assisted living

Easy Ways To Improve Your Home Energy Efficiency

Are you thinking about making improvements to your home this year? If so, then you have several options to consider. Indeed, it’s true to say that a lot of people will favor making aesthetic changes. However, it could be worth thinking about more practical choices. For instance, you might want to think about ensuring that your home is more efficient. The benefit of taking this step is that you will be able to save a lot more on your energy bill. This is going to help you in the long term and could even add significantly more value to your home. So, how can you do this? Well, there are a few possibilities to consider here. 

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Renewable 

 

Renewable energy is arguably one of the best options to consider and this is a particularly attractive possibility if you own your home. You will be able to install solar panels on the roof. You might think that this is an option that isn’t going to fit into the typical home budget. However, we’re delighted to say that this simply is not the case. Solar panels are more affordable than most people realize and the technology is accessible to anyone eager to go green. 

 

You can also get systems that will allow you to save energy. The benefit of taking this step is that you can use it at times when the sun is not providing many benefits in terms of energy. You can keep it for the time where it will benefit you the most. 

 

Repairs

 

Of course, another option to ensure that you do increase efficiency levels would be to make sure that you are making the right repairs. By focusing on key repairs, you will be able to make sure that your home is essentially providing the right advantages. For instance, if your AC is broken then it could be costing you a fortune to keep your home cool, particularly through the summer. With the right repair, you can avoid and indeed correct this issue. You can make sure that your AC repair restores the system to the right working order. You might also want to think about completing a full replacement for the same impact. 

 

Better Tech

 

Finally, a fun way to improve the efficiency of your property that is going to provide vast benefits in multiple ways would be changing the tech in your home. The latest tech is always going to be far more energy-efficient and thus will provide tremendous savings for you. Green friendly technology is on the market right now whether you need a new laptop, TV, or smart device. It might cost you more in the short term but in the long run, the right tech could save you an absolute fortune. 

 

We hope this helps you understand some of the best ways to ensure that your home is more efficient. Do this and you are sure to be able to gain more value from your property. Particularly when it’s time to sell.

Convincing Your Parents To Move Into Assisted Living

As we get older, living independently can get harder. If your parents are beginning to struggle, it can be very difficult for both you and them. An assisted living facility can be the safest place for them to be, but elderly people won’t always like the idea of this. They might worry about losing independence or dignity, especially if they are already using an all-terrain mobility scooter, but you can help them to feel better about the idea.

 

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Number #1

First, approach the topic in the right way. Don’t bring it up as though you have already decided for them. Instead, mention that there might be some options available to make their life easier and more fun. 

Number #2

Some spend time together researching assisted living centers like Aegis Living. Offer to take your parents for a visit to see what they like and don’t like about the options nearby. If they’re willing to go, this is great, but don’t push the subject if they’re not. Drop the subject and try again another day.  

Number #3

Use a teachable moment to encourage. If one of your parents has had a fall or is beginning to struggle with tasks like cooking or getting dressed, use this to gently raise the subject again. Point out how lucky they are that it wasn’t a bigger issue, and ask what they would do if things got worse or they were hurt in an accident. Don’t frighten them, but encourage them to consider who would look after them. This might encourage them to reconsider thinking about living somewhere where they would have access to more help. Go gentle, but a reality check could be a big help. 

Number #4

Try not to push too hard. While it’s important to get them the help they need, pushing too hard will have the opposite effect. Pick your moments. For example, if your mother is complaining that they don’t see their friends as often, or your father is unhappy with managing the garden at home, use this to gently broach the subject. This can help them to feel they are making this decision themselves and for the right reasons. If they’re in control, the process will be much smoother. 

Number #5

Ask your friends to see if anyone you know has an elderly relative who is doing well in a local assisted living community. Do your parents have friends who have already made the move themselves? Get these people to talk to your parents and tell them about the good parts of these communities. They can discuss their worries with someone who understands and can better put their minds at ease. Knowing someone in the facility can help too, as they will already know someone and find it much easier to make friends when they arrive. 

Lastly

If you can’t find a facility where they will already know someone, find somewhere that offers the sort of activities they enjoy. If they can settle in and get to know the other residents through cards, dance classes, or a gardening club, they’re sure to settle in much faster.