Taking Care of My Mother In Law

Hi All, Today I wanted to write about my journey that I have been on this past year to help my MIL heal from a series of falls she has had while living alone in her home. After a few trips to the ER it was obvious that she needed some assistance. That is where the VNA comes in. They are a group of very supportive and caring professionals that helped my MIL literally get back on her feet. From the PT to the Ot to the RN there was a constant stream of people in her home to take care of her for many weeks. That of course lifted a great burden from myself and my husband since we live an hour away.

Now that she is better I have assisted her in obtaining a Homemaker from Elder Services since she qualifies financially. The Homemaker will help with light house keeping, meal planning, laundry and groceries. That will be a God send since she is legally blind and uses a walker both indoors and out. At 90, my MIL is determined to stay in her own home as long as she can. It certainly does" take a village" to accomplish this including her wonderful neighbors who frequently stop in to see if they can run an errand for her, the man that delivers her meals on wheels, and the drivers from the senior center to take her to her many medical appointments.

Not everyone would be comfortable at this state of life to remain at home alone. But she is comfortable there and her comfort level I believe keeps her going. She is not ready to downsize yet and we are doing everything we can to preserve her dignity and support her decision.

I CAN SELL MAINE!!!!! WHY, BECAUSE I HAVE LIVED AND WORKED HERE FOR OVER 25 YEARS, BECAUSE I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE SEACOAST AND NEIGHBORING COUNTRYSIDE, BECAUSE I HAVE SOLD HOMES FROM CAPE ELIZABETH TO KITTERY MAINE, BOTH VACATION HOMES, LAKESIDE HOMES, HOMES ON THE NUBBLE, FARMHOUSES, COUNTRY HOMES, HELPED SENIORS DOWNSIZE,CONDOS, HISTORIC HOMES. THERE ISN’T ANYTHING BETTER THAN BUYING A HOME IN SOUTHERN MAINE. IT IS TRULY THE PLACE TO BE. A PLACE WHERE LIFE IS STILL CALM, RELAXED, AND VERY BEAUTIFUL!

I WILL BE YOUR AGENT FOR ALL SEASONS…. SUSAN DEQUATTRO ARRAND

Tai Chi for Seniors

You have probably heard about Tai Chi, an ancient form of moving meditation that brings calm and balance and strength to those that perform it regularly. It seems that it could be particularly helpful to seniors and those who need strength training and help with balance.

Tai Chi is a set of slow moving excercises that are done in a sequence. It helps with breathing, balance, concentration, memory, weight control and makes you feel happy!



As we age we begin to lose balance and simple tasks become a challenge especially in the winter. So often we here of elderly people falling in the winter time. Tai chi will help with balance and improve performance in order to avoid falls. This could be a break through for those so afraid to venture out in the winter. Look for a class at senior centers and Wellness centers, along with local hospitals. Here is link to a website that gives good info about Tai Chi. Good luck. Susan
susan.dequattro@verani.com




http://steveshealthanswers.com/health-news/tai-chi-for-seniors-benefits-your-joints-and-flexibility

Seniors on the Move

I have worked with the most wonderful company in Portland Maine called Beach Glass Transitions, that helps families navigate the process of finding a retirement or assisted living community for their loved one. A daunting task to say the least. The staff at Beach Glass Transitions, headed by Lynn Peel, will assist you every step of the way from visiting the communities to assisting in the paper work process which can leave busy families in a tizzy.

As a realtor and former sales director for a retirement community I know first hand the stress involved when families make the decision to move their parent or relative to a community. Having someone to walk you through each step of the process is invaluable and will make for a more pleasant experience.

Please contact Lynn Peel at Beach Glass Transitions and vist her website at www.beachglasstransitions.com And don't forget to sign up for their newsletter. Susan

Seacoast Alzheimer's Memory Walk

Hi All, For the second year in a row I will be be one of the committee chairs for the annual Seacoast Alzheimer's Memory Walk which will take place on September 25, 2010 at Wells Harbor Park, in Wells Maine. We have been meeting monthly since April to plan this years event which is the biggest fund raiser for the Alzheimer's Association of Maine.

So many people have been affected by this disease that almost eveyone knows someonewho has it. If you would like to walk, participate in our committee, or just donate please go to www.alz.org/memorywalk
Or just call me. Susan at 207-450-5038 Realtor ME & NH Prudential Verani Portsmouth,NH

Seniors Downsizing

Yesterday was a very good day. I helped an active senior make the transition from a home in the rural countryside to a classic antique condo in the heart of a lovely seaside Maine town.

She was so happy to have people around her that live in the same building, along with cafes, and restaurants a few steps beyond her door, and miles of beautiful beaches just minutes away.

That was a satisfying experience for me as a Maine Realtor, and a humbling one to be part of her downsizing process. Now all I have to do is sell her home in the country!!!! It is a good time to buy! Susan.dequattro@verani.com

A Perfect Move!

Just wanted to let you know about a fantastic moving company that I have had direct experience with. A Perfect Move, is a local moving company out of Kittery, Maine. They provide years of experience helping seniors to move and assist in the downsizing process.

Their services include packing, unpacking, assistance with furniture placement, careful attention to antiques, along with personalized service to insure a smooth transition. Please call Sean at 866-630-6740 or email smahaney@aperfectmover.net

Susan DeQuattro
Prudential Verani
207-450-5038 Cell
susan.dequattro@verani.com