When Florida seniors reach the age of retirement, they will experience some major changes in their life. This is why it is so important for seniors to maintain communication with people that matter. This includes spouses, family members, friends and even colleagues. Having a positive relationship with people is a tough thing to maintain and retirees often make the mistake of letting communication lapse. The list below includes five steps for retirees to stay connected with friends and family.

1.            Be sure to have open and honest communication with your partner. Discuss what you both want and need before any final decision is made.

2.            Many people will choose to relocate when they retire. If this is the plan, be sure to discuss matters with the children. Let them know the plans as soon as possible. This is also a good time to begin working out a way to stay in touch after relocating.

3.            Set up a guide as to how much time you want to spend with grandchildren. This is an important factor for many retirees when looking to relocate. If you feel you will have difficulty being away from grandchildren and loved ones, maybe relocating is not the answer.

4.            Be sure to talk to anyone in the family or close friends about where you will be moving to. Most new retirees do not think of the future, but there may be a time when they will need a caregiver. Choose a new location that is not out of reach for family members. Talk about this with siblings and children and keep open lines of communication in regards to health issues.

5.            If there is an adult child who is disabled, make sure to communicate with them regularly. If there is the possibility of relocating, consider how this will affect the adult child and discuss possibilities and other options with them before making a final decision.

Source: Lifestyle eZine

Home Care Jacksonville, and Home Care Fort Myers FLprovides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville,  St. Augustine, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

During the holidays, many Florida caregivers are under even more stress. This is the time of year that many seniors need more care, which places a lot of tension on a caregiver. When looking for the perfect gift for a caregiver, consider time. Though it cannot be wrapped and placed under the tree, it will be a gift that is much appreciated and needed. Below are some ways to help caregivers get through the stress of the holidays.

1.            Time is a commodity that is perishable. We can never get lost time back. During this time of year, many caregivers will need a break but will often not ask for help. Give the gift of time and make a difference.

2.            By offering to help with the care of a senior, it will allow a caregiver time to do something for themselves. Whether it is spent with family or just as a day of relaxation, this is a gift that will be well received.

3.            There are many sacrifices that caregivers make on a regular basis. They give up time with friends and family and pass up many opportunities. Offering to step in and give the caregiver some time off is one of the best holiday gifts possible.

4.            Time off will also allow caregivers to recharge their batteries. Being a caregiver is an exhausting job and many caregivers will neglect their own health to care for another. Time off will allow them the chance to rest up and clear their minds.

Source: Zimbio

Home Care Jacksonville, and Home Care Fort Myers FLprovides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville,  St. Augustine, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Home Care Jacksonville, and Home Care Fort Myers FLprovides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville,  St. Augustine, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Many seniors will need some form of assistance if they become ill or develop a disease. However, the needs of all seniors will vary. Some seniors will benefit from self-directed care, in which they will be involved in the decisions regarding what type of care and services they need and who will be providing this care. The information below can help assess Florida seniors for self-directed care.

1. Always take the time to ask the senior their views on the situation. Involve family members in these discussions as well. Also be sure to ask the senior if they have any interest in adult daycare programs.
2. Make note of how the senior functions on a daily basis. It is important to know whether they can care for themselves in any way. Some seniors may require minimal assistance, such as with keeping up with laundry or getting to appointments.
3. Be sure that the safety needs of the senior are always being met.
4. It is important to make sure seniors feel safe in their home. Ask them if this is the case. In addition, spiritual beliefs should be supported and social needs tended to. Seniors should not be isolated from the rest of the world just because they are old and may have an illness.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_7555027_assess-elderly-selfdirected-care.html

Home Care Jacksonville, and Home Care Fort Myers FL provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville,  St. Augustine, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Most caregivers lead a very busy life. It can be difficult to find a balance between their personal and professional lives. If you know a Florida caregiver who is always on the go, there are some simple things you can do that will make a world of difference. The following list contains seven things that can be done to offer help to a caregiver.

1. Help with groceries. If you are already heading to a store, call and ask if there is anything the caregiver may need. Even if they say no, pick up some fresh fruit are something at the deli. It will surely be appreciated.
2. Pre-made food items are welcome. Since caregivers have little free time, any meals that are already prepared will be welcome.
3. Mow the lawn for them while they are at work. Even though this may not seem like a big deal, it will be appreciated after a long day.
4. Help with the senior the caregiver is providing services for. Pay a visit to the senior once in a while and show support for the caregiver.
5. Make a video of the senior. Ask some questions on how the caregiver has an impact on their life and present the caregiver with this wonderful gift.
6. Do not let caregivers get lost in the shuffle. Despite their busy schedules, take time to call them or send a note in the mail to let them know they are not forgotten.
7. Try to encourage the caregiver to socialize with friends and family. This is something very important that many caregivers push aside.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?7-Easy-Ways-to-Help-Family-Caregivers&id=5260562

Home Care Jacksonville provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville and St. Augustine. Call us today at 904-363-6699.

One of the common mistakes made by almost all caregivers is neglecting their own health. Being a caregiver is a stressful position. It often leads to anxiety, depression and illness. When this happens, the caregiver will have to be cared for themselves. The list below contains some resources and important information on when a caregiver needs care.

1.    Most caregivers place their own health in jeopardy. They lead a busy life and have a full schedule. Caring for another person is a full time position, which means caregivers seldom have time to take care of their own issues. This can lead to many problems down the road. Home care agencies can offer assistance and support to caregivers who have a full schedule. These services can help reduce the workload of the caregiver, allowing them the time they need to maintain their own health.

2.    The Caregiver Relief Fund is an organization that is based on providing care to caregivers. If you are a caregiver or know of someone who is, it may be wise to contact the Relief Fund for assistance.

3.    Caregivers should always make sure they take time to maintain other relationships. Having a support system of friends and family members will help during tough times. These people can also offer assistance if need be, whether it involves caring for the senior or providing care to the caregiver.

Huffingtonpost.com

Home Care Jacksonville provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville and  St. Augustine. Call us today at 904-363-6699.

Home Instead senior Care franchises are currently holding a drawing that will reward caregivers with a free cruise. This is just one way to offer thanks for all of the sacrifices that are made by a caregiver. Most people do not realize how much time and effort goes into caring for a senior. These cruises are designed to thank the caregiver and allow them some time to spend with their own family.

1. A caregiver recently was the winner of a cruise giveaway from Home instead Senior Care. The cruise sets sail on January 3, 2011 and lasts for five days. The cruise is part of the Caregiver stress Management Cruise program.
2. Openseas Travel is working with Celebrity Cruise Line to award various caregivers for their efforts in making ultimate sacrifices to care for another elderly adult.
3. Free cruses are awarded to those who enter a drawing put o by Home Instead Senior Care. Winners of the cruise will be able to receive 40 hours of free care through Home Instead senior Care franchises.
4. Offering a free cruise is one way to pay tribute to those who take time from their own lives to provide care and services for elderly adults in need. This is one way that Home Instead senior Care takes time to notice the efforts of all caregivers and offer them a rewarding experience and time to connect with themselves and their family again.

Source: http://www.homeinstead.com/Lists/pressreleases/Attachments/44/SHome%20Instead%20Senior%20Care%20Caregivier%20Cruise.pdf

When a family member becomes ill or suffers from a health condition that is related to aging, they may require the assistance of a caregiver. Most caregivers are family members who volunteer their services to help the senior. Becoming a caregiver is a big deal. It will require many sacrifices. To prepare for this new role, the following list contains some important things that must be considered.

1. Lay foundations. By establishing baseline of important information on the senior, the caregiver will be able to determine what services will be needed and how they can be of assistance to the senior.

2. Medical assessments and diagnoses are important. As a caregiver, it is important to have all of the current medical information on the individual. This includes all diagnoses, medications and medical assessments. This information will be useful when preparing to provide care for the senior.

3. Become educated. Make sure you know all there is to know about the medical conditions of the senior. Try to share this knowledge with friends and family members. The more understanding a person has of the issues the senior is dealing with, the more helpful a caregiver will be.

4. Determine needs. Not every senior has the same needs. Some may need help bathing a dressing while others will simply need assistance managing medications and appointments. Be sure to know how well the senior can function independently before they require any help.

5. Devise a care plan. Again, this will vary depending on the needs of the senior. The needs will change over time, so a care plan is meant to be adjusted. However, it should be in writing so others will know what the senior needs if the caregiver is not available at a given time.

6. Examine finances. Providing care to a senior also means making sure their finances are taken care of. Caregivers need to make sure bills have been paid and that the senior is a financially stable as possible. Keep all financial records in a safe location.

7. Review any and all legal documents. This will help ensure the wishes of the senior will be carried out. If necessary, go over these documents with an attorney. Legal documents also include birth certificates, property settlements, military records income tax returns and wills. There are many documents that will have to be gathered, so make sure to get all of this information and keep it in a safe location.

8. Have safety checklists. This will help to make sure the home is safe for the senior. Whether they are living in their own home or residing with the caregiver, there should be a list that will ensure the safety of the senior while they are in the home.

9. Keep in contact with others. Having communication with other caregivers who are facing similar situations is a great way to get extra support. It is also a great way to learn new ideas and ways of dealing with certain situations. Other caregivers can offer a lot of knowledge on different topics that could pertain to any senior.

10. Care for yourself. This is one mistake that many caregivers make. They are so wrapped up in caring for others that they tend to neglect their own needs. As a caregiver, you must set time aside for yourself. This is essential if you want to be an effective and efficient caregiver.

StrengthforCaring

Home Care Jacksonville, and Home Care Fort Myers FL provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville,  St. Augustine, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Seniors will often require some type of caregiving as they age. Not every senior will need assistance doing daily things, but they may need some help scheduling appointments and managing finances. This is where a long distance caregiver can help. In addition to helping with these things, the caregiver can also use some of the tips provided below to see that the senior is being cared for.

1. Knowing the needs of the senior is essential. Not every senior will be able to have a long distance caregiver. If the senior requires daily assistance, it will have to be done by someone who is close by. If it is a long distance caregiving situation, be sure to check in regularly on the phone. Online video chat systems will also be beneficial. It may also be helpful to get the phone numbers of friends of the senior. This can be another way to check in and make sure everything is going well.
2. Put a plan together for seniors who can still do things on their own. They should have a list of things that need to be done on a daily basis as well as anything that involves home maintenance. Planning these things ahead of time does not cost anything and will provide seniors with the structure they need. There are ways to help from a distance, such as arranging food deliveries, hiring someone to care for the lawn and having a handy man on call to help with repairs.
3. There are local Senior Agencies that can provide additional assistance if the senior needs it. These services often include helping with cleaning and cooking as well as making sure seniors get to doctors appointments.
4. Caregivers that are not close by can also hire a personal-care aide to help the senior with daily chores. These professionals can assist in many ways, including daily hygiene, home cleaning and helping seniors with errands.

Source: http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/caregiver-tips-for-seniors/34e3a1ef5df7b01e03fb010c6fd7ef7a

Home Care Jacksonville, and Home Care Fort Myers FL provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville,  St. Augustine, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Caregiver Stress- Yoga and Meditation for Caregivers

Being a caregiver, it is vital to take time for yourself  to rejuvenate and balance your energy. Yoga is recognized by the Health care industry as beneficial to one’s body, spirit and mental well being. The three main aspects to the Yoga tradition are exercise, breathing, and meditation.  Yoga exercises put pressure on the glandular systems of the body, which then increases its efficiency and benefits your health. There are different kinds of yoga.

Hatha Yoga: The most common practice which combines breathing patterns with physical exercises.

Bhakti Yoga: The practice of expressing devotion to one’s God.

Karma Yoga: All movement but spiritually based.

Tantra Yoga: Consciousness through words and movement.

Look for a place to practice yoga where you live, if you are unable to find a place, go to a local bookstore to purchase a yoga video. Try the library, you may be able to rent a video for several weeks. It’s best to try it out first before purchasing.

Home Care Jacksonville, and Home Care Fort Myers FL provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville,  St. Augustine, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.