Even though the seasons are changing, there will be days where seniors are exposed to extreme heat. This is why it is important to always be prepared for this type of weather. Keeping seniors safe when it is hot outside is essential. The following list offers some tips that will help with the hot weather, even though summer is already over. Those with health conditions need to be especially careful when the temperature rises.

1. Always make sure seniors are drinking plenty of fluids. This should not include alcoholic beverages. Water and sports drinks are the best. Juice will also be helpful.

2. Do not engage in strenuous activities when the temperature is high. This will place a strain on the heart and may make it very difficult for the senior to cool down their body temperature.

3. During the warmest part of the day, generally later morning and early afternoon, seniors should try to limit their activities. This is the time that would be best spent sitting on a porch.

4. Taking cool baths and showers will help keep body temperature down which can help seniors battle the heat.

5. Wearing light clothing and a hat when outdoors will benefit seniors. The hat will protect them from the harmful rays of the sun while light clothing will help keep the skin cool.

Source: Independent.com

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.

What is Right for Alzheimer’s Care?

When seniors have Alzheimer’s, it often falls to their families to determine the best sort of care for them. Unfortunately, due to lack of knowledge and preparation both on the part or the senior and the part of their family members, care that’s selected often does not have the quality of life in the senior in mind. Seniors need to create a living will with an advanced care directive to ensure that medical professionals and their loved ones know what they’d like when their care needs change and they’re not able to speak for themselves. Families should research the options and understand the types of treatment used so they are in a position to make sure that the senior’s wishes are carried out.

There’s no treatment for Alzheimer’s, so it can’t be said that there are any sure fire treatment options, however, there are some that clearly don’t have the best interests of seniors in mind:

• Improper pain control – because many seniors in the later stage of Alzheimer’s or dementia cannot express themselves, proper pain management techniques are not being administered even though it’s clear that many seniors are in pain

• Treatments don’t focus on comfort – most seniors with Alzheimer’s continue aggressive treatment until they pass away, but there is no focus on comfort at the end of their lives even once treatment is typically ineffective. Only about 11% of seniors who are hospitalized with one of these illnesses is transferred to a hospice

• Medications used can make symptoms work – often medications are administered to treat other affects of the disease like osteoporosis or high blood pressure, but these can only add to senior’s feelings of confusion and general lack of well-being

Via: NY Times

Home Care Jacksonville, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton 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.

Family Meetings and Benefits

Caring for a senior is a huge responsibility and is one that should not rest on just one family member. In order to keep the lines of communication open and allow other family members to become involved in the care of the senior, there should be regular family meetings. These meetings can provide many great benefits. Some of these are provided below.

1. All members of the immediate family should be present at family conferences. Here they will be told what is going on in terms of the care the senior is receiving.

2. These meetings can help divvy responsibilities to all family members so one person is not taking care of the majority of the responsibilities. This will also help alleviate misunderstandings.

3. Family conferences should have an impartial moderator present. This could be a care coordinator, a member of the clergy or a trusted family friend.

4. Family meetings are a great way to make sure everyone is informed of the status of the senior. It will also allow family members to feel they are involved in the care.

5. Family caregivers will benefit from these meetings because they will be able to ask for help if they need it. Caring for a senior is a huge responsibility, so it may be necessary for other members of the family to take on some of the responsibilities to assist with care.

Source: NFCACares.org

Home Care Jacksonville, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton 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.

Hip Fracture Cases Dropping

There has been a significant drop in the number of seniors who are breaking hips. Many seniors have trouble moving around, which can lead to falls and broken bones. However, studies have shown that these numbers are dropping. There are fewer seniors fracturing hips, which is great news to the senior population. Below is a short list containing some additional information.

1. When a senior breaks a hip, they have a one in four chance of spending a year or more in a nursing home after the injury. The break will also cause serious threats to mobility, possibly preventing the patient from walking.

2. There is no explanation on why the rate of hip fractures is dropping, but it is doing so in large numbers. Hip fractures are much more common among older women, but the decline in the cases of fractures has reduced in men over 85 and women over 75.

3. Some believe this is because older people are healthier and much more functional, which can help prevent falls. Older people are also developing stronger bones that have helped prevent hip fractures.

Source: New Old Age Blogs

Home Care Jacksonville, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton 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.

Driving in Poor Weather – Tips for Seniors

Many seniors continue to drive well into old age. While this is a great way to maintain independence, there are some situations that can make senior drivers prone to accidents. Driving in bad weather is not enjoyed by most seniors. In fact, when the weather is poor, seniors will get nervous behind the wheel. The following list offers some tips to keep senior drivers safe in bad weather.

1.    Make sure to allow enough time to reach the destination. If the weather is bad and the visibility is poor, seniors should try to leave the house about 15 minutes earlier than they normally would.

2.    Always maintain the vehicle. Making sure the car is in good condition is one way to make sure seniors stay safe while driving in poor weather conditions.

3.    When buying a newer car, consider options that will increase safety, such as all-wheel drive and traction control.

4.    Be sure to keep an emergency kit in the car. These kits can help seniors who have car trouble during bad weather. Most kits will have blankets that will help seniors stay warm and comfortable until help arrives.

5.    Always drive with the headlights on.

6.    Stay in the middle lane on the highway. Most roads are built higher in the middle, allowing water to runoff to the other lanes.

7.    Avoid pools of water. There could be potholes beneath.

Source: Senior Living.About.com

Home Care Jacksonville, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton 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 to Make the Home Safe for Seniors

Many seniors have issues with their vision. In fact, the vast majority of the senior population has poor vision. When this is the case, seniors may not be safe at home. There are some things that can be done to improve the home and make sure seniors remain safe when they are at home. The following list contains some great tips.

1.    Make sure all rooms are well lit.

2.    Try to use task lighting, such as desk lamps, to make everyday activities simpler for seniors.

3.    Always use nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways. This will help seniors be able to navigate through the house in the dark.

4.    Make stairways safer. This can be done by placing a piece of brightly colored tape along the edges of each stair.

5.    Paint door frames a contrasting color from that of the walls so they stand out.

6.    Eliminate as much clutter as possible to reduce the chance of falling. Clutter is one of the main causes of falls in the home.

7.    Try to position televisions so that the sun does not shine directly on the screen.

8.    Seniors who take medications should always use pill organizers. This will help to ensure they are taking the right medication at the right time.
Source:

http://seniorliving.about.com/od/visionproblems/a/low_vision.htm

Many seniors have issues with their vision. In fact, the vast majority of the senior population has poor vision. When this is the case, seniors may not be safe at home. There are some things that can be done to improve the home and make sure seniors remain safe when they are at home. The following list contains some great tips.

1.    Make sure all rooms are well lit.

2.    Try to use task lighting, such as desk lamps, to make everyday activities simpler for seniors.

3.    Always use nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways. This will help seniors be able to navigate through the house in the dark.

4.    Make stairways safer. This can be done by placing a piece of brightly colored tape along the edges of each stair.

5.    Paint door frames a contrasting color from that of the walls so they stand out.

6.    Eliminate as much clutter as possible to reduce the chance of falling. Clutter is one of the main causes of falls in the home.

7.    Try to position televisions so that the sun does not shine directly on the screen.

8.    Seniors who take medications should always use pill organizers. This will help to ensure they are taking the right medication at the right time.
Source:

http://seniorliving.about.com/od/visionproblems/a/low_vision.htm

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton 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.

Financial Scams Affecting Seniors

There are many financial schemes out there and many people who will target the elderly. Most older people are very trusting and when they are presented with an investment opportunity, they will take it. Unfortunately, most of these investments are scams, leaving the senior with a supposed investment and no money. Below is some more information on how seniors are being scammed.

1.    Seniors who are isolated or have disabilities are often the target of these schemes.

2.    One out of every five retiree over the age of 65 has been a victim of a financial scam. More than 7.3 million seniors have been taken advantage of each year.

3.    Older people are targets because they are more willing to invest in something that is supposed to help them through their retirement years. The elderly are also much more trusting than the younger generation.

4.    Many of the people doing the scamming are retirees as well. This is how they know who to choose for a target. Elderly con artists are more common than most people believe.

5.    Veterans are also a target. There are many groups who offer to help a former soldier. While many of the programs do actually exist, these seniors are being told they must liquidate all of their assets to become eligible for benefits, which is not true at all.

Source: MSNBC

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton 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.

A Few Questions to Ask Your Senior’s Eye Care Provider

If you are concerned about your aging loved one’s eye-sight, you may want to set up an appointment with their usual eye care provider to test for glaucoma and cataracts. Help your senior by accompanying them and asking the doctor the following questions:

• If he/she uses Medicare, will it cover the cost of cataract surgery? Does Medicare cover the cost of new glasses after surgery?
• How long can he/she take to decide about cataract surgery?
• If he/she waits a year or more before having surgery, will this make it more likely that surgery won’t restore his/her vision?
• How will he/she know if the cataracts are getting worse?
• He/she has _____ other health conditions. How can he/she best manage them together?
• Are there any restrictions that he/she needs to follow?
• Should he/she see a specialist? What will that cost, and will his/her insurance cover it?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that he/she can take with him/her? What Web sites do you recommend?
• What will determine whether he/she should plan for a follow-up visit?

Source: The Mayo Clinic

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton 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.

Tips for Summer Safety

Caregivers and seniors need to make sure steps are taken to keep seniors safe during the summer months. There are many things that can affect health, and exposure to extreme heat is one of them. To make sure seniors remain safe, healthy and comfortable, the list below contains some useful tips and facts about summer safety.

1. Heat exhaustion can cause many problems for seniors. It can be the cause of fatigue, nausea, headache and dizziness.

2. Heat stroke can cause a senior to experience dizziness, confusion and could even cause unconsciousness.

3. Seniors must make sure to drink plenty of fluids during the summer. This will help to keep the body hydrated and avoid heat stroke and exhaustion.

4. A light, but well-balanced diet should be eaten during the warmer months. Eating heavy will cause fatigue.

5. Light and loose clothing should be worn to help keep seniors cool.

6. Always apply sun screen when a senior will be exposed to the sun. Their skin is very sensitive and they will burn easily and quickly.

7. If outdoor temperatures become uncomfortable, seniors should go inside and sit down. If they can be in an air conditioned area, that would be even better.

Source: NJ

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton 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.

Sleep Problems in Senior Population

It is not uncommon for seniors to battle with sleep issues. Some seniors may not be able to fall asleep at all. This could be because of different reasons, including what the senior is doing just before going to bed. The list below provides some useful tips for seniors to try to get better sleep at night.

1. Seniors should not consume and caffeine for up to six hours before going to bed. This includes coffee, tea and soda.

2. It is advised to turn off the TV before trying to go to sleep. The television could be the reason seniors wake up in the middle of the night.

3. Do not perform any type of strenuous exercise prior to bedtime.

4. Long naps during the day can cause seniors to be unable to sleep at night.

5. Smoking and drinking alcohol should not be done for at least 2 to 4 hours before going to bed.

6. Try to listen to soothing and soft music when there is difficulty falling asleep.

7. Warm baths before bed can help seniors relax. This may help them fall asleep easier.

8. If you cannot fall asleep, do not just lay in bed. After about 20 minutes, get up and read a book or do something calming until you feel drowsy.

9. Try to have a routine. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day.

Source: Assisted Living Facilities

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton 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.