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| The newsletter is intended to help improve the quality of life of family caregivers and seniors in our local communities. Each month we address topics related to the joys and challenges of being a family caregiver. There will be informational articles as well as a list of various meetings, support groups and other resources available to you in our community. Feel free to send your questions, ideas and concerns. |  Debbie Stewart |
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THE CAREGIVER CONNECTION PO BOX 11929 PRESCOTT AZ 86304 (928) 778-3747 voice Don@CaregiverConnection.us |
| NEWSLETTER Community Page Support Page Agencies Page | Last Updated JAN 2026 |
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From the Desk of Don Stewart Happy 2026!Welcome to a fantastic New Year ahead! 2026 holds immense promise, especially in health and technology for seniors. Medically, expect groundbreaking advancements like personalized medicine becoming more accessible, potential breakthroughs in early disease detection, and innovations focusing on active longevity. These are designed to keep you healthy, vibrant, and enjoying life to the fullest. Technologically, the focus is on user-friendly, helpful innovations. Think artificial intuition medical diagnosis & monitoring apps, smart home devices designed for safety and ease of communication for singles, and enhanced telehealth services connecting you effortlessly with medical professionals. The goal is seamless, supportive integration into daily life. This year is all about empowerment, offering tools and knowledge to live an enriched, healthy, and connected life. Here’s to a prosperous and exciting year ahead for all of us! -Don If you would like more information on volunteering in helping me to get the newsletter out each month by aiding in the updating of the information on the Agencies, Support Groups and Community pages, please email me at Continuing to Make the Connection, Senior Connection Our Speakers BureauIn-Person presentations are available two (or more) times per month from Jan through November at Noon. We urge you to attend all of these Speakers Bureau presentations at Las Fuentes Resort Village You can see what presentations are scheduled by clicking on Senior Connection Speakers Bureau Presentations If you would like to be added to my Bulk Mail distribution list to be notified about all Senior Connection upcoming Events, please email me at (no personal information is made available to ANY third party) If you can't make it to one of the presentations due to weather or prior commitment, you will find that most (but not all) of the presentations will be video-taped and put up on our website within a day or two of the In-Person presentation. There are over 140 past Presentations that are available to you 24 hours a day on the Senior Connection Streaming website with a simple mouse click. Check all these fabulous presentations at TeleConnection.us Informational ArticlesAs Caregivers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the
sheer number of tasks that need to be accomplished for your loved one
each day. While it’s easy to remain upbeat on good days, it’s the
bad days that can leave you feeling confused, exhausted or resentful. At
these times, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Please let me know if you find the articles useful and what other topics you’d like to see. This Month’s Newsletter Articles:"Senior-Proofing for 2026"by Don StewartThe start of a new year is the perfect time for a fresh perspective, especially concerning safety and comfort at home. For seniors and their dedicated caregivers, proactively "senior-proofing" a living space isn't just about preventing accidents—it's about promoting independence, peace of mind, and quality of life. This guide outlines how to approach home safety improvements thoughtfully as you plan for the year ahead. The Proactive Approach to Safety The goal of senior-proofing is not a complete overhaul, but rather a series of practical, often simple adjustments that mitigate common risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights falls as a leading cause of injury among older adults, many of which happen in the home. The new year is an ideal prompt to dedicate time to a room-by-room assessment. Key Focus Areas for 2025 1. Bathroom Safety: The High-Risk Zone Bathrooms are ground zero for falls due to wet, slippery surfaces. A simple safety assessment can identify key opportunities for improvement:
2. Lighting the Path to Safety Good lighting is a fundamental safety measure. As we age, changes in vision make adequate illumination critical for navigating hallways and staircases safely.
3. Decluttering and Clear Pathways A clutter-free home is a safe home. The new year encourages organization, so make clear pathways a priority:
4. Considering Assistive Technologies Modern technology offers excellent tools for enhanced safety and monitoring:
A Collaborative Effort The process of senior-proofing is best done together. Caregivers can assist with heavier tasks or technical installations, while seniors provide crucial input on what areas feel most unstable or difficult to navigate. Approaching this as a partnership ensures that changes enhance independence without feeling institutional or intrusive. By taking these steps, you are not just maintaining a home; you are investing in a safer, more comfortable future. This new year, make the commitment to a senior-proofed home that supports health and happiness.
"The Craftiness of Crafts"Retirement, often envisioned as a time of quiet relaxation, is proving to be a vibrant canvas for the senior community. For countless retired adults, this new chapter isn't just about slowing down; it’s about picking up a paintbrush, a ball of yarn, or a chisel. The simple act of engaging in crafts has emerged as a powerful, transformative force, playing a vital role in enhancing the physical, mental, and social well-being of seniors during their golden years. The benefits extend far beyond merely passing the time. At its core, crafting provides profound cognitive stimulation. Activities such as knitting, pottery, or intricate model-building require focus, problem-solving, and coordination. This engagement acts as a mental workout, helping to keep minds sharp and potentially reducing the risk or delaying the onset of cognitive decline associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Learning a new technique or following a complex pattern challenges the brain in new ways, fostering neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. Furthermore, the physical benefits are undeniable. Many crafts, particularly those involving fine motor skills like embroidery, jewelry making, or detailed woodworking, demand dexterity and hand-eye coordination. The repetitive, gentle movements can help maintain joint flexibility and alleviate symptoms of arthritis. This tactile engagement keeps the hands nimble and active, promoting overall physical health alongside the mental advantages. Perhaps one of the most significant impacts is on emotional and psychological health. The process of creation is inherently fulfilling. It provides a sense of purpose and achievement that may have been lost after leaving a long-term career. Finishing a project, whether it is a hand-knitted scarf for a grandchild or a beautifully carved birdhouse, offers tangible proof of one's capabilities, boosting self-esteem and warding off feelings of isolation or worthlessness that can accompany major life transitions like retirement. The focus required by crafting also serves as a potent stress reliever, akin to meditation, allowing seniors to achieve a state of "flow" where worries dissipate and peace of mind is restored. Social well-being also receives a significant boost. While crafts can be a solitary pursuit, they often lead to thriving communities. Senior centers, local craft groups, and workshops provide platforms for like-minded individuals to gather, share skills, and form new friendships. These social interactions combat loneliness, a prevalent issue among the elderly, and create a supportive network where seniors can connect over shared passions. The camaraderie built in these settings provides invaluable emotional support and a strong sense of belonging. In essence, crafts are much more than a hobby; they are a lifeline to a fuller, healthier life. They offer a perfect blend of mental challenge, physical activity, emotional satisfaction, and social connection. As seniors embrace their creative passions, they are not just making beautiful objects; they are actively shaping a retirement that is vibrant, engaged, and full of purpose. The golden age, it seems, is an age of creation, one stitch, one bead, and one brushstroke at a time. Very Crafty!
If you would like to see what Support Groups are operating in our
Community, please click here: Disclaimer: Newsletter Compiled by: We would appreciate if you would notify
us at Don@SeniorConnection.us
The information contained herein and throughout the website is for educational purposes only. It is not intended, nor should it be construed as legal, medical or financial advice. Use of this information indicates your understanding of, and agreement to the above. |
Whether you are an adult child caring for an aging parent, a spouse or sibling providing care to a relative, or a senior caring for yourself, the information and products available via the www.SeniorConnection.us website are designed to improve your quality of life. THE As caregivers, it’s easy to feel
overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks that need to be accomplished
for your loved ones each day. SENIOR RESOURCES DIRECTORY The Resources Directory contains contact
information for hundreds of local nonprofit, government and commercial
agencies that provide helpful products and services to ease the life of
caregivers. All on the website at: INFORMATIONAL ARTICLES Dozens of candid articles get right to the "heart of the matter," from both the Caregiver’s and Senior’s perspectives. The Informational Articles section contains articles on a wide variety of topics relating to aging. The articles are short and sweet, yet go directly to the heart of the matter of some of the most sensitive issues surrounding our fears and frustrations as caregivers. No topic is off-limits and new articles are constantly being added to the website. To read additional articles on a variety of topics, please visit the Articles section of the SeniorConnection.us website: EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS Educational Videos and Slideshows, narrated by recognized experts in the community, are posted on the website. Additionally, videos and slideshows featuring nonprofit and for-profit agencies that provide products or services to caregivers and seniors will be available at the website: |
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