Senior Care Seattle WA:  Thank Our Veterans and Remember Those We Have Lost on Memorial Day

Memorial Day, first called “Decoration Day”, is a day of remembrance for individuals who have perished in our nation’s service. You will discover numerous stories as to its actual origins, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women’s groups in the South were adorning graves previous to the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, “Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping” by Nella L. Sweet offered the dedication “To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead” (Source: Duke University’s Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove without doubt the origins of the day. It is much more likely that it had many individual beginnings; each of those towns and every scheduled or spur-of-the-moment meeting of people to honor the war dead in the 1860’s established the normal human need to honor our dead, each added honestly to the expanding movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not vital who was the very first, what is vital is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about compromise; it is about coming together to honor those who gave everything they had.

Traditional observation of Memorial day has diminished over the years.

Many Americans these days have forgotten the importance and customs of Memorial Day.

Since the late 50’s on the Thursday before Memorial Day, the 1,200 soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. They then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing.

In 1951, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of St. Louis began placing flags on the 150,000 graves at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery as an annual Good Turn, a practice that continues to this day. More recently, beginning in 1998, on the Saturday before the observed day for Memorial Day, the Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts place a candle at each of approximately 15,300 grave sites of soldiers buried at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park on Marye’s Heights (the Luminaria Program). And in 2004, Washington D.C. held its first Memorial Day parade in over 60 years.

To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.”

For those providing senior care to veterans, this is a great time to get them involved in a remembrance tradition. Ask them if they would like to place flags or gather with some old friends.

The Moment of Remembrance is a step in the right direction to returning the meaning back to the day. What is needed is a full return to the original day of observance. Set aside one day out of the year for the nation to get together to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country.

If you would like information about senior care in the Seattle area, contact our caregivers at Andelcare. We are dedicated to provided quality and affordable care to our loved ones. Call 425-283-0408.

Senior Care in Seattle WA: May is Older Americans’ Month, Celebrate by Staying Active!

May is Older Americans Month, a terrific time to clearly show our gratitude for the older adults in our neighborhoods and a great time to get the elder receiving senior care at home to get out and get active!

Since 1963, areas nationwide have joined together to celebrate Older Americans Month—a proud tradition that shows our nation’s commitment to acknowledging the influences and accomplishments of older Americans.

The theme for Older Americans Month 2012, “Never Too Old to Play…” motivates older Americans to stay involved, active and involved in their own lives and in their neighborhoods.

Here are some ideas to make Older American’s Month fun and enjoyable:

Physical Activity

Here are some physical activity ideas:

• Wii bowling tournament. Wii bowling is a well-liked activity among older adults, and a smart way to connect elders and young people in an intergenerational lesson of energizing activity that supports fitness and fosters intergenerational connections.
• Miniature golf. Miniature golf is a superb method of light exercise and a good time for people of all ages. For your Day of Play give some thought to an outing to a local miniature golf course. Call beforehand to determine if there is a group rate or senior discount. To make this an intergenerational event even more enjoyable, ask the older adults to bring along a friend from another generation such as a child or grandchild.
• Choreographed fitness. There are quite a few possibilities for fun group exercise activities for older adults. For your Day of Play you may want to organize training in one or more of these exercises in movement:

• Tai chi is a group activity in which participants move slowly and gently in unison. Tai chi improves balance and strength.
• Water aerobics is exactly what it sounds like. The gentle resistance of the water in a pool intensifies this low-impact aerobic workout. And exercising in a pool reduces the risk of injuries from falls.
• Yoga uses stretching and breathing to relax the mind and body, and it’s very good for circulation.
• Dancing improves balance and coordination. Plus, it’s a great creative outlet and way to meet new people.

Even if your senior loved one is receiving senior care at home, You are ‘Never Too Old To Play!’  Take care of the seniors in your life and celebrate National Older American’s Month.

For information about how Andelcare can help your family with senior care in the home, call our caregivers at 425-283-0408.

Making a Difference With Senior Care in Seattle WA: Celebrate National Garden Month with Fun and Helpful Ideas In Your Community

Here are some ways to spread the heart of gardening in your neighborhood.

Plant a Row for the Hungry at a Local Community Garden

In this land of plenty it’s difficult to imagine not having access to high quality food at a reasonable cost. Even so, for numerous Americans, obtaining a healthy meal is not always easy. It’s projected almost 33 million people, including 13 million children, try to use emergency food because they cannot find the money for the food they need.

Host a Plant Swap at a Nearby Church

The finest plants aren’t always from your nearby garden center or seed catalog. As a replacement they are collected through quick cuttings or by collecting seeds from the garden of a friend or family member. These “pass-along plants” supply both natural beauty and sentiment to your garden.

Have a Spring Cleaning Green Up Day at a Senior’s Home

Spring cleaning — indoors and out — is a ritual that marks the end of winter and the beginning of a brand-new season, and just like many things to do, it’s more fun when you share it. A senior’s home, your street, neighborhood, town park, and any other public space could use some greening up; it just takes someone to organize a small group and seniors and those providing senior care will appreciate neighbors stopping by! Yet another way to meet your neighbors.

Yard Sale Philanthropy

The appearance of spring, accompanied by lengthier days and higher temperatures, gives you ideas of green oases teeming with tomatoes and brimming with beans. Spring is also a time for cleaning out. This year, celebrate National Garden Month in an unexpected way-by visiting yard sales in search of second-hand things that every senior’s garden could use.

Organize a Garden Visit with Senior Friends, Over Tea!

Gardeners grow more than plants – every one of us has stories to share. For a change, why not share them in over tea? Socialization and admiration of another person’s garden brings joy to everyone.

Other suggestions for celebrating with seniors in your area:

• Prepare or take part in a town beautification day.
• Check out your nearby farmers’ market.
• Flatter a neighbor on his or her garden.
• Get together with neighbors to purchase compost and mulch in bulk quantities.
• Volunteer to plant and maintain a garden at your town library.
• Present a gardening article or essay to your nearby newspaper.
• Talk to an elder to learn what foods his or her family grew when he or she was a child.
• Search for neighbors from various ethnic groups to learn about their native cuisine and gardening techniques.
• Green up your street or a local park by picking up trash.
• Share a cutting of one of your favorite landscape or houseplants with a senior neighbor.
• Inventory your gardening gear (e.g., pots, seeds, stakes) and offer the excess to a local community gardening program, assisted living facility or school garden.
• Celebrate other important “green” holidays: Earth Day (April 22) and National Arbor Day (April 26).
• Volunteer at your local school’s garden.
• Volunteer at a local senior center’s garden.
• Start a neighborhood garden club.
• Share your garden’s bounty with a senior neighbor.
• Have fun doing a gardening project with a senior.
• Deliver houseplants or flowers to a nursing home, assisted living or children’s hospital.
• Donate past issues of gardening magazines to your library, or buy the library a gift subscription.

If you or an aging loved one need help with senior care in Seattle WA, contact the caregivers at Andelcare. We provide many levels of service to help your loved one live a healthy and comfortable life at home. Call 425-283-0408.

Here Are Some Entertaining Options for For Bringing a Little Fun to Senior Care in Seattle WA

You would be surprised at the wide range of activities that can go along with senior care. Your aging parents who require a caregiver are not any different than we are. They still have a variety of interests and hobbies that can be changed up to meet their new level of abilities.

Raised-bed gardening.

Planters are raised to a height so that someone in a wheelchair or using a walker can easily reach them and there is no kneeling or bending uncomfortably. Gardening provides easy outdoor activities all Spring, Summer, and Fall, and can benefit not only your loved one but the senior care caregiver as well.

Easy Trips

Most malls, fairgrounds, farmers’ markets and other places now have wheelchairs or scooters you can rent for the day if necessary.

Local State Park with a Fishing Area

Fish from a handicap ramp or pier. Most states do not require seniors to have a fishing license but you should check just in case.  Call ahead and talk to the park employees. They can tell you where the wheelchair accessible area of the park is. You can reserve an area in advance and have a day at park.  Grill hot-dogs or hamburgers or bring a picnic basket.

Easy Crafts

You can find loads of easy crafts for your creative loved one. There are websites everywhere that give directions for crafts that most elderly can do.

Those who have a difficulty holding things with their hands might do best with crafts that use large pieces or where painting is the main activity.

What About the Wii?

You may have heard your own children or grandchildren talking about the new game called Wii. This is a device that mimics a sport, such as bowling, tennis, etc., without actually using the sport’s equipment. Wii has been a great success for senior care. Everyone gets a little exercise and it is fun. Start tournaments. A little competition is healthy and it gives your loved one something to look forward to.

Have a Singer in the Family?

Many towns have senior clubs, senior centers and gatherings…some of them include senior groups who get together just to sing!

Summary

Even though your aging parents may be using senior care, keeping them active physically and mentally is extremely important for quality of life. Anyone in the home who is providing senior care on a regular basis can easily incorporate a few of these activities into their weekly regimen.

What kinds of activities can you think of that are appropriate for aging adults who are requiring senior care?

For information about how Andelcare can help your family with senior care in Seattle and the surrounding areas, contact our caregivers today at 888-788-3051.

Senior Care Seattle WA: Finding the Perfect Gift For Grandma and Grandpa This Holiday Season

(ARA) – With the holidays approaching, shoppers are making their lists and checking them twice. Undoubtedly, there are some blanks, as buying for grandparents often stymies children and grandchildren alike.

Today’s grandparents are a unique bunch, with a number of traditional apple-pie bakers, knitters and chess players that are just as likely to be tech savvy or connected to their children and grandchildren on Facebook. In fact, according to a survey by Consumer Cellular, 67 percent of consumers 50 or older are on Facebook and desire a smartphone for easy Web access; 60 percent want to download financial apps, travel discounts and other offers.

If the grandparents on your list enjoy the latest gadgets, consider these holiday gift ideas:

Share the memories: Pre-load a digital album with the best photos from the past year, including holidays, birthdays, celebrations, vacations and everyday moments. For grandparents who live out of town, such a gift bridges the distance and keeps children and grandchildren connected.

Stay in touch: Select a cell phone that grandparents can use to keep in touch with loved ones, and consider paying for a plan for the first year. It doesn’t have to break the bank. Consumer Cellular offers no-contract plans for as little as $10 a month. From the Doro Phone Easy 410, equipped with large buttons, a bright screen and an emergency call function, to the Motorola Bravo smartphone, Consumer Cellular has phones to suit every personality and price point.

For grandparents who are less technology oriented, think about these alternatives:

Plan a night out (or in): Pick up vouchers to a movie, concert or other special event that grandparents can enjoy. Or, as kids’ schedules are packed these days, consider planning a family outing to ensure some quality time with grandparents. Home-made certificates for a classic movie marathon or a game night are an affordable way to enjoy each other’s company at home.

Dinner, on you: A special dinner is always appreciated. For grandparents, a gift certificate to one of their favorite restaurants is a good way to ensure a great meal without the hassle of cleaning up!

Create brag books: Use an online photo book site to create brag books for all of the grandparents. Make several copies of one version to save time, and you may even cross some aunts and uncles off your list, too. If grandma loves to brag, keep the album small enough for her pocketbook so that she’s always prepared.

Any of these ideas – or your own special variations of them – are sure to bring smiles to grandparents at the holidays.

source

Andelcare provides premier senior care in Seattle, Bellevue and surrounding areas. For more information about how we can help your family care for a loved one, call 888-788-3051.We provide companionship, homemaking and personal home care services for many seniors, veterans and disabled in our community.