The time has come. Time to have “the talk”. No, not that talk. It’s time to talk to your parents about senior living. 

First, take a deep breath. You got this. If you haven’t already considered whether it is time for your parents to move, check out our guide here for what to look for in a home, signals your parents may be showing in their physical or mental well-being, and signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

When To Have “The Talk” 

Shannon Kersey, our Regional Clinical Specialist, recommends starting these conversations as soon as possible. “This allows time to research communities and to discuss options,” Shannon says. Starting these conversations early empowers your parents to be more involved in the conversation and decision-making process. Having that independence about where they choose to live will help them find a community they love. 

Bringing the idea of senior living up early also means bringing it up before it is really needed. This allows for more autonomy in the decision-making process, and planning ahead also eases everyone’s anxiety. Too often, families have these conversations under duress after an unexpected illness or an accident. 

How Can You Prepare to Have This Conversation with Your Parents 

“Having some information when starting these conversations is always a good idea,” Shannon says. You can begin researching by simply searching for “senior living near me,” “assisted living near me,” or “memory care near me.” Find some nearby communities and schedule a tour, collect their brochures, and ask any preliminary questions you might have. This research will prepare you to have these conversations. Having a little bit of information may pique your parents' interest, and they’ll likely have their own questions. This is a great opportunity to say, “Let’s find out together!” 

If you have friends or other family members who have senior family members living in a senior living community, talk to them about their experience. This may help you avoid any pitfalls or mistakes in the process. 

Keep The Conversation Positive

For many seniors, this may not be a conversation they’re ready to have. There might be many reasons for their hesitancy, everything from fear to stubbornness; they may think they are “too young” for senior living. Keep your conversations light and positive. After all, you have their best interests at heart! If you’re having these conversations early and often and maintaining a positive tone, they may be more receptive to having the conversation. Focus on their mental and physical health and well-being. Talk about convenience, safety, and socialization. Keep a running list of questions. And most importantly, listen to what your loved ones are saying.  “I think active listening is really important and plays a critical role in how to drive the conversation,” says Megan Manges, Community Relations Director at Traditions at Solona in Indianapolis, Indiana. Active listening demonstrates that you care about your loved one’s questions and concerns which can help make these conversations more effective. 

We frequently hear, “I am fine on my own, I don’t need help.” This is a huge life change for our seniors, and sometimes, they see it as they are losing their homes and their independence. Change is not only hard, but it can also be scary. It is very important to remember to discuss the positive changes that will come and to listen and validate the feelings of our seniors.

What’s Next? 

So, what’s next? What are the next steps once a parent agrees to begin the process? Schedule some tours and do your research. Involve your parents in the process. Allow them to pick locations and communities they would like to tour. Touring a community is critical because the 'nursing homes' they remember are very different from today's 'senior living communities.’  Schedule a visit during a meal or an activity your parent enjoys. Allow them to make decisions on what furniture to move and how to decorate their new apartment. Keeping them actively involved and energized in the process is key. 

In full transparency, most seniors will not volunteer to investigate senior living on their own. Most say they would rather choose to stay in their own home. However, after settling into a community, most residents are happy with their decision! They meet new people, get help with difficult tasks, eat good food (and not do the dishes after). So, while this conversation may be difficult for many families, the end result is worth a few uncomfortable conversations. 

A Senior Living Guide to Understanding the Signs of Aging in Today’s Society

When is it time to move? It’s a difficult question many elders and their adult children face as their parents age. While many seniors appear happy and healthy in their homes, there may be signs that moving to a senior living community may be right for them. It may even improve their quality of life! 

What To Look For In A Home

When you visit your parents at home, there are several things to look for that may indicate it is time to move to a senior living community. How does the house and yard look? Are your loved ones keeping up with day-to-day chores, cleaning, and maintenance? Is the yard cut? Are the dishes washed? These are indications that living at home may be starting to be too much for them. Next, check out the pantry and refrigerator. Are they eating often and enough? Do they have ample, healthy food on hand for easy, nutritious meals? Are there expired foods in the fridge? Cooking may be something your loved one is not interested in doing anymore. This is a great opportunity to discuss the convenience of dining at a senior living community and may be enough to pique their interest. 

Finally, and maybe most critically, look for safety and security concerns. Are there too many stairs in their home for them to navigate? Is their bathroom updated with safety bars or a zero-threshold shower? Can they easily move between bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and living spaces? Are there rooms in their home that they don’t use very often or at all? They may be attached to their home, and you may have fond memories as well, but if the space is no longer safe or easy for them to live in, you may want to consider a more convenient home.

Physical Well-Being

How mobile is your parent or loved one? Can they still easily navigate their surroundings? Are they relying on furniture to help them move around? Mobility is critical for seniors. If they are starting to have difficulty moving about their home easily, this is cause for concern. Does your loved one have a history of falls or a fear of falling? Have they been in the hospital, emergency room, or had a recent surgery?  

How about their medications? Do they remember to take their medications at the right time? Senior living communities allow peace of mind for seniors, especially around concerns for their physical well-being. 

Social Well-Being

But what about their mental well-being? Do they still have friends nearby? Are they involved in social activities outside the home? Do they have safe, reliable transportation to the grocery store, church, or other activities? Socialization is key to maintaining a senior’s mental well-being. Whether it's time with friends or regular visits from family, your loved one craves this attention and socialization. They may thrive in a senior living community! 

Dementia/Alzheimer’s

It’s difficult to consider that your parent or loved one may be suffering from mental decline caused by a degenerative neurological condition like dementia or Alzheimer’s. But it is important to look for signs of these conditions early and address them as soon as possible.  

Look for signs of short-term memory loss. Things such as missing their medication, doctor appointments, social engagements, birthdays, or other things they would normally recall. Are they misplacing items, like their phone, television remote, magazines, or books? Are they having difficulty communicating their needs or wants? Are they wandering? Are they experiencing Sundowning, where they confuse day and night? These are all signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s and should be addressed early.  

A senior living community allows them to age in place. They can easily move from independent living to assisted living to memory care when space allows. This ensures all of their needs are met without the disruption of multiple moves. 

If you have a senior in your life you love, download the PDF “When Is It Time To Move” and refer to it the next time you visit. It could change their life for the better! 

Eugene Russell, Traditions' November Employee of the Month.

Eugene is a dedicated and hardworking member of the culinary services department at Traditions at West Park Place. Although he hails from New Orleans, Louisiana, he has been a resident of Toledo, Ohio, for the past seven years.

Eugene is not only known for his work ethic but also for his warm and friendly demeanor. He takes great pride in his large and loving family, which includes six children and an impressive 27 grandchildren. Half of his family resides in New Orleans, while the other half is in Toledo. Eugene's greatest joy outside work is spending quality time with his family.

In addition to his dedication to his job and family, Eugene has a hidden talent: singing, which he enjoys as a hobby. This adds a unique and creative aspect to his life.

One of Eugene's remarkable qualities is his exceptional attendance record, which has earned him monthly attendance bonuses at Traditions at West Park Place. Matt Goller, the Culinary Director, lauds Eugene for his dedication and positive attitude, emphasizing that Eugene always greets everyone with a smile.

Eugene's genuine warmth extends to the residents at West Park Place, and he cherishes the moments when he can interact with them. He takes pride in brightening their days and putting a smile on their faces.

Meghan Siegel, the Executive Director for West Park Place, also recognizes Eugene's exceptional contributions. She praises him for consistently going above and beyond his regular duties, being a hard worker, and maintaining a positive and friendly attitude. She mentions that Eugene is always willing to help wherever needed and is known for his approachable and friendly nature.

Eugene's nomination for Employee of the Month reflects his embodiment of Traditions' Core Values of Service, Dignity, and Socialization. His dedication to his work, his family, and his warm interactions with residents and coworkers make him a valuable member of the Traditions at West Park Place community.

Meet Lois "Loie" VanDis, Traditions' November Resident of the Month!

Loie was born and raised in the beautiful city of Holland, Michigan, near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan on Lake Macatawa in the Lower Peninsula.

Loie has called Quincy Place Senior Living home since November, stating, "My daughter and I checked out Quincy Place several times before deciding. We loved that Quincy Place was brand new, so cozy and beautiful. But ultimately, we were impressed by the staff."

Loie has been married for 65 years and has earthly and heavenly children. Her heavenly children, who had a muscular disease, were true heroes in her life. Before her retirement, she worked at DeWaard Interiors, a family-owned business that has been part of the Holland community for many years. Loie was also actively involved in the community and even served as the president of the Ottawa County for MDAA, earning a nomination for the Outstanding Woman of Holland award.

Her commitment to service and compassion for others shines through in her actions. She played the organ and piano for her church for 30 years and continues volunteering her musical talents by leading Hymn Sings at Quincy Place on Sundays. Loie also takes the time to write cards of encouragement to those in need, strives to support new residents, and acknowledges the excellent staff at Quincy Place. She proudly serves as an ambassador for Quincy Place, as she has cherished her time there from day 1!

"Loie stands out as an exemplary resident of Quincy Place due to her unwavering commitment to serving others. She exhibits a servant's heart, always willing to lend a helping hand and go the extra mile to make her fellow residents' lives more comfortable and enjoyable. Her genuine love for others is evident in countless acts of kindness and generosity she consistently displays," said Laura Kelling, Quincy Place Executive Director.

"What truly sets Loie apart is her personable nature. She has the remarkable ability to connect with people personally, making everyone feel valued and appreciated. Her friendly demeanor and warm personality create a welcoming atmosphere within our community, and she is often a source of inspiration, comfort, and support for those around her. "We nominated Loie because she embodies the spirit of Traditions' Resident of the Month through her servant's heart, love for others, and unwavering kindness. She enriches the lives of those that she interacts with, and her presence is a true blessing to our senior living community."

Email attacks are more than commonplace these days; they are an unfortunate way of life for those who use email and the internet. Predators and scammers have honed their digital skills, bringing carefully crafted scams into the digital age. While telephone scams still threaten seniors, email allows for broader, more sophisticated attacks. 

Statistics show that over 90% of security breaches originate in emails. Sadly, almost all of them rely on humans to execute them. This approach to hacking is called Social Engineering. Their goal is to trick you into clicking malicious links or visiting malicious websites so they can steal your information, your passwords, account numbers, and your social security number.

Terminology 

It is important to arm yourself with a basic vocabulary of terms to help you understand the types of internet-based attacks and scams you may encounter.

• Malware -‘Malware’ is a portmanteau for malicious software. It describes any rogue software unintentionally installed on your computer designed to cause intentional harm to your computer and includes such categories as viruses, ransomware, spyware, adware, and Trojan horses.
• Computer virus- A computer virus is a specific type of digital malware that, upon execution, replicates itself and inserts harmful code into your computer’s software, ‘infecting’ it. Computer viruses can cause a range of damage to your PC, from slowing it down to corrupting or deleting your files.
• Phishing- Phishing is a specific type of cybercrime that attempts to lure an individual into providing specific personally identifying information such as bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, or passwords in an attempt to gain access to your accounts. Often these types of scams are presented as legitimate emails from legitimate businesses or organizations you may do business with. 
• Cybercrime or cyber scam- A cybercrime or cyber scam is a broad term for any type of malicious attack performed digitally. These may come in as emails, text messages, or phone calls. 

Here are five smart things you can do to recognize and avoid these types of online attacks.

1. If you receive an email or text from someone you don’t know asking for personal information like banking numbers, passwords, etc. ignore it, and report it to the institution. 
2. If you receive an email with a bill or an invoice you don’t recognize. Don’t pay for it. It’s likely fake.
3. If you receive an email that asks you for your username or password or tells you they are about to expire, do not respond. No reputable source will ever ask you for your password… EVER.
4. If they offer you anything for free. It’s not. Don’t believe it. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
5. They claim there is a problem with your account. It’s going to expire unless you act now. BEWARE of calls for urgency!

These bad actors are getting good at tricking us! It is important to protect yourself against these assaults. And your best protection is knowledge and vigilance. 

Guest Blogger: Ann K.T. Warner, Warner Law Firm, LLC

Deciding to move to a senior care facility is a big decision. Whether you’re considering independent living, assisted living, or memory care, there are innumerable factors to consider when weighing your decision. When considering transitioning to senior care, it is critical to ensure your affairs are in order. This includes collecting or completing important paperwork, making important decisions about your finances and healthcare, and ensuring those decisions are documented legally and communicated to your family and caregivers. 

There are three crucial documents to have in place as you decide to transition to senior care. These are power of attorney, an estate plan, and a living will. 

Families should begin by having conversations about their plans. Although this may be an uncomfortable topic for both parents and children to bring up, it often ends up being avoided until it is too late. Starting these conversations early can prevent confusion and strife later. 

Your family discussions should not only include information about finances and assets but also cover health care and end-of-life preferences. It is important for seniors to clearly communicate and document their wishes and preferences to ensure these desires are carried out. 

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is a legal authorization granted from one person, called the Principal, to a designated person or persons, called the Agent or Agents, that empowers the Agent to act on behalf of the Principal legally.  This is a living document – meaning that it is ONLY in force during the person’s life, and it terminates at his or her death. 

The Agent is granted authority to make decisions for the other regarding things such as property, finances, investments, or medical care. I advise clients that the threshold document that everyone needs is a power of attorney. Without that, no one can act on behalf of a person, including their spouse. 

There are two primary types of power of attorney (“POA”): financial and health care. 

A typical financial POA, also called a durable power of attorney, goes into effect immediately upon signing. Whereas, a healthcare power of attorney generally only goes into effect if an individual is unable to make critical healthcare decisions for themselves. Both of these POAs are vital to have in place, and more importantly, communication around these sensitive issues can prevent confusion, anger, and guilt in the future. 

Establishing a power of attorney when an individual can make sound decisions helps establish important legal guidelines from which the Agent can make decisions in accordance with the Principal’s wishes. 

Estate Plan

An estate plan is a legal plan that provides clear direction concerning the division and disbursement of a person’s assets. After a power of attorney, estate plan documents are the most important planning tools to ensure your wishes concerning your assets are carried out in the manner you intend. An estate plan can be a Last Will and Testament or a Trust. Which one you choose largely depends on your individual situation, including the size of your family, types of assets, and legacy goals.  Various planning tools may help avoid the probate of assets after your death.

Living Will 

A living will is an advanced legal directive outlining an individual’s preferences for end-of-life medical care. It provides directives to help guide doctors, caregivers, and family in the case of illness or end-of-life decisions. Having a living will in place provides peace of mind for seniors, knowing that their healthcare wishes are clearly communicated and will be legally protected. 

These are the three main documents seniors should have in place as they begin to make decisions about transitioning to senior care to ensure their financial and healthcare decisions are honored. 

Other documents to collect include:

• Banking Information
• Health Proxy/Medical Release Authorization (HIPAA)
• Find DD214 Paperwork for Veterans – Honorable Discharge
• Prescription medication lists
• Transfer on death designation for a vehicle
• Transfer on death designation for real property 
• Tax documents 
• Receipts/directions for interment – Funeral / Cremation / Burial plans

Discussions about finances, asset distribution, moving into senior care, healthcare, and end-of-life decisions can be uncomfortable. However, it is important to have these discussions early and often. Being prepared can make a huge difference, both while you are living and after you have passed on. Having the proper legal documents, such as power of attorney, an estate plan, and a living will, can help you avoid drawn-out probate proceedings and familial strife. 

Ann Warner has been practicing law for nearly 20 years and is licensed in Ohio and Kentucky. She specializes in elder law, estate planning, and special needs planning. 

Guest Blogger Stephanie Stoll, Community Relations Director, Traditions at Camargo.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Many people go through short periods of time where they feel sad or not like their usual selves. Sometimes, these mood changes begin and end when the seasons change. People may start to feel “down” when the days get shorter in the fall and winter (also called “winter blues”) and begin to feel better in the spring, with longer daylight hours.

Seniors are particularly susceptible to SAD due to changes in their physical and emotional well-being as they age. Key symptoms of SAD include:

• Persistent sadness or “low mood”
• Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Sleep disturbances (including oversleeping and insomnia)
• Increased irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in appetite and/or weight
• Social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”)

If you're an adult child or a senior citizen, it's essential to be vigilant for these symptoms during the winter months. Seniors may be less likely to communicate their feelings of sadness, so observing their behavior and moods becomes crucial. Encourage open communication and be attentive to any changes in their daily routines and habits.

How can living in a Traditions Community Help with Seasonal Affective Disorder?

One of the most effective ways to address SAD in seniors is by considering a move to an independent living, assisted living, or memory care community. We offer:

• Social connections: Traditions has a built-in support system with peers and staff, reducing the risk of loneliness and isolation, which often worsens SAD symptoms.
• Structured Activities: We provide a wide range of daily activities and events designed to keep residents engaged and active, even during winter.
• Nutrition and Health Care: Traditions offers well-balanced delicious meals. Proper nutrition is the foundation for staying healthy. We also provide 24/7 access to healthcare professionals for all health concerns, big or small. The peace of mind that comes with 24/7 assistance and emergency response services is immeasurable.
• Safe and Comfortable Environment: Camargo was designed with seniors in mind! We have large windows and well-lit common areas to maximize exposure to natural light. A safe and comfortable space offers peace of mind and promotes overall well-being.
• Reduction in Daily Stressors: The maintenance-free lifestyle at Traditions allows seniors to focus on enjoying life without the burden of household chores, which can be especially challenging during the winter months.

Seasonal Affective Disorder can affect seniors more profoundly than other age groups due to the natural changes that come with aging. Recognizing the signs of SAD and providing appropriate support is essential for maintaining senior citizens' mental and emotional health during the colder months. If you or your loved one is experiencing SAD or struggling with the winter blues, consider exploring the benefits of a senior living community. Traditions at Camargo offers a holistic approach to well-being, providing the necessary social, emotional, and physical support to combat the winter blues and lead a fulfilling, happy life year-round.

Stephanie Stoll is the Community Relations Director at Traditions at Camargo. She has worked closely with senior citizens and their adult children, helping them make important decisions about their loved ones’ well-being and happiness. 

*Seek Professional Help: If the symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional or therapist who specializes in geriatric mental health.

*Information provided in this article was gathered from: The National Institute of Health, Mayo Clinic, and Cleveland Clinic.

Meet Diana Keeney

Meet Diane Keeney, Traditions’ October Resident of the Month! Diane was born in Cleveland, but grew up in Brook Park, Ohio, a quaint Cleveland suburb.

Diane has called Grove City Senior Living by Traditions home for the last 4 months stating, “I chose Grove City because of how fresh and clean the community is. The staff here is so friendly and caring, and I’m incredibly thankful for them. All the staff go above and beyond anything I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Diane has 4 grown children, 2 sons and 2 daughters, and 8 beautiful grandchildren. When she isn’t spending time with her family, she enjoys Grove City’s ‘Get to Know Your Neighbor’ activity.

“I love hearing about other peoples’ lives and getting to know them on a deeper basis.”

Prior to retirement, Diane worked in a doctor’s office as a receptionist. She also did billing and collections. 

“Now that I’m retired, I’d love to pursue two of my passions – writing and reading. I want to write a book entitled, How Do People Do This about life and how great God has been to me. The book would be geared toward people who don’t know God but want to learn how to know him on a more meaningful level.”

Diane continued, “I want to continue working on my passion of cooking too; I used to be a caterer. I must admit, I’m a huge fan of Chef Shari’s meatloaf with mashed potatoes.”

“We nominated Diane for Traditions’ Resident of the Month because she embodies warmth and kindness,” stated Lisa Graves, Grove City’s Executive Director, “She never hesitates to welcome a new resident and make them feel at home.”

Meet Joe Sizemore, Traditions’ October Employee of the Month!

Joe was born and raised in Nashville, Indiana, which is known for its beautiful fall foliage and for being the center of the Brown County Art Colony. He has worked for Gentry Park Senior Living for nearly 3 years as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) on their weekend night shift.

Joe has been a CNA for 20 years. He began his career in skilled nursing, but when travel became too much, he found Gentry Park.

“I take advantage of Gentry Park’s weekend option, working the night shift, so that I can be a full-time dad during the week.”

Family is everything to Joe! He and Gracey, his girlfriend of 6 years, have 4 beautiful children – Ember (8 years), Kimberly (7 years), Nora (4 years) and Joe (3 years). 

“I love running my children to their activities…cheer clinics, and as the colder weather approaches, basketball,” said Joe. “I enjoy keeping the house in order while the kids are in school and look forward to family time in the evenings. When I’m not with my family or working, I love to draw.”

When asked what he loves about his job, Joe didn’t hesitate, “The residents are the very best part! I not only enjoy being their caregiver, but their friend [and family] as well. I visit everyone at least once during my shift. I value our conversations and being there for our residents, whether it’s for a good laugh or providing a shoulder upon which to cry.”

Joe went on to say, “I also really like the staff at Gentry Park. We are very close and work together as a team to provide amazing care for our residents.”

“We congratulate Joe on his service to our residents,” said Gentry Park Executive Director, Lisa Holstein, “He has been recognized by numerous residents for his customer service, consistency and excellent care.”

Autumn is a season of change. Among the ever-changing colors of the leaves, cooler temperatures, and endless pumpkin spice-flavored treats come the wacky and wicked decorations of the so-called “spooky season.” Beginning as early as September 1^st and running through Halloween on October 31^st, you are likely to encounter all sorts of spooky decorations, from re-creations of the Charlie Brown pumpkin patch to the increasingly popular and extra creepy 12-foot-tall skeletons from Home Depot, signs of the season are all around. These changing landscapes featuring spooky scenes can be confusing, disorienting, and potentially scary to your elderly loved ones, especially those with dementia or other age-related degenerative neurological diseases.   

Here are some suggestions from our memory care experts for safe activities for seniors with dementia that allow your loved one to be part of the holiday celebrations. 

Plan Ahead 

Being prepared is always a good idea, particularly if you plan to celebrate with an elderly loved one. Discuss your plans, decide who will be involved, and plan where your celebration will be held. Hosting the activities in a place that is welcoming and familiar to your loved one can help make for a successful celebration. Understand your loved one’s routines and thresholds for confusion or disorientation. Having open conversations with their caregivers if they live in assisted living or memory care can help you better understand their situation.  

Once you have a plan, discuss it with your loved one and everyone involved in the celebration so everyone knows what to expect. Basic preparation can help reduce stress for everyone.  

Make Your Decorations More “Mild” Than “Wild”  

Decorations can be a fun part of the Halloween season, but they can also be scary for all ages.  

Keep decorations like pumpkins, decorative gourds, and other heavy decorations off the floor to avoid tripping hazards. Limit the use of noisy decorations, voice or motion-activated theatrics, dry ice, strobing lights, or loud, scary music. These things can cause fear and confusion, which may put a damper on your celebrations. Find happier decorations, smiling pumpkins, fun witches and ghosts, or other fun decorations. Think more spooky than scarier.  

Be thoughtful about decorations representing dying or death. Bloody weapons or corpses, skeletons and skulls, and cemetery scenes can be unsettling for older adults. Be aware of scary movies, music, or commercials during this time of the year as well.  

Keep It Simple  

Keep your celebrations simple, brief, light, and fun. Load up on apple cider, candied apples, popcorn and other appropriate seasonal treats. If the children are in costume, avoid scary or distracting masks. Plan your visit for an appropriate amount of time to make sure your loved one can get plenty of rest after all the fun.  

You know your loved one best and know what to expect. Making a plan, keeping decorations mild, and planning a simple but fun celebration can help you have a successful spooky celebration with your loved one.