The Senior Living 411 Series

Home health care helps older adults live independently for as long as possible, even with an illness or injury. It covers a wide range of services and can often delay the need for long-term nursing home care. Home health care may include occupational and physical therapy, speech therapy, and skilled nursing.

Myant knits sensors and actuators into everyday textiles, giving them the ability to sense and react to the human body. This continuous bidirectional interface to the human operating system will empower humanity to transform its capabilities and performance, help people proactively manage health and deliver treatment, and allow us to build better connections to our own selves and those around us.  

This is what we call Textile Computing™ or as I like to call it “Smart” Clothing.  

Myant has worked tirelessly, with the brightest minds in the industry, to offer families with elderly parents a solution! They have designed a comfortable, user-friendly connected garment called Skiin, that shares biometrics like resting heart rate, core body temperature, activity levels and more, in real-time via their ‘Connected Life App’.  

With Skiin garments you can have peace of mind, knowing your loved ones are happy and healthy – from anywhere, at any time.  

Myant is now accepting applicants for their Skiin Early Access Program. The Early Access Program gives participants, and a family member or close friend (program partner), the opportunity to try Skiin at no cost. In exchange, they require participants and their program partners to complete one weekly survey over the course of four weeks, and a final feedback interview with a member of our Skiin team.  

Join Desiree King and Gagan Gill from Myant Inc., as they discuss The 411 on “Smart” Clothing and how to become a part of their Skiin Beta Program.

Active adult communities refer to either an age-targeted or an Age-restricted community designed for people aged 55 or older.  These communities offer the best in retirement living, creating a community of like-minded people while removing many of the mundane burdens of life in a regular community or suburb.   Homes for active adults tend to be single-family detached homes, and typically range from 1500 to 2,000 square feet, and lots tend to be less than a quarter of an acre.

Join Desiree King and  Stephanie Lane from Geranium as they discuss The 411 on Active Adult Lifestyle Communities & The Courts of Canterbury.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. YouTube Channel here:

Planning a funeral service can be overwhelming. Nobody shows you how. Nobody even talks about what to do when a loved one dies. Trying to make funeral arrangements in the aftermath of a tragedy can be one of the most difficult things you will ever face.

Preparation brings peace of mind.  Planning your own funeral isn’t exactly top of mind for most of us, but there are many benefits to planning ahead, both for you and your family.

Join Desiree King and Minnelle Williams as they discuss The 411 on Funeral Pre-Planning.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. YouTube Channel here:

Long term care insurance can provide coverage if you become unable to care for yourself and need assistance to manage daily living activities.

Long term care isn’t just for seniors. You may become unable to care for yourself for 90 days or more at any point in your life. Long term care insurance can cover some of the costs of a care facility or a caregiver in your own home following an accident or illness.

There are so many myths surrounding Long Term Care Insurance, so let’s get it straight!

Let’s learn what Long Term Care Insurance is and so much more.

Join Desiree King and Owen Rhoden as they discuss The 411 on Long Term Care Insurance.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. YouTube Channel here:

Every day we perform hundreds of cognitive tasks but are mostly unaware of the effort involved. These tasks take different forms, such as noticing colors, remembering names, or calculating time on a watch.

As people age, their movements and reflexes slow and their hearing and vision weaken.

The question is how do we identify whether these changes signify normal aging or Dementia, or severe memory loss that interferes with daily life, which is not part of the normal aging process.

Let’s learn what’s healthy aging and what’s not.

Join Desiree King and Carolyn Tinglin as they discuss The 411 on Cognitive Skills & The Aging Brain.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. YouTube Channel here:

For most people when the conversation around COVID-19 starts, one of the first comments is “Do you even know anybody who has it ?”  Most people you speak to, myself included do not.   Outside of what you see on the news, and out of all my family and friends there have been no cases.

One day while on Facebook, I came across a testimony shared by one of my Facebook friends detailing her brother’s experience with COVID-19.  I have seen a lot of videos and read a lot of stories around this topic, however, this was one of the most detailed recounts of the experience with Covid that I have heard thus far.

I immediately felt a need to share his story.  I reached out to her and asked if her brother would be willing to allow me to interview him on the show and he said yes.

Join Desiree King along with a special guest, for The 411 on Surviving COVID-19.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. YouTube Channel here:

First and foremost, I want to thank all of our panelists and everyone who has viewed our shows for being a part of making this audacious goal that I had inside of my head become a reality!  

If we have touched just one person then we have done our jobs!

Remember The reality is that Fall Prevention is every day!

For tonight's show, I invited everyone who wanted to join me to make a pledge to prevent falls.

Even if you are not on the show tonight, you can also make a pledge.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. YouTube Channel here:

What is the difference between life insurance and long term care insurance?
What illnesses are covered by critical illness insurance?
What are the types of disability insurance?
What are the recommended types of insurance for seniors?
It’s time to take the mystery out of insurance!

Join Desiree King & Andrew McDonald as they discuss The 411 on Insurance for Seniors.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. YouTube Channel here:

Integrate eldercare into financial planning or pay the price!

People plan for retirement to live how they want in their ‘silver years.’ But have you thought about including eldercare in those plans? Most have not and when reality sets in people are shocked at the cost.

Join Desiree King & Zamal Whyte as they discuss The 411 on Financial Planning For The What If’s.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. YouTube Channel here:

Personal Emergency Response Systems save Lives…and provide the safety, security, independence, and longevity we all want for ourselves, our family, and our friends.

Join Desiree King & Stephanie Santos-Spraggett as they discuss The 411 on Personal Emergency Response Systems.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. YouTube Channel here:

Caring for seniors and our elders requires long-term care planning. But many family members become caregivers overnight without being ready for it. A loved one falls down or an illness triggers a change in responsibility.

After a certain period of time, family caregivers may realize they need help and begin searching for other solutions for senior care, which may include home care. Senior care options like adult day centers, retirement facilities, and nursing homes may not always be right and can be expensive.

Home health care usually means a combination of non-medical and skilled medical or in-home nursing care services that enable seniors and others to live independently in their homes as long as possible.

Join Desiree King as she discusses The 411 on Home Health Care.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. YouTube Channel here:

After experiencing a stroke, survivors can begin to recover through rehabilitation.

However, recovery from stroke is a process that survivors need to continue throughout their lives. Formal stroke rehabilitation is important for survivors to regain their independence and control of body movements and functions.

Join Desiree King, Alpha King & Jennifer Richards as they discuss The 411 on The Realities of Having a Stroke.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. YouTube Channel here:

Regular exercise helps to strengthen muscles and maintain or improve fitness, balance, stamina, and suppleness At any age, as well as reducing joint pain. As such, regular exercise will help reduce your risk of having a fall.

As with all exercise, make sure you warm-up and cool down and that you have carried out a number of simple safety checks before you start.

Over the course of the next 3 days, you will watch five short videos: ‘Falls Prevention Exercises: An Introduction video’, ‘Exercise Level Test’, ‘Strength and Balance: Level 1′, Strength and Balance: Level 2’ & ‘Strength and Balance: Level 3’.

These videos will help you determine which level of exercise is best suited to you or if you should seek guidance from your physiotherapist.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. YouTube Channel here:

Regular exercise helps to strengthen muscles and maintain or improve fitness, balance, stamina, and suppleness At any age, as well as reducing joint pain. As such, regular exercise will help reduce your risk of having a fall.

As with all exercise, make sure you warm-up and cool down and that you have carried out a number of simple safety checks before you start.

Over the course of the next 3 days, you will watch five short videos: ‘Falls Prevention Exercises: An Introduction video’, ‘Exercise Level Test’, ‘Strength and Balance: Level 1′, Strength and Balance: Level 2’ & ‘Strength and Balance: Level 3’.

These videos will help you determine which level of exercise are best suited to you or if you should seek guidance from your physiotherapist.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. YouTube Channel here:

The 411 on Fall Prevention Exercises: Strength & Balance Level 1

Regular exercise helps to strengthen muscles and maintain or improve fitness, balance, stamina, and suppleness at any age, as well as reducing joint pain.

As such, regular exercise will help reduce your risk of having a fall.

As with all exercise, make sure you warm-up and cool down and that you have carried out a number of simple safety checks before you start.

Over the course of the next 3 days, you will watch five short videos: ‘Falls Prevention Exercises: An Introduction video’, ‘Exercise Level Test’, 'Strength and Balance: Level 1', Strength and Balance: Level 2' & 'Strength and Balance: Level 3'.

These videos will help you determine which level of exercise is best suited to you or if you should seek guidance from your physiotherapist.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

The 411 on Fall Prevention Exercises: Intro & Exercise Level Test

Regular exercise helps to strengthen muscles and maintain or improve fitness, balance, stamina, and suppleness at any age, as well as reducing joint pain.

As such, regular exercise will help reduce your risk of having a fall.

As with all exercise, make sure you warm-up and cool down and that you have carried out a number of simple safety checks before you start.

Over the course of the next 3 days, you will watch five short videos: ‘Falls Prevention Exercises: An Introduction video’, ‘Exercise Level Test’, 'Strength and Balance:  Level 1', Strength and Balance:  Level 2' & 'Strength and Balance:  Level 3'.

These videos will help you determine which level of exercise is best suited to you or if you should seek guidance from your physiotherapist.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

The 411 on What It’s Like To Be In Your 80’s

Coping with change is difficult, no matter how old you are.

The particular challenge for older adults is the sheer number of changes and transitions that start to occur—including children moving away, the loss of parents, friends, and other loved ones, changes to or the end of your career, declining health, and even loss of independence.

It’s natural to feel those losses. But if that sense of loss is balanced with positive ingredients, you have a formula for staying healthy as you age.

Join Desiree King & a Special Guest as they discuss The 411 on What It's Like To Be In Your 80's.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

The 411 Vision & Safety Huddle Talk

Huddle talks are a popular way to engage others to raise awareness and spark conversations in a very quick way.

This awareness activity is designed to provide patients and families visual awareness on the impacts that vision has on the risk of falls and then engage in discussions on how to foster safe environments, especially as it relates to those with vision impairment.

It consists of three posters that will be used to evoke thought and discussion.

Join Desiree King & Dr. Kelenne V. Tuitt for The 411 Vision & Safety Huddle Talk.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

The 411 on Safe Winter Walking  

Physical activity throughout the year is a part of healthy aging and can help prevent falls and fractures.  

Regular physical activity during the winter months could include walking, snowshoeing, or shoveling.  

Join Desiree King as she gives you The 411 on Safe Winter Walking.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

Often, older people may hide an injury because they fear losing control of their independence.

They might also feel embarrassed by the ordeal. It’s important to reassure them.

Make sure they know, that even if they need some home help, their dignity and independence would be retained.

If you witness someone fall, try to ensure that they visit their Doctor or a walk-in clinic for a check over.

But what do you do if you witness a fall?

Today I am going to share one method of assisting someone who has fallen with you.

To view the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

No One Thinks Their Going To Fall.

But It Happens.

Join Desiree King as she discusses The 411 on What to Do If You Fall.

To View the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

Join Desiree King as she provides seven strategies you can take immediately to create a falls prevention action plan.

To View the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

The 411 on Saying “I’m concerned about your safety and your chances of falling.”

IT’S NOT EASY to tell a friend or family member “I’m concerned about your safety and your chances of falling.”

Join Desiree King as she discusses some that may help you have that conversation with your loved one about your concern for their safety.

To View the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

Caregivers, let’s talk about keeping you and your family safe and active.

It seems like common sense — everybody falls, no matter what age. However, for many older adults, an unexpected fall can result in a serious and costly injury. The good news is that most falls can be prevented.

As the caregiver, you have the power to reduce your loved one’s risk of falling, and your own fall risk as well.

Join Desiree King as she shares some questions that will help to determine if you or the person you are caring for is at risk for a fall and if further action is needed.

To View the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

Caregiving can be a challenging role.

Research has shown that the toll on the family caregiver’s health appears to increase over time. If you can prevent a fall, whether it is you as the caregiver or the person you are caring for, you can save time, stress, and money.

Join Desiree King as she discusses the 411 on Why Caregiving Can be a Challenging Role.

To View the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

Join Desiree King for an exclusive seminar designed specifically for:

Any senior or older adult
Anyone who has fallen or has a fear of falling
Anyone who knows someone who has fallen
Anyone who wants to age in place
Any caregiver for someone who has fallen or has a fear of falling

As experts specializing in providing High-Quality Fall Prevention services To Seniors in Ontario, we will introduce you to the 10 Most Common Myths And The Reality About Adult Falls.

You will gain valuable insights and strategies helping you and your family to…

Communicate more effectively
Dispel Myths associated with Falls
Create a plan of action for future care needs
Find and hire the right support when you need it

To View the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

The 411 on Internal Factors That May Lead to Falls

Some of the Internal Factors that May lead to falls are:

Weakness/tightness
Low Blood Pressure
Macular Degeneration
Peripheral Neuropathy
Neurological Diseases
Diabetes
Osteoarthritis of the knee or hips
Osteoporosis

Join Desiree King & Lorna King-Bobb as they discuss The 411 on Internal Factors That May Lead to Falls.

To View the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

Reaching retirement is a blessing and a curse. You know logically that you are retiring from work, not life, but, it doesn’t always feel like that.  It’s important to remember that life after retirement can be anything that you want it to be. You have earned the freedom to chart your own course.

But, with freedom comes responsibility. No one is going to tell you how to get the most from life after 60. It’s up to you to decide which passions to pursue, which people to have in your life and which places to visit.

At the same time, while we need to make our own decisions, it’s often helpful to see how others have dealt with similar situations.

Join Desiree King & Janet Heidker as they discuss The 411 on Living Your Best Life in Retirement.

To View the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is having a widespread impact across all aspects of financial life, including retirement plans.  This is leading many retirees and those close to retirement to question their investment strategy—but what’s the right approach?

Should you delay your retirement?
Will we still be able to choose from the kinds of retirement options we’ve come accustomed to?

Join Desiree King and Joshua Bacchus as they discuss The 411 On Planning For Retirement After COVID-19.

To View the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

Physical exercise is very important for maintaining physical and mental health especially for older Canadians who are more vulnerable.  Fortunately, the internet is full of videos explaining the principles of fitness, how to do specific exercises, and even full workouts online. But figuring out what to do and how to do it safely can be tricky.

That’s why we reached out to Roxanne Francois.  Roxanne is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Biofeedback Specialist, and Fitness Professional.  She specializes in providing nutrition and fitness programming for youth, adults, and seniors.

Her interactive and creative workshops are designed to engage and educate clients.   Her fun-loving approach motivates clients to incorporate wellness in all areas of their lives.   Roxanne also provides in-person and online nutrition counseling.

Join Desiree King & Roxanne Francois as they discuss The 411 on Seniors Fitness & Wellness.

To View the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

The A-Supreme Foundation provides care and support to vulnerable and low-income seniors in our community who are unable to afford adequate homecare on their own or through their caregivers. They will fill in the funding gap for home care to assist the growing number of seniors who can’t afford the care they need.

As a charitable organization aimed at compassionate care, they prioritize best practices, and actively work to engage our community as a whole about how to best serve others in a manner that is loving and dignified.

Their mission is to educate, advocate, and provide resources that will aid in the quality of life for seniors and they do so with Excellence in Senior Care.

Join Desiree King & Keisha Johnson, President of the A-Supreme Foundation as they discuss the 411 on Excellence in Senior Care.

To View the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

Caribbean people face a unique set of biological, social, cultural, and psychological factors when it comes to their health. However, these factors can also work to our advantage if used in the right way.

Be Irie is a guide to well-being catered to people living in the Caribbean, of Caribbean descent, or who just love Caribbean culture. In this easy-to-read wellness guide, Dr. Kelenne V. Tuitt gives us simple suggestions for ways we can change our mindset around food, exercise, and our lifestyle so we can live the most fulfilling lives that we can.

This book shows us that healthy living doesn’t have to take an excessive amount of time and effort. Rather, we can integrate nutritious habits into our busy lives without compromising on productivity. With the right discipline and a positive attitude, better health is within your reach.

Join Desiree King and Dr. Kelenne V Tuitt as they discuss The 411 on Caribbean Cooking for Seniors

To View the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

Because some older adults may be widowed, socially isolated or dealing with restrictive health issues, they may miss out on regular human touch, such as a warm hug, rocking a grandchild to sleep, or walking hand in hand with a loved one.

The social aspect is one of the main benefits of geriatric massage, particularly for seniors with limited social interaction.

With regular massage, seniors can experience an improved quality of life, increased energy levels and feel younger and healthier overall. Massage therapy offers numerous benefits to the entire body.  It helps ease joint and muscle pain, and can even reduce the increased levels of stress that tend to come with aging.

Join Desiree King as she discusses the benefits of Reflexology & Therapeutic Massages with Janice Gordon Director of Fresh Spring Spa.

To View the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here:

Making Even Small Home Safety Improvements Can Make A Big Difference In The Quality Of Life For Our Seniors.

With a safe home environment, falls can be prevented and seniors can enjoy greater mobility and health well into their retirement years. In addition, a safer home makes it easier for senior friends to visit, for improved social and emotional well-being.

Senior Living 411 Inc., provides affordable solutions for seniors who want to be sure they are living in a safe home.

We can help you and your loved ones with a wide variety of services, such as:

Conducting a 240-point Home Safety Assessment, which covers the exterior of the home, electrical safety, lighting evaluation, fire safety, individual evaluation of all rooms, including the living room, bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry room, storage areas, garage, kitchen and dining room.  We also review mobility and accessibility issues, considerations for those living with Alzheimer’s/dementia, communication, senior safety technology, financial exploitation, crime prevention, and personal safety.

After the safety assessment is completed, a list of safety improvements, fall prevention, and suggested accessibility modifications are prepared and reviewed.

We can also Coordinate service providers to modify and improve the home, and provide sources for any assistive items, such as swing-clear door hinges or grab bars, that can help improve safety.

Our services are a perfect solution for seniors who want to remain independent as long as possible.  We are also fully insured for Professional & General Liability.

Join Desiree & Alpha King as they give you the 411 on Senior Home Safety Assessments.

To View the Video of this Podcast, which includes demonstrations, visit The Senior Living 411 Inc. You Tube Channel here: