When to Consider Moving Your Elderly Relative to a Residential Home

Many seniors would rather spend the rest of their days at home than within a residential home. However, for yoursenior’s health, it is not always the right decision to stay living independently. As such, if you are struggling with the decision of whether to move your elderly person into a residential home, here is when you should consider rethinking theirliving options again. 

• When They Are Struggling to Stay Independent 

One of the greatest reasons why people decide to move into a residential home is because they are struggling to stay independent. If you have modified their house and still find that they are finding it difficult to complete simple tasks, such as washing, cooking and cleaning, you should consider whether it is the right time to sell their home. This is especially the case if they do not have the extra support they need from friends or relatives, or if they have started to need more constant support than home help can offer you. However, first, you might investigate home adaptations such as stair lifts that could allow your senior to stay put. 

• When Their Health is Declining 

As your senior gets older, they may begin to develop more health issues that may make it hard for them to live well and enjoy life. As such, if their health is impacting their mobility and cognitive function, you should consider whether it might be time to move them into a residential home. This is especially the case if their health is expected to worsen or if the nursing home in question has expert staff and facilities that could help them to live alongside their health issue, such as dementia care. As such, if their health is buckling, you should consider looking at the nursing homes near you. For instance, at bailyhouse.co.uk, they can offer your loved onespacious and modern rooms with en-suites that can give them the facilities that they need to thrive while offering themsupport for their health condition. This will then ensure that you do not have to constantly worry about the decline of their health and how they can handle this at home. Before you do this, though, you might look into home alarms and other devices that could improve their health and help them to look after it at home. 

• When Their Home Has Become Dangerous 

Sometimes, the home that they love and have always felt safe in can start to become dangerous to your senior. This is especially the case if they have a condition such as dementia. For instance, you might start to find that they have more slip-and-fall accidents, or that they trip more easily on rugs and on your stairs. As such, if their home has started to present hazards to them and if you have started to worry about their safety when living at home, you should consider looking at residential homes that have been designed specifically with seniors and those with health conditions in mind. In these homes, they will also be able to get instant medical care if they find that they slip or have an accident.

Photo Credit

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-black-jacket-wearing-black-headphones-3831645/

Books I've Read So Far In 2023

 

All but one book was from the Amazon First Reads thanks to being part of Amazon Prime.

The Seat Filler by Sariah Wilson

Synopsis:

The movie star and the dog groomer are one kiss away from the perfect love story. That’s the hiccup in a warm and witty romance by the bestselling author of Roommaid.

The 411:

Movie Star Noah and dog groomer Juliet meet at an awards show where she is a seat filler and he is her childhood crush. She tells him she has never heard of him because she sees him as pompous. I loved the characters and couldn't wait to get back to reading when I wasn't. 

I loved the way they met and how she was every girl getting to live out her dream of meeting and having her star crush fall in love with her. I enjoyed how they got to know each other. It's a fairytale romance and I was 100% there for it. 

There were times I had to remind myself that the main characters weren't teens. The conversation seemed juvenile at times. 

A Year At The French Farmhouse by Gillian Harvey

Synopsis:

Escape to France with this warm, witty romantic read.

The 411:

When Lily gets let go from her 10 year position, she sees it as an opportunity to move to France. She and her husband have talked about it for years so why not go a little early? There is only one problem, her husband never intended on going. 

She buys a house sight unseen while drunk and surprises herself and him the next morning. He decides not to go and she decides it is now or never. 

She renovates the house, makes friends and gets slowly past the fact that her husband had lied to her for years but is this really what she needs?

I loved the first few chapters and was very invested in it. The separation seemed so selfish to me at times. I felt like they gave up on each other so quickly. The French parts that I couldn't read and had to skip over annoyed me. I hate skipping but I refuse to attempt any other language. I was thinking okay, just get through this book but then things changed!!!! I really enjoyed the main character's rebirth and ability to change her life even though it wasn't what she originally wanted and was swamped with roadblocks at every turn. She just kept her head up and kept doing what she intended making it work for her.

While the ending was expected but there were times, I thought I was wrong which kept me reading (a sign of a good author).

Loved it!

Movie Star by Jessica Simpson

Synopsis

A short and true story about a world-famous actor and a fantasy Hollywood romance gone wrong by Jessica Simpson, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Open Book.

The 411:

A short, true story Jessica Simpson and how her Hollywood and the actors we all swoon over really aren't worthy. 

At the end of her marriage to Nick the first man she ever loved Jessica wonders who she is. It was a fun read watching her figure out what she wants from herself and her relationships. It was funny and confessional. I was riveted and wish there was more.  I have since read that the man she discusses was Mark Wahlberg but I don't know. Interesting anyway.

The Chemistry of Love by Sariah Wilson

Synopsis:

True love requires a little research and development in a funny, heart-racing romance by Sariah Wilson, the bestselling author of The Paid Bridesmaid.

The 411:

Anna is a budding cosmetic chemist and in love with her boss Craig. She is bursting with good ideas all which are shot down by her manager. She quits because Craig tells her that there is no fraternizing on the job and she wants to woo him and get him to love her and her ideas. 

Anna is a nerd and I loved her. She invites herself to the company party to approach her crush. His engagement announcement sends her running for the nearest bathroom to sob where she meets Craig's brother and CEO of the company Mark.  She and Mark decide to start a fake romance to help her get Craig and the story starts!

You complete know that these two will end up together but that's fine I was still invested. As I got to know the characters I wondered what Mark saw in Anna and what Anna saw in Craig but it works. 

I enjoyed all the chemistry talk as Anna describes what her body is feeling and enjoyed all the pop culture references. Fun Read!

Twisted Love by Ana Huang

Synopsis:

He has a heart of ice...but for her, he'd burn the world.

The 411:

I was told I had to read this by a friend and that I would want to read the whole series. I didn't have that same feeling. 

Ava's brother asks his friend Alex to watch her while he is away. She has had a crush on him for years so you already know where this is going. He is an attractive, wild, icy man who no one will mess with. The woman want him and men are afraid of him. 

I would have preferred the sexual tension to be drawn out longer. The characters were good but I hated to relationship. Ava and her friends were what every girl should have in her life I just wish she leaned on them more than Alex. Their 0-100 emotional feelings was too quick but perhaps I am not the demographic. I really liked their banter and how you can see they know each other for a long time but hated the possessive alpha "you touched what is mine" bullshit. 

Alex tells Ava he hates everything but her bothered me. Why is her brother even friends with this guy? He is toxic. 

At times it was really cheesy, then redeemed itself then cringy. I had many emotions but none were what the book intended. The silly little mystery twist made me crazy, the plot was cliche and the romance totally toxic, Ava needs therapy and Alex is a psycho she should stay far away from but I'm old. Maybe if I had read this book in my 30s I would have loved it because a lot of people do.

The Bookstore Sisters by Alice Hoffman

Synopsis

An Amazon Charts bestseller

From New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman comes a heartfelt short story about family, independence, and finding your place in the world.

The 411

Short story and flowed nicely. Isabel and Sophie have been estranged for years. Sophie's is a widow with a daughter and struggling to keep the family bookstore afloat. Isabel is living life in the city and finds herself suddenly single. She receives a letter from her niece calling her home. Will it be forever?

It was a sweet story. I loved it. Two estranged sisters. One niece! A dog! A Bookstore. How could this not work?! Loved it!

Mothered by Zoje Stage

Synopsis:

From the USA Today bestselling author of the international sensation Baby Teeth comes a claustrophobic psychological thriller about one woman’s nightmarish spiral while quarantined with her mother.

The 411:

Pandemic story about a daughter, Grace and her Mother Jackie forced to shelter down. Jackie is alone after her husband dies and Grace is struggling to pay the bills. She has loved her independence and taking mom in will be difficult. Grace had a twin who was severely disabled and has many nightmares about her and her mother. She never felt love, had a manipulative sister and a traumatic childhood. Things aren't easy for Grace and about to get harder.

Grace has a secret. She catfishes people as a hobby feeling like she is helping others. Jackie has secrets too! 

The book was interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great premise. Had me guessing and uneasy throughout the book. Twists and turns! Recommend. 

Five Winters by Kitty Johnson

The 411:

Beth has a crush on her best friend's brother Mark since she was 12. She has been part of their family since losing her parents at a young age. Now at 35 and single at Mark's wedding to Grace she meets Jaimie. Her age is weighing on her as she has always wanted kids and Jaimie is nice and has two daughters. He also doesn't want any more kids.

Beth, Mark and Rosie (Beth's best friend and Mark's sister) are likeable. We get to know all the characters in the span of 5 years. I couldn't see what Mark saw in Grace. I didn't like how mean Grace was to Beth knowing they are like family. Once again I am left wondering what anyone sees in anyone. Mark likes Grace who is an obvious bitch and Beth likes Mark who is obviously flawed because he likes Grace. Meh!

The book was a quick read. Enjoyable even though I wanted to slap Beth once in a while for not standing up for herself to Grace but I loved that she knew what she wanted and left Jaimie deciding that she wanted children. 

In the end it was predictable but enjoyed learning about each character over the years. 

Journaling Journey Process #journalinspiration #artjournal #journalspread.

My journaling process this year is part prompt writing, part feeling, part memories and part art and I am loving it!

I have viewed so many amazing journaling writers, artists and sticker enthusiasts for years and have wanted to do what they do. We all have our own idea of what journaling is. I use a calendar book which is part calendar, to do lists, journal and scrapbook but I also use another journal where I write about my thoughts, use prompts, add stickers, and paper, and whatever else my heart feels. There is also a book journal where I keep track of what I am reading but that is not a daily journal. I wish!

While I have a long way to go before I get to where I really want to be, I am happy with how yesterdays pages turned out. 

Why and How Men Could Benefit Their Families With Their Masculine Strengths

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Why and How Men Could Benefit Their Families With Their Masculine Strengths 

 

New York, Feb. 9, 2023 — Contrary to popular belief, men aren’t immune to feeling insecure, inadequate or confused, notes psychologist and couples therapist Hagai Avisar. “Lost for answers,” he says, “men often feel disempowered. Their loss of power breeds anger and avoidance, which commonly harm relationships.” In response to this trend, Avisar wrote The Good Husband: How To Use Your Masculine Strengths To Benefit Your Family.

 

“Your reputation as a man may have been under cultural attack in recent times, but what I witness in my professional and personal life is a very different picture — men who are highly committed to their children and wives,” Avisar writes in the introduction to his book, speaking directly to his male audience. 

 

In The Good Husband, Avisar illustrates how men can take inspiration from four ancient masculine archetypes: King, Lover, Magician and Warrior. He explains how each of these roles serves to meet the needs of family members. The guidance in this book is based on state-of-the-art couples therapy, relationship research and Avisar’s extensive experience with couples. 

 

The book explores topics such as: 

 

- Gender differences and masculine strengths 

- Managing conflicts

- Developing and maintaining family values

- Empathizing with your wife

- Fatherhood 

- And much, much more

 

Included are simple exercises to help readers put Avisar’s guide into practice.

 

“The book inspires men to be their best as husbands and fathers,” Avisar adds. “It’s a win-win approach for men and women, and ultimately a win for their children.”

 

About the Author

Hagai Avisar is an Israeli-born psychologist and couples therapist who has been in practice since 1987. He moved from Israel to Melbourne, Australia, with his Aussie wife and two kids in 1997. With his passion to support young families, Avisar has specialized over the years in helping couples with their relationship issues. As an enthusiastic educator and therapist, he provides unique perspectives and effective solutions through counseling and workshops.

 

In recent years, Avisar has developed an interest in helping men with their relationships. Seeing countless men struggling to find their voice and place in their families, and the negative impact on their children and wives, Avisar set out to strengthen their role as men in the family.

 

Avisar has initiated and supported various social projects for families. As an adoptive parent himself, he set up the adoptive families network in Israel for parents who raise children of Ethiopian origin.

 

For more information, visit https://thegoodhusband.online/relationship-book-for-men/ or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodHusband.online. To connect with the author, use the email hagaiavisar@gmail.com.

 

The Good Husband: How To Use Your Masculine Strengths To Benefit Your Family

ISBN-10: ‎ 0646857258

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0646857251

Available from Amazon.com

 

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Title The Benefits of Regular Housekeeping Services

Cleaning your home can be a big job, but hiring professionals can help make it easier and less stressful. If you're thinking about hiring a housekeeping service, read on to learn more about the benefits.

Clean spaces are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also offer many health benefits. A professional cleaner can eliminate germs and bacteria from your home, helping you avoid getting sick.

Peace of Mind

One of the most significant benefits of regular housekeeping services is peace of mind. When you have a clean home, you can feel confident that your family is safe and that nothing terrible will happen to them.

Another benefit is that it reduces your risk of pests. Cockroaches and other rodents thrive in dirty homes, so a professional cleaning service can help prevent these creatures from occupying your home.

Peace of mind is a mental state freeing you from worry and anxiety. It can be challenging to achieve, but it is possible. You may need to work hard, but the rewards are well worth it.

Reduce Stress

Stress is a known factor in heart disease, auto-immune disorders, digestive problems and mental health. Reducing this stress by outsourcing some household duties to a professional is a win-win for the entire family.

A clean home has been linked to improved mood, healthier sleep and overall well-being. A clean home is also a good deterrent against pests and can help alleviate allergies and respiratory conditions in household members.

A tidy and organized living space is the best way to reduce stress. A professional can put a clear and concise plan into action that will reduce clutter and make life simpler for the owner. The right company will be able to provide all the cleaning services you need, from vacuuming and dusting to mopping and scrubbing the floors.

Get Organized

Having a clean and organized house can make your life easier. A tidy space frees up your time to focus on more important things, such as spending quality time with your family.

The best way to organize your belongings is to figure out what items you use daily and store them in places that make sense. This will save you both space and time if you're looking for a sure thing at the last minute.

One of the most efficient and effective ways to accomplish this task is by making a list of what you need to do, such as purge junky knickknacks and organize your closets. This will also save you time in the long run if you must go back and redo the task later.

Deter Pests

The more often you clean your home; the less likely pests will be to invade. This includes cleaning floors, wiping down countertops, and sweeping kitchens.

However, if you only focus on cleaning your home, many areas may need to be noticed or thoroughly cleaned. For example, if you sweep your floor but leave crumbs behind, these can become food for pests such as ants and cockroaches.

This means you need to develop a routine for regular housekeeping tasks. These should include daily and weekly cleaning of the most common areas where pests are most likely to be found.

Avoid Getting Sick

Getting sick can be a debilitating experience. You'll spend lots of time in bed, you'll have to take paid leave from work, and you may have to pay for treatment through your medical insurance.

Keeping your home clean can help you avoid getting sick by preventing the spread of germs and bacteria. For example, you should always disinfect light switches and door knobs to minimize the chances that germs are transferred from one person to another.

Keeping your house clean can also prevent allergies by reducing allergens like dust, pollen and pet dander from accumulating in corners and crevices. These allergens can trigger allergy symptoms and increase your risk of respiratory infections, causing you to miss out on your daily activities and reduce productivity.

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