WHEN YOU KNOW A SENIOR

Do you know or are you becoming a senior citizen? It's evident that we will all be there some day and soon for others.
For the last 16 weeks we have been taking a course to learn what is in our county/community that is available for Senior citizens. A lot is actually available. Some that I did know about and some that I didn't know about. But, here are a few things that I have learnt that I would like to share with you.
1. When your loved one needs assistance, don't be ashamed, ask for it. Start with your doctor, friends, family and hospital. Can't get the info that you feel you need? Call your county commissioners, ambulance center or sheriff department. Yes, they know, after all, who picks up those who need help? Ambulance, and sheriff departments.
2. Visit the center several times, whether it be a nursing home, assisted living, or home care. Look for good signs and look for alarming signs. Alarming signs might include bells or buzzers ringing that aren't being checked on. That's someone who feels they need help, whether it be medical or just plain attention. Are people sitting or laying on a bed in the hallway? How long are they there? Is the area clean, smell good, how's the food, and are there real plants that produce oxygen and live pets? Notice how often people receive hydration? What do I mean by that? How often are they given a drink of water or juice?
Don't make just one visit and expect that you know everything. Does that center offer physical and occupational therapy? Nose around and see what that involves? Do they want your loved one to go home physically better than the way when they entered?
Ask what happens when Medicare stops? Will Medicare/Medicaid take care of all of the expenses?
Please be aware of as many things as you can think of because just maybe your loved one cannot!

Thanks for reading. I truly would love to know who you are and what you are thinking about gardening. Please take a few moments to contact me. I'd love to hear what you have to say! Your opinion counts with me!