The holiday season is rapidly approaching and Black Friday is just around the corner. But don’t forget about Cyber Monday. The popular technology and electronics sale day held the Monday after Thanksgiving just might offer some of the best deals for your elderly family member this year.

Finding the perfect gift for our loved ones can a challenge for anyone. Many times our parents or grandparents discourage us from buying them anything or don’t know what they really need. Should you try to find something practical and useful, like a warm throw, or should you look for something fun and entertaining, like a game? Don’t worry; you might be just able to fulfill all your gift goals.

New technology products are becoming increasingly useful for our aging population and may even make life both easier and more enjoyable for homebound seniors.
Continue reading TECHNOLOGY GIFT IDEAS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS →

Androids, iPhones and Microsoft Surfaces, oh my!

From the earliest days of televisions to the first generation of personal computers, the young people have always been among the first to embrace new technology. However, an increasing number of seniors are learning how to navigate our increasingly digital world. In fact, “more than 50% of older Americans are Internet users and an even higher share have mobile phones,” according to a research study conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life Project in early 2012.

In addition to creating new ways to communicate and attain information, digital technology opens up a whole new world for home-bound seniors. Doctor appointments, prescription medications and meals can all be organized online. A trip to the local library or book store is no longer required when books can be downloaded and read anywhere on an e-reader, such as a Kindle, Nook or iPad. Family members live far away? No problem. Seniors can now exchange messages and photos, play games and video conference call all from a smart phone, laptop or tablet, helping them maintain close ties with friends and family regardless of distance.
Continue reading SENIORS BECOMING MORE TECH SAVVY →

“Everyone wants to age at home, but it comes to a point when it’s no longer possible and it’s necessary, as hard as it is, to make that move to the next level of care,” Sandy Markwood, chief executive officer of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, told USA Today.

Many times, one elderly spouse is responsible for the daily hygiene and care of the other. Assistance from home health care workers or visiting nurses may be among the options you could explore before committing to an senior care residence but as our population ages, it is increasingly likely that the time will come when you or someone you know will have to place a family member into an assisted living residence or a nursing home. When and how that difficult decision is made may involve the entire family.
Continue reading DIFFICULT DECISIONS →

A caring son who is worried about his aging father surprises him with a gift – a robot companion that will cook his meals, clean the house and coordinate activities. Could such a scene be a modern reality or a science fiction fantasy?

The summer 2012 film Robot & Frank depicts just such a storyline. Although Frank Langella’s senior citizen character eventually accepts and appreciates the benefits of the robot, his initial concern “that thing’s going to kill me in my sleep,” epitomizes a common fear.

Despite the fact that engineers around the world are focusing on developing robotic caregivers and companions, the elderly themselves have not yet embraced this modern technology.
Continue reading ROBOTIC CAREGIVERS FOR THE ELDERLY? →

Are you no longer able to live independently but you are worried about who will care for your pet? Of course your faithful champion deserves a good home and luckily, numerous assisted living facilities agree!

According to USA Today, “the pitter-patter of little feet is an increasingly common sound at nursing homes and senior-living residences” throughout the United States.
Continue reading PET-FRIENDLY SENIOR RESIDENCES →