Older Adults Top Issues
Top issues for older adults discussed with the AGT collective and posted here weekly! What are the top issues we will discuss? We will deliver current studies and newest steps for older adults to mitigate risk for serious health concerns like: Diabetes Osteoporosis Alzheimer’s disease Polypharmacy (Taking Multiple Medications) and how to be sure you are making the right choice for you Urinary Incontinence candid discourse on keeping the pee. Pain. Social and Mental concerns such as: Fall prevention, 1 in 3 older adults fall each year, and falls are a leading cause of injury for our age group. How we can navigate the changing dynamics of modern society, since families are increasingly becoming nuclear, and traditional support systems of the past are gradually changing. We take a look at what senior care looks like for some families. Memory concerns often cause anxiety for older adults and families. We will discuss dementia solutions and Alzheimer’s hacks. Depression navigation tips, everyone gets depressed, how do we get out of it on the side of happy? Isolation and loneliness tips to find your place in the world.
What Type of Care Will Meet Your Needs?
Independent Senior Living Facilities and Services Senior Assisted Living Facilities Adult Foster Care Homes / Adult Care Homes Retirement Communities Dementia Home Care Services Dementia Care Facilities Alzheimer’s Care Palliative Care Memory Care Adult Day Care Services Adult Day Facilities Respite Care Services Hospice Care Our mission is to simplify your senior years journey by taking the guesswork out of finding the right home for your needs meeting various levels of senior care. We have excellent relationships with facilities offering levels of senior care. The Type of Care each placement is customized to yours or the needs of your loved one. Our continued dedication to client’s happiness and well-being brings us exceptional peer reviews within elderly care services communities. We work with you fitting your senior living needs and budget. Offering you A Graceful Transition to Senior Living for you or your loved one with supportive, compassionate service.
The Power of Love
Mom did NOT want to move! When talking to an elderly parent, listen closely and give them your full attention. Don’t start thinking about what you are going to say until they are finished speaking. Ask questions to show you understand and support them. Acknowledge and accept their feelings, and give realistic feedback on what you are capable of to help them. Listen Openly: Caroline shows that her mom values what she had to say. Even when mom did not. Respond With Understanding: Caroline’s responses showed respect and also conveys her support. Validate Their Emotions: It is tough to not agree yet acknowledge and accept your parents feelings. Caroline shows us what this looks like. Give Realistic Feedback: Let them know what you CAN do to help them. Sometimes this means we take a step back and pause the conversation. I love how Caroline demonstrates this in her article. Our loved ones deserve love at any age. That beautiful feeling of brightening, joy and sunshine. Love can happen at any age even to those of us who refuse to believe in it. Caroline Leavitt’s mother was not so loving toward Caroline. She did not believe in love with a man. However Caroline’s’ mom transformed, at 93, when she reluctantly, moved out of her home and into Senior Independent Living near me Facility. Caroline wrote an engaging article for Psychology Today about her mother, in Senior Living, who did not believe in love. That is how it was, until she and Walter found each other. Then the stagnate phrase “it is what it is” transformed into a kinetic phrase filled with possibilities and hope “it is what YOU make it”. Thanks to the Power of Love. During dinner one evening on new years day a handsome man also a resident in the same Senior Living Facility entered mom’s life. Caroline had done here best. She is a respectful caregiver. Filled with empathy for her loved ones. Caroline as her mothers caregiver recounts the many attributes of empathy in her article modeling respectful caregiving. Only four months after mom moved to the new facility a handsome man sat next to her during dinner. He was kind, warm and really smart. He was in his 80s. She asked him if he was going to the New Year’s Eve Party that night. “No,” and Caroline’s mother jumps in. “Then I’ll have to kiss you at midnight right now,” They fall in love. A deep love. They have joyful years together, spending time talking, laughing and sharing each meal together. This is a heartwarming and inspiring story! Caroline focuses on the character development of her senior mom, exploring her past experiences and reasons for not believing in love. The setting of an Independent Living Facility provides a charming and communal backdrop. She meets someone who unexpectedly changes her perspective. Her family witnessing this transformation adds a layer of emotional depth, highlighting the joy and new lease on life she experiences and helps others also experience. Caroline’s story explores themes of love at any age! Even as we age the importance of companionship as it touches all lives around us is evident. The power of love fosters unexpected connections in every relationship! That’s the power of love felt throughout generations. It is more than a feeling; it changes the depth of Caroline’s relationship with her mom and it transformed their relationship nearly overnight. Thank you Caroline Leavittt, for your hard work and clearly demonstrating respectful caregiving. We placement specialists at A Graceful Transition, salute you for your loving determination to persist in loving your mom through the tough times.
Know Who You Are
Below are two letters. Who do you want to be looking at in the mirror at each day of your life for the remainder of your life? Know who you are and forgiving who you are. Maria Empowered I no longer have a house. It made me happy to give away a lot of fancy stuff to a young family that needed it. Fancy stuff is not who you are. I do have someone to clean my room, make my food, and do my laundry. They care for me here, try to find activities that will make me feel productive. They also take my blood pressure and weigh me. I am very grateful to have someone looking after me like this. I listen to the laughter of my grandchildren in video meetings every Sunday. I look forward to those days. I see them growing up and fighting with each other, video technology is not the same as being there, but better than not at all. Sometimes the family comes to visit, which is nice, and I love the phone calls and texts that’s okay too. I try to appreciate every minute and not complain, just know that I miss you, and any little contact will make me smile. I am retired and my body and mind are different now. I do enjoy reading, but my eyes get tired quickly. The winter months are tough. I am uncomfortably cold more than I want to be. I miss baking cakes. I miss gardening. I guess this all means I am changing and need to be more creative about how to make these things I like happen in a different way. I told you when you were young to “press on toward the mark for the prize” with courage, I have remind myself and others to have courage. I preserve by being helpful to other people here at this adult care home. I am helping to lead group activities. I also read to a group, we even sing together. When others pass away we throw a party of celebration of life well lived. Some folks believe life expectancy numbers will keep going up as our understanding of biotech, such as stem cells and organ regeneration, improves. Others say that the trajectory toward death in old age hasn’t changed, and that evolutionary biology suggests that there’s a limit to how long humans can live. We know we need to keep our minds active as well as exercising a muscle makes it strengthen and allowing lapse makes the same muscle falter weakly. This is why I need to find something productive. A purpose. Bigger families are healthier because the kids learn to share and compromise, and build relationships with each other and their parents. The whole family learns to work together, and the different personalities and skills of each member add diversity. Some studies also say that bigger families can lead to higher life satisfaction. Even thought it is difficult, I am eager to learn new things and find a successful productive purpose. Always remember you are a person of great value, you are needed and capable at any age! Please show this to your loved ones. Grandma Maria loves you. or Maria Sadness I am 82 years old, I have 4 children, 11 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and a room of 12 square meters. I no longer have a home or expensive things, but I have someone who will clean my room, prepare food and bedding, measure my pressures and weigh me. I no longer have the laughter of my grandchildren, I don’t see them growing, hugging and arguing. Some come to me every 15 days, some every three or four months, and some never. I no longer work in the winter, I don’t bake cakes, I don’t dig up the garden. I still have hobbies and I like to read, but my eyes quickly hurt. I don’t know how much longer, but I have to get used to this loneliness. Here at home, I lead group work and help those who are worse than me as much as I can. Until recently, I read aloud to an immobile woman in the room next to me, we used to sing together, but she died the other day. They say life is getting longer. Why? When I’m alone, I can look at photos of my family and memories I brought from home. And that’s all. I hope that the next generations will understand that families are born to have a future (with children) and that they do not forget about the family even in old age. Please don’t show this to my children. Grandma Maria loves you.
Brain Games
Brain Games To Improve Your Life The brain, a complex organ weighing roughly 3 pounds, remains one of the most profound and least understood areas of scientific study. Despite our brain crucial role in controlling every aspect of our thoughts, actions, and bodily functions, it baffles researchers. Over the past 15 years, we have made significant strides in unraveling its mysteries, uncovering new insights into neural networks, cognitive functions, and the ways the brain adapts and changes—what is known as neuroplasticity. However, these advancements represent just a fraction of what remains to be discovered. Scientists and health experts acknowledge that much of the brain’s inner workings, including how it generates consciousness, stores memories, or fosters creativity, remain much of a mystery. Diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and even mental health disorders still lack clear explanations. Much illumination needs to take place so we can fill the gaps in our understanding. If you are like me and you love to learn the following is great news, the consensus is that our current knowledge, while expanding, is dwarfed by what we have yet to learn. As technology and research methods improve, We will continue to unlock the secrets of this extraordinary organ, paving the way for new breakthroughs in both learning, neuroscience and medicine. There are plenty of facts about the human brain that have not reached the public yet. These lists introduces the basics first, transitions into brain health and concerns, and ends on memory and mental capacity. Are you ready to get to know your brain a little better? Let’s start with some basics first: 1. Your Brain is an Energy Hog The human brain weighs about 3 pounds, which is just 2% of your body’s total weight. No wonder deep breathing and yoga work!! Consequently, our brains use 20% of our body’s total energy and oxygen intake. 2. Your Brain Requires Hydration – water, water, water and minerals While every cell in our body needs hydration, your brain has special needs. Since your brain is roughly over 73% water, just 2% dehydration can negatively affect your focus and memory. Please remember water in appropriate amounts. Overdoing water can have negative effects. 3. Your Brain is Fat 60% of the dry weight of your brain is fat, making it the fattiest organ in your body. This is why consuming healthy fats is so important! Start a diet of healthy fats. Such as coconut oil, avocado, nuts and seeds. 4. Your Brain Requires Cholesterol Cholesterol is vital for every cell in your body, and 26% of it resides in your brain. Eating cholesterol-rich foods, like meat and eggs, is essential for brain health. 5. Your Brain Has a Lot of Cells Your brain contains approximately 86 billion brain cells, each playing a unique role. There are numerous types of brain cells or neurons. A recent atlas of the human brain revealed more than 3000! The atlas was created by sequencing the RNA of more than 3 million cells from 106 locations across the brain. 6. The Brain Takes A While to Mature The brain doesn’t fully mature until around age 25. And that varies person to person. You know those peoplevwho just adult better than others? This might also explain why young people often make riskier decisions! 7. Your Brain is a Super Power The human brain can generate between 12 to 25 watts of electricity—enough to power a low-wattage LED light! Now let’s move on to some health facts about the brain. Spoiler alert – some of these facts are disturbing: 8. Your Negative Emotions Can Shrink Your Brain Researchers from Yale found that chronic stress and depression can cause measurable brain shrinkage. 9. Low-fat Diets Are Bad for Brain Health Since your brain is 60% fat, it needs dietary fats to function properly. When deprived, brain cells can begin to cannibalize themselves, which is why low-fat diets can be harmful. 10. Your Kids Are Not Getting Smarter Since the Victorian era, the average human IQ has decreased by 1.6 points per decade, totaling a drop of 13.35 points. 11. Multitasking is a Myth Despite being praised in modern society, multitasking isn’t possible. The brain can only toggle between tasks, which negatively impacts attention span, learning, and memory. 12. Cell Phones Damage the Brain Electromagnetic frequencies from cell phones and other electronic devices affect over 140 proteins in the brain. And now, let’s close with some interesting facts about your brain and memory: 13. Memory is a Skill Exceptional memory isn’t just something you’re born with; it can be developed through practice and memory techniques. 14. Your Brain VS the World Wide Web The brain’s memory capacity is estimated to be a quadrillion bytes—equivalent to the storage needed for the entire internet! 15. Memory Loss is Avoidable Good news!!! Memory loss isn’t an inevitable part of aging. Staying mentally active through reading, learning, and engaging activities can help keep your memory sharp.
Empathy in Caregiving – Song of a Lifetime
Empathy In Caregiving – Dying Requests: Compassionate Care at Life’s End Empathy. At the heart of compassionate care lies the human connection—an approach that honors the dignity, wishes, and emotional needs of individuals at the end of their lives. For families navigating this deeply emotional journey, finding guidance and support can be essential. Resources like those available on A Graceful Transition offer comprehensive insights into end-of-life care, including services, planning, and ways to provide comfort during these final moments. Whether you’re a caregiver or a family member, the stories of real-life experiences can offer comfort and practical advice on handling such difficult transitions. Emapthy for Eleanor The soft rustle of curtains swayed in the quiet room, a gentle autumn breeze carrying the scent of fallen leaves. There, in a small bed near the window, lay Eleanor, an elderly woman whose body was frail and whose time on Earth was drawing to a close. Her children stood by her side—her daughter Mary, her son David. A pastor and her care advisor, Sarah, were also present, gathered closely, hoping to bring peace in her final moments. Eleanor had lived a long life marked by love, faith, and resilience. Now, as the end neared, there was only one thing she longed for—just a song. Not just any song, but the one that had been her solace through the ups and downs of life: “How Great Thou Art.” Her gravely voice, barely a whisper, rose in volume from pain and with this simple request. “Could you sing it for me?” Her eyes, though tired, were bright with hope. Mary’s voice trembled as she shook her head. “I can’t, Mom. I wouldn’t be able to get through it.” David, the practical one, sighed softly. “I’m sorry. I can’t either. It’s just too much.” The pastor, known for his sermons but not his singing, tried to add some levity. “Eleanor, you don’t want to hear me sing. Trust me on that one.” His laugh was soft, but the mood in the room remained heavy. Sarah, the care advisor, sat quietly, watching from the corner. She felt the weight of Eleanor’s request. Sarah was a professional singer, though she rarely spoke of it in her role as a caregiver. She had spent years performing on stages, but now, in this intimate setting, she hesitated. Was this really the right time and place? She didn’t want to draw attention to herself or make the moment feel less authentic. The song was for Eleanor, after all, not a performance. She glanced around the room and saw the discomfort on the faces of Eleanor’s family. Neither of them could sing, and the pastor wasn’t going to. But surely, Sarah thought, someone should step in. It was a dying woman’s last request—a final act of grace and comfort. Then it struck her: maybe it didn’t have to be perfect. Maybe it wasn’t about hitting the right notes or delivering the song the way she had done countless times before. Eleanor wasn’t asking for a flawless performance. She just wanted the comfort of the familiar hymn—whether through singing or even just a hum. Tentatively, Sarah began to hum the melody. The soft sound seemed to fill the space between the grief and the silence. She rose from her seat, taking Eleanor’s hand gently in hers, feeling the warmth of the woman’s fragile grip. As she hummed, Sarah looked up and saw the tension ease from David’s shoulders, and Mary wiped a tear from her cheek. Sarah reached for David’s hand, then for Mary’s, and together, the circle tightened around Eleanor’s bedside. The hum, soft and simple, was enough. Slowly, the words came to Sarah’s lips, though she kept her voice low. “O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made…” It didn’t matter that no one else sang along. It didn’t matter that they didn’t know the words or couldn’t carry the tune. The song was not about perfection. It was about connection, presence, and honoring Eleanor’s final wish. Eleanor’s eyes fluttered shut, a peaceful smile on her face. The song, even in its simplicity, seemed to bring her comfort. “Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, how great Thou art…” The room fell silent again as Sarah’s voice trailed off. Eleanor’s hand, once so steady, grew still in Sarah’s. She had passed away, cradled by the song she loved and surrounded by those who loved her. For Sarah, this moment was about more than fulfilling a request. It was about compassionate care—knowing that sometimes, it’s not about the grand gestures or perfect skills. It’s about showing up with love, however imperfect or hesitant that may be. For those who don’t sing, who feel unsure of their abilities, or who may not know the words to a song, it’s enough to hum. It’s enough to be present. The power of music, even in its simplest form, can soothe the soul and bring comfort in the most difficult moments. As Sarah looked at the family, she saw that, in the act of holding hands and humming together, they had become part of something sacred. In that circle of love, they helped Eleanor cross the threshold from this life to the next, not with a performance, but with presence. And that, after all, was all Eleanor had asked for. In moments like these, compassionate care is not just about attending to physical needs, but ensuring emotional and spiritual comfort as well. If you’re facing the challenge of caring for an elderly loved one or preparing for end-of-life care, there are numerous resources to assist with this journey. In Portland, Oregon, the Aging and Disability Resource Center offers services that can help you navigate these decisions, from providing in-home care guidance to ensuring the individual’s last days are lived with dignity and respect. By connecting with supportive communities, families can ensure that their loved ones receive the best care
Senior Living Facilities Near Me – AGT Referral Services
Looking for Senior Living Facilities Near Me? You’re looking for A Graceful Transition (AGT) to senior living. We are your AGT Referral Service. Here to offer you no-cost assistance and no-cost referral services for any senior living transition. A Graceful Transition Senior Living Advisor will provide free personal reputable guidance for Portland families looking at senior living options. We build the relationship with the facility and Adult Care Home then, AGT shares that resource with you to help you find your perfect placement for mom and dad to enjoy their senior years. Educational credentials and confidential Professional Service provide progressive senior living resources for all stages of elder care. AGT is a privately held, for-profit senior care referral service. We operate in the hospitals and health care industry. We hand pick our private network of communities through relationships developed over years. We are paid when your family member chooses to move into one of our curated senior living communities or signs up for home care, our guidance is always free to families. Our founder, LaVona Tomberlin, sets the bar high for free referrals to find care services offered in the Portland area.
Dementia
Dementia is a chronic condition caused by different diseases, so it’s unlikely that there will be a single cure. Research is focused on finding cures for specific dementia-causing diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Types of Dementia – There are many types of dementia, each with its own characteristics: Alzheimer’s disease — The most common type of dementia, caused by abnormal protein deposits in the brain. It usually affects people in their mid-60s and older, but can sometimes occur in people in their mid-30s to 60s. Vascular dementia — The second most common type of dementia, caused by conditions that disrupt blood flow in the brain. Symptoms include difficulty with movement and coordination, and problems with language and communication. Lewy body dementia — An umbrella term for conditions that include Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson’s disease dementia. It’s caused by abnormal deposits of the alpha-synuclein protein in the brain. Frontotemporal dementia — A rare form of dementia that usually affects people between the ages of 45 and 64. It’s caused by abnormal amounts or forms of tau and TDP-43 proteins in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Young-onset dementia — A term for dementia that develops in people under the age of 65. Memory loss is often one of the first symptoms. Mixed dementia — A condition where a person develops more than one type of dementia. Wernicke disease — A condition that can cause physical symptoms like double vision and loss of muscle coordination. If left untreated, Wernicke’s disease can progress to Korsakoff syndrome, a memory disorder. Primary progressive aphasia — A rare type of dementia that damages the parts of the brain that control language, personality, emotions, and behavior. Is there a Cure For Dementia? Not yet. Currently, there’s no cure for any type of dementia. The cause of dementia can depend on a combination of factors, including age, genes, lifestyle, and other health conditions. The best thing to do is start taking care of yourself now. If you have an unhealthy vice dementia is a good reason to replace the bad with the good thing. Memory care is a type of long-term care that provides specialized care for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The goal of memory care is to create a safe, structured environment that improves the quality of life for residents: Staff — Memory care facilities have staff who are trained to deal with cognitive impairments. Environment — Memory care facilities are designed to be secure, with locked doors to prevent residents from wandering away. They often have enclosed outdoor courtyards and common areas designed to help residents find their way around. Activities — Memory care facilities offer activities and therapies to improve cognitive function and engage residents. These activities can include art, music, and interactive games. Routines — Memory care facilities often stick to preplanned schedules to give structure to residents’ days. Memory care can be offered in: stand-alone facilities, assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement communities, and nursing homes. We can help you find just the right place. <iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/-lwJyVNsytg?si=asBPjQ3MNut5PePj&start=10″ title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
Elder Care Services
Senior Citizens have specific needs and we have resources to Senior Living Services which can help you navigate the tough decisions about what to do when your Senior Loved Anyone who has typed a Google search for “assisted living homes for rent near me” or even “retirement homes close to me” knows the search results can be confusing and a taxing task to sift through. In-Home Care – Trained and compassionate helpers who are registered caregivers and can provide in-home care services to seniors which will help them maintain their independence and quality of life in the home. Transportation Services – We offer resources to access safe and reliable transportation services to seniors helping your senior loved one get to medical appointments, grocery shopping and social events. Memory Care – Our memory care resources are designed to help seniors with mental decline restore and maintain their cognitive abilities and improve quality of life wherever possible. Companionship Services – Unique to AGT are our connections to many Elder Care Services. Including companionship services which provide seniors with unique emotional and social support. Unlike what family or friends can supply, this helps our senior loved ones combat loneliness and depression. Respite Care – Our resources for respite care services in the areas we server are top notch. These provide temporary relief to family caregivers allowing them to take a break and recharge without concern for their loved one. Home Safety Assessments – Our home safety assessment experts help seniors and families become aware of possibly overlooked potential hazards in their own homes providing resources for modifications to improve safety and increase continued independence for Senior Living at Home. Senior Living close to me Senior Living close to me Senior Living close to me
When Is It OK To Back Away?
When Is It OK To Back Away? by LaVona Tomberlin “Sometimes the best move forward is stepping back.” Do you need to Back Away? From the time that we are small children we are taught that thinking of ourselves first is selfish. We are always supposed to think of others first or do we need to back away. We are always supposed to make others happy and safe and well. If all that is true, we should be happy. Give Until It Hurts As a small child if another child wanted our toy, we were told to give it to them without complaint. I know that as I grew, I learned not to be competitive; even to the point that if I was dating a boy and one of my friends liked him, I walked away. Sometimes that was painful but I felt that I was doing the right thing. It was my job to make others happy and that should make me happy and satisfied. Caretaker As an adult I have taken care of my mother for 7 years after the death of my father when she was ill and sad. During that time I lost my best friend and my father but it was my job to take care of my mother because she needed me. I did that until I became ill and someone said to me, actually it was my doctor, that if I did not take care of myself, I would be of no use to anyone. I took that advice and moved away to take care of me. Changing The Scene When I moved, I thrived. I found out what it felt like to be truly happy. Wouldn’t you know it, I found that I truly enjoyed helping people and did that when I wanted to but while I was doing what I loved to do. After moving I discovered that when I helped people, and did it with an open heart, I felt truly blessed. Take Care of Yourself Taking care of ourselves is not selfish. It is preparing us to be the best we can be so that we can offer our best selves to the people that we love and want to help. Sometimes that means actually doing the work. Sometimes that means stepping back and finding the right person to do the work who can do it best. This is not abandoning the person but protecting them. Sometimes backing away is simply allowing us to be what we are to them; their friend, their spouse, their child and allowing a professional to do the hard work of caring for them. They are trained to do this job. We are there to love them. Here are 8 ways to gain perspective Reflection: Helps you understand yourself and make informed decisions about difficult situations by examining your experiences and reflecting on what you’ve learned. Gratitude: Can help you shift your perspective by keeping a gratitude journal or finding a gratitude partner. Empathy: Understand the thoughts, emotions, and circumstances of others. Change Your Space: Can inspire a new perspective on life and expose you to new opportunities. Welcome Change: Helps you gain perspective and become more compassionate and supportive of others going through change. Think Differently: Helps you get into a creative mindset by looking at things from different angles and exploring new ways of thinking. Get a Different or Positive Perspective: Helps you improve your confidence and self-belief, and can lead to a more fulfilling life. Follow your Heart: Gain perspective by reimagining your role in the world and adding to your sense of wonder.