Companions for Seniors

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Emergency situations can happen in the blink of an eye. So it's imperative to have an emergency plan in place.

We’re here to help seniors and caregivers start down this important road — backed by expert guidance from organizations including the Red Cross, the CDC and the Department of Homeland Security. Read more here, and "be prepared!"

https://companionsforseniors.com/2020/08/emergency-preparedness-plan-for-seniors/

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!
We're all looking forward to getting out for a breath of fresh air. but if seasonal allergies are an issue for your loved one, that can mean sniffles, skin issues, itchy eyes and other reactions.

For older adults, allergies can worsen other health conditions and traditional over-the-counter allergy meds may be contraindicated for some seniors. Here are some important things to know about seniors and allergies. https://companionsforseniors.com/2020/03/make-allergy-season-easier-seniors/

IT'S TIME FOR a SPRING REFRESH!
After a long winter indoors, even your favorite spaces are bound to feel a little bit tired. Spring is the perfect time to freshen up the home environment. A deep cleaning and a little simple redecorating will go a long way. Here are ten fun, easy ideas to get you started! https://companionsforseniors.com/2020/09/help-seniors-refresh-home/

NEVER-ENDING ERRANDS?
How many errands do you run on a typical weekend afternoon? How many doctor’s appointments and other obligations are on your schedule each week? We often see our full calendars as just part of life, but it's not always easy for seniors to do the things we take for granted. Here are some ways you can help!

https://companionsforseniors.com/2020/07/make-errands-appointments-easier-for-seniors/

It's not news to anyone that EVERYTHING is costing us more! From food and clothing to gasoline and electricity, inflation means our dollars aren't going as far. And that is particularly challenging on a fixed income. Now more than ever it makes sense to take advantage of the many discounts and offers available to older adults. Here are some ideas for senior savings in and around Chicago!

https://companionsforseniors.com/2020/11/how-to-find-senior-deals-and-discounts-in-chicago/

According to the National Institute on Aging, balance problems “are among the most common reasons that older adults seek help from a doctor.” If your loved one gets dizzy or lightheaded and needs support to get around, it's important to work with your their health care team to identify the source of their balance issue and explore steps that can be taken to treat these underlying causes. Read more here...

https://companionsforseniors.com/2020/10/helping-seniors-with-balance-issues/

ORDERING MEALS ONLINE
Where can you turn to provide your loved one with a warm, tasty meal when you don't have the time or energy to cook? Online food delivery services are a great option for seniors and busy caregivers.

Ordering in can help provide leftovers that last for days and let them enjoy their favorite dishes from beloved Chicago restaurants in the comfort and safety of home. Click here for a list of options for home meal delivery!

https://companionsforseniors.com/2021/02/online-chicago-food-delivery/

Robot Pets and VR Headsets Can Reduce Older Adults’ Loneliness

The U.S. globally has the highest percentage of older adults living alone, according to Pew Research Center. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have long warned that social isolation contributes to numerous health problems, including dementia and depression. Companionship has never been more important. But what if technology could help?

In a fascinating article from the Wall Street Journal, we see how virtual reality, artificial intelligence and robotic pets can help.

While eldercare administrators and doctors say these aren’t perfect substitutes for human contact, they can reduce loneliness and depression, and improve well-being. And their research showed that older people who had a chance to try some of these technologies took a shine to them, especially when caretakers could help out when needed, especially since so many seniors became more comfortable with tech during the pandemic as a way to stay connected to loved ones.

You can read more here. (Note: this the article may require WSJ subscription.)

https://www.wsj.com/articles/robot-pets-and-vr-headsets-can-reduce-older-adults-loneliness-so-why-dont-they-11674857465

Valentine’s Day is a perfect way to show your love to the people who matter most! Here in Chicagoland, this holiday is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the older adults in your life — by giving gifts, sending a card, or spending some quality time together. Click below for some fun ideas for food, music, crafts and more!

https://companionsforseniors.com/2021/02/safe-fun-valentines-day-activities-seniors/

THE POWER OF MUSIC
Legendary composer Leonard Bernstein once said that “music can name the un-nameable and communicate the unknowable.” Countless studies (and our own first-hand experiences) have shown us the positive impact music can provide for the elderly. If you’re looking for a powerful way to connect with and inspire an aging adult in your life, music may be just the thing. Check out our blog for some great ideas.
https://companionsforseniors.com/2021/01/benefits-music-for-the-elderly/

LIGHTING FOR SAFETY
With winter weather comes shorter, darker days. Most of us tend to take the lights around our home for granted, but for older adults, proper lighting is one of the most essential keys to a safe and healthy living environment. Click for some easy tips for safely lighting your loved one's living space!

https://companionsforseniors.com/2020/10/safe-lighting-for-seniors-home/

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
Resolving to "get organized" is a worthy goal for the New Year. Helping a senior loved one get their most important documents and paperwork in order is a crucial way to make things easier in the future — and it’s a helpful step that you and your family can take right now.

https://companionsforseniors.com/2020/05/organize-paperwork-documents-seniors/

BALANCING FAMILY TIME AND SENIOR CARE
Acting as a family caregiver for an elderly loved one or parent is one of the most rewarding and enriching things you can do. But caregiving also comes with responsibilities that can make it harder to keep up with all of the other things in life...especially during the holidays. Here are a few ideas for balancing the important demands of family time with caregiving.

https://companionsforseniors.com/2020/06/balancing-family-time-and-senior-care/

ENJOY WINTER SAFELY!
If you have a senior loved one who wants to go out and enjoy the beauty of winter, it’s important to focus on their safety! Winter weather can pose a serious health hazard to seniors, who are more susceptible to hypothermia, frostbite and accidents than younger adults. Click here for some tips on enjoying winter's wonderland safely!

https://companionsforseniors.com/2020/06/balancing-family-time-and-senior-care/

SENIOR FRIENDLY LIVING ROOMS
As the weather grows colder, we'll all be spending more time indoors. So it's important to make sure that your loved-one's most-used spaces are safe, accessible, and ready for their changing needs. Here are six ways to use design and décor to create a more safe, senior-friendly living room.

FALL AND WINTER DAY TRIPS IN CHICAGOLAND
From charming farms and nature sanctuaries to some of the most iconic and inspiring architecture in the world, our area is full of opportunities for safe, socially-distanced getaways for seniors and caregivers. Here are some great ideas to alleviate cabin fever.

https://companionsforseniors.com/2020/11/fall-and-winter-day-trips-from-chicago-perfect-for-seniors/

BALANCING FAMILY TIME AND SENIOR CARE
Acting as a family caregiver for an elderly parent or loved one is one of the most rewarding and enriching things you can do. But caregiving also comes with responsibilities that can make it harder to keep up with all the other things in life...especially during the holidays. Here are a few ideas for balancing the important demands of family time with caregiving.

https://companionsforseniors.com/2020/06/balancing-family-time-and-senior-care/

"I believe in endings that should suggest our stories always continue." -
Lauren Oliver

After a long winter cooped up indoors, spring can feel like the most wonderful time of the year.

How to Help Your Senior Loved One Make the Most of Spring Weather - Companions For Seniors As a family caregiver, one of your top priorities for the spring may be helping your senior family go out and enjoy the spring weather.

Next Avenue | "Three-quarters of adults in a 2018 AARP survey said they wanted to remain in their homes, but only 59% thought they would be able to do so. If remaining at home is your preference, here are nine steps you can take."

9 Ways to Extend the Time You Spend Living Independently Take these steps to stay in your home or community as long as possible

At Companions for Seniors, we know how important it is to be able to get reliable, accurate information in this uncertain time.

Here, we’ve gathered local resources that can help you understand more about the vaccine rollout in Illinois, and where you can go for answers.

Illinois COVID Vaccine Rollout: What Seniors Need to Know - Companions For Seniors We’ve gathered local resources to help seniors understand more about the vaccine rollout in Illinois, and where to go for answers.

"Every ending is a beginning. We just don't know it at the time." - Mitch Albom

In-home care is a great fit for long-distance caregivers.

With this style of long-term care, you can be assured that your loved one is getting personalized support and attention in the comfort of their own home, for as much or as little time as they need.

How to Find Senior Care In Chicago When You Live In a Different State - Companions For Seniors Here are five steps long-distance caregivers can take to find care for a Chicago-based loved one, while living in a different state.