Lifestyles over 50 Blog

Project Lifesaver

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:40:05 +0000

There is a program that recently made its way to the Lehigh Valley that is literally a life saver. Its name appropriately is Project Lifesaver. It is designed for people susceptible to wandering due to Alzheimer’s, autism and similar conditions.

Brief History
The project started in 1999 by the Chesapeake Virginia Sheriff’s Office. At the end of 2006 Project Lifesaver was protecting people in over 570 communities in 40 states. To that date they had over 1400 rescues, with a search time of about 30 minutes. This compares to an average of 9 hours using traditional methods. As of 2008 there have been over 1800 successful rescues with 100% recovery. Read More…

Smart Shopping Online

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:35:22 +0000

It’s out there, it’s easy and, believe it or not, it saves you money. Online shopping is a booming business that has witnessed consumers spend more than $34 billion in 2007. While most people turn to online shopping for the sake of convenience, savvy shoppers have discovered that many retailers now offer savings for online purchases through the use of coupon codes. The key: finding the codes. Read More…

If It’s Free, It’s for Me

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:33:44 +0000

LVCVB (Lehigh County Visitors and Convention Bureau) put together a list of the most popular free attractions and events in Lehigh Valley to help residents on a budget explore this region we call home. (Some may charge a low fee - $5 or less per person.)
Please note: This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all things free in the region, but rather a list of highlights. Visit www.LehighValleyPA.org for additional options. Read More…

Basics of In-Home Care

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:30:55 +0000

Unlike other business models serving in-home care clients, professional in-home care providers put an emphasis on offering trained, fully screened, insured and bonded caregivers. Companies operating in this segment of the senior care industry range from organizations with a nationwide presence to locally-owned agencies. Professional in-home care providers can offer caregivers for as little as a few hours a week, when a family caregiver simply needs respite, to 24 hours a day.

Also known as “private duty home care agencies”, most professional in-home care businesses provide a wide range of services that are broken down into distinct categories: companion care and personal care. Read More…

Improving Quality of Life for Family Caregivers

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:25:19 +0000

When the entire baby boomer generation has reached retirement age in 2030, an astonishing number of families will have faced the challenge of providing care to an aging loved one.

Even today, caregivers are present in one of every five U.S. households and studies show that most often it is a family member that provides care. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, 83% of those providing care to seniors are unpaid individuals such as family members, friends, and neighbors. The demand for caregiving is only expected to increase as members of the boomer generation reaching retirement age grows steadily at a rate of two percent a year between now and 2030. Read More…

“Living Better for Less”

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:20:17 +0000

In response to our tough economic times, Penn State Cooperative Extension has developed a website called “Living Better for Less”. The website contains information, links to other resources, and a calendar of programs to assist people in achieving financial security. Read More…

Hobbies = Healthier, Happier Life

admin — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:21:55 +0000

While planning for retirement, most people imagine the many exciting ways they will spend their newfound time. Travel. hobbies, creative pursuits and other activities all sound appealing to a person looking forward to retirement. Elders who engage in these leisure activities often find greater focus and enjoyment in their lives, but the best part of the investment is that it may also contribute to a longer, healthier and happier life.

Research shows older adults who engage in hobbies, recreation and creative arts experience numerous benefits in physical and mental well-being. Happiness, longevity, physical function and improved cognition have all been linked to rewarding activities that are social, productive and creative. Different hobbies offer a variety of benefits, but any leisure activity is better than no activity at all.

Unsung Heroes Awards Ceremony

admin — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:08:03 +0000

The Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services will be holding its Ninth Annual Tribute to “Unsung Heroes” on May 20, 2009 at 1 PM in the Lehigh County Government Center. This award honors several people for their great work in the Lehigh Valley community.

A PowerPoint presentation of hero photographs, words of wisdom and / or personal philosophy of life is coordinated and projected while each of 15 winning essays is read to an audience of 100 or so attendees.

Each hero receives a certificate from the Office of Aging and Adult Services, as well as commendations from their respective state representative and state senator, some of whom attend the event.

County Executive Don Cunningham and a member of the Commissioner’s Board wil be asked to hand out the certificates and commendations. This is a media covered event that usually runs about 2 hours.

Need to get CEUs or Alzheimer’s training hours?

admin — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:01:42 +0000

The Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Direct Care Workers Association CAN HELP!

The Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Direct Care Workers Association proudly offers a low-cost half-day Alzheimer’s conference on April 17th for direct care workers.

We will cover:

Introduction and Overview of Alzheimer’s
Disease and Related Dementias
Tools for Diagnosis
Behaviors and Communications
Activities for Daily Living

Contact Cori Rolón at (610) 807?5742 or corir@unitedwayglv.org

Spring Education Series

admin — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:56:09 +0000

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and the Lehigh Valley Aging in Place Coalition will be hosting a Spring Education Series for the community of older adults. It will be held at Good Shepherd on South 4th St. in Allentown. They will be held on April 20, May 18 and June 15 and the topics will include various aging in place themes. For more information contact Lehigh Valley Aging in Place member, Jeff Tintle, at 610-762-9011.