While the COVID-19 pandemic might cause Thanksgiving to look a little different this year, it’s still possible to enjoy this annual feast with loved ones. Sticking to a small guest list for an in-home dinner or holding a virtual celebration via video chat are two ways to safely gather. Both allow you to enjoy the holiday that typically kicks off the seasonal festivities.

Since you may not have a traditional holiday gathering this fall, it might be a great time to experiment with your menu, too. Consider hosting a vegetarian Thanksgiving this year. A plant-based menu can make for a colorful and delicious meal.

Planning a Vegetarian Menu for Your Holiday Gathering

If you aren’t a vegetarian or haven’t had an opportunity to organize a large meal before, these tips might be of help:

Appetizers: A few tasty treats to nosh on before the big meal begins are a must. If you are sticking with vegetarian options, Pumpkin Hummus, Cranberry & Thyme Vegan Cheese Ball, and Figs-in-a-Blanket with Goat Cheese are three flavorful seasonal appetizers.

Main dish: When you are thinking beyond the turkey, there are a variety of choices to consider. Mushroom and Stout Pot Pies with Sweet Potato Crusts are a filling and tasty option. A few others are Squash and Caramelized Onion Tart, Vegetarian Lasagna, and Butternut Squash Steaks with Brown Butter-Sage Sauce.

Salads: While there is more to a vegetarian diet than just salads, they do make a nice addition to your Thanksgiving gathering. If you are looking for more than mixed greens to offer your guests, a few choices to explore are a Vegan Waldorf Salad, a Winter Chopped Salad, or a Fall Harvest Salad with Kale and Pumpkin.

Stuffing: Try a different twist on this traditional Thanksgiving favorite. Croissant Mushroom Stuffing or Cauliflower Stuffing are two flavorful options to consider serving.

Side dishes: Side dishes are popular on any Thanksgiving table, and a vegetarian celebration is no different. Stuffing-Muffins with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy combines two favorite parts of this annual holiday meal. Maple Glazed Carrots with Lemon Cashew Cream are sure to be a hit with guests, as is Stuffed Roasted Butternut Squash.

Desserts: For many people, the dessert table is the best part of a Thanksgiving menu. Try serving Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie, Vegan Caramel Apple Cheesecake, or Pumpkin Pie Parfait to your vegan and vegetarian friends—it could become a classic.

If you are trying to limit your contact with others but would still like to celebrate with friends and family, consider hosting a virtual gathering. Use a video chat service like Zoom or Skype to enjoy the day. For guests who live nearby, you can each make a dish or two to pass, and arrange for a safe exchange before Thanksgiving Day. Then hop on a group platform at mealtime to chat like you would in person.

For seniors who are considering a vegan diet, this twist on the traditional Thanksgiving meal might be the push that’s needed to dive in. It’s a great way to discover just how many choices there are for plant-based dishes and meals. For more information on the health benefits and cautions associated with this type of diet, see Are Vegan Diets Safe for Older Adults?

Are you considering switching up your Thanksgiving menu this year? A vegetarian meal might be a fun twist on tradition. Here are a few dishes to try.

Recipes for Hosting a Vegetarian Thanksgiving

Outpatient therapy is a great way to rehabilitate after an injury, a planned surgery, or an illness. People often utilize these services after a fall or sports-related injury, or just to recover strength and stamina following a serious bout with a virus. It’s a great solution for helping you get back to an active lifestyle, whatever that means for you, with minimal disruption to your schedule.

What Is Available at an Outpatient Rehabilitation Center?

Outpatient rehabilitation centers typically focus on physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. Under the guidance of these professionals, patients receive care identical or similar to what they would receive in a hospital or skilled nursing and rehab center.

A few of the many examples of what therapists in an outpatient setting might do, depending on the severity of a patient’s injury or illness, include:

Create a care plan that focuses on targeted exercises, such as those designed to regain fine motor skills, or stretching to improve flexibility

Help find ways to safely enter a vehicle, slide behind the wheel to drive, and then exit the car again

Work with patients to learn or relearn how to perform activities of daily living, such as getting dressed, using the bathroom, and taking a shower

Teach patients how to use assistive devices, such as a cane, walker, shower chair, or raised toilet seat

What Are the Benefits of Outpatient Therapy?

If you are wondering why a patient would opt for outpatient therapy versus a short-term stay at a skilled nursing and rehab center, here are a few of the reasons:

Reduce pain and improve flexibility: When you are finding your way back from a serious illness or recovering from a surgery or an injury, you might be struggling with pain. A physical therapist can help you explore ways to manage that pain while also improving flexibility.

Lower risk of repeat injury: One of the primary goals of continuing rehabilitation after being discharged from the hospital is to avoid experiencing another injury. For example, if a patient had a serious fall, they might be fearful of falling again. And that’s a legitimate concern. Once a senior takes a tumble, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says their risk of doing so again doubles.

Minimize stress by recovering at home: If you’ve spent time in a hospital or outpatient rehab center, it will come as no surprise that it’s difficult to rest there. By opting for outpatient therapy, a patient can continue to recover in the comfort and privacy of their own home. That’s where most people say they prefer to be, anyway.

Lessen daily disruption: Outpatient therapy often makes it easier to continue to lead your normal life. Patients can schedule appointments at times that are convenient for them, such as on weekends or evenings to navigate around their work schedule.

Limit costs: Depending on the type of insurance a patient has, outpatient therapy may be more cost effective. There may be fewer and lower deductibles and co-pays than for an inpatient stay.

During the course of outpatient therapy, safety will be a frequent topic. Both physical and occupational therapists will focus on ways to stay safe and avoid another injury. They may also suggest investing in an emergency call alert device for added peace of mind.

This is where a mobile monitoring unit can be a solution. This discreet device gives the user an easy way to summon help in the event of an emergency. With a simple press of a button, the person can be connected with someone who can help. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more!

Outpatient therapy has many benefits, ranging from allowing a patient to recover at home to making it easy to maintain a more normal schedule. Learn more here.

Tending a garden, whether it’s vegetables or flowers, can bring about many mental and physical health benefits. The hobby is known to boost the spirit, reduce stress, improve core strength, and more. But for seniors with mobility struggles, it’s a pastime that can present challenges. For example, getting up and down to weed flower beds and dragging hoses around the yard become more difficult with age.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make this beneficial hobby safer for many older adults. Here are a few suggestions you may find useful.

Ways to Make Gardening Safer and More Accessible for Seniors

The first tip we have is to carefully plan the design of your garden. Think through how you can incorporate the flowers and vegetables you like, but in a way that minimizes the work needed to care for them. For example, group similar plants together. Locate plants that require frequent watering closest to a water spigot. That will mean less pulling hoses around the yard.

Other examples are to cluster together plants that need deadheading so you don’t have to get up and down from the ground multiple times. And locate herbs, veggies, and flowers you want to cut for indoor arrangements nearer to the door.

Growing your gardens in raised beds and containers eliminates the need to get up and down from the ground, which lowers the risk of a fall. Seniors with mobility problems or back pain will especially appreciate this. When herbs, flowers, and vegetables are planted at waist level, watering, weeding, and harvesting are all easier.

Another advantage is that raised beds and containers can be placed anywhere in the garden, from the patio to the front porch. That makes it even easier for people with disabilities or aging-related health issues to continue to garden.

Another way to minimize the work associated with gardening is to primarily choose plants that are native to your area. They usually require less frequent watering and fertilizing. If you aren’t sure what those are, talk with local growers at nearby greenhouses and nurseries. Another option is to search online databases like Native Plant Finder. Also, look for pest-resistant plants. That will help cut down on maintenance.

Before you dismiss this suggestion because it sounds too expensive, know that these systems come at a variety of price points. Talk with garden experts at your local home improvement store to explore your options. They may even have contractors who can help with the installation.

While many gardeners think a wheelbarrow is an ideal way to move heavy supplies around, a four-wheeled garden cart is usually a better choice. It can be pushed or pulled with less physical effort than a wheelbarrow, which often requires some lifting. Some carts are even designed with a dumping feature that makes unloading easier.

One more tip is to use a slow-release fertilizer. Fertilizer pellets that are inserted into the soil are often a good option. They allow you to simply “set and forget.” That’s not only more convenient but also much safer than fertilizers that attach to the end of a hose.

If you are looking for more ways to reduce the risk for experiencing a health problem during the warmer days ahead, Tips to Have a Safe Summer has good information.

Our final suggestion is to invest in a mobile monitoring device. In the event you experience an emergency while working in the garden, a simple press of a button on the unit can connect you with help. Call 1-844-203-5617 today to learn more!

Wondering how to make your garden safer and more senior friendly? These tips will be of interest.

Tips for Planning an Accessible Garden for Seniors

There’s no denying that online shopping is here to stay. It’s easy and convenient, especially for older adults who have mobility struggles or no longer do much driving. There is, however, a downside to sharing financial information digitally. For seniors who may not be very tech savvy, the risk is higher than for younger people.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), older adults lose an estimated $3 billion a year to what is known as elder fraud. The FBI says seniors are often targeted because they tend to be more trusting and less knowledgeable about technology. And many older adults are in strong financial positions, such as owning a home and having greater savings and investments.

So, what can you do to shop more safely online or to help older members of your family do so? Here are a few steps you can take to avoid online fraud and scams.

Use only credit cards, not debit cards, when shopping online

While many people like the convenience of a debit card, using one when you’re shopping online is not a good idea. If you pay with a debit card and fall victim to a scam, a thief can empty your financial account before you even know something is wrong. But when the vendor you buy from isn’t legitimate, or someone uses your card for online purchases, a credit card company will usually take quick action to protect you. Your bank likely will, as well, but it will take much longer. In the meantime, your accounts may be frozen until the investigation is complete.

Stick to shopping from stores you know and trust offline

Unfortunately, social media has become a popular way for unscrupulous people to target older adults for fraud. They buy ads featuring attractive clothing and household items for low prices. People click on the links, not realizing they’re scams. Shoppers’ products never arrive, or their credit card numbers are stolen, or both. One way to avoid that is to buy online only from stores you’ve visited in person. Also, go directly to the store’s website using a Google search. Never follow links you receive in an email or on a social media platform, no matter how legitimate they look.

Check the site’s security before shopping

Before you shop, it’s important to ensure the site is secure. This isn’t as difficult as it may sound. You can do that by verifying the site’s web address begins with “https” and has a tiny icon of a lock next to it. That combination signals a site is secure. If you don’t see that lock or the “s” after “http,” it’s best to avoid shopping on the site. Doing so might put you at risk for identity theft or other types of financial scams.

Finally, don’t set up your accounts to pay bills automatically and skip reviewing them on a regular basis. You could overlook fraudulent activity for months. This applies to your credit cards, investment accounts, and banking. It’s also a good idea to set up alerts so you are notified when a major charge is made, an account balance reaches a certain amount, or there is a login from a new device.

Learn More About Financial Scams Against Seniors

If you’d like to learn more about scams that target older adults, Financial Scams That Target Seniors is a good article to read. It offers more insight into the ways seniors fall victim to crime, from fake fundraisers to fraudulent contractors.

Older adults lose an estimated $3 billion a year due to crimes referred to as elder fraud. One of these is online shopping scams. Use these tips to stay safer.

How Seniors Can Stay Safe While Shopping Online

The statistics on falls among older adults are a real eye-opener: one in four seniors falls every year. That translates to one senior experiencing a fall every second of every day in the U.S. It is the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. Equally troubling is that once a senior has had a fall, they are two to three times more likely to fall again.

Contrary to what many people believe, falls are not a normal part of the aging process. There are steps older adults can take to avoid becoming one of those statistics. And it all starts with learning the most likely reasons why seniors might take a tumble.

If you are trying to lower your fall risk or that of a senior loved one, we have some suggestions you will find useful:

Unidentified hazards in the house: Older homes often weren’t built with senior safety in mind. While some hazards, such as steep stairs or the lack of a standalone shower, are easy to spot, others aren’t. Poor lighting is a good example, as are worn carpeting and throw rugs. By conducting a risk assessment of a loved one’s house, you might be able to identify and remedy potential hazards. This fall prevention checklist from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a good resource for evaluating a home’s safety.

Side effects from medication: This fall risk is sometimes overlooked. Medications frequently have side effects or create adverse reactions that include dizziness. They may cause an older adult to be unsteady on their feet, which may lead to a fall. The pharmacist or your primary care physician can help identify concerns. This list from Harvard Medical School will also help you learn more.

Poor hydration: Dehydration can also result in falls. And often people don’t even realize when they’re dehydrated. Unlike many younger adults, seniors didn’t grow up carrying water bottles with them everywhere. Some chronic health conditions, such as kidney disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, and ulcerative colitis, can also increase risk. Medications can play a role, too. Blood pressure medicine, chemotherapy, laxatives, and diabetes drugs are just a few that can cause dehydration.

Too much sitting: A sedentary lifestyle also puts people of all ages at higher risk of falling. Sitting too much and getting too little exercise can cause muscles to deteriorate. The loss of core strength can lead to balance problems that ultimately result in a fall. Unfortunately, once a senior has fallen, they may become fearful of doing so again. That may cause them to become even more sedentary. A senior who has had a fall might need physical or occupational therapy to help them regain confidence on their feet.

Unbalanced diet: Poor nutrition is another risk factor. For seniors who’ve given up driving, not wanting to ask friends and family for transportation to the grocery store can be the underlying reason. They rely for most of their meals on easy-to-prepare foods, such as frozen dinners and foods with a long shelf-life. While convenient, many are high in fat and sodium and low in nutritional value. Home-delivered meals, such as Hello Fresh or Home Chef, might be good solutions.

Vision problems: Conditions like cataracts and glaucoma become more common with age, as does a loss of depth perception. An older adult’s glasses might be outdated, causing them not to see well. All of these types of vision issues can lead to falls, especially in a house with uneven flooring, poor lighting, or a lot of stairs. It’s just one more reason why a home safety evaluation is helpful.

Finally, if you or a senior family member feels unsteady walking or rising from a chair, it’s probably a good idea to schedule a physical. A primary care physician will likely be able to determine the cause and create a plan for treating it.

Experiencing a fall when you are home alone can be frightening, especially if you aren’t able to reach the phone to call for assistance. That’s where a mobile monitoring device can come in handy. With a simple press of a button, the user will be connected with someone who can help. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more!

Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths among seniors. Learn the most common risks and how to avoid them.

What Are the Leading Causes of Falls in Older Adults?

People often wonder how to achieve and maintain a positive outlook on life. Amidst a tumultuous political climate and global uncertainty, it may feel like a lofty goal to set for yourself. According to experts in positive psychology, one way to do that is by practicing gratitude. It’s linked to better physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

So, what is gratitude, and how can you make it a part of your daily life? Let’s take a closer look at both.

Gratitude is our ability to appreciate what we have. Some experts describe it as an emotion or feeling, while others say it’s actually a personality trait. If you aren’t fortunate enough to have a natural appreciation for your advantages in life, there are ways to develop it. And researchers say it’s important to do so.

Studies show that people who practice gratitude tend to be happier all around. Grateful people experience lower rates of depression, have fewer sleep issues, enjoy better relationships, and develop stronger immune systems. And we have a few ideas to help you begin to live with gratitude.

Start a gratitude journal: One of the easiest ways to get started is with a gratitude journal. At the end of each day, write down what you are grateful for or good things that happened during the day. Set a minimum goal for yourself, such as five or ten items each day. Remember, they don’t have to be major accomplishments. You could include a peaceful walk through your neighborhood with the dog or a nice conversation with a colleague at the water cooler. By focusing on small details, you will train your mind to look for the little things in life.

Be generous with compliments: Instead of zeroing in on people’s shortcomings, try looking for ways to compliment those around you. A friend with a flattering new haircut, a neighbor’s new front-door color, or the helpful grocery store cashier are examples of small things you can offer praise for in your daily life.

Volunteer for a cause: Nothing brings the good in your life into focus quite the way volunteering for a good cause does. Donating your time and talent, whether it’s with a cancer center, a hospice organization, a homeless shelter, or an animal rescue group, can help you feel more positive and grateful. If you aren’t sure how to find a volunteer opportunity nearby, call your local United Way organization to inquire.

Write weekly thank-you notes: Another practice that allows you to stay in a more positive frame of mind is to handwrite thank-you notes. Go through your gratitude journal at the end of each week and look for people who made a difference in your life. Take a few minutes to write them a letter expressing your appreciation.

Ban gossip from your life: When you are in a negative state of mind, it’s easy to pick away at people who seem more fortunate than you. In reality, that only pulls you further into a dark place. Make it a habit to refrain from talking negatively about people and to remove yourself from situations where gossip is flowing.

While it might seem difficult when times are tough, finding the bright spots—big or small—in each day will help you better navigate challenging circumstances.

If you are interested in health and wellness, senior safety, and caring for older adults, we invite you to bookmark this blog and visit often. We share new articles each week on topics ranging from the importance of good hydration to creating a bucket list!

Wondering how to develop a more positive outlook on life? It could be as easy as starting to recognize and be grateful for small things. Learn more here.

 5 Ways to Practice Gratitude, and Why You Should

Recipes for Hosting a Vegetarian Thanksgiving

Planning a Vegetarian Menu for Your Holiday Gathering

Virtual Thanksgiving Celebration

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