Elder Living Resources (01)

Benefits of Pets for Seniors on the Pets for the Elderly Foundation (PEF)
For the elderly people, having a pet can help them in so many ways. Its benefits are explained in this page at the Pets for the Elderly Foundation (PEF), a non-profit organization that started in Cleveland in 1992 and helps seniors by paying a portion of the adoption cost of an animal companion or pet. According to PEF, pets ease loss of a loved one, offer affection and unconditional love, and helps fight loneliness especially to old people. Seniors also tend to become more active which can result to fewer visits to the doctor. As a proof to these benefits, you can read the summaries of studies conducted and articles from medical websites.

Elder Fire Safety Tips: Preventing Fires
This question and answer column in The Observer News explores fire safety tips for seniors and notes a question-asker whose parents have had some close calls with regard to fires. Jim Miller, the columnist, explains that more than 4,000 Americans die in fires each year and 25,000 are injured in homes fires. Elders are especially vulnerable, he says. Statistics show that seniors ages 65 and older are three times more likely to die or be injured in a home fire than those younger, Miller adds. Careless smoking is a huge fire cause. Obviously making sure your heating system is safe and cooking safely are vital to preventing fires for seniors.

Aging with Dignity: The Five Wishes
Aging with Dignity was founded in 1996 and provides people with dignity during aging and dying. The Five Wishes document helps doctors and loved ones know what you would like if you are not able to speak for yourself. It specifies which person you want to make health care decisions in the event that you cannot; the kind of medical treatment you do or don’t want to be; how comfortable you want to be; how you want people to treat you; and what you want loved ones to know before you pass. The topic may be hard to bring up for caregivers and seniors alike, but having this document set forth is vital to ensure you age with dignity.

Active Adults: Housing Options for Seniors
No matter what kind of housing you choose, this site from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development explains senior living options. Find out what kind of housing is best for you or someone you care for. Links to Meals on Wheels programs, in-home help, housing loans for elders, reverse mortgages and a section on home repair for the elderly is included for those who can stay at home. You or someone you love may want to consider a senior apartment; the site has links to affordable rent, public housing and rural rental help. Plenty of information on senior housing and aging are included here, making this a resourceful spot to learn about health and housing.