Assisted Living
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Is It Getting More Difficult Being Part Of “The Sandwich” Generation”?
Caring for older parents, and being needed by your own children… Spring oak assisted living understands....
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According to the Pew Research Center, one of every eight Americans aged 40 to 60 is raising a child and caring for a parent, either physically, financially or both. Seven to 10 million adults are caring for aging parents from a long distance.
609.242.2661 www.SpringOak.net
601 N. Main St. (Route 9)
This midlife group is called the Sandwich Generation, a term added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in 2006. In some cases, kids go off to college, leaving mom and dad in an “empty nest.” In other cases, elderly parents need help and kids come home again, sometimes with children of their own. You Can’t Be In Two Places at Once ~ We Can Help Do you feel like you are being pulled in different directions and do not know which way to go first? Your aging parent needs you to help, but your children and husband need help too. Often times the guilt and anxiety is overwhelming for many of us in this situation. It is important that we take care of ourselves, too! Relieving some of the burden of responsibility is where we come in. We at Spring Oak Assisted Living of Forked River meet and help families everyday with solutions for their aging loved ones. Managing Midlife Challenges For millions of working people, the challenges of midlife can quickly change and catapult you into a category called the Sandwich Generation. You fit the profile if you are “sandwiched” between the demands of the workplace and the changing needs of a multi-generation family.The circumstances can pull you, your family and your finances apart, especially if changes are unexpected and unforeseen. Try to avoid surprises by educating yourself and finding programs and assistance to help you through trying times. What Happens If Our Loved One Runs Out Of Moneyy ~ Spring Oak Says NO PROBLEM!! We at Spring Oak Assisted Living of Forked River understand the concerns of finances. Of course most families are concerned about expenses and if their loved one’s monies will support them forever. We offer “peace of mind” to families by accepting Global Options Medicaid. Potential residents and their loved ones can rest easy know-
Community
Lanoka Harbor, NJ
ing they can age in place and stay in their apartments here. We do not require any financial information or minimum monies upon admission and even accept Medicaid at admission. Talk to your parents about how they’re doing financially and what plans they’ve made if they become ill or incapacitated and investigate long-term care insurance or savings to cover the costs of assisted living or extended day care. Get The Power If an emergency arises, you’ll need legal authority to act swiftly on your parents’ behalf. Ask your parents to authorize Power of Attorney to sign checks, pay bills, make financial and health care decisions and protect the wishes of their living will. If you live long distance from your parents, arrange for papers and documents to be located in a central place. Suze Orman’s fireproof kit is helpful. It’s so much easier to find what you need in an emergency if it’s all in one place. Find out what federal, state and local benefits your parents qualify for. The range of government-sponsored and social service programs varies by country. A Visit to our Community Makes you Feel Better Often times families tell us here at Spring Oak that just walking through our doors made them feel better. Families of aging loved ones can set up an appointment to tour our community anytime. We welcome families to bring their loved ones along to make the experience positive. The sound of active and happy seniors interacting during activities, exercise and mealtime makes families smile as they tour. As they enter the dining room, families are pleasantly surprised by the aromas of home cooking. Our outstanding menu provides seniors with choices and courses of delicacies and entrees, all accompanied by fresh vegetables, fruits, and let’s not forget those desserts!! The happiness continues, as families enter our lovely apartments. We offer 3 models styles to choose from ~ studios, 1 and 2 bedrooms. “Our price friendly” schedules of costs enables families to breathe a sigh of relief, especially in today’s economic times.
zWhat Health Apps Are Beneficial To Seniors?å
It is estimated that more than half of American adults have apps on their phones. The US government is trying to fill the gap in services to seniors and spreading information by using apps, too. Here are a few apps that we thought you might find interesting and are free to try:
Health Hotlines
52 Weeks For Women’s Health
My Dietary Supplements (MyDS)
My MedList
Helps you to locate health-related information and agencies including toll free contact numbers; a directory of 9,000 organizations across the country which include support groups, professional societies, and voluntary associations.
This app gives weekly tips about health topics and allows you to track your own personal health information such as medications, allergies, and other prevention items.
Gives you a list of your personal supplements including dose amounts. Take this list with you to the store to buy more or directly to healthcare provider for advice.
Stores a list of current and past medications (information protected). This list can be printed, shared, and mailed to anyone you choose. Reminders for taking medications are provided by your healthcare provider or hospital.
BMI Calculator from the National Institutes of Health A great way to keep track of your weight and risk associated with being overweight.
The County Woman Magazine
www.TheCountyWoman.com
January/February 2014