When a senior is no longer able to communicate, it can feel like there’s no longer someone in there. The last thing that families should do is to treat a senior with expressive aphasia or apraxia like they’re invisible, or with any sort of indignity. While it can become a challenge to communicate, and to help a senior express themselves without words, the effort can make a big difference for the life of your senior and the relationship that you continue to have with them even after the disease has affected their ability to communicate verbally through language.

Here are a few ways that you can help prevent the isolation that can occur with expressive aphasia or apraxia and help your loved one to communicate without language:

• Make sure they always have a way to communicate and make their own decisions;  ask yes or no questions, or write down potential answers for a question posed to help them make their decision
• Always speak to your loved one in a direct and natural way – never assume that they can’t understand or that there’s no one in there
• Speak clearly to improve understanding, use expressive body language, draw pictures or write down key words
• Seek help from professionals in Skilled Conversation techniques for seniors with expressive aphasia or apraxia, and talk to a doctor about additional therapy options to help improve a senior’s communication skills without language

Sources:

1. Stroke Association
2. The Aphasia Institute
3. Orange Blossom Farm
4. About

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Home Care Florida and Senior Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Q – My mother’s doctor recently mentioned that she might be suffering from poor blood circulation, following a visit to her office where she complained of swelling in his legs, feet and ankles. But, instead of recommending ways that she can try to reduce the circulation issues, her Florida doctor unimpressively left her on her own to learn how to cope with the condition. Are there any tried and true methods that Florida seniors can implement in order to try and improve the swelling she’s experiencing as a result of poor blood circulation?

A – Poor blood circulation can be treated without expensive medicines or surgeries, so for all of the seniors around Florida who suffer from this issue, there are some easy answers!There are some simple techniques that Florida seniors can use in order to help prevent and improve poor blood circulation, which include the following:

• Take cayenne pepper powder or capsules to improve circulation and increase metabolism
• Take ginkgo balboa capsules which have a direct impact on blood circulation
• Exercise to circulate oxygen through the blood stream and improve blood circulation
• Lower intake of saturated fats in a diet and increase intake of vitamin-rich nutrients such as fruits and vegetables

Sources:

1. Ezine Articles
2. Suote101

Home Care Florida and Senior Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

For years, Florida doctors have been encouraging seniors to improve their bone density and prevent bone loss by exercising, primarily by relying on resistance training and weight-bearing activities. However, in recent times, there has been some question as to whether or not activities like resistance training really have positive benefits to seniors and bone density loss, or if the activities can cause more harm than help.

Seniors should always consult their doctors about any new exercise programs, but it’s also important that they make well informed decisions when it comes to their health. So here are the pros and cons of resistance training and bone density.

Pros

• Resistance training and weight bearing exercises can improve bone density by as much as 3%
• Physical activity has additional benefits to overall health and mobility
• Improved bone density can reduce the likelihood of accidents and injury, specifically as related to osteoporosis

Cons

• There is a risk of injury that comes with resistance activities, including sprains and even spinal problems
• Seniors who are unaware of proper weight lifting techniques increase their risk of injury
• Once resistance training stops, any improvements made by the physical activities can result in a return to previous bone density conditions

Sources:

1. Suite101
2. Mayo Clinic

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Home Care Florida and Senior Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

For years my dad suffered with a number of health problems, but like many stubborn seniors, he refused to talk to a doctor about what he was experiencing. In part, his resistance to seeing a doctor was due to the costs involved, but the other part of him felt that he was better off not knowing what was wrong with him because it would only cause additional worry. However, the minor health symptoms that he was experiencing, motivated him to change his life through diet and activity; it’s like finally acknowledging he was getting older made him want to go face to face with his mortality, not with acceptance, but with combat. My dad started exercising regularly and eating well, and at the suggestion of a friend, he started recording all of his diet and exercise routines on an online health journal.

Despite his best efforts to turn over a new leaf with a healthier lifestyle, my dad landed himself in a Florida hospital after having what was believed to be a heart attack due to high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which were at least partly to blame. After the doctor explained all of the poor nutritional choices my dad could have made to negatively influence his health, my dad immediately acknowledged what he had been doing wrong. Having recorded his nutritional habits on his nutrition journal, he couldn’t deny what was right in front of him, and again, being faced with the facts, he was motivated to change his life a second time; but this time doing it right. My dad is now in his 80s, and knock on wood, his first heart attack was his last, thanks to his change in lifestyle and his diet and nutrition journal.

Sources:

1. Suite101

Home Care Florida and Senior Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Sure, there are medications out there that can help to maintain bone density and prevent the onset of osteoporosis in older adulthood; but I like to do things the old-fashioned way; with vitamins and minerals that come from natural sources and exercise. I haven’t even reached middle age yet, but I know that osteoporosis is something that has plagued the women in my family from a young age once they enter or approach their senior years; and seeing how my grandparents have struggled with injuries later in life, I know that this is something I want to prevent as much as possible. While genetics may be against me, it’s not going to stop me from exercising today in hopes of creating a better tomorrow for the health of my bones and my body.

I know that in order to prevent osteoporosis it is recommended that seniors, and people of all ages use a combination of resistance training and weight-bearing training; I might not be able to do those exercise so vigorously as I get older, since many seniors find it impossible to do more than walk, and cannot lift heavier weights, I’m starting now, that way maybe I’ll have a better chance not of having osteoporosis before I even enter my senior years. It’s never too late though, although many seniors might find it a challenge to remain mobile, even incorporating simple activities can help rebuild bone density that is lost for better overall health of the bones and the body.

Sources:

1. Suite101
2. MayoClinic
3. Body and Health Canada

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Home Care Florida and Senior Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

For many Florida seniors, hiking is a great way to escape from the stresses of aging. Getting out into the wilderness and experiencing what nature has to offer allows seniors to forget about their health problems, put aside their stresses about their finances, and just have a chance to reflect and rejuvenate themselves. In addition to the benefits that hiking can have for the mind of a senior, it has many physical benefits as well. It’s a great cardiovascular activity to keep seniors strong and fit, and for many Florida seniors, it’s a more interesting activity than walking on the treadmill at home or at a local fitness center.

But hiking wouldn’t be such a stress free activity with so many benefits if seniors improperly plan to make sure that their ventures out into the wilderness are safe. Will your senior be ready to deal with an emergency should it occur when out on a hike? Answer the following questions to find out.

• He/she never hikes alone, understanding that it’s safety in numbers. With someone else on the hike to help in an emergency, or simply to provide support when walking up steep hills or across rough terrain.
• He/she plans ahead by studying maps of the trails before hiking a new area, and sticking to paths that have terrain appropriate to their physical condition
• When going on a longer hike, he/she leaves the route planned with a family member, so incase of an emergency, someone would know where to find them
• He/she dresses appropriately, with proper supportive footwear designed for hiking and layered clothing to accommodate changing temperatures
• He/she packs a bag with enough water to drink during the hike, a restorative snack, bug spray, sunscreen and a first aid kit

Sources:

1. Associated Content
2. Suite 101

Image: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Florida and Senior Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Q – My mom has been investigating joining a Silver Sneakers fitness center around Florida. She’s really excited by the possibilities of working with a senior fitness expert, and of course, being able to get a free membership through Medicare. But how can she find a fitness center that uses the Silver Sneakers program?

A – In order to find out if there is a Silver Sneakers fitness center nearby to where she lives, you can use the feature on the Silver Sneakers website that allows seniors to locate a participating fitness center. From the map, she can choose the location that’s most convenient for her traveling from her Florida home. Many of the fitness centers that are eligible for the Silver Sneakers programs are well-known names in fitness, like Gold’s Gym, Bally Total Fitness, and YMCA. Or, she can contact Medicare members services to find out which gyms are eligible for the program which are close by.

Sources:

1. Silver Sneakers
2. Suite101

Home Care Florida and Senior Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Many Florida older adults become increasingly cautious as they age, fearing that their actions will result in an injury or have a detrimental effect upon their health. It’s smart for seniors to be careful, but it doesn’t mean that they have to avoid engaging in physical activity altogether, because active seniors have better overall health, and can in fact reduce their chances of injury through improved flexibility and physical fitness. For smart seniors, safe exercise means choosing activities that are within their physical abilities, and avoiding overexertion. Seniors should always be aware of signs from their bodies that may signal they are overdoing it, such as:

• chest pain or tightness in the chest, neck or throat;
• considerable difficulty breathing;
• abnormal heart rhythm; nausea’ dizziness, light headedness, or visual
• interruption; excessive cold sweat; or extreme or lasting weakness or fatigue (after exercise)

Before Florida seniors begin any exercise program, they should also consult a doctor about their overall state of health and the activities that will be safe for their level of physical fitness. This is especially important for seniors who have suffered with heart related problems, high blood pressure, or have recently suffered from an injury. For safer exercise tips, seniors can also consult the services of a personal trainer or fitness expert who has experience working with seniors.

Sources:

1. Mature Fitness
2. Family Doctor

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Home Care Florida and Senior Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

As Florida seniors find themselves with time on their hands, possibly for the first time in their lives during retirement, they often wonder what’s next for them. Some seniors rely on routine, while others try to take a break from the ordinary by going back to school at a Florida community college. For many of these individuals, this might be the first time in their lives that they’ve had the opportunity to seek a post-secondary education; even if it’s just in the form of a few classes. Beyond the obvious benefits of furthering education, pursuing interests, and finding a productive way to pass the days; older adulthood couldn’t be a better time to for seniors to spread their wings and attend a program or classes at a college.

Special scholarships may be offered to seniors by colleges or organizations looking to help seniors further their education. Public colleges are also know to either wave or discount tuition fees, and for those who are looking to pursue a complete program or degree, their life experience may translate to the achievement of credits which can reduce the overall cost of education. For those seniors just interested in learning, without obtaining a formal education that will give them a degree or certification, many colleges give them the option to audit classes for free or lowered rates, without the requirement of taking tests, exams or completing the assigned coursework. Or, short term college extension classes for seniors which generally run for 6-8 weeks can allow seniors to learn while socializing.

Your age doesn’t matter; it’s never too late to expand your mind and knowledge!

Sources:

1. Suite 101
2. North East Texas Community College

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Home Care Florida and Senior Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Each year that an older adult enjoys health and life is cause to celebrate, which makes birthdays a very special time of year for Florida seniors. Planning a birthday party for your grandmother or grandfather takes special planning to accommodate the needs of the whole family, including the senior who is the guest of honor.

• When planning the menu at grandma or grandpa’s birthday party, be aware of allergies, diet restrictions and medical conditions that affect the food choices. This is especially important when senior citizens are attending, since many may have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure that can be affected by food choices
• Plan activities suitable for people of all ages – especially when family is in attendance, you want activities that appeal to all generations together
• Have a party during the late morning or early afternoon when all guests are likely to be full of energy
• Only invite those who are important to the senior – it can be tempting to include every family member or friend who has ever entered the life of the senior when making the guest list; but that can become overwhelming. Stick to the people who are most meaningful to grandma or grandpa; although siblings, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are almost always welcome
• Make sure that any children attending the party understand how they should behave, especially when in the presence of a group of senior citizens

Sources:

1. Suite 101
2. Love to Know

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Home Care Florida and Senior Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.