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.

Physical Activities for Seniors

By Angela Olea

Published August 1, 2023

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As our loved ones age, it’s not uncommon for their activity levels to decline. However, maintaining physical activity for seniors is crucial for both physical and mental health. It can help prevent disease, improve mood, maintain physical strength, and enhance independence. Despite the misconceptions that it might be too late to start or that the risk of injury is too high, research consistently shows the benefits of physical activity at any age.

This article provides a deep dive into the following topics:

The Benefits of Physical Activities for Seniors
Misconceptions about Physical Activity in Older Adults
Special Considerations for Physical Activity in Seniors
6 Suitable Physical Activities for Seniors with Limited Mobility and Chronic Diseases

The Benefits of Physical Activities for Seniors

Physical changes and participating in regular physical activities can significantly enhance seniors’ health and well-being. For instance:

Preventing diseases: Regular exercise can help prevent or manage several health problems common in older adults, including heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and osteoporosis. It can also improve immune function, which is critical for fighting off illnesses and infections.
Improving mental health: Physical activity is beneficial for mental health, helping to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It also contributes to better cognitive function, improving memory and attention, and may even delay the onset of dementia.
Maintaining physical strength and independence: Exercise, particularly strength training, can combat the loss of muscle mass and strength associated with aging, helping seniors maintain their physical capabilities and independence.

Misconceptions about Physical Activity in Older Adults

Physical activity can be beneficial and is certainly possible at any age, even for those who haven’t been active in their younger years. However, there are often misconceptions and myths associated with seniors and physical activity, which can deter them from embracing an active lifestyle.

Understanding these misconceptions, debunking them, and learning how physical activity can be beneficial and safe at any age is essential. By doing so, we can support the older adults in our lives to adopt healthier habits, ultimately improving their well-being and longevity.

It’s too late to start: One common misconception is that if an older adult hasn’t been regularly active throughout their life, it’s too late to start. The truth is, it’s never too late to begin a physical activity regimen. Even modest amounts of physical activity can yield substantial health benefits, regardless of when one starts. Research has shown that older adults who start regular physical activity, even in their 70s or 80s, experience multiple health benefits.
The risk of injury is too high: While it’s true that seniors have a higher risk of certain injuries, such as fractures from falls, this should not deter them from exercising. In fact, regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, and coordination. The key is to ensure the activities are suitable for their current fitness level and health status, and that they follow appropriate safety measures.
Exercise will make arthritis worse: Physical activity can actually help improve symptoms of arthritis, including pain and stiffness. It can increase strength and flexibility, reduce joint pain, and combat fatigue. Again, the activities should be low-impact and suitable for the individual’s condition, and they may benefit from consulting with a healthcare provider or physical therapist.

Special Considerations for Physical Activity in Seniors

Physical activity can significantly improve seniors’ health, well-being, and quality of life. However, special considerations are needed to ensure these activities are suitable, safe, and effective.

A. The Importance of Starting Slow and Gradual Progression

For seniors embarking on a new physical activity regimen, it’s vital to start slow and gradually progress. The body needs time to adapt to new levels of activity, especially if the person hasn’t been very active previously. Beginning with lighter activities such as gentle walks or basic stretching exercises, and then progressively increasing the intensity and duration of workouts over time can help prevent injury and ensure a more sustainable exercise routine.

B. Recognizing and Respecting Personal Limits

Every individual has unique physical capabilities and limitations, and these must be recognized and respected. Encourage seniors to listen to their bodies and adjust their activities as needed. If they experience pain, extreme fatigue, or any other concerning symptoms during or after exercise, they should reduce the intensity of their workouts or take a break. It’s important to remember that physical activity should enhance their well-being, not cause additional health problems.

C. The Role of Healthcare Professionals in Advising on Exercise Regimes

Healthcare professionals play an essential role in advising seniors on suitable exercise regimens. They can provide personalized advice based on the individual’s overall health status, existing medical conditions, and fitness level. For example, a person with arthritis might benefit from low-impact activities like swimming or cycling, while someone with balance issues might benefit from tai chi or yoga. Healthcare professionals can also provide advice on safely increasing activity levels and monitor progress and health outcomes over time.

D. The Necessity of Regular Medical Check-ups

Regular medical check-ups are crucial for seniors engaging in physical activity. These check-ups can help monitor their overall health, track the impact of their physical activity, and catch any potential health issues early. They provide an opportunity to adjust their exercise regimen if necessary, ensuring it remains suitable and beneficial for their current health status.

Suitable Physical Activities for Seniors with Limited Mobility and Chronic Diseases

Physical activity is beneficial for everyone, including seniors with limited mobility or chronic diseases. It’s all about finding suitable activities that cater to their abilities while still providing health benefits. Here are some activities specifically suitable for these individuals:

A. Chair Exercises

Chair exercises can be excellent for individuals with limited mobility. These can range from simple leg lifts and arm raises to more complex routines that incorporate resistance bands or light weights. Chair yoga and chair aerobics are other options that can increase flexibility, muscle tone, and cardiovascular health.

B. Stretching and Flexibility Exercises

Regular stretching can improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and help prevent injuries. It can be done either standing or sitting and can be tailored to an individual’s ability level.

C. Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a form of Chinese martial arts that involves slow, controlled movements and deep breathing. It’s low-impact, gentle on the joints, and can improve balance, flexibility, and strength. Many studies have found it beneficial for people with various chronic conditions, including arthritis and heart disease.

D. Water Aerobics

Water aerobics is a low-impact activity that can provide both resistance (for muscle strengthening) and cardiovascular training. The buoyancy of the water supports the body’s weight, reducing stress on the joints, which can be beneficial for those with arthritis or similar conditions.

E. Physical Therapy

For those with chronic diseases or severe mobility restrictions, physical therapy might be an appropriate choice. A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program that considers the individual’s health conditions and goals.

F. Gentle Yoga

Gentle or restorative yoga classes can be excellent for those with chronic conditions or limited mobility. These classes often use props like blocks and bolsters to support different poses and are focused on relaxation and gentle stretching.

Physical activities for seniors are key to maintaining the health and well-being of seniors. It helps manage health conditions, improve mental well-being, and maintain independence. Despite common misconceptions, it’s never too late for seniors to start engaging in regular exercise, and with careful planning, the risk of injury can be mitigated.

Starting slowly, respecting personal limits, seeking professional advice, and having regular check-ups are vital. For seniors with limited mobility or chronic diseases, a variety of activities, such as chair exercises, Tai Chi, water aerobics, and gentle yoga, can be suitable.

In conclusion, physical activity can significantly improve seniors’ health, happiness, and longevity. Therefore, let’s support our seniors in adopting an active lifestyle suitable for their abilities and preferences.