Many people feel educational vacations are geared towards young travelers. This is not always true. These types of vacations are perfect for elderly travelers. Everyone enjoys visiting a new location and learning new things. An educational vacation will provide a senior traveler with the opportunity to involve themselves in new experiences while seeing places they have never seen before. When planning an educational vacation for seniors, there are a few tips that will be helpful.

1. Use a travel agent that you trust. These agents will often have information that you would not get if you booked the vacation online. The travel agent will also be able to get the best deal and available senior discount.

2. Set some limits. Traveling somewhere new is exciting, but it is difficult to take it all in within the amount of time you are allowed. Try to narrow the scope of interest to include points of interest, historical sites or museums.

3. When on the vacation, make use of hired guides. These guides have great knowledge of the area in which you are visiting. They will be able to inform you of local history as well as other valuable information.

4. Take physical limits into consideration. If you are a senior, you know what your body can handle. If you are a caregiver who is planning the trip for another, make sure you are aware of what that person can handle physically.

Source: www.ehow.com

Home Care Florida, Elder Care Florida, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL 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..

The internet is a modern convenience that many of us who use it take for granted. But not everyone is online these days, at least not according to the Pew Internet Study that showed that only 42% of today’s seniors are using the internet. The internet is such a convenient way to keep in touch, and with more than half of the senior population in the United States missing out, what they’re lacking is more than just use of the technology.

The internet is a major communication tool, and it can help many seniors from feeling isolated and detached from other people in their lives in older adulthood. Using email, they can send letters to their grandchildren; or when logging onto Facebook they can see pictures of friends who they haven’t seen in many years. The internet can bridge the gap of physical distance, bringing people together through ease of communication. For so many seniors who can find themselves isolated and even depressed later in life, the internet can not only throttle them into this century in terms of technology, it can improve their health and their lives.

Via: Home Instead Senior Care

Home Care Florida, Elder Care Florida, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL 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..

In most families, money is a taboo subject; earlier on in life, most of you out there would never dream about asking a parent how much they make or what’s in their savings account. But money becomes a whole different matter once your parents are in their senior years, especially if you intend on having them live with you.

When moving a senior parent into your home, all bets are off. Forget about the days when they helped you through college, or assisted you with a down payment on your home; when living together, you’ve got to rewrite the rules, or money might just come between you. Have the money talk before you bring them to live with you, and keep these guidelines in mind:

1. Bridge the topic gently – ensure that finances are discussed before the move happens, but don’t approach it like finances might change your motivations or your ability to care for your loved one

2. Set the standards – discuss what percentage of the household bills your senior will be responsible for. It might not be fair to ask an elderly parent to pay half of the mortgage and utility bills if there are 4 people in your immediate family, and they are just one; but you can ask them to pay one-fifth, or another number that is agreeable to everyone

3. Keep separate bank accounts, but create a common fund – don’t expect that a senior living with you is going to merge their bank account; having their own finances maintains their sense of independence and purpose. However, you can create a joint fund that all contributors can add to in order to make monthly bill payments easier

Via: Guide for Seniors and Boomers Who Live With Them

Home Care Florida, Elder Care Florida, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL 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 – I am a family caregiver and I have a lot on my plate, do you have any tips for ways that I can survive the stress?

A – Caregiving is incredibly stressful, but the best way to survive the stress is with some survival tools that will help you to focus on yourself:

1. Take care of yourself with diet and exercise – eat well throughout the day, and no matter how busy you are, don’t skip meals, otherwise your energy levels will drop. Exercise at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes, and pick something that you enjoy doing (walking, biking, aerobics class)

2. Walk away – you won’t walk away permanently from your care responsibilities, but you can take a step back when you need to. Take a break, even if just for a few minutes, or have someone else step in to provide respite care

3. Seek help – 72% of caregivers refuse to receive outside help with their responsibilities; don’t be one of them. Ask a family member to step in and help, or hire a professional home caregiver to give you a break. Also, don’t be afraid to lean on others when you’re stressed, even if it means joining a support group

4. Spoil yourself – reward yourself for all of your hard work, once a week or once a month, go get a massage, have a manicure, go to a movie, or take a hot bath with a glass of wine. Do something that helps you rejuvenate!

5. Don’t neglect your health – remember to get yourself to the doctor regularly, especially if you’re feeling ill. You’ll be better help to a senior when you’re in one piece!

Via: Caregiver Stress

Home Care Florida, Elder Care Florida, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL 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..

The economy is still suffering and the holidays are approaching; and for seniors on a limited income, this can be a difficult combination and learning how to make money go further is essential for success! Here are 10 smart spending habits for seniors to follow:

1. Talk to a professional – talking to a financial planner, either by using a service or speaking with one provided by a local branch of your bank can help you make sure you plan to meet your financial goals and needs. For example, they can help you get on track saving for future medical or care needs.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – if you’re struggling to cover your basic needs then your local Area Agency on Aging can connect you with resources that can help

3. Find ways to reduce utility costs – keep blinds down and windows and doors closed to preserve optimal temperatures for your house

4. Walk, don’t drive – taking a car or public transportation can be more costly, so walk when possible and benefit your health and your wallet

5. Never make fast financial decisions – always ask for a second opinion before making decisions

6. Grow your own produce – plant a garden in your yard, a family member’s garden, or in a community plot to grow your own produce and cut down on food costs

7. Buy healthy items – convenient, pre-prepared items might be fast and easy, but they are less healthy and often  more expensive

8. Buy generic – generic brands are less expensive, purchase them for foods and for your medications

9. Carpool – it’s more fun to travel places with company anyways; share transportation costs by carpooling!

10. Plan to stay at home – aging in place is the more desirable option for most seniors, and it can be more cost-effective too

Via: Home Instead Senior Care

Home Care Florida, Elder Care Florida, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL 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..

How often do you find yourself lagging in the middle of a busy day, with no motivation  to do a single thing despite your busy schedule? If this sounds like you, you’re like most seniors who find that their energy can decline as the day goes on, and the best solution for you is a nap. I know; napping seems like an admission of defeat, or it cuts into the time that you could spend doing other things, but in reality, it will help you improve the productivity of your day because you’ll have more energy, feel more motivated, and will be able to process thoughts much faster. If napping’s not your normal habit, it can be hard to get started, but try these tips and I know you’ll quickly catch on and start reaping the benefits:

1. Squeeze in a cat nap of 10, 15 or 20 minutes (but no more!) during the day when you feel your energy fading. Whether you’re at work, or at home, it can help improve your productivity, so while it may feel like it’s taking time out of your day, it will actually create it. If you decide to nap at work, make sure it’s on your break or lunch hour

2. Suggest that your workplace create a napping area since it can boost productivity! Not all workplaces have created an area conducive to napping, but it is becoming more popular.

3. Help yourself wind down and prepare for a nap by listening to calming music, using aromatherapy, or doing another activity that you know works to relax you

Via: workhappynow.com

Home Care Florida, Elder Care Florida, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL 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..

Someone you know is likely a family caregiver, and for National Family Caregivers Month, it’s time to show them that their efforts are appreciated. Celebrate this month with them in the following ways:

1. Give them a break – offering to provide respite care or hiring someone to step in can allow caregivers to relax or reconnect with friends and family

2. Remind local businesses what this month means – then encourage them to offer freebies or discounts for family caregivers in the area!

3. Lend them a hand with holiday preparations – the holidays can create added responsibility, so help a caregiver decorate for the holidays or put stamps on their cards

4. Get them laughing – go see a funny movie with them, or pick up tickets to a local comedy club. Laugher IS the best medicine!

5. Take over holiday hosting responsibilities – caregivers already have a lot on their plates; host Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another holiday celebration so the caregiver can simply focus on enjoying the company!

6. Sign the petition – there’s a petition to establish a stamp that recognizes family caregivers; sign it in their honor!

7. Create something personal – a personalized gift, like a calendar with family photos, will help them feel like they’re appreciated, and it will help them stay organized

8. Send them a token of appreciation – a bouquet of flowers or a card might not be a big gesture, but it will make caregivers feel appreciated and special

9. Connect them with caregiving resources – free seminars and other events take place to keep caregivers better informed and help them manage stress

10. Lend your support – give them an ear to talk to, or help them find a support group

Via: The Family Caregiver

Home Care Florida, Elder Care Florida, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL 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..

Most caregivers know the importance of providing healthy meals to their elderly care recipients, but some don’t think about making these options available when they’re on the go or out on a day trip. To ensure that a senior’s energy levels remain strong throughout the day, having quick healthy snacks and meals available to them will help stave off the detrimental physical effects of hunger and keeping seniors in high spirits. Try these healthy snack ideas:

1. Fruits – fruits are easy to pop into a bag or purse to take with you wherever you go. Try an apple, orange, or banana; these don’t bruise as easily and are easily transportable without mess. You can also take mixed berries in a small Tupperware container.

2. Dried fruits and vegetables – dried items really can go anywhere with you, and they offer the same nutritional benefits as the fresh variety. Take raisins, cranberries, banana chips, vegetable chips or other dried produce items

3. Take trail mix – trail mix is designed for snacking on the go; you can either purchase one ready-mixed that is low in sodium and sugary content or make your own with mixed nuts, dried fruit, cereal, and even dark chocolate chips

4. Enjoy fresh vegetables – slice up some raw vegetables like carrots, cucumber, celery, mixed peppers and other vegetables that won’t begin to turn brown right after they’re sliced

5. Carry crackers – make some crackers (whole grain) with peanut butter or cheese for added protein, that will give you needed energy restoration during the day

6. Take a thermos – using an insulated thermos will allow you to take soup, or cold drinks out with you

What snacks do you take with you to keep your care recipient well nourished? If you’re a caregiver, we’d like to hear your emergency snack ideas.

Via: Associated Content

Home Care Florida, Elder Care Florida, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL 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’re a family caregiver, particularly one who also has a career and family of their own, you know that every single second of every day counts, especially if it manages to sneak you in a few minutes of free time that’s just for you! Since you likely use the computer as a major communication tool, just learning to type faster will save you time in every day. Here are some tips to get you started!

1. Choose a comfortable keyboard – a comfortable keyboard that is well laid out for your hands is crucial to learning to type well and type quickly. If you have a laptop, using a laptop keyboard is okay if you’re spending no more than a couple of hours a day typing, but any longer and it can do damage to your hands

2. Get in position – make sure you’re seated comfortably when you sit down to type. The keyboard should be at the right position for your hands, and you should sit up straight. Proper positioning of your body will reduce errors and therefore decrease the time it takes you to type

3. Learn hand positioning- if you’ve never been taught proper keyboard position, now’s a great time to start. Learning finger positioning will help improve your typing speed vastly when you no longer need to look at the keys or type with just a couple of fingers at a time. Software programs and online tutorials can help you learn!

4. Practice – once you’ve mastered the above, you need to practice to improve your speed, but eventually you’ll find you could cut hours off your day!

Via: WikiHow

Home Care Florida, Elder Care Florida, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL 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..