Washington Home Care Association
The Washington Home Care Association was formed in 2005 to advance the field of Home Care in Washington State and support member home care agencies. WAHCA is the state chapter of the Home Care Association of America (HCAOA)
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Aging in place is becoming increasingly popular with adults as they grow in years, and it’s important that the right home modifications and caregiving services are put into place.
We love this article from Julia Weaver with tips of how senior care and home modifications can help adults age in place comfortably and safely.
You can see the full post here: https://www.redfin.com/blog/home-improvements-and-modifications-for-aging-in-place/
Thank you, Julia for sharing your article with us!
wahca · ·
The holiday season can be a difficult time for senior citizens. It can range from sadness over the loss of loved ones and friends to anxiety over not being able to purchase gifts for their families. Senior citizens in a nursing home or even in their own homes may not be able to leave and are saddened to miss out on traditions. Whatever your situation is, this guide will provide you and your family with tips on how you can celebrate the holidays together.
For many senior citizens, the holidays are not about receiving gifts, bur rather, being able to spend time with their family and friends. Schedule time with your family and friends for activities like attending church, getting together for a party, or simply going out to eat. For families with loved ones in a nursing home, talk to their healthcare provider to see if they can leave the facility. If not, plan a visit that could include decorating their room or exchanging gifts.
If you are not able to see your loved ones this holiday season, take advantage of technology if you are able to. Applications like FaceTime or Skype allow you to video chat with your family and friends. Email and texting are also great ways to stay connected with them. Family members can ensure their loved ones feel remembered during the season by sending them gifts or a catered meal on the holiday.
DailyCaring, LLC, a caregiver website, offers some excellent tips on how senior citizens can celebrate the holidays. Some suggestions include Christmas crafts like wreath making, board and card games, baking cookies, and sending holiday cards. Senior citizens interested in more physical activities may enjoy going to see holiday decorations or lights displays, as well as attending productions like A Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker.
A Place for Mom, a senior care website, also offers excellent tips on how senior citizens can enjoy the holidays with loved ones. They coined CHEER, a helpful acronym, to help families engage with their older relatives during the holiday season:
C stands for check on their well-being: Be sure to visit your loved one or check in often by phone.
H stands for help them stay engaged: Invite your loved one to holiday parties and assist them with activities such as shopping or decorating.
E stands for empower them to live independently: Many senior citizens still crave independence even if they require assistance with certain things. You can help them in obtaining a home health aide, meal delivery services, or a medical alert system.
E stands for enjoy your time together: Above all, make sure your loved one is having fun when you visit with them.
R stands for reminiscing with your loved one: Many senior citizens enjoy telling tales about the old days. Allow them to share fond memories of their favorite holiday traditions. If possible, pull out old family photo albums they can share with younger relatives.
Remember that the holidays bring out many emotions among all of us. Seniors have a lifetime full of memories and experiences that they reflect upon during the holiday season – it’s not too late to help them create new meaningful memories.
wahca · ·
Getting out and about is important for all seniors – especially those who require home care but are physically able to leave the home. Exploring new (or familiar) sites keeps the mind fresh and helps break the monotony that can arise. The state of Washington offers a wealth of museums for seniors, many of which offer discounted or free admission.
Here are some of the best museums in Washington State. Whether you love history, space, or art, you’re bound to find something that sparks your interest (and they all offer senior discounts!).
Burke Museum (Seattle)
Admission for seniors 65+ is $8
The first Thursday of every month is free from 10 AM-8 PM
Located on the University of Washington campus, this museum celebrates the natural history and culture of the state. Not everyone knows that the museum was built on ground belonging to the Native population of Washington. You can view fossils from the first dinosaur located in Washington and learn about the evolutionary work by Burke researchers. After visiting the museum, stick around the campus and view contemporary art at the Henry Art Gallery. Admission is only $1 with your Burke ticket purchase.
Chihuly Garden and Glass (Seattle)
Admission for seniors 65+ is $24
This unique attraction is home to a 4,500 square- foot glasshouse that features a 100-foot suspended glass sculpture. It also boasts eight galleries, three Drawing Walls, and an outdoor garden. You can also take a break from walking and visit the theater for glassblowing videos. You can also check out the Space Needle, which is located right next to Chihuly Garden and Glass.
Pacific Science Center (Seattle)
General admission for seniors 65+ is $21.95
The Pacific Science Center offers something for everyone. Your admission ticket gets you access to a planetarium that has daily shows. Exhibits include a butterfly house, an engineering Tinker Tank, and living exhibits with civilized seeds and mole rats. For animal lovers, there’s an outdoor tide pool with saltwater animals. Enjoy lunch in the newly renovated café after you tour the science center.
The Museum of Flight (Seattle)
Admission for seniors 65+ is $20
The first Thursday of every month is free from 5 PM-9 PM
The Museum of Flight is dedicated to all things air and space. You can view approximately 200 spacecraft and aircraft and numerous exhibits. The museum also has historical photographs and a library. For licensed pilots, the museum offers five aircraft parking spaces.
Spokane Valley Heritage Museum (Spokane)
Admission for seniors 55+ is $5
The Spokane Valley Heritage Museum brings to life the history of Spokane Valley and Washington. Period clothing, photographs, and artifacts are used to create exhibits. Once you tour the museum, you can step outside to the hands-on farming exhibit where you can learn how to pump water or make butter.
Northwest Museum Arts + Culture (Spokane)
Admission for seniors 65+ is $8
The Northwest Museum Arts + Culture celebrates Washington artists and culture. It features a Native American collection of items like baskets, cornhusk bags, clothing, and weapons. You can view an art collection of 2,000 pieces and read historical diaries and maps in the Ferris Research Archives. A tour of the Campbell House is included in your admission price on select days of the week.
Jundt Art Museum (Spokane)
Admission is free to everyone
The Jundt Art Museum is housed on Gonzaga University’s campus and holds approximately 5,000 pieces owned by the university. You can view works from Rembrandt and more contemporary artists like Andy Warhol. Also located in the museum is the Print Study Room, where you can view an electronic catalog of museum items. Complete your Gonzaga experience with a tour of Bing Crosby’s childhood home, which has free admission.
United States Naval Undersea Museum (Keyport)
Admission is free to everyone
The United States Naval Undersea Museum features everything from diving artifacts and submarine technology. Experience a sample submarine control room, an ocean exhibit, and submarine tours. The museum holds an interactive activity the first Saturday of every month, except for in the summer.
Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village (Eatonville)
Admission for seniors 61+ is $10
Step back in time with a visit to the Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village. The village is a reflection of life in the 1880s and an Ohop Indian village. The pioneer tour features authentic cabins and the opportunity to do everything from making wool and milking cows to scrubbing clothes and sawing wood. The Indian village tour is based on the season, with bow and arrow target practice in the spring and weaving in the winter.
Maryhill Museum of Art (Goldendale)
Admission for seniors 65+ is $10
Your admission ticket to the Maryhill Museum of Art also includes the museum gardens, outdoor grounds, and Stonehenge Memorial. The museum features rotating special exhibits, as well as a permanent collection with American Indian artifacts, pieces by Auguste Rodin, and historical chess sets.
wahca · ·
The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and spring is on its way. We all know that sunshine, exercise, and fresh air can do wonders for our health, fighting depression, mental degeneration, and all types of chronic disease. Seniors, in particular, should take advantage of these benefits and make good use of the warm weather while it’s here.
Outdoor activity is essential to staying healthy and happy, no matter your age. Get in touch with nature with these activities:
Exercise is beneficial for adults of all ages, but keeping active is particularly important for seniors who want to stay fit and mobile as they grow older. Consider these options:
Too many seniors stay isolated in their homes and miss out on great opportunities to socialize. And this socialization is important, particularly for those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The Alzheimer’s Association notes that regular socialization is one of the most important factors in improving a patient’s mental acuity. With that in mind, try these options:
Spring means spring cleaning. And according to a survey of U.S. adults, the hardest part about spring cleaning is just getting started. Don’t put it off another minute.