The Loving Hands Group

Healing arts for happy hearts

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Holiday Activities

June 15, 2017 By Judith Eugene

Each year we help our clients celebrate the seasons with the following events, designed to get everyone in a festive spirit!

Video All programs are available in-person or by video

Outdoors All programs can also be done outdoors in nice weather or with overhead cover (except Soap Making, April in Paris, Viva Mexico, A Healthier Thanksgiving, and Holidays Around the World)

Holidays are listed below in chronological order, January to December

Winter

  • Folk Art Snowman Project – Painting and glueing objects to create a wooden folk art snowman. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • “Create a Snowy Day” Art Project – A torn paper art project to create a wintry wonderland. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making – Participants will learn cake decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. They will also learn how to make yummy spiced cider. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes cider.)

Chinese New Year by Jeffrey DavidsonChinese New Year: January (on the date of the new moon between 1/21-2/20)

  • Chinese New Year Food Festival – Learn about Chinese culture and the Chinese zodiac while feasting on traditional Chinese food…with fortune cookies for dessert.

Valentine's Valentine’s Day: February 14

  • Cookie Decorating and Punch Making – Participants will learn cake decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. We’ll also make some yummy punch. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes punch.)
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)
  • Valentine’s Day Sing-Along – An hour of well-known songs about love and devotion. Performed with a singer and guitar. Small percussion instruments are handed out so that everyone can participate. (1 hour program)
  • Soap Making – Learn how to make quick and easy guest-size scented soaps to use yourself or to give as gifts. We’ll also make decorative packaging for the soaps. 1 hour class plus $2 per person for one small soap. If possible, please provide a microwave, refrigerator and clean-up sink. If not, we will bring alternatives.

St. Patrick’s Day: March 17

  • Cookie Decorating and Punch Making – Participants will learn cake decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. We’ll also make some yummy punch. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes punch.)

April in Paris

  • April in Paris – Celebrate spring with this interactive slideshow about all things French. We’ll learn about French food, music, architecture, art, fashion and even perfume. We’ll taste some yummy French foods while listening to traditional French Cabaret music. Vive la France! Please provide food prep area (no cooking required), clean-up sink, plates and utensils. Please also provide a computer, TV or projector for the slideshow. (Materials fee varies depending on food selected, please contact us to discuss).

 Easter: Date Varies

  • Cookie Decorating and Punch Making – Participants will learn cake decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. We’ll also make some yummy punch. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes punch.)
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)

 Earth Day: April 22

  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)

Cinco de Mayo: May 5

  • Viva Mexico! – An interactive slideshow celebrating the people, culture and food of Mexico. Learn about the art, music, dance, customs, holidays, and festivities of Mexico while tasting some yummy Mexican food and listening to mariachi music. We will even learn how do the Mexican Hat Dance! (Can be either a 1 hour or 90 minute class, plus cost of ingredients) Please provide food prep area (no cooking required), clean-up sink, plates and utensils. Please also provide a computer, TV or projector for the slideshow. (Materials fee varies depending on food selected, please contact us to discuss).

Mother’s Day: Second Sunday in May

  • Hand Massages – A great way to pamper mothers and grandmothers. Recipients will receive relaxing hand massages with scented lotion, from a licensed massage therapist. Length of massage time depends on number of participants, multiple therapists are available for larger groups. (1 hour program)
  • Cookie Decorating and Punch Making – Participants will learn cake decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. We’ll also make some yummy punch. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes punch.)
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)
  • Gourmet Ice Cream – Create delicious ice cream treats using interesting and unusual toppings, ranging from sweet to savory to spicy. Sure to satisfy your sweet tooth in new ways! 1 hour class to make 3 toppings ($3 per person), or 90-minute class to make 5 toppings ($5 per person). Please provide cooking appliances (varies depending on recipes selected), clean-up sink, plates and utensils.
  • Soap Making – Learn how to make quick and easy guest-size scented soaps to use yourself or to give as gifts. We’ll also make decorative packaging for the soaps. 1 hour class plus $2 per person for one small soap. If possible, please provide a microwave, refrigerator and clean-up sink. If not, we will bring alternatives.

 Memorial Day: Last Monday in May

  • Patriotic Sing-Along  – An hour full of great American songs that we know and love! Performed with a singer and guitar. Small percussion instruments are handed out so that everyone can participate (unless prohibited for safety). 1 hour program.
  • Gourmet Ice Cream – Create delicious ice cream treats using interesting and unusual toppings, ranging from sweet to savory to spicy. Sure to satisfy your sweet tooth in new ways! 1 hour class to make 3 toppings ($3 per person), or 90-minute class to make 5 toppings ($5 per person). Please provide cooking appliances (varies depending on recipes selected), clean-up sink, plates and utensils.

 Father’s Day: Third Sunday in June

  • Cookie Decorating and Punch Making – Participants will learn cake decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. We’ll also make some yummy punch. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes punch.)
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)
  • Gourmet Ice Cream – Create delicious ice cream treats using interesting and unusual toppings, ranging from sweet to savory to spicy. Sure to satisfy your sweet tooth in new ways! 1 hour class to make 3 toppings ($3 per person), or 90-minute class to make 5 toppings ($5 per person). Please provide cooking appliances (varies depending on recipes selected), clean-up sink, plates and utensils.
  • Soap Making –  Learn how to make quick and easy guest-size scented soaps to use yourself or to give as gifts. We’ll also make decorative packaging for the soaps. 1 hour class plus $2 per person for one small soap. If possible, please provide a microwave, refrigerator and clean-up sink. If not, we will bring alternatives.

 Independence Day: July 4

  • Patriotic Sing-Along  – An hour full of great American songs that we know and love! Performed with a singer and guitar. Small percussion instruments are handed out so that everyone can participate (unless prohibited for safety). 1 hour program.
  • Cookie Decorating and Punch Making – Participants will learn cake decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. We’ll also make some yummy punch. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes punch.)
  • Gourmet Ice Cream – Create delicious ice cream treats using interesting and unusual toppings, ranging from sweet to savory to spicy. Sure to satisfy your sweet tooth in new ways! 1 hour class to make 3 toppings ($3 per person), or 90-minute class to make 5 toppings ($5 per person). Please provide cooking appliances (varies depending on recipes selected), clean-up sink, plates and utensils.

 Halloween: October 31

  • Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making – Participants will learn cake decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. They will also learn how to make yummy spiced cider. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes cider.)
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)
  • Fall Pumpkins – Using paper pumpkins or real pumpkins/gourds, we’ll bring them to life with various decorating techniques and art accessories. A great way to celebrate Fall! (1 hour class, plus $1 per pumpkin for paper or $3 per pumpkin for real)

 Veterans’ Day: November 11

  • Patriotic Sing-Along  – An hour full of great American songs that we know and love! Performed with a singer and guitar. Small percussion instruments are handed out so that everyone can participate (unless prohibited for safety). 1 hour program.
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)
  • Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making – Participants will learn cake decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. They will also learn how to make yummy spiced cider. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes cider.)

 Thanksgiving: Fourth Thursday in November

  • “A Healthier Thanksgiving” Cooking Class – New twists on your favorite Thanksgiving classics. Lighter and healthier versions sure to satisfy! We will also learn new recipes that are sure to become “old classics”, and we will make a recipe to eat in class. (1 hour class plus ingredients)
  • Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making – Participants will learn cake decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. They will also learn how to make yummy spiced cider. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes cider.)
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus$3.50 per person for materials)

 Winter: Begins December 21

  • “Holidays Around the World” – An interactive slideshow presentation featuring December holiday traditions from around the world, complete with holiday songs, games and treats. Fun for everyone! (1 hour class) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow
  • Folk Art Snowman Project – Painting and glueing objects to create a wooden folk art snowman. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • “Create a Snowy Day” Art Project – A torn paper art project to create a wintry wonderland. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making – Participants will learn cake decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. They will also learn how to make yummy spiced cider. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes cider.)

Hanukkah: Begin 25th of Kislev

  • Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making – Participants will learn cake decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. They will also learn how to make yummy spiced cider. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes cider.) Please let us know if Kosher ingredients are required
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)
  • Holiday Sing-Along  – An hour full of non-denominational December holiday songs that are sure to get your group into a festive spirit!  Small percussion instruments are handed out so that everyone can participate. This one is sure to get those toes tapping! (1 hour program)
  • Soap Making – Learn how to make quick and easy guest-size scented soaps to use yourself or to give as gifts. We’ll also make decorative packaging for the soaps. 1 hour class plus $2 per person for one small soap. If possible, please provide a microwave, refrigerator and clean-up sink. If not, we will bring alternatives.
  • Hanukkah Pony – A Pony or horse, all dressed up for Hanukkah, will visit for an hour of furry fun and holiday merriment. Everyone who wants to is welcome to pet the pony. We’ll also play the dreidel game while we’re waiting for our turn. The pony’s hooves are wrapped so they don’t damage the floor, and they are trained not to “go” while inside the building. (1 hour program – please contact us for pricing)

 Christmas: December 25

  • Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making – Participants will learn cake decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. They will also learn how to make yummy spiced cider. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes cider.)
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)
  • Holiday Sing-Along  – An hour full of memorable songs that are sure to get your group into a festive spirit!  Small percussion instruments are handed out so that everyone can participate. You may choose either a Christmas performance by a singing elf or a non-denominational holiday performance. This one is sure to get those bells jingling and those toes tapping! (1 hour class)
  • Santa and his Pony – A singing Santa or singing elf and their Christmas Pony or horse visit for an hour of furry fun and holiday merriment. Santa plays guitar and sings all of your Christmas favorites, and everyone who wants to is welcome to pet the pony. The pony’s hooves are wrapped so they don’t damage the floor, and they are trained not to “go” while inside the building. (1 hour program – please contact us for pricing) *These activities are also available separately – only the singing Santa/elf or only the Christmas pony.
  • Soap Making – Learn how to make quick and easy guest-size scented soaps to use yourself or to give as gifts. We’ll also make decorative packaging for the soaps. 1 hour class plus $2 per person for one small soap. If possible, please provide a microwave, refrigerator and clean-up sink. If not, we will bring alternatives.
  • Wreath Making – Make a beautiful wreath to decorate your wall or door using artificial flowers and greenery mounted on a pre-made wreath form. Wreaths can be themed to a season or holiday. Overhead cover recommended when displaying outdoors. (1 hour class plus $9 per person for 18″ wreath. Please contact us for pricing for other sizes. Optional 15″ long wreath hangers are $5 each.)

 Kwanzaa: December 26-31

  • Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making – Participants will learn cake decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. They will also learn how to make yummy spiced cider. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes cider.)
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)
  • Soap Making – Learn how to make quick and easy guest-size scented soaps to use yourself or to give as gifts. We’ll also make decorative packaging for the soaps. 1 hour class plus $2 per person for one small soap. If possible, please provide a microwave, refrigerator and clean-up sink. If not, we will bring alternatives.

Click on the categories below for a full program list

Architecture Caregivers Classic Cars

Cooking
Dance
Fiber Arts Fine Arts

flower-arranging

Gardening & Birds

Holiday Activities

Interior Decorating

Kid's Class

Life Stories

Music

Men's Club

Pet Connections

Photography

Positive Living

Reiki

Writing

Yoga and Posture

Filed Under: At Home, In Facilities

Holiday events for Heights seniors and families

December 5, 2016 By Judith Eugene

Many local businesses and religious organizations offer fun social and cultural activities for the holidays—most are open to all; some are for seniors and, in some cases, their families. Events listed below are free, unless otherwise noted. Be sure to call ahead to confirm times, make reservations, if required, and inquire about handicapped accessibility if needed.

On Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Church of the Saviour will hold its annual Advent Festival, featuring fair-trade items and holiday greenery for sale, a silent auction, homemade donuts, a cookie walk, and live music. (2537 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-8880)

The 23rd annual Holiday CircleFest will be held in University Circle on Dec. 4. More than a dozen museums, gardens, galleries, churches and schools will open their doors to provide activities, music, food, fun and shopping, 1–5:30 p.m. Ice skating, ice-carving demonstrations and horse carriage rides will be available at the Rink at Wade Oval from noon to 7 p.m. (weather permitting). The festivities will conclude with a Winter Lights Lantern Procession at The Cleveland Museum of Art, 5:30–6 p.m. (10820 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-791-3900)

McGregor will present three events this holiday season—a holiday jazz concert with soloist Abriel Dodson on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 23 at 2:30 p.m., and a choir concert on Dec. 17 at 2:30 p.m. (14900 Private Drive, Cleveland, 216-851-8200)

The Cedar Fairmount shopping district will host a Pop-In-Pop-Out event on Dec. 8, 6–8 p.m. Appletree Books, Pavilion Home & Floral, and Ten Thousand Villages will all have guest artists and purveyors on site, selling their work, and refreshments will be served.

The Coventry Village Holiday Festival will take place on Dec. 10, from noon to 11 p.m., featuring live music, community caroling, kiddie karaoke, poets and storytellers, photos with Santa and Coventry Claus, holiday family portraits, showings of the movies “Home Alone” and “Gremlins” in the Centrum Theatre, and an Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl (for ages 21 and older). There will be free [meter] parking at Coventry Village’s parking garage, parking lots and street meters.

At 7 p.m. on Dec. 11 and 12, Nighttown will present its 11th annual Musical Theater Project production of “A Christmas Cabaret.” The show features live performances of well-known classics and hidden gems, as well as a few sing-alongs. Call 216-245-8687 for tickets ($31 to $35). (12387 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights)

The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes will host the 116th annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 11, starting at 8:15 a.m. This is the longest-running citizen science survey in the world that provides critical data on bird population trends. Bird walks will be offered to help participants locate and identify resident winter birds. Free binocular rentals are available, with ID. No experience is necessary; registration is required. (2600 South Park Blvd., Shaker Heights, 216-321-5935)

The First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland will present A Festival of Lessons and Carols on Dec. 18, 4–6 p.m., a Christmas Nativity Pageant with live animals on Dec. 24, 7–10 p.m., and a candlelight service on Dec. 24, 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (3630 Fairmount Blvd., Shaker Heights, 216-932-7480)

The Cleveland Heights Senior Activity Center will host a Winter Centerpiece Workshop on Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. Fresh greens and other materials will be available, to make decorations suitable for any holiday. There is a $7.50 fee; registration is required. (1 Monticello Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-691-7377)

St. Ann Church will collect food for the Hunger Bank on Dec. 24, 5–6 p.m., and Dec. 25, noon to 2 p.m. (2175 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-0024)

The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage will hold a Can Can Food Drive and Festivities on Dec. 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring a canned-good donation and/or pay what you can toward museum admission. There will be a special film screening, a card-making activity to welcome new immigrants, and a craft activity for kids. All canned goods will be donated to the Semach Sedek Kosher Food Bank and Pantry, and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Walk-ins are welcome, but advance reservations are encouraged. (2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-593-0575)

The Stone Gardens Assisted Living Residence will hold its annual Rock for All Ages Chanukah concert with Noah Budin on Dec. 27, 7:30 p.m. (27090 Cedar Road, Beachwood, 216-292-0070)

The Maltz Museum will also host a Hanukkah candle lighting on Dec. 28, 5–6 p.m. Children of all ages and backgrounds are invited to this event, featuring singing, games, Hanukkah history, and a cookie reception. Registration required.

The Cleveland Heights Senior Activity Center will host its annual New Year’s party on Jan. 5, starting at noon, featuring a catered lunch and entertainment. Admission is $12; advance registration required.

A note to my readers: This will be my last Senior Scene column. I have enjoyed connecting with you over the last five and a half years, and appreciate all of your positive support and feedback. I wish each of you and your families much health and happiness. Happy holidays, and best wishes for a wonderful new year!

Click here to read the full article in The Heights Observer

Filed Under: Blog

Retirement can be a new beginning for professional artists

November 2, 2016 By Judith Eugene

Artist Susan Squires with her work. Photo courtesy Susan Squires.

Artist Susan Squires with her work. Photo courtesy Susan Squires.
Artist Susan Squires with her work. Photo courtesy Susan Squires.

Reaching retirement age does not necessarily mean you want to stop working. This is especially true if your work is also your passion. The Life Reimagined Institute, a division of AARP (www.lifereimagined.aarp.org), helps working seniors feel more rewarded and fulfilled by their careers. The institute’s mission is to help seniors rediscover what truly matters and focus on what they really want to do with the next chapter of their lives.

For creative seniors who are passionate about art, retirement offers advantages and opportunities to pursue their passions.

The Heights is home to many professional artists who also happen to be seniors. Among them is Mona Kolesar, a professional artist for more than 40 years. After receiving a B.S. in art education from Penn State University, she spent her early career teaching—helping others discover their creative personalities. In 1975, she struck out on her own, creating her own art while also offering art consulting services. She gave up consulting in 2000 to focus solely on her passion for creating.

Kolesar’s earlier works were large-scale sculptures made of stone and metal for commercial buildings, influenced by her childhood environment, growing up in the oil fields of Pennsylvania. Her current sculptures are smaller and lighter, made of bent wood and metal, and are inspired by the creative processes of the brain.

Asked how reaching retirement age affected her work, Kolesar said, “Art has no age boundaries. As you age you refine your own craft, and you focus on more of the things that appeal to you.”

Cleveland Heights resident Susan Squires has been a professional artist for more than 20 years. She received a B.F.A. in painting and drawing from the Cleveland Institute of Art. Shortly thereafter, she began experimenting with adding wax to her paintings. “Wax adds depth and surface to my work,” she said. Her paintings take historic writings, geometric shapes and city plans, and add layers of color and wax over them to create contemporary works.

Squires feels that retirement is a perfect time for beginning, or continuing, a creative endeavor. “I can spend a lot of time with my art now,” she said. “There is more time for discovering and learning.”

Kolesar and Squires agree that expressing oneself through art in retirement is a metaphor for life. The longer you live, the more confidence you gain—in who you are as an artist as well as who you are as a person. “After years of experimentation, I am more confident in my work, and everything flows better than ever before,” commented Squires. Said Kolesar, “Artists don’t retire, we just keep on keeping on as long as we can.”

Kolesar’s work can be viewed at her studio (call 216-321-7745) or on her website, www.monakolesar.com. Squires’ work can be viewed at local galleries and on her website, www.1point618gallery.com.

Click here to read the full article in The Heights Observer

Filed Under: Blog

Drama

October 31, 2016 By Judith Eugene

Drama For IndividualsDrama is a fun and creative way to explore, improve speaking and listening skills, and discover new talents. It is a wonderful form of self-expression that can also help with focus and concentration. It helps to exercise the imagination and strengthen cognitive skills. And it’s a great way to use your creativity! Our activities are suitable for people at all levels of physical and mental ability. Those with difficulty memorizing are welcome to read from a script, and we provide large print scripts for those with visual challenges. On top of all this, drama is tremendously fun!

  • Picture Storytelling – A special program for people with cognitive challenges. We look at interesting pictures and help you create a story around it. By taking the pressure off of memory and using imagination instead, the program has been found to be a wonderful tool in easing and encouraging communication. (1 hour class)
  • Introduction to Acting: Drama Delights – This class uses drama games and non-competitive fun activities to help strengthen creativity, observation, and cognitive skills. No previous drama experience is necessary. (1 hour class)
  • Showtime: Perform a Play – Choose from a variety of scripts of varying length and with a varying number of characters. You can choose a one-person play, or we will help you perform all of the characters. Performances can be anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours long. If memorizing is too challenging for you, we can utilize a “Reader’s Theater Forum” where you read from the script during the performance. (Time varies. Please contact us to discuss options and pricing)
  • Memoir Performance – A unique way to commemorate your life story. We help you craft a monologue or script from your life experiences. You can act out all the characters, invite others to perform with you, or you can create a monologue. Then on performance night you can invite family, friends, or whomever you would like to watch the show! (Time varies. Please contact us to discuss options and pricing)

View other Classes

  • Architecture
  • Cooking
  • Drama
  • Fiber Arts
  • Fine Arts
  • Flower Arranging
  • Gardening
  • Holiday Activities
  • Interior Decorating
  • Laughter Yoga
  • Life Stories
  • Massage Therapy
  • Music
  • Pet Connections
  • Positive Living
  • Reiki
  • Writing
  • Yoga and Posture

Visit our Services for Caregivers page

Filed Under: At Home

How to decide when it’s the right time to move

October 3, 2016 By Judith Eugene

As time goes on, lifestyles naturally change. Kids move out, we retire, we take on new hobbies, our income level and our health changes. It’s a good idea to occasionally reassess whether one’s current home is supporting one’s current lifestyle, or hindering it.

Many continue to live in their homes out of habit or nostalgia—it’s the home they bought when they got married, it’s where they raised their kids, it’s the place where they have lots of memories, and it’s where all of their personal possessions are kept.

As time passes, homeowners should ask themselves the following questions: Does taking care of your home leave you enough time to pursue your current hobbies and interests? Are you sure that your home will not need costly or complicated repairs in the future? Do you still use all of the rooms in your house on a regular basis? Is it still easy for you to go up and down stairs? Are you able to maintain your yard and clear snow by yourself? Is it convenient for you to visit family and friends from where you live now?

If you answered “no” to any of those questions, you may want to consider either modifying your home to make it safer and more convenient for you, or moving to a new home that better supports your current lifestyle.

The Home Repair Resource Center in Cleveland Heights (216-381-6100 ext. 22) offers free workshops for seniors who prefer to stay in their homes and “age-in-place.” The workshops teach homeowners how to make their own small repairs, advise them on hiring contractors for major repairs, and provide guidance on modifying a home.

If you think it might be time for you to move, a relocation specialist can help you make that decision and help you through the process. Lee-Ann Spacek, owner of North Coast Residential Relocation (216-513-6800), recently worked with a Cleveland Heights widow whose children live in another state. Spacek helped the woman clean out her possessions, sell her home, and purchase a smaller home that gave her more time for her hobbies and to visit her children.

As a moving coordinator and advocate, Spacek creates a schedule and to-do list, and connects homeowners with specialists who will list a home for sale, help clean out and organize a home, conduct an estate sale, make repairs and cosmetic improvements to get it ready to sell, and pack and move the homeowner to a new home. “As an advocate for seniors,” said Spacek, “I help manage and monitor the entire process from start to finish.”

Jim Ventura, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Hunter Realty (440-227-4988), recently worked with a retired Cleveland Heights couple whose home was too big for them, and who were weary of cold winter weather. Ventura helped them downsize to a smaller house in a warmer state, and connected them with professionals who assisted them at every stage.

Ventura had to modify his own house after suffering a debilitating illness two years ago. He then became an aging-in-place specialist, and advises people how to make their homes safer, more comfortable and convenient.

Click here to read the full article in The Heights Observer

Filed Under: Blog

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Welcome to The Loving Hands Group

We are a collaboration of professional artists and holistic healing arts practitioners who teach a unique selection of educational and life-enriching classes, activities and therapies.

We serve senior adults, people of any age with disabilities, and their caregivers. We work with them individually or in groups, bringing our programs directly to them wherever they live, work or play throughout the northern Ohio area. We also provide community-integrated activities for people of all ages and abilities. Through video platforms we are also able to serve individuals and groups worldwide.

Providing empowerment through education, The Loving Hands Group helps keep people fulfilled, engaged, optimistic, healthy and happy. We believe that all people should have equal access to programs that help them live a stimulating and full life.

At the Loving Hands Group, we bring the world to you!

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The Loving Hands Group

2959 Hampshire Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

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216-408-5578 Judith@LovingHandsGroup.com

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