Serving Up Elder Care with a Side of Kindness

Watching our parents age is rough. And there always seems to be decisions that have to be made. As their physical and/or cognitive abilities start to fail, the questions arise: 


Should we sell the house? 
Should they go to a nursing home? 
Is assisted living the best option? 
Should they move in with us?

The questions swirl in your mind throughout the day and rob you of sleep at night. After all, Mom's taken care of you all of your life. Dad taught you how to drive. Grandpap told you stories. Grandma held you on her lap and made you feel safe. What happens when they need you? Who will make them feel safe?

Sometimes, the answers are clear. There simply isn't another option other than placing your loved one into a facility where they'll receive proper care. But for many, this is only one option, not the only one. Multi-generational living is common in many other countries, more so than in the United States, but it is gaining ground here. The "sandwich generation" is raising children and caring for their parents or grandparents under one roof. But, while the rewards are countless, it's still not easy. Sometimes you need a break. A bit of respite. Perhaps a date night with your spouse once a week. But what do you do with Grandma?

Often, our parents have trouble letting go of their homes. They've spent 50+ years there and they swear they're going to die there. That's their wish. And you don't want to break their hearts. At the same time, moving back home is not an option and you're fearful of something happening when they're all alone in an empty house. Burners are left on. Falls happen and no one knows. There's a mix-up with medications. These things happen. All.the.time.

Did you know there are non-medical in-home care companies that exist just for these reasons? In Pittsburgh, there is a company called Dignity Home Care Professionals. Their tagline is "Where kindness matters" because that's at the heart of the company. Treating their clients with kindness and dignity as they face this final chapter in their lives is what it's all about. 

Whether you need regular full-time or part-time care for your loved one or you need an occasional break or a night out, the fully trained caregivers at Dignity Home Care Professionals can make all the difference. Really. They can. 

What better gift can you give to those who gave you the gift of life than to offer them loving care through a company that strives to serve this greatest generation in a manner it deserves -- compassion, loyalty, understanding, patience, dignity, and kindness. And what better gift can you give yourself than the peace of mind it will bring?

Caring for you and the seniors in your life,

Groupon Coupons?! Yes, please

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received product and/or compensation in exchange for this post.

I love a good mystery. I also love saving money.

So when I discovered Groupon's MYSTERY DEAL at JCPenney, I was all about it! I clicked the Groupon coupon link and discovered 5 mystery deals. How could I pass up 50% off $40? I jumped on it and found out I could save a whopping 65% if I spent $100 or more. Now I wasn't planning on spending $100, but for $35? Hmmmm. This Groupon Coupon site might be addictive! And the best part is, unlike with the other type of Groupons, there is no money needed upfront. In other words, you don't pay for these coupons. They're free for the taking!

The thing is, I gave you a link to just one of the retailers offering Groupon Coupons. There are over 100 more!! Here are just a few: 

• Home Depot
• VistaPrint (that's the company I rely on for business printing needs -- many a Green Grandma logo has appeared around town and beyond, thanks to VistaPrint!) 
• Ancestry.com
• Macy's
• Nordstrom Rack
• Hotels.com
• Rosatto Stone
• Zip Car
• Tractor Supply
  
• Hello Fresh (I've not ordered from them yet, but with the great Groupon Coupons, I just might. Anyone have an opinion about them? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the company.)

See! There's something for everyone. Even Amazon has Groupon Coupons. You really need to check out this site. And then enjoy your savings. I know I am!

Happy shopping (and saving!),

Heading to the beach? Don't forget the vinegar!

TGIVF (Thank God it's Vinegar Friday... for those of you who are new to this page)!

This month we're talking beach vacations. Who's heading out to the beach this summer? If you are, don't forget to take a jug (or bottle) of vinegar. Why? Keep reading.

4 Reasons Why Vinegar is Summer's 

MUST-HAVE Accessory!

1. Swimmer's Ear

No one wants to spend their summer vacation up all night with a crying baby or toddler. But that's just what you might be looking at if your kiddo ends up with swimmer's ear from too many dunks in the oceanside swimming pool. Moisture gets trapped in the ear canal, along with bacteria, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain. Make sure you have an eyedropper in your cosmetic bag, just in case. Here's where you'll need some apple cider vinegar. The acidity in the ACV will work at preventing growth of the bacteria and will relieve some of the pain. Just apply it, undiluted. If you forgot the eyedropper, simply soak a cotton ball in the ACV and put a small piece directly into the ear.

Better yet -- prevent the problem altogether by gently dabbing a mixture of distilled white vinegar and rubbing alcohol (1:1 ratio) into the ears before the family hits the water.

2. Jellyfish sting

Okay, we all hope this doesn't happen. But the truth is, it does. And when it does, it's painful. Whether it happens to you or to someone else in your family, you'll be grateful you followed my advice to have a jug of DWV on hand. And I do mean on hand, not back at the room. Why? Because timing is everything here and you don't want to waste any.

When those nasty jellyfish tentacles slap or brush into an unsuspecting leg or torso, you want to work quickly to stop the venom from releasing anymore toxins under the skin. Grab the jug of vinegar and POUR it over the affected area. This will not only stop the spread of toxins, but will also relieve some of the itching, burning, and throbbing caused by the sting.

3. Skin irritants

Let's face it. Sand and sand bugs can cause some serious skin irritations. Ease the itch with diluted vinegar (DWV or ACV). The acidic liquid neutralizes the irritant and calms the itch. Ahhh.

4. Sunburn

Sure. We all like to think we're too smart to get a sunburn. But despite our best efforts, it still happens at times. If, as the sunsets and the sky darkens, you find out a family member's skin is darkening too (or should I say "brightening" as in bright red?!), everyone will be happy you remembered to bring the vinegar. Fill the tub with cool-to-lukewarm water and add 2 cups of either ACV or DWV and settle in for a soak, covering as much of the sunburned skin as possible for 15 minutes or so. 

You can also soak some washcloths (or towels, depending on how much skin you have to cover!) with a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water) and apply them to the watermelon red skin. 

According to Dr. Jacqueline Schaffer, author of Irresistible You, when a sunburn occurs, "blood vessels in the skin dilate, triggering an inflammatory reaction. That damage causes pain and blistering." Vinegar's antiseptic properties address both the pain and the inflammation, soothing and healing the burn.

Again, prevention is the best course of action. But make sure the sunscreen you use is safe and effective. Click here for a list of the Environmental Working Groups' 19 best sunscreens for babies and kids.

There you have it. Four reasons why vinegar is your best summer accessory for the beach. Of course, you can read more of my vinegar tips in my book, Vinegar Fridays, now on sale for just $6.99. Click here to order.

Keeping it green with vinegar,

Jeepers (it's Christmas) in July Giveaway!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received product and/or compensation in exchange for this review.

Welcome to the Jeepers in July Giveaway!

Thank you to our host: MamatheFox.com and co-hosts: 

The Mommy Island and The Kids Did it All

I also want to thank the folks at SKINourishment for their long-time support of Green Grandma and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway! SKINourishment is a 20-year-old skincare company created by aromatherapist and Easter medicine practitioner Polly Glasse. Their best known products include the climbOn and crossFIXE brands, popular among well-known athletes and everyday natural-minded sports enthusiasts (of which, I admit, I am not one). But, I love the products and have sung their praise throughout the years. And I'm not stopping now!

I received their new line of skin products -- POLYN® skin care -- made using 100% plant-based ingredients, and let me tell you, I love them. So much so, that when I ran out recently, I went online and ordered more. They've got a great deal going on right now, which I'll let you in on in a bit. First I want to tell you why I love this line.

Starting with the Invigorating Face Wash, which makes my 60-year-old dry, dry skin feel amazing! The fresh scent does, indeed, invigorate the senses. 

I follow up by dabbing a small amount of the Cooling Under Eye Serum underneath my eyes, along the dark circles and across the puffy bags that have accompanied my countenance for decades. While the circles and puffiness have not disappeared (I'm telling you, it's hopeless!), they have decreased dramatically, particularly the circles. And you only need the tiniest amount -- just a small drop. Seriously.

Finally, I squirt a few drops of the Regenerative Face Serum onto my palm and spread it across my face and neck. The result is satiny smooth skin. I do this before I go to bed and for the first time in years, I'm not waking up with sandpapery skin. 



Glasse combines aromatherapeutic formulations in these products, providing "therapy in a bottle™."

The bottles themselves are something special as well. Aside from the Face Wash, the other products come in beautiful MIRON glass bottles from Switzerland. The deep purple/black glass prevents light from getting in and compromising the food-grade ingredients. My only disappointment was that they didn't come with caps to use after the product was gone and I no longer needed the pump. I'd love to reuse these beautiful bottles with a twist-on cap.

All of the POLYN skin care products are Certified 100% Vegan and Gluten free. And none of them contain any GMOs (take that, Monsanto!). All ingredients are disclosed on their packaging and there are no synthetic ingredients. PLUS, they are certified Cruelty Free by PETA. 

Seriously, what's not to love about this line?

And, if you enter, you just might win the Essential 3 Face Line with an added bonus! Bought separately, the 3 products are valued at $93.97, plus the $11.95 Illuminating Face Oil. Remember the deal I mentioned earlier? Well, if you act relatively fast, you can snatch up this set of 4 products for a mere $39.95 through their exclusive TV Special. Just click here for details.

Even if you decide to buy a set while the special is good, you can still enter to win. There's nothing wrong with having back-up product for when you need it. And this would make a great gift for anyone concerned with what they're putting on their skin.

Enter below via the Rafflecopter. The giveaway is open to US only, 18 and older. NOTE: Winner has 48 hours to reply to congratulatory email before an alternate winner is chosen.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.