Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

At National Church Residences, we work hard to keep our seniors safe and healthy. As the weather changes, it is important that all seniors, especially those that live independently stay safe in the winter weather.

We’ve pulled together a few tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this season.

CAREFUL IN THE SNOW – AVOID FALLS

The number of fall risks increase in the winter time. The snow and ice create an issue for many seniors to navigate. With a couple of quick precautions, the risk of falls can be mitigated:

• Make sure that you have shoes with non-skid soles
• Have a friend or family member or even a neighbor clear walkways and driveways of all snow and ice
• If you have a cane, replace the rubber tip before it wears down

DRESS WARMLY – AVOID HYPOTHERMIA AND
FROSTBITE

Many seniors have trouble regulating their body temperatures and exposure to the cold temperatures leaves them vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite. Here are a couple of tips to help avoid these issues:

• Make sure you wear layers! Hats, gloves, scarves are a must to protect from the elements.
• Don’t stay outside too long. Prolonged exposure creates risk.

PREPARE YOUR CAR – CAREFUL ON THE ROADS

Winter time driving can become treacherous! Accidents in the winter mean more risk to those involved. Take the necessary precautions to help avoid accidents in the winter and if in the event you or a loved one experience an emergency, try these:

• Winterize your car with new tires, windshield wipers, and antifreeze
• Avoid driving on icy road
• Have a winter readiness kit in case of an emergency with blankets, first aid kit, roadside flares, shovel and kitty litter

CHECK YOUR ALARMS – AVOID FIRES

In an effort to keep warm, the chance of fire goes up in many people’s homes. Starting the fireplace and using space heaters cause numerous fires during the colder months. Take these safety measures to avoid the threat of fire:

• Test fire and carbon monoxide alarms
• Schedule an appointment to have a professional sweep your chimney to avoid chimney fires
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that is flammable

BE READY FOR POWER OUTAGES

In many parts of the country, high winds and ice knock out the power during the winter and for some it can take hours or even days to come back on. Prepare in advance in case of an emergency:

• Keep a flashlight and extra batteries nearby
• Make sure you have non-perishable food items accessible
• Have a battery-powered radio on hand to keep up with the news and any emergency updates

Download a copy of these Winter Safety Tips to keep on hand and keep safe during this season. Click Here.

Tech Gifts to Keep Seniors Independent

*Not an affiliated or sponsored post

Technology is a great way to keep seniors happy, healthy and home for life. With Christmas right around the corner, consider getting your favorite senior a tech gift that they’ll love, that will keep them connected to family, and keep them safe.

Smart Speaker

The Smart Speaker is an amazing tool for seniors. It allows them to utilize their voice to create lists, play music, check the weather, and even get medication and doctor appointment reminders. The Smart Speaker helps seniors keep track of their lives even when memory fails them.

Click here to purchase a Smart Speaker

Motion Sensor Lights

Did you know that many seniors fall at night because of the dark? They can’t see the trip hazards! Motion sensor lights are a must. These lights come on as soon as they detect motion within 10-feet. This is great to avoid hospital trips and to keep seniors safe.

Click here to purchase motion sensor lights

Apple Watch

Instead of worrying about who could be there for your loved one if they fall, get them an Apple Watch. The Apple Watch comes with “fall detection alerts” that you can have sent to you in case they fall. They are also able to contact an Emergency professional right from their watch instead of having to get to a phone.

Click here to purchase an Apple Watch

Facebook Portal

Do you live far away from your senior loved one? Send them a Facebook Portal. Many seniors use Facebook every day to post pictures and view photos from their families. Facebook Portal takes it to the next level. Video chat with them using this device. The Portal also helps to check who’s at the front door, listen to your favorite music, watch the news and more, hands-free.

Click here to purchase a Facebook Portal 

Smart Smoke Detector

Many seniors have a hard time hearing smoke detectors. In case of an emergency, using this smart smoke detector cuts down on the lag time. Receive cell phone alerts when smoke is detected. Nest Protect speaks up if there’s smoke or CO and tells you where it is, so you know what to do. It also lets you know if batteries run low. This keeps the smoke detector working in proper condition to keep your seniors safe.

Click here to purchase a Nest Smart Smoke Detector

Did you know that when you shop for the holidays at smile.amazon.com/ch/20-2308665, AmazonSmile donates to National Church Residences Foundation? Click this link to purchase your holiday gifts and give back at the same time.

Partnering With Atlanta Habitat for Humanity

Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and National Church Residences are partnering to offer additional services to Habitat’s Repair with Kindness program participants who are age 55 or older. These benefits can help them live independently and stay in their homes for life. The Repair with Kindness program helps qualified homeowners make critical home repairs that reduce health or safety hazards or improve weatherization for residents.

A National Church Residences Service Coordinator meets with homeowners identified by Habitat for Humanity and uses Care Guide to assess the needs of community seniors. This program is a great addition to what National Church Residences is doing in the building in Atlanta. This program enables us to reach those who may not live in our buildings but need help identifying services.

Many seniors prematurely enter nursing facilities because they are unaware of the services that are available to them or they have no one to assist them. Our Service Coordinator visits these residents in their homes and helps determine what each person needs. Recognizing that every person is unique, the Service Coordinator takes time to get to know the resident’s health and social needs. They then can arrange a variety of services, including Home Health, Legal Aid Referrals, Budgeting and Financial Literacy training, Emotion Support and more.

This partnership with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity allows us to extend our reach in the Greater Atlanta and surrounding communities, helping us to continue with our mission to enable seniors to stay home for life.

We want you to be a part of the National Church Residences mission. Feel free to leave a comment, suggest a topic, ask a question, or send an email to communications@nationalchurchresidences.org.

Tax Time: Avoid Common Errors

The time to file taxes for 2018 is just around the corner. If you’re preparing your own tax return, or tax return for your elderly mom or dad, here are some tips to avoid common errors.

1. Standard deduction for seniors. If you do not itemize your deductions, you can get a higher standard deduction amount if you and/or your spouse are 65 years old or older. You can get an even higher standard deduction amount if you or your spouse are blind.

2. Social Security benefits. Many seniors make mistakes when calculating the taxable amount of Social Security. Use the Social Security benefits worksheet on IRS Form 1040 and Form 1040A, and double- and even triple-check.

3. Credit for the Elderly or Disabled. To receive the Credit for the Elderly or Disabled, you must file using Form 1040 or Form 1040A (not Form 1040EZ). To quality for the credit, you must meet two qualifications: 1) you and/or your spouse are either 65 years or older, or under age 65 years old and are permanently blind, and 2) your income on Form 1040 line 38 is less than $17,500, $20,000 (married filing jointly and only one spouse qualifies), $25,000 (married filing jointly and both qualify), and $12,500 (married filing separately and lived apart from your spouse for the entire year). And, the non-taxable part of your Social Security or other nontaxable pensions, annuities or disability income is less than $5,000 (single, head of household, or qualifying window/er with dependent child); $5,000 (married filing jointly and only one spouse qualifies); $7,500 (married filing jointly and both qualify); or $3,750 (married filing separately and lived apart from your spouse the entire year).

4. Tax assistance programs. For seniors and others with low- to moderate-income, the IRS sponsors volunteer tax assistance programs to help people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $53,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age or older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.

With these tips in mind, you can help your aging mom or dad better navigate tax season. For more information, please visit www.irs.gov.

Fall Activities to Enjoy With Seniors

Pumpkins, crisp air, apples, football. Fall began last weekend. With September being #IntergenerationalMonth, it’s the perfect season to spend time with seniors. Consider these activities and share time with your loved ones:

Pumpkin Decorating

A great activity to do with seniors is decorating pumpkins. You can decorate by carving, painting or creating a special arrangement. Get creative with your loved ones or make it a contest to see who can make the best one.

Attend a Fall Festival

Fall festivals are a fun intergenerational activity. At a local festival, there’s something for everyone to do. Drink apple cider or eat fall flavored donuts. Go through a corn maze or watch live music. Find a local fall festival here.

Bake Fall Treats

What an amazing way to celebrate fall with your loved ones. Baking fall treats brings all smells and flavors of fall into your home. You can use inspiration from your visit to the fall festival or try one of these treats. 

Take A Walk

Taking a stroll through the woods is beautiful during the fall. Going for a walk allows you to bond with your seniors and hear stories from them. Walking is also good for heart health! Our residents at Inniswood Village live next to the gorgeous Inniswood Metro Park. These residents can invite their families to come and walk Chipmunk Trail with them and to enjoy the beauty of the fall foliage. Find a park near your community.

What are your favorite fall activities for your family? Leave a comment below!

 

We want you to be a part of the National Church Residences mission. Feel free to leave a comment, suggest a topic, ask a question, or send an email to communications@nationalchurchresidences.org.

Help Our Garden Grove Residents Recover from the Heartbreak of Flooding

While our prayers are with the families and first responders impacted by Hurricane Florence, the town of Manhattan, Kansas experienced its own devastating flooding due to recent torrential rains in the region.

Heavy rains caused a creek to burst its banks and flood the Kansas town of Manhattan, forcing more than 300 people to evacuate their homes, including some who were ferried to dry land in boats.

Nearly 9 inches (23 centimeters) of rain fell from Sunday night into Monday over Labor Day weekend, causing extensive flooding to National Church Residences Garden Grove senior affordable housing community. All of the residents were evacuated and moved to higher ground as the water on the first floor rose as high as three feet, which resulted in significant loss of personal possessions. It is estimated that it will take weeks to fully restore power to the region – and it could be even longer before these residents can return to their homes.

The average age of the 62 residents at Garden Grove is 70, and all have modest resources. Most are frail and suffer from one or more chronic conditions. They do not have the means to easily replace all that was lost, and insurance will only cover so much. Our residents need your help.

We are asking you to help us “Restock the Fridge” for the residents of Garden Grove. Your donation will provide food and personal care items to these residents once they are able to return to the building.

This simple gesture to restore a basic human need to these residents certainly will ease their worries as they begin to rebuild their lives.

Visit the Garden Grove Flood Relief crowdfunding page to start a fundraising campaign, or give now.

 

 

We want you to be a part of the National Church Residences mission. Feel free to leave a comment, suggest a topic, ask a question, or send an email to communications@nationalchurchresidences.org.

Bonding Through Intergenerational Activities

Quality time with multiple generations is beneficial for families. When children and young adults spend time with older adults and seniors, it can create a sense of bonding that strengthens families and provides benefits for both parties.

For children, intergeneration activities help build self-esteem, social skills, and happier, healthier attitudes about the future and aging adults. They gain the opportunity to hear stories from the elders in their family and gather wisdom beyond their years.

For seniors, these intergenerational activities create a sense of joy and fulfillment. Spending time with their children and grandchildren helps promote mental health and helps strengthen the body.

September is Intergenerational Month and it is a great time to begin to think about different activities that families can do together to strengthen intergenerational bonding.

Cooking

Cooking is a great way to bond with your loved ones. Discover a new recipe or share an old family recipe. By using cooking to bond, children gain new skills and older adults get the opportunity to continue to teach those younger.

Experience the Community

Every community is unique and has gems. By discovering these together, it creates memories for both the young and older. Visit the local library, take a class, go to a show (even a high school play!).

Music

Music is a timeless way to bond generations. Sharing music allows the younger generation to experience things that the older generation treasures. The experiences that we have with music transcends generations. Listening to songs that each one likes or playing instruments together is the perfect intergenerational activity.

Conversation

Sharing stories is important in bonding. The older generation gets the opportunity to share stories about their childhood and the things that they hold dear. These stories are great ways to capture memories as older ones may pass on.

At National Church Residences, we promote intergenerational activities with our seniors by partnering with the community and through our adult day programs. If you’d like to volunteer and get involved with our seniors, visit our website for more information.

 

We want you to be a part of the National Church Residences mission. Feel free to leave a comment, suggest a topic, ask a question, or send an email to communications@nationalchurchresidences.org.

 

Celebrating 100 Years

This week, one of our residents celebrates 100 years of life.

Anna Mae Gearhart was born on September 8, 1918, in Mt. Pleasant, PA. She has lived in the area all of her life. Anna Mae lost her husband when she was 50 years old and was left to work and raised her 12-year-old son. She worked at PNC Bank for 35 years as a teller. Anna Mae loved every minute of it. Many of the employees who still work there remember her sassy personality and kind heart. She would have kept working but she wanted to spend more time with her son and family.

In 2005, Anna Mae moved to Ridgeview Apartments where she lives independently.  Anna Mae is healthy and active. She just started using a rollator in the past year but only uses it when she feels like she most needs it or when her friends fuss at her to use it.   She still actively participates in resident council and most of the events at Ridgeview.

Anna Mae has a great community of friends. She enjoys spending time with them and going to McDonald’s for her favorite $1 Hamburger.  They take the bus once a week to the shopping mall or to the Eat N’ Park in Latrobe.  Anna Mae is still very lively and spry. The bus drivers have actually named a bus after her because of her strong spirit and determination to do everything on her own.

When asked what is the key to longevity she said, “happiness.”

At National Church Residences, we work hard to create communities where our residents can thrive and enjoy life. Our goal is to always keep residents, like Anna Mae, happy, healthy and Home for Life.

 

 

We want you to be a part of the National Church Residences mission. Feel free to leave a comment, suggest a topic, ask a question, or send an email to communications@nationalchurchresidences.org.

Debunking Affordable Housing

When most people hear the term affordable housing, they think high-rise projects in low income, run-down neighborhoods. There are so many negative stereotypes around what affordable housing is, who affordable housing helps, and if we even need to have affordable housing. At National Church Residences, it’s our goal not only to offer affordable housing, but to educate as many people as possible on what affordable housing is and how to make it a part of as many communities as possible.

Recently, Michelle Norris, National Church Residences Executive Vice President of External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, sat with Dr. Cody Price, Research Analyst at Office of Housing Policy to discuss the myths surrounding affordable housing and how to overcome them. Take a listen and learn more about what affordable is and what it is not.

 

We want you to be a part of the National Church Residences mission. Feel free to leave a comment, suggest a topic, ask a question, or send an email to communications@nationalchurchresidences.org.

Legacy Village Groundbreaking Ceremony

On Friday, August 10, the residents of Legacy Village and the community came together for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new apartments. The Xenia based campus is adding one- and two-bedroom market-rate apartments to meet the needs of seniors in the area.

The residents and the community enjoyed a bluegrass concert from Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, community tours, live remote radio from WBZI Real Roots Radio, and food from Gibbs Ole Tyme Hamburger Wagon, Purely Sweet Bakery and Young’s Dairy Ice Cream.

The campus where Legacy Village sits has a rich history. In 1869, the Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphans Home was established here. The home was commissioned by President Abraham Lincoln on land donated by Ohio Civil War soldiers – originally serving children who lost their fathers in the conflict. The community continued to grow and was operated as an orphanage for more than 100 years!

The groundbreaking ceremony included Matt Rule, Senior Vice President of Development for National Church Residences, Mayor of Xenia, Sarah Mays, President of Ruscilli Construction, Jim Cetovich, Amy Becker of Huntington National Bank, and Peggy Reynolds, special resident of Legacy Village.

Peggy Reynolds is a special part of the Legacy Village Community. She worked for the Ohio Soldiers and Sailors Home on campus for 20 years! Peggy worked at the Peter Pan House (K-5th Grade) in the Food Services Dept. until 1980 when she transferred to the main dining room, now called the Shindler Center. There, she worked her way up to a cook, and eventually a supervisor before retiring. Peggy was an important part of training the children in the foodservice industry, ensuring they were able to provide for themselves when they left the home.

The bustling community included a farm, hospital, residences, chapel, school and many other buildings. In 1978, the home’s name was changed to the Ohio Veterans’ Children’s Home and operated until the last graduating class received their high school diplomas 1996. Eventually, Legacy Village Retirement Center was built on the land in 2009.

The expansion of Legacy Village involves a new 51-unit independent living, senior mid-rise apartment building that will sit on 42 acres that housed the Ohio Veterans’ Children’s Home. The new three-story building will be connected to a one-story clubhouse with a common dining area, lounge and fitness room. These apartments will be available to middle-income seniors who are looking to become a part of this active campus while continuing to enjoy Xenia and the offerings of surrounding communities.

Construction for the new apartments is underway and is expected to be completed in about a year.

We want you to be a part of the National Church Residences mission. Feel free to leave a comment, suggest a topic, ask a question, or send an email to communications@nationalchurchresidences.org.