SOME GIFT IDEAS TO BRIGHTEN THE HOLIDAYS

Christmas is coming and Hanukkah too!
Oh what will you give them, oh what will you do?
Do you know what they want-what their fancy might tickle?
Or are you in your traditional holiday pickle?

Before you solve that pickle with the old reliable check or gift card, you might want to explore some ideas that will make lasting memories that will linger long after the last cookie is eaten and the decorations are put away for another year.

I’ve found several solutions for meaningful gifts—especially if shopping at the mall has become a challenge. Perhaps you could pass on a piece of jewelry or another heirloom to a daughter or granddaughter. If you have too many ornaments for your Christmas tree, why not pack up a box of your favorites and give it to family members? You could even write a note about how each ornament came to adorn your tree. Or what about an outing for the whole family to a special location like The Drake Hotel for high tea or to The Goodman to see “A Christmas Carol? If you’re worried about crowds, I have a friend who solved that problem with an annual tradition of lunch for the whole family at MACY’s Walnut Room on New Year’s Day.

Surfing the Internet can produce a wealth of other ideas. Did you know that there is a website that let’s you record your favorite book or tell your favorite story? If you are visiting the grandchildren—or they’re visiting you—you could even record a story together. Do you want to pass along your values related to charity and philanthropy? Talk to your children or grandchildren about what causes are close to their heart, and then make a gift in their name to a charity or organization which supports that cause.

And speaking of gifts, have you thought about yourself? With winter upon us, you could give yourself the gift of a carefree winter lifestyle filled with friends, conversations, and activities in a safe environment free from the worries of living through a Chicago winter by checking out life at The Summit of Uptown. And the best part of this gift is that if you feel you are not ready for a permanent commitment to the retirement community lifestyle, you can opt to stay for only the winter months.

GETTING ORGANIZED AND DOWNSIZING YOUR LIVING SPACE

People could be divided into two categories: There are people who keep everything and there are those who find it easy to throw things away. If you fall into the second category, you travel through life light and are ready for change at a moment’s notice. But for those of us who hang onto things, with change comes the anguish of what to keep and what to toss.

I’ve found that at no time in life does this become a more important issue than when circumstances dictate a change in where you live. Whether you are moving into a smaller, more manageable home, switching to a motor home so you can travel more, or planning a move to a retirement community, downsizing can be a tough process. If you’ve decided to simplify your lifestyle, there are several tips that could help you make the process less painful.

Look for other family members who would like to take some of your special things right now. That way you can make sure that the people you really want to have them will be the people who do. If family members can’t take the items, consider donating them to charity, selling them through a consignment shop or ask your family to help you sell them through Ebay, Craig’s list, or other Internet sites. This is a nice way to raise a little money too.

Find a specialist who helps seniors organize and downsize. Specialists don’t just help you decide what furniture to take and where to place it once you get to your new quarters, they help you sort through your belongings and can help you hire a moving company and actually oversee the move. Most importantly, they offer emotional as well as organizational support and take into consideration the fact that they are helping you sort through the treasures of a lifetime.

If you’ve decided to downsize and make a move, The Summit of Uptown, which provides seniors with both independent and assisted retirement living services, offers programs that are a good way to meet other people who are facing similar issues.

BE PREPARED WITH CRITICAL DOCUMENTS IF OTHERS MUST MAKE DECISIONS FOR YOU

A friend shared a story with me recently about her Aunt—who at the age of 88 declared to the extended family— “I am captain of my own ship until further notice.”  It is likely that most people would rather “Captain their own ships,” instead of having other people make decisions for them.  No one looks forward to giving up control—especially when they are used to living independent lives.  But as we live longer and encounter health challenges—whether we like it or not—the decisions that we always made for ourselves may—by necessity—be made by others.

I’ve found that when seniors and their families talk about these issues before they occur, seniors can make sure that their wishes are carried out by the people they designate to make those decisions, should they become unable to do so themselves. These documents—such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney for health care and property and living wills—are important for everyone at any time of life, but they are especially important as people grow older and consider changes in their living arrangements.

At the Summit of Uptown, which provides seniors with both independent and assisted retirement living services, we want to make sure that people are prepared for the unexpected—should it occur.  As part of its ongoing series of educational programs, The Summit recently hosted a program about the documents that are critical when an emergency arises.  Presented by Patrick D. Owens and Richard G. Larsen, the two Park Ridge attorneys shared the expertise they have gained in their combined 57 years of practice with seniors and their families.  Programs at The Summit are always open to members of the community and offer a great way to learn about topics that are of interest to seniors and about the benefits of retirement living.

ISSUES OF AGING AND ASSISTED LIVING

Often adult children may feel that their life is one long balancing act—torn between the demands of their lives and children—and the needs of their aging parents. While it may not be easy to be the aging parents, it isn’t any easier for their children when they help make decisions for parents who have led independent lives. How can families solve this dilemma?

I’ve found that when seniors and their families talk about the real life situations that they face, they can find solutions by working together. Those solutions may not only address growing healthcare concerns, but may also suggest that a move to an Assisted Living community, with a combination of residential housing and personalized services, may alleviate many of the exact circumstances confronting the family. Do any of these sound familiar?

What if the caregiver doesn’t show up?  What if the medication list is overwhelming?  What if frequent falls have become an issue?  What if meals aren’t appealing when eating alone is the norm?  What if it’s difficult to get out of the house to see friends or get to activities? Where will the money come from to pay for the assistance services?

An Assisted Living community, like the ANNEX at The Summit of Uptown, can be the answer to these and other concerns that come with aging.   Staff is available 24/7 to help and reassure.   A medication supervision program assures that medications are taken correctly.  The full service dining package features a choice of three home-style meals served in the dining room where residents eat with new friends.  There may be help with the cost through long-term care insurance, a Veteran’s Aid & Attendance benefit—and for some income qualified seniors—a Medicaid supportive living program.  In many case, Assisted Living services are tax deductible.

FACING THE "WHAT IF'S" IN LIFE

Over the last 30 years, we’ve come to know the concerns faced by older adults and their families as they go through the process of choosing retirement housing. So many of the seniors that we meet are wary of moving to a retirement community and are very concerned that it may not offer as much as staying in one’s home. The truth is that living in a community offers conveniences and a friendly environment that keep people active, happier and healthier.

There are many issues to consider during the process of change, some of which are, current lifestyle, what’s most important to you, your finances, expectations for services and, of course, the range of housing choices.

In a series of articles we’ll address some of these issues and guide you through the process of making a decision regarding retirement living options.

IS THE NEW “SNOWBIRDING” FOR YOU?

A friend shared with me recently that one of her favorite poems from childhood was The Night Wind by Eugene Field. She said her dad would read the poem to her with great flourish and drama:

Have you ever heard the wind go Yooooo?
'T is a pitiful sound to hear!
It seems to chill you through and through
With a strange and speechless fear.

Now she said that as she ages that fear has changed from ghosts and goblins to slipping and falling or being housebound when the winter winds blow and snow blankets the landscape—and her stairs and sidewalk and streets and driveway as well.

I’ve found that when they find themselves in that situation, some folks deal with their seasonal apprehension by becoming “snowbirds.” Snowbirds are typically folks who can afford to be away from home for long periods of time or have a second home in a warmer location. Some snowbirds even carry their homes with them, using campers or boats to travel to warmer climates when the winter winds blow.

But if you don’t have that option, or you’d rather stay put and not be so far away from family and familiar surroundings, you could consider a new kind of snowbirding at a retirement community.

At The Summit of Uptown, for instance, you could discover a carefree winter lifestyle filled with friends, conversations, and activities in a safe environment free from the worries of living through a Chicago winter. Is the snow shoveled? Can’t drive through the icy roads to get groceries? Housebound and stir crazy? These would no longer be on your list of concerns. The weather outside might be frightful, but your life at The Summit could be delightful. And the beauty is that if you feel you are not ready for a permanent commitment to the retirement community lifestyle, you can opt to stay for only the winter months.

KEEP HOLIDAY TRADITIONS ALIVE

Although family traditions and the holidays just seem to go together, customs that made sense when your children were younger may be as outgrown as their clothes, now that they are adults and grandchildren may have joined the family. Or they may be too costly or take too much time or stamina.

I’ve found that when you find yourself in this situation, by following some basic guidelines, you can both keep the heartwarming traditions and maintain your energy level and well being.

• Ask everyone—your children, grandchildren, and extended family members—for their favorite family celebrations and some new suggestions. Then arrive at a consensus with family members about who will take on each task to keep old traditions alive and make the new traditions part of your family holiday get-togethers.
• Keep your ethnic holiday customs and incorporate them into your new celebrations to give your children and grandchildren a sense of their ancestry.
• Two easy ways to pass along the traditions that are important to you are: Share a family recipe in your holiday cards and share the holiday decorations that you no longer use with family, friends, and neighbors.

If you’ve made the decision to live in a retirement community like The Summit of Uptown, you can introduce your family to new celebrations that you don’t have to work so hard to make happen. You can just sit back and enjoy new traditions together such as the annual Breakfast with Santa and the community holiday party that have become part of the festivities at Summit.

MAKE THE CHOICE TO BE THANKFUL

The French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr once said, “Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.” As we get older, we have a choice—a choice to focus on the things that are not perfect in our lives, or to be grateful for all the things that are good. We can be appreciative of family that cares and finds ways to help, for old friends, and for ways that we can continue to help others. Because according to Rabbi Harold Kushner, if you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.

I’ve found that when you take the time to count your blessings, there are always reasons to give thanks. If you make the decision to live in a retirement community like The Summit of Uptown, you’ll find the cheerful gatherings with friendly neighbors and the comfortable living in a safe environment, free from the worries of home ownership and maintenance will give you even more reasons to be thankful. Almost 20 years ago a resident at Summit wrote this poem and gave it to me. It touched me deeply and I have never forgotten him and share it with you now as my way of saying “Happy Thanksgiving.”

We’re grateful Lord for this retreat,
Where we as elders dwell and eat.
Yes, there are always things to do,
Games, trips, and conversations, too.
We represent all walks of life.
Some are alone, some man and wife.
Life’s past events always loom,
They are important…give them room.
We say thanks to staff and crew
Who keep things right for me and you.
Places like this are few and dear,
So stand up for Summit and loudly cheer.

To find out more about services, activities and amenities at The Summit of Uptown, visit www.summitofuptown.com or call 847-825-1161 to schedule a personalized tour of our completely renovated community.

RETIREMENT LIVING AND GOOD NUTRITION FOSTER HEALTHY LIVING

With so much attention focused on America’s obesity problem, it may come as a surprise to you that the opposite health risk may actually be the issue as we get older. I’ve found that a loss of appetite and accompanying weight loss are not an inevitable part of aging. Here are some tips for better nutrition that I’ve found contribute to a healthier you and I’d like to pass them along.

First, reduce sodium to help prevent water retention and high blood pressure. Reap the rewards of good fats such as olive oil, avocados, salmon, walnuts, flaxseed, and other monounsaturated fats. Eat foods rich in fiber like raw fruits and veggies, whole-grains, and beans. Choose good carbs such as whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. Avoid hidden sugar that can be found in everything from bread to canned soups and vegetables. Check food labels for alternate terms for sugar such as corn syrup, molasses, brown rice syrup, cane juice, fructose, sucrose, dextrose, or maltose.

But if you choose to live in a retirement community such as The Summit of Uptown, you won’t have to worry about nutrition or cooking anymore. The full service dining package features your choice of three gourmet or traditional home-style meals, served to you in the dining room, where you will eat with new friends. Eating with company always makes the dining experience more enjoyable. If you have the desire, you can still prepare some of your favorite recipes in the full kitchen in your apartment, and then have the option of choosing Summit’s one or two meal a day package. When it comes to choice, taste and nutrition, the dining options at Summit will give you the best of both worlds.