Active Seniors are Healthy Seniors

It has been proven that seniors who are active have far fewer health problems than those who do not exercise at all. While it may be difficult for many seniors to begin exercising, more seniors have trouble sticking with it. To help with this issue, the list below offers some useful tips that can be beneficial to seniors.

1.    Seniors need to set goals for exercise and stick to them. They should start with small goals, such as exercising a few times a week. The goals should be realistic and achievable.

2.    Make a purchase! Buying a new bathroom scale can help seniors monitor their weight. Many newer scales will also display the body fat percentage. Seniors should set goals to reduce body fat. Seniors should also use the scale to keep track of their results from exercise. Most scales will have a built in memory, so seniors can monitor weight loss and gain.

3.    Do not think of exercise as a chore. It can actually be a social event if done in groups. Get together with other seniors for a walk. Socialization is linked with many health benefits, so seniors who combine exercise with a social activity will reap many benefits.

4.    Seniors do not have to engage in rigorous exercise routines. They should set short-term goals that are realistic. Most seniors will benefit from just 2 ½ hours of exercise each week.

Source: Consumer Healthday

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.

Technology Helps Seniors at Home

Seniors want to remain in their homes as long as they can. For some seniors, this may be difficult due to medical conditions that cause concern for caregivers. However, some technological advances have been made, such as the system discussed below that allows seniors to remain at home and be safe. These systems can provide a sense of relief for caregivers.

1. Caregiver Systems consist of touch screen monitors and wireless sensors that are placed in various locations in the home. The sensors will monitor health indicators, such as blood pressure, weight, motion and activity.

2. The system also acts as a communication system, allowing users, such as caregivers, to go online and send messages and reminders to the seniors at home. These messages will appear on the touch screens.

3. The system has one touch access that is easy for seniors to use. This will allow them to access games, family photos and appointment reminders.

4. The system also has a personal emergency response system, also called PERS. This system provides 24/7 monitoring of the senior and can call for medical response if necessary.

5. These technological advances allow seniors to stay at home longer. There is less worry from friends and family members regarding the safety and well-being of the senior while they remain in their home.

Source: Working Caregiver

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.

Information on Wandering

Wandering patients is a major problem, especially Alzheimer’s patients. These individuals have a tendency to wander off trying to find something or someone that is familiar. Many senior Alzheimer’s patients get lost and disoriented, unable to find their way back. The list below provides some useful information on how to prevent wandering.

1. Some patients may wander to escape something that is causing them stress and anxiety. This could be too many conversations or a lot of noises. Try to minimize conversations and reduce background noises as much as possible.

2. In many cases, Alzheimer’s patients will wander it an attempt to relive the past. This is especially true for those who had a strict schedule for many years.

3. Wandering can also be triggered by certain medications.

4. To prevent wandering, address triggers, such as offering food and water, encouraging physical activities. Providing a family photo can also help reduce wandering.

5. Use visual cues to help the patient notice where they are. This can be done by putting photos on doors and walls to identify objects and areas of the home.

6. Try to keep them active and involved. The more interested a patient is in something, the less apt they are to wander off.

Source: 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.

Kitchen Safety for Seniors

Seniors are prone to buying food in bulk. Many cannot turn down a great sale and they will buy more food than is needed. This can lead to spoiled food being stored in the kitchen. Caregivers should take some steps to help seniors shop differently and be aware of what is in their kitchens. The list below can be beneficial in achieving a safe kitchen for seniors.

1. Seniors need to learn that they do not have to buy in bulk. Buying too much food leads to a lot of wasted money as well as rotting food in the kitchen.

2. Look for anything that has expired and throw it away. This includes canned goods, as well as frozen foods.

3. Many seniors are so used to feeding large families that they have difficulty buying for just themselves and a spouse. Caregivers may need to take some time to shop with seniors to show them how to buy in small amounts.

4. The kitchen is often the place for clutter. Seniors will often leave mail and many other things on the kitchen table. This can create a fire hazard and can also affect the cleanliness of the kitchen as a whole.

Source: Caregiver’s Home

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.

Healthcare Costs of Senior Inactivity

You know as well as we do that there are costs of physical inactivity for seniors. But, what you might not realize is that while there can be a toll taken upon health; you can also take that concept literally. Poor health due to lack of exercise, with accident or illness can also directly equate to monetary costs such as healthcare and alternative treatment.

• Seniors who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer from acute diseases and chronic illnesses which are associated with high medical costs in the country

• Seniors are more likely to injure themselves when they are physical unstable and weak because they do not remain physically active. Hospital care is covered by provincial healthcare, but often seniors need supplemental services like physical therapy during the recovery process

• There may be costs associated with family caregiving when a senior suffers from a health issue or an injury when someone is no longer able to maintain a full-time job and takes on costs of care

Source: Home Care Etobicoke

Father’s Day Celebrations with Elderly Dads

If you have stopped celebrating Father’s Day like you used to when you were a kid, you are definitely missing something. Of course, you do not need to be providing your dad with homemade crafts and drawings; but you can try different activities to show you care.

1. Give him a great meal. Bring him breakfast in bed, take him out to his favorite buffet, go for a beer or to a fancy restaurant he loves. Remember, it ís all about him!

2. Give him something he wouldn’t get himself – your gift does not have to be expensive, but do think of something he’d never get for himself and skip the stereotypical gifts

3. Pay attention to his wants – if there is anything in particular you’ve noticed your dad talking about, try to make that desire a reality. The best part of the gift will be the recognition that you’ve been paying attention!

4. Give him your undivided attention – it does not matter what you do, but make sure your time together is uninterrupted. Don’t answer your text messages or phone calls unless itís absolutely crucial!

5. Honor dad after death – if your father is no longer alive, you can still honor him on Father’s Day. Have a tribute to dad with other family members or donate to his favorite charity or cause

eHow.com

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.

Treating Chronic Disease in the Right Order

Following the right order when treating a chronic illness or disease is very important. Each of the following steps play an important role in treatment of a disease. Seniors should be aware of these steps and should make sure their doctor is implementing each step into the treatment plan.

1. The first thing is to determine the actual cause of the illness.

2. Daily diets play a large role in maintaining health. It is important for any senior with a chronic illness to make sure all allergens are removed from their diet.

3. The digestive system is also important. Seniors should be tested to make sure there are no problems with their digestive tract.

4. Increase the intake of essential nutrients. Many times, seniors will have a diet that does not allow them to get the nutrients they need to help fight off illness.

5. Poor diets can have an impact on the balance of hormones in the body. Insulin resistance, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal, axis dysfunction and subclinical adrenal insufficiency, thyroid dysfunction and sex hormones all need to be in balance.

6. Increasing the metabolism can be helpful. This will provide seniors with more energy, which can help them remain healthy.

7. Detoxification is important. Removing mercury and lead from the body will help with cleansing.

8. Seniors need to know how to take care of their minds and body. These work together to help seniors achieve optimal health.

9. Hidden infections can be the cause of resistance to certain medications.

Source: Ultra Wellness Center

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.

Alternatives to Ibuprofen

Seniors are all too familiar with ibuprofen. In fact, almost every senior is using this to battle their aches and pains throughout the day. While this is an effective way to manage pain, seniors may benefit more by using some natural spices and foods to combat their pain. The following list contains some common items that can provide relief for seniors.

1. Any food that acts as an anti-inflammatory can be referred to as Nature’s Ibuprofen. These include many spices and herbs that are typically found in a healthy diet.

2. Organic berries offer many benefits. They can fight inflammation, but they also have anti-oxidant powers. These berries also include high amounts of fiber, which is important in any senior diet.

3. Some seniors do not like to add spices to their foods. However, there are certain spices that can offer great benefits. Seniors should consider using oregano, garlic and turmeric when preparing a meal.

4. Green tea also offers some anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Foods that contain rosemary and ginger will help seniors with an inflammatory disease.

6. No matter what the medical condition is, if seniors are taking ibuprofen daily to battle aches and pains, they should consider including these foods and spices in their daily diets.

Source: Ultra Wellness Center

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.