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Caring Tips for Aging Grandparents in Miami
Posted by Scott Cantin in caregiving tips, elderly care, Senior Care | 0 comments

Grandparents are a valuable part of our families, culture, and society at large. They’re the connection between the generations, and we owe it to them to provide the care they need as they age. If you’ve been tasked with the responsibility of caring for your aging grandparents, you may be wondering what you can do to ensure that they’re happy and safe. At Advancare, we provide caregiver services in Miami to support families and to ensure that their loved ones get the care they need. Let’s look at some of the best ways to care for your aging grandparents.
Visit Often
Loneliness is a major concern for people who are aging and spend most of their time at home. To combat feelings of isolation, visit your loved one often to check in and break up their days. Bring games, share meals, and spend quality time with your aging grandparent. Create a routine so that they know when to expect your visits, and stick to your schedule. That way, your loved one will know they’re not alone.
Listen
Seniors have many life experiences to pass on, and if you’re lucky, they’ll share valuable stories from their lives with you. Listen to what they have to say — even if you’ve heard the story before, and even if it’s not particularly interesting to you. Someday, you’ll be grateful for the time you spend listening to your aging grandparent, and you’ll be able to share their stories with your loved ones, too.
Send Mail and Photos
If you live far away or can’t visit, send letters and photos through the mail. Your loved one will be delighted to receive handwritten notes about your life and photos of your family. If they have trouble seeing, you may want to type letters on the computer and print them out in a clear, large font. You can also send small gifts like slippers, coffee mugs, or other items that show that you’re thinking of them.
Video Chat Frequently
May in-home care services in Miami help seniors to video chat with family members. If your loved one has internet access, offer to FaceTime with them. That way, you can chat and show off your children, pets, and home. It gives them something to look forward to, and it’s easy to fit into your busy schedule.
Make Sure Their Home is Safe
One major aspect of caregiver services in Miami is ensuring that a senior’s home is safe. Stairs, cords, and other tripping hazards are very dangerous. Walk through your loved one’s home to ensure that it’s safe and secure. You may need to install handles in the bathroom, a shower seat, or a stairlift, depending on their needs.
Encourage Exercise
Mental and physical exercise are essential to staying happy and healthy, and it’s been proven that physical activity can reduce the riskof many physical limitations as we age. Encourage your aging grandparent to take short walks, try new crafts, and do puzzles to stay active. Pay attention to their physical limitations to avoid injuries.
Ask For Help
Caring for aging grandparents can be overwhelming, and without the right support system, you can quickly burn out. In fact, over 40% of caregivers show symptoms of depression. There are caregiver services in Miami that can walk alongside you to lighten your load and ensure that your aging grandparent is cared for.
Enlist Help From Trusted Caregiver Services in Miami
At Advancare, we believe that seniors deserve to live as independently as possible with help from trusted loved ones and caregivers. We provide home care services that include light housekeeping, shopping, personal care, and more. If you’re interested in learning more, contact us today.
4 Ways to Break the Guilt Cycle in Adult Children
Posted by Scott Cantin in caregiver burnout, caregiver stress, caregiving tips, elderly care, mental health, Senior Care | 0 comments

There are two sides to becoming an adult. On one hand, you finally get the liberty to leave your parents’ home, run your life as you’d like, and begin working towards your dreams.
On the other hand, you stop being as available as you used to. This fact often leads to feelings of unmet expectations for parents, and many adult children begin feeling guilty.
Guilt can lead to prolonged unhappiness, anxiety, and other mental health issues. The good news is that you can break the guilt cycle. This blog shares helpful tips.
1. Discuss Needs Openly
Mental Health America revealed that 54% of American adults in their 40s have a parent aged 65 or older and are raising a child under 18 or have an adult child they have helped financially in the past year.
These caregivers grapple with different complex emotions, including guilt caused by a sense of loss of independence as the responsibility of caregiving becomes more pronounced.
However, discussing needs and expectations openly with your parents can reduce negative feelings. For example, if your parents say you barely call, you can create a calling schedule. This way, everyone feels heard and understood.
You can also agree to a more manageable budget and ways to reduce spending so you’re not overwhelmed with bills.
2. Compromise
Say your parents live far away from you, and your job and other demands make a trip to see them virtually impossible. You can arrange for them to see you instead and spend a few days at your house.
Choose seasons where you have more time to spare –for example, during your annual leave or the holidays –and plan for things to do together. The activities depend on what your parent or parents love to do. Maybe your mom enjoys sharing a good meal, or your dad loves catching a live football game or playing cards. These moments are bound to create memories and build anticipation for the next time you meet.
3. Build a Culture of Expressing Appreciation to One Another
You’d be surprised how far simple words of appreciation go. For instance, end a phone call by saying, ‘I missed chatting with you like this. Can I call you again this weekend?’
You can put words on a text or card, too. The point is to let them know they are wanted and you love them. Appreciation produces oxytocin (the love hormone), which promotes connection between people.
While at it, communicate unavailability when schedules collide instead of failing to show up and talk about reschedules.
4. Find them Affordable Quality In-home Care Services
Many aging parents who need long-term care prefer receiving caregiver services in Miami offered at home rather than going to a care facility.
Recent research by National Library of Medicine shows home healthcare helps save on costs while being as effective as hospital care. Caregiver services in Miami also reduce the chances of hospital readmissions. Further, they can have more visits from their friends and other family members.
Seeking senior care in Miami has become an easy solution for many caregivers who can’t take care of their loved ones themselves. If your elderly parent lives in Miami, you can benefit from professional and compassionate in-home care services in Miami and then work your schedule to allow visitations, phone calls, or face timing.
Lastly
Culture holds that parents and children should have a great relationship. Because life is not linear, unmet expectations pile up, and adult children may struggle with guilt and feelings of failure.
If not fixed, this guilt can prevent you from enjoying a good relationship with your parents and become intergenerational. These tips can help you break the cycle and prevent your kids from getting trapped in the same cycle.
Advanced Care offers help by providing world-class home care services in Florida. We care about you and your relationships and provide caregiver services in Kendall, North Miami, Miami Beach, and Coral Gables. Our warm caregivers do everything in-home care services require –from bathing to Alzheimer’s and dementia care to palliative care and help to pay bills. Feel free to contact us today and we’ll be more than willing to assist!
Tips for Everyday Care for People With Dementia in Miami-Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in caregiving tips, Dementia | 0 comments

If you’re looking after someone with dementia, your daily tasks will likely increase as the disease progresses. At some point, a person with dementia will need help bathing, brushing their teeth, combing their hair, and getting dressed. Since these are private activities, it’s critical to have a reliable caregiver to help. At Advancare, our professional, compassionate, and efficient caregivers can provide the care your loved one with dementia needs.
We offer senior home care services such as light housekeeping, dementia care, bathing and grooming, assistance with bill paying, palliative care, caring companionship, meal planning and preparation, running errands, incidental transportation, and many more. If you’re currently taking care of a senior with dementia, here are a few tips to help you provide better care.
Reduce Frustrations
People with dementia may change as the disease progresses. Part of this change is getting aggressive or agitated over people and things. Sometimes the senior may find some tasks challenging, such as bathing or dressing up, and therefore, they may resist doing these activities which can be frustrating. To reduce frustrations, establish a routine that prepares them for such tasks.
Determine what activities are perfect when they are fresh and alert. Be flexible, particularly on difficult days. It’s also prudent to take your time and anticipate that some tasks will take longer to accomplish, such as eating. Provide choices but not too many, and use simple instructions. You also need to limit daytime napping to promote quality sleep at night.
Be Flexible
As the disease progresses, a person with dementia will become more dependent. To reduce frustration, be flexible and adapt to a routine that works for you. For instance, if the person wants to wear the same shoes every day, get several pairs of identical shoes. If bathing is met with resistance, do it less often. Ask about the activities they would like to participate in and plan them. If they enjoy doing them, plan to do them every day, especially if they are healthy, such as taking a walk.
Create a Safe Environment
Dementia impairs memory and judgment problem-solving skills, increasing a person’s risk of injury. Ensure the house has adequate lighting, including the corridors, to promote safety. Avoid placing rugs, boxes, extension cords, and other items that could contribute to falls. Instead, install grab bars or handrails to increase support in critical areas. Always check the temperature of the food and drinks before serving, as the senior may not detect hot or cold items, which could lead to burns.
Focus on Individualized Care
When caring for a person with dementia, it’s always prudent to watch them and know their personality. Dementia manifests differently in different people. That means patients will likely have different symptoms. Knowing what the person likes and what they don’t like helps improve your relationship with them. It also reduces agitation, which makes your work easier. Learn to apply flexibility whenever needed and know how to read mood changes and respond appropriately. With some little help and support from family and friends, you can overcome the challenges and frustrations as they come.
Don’t forget to look after yourself. Remember, you need to be healthy to be able to care for your loved one. If you feel you need help caring for your senior loved one with dementia, our caregivers are here to help. Contact us today for a consultation.
Tips to Improve the Quality of Your Sleep in Miami-Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in caregiving tips | 0 comments

Many seniors in Miami-Dade often struggle to sleep continuously for eight hours. This challenge is mainly due to the changes in their bodies and overall lifestyles. Medication and health conditions such as dementia, heart disease, and diabetes can also worsen the sleeping pattern.
While it’s a common problem, lack of sleep can be detrimental for people of all ages. If you notice your senior loved ones are not sleeping well, you should seek help from a healthcare professional. Many families with seniors in Miami-Dade are considering senior home care services from Advancare, where their senior loved one can get good quality sleep. In this article, we will list some tips to help improve the quality of sleep in a senior.
Avoid caffeine in the evening
In fact, you should avoid taking fluids in the evening to minimize trips to the bathroom, which can break up your sleep. Caffeine has stimulating effects that can take hours to wear off and interfere with normal sleep. Alcohol may help you fall asleep but will likely disrupt it later.
Avoid naps (if they keep you up until late hours)
Limit daytime naps if they are the main reason for lack of sleep at night. Long daytime naps, especially those taken later in the day, can make it difficult to fall asleep because you may have to make up for the debt. Unless you’ve been active the whole day and want to rest for a few minutes, you should avoid taking naps during the day and limit them only to when you’re tired.
Create a routine; go to bed and wake up at the same time every day
Like any other activity in life, sleep requires a routine that runs even into the weekends. Allow your body to get used to a regular sleeping routine. Set at least eight hours of sleep every day and choose hours with the least disruptions. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. If you fail to fall asleep within the first 20 minutes, leave the room and find something relaxing to do. You can read a book, listen to a podcast or music. Go back to sleep when you feel tired.
Exercise frequently, especially aerobic exercise
Stay as active as you can to avoid falling asleep during the day. Engage in regular physical activities such as aerobic exercise. Stay relaxed around bedtime. You can spend more time outdoors performing regular duties. If you have a short-term disability, you can use the help of a caregiver to perform the exercises.
Practice meditation/yoga
Meditation or yoga helps relax your mind and body, providing a good atmosphere for rest. You can meditate for two hours before bed to set the mood for sleeping. Depending on your yoga exercises, you can play slow music to enhance your mood.
Relax before bed – take a warm bath and/or read
Create a restful environment that is cool, dark, and quiet. Avoid too much light or sleeping on the couch in the living room. Make your bedroom for sleep only and set it to induce sleep using room-darkening shades. Take a bath or read a book to promote better sleep.
Need help improving your sleep? Our compassionate, caring, and professional caregivers at Advancare have the experience to help you improve your quality of sleep. Contact us today to learn more!
Winter Wardrobe for Seniors in Miami-Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in caregiving tips | 0 comments

Did you know that seniors feel colder than younger people? Their bodies tend to lose heat fast as they don’t have much fat, which makes them vulnerable to hypothermia. It’s essential to ensure they remain warm throughout the winter, whether outdoors or indoors. That means getting them several pieces of warm, comfortable clothes, especially if they have trouble dressing themselves.
At Advancare, we encourage families to select soft, easy-to-wear, and warm clothes for their senior loved ones during winter. When you hire our caregivers to care for your loved one, they can help you select suitable winter clothing for them. Here are some of the best winter wardrobe items to include in their wardrobe.
A Good Jacket
Sometimes having the correct layers is not enough to provide warmth on colder nights. Colder days calls for high-quality winter jackets, especially if the senior spends a few minutes or hours outdoors. Help them choose something with good insulation to keep them warm and comfortable. It’s also essential to think about their style and splurge a little on durability.
Hat
About 45 % of body heat is lost through the head. If you can cover your head correctly, you reduce the rate of heat loss in your body. That’s why hats are critical pieces for staying warm during winter. You can let them wear beanies to keep their heads warmer at home. Beanies offer lots of protection for the head and not just the top of the head. Go for knitted woolen beanies, which best retain heat and absorb sweat.
Slippery-Free Footwear
Unlike the summer, when everyone enjoys staying barefooted, winter calls for heavy footwear to prevent the feet from getting too cold. Invest in slippery-free footwear to prevent slips and falls that can be fatal for seniors. With modern technology comes heated slippers for seniors, which take a few minutes to heat up and continue to warm the feet for several hours. You can also get your senior shoes with thermal insoles to provide additional insulation.
Gloves
Seniors should wear gloves, especially when heading out in the cold season. The hands are the most exposed part of the body, which makes them prone to cold. As senior ages, their hands get colder faster, especially when outdoors. Fortunately, there are plenty of gloves to keep their hands warm throughout the winter season. If they are not touching the water, they can wear comfy padded gloves made from materials used to generate heat. Others use the heat generated by the body to create thermal energy.
Scarf
Apart from wearing tops, sweaters, and jackets that go up to the neck, seniors can also incorporate scarves in their wardrobes for additional warmth. A cold neck can lead to strains, pain, and tenderness. Scarves help keep your seniors warm and pain-free. Thermal scarves are also available to generate heat and provide insulation. Seniors can choose the scarf they are more comfortable wearing, especially if they have sensitive skin. Remember, older adults have greater skin sensitivity than other age groups.
Look Good and Feel Good!
When caring for seniors, it’s essential to remember that their well-being is largely influenced by how they feel. A wardrobe change can have a significant influence on their self-image. That’s why you should consult them about their style and what they need.
For more information about caregiving or senior home care services in Miami-Dade, contact Advancare today!
Winter Safety Tips for Seniors in Miami-Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in caregiving tips | 0 comments

The cold season is not the best for seniors. They lose body heat faster than younger adults, which makes them feel colder than other people. That’s why you should take special care to ensure they are safe and warm during winter to prevent hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses. Some seniors with dementia may not even notice they feel cold and get help, which can easily lead to hypothermia.
At Advancare, we advise caregivers and families to take measures to ensure seniors are safe and healthy throughout the season. If you don’t have a caregiver or are looking for one, our caregivers offer senior home care services that are second to none. This post highlights what you can do to keep your senior loved one safe, healthy, happy, and comfortable during winter.
Bundle Up
To keep warm, you need to ensure the senior dresses appropriately. You can go for warm cotton scarves, mittens, hats, sweaters, and coats to minimize irritation while keeping them warm. Even if they stay indoors, ensure they’re properly and adequately dressed. Keep warm blankets around their favorite couch to cover themselves and stay warm.
Be Smart About Space Heaters
Space heaters can be the best devices for providing additional warmth. However, they can be particularly dangerous when placed around seniors. They can trip and fall on them if kept on their path. You should also have a carbon monoxide detector and keep all heaters away from flammable material such as paper and cloth. Test smoke detectors regularly to ensure heat sources don’t become a health hazard. Inspect the power code from the space heaters to check for burns or any damage signs. Instead of placing the heater in the center of a room, find a permanent position in the corner that a senior can’t knock over.
Encourage Hydration
Seniors generally eat and drink less than any other age group. For this reason, they’re prone to dehydration. While it’s evident that they will be less thirsty during winter, it’s essential to encourage them to consume more fluids. They don’t have to drink only water. You can prepare fresh juice, soups, coffee, and any other drink they will enjoy during winter.
Prevent Hypothermia in Elderly Loved Ones
Seniors have less body fat, which means they lose heat faster. Certain health conditions like liver disease, kidney disorders, and heart disease can affect a senior’s ability to regulate body temperature. Keep in mind that a senior can become hypothermic even while indoors. Therefore, make sure they’re adequately dressed both inside and outside the house.
Let Us Help You Keep Your Senior Warm this Winter in Miami-Dade
Looking for a caregiver to care for your senior loved one in Miami-Dade? Advancare has a solution for you. We have the right caregivers for all your senior’s needs, including light housekeeping, companionship, etc. Feel free to contact us for a quote!
Holiday Tips for Caregivers in Miami-Dade
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Being a caregiver can be stressful, particularly during the holidays, yet they’re usually the most left out during this period. Many caregivers become physically and emotionally overwhelmed as they deal with holiday prep, work, or grief over lost seniors. Whether you’re a caregiver at Advancare offering senior home care services in Miami-Dade, or a family caregiver, there are ways you can eliminate stress and enjoy the holidays like everyone else. Here are a few suggestions for you.
Take Time To Rest
Caregivers spend most of their time and energy taking care of others and end up neglecting themselves. Your mental and physical health is also essential in caring for seniors. That’s why it’s prudent to take a break and rest from work. The holidays present fun activities you can engage in to reduce stress, foggy thinking, and fatigue. If resting for you means reading a book with a mug of coffee all day, take time to do it. Get plenty of sleep and relax in some holiday-scented aromatherapy to boost your mood.
Go on a Spa Day
Taking care of yourself may mean taking a spa day to refresh your body and mind. You probably spend most of your days giving spa treatments to seniors. The holiday is the best time to treat yourself to a spa day as you rest and relax. This can help reduce the anxiety that comes with taking care of a senior.
Watch a Silly Holiday Movie
Laughter is therapy. Choose an imperfect, goofy movie that will keep you smiling and laughing throughout to be part of your celebration. Great movies like the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Elf are excellent examples to go for. You can plan to watch these movies with a partner, friend, or family member at home or the theater. A two-hour or one-hour movie can help you forget your stress and have fun.
Have An Ugly Sweater Party With Friends
Another great stress-relieving activity you could try this holiday is arranging a party where everyone wears an ugly sweater. This can be an excellent holiday idea as everyone is in a celebration mood. You can do it with friends or family members. If you’re struggling with a family who doesn’t invite you or your senior to their holiday gatherings, you could plan your own fun parties where people can laugh and have a great time together with the senior.
Bake with Family
If you’re a baking enthusiast, the holidays are the best times to try new recipes that your older adult can try. You can even bake together as a family or with your senior to make the activity more fun. This helps strengthen your bond with the senior, especially if you’re there to provide companionship.
Accept Help
If family members offer a helping hand, accept their offer and let them do it without interference. If you work as a live-in caregiver in Miami-Dade, you probably don’t have much resting time, which can easily affect your physical and mental health. You’re also likely to feel fatigued during the holiday season. The senior’s family will likely visit and offer to take care of the senior so you can rest and take a break. If they offer, accept, and go out, get that mental break.
Are You Looking for a Caregiver in Miami-Dade?
If you have been diligently taking care of a senior loved one and need some help this holiday, reach out to Advancare to hire a caregiver to continue from where we started. Our caregivers offer professional and compassionate care to ensure seniors are happy, healthy, and comfortable. Contact us today.
How to Choose a Safe Sunscreen This Summer for the Elderly in Miami
Posted by Scott Cantin in caregiving tips | 0 comments

The summer season is an excellent time for senior adults to spend most of their time outdoors with families. Taking a few trips to the beach, playing baseball games, inviting friends over for a barbecue and other outdoor activities can benefit a senior’s mental and physical health. However, with fun comes the risk of sunburns or sun poisoning. Learn how to choose a safe sunscreen for seniors.
Seniors with fragile skin need safe sunscreen to protect them from harmful UV rays. If you’re preparing to spend most of your time out in the sun, Advancare recommends carrying a bottle of sunscreen and applying after every three hours or as necessary. If you have a caregiver taking you around, they can pack the sunscreen and help you apply it throughout the day to protect your skin from sunburns.
Sunscreen Tips for Seniors
According to the CDC, less than half of older adults protect their skin after being outside for more than an hour on a sunny day which increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Sunscreen can be a reliable product if used properly. That means you need to know how to use it effectively to get the most out of it. Here are a few tips to guide you.
Choose a Sunscreen for Seniors With Broad-Spectrum Protection
The sun emits UVB and UVA rays. The UVB rays cause sunburn, while the UVA rays are responsible for premature aging. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect you from both types of UV rays.
Use a Sunscreen With SPF 30 or Higher
The Skin Protection Factor (SPF) is the number indicating the ability to block UVB rays. The most recommended type is sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and above.
Apply Generously and Regularly
It may seem tedious to keep applying sunscreen on your skin every few hours. However, if you plan to be out for more than an hour, it’s essential to carry your sunscreen with you. Our caregivers at Advancare can help you keep up with this routine to protect your skin from sunburn or further damage.
Use Different Sunscreen Formats
While they all have the same purpose, using creams, sprays, gels, lotions can help you apply faster, especially if you’re in the sun for too long. Sprays and creams can cover larger surface areas and hard-to-reach areas such as the legs, back and arms.
Follow the Directions on the Bottle
The sunscreen producers often recommend generous applications for the best results. It’s essential to follow these instructions for maximum protection.
The Facts About Skin Health
Here are a few facts about skin health we thought you should know:
- Staying in the shade and covering your skin from head to toe offer the best protection from UV rays.
- Water-resistant doesn’t always mean waterproof. The FDA recommends applying sunscreen every two hours if you’re swimming or sweating.
- Your skin is home to more than 1,000 species of bacteria.
- Severely damaged skin can try to heal itself by forming scar tissue which is different from normal skin tissue as it lacks sweat glands and hair.
- Changes in your skin health signal changes in your overall health.
Need Home Care Services? Talk To Us!
At Advancare, we understand that handling certain activities like bathing, grooming or simply applying sunscreen on your skin before heading out this summer can take a toll on your body. That’s why we ensure that you find reliable, qualified, compassionate and caring caregivers to help you stay safe, healthy and happy. Contact us to learn more about our services.
Heat Safety for Senior Citizens in Miami
Posted by Scott Cantin in caregiving tips, Senior Care | 0 comments

While the summer brings warmth and bloom, the heat can be dangerous. Too much heat is not safe for anyone, and it’s even riskier for seniors or people with health complications. As a senior adult or caregiver, it’s important to be proactive and take precautions to avoid exposing yourself or your older adult to excessive heat. Exposing your skin to the sun can cause sunburn or lead to the development of skin cancer. At Advancare, we recommend seeking help if you’re having difficulty coping with the hot weather. Our caregivers can help provide preventive care and get you the help you need to stay healthy, productive, and happy.
Why Does Heat Affect the Elderly More?
The elderly are more vulnerable to heat for many reasons. Here are some of them:
- Senior adults sweat less, which means they have difficulty cooling their bodies.
- Most seniors have underlying health conditions that make them more vulnerable to heat damage.
- Some medications they take can impact their fluid intake and cause dehydration.
- Seniors are not likely to hydrate as they lack the urge to drink.
- Seniors who struggle with memory loss may not remember to drink water.
Heat Safety for Senior Citizens in Miami
Here are a few tips to help your senior loved one stay safe in the hot weather.
Drink Water
This may sound too obvious, but unfortunately, many senior adults don’t take as much water as their bodies need. That means they are at a higher risk of dehydration. Seniors with Dementia may not be able to communicate their dehydration symptoms clearly, which can be dangerous for their health. Staying hydrated means taking plenty of water and liquids such as vegetable and fruit juices, milk, and soups.
Eat Refreshing and Hydrating Foods
A healthy diet is essential for the overall health of a senior adult. Make sure they eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Purchase fruits and vegetables in season and maximize using them in fresh juices, salads, puddings, and snack recipes. Fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, cherries, and watermelons provide the body with plenty of fluids and nutrients.
Wear Light Clothes
Natural fabrics like cotton are excellent materials for summer wear as they absorb sweat, keeping your body cool and dry. Choose bright colors such as whites to reflect heat and wear sunscreen when wearing shorts, t-shirts, and other wearables that expose your skin. Choose loose, light clothes to keep your body cool.
Use Fans If No Air-Conditioning is Available
The indoors can be particularly hot during the summer. To keep the indoor spaces cooler, use an air conditioner. If you don’t have or prefer to turn it on at specific times to save on energy bills, use fans to rotate the air and keep yourself cool. There are many ways of keeping your indoor space cooler, such as closing the windows during the day, cooking outside, using light-colored curtains, and many others.
Exercise With Caution
Avoid exercising or doing activities outdoors when it is hot. If you want to work in the garden, exercise, take your dog for a walk or clean your driveway, do them early in the morning or late in the evening. This way, you can keep the harmful rays of the sun off your skin and enjoy working at a relatively comfortable temperature.
Need in-home care services in Miami Dade County? Advancare can help you find reliable, compassionate, and experienced caregivers for your homecare needs. To learn how we can help, feel free to contact us!
Ways to Support Elderly Friends and Family in Miami During COVID
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Keeping older adults and other vulnerable populations safe during the tough COVID times can be daunting and stressful. Apart from the deadly virus, you have to worry about their mental health, which can easily be affected when they drift into social isolation. That’s why you need to know how to protect and keep them safe, healthy, and safe.
One of the best ways you can do this is by getting a caregiver to help them in their daily tasks and activities. If you live in Miami-Dade or the surrounding areas, you can reach out to us at Advancare for highly skilled caregivers with experience to handle your seniors with care, compassion, and respect.
Ways Caregivers Can Help Seniors Stay Safe
Thankfully, there is so much you can do to keep your senior safe and comfortable. If you don’t have family members to take care of them, you can always seek the help of a caregiver. Most seniors prefer to stay in their homes rather than live with family members. During the COVID period, it’s essential to have someone they can rely on to check and look after them. Caregivers can provide home care services for your senior adult, such as housekeeping, running errands, and taking them for doctor’s visits. Here are tips to keep them safe.
Plan Ahead
Each senior is different. Some require the help of caregivers; others prefer to be independent, while others prefer to keep to themselves. Planning ahead allows you to prepare by discussing with the senior about your options. If they prefer to live in their home,consider making a few changes in the home to provide more comfort, safety and security.
Our caregivers can help with duties like light housekeeping to ensure they stay in a clean, healthy environment.
Communication is Key
Seniors can easily drift into social isolation, which increases the chances of developing Dementia and other age-related mental illnesses. The best way to keep them socially active is to ensure they have someone or people to interact with. Apart from staying in touch with them, you can get a caregiver to keep them company and ensure they’re safe.
Schedule Virtual Visits Whenever Possible
Technology today allows us to get in touch with families through video calls. Teach your senior adult how to set up a video call on their computer or smartphones. There are apps for seniors with hearing problems. Virtual visits such as Skype calls and facetime are excellent ways of connecting with your senior loved one during the pandemic while protecting them from COVID-19.
Find Activities that Keep Them Engaged
Physical activities such as walking, playing with pets, dancing, playing board games, reading, and watching their favorite shows are excellent ways to keep your senior loved one engaged. Such activities help eliminate boredom and improve the overall quality of life. Encourage your loved one to keep themselves busy at home while maintaining safety precautions. Let them try their favorite recipes, learn to play the piano, check their favorite songs and sing along or take those online art classes.
Remember the Importance of Preventative Care
Wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, and keeping their hands and surfaces clean can help prevent COVID and promote general health. Make sure they eat healthy foods, drink lots of water, get plenty of sunshine, bathe and groom and live in a clean environment.
If you need help doing all these, our caregivers at Advancare can help with these duties. We’re committed to providing compassionate in-home care services to families in Miami-Dade to help our clients stay as independent as possible. Call us today and make Advancare your home care agency of choice.