Making your own cleaning supplies helps you save money and Mother Earth.
More cleaning supply suggestions are available by clicking the link below.
http://www.greenoptions.com/wiki/homemade-cleaner-recipes-and-tips
Spring Cleaning - Make Your Own Cleaning Products
What to BUY and NOT BUY at CVS
No one arrives in their middle years or beyond without knowing the reason why drugstores have their pharmacies all the way in the back of the store... so you have to pass tons of items on your way to get your prescriptions filled and then again on the way back.
Of course, most of us remember when it was REVCO - and they had tons of convenience items - and we were enticed to buy them.
Some items in pharmacies are wise buys, many are not... they are over-priced but often people are willing to pay more for the convenience.
Hang on to your wallets and read this article.
Then read this article to see what CBS MoneyWatch.com recommends buying at CVS.
Retirement - Misjudging How Long You’ll Live
Planning for your retirement and trying to judge how long you will live?
This is one of the most common errors people make planning for retirement.
Remember, not only are people living longer these days, life expectancy increases as you age.
At birth, the average life expectancy of males is 74, but a man who reaches 65 has an average life expectancy of 81. The average life expectancy at birth for females is 79, but it’s 83 for 65-year-old women.
The time to start pinching pennies is NOW
Save Money On Groceries - Homemade Convenience Foods
Convenience foods can ruin your food budget and rob you of your hard earned cash. With rising gas prices, more and more of us are looking at ways to pinch pennies. Creating your own convenience foods can be one easy way to put more money in your pocket.
You can even make your own granola instead of buying the expensive one. Other great things to make to have on hand are Biscuit Mix, Flavored Rice, Pudding, seasonings, etc. Not only will you realize a cost savings, you'll also notice they are more flavorful and healthier because you won't be adding all the preservatives the commercial brands do.
Click here for recipes for several homemade convenience foods.
If you really don't want to make your own convenience foods but want to save money, look for a bulk food store ( find a busy one so it turns over often and stays fresh)... no fancy packing but they usually offer a cost savings. Even things like sun-dried tomatoes can be purchased in bulk, as can seasonings. (Watch sodium content)
Love to Travel AND Volunteer?
Wonderful! It is very rewarding to volunteer and give back......even when you're on vacation! This link will connect you with a site that can help you do just that!
Top Foods You Should Have on Hand In Case of An Emergency
on hand - many of them have lengthy expiration dates, so you can stash them away for long periods of time.
Remember to keep a list of everything in your stockpile and check expiration dates every 6 months to keep things fresh - a good time to do that is when you change the smoke detector battery. And don’t forget to keep things like zip lock bags to keep food fresh and have a can opener on hand at all times. Gas grills can be your best friend when your freezer is getting warm. Keep an extra canister of gas on hand too.
MORE
Elder FRAUD
Information is truly a senior citizens best defenses against elder fraud.
Visit www.SpeakOutOhio.gov
For additional information about how the Attorney General's Office protects Ohioans, pleas visit their web site www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or call their HELP CENTER 800-282-0515
Caring for the Aging Adult's Caregiver
You may be surprised to know that when your love ones age, and can no longer take care of all their needs, MORE than 80% of their care is provided by unpaid family members.
Often the caregiver's needs are secondary to the aged one in need of care. Failing to care for one's own needs can lead to stress, depression and physical problems.
Caregivers need to find a strategies to balance work, caregiving and family demands. They need to look for others who can help share the responsibility for caregiving - and ask for help.
Adult Day Care, if they are fortunate enough to have one in their community, is a good option. Often transportation can be arranged to get their loved one there and back. Many Adult Day Care Centers also offer hygiene assistance or bathing as well as meals and snacks, social activities, exercise and friendships - and offer full or half-day options.
Non-medical home care is another option, if even for a few hours, so caregivers can run errands, get a haircut and do the weekly grocery shopping or just take an afternoon off to have lunch with a friend or go to church.
Another option is out-patient therapy - physical therapy can help them get stronger and be more mobile and occupational therapy can help them learn new ways to help themselves, if they are able.
Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio provides all these services and more.
To talk to an expert in aging, call 937-547-7600.
Visitability - What is it?
What is Visitability?
Visitability is a movement to change home construction practices so that virtually all new homes — not merely those custom-built for occupants who currently have disabilities — offer a few specific features making the home easier for mobility-impaired people to live in and visit. Several people have asked for a more detailed definition, noting that the list of required features has not been identical in all Visitability-type legislation, handouts and other materials.
First, the spirit of Visitability is as important as the list of features. That spirit says it's not just unwise, but unacceptable that new homes continue to be built with gross barriers — given the how easy it is to build basic access in the great majority of new homes, and given the harsh effects major barriers have on so many people's lives. These easily-avoided barriers cause daily drudgery; unsafe living conditions; social isolation; and forced institutionalization. The appropriate ways to further basic access are many: disseminating information; working to pass legislation; incentives (so long as they are moderate and don’t decimate a tax base, impede general affordable housing, or undermine other Visitability efforts); voluntary efforts (so long as they are not programs producing few houses and at the same time forestalling legislation); street theater; advertising campaigns; civil disobedience; and others.
FEATURES -IT'S ABOUT TIME!
Many of us live in homes that are not able to accomodate a disability.... such as a wheelchair, scooter, crutches, etc.
At least one zero-step entrance approached by an accessible route on a firm surface no steeper than 1:12, proceeding from a driveway or public sidewalk
Wide passage doors
At least a half bath/powder room on the main floor
http://www.concretechange.org/
Are Adult Day Services Right for You and Your Loved One?
Adult Day Care Centers are one of the newest options for families who wish to care their loved ones at home, yet many communities across America do not have one. For those who are fortunate to have a center in their area and choose this option, the benefits are immeasurable. Darke County has the Shuff Adult Day Center, located on the campus of Brethren Retirement Community, in Greenville.
This program offers a half or full-day option and includes meals, care management, personal care and bathing services, social and recreational activities, and even coordinates transportation for those who need it. This affordable service allows the family caregiver to have a respite break or continue working. Many of the Shuff Club members attend the center for the social interaction with others outside their family. Shuff Adult Day Center accepts PASSPORT.
To see if you or your loved one might benefit from the services of Adult Day Services, complete the questionnaire below.
Are you increasingly worried about the health and safety of an elderly loved one who:
1. Needs regular health check-ups and cannot take prescribed medications without supervision?
2. Can no longer be alone at home safely (e.g., wanders)?
3. Requires assistance with personal care, such as eating, bathing, or dressing?
4. Is more and more confused or forgetful?
5. Has Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss?
6. Is becoming increasingly dependent on your time and energy?
If you said “yes” to any of these questions, your loved one will benefit from quality care in the safe, supportive environment at the Shuff C.L.U.B.
Are you increasingly worried about the isolation or inactivity of a family member who:
1. Has lost interest in hobbies or trying something new?
2. Does not socialize or stay in touch with friends?
3. Needs something to do with his or her time?
4. Isn’t eating well unless you plan for or prepare meals?
5. Is alone a lot, and doesn’t get out of the house much?
6. Is losing physical strength, in part due to lack of exercise?
If you said “yes” to any of these questions, your family member can meet new friends and make every day full of life at the "Shuff C.L.U.B."
Are you providing care for — or worrying about — an elderly family member? If so:
1. Are you neglecting your own health?
2. Do you have outstanding errands on your “to do list?”
3. Are you working or want to find a job?
4. Do you feel overwhelmed, or like you’re falling behind?
5. Have you cut back on your own personal interests?
6. Do you keep postponing your visits with friends and family, or the class you have been thinking about?
7. Would rest from full-time care help you to be an even better caregiver?
If you said “yes” to any of these questions, the Shuff C.L.U.B. can share the caring so that you can be at your best. 937.547.7600
eLearning - Free Online Classes & Audio Books
Now you can log on and learn about a wide variety of subjects. No, you won't be earning college credit but you will be gaining knowledge, at your own pace, without spending a dime!
You will most likely need a high-speed video connection because many of the classes deliver information via large audio and/or videos. Usually you will just need to hit the button to play or download these... if asked to download the video, be sure to save it under the name of the class.
Click here to access the OPEN CULTURE Online Learning Classes -
over 350 Free Classes & Audio Books
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