by | Apr 25, 2022 | From the Heart, Lifestyle |
Whether your senior relative has an issue with loneliness throughout the day or a medical condition that needs regular attention, the question will arise as to whether they should remain in their home or move to a community where their needs can be met more easily.
Photo by Vlad Sargu on Unsplash
This can be a hard decision to make – moving away from familiar surroundings is never easy. However, a change can increase the quality of life for your older relatives and offer them the care they need to live comfortably in their later years. These facilities are also social spaces.
Living Communities
Your senior relative might live in their home, but that doesn’t mean they have the best quality of life. If they live alone or in a community with neighbors outside their age group, they might feel lonely and isolated. It would be better if they were surrounded by people they could relate to.
Independent living communities are specially designed communities for older people who still have agile minds and physical mobility. Communities like https://catholiccarecenter.org/long-term-senior-care/ provide independent living environments; the only difference is they are in a community with people of a similar age.
Assisted Living
Whether it is meal deliveries, regular visits, or mobility services, an assisted living community is the halfway point between home care and care homes. These residential environments are perfect for senior relatives who still have independence but require additional assistance.
Not only does an assisted living community provide individual services for seniors, but it also creates an environment where they can feel comfortable and connected. This is extremely important in our later years and can significantly improve the quality of life for older people.
Care Homes
If you have a senior relative with some mobility issues or the onset of an age-related condition, a care home can be a better option than home care. While seniors appreciate the home spaces they are familiar with. It doesn’t always provide the best quality of life in later years.
Care homes provide safe and comfortable environments for people to live in; they also offer mental health services, medical services, and social services to ensure that seniors and happy, comfortable, and healthy. A care home can be a better option than home living in some cases.
Home Care
At other times, home care services are the best option because seniors are most comfortable in their home surroundings, but they need additional support services. Whether it’s health care, mobility issues, meal delivery, or social issues, professionals are arranged to visit.
Home care services might be the most appealing option for seniors initially; they get to stay in their familiar spaces; however, this option is also the most expensive and doesn’t have the community aspect offered by living communities. Also, new environments can soon feel homely.
Temporary Care
Another halfway option is temporary care. Temporary care is usually located in a convenient and comfortable space in the community. The senior relative will have to make their way to the center, but they have access to care services and can meet up with their community once there.
Temporary care is perfect for senior relatives with minor conditions, loneliness issues, or people who are recovering from an operation. Temporary care gives seniors a chance to leave the home and visit an outside location that caters to their care needs and social requirements.
Hybrid Care
Hybrid care is a form of a care plan that uses a combination of care strategies to create an individual plan suited to specific seniors. For example, a senior might require some temporary care and in-home care or independent living arrangements. It is a bespoke care solution.
Although hybrid care is the perfect solution for many families, it can be more expensive than a single solution; that said, hybrid care can be worth the expense to cater to the specific requirements of your senior relative. It might allow them to remain at home and have needs met.
Palliative Care
If your senior relative has a serious long-term illness or a terminal illness, they might require palliative care. This care type is given to people to relieve stress and treat symptoms of the condition; palliative care can be provided in the home or in a dedicated facility or care home.
Palliative care aims to treat symptoms and improve the quality of life for older people in later life. In most cases, palliative care is provided outside the home in a unique facility with the right staff and medical equipment. Sometimes, this is the best place for senior relatives.
by | Apr 25, 2022 | Lifestyle |
One of the most essential elements of health that we often overlook is that of our dental health. It’s easy for us to forget about this until we need to have corrective work done. Then we begin to regret past forgetful actions.
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels
Among the best ways to ensure that dental issues are reduced or even prevented later in life is the art of practicing good habits now. That’s true, no matter what your dental situation looks like. A great way to pass on this benefit to our kids is to focus on creating good habits now and managing a dental-health-conscious family where appropriate.
That might seem a little silly on the surface, as it’s not as if you’re sitting around the dinner table talking about your teeth. But you don’t have to carry on these conversations forever, make the right decisions now, and make careful buying choices that help affect your diet in the best possible way. Let’s consider a few tidbits of advice to see what this might look like:
Attend The Right Dental Appointments
It’s essential to attend suitable dental appointments where appropriate. Make sure everyone in the family feels comfortable visiting the dentist or orthodontist. If you can do that, they’re so much more likely to feel familiar, not worry about their appointment, and understand the gradual work they may need to have done over time, such as applying braces and their adjustment over time when you have a family culture of being responsible for visiting the professionals and taking their advice, these benefits last into their adult lives, too.
Replace Your Cleaning Apparatus Regularly
It’s good to replace your cleaning apparatus from time to time, such as making sure that toothbrushes are replaced every couple of months, that you keep child-friendly and adult-friendly mouthwash to hand, and that the floss string that you may use is regularly replaced and kept personal.
This way, your family members will never have an excuse for failing to clean their dental environments in the best possible way. You’ll also see when certain items aren’t being used, allowing you to encourage their use once more.
Limit High-Sugar Treats In The Household
It’s good to limit high-sugar treats in the household if you can. This way, even the most experienced refrigerator divers will have little chance of causing cavities, except for special events like birthdays, Halloween, or Christmas. This can sometimes mean opting for sugar-free options, like sugar-free sodas only or sugar-free juice concentrates. Additionally, limiting how much hard-shell candy you have in the household can prevent damage to teeth. Over time, this can make a significant difference compared to those who always had sweets in their home.
With this advice, you’re sure to curate a dental-health-conscious family in the best possible way. Moreover, this will become normal, to the point where your children move into adulthood, they’ll be able to make responsible decisions for themselves.
by | Apr 24, 2022 | Italy, Travels |
Ciao!
March 6 – The First Day in Rome
After three flights with a combined flying time of eleven hours, we finally touched down in Rome.
We waited for our transfer to the hotel to meet our tour directors and fellow travelers. The bus did not leave the airport for an hour and a half, so we had a little time to catch our breath and take in the moment ten years in the making.
At the Rome Airport, waiting for the bus to take us to the hotel
We saved money while searching for the perfect Italian vacation. We endured the heartache of having three previous trips canceled. And now, we were sitting in the Rome Airport. It felt surreal. My body was tired from being up for twenty-four hours, but my mind was racing with excitement knowing our journey was about to unfold. A million thoughts came to mind… What would be our favorite city? Did we pack enough clothes for two weeks? Would Seppe and Lucca behave while at Happy Tails? However, the thoughts that kept coming up the most… Is this happening, or was I dreaming? I had to remind myself that we were at Rome Airport and about to discover our Italian dream.
Not only was my mind racing, but also my heart. My AppleWatch had notified me that my heart rate was above 120 beats per minute for longer than ten minutes with no physical activity. I was not nervous. Instead, I was beyond excited, filled with great emotion about the trip.
The bus was scheduled to leave at 3:30, but our hostess said it would be closer to 3:45 because more people were a part of our tour had not yet arrived. The time quickly passed, but thankful we had this opportunity to rest. We had never experienced a flight longer than four hours or having to make three flights in less than twenty-four hours. Our hostess left the waiting area after we talked with her. By 3:40 pm, she had not yet returned, and I wondered if we correctly understood her. We went outside to look for her and our bus. A cabbie came up to us, offering us a ride to the hotel as we looked around. He didn’t speak much English, so I didn’t understand what he was trying to ask. I mentioned Trafalgar, the bus, and the hotel’s name. He just looked at me strangely. I said NO, and we walked away because I knew we wouldn’t be going with him to the hotel. We walked to the entrance and went back to the waiting area. At this point, a gentleman walked up to me and asked if we were waiting for the Trafalgar bus. We said that he and his wife were also waiting for the bus and that they had seen us when we talked to the hostess. We spoke only briefly when the hostess arrived and told us we were ready to leave. As we walked back outside, and the same cabbie came up to us again and offered us a ride to the hotel. Again, I said NO; we continued to follow the hostess.
We were on the bus, ready for our thirty-minute ride to the hotel a few moments later. The journey gave us a glimpse of the sights of Rome. Our hotel was located near Vatican City, in the heart of Rome’s city center. Our bus driver Vincenzo maneuvered the large charter bus from the highway to the narrow city streets with ease, around the mopeds, bicycles, and minicars. Vincenzo parked the bus in the hotel’s parking area, located in a city’s residential area.
We arrived at 4:15 pm. We walked inside, where Sally and Iya waited for us. As our tour director, Sally would be leading us on our journey for the next two weeks. Ilya, our well-being director, would ensure that COVID protocols were followed and that everyone was taken care of. We had a few forms to sign, tags to add to our luggage, and to get our room keys. Sally let us know that we didn’t have much time to settle in. We were to meet in the lobby at 5:30 pm for a bus tour of the city and a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
We made our way to the room on the third floor and realized that we had only one hour to get acclimated before we had to leave. We thought, WOW, this is amazing. We are already getting started. In less than five hours, we arrived at the Airport, gathered our luggage, went through customs, met our hostess, waited for the bus, traveled to the hotel, met our guides, and checked in. And now we are on the bus again, touring the city. One of the many mind-blown experiences that this trip had to offer.
The bus departed from the hotel, and for the next hour and a half, we experienced many treasures of Rome. Sally provided us with information about the next thirteen days, as she called them, the practicalities; and a little bit of the history of Italy and Rome while providing details about the things we saw – the Colosseum and other ancient ruins, the Vatican and other religious markers and the shopping districts and other modern aspects. The City of Rome is described as a lasagna because it is made up of multiple layers built on top of each other, just like a lasagna would be.
We arrived at San Marco Restaurant for our Welcome Dinner, the first of many dinners together. We sat at a table that included Ron and Marilyn, the couple we met at the Airport, and Margie from Tazmania, Australia. The dinner was designed to allow the travelers to get to know each other and settle in. The dinner offered a traditional Italian meal with bruschetta, meats and cheeses, salad, pizza, and dessert. Each course came out individually – first the bruschetta, then the meats and cheese, followed by the salads. The server brought two pizzas to the table for everyone to share. We didn’t realize that they would continue to bring more pizzas. We lost count of the number, but it had to be at least ten different types before they brought out the desert. But the crust was super thin, so eating one piece was like eating one bite of a traditional thick American crust. I enjoyed all the varieties – cheese, mushrooms, and meats. The only exception was the one with sardines on it, which tasted too fishy for my liking.
We talked with our companions and learned about their travel experiences while taking part in a non-stop meal with all of the pizza delivered to our table. I knew that this was going to be a truly memorable experience. And my expectations were right on the mark.
On our way back to the hotel, Sally let us know what to expect tomorrow during our time at the Vatican and the Colosseum and the tour that would take us through the streets of Rome. We arrived back at the hotel with a stomach full of Italian favorites and a mind full of anticipation. This was no longer a dream but a reality.
by | Apr 23, 2022 | From the Heart |
Wedding days are lovely affairs, no matter if you’ve decided to invite all of your friends and colleagues to a big ceremony or spend time with your partner and a couple of family members after a quick wedding registration and a small celebratory event afterward.
Photo by Sandro Crepulja from Pexels
There is no “right way” to get married, processes that people consider enjoyable and necessary for them. Traditional and non-traditional routes are equally valuable. After all, tradition sticks around because those habits and practices can often make a worthwhile day, well-formatted, and give everyone a chance to enjoy your union. Non-traditional events are fantastic because of how freeing they can be, and of course, they may be less expensive than renting out a huge hall or venue for such an occasion.
No matter how you plan your wedding day, however, most people want to feel confident on their wedding day. After all, those in attendance will be focused on you, so it’s important to feel happy and vibrant instead of worried when your big day is here. With this in mind, please consider the following advice:
Be Certain Of Your Outfit
It’s essential to be confident in your outfit to the degree you can. However, this doesn’t mean you have to look “perfect,” however that can be defined. This is a practical question. Can you move in it comfortably? How about when sitting down? Is it appropriate for the environment? For instance, a full gown with a long train may not be suitable if you hope to get married on a beach, even if you have a group of people happy to lift it. Whatever you choose is valid, make sure you’re satisfied with it, and you’ll be more comfortable throughout the day.
Trust Your Hair & Makeup Artists
It’s essential to trust your hair and makeup artists to the degree that you can or find those you are happy with. This means agreeing with the look beforehand and ensuring that you can wear it comfortably. It also means having a backup that you can trust just in case, for whatever reason, your first doesn’t show. When you agree in advance, you don’t have to worry about a new style that you didn’t plan for.
Consider A Dental Checkup
If you hope to smile in your photos, it can be essential to make sure that your dental environment is checked beforehand. Some choose to go for a teeth whitening procedure; others wish to ensure that specific issues, like mouth ulcers, are prevented ahead of time. Others may need more intensive therapeutic work depending on their needs. No matter what your dental environment is like, a visit to your dentist before the wedding can ensure your smile and beam all day long, referring to your photos later with pride and enjoying the day in question without insecurity.
With this advice, you’re sure to feel more confident on your wedding day and enjoy it immensely, just as you deserve to.
by | Apr 17, 2022 | Fitness |
When you work out, your muscles go through a lot of stress. It is essential to allow them time to recover to become stronger. If you don’t give your body enough time to rest and recover, you might not see the results that you’re hoping for. This article will discuss the importance of recovery and how it can help improve your overall fitness level.
Photo by Li Sun from Pexels
Why Is Recovery Important?
Recovery is significant because it allows your muscles to repair and become stronger. When you work out, you create tiny tears in your muscle fibers. These tears are what cause your muscles to grow back bigger and stronger. However, your body can only repair these tears if it has the time and the necessary resources. That’s why it’s essential to give your body the time it needs to recover after a workout.
If you don’t allow your muscles to recover properly, they will become weaker over time. This can lead to injuries and setbacks in your fitness journey. Additionally, not getting enough rest can also lead to fatigue and burnout. It’s essential to balance pushing yourself hard in your workouts and giving your body the time it needs to recover.
How Can You Help Your Body Recover?
You can do a few things to help your body recover from workouts. First, it’s essential to eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of protein. Protein is necessary for muscle growth and repair. It would help if you also stayed hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
In addition to eating right and staying hydrated, you should also focus on getting enough sleep. Sleep is when your body does the majority of its repair work. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night to give your body the rest. Finally, you can use active recovery methods such as foam rolling and stretching to help improve blood flow and reduce soreness.
Recov Faster protein concentrate can also help your body recover to ensure that you get back to your favorite exercise in no time.
What Are The Benefits Of Recovery?
There are many benefits to allowing your body time to recover after workouts. Recovery can help improve your performance, prevent injuries, and reduce fatigue. Additionally, it can also help you reach your fitness goals more quickly. When you give your body the time to recover, you’re setting yourself up for success!
Allowing your body time to recover is essential for any exercise routine. By taking the time to rest and heal, you’ll be able to come back stronger than ever before. So don’t forget to schedule some recovery time into your workout routine! Your muscles will thank you for it!
How Much Time Should You Spend Recovering?
The amount of time you need to recover will depend on a few factors. These include the intensity of your workouts, age, and overall fitness level. Generally speaking, you should allow at least 48 hours for your muscles to recover between workouts. However, you might need more time to recover if you’re starting.
In conclusion, recovery is an essential part of any exercise routine. It allows your muscles to repair and become stronger, which can help you reach your fitness goals. So make sure to take the time to rest and recover after your workouts!
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