NWH_Senior Living_042719

Senior Living

Inside:

Alternative Living .................... 2 New Technology....................... 3 Exercises Supports.................. 4 Creating Wills.......................... 5 Downsizing.............................. 6 Limited Mobility....................... 7

Living an active lifestyle

NORTHWEST HERALD Saturday, April 27, 2019

New Senior Living Alternative Comes to Illinois

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Saturday, April 27, 2019

| SENIOR LIVING

2

In July 2014, Brandon Schwab watched his father-in-law play the piano in a five-bed boutique senior living home in Florida. He had never seen anything like it. To Brandon, senior living meant a large, institutional nursing home with an average of one caregiver to 20 residents.

In that senior home in Florida, Brandon saw seniors living with dignity and enjoying active lives in a safe, secure and comfortable home environment.

So began the vision of Shepherd Premier Senior Living, which now offers senior living options at four residential homes in rural McHenry County. The homes are designed to provide all the comforts of home combined with the care and comfort needed to age with dignity.

“We all want to belong somewhere,

have the support of those around us, have someone to sit with us and hold our hands or comfort us when we need it.

Shepherd homes are unique in that we have one caregiver for every five residents to be able to provide each resident with the personalized care and attention they need and deserve,” said Kay Reissig, Director of Marketing.

The caregivers in Shepherd Premier Senior Living homes all undergo Shepherd’s own rigorous training program and full background checks to qualify to serve the “families” in each Shepherd home. They are trained to customize the care of each resident, whether they need help with daily hygiene tasks, taking medications appropriately, or just need a friendly partner for a game of cards.

Three home-cooked meals are provided

each day, along with housekeeping, laundry services and social activities.

Shepherd of Ringwood provides assisted living for 10 residents; Shepherd of Harvard offers independent and assisted living alternatives for 14 residents; and homes in Crystal Lake and Bull Valley will open in June to provide assisted living and memory care. Plans are also underway for additional homes in Huntley.

You can learn more and schedule a tour by calling 224-333-6247 or visit www.

ShepherdPremierSeniorLiving.com Win a Free Fast Eddie’s Car Wash from Shepherd Premier Senior Living!

Tell us what makes Shepherd Premier Senior Living unique. Text or call 847-450-9786 with your answer and you’ll be entered to win one of 10 gift cards for a free car wash.

3

The most valuable types of these personal emergency response devices include accurate fall detection; falls are a leading cause of death for adults age 65 and older. Devices can automatically alert 911 or a close family member the moment a fall has been detected. This is especially valuable for aging-in-place situations where stairs are present.

Smarter access to healthcare and medications. As their mobility declines, it may become more difficult for seniors to make it to the doctor’s office. In response, many providers now offer video consultation for those who cannot come in for an appointment.

This technology is ideal for those suffering from minor ailments that do not necessarily require an in-person visit.

In addition, for many seniors, medication regimens can become difficult to follow, and the misuse of prescribed medications can lead to negative health consequences. One technology on the rise, especially for those without assistance in the home, is the automated pill counter designed to alert and properly dispense all medications that need to be taken.

In-home tracking for safety. Placing activity sensors throughout the house is becoming a more and more popular way to monitor loved ones who are living unassisted. Sensors can be placed in multiple discreet locations, like doors, cabinets, windows or beds to track movement around the house and report back to a caretaker or family member.

If the sensors haven’t tracked movement in an expected amount of time, alerts can be set up to ensure a designated family member, caretaker or friend is notified to check in on the senior. Tracking and monitoring systems run the gamut from units that are integrated with a full in-home security system, to simple free-standing versions that are less costly and more mobile, but may also be less sensitive.

• Saturday, April 27, 2019

(BPT) - As millions of baby boomers reach their golden years, they’re changing the world yet again, this time by driving a booming market in senior-friendly aging-in-place technologies.

From simple wearable devices to high-tech monitoring systems, the list of gadgets designed to help aging boomers stay independent is extensive and growing.

Home-based technology tools are a great way to deliver peace of mind to caregivers and family members who want to help an aging parent or grandparent stay safe in their home, and to combat the debilitating isolation that often accompanies growing older.

Here’s a look at a few of the innovative technologies that are revolutionizing aging, and the benefits they provide.

Digital solutions for staying in touch. It’s easy nowadays to take using smartphones or other digital technology for granted. But for many seniors, it has never been an integral part of their lives, meaning they can be left out of the family communications loop.

Filling that gap are products like GrandPad, powered by Consumer Cellular. It’s a touchscreen-based tablet with simplified apps that let older users easily make voice or video calls, send and receive email, share photos, stream music and enjoy other recreational activities such as digital games.

GrandPad also offers comprehensive security, operating on a closed private network to guard against online scams, and can be managed by a designated family administrator for added personalization and protection. Plus, it’s offered by Consumer Cellular, a provider with a long history of serving the senior market.

Fall alerts can be lifesavers. Wearable devices that monitor and track health are becoming more popular among all ages. However, for seniors, especially those without a caretaker in the home, they can be lifesaving. With just the press of a button, help can be summoned for a wide range of emergency situations.

SENIOR LIVING | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

New technology promotes healthy aging in place

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Saturday, April 27, 2019

| SENIOR LIVING

4

Exercises to support stronger hips

hip replacement surgery. The following are a handful of exercises, courtesy of the AARP, that can help men and women strengthen their hips.

Good Morning Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and keep your hands at your sides. With your knees slightly bent and your back naturally arched, bend at your hips as if you’re bowing out of respect as far as you can go, or until your torso is almost parallel to the floor. Return to the starting position.

During the exercise, keep your core braced and don’t bow your back.

Hip Abduction Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Loop a resistance band around both ankles, and then raise your right leg out to the side as far as you can.

Hold in this position for a moment before slowly returning to the starting position. Switch legs and then repeat the exercise on the other side.

Hip Adduction Loop one end of a resistance band low around a solid object, then stand to the left of that object before looping the other end of the band around your right ankle. Place your legs shoulder-width apart, and then pull in

(MS) - Surgery is not an inevitable side effect of aging. In fact, men your right leg until your ankles touch. Repeat with your left leg, this time and women over 50 can employ various preventive techniques to strengthmoving to the right side of the object. en their bones and joints in the hopes of avoiding the surgical wing of their Glute Bridge local hospitals.

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.

According to AARP, more than 370,000 men and women undergo Raise your hips to form a straight line from your shoulders to your knees, hip replacement surgeries in the United States each year. Some may think using some type of support if you need to. Clench your butt at the top of such surgeries are a final solution to their hip pain, but that might not be the movement, pause, and lower yourself back down. the case, as AARP notes than one in 10 hip replacement recipients will

Men and women unaccustomed to exercise should consult their need a second procedure for any number of reasons, including infection physicians before performing any of these exercises. In addition, if necesor mechanical failure. sary, perform the exercises under the supervision of a personal trainer who A proactive approach that focuses on strengthening and protecting the can advise you on proper form and help you reduce your risk of injury. hips can help aging men and women reduce their risk of one day needing

VOLUNTEERS ARE STARS!

ELDERWERKS HELPING YOU...

HELPING SENIORS FREE PERSON-CENTERED SENIOR HOUSING AND CARE REFERRAL SERVICES • Free Information and Guidance • Senior Housing Options • Care Options • Support Options • Moving Options • Educational Events • Free Senior Resource Directory • Touring Assistance

815-455-3120 8 SCVN SC VN iiss a vo volu volunteer lunt lu ntee nt eerr pr prog program ogra ram m th that connects seniors to community services throughout McHenry County and Del Webb, Huntley. Senior Care Volunteer Network is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization. scvnmchenrycounty.org SM-CL1652981

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES A 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit Corporation

847-462-0885 SM-CL1653159

Elderwerks.com | info@Elderwerks.com

the will.

People who die without a valid will become intestate. This means the estate will be settled based on the laws of where that person lived, and a court-appointed administrator will serve in the capacity to transfer property. This administrator will be bound by laws and may make decisions that go against the decedent’s wishes. To avoid this outcome, a will and other estate planning documents are crucial.

Dental Insurance Call for dental coverage today to help save money on big dental bills.

This is not just a discount plan. This is real dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company that helps pay for over 350 procedures – cleanings, fillings, crowns, even dentures.

• No annual maximum, no deductible • See any dentist you want – including your own • Preventive care starts immediately • Over 50? Coverage as low as $1 per day

Call now to get this FREE Information Kit

u 1-888-261-5798 dental50plus.com/shaw

*Individual Plan. Coverage not available in all states. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN) 6197 AW19-1035

• Saturday, April 27, 2019

(MS) - Drafting a last will and testament is an essential component of estate planning. Despite the importance of having a will, a recent survey from AARP found that two out of five Americans over the age of 45 do not have one.

Putting wishes down on paper helps avoid unnecessary work and sometimes heartache upon the death of a loved one. Wills allow heirs to act with the decedent’s wishes in mind, and can ensure that assets and possessions will end up in the right hands.

Estate planning can be tricky, which is why many people turn to attorneys to get the job done right. Attorneys who specialize in estate planning will no doubt discuss the following topics with their clients.

Assets owned: Make a list of known assets and figure out which assets are covered by the will and which will have to be passed on according to other estate laws, such as through joint tenancy on a deed or a living trust. For example, life insurance policies or retirement plan proceeds will be distributed to your named beneficiaries. A will also can cover other assets, such as photographs, clothing, cars, and jewelry.

Guardianship: Parents’ wills should include a declaration of who they want to become guardians their underage children or dependents.

Pets: Some people prefer to use their will to also dictate guardianship for their pets and to leave money or property to help care for those pets. However, pets do not have the legal capacity to own property, so one shouldn’t gift money directly to pets in a will.

Funeral instructions: Settling probate will not happen until after the funeral. Therefore, funeral wishes in a will often go unnoticed, states the legal advisement resource Find Law. Executor: An executor is a trusted person who will carry out the terms of the will. This person should be willing to serve and be capable of executing

5 SENIOR LIVING | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

Things people should know about creating wills

Learn to downsize before a move

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Saturday, April 27, 2019

| SENIOR LIVING

6

However, it can be challenging to cut down on living space and then deal with figuring out how to make furniture, belongings and stored items fit in more condensed areas. Moving can be stressful even without having to cut down on prized items. Taking an inventory of belongings can help the process go smoothly.

Before moving, men and women can go room by room, making piles of items that will be kept, donated, sold, or discarded. This can be a tedious task, but it is necessary to avoid clutter in a new home.

People downsizing can attempt to sell items they do not need via newspaper classified sections or online classified sites. Appliances and furniture in excellent shape may fetch good prices. Any extra cash can be put toward buying new items that are size-appropriate for the smaller home.

Another way to clear out clutter is to sort duplicates from the stock of items. A person may no longer need multiple sets of dishes or silverware. If the move involves switching from a king-sized to a queen-sized bed, donate or trash bed linens that will no longer fit. Pay close attention to kitchen and bathroom items, which tend to accumulate over time but might not be discarded when clearing a home of clutter.

People moving from a detached home to a condominium or a townhouse may learn that homeowner’s association fees cover everything from snow (MS) - Aging men and women often take inventory of their lives in an removal to lawn maintenance to pool upkeep. If so, it’s unnecessary to effort to focus on activities or lifestyle changes that can ensure happy retirebring lawn and garden supplies. ments. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows there are some 76 million Homeowners are advised to look at the floor plan of their new dwellings baby boomers — those people born between 1946 to 1964 — across the and pay attention to storage space. This can make it easier to plan ahead country. With the youngest of the boomers in their mid-50s and the majorfor what may fit, what will need to be purchased new and which storage ity having already reached retirement age, many boomers are trying to solutions may be needed.

Having a plan in place can make unpacking and decide if it’s time to move out of their family homes and into smaller, more settling in go smoothly.

The organizing company Organize Me says that manageable abodes. homeowners should consider how cabinets and closets will be used before Many older adults find they do not need the same amount of space as moving in. they did when they had children living at home. Retirees and those on the Downsizing can free up time and money. When done right, downsizing cusp of retirement may find that downsizing is a smart financial move that can make retirement easier and create more leisure time for retirees. frees up more time for recreation.

Discover the world’s best walk-in bathtub from 5 Reasons American Standard Walk-In Tubs are Your Best Choice 1 Backed by American Standard’s 2 3 4

1,500

$

in Savings Trusted Professional Installation with Best Lifetime Warranty!

INCLUDES a FREE

®

A+ RATED

Toilet

Receive a free American Standard Cadet toilet with full installation of a Liberation Walk-In Bath, Liberation Shower, or Deluxe Shower.

Offer valid only while supplies last. Limit one per household. Must be first time purchaser. See www.walkintubs.americanstandard-us.com for other restrictions and for licensing, warranty, and company information. CSLB B982796; Suffolk NY:55431H; NYC:HIC#2022748-DCA. Safety Tubs Co. LLC does not sell in Nassau NY, Westchester NY, Putnam NY, Rockland NY.

5

1,500

$

S AV I N G S

140 years of experience Ultra low entry for easy entering and exiting Patented Quick Drain® fast water removal system Lifetime Warranty on the bath AND installation, INCLUDING labor backed by American Standard 44 Hydrotherapy jets for an invigorating massage

Includes FREE American Standard Right Height Toilet

Limited Time Offer! Call Today!

855-620-8615

FREE IN-HOME EVALUATION!

Portable Oxygen For The Way You Want to Live Includes Everything You Need to Regain Your Freedom At just 2.8* lbs, the Inogen One G4 is the ultralight portable oxygen concentrator you have been waiting for. The Inogen One G4 is approximately half the size of the Inogen One G3.

Meets FAA Requirements for Travel

JUST 2.8 LBS.

REQUEST YOUR FREE INFO KIT TODAY!

CALL TODAY! 1-855-238-0552 *With a single battery. © 2019 Inogen, Inc. All rights reserved.

• Saturday, April 27, 2019

(MS) - Many people dream of traveling the world in retirement. Such dreams come true every day. But many more retirees or people nearing retirement fear that their dreams of seeing the world won’t be possible due to mobility issues beyond their control. Thankfully, such fears are largely unwarranted.

Various conditions can affect men and women’s mobility. Many such issues tend to arise after age 50, prompting many people to believe their post-retirement travel plans will never come to fruition. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD; and heart disease may make it hard for people to travel. But that difficulty doesn’t mean aging men and women should resign themselves to a sedentary lifestyle. Though they might require a little extra effort

before boarding a plane for parts unknown, the following are a handful of ways that aging men and women with limited mobility can reap the rewards of traveling.

Contact airlines or other transportation companies if you require special accommodations. The U.S. Department of Transportation notes that passengers are generally not required to provide advanced notice for disability-related accommodations. However, it makes sense to provide such notice anyway. By doing so, men and women with limited mobility can ensure they will have adequate assistance during their trips. When made aware of passengers’ mobility issues, airlines or other travel companies may arrange for wheelchairs to be available at the gates or train platforms so passengers can easily make connecting flights and trains.

In addition, advance notice gives companies a chance to provide seating accommodations that can make for a more enjoyable trip.

Contact security agencies. Security is part of modern travel, so travelers, especially those traveling by air, should expect to go through security checkpoints during their trips. Travelers with limited mobility should contact the security agencies in their home country as well as those in any country they plan to visit to get an idea of what they can expect.

Knowing these guidelines in advance can help people with limited mobility determine if they should arrive extra early so they can make it through security checkpoints in time to make their flights or trains.

Contact hotels directly. Each country has its own laws regarding how to accommodate people with physical disabilities or mobility issues, so don’t leave things to chance. Before booking a hotel room abroad, travelers with limited mobility should contact the hotel directly to confirm that it can accommodate their needs.

Men and women with limited mobility can still enjoy the wonders of travel, even if it requires some extra effort before embarking on their trips.

7 SENIOR LIVING | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

How to travel even if you have limited mobility

Home is comfort, security and dignity...

this is home

There’s No Place Like Home In a perfect world, we would all be able to age gracefully in our own familiar homes. When that’s not possible, Shepherd Premier Senior Living is the best alternative.

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Saturday, April 27, 2019

| SENIOR LIVING

8

The Future of Senior Care Now We specialize in homestyle, small-group residences offering the comforts of home with the care seniors need to be safe and secure. Private and shared bedrooms, welcoming common spaces, three homemade meals each day, and a variety of social activities combine with our personalized care to enrich the lives of our residents.

One Caregiver for Every Five Residents Shepherd’s high standard of personalized care is unprecedented in Midwest senior homes and ensures a level of individual attention that dramatically improves the quality of life for our residents. All caregivers go through our rigorous training program and background checks to qualify to serve in one of our homes.

The Right Fit Voted Best of the Fox for 3 years in a row!

Whether you or your loved one is in need of an independent living, assisted living or memory care solution, Shepherd Premier Senior Living can help.

Call now

to schedule a consultation!

Locations Harvard Ringwood Opening June 2019 Crystal Lake Bull Valley

847-450-9786

Or visit our website for more information

ShepherdPremierSeniorLiving.com

Opening 2020 Huntley

Win a Free Fast Eddie’s Car Wash from Shepherd Premier Senior Living!

Tell us what makes Shepherd Premier Senior Living unique. Text or call 847-450-9786 with your answer and you’ll be entered to win one of 10 gift cards for a free car wash.