There are many advantages to having a housemate: Defraying expenses. Sharing household chores. Help with transportation. Companionship. Increased safety. Peace of mind. In a survey of older adults who shared their homes, 50% said that since gaining a housemate, they are happier, sleep better, are getting out more, and they call upon their families less for help. Homesharing is a viable option for aging in place.If this is a path you're exploring, here are some tips for success:Identify what's motivating you. Most people do it for monetary reasons or to get some help with simple chores or transportation. Companionship is another benefit. Be sure your expectations are realistic and are shared by the housemate you choose.Know yourself. Having people in what's been "your space" can bring up a lot of feelings. Think carefully about what might be inviolate in the shared rooms and what you can be flexible about.Consider a homeshare service. Many local governments realize the benefits. They help with the matching process and can provide background checks, sample agreements, even mediation if things aren't going well. Check out national matching services such as Silvernest.com and Nesterly.com.Be very candid during the interview process. Honesty is essential in talks before you seal a deal. Take the time, perhaps over several conversations, to share lifestyle habits and expectations. Everything from smoking, pets and hobbies, to overnight guests, refrigerator sharing, and sleep schedules. It's easier to identify incompatibility and look further to find a better fit than to undo an arrangement once the furniture has been moved in.Write an agreement. At a minimum, describe what private space is being offered (bedroom, bathroom) and what is or isn't shared in the common area (kitchen, yard, washing machine and dryer, hot tub or sauna). Detail the rent, when it's due, and how it will be collected. Also spell out what bills are covered, due dates, and tasks that might be exchanged for rent. Be as specific and thorough as possible so your arrangement doesn't depend on two people remembering the same verbal agreement.Provide for a trial period. This allows for a relatively easy ending if it's not working out. Consider two weeks. If you aren't comfortable, it's worth the wait to find a good match. At the same time, be realistic. Even a great housemate will have quirks that you don't like. Be flexible when you can.Looking for alternatives so you can age in place? Give us a call at 941-302-9515.

Understanding the likelihood that even older adults in good health may need long-term care as they age can be a pivotal first step in building a dependable plan for the what-ifs of life. So lets start with this:Thats the chance healthy 65-year-old couples will have at least one partner who requires significant long-term care as they age.The baseline for home health care is 44 hours per weekWhile home health care stands as a preferred option for many, the expense of such services can quickly escalate.For those 44 hours a week, seniors can expect to pay more than $50,000 annually. However, if more hours of service are needed, home health care can easily and significantly exceed the annual cost of a nursing home.Is the average cost for 84 hours per week or 12 hours of daily care. If changing needs require 24/7 support, that average annual cost rises to $215,376.When considering the costs of long-term care whether provided at home or in a nursing facility its important to also think about the role geography can play. In areas of the country with higher than average overall cost of living, the amount seniors can expect to pay for care services will be higher than the national average.Its never too early to look ahead.Health changes can happen out of the blue. Thats why its important to proactively consider how a Life Plan Community and the right insurance can prepare you for whatever tomorrow has in store. Our continuum of services include assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation.Connect with one our senior living consultants today to discuss the value of a community that affords you priority access to on-site health services and significant savings on the rising care costs of the open market. Then speak to your financial planner to see what additional tools, policies or plans may complement the peace of mind Freedom Village of Bradenton provides.*Facts and figures within this piece have been gathered from HealthView Services June 2021 report, Long-Term Care and Financial Planning.

Self-care is the practice of taking care of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your life to promote health and wellness. It goes beyond mere indulgence; rather, its an essential component of overall well-being. Lets delve into what self-care truly means and why it matters:Understanding Self-Care:According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-care encompasses various facets of life, including:Hygiene: General and personal hygiene.Nutrition: Making mindful choices about what we eat.Lifestyle Factors: Exercise levels, leisure activities, and overall lifestyle.Environmental Factors: Living conditions and social habits.Socioeconomic Factors: Income levels and cultural beliefs.Self-Medication: Following treatment plans for existing illnesses.The primary goal of self-care is to prevent or control disease and maintain overall well-being by consistently tending to different aspects of our health.What Self-Care Is Not:Its not about overindulgence or instant gratification. Instead, it involves:Prioritizing physical and mental health.Adopting healthy lifestyle habits that are sustainable.Eating a balanced diet.Engaging in regular exercise.Getting adequate, quality sleep.Following treatment plans for existing conditions.Taking time for activities that bring joy and relaxation.Types of Self-Care:Physical Health: Taking care of our bodies through exercise, nutrition, and rest.Mental Health: Nurturing our minds, managing stress, and seeking professional help when needed.Emotional Health: Acknowledging and expressing emotions, practicing mindfulness, and building resilience.Spiritual Health: Connecting with our inner selves, values, and beliefs.Social Health: Cultivating meaningful relationships and social support.Benefits of Self-Care:Clinical studies have shown that self-care can:Reduce anxiety and depression.Minimize stress.Improve concentration.Increase happiness.Enhance energy levels.Promote resilience.Contribute to longevity.Equip us to manage stress effectively.Remember, self-care isnt selfishits an investment in your well-being. So, take a moment today to prioritize yourself and engage in activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul

Intermittent fasting for seniors can be a beneficial dietary strategy when approached with caution and under medical guidance. At a retirement community, we understand the importance of promoting the health and well-being of our residents. In the next few paragraphs, well explore how retirees can safely embark on an intermittent fasting journey.Consult Your Doctor FirstBefore beginning any significant dietary changes, such as intermittent fasting, its imperative to talk to your healthcare provider. This is especially important for people who may have underlying health conditions. Your doctor can evaluate your individual health status and help you determine if intermittent fasting is right for you.Start Slow and GradualRetirees should approach intermittent fasting with a slow and gradual transition. Its important to acclimate your body to this new routine. Begin by extending your overnight fast by a few hours, ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional.Choose the Right Intermittent Fasting PlanThere are various intermittent fasting plans, but for retirees, the 16/8 method is often recommended. This involves fasting for 16 hours and eating during an 8-hour window. This plan provides enough flexibility to suit most peoples schedules while reaping the benefits of fasting.Stay HydratedStaying well hydrated is absolutely necessary during intermittent fasting. Participants should make sure they drink enough water throughout the fasting period to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can make health issues worse, so maintaining proper hydration is essential.Prioritize Foods that Are Nutrient-DenseWhen you do eat, focus on foods classified as nutrient-dense. Especially when youre in your golden years, you need a well-balanced diet to support your health. Incorporate whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats into your meals to make sure youre getting the required nutrients.Monitor Your HealthKeep a close eye on your health while practicing intermittent fasting. People in Memory Care and Assisted Living may want to involve their caregivers or nursing team in this process. Regular check-ups, blood pressure monitoring, and blood sugar checks can help make sure that fasting is not negatively affecting your health.Be Mindful of MedicationsRetirees often take medications, some of which may need to be taken with food. Consult your doctor to adjust the timing of your medication intake to align with your fasting schedule while ensuring the medications effectiveness.Listen to Your BodyYou should be attuned to your body during intermittent fasting. If you experience weakness, dizziness, or other worrisome symptoms, it may be a sign that fasting isnt suitable for you. Always prioritize your health and well-being.Break the Fast CarefullyWhen its time to stop your fast, do so with a small, balanced meal. Rushing into a large, heavy meal can cause digestive discomfort, which is especially important to avoid for those in Memory Care and Assisted Living.Stay Committed to Your Regular Exercise RoutineExercise is vital for your health. Continue with your regular exercise routine during intermittent fasting. But consider adjusting your workout schedule to align with your eating window for optimal results.Evaluate Progress and AdjustPeriodically assess your progress and how intermittent fasting affects your health and daily life. Make necessary adjustments to your fasting schedule if needed, with the guidance of your healthcare provider.Within reason, intermittent fasting for seniors can be a valuable approach to support health and well-being. But it should always be done under the supervision and guidance of a healthcare professional. Our retirement community offers Memory Care and Assisted Living options, where we prioritize your health and provide the support you need to safely embark on an intermittent fasting journey. Remember to consult your doctor, start slow, stay hydrated, and choose the right fasting plan to enjoy the potential benefits of intermittent fasting while maintaining your health and well-being.