A Senior Connection

Helping you find care for your loved one Many of our clients are going through an experience or crisis, often a trip to the Emergency Room, that has triggered the need to immediately locate the right care for their physical and financial needs. Our experienced senior consultants are only a phone call away We take the time to listen to you and answer all your questions... We will provide you the right information on the types of resources available We will move forward at the pace you need We are experienced with coordinating services and how to walk you through the system, whether you are at home, in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Call us today, we are a warm voice available within minutes! 916 759-9829 See more

Please help us in saying farewell to our Jack of all Trades, Jodi MacMinn, as she has steps into retirement. Jodi has been with ASC almost since the start. She has been instrumental in keeping the wheels turning and our values in line. She has a heart of gold and wears it every day on her sleeve. We will miss the energy she brought to our meetings, the ideas she brewed up, but most of all, we will miss the fun moments we have together. We are excited and happy for Jodi in her next steps of life and wish her all the happiness, and lots of relaxing days enjoying life! We of course had to send her off with one of our famous scavenger hunts. As you can see she had a blast and we all had so much fun surprising her at each spot!

Together Apart This holiday will be like no other, but we must stick together! Together even when apart.

What happens at the winter solstice? The winter solstice happens on Monday, December 21, 2020. This is the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the shortest day of the year.

Are Electric Blankets Safe for Elderly People? Electric blankets can be dangerous for seniors with cognitive issues like dementia or Alzheimer’s or for those who are incontinent. They are unsafe for people with Parkinson’s, diabetes, or any paralysis. Seniors may get burned by an electric blanket and should discard one that’s over ten years old. The reasons that electric blankets are unsafe for seniors are:... *Impaired temperature receptors in their skin or a delayed ability to realize they have gotten overheated. This can lead to burns if the blanket temperature is set too high. *Those with a mobility risk may roll over on the blanket, which can bend or break the wires. Damaged wires may cause the blanket to short out and catch on fire. *Electric blankets are difficult to wash and should not be used by seniors who are incontinent. *Seniors who have cognitive issues may not understand the temperature controls and settings. They may turn up an electric blanket too high without realizing they can get burned.

Did you know November is National Peanut Butter Lovers Month? What is your favorite peanut butter recipe? Excuse me as I get up from my desk and do my happy dance, because I’m convinced peanut butter is one of the most heavenly things on the planet!

BEAT THE WINTER BLUES #1 YOU'RE NOT ALONE- Humans are a social species - it's no wonder we've come up with so many ways to stay in touch, even during social distancing! Video chatting has really taken off in the last few months. Here are some of our favorite ways people have found to spend time together over video: * Weekly lunch dates with family, friends and co-workers * Games like trivia and charades... * Streaming fitness classes If you don't know where to start with video chatting, just pick up the phone. Call someone to catch up, especially elderly relatives who can be prone to loneliness. No matter how you choose to stay connected, hearing voices and seeing faces can really help you feel more connected even if you can't see your loved ones in person. #2 ENJOY BEING OUTSIDE- Another great way to stay connected happens to be great for your health in other ways, too. The precautions around COVID-19 allow us all to enjoy it as long as we practice social distancing and all precautions in place. * Take a short walk or open the curtains can provide a much needed dose of sunlight and vitamin D #3 WEAR BRIGHT COLORS- Research shows that wearing warm and bright colors are tied to feelings of happiness. Cheerful bright colors work as a mini pick-me-up; and can boost energy and mood. * So, what bright colors have you worn lately?

5 Enjoyable Halloween Activities That Are Safe for Older Adults with Dementia Many people with dementia have fond memories of Halloween. They may remember going trick-or-treating when they were children or taking their own children trick-or-treating. Seniors with dementia can still look forward to Halloween festivities and enjoy the following fun and safe activities.... 1. Watching Halloween Movies 2. Decorate Pumpkins 3. Revisiting Halloween Memories 4. Decorating Cookies And Making Witches Brew 5. Dressing Up

Halloween is all about the candy, but we're here to advocate for Halloween cookies too. This easy cookie recipe makes for a fun activity to do with kids... or devour during a Hocus Pocus viewing. INGREDIENTS 1 tube chocolate chip cookie dough... 1 can vanilla frosting Red food coloring Mini marshmallows Slivered almonds DIRECTIONS 1.Preheat oven to 350. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll cookie dough into 1 balls and place on baking sheets. Bake until golden, about 12 minutes. Let cool completely then cut in half. 2.Add a few drops of red food coloring into vanilla frosting and stir until smooth. Spread a thin layer of red frosting onto each cookie half. 3.Place mini marshmallows around the round edges of half of the halves. Place the remaining halves on top, then stick a slivered almond on each side to create fangs.

Vampires, and mummies, and werewolves, oh my! Halloween is fast approaching, many of us engage in a unique form of entertainment like watching scary monster movies. What is your favorite monster movie? What did you like about it?... These are just a few of the iconic creatures that have captured our rapidly drumming hearts from the glow of the silver screen dating back to the silent era.

What is Case Management? Case managers have many responsibilities and they may not know exactly what each day will bring. But one thing is certain, they devote hours of time, expertise, and dedication to supporting individuals, families and caregivers who seek their help and intervention. Join us as we celebrate our case managers here A Senior Connection, with an inspiring quote or saying.

Thank you all for what you do each and every day!

Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors *Remove items from the home that are trip hazards, like piles of newspapers, magazines, and shoes, especially if they pile up on the stairs. *Wear your shoes, even when your indoors. *Remove small throw rugs. *Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the bathtub or shower.... *Use non-slip bath mats in the tub and shower. *Install good lighting in every room, stairways, and the entry. *Make sure that prescriptions don’t cause drowsiness or disorientation that could increase the risk of falling. *Make sure that your loved one’s eyeglass prescription is checked every year. See more

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Post a picture of your dog wearing something pink in support for those going through this overwhelming journey and their friends and families who are with them through it all. 2020 has been a powerful reminder that we are all in this together, and our choices and actions have the power to protect the most vulnerable among us in a big way. The same holds true when it comes to breast cancer. Many of you, I am sure, have been touched by this in some way.

The Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation has the motto "Enhancing this world, one smile." Keeping a sense of goodwill in your spirit all day is the perfect way to celebrate. In what ways can you brighten someone's day?... Compliment someone's outfit, thank your co-workers for their work ethic. Whatever small way you can positively impact someone, follow your instincts. You would be surprised how much an acknowledgment can mean to someone.

Here at A Senior Connection we understand the challenges families encounter when loved ones experience memory loss. Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer's or other dementia. Those of us with normally functioning brains can find it confusing and frustrating when dealing with someone in cognitive decline because, simply put, their brains are not working the same way as ours. Our advice is to go into their world and be a part of their journey even if it doesn't always make sense. Please share something that you found to work or something you wish you would have known to help understand the process of Alzheimer's disease.

"Caring is Essential" During National Assisted Living Week, we know how to make a difference in someone's life. You don't have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful, or perfect. You just have to care.

It's Grandparents Day!! Show us a picture or comment how your Grandparent made a difference in your life! The purpose of the day is to honor grandparents, give them an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.