Cluttered Homes are Bad for Seniors

Clutter may seem harmless, but for seniors, it can present many problems. Some caregivers do not know what to look for in a cluttered home. The list below can help. Caregivers should be able to identify possible problems that can arise from clutter in a senior’s home.

1. Take a look in the kitchen cabinets and look for unused pots and pans.

2. The refrigerator and freezer should not hold any food that is old or expired.

3. If a caregiver notices piles of mail on the table, this could mean that the senior is not paying their bills.

4. Clutter in the bathroom can create hygiene problems. Check the medicine cabinet for outdated medications.

5. Cluttered basements are common in the senior population. While this may seem harmless, it can create a perfect space for rodents, mildew and mold.

6. Stairways should be free of clutter to prevent falling.

7. Bedroom closets should not have too much in them. If they are cluttered, it could cause the senior to get confused.

8. Extra papers and magazines lying around the house could be a fire hazard. They should be discarded regularly.

Source: Home Instead

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Seniors Live Longer than Their Ancestors

Seniors in today’s world are living an average of ten years longer than their ancestors. The increase in public awareness has been one cause for this. More people are becoming knowledgeable in regards to senior health issues. Also, seniors are receiving better health care. The following list includes some facts about senior life expectancies.

1. Medical intervention and awareness are responsible for a large portion of the reason seniors are living longer.

2. Over the past 170 years, life expectancy has increased at a rate of 2.5 years each decade. This is equal to gaining 6 hours of life each day!

3. Most individuals who were born in 2000 or later will reach the age of 100.

4. Since people are living longer, it may be time to make some changes to lifestyles. A proposal would be to have younger people work fewer hours. This would allow them to work longer as they age instead of entering retirement and then living for another 30 or 40 years.

5. Seniors are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This should include a well-rounded diet, daily exercise and social involvement.

Source: Duke News

Walking Reduces Stress in Seniors

Seniors often experience high levels of stress and tension. To battle this, many seniors are now taking short walks during the day. This can help reduce tension and also provide a means of physical exercise. The list below contains some useful information on walking for seniors.

1. Walking can reduce stress and tension. Short walks can have positive effects on the mind and body.

2. If you feel stress building, try taking a short, but brisk walk. If you cannot fit in a walk, do some simple stretches to move your body around. This will also help to reduce stress.

3. Do not look at walking as though it is an exercise. Take it as time to be alone and clear your mind while reaping the benefits of a physical exercise.

4. Focus on the surrounding and breathe calmly. Sights, sounds and smells can make seniors relax and reduce tension.

5. Bring along a friend for the walk. This is a great way to socialize while getting some exercise. Walking partners can make the walk seem very short and enjoyable. The same goes for pets. Take the dog for a walk each day. The pet will benefit, and so will you!

Source: AARP

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Our Florida Caregivers help seniors live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

More and more seniors are looking for ways to improve their health as well as quality of life. There is a program available to seniors called the Healthy Aging Program. The program offers some great resources to seniors who wish to improve their health. By maintaining good health, seniors will be able to live a longer and happier life. The following list contains some of the services offered by the program.

1. One of the main goals of the program is to promote the health of aging adults. This is done by increasing the community’s ability to identify and implement various strategies and programs.

2. The program strives to improve the quality of life for seniors.

3. Preventative services, caregiving services and mental health services are all part of this unique senior program.

4. The program only employs professionals who are trained in aging issues. These professionals can offer a wide array of services. Seniors who are interested in improving their health and living a longer life can greatly benefit from taking advantage of the Healthy Aging Program.

5. In 2005, the Healthy Aging Program expanded and now includes the Healthy Alzheimer’s disease segment. Now seniors with the disease can get extra assistance they require at home.

6. The Healthy Aging program can also offer financial planning. The program tries to help seniors by slowing the growth of health care costs.

Source: cdc.gov

Image: oregon.gov

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Our Florida Aging care helps seniors live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

By utilizing some of the tips that are provided below, seniors will be able to reduce their risk of developing a type of cancer. It is not possible to avoid every cancer, but there are some cancers that can easily be avoided. These tips will help seniors protect themselves and maintain over-all health.

1. Make sure to have cancer screenings every year, no matter what age you are. These screenings are usually for cervical, colorectal and breast cancer.

2. Detecting the disease early is the best way to control cancer. The sooner it is detected, the sooner a treatment can begin, limiting the spread of cancer and allowing senior patients to control the disease.

3. Obtain routine medical care. This is one way to avoid cancer. Seniors should try to avoid smoking, drinking and excessive exposure to the sun.

4. Having a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight are also ways to prevent the development of cancer. Seniors should have a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits.

5. The risks of some cancers can be reduced by receiving a vaccine. A hepatitis B vaccine can reduce the chances of liver cancer. The HPV, or human papilloma virus, vaccine can reduce risks of cervical and vaginal cancers.

Source: cdc,gov

Image: hclplc.com

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Florida Home Care helps seniors live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Happiness can cure many ailments and it is one of the best ways to battle depression. Many seniors suffer from depression for various reasons. To combat this, try using some of the tips below. These minor things do not take much time, but they will add a touch of cheer to the life of a senior. The benefits of happiness are endless and seniors need to feel a sense of cheer and joy to maintain over-all health.

1. Read an amusing book. This is a great way to escape from reality while providing a sense of happiness. Try not to look too far down the road. Having short views of life can be rewarding. It helps to ensure that the little things are not overlooked!

2. Make time for friends and people who bring a smile and offer some amusement. This can make seniors very happy by giving them a social outlet as well as someone to laugh with.

3. Enjoy the outdoors. Fresh air can be invigorating and can increase mood.

4. Do not be hard on yourself. Life is too short to dwell on shortcomings. Try to focus on positive aspects each and every day.

5. If there is a location in the home that makes a senior feel comfortable and happy, try to arrange daily living so that much time is spent there.

Source: happiness-project.com

Image: tom.intellisite.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..

Florida Non Medical Care helps seniors live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Seniors have to deal with declining health on a daily basis. As we age, the body begins to function differently. It is important for seniors to be aware of warning signs. These signs could indicate the onset of a serious medical problem. With early detection and treatment, many illnesses can be addressed. The following list contains some warning signs.

1. If seniors suddenly lose interest in something they previously enjoyed, there is cause for concern. This includes socializing with friends, involving themselves in hobbies or losing interest in physical activity.

2. When seniors become less active, there may be an underlying problem. It is important to talk to a doctor when seniors begin to be less physically active on a day to day basis.

3. Be aware of how seniors move. If they normally move at a normal pace and suddenly begin to slow down, there may be a medical reason. Seniors should try to remain as active as possible. If they suddenly walk differently, make sure to talk to a doctor.

4. Seniors who begin to lose weight rapidly and have changes in appetite or eating habits could have a medical problem. These changes are unhealthy and should always be taken seriously. Be sure to report any changes in weight or eating habits to a doctor.

5. Many seniors do not walk as well as younger adults. However, if seniors begin to wobble when they walk, this is a warning sign. Seniors who lose their balance could have a medical problem that needs treatment.

Source: getmommoving.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..

Florida Senior Care helps seniors live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Seniors need to be aware of their nutritional needs. These may change depending on the over-all health of the individual. Some seniors need to take daily supplements while other may have to avoid certain nutrients. No matter what your situation is, you should be aware of everything you ingest. It is important to have a well balanced diet that provides the nutrients needed for good health. The list below provides some facts about nutrition.

1. Poor nutrition is a health risk for all seniors. There are many things that can increase the chances of poor nutrition. They include illness, taking multiple medications, poor dental health, poor eating habits and loneliness or the lack of socialization.

2. Since the need for calories is reduced with age, seniors need to choose foods that are rich in nutrients. Try to opt for foods that are high in fiber and low in fat. Reduce the intake of foods with high calories or high amounts of sugar.

3. Seniors may need more calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin C. If you cannot increase your intake by adjusting what foods are eating, you may want to take a daily supplement to ensure you are getting enough of these important nutrients.

4. Seniors with heart disease or high blood pressure need to watch how much sodium is consumed daily. Processed foods contain high amounts of sodium. It is best for seniors to eat freshly prepared meals including vegetables and meats that are not processed. Seniors who do not have a health condition should not consume more than 3000mg of sodium each day. This number will be lower for those with heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Source: gicare.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..

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Knowing the risk factors for the three types of diabetes is important for seniors. While many seniors have been diagnosed with diabetes, there are just as many who have the disease but have not been diagnosed. By knowing what the risk factors are, seniors will be able to determine if they are at risk. If you believe you may be at risk, have your blood sugar levels tested and discuss things with your doctor. The list below provides the risk factors associated with different types of diabetes.

1. Type 1 diabetes risk factors include family history and genetics. If you have family members who have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, you will be at a higher risk of developing the disease. Disease of the pancreas or injury to the pancreas can have an effect on how the body produces insulin, placing you at a high risk. Rare infections and illnesses that affect the pancreas are also a risk factor.

2. Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include being over-weight, having an impaired glucose tolerance and having insulin resistance. In addition, your ethnic background could also be a risk factor. Type 2 diabetes occurs more often in Hispanic/Latino Americans, Native Americans, Alaska natives, African-Americans and Asian-Americans. High blood pressure, family history, no exercise and age can all be risk factors.

3. Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women. The risk factors for this type of diabetes include obesity, age, family history and previous glucose intolerance.

4. The best way to reduce risks associated with diabetes is to maintain a healthy weight, exercise daily, have a healthy and balanced diet and manage your blood pressure. These things can reduce the chances of developing all types of diabetes.

Do you have a parent with diabetes? The American Diabetes Association offers these tips on how to help your parent manage their diabetes.

Source: diabetes.webmd.com

Home Care Florida enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Q—I care for my elderly mother on a daily basis. As Valentine’s Day approaches, I couldn’t help but think, are there tips I can pass along to her dealing with aging care to avoid heart issues?

A—Yes, you can help your mother stay heart healthy by encouraging her to follow these daily practices.

• Lower Those Cholesterols Levels—People with coronary artery disease can monitor their cholesterol to ensure they don’t become another statistic or victim of heart disease.

• Practice Good Nutrition—Seniors worried about heart disease can eliminate some of that worry by merely changing their diets to follow healthier guidelines.

• Exercise—By taking that afternoon walk, seniors can decrease their chances of heart and circulatory problems a great deal. Exercise not only makes you feel good by getting out of the house, but also does a number on your heart.

• Read Up On Heart Health—So many publications nowadays offer great information when it comes to practicing good heart health. Seniors can turn to any of these publications such as the Harvard Heart Letter. This report helps seniors understand heart and circulatory health and the effects heart problems can have on emotional health. Such reports also provide detailed tips as to what you can do to lower your risk.

If you are a caregiver, or know anyone with a heart condition, you could benefit from watching the following clip, which features a modified form of CPR called CCR that is easier to learn, easier to do and can save even more lives!

Source: health.harvard.edu

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..