The Senior Scene

(Pictured: For some seniors, phones with large buttons are virtually essential.)

By Onita Mihaly

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, staying connected is more important than ever, especially for seniors. Maintaining social relationships, accessing essential services, and ensuring safety becomes increasingly important. The right communication tools play a pivotal role in empowering seniors to live independently, confidently, and with a sense of belonging.

Accessibility is a key consideration when selecting phones and other communication devices for seniors. As vision and fine motor skills may decline with age, it’s essential to choose phones with features that accommodate these changes, including:

• Large, programmable buttons. For easy navigation and visibility.
• Adjustable ringer and speaker volume. To ensure clear conversations.
• Emergency buttons. For quick access to help, including 9-1-1.
• Multiple cordless or corded phones. Place throughout the house for easy access, especially helpful in emergencies. Unlike mobile phones, one always knows where they are.

Safety and scam protection are paramount for seniors, and communication tools play a vital role in ensuring their well-being. Look for phone services offering:

• Robust scam call blocking, including option to only allow calls from pre-approved numbers to go through.
• Caller ID verification.
• Scam alerts helping seniors recognize and avoid potential threats.
• Automatic notifications to loved ones in emergencies.
• Address-based 9-1-1 for faster response times, especially if one’s unable to speak. This is particularly important for those living in apartment buildings or senior communities.

Internet-based phone service can also be a reliable backup option in case of mobile carrier outages or if cell coverage is spotty inside the home.

Many seniors face the challenge of traditional landline service being phased out. A reliable and cost-effective alternative is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which uses the internet to make and receive calls. VoIP providers often offer free nationwide calling with only applicable taxes and fees, making it an attractive option for seniors on a budget; and the ability to keep existing phone numbers.

Family Communication: Bridging the Digital Divide

Other tips to help loved ones navigate the digital divide include:

• Start slow, offer support. Gradually introduce new technology and provide hands-on assistance.
• Involve seniors in decision-making. Respect their preferences and needs and consider their comfort level with technology.

By equipping seniors with the right communication tools, families can help them stay connected, safe, and independent. With the right guidance and support, seniors can embrace modern technology and enhance their quality of life.

Remember, staying connected is an ongoing process. As technology continues to evolve, it’s important to stay informed and adapt. By providing ongoing support and encouragement, families can help seniors embrace the digital world and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.

Onita Mihaly is a brand-marketing expert for Ooma, a provider of communication solutions (https://www.ooma.com/home-phone-serviceseniors/)

(Pictured: Matti Rinehart and her dog, Benji, have received food from Meals on Wheels during her battle with cancer. Photo credit: Jake Lyell)

Like humans, four-legged family members need love and care. However, the relationship is not one-sided. In addition to joy and unconditional love, pets can help their owners – particularly seniors – live longer, happier, healthier lives, according to the Human Animal Bond Research Institutes (HABRI). Caring for pets may reduce anxiety, decrease loneliness, encourage physical activity and more.

Benefits of owning a pet and the important role a furry friend can play in healthy aging is noted by Meals on Wheels America. The national non-profit supports a network of more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country addressing senior hunger and isolation, and they serve furry clients, too. Hundreds of local programs provide pet food and supplies, plus services such as veterinary care access, grooming, emergency boarding, and dog walking. This helps seniors care for their animal companions and increases the chances they will stay together.

The organization’s pet programming success hinges on community investments, including national support from PetSmart Charities, as well as donations from local pet supply stores, veterinary clinics and other community-based businesses.

Since the program launched five years ago, the people behind it noticed a number of key benefits of pet ownership:

Improving mental health.

Pets typically waste little time in coming to their owners’ aid when they sense feelings of sadness or other negative emotions. Physical interactions, such as petting, can cause the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters, promoting happiness and well-being.

Companionship.

Pets serve as a source of comfort and emotional support during difficult times and reduce feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Nearly 98 percent of Meals on Wheels’ clients with pets said their animals make them happier and less lonely. Many seniors often find solace in talking to their pets, their closest companions and often one of their only sources of consistent comfort.

Physical activity.

Pets help keep older adults active with the opportunity to play and go on walks. Even if mobility is limited, pets can spark physical activity in day-to-day life. Dog owners reported more minutes per week of physical activity compared with non-dog owners, according to HABRI. Regular physical activity has been shown to help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Known for providing nourishing meals and companionship to homebound seniors across the country, Meals on Wheels also serves furry clients. This extra layer of support allows seniors to continue living independently with their floppy-eared hounds and whiskered felines, including David, who lives alone with Rebel, his 7-year-old blue heeler.

In May, volunteers from a local program delivered the 13-millionth pet meal, which just so happened to go to David and Rebel’s doorstep. This is one of several services offered by many programs across the country, which often provide veterinary care access, cat litter, leashes, treats and toys, grooming, emergency boarding and dog walking.

Before connecting with the charity, David resorted to paying only half his electric bill – just enough to keep the lights on – so he could afford food for his pup.

“I was barely making it,” David said.

Many homebound seniors make sacrifices like this to care for their pets. More than 1 in 5 Meals on Wheels clients with pets forgo meals themselves to feed their companion animals. About 30 percent skimp on other necessities, like medical care and utilities, to provide for their pets.

Despite these challenges, pets are a powerful force in the fight against senior isolation. That includes David, who relies on Rebel, a registered service animal, to help manage his anxiety and depression.

“Rebel the Wonder Dog – that’s what I call him,” David said. “I wonder how he’s still here and how he takes care of me so much. I talk to him all day like a human because I got no family. He helps me more than people will ever know.”

More information about pet assistance programs is at mealsonwheelsamerica.org/pets.

Source: Family Features

(Pictured: Jason Erskine, AARP Washington’s communications director, says support and services are critical for people caring for their parents, spouses, or other loved ones.)

By Jason Erskine

Chances are, if you aren’t a family caregiver, you know someone who is. Every day, more than 820,000 Washingtonians help their parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents, neighbors and other loved ones live independently at home – where they want to be.

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to highlight the important work these folks do. But simply thanking them isn’t enough. Here in Washington and across the country, AARP is advocating for more support, services that are community-based or home-based, caregiver training, and more. We’re also working to connect caregivers and their loved ones with the resources and supports they need. 

Caregiving may start with driving your loved one to get groceries or going to doctor appointments. As time goes by, you may help prepare meals or handle bills, and you may find yourself taking time off from work to help. You may not think of yourself as a caregiver, but if you are helping someone with daily activities like getting dressed, managing medication and providing transportation to and from appointments, then you are a caregiver, and help is available. Check out the following resources:

Call 2-1-1.

AARP and United Way have teamed up to connect you with trained, compassionate people in your community who can help you find AARP caregiving resources and more. It’s called 2-1-1, it’s free, and you can talk to specialists who can help you find local resources for caring for your loved one, like driving to medical appointments, managing medications, or helping with finances or meals. You can also find resources that will help you navigate more specialized issues like home safety or veterans’ benefits. When you contact 2-1-1 and ask for AARP resources, you can get help for yourself, too, including support groups and counseling and employment and placement assistance. Call or visit www.aarp.org/211care

Caring for Caregivers.

Visit “Caring for Caregivers” at www.aarp.org/caregiverswa. You’ll find links to local resources and support, special events and activities for caregivers, and more.  Be sure to look for our video podcast series featuring discussions with local experts, community leaders, and caregivers just like you on a range of topics to help you along your caregiving journey.

Local Resources Guide.

If you are wondering where to turn closer to home, our state resource guide is here to help. Find local services for family caregiving, finances, legal support, health assistance, housing and care facilities, end-of-life care, and more. For more information, visit https://states.aarp.org/washington-211. A print copy is also available by calling 877-333-5885.

BenefitsCheckUp.org:

Operated by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), www.BenefitsCheckUp.org is a free tool that identifies services that can help pay for healthcare, medication, food, and utilities. For those needing long-term care or caregiver support, the platform can connect users to affordable aid and volunteer caregiver relief options. Additionally, the site assists with applications for over 50 programs, like Medicare’s Extra Help and state pharmacy plans.

No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a friend or family member,  in a home, a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having the right resources, information, and connections can make all the difference.  Understand that you’re not alone in this journey; your role is essential, and there are tools out there to help.

Jason Erskine is AARP Washington’s communications director.

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?

As part of National Family Caregivers Month in November, Pierce County Human Services, through its Aging and Disability Resources program, is inviting the public to share personal stories about caring for loved ones and how it has affected their lives. The stories can be submitted online at https://www.cognitoforms.com/PierceCounty2/FamilyCaregiverStories