The Pros and Cons of assisted living for seniors

My grandmother is getting on in years and starting to forget things. She cannot remember, for instance, things that she said to people or how to complete some of the simplest of tasks. We have thought about placing her in a senior center where she can be more closely supervised, but we first have to look at the pros and cons of assisted living for seniors.

I think the biggest pro of assisted living for seniors is the constant supervision they are under. I know that she will be a lot more safe with nurses and health care professionals around than she will be in her second story apartment. If anything were to happen, she would have someone there to help her immediately and would not have to worry about some of the difficulties that seniors sometimes face, such as getting up after falling or being able to get out of the bath tub.

Another big pro when it comes to assisted living for seniors is that she would be around people of her own age. We try to spend as much time with her as possible, but the reality is that we all have our own lives, and are just not interested in many of the same things she is. If she was at an assisted living facility, she would be able to socialize and go on outings and have that companionship that she is really lacking right now.

Probably the biggest con to an assisted living for seniors facility is the lack of freedom she would have. She has always been able to live in her own place and make her own decisions. It is apparent that she takes a lot of pride in how she keeps her home and her independence. Those things would be largely gone with a move to such a place, and I can only imagine how that would feel for her.

Another problem with an assisted living for seniors center is that she hates the idea of being isolated from the rest of her family. While she does live on her own, she is only a few blocks from practically every member of our family in either one direction or the other. She likes the neighborhood really well and has everything she needs within walking distance. It would be a major adjustment for her.

Ultimately, I think what it will come down to is just how much of a threat we feel she poses to herself and other people. I do not want her to have to move into an assisted living for seniors facility without seriously discussing it and making sure that it is our only option. However, I do want to make sure that she is not going to do anything that could jeopardize her own well-being at the same time.

The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was written to include the most important basic personal freedoms that American citizens enjoy but which were not specifically covered in the body of the Constitution itself. The First Amendment prohibits the establishment of a national religion and includes the Five Freedoms; the freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and the right of citizens to assemble peacefully and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

During the debates that occurred while writing and establishing the Constitution, many opponents charged that the document did not include a strong declaration of basic personal rights. During the ratification process of the Constitution several states asked for such a declaration in the form of amendments, while other states ratified the document only with the provision that the amendments would be soon added.

Delegate George Mason of Virginia had earlier written Virginia's Declaration of Rights and his strong protests, plus Thomas Jefferson's statements, prompted James Madison to draft the first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights. Madison drew heavily on Mason's earlier work.

A key provision of the First Amendment is that the federal government may not establish a national religion. When the Constitution was created, six of the original thirteen states already ran established churches. The intent of this clause was to protect those state churches against potential actions of the federal government. Those states would not have signed the Constitution without this protection.

The free exercise of religion clause prohibits the government from unfairly restricting religious activities. It also prohibits the government from showing preference of one religion over another.

The freedom of speech clause is one of the broadest in the free world. It allows citizens to speak freely. However, later necessary limitations include protections against obscenities, child pornography, hate speech, fighting words, libel, and slander.

The freedom of the press clause allows all manner of publications to freely print appropriate news, information, and opinion. Necessary limitations are similar to the limitations on speech.

The freedom to assemble and to petition clauses reflect the bad experiences that the colonists had during the rule by the British government. The clause allows an individual to petition all three branches of the government for redress of grievances. It also grants the right to gather signatures in support of a cause or to lobby the government in support of or opposition to legislation.

The freedom to assemble allows citizens to come together to pursue common interests. It also allows citizens to march, demonstrate, protest, or carry signs in order to express their opinion in a nonviolent way. This is also known as the freedom of association.

The beginning of the First Amendment states specifically that "Congress shall make no law..." This wording led to the interpretation that state and local governments were not bound by the amendment and could pass legislation that was contrary to the First Amendment. This mistake was corrected by the Fourteenth Amendment which, among other provisions, made the First Amendment binding on all governments below the federal level.

It seems quite fitting that this amendment, with all of its major individual rights protections, should be listed as the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights.

Follow Your Dreams

Since young we are told to study hard in school, get started and work hard with a respectful career over everything else so that we can have a happy life. We have been bombarded with this message throughout our lives and it has made a deep impact on all of us.

Most of us think that we have no other choice but to keep running on this track mill of life, just like the hamsters that simply go through the daily monotony with no questions asked. Then, we keep our dreams locked in the closet fearing that other people may not believe us or laugh at our "unrealistic" dreams. We want to fit ourselves into the image of being "normal".

The good news is, we do not have to take the road that everyone takes. Many people have lost their jobs during this recent economic downturn. Now is the perfect time to pursue our dreams, to answer our inner calling. This inner yearning comes from deep within the core of who we really are as a person. Living this dream would bring us a genuine sense of well-being. When we do what we truly enjoy and believe, we live more in the present, feel happier and peaceful with ourselves and our surrounding. Though we may not make a lot of money with this new path, we will certainly enjoy it and live with no regret. The saddest thing in life is to ask "What if" at our deathbed, right?

The secret to happiness is to become courageous and follow what we truly want, that means to follow our hearts. If we have the talent and the ability to sustain that dream, then why not go for it? The world of today glamorizes certain lifestyle and careers, but reality says otherwise. We know things are just different from what we see in the movies. The key to enjoy life is to stand strong and not to live your life according to other people's opinions. We have to let our inner strength take the wheel of our lives. If we don't take control, other people will be most happy to run our lives for us. So, do not let the views of others affect our search for self-fulfillment.

We must also realize that following our dreams does not mean that we will always be happy and enjoy every minute of it. There will be times that we will be required to do things that we do not love. However, in the end we do get what we want. Life in itself is a surprise, and we often find ourselves being thrown a few surprises along the way.

Following our dreams also does not always mean that we will experience an overall sense of satisfaction, but this is far better than ignoring our inner cravings and putting them off until it never actually happens. On the road to fulfill our dreams may put us out of our comfort zone but we have to learn to cement our direction just to make ourselves truly happy with how our lives have turned out.

We must realize what kind of life we want ultimately. Though it requires conscious effort, but eventually, we get to spend the rest of our lives without regret. The seeds have been sown deep in our hearts and minds, and it is our job to reap the benefits of what we have planted. By following what we truly desire, not only do we fulfill our dreams and be happier, but we are also uplifting the spirit of the entire humanity!

The Power of Intention

Have you ever wondered why some people are more successful than others? What is that magic ingredient that separates the one who makes it from the other who does not, even under seemingly similar circumstances?

It's a question that has been asked throughout history in many different ways: from ancient wisdom stories to modern sales psychology. As with most worthy questions, the answer depends on who's asking and why it is being asked in the first place.

Success Is Found Within Our Motives

The Universe works unfailingly to bring us exactly what we really want. However if our desire does not come from the depths of our heart, we probably won't get it. If we do, it will be fleeting at best. Instead we will get what we've been unceasingly thinking about and have embedded within. Desires can only be propped up for so long before they dissipate, unless our motif for success is a true desire.

The Law Of Attraction

It has become very fashionable to invoke the Law Of Attraction these days. And, if you do it right, you will get what you want. Millions upon millions of dollars have been made selling this idea.

After the initial enthusiasm waned somewhat, new upgrades and hidden secrets behind the Law were added to the existing packages to keep the seekers hooked. And it was necessary to keep propping up the mind to be receptive. Question is, where were the desires coming from?

Lost In The Matrix

Most of us live within the landscape of our own minds, programmed throughout our lives by our experiences and environments. To use a modern metaphor, we are living within the matrix. So, even though we may have desires for a better life, there are deeply seeded obstacles that seem to thwart us each step of the way.

To change our own inner matrix, the work gets very subtle. This is because our heart's desire may have been squashed by layers upon layers of other dominant negative thoughts.

What Is Your Motif?

Does your intention for success fire up your passion and joy? Or, does it always need to be pumped up? If it does, you're off to a great start. If not, you need to dig deeper.

The power of our heart's intention, like an artist's motif, rules. We just need to learn how to stay on course. You see, your heart can't be fooled. It knows.

So the work then becomes to convince your mind to follow your heart's desire. But you can't convince your mind with your mind. Einstein himself found that you can't solve a problem at the same level of thinking that created it in the first place. something else is needed.

The answer is illustrated in the ancient Vedic story of the beautiful twin sisters, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Lakshmi stands for wealth and abundance and Saraswati stands for knowledge and truth. The story goes that if you pursue wealth only for its own sake, it will be impossible to attain or sustain. Lakshmi will always be eluding you at one stage or another. Instead, if you pursue Saraswati first, Lakshmi will start noticing you and will come running after you.

All the mind techniques of visualization and manifesting are beneficial and helpful if your inner motif is flourishing. So, take your intentions from your deepest desires and success will follow you, regardless of technique you choose.

Trane HVAC - Does It Merit It's Trusted Name?

Trane HVAC units are a significant reason central heating has come such a long way since the days of only fans.

Trane

With 90 years of professional expertise, Trane has been the leader in providing air solutions to homes and offices around the world. Almost no one disputes this. In fact, some would say that Trane is indeed all about air.

Trane HVAC units can make even the most uncomfortable, humid days much more bearable inside the house. And regardless where you live, humidity can be a killer (both figuratively and literally).

Those who live in a climate that is intensely hot in the summer (think Arizona) or year round need to be able to rely on the availability of cool air on demand. And as weather conditions change - as they do in most parts of the world - you need an efficient system to accommodate temperature fluctuations.

Indoor climate control is critical, especially when health considerations are brought to bear. Historically, Trane HVAC units are up to the task.

So What is an HVAC?

HVAC - which means "Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning" - is a climate control unit for the home.

Those are its three fundamental functions for thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and efficient operational costs. They are an essential part of our homes, not to mention office buildings and schools.

One Stop Climate Control Shop

A Trane HVAC is a "packaged" system that provides a full solution. It is comprised of an evaporator, condenser and compressor working in unison.

These units have been developed to provide all necessary heating and cooling equipment in a central location.

Trane offers four types of these packaged systems: heat pump, air conditioner, hybrid fuel, and gas/electric.

Energy Efficiency

Over the past few decades, HVAC manufacturers have attempted to make their systems more energy efficient. This is both desirable to the customer and financially helpful to the manufacturers. The improvements have also been driven by energy costs spinning out of control and environmental concerns.

The Trane company and their HVAC units have been at the forefront of these developments, making some of the most energy efficient HVAC units on the market.

Each packaged system has its own benefits and even quirks.

Criticisms

Though not common, some Trane customers complain about multiple TXV value failures on their systems within a relatively short period of time.

More frequently, however, is feedback from those who seem to experience what is known in the industry as the "dirty sock syndrome." This is where bacteria that accumulates on heat pump inner coils release an unpleasant odor as temperatures outside go under 40 degrees.

All in all, though, Trane has managed to maintain its earned reputation as a leader in producing a high quality HVAC system.

Raising Your Level Of Commitment To Christ

Millions of people have made a decision about Christ without making a commitment to Christ. But what exactly does that mean?

According to recent surveys, 225 million people in America claim to be Christian. Out of that 225 million, only 100 million claim to be a member of a church. And out of that 100 million, only 50 million attend church on at least a semi-regular basis.

Another study reports that teen pregnancy is nearly identical in the church as to those who do not attend. And the divorce rate is actually slightly higher in the church as that of those who do not belong.

Put another way, 225 million people believe Jesus lived. 100 million people have made a decision about Christ.

But consider this. If the 225 million or the 100 million, or even the 50 million were actually committed to Christ, would the world be different? Would there be less teen pregnancy, fewer divorces, less adultery? Would there not be less pornography and drug use?

Jesus once said, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.” (Matthew 7:13, New American Standard)

And in Luke:14:26, he states, “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.” (New American Standard)

Does this mean you literally have to hate your parents? No. It simply means that your love of Christ must be so great that your love for others pales in comparison. “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matthew 10:37) God either must be placed first in your life or have no place at all. You either trust in God or you do not.

The next question many ask is, “Why should I? What is in it for me?” That is a fair question. The Apostle Paul gives the answer in Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

And what is the result of this? John 3:15 states, “so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.” A commitment to Christ means eternal life in paradise. Without Christ, there is only death.

“As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause” (Job 5:8).

Is Silence Really Golden?

The stillness of a dark night sky can remind a person of their human aloneness and solitude. For many of us, being so busy every day and all the time, the lack of noise and business causes an unnerving and even a terrifying sense of helplessness.

Our fears of silence and solitude can be confirmed even by the early Romans and Greeks who populated the distant skies with spirits, god-like astrological signs and star animals.

Horoscope readers find comfort in the belief that stars and planets are concentrated and spell out our fates. Horoscopes daily point out what we find right with life and what needs to be changed and what to expect for that day. All reports are based on the sky and the planets.

Disliking silence so much becomes a fear of looking at all that is within us. That can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how we feel and how we conduct our business and our lives.

Technology has already given us multiple ways to avoid silence such as radio, television, cell phones, games, emails, mall shopping, text-messaging, etc. We can go to bed with music or television and awake to the same. If we want to avoid silence, an app of some kind is available for that very situation.

There is an old religious saying that claims the cure for loneliness is solitude. The turnaround shows when we have conquered the fear of solitude, we discover that we are not alone. That there is a more powerful being within us is a thought that comes to everyone at various times when we take a little break from the noise and bustle of daily living. Bringing a temporary halt to our busy, fast-paced daily lives allow us to tap into conversations within ourselves. The noise only distracts and prevents us from this conversation.

When a person first attempts to bring more silence into daily living, it can cause anxiety and irritation, a feeling of weirdness because we are not used to silence. It is very strange to watch a minute tick by and realize how very long that minute really is. We want to make sure our time is up so that we can get on to bigger and better things.

Working through silence can be scary; but, a place of peace will come through and this is where the silence changes into a place of quality. It is in this most peaceful place that we are more in tune with our self and with our God. It is here that we discover that silence is not an absence, but a presence, not boring, but refreshing, and not stressful, but calming.

"We can often hear ourselves think". As the world prepares for a winter's sleep, maybe it is time to take a little break from the every day noise and find a little bit of solace and silence to become a better person in tune with the surroundings of life itself.

Is Global Warming Caused by Humans?

Whether the world is currently undergoing a warming period that is largely caused by human activity is a question over which there has been considerable disagreement. While there may be moderate agreement that the earth has warmed measurably in recent history, there seems to be less consensus that human activity has played a significant role in the warming process.

The recent 2007 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a respected organization that attempts to reach agreement among hundreds of scientists, diplomats, and politicians, showed that thermometer records from around the world indicate that the average global temperature has increased from about 56 degrees Fahrenheit to 58 degrees since 1850. The assertion is that temperatures on earth are higher now that they have been in the past 400 years.

The argument that human activity has caused the temperature rise depends primarily on the concept of the "greenhouse effect." A real greenhouse creates warmth by gathering incident heat rays from the sun and trapping them, not allowing all of the infrared (IR) rays to escape. Similarly, the earth's greenhouse effect is caused by the gasses water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and a few minor gasses trapping incident IR rays from the sun and not allowing them all to escape from the atmosphere. In theory and in demonstrated practice, the more greenhouse gasses there are in the atmosphere the more IR rays are retained, and the greater are the measured temperatures on earth.

The IPCC research produced a graph that plotted CO2 in the atmosphere from about 800 AD to the present. The graph shows that for centuries the concentration of CO2 remained stable at around 280 parts per million (ppm) and that since about 1850 the concentration has increased 36% to about 380 ppm. Significantly, the period of increase of this important greenhouse gas coincides with increased industrialization worldwide that has been spurred by the increased use of fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum products. Burning of fossil fuels creates CO2 as a byproduct. This period of increased greenhouse gas production also coincides with the period during which worldwide temperatures have increased 2 degrees. The resulting conclusion is that human activity has played a role in the observed global warming.

On the other hand those who argue that the present perceived warming trend is not caused by human activity make numerous points, two of them significant. First, the implication that increased levels of CO2 and other greenhouse gasses cause warming may be incorrect. It appears from close examination of the measurements that as the earth gets warmer CO2 levels increase, not the other way around. That is, warming causes increased CO2 concentrations and therefore human activity is not the cause of higher CO2.

Secondly, there have been many periods of warming and cooling during earth's natural history, and nearly all of them occurred before humans existed on earth. Warming periods on earth have numerous natural causes, increased volcanic activity being the most common. Recent history has not seen abnormal volcanic activity but it has seen increased levels of solar activity. Several studies claim that solar activity over the past century is at the highest level seen in the past 8,000 years. Since our Sun is huge and its output is huge, the conclusion is that increased solar activity is more likely to be the cause of the observed global warming trend than anything that humans could contribute.

The debate over whether human activity is a large factor in global warming will likely continue for a long time. Perhaps additional evidence or more sophisticated computer models of our complex climate system will bring the debate to a conclusion in the future.