Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals are taking extra precaution while sanitizing their homes or workplaces. The virus can live on surfaces in your home for multiple days, making the spread of it more likely. Unfortunately for older adults, the risk of contracting the coronavirus and experiencing the severe symptoms of it becomes exponentially more likely as you age. Therefore, elders’ homes should be decontaminated daily to ensure the health of both the resident [...]

Let’s begin with a reality check - and the unfortunate truth for many of those living with dementia - the majority of care is typically done by non-professional caregivers such as family and friends. This, along with the overwhelming complexity of the disease, can cause worry and anxiety for whoever is responsible.  Dementia Care: A labor of love. A unique challenge. Far too often, we see that caring for someone with dementia is [...]

Home to Stay would like to share this informational article written by Gary Skole, founder of AlzBetter, on May 12, 2020. We are proud to be an exclusive South Jersey partner of AlzBetter. Can small steps produce big results in dementia care? Let’s begin with a reality check: for many of those living with dementia, the bulk of the care and attention has traditionally been delivered by informal caregivers such as families and [...]

As we practice social distancing, day-to-day activities are now hindered and your isolated elderly loved ones may notice a decrease in daily movement and exercise. This is not only affecting their physical and mental health, but can also lead to more serious long-term issues. Exercising can help boost their energy, maintain a healthy weight, protect their heart, and reduce the impact of chronic illness and disease. It can also improve their mood and [...]

If your loved one is social distancing, game time can be a little more challenging. You may want to consider dropping off a care package that has activities and games that they can do on their own, such as adult coloring books, jigsaw puzzles, word puzzles, or Sudoku (make sure the activities/games are the appropriate cognitive level for your loved one). These games will not only help pass the time, but it will [...]

With schools being out and many parents working virtually from home, a new routine is being created for families. Not only has your day-to-day activities been interrupted, but keeping kids occupied all day and night can be tiresome. How about hosting a "story time" for loved ones? Each week, consider setting up virtual calls where your children can read or share stories with your parents, grandparents, or great aunts and uncles. This will not [...]

Over the last few years, smartphones have become very popular among senior citizens. The challenge is making sure they know how to use the phones correctly, especially now when we are unable to be with them. Some seniors are familiar with video chat apps, such as FaceTime. Another platform they may not be familiar with is Zoom. Zoom is currently offering a free account that allows video calls with multiple different family members at once. [...]

Did you know that there are apps that allow you to create signup blocks or windows for events? For instance, you can create an account on a tool like SignUpGenius and pick certain days of the week and time blocks within those days to do things like arranging meal drop-offs or arranging phone conversations. If you or your loved one is currently social distancing or in social isolation, consider creating a SignUpGenius for [...]

April 6, 2020 Dear Friend of Home to Stay: We hope you and your family are doing well in these unprecedented times we find ourselves in together. In addition to everyone being in this together - we ARE really in this together - being on the front lines of providing essential services to seniors in Southern New Jersey. No one knows what the future holds but I think it is safe to say [...]

We have become so accustomed to text messages and phone calls as our primary way of communication to wish a friend happy birthday or to simply say hello. Most seniors can recall a time when receiving letters in the mail was commonplace. Perhaps it was a love letter, a letter home from a soldier, or one from a friend a few towns over. Over the next few weeks we encourage you to become [...]