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Promoting Health and Preventing Chronic Diseases
Posted by Scott Cantin in Nutrition Tips, Senior Health | 0 comments
Many Americans live with one or more chronic diseases that require ongoing medical management. While chronic diseases, like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, can be found in all age groups, the prevalence of these and other chronic conditions is much higher among seniors. Even seniors who do not have a chronic illness are at a greater risk of developing one than younger adults. But by regularly following a few simple tips, you or your elderly loved one can significantly reduce that risk and live a full daily life.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is critical not only to lowering your risk of developing a chronic disease, but also to maintaining high levels of mobility throughout your life. And while the possibility of getting started daunts many Americans, exercise doesn’t require fancy equipment or an expensive gym membership. Regular movement is key. Your routine can start with walking at a speed and distance you feel comfortable with. Weight training is also a good addition as we lose muscle mass with age, which can make us more susceptible to osteoporosis.
Exercise is essential to reducing your risk of developing chronic diseases regardless of age. Make sure to consult your doctor before starting an exercise regimen. And it’s often helpful to do them with someone, such as a friend, family member, or experienced caregiver. Exercising in tandem can help minimize your risk of injury, help you stick to your regimen, and inspire you to push yourself harder than you would have otherwise.
Eat a Proper Diet
Nutrition is also vital to staving off chronic diseases. In fact, many chronic diseases stem from poor nutrition, such as stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. Excess consumption of processed foods, complex carbohydrates, and sugars can greatly increase your risk, as can carrying extra weight as you age. But regularly eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and carbohydrates can keep you healthy.
Further, combining proper nutrition with exercise is vital if you’re looking to shed extra pounds or stay slim. In most cases, exercise won’t do it alone. Proper nutrition is also vital to getting quality sleep, which is another way to keep chronic diseases at bay.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
We often sacrifice sleep when we’re overcommitted, stressed out, or even having a good time. Worse, many of us have developed bad habits that degrade our sleep quality. These habits include using electronics until we fall asleep, sleeping at irregular intervals, sleeping fewer hours than needed, napping excessively, and using stimulants too close to bedtime.
While we overlook sleep, consistent nightly sleep is a core healthy living component. Poor sleep quality is a substantial risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, chronic decline, and dementia, among other conditions.
Reduce Alcohol and Avoid Tobacco Consumption
The older you get, the larger an effect alcohol has on your overall health. Not only will you likely feel its effects more quickly, but it will take longer for your body to metabolize. Moreover, it’s strongly correlated with several chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and many types of cancer, among others. And if you already have mobility issues, excessive alcoholic consumption can increase your risk of slips and falls.
Tobacco and tobacco products are a strong risk factor for developing certain kinds of cancer at any age. If you’re still smoking the occasional cigarette or two, it’s best to cut out tobacco products entirely. That includes vaping as well.
Seek Professional Help
Whether you’re in relatively good shape or already managing a chronic condition, it’s best to seek professional help. Professional help means regular check-ups with your primary care physician (and specialists as needed) to ensure everything is in order. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, regularly seeing a therapist can help as well. Moreover, no matter what health conditions you’re managing, it’s best to do so with the aid of qualified caregiver services in Miami.
Senior care is a crucial component of chronic disease prevention. A qualified and experienced caregiver can help support your dietary and nutrition plans, help with housekeeping tasks you now find challenging and ensure you’re able to visit medical professionals as needed. Research has shown that adults of all ages who are physically and emotionally isolated from others suffer worse health outcomes than others. Caregivers can help you travel to visit friends and loved ones in your community and provide companionship to you as well.
With Florida’s dense population of retirees, senior care in Miami is a robust industry. But not all caregiver services in Miami are created equal. When it comes to your care or that of your loved one, you want an agency that employs highly trained and personable caregivers with experience dealing with individuals with chronic conditions. You want an agency that provides flexible service, ranging from a few hours a week of light housekeeping to 24-7 in-home care services in Miami. And you want an agency that puts your or your loved one’s health first.
Learn more about the Advancare advantage. Contact us today to discuss your caregiving needs.
Nurturing Well-being through Indoor Gardening
Posted by Scott Cantin in Cognitive Aging, Dementia, depression, mental health, Senior Health, Winter projects | 0 comments
As we age, it’s important for us to keep ourselves physically and mentally active. Physical and mental activity is positively correlated with a lower risk of many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Further, many of the most common ways to keep physically and mentally active involve others. However, isolation can put you at a higher risk of developing certain chronic health illnesses and conditions and worsen conditions you may already have.
To keep ourselves healthy, we must find activities we enjoy to incorporate into our regular routine. One of the best such activities is indoor gardening.
Why Indoor Gardening is Beneficial for Seniors
Indoor gardening is a great activity for seniors for several reasons. Gardening is a physical activity involving a good deal of movement. As we age, a sedentary lifestyle can, over time, begin to impair our overall mobility. But regular movement, which can include bending, stretching, lifting, and walking, can help keep us in good shape. Fortunately, gardening involves considerable movement and can keep us flexible, strong, and healthy.
Further, we all benefit from learning new things. Learning boosts our mood, helps us feel connected to the wider world, and can be a great way to socialize. Some research indicates that continuous learning can help stave off cognitive decline, dementia, and related conditions. And even experienced gardeners learn new things with each new plant and crop.
Gardening offers us a great opportunity to connect with others. When working with others, you learn about them, share a few laughs, and enjoy each other’s company. Humans are inherently social creatures, and connection is vital to our overall health and well-being. Indoor gardening with a neighbor, friend, or caregiver can be a perfect place to meet new friends and create new memories.
Year-Round Enjoyment
There’s a substantial body of research about the benefits of being in and around nature on our psychological well-being. Frequent exposure to nature can significantly reduce our stress levels, as well as our levels of depression and anxiety. It can also elevate mood and boost our levels of happiness and satisfaction. And when you consider the positive benefits that being in nature, around others, and engaged in physical activity provide, you can clearly see that gardening can have a big positive impact on our health.
Indoor gardening can also help improve the quality of the air we breathe. Plants are natural filters and can help remove harmful gases known as volatile organic compounds from the air. As a result, a well-kept indoor garden can help reduce our risk of developing chronic respiratory ailments.
Best of all, indoor gardening is an activity that can be done year-round. An indoor garden may be as simple as a few potted plants on windowsills to a room filled with indoor terrariums and large potted plants or even a greenhouse. No matter the weather conditions, you can enjoy cultivating your plants and watching them grow each day while enjoying all the benefits gardening provides.
How Seniors Can Build or Maintain Indoor Gardens
You may be new to indoor gardening and just getting started. Or you may already have an indoor garden, but mobility-related or other issues may be preventing you from maintaining it. If either is the case, chances are you’ll benefit from the excellent caregiver services in Miami Advancare provides. Our experienced, well-trained, and friendly caregivers can help you build or maintain your indoor garden and help with other light housekeeping tasks. Our agency provides in-home care services in Miami 24/7, so we have flexible service options for you.
You don’t have to garden alone. And gardening together with an experienced caregiver can be a great addition to your existing daily routine. Contact us today if you’re looking for caregiver services in Miami to help you with indoor gardening or other common household or health-related tasks.
6 Best Ways Seniors Can Manage Diabetes
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, Nutrition Tips, Senior Health | 0 comments
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every four seniors lives with diabetes. Seniors are often prone to the most called “lifestyle disease” due to aging, reduction in physical activity, weight gain, and metabolism that continuously slows down since youth, including other factors. However, the good news is that seniors can live a happy and active life with diabetes. In this blog, the premier senior home care in Miami-Dade provides six ways of managing diabetes as a senior and how caregiver services in Miami can improve the quality of life for seniors living with diabetes.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by the inability to produce enough insulin, or the body has developed insulin resistance. This results in high blood sugar levels as the body fails to synthesize glucose for energy. There are two types of diabetes. The first type (Type 1) is when the body is unable to produce insulin, while the second type (Type 2) is caused when the body develops resistance to insulin.
Tips for Managing Diabetes
Most seniors are at risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Besides old age, other factors that may lead to this type of diabetes are reduced activity, obesity, and poor metabolism. Below are tips that In-home care services in Miami propose to seniors living with diabetes for happy and healthy lives.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
There is no better approach to managing diabetes in seniors than maintaining a healthy diet. As a senior, it is advisable to maintain a steady diet with low sugar and saturated fats. Instead, opt for a diet with high protein and fiber. This includes more whole grains, plant proteins, and vegetables. Avoid fatty foods, dairy, carbonated drinks, fruit juice and fried foods.
Monitor Your Blood Sugar
This is an essential part of maintaining blood sugar and diabetes care. You may do it yourself or with the assistance of your caregiver. Check blood sugar levels and administer insulin with advice from your medical professional.
Take Your Medication
In most cases, seniors living with diabetes are on a prescription that keeps blood sugar in check. Be sure to take your medication daily and on time as your medical professional prescribes. Missing medication may imbalance blood sugar levels, which may be dangerous for your health. In this case, use a pill organizer to help you avoid missing medication. You may also use tablet or smartphone apps to remind you when to take your medication. Other products may also prompt you to check and note your blood sugar levels.
Reduce Stress
High-stress levels can impact blood sugar levels, often leading to spikes. According to the American Institute of Stress, stress negatively influences the body’s ability to respond to age-related conditions. To remedy this, consider yoga, walks, massage, or adopting a pet to keep you company. Pets reduce stress and promote better quality of life.
Stay Active
In addition to seeking home care services, you also need to keep your body active to complement all the management tips above. Regular activity will help your body develop the need for glucose; therefore, the body can syntesixe more sugars. Activity also helps increase metabolism and reduce weight. In light of this, engage in an activity such as walking, jogging, yoga, or starting a water aerobics class. Exercise also helps promote an overall healthy lifestyle.
Seek Reputable Caregiver Services in Miami
As you advance in age, most activities are not as seamless as before. Most seniors need caregivers who can help them maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether it is planning their daily activities, preparing meals, or taking medication, Advancare provides the best helpers for the task. We provide in-home senior care services in the Miami area, including North Miami, Kendall, Gables, Aventure, Miami Beach, Homestead, Coral Gables, Sunny Isle, and Ft. Lauderdale. Contact us at (305) 441-9794 today for a free estimate.
Navigating the Loss and Grief Process in Seniors
Posted by Scott Cantin in depression, elderly care, Senior Care | 0 comments
Losing a parent, child or spouse is a profound and deeply emotional experience at any stage of life. However, for seniors, the loss can be particularly challenging as they may be grappling with their own mortality and facing a significant change in their support system. Explore insights, advice and resources from Advancare that might help seniors navigate this difficult journey.
Understanding Senior Grief
The loss of a loved one brings a flood of emotions to seniors, such as sadness, loneliness, anger, guilt, and confusion. It is crucial to recognize that these emotions are normal and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Seniors may also experience a sense of displacement and disruption in their daily lives as they adjust to a new reality without their loved one. These challenges are common, and it is essential to provide seniors with the empathy, understanding, and support they need during this time.
The Impact of Aging on Grief
It’s important to note that seniors may face additional challenges while grieving due to the natural aging process. Physical limitations, health concerns, and cognitive changes can impact their ability to cope effectively. Additionally, pre-existing medical conditions or dependency on their deceased loved one for daily tasks may complicate their grieving process. In-home care services in Miami can play a vital role by providing specialized support and assistance tailored to meet the unique needs of grieving seniors.
Seeking Support and Connection
Grief is a deeply personal and emotional journey, and many seniors find solace in seeking support from others who have experienced similar losses. Friends, family members, or support groups for seniors can offer a safe space for sharing feelings and memories. Encouraging seniors to participate in local community centers, faith groups, or grief counseling sessions can help facilitate this support network, ensuring they do not go through the grieving process alone.
Preserving Memories and Honoring the Deceased
Preserving memories and honoring the deceased can be therapeutic and aid in the healing process. Seniors can explore various methods to commemorate their loved one, such as creating a memory box, writing letters, scrapbooks, or engage in activities that symbolize their shared interests. Additionally, participating in rituals or ceremonies, such as memorial services, can provide a sense of closure and allow for collective remembrance.
Self-Care for Seniors
During the grieving process, self-care becomes even more crucial for seniors. Prioritizing physical, emotional, and mental well-being is essential. Engaging in activities that bring joy, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking professional help if needed, such as therapy or counseling, can provide vital support in managing grief and promoting overall well-being.
Exploring End-of-Life Planning
Experiencing the loss of a parent or spouse often prompts seniors to reflect on their own mortality. It can be an opportune time to engage in end-of-life planning discussions. Seniors may want to consider estate planning, creating or updating wills, or discussing their desires regarding medical care and funeral arrangements with their loved ones. These conversations, though difficult, can bring a sense of peace and readiness for the future.
Embracing the Healing Process
Grief does not have a set timeline, and everyone copes with loss differently. Encouraging seniors to embrace their healing process at their own pace is essential. While it is crucial to acknowledge the pain and memories associated with the loss, it is equally important to help seniors find new meaning in life. Exploring new hobbies, connecting with others, or engaging in volunteer work can provide a sense of purpose and contribute to their overall well-being.
Advancare Provides Guidance and Support
Losing a loved one can be a profoundly challenging experience for older individuals. Understanding the unique aspects of senior grief and providing guidance and support is crucial during this tumultuous time. Advancare can play a vital role in ensuring seniors receive the specialized care and assistance they need to navigate the loss and grief process successfully. By acknowledging, supporting, and providing resources for seniors, we can help them find solace, healing, and ultimately embrace a new chapter enriched by the cherished memories of their loved ones.
Unleashing Curiosity: Lifelong Learning for Seniors
Posted by Scott Cantin in Fun activities for seniors | 0 comments
Curiosity is a trait that remains even as one ages. Therefore, seniors can continue learning and expanding their mind even as they age.
Learning never ends after the completion of a diploma or a degree; it’s a lifelong journey. There are multiple resources available for seniors that can help seniors gain and deepen their understanding in certain topics of interests. Advancare provides caregiver services in Miami; here are some of the online resources that can help seniors in their educational journey.
1. Online Courses
You don’t have to enroll in a university to learn a new skill. There are various online courses available to seniors depending on their area of interests.
Online courses provide seniors with convenience and flexibility. Seniors can learn a new skill without any alterations to their schedule, and they get an opportunity to learn at their own pace.
Mobility issues that come with aging make online courses a perfect learning tool. Most seniors face challenges when it comes to traveling and that’s what makes online courses perfect because they get to study at the comfort of their own home.
Online courses are more affordable compared to classroom education programs. Seniors with a fixed income never have to worry about purchasing textbooks or setting aside some money for transportation expenses.
2. University Course
Most universities offer a wide range of courses that are taught by specialists in the field of interest. A university course makes perfect sense for seniors looking to study an accredited course.
Some courses like HarvardX are free and unsupervised. However, some courses have instructors and operate like a normal college semester. The choice on the type of university course to pursue is dependent on budget, mobility and preference.
3. TEDTalks
TEDTalks cover multiple topics, and they have gained a lot of popularity since the early 1980s. The videos provide an expert view on certain topics, and some are less than eighteen minutes long. Seniors can take advantage of these videos to broaden their knowledge or understand different perspectives.
TEDTalks videos are accessible and provide seniors with a more constructive means of entertainment. Seniors can take advantage of these videos to learn and enjoy worthwhile presentations that improve their critical thinking skills.
4. Virtual Fitness Apps or Classes
Seniors looking to embrace and adopt healthy habits can consider taking virtual fitness classes. There are a wide range of fitness apps that are evolving to provide seniors with personalized workouts.
Some apps like Flip50 are specifically designed for individuals over the age of fifty and provide wellness packages and access to gyms. Seniors can take advantage of discounts provided by some of these apps on therapies, acupuncture and massage.
5. Audiobooks and eBooks
Various audiobook and eBook platforms provide seniors with opportunities to gain more insight on various topics. Seniors can read biographies, autobiographies, non-fiction literary texts and self-improvement books. Seniors suffering from visual impairments are eligible for braille, which is provided by the National Library Services.
One advantage of audiobooks and eBooks is that they play a key role in mental stimulation. They’re a perfect learning resource for seniors looking to keep their mind sharp. They provide new information and take your mind to different locales and eras.
6. Business Seminars
Most local business seminars are free or have affordable charges. They offer great opportunities for seniors looking to learn more about business or looking for additional support in running their small business.
Advancare Caregiver Services in Miami
If you’re looking for senior care in Miami, you can count on Advancare. Our experienced caregivers provide seniors with a wide range of online learning resources that promote mental stimulation and offer them opportunities to learn new skills. All our caregivers are fully bonded and insured.
Please contact us today for personalized in-home care services in Miami.
Nurturing Wellness: Caring for Seniors and Caregivers
Posted by Scott Cantin in caregiving, elderly care, Senior Care | 0 comments
When you are young, your parents and grandparents took care of you. It was a labor of love, completed with compassion every day. Now that you are grown, taking care of the elders in your family is also a labor of love. Just as your family elders make sure you were healthy and strong as a child, it’s important to look after the family’s wellness now that you are in the driver’s seat.
How can you best maintain wellness for both the seniors and caregivers in your family? There are several important methods that you can use to look out for everyone’s health and wellbeing.
Stay Hydrated Together
Getting enough water is so important. The human body is up to 75% water. Water keeps skin, hair, eyes, and sinuss healthy. Water helps us digest efficiently. Water helps our blood and lymph system carry important nutrients to our tissue cells and carry unwanted molecules out of the body. If there is one thing you can do to boost everyone’s health, it’s to drink enough water. Encouraging each other to drink water is often the best way to finally get enough, which is around eight 8oz glasses a day.
Engage in Daily Exercise and Activity
Seniors and caregivers alike can also benefit from daily activity. Activity gets the blood pumping, improving cardiac health, strenthening muscles, and improving personal stamina. Daily activity can extend the independent years of the seniors in your life and will help caregivers in the family build a foundation of good health that will last into their own old age.
Share the Burden: Take Turns and Hire an In-Home Caregiver
Don’t let the burden of caregiving fall on just one person. This is unfair to everyone, including the senior and their caregiver. Instead, share the task. Have caring family members take turns sitting with their elderly parent or grandparent. If you don’t have enough people for a roster, hire an in-home caregiver to pick up some or most of the time and tasks that your senior relative needs for daily wellness.
Plan Regular Visits Just to Spend Time Together
Once you have shared the tasks of care, it becomes easier to visit just to share good news and warm company. Seniors who remain connected with their families have been found to live longer and stay more engaged in life. You can also learn many interesting stories and family facts from the elders in your family when you visit just to spend time together.
Make Sure the Temperature and Humidity are Just Right
Seniors are particularly sensitive to temperature and humidity because aged cells do not regulate these things very well. To ensure your seniors remains healthy, be sure that temperature is too hot or too cold, too dry or too moist. Use a combination of central air and humidifiers/dehumidifiers to make the ideal conditions for your family elders. These conditions will also be comfortable and relaxing for caregivers who gain a secondary benefit.
Keep the Environment Clear and Organized
Everyone benefits from living in a neat and tidy environment. By keeping a home well-organized and free of clutter, you can ensure that your senior is not at risk of tripping or being unable to reach things they need. Clean surfaces and organized spaces are also good for the mind, for both seniors and caregivers.
Share Joyful Moments
Lastly, remember to celebrate together. Make sure seniors are part of family gatherings or can attend your children’s performances. Bring children and less involved family members to visit your family elder and share happy moments. From a good report card to an engagement announcement, seniors will delight in seeing their family happy and successful.
Maintain Senior and Caregiver Wellness with Advancare
At Advancare, we know that senior care is a team effort. Families want to remain involved, but don’t need to take on the full responsibility of caring for elderly relatives. Our in-home caregivers can lighten the load by caring for seniors and making it easier to simply enjoy warm family gatherings together. Contact us to consult on home care or to learn more.
5 Ways of Keeping Your Bones Strong as You Age
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, Senior Care, Senior Health | 0 comments
As people advance in age, bones lose their density and strength. When left unmanaged, the bones weaken to the point that they easily fracture. Luckily, there are many ways seniors can keep their bones strong during the golden years.
For instance, seniors can enhance bone strength with supplements that support bone health. In particular, they should supplement their diet with calcium and vitamin D. The mentioned nutrients boost bone density.
Discover more ways to strengthen bones from Advancare caregiver services Miami.
1. Working Out On a Regular Basis
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to enhance bone strength in old age. The workouts stimulate osteoblast production, which increases bone density. Moreover, exercise improves balance, reducing the risk of falls.
While there are many workouts, senior citizens should go for those gentle on joints. These include weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, dancing, and stair climbing. High-impact exercises exert excessive pressure on the already weak bones.
2. Limit Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol consumption interferes with the growth and replacement of bone tissue. This is because alcohol inhibits the function of osteoblasts. These are the cells responsible for the production of new bone tissue.
Moreover, alcohol abuse impairs balance and reflexes. As such, senior citizens using alcohol have an increased risk of falls that can lead to fractures.
For this reason, seniors looking to enhance bone strength should limit alcohol intake. Note that years of habit can make it difficult to moderate consumption. The affected seniors can consider rehabilitation to help them quit alcohol use.
3. Avoid Smoking
Like alcohol, smoking accelerates the breakdown of bone density. The nicotine in cigarettes slows the production of cells that support tissue growth. Moreover, smoking impairs blood flow, limiting the supply of nutrients to bones.
Again, quitting smoking independently is quite hard. As such, the senior citizens looking to quit smoking should seek rehabilitation. Rehabilitation provides custom-tailored strategies that help seniors break free from smoking.
Since rehabilitation facilities aren’t created equal, seniors can seek recommendations from their in-home care services Miami provider to recommend a good facility.
4. Take a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining strong bones during old age. The reasons? The right food provides the nutrients that support overall wellness. Some of these beneficial nutrients include calcium, vitamins, magnesium, and protein.
The best diet for strong bones should consist of dairy products like milk. Moreover, the diet should not leave out greens like kale and fatty fish like salmon. Nuts, seeds, and lean protein are also great for strong bones.
5. Schedule Regular Bone Health Checkups
Even with a good diet, lifestyle changes, and workouts, you need to keep an eye on your bones. health. These regular bone health checkups will help detect conditions that compromise bone health.
Many bone health can only be detected through X-rays and other diagnostic tools. They progress without showing symptoms, a reason regular checkups matter.
For instance, bone health checkups can detect osteoporosis, which progresses without noticeable symptoms. Upon detection, doctors will recommend lifestyle changes to manage the condition. Moreover, a doctor can prescribe medication to treat the underlying condition.
Learn More About Bone Health From Advancare Caregiver Services Miami
Advancare is one of the leading caregiver services Miami providers. We are a team of caregivers helping seniors manage everyday tasks in the comfort of their homes. From grooming to feeding assistance, we help make life easier for Miami’s elderly.
Our caregivers are not only qualified. But, they are also bonded and insured so that they can give families. Contact our senior care Miami to learn how we can help your senior loved one enhance bone health.
Tips for Using Devices and Staying Connected
Posted by Scott Cantin in Fun activities for seniors | 0 comments
The digital age has made it easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and family. Devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones can keep you connected with the rest of the world and assist you in communicating with your loved ones. Still, there are challenges to learning how to use devices and social media networks.
If you don’t feel confident using devices and social media, you could start to feel isolated or even embarrassed. From safety concerns to the importance of asking for help when needed, Advancare has the tips and tricks you need to feel comfortable using the devices that have become prevalent in daily life.
Adopt an open attitude
If you’ve been using technology for some time, you might have the confidence you need to learn new devices. However, many seniors struggle with accepting technology, including mobile devices and even social media networks. If you don’t feel comfortable trying new things, you might easily shy away from picking up a different device or creating a new social media account.
Maintain an open attitude toward technology and resist the urge to get frustrated. Understand that technology is very helpful, in most cases, serving a purpose and enabling you to stay better connected to those you love. Technology can also help you remain healthy. A study from CVS Health found that 45% of all respondents 65 and older would be more likely to communicate with healthcare professionals if they were able to do so through digital messaging.
Ask for help if needed
In addition to maintaining an open, receptive attitude, it’s important to know when to ask for help if you need it. Even if you want to learn how to use a new device, it can be confusing to figure out all the steps on your own. If you have friends and family members who are technology experts, ask for their help with setting up or using a new device or social media network.
Almost every phone provider or company has a storefront where you can get additional assistance. If you want to be sure someone will be on hand to help, don’t hesitate to call ahead of time and make an appointment. Familiarity will encourage continued use, so get help when you need it and keep trying new apps and processes.
Practice safety online
Even as you learn new devices and social media networks, practice the basics of online safety. Online safety is a real concern amongst internet users of all ages, but seniors can be especially susceptible to hackers and scams. Use strong passwords for every device and account you create, and don’t recycle the same password amongst multiple accounts. Always use security software for your computer or mobile device, so your personal information is protected.
Take special care to avoid clicking on suspicious emails and links you receive. Even seemingly benign messages from friends on social media can contain scammy and malicious links. In general, if you receive an email or message that claims to be from a government agency, bill collector, healthcare agency, or any other organization asking for money or personal information, flag it as spam and don’t respond. If you have questions about the legitimacy of a message or email, ask a tech-savvy friend for advice.
Advancare offers caregiver services in Miami
Technology offers a host of benefits, whether you use social media to stay in touch with friends or utilize a mobile device for video calls with loved ones. If you need some help mastering devices and social media networks, Advancare is here to support you. We proudly provide senior care in Miami to suit the needs of our clients. Contact us today to learn more about our in-home care services in Miami!
How to Best Manage Stress and Anxiety as You Age
Posted by Scott Cantin in mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments
Aging brings about a slew of changes, from changes in routine to fluctuations in physical health. These changes can be a lot to manage, and for many senior adults, they can cause stress and even anxiety. While some stress is normal, it can easily get out of control, causing issues with your mental and physical health. However, there are ways to manage your stress before it turns into full-blown anxiety. These tips from Advancare will equip you to reduce stress and anxiety as you age in healthy, sustainable ways.
See your doctor regularly
The best way to stay on top of your health and wellness as you age is to maintain your regular check-ups with your doctor and other healthcare providers. Not only can your doctor ensure that your blood sugar, blood pressure, and other important hallmarks of overall health look good, but they can talk to you about any new symptoms or concerns that you might be having.
If you see a therapist for any mental health concerns, keep those appointments even as you age. While mental health is important at every age, people experience life changes as they age that can cause them to experience depression and anxiety. If this is something you have struggled with or are currently struggling with, you don’t have to go it alone. Your doctor, along with experts such as caregiver services in Miami, are all available to help you move forward.
Stay active
Exercise is a fantastic way to stay healthy and happy. Physical fitness is necessary to maintain strength, but it also has some significant mental health benefits. Research has shown that moving your body decreases muscle tension, lowering the body’s contribution to feeling anxious. There are a lot of options for exercise, from low-impact weightlifting to cardio on an elliptical or treadmill.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults age 65 and older need at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, such as walking, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity like hiking, running, or jogging. Whatever exercise you choose, make sure it’s something you enjoy enough to sustain. Also, make sure to consult with your doctor before you start any sort of new workout regimen. They can advise you on how to stay safe during your workouts.
Stay in touch with friends and family
Aging can be isolating, especially if you move to a new city or state. It’s easy to lose touch with family and friends in the wake of all these busy life changes. Take care to retain your connections with those you love, as being involved with loved ones can naturally reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. It’s a good idea to establish regular times to talk, such as weekly phone calls or bi-weekly video chats.
Get out when you can and enjoy social gatherings if you can do so safely. Coffee dates with friends or low-key lunch meetings with others in your social circle can also help with anxiety and feelings of stress. Volunteering is another great way to provide a sense of purpose and community. It can help you meet new friends as well.
Contact Advancare for caregiver services in Miami, FL
Stress and anxiety don’t have to be a normal part of aging. With some proactive steps and some positive lifestyle changes, you can discover a path to your healthiest and happiest self yet. At Advancare, we are passionate about the care and well-being of seniors. Through in-home care services in Miami, we can support you or your loved one through compassionate, personalized care. Contact us today to learn more about senior care in Miami and how Advancare can help!
Managing Arthritis Symptoms During Travel
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, Senior Care, Senior Health | 0 comments
Arthritis is a painful condition that affects millions of seniors around the United States. Arthritis causes swelling and inflammation in your joints. It typically worsens with age, with the two most common types of arthritis being rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. While it’s common amongst seniors, it can be managed with certain lifestyle changes and medications. However, travel can exacerbate arthritis symptoms, causing pain and discomfort during your trip.
If you want to stay comfortable and pain-free during travel, these tips from Advancare will assist. As a premier provider of caregiver services in Miami, we’re committed to helping seniors effectively manage arthritis symptoms so they can make the most of their travels.
Take your time and plan ahead
Stress can exacerbate arthritis symptoms, so to stay pain-free during your travels, try to do everything you can to plan. By planning ahead, you’ll avoid having to rush at the last minute. If you’re flying, get to the airport in plenty of time before your flight. This way, you can check in at your pace, get through security in time, and have a leisurely rest before boarding the plane.
If you’re driving, leave plenty of time to make it to your destination without having to rush. For longer drives, build in some extra stops during your trip, including stopping at a nice restaurant and taking plenty of bathroom breaks.
Pack medication with care
Traveling with medications can be stressful, but many with arthritis can’t do without their meds. In advance of your trip, pack your medication in carry-on bags that display the medication’s name and dosage information. If it needs to be refrigerated, make sure you have a small travel cooler for storage. It’s also a good idea to reach out to the airline before your trip to check on any restrictions that might affect your ability to travel with your meds. Be willing to explain what your medications are and what they’re for, if you’re stopped by airport security.
If you have any joint replacements, you’ll likely need to go through the full-body X-ray machine at the airport. You might also consider bringing a card from your doctor that identifies you as a joint replacement recipient. This can expedite your time at the airport and make it easier for security to get the information you need.
Bring your essentials with you
As important as it is to bring your medications with you, it’s also ideal to bring anything on your travels that helps alleviate stress. Many arthritis sufferers find it helpful to bring extra pillows, including neck support pillows or lumbar cushions that make air or car travel more comfortable. Wrist braces, essential oils, therapeutic tape, or other pain relief devices can all be helpful.
Stay hydrated during your travels by bringing a water bottle with you and refilling it when you encounter a fresh water station. Make sure to also bring some healthy snacks, such as protein bars, apples, or oranges. These sturdy snacks travel well and can give you an energy boost when it isn’t possible to stop by a gas station or restaurant. Finally, stay moving as often as possible to avoid joint stiffness on the road. Even if you’re on an airplane, get up when it’s safe to do so and walk up and down the aisle.
Advancare provides compassionate caregiver services in Miami
Arthritis can be a tricky condition that complicates travel. However, with a few simple steps, you can make your trip the best one yet. If you need some assistance planning your travel while managing arthritis, Advancare can help. Our in-home care services in Miamiwill empower you to travel pain-free. Contact us to learn more about our senior care in Miami!
