How to Evaluate a Senior’s Driving Skills

The conversation about taking away the keys can be a hard, and even hurtful one. Your senior loved one may think you’re trying to take away their independence, or that you think they’re incompetent. It can be helpful to have an objective third party determine if your loved one is still a safe driver.

AAA has resources, articles, and tools to support older drivers. You may find these helpful to assess your loved one’s driving abilities, find a driving safety program, and learn more about other issues that may impact driving as we age.

AARP also has useful resources including tips to talk to a parent about driving as they get older.

Lastly, if your loved one still lives alone or with you, consider a ride sharing company like Lyft to make it easier for Mom or Dad to get to activities or social gatherings while not having to drive themselves. Lyft specifically is catering to the elderly – the app allows riders to request a vehicle big enough to accommodate adults with mobility issues like a wheelchair or walker.

Consider Assisted Living in Plymouth

The last suggestion is to consider if now is also a good time to have the conversation about assisted living with your loved one. A senior living community has great transportation options, so your parent will still be able to participate in activities they love in a safe manner.

Read the full article on our website!

Schedule Your Tour Today! Virtual or In-Person Tours Available

Plymouth Terrace provides an “aging by choice” philosophy. We work with your family to create the best possible living situation for your senior relative. Our housing, dining, and care services will make your loved one feel at home! Let our family take care of yours.

Make Plymouth Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home! 

If you’re interested in learning more about assisted living at Plymouth Terrace or scheduling a tour, contact us today! (734) 545-4639

Is your Senior Loved One Still a Safe Driver?

We’ve all been there – behind a too-slow senior driver, one driving erratically! Or worse, maybe you’ve even been involved in an accident with an elderly person. 

Are you monitoring how your own loved ones are driving?

Are you dreading the conversation with family members about taking away Mom or Dad’s keys? We know how hard it can be to have that conversation and how reluctant your parent can be about giving up driving. 

Some key facts to remember:

• Age is just a number. Age alone is not reason enough for taking away a senior’s keys. There are people in their 90s who can drive safely!
• Instead, focus on physical and mental abilities. There are many factors that put seniors at greater risk for accidents and affect their driving ability.

Read the full article on our website!

Schedule Your Tour Today! Virtual or In-Person Tours Available

Plymouth Terrace provides an “aging by choice” philosophy. We work with your family to create the best possible living situation for your senior relative. Our housing, dining, and care services will make your loved one feel at home! Let our family take care of yours.

Make Plymouth Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home! 

If you’re interested in learning more about assisted living in Plymouth at Plymouth Terrace or scheduling a tour, contact us today! (734) 545-4639

Assisted Living Benefits Go Beyond the Scope of Even the Most Attentive Family:

Community: Adults in senior living settings benefit from the presence of peers. Social relationships can be hard for older adults to maintain, especially if they live alone and are unable to travel independently. The close proximity of neighbors in senior living facilities strengthen these social bonds.

Chef-prepared meals: Senior living communities provide your loved one with a variety of nutritious meals, including diabetes-friendly options. Proper nutrition goes a long way toward improving these seniors’ quality of life. 

Round-the-clock assistance: Basic tasks like dressing and bathing can be very difficult for some aging adults. It usually befalls family caregivers to attend to these tasks, but for many, the level of help a senior relative requires far exceeds the help their family can give. It is the primary function of assisted living facilities to help seniors with these tasks while also enabling them to be as independent as possible.

Activities: Senior living facilities are outfitted with fitness equipment, indoor recreation areas, and outdoor spaces offering many activities for older adults. In addition, senior living facilities offer daily or weekly activities like bingo, exercise classes, book clubs and outings to local stores and museums.

Learn about assisted living and the common myths associated with it here.

Addressing 5 Common Assisted Living Myths

Myth #1: I have to sacrifice my independence.

Fact: Retirement community living actually promotes independence by having the support of caregivers available if needed. 

Myth #2: Assisted Living is too expensive.

Fact: While the price tag may seem high for assisted living, when you add up expenses for older adults, you’ll discover that the cost price is comparable and sometimes cheaper than maintaining your home as well as all your other expenses for the month (i.e. utilities, insurance, property tax, routine maintenance, repairs, lawn care, transportation and groceries).

Myth #3: Assisted living communities are depressing.

Fact: Assisted living communities are vibrant, attractive places to live. Many studies show that a seniors’ quality of life improves after moving to assisted living. A wide range of amenities and services make life easier and add excitement back into their lifestyle. 

Myth # 4: Family should care for their elders at home.

Fact: Caregiving can strengthen or weaken your relationship with your loved one, bring added stress, and may cause negative health effects. Choosing assisted living could lead to a happier more enjoyable life for both of you!

Myth #5: Assisted Living is just another way to say nursing home.

Fact: Nursing homes and assisted living centers are often thought of as the same, however, their care options are much different. Nursing homes focus primarily on medical care, while assisted living centers focus not only on medical care but on well-being and comfort too.

Learn more about assisted living and the common myths associated with it here.

Are You Prepared to Take on This Responsibility?

At Plymouth Terrace Senior Living, we treat you like family because you are family!  If your senior loved one is in desperate need of assistance, you may want to consider assisted living.

Chef Prepared Meals at Plymouth Terrace Senior Living

We provide your adult relatives with a variety of nutritious meals, including diabetes-friendly options. Proper nutrition goes a long way toward improving these seniors’ quality of life. 

Tour Our Facility for Assisted Living in Plymouth: Schedule Your Tour Today!

If you’re interested in learning more about Plymouth Terrace or scheduling a tour, contact us today! (734) 545-4639

Questions to Ask Yourself if You’re Thinking About Caregiving

Are you thinking about being the caregiver for your loved one?

It’s a lot of responsibility that can take a mental toll on you. Being prepared for the potential changes of caregiving means asking yourself these important questions:

1. Am I financially prepared for the extra costs of caregiving?
2. Am I really capable of taking care of Dad or Mom all by myself? Do I need to hire home care or consider assisted living?
3. Do I have the social support and resources I’m going to need?
4. How will caregiving affect my physical and mental health?
5. If my parent has dementia and can no longer filter their behavior, will I be able to cope with potentially hurtful words or actions?
6. Will I be able to allow myself to accept help and take breaks?
7. Will I be able to cut back on work responsibilities during those times when I need to care for my parent?
8. Will I be able to make time for myself and my family?

Make Plymouth Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home! 

For more information about assisted living and the other services we provide, visit us at PlymouthInn.net, or contact us here! Plymouth Terrace – “Where our family shares life with your family!” We can help give your family peace of mind. When you’re at home, you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour today!

Types of Power of Attorney

According to A Place for Mom, “Most seniors will execute multiple varieties of POA. An elder law attorney can help your aging relative determine the right combinations for their needs.”

1. General Power of Attorney
2. Medical Power of Attorney
3. Durable Power of Attorney
4. Limited Power of Attorney
5. Springing Power of Attorney

Learn more about power of attorney here!

At Plymouth Terrace, you become family

When it comes to choosing an attractive, affordable senior living option for yourself or someone you care about, you want something special: outstanding, quality services, a vibrant, friendly atmosphere and attentive, courteous staff. Hillside Terrace is all this and more! 

Plymouth Terrace focuses on life enrichment in a nurturing and independent setting that stimulates the mind, body, and spirit. Our housing, dining, and care services will make your loved one feel at home!

Call us today at (734) 545-4639 to discuss your loved one’s needs and schedule a tour.