Month: January 2023

Embracing Solo Aging: Aging Alone with Dignity and Strength

By Roz Jones

The world has changed drastically over the past few decades. People are living longer, and many older adults are choosing to age alone instead of in long-term care facilities. This is known as “solo aging”, and it presents both challenges and opportunities for older adults who choose this path. It’s important to understand what solo aging can mean for those who choose it, so that they can adequately prepare for the future. 

The Benefits of Solo Aging 

Solo aging can present a number of benefits for those who take this path. For starters, solo aging gives individuals the freedom to live their lives as they please, without having to rely on others or feel like a burden. Additionally, people who age alone often have more control over their schedules and daily activities than those who live in group settings such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Finally, solo aging allows individuals to maintain their independence and autonomy while still getting the necessary help they need. 

Challenges of Solo Aging 

Of course, there are also some challenges associated with solo aging that must be taken into account. For one thing, solo agers may not have access to the same type of social support that comes with living in a community setting or with family members nearby. Additionally, managing medical needs and appointments can be difficult without help from others or access to transportation services. Finally, solo agers may not always be able to get the same level of care that they would if they were living in a long-term care facility where trained caregivers are available 24/7. 

Preparing for Solo Aging 

For those considering solo aging, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure all your bases are covered before taking this step. Make sure you have an adequate support network in place—family members or friends who can provide assistance when needed—and look into organizations or services that can provide additional support such as Meals on Wheels programs or transportation services. Additionally, consider signing up for home health care services if needed so you can get the medical attention you require from the comfort of your own home.          Solo aging is an increasingly popular option among older adults today due to its many benefits—including increased freedom and autonomy—as well as its potential challenges—such as lack of access to social support networks or transportation services. However, by planning ahead and making sure all your bases are covered before taking this step, solo agers can ensure that they will be able to age with dignity and strength while still getting the assistance they need when they need it most. With proper preparation and forethought, anyone looking at solo aging can approach it with confidence knowing that they will be well taken care of along the way!

Do you need caregiving assistance and services in your state? Checkout AARP’s Family Caregiver Resource Guides created to help family caregivers access key programs, services, and agencies within their loved one’s community. Click or tap on a state to find tools and support for everything from health, legal and financial assistance to respite care!

Shop The Caregiver Cafe E-Commerce Store!

We founded The Caregiver Cafe Shopify Store with one simple goal: to help you experiment with your passion while at the same time providing amazing prices. We were tired of cookie-cutter stores with lackluster selections, and boring gifts. Instead of offering a huge unoriginal collection, we carefully curate just a few unique pieces perfectly suited for people the taste buds like you.

We focus on items that get you excited about shopping again,
as we believe buying online should always be fun!

SHOP NOW!

Are you trying to decide if you can provide care to your aging loved one and continue working your 9-5 job? Check out my latest podcast to learn how this is possible and why you should be transparent with your employer about your role as a caregiver!

You have your job — the one with a paycheck. And then you have your caregiving responsibilities — helping someone who means the world to you.

Work can be rewarding in more ways than one. So can caregiving. But together, it’s a demanding combination. You may feel like you’ve got more on your plate than you can handle on some days.

So how do you navigate caregiving and juggling your job? In this episode, I share how this is possible and why you should be transparent with your employer about your caregiver role.
Listen Now!

ATTENTION: INSTAGRAM UPDATE!!!

Thank you for your patience with me as I attempted to gain access to my Instagram account @rozjonesenterprises! Unfortunately, I have been prompted to create a NEW Instagram account.

Be sure to follow my new Instagram page @rozcaregiverconsulting and check out my top business mistakes as a Business Owner!

(Click the link above to access my new Instagram page with ease!)

Subscribe to The Caregiver Cafe Weekly Newsletter!

Caregiving can be a roller coaster of ups and downs. The information that you will receive from The Caregiver Cafe Weekly Specials Newsletter will support you as a caregiver. Remember…

1. YOU ARE NOT ALONE: The problems you face as a caregiver are experienced by other caregivers. Knowing that you’re not alone can be comforting. 

2. Tools and Resources:  Find caregiver stress management tools and gain perspective from other caregiver’s experiences.

3. LEARN TO: Ask for help, accept help when it is offered, and acknowledge yourself on this caregiving journey. Hear from experts on how to balance caregiving responsibilities by taking care of your needs and involving others to help manage the natural stress and isolation of being a caregiver. 
Subscribe Now!

7 Tips for Creating a Simple Morning Routine at Work

By Roz Jones

When you want to create a better day for yourself, you need to start out where you begin. This means having a morning routine at work as well as at home.

Think about this for a moment. A morning routine at home will set you up for success by getting you out of bed and ready to transition into wakefulness. 

Likewise, a morning routine at work can get you settled into a mindset of getting work done and ready to face the work world. Think of it as a series of steps designed to transition you into productivity.

How can you do this?

Start with How You Get There

Don’t arrive stressed out at the very last second. To set yourself up for success, it’s important to arrive with time to spare after a relaxing commute. Strategize to make this happen by allowing enough time to get where you need to go. Also, consider your route. Heavy traffic or construction is always more stressful in the long run, so you might want to adapt your route to a quieter one to reduce unwanted stress.

Schedule Check

What do you have going on today? What work is expected from you by what time? Get a mental picture of the day by noting what needs to happen when.

Set-Up

What needs to happen so you can get your work done? Are you lacking supplies or resources? Are there things you might need to delegate? Taking a few minutes to track down these items will help the rest of your day run more smoothly.

Habit Check

What detractors are already pulling at you, trying to derail your day? If you’re someone who checks your phone often or can get caught up socializing with coworkers, think about how you can limit these activities as part of your routine. For example, you might want to schedule email checks at certain times or limit socialization to break times.

Make a List

Jotting down the 3-to 4 big items you want to get done today will help give you a clearer view of what needs doing and set up your goals.

Get Comfortable

Before you buckle down to work, do you need coffee? A Bathroom break? Do these things now, so you don’t have to break concentration later. Also, take a minute to stretch if you haven’t yet.

Begin

Time to get going. Take the first item on your list and dive in, concentrating fully on what you’re doing.

Of course, adapt your routine to fit whatever you need to get started for the day. The key here is to be intentional in your actions, shift your mindset, and set yourself up for success. Do only what works for you.

Shop The Caregiver Cafe E-Commerce Store!

We founded The Caregiver Cafe Shopify Store with one simple goal: to help you experiment with your passion while at the same time providing amazing prices. We were tired of cookie-cutter stores with lackluster selections, and boring gifts. Instead of offering a huge unoriginal collection, we carefully curate just a few unique pieces perfectly suited for people the taste buds like you.

We focus on items that get you excited about shopping again,
as we believe buying online should always be fun!

SHOP NOW!

Follow My Pinterest to Stay Updated On Tips About Caregiving!

(Click the link below to follow my Pinterest Account)

Follow!

ATTENTION: INSTAGRAM UPDATE!!!

Thank you for your patience with me as I attempted to gain access to my Instagram account @rozjonesenterprises! Unfortunately, I have been prompted to create a NEW Instagram account.

Be sure to follow my new Instagram page @rozcaregiverconsulting!

(Click the link above to access my new Instagram page with ease!)

Subscribe to The Caregiver Cafe Weekly Newsletter!

Caregiving can be a roller coaster of ups and downs. The information that you will receive from The Caregiver Cafe Weekly Specials Newsletter will support you as a caregiver. Remember…

1. YOU ARE NOT ALONE: The problems you face as a caregiver are experienced by other caregivers. Knowing that you’re not alone can be comforting. 

2. Tools and Resources:  Find caregiver stress management tools and gain perspective from other caregivers’ experiences.

3. LEARN TO: Ask for help, accept help when it is offered, and acknowledge yourself on this caregiving journey. Hear from experts on how to balance caregiving responsibilities by taking care of your needs and involving others to help manage the natural stress and isolation of being a caregiver. 
Subscribe Now!

Navigating Solo Aging: Aging Alone

By Roz Jones

Aging alone is a growing trend, with an estimated one in five Americans over the age of 65 living by themselves. This means that more and more people are facing the challenges of aging without family or help from others. The good news is that with the right preparation and support, it’s possible to age alone without sacrificing quality of life. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about solo aging.

The Challenges of Solo Aging
Aging alone can come with its own unique set of challenges. These include loneliness, financial insecurity, inadequate housing, and lack of access to healthcare services. It can also be difficult for those who are aging alone to find meaningful social connections due to limited mobility or a lack of access to transportation. However, there are ways to mitigate these challenges and ensure that those who are aging alone remain safe, healthy, and comfortable.

Making Connections
One way to combat loneliness when aging alone is by making connections. This could mean joining a local senior center or engaging in activities that foster meaningful relationships such as volunteering or taking classes at a local college or university. It’s also important for those who are aging alone to reach out for help when they need it—whether it’s talking to friends or family members on the phone, hiring in-home care services, or seeking out medical assistance from trusted professionals if needed.

Ensuring Financial Security
Another challenge when solo aging is ensuring financial security over time. This includes making sure that one’s savings will last throughout retirement; setting up automatic payments for bills; and meeting regularly with a financial advisor to make sure all finances are in order for years ahead. Additionally, those who are aging alone should make sure their estate planning documents—such as wills and advance directives—are up-to-date so their wishes will be respected after they pass away.

Accessing Resources
Finally, it’s important for those who are aging alone to have access to resources that will keep them safe and provide them with necessary support throughout their golden years. This could mean hiring an in-home care provider; utilizing meal delivery services; finding transportation assistance; seeking out legal advice; taking part in programs offered through the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD); enrolling in Medicare; and/or joining community activities geared towards seniors such as book clubs or exercise classes. Taking advantage of resources like these can help make solo aging much easier and more enjoyable overall!

Solo aging can come with its own unique set of challenges but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! With the right preparation and support network in place—including making connections with other seniors, ensuring financial security through proper planning measures, and accessing helpful resources—those who are aging alone can still enjoy healthy lives full of purposeful activity well into their golden years! If you know someone who is facing these challenges now or may face them in the future, encourage them to seek out assistance so they can thrive during this stage of life!

Do you need caregiving assistance and services in your state? Checkout AARP’s Family Caregiver Resource Guides created to help family caregivers access key programs, services, and agencies within their loved one’s community. Click or tap on a state to find tools and support for everything from health, legal and financial assistance to respite care!

Shop The Caregiver Cafe E-Commerce Store!

We founded The Caregiver Cafe Shopify Store with one simple goal: to help you experiment with your passion while at the same time providing amazing prices. We were tired of cookie-cutter stores with lackluster selections, and boring gifts. Instead of offering a huge unoriginal collection, we carefully curate just a few unique pieces perfectly suited for people the taste buds like you.

We focus on items that get you excited about shopping again,
as we believe buying online should always be fun!

SHOP NOW!

Are you trying to decide if you can provide care to your aging loved one and continue working your 9-5 job? Check out my latest podcast to learn how this is possible and why you should be transparent with your employer about your role as a caregiver!

You have your job — the one with a paycheck. And then you have your caregiving responsibilities — helping someone who means the world to you.

Work can be rewarding in more ways than one. So can caregiving. But together, it’s a demanding combination. You may feel like you’ve got more on your plate than you can handle on some days.

So how do you navigate caregiving and juggling your job? In this episode, I share how this is possible and why you should be transparent with your employer about your caregiver role.
Listen Now!

ATTENTION: INSTAGRAM UPDATE!!!

Thank you for your patience with me as I attempted to gain access to my Instagram account @rozjonesenterprises! Unfortunately, I have been prompted to create a NEW Instagram account.

Be sure to follow my new Instagram page @rozcaregiverconsulting and check out my top business mistakes as a Business Owner!

(Click the link above to access my new Instagram page with ease!)

Subscribe to The Caregiver Cafe Weekly Newsletter!

Caregiving can be a roller coaster of ups and downs. The information that you will receive from The Caregiver Cafe Weekly Specials Newsletter will support you as a caregiver. Remember…

1. YOU ARE NOT ALONE: The problems you face as a caregiver are experienced by other caregivers. Knowing that you’re not alone can be comforting. 

2. Tools and Resources:  Find caregiver stress management tools and gain perspective from other caregiver’s experiences.

3. LEARN TO: Ask for help, accept help when it is offered, and acknowledge yourself on this caregiving journey. Hear from experts on how to balance caregiving responsibilities by taking care of your needs and involving others to help manage the natural stress and isolation of being a caregiver. 
Subscribe Now!

7 Things to Do Every Morning Which Start Your Day Off Right

By Roz Jones

Starting your day off on the right foot isn’t just important to a caregiver’s day. It’s absolutely crucial to your success. This is why it’s so important to start the day off right. You want to make the most of your day, and you know you need a better morning to do this.

Where to begin? Start by adding these seven items to your morning routine:

Get Up

The last thing you want to do is make a habit of hitting the snooze alarm. Those extra moments of sleep aren’t going to do anything to help you feel more rested when you start your day providing care. Really, if you’re dragging this much, you’d better go to bed earlier the night before, so you can get moving the second the alarm goes off.

Find a Calm Space

By meditating, praying, or using affirmations, you start the day positively. These are all actions that will put you in the right headspace you need to have a day filled with positive energy. The key here is to find quiet and do what works for you.

Drink

You’ve been going without water for a long time. Before you have your morning coffee, a tall glass of water is crucial to hydration. This is good for the body and mind, as a well-hydrated brain will help you make better decisions and think better.

Eat Breakfast

No matter what, you really do need to eat something. Likewise, you’ve gone without food for hours, and your body needs fuel to continue. What you choose to eat is important, so make a wise selection that suits your dietary needs.

Move

At the very least, you need to stretch in the morning to unkink your body from being in one position for so long. However, what you really need is something to get your blood flowing. This would be a great time for a morning workout.

Check Your Day

What do you have going on today? Make a point to look at your calendar first thing so you don’t forget any appointments and know what to expect out of your day. This will save you a lot of headaches later.

Do Something for You

Here’s where you can work on your favorite personal goals. Read, journal, listen to a podcast, or do something with a hobby you enjoy. A few minutes to yourself first thing in the morning does a lot for your mental energy and gives some meaning and purpose to the day. 

While this might not be your whole morning routine, it’s a great one to get started if you haven’t used one before. The best part? You’ll be amazed at how much more positive your day feels once you get in the habit of using it.

Shop The Caregiver Cafe E-Commerce Store!

We founded The Caregiver Cafe Shopify Store with one simple goal: to help you experiment with your passion while at the same time providing amazing prices. We were tired of cookie-cutter stores with lackluster selections, and boring gifts. Instead of offering a huge unoriginal collection, we carefully curate just a few unique pieces perfectly suited for people the taste buds like you.

We focus on items that get you excited about shopping again,
as we believe buying online should always be fun!

SHOP NOW!

Follow My Pinterest to Stay Updated On Tips About Caregiving!

(Click the link below to follow my Pinterest Account)

Follow!

ATTENTION: INSTAGRAM UPDATE!!!

Thank you for your patience with me as I attempted to gain access to my Instagram account @rozjonesenterprises! Unfortunately, I have been prompted to create a NEW Instagram account.

Be sure to follow my new Instagram page @rozcaregiverconsulting!

(Click the link above to access my new Instagram page with ease!)

Subscribe to The Caregiver Cafe Weekly Newsletter!

Caregiving can be a roller coaster of ups and downs. The information that you will receive from The Caregiver Cafe Weekly Specials Newsletter will support you as a caregiver. Remember…

1. YOU ARE NOT ALONE: The problems you face as a caregiver are experienced by other caregivers. Knowing that you’re not alone can be comforting. 

2. Tools and Resources:  Find caregiver stress management tools and gain perspective from other caregivers’ experiences.

3. LEARN TO: Ask for help, accept help when it is offered, and acknowledge yourself on this caregiving journey. Hear from experts on how to balance caregiving responsibilities by taking care of your needs and involving others to help manage the natural stress and isolation of being a caregiver. 
Subscribe Now!