2013 Living 50+ by The Westerly Sun

LIVING 50+

The Westerly Sun

Did you know? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Sandwich generation turns to technology to help take care of aging parents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

The Baby Boomer generation is one of the most influential demographics in the world today. Boomers represent roughly 28 percent of the total population of the United States, according to "Baby Boomer" magazine, and this means they are the largest generational segment as well as the single largest economic group in the United States. They hold 70 percent of the U.S. wealth and are expected to inherit millions of dollars over the course of the next 20 years. Baby boomers comprise a population of adults who were born between 1946 and 1964. That makes boomers people who are between 49 and 67 years old. Many of these baby boomers have grown to be household names and influential individuals in all areas of business. Actor Brad Pitt is a baby boomer, as is President of the United States Barack Obama. Director Peter Jackson, singer k.d. lang and business mogul Donald Trump all belong to the baby boomer generation. Here are some additional facts and figures about baby boomers: • Baby boomers have more discretionary income than any other age group.

Five steps to help improve financial — and physical — health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Boomers connect at rapid pace . . . . . . 6 South County Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 The aging population: a benefit, not burden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Welcoming young adults back into the home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Boomers and travel: Plan ahead and protect your health . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Caregiver 101: Creating a safe and happy environment for your loved ones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

• Baby boomers own 80 percent of the money in savings and loan associations. • Baby boomers spend more money than other groups. • Baby boomers account for nearly half of all consumer demand. 435331c

Baby boomers have been known to have an unprecedented impact on American culture, society and the economy, and that influence is bound to continue for several more years. ■

Monday, March 4, 2013

JOHN LAYTON/Advertising NANCY M. YOUNG/Editor & Designer

Monday, March 4, 2013

LIVING 50+

Sandwich generation turns to technology to help take care of aging parents (BPT) - It’s human nature to want to take care of those we love. In fact, nearly 66 million Americans are caregivers, who spend about 19 hours a week caring for a loved one, according to AARP. Many of those caregivers are looking after older parents who don’t live with them. And while helping aging parents with everything from financial management to health care decisions is difficult enough, the challenges grow if the parent lives alone, either close by or in another state.

with technology, and they’re used to employing it in their professional lives to solve problems,” says Geoffrey Nudd, CEO of ClearCare Online, a web-based service that facilitates communication between consumers and professional caregivers. “They’re finding that it makes sense to bring in technology-based solutions when they’re facing particular challenges in caring for their aging loved ones.”

“… nearly

66 million

Americans are

caregivers, who

spend about 19 hours a week

Many members of the “sandwich generation” — adults age 45 to 55 who are taking care of their own children and their aging parents — are turning to technology to make their caregiving role easier.

1. Home security systems — These systems, once relied on solely to keep bad guys out of a home, are serving an expanded function for caregivers. Provided through companies such as ADT, these monitoring systems can provide caregivers with a variety of information, including:

caring for a

loved one …”

“This is an age group that’s comfortable

Here are three tech tools that Americans are finding helpful when taking care of elderly parents:

• Users can receive a text message to their mobile device that lets them know when the front door opens. This can be useful for people taking care of parents with dementia, potentially alerting them if the parent might be wandering outside the house. • Sensors placed on a medicine cabinet can let users know if the cabinet has been opened — or not. An unopened cabinet may mean a parent has forgotten to take needed medications. • Cameras in key areas of a home can livestream an image of what’s going on inside the room to any mobile device. Caregivers can see if a parent has fallen or is having a scheduled meal. 2. Homecare communication systems — This new technology aims at facilitating caregivers’ efforts to help aging parents remain independent for as long as possible. Many adult children turn to professional home care agencies to assist aging parents with non-medical aspects of their care. ClearCare is an online software system that helps consumers stay connected with the professionals that aid their parents. Consumers as well as professional caregivers can use a mobile device (such as a smart phone or tablet) to access care schedules and view reports on the status of their parent’s in-home care, and more. Visit

www.clearcareonline.com to learn more. 3. Personal response and GPS — Tracking devices such as Philips LifeLine and those that use global positioning technology can help caregivers keep track of an elderly parent wearing such a device. To preserve the wearer’s dignity, these devices come in wristband, clip on and pendant designs, and provide caregivers with information on the wearer’s location. Even elderly parents who are independent enough to continue driving can benefit from GPS technology. Driving can be especially daunting for older people who often deal with age-related deficiencies in reaction time and eyesight. GPS technology can help them safely navigate to a new destination, avoid traffic congestion and even find alternate directions when facing a detour on a familiar route. “Caring for those who need our help is a basic human instinct,” says Lucy Andrews, RN, MS and Vice Chairman of the National Association for Home Care, who uses ClearCare Online with families that she works with, “Technology can support and make it easier for people to care for those they love, both at home and when they are far away from their loved ones.” ■

LIVING 50+

The Westerly Sun

Five steps to help improve financial — and physical — health (BPT) - Plans to improve health and finances are among the most common resolutions Americans make each year. Both are worthy goals, but did you know that improving your financial health may boost your physical health as well? “Money problems are a well-known cause of stress, and the negative impact that stress has on one’s physical health is welldocumented,” notes Lule Demmissie, managing director of investment products and retirement at TD Ameritrade. “It makes sense that relieving stress through better financial planning, among other remedies, can help contribute to better physical health.” In fact, TD Ameritrade’s Retirement Survey indicates that taking care of at least one important financial task — retirement planning — may help alleviate stress, both today and in the future. Women who started saving for retirement before their 30th birthday and contributed regularly to retirement savings reported feeling less anxious, frustrated or regretful, and more positive and satisfied about retirement compared to those women who waited to begin saving for retirement or who didn’t regularly contribute to their retirement savings. Fortunately, the steps for improving your financial health and physical health

resemble each other. Whether your goal is to increase your retirement savings or the hours you spend exercising, these five steps can set you on the right path: 1. Set a goal — It’s important to define your objective. Be as detailed as possible in painting a vision for your future — one that includes the accomplishment of your specific goal. Remember to place direct needs first. 2. Create a budget — A budget is the foundation for any solid financial goal. Track your monthly income and expenses, both the “needs” and “wants,” and plan accordingly. You need to understand how you are already spending your money and how much you need to save to help achieve your goal. 3. Establish a savings plan — Prioritize where you allocate your money. First, it’s a good idea to pay down high-interest debt such as credit cards. Next, consider establishing an emergency savings fund with enough cash reserve to cover at least six months of living expenses. Third, if possible, maximize your retirement savings by contributing the maximum amount allowed by the IRS. If you can’t contribute the maximum, remember that no amount is too small. If your employer offers a 401(k) match, try to take advantage of it. Remember to use easy “set it and forget it” strategies like auto-investing into your 401(k) and IRA and saving regularly will not be a burden. 4. Develop an investment plan — After you’ve established a budget and created a savings plan, it’s important to make smart investment decisions with your remaining finances. Work with a professional to help evaluate important factors like risk tolerance, tax status, time horizon, etc. Make sure your investment plan

aligns with both your short-term and longterm needs. If you have five years or less to reach your goal, you may need to find more liquid investment opportunities. If you have 10 years or longer to reach your goal, you may have more investment flexibility.-If you prefer to do this last step independently there are many easy-to-use tools that can help you assess your risk tolerance and investment horizon. 5. Get educated about money — Money isn’t the only thing you need to invest in order to improve your financial health. You’ll also need to invest time to fully understand your personal financial situation and the options available to help you

achieve your financial goals. Take advantage of free savings and planning tools on financial websites like TD Ameritrade’s Life 2.0. The website offers investors access to free resources like retirement calculators and portfolio planners, as well as information on how to make financial decisions that can help you pursue your financial goals. “Just as it’s never too late to take steps to improve your physical well-being, it’s never too late to start saving for retirement,” Demmissie says. “Taking steps to improve your financial health can help relieve stress now and help you feel more confident about your plan for the future.” ■

Monday, March 4, 2013

NEW

Finally, a cell phone that’s… a phone

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LIVING 50+

Introducing the all-new Jitterbug® Plus. We’ve made it even better… without making it harder to use. All my friends have new cell phones. They carry them around with them all day, like mini computers, with little tiny keyboards and hundreds of programs which are supposed to make their life easier. Trouble is… my friends can’t use them. The keypads are too small, the displays are hard to see and the phones are so complicated that my friends end up borrowing my Jitterbug when they need to make a call. I don’t mind… I just got a new phone too… the new Jitterbug Plus. Now I have all the things I loved about my Jitterbug phone along with some great new features that make it even better! GreatCall® created the Jitterbug with one thing in mind – to offer people a cell phone that’s easy to see and hear, simple to use and affordable. Now, they’ve made the cell phone experience even better with the Jitterbug Plus. It features a lightweight, comfortable design with a backlit keypad and big, legible numbers. There is even a dial tone so you know the phone is ready to use. You can also increase the volume with one touch and the speaker’s been improved so you get great audio quality and can hear every word. The battery has been improved too– it’s one of the longest lasting on the market– so you won’t have to charge it as often. The phone comes to you with your account already set up and is easy to activate.

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won’t be subject to early termination fees. Now, when you sign up for our Basic 19 plan, you’ll double your monthly minutes for the same price. The U.S.-based customer service is knowledgeable and helpful and the phone gets service virtually anywhere in the continental U.S. Above all, you’ll get one-touch access to a friendly, and helpful GreatCall operator. They can look up numbers, and even dial them for you! They are always there to help you when you need them.

with activation by 03/31/13 The rate plans are simple too. Why pay for minutes you’ll never use? There are a variety of affordable plans. Plus, you don’t have to worry about finding yourself stuck with no minutes– that’s the problem with prepaid phones. Since there is no contract to sign, you are not locked in for years at a time and

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Jitterbug Plus Cell Phone Ask how you can get DoubleTime for Life! Please mention promotional code 49722.

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IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: DoubleTime offer valid on Basic 19 Plan and applies to new GreatCall customers only. Offer ends 3/31/13. Offer valid until plan is changed or cancelled. All GreatCall phones require a one-time set up fee of $35. Coverage and service are not available everywhere. You will not be able to make 9-1-1 calls when cellular service is not available. Rate plans do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges and are subject to change. No roaming or long distance charges for domestic calls within the U.S. There are no additional fees to call GreatCall’s 24-hour U.S. Based Customer Service. However, for calls to an Operator in which a service is completed, minutes will be deducted from your monthly balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator, plus an additional 5 minutes. 1 We will refund the full price of the GreatCall phone if it is returned within 30 days of purchase in like-new condition. We will also refund your first monthly service charge if you have less than 30 minutes of usage. If you have more than 30 minutes of usage, a per minute charge of 35 cents will apply for each minute over 30 minutes. The activation fee and shipping charges are not refundable. Jitterbug and GreatCall are registered trademarks of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Copyright ©2013 Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC. Copyright ©2013 GreatCall, Inc. Copyright ©2013 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. All rights reserved.

LIVING 50+

The Westerly Sun (BPT) - Even though they’re still common, jokes about clueless baby boomers calling their kids to figure out how to use technology are starting to feel outdated. While today’s youngest generations are practically born with tablets, smartphones and laptops in their hands, grandparents are also adopting technology at a startling pace.

Boomers connect at rapid pace

Boomers’ enthusiasm to consume new technology is growing and changing as fast as the field of new products available. In fact, a 2012 Forrester Research technology survey found 78 percent are online, and of those, 54 percent own laptops. Tablet use among boomers is growing too; 11 percent already own one and another 15 percent plan on buying one soon. While the boomers’ generational trait of progressiveness helps to explain this tech rush, more practical reasons demystify it as well. Many among the generation are at the peak of their earning power, with more money to spend on technology than other age groups. A 2012 survey by Nielsen showed

that within five years, approximately 50 percent of the U.S. population will be 50 or older, and they’ll control 70 percent of disposable income. For this generation, a forward-thinking mindset has always been a common trait, so crossing the digital divide was bound to happen. Despite their proven purchasing power, many advertisers are leaving these consumers in the lurch. Although boomers account for 49 percent of total sales of consumer packaged goods, Nielsen estimates that less than 5 percent of advertising dollars are targeted toward adults ages 35 to 64. Overcoming the learning curve as well as the lack of attention from marketers has shown just how much boomers value the latest technology developments. But for those who don’t yet have their hands on the latest gadgets, organizations like AARP are making it easier for boomers to get connected. “AARP’s goal is to provide value to its members, and our research has shown that many AARP members are early adopters of technology,”

says Angela Jones, senior vice president of Business Development and Lifestyle Products for AARP Services. “Through AARP’s relationships with retailers and manufacturers, our nearly 38 million members receive discounts on their favorite technology products.” For example, members can get discounts of 5 to 12 percent on a range of HP products, 10 percent off Amazon’s Kindle e-readers, including the popular tablet Kindle Fire, and even discounted phone service from Vonage. Whether they’re keeping up with the new pace of work at the office or simply looking for a better way to connect with family, there’s no doubt that boomers are demanding technology that helps to improve their lives. As they grab each new opportunity to connect, the idea of boomers being behind the technological times is fading fast. For more information about discounts available to AARP members, visit www.aarpdiscounts.com. ■

HIP OR KNEE PAIN SLOWING YOU DOWN? ®

Take the next step: MAKOplasty

• Surgeon-controlled robotic arm system offers new level of precision to restore your mobility and active lifestyle • MAKOplasty Knee Resurfacing offers a minimally invasive treatment option for early to mid-stage osteoarthritis of the knee • MAKOplasty Total Hip Replacement surgery is planned to your unique anatomy for optimized implant positioning and alignment • Most experienced MAKOplasty surgeons in New England – over 1,000 procedures For a consultation with a physician at South County Orthopedics, call 401 789-1422.

Scan to learn more about MAKOplasty

A partnership of South County Hospital, South County Orthopedics, and VNS Home Health Services www.schospital.com/orthopedics ~ www.scortho.com

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Want to know more? For information on free evening presentations in your area, please call 401 788-1173.

Monday, March 4, 2013

LIVING 50+

South County Hospital Orthopedics Center: Leaders in Enhanced Precision for Knee Resurfacing and Total Hip Replacement MAKOplasty® technology brings an unprecedented level of accuracy to orthopedic surgery. The surgeons at the South County Hospital Orthopedics Center have more MAKO plasty experience than anyone else in New England.* South County Hospital Orthopedics Center is renowned for its leadership in state-of-the-art technology.

EXPERIENCE COUNTS 1000+ PATIENTS AGREE. The Center’s board-certified orthopedic surgeons were Rhode Island’s first adopters of MAKOplasty, powered by the RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System, and they have completed more than 1,000 knee surgeries and 250 hip replacements with this highly sophisticated technology. The system enhances the surgeon’s ability to attain the most accurate results during bone-saring knee resurfacing and, now, to provide better outcomes for total hip replacement patients.

Dr. Mark Coppes, one of South County’s surgeons, vouches for MAKO, having received a right knee resurfacing with its assistance: “I have a unique perspective when talking with patients. My outcome was great, and my knee feels so natural.” Dr. Coppes’s colleague, Dr. Dave Burns, explains, “Patients typically regain mobility faster and function better than they do after traditional procedures, both for knee resurfacing and total hips.”

CUSTOM CARE South County Hospital Orthopedics Center is where patients can find expert attention for all injuries and diseases of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.

Other examples orf advanced options available include gender-specific knee implants that account for the differences in male and female anatomy when total knee replacement is recommended, and bonepreserving hip resurfacing for younger patients in need of intervention for a painful hip. Dr. Burns attributes the success of the Center’s patient care to leading-edge technology, surgical expertise, and a coordinated team approach provided by dedicated nurses, support staff, and physical therapists. Dr. Coppes adds, “We have great synergy as a team. This advantage allows us to provide exceptional patient care.” To learn more about MAKOplasty for knee and hip or for a consultation with a South County Orthopedics physician, call 401789-1422 or visit schospital.com/ orthopedics. ■

100 Kenyon Avenue, Wakefield, RI 02879

schospital.com/orthopedics

Photo by Beau Jones

Scan the tag to learn more about care offered.

MAKOplasty-certified surgeons: (l to r) Ron Tabaddor, MD; David Burns, DO; Mark Coppes, MD; Bob Marchand, MD; Michael Bradley, MD

LIVING 50+

The Westerly Sun

The aging population: a benefit, not burden (BPT) - With life expectancy increasing, the percentage of population over age 60 is booming. By 2030, the population over 60 will be growing 3.5 times as rapidly as the total population, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

While some look at this as a potential burden on the health care industry and society, Greg Sebasky, chairman of Philips North America, looks at this trend as an opportunity. He says this is a time to connect with well-rounded, productive and intelligent people and reap what the Philips Center for Health and Well-Being calls, the “longevity dividend.” All citizens have an important role to play to ensure everyone has the opportunity to receive this longevity dividend. Here are five steps to take to help shift a perceived burden into a lasting, positive benefit for society:

Private Duty Care The professional, compassionate certified staff are bonded, insured and background checked by the Attorney Generals office.

1. APPRECIATE THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF OLDER CITIZENS. Saying “thank you” to a

Homemakers for client centered “hands off ” homemaking, errands, shopping, laundry, meal preparations, transportation and more.

family member for sharing a traditional family recipe or to a neighbor for keeping a watchful eye on your home is an easy way to bring to light the every-day dividends.

Certified Nursing Assistants for “hands on” personal care, dressing, exercises plus homemaking and more! Registered Nurses for med pre-fills to individual multidisciplinary case management. Coordination of care, intervention with MDs, community resources and other disciplines. Most staff certified in Dementia/Alzheimer’s Care and continually updated

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Call 401-789-8443 South County Quality Care puts the HOME in Homecare

2. LEARN FROM HISTORY. Older citizens have seen more of society’s ups and downs, from a macro world view to a micro family perspective. They have the benefit of experience that can help everyone shape new approaches to challenges faced — whether in the home, at work or around town. Ask for advice and listen to the input.

3. PLUG IN. Help keep citizens engaged with family and friends by showing them technologies such as email or social media, or bookmark links to helpful websites. Doing so will keep elderly residents connected while maintaining independence.

4. OFFER EMPLOYMENT. Many newlyretired citizens would benefit from the ongoing mental and social stimulation provided by a workplace, even for a few hours a week. Consider posting jobs at senior community centers so active residents can easily learn about new opportunities.

5. BE AN ADVOCATE. Speak up at town meetings and keep an ongoing dialog with local officials to consider the aging population in town planning, budgeting and support services. Remind officials of the social capital provided by these important residents, and how considering their needs will help the community as a whole. By changing perceptions of the elderly’s contributions to the community, society can take the important first step to reaping these positive impacts of the longevity dividend. The Philips Center for Health and Well Being’s Think Tank on Aging Well offers solutions for citizens, non-profits and government officials at www.philips-thecenter.org/Aging-Well. ■

Monday, March 4, 2013

LIVING 50+

Welcoming young adults back into the home To current college students or recent graduates, the prospect of moving back in with Mom and Dad is not likely to be met with open arms. Once kids taste the freedom of living on their own, their return home to reside under their parents' roof can feel limiting.

require a degree. Without an opportunity to gain valuable experience and advance in their fields, these young adults are essentially stuck in limbo and might be forced to live with Mom and Dad for even longer than they initially anticipated.

Despite the difficulty of such a decision, statistics indicate that more and more young adults are returning to live with Mom and Dad. A 2011 report from the United States Census Bureau revealed that the number of men between the ages of 25 and 34 living with their parents had increased dramatically over the previous six years. By 2011, nearly 20 percent of men in that category lived with their parents, a six percent increase from just six years earlier. That increase was far less significant among women of the same age, but 10 percent of women between the ages of 25 and 34 lived at home.

While it's easy to imagine this transition has been hard on young adults, it's likely no easy task for their parents either. A struggling economy that has produced a stagnant job marketplace has made it difficult to pinpoint just when, or if, young adults will move out for good, which can put a crimp in their parents' retirement plans. For example, the 2011 TD Canada Trust Boomer Buyers Report revealed that 17 percent of Baby Boomer parents who planned to downsize their homes, and save money as a result, are delaying those plans because they have adult children still living at home. The survey also revealed that a significant portion of those parents who don't plan to downsize admit that their decision to stay put was made with the expectation that their adult children will still be living with them when they retire. To some parents, having the kids back at home is a great experience that breathes See WELCOMING, page 10

Hospice Southeastern Connecticut – going strong since 1985 – is now Center for Hospice Care. Why the name change? Because we’ve grown. We’re helping more people than ever. And we’ve become a signiﬁcant resource center ﬁlled with tools people need to cope with every form of hardship associated with life-limiting illnesses. So here’s to new beginnings, and a new outlook on hospice care.

The new face of Hospice Southeastern Connecticut

Afﬁliate of L+M and The William W. Backus Hospitals

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The end of this trend is seemingly nowhere in sight. Statistics from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that as many as 50 percent of college graduates under the age of 25 are underutilized. This means they are unemployed, working only part-time or working jobs considered to be outside the college labor market and don't

A NEW CENTER OF ATTENTION

hospicesect.org

LIVING 50+

The Westerly Sun

Boomers and travel: Plan ahead and protect your health (BPT) - Getting older means being a little more susceptible to a variety of health problems while traveling. However, with a little planning and some caution, baby boomers and seniors can have a safe, healthy and enjoyable trip. Here are some pre-planning tips to help get you started:

• MENTION YOUR PLANNED TRAVELS WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN. Discuss any medications you’re currently taking, and if you’ll need refills prior to departure.

• CARRY A COPY OF ALL YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS WITH YOU WHEN YOU TRAVEL. When going abroad, you may also want to know the generic name of your drug in case your prescribed version isn’t available locally. Losing a pill bottle or accidentally breaking a vial of insulin — for example — can very easily happen on a vacation, and if you are touring around a foreign country, you may have difficulty obtaining a refill if you don’t have this information handy or if your drug is unavailable or sold under a different name.

• SIGN UP FOR TRAVEL ASSISTANCE. Nobody plans to get sick or injured while traveling, but it can happen. And sometimes an injury or illness is severe enough to force the traveler to cut the trip short and seek medical attention. Baby boomers and seniors have trusted doctors at home, and often want to return home immediately for medical care. This is where On Call International’s medical evacuation and travel assistance memberships come in

handy. The annual membership and mature membership offer medical evacuations to the hospital of the member’s choice, regardless of whether they can receive appropriate care locally. Visit www.oncallinternational.com/travel-assistance/individuals to learn more about travel assistance.

• VISIT A TRAVEL MEDICINE SPECIALIST. You may be required to get new vaccinations when traveling to specific foreign countries. Ask your doctor to recommend a travel medicine specialist who can educate you about the immunizations that are required or recommended for your destination, as well as any other health concerns specific to your destination.

• PACK OVER-THE-COUNTER SUPPLIES. A vacation means getting out and doing new or different activities. This change of pace may result in sore and achy muscles. A vacation also means you might be exposed to new and different germs, which could develop into a traveler’s cold or the flu. Pack some over-the-counter medications to help treat potential symptoms, so you don’t have to take time out of your vacation to search for a pharmacy or drug store. Hopefully you won’t need any of the supplies, but it’s always a good idea to have them handy. With a little pre-planning, you’ll be able to have the relaxing vacation you deserve, while also reducing your chances of encountering common health pitfalls that could put a damper on your trip. ■

WELCOMING, from page 9 new life into their empty nest. For others, relationships can quickly grow strained, creating a tense living situation that no one enjoys. To make the most of living with young adults who have returned home, consider the following tips.

• ENCOURAGE CHILDREN SO THEY CAN GET WHERE THEY WANT TO BE. No matter how accommodating their parents may be, no young adult wants to live at home, especially if they have recently earned a degree they thought would springboard them into a life of independence. But parents can help their kids in ways that go beyond just giving them a place to live. For instance, encourage kids to pursue internships even if they have already graduated

and those internships are unpaid. Such opportunities, even if they don't pay, can be a great chance for young adults to gain entry into their chosen fields. Since most parents don't charge their kids rent, the lack of pay shouldn't be much of a problem, and parents should explain to their children that they will support them so long as they are actively pursuing opportunities within their field.

• EMPHASIZE THAT YOUR HOME ISN'T A DORM OR COLLEGE APARTMENT. Just like kids don't necessarily want to move back home after college, parents don't want their homes to resemble a dorm or college apartment should their kids move back in after graduation. When young adults move back

in, parents must make it known that their sons or daughters are no longer kids and they will not be allowed to live in messy bedrooms or leave dirty dishes and laundry for Mom and Dad to clean. Be firm and forward when letting young adults know that, while you're happy to give them a place to live, your days tidying up after them are over.

• EVENTUALLY, CONSIDER CHARGING RENT. Most parents don't want to charge their children rent. After all, young adults are moving home to save money, not spend it. But it can be very easy for young adults with no rent to pay to grow lazy in their job pursuit or to develop an attitude that rent-free living is for them, even if

they do find a job that enables them to support themselves. This can complicate matters down the road, so if young adults have been living at home a long time without paying a dime in rent, it's time to start asking for money. Do this more to motivate young adults than to meet your own financial needs. In fact, when you start collecting rent, and if you don't need the money, simply put it aside and give it back when young adults decide they do want to move out of the house. Nowadays, more and more young adults are moving back in with their parents. Though such living arrangements might not be ideal for parents or children, there are ways to make the best of the situation. ■

Monday, March 4, 2013

LIVING 50+

Caregiver 101: Creating a safe and happy environment for your loved ones (BPT) - Nearly 66 million people, or 29 percent of the U.S. adult population, are providing care to someone who is ill, disabled or aged, according to the National Center for Caregiving. And, according to AARP, 61 percent of family caregivers who are 50-plus also work either full-time or part-time. How can busy caregivers gain peace of mind that their family member is happy and safe while they’re working? There are easy home updates to help improve the safety and security of their living space.

Above: AARP suggests adding grab bars, using non-skid mats on the tub or shower floors and installing a handheld showerhead for easier bathing. Left: Moen Home Care products, such as the Designer Grab Bars with Accessories, combine the safety benefits of a grab bar with common bath essentials, including a towel bar, paper holder, straight shelf and a corner shelf, making each item functional and fashionable.

PREPARING A SAFE AND HAPPY HOME ENVIRONMENT Once you have determined the best place for your loved one to reside — whether they live independently, in an assisted living facility or in your home — you’ll need to create a safe environment. You may enlist the assistance of a Certified Aging-InPlace Specialist (CAPS) to make residential updates or, follow these simple tips to help make your family member’s home a safe place for a lifetime.

BATHROOMS Since most slips and falls occur in the bathroom — often while getting in and out of the tub or shower — AARP suggests adding grab bars, using non-skid mats on the tub or shower floors and installing a handheld showerhead for easier bathing. These simple adjustments can help avoid injury. Moen Home Care products, such as the Designer Grab Bars with Accessories, combine the safety benefits of a grab bar with common bath essentials, including a towel bar, paper holder, straight shelf and a corner shelf, making each item functional and fashionable. Plus, each product is available in popular finishes, including chrome, brushed nickel and old world bronze, to coordinate with the rest of your bath.

“We know caregivers have enough to worry about,” says Laurie Birko, brand manager for Moen Home Care. “Our products help make every bath a safe bath for their loved ones — while still maintaining a stylish look.” For the final steps of the shower makeover, swap the fixed showerhead with a handheld version to allow for bathing in a seated position, and add suction accessories to hold the showerhead and other necessities at a lower spot for easy access.

“Retirement Living” Subsidized Apartments Canonchet Cliffs I and II are nonsmoking apartment facilities. Individuals must be at least 62 years of age, handicapped, or disabled and must meet income eligibility criteria to qualify. Preference is given to those individuals that are 62 years of age or older. Apartments are studios or one-bedrooms. Rents are based on 30% of gross income. To request an application, call the numbers listed below.

Country Living at Canonchet Cliffs III are one & two bedrooms , income eligibility required, 55+ or disabled, Non-smoking facility. For info & application, please call 401-539-8200

HALLWAYS AND STAIRS Researchers have found that by the time a person is 60 years old, he or she needs up to 15 times more light than they did at the age of 10 — and that is especially true in darker areas, such as hallways and stairs. See CAREGIVER, page 12

Canonchet Cliffs I 825 Main Street, Hope Valley, RI 02832 • 401-539-7490 Canonchet Cliffs II 805 Main Street, Hope Valley, RI 02832 • 401-539-2223 Canonchet Cliffs III 807 Main Street, Hope Valley, RI 02832 • 401-539-8200

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Next, add protection in the shower with a shower chair or bench. Moen Home Care offers a variety of free-standing, ADA-compliant seating options that provide an extra

level of safety and comfort. Or, for a more stylish upgrade to the traditional, neutral white finish, you may consider a FoldDown Shower Seat. This design from Moen Home Care installs directly into the wall studs and folds down for a comfortable and secure shower seat — yet folds up for a thin, compact profile when not in use. Plus, the teak wood and stylish metal trim will accentuate the look of even the most upscale shower.

LIVING 50+

The Westerly Sun

CAREGIVER, from page 11 Replace all hallway fixtures with higher wattage bulbs or brighter LED lights for added illumination. Also, add nightlights for any middle-of-the-night trips to the bathroom. Do you have hand rails at all stairs to help avoid falls?- For shorter staircases, such as the garage entry, nine-inch hand grips are an ideal solution, as they’re easy to install and are available in a variety of finishes to complement any room.

FLOORS AND FURNITURE To avoid tripping or bumping hazards — and to provide adequate room for walkers, canes or wheelchairs — move larger furniture against the wall to create more open walkways throughout the home. Remove loose rugs, or use double-sided tape to ensure they are securely anchored. Finally, be sure that any wires and cords are out of the way to prevent tripping and falls.

BEDROOMS Like other rooms in the home, ensure there is adequate lighting, no loose rugs or tripping hazards in the bedroom.- Other helpful additions include adding rails to the bed are helpful for getting in and out. Also, to help keep everything within arms’ reach, create a bedside “command center” equipped with a telephone, clock, lamp and other necessities. Finally, place a commode near the bed if a bathroom is not nearby. With a few simple updates you can create a home that is safe for your elder family members — giving you one less thing to worry about in your caregiver role. For more information about bath safety products, visit www.moen.com/homecare or www.lowes.com. For a variety of caregiver resources, visit the Caregiving Resource Center at www.aarp.org. ■

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