Eons is one of many online communities for seniors.

We all know that “growing old is not for sissies.” The aches and pains, the medical issues, failing eyesight and hearing, fading memory – all these symptoms can make the aging process unpleasant.

When we think of the hurdles facing the daily lives of senior citizens, one that is often overlooked is that of loneliness. Currently, about one-third of people ages 75 and older live alone.

“One of the greatest challenges or losses that we face as older adults, frankly, is not about our health, but it’s actually about our social network deteriorating on us, because our friends get sick, our spouse passes away, friends pass away, or we move,” Joseph F. Coughlin, director of the AgeLab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

One way many seniors are overcoming the isolation brought on by aging is by turning to online social networks like Facebook for support and companionship. The social networking site Eons.com, an online community for aging baby boomers, can provide a place for seniors to contact, interact with, and provide some of the benefits of a group of friends, while being much easier to assemble and maintain.

Of course, there’s nothing quite like old-fashioned human contact, and a Home Instead CAREGiver can provide the social and intellectual contact missing from the lives of many seniors, and with a more personal touch.

For more information on how a Home Instead CAREGiver can provide companionship, help around the house and on outings, and non-medical care to help keep you or a loved one living independently at home, call our Richmond home care office today at 804.527.1100. You can also visit our website, view our digital brochure, and connect with us via social networking sites Facebook and Twitter ( @homeinsteadRVA and @TeresaSteinfatt ).

Safety of loved ones is a top concern for caregivers, especially those caring for persons with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Memory loss and confusion can set in without warning.  For example, a loved one might set out on a walk or errand alone, wander off and not be able to return home safely.

Currently scheduled for retail sale this summer, the Aetrex Ambulator® GPS Shoe by GTX Corp will provide millions of caregivers the means to help easily find those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia who wander and become lost.

How does it work?

A miniaturized GPS chip and cellular device is embedded in the shoe. The shoe then continuously tracks the location and movement history of its wearer, relaying the information to a monitoring center through cellular networks.

Authorized parties are able to instantly log-on, or receive alerts, via a secure Internet portal and pinpoint the current location of the targeted user on an interactive map.

How much will it cost?

GTX Corp is projecting the cost will be around $200 to $300. The company is anticipating availability for purchase in the spring of 2010 through the Aetrex-owned website www.gpsshoe.com and a select group of assisted living facilities.

If you would like more information on these shoes, visit GTX Corp’s site at www.gpsshoe.com.

For information on how Home Instead Senior Care’s CAREGivers can provide companionship and services that nourish the mind, body, and spirit, and help seniors remain living independently longer in their homes, please contact our Richmond home care office at 804.527.1100 or our Tappahannock home care office at 804.443.4885.

We just released our new digital brochure to give you some brief highlights of in-home senior care services that are available to you right here in both the Richmond VA area, as well as the Middle Penninsula and Northern Neck.  We love it because it so professional and a great representation of our company.  It’s easy to view and since so many people, even seniors, are online these days, we felt this was an easy way to showcase how we can help both Boomers with aging parents as well as Seniors alike.

It’s also a great mini video to show when we present at or visit local independent living and assisted living facilities, case management companies, home health and hospice services, hospitals, nursing homes, doctors offices, etc. 

Enjoy,

Teresa & Torsten Steinfatt, owners of Home Instead Senior Care of Richmond VA for over 14 years.

Home Instead Senior Care of Richmond VA: Digital Brochure