If so, you’ve no doubt enjoyed having the bragging rights about your mother’s, father’s or friend’s health and mental clarity. They’ve always been independent and always cared for themselves. Now, you may find that things are slowly beginning to change as the wheels of time move ever more further forward.

Are you noticing the factors that are affecting your communications, not the least of which could be your elderly loved one(s) memory lapse along with their hearing loss? Like, maybe your mom is forgetting that on Mother’s Day you always exchanged gifts and cards. Or, maybe your father just called you to ask when your birthday was. Or, your elderly friend is forgetting when s/he had their last meal.

As a sibling, you may be noticing the struggle with your “new” mother/father, as you find yourself desperate for the return of your “old” parent… which was the walking family story teller, the best cook in the world, and the fiercest scrabble competitor on the planet.

Are you spending more and more time assisting your elderly loved one around their home?… Or, might you be finding yourself driving to and from appointments, which previously were errands that they handled easily by themselves?

Feelings of sadness that come with past parental reflections can be one of the most powerful of emotions for anyone to negotiate. As well as, dealing with new surroundings… like, a parent that can’t grasp a fork and a knife in their arthritic hands, or, your senior finding it ever more difficult to negotiate simple tasks. Feelings of despair for one-self and sympathy for your elderly loved one is a tough situation to find yourself in, indeed.

As a caregiver, (and in order to cope) you may find it difficult to reach-out and ask for some advice from others that are going through the same concerns and experiences for encouragement, along with the experts, which can provide insights. But reaching out you must in order to comfort your soul.

Remember to also keep in mind ‘who’ your parent’s/friend used to be and cherish those memories no matter what. Cry, rejoice and live the moment of the beauty that life gave the both of you. If you’re that care-giving son, daughter or friend… these times can be certainly confusing. You may never get over seeing such radical day to day changes. But, you’ll certainly want to appreciate ‘with gratitude’ the bountifulness that comes with your wonderful memories.

Yes indeed, be good to yourself as that ever important caregiver!

Trisha Kellogg
Sunshine Gardens Senior Community

www.sgwseniors.com

… feel free to contact me here:
kelloggt@durango.net
970-385-4090

* Tasks that were once simple are now labor-some.
* Weight loss/Lack of appetite.
* Less mobility/Trouble getting around
* The house is un-kept and laundry is piling
* They are having difficulty managing their medications
* Personal appearance and hygiene are lacking…

(Trouble brushing their teeth, showering, combing their hair, etc.).

* Loneliness or need for socialization.
* Lack of interest or motivation..
* No longer able to drive.

It is important to recognize these signs early and work with your loved one to determine the most appropriate living situation. If you wait too long, they may end up injured or in need of additional care or a nursing home. Although assisted living sometimes has a bad connotation, it can be the ideal alternative to living at home.

Assisted Living facilities allow your loved one to maintain strong levels of independence, while not feeling like a “burden” to their families. Your loved one will also have the opportunity to participate in activities, socialize and meet new friends, and enjoy healthy, delicious meals. Assisted Living allows your loved one to personalize their own room or apartment and make it their home. They can come and go as they please and the environment does not have that “institution” feel.

Often times it is more difficult for you to move your loved one into an assisted living facility knowing that they are no longer able to care for themselves. However, you should recognize the strong potential that your loved one will thrive in an assisted living environment. They will have twenty-four hour care, an extensive social calendar, and a life of endless possibility.

Trisha Kellogg

Sunshine Gardens Senior Community
www.sgwseniors.com

… feel free to contact me here:
kelloggt@durango.net
970-385-4090

Growing up, I never thought of my grandparents as old, but as wonderful, kind people who spoiled my siblings and I with candy and attention.  They hosted wonderful family get-togethers, attended graduations, and were always there to offer love and support.  I didn’t really take the time to notice that as I grew older, they too, would continue to age.

I first noticed my grandparents aging in high school when my maternal-grandfather was diagnosed with cancer.  His illness forced me to realize that my grandparents would not live forever.  As senior citizens, they became frail. Shortly thereafter, my grandfather lost his life to this disease, and my grandmother was widowed.

Nine years later, my grandmother was still trying to pick up the pieces.  She was the homemaker her entire life and was still trying to mend economically and emotionally.  In her mid-70’s she continued to live at home, but realized that one day it wasn’t going to be an option anymore.  She will need additional care that family and friends can not provide.  We’ve asked ourselves… what are her adult living facility options?  What types of retirement living home care communities are in the area?  Does she want to be closer to her other children?  These questions remained as she and her family prepares for the future.

My father’s parents, on the other hand, are ready for senior citizen assisted living now.  My grandfather is in his early 80’s and my grandmother in her late 70’s.  They both are weak and my grandmother has had several heart surgeries resulting from years of smoking.  My grandfather has a terrible cough, probably emphysema, and is also very tired and ailing from his smoking.  My grandparents only eat when their children remind them to and many times it’s just snack foods that are accessible.  My grandfather has no dementia, but my grandmother is very forgetful which causes concern.  All of these signs point to the need for senior care assistance.

So… my parents, aunts, and uncles have decided to look into senior assisted living facility options.  They know that my grandparents should not live alone.  They need steady meals and a clean environment.  They also need protective oversight in case of falls or other emergencies.  It is a difficult reality to face, but in order to ensure the best quality of life; our family knows that changes have to be made.

My personal example is just one of millions throughout the United States.  Families are facing obstacles such as these everyday and as the Director of a Colorado assisted living facility called Sunshine Gardens Senior Community, I see first-hand the growing need for residential assisted living.

People come to our assisted living facility in Colorado out of curiosity, or in the “fact-finding” stages months before they prepare to move their loved one(s) in, or even sometimes needing a senior living care facility immediately.  I work with many types of people with varying needs.  Some folks are very independent, but are looking for social stimulation and meals, others need help dressing, bathing, and with their medication.  Still, some people have extensive needs requiring long term elderly care with assistance getting in and out of bed or reminders that it is time to use the bathroom.

Whatever the scenario or situation, it is important for families to realize that there are elderly care housing options.  Some in need may not be excited, in fact, they may down right refuse to make a change, but for the sake of health and safety it just needs to be done.  Sometimes loved ones will go willingly, other times; it causes family feuds and eventual interventions.

It is never fun to force your loved ones to receive help and/or move into senior care homes, but when you see a need, it is important to act on it before it is too late.  They may end up hurt or in a situation that requires more care than they (or you as a loved one) had originally planned.

If you haven’t already, be sure to download the complimentary… “Independence, Dignity & Happiness” ebook that outlines residential assisted living guidelines, alternatives and cost comparisons, to assist you with the insights you and your loved ones require in making this very important decision.

If you have any immediate questions regarding our facilities here in beautiful Durango Colorado or just want some general assisted independent living concerns addressed, you’ll find further educational material for your review within this blog and at our Web-site. Also, if you desire, please feel free to contact me directly to discuss these sensitive issues, anytime.

Trisha Kellogg

Sunshine Gardens Senior Community
www.sgwseniors.com

… feel free to contact me here:
kelloggt@durango.net
970-385-4090