You are about to enter some weird times.  It will be chaotic before the holidays but as soon as Christmas is over, so begins the lull before New Year's Day and  after that begins the cold, dreary, month of January.  But you can start preparing for everything that next year holds for you RIGHT NOW but getting yourself ready immediately with the advice in this post.

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What To Do When Your Loved Ones Nursing Home Doesn't Deliver

 

It is one of those considerations and decisions that we all wish we will never have to make: which nursing home is best suited for our parents or loved ones. We all wish we could have our loved ones with us all the time, especially during times when they need us the most.

The reality of life, however, is that this doesn’t always work out that way, and sometimes the level of care and attention they need and deserve is simply not within our scope to deliver adequately. It is within these moments that we rely on nursing homes to help make that decision as easy and as sensitively as possible.

Nursing homes are by design meant to be organizations that place quality of care, empathy, and honesty at the very core of their business practices and models, and mercifully, most do - but what do you do when things don’t go according to plan? When the nursing home that is meant to be taking the best possible care of your loved one falls short of the mark?

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A recent study has reported that as many as 24.3 % of nursing home residents have experienced at least one instance of physical abuse, while in a nursing home. This statistic is hardly a number to sniff at, and in and of itself can cause a huge amount of stress for children or partners of loved ones who have to be taken care of in a nursing home. This combined with an alarming increase in statistics of nursing home residents who report neglect, inferior nutrition, and lack of stimulating activity means that there could be a deeper and systemic problem in many of our nursing homes in America.

With the costs of nursing homes rising rapidly and exponentially, we can’t all afford the upscale nursing homes that the brochures promote, so what do you do if your loved one has shown signs of abuse or neglect?

The first thing that you have to do, is to remove them from the nursing home that they’re in. This can seem like a drastic move, but for the elderly, a sense of safety and security is paramount to their sense of well-being, dignity, and self-worth. Remember that but for their age or condition, they would have been able to defend themselves, so this event is going to present many unfortunate signs of trauma.

Then, it’s time to take the nursing home on, so you should seek help from someone at the Nursing Home Law Center LLC or another suitably qualified legal firm.

Time is absolutely of the essence and it’s important that you pay attention to what your loved one is saying. If you have sought feedback from the nursing home in question, make sure that this feedback is in writing and that is properly documented. Do not feel intimidated or afraid to take them on.

At this time, you may also want to start considering alternatives to nursing homes, and perhaps home-based care with an onsite nurse or carer may be something to look out for.

However you proceed from here on out, always remember that is the care and well-being of your loved one that must take center stage.

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8 Home Repairs to Add To Your Home Improvement Checklist

 

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

As you look around your home right now, you may be spotting a few things that you need to add to your list of maintenances you’ll want to take care of when you have time. Even if you’re not a handyman, keeping a home repair checklist on hand is still a good idea. A checklist can give you a plan of action so you can get your home repairs completed.

Here are eight home repairs to add to your home improvement checklist:

Plumbing

One of the easier and least expensive ways to improve the value of your home is dealing with your plumbing. Adding your plumbing to your list will remind you to update and check your plumbing before problems arise. The longer you wait to take care of your plumbing, the more problems that will appear and the more expensive it will be to fix.

Electrical

If you’re thinking of adding a project to your home repair checklist, an inspection of your electrical should be on it. Electrical problems can sneak up on you, along with hefty costs. Since we use our devices constantly, it’s essential that you put your inspections on your list.

Kitchen

Another addition to your checklist should be keeping on top of your kitchen appliances and dealing with any issues that may cause later down the road. Fortunately, there are many appliance repair pros and cons you can go through if you’re searching for help with updating your kitchen or fixing any issues.

Bathroom

The bathroom is another part of your home that you should add to your list. Along with your plumbing and electrical, there are a few things you will need to keep an eye on when dealing with your bathroom, whether that’s dealing with your boiler, dealing with toilet clogs, or other issues.

Windows

Your windows play an important part in keeping your home cool during the summer and warm during the winter. As time goes on, you’ll notice that your window will need to be repaired or replaced as it becomes worn with age. Don’t forget to add your window repairs to your home repair checks so you aren’t caught out when problems appear.

Foundation

One of the most expensive parts of your home repair is one you need to keep a close eye on throughout the year. Fixing your home’s foundation is no easy job and can only be attempted by professionals. So, any issues must be caught as early as possible. Adding home foundation inspections to your checklist can help ensure that you keep up with your checklist.

Fireplace

Fireplace repairs can be costly, so it’s critical to take them out of the equation as soon as possible. A broken fireplace can lead to a whole range of problems, including safety issues and increased energy costs.

Insulation

Finally, there are many reasons for including insulation in your home repairs checklist. It can help you to save on both energy and money by reducing drafts or noise when in your home. It can also reduce your heating and cooling bills, making your home more comfortable for you and your family.

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Mental Health Red Flags: When To Seek Help

 

Mental illnesses affect around 20% of the adult population in the US. One of the most significant challenges for those with mental health disorders is knowing when to seek help. The signs are often less obvious than they are for physical illnesses, and people may be reluctant to admit that something isn’t right. In this guide, we’ll discuss some red flags that should be investigated as a priority.

Image courtesy of https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-psychologist-supporting-patient-during-counseling-indoors-7176325/

Prolonged periods of feeling anxious, upset or down

We all have days when we feel a bit low, or we feel uneasy or nervous because we’ve got a test coming up or we’re going into a situation, which could potentially be scary or awkward. Feeling sad and anxious is normal when the scenario warrants this kind of emotional response. What is worrying is a prolonged period of feeling down or anxious. If you struggle to get up in the morning, you’ve lost a sense of joy when you do things or see people that would normally make you happy, or you have anxiety in situations that don’t make others feel uncomfortable, it’s wise to seek help. Persistent symptoms indicate underlying issues, which should be explored. There are treatments and therapies, as well as self-help techniques, which can be incredibly effective in reducing the severity of symptoms.

Turning to coping mechanisms that are dangerous

Most of us employ coping mechanisms when life gets tough, but some methods are a lot more dangerous than others. While exercising, meditating, being creative and talking to close friends and family members can help you to manage stress or cope with difficult days if you have depression or anxiety, some people turn to coping mechanisms that put their health at risk. If you take medication to get through the day or you’re drinking more than usual or taking illegal drugs, this is a sign that you need help. Alcohol treatment, drug rehab and talking therapies and counseling can all help you to adopt safe, effective coping strategies and reduce consumption. Addiction can be very challenging to manage as it can spiral quickly. Reaching out is essential to make sure you get the help and support you need.

Changes in your physical health

Physical and mental health are intertwined. If you have a mental health disorder, or your mental health deteriorates, this can impact your physical health. If you can’t sleep, you become more susceptible to illnesses and infections, or you can see or feel changes in your body, such as weight loss or gain, a rapid heartbeat or sweating, for example, contact your doctor or research nonprofits that can help you decide what to do next.

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When we talk about health, we often focus on our bodies. Mental health should be a priority for everyone. If you are struggling with your mental health, it’s critical to seek advice and help if you are familiar with these red flags. If you experience persistent symptoms over a prolonged period, you are putting your health at risk by drinking or taking medication or drugs to cope, or you notice changes in your physical health, it’s important to reach out. There is support available.

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What To Focus On During Your Pregnancy

 

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Finding out that you’re pregnant is a life-changing event. You may have been dreaming of it for your entire life and now the day has come when you find out you’ll be having a baby.

There might be a lot that’s going through your mind when you discover that you’ll be growing your family. Try to stay calm and know where to focus your time and energy so you can feel your best and reduce your anxiety. Learn some tips that will help you know what to be thinking about and doing as you get ready to welcome your baby to the world.
 

Educating Yourself & Seeking Advice from Others

Once you know you’re having a baby then it might be helpful to start educating yourself on the matter. You not only want to learn about how to have a healthy pregnancy but also know tips for becoming a new parent. Ask for practical help and advice from friends and family and see what input they have to offer. You can also always do some research online or pick up some books on the topic as another way to boost your knowledge and confidence levels.
 

Your Wellness & the Baby’s Health

One of the most important factors to focus on during your pregnancy is your wellness and your baby’s health. You want to ensure that you feel as good as possible and are doing all you can to nurture and care for your baby as they develop and grow in your belly. If you’re in some discomfort or just want to restore alignment and prepare for labor then you might want to consider visiting a pregnancy chiropractor. There are many benefits to doing so that you might find appealing during pregnancy and as you prepare to give birth.
 

Preparing the Nursery & Your Home

Focus on preparing the baby nursery and your home when you’re pregnant. Being proactive and figuring out what you need in advance will reduce your stress. Make lists and decide on what types of products you want to have around when the baby arrives. Set up the baby’s room with a crib, dresser, and changing table, and make sure you have plenty of clothes and diapers on hand. If you’re having a baby shower then you might want to wait and see what you get from others before you go out buying any items.
 

Rest & Relaxation

Another aspect you should focus on during your pregnancy is to sleep and rest when you need to. Be honest about how much energy you have and how you’re feeling. Be sure to make plenty of time for relaxation and taking proper care of yourself when you’re pregnant. Pay attention to your body and listen to it so that you can slow down and regroup when you’re feeling discomfort or are tired.
 

Conclusion

This advice will help you know what to focus on during pregnancy so that you can have a successful and happy experience. Be realistic with how much you can do and your energy level so that you can take a step back when it’s necessary. Be informed, make healthy and wise choices, and look forward to having a new baby in your life.

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10 Skills To Master During the Holidays

 

The holidays can be a very trying time, specifically the week of Christmas and New Year's because everything is out of whack and happens fast.  But of course, lessons can be learned from every difficult thing in life and holidays are no different.  Here are 10 skill to master during the next two weeks.

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