important to have clear, dry walks and stairs with secure handrails. Seniors are spending more time inside the home during the winter months, so tripping and fall hazards should be assessed indoors as well. Remove throw rugs, keep often used items on shelves that can be reached without a stool, and install grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet and tub or shower.
Numerous studies have shown that seniors who remain active live longer, happier, more fulfilling lives. At Home Instead Senior Care, we feel it is essential for seniors to continue to keep their minds and bodies active. Also, as fall turns to winter, flu season sets in. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a flu shot for those 65 years and older because of increased risk of flu complications. At Home Instead Senior Care, we encourage our seniors and CAREGivers to get a flu shot each fall.”
As you can see, there are plenty of wonderful resources in our community for seniors and their loved ones. Connecting people with resources is one of the first, and largely most important, steps in planning for the future. For seniors and their loved ones, planning for the future will also include the details in the event of their passing. Nebraska Cremation is a full-service funeral home that is known for providing first-class funerals and creative cremations. Greg Nabity, Funeral Director and Cremationist for Nebraska Cremation, explains, “Our funeral home has been in operation since 1907, and since that time many things have changed–especially the popularity of cremation services. Funeral expenses are often a worry for seniors and their loved ones, and having options that can be individually tailored for each person really benefits everyone involved. I established Nebraska Cremation five years ago to serve people who desire the low cost, simplicity and convenience of cremation. Our Cremation With Certainty guarantee is our pledge to you that we meticulously care for your loved one every step of the way.
One of the appeals of choosing us for your cremation needs, in addition to our lower price, is our convenience. Complete cremation arrangements can be made by mail or fax, over the telephone, or at your own residence without ever having to visit our historic facilities directly. This eliminates any geographic barriers to selecting us for your cremation needs. Our central location in Wahoo allows us to bring our friendly, hometown service to a wide geographic area. You are welcome to visit in person, anytime you wish. When it comes to these types of arrangements, my best advice is to have an established plan in place as early as possible. This will allow you peace of mind that everything will be handled as it was meant to be when the time comes.”
So as we approach the winter months, the weather will likely present some obstacles. However, with some advanced planning and the help of family, friends, and resources in the community there is plenty of support out there to keep seniors healthy and to ensure that their lives are as full and enjoyable as ever.