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WHAT TO DO IN RETIREMENT: CAL REGISTRY HAS SOME…

Retiring from the workforce can bring a lot of changes to your lifestyle. Whether for good or bad, one thing is sure; it allows you to reconnect with your lost passion and meet your most important goals.

We have been working with retired seniors for the better part of eighty years (Yes, we started working with seniors providing referrals in 1939). We have heard numerous ideas, and shared in a gigantic number of stories about what’s next? What do you do once you retire? Here are some of the ideas our wonderful clients have passed along to us, that we thought we would share with you.

After retirement, you will discover that you no longer must deal with work-related deadlines or run the 9-5 race each workday. Here you have so much time at your disposal. Most seniors are overwhelmed with the enormous time they have for themselves after retirement, like many of you, they ask: what can I do after retirement?

Firstly, this question is not uncommon, especially if you are about to leave the workforce, or already retired. Here are those tips we said we will pass along.

• Go on vacation

Now you have the time to travel to that destination you have always daydreamed about. Many senior citizens may find it impossible to fulfill that huge dream vacation be it for financial or physical reasons. That’s ok, whether it is for that incredible trip or arranging numerous fun and exciting locations closer to home, more financially possible or just to reduce walking and airports, vacations should be close to the top of your wish list. Remember, vacations need to move at your speed not that of a group leader so be sure to read everything in the brochure and know what to expect on a tour company designed vacation. If you’re on your own, enjoy every minute moving at your speed and timeline.

Indulge in a hobby

Do you have a passion for sports or any other outdoor activity but never had enough time to indulge in it due to your busy schedules? Here is the opportunity to immerse yourself in it. Discover your interests and hobbies and rebuild your life around them. We are never too old to have fun.

• Get an education

Retirement will give you the time you need to pursue a degree or study any subject of your interest. There are many ways you can expand your knowledge and learn new things without spending a fortune. You can listen to a TED talk, watch videos on YouTube, or even buy a course on Udemy. These options are ideal if you don’t want to learn within the confined walls of a classroom.

• Set fitness goals

There are special exercise classes for seniors you can participate in to stay fit even if you hate sports. You can boost your strength and endurance levels by engaging in low impact sports such as swimming, biking, and yoga classes for seniors.

• Become a mentor / Work with a non-profit

What did you achieve from your career? You can help others learn and walk in your steps too. Becoming a mentor to young ones who are just starting to climb the career ladder can be a fulfilling experience and a way to give back to society.

Nonprofits are always looking for volunteers to assist especially with the ones who interact with adolescents, teens, the handicapped and other seniors. Giving your time has a wonderful way of making you feel great.

• Work part-time

Do you want to keep one foot in the “work world” after retirement? There are a plethora of part-time jobs for retirees you can pick from any time. According to a study, about 70% of newly retired seniors seeking part-time jobs in the United States.

Depending on your health status, location, and availability, your retirement years can bring you joy and fulfillment when you make the most out of them. We hope these simple ideas assist you with the potential choices of things to do once retired. And if you, a family member or friend ever need assistance in locating senior care after retirement, CalRegistry will help you with the solution you seek and our services are always Free….    800-777-7575 or CalRegistry.com    

5 CLEANING TIPS FOR SENIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES

The spring-cleaning season is here again as we say goodbye to winter and usher in the beautiful spring season. Spring cleaning is one thing many families look forward to each year. Cleaning is extremely important for everyone, especially for seniors. While many families are setting aside some valuable time for cleaning this season, we want to encourage families to include their grandparents to be a part of the activity too. Here is how to tackle it:

CALREGISTRY HAS THE ANSWER TO “WHEN IS THE RIGHT…

Assisted living facilities are now a popular choice for many seniors who need some assistance with basic needs from maintaining personal hygiene, to meal preparation and prescription management. Most seniors that need help that does not require a full care nursing home find assisted living more comforting as it helps them make new friends and cope with specific challenges common among the elderly.

Finding the right senior living facility can be a challenge, but it does not have to be if you call CalRegistry 800 777.7575. We are the oldest and most preferred senior living referral service in California. Established in 1939, our history, reputation and consideration for our clients is unmatched. With listing of over 8000 senior facilities delivering services from normal living arrangements to Alzheimer’s care, our staff of professionals will find the right location and price for most anyone. We make this transition from home to your new home painless and perfect.

We understand as we grow older, we find it challenging to perform tasks we were used to doing daily. Knowing the right time to seek for help as we age makes the difference. Sadly, many people with aged parents do not know the right time to take mom or dad to a care facility such as an assisted living, thereby making them experience some discomfort, pain, loneliness and emotional trauma that mostly arise as we age.

Seniors often heave a sigh of relief when they get help with tasks such as lifting luggage, cooking for one, taking medications, or doing laundry. Aging can be a traumatic experience for many as they discover that they aren’t able to do the things they love by themselves anymore. Therefore, they need help during such times.

CalRegistry are experts at knowing when it is time to consider a senior living facility. Here are some signs to help you know when it’s right for an assisted living.

• Inability to maintain a clean and proper hygiene
• Loss of mobility
• Frequently forgetting to take medications
• Significant weight loss or weight gain
• Inability to drive
• Failure to communicate effectively
• Memory loss
• Depression

How To Know The Type Of Care You Need

We have developed numerous ways to understand when the right time is and most important where the right location and services a senior would require. One way to measure the amount of care your parents need is through a simple chart we use that describes the ‘activities of daily living’. This will help you and care professionals to understand the kind of daily routines that are easy and those that are most challenging for the senior. According to our assessment when making this chart, these six activities will give the family and individual the best definition of their needs which are:

• Using the rest room
• Bathing
• Dressing
• Getting in and out of bed
• Ability to control the bowels
• Feeding

Each category has the same level of significance. Even if you can do all other tasks and you fail in just one, you will need some special care. By using the simple to understand tools we have created and speaking to one of our knowledgeable agents you will know when it’s the right time to consider assisted living and the amount of care a parent will need on arriving there.

You can let CalRegistry do all the footwork for you, stop the worrying and trying to figure out your unanswered questions. Finding the right home for your mother, father or both does not have to be a challenge. Use the company most relied on for finding senior living facilities and care in California, CalRegistry. 800 777.7575 Mom and dad deserve the best, we know where to find it.

SENIOR LIVING FACILITY, QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE MOVING INTO…

When considering moving into an assisted living facility, there are many unanswered questions that come along with it. According to the U.S Census Bureau, there will be more options in the coming years for seniors. This includes facilities that have the feel of medical institutions as well as a resort-like facility. Begin the search early when it might become less confusing and overwhelming to choose from the myriads of options available. Now is an excellent time to start by asking the right questions. Here are some questions you might want to ask now.

Can I see the rooms available?

For the moment, forget about the game room, daily outings, movie nights and other fun activities. Room amenities are much more critical than social amenities. Start with their room, the fact remains that Senior Living Residents spend much of their time in their rooms. It’s only logical to find out if the right amenities are present inside these rooms. It is very important to spend some time there; will the prospective resident be happy with the room size? Will they participate in social amenities? To enjoy your new home, you must enjoy your new surroundings.

Can we eat lunch?

Make sure you get all the value out of your visit, when you visit the senior care or assisted living facility for inspection, ensure you eat at least one meal on site. That way, you can access the overall culture and food quality of the facility. Take note of the interaction between staff and residents. Is it friendly, warm or disconnected? Also, evaluate the level of cooperation among residents. Are there various age mix? For those confined to a wheelchair, how are their needs being met? If you aren’t satisfied with the answers you get, then maybe this isn’t the right place for your aged loved one.

Most senior living facilities look to place a person at a table with people that may have common interests for a good fit. Getting a new resident to feel welcomed in the facility with the other residents, staff and the surroundings is very important.

What is the procedure for an emergency?

While it is vital to call 911 in an emergency, there are alternative approaches in specific issues. An example would be, a resident has a change in their behavior that is not life threatening, calling a doctor to arrange for an office visit and physical review may be needed. It is important to be sure the facility has procedures in place. ASK THEM.

Are you prepared for aging problems?

Currently, if your loved one is independent and self-sufficient, taking their medications and bathing themselves you will want to include looking to the future. While the hope is they remain self-sufficient, it is important to prepare for the WHAT IF’S of aging. There is always the possibility that needs could change in time due to aging. It is extremely important to be knowledgeable of what a facility offers for future or additional care as available for the unforeseen future to factor that in the cost to avoid having to make future move.

As you conduct your search, do not be afraid to ask questions of the staff, ask to speak to families who currently or in the past have had a loved one in the facility you are considering, call and ask about their experience.  CALIFORNIA REGISTRY is a LICENSED SENIOR REFERRAL SERVICE, assisting seniors and their families in locating appropriate Assisted Living and Board and Care facilities for the care, budget, location that you desire. California Registry is the oldest REFERRAL SERVICE IN CALIFORNIA.

Available 7 days a week. Using their experience, understanding and knowledge of facilities and the aging process to assist you and your loved one. CALL 800-777-7575 FREE OF CHARGE OR GO ONLINE: www.CalRegistry.comLeaders in the senior facility  industry.

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY, FIVE FUN THINGS TO DO WHEN…

One of the issues facing some of the seniors in assisted living facilities is loneliness. Not everyone is good with change but in time the convenience and comradery of community living become comfortable for most everyone. Perhaps you also have relatives there, and you’re thinking about the best things you can do to spark their mood and strengthen the love once again, then consider these uplifting ideas:

 SHARE A MEAL OR SNACK TOGETHER

Your relatives in an assisted living facility may no longer be able to cook and enjoy their favorite food due to the facility they now live in or their physical condition. Thus, you can consider bringing their favorite meal when next you are visiting. Find a place to sit with a view if possible and surprise them with this great meal. Better still take them out to a special restaurant if you can’t cook the meal, someplace where they can eat that kind of food but different from the everyday meat and potatoes.
They will appreciate the effort, and your love will even grow stronger than before. However, there are sometimes when bringing in a meal might not be appropriate and going out does not work either. Fear not, you can get them their favorite snacks instead, make it fun and different, offer different kinds of teas and cookies or a nice selection crackers and cheese, or any other snacks that you know your loved one loves to eat. Most important make it a loving moment if possible and share the feelings of family or friends.

ENJOY SOME MUSIC TOGETHER

When is the last time you sat down with your mom, dad or a friend at a facility and said let’s listen to some music? Find the music of their youthful era, sit back with your loved one and listen together. You may even want to grab their hand and in the moment start to dance with them if they can. Being original, fun and spontaneous can boost their mood, comfort them, reduce stress and increase happiness. If you are not sure about their favorite songs, merely ask their relatives or friends, or browse the songs that were reigning during their youthful age.

KEEP THEM CONNECTED WITH THE REST OF THE FAMILY

Part of the problems faced by people in an assisted living facility is that they have so little contact with their family members, and this makes them feel unloved or neglected at times. One way to keep them in touch again is to go along with your spouse, your children, or other members of the family when next you are visiting them. You can also arrange video chats or phone calls for family members who are living afar. Apart from the fun it triggers, it will also keep your loved ones connected and assure them that they are not forgotten.

GIVE THEM A PRESENT

Giving your relatives a present for no particular reason just to let them know your care and want them to be happy. It is not about the price of the present but the idea you took the time out of your day to go looking for something for them. Although you can engage in some exciting activities with them, sometimes that may not be enough. Leave them with a personal gift that they’d always appreciate you anytime they are using it or see it sitting on a table. This could be toiletries, skin care products, aprons, books, CD’s, magazines, craft items, tape, writing tablets, etc. For you to come up with the best gift idea, you need to take enough time to learn your loved one’s favorite brands and products.

California registry is a FREE referral agency for seniors and their families. We have been providing seniors with care options, counseling, referrals and facility evaluations free of charge since 1939. We are proud to say we are the only licensed senior referral service in the state of California. We can help you save time by locating a quality care facility with up-to-date information on over 8,100 facilities within California.

Service, selection and personalized care since 1939, that means over 70 years of helping individuals just like you. One call is all it takes, or complete the simple form on our website and let the experts at CalRegistry.com make this difficult quest, easy. Call us now.

Visiting Family During the Holidays

The holidays are always a special time of the year filled will the delicious smells of cakes and cookies baking in the oven and a turkey or ham sitting on the counter ready to follow. In the background, we can hear the sounds of children laughing and the excitement in their cheer preparing to open presents and goodies.

Visiting grandma and grandpa, Aunt Ruth or cousins from afar make this one-time a year event special. In the midst of this excitement, something else becomes very apparent, grandma or Aunt Ruth is not as young as they used to be, frankly, they are having a hard time just negotiating getting in and out of the car or standing up from that big comfortable chair in the corner of the room. You hear their request, “Can someone please give me a helping hand?” This does not seem like a big deal except when you start thinking about how do they do these things at home where they live by themselves?

Having a conversation with a family member and the topic, maybe it is time to sell their home or give up their apartment and move into a senior living facility is never comfortable. Finding a way to complete this task and in the process share, all the love and respect you have for them does not always go the way you would like. But if not you, then who?

CalRegistry does have some good news to share with you, we can assist with making this conversation easier and more effective. We will give you all the information about what is available in the way of senior living locations including the fun and fulfilling things seniors can do at these facilities, and most importantly how they will receive continuous assistance with getting around. We can just about assure you, this will be a good way for you to start the conversation.

Having the support of California’s oldest and only state-licensed referral service will make your job easier and help you to sound like you have completed a considerable amount of research on your relative’s behalf. This could be a holiday present that your family member will remember for a long time. This present is called, “We Care and Love You”.

Our counselors at CalRegistry are knowledgeable regarding all the California facilities, from where they are located to what each facility offers, from the good ones to the not so good including the cost and any requirements they have for a new tenant. We complete all the footwork for you and we do it better than anyone else just check out our testimonials. There is a reason we are the oldest and ONLY CALIFORNIA STATE LICENSED SENIOR REFERRAL SERVICE because we are with you every step of the way, we are known for our quality service and caring support. Our clients will tell you CalRegistry, hands down are matched by no other.

This holiday season, give the true gift of love, assisting a family member with finding a Senior Living Facility that makes their senior years safer and more enjoyable. Simply click this link, give us a little information and then sit back and let us do the rest.

From all of us at CalRegistry

we would like to wish you and all you love

a very happy, healthy holiday.

Eat Well and Stay Healthy

As senior citizens, we all strive to stay healthy and happy.  Well prepared meals are an important part of our daily routine for us to keep up our energy, feel great and do our best to stay out of the doctor’s office when possible. Here are some tips to help us best understand what are considered healthy foods and what foods or spices we should consider limiting.

TIP 1: Limit Processed Foods

Consider making fresh foods and home-made meals the basis of your diet, limiting the consumption of ready-to-eat foods found on the shelves at the market or in a fast food restaurant can make a serious difference in the way you feel. This will eliminate a significant amount of unwanted substances (commonly found in the additives to keep processed foods fresh tasting longer) and assist you to keep control of your diet

TIP2: Consume more than half of your food in the form of fresh vegetables, fruits, tubers (which are high in antioxidants and fiber), and potatoes

Many people do not fully understand a plant-based diet protects against most so-called civilization diseases. Most of us were raised in a household that served beef, fish or chicken as the main part of our daily diet. Changing to a daily diet that’s fifty percent or more plant-based is definitely opposed to the way many of us have planned our meals, but as we age our bodies will perform better if we feed it food that burns clean and is easy for our systems to process and digest.

TIP 3: Choosing Low-Calorie Foods

It is proven we eat about the same amount of food each day, and we have learned that not all foods are satisfying in the same way and do not provide the same number of calories. Choosing low-calorie foods, known as low caloric density you will maintain or lose weight helping you to stay slim and live longer.

TIP 4: Choosing foods with high nutritional density

By choosing high nutritional density foods, you will be filled with natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which is important to help you do not suffer from most chronic diseases.

TIP 5: Choosing Antioxidant Foods

Many of us do not fully understand why we should eat anti-oxidant foods? The reason is they are full of natural vitamins like C and E, also polyphenols, carotenoids, glucosinolates, and alkaloids. These are all big names that we don’t always understand but we should know they are protective substances found in foods and most important they slow down natural aging and reduce the risk of chronic and degenerative diseases.

TIP 6: Ensuring the acid-base balance

To keep your bones strong, prevent muscle wasting and keep your kidneys healthy, respecting the acid-base balance when you’re getting older is essential. What this means, you must be careful not to follow a diet too acidifying and the best way to do this is to reduce excess salt, cereals, meat, fish, cheese). Once again, we suggest eating plants/vegetables, they are sources of potassium and alkalinizing bicarbonates: even if you decide not to consider moving towards a plant-based diet, to ensure better health they must be increased.

These six TIPS are a great start to staying healthy which generally equates to more fun, bigger smiles, and a longer life. Check with the counselors at Cal Registry to find senior living facilities where a healthy diet is part of their daily menu.