Seniors don’t like to feel like they’re going to lose their independence; after being in control of their own lives for so many years, it can be hard to accept help from a family member or even a professional caregiver. Seniors might be in denial that they receive help, or they might be insulted by the idea; but whatever their resistance, convincing a loved one help is needed can be a big challenge. Here are a few ways that you can convince a senior to accept senior care help when it’s needed:

1. Remember change is difficult for everyone – their resistance might be frustrating, but think about how you would feel in the same situation
2. Give him/her time to come around – introduce changes slowly, but don’t force them. Eventually, the changes if for your senior’s benefit will be more accepted, once they get past denying they need help
3. Keep on trying – if you try to introduce a change and it’s not accepted, wait and try again. Sometimes even 15 minutes can make a world of difference
4. Keep them involved in decisions – let your senior know he/she does have a say in making decisions about care. However, do try and be persuasive about introducing care options
5. Offer a trial period – if they are resistant, persuade your senior to give your suggestion a try. A trial period with a home caregiver or with you helping around the house may help them to realize how much it can ease their burden
6. Present it as help for them – when suggesting you help them out or hire a caregiver, don’t present it as a result of their limitations, tell them it’s to have someone available to clean up around the house so they don’t feel obligated, or to help with moving of heavy objects
7. Know when to stop pushing – remember, that despite your concerns, your senior is still someone who is capable and allowed to make their own decisions. If you have tried the above to no avail, no when to stop pushing otherwise you might risk your relationship

Via: National Caregiver’s Library

Image Source: www.jupiterimages.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.

Aging can bring you down, and no one would ever dream of telling you that getting older isn’t hard; but feelings of sadness or depression don’t need to be accepted. Caregivers and family members can help to boost senior morale with the following tips:

1. Encourage physical activity – exercise releases hormones which can help stave off depression. Instead of sitting around at home during a visit with a senior, go out for a walk or pick another activity that’s well suited to the senior’s physical capabilities.

2. Create social situations – the best way to boost senior morale and prevent loneliness is to get them involved in social situations. Invite your senior to a party or encourage them to join a social activity.

3.  Help maintain a healthy diet – studies have proven that a well-balanced diet can prevent depression, so keep your senior’s fridge well stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables.

4. Offer support – if your efforts just don’t seem to boost your senior’s morale or they continue to struggle with elderly depression, make sure they know you are willing to listen to anything on their mind. If they aren’t comfortable talking with a friend or family member, encourage them to speak with a counselor or join a support group for seniors.

5. Encourage their hobbies – while some seniors may withdraw from activities they enjoy, encourage your senior to keep them up or find some new things that interest him/her.

6. Improve the living space – if your senior spends a lot of time in his/her home, even if it’s in an assisted living facility, personalize the space to help them feel comfortable. Photos, décor in their favorite colors and other personal comforts will help seniors feel like they belong there!

Sources:

1. Senior Journal: Kara Gavin
2. Everyday Health

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 seniors underestimate the value of a healthy lifestyle, but a recent study has shown that with these 4 healthy lifestyle habits, it is possible to prevent chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer and heart attack:

1. No smoking – the participants in a study who had the least instances of cancer, diabetes, heart attack and other health problems in older adulthood never smoked during their lives

2. Active lifestyle – the healthiest older adults have always lead relatively active lives, engaging in exercise or sports for 3.5 hours or more on a weekly basis

3. Healthy eating – seniors at least risk for cancer, diabetes and heart attack limited their intake of red meat, and stuck to lean proteins and ate lots of fruits and vegetables and have always had this routine

4. Controlled body weight – those least at risk for critical and chronic illnesses have always watched their weight, maintaining a Body Mass Index of 30 or under during their lives

We’ve all known someone who despite their poor lifestyle choices, has managed to live a long life with relatively few complications. But that doesn’t mean that there’s no merit to the fact that a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean a longer life. Don’t take the gamble, save your life with the 4 steps above.

Via: Mercury News

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.

If you’ve always dreamed of getting away from your Florida home to see the world, what better time than retirement? If you’re planning on going alone, more power to you, but remember that as an older woman by herself, you need to ensure that you remain safe at all times.

12 tips for women traveling alone:

1. Know the destination’s cultural regulations – many countries have specific regulations for women with regards to clothing and behavior. It may seem like a double standard, but to avoid conflict, try to respect and abide by these guidelines
2. Check for travel warnings – the US State Department Consular Information provides up to date information about safety issues and any other travel warnings about where you intend to travel
3. Make sure travel documentation is up to date – make sure that you have the right visas for where you’re traveling and that your passport is valid. Make sure you get a passport 3-4 months before you travel so you don’t run into any problems
4. Leave information at home – make sure a friend or family member has your full itinerary, including contact information for places you’re staying, as well as a copy of your plane ticket, and even a copy of your passport
5. Leave valuables at home – leave extra credit cards and jewelry and valuables at homes, costume jewelry included as it could be mistaken for the real thing
6. Have health insurance – make sure you have travel insurance that covers potential medical costs while you’re away, including evacuation
7. Take enough medication and make sure it’s labeled – for prescription medications, have enough for the duration of your trip and then some in case of delays. Make sure your medications are in their original prescription bottles with labels as some countries might give you trouble due to trafficking laws
8. Remain aware – be aware of those around you and use common sense if you feel someone is acting suspiciously. Go into a store or contact your hotel if you feel uncomfortable
9. Look confident – look and act like you know where you’re going, keep your head held high, and you won’t look like such an easy target
10. Ask for directions – know where you’re going and how to get there before you leave your hotel. Ask the concierge for directions to avoid unsafe areas and keep your confidence up
11. Choose a safe hotel – a central hotel with security and public transportation like taxis nearby is a safer bet
12. Dress conservatively – dress conservatively wherever you’re going and keep jewelry and makeup minimal so you don’t look like a good target

Via: About.com

Image Source: jupiterimages.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 was planning a road trip this summer to leave from her Florida home and drive to Florida to visit a friend. She doesn’t keep a car, as she doesn’t need one where he lives, but did reserve a car in advance from a rental agency. I brought her by the rental office on the day of her trip with bags in tow, only to have her told that she wouldn’t be able to take a vehicle off the lot because she was over 70. I’ve never heard of this before. Can seniors still rent cars after 70?

A – Yes and no. Some car rental agencies refuse to rent to seniors over 70 due to liability issues with their insurance while some assume the risk. With a little bit of perseverance and research, seniors can find a car rental agency that suits their needs!

1. Ask about age maximums – many rental car companies, or individual rental franchises in certain cities may very with their age limits. While some may not allow seniors over 70 to rent a car due to the potential cost of insurance following an accident, others may put no restrictions on maximum driving age
2. Check your insurance – check with your existing insurance policy and see if it will cover a rental car if you’re driving away from your Florida home. Using existing insurance or purchasing new insurance may allow you to rent a car from a company that otherwise has age limitations
3. Start at home – if you determine that it’s cheaper to rent a car from a local Florida agency, get your car at home and make it a longer road trip to your destination if the savings are worthwhile!
4. Pick up the phone – while looking at car rental agencies online might be a great way to get costs, companies don’t always post maximum age limitations online. Pick up the phone, and don’t be modest about your age. Tell them you’re a senior and find out if there are any restrictions or special steps that will need to be taken to rent a car at your age

Via: About

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.

Age does not place a limit upon success – but you can inhibit what you’re able to achieve by believing that it does. Don’t let your age be anything more than a number when it comes to setting goals and meeting them; implement these 10 ways you meet your goals in older adulthood, and accomplish something great in your retirement!

1. Think positive – visualize yourself accomplishing whatever it is that you want to achieve with success. Avoid negative thoughts and negative people

2. Set your goals – be specific about your goals, whatever they may be. Set a date and stick to it, for example, tell yourself “next month I am going to start volunteering in the community”

3. Stick to your goals – if you set a goal, find a way to make it happen. Don’t make excuses or let fear hold you back. Without follow through goals don’t mean anything!

4. Embrace new wisdom – you’re never too old to learn something new, and you can never think that you know everything. Take a class, whether it’s at a Florida college, or to learn a new hobby from a craft store or other place that will teach you about your new interest

5. Be persistent – not all goals can be accomplished immediately, but if you keep your eye on your goals and work through any trials and tribulations, you’ll get there

6. Make decisions wisely – get all the information you need an analyze decisions before you follow through

7. Invest in your future – if you have a goal, it’s okay to filter your time and money into achieving it. Don’t feel guilty or let anyone stand in your way!

8. Communicate – talk to others about your goals, ask them to be open and honest and give them the same in return

9. Be different – don’t set goals just because someone’s told you there’s certain things you should achieve in older adulthood, do what’s right for you!

10. Admit when you’re wrong – it’s okay to make mistakes, just make sure you admit it when you’re wrong

Sources:

1. About.com

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.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus (MRSA) is an extremely resistant bacteria that plagues seniors in nursing homes and dialysis centers where viruses can spread amongst the patients who are already suffering from weakened immune systems. In order to ensure that these seniors do not are not put through any further aggravation or illness, seniors, caregivers and hospital workers all need to abide by the following 10 tips for preventing MRSA:

1) Wash Your Hands –wash your hands often and ensure that that you know proper techniques to make sure that that bacteria is killed. Use hot water and soap and ensure that they scrub for 30 minutes.
2) There no such thing as washing too much –wash your hands before and after you do just about everything! When you go to the bathroom, before and after meals, anytime you touch objects in a very public place, if you sneeze or cough, and especially when around others who are ill
3) Use hand sanitizer if there’s no sink access – if seniors or caregivers don’t have access to soap and water, an alcohol based hand sanitizer will disinfect and help to kill bacteria like MRSA
4) Try not to touch anything in public restrooms – it may sound extreme, but you don’t know if others using the public restroom might have been sick when they touched doorknobs, doors and faucets in the washroom without washing their hands first. Use a paper towel when opening doors and wash your hands before you leave
5) Clean surfaces in your house – frequently clean doorknobs, faucets and other surfaces where you and others in the home frequently use their hands which can also spread bacteria. Antibacterial cleaners or those designed to combat MRSA can be effective!
6) Keep cuts clean – it’s important for cuts to be cleaned and bandaged so that MRSA can’t enter the wound
7) Use caution when treating someone else’s wound – avoid touching bandages or an open wound directly when helping someone else. Wear gloves and wash your hands after
8. Don’t share personal items – MRSA can be spread by sharing clothes, towels, tweezers, nail clippers, cosmetics and more
9) Don’t overuse antibiotics – using antibiotics for a virus can help increase MRSA’s resistance; always follow doctor’s instructions
10) See a doctor – if wounds aren’t healing well, seek medical attention

Sources:

1. MedLeague

2. How to Do Things

Image Source: 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.

After a long day of caring for a family member or another senior with Alzheimer’s, there’s nothing you want more than to climb into bed and get a good night’s sleep. Nighttime should be one of the only times you get to escape from your caregiving duties even if only for a short period of time, but when you have a senior with sundowning it can be one of the most challenging times of day. Instead of sleeping, you find yourself worrying about your loved one who is most active in your Florida home throughout the night because they are restless. It can also be more stressful when your senior is more easily aggravated and anxious, and generally more difficult to deal with especially when their confusion increases.

You might not be able to prevent sundowning entirely, but by following these 10 ways to deal with sundowning seniors you can help improve the symptoms and even your own stress in dealing with the situation:

• Seniors should be checked out by their Florida doctor to ensure that sundowning isn’t a result of another disease or illness
• Caregivers need to make sure that they’re flexible in their approach to dealing with their senior, especially at night
• Caregivers should ensure that seniors don’t consume caffeinated drinks in the afternoon or evening, otherwise restlessness can be worse
• Lighting in the home should be appropriate for the time of day, and there should be minimal glare and shadows so seniors don’t become more anxious by lack of visibility
• Caregivers and family should try to make seniors feel safe and secure by speaking soothingly despite their frustrations
• During the evening hours caregivers should make sure the senior’s needs are always met – that they’re not hungry, thirsty etc
• Naps should be avoided during the day to ensure seniors can sleep at night
• Soothing music can be played in the evening to promote relaxation, or other activities that help seniors unwind can be tried
• Stimulating and physical activities during the day can help seniors sleep better at night
• Caregivers and family members must always remember that seniors with Alzheimer’s aren’t behaving that way on purpose

Sources:

1. New York Times
2. Health Central

Image Source: 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.

Having a demanding career into older adulthood is becoming a more common occurrence, but despite your ability to handle yourself in the workplace, you might be finding that aging is adding some complications to your work life, especially if you are coping with incontinence while trying to command your career. You may feel like while your co-workers once looked at you with respect, they’re giving your sideways glances because of your changing behavior, and you might have heard whispers that you’re getting too old to command your career. Unfortunately, these can be hurdles we have to overcome as we age, but by following these 10 tips for aging gracefully, you can command your career and cope with incontinence.

1) Get the right pads – menstrual pads are not designed the same as pads for incontinence, get some good quality absorbent pads that can also help to control odor. These will come in handy during a long, important meeting when you can’t escape to the bathroom
2) Practice odor prevention – some incontinence products release a pleasant odor when in contact with fluid, or you can buy sprays to help control the effects of incontinence
3) Use a tampon – for women, tampons also put pressure on the urethra which can also help to control leaks that come with incontinence
4) Watch what you drink – despite the need to remain hydrated, during a long meeting, avoid drinking too much water or coffee, otherwise you’ll have a full bladder and might leak when you stand
5) Consider your wardrobe – choosing darker colored suits for the office will help to mask the presence of fluid
6) Do kegels – to strengthen bladder muscles, regularly contract the muscles you’d use to stop the flow of urine
7) Train your bladder – try to slowly increase the time between bathroom visits until you can go between 3-4 hours between trips
Use a pessary – most common to help bladder weakness after pregnancy, a pessary can help to control incontinence
9) Use deep breathing – when you feel the urge to go, practice deep breathing for 5 minutes until the need passes.
10)  Tighten the pelvic muscles – when you’re going to laugh or cough, tighten the pelvic muscles to prevent leakage

Sources:

1. Web MD
2. Wikipedia

Image Source: 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.

With the summer in full swing here in Florida, more and more seniors are getting outdoors and in turn getting active. There are extensive benefits to the body, with exposure to natural sunlight that can boost mood and improve physical health, but  when it comes to getting in touch with nature, seniors can also benefit their minds, and that’s something you might not expect.

Here’s how seniors can benefit their health, body and mind, by getting in touch with nature:

• Attention and memory spans improve by 20% after a 50 to 55 minute walk in a natural setting
• Sights in nature cause reflection and mental stimulation
• In nature, your mind can focus on stimulus rather than tuning out other surroundings in the environment when it’s overwhelming in a busy city environment
• Being in an environmental surrounding provides the brain with “active rest”
• Getting out into nature generally involves some form of physical activity and weight bearing activities like walking can help with osteoporosis and muscle strength
• Body weight, body fat and cholesterol is lowered when Florida seniors get active by hiking or walking outdoors reducing the risk of stroke, and heart conditions
• The boomer generation has a strong sentimental to the outdoors based on Woodstock and other events, so it can take them back to fond memories of their youth

Sources:

1. AARP

Image Source: arkansasstateparks.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.