The Healing Power of Service

Author

Grace Pointe

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Grace Pointe

Posted on

Sep 14, 2009

Book/Edition

Colorado - Northern Colorado

Volunteering has long helped to rebuild communities and solve serious social problems. Often it is money or other items that are needed and at other times it is simply our time that is requested. Did you know that giving of your time and talents can also improve your physical and mental health? Its a fact! Why does volunteering improve the wellbeing of the volunteer? It is primarily because it helps grow your social network. People with strong social supports have lower premature death rates, less heart disease, and fewer health risk factors.

Medical and scientific documentation also supports that volunteering can improve your self-esteem, enhance immune systems, buffer the impact of stress and combat isolation. This is especially true for older adults. As we journey through life, our experiences and knowledge make us highly skilled for volunteering in a myriad of circumstances. Volunteering puts people into highly social situations, increasing the opportunity for close personal relationships. It is a chance to participate in fulfilling activities that can make a difference in the lives of others. Older adults who volunteer feel a sense of community inclusion. This inclusion helps guard against stress and illness. Studies report that older adult volunteers live longer than non-volunteers.

Volunteering is a Win-Win for everyone! When caring through volunteering you tap into your healing powers for all who share the same road. Many times, what is most needed is for someone to listen and understand. We can all do this - - and will reap unexpected health benefits. The place to look for ready opportunities is the senior care community in your neighborhood. You can bring a talent or simply an interest in being with a wise elder. In a residential care community some volunteer opportunities might be; serving coffee in the dining room for breakfast before you go to work; bringing in your slides or video of a recent trip to share; starting a book club where you read a few chapters aloud in a group each week; bringing your grandchild's kindergarten class to visit and create an art project with the residents; sharing a bouquet from your garden; showing and sharing your treasures such as a collection of old Cappers Weekly newspapers or some vintage clothing from your mothers mother and on and on. . . . . This is a place where you are sure to touch lives, simply by being there!

Get Fit!! Volunteer! Your heart and your new friends in the neighborhood . . . . . will thank you for it.

a Submitted by Grace Pointe Continuing Care Senior Campus: 970-304-1919

Other Articles You May Like

Recognizing Caregiver Burnout: Signs and Prevention

Caregiver burnout is a topic not often spoken about, yet it's prevalent and impacts the lives of many. As we commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to bring this issue to the forefront, recognizing its signs and learning ways to prevent it.  What Is Caregiver Burnout?Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience filled with love and moments of connection. However, the constant demands and emotional strain can lead to caregiver burnout. This state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion can significantly impact the well-being of both the caregiver and the person they care for. Spotting the Signs of BurnoutCaregiver burnout often creeps in gradually. Here are some key signs to watch out for:Physical Exhaustion: Feeling constantly tired, experiencing difficulty sleeping, or being more susceptible to illness.Emotional Drain: Feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, hopeless, or anxious. You might become easily irritated or withdraw from social interaction.Neglecting Self-Care: Skipping meals, neglecting personal hygiene, or losing interest in hobbies are all signs that your own needs are falling by the wayside.Changes in Behavior: Increased anger, impatience, or a sense of detachment from the person you're caring for.Prevention Strategies for Caregiver BurnoutCaring for a loved one is a noble act, but it can also be emotionally and physically demanding. To avoid burnout and ensure a sustainable caregiving journey, here are some key prevention strategies:Set Boundaries: Saying "no" is okay! Communicate limits to family, friends, and the person you care for. This allows quality care without sacrificing your well-being.Build Your Support System: You're not alone! Seek help from family, friends, support groups, or professional services. Sharing the load reduces overwhelm.Prioritize Yourself: A healthy you is a better caregiver! Eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep. Schedule activities you enjoy. A healthy caregiver has the energy and resilience for quality care.Senior Helpers Fort Collins Can Help Prevent Caregiver BurnoutAt Senior Helpers Fort Collins, we understand the complexities of caregiving. We offer a range of services designed to ease caregivers' daily burdens. These can help caregivers find a balance, prevent the onset of burnout, and ensure they continue to give their best while also taking care of their well-being.Whether you are in Fort Collins, Englewood, Littleton, Estes Park, or Longmont, our team of dedicated professionals is here to support you. Whether you are already struggling with symptoms of burnout or you want to prevent it from setting in, contact us to learn more 970-298-4545.

Senior Bone Health: Vitamin D Benefits

As we age, maintaining bone health becomes increasingly crucial, helping to ensure mobility, independence, and a high quality of life. A key player in this aspect of our well-being is vitamin Doften dubbed the 'sunshine vitamin.' This essential nutrient plays an indispensable role in maintaining bone density and aiding calcium absorption, ensuring our bones stay strong and healthy. All About Vitamin DVitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, is a powerhouse essential for many bodily functions. Its most crucial task involves promoting calcium absorption in the gut and maintaining adequate calcium and phosphate concentrations in the body. These actions ensure the normal mineralization of bones. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become brittle, thin, or misshapen. How Vitamin D Prevents Osteoporosis and FracturesOsteoporosis is a serious problem for many seniors. It's characterized by a decrease in bone density, leading to fragile bones and an increased risk of fractures. Thankfully, vitamin D can serve as an effective prevention tool. Regular vitamin D intake helps maintain bone density, reducing the risk of fractures and slowing the progression of osteoporosis. Of course, always consult with your doctor if you're looking for ways to prevent osteoporosis and other health issues. Sources of Vitamin DSo, where can you get this essential vitamin? Our body produces vitamin D naturally when exposed to sunlight. For seniors, a daily exposure to the sun of 15-20 minutes can significantly aid in vitamin D production. Of course, one must ensure safe sun practices, like wearing a hat, protective clothing, and sunscreen on exposed skin to avoid sunburns.Dietary sources offer another avenue of vitamin D intake. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, fortified dairy products, egg yolks, and beef liver are rich in vitamin D. Incorporating these into your daily diet can significantly contribute to maintaining your vitamin D levels.The Importance of Regular Vitamin D Intake What happens when the body doesn't get enough vitamin D? Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone abnormalities such as soft bones (osteomalacia) or fragile bones (osteoporosis). It's vital, especially for seniors, to regularly monitor vitamin D levels and maintain adequate intake to prevent such health challenges. Regular screenings, a balanced diet, and safe sun exposure can help ensure you're getting enough of this crucial vitamin. Of course, talk to your healthcare provider about any major changes to your diet or supplements you're taking. Senior Helpers Provides Essential Care for SeniorsAt Senior Helpers Fort Collins, we understand the importance of bone health for seniors and are committed to providing services that enhance the lives of our clients. Whether you live in Fort Collins, Englewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, or Longmont, we are here to support you on your health journey. We can offer assistance with meal prep, help seniors keep up with their dietary requirements, or offer companionship services that can enhance seniors' quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you or your loved ones in maintaining a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle.

Protecting and Keeping Assets Within your Family

What about those greedy relatives?Remember the Baudelaire children from our previous Legal Brief about Lemony Snickets A Series of Unfortunate Events? Lets look at another way parents with children of any age can protect their legacy.In Lemony Snickets tale the Baudelaire children are left with a significant family fortune when their parents die. Their uncle hopes to gain access to this vast fortune by taking in the children. When that does not work he tries to marry Violet, the oldest daughter, so he can access the family wealth. Hopefully your relatives are not awful like Count Olaf; yet, sometimes you only find out who people truly are after someone passes away. So, what is the estate planning remedy for greedy relatives or even your childs questionable spouse?Trust planning.Trust planning ensures your family fortune, no matter the amount, stays with your children; not in the hands of a greedy relative, in-law, creditor, or even used in an unintended manner by your children.There are many ways to write trusts to ensure your wishes are met. The general starting point for trust planning is a revocable living trust. When properly funded, this type of trust allows trust assets to pass directly to beneficiaries bypassing the probate process. Bypassing probate also keeps your wishes private. Additionally, if a surviving spouse remarries a revocable living trust can be built to keep existing family assets within the family. The surviving spouse can access assets but when they pass away trust assets continue down to your children and grandchildren instead of going to an unintended beneficiary.More specific concerns?Maybe you have a child with a disability? Consider a special needs trust. A special needs trust prevents a large lump sum from an inheritance going directly to a beneficiary. Instead, a trustee manages the trust and assets. Money is given on an as needed basis for anything not provided through other benefits or programs. This can be especially useful when needs based programming covers only the minimum services. This specialized trust allows you to protect and provide for your loved ones with special needs and circumstances when you are no longer able to do so, while still allowing them to maintain their other benefits.Is one of your children caught up in drugs or debt? Consider a heritage trust. A heritage trust could help in Violets situation with her uncle or if some other gold-digger comes along and tries to marry her for the family fortune. How? Heritage trust planning allows you to name a trustee who can manage trust assets. This person or institution provides the beneficiary with funds for reasonable requests (e.g., housing, education, etc.). The trustee acts as a gatekeeper. Trust assets pass from your child to grandchildren or other beneficiaries. This shelters trust assets, keeping them within your family or named beneficiaries for multiple generations. Trust assets are also protected from creditors, lawsuits, and from spouses or others not directly named as beneficiaries.What exactly is a trustee?Your trustee is the person who manages and distributes trust assets after your passing. As with any decision regarding finances, choose your trustee carefully. Appoint someone to this role who you will take their responsibility seriously. Someone you trust to carry out your wishes and manage trust assets wisely. Allowing assets to grow and benefit your family members for years to come.Remember: trusts do not go through the probate process like a will, so your decisions remain private. Give yourself peace of mind today by taking care of your estate planning with Stone Law! Make your guardianship wishes known in your will and put together trust planning to ensure your assets go where you want them to.

Local Services By This Author

Grace Pointe

Skilled Nursing 1919 68th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado, 80634

Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado, sets the standard for excellence in skilled nursing and rehabilitation services within our esteemed Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). With a commitment to compassionate care, personalized attention, and state-of-the-art facilities, we provide residents with the support they need to recover, rehabilitate, and thrive.Our Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at Grace Pointe is staffed by a team of dedicated healthcare professionals who are passionate about providing the highest quality care to our residents. From registered nurses and licensed therapists to certified nursing assistants and social workers, our interdisciplinary team works collaboratively to develop personalized care plans tailored to each resident's unique needs and goals.At Grace Pointe, we understand that rehabilitation is a journey, and we're here to support residents every step of the way. Whether recovering from surgery, injury, or illness, our comprehensive rehabilitation services are designed to help residents regain strength, mobility, and independence. With a focus on evidence-based therapies and cutting-edge techniques, we provide residents with the tools they need to achieve their highest level of functioning and quality of life.Our Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center features state-of-the-art amenities and facilities to support residents on their journey to recovery. From spacious therapy gyms and rehabilitation rooms to private accommodations and comfortable common areas, we provide a warm and inviting environment where residents can focus on their rehabilitation in comfort and privacy.As part of our CCRC, Grace Pointe offers the assurance of knowing that residents have access to a full continuum of care services, should their needs change over time. From skilled nursing to assisted living, memory care, and independent living, our community provides seamless transitions and comprehensive support, allowing residents to age in place with confidence and peace of mind.Health and wellness are top priorities at Grace Pointe. Our skilled nursing and rehabilitation services are complemented by a range of amenities and programs designed to support residents' overall well-being. From nutritious dining options prepared by our talented culinary team to wellness programs, social activities, and spiritual care services, we provide the resources and support our residents need to thrive.Our compassionate caregivers are at the heart of everything we do at Grace Pointe. With a commitment to person-centered care and dignity, our team goes above and beyond to ensure that each resident receives the individualized attention and support they deserve. Whether assisting with activities of daily living, providing medication management, or offering emotional support and companionship, our caregivers are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of our residents.At Grace Pointe, we believe that recovery is not just about physical healing; it's also about emotional and spiritual well-being. That's why we offer a range of support services and programs to help residents and their families navigate the challenges of rehabilitation with confidence and peace of mind. From support groups and counseling services to educational seminars and caregiver respite options, we are here to support families every step of the way.Our beautiful campus provides the perfect setting for residents to focus on their rehabilitation in a serene and tranquil environment. With meticulously landscaped grounds, walking paths, and outdoor seating areas, residents can enjoy the beauty of nature and find moments of peace and reflection during their recovery journey.As part of the Grace Pointe community, residents of our Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that they are part of a supportive and caring community that values their well-being and dignity. Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to providing personalized attention and support to each and every resident, ensuring that their individual needs and preferences are always met.Discover the compassionate care and support of our Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado. Contact us today to schedule a tour and experience the unparalleled lifestyle our community has to offer. Welcome home to Grace Pointe.

Grace Pointe

Memory Care 1919 68th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado, 80634

Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado, is a beacon of hope and support for individuals and families navigating the challenges of memory loss. Our Memory Care Secured Unit, nestled within our esteemed Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), provides a safe, nurturing environment where residents can live with dignity, purpose, and compassion.Memory loss can be a daunting journey, but at Grace Pointe, we believe that every individual deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity. Our Memory Care Secured Unit is specially designed to meet the unique needs of residents with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other memory-related conditions. With a team of dedicated caregivers trained in memory care techniques and best practices, we provide personalized support and assistance tailored to each resident's specific needs and preferences.Safety and security are top priorities in our Memory Care Secured Unit. Our state-of-the-art facility features secure access and monitoring systems, ensuring that residents are always safe and protected. From secure entrances and exits to enclosed outdoor spaces, we provide peace of mind for both residents and their families, knowing that their loved ones are in a safe and nurturing environment.Our Memory Care Secured Unit offers residents a comforting and familiar environment designed to promote independence, engagement, and overall well-being. Residents enjoy spacious and thoughtfully designed accommodations, providing a warm and inviting space where they can feel at home. With amenities such as cozy common areas, secure outdoor spaces, and life enrichment activities tailored to their unique interests and abilities, residents have every opportunity to thrive and live their best lives.As part of our CCRC, Grace Pointe offers the assurance of knowing that residents have access to a full continuum of care services, should their needs change over time. From memory care to assisted living and skilled nursing, our community provides seamless transitions and comprehensive support, allowing residents to age in place with dignity and grace.Health and wellness are at the forefront of our Memory Care Secured Unit. Our dedicated team of caregivers works closely with residents and their families to develop personalized care plans that address their unique needs and preferences. From medication management to assistance with activities of daily living and specialized memory care programming, we provide the support and resources our residents need to thrive.At Grace Pointe, we understand that memory loss affects not only individuals but also their families and loved ones. That's why we offer a range of support services and resources to help families navigate the challenges of memory care with confidence and peace of mind. From educational seminars and support groups to counseling services and respite care options, we are here to support families every step of the way.Our beautiful campus provides the perfect setting for residents to enjoy the beauty of Colorado's natural landscape. With meticulously landscaped grounds, walking paths, and secure outdoor spaces, residents can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air in a safe and nurturing environment.As part of the Grace Pointe community, residents of our Memory Care Secured Unit enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that they are part of a supportive and caring community that values their dignity, independence, and well-being. Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to providing personalized attention and support to each and every resident, ensuring that their individual needs and preferences are always met.Discover the compassionate care and support of our Memory Care Secured Unit at Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado. Contact us today to schedule a tour and experience the unparalleled lifestyle our community has to offer. Welcome home to Grace Pointe.

Grace Pointe

Independent Living 1919 68th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado, 80634

Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado, stands as a beacon of premier senior independent living, offering a vibrant community and a continuum of care. Nestled in the heart of Greeley, our Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) provides seniors with a fulfilling lifestyle, robust amenities, and peace of mind for the future.At Grace Pointe, we understand that independent living means different things to different people. That's why we offer a variety of spacious and comfortable living options, including apartments and cottages, to suit individual preferences and lifestyles. Whether you're looking for cozy charm or modern elegance, our residences provide the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.Our community is more than just a place to live; it's a vibrant hub of activity and connection. Residents at Grace Pointe enjoy a rich array of amenities and activities designed to promote engagement, wellness, and socialization. From fitness classes and art workshops to cultural outings and social events, there's always something exciting happening at our community.One of the hallmarks of Grace Pointe is our commitment to providing residents with the freedom and flexibility to live life on their terms. Our maintenance-free lifestyle allows seniors to say goodbye to the burdens of household chores and hello to more time for the things they love. Whether it's pursuing hobbies, spending time with family and friends, or exploring the local area, residents have the freedom to create their own schedule and make the most of each day.As a CCRC, Grace Pointe offers residents the peace of mind of knowing that they have access to a full continuum of care services, should their needs change over time. From independent living to assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, our community provides seamless transitions and comprehensive support every step of the way.Health and wellness are top priorities at Grace Pointe. Our residents have access to a range of amenities and services designed to support their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. From on-site fitness centers and wellness programs to nutritious dining options and spiritual care services, we provide the resources and support our residents need to live their best lives.Our beautiful campus is a haven of tranquility, with meticulously landscaped grounds, walking paths, and outdoor seating areas where residents can enjoy the beauty of nature and soak in the sunshine. With breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, Grace Pointe offers seniors the perfect setting to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with the world around them.As part of the Grace Pointe community, residents enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that they are part of a supportive and caring community that values their independence, dignity, and well-being. Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to providing personalized attention and support to each and every resident, ensuring that their individual needs and preferences are always met.