Retirement offers a unique opportunity for seniors to enrich their lives by exploring new passions, hobbies, and interests. However, in some cases, health challenges and mobility limitations can create barriers to pursuing these activities. In these situations, the experienced in-home senior care providers at Gentle Shepherd Home Care in Colorado Springs can help.Our caregivers understand the importance of fostering engagement and independence for seniors and strive to assist them in discovering and pursuing new hobbies and passions.7 Hobbies to ConsiderBelow, we will explore 7 hobbies that seniors should consider pursuing in retirement:Consider Past PassionsMany times, past passions can provide valuable clues to what may bring joy in the present. Consider activities enjoyed in the past. Is there a hobby that was once loved but never had the time to pursue fully? Revisiting these interests can reignite passions and provide a sense of familiarity in trying something new.Explore CreativityWhen it comes to creativity, there is no such thing as an ae limit. Consider pursuing artistic pursuits such as painting, photography, pottery, writing, and more. Many communities have a senior center that offers classes tailored to seniors, providing a supportive environment to nurture creative talents. In addition to providing mental stimulation, these activities also offer a therapeutic outlet for self-expression.Physical ActivitiesPhysical activity is critical for maintaining overall health and well-being, especially as we age. Consider exploring a variety of exercises that cater to personal interests and physical capabilities such as yoga, dancing, tai chi, swimming, and more. These activities can help seniors stay active and energized. In addition, group classes and/or clubs can foster a sense of camaraderie while staying fit.Volunteer ActivitiesVolunteering is a great way to give back to the community, while also staying socially engaged. Consider volunteering with organizations that align with personal interests and values. Regardless of passions, there are plenty of organizations within the community that are looking for volunteers. Volunteering offers a variety of benefits including providing a sense of purpose and fostering meaningful connections.Embrace LearningLearning should be a lifelong pursuit. Consider exploring educational opportunities such as attending lectures, joining discussion groups, enrolling in online courses, and more. In some cases, local community colleges and universities offer special programs for seniors to expand knowledge in areas ranging from history and literature to science and technology.Connect with NatureSpending time outdoors can provide a variety of physical and mental benefits. Consider connecting with nature through activities such as gardening, birdwatching, nature photography, and more. Check with the local community center to learn about nature clubs and organized outings to explore the local parks, botanical gardens, and trails with others who share the same passions.Cultivate Social ConnectionsBuilding and maintaining social connections through retirement is critical for overall well-being. Look for opportunities to connect with others who share the same passions. Join groups within the community that are tailored for seniors. In addition, consider attending community events, cultural activities, religious gatherings, and more to connect with others and forge meaningful relationships.How Gentle Shepherd Home Care Can Help Seniors Find New HobbiesThe in-home elderly care experts from Gentle Shepherd Home Care in Colorado Springs can help seniors find new hobbies. We understand that everyone is unique and take the time to get to know our clients to provide personalized support and companionship, as well as encouragement and motivation. In addition, we can help seniors research and access community programs, classes, and events that align with their interests. Contact us today to schedule your care assessment with one of our highly skilled caregivers.

When you or a loved one requires short-term rehabilitation after a hospital stay, finding the ideal center can be a challenging and time-consuming process. Selecting the right senior rehab facility is crucial to ensuring the best possible care and support during the recovery period. To help in making an informed choice, consider asking the following questions:Availability of Openings and Anticipated Discharges: Inquire about the facility's current availability for new patients and ask about anticipated discharges in the near future. This will give you insight into the center's capacity and when the rehabilitation program may begin.Insurance Coverage and Preapproval Process: Confirm that your insurance is accepted at the facility and learn about the steps required for coverage preapproval. The admissions staff should assist in determining if they are in-network for your insurance plan or help you find out.Staff Specialization: Inquire about the staff's proficiencies, particularly in areas like wound care and orthopedic treatment, which are generally considered standard aspects of care. Additionally, verify the facilitys accreditation from well-regarded organizations such as The Joint Commission (TJC) and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), among others, to ensure the facility adheres to established healthcare standards.Therapy Sessions and Patient Care: Inquire about the amount of therapy patients typically receive. While frequency and duration will, of course, vary based on individual care plans, you may wish to ask to get a general sense.Staff-to-Patient Ratio: Learn about the staff-to-patient ratio on each shift, including the number of Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Certified Nursing Assistants compared to the patient capacity. A lower ratio often indicates more personalized care.Treatment Team Members: Find out about the other professionals involved in the recovery process besides the nursing team. Will there be a physiatrist, respiratory therapist, or wound care team available to assist in the rehabilitation care plan?Essential Items and Amenities: Check which items should be brought from home and what amenities the facility provides. For instance, the center may suggest bringing sturdy shoes and layered clothing options, among other things.Involvement of Family in Care Planning: Inquire about dates and times for regularly scheduled care planning meetings. Involving loved ones in the care-planning process is important for effective rehabilitation. Outpatient Therapy and Post-Rehab Services: Find out if the facility offers outpatient therapy and inquire about their process for setting up in-home services if needed after the short-term rehab stay is complete. Understanding these options will help you plan for life after rehabilitation.Choosing the right short-term senior rehab center requires thorough research and careful consideration. By asking the above questions and assessing the facility's capabilities, you can ensure that you or your loved one receives the care and support needed for a successful recovery. Always take the time to visit the facility, meet the staff, and get a sense of the environment to make the most informed decision.(Sidebar):How Short-Term Rehab Makes a Difference Highly skilled and qualified staff members are available 24/7 to provide continuous medical check-ups following a hospital stay, reducing the likelihood of returning to the hospital. A dedicated team of therapists and nursing staff can create a comprehensive recovery plan that addresses each residents specific needs, capabilities, and health goals. Continuous care and monitoring encompassing physical therapy, pain management, and nutritional guidance can help prevent setbacks and ensure a faster recovery. Nurses and therapists work together to facilitate a smooth transition back to regular life helping patients regain their confidence and independence while safeguarding against potential risks. Families stay involved in their loved ones healing journey and remain well-informed about the medical status, challenges, and personalized care plans and routines, working with rehab specialists toward a successful recovery.Were here to help. We welcome the opportunity to provide you with information about Mary Ann Morse Outpatient & Short-Term Inpatient Rehabilitation Services or answer any questions. Contact us at 508-433-4400 and outpatient@maryannmorse.org, or visit us at Short-Term Rehabilitation | Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Center.

Most seniors today prefer to remain in their own home for as long as possible. They dont want to give up their independence by moving in with family or into an independent living facility. This is known as aging in place and can be a viable option for seniors who need little to no assistance with activities of daily living.In-home senior care services from Gentle Shepherd Home Care in Colorado Springs can make this possible. Our caregivers are trained to handle an array of elderly care services from companionship to meal prep to medication reminders to transportation and more.In this article, well explain some of the benefits of in-home care for independent seniors.Who Needs In-Home Care Services?Gentle Shepherd Home Care offers a variety of in-home care services for all ages and needs. However, most of the time, patients who need home care are elderly. If youre unsure if your loved one needs in-home care, consider the following questions:Does your elderly loved one hear the phone when it rings?Do they understand how to safely store food and toss it when it has gone bad?Are they able to cook and clean up after eating?Are they attending social/family gatherings?Can they do their own laundry?If the answer to any of these is no, your loved one may benefit from in-home care.4 Benefits of In-Home Senior CareWhile it can be difficult to accept, nearly everyone will require some type of assistance after the age of 65. If the thought of moving in with relatives or a nursing home/assisted living facility is unappealing for your loved one, in-home senior care can help them age in place.Four benefits of in-home senior care include:Household MaintenanceThere is a lot of work that goes into keeping a household running smoothly. Caregivers can help stay on top of household chores such as laundry, handyman services, housekeeping, and more. They may also help with financial and healthcare management, as well as appointments and financials.TransportationFor many seniors, transportation is an issue, especially at night. Unfortunately, public transportation is not always safe- especially for elderly people. However, one of the services offered by caregivers includes transportation.Personal CareMany seniors need assistance with activities of daily living including meal prep, bathing, dressing, and more. In-home senior care providers can be in the home to help with these activities.Health CareAging usually brings a variety of health concerns as well. Some caregivers are trained to help with these concerns including taking blood pressure, blood glucose readings, medication reminders, and more. Many times, health insurance will cover a portion of these services.Schedule Your Care Assessment TodayIf you believe that you or your loved one may benefit from elderly care services, schedule a no-obligation care assessment. Gentle Shepherd Home Care offers care services for all ages and needs. We can offer companionship for your loved one, and many of our caregivers are able to provide medical care as needed.