How can I afford a Care Advisor?

Anyone can afford an Assisted Living Locator Care Advisor. That’s because we are paid only when we help you make a decision about your senior’s living location and we are paid by the location you choose. And because we only receive payment when you’re paying the Care Community directly, we’ll also put you in touch with your state’s social service network to make sure that you receive the proper state support in the event that you are unable to pay for senior care and housing yourself.

What can a Care Advisor help me with?

An Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor specializes in knowing your senior housing and in home care options, but via their referral network they can connect you with state resources in the event that you need to consider state resources to finance and secure senior housing, as well as a wide variety of specialists who focus on some aspect of the senior services industry- Eldercare Attorneys, Financial Specialists, Real Estate Agents, Downsizing Specialists, Home Health Experts, and just about any other senior service need you can think of.

Who is my Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor?

Glad you asked. This site gives you a number of ways to find your local Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor. Pick one and we’ll either get them on the phone, or make sure that they contact you in a timely fashion. Click here to get to our Care Advisor page.

How are Care Advisors trained?

Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors are vetted for the right set of skills before they ever even buy a franchise. Once they do, we provide comprehensive initial training and a 13 week “in community” onboarding process. We ask all Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors to become Certified Senior Advisors, a nationwide accreditation program that provides additional industry specific knowledge. Care Advisors also participate in continuing education provided by us and provided by local senior oriented industry associations to ensure that they understand the latest tools, techniques and industry rules and regulations to help you navigate the senior experience.

What does a Care Advisor do?

An Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor spends time at each of the communities and homes in your local area. They understand how well the community is performing against state standards and they understand what the community is good at- in short, they understand what isn’t in the community’s glossy brochure. An Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor networks to ensure that they have a broad array of qualified resource team members that they can call on to help deal with challenges beyond senior housing and care, which is their own area of expertise. And Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors spend time with families and seniors. They can’t help if they don’t know and understand you and your family. Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors have a structured way to identify important needs that you and your senior have, which they then use to match you to the best community choices or the best members of their resource network that can meet your needs.

Who is Assisted Living Locators®?

A franchise business based in Arizona, with local owners and operators across the US. Our Care Advisors bring problem solving skills and compassion to your local senior community, and we supply the training, processes and industry knowledge they need to provide you with the help you want.

Where are your Care Advisors located?

Everywhere. If we don’t have a Care Advisor yet in your local area, we’ll find you an affiliate advisor who can help. But every month we train more Care Advisors to meet the growing needs of seniors in every community across the US. You can find your local Care Advisor by using the tools on this website. And because we are nationwide, we can help you in your town or in towns all across the US.

When should I contact an Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor?

Since Care Advisors understand the entire range of living options available to seniors, any family with a senior over 55 can benefit from their expertise. Use us to understand your independent living options if your senior wants more time for leisure pursuits after 55. Use us especially when you are concerned about the safety or health of your senior loved one. And it’s critically important that you reach out to us if your senior is in the hospital or rehabilitation facility so that we help you navigate the immediate next health care and housing steps that must be taken, giving you a voice in how the health care and insurance systems in your state manage your senior’s needs.

Celebrating Grandparents Day: Expressing Gratitude towards our Elders

By Danelle Neudecker

Published September 4, 2023

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Grandparents Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring the invaluable role of grandparents in our lives. The idea of dedicating a day to honor grandparents can be traced back to the early 1970s when Marian McQuade, a housewife and grandmother from West Virginia, recognized the need to bridge the generational gap in families and communities.

She envisioned a day that would not only allow grandchildren to show their love and respect to their grandparents but also encourage young people to tap into the wealth of knowledge and experiences their elders possess.

Marian’s efforts led to the proclamation of National Grandparents Day in the United States by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, which set the date for the first Sunday after Labor Day. Her tireless advocacy and passion for intergenerational connections inspired other countries to adopt similar celebrations, albeit on different dates, honoring grandparents and the significant role they play in the family structure.

The purpose of this special day is to encourage people to spend quality time with their grandparents, strengthening the bonds between them. It offers an opportunity for younger generations to express their appreciation, love, and gratitude for the unwavering support and care provided by their grandparents. Simultaneously, grandparents can feel valued and cherished, knowing that their presence in their family’s lives is treasured.

The Role of Grandparents in Our Lives

The Emotional Support They Provide

Grandparents often serve as a pillar of emotional support for their grandchildren. Their unconditional love and understanding create a safe space where grandchildren can confide their fears, dreams, and aspirations. Grandparents’ comforting presence can be especially crucial during challenging times, providing reassurance and empathy that comes from a lifetime of experience.

Sharing Wisdom and Life Experiences

The wealth of knowledge and life experiences possessed by grandparents is an invaluable resource for their grandchildren. Through storytelling and sharing anecdotes, they offer insights into the past and pass down the collective wisdom of generations. This sharing of experiences not only preserves family history but also provides valuable life lessons that help the younger generation navigate their own paths.

Imparting Traditions and Family Values

Grandparents play a vital role in passing on cultural traditions and family values to their grandchildren. Whether it’s through celebrating cultural festivals, teaching traditional practices, or simply leading by example, they instill a sense of identity and heritage in the younger generation.

Their Role in Shaping Our Personalities

Beyond the love and knowledge they provide, grandparents also play a significant role in shaping their grandchildren’s personalities. Their unique relationship often allows them to offer a different perspective and understanding, helping to mold well-rounded individuals with a broader outlook on life.

Why It’s Important to Express Gratitude to Our Elders

In a fast-paced world, where the focus often shifts to the latest trends and advancements, it is crucial to remember the pillars of our families and communities – our elders. Expressing gratitude to our seniors is not only a sign of respect but also a meaningful gesture with profound psychological benefits for both the giver and the receiver.

Psychological Benefits of Expressing Gratitude

Gratitude has been scientifically proven to have a positive impact on mental and emotional health. When we express gratitude to our elders, it enhances our sense of empathy and compassion, fostering a stronger connection with them. The act of showing appreciation releases neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with feelings of happiness and contentment. Additionally, gratitude reduces stress and anxiety, promoting overall psychological well-being for both parties involved.

Boy and his granddad lying on grass, overhead close up

The Impact of Gratitude on Seniors’ Emotional Wellbeing

For seniors, receiving gratitude and appreciation from their loved ones can have a profound effect on their emotional health. As they age, they may experience feelings of loneliness or a sense of being forgotten. Expressing gratitude helps combat these negative emotions, making them feel valued, loved, and respected. It also bolsters their self-esteem and sense of purpose, knowing that their contributions to the family and society are recognized and appreciated.

How Gratitude Strengthens Intergenerational Relationships

Gratitude serves as a bridge between generations, fostering stronger bonds and understanding between younger family members and their elders. When we take the time to express our thankfulness to seniors, it opens channels for communication and creates an atmosphere of mutual respect. This intergenerational connection not only provides emotional support but also facilitates the passing down of family traditions, wisdom, and values, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

Creative Ways to Celebrate Grandparents Day

Grandparents Day provides a perfect opportunity to go beyond words and actively show our appreciation for our beloved elders. Celebrating this special day in creative ways can make it even more memorable for both grandparents and their grandchildren. Here are some heartwarming ideas to make Grandparents Day truly special:

Personalized Gifts and Acts of Service

Create personalized gifts such as handmade cards, scrapbooks with cherished memories, or a heartfelt letter expressing gratitude. Acts of service, such as helping with household chores, running errands, or cooking their favorite meal, can also show how much you care.

Beautiful cute child congratulating grandmother and giving her postcard. Woman and girl are hugging and laughing.

Spending Quality Time

Plan activities that grandparents will enjoy, such as a leisurely stroll in the park, a family picnic, or a movie marathon with their favorite films. Engaging in hobbies together, like baking, gardening, or crafting, can create lasting memories and strengthen the bond between grandparents and grandchildren.

Sharing Stories

Encourage grandparents to share their life stories, experiences, and wisdom with the younger generation. This not only imparts valuable life lessons but also fosters a sense of appreciation for the history and struggles that have shaped their family’s journey.

Technology-Enabled Connections

For families separated by distance, technology can play a vital role in connecting generations. Schedule video calls or virtual gatherings to celebrate Grandparents Day together. Create digital photo albums or video montages to reminisce about cherished moments and experiences.

Fostering a Culture of Gratitude Beyond Grandparents Day

While Grandparents Day provides a dedicated occasion to express gratitude, fostering a culture of appreciation for our elders should extend beyond a single day. Here are some ways to keep the spirit of gratitude alive throughout the year:

Regular Communication and Involvement with Grandparents

Stay in touch with grandparents regularly through phone calls, letters, or visits. Involvement in their lives shows that they are an integral part of the family and that their presence is cherished.

Teaching Younger Generations about Respect and Love for the Elderly

Educate younger generations about the value of respecting and loving their elders. Teach them the importance of listening to their stories, seeking their advice, and showing appreciation for their contributions to the family.

The Importance of Recognizing the Contributions of All Seniors in Society

Beyond our own families, it is vital to recognize and appreciate the contributions of all seniors in society. Engage with local senior centers, volunteer for elderly care programs, or simply offer a kind word or gesture to seniors in your community.

In conclusion, Grandparents Day is a special occasion that celebrates the invaluable role of grandparents in our lives. It reminds us of the significance of expressing gratitude for their love, wisdom, and support. This article has explored the historical background of the day, its symbolism, and global recognition. Additionally, it provided creative ways to celebrate Grandparents Day and emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of gratitude and respect for our elders throughout the year. Let us cherish and honor our grandparents, acknowledging their profound impact on our families and society.

Celebrating Grandparents Day: Expressing Gratitude towards our Elders