Texas assisted living facility hosts pair of fundraising events

Your Retirement Living ConnectionWednesday, 13 October 2010 15:04 A Texas assisted living facility that caters specifically to Alzheimer's patients is one of the leaders in the quest toward finding a cure for the mental illness. The Magnolia Potpourri reports that the staff at Inwood Crossing Alzheimer’s and Memory Care in Tomball, Texas, is planning on hosting a number of events in the near future aimed at raising funds and awareness.

In addition to a memory walk on October 16, the facility is also sponsoring a cocktail party two days before that will feature live music and a silent auction. Shannan Carroll, the administrator of the center, says that events such as these are important due to the heartache she sees caused by the disease, especially on the patients themselves.

"You wouldn't know they were Alzheimer's patients," Carroll told the news source. "They don't understand why they're here and they don't understand why they can't leave,"

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, and nearly 11 million people are caring for a loved one with the illness.

Somers to release movie on healthy aging

Your Retirement Living ConnectionWednesday, 13 October 2010 15:04 Suzanne Somers gained fame for a pair of iconic roles on Three's Company, and later on Step by Step. Although she is well-known for her comedic acting, SeniorJournal.com reports that Somers is releasing a movie later this fall that tackles some of the biggest issues facing older adults.

The film, titled Suzanne Somers' Breakthrough Tour, will address many of the most important topics on aging, including her own battle with breast cancer. The 63-year-old actress has enjoyed a career as a women's health advocate in recent years, and has gained a loyal following for her efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle.

"I feel like these conversations have been whispers, when a megaphone is essential and I am grateful to have the opportunity to bring this to a larger audience, where I believe it belongs," Somers told the news source. "I am living proof that it is possible to successfully take charge of your health, live a long and vital life, and die happy."

One recommendation Somers makes is for older adults to maintain their energy. The National Institute on Aging reports that physical activity can reduce the risk of developing health conditions that arise as people age.

Fall prevention class saves senior citizen

Your Retirement Living ConnectionWhen older adults are enjoying their retirement, they rarely ever think of the possibility that they might fall. However, SeniorJournal.com reports that more than one in three senior citizens fall each year, so it may be important to take preventative measures, according to LiHerald.com.

September was National Fall Prevention Month and the Sandel Senior Center in New York offered classes that were meant to prevent these incidents from occurring at the homes where seniors were independently living.

The workshop was attended by over 50 members and also discussed how to get off the floor after a fall. Adult wellness director Bud Cosgrove instructed the class to get down onto mats and practice rising from the floor.

Only a week later, one ninety-year-old member of the class who lives alone fell in her home, and had to put the lessons to use.

"I just kept picturing Bud in my head," she told the news provider. "I did just what he said… turned over, got on my hands and knees, crawled to a chair, and got on my feet! Thank you for that class!"

Experts claim that retirees may want to prepare their homes for fall prevention by installing grab bars in the bathroom and keeping floors clear of clutter.

  California caregivers face heavy burden Tuesday, October 26, 2010 A recent issue of the California Agriculte Journal, entitled The Golden State goes gray: What aging will mean for California, has discovered that many in-home caregivers face a significant burden when caring for seniors, according to The Daily Democrat.

The report claims that the majority of 440,000 registered caregivers, both paid and unpaid, face financial, emotional and physical problems due to their increased responsibilities and lack of training.

Additionally, the demand for caregivers is increasing as baby boomers age and want to experience active retirement living.

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Seminar helps families plan for long-term care Friday, October 22, 2010 A recent report conducted by the Alzheimer's Association and California's First Lady Maria Shriver has found that almost three-quarters of Americans don't plan for long-term care options ahead of time, but one facility in Holliston, Massachusetts, is trying to change that.

The Council of Aging is hosting two different seminars at the Holliston Senior Center in the coming weeks that will encourage adult children and their parents to consider assisted living solutions in advance, The Holliston Tab reports.

One session will be conducted by an attorney, who will discuss how families can tell when it may be time to find a caregiver or new residence for a parent.

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Conference on aging planned in L.A. in December Thursday, October 14, 2010 With the older population of the United States expected to grow over the next several decades, many baby boomers have been looking for ways to improve their quality of life as they age. With that goal in mind, experts will be attending the 4th annual International Conference on Positive Aging, which is slated to run December 7 through 10 at the Center for Nonprofit Management in Los Angeles, California.

The event, hosted by Fielding Graduate University's Institue for Social Innovation (ISI), is expected to attract a number of well-known celebrities and experts discussing their own experience with staying healthy and active as they age, including famous surfer Kathy Kohner Zuckerman and actress Tippi Hedren.

"This event includes people from diverse disciplines and backgrounds who are all passionate about ensuring older generations thrive in their mature years," director of the ISI Katrina Rogers said in a press release.

Walking can improve brain health, study says

Your Retirement Living ConnectionThursday, 14 October 2010 18:04 Results of an extensive survey have indicated that exercise, even if it's just moderate walking, can help prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease. RedOrbit.com reports that those who go on walks more often than those who don't are protected from brain shrinkage and memory.

The research focused on 300 volunteers over a period of 13 years, which showed that those who walk at least nine miles a week will experience the best results. Four years into the study, 40 percent of those involved had developed some type of dementia or cognitive impairment, and scientists found that the effects were more significant on those who walked less or not at all.

"If regular exercise in midlife could improve brain health, thinking and memory in later life, it would be one more reason to make regular exercise in people of all ages a public health imperative," leader of the study Kirk Erickson told the news source.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, physical activity can also prevent older adults from experiencing falls, which one in three adults over the age of 65 experience.

Seminar offers tips to those struggling with retirement planning

Your Retirement Living ConnectionAlthough planning financially for retirement living is certainly important, many older adults may neglect to figure out what they will do with their life once they have an excess of free time. The Toronto Star reports that those planning for retirement should consider what they want to do beforehand, so they are not left feeling listless once the time actually comes.

"It's one thing to have a financial plan, but if you don't have a life plan for retirement, it's just not a good idea," Elaine Doey told the news source. "You go from being so needed and so valuable - or at least you think you are - to being kind of a nobody."

In an effort to provide guidance to those who may be looking for direction after ending their careers, expert Suzanne Armstrong recently hosted a two day seminar called Life's Next Steps to help those who are having trouble winding down.

The issue is expected to affect baby boomers especially, the first of which are beginning to reach retirement age. According to the Administration on Aging, the number of people 65 or older is expected to increase to 72.1 million by the year 2030.

Older Adults Take Refuge at The Allendale Community for Mature Living During Severe Weather and Snowstorms

New York, NY (1888PressRelease) September 25, 2010 - Come rain, come snow, come hail or sleet, The Atrium at The Allendale Community for Mature Living now offers emergency respite care services for older adults whose homes are threatened or damaged by severe weather, such as the latest tropical storms and tornadoes as well as last winter's record-breaking snowstorms. The urgent care service also is ideal for primary caregivers called out of town unexpectedly or those requiring temporary, short-term care for their elderly loved one.

"The emergency respite care service is an extension of our existing Short-Term Stay Program, which has been in place for several years," said Mary Stampleman, ADC, Director of Therapeutic Recreation & Community Relations. "Originally designed to offer full-time caregivers of aging parents, grandparents and spouses, who are recovering from an illness or injury, the opportunity to take a family vacation or travel for business, we expanded the program due to the number of increased requests we receive when harsh weather is forecasted or a storm sweeps through the New York metropolitan area, leaving roads impassable and electrical service interrupted."

Offering stays of a week or two, to lengthier stays of a month or longer, guests at The Atrium benefit from a safe, supportive environment that incorporates a full complement of recreational activities with fine restaurant-style dining and flexible healthcare and wellness options. Services include assistance with daily tasks such as dressing and bathing, medication management and wellness assessments. Therapeutic treatments, such as occupational, physical and speech therapy, can also be administered by professionals associated with The Allendale Community's onsite Rehabilitation Center.

"Although the Short-Term Stay Program was developed to provide families with a temporary respite, many of our guests decide to relocate full-time to The Atrium because they like having everything they need in terms of nutrition, socialization and healthcare in one convenient location - regardless of the weather outside," added Stampleman.

The Atrium's social, educational and cultural programs encourage residents and Short-Term Stay guests to rekindle their interest in former hobbies or pursue new interests. Daily events are held in The Atrium's various venues, including the Activities Center, Greenhouse, Internet Caf?, full-size Cinema, outdoor Putting Green, Game Room, Arcade and upstairs Lounge.

The Emergency Respite and Short-Term Stay Programs offer customized lease rental options for fully furnished apartments on a weekly or monthly basis. Each apartment features a spacious living area and closet space as well as a private bathroom. Apartments also are equipped with 24-hour emergency response systems and are in close proximity to a health station, staffed by CNA nurse aides with registered nurse supervision.

For information about arranging an emergency or planned short-term stay at The Atrium, call The Allendale Community for Mature Living at (201) 818-4499 or visit http://www.allendalecommunity.com/.

 

Open-Aire announces the Launch of their Portable Oxygen Concentrator Travel Rental Program

Open-Aire, the nations largest provider of portable oxygen concentrators, has responded to customer requests for travel rentals of the company's state-of-the-art equipment. Launched in time for spring and summer travel, the lightweight portable oxygen concentrators ensure hassle free travel, whether the itinerary involves cars, planes, trains or cruise ships.

(1888PressRelease) March 27, 2010 - Ft. Lauderdale - Open-Aire?, the nation's largest provider of portable oxygen concentrators, has responded to customer requests for travel rentals of the company's state-of-the-art equipment. The Open-Aire? Rental Center, recently launched on the website www.open-aire.com/rentalcenter.com, offers traditional oxygen users the opportunity to experience the freedom of lightweight portable oxygen concentrators. Launched in time for spring and summer travel, the portable oxygen concentrators ensure hassle-free travel whether the itinerary involves cars, planes, trains or cruise ships. Recognized as a safe, reliable unit, the Open-Aire? Portable Oxygen Concentrators are accepted by the FAA on all commercial domestic airlines.

"Open-Aire? Portable Oxygen Concentrators are a safer, more convenient alternative to oxygen tanks," says Bill Harley, executive vice president and co-founder of Open-Aire?. "Portable concentrators allow our customers to lead a more active lifestyle without the restrictions related to traditional oxygen therapy. Our company's experience and commitment to providing top-quality equipment and service gives our customers the confidence that we will meet their specific needs," he adds.

Open-Aire? offers several rental units to choose from including the popular Evergo, the Sequal Eclipse and the Inogen One. All offer unlimited oxygen supply and simple operation. The concentrators come equipped with a long battery life and can be charged anywhere there is an AC or DC power source.

The Open-Aire? rental program is designed to be user-friendly and responsive. Rentals can be booked over the phone by calling 1-866-874-5371, or by completing the forms on the website. One to two days prior to departure, the portable oxygen concentrator is delivered to the customer and is ready for use - whether for a short family visit, or a trip around the world. Upon return from the trip, the customer places the concentrator back into the original shipping container, affixes a pre-printed label, and calls for express pick-up service.

The most trusted company in the portable oxygen industry, Open-Aire? is noted for its customer care program - the Concierge Club - that features a 24-hour technical support hotline to ensure that any functionality issues are remedied quickly. In case the concentrator is lost or damaged, the unit is promptly replaced. The program ensures worry free travel for those on the road.

Want to keep the unit? Open-Aire? offers a flexible rent-to-purchase option applying all rental fees towards the purchase price, which allows the customer to continue enjoying the independence and peace-of-mind provided by the portable oxygen concentrator.

About Open-Aire?
Open-Aire? is a national, fully accredited Oxygen Provider. It is the country's largest provider of next-generation, portable oxygen concentrators; its customers have access to service 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days a year. Open-Aire? and its parent company, MRB Acquisition Corp, is headquartered in Port Orange, Florida. MRB Acquisition Corp focuses on products that can improve the lifestyle of their customers. The company also provides power mobility products through its U-Scoot division.

For more information, visit www.Open-Aire.com or call 1-866-874-5371 and www.U-Scoot.com or call 866-387-2668.