Author: Meghan Parsons

You Never Have To Be Alone

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In the year 2011, a small but enthusiastic group of people had a vision – to form an organization in north east Seattle focused on supporting and empowering older adults to be active, engaged and independent. They were concerned that  there were few, if any, resources, activities and events in this Seattle enclave dedicated to the older adult population. Further, this community did not have a senior center in its midst.

From this fertile ground of need and opportunity, Northeast Seattle Together – NEST – was born!

NEST is a non-profit organization dedicated to its core mission – connecting its members with each other and with resources to age successfully in the place they call home.

Having recently celebrated its 10thanniversary, NEST offers a  vibrant community made of up of volunteers, members, and a network of trusted professionals. Local businesses are partners as well.

Do you realize that social isolation – defined as a lack of meaningful contact and interaction with family, friends, and the broader community – can have on seniors the equivalent impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day?

NEST aims to address the toxic impact of isolation by providing its members dignified assistance, connections with their community, and an ability to stay in their houses so they can live in the neighborhoods they love.

Examples of NEST events and groups include monthly potlucks, cultural presentations often open to the general public, health and wellness talks, social groups, and activities such as pickleball and exercise classes.  In addition, there are men’s and women’s support groups, low vision groups, and other resources devoted to engage our members and minimize isolation.

“Living alone, I have found that the friends I’ve met at NEST are even more important than the help I receive. With them, I can get out and enjoy our community and the world. I don’t have to feel alone.”

Janet – Northeast Seattle Resident and NEST Member

NEST offers  two types of paid membership:

NEST Builders:

  • Discounts to NE Seattle Businesses
  • Free admission to NEST events and activities monthly potlucks, cultural presentations, health and wellness talks ,social groups, and activities such as pickleball and exercise classes
  • Discounts at local area merchants

Full Access members:

  • Receive all of the benefits above plus access to volunteers who can assist with yard work, transportation and a variety of other helpful tasks as requested by the member.
  • Referrals to a network of trusted professionals who often provide a discount to members for their services
  • Discounts at local area merchants

NEST serves14 northeast Seattle neighborhoods. The service area stretches from north of Union Bay, to south of NE 110th St and east of I-5.Nest is one of several villages serving the greater Seattle area. Nationally there over 200 villages similar to NEST that support aging in place.

To learn more about NEST visit our website at www.nestseattle.org or call us at 206-525-NEST (6378).

Tell your friends and neighbors about NEST and help build a community where neighbors have choices for staying independent, active and connected.

Article Provided By:
Don Desonier & Deborah Anderson, NEST Marketing & Membership Committee
www.nestseattle.org
206-525-NEST (6378)

Smile

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“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss

This time of year I get a bit sad thinking of the people I miss, either because of distance or they have passed away. I have to work hard to focus on the awesome times we shared together, and to be happy for those moments instead. This is also a good reminder for me to not regret when relationships change, but to be thankful for the stage of life when we supported each other differently- because not all relationships are intended to last our lifetime, and that’s ok.

Gratitude

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“It’s not joy that makes us grateful, It’s gratitude that makes us joyful.”  – David Steindl- Rast
It is hard to feel grateful when we are struggling with big things: loss, hunger, isolation, etc. These moments are when it becomes the most important. Take notice of the smaller things: leaves changing color, the sound of rain, a past memory, or the impact you made on someone else. Start small and keep adding, the smaller you start- the more you will have to be grateful for.

Corn

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“You plant corn, you get corn.”

This is the southern version of “you reap what you sow”. A garden needs water, sunlight, and nutrients- just like our relationships and our business. Occasionally I have planted a vegetable that was labeled wrong at the nursery – sometimes it has been a pleasant surprise, other times NOT so much. No matter what, corn does not become broccoli.

Mosquito

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“Only when a mosquito lands on your testicles, will you truly learn that there is always a way to solve a problem without using anger and violence.” – Confucius

In the past month, I have sometimes felt overwhelmed, angry, or even resentful both professionally and personally. I was searching for profound words to share for this month’s “nugget”. I may not have the exact equipment mentioned in the quote, but the context spoke to me, so I am sharing it with you. Sometimes- why overthink it?

The Storm

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“We are not all in the same boat. We are in the same storm. Some have yachts, some canoes, and some are drowning.”
– Adapted quote by Damian Barr

As I managed my own stress and anxiety, sometimes I do not show enough grace to others, and I can compare my burden to others.  On my personal Facebook page, I recently posted an update following my husband’s surgery and many commented that it was “inspiring”.  As much as I appreciated that- I am fortunate to have a great support system in place- that helps my boat weather the storm.  You know what is really inspiring-offering help to others and admitting when we need help.

Rhonda Hamell, Oregon

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“I wanted to give you guys an A+ for your services helping me find my mom a care facility to go to after she was in the hospital for a week. This site was very helpful. Thank you!!! Becky was amazing to working with even being out of state. Greatly Appreciate her.”

The Consequences of a Long Lie can be Worse than the Fall Itself

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According to Physiopedia, a significant aspect of having a fall is the “long lie”, a term coined for when a person has fallen and spends a prolonged period of time on the floor because they are unable to get up.

The main cause of a long lie is being unable to get up from the ground independently. This could be due to multiple factors, including:

  • Injury from a fall
  • Location of a fall
  • Muscle weakness
  • No one around to assist the fallen individual

This being a contributor to the fact that significant mortality and morbidity are associated with falls in general. Literature defines a long lie as being on the floor for an hour or more. Long lie is a marker of frailty, illness and social isolation.

The fact is falls can still occur even when best practices are applied. Response time is the most important factor. Most older adults who fall don’t remember to push a button or pull a cord for help.

There are many SMART health technology devices on the market that are known as remote patient monitoring (RPM). Bringing technology into daily use is the key to keeping older adults in their home for as long as possible. RPM not only provides a cost-effective care approach, but it also helps improve the home environment.

RPM can be used to treat both chronic and acute conditions, enabling families, clinicians, and agency teams to keep tabs on seniors in-between in-person care or visits.

RPM programs use various types of devices and can be used to track patients’ health over the long term. These can range from smart watches, wearables and virtual devices that don’t use cameras or wearables. Instead, they utilize 4G wave technology and are useful for managing long-term chronic conditions and provide urgent follow up for conditions that require immediate interventions.

One that stands out is the 4G wave technology, a form of 4D radar imaging, fall detection device.

Here is how it works:

  • Sensors are installed in the main rooms – standard packages cover two rooms however additional monitors can be added. Typically, it is recommended that they are installed in the bathroom and bedrooms, which is where most falls occur in the home. Falls are detected and responded to immediately.
  • Weekly proactive calls by Nurses are provided to focus on fall safety techniques and general check-in on wellness.
  • Monthly report provided including actionable solutions to increase safety and reduce falls.

Even though falls are not a normal part of aging, they are happening at an alarming rate. The CDC has declared falls as a public health care crisis and the time is now to identify the right solution to respond to falls that might occur when an older adult is living at home.

Article Provided by:
ComForCare Home Care
503-400-6637
www.ComForCare.com/Oregon/Salem

Be a Rainbow

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“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. “ – Maya Angelou

When I see someone upset, I want to fix it for them or give advice. I find people don’t want my solutions, they prefer my empathy. Sometimes the best support is simply our time and a listening ear. Try to “feel it rather than fix it”

Environment

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“Understand that you will be like those whom you surround yourself. Your environment is stronger than you are. “ – Chinese Proverb

It is often easier to get pulled into the negative, rather than to walk away or seek a positive. We hear gossip and frustration several times a day. Do you choose to participate in the negative, walk away, or find the silver lining? I want to find the silver lining- but often still having to work at it.