Keeping up with technology can be difficult since it changes almost daily, but there are many seniors who are not entering the world of online blogging. Many senior sites have blogs available where seniors can read or write about their thoughts, ideas and experiences as a senior. Not only does open a door to communicate with other seniors, but it also provide a lot of useful information.
1. Blogging can be a great thing for seniors. It allows them to express their thoughts and feelings and it is a great way to reach out to other seniors. Many seniors even develop friends through blogs by getting responses to a topic they have posted and discussed.
2. Some of the most common blogs by seniors include information on health issues and conditions. These can be a wealth of information, especially for seniors who are dealing with the same health problems.
3. Some of the blogs are geared towards seniors who have recently retired. Here, seniors can meet others who are at the same point in their lives and discuss different things that happen when one retires.
4. More seniors are becoming involved with blogs on the internet. The Ageless Project is a web page that contains a collection of blogs by seniors. This is a great way to express views and share some experiences that could make a difference in the lives of other seniors.
When my mother was in her 80’s she passed away, while some have said it could be due to old age, I’m convinced that stress killed her. My mom had been a worrier her entire life, but her stress got worse as she aged. Who could blame her, with so little certainty in her life? While she always had the support of her family, she had already lost her spouse, her friends in Florida were few and far between as they reached their time, and she was burdened with the financial repercussions of medical care. For someone who liked for things to be in control, the constant change was a great source of stress.
While I always said that it was stress that killed my mother, due to its resulting decline in her health, I was even more certain this was the case when I read an article about a study that linked stress to poor immunity. Apparent a hormone called neuropeptide Y (NPY) is linked directly to the immune system, and by making it function improperly, leaves seniors vulnerable to a variety of illnesses and diseases, some which can be fatal. During the later years of her life, this was my mom; she complained of insomnia and anxiety, suffered from gastrointestinal problems, and ultimately died from a stroke which can also be linked to stress.
So if you want to know if stress kills, the answer is yes; because stress killed my mother.
Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 904-794-9450.
We asked our readers in Florida to share their worst doctor’s experiences when bringing their senior care recipient in for a medical consultation, and discovered that many caregivers have gripes about the doctor’s inability to speak to them in a language they understand. To help decipher medspeak, there are a few great online resources like The Medical Library Association and MedicineNet which define common and atypical medical terms in a way that’s easy to understand. To help take control of your senior’s medical care and understand the health information presented by a doctor, consult the above resources; but for now, enjoy one of our reader’s humorous horror stories about a visit to her mother’s doctor and a breakdown in communication.
Last year, I escorted my elderly mother to her family physician to have a rash looked at. During our first visit, the doctor was uncertain of the source of the rash; but by the second visit, she began to refer to it as “static”. Until we returned to the office the next time, we thought the doctor was blaming my mom’s rash on static, it turns out she was trying to refer to the fact that the condition of the rash had not changed. Meanwhile, I was trying to find a fabric softener that would reduce the static in my mom’s clothing!
Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 904-794-9450.
Spring is in the air in Florida and seniors are dying to get outside into the fresh spring air and sunshine. However, when outside in Florida health and safety is important, so when taking a senior outside, ensure that you are properly prepared to provide for their age specific needs by completing this checklist!
• Outdoor time is planned for early in the day, before the sun and temperatures rise
• The outdoor location chosen has plenty of shady areas to escape the sun
• The elderly person is wearing appropriate outdoor clothing – including a hat (and sunscreen) and light, loose clothing. Also bring an extra sweater in case the senior feels cool, and an umbrella should the sunny skies turn to rain
• Items are packed to keep the senior well hydrated, including plenty of cold water, fruits, and popsicles to cool the body down
• You won’t rush the senior when outside – let him/her take their time when walking around
• You understand the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, and know you can’t always rely on a senior to tell you when they’re not feeling well. Look out for signs of dizziness, nausea, fatigue, confusion, sweating or even fainting
Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 904-794-9450.
The decision to become a family caregiver for an aging parent in the Florida area can be one of the most challenging and rewarding choices you’ll ever make. Naturally, when taking a dive into elder home care you want to ensure that your senior loved one receives the best care available; so how do you prepare to become a caregiver? Start by arming yourself with information; use the internet, like you are now, and other home care resources to learn how to deal with the emotional aspects of caregiving. Seek out additional resources within your local Florida community; including caregiver support groups, transportation services, adult day cares and local medical centers. Whether or not you and your senior will require some of the services today, it’s wise to have an understanding of what’s available when you need them.
It’s also important to work with your parents to have all the legal and financial documentation prepared and available should you need to assist them in managing their affairs. Ask them to put together a list of important account numbers and contacts and keep it in a safe and secure place. You don’t need to be savvy to the information today, but it’s a good idea to have it available. You should also ensure that your parents have a living will prepared, so that you can ensure their medical wishes are carried out appropriately if at some point they are unable to speak for themselves.
Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 904-794-9450.
Q – In caring for my elderly mother, I feel I’ve fallen into a rather limited routine. This summer, I’m hoping to up the excitement ante with interesting senior appropriate activities. What activities have you completed with your senior during past summers that are in line with June holidays, special days and events?
A1 – One of our June family traditions have stemmed from National Turkey Lovers month! While the point might be to honor the living creatures, we’ve created a special holiday to bring the family together at my senior father’s home. Of course we honor the turkey as it plays a role in our family feast, but it’s more about bonding as a family over a nice meal and showing my dad how much we all love and appreciate him.
- Sarah Florida
A2 – My senior mother loves the ocean, and since it’s become increasingly challenging to get to the coast and walk along the beach, instead we check out sea life by taking advantage of National Zoo and Aquarium Month which takes place in June. By going to a zoo or aquarium, my mother gets back some of the experience she’s missing by not getting around at the coast, and it’s an environment that accommodates a senior with more limited mobility. We look forward to June every year to check out our favorite aquatic animals, and it’s a great change from the everyday senior activities that we typically engage in!
- Melanie, 56
Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 904-794-9450.
Having always lived practically around the corner from my mother during my adult life, I faced an impossible decision 12 years ago when my husband had a promotion opportunity with work that came with the contingency that we would have to relocate hundreds of miles away from Florida, which we’ve always known as our home. At that stage, I was concerned more about what the growing distance would do to our family dynamic, since my children in particular had always had a very close relationship with their grandmother, than how it would affect my ability to help with my mother’s care as she aged. To be honest, the thought never really entered my mind that the distance would make it tremendously more difficult to provide care for my mother. She was then in her 70’s, active, mobile and thriving–living independently. Should I have known that wouldn’t last forever? Probably, but at the time I had to make a decision based on the facts that I had on the table.
I’m not the un-involved daughter people try to peg me for when they hear I live across the country from my elderly mother. As her health and mobility are declining, I may not be a full-time care provider, but I consider myself to be a totally devoted care coordinator. I have arranged for a local professional caregiving agency from Florida to come into her home daily and help her in the areas where she struggles, and have opened the lines of communication between myself, her caregivers, and the medical professionals who are responsible for her day-to-day well-being. I may not see my elderly mother everyday, but I’m always a phone call away, and would never hesitate to hop on a plane anytime she needs me.
Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 904-794-9450.
Q – I know that my elderly mother from Florida has a diet rich in salt. Is sodium harmful to a senior’s health? And if so, how can we help her cut back?
A – Every diet should contain sodium in order for the body to maintain homeostasis, however, when it’s consumed in excess it can be harmful to a senior’s health. According to a recent study completed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, seniors who consume more than 1,500 mg of salt per day are at a greater risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. While altering a senior’s diet may seem drastic, proper nutrition with a reduced sodium diet is essential for Florida seniors’ health.
If your mom consumes processed foods, like meats, on a regular basis an easy change would be to encourage her to shop for fresh foods instead. Generally, fresh meats will not contain added sodium, but this can be confirmed with the butcher before purchase. Packaged foods should also contain ingredient lists, and will state if they are low in sodium – seniors should choose these products for better nutrition. You can also encourage your mother to choose salt-free snacks over those that are high in sodium; omit salt from recipes where possible; and use other spices and seasonings that are sodium-free.
Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 904-794-9450.
Q – My father was recently diagnosed with dementia. While we all saw it coming in a way, it has come as a shock, especially for him. What can we do to help keep him in positive spirits and cope with the emotional aspects that come with such a diagnosis?
A – While you may have suspected a diagnosis like dementia in your father’s future, actually hearing the words and having your fears reinforced can be shocking for everyone.
At this stage, your father may feel as though his mind and body are letting him down, and he may fear an inevitable loss of independence. In the early stages, your father should seek support from Florida community groups for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia, and learn as much about his condition as possible. Planning early on for the future can also help ensure that his wishes with regards to care and medical treatment are met, if he reaches the point where he is able to voice what he wants. Encourage your father to create a living will, appoint a future Power of Attorney, and generally get his affairs in order. By researching care options in Florida, he can choose the best fit for him if it’s needed in the future. Encourage him to maintain his lifestyle, but refrain from activities that are too stressful or demanding.
Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 904-794-9450.
Q – My mother recently decided to formalize her will and get her estate in order and has asked me if she can name me as estate executor on her will. I’m open to taking responsibility for her affairs after her death, but I don’t know much about the process. What are the responsibilities of an estate executor in Florida?
A – While it’s not uncommon for adult children to be appointed estate executors for their aging parents because there is already a strong element of trust in the relationship; you should first know that it won’t be an easy job. If your mother’s affairs are in good order, the estate executor process itself could go smoothly, but dealing with the emotional repercussions of losing a parent while managing all the responsibility can be a challenge. But, if you are sure you’re up to the job, here is a lists of tasks you may be responsible for carrying out:
• Beginning the probate process – filing the will and petition for probate. Specific probate laws apply for the process in Florida and may vary between states.
• Notifying the family – close family members can be notified that their loved one has deceased.
• Obtaining death certificates and EIN (Federal tax number for the estate)
• Determining and collecting the deceased assets (locating documents that verify value of the estate and make an inventory list)
• Letting people know who the executor is – family members and friends with claims will need to get in touch with the estate executor
• Managing the property of the estate – paying bills, taxes and other legalities
• Settle Finances – filing income tax returns on behalf of the deceased
• Distributing assets – distribute assets to those named on the will
• Be removed as executor – once the estate is settled, petition the courts to be removed as executor
Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 904-794-9450.
