The Millstone Times July 2020

As We Age

We provide Adult Day Services For Special Needs Adults (21 years old +) ADVICE FOR THE AGING COMMUNITY Reintroducing Seniors to Socializing as Pandemic R strictions Ease By, Howard Seidman-Guest Blogger As New Jersey and Pennsylvania ease Coronavirus pandemic restric- tions, greater opportunities to reintroduce seniors to socializing should emerge. That’s great following the 3+ months of social isolation many have faced in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. But before deciding to take grandpa on a wild ride down Main Street, remember your loved one may need time to adjust to interacting again, so take things slow. And remember, just because you and your loved ones can leave the house, doesn’t mean appropriate protection – i.e. masks, hand sanitizer, social distancing recommendations – should be thrown to the wind. Here are a few ways to help reintroduce your ag- ing adult to socializing: 1. Scout a park or wide trail to visit. Research whether the area has wide, smoothly paved paths that af- ford easy wheelchair navigation. That holds true for navigation by peo- ple using walkers or those with balance issues. Bring a chair to set up in area that provides shade and appropriate social distancing. Use your time for talking or having a cool drink together. 2. Drive your loved one to the homes of friends or relatives and ar- range to meet n a front or back lawn. Be sure to give the people you’ll be visiting ample notice of your arriv- al and make sure they agree to wear masks. Ask that your hosts set up seats six feet apart. 3. Bringing your senior to your home for a backyard cookout or takeout meal. Make sure to limit the number of people attending. Situations where many people touch the same utensils or eat from the same container’s places everyone at higher illness risk. 4. Visit them If your senior’s physical abilities include trouble walking or getting in/ out of cars, it may be best to bring visitors outside of their facility rather than taking the person somewhere. Be sure to check with the facility to ensure meetings can be accommodated. The easing of pandemic restrictions will hopefully allow you and your family to experience being together with aging loved ones. But Call UsToday For ATour or Info! (732) 845-3332 • Free Door-to-DoorTransportation • Health Evaluations • Bi-Lingual staff • Music & PetTherapy • Educational Programs to assist & encourage independance with activities of daily living • Social Activities • Fabulous food and menu options • Recreation, Exercise,Trips to Museums, Stores, Crafts and more... Serving Monmouth, Middlesex & Ocean Residents Medicaid/HMO/DDD

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Call UsToday For ATour or Info! (732) 851-6640 www.GoldenYearsCareNJ.com • Medical AppointmentTransportation • Around-the-clock attention • Physical & OccupationalTherapy In House • Free Door-to-DoorTransportation • Delicious Food Options (Spanish, Russian, Italian & more) • Onsite & Offsite Activities: (Ping Pong, Zumba, Shopping Excursions, Museums, Crafts,Trips to the Shore and much more) • Onsite Hairdresser Serving Monmouth, Middlesex & Ocean Residents Conveniently off Rt 33 and NJTurnpike Exit 8 108Woodward Rd. Manalapan, New Jersey If your loved one needs care during the day, trust GoldenYears Care to put them in good hands!

remember, it doesn’t mean that you should stop practicing the ways you have been commu- nicating with them while they were locked down. Phone calls, video chats, texting, emailing, or even written notes should con- tinue.

20 1-A Jackson Street Freehold, New Jersey

We Offer Something Special Nowhere Else Found In CNJ ForYour Loved One! Active Day Adult Services WWW.CARINGCONNECTIONSNJ.ORG

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