Newsletter – December 2009

In This Issue:

happy-holidaysHappy Holidays from A Servant’s Heart Care Solutions!

There are few experiences in life more tender than gathering around a toasty fire, enjoying home cooking and hearing the warm laughter of your family and friends all around you!  This holiday season, home continues to be where the heart is, and at A Servant’s Heart Senior Care we are proud and honored to be part of ensuring that our clients are able to spend as many years as possible in the comfort of their own homes.

In this newsletter, we continue our mission of sharing the latest in home care, home health care and elder care news with colleagues, clients and friends.  Please enjoy these articles in the spirit of community in which this newsletter was sent.

Senior Care Website of the Month

activeandable catalogActive and Able is an excellent resource for all sorts of products for your older friends and loved ones. It is an online and in print catalog featuring merchandise specifically designed for those 55 years and older.

Active and Able is loaded with products designed to make daily living easier and healthier for older adults.  They not only have creative household gadgets, but also useful hobby and game equipment.  You can choose from a variety of products such as computer and phone accessories, reading devices, tools to help with dexterity, mobility and vision, or safety aids.

The website offers hundreds more products than the catalog and it also includes numerous articles of interest to this ever-growing demographic, including such topics as nutrition and fitness, fighting hearing loss, making the most of the golden years, blogging tips for seniors, and more!

Visit Active and Able at: www.activeandable.com

Senior Care Tool of the Month: Talking 4-Alarm Clock

Talking Alarm Clock This Talking 4-Alarm Clock is specifically designed with your convenience in mind!  If you have been having trouble reading the tiny  numbers or dimly-lit time displays on your clock, you will love the large LCD display on the Talking 4-Alarm Clock.  It features a blue EL back-lit LCD display, making the numbers much easier to read than your standard digital clock.  This feature also enables you to see the time better in the dark, which is especially important if you have to wake in the middle of the night to take daily medications.

It has 4 daily alarms you can use that will audibly announce the time of day to you.  This works great if you have to take your medications multiple times a day and are having a hard time remembering when.

You can even set-up the clock to announce each hour of the day to you, so you can track your daily activities.  The large liquid crystal display not only shows you bigger, easier-to-read numbers but also the month and day, so you don’t have to hassle with a calendar and a clock!  There is no need to worry about finding an outlet to plug it in either!  It requires two “AAA” batteries.

The best part is it will cost you less than $15.00!!!

For further information, visit: http://www.amazon.com/Talking-4-Alarm-Clock-with-EL-Backlight/dp/B000186WYE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1258480904&sr=1-2

America the Beautiful… Autumn Leaves and Falling Snow at Special Prices for Seniors!

National Parks Senior PassWhat better time to visit our National Parks than this winter season? With all the orange and red leaves gracing the trees, and maybe even some snow-covered hills, our National Parks are more beautiful than ever!

Take advantage of the National Parks and Federal Recreational Land Pass for seniors… for only $10.  This is a lifetime pass for all U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over.  That means you can not only enjoy the natural beauty and refreshment the parks have to offer this season, but for many seasons and years to come!

The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity.  It also provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services.

One important thing to remember is the pass can only be obtained in person at the park. It will be well worth the visit and the $10!

For further information, visit: http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm

Finding the Perfect Pooch for Your Favorite Senior!

Standard-SchnauzerAll dog breeds are not created equal!  Some dogs are bred to be lap dogs and some are born to work all day.  Some breeds can be yappy or nippy and others make quiet and loving companions.  It is important to consider all your options before bringing a new member into your family.  There are several breeds that make the best companions for seniors.  Read on for tips on picking the perfect pooch.

Studies show that having a dog around can improve the well being of an elderly person.  The unconditional love of a dog can lift anyone’s mood and can give you motivation to wake up every morning with purpose!  If you are considering getting a dog or giving one to a loved one, there are several questions you should consider first!

Before you bring home that new friend, consider carefully:

1. The size of the breed.

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but not every shape and size is perfect for senions.  If you live in a small home with no yard, you probably won’t want to consider bringing home a Mastiff or a Siberian Husky, as they will not have enough room.  You may also live in a community that has specific requirements on the size of pet you can own.

2. The temperament of the breed.

If you are looking for a low-energy, easy going dog to pal around the house with your senior, you may not want to get a Dalmatian or a Jack Russell Terrier, which are both full of endless energy.  If you are looking for a playful, spunky dog for your senior to take to the park every weekend, you may not want to get a docile Basset Hound or Pomeranian.  Remember to take into consideration your senior’s lifestyle and temperament when you decide which type of breed to get for your older loved one.

3. The care required for the breed.

Every dog requires love and attention, which seniors can give abundantly!  Many dogs will require a lot of extra care, however.  Some breeds need to be walked, groomed, fed, washed, and entertained more often than others.  Take into consideration the time and energy your senior has to invest in a new dog and what breed would best suit that.

Some of the best breeds for Senior companionship, based on size, temperament, and care involved include: Schnauzers, Pugs, Cocker Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, and Yorkshire Terriers.  Follow the link for more information about great breeds and their special qualities.

For further information, visit: http://www.i-love-dogs.com/dogsarticles/The-Most-Popular-Dog-Breeds-For-Seniors.html

[get-post tag=”about_us”]

Tim Colling
Tim Colling

Tim Colling is the founder and President of A Servant's Heart In-Home Care, which provided in-home caregiving services in San Diego County, and also of A Servant's Heart Geriatric Care Management, which provided
professional geriatric care management services and long term care placement services in San Diego County. Tim has more than 30 years of experience in management in a variety of industries. He held a Certified Care Manager credential from the National Academy of Certified Care Managers. Tim is also a Certified Public Accountant (retired), and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from California State University at San Diego. In addition to writing blog posts here for the Servant’s Heart blog, Tim also is a regular contributor to HealthLine.com and to FamilyAffaires.com as well as blogs of other eldercare services provider companies. Finally, Tim is also the president of A Servant's Heart Web Design and Marketing, which provides home care marketing as well as website design and online marketing for those who serve the elderly and their families.

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