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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.
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.
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!
Leisure Activities for Seniors with Limited Mobility
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, Senior Care, Senior Health | 0 comments
As we grow older, it’s crucial to maintain an active and fulfilling life. However, for seniors dealing with limited mobility, finding accessible and enjoyable leisure activities can be a challenge. In the United States, where a substantial portion of the population is aging, the demand for such options is on the rise. In this article, we’ll explore some accessible leisure activities tailored to seniors with limited mobility.
1. Chair Yoga and Gentle Stretching
Staying physically active is vital for seniors, even those with limited mobility. Chair yoga and gentle stretching classes are gaining popularity nationwide and can be especially beneficial for seniors. These activities focus on promoting flexibility, balance, and relaxation, all while being gentle on the joints. South Florida’s year-round mild climate is ideal for exploring outdoor options like water aerobics and pool exercises, which can be easily adjusted to suit seniors with limited mobility.
2. Art and Craft Workshops
Art and craft workshops have become increasingly popular among seniors for good reasons. They offer an excellent creative outlet that can be adapted to different mobility levels. Whether it’s painting, pottery, or knitting, these activities allow seniors to express themselves while enjoying the process. South Florida provides a variety of options, with art and craft workshops available in community centers, senior centers, and private studios.
3. Virtual Travel Adventures
For seniors who can’t travel due to limited mobility, virtual travel adventures are a fantastic alternative. Thanks to technology, they can explore the world from the comfort of their homes. Virtual tours of famous landmarks, cultural exhibitions, and online cooking classes from around the world are easily accessible, offering an exciting and educational way to spend leisure time.
4. Puzzle Games and Brain Teasers
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity, and there are plenty of options for seniors with limited mobility. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and brain-training games can help keep the mind sharp. Many online platforms offer these games, making them accessible to seniors in South Florida and beyond.
5. Gardening and Indoor Plants
Gardening can be a therapeutic and rewarding leisure activity for seniors. Even with limited mobility, individuals can enjoy gardening by caring for indoor plants or creating container gardens. South Florida’s mild climate allows for year-round outdoor gardening, and seniors can enlist assistance or participate in community garden programs.
6. Book Clubs and Senior Social Groups
Reading provides an excellent way to escape into different worlds and engage the mind. Seniors can join book clubs, both in-person and virtually, where they can discuss their favorite books and connect with others who share their interests. Social groups for seniors in South Florida offer an opportunity to make new friends and stay socially engaged.
7. Music and Dance
Music and dance are fantastic ways to uplift spirits and stay active, even with limited mobility. Seniors can attend live music performances or join dance classes tailored to their needs, often available at community centers and senior centers in South Florida.
Seniors with limited mobility should not miss out on the joy of leisure activities. Whether through physical exercise, creative pursuits, virtual adventures, or mental stimulation, there are numerous options to stay engaged and lead a fulfilling life. South Florida’s climate offers a unique advantage, providing opportunities for outdoor activities all year round.
If you or your loved ones are seeking assistance and support to participate in these activities, consider in-home care services from Advancare. Their dedicated team can help seniors in South Florida make the most of their leisure time while ensuring safety and well-being. Stay active, stay engaged, and enjoy a fulfilling life, even with limited mobility. Contact us for more information.
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!
How to Modify Your Home for Aging in Place
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, home care, Senior Care | 0 comments
It is common to want to stay in your home for as long as possible, even as age catches up with you. For most seniors in the country, the comfort of being in their lifelong house and independence are huge priorities. However, as you get older, your needs will keep changing. Therefore, you have to start thinking about how to modify your home to age with you.
You may not have to renovate everything, but there are a number of crucial changes that will ensure you age in place comfortably. You should also have to start looking into caregiver services Miami, so you can get all the assistance you need at home.
Below are the top ways to adapt your home for aging in place:
Widen the Doorways
Having wide doorways is essential for wheelchair or walker access. Consider making the doorways 34–36 inches to ensure an easy burden down the road should you require mobility aids.
Install Ramps
When you have balance issues in your old age or are unsteady, exterior stairs could be challenging. This is why it makes sense to have ramps on the entry. Ramps also make it easier to get into and out of the house using a wheelchair.
Modify the Kitchen
As you age, you may find that your cabinetry and countertops are too high and that your appliances are no longer in their ideal locations. A kitchen renovation is necessary to build lower cabinets or remove shelves to make your items easier to reach. A wider space in the kitchen could also make it more wheelchair-accessible.
Update Lighting
When it comes to lighting, brighter is better. Poor lighting is a safety hazard as it is easy to trip and fall. Therefore, ensure you have brighter bulbs or other light sources within the house to ensure you can see everything as you move around. It would help to widen your windows or install a glass door to ensure as much natural light as possible gets in during the day. A fresh coat of bright paint could also help.
Modify the Bathroom and Shower
If you have a bathtub, Caregiver Services Miami recommends you replace it with a walk-in shower. This way, walking in and out of the bathroom will be easier and much safer. If you cannot replace the bathtub, add a safety bar or install safety strips to help curb slips and falls.
Consider Installing Assistive Technology
Assistive technology has made many homes livable for seniors without making too many permanent modifications. Some of the technological tools you could install include:
- Smart-home devices. Google Home, Amazon Echo, and other voice-controlled home technologies can assist you in automatically controlling things like lighting, calls, reminders for appointments and medications, and grocery ordering. A smart doorbell connected to Alexa can also help you with two-way conversations and video monitoring.
- Medical alert systems. A medical alert system can help to monitor your condition and reach out to preset emergency contacts and senior care Miami services quickly. These alarm systems are available as wearable devices, such as bracelets and necklaces, or as easy-to-use smartphone apps.
- Stairlift. If you have a multi-level home, staircases could cause you plenty of anxiety as a senior. However, with a stairlift, you can move to and from the top layers of your home with minimal stress.
Experience Stress-Free Aging at Home With Caregiver Services Miami
Staying in your own home during your old age ensures you are not disconnected from the things you love about your family and neighborhood. However, you will need help to live comfortably. At Advancare, we are ready to provide you with personalized in-home care services Miami, ensuring that you get on with your daily activities seamlessly. Contact us today to learn more about our affordable home care assistance.
Financial Planning and Management for Seniors
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, home care, Senior Care | 0 comments
After spending most of your life working and saving, you may imagine it’s finally time to take a break during your senior years. Well, you are right, but there’s one catch – you have to plan your finances early on. Otherwise, you may put yourself and your family under a lot of pressure. Caregiver services Miami often encounter many unprepared families dealing with senior living, healthcare, and asset management complexities.
Therefore, you must prioritize financial and legal matters to make the most out of your senior years. Before you start, consult a financial planner who understands your situation and can assist you in navigating the complexities of government benefits, taxes, investments, and pensions.
As you decide on how best to spend your golden years, here are five financial planning tips to consider:
Optimize Your Benefits
There are plenty of policies and benefits available in the U.S. that you can use to fund your caregiver services Miami. Examples include long-term care insurance (LTC), private insurance, assisted living or memory care, and veterans’ benefits.
Whatever your options, ensure you have an optimized plan that allows you to get the best care possible. However, you should remember that because Medicare does not cover most senior living options, you may require LTC insurance or private pay.
Plan For Housing and Healthcare, and Have an Updated Estate Plan
As you assess your assets and personal finance goals, factor in the potential costs of at-home care or retirement living. You may find it wiser to sell your home or some of your properties and downsize to offset these future costs.
As you make a plan for the properties you own, ensure that you have updated estate plans, will, and asset titling. This is important during significant changes, such as when you acquire new properties or there are legislative changes.
Consider Your Future Decisions
As you age, there may be a time when you will no longer have the physical or mental capacity to manage your money and assets. This is why you should appoint a financial power of attorney. You must also consider various forms of life insurance to cover any debts or financially assist your family. Knowing you can still provide and protect your loved ones even after you are gone will give you peace of mind.
Keep an Eye Out for Fraudsters
The FBI states that most identity theft, data breaches, and other financial scams primarily target senior Americans. This is because seniors tend to be more trusting, and most are likely to have financial savings, good credit, and one or several properties. The best way to protect yourself is to safeguard your sensitive personal and credit card information and stay in the know.
Invest in Your Well-being
You obviously feel obligated to support your family financially, whether in the form of inheritance or gifts. However, don’t forget to live a full and healthy life. Determine what you want to set aside for your loved ones and what to allocate to your senior care Miami and lifestyle. At the end of the day, life is for the living, and a great plan should balance all your needs.
Peace of Mind During Retirement With Caregiver Services Miami
It is normal to want to stay in an environment you are familiar with during your senior years. The good news is that you can do so without overburdening your loved ones. Advancare offers the best in-home care services Miami and is ready to support you when that time comes. Contact us today to learn more about our personalized and affordable senior care services.
