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Types of Home Health Care Services in Miami
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, home care, Senior Care | 0 comments
The range of services that a senior can receive in their Miami home is practically limitless. Whether you’re looking for home nursing care, home doctor care, or something else, there is likely a home care agency or individual caregiver that provides it. The types of home care for the elderly can include any professional service that allows a person to age safely in the comfort of their home. It can be necessary for seniors who need assistance with living independently, who are recovering from a medical setback, or who have physical disabilities.
At Advancare, our Miami in-home senior caregivers provide a broad range of services to elderly clients. Here are some of the different home health care services that you can find in Miami.
Home Health Care Services
When searching for the best home care agencies, Miami families will likely come across some variation of the following types of services.
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Nursing Care
One of the most common types of senior home health care is nursing care. This includes a registered nurse setting up a care plan for the senior. Nursing care can include wound dressing, ostomy care, intravenous therapy, and monitoring the general health of the patient.
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Physical, Occupational, and/or Speech Therapy
Some seniors may need assistance relearning how to perform daily duties or improve their speech after an illness or injury. A physical therapist can put together a plan to help the senior regain the use of their muscles.
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Medical Social Services
Medical social workers perform a variety of different services to the patient, such as counseling and locating community resources to help the patient in his or her recovery.
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Care From Home Health Aides
Home health aides assist the patient with his or her own basic personal needs, like getting out of bed, bathing, walking, and dressing.
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Homemaker or Basic Assistance Care
When the patient is being medically cared for in their home by a doctor or a nurse, a homemaker or basic care aide will assist with tasks such as cleaning and running errands.
How to Choose What’s Right For You in Miami
With all the different home care options available, it can be difficult to choose the right one for you and your family. Here are some factors to consider when making the decision.
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Medical Conditions
Does your senior have physical or mental disabilities? An in-home caregiver can assist with Alzheimer’s or dementia care, but they cannot provide specialized medical care.
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Family/Support System
Close family members are often the first line of home care services, but they can easily become overwhelmed with duties. Hiring an in-home caregiver to visit a couple of times per week can take some of the load off.
Next Steps Once You Find the Right Home Care Agency in Miami
Once you have found the right in-home care agency in Miami, the next step is to contact them and make sure that they can provide the types of services that your senior requires.
Call Now for a Free Consultation
If Advancare has the Miami in-home senior care services that you’re seeking, call our team of caregivers for a free consultation. Reach out at 305-441-9794.
Managing Chronic Pain: Tips for Improving Daily Life
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, Senior Care, Senior Health | 0 comments
Many Americans live with chronic pain daily, and the impact that it can have on their daily life can be exhausting. Once someone has been diagnosed with chronic pain, the next step is determining how to move forward.
What is Chronic Pain?
The term chronic pain refers to steady pains that are mild or severe and last for months beyond a healing period. Most of those who suffer from chronic pain undergo a series of labs and exams only to find that there isn’t a single root cause to the problem.
According to the CDC, over 50 million adults in the United States suffer from chronic pain, and approximately ten percent are 65 and older. This is a large number in the senior citizen community, which means changes are needed to help manage the pain.
Ways to Manage Chronic Pain
If you or someone you know is suffering from chronic pain, there are a few different ways they can begin managing this pain to improve their life quality.
- Healthy Diet
- Exercise
- Stop Smoking
- Meditation and Sleep
- At-home Treatments
Healthy Diet
While this may sound cliche, having a diet full of nutrients, fiber, and protein your body needs is essential. All these different things help with inflammation in the joints and muscles, reducing the pain that you may have. A good diet can also keep it from worsening since some foods are known to be irritants. If you notice that your pain worsens after eating certain foods, you must avoid them.
Exercise
Although it may not sound the best idea, you should get your body moving. The more you move, the more the different systems in your body can start working properly. These exercises do not have to be strenuous. Having some light cardio and stretching daily will allow you to see the difference in just a matter of weeks.
Stop Smoking
Just over eight percent of senior citizens today are steady smokers. It is common knowledge that smoking is bad for you and is no better for those with chronic pain. The nicotine that is inhaled has a direct effect on the blood flow to the body. If you or someone you know is experiencing chronic pain, it can only worsen it. When the blood cannot flow properly throughout the body, it cannot stop or fight pain.
Meditation and Sleep Habits
Keeping your brain healthy is important if you are suffering from chronic pain. By embracing meditation regularly, you can learn to focus and cope with the pain that you are experiencing. Give your mind a chance to relax so that it can reset and focus on the positives in your life.
Getting enough sleep is also important, as it allows the body to rest the same way meditation rests the mind. When your body is rested, your chronic pain may be reduced significantly. You can get moving more with exercise and some of the at-home treatments.
At-Home Treatments
Once you have adopted the practices above, getting additional assistance with physical therapy and prescription medication may be a good idea. Embracing physical therapy several times a week can teach you the right movements to help isolate the pain. Physical therapy is a great way to reduce your pain, especially if you must resume returning to work and other responsibilities.
If the pain is significantly worse, or all the other options are not helping as much, your doctor may prescribe you some pain medication that you can take at home as another treatment option. Pain management is not meant to use these drugs as the primary treatment, but on days when the pain is unbearable and nothing seems to be helping.
Let Advancare Assist You Today
if you are in the South Florida area and need assistance from a certified caregiver, contact us at Advancare today. We are happy to discuss the different services we offer our patients regularly.
Strategies for Better Sleep Quality in Seniors
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments
Getting the right amount of sleep at night can make a huge difference in overall quality of life. Unfortunately, elderly individuals can struggle with high-quality sleep for a number of reasons, including underlying medical conditions, medications, and struggles with depression and anxiety, which can cause sleep challenges.
Fortunately, there are several strategies seniors can use to improve sleep quality.
1. Identify possible health challenges.
Many conditions, including sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome, can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. If you or a senior loved one have been struggling to get a good night’s sleep, consult with a doctor to rule out any health problems that could be contributing to insomnia or low-quality sleep. Treating those conditions can transform your ability to get a good night’s sleep and leave you feeling better rested.
2. Review medication side effects.
Many common medications can interfere with sleep or cause changes to your basic sleep cycle. Take a look at common side effects for all of your medications and make sure that insomnia is not a known side effect. Remember not to make any changes to your medications without consulting your doctor!
3. Set a consistent sleep schedule.
Often, a disrupted sleep schedule will make it difficult for you to fall asleep at night. If you regularly stay up late, only to switch your schedule and try to fall asleep early the next day, you may find it much more difficult to get that much-needed rest. Instead, try waking up around the same time each day and going to sleep around the same time each night. If you do need to shift your sleep schedule, try easing it to a new time gradually, rather than trying to jump in all at once.
4. Create a relaxing sleeping space.
Set your room to your ideal temperature, invest in a comfortable mattress, and choose bedding that suits your needs. If you struggle with long days or daylight that extends past the hours when you would prefer to sleep, especially in the summer, try adding blackout curtains. You may also want to try:
- Changing the temperature of your room to suit your specific sleeping needs. Ideal temperatures for seniors tend to range between 65 and 78. Experiment to find your perfect temperature.
- Putting in a diffuser that sends out relaxing scents through the night. Lavender is a popular choice.
- Installing a noise machine that makes white noise or that plays soft music while you try to fall asleep.
Keep in mind that the things that relax one person may prove less relaxing for others, so you may need to experiment to find the right combination for your needs.
5. Design a relaxing bedtime routine.
Winding down at the end of the evening is critical to helping you fall asleep smoothly. You may already know that avoiding the blue light from devices, including turning off your TV and setting your phone to the side, can help you fall asleep more easily. You may also want to try strategies like taking a warm, relaxing bath, taking time to read something soothing and relaxing in the evening, or taking some time to engage in an evening ritual, like a warm mug of your favorite decaf tea. If necessary, have a caregiver help you with your evening routine.
Do You Need More Help at Home?
Some seniors may struggle to fall asleep at night due to stress or fears. Whether you need a caregiver to sit with you overnight to help ensure that you have someone on hand if you need them or you need someone to help you relax and get ready for bed at night, Advancare can help. Contact us today to learn more about the support we can provide.
Protecting Your Future with Long-Term Care Insurance
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, home care, Senior Care | 0 comments
The Top Benefits of Having a Long-Term Care Insurance
In a world where uncertainties loom and the future remains unpredictable, planning for all aspects of our lives is essential, including the possibility of requiring long-term care. As we age, the likelihood of needing assistance with daily activities increases, leaving many individuals and their families grappling with difficult decisions and financial burdens.
However, the proactive decision to secure long-term care insurance offers a ray of hope amidst the challenges that may lie ahead. In this guide, we will delve into the benefits of long-term insurance to policyholders.
Whether you are planning for your own future or seeking solutions for a loved one, this exploration will equip you with the knowledge and understanding necessary to make informed decisions and embrace the security and reassurance that long-term care insurance provides.
What Is Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance is an insurance coverage designed to provide financial protection and support for individuals who require extended care services. It specifically focuses on covering the costs associated with long-term care, which is typically not covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.
Long-term care refers to a range of services and support that people may need when they have difficulty performing everyday activities independently due to aging, chronic illness, disability, or cognitive impairment. This can include assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, mobility, supervision, and medical care.
Benefits of Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance offers a multitude of benefits for individuals and their families. Here are some key advantages of having long-term care insurance:
Financial Security
Long-term care can be expensive, and the costs can quickly deplete savings and assets. Long-term care insurance provides financial protection by covering a significant portion of the expenses associated with extended care services. This helps safeguard retirement savings and prevents individuals and their families from facing financial hardship or selling assets to cover care costs.
Access to Quality Care
Long-term care insurance often includes access to a network of trusted care providers. This means policyholders can access high-quality care in-home care Miami from reputable professionals who meet the insurer’s standards. It ensures that individuals receive the necessary care and support from trained and experienced professionals, leading to better outcomes and improved well-being.
Tax Benefits
Long-term care insurance can offer certain tax benefits to policyholders. Some federal and state tax codes let you itemize long-term care insurance policies that meet specific criteria as medical expenses, which are tax deductible. Premiums paid for tax-qualified policies may be eligible for certain tax deductions.
According to the American Association for Long-Term Insurance, the limits for deductible premiums increase as you age. For policyholders aged 51 to 60, the maximum deductible premium is $1,790, while for individuals aged 61 to 70, the amount increases to $4,770. The maximum deductible premium for policyholders aged 71 and over is $5,960.
Preservation of Independence
Long-term care insurance promotes independence and autonomy. By having coverage in place, individuals can receive the necessary care and support to continue living in their preferred environment, whether that be at home or in a community setting. This preserves their independence and allows them to maintain their daily routines and cherished relationships.
Professional Caregiver Services Miami
Long-term care is an insurmountable expense, but with the right policy, it can help relieve the financial burden significantly and offers a sense of relief for you and your loved ones. If you are looking for caregiver services Miami, look no further than Advancare.
Advancare understands the desire to age gracefully in the familiar comforts of home. Our comprehensive home care services offer the ideal solution for individuals facing illness or chronic conditions that require extra support.
With a team of experienced caregivers, we are dedicated to enhancing your quality of life by providing compassionate, personalized care in the sanctuary of your own home. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved ones navigate the later years of life.
Understanding Age-Related Vision and Hearing Changes
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, home care, Senior Health | 0 comments
Why We Get Vision and Hearing Changes While Aging and How to Prevent Them
Vision and hearing play an integral role in our daily experiences, connecting us with the vibrant tapestry of the world around us. However, as time passes, these senses undergo transformations that can significantly impact our perception of the world and overall quality of life. In this guide, we will explore the intricacies of these senses and the symptoms and warning signs that they are compromised.
What Happens to Our Eyes as We Age?
Age-related changes in our eyes can manifest in various ways. For example, exposure to ultraviolet light in one’s lifetime can cause the whites of the eyes to undergo yellowing or browning due to fatty or cholesterol deposits in the conjunctiva, the eye’s protective membrane. Additionally, the conjunctiva may thin over time, leading to dry eye as tear production and mucous secretion decrease.
Muscle strength naturally declines with age, including the muscles in our eyelids. This weakening, along with the stiffening of the natural lens, contributes to presbyopia- the inability of the eye to focus on close-by objects.
What Happens to Our Ears as We Age?
Presbycusis is a common type of age-related hearing loss. Several changes occur in the ears as we age. For instance, the outer ears tend to enlarge, making them appear bigger. Earwax accumulation becomes more common, and there is an increase in cartilage within the external ear canal.
Furthermore, the eardrum tends to become stiffer, and alterations in the neural (nerve) system occur. These changes can contribute to hearing loss in older individuals and may lead to central auditory processing disorders, which affect the ear’s ability to effectively process sounds.
Warning Signs and Symptoms
Vision Loss
Here are some common symptoms and warning signs of vision loss associated with old age:
- Objects may appear blurry or less clear, affecting both near and distant vision
- Difficulty seeing in low light
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Decreased color perception
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Increased eye floaters
- Need for brighter lighting
Hearing Loss
Here are some common signs that may indicate hearing loss in older individuals:
- Struggling to follow conversations, especially when multiple people are speaking simultaneously
- Frequent requests for repetition during conversations
- Turning up the volume
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds such as alarms or birds chirping
- Fatigue or increased stress during conversations
- Needing visual cues such as gestures for understanding
How to Aid Vision and Hearing Loss in Senior Adults
There are various strategies and interventions that can significantly help aid vision and hearing loss in elderly adults. Here are some approaches to consider:
Vision Loss
- Regular eye examinations to determine the need for glasses or contact lenses to address refractive errors
- Using magnifiers, reading glasses, or handheld magnifying lenses to assist with reading small print, labels, or other detailed tasks
- Ensuring adequate lighting in the living environment to enhance visibility and reduce eye strain
- Removing clutter in the home to minimize the possibility of falls
- Using electronic devices such as tablets or smartphones that offer accessibility features like adjustable font sizes, text-to-speech capabilities, and high-contrast display modes
Hearing Loss
- Consulting an audiologist to determine the need for hearing aids
- Getting assistive listening devices such as personal amplifiers to enhance hearing in specific situations, such as conversations
- Utilizing closed captioning or subtitles on televisions, movies, and online videos to aid in understanding dialogue or audio content
- Practicing effective communication strategies such as maintaining eye contact, facing the individual when speaking, speaking clearly and at a moderate pace, and minimizing background noise during conversations
- Encouraging participation in support groups or counseling services specifically tailored to individuals with hearing loss
Caregiver Services Miami
Aging is an inevitable aspect of life, and while blissful, it usually brings about various complications. Hearing and vision loss are common age-related changes that can significantly impact the quality of life for older adults. As we age, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of these sensory impairments in order to seek early intervention and appropriate support.
At Advancare, we understand the importance of maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for our clients. Our team of compassionate caregivers is dedicated to providing personalized senior care Miami. Our goal is to enhance your quality of life and provide peace of mind to both you and your family. Contact us today for in-home care Miami for you or your loved one.
Expert Strategies for Seniors in Miami to Tackle Anxiety
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments
According to the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, 10-20 percent of older adults are affected by anxiety disorders. In most cases, it is often undiagnosed. Senior helpers in Miami-Dade bring you a detailed breakdown of types of anxiety disorders, signs and symptoms, their causes, and how to help seniors manage the stress menace.
What is an anxiety disorder?
Anxiety disorder is an excessive and persistent worry that interferes with typical body performance and how seniors perform their daily activities. The ongoing tension and fear differ from usual concerns.
Types of Anxiety Disorders in Seniors
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder: GAD is the most common anxiety among seniors. Seniors struggling with GAD constantly worry about any situation. They mostly feel on the edge and experience tension and lack emotional control.
- Social anxiety disorder: Most seniors with this type of anxiety feel highly nervous when involved with others. They fear being judged by others, or they might do something that can embarrass themselves. They avoid social situations or be unable to maintain or make new friends.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Seniors in Miami-Dade who struggle with OCD experience recurring unwanted thoughts or compulsions. They try to create a sense of control by performing some actions repeatedly, for example, counting the number of tiles. They might also experience intrusive thoughts like being involved in an accident.
- Phobia: This disorder is characterized by an extreme, debilitating fear of things that do not pose any significant fear. It makes seniors avoid specific situations or objects. These phobias include agoraphobia (fear of the outside world), heights, driving, dental procedures, insects, and thunderstorms.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
The distinct symptoms of anxiety in seniors include:
- Constant fear and panic
- Obsessive thoughts
- Trouble with focus and memory
- Restlessness
- Nightmares
- Insomnia
- Ritualistic actions (for example, repeated handwashing)
These symptoms are associated with physical signs such as:
- Heart palpitation
- Hot flashes
- Trembling
- Chronic headaches
- Nausea
- Excessive sweating
- Sweaty hands
- Frequent urination
- Dry mouth
- Short breath
These signs and symptoms affect seniors’ quality of life and daily activities.
Causes of Anxiety Disorder in Seniors
Anxiety is not caused by something specific. Environmental triggers and situations combined change constant fears to excessive anxiety. These are the common risk factors that may lead to anxiety in seniors:
- Limited physical mobility
- Traumatic life events such as the death of a spouse
- Financial insecurity
- Insomnia
- Chronic health conditions
- Childhood trauma
- Abuse of drugs and medications
- Side effects of some prescription drugs
How can Seniors in Miami-Dade Manage Anxiety
Seeking medication should be the priority in case of adverse symptoms. This is if they exceed typical daily worries. However, these practices make seniors in Miami-Dade avoid and manage anxiety:
- Talking it out: A problem shared is a problem half solved. Share your experiences and feelings with others in-person or on online platforms. You can talk to family members, trusted friends or spiritual leaders. They will make you feel less anxious.
- Manage stress in a personal capacity: Sometimes, all you need to relieve stress is some quiet time with yourself. Activities such as yoga, deep breathing, and meditation reduce some physical signs of anxiety and keep you relaxed.
- Get enough sleep: A study by the University of California, Berkeley, showed that insufficient sleep contributes to a 30 percent rise in anxiety levels. Seniors should get 7 to 9 hours of continuous sleep per night.
- Avoid Stimulants: Some substances trigger an anxiety disorder in seniors. They include nicotine, caffeine, some herbal supplements, and alcohol. Avoid these stimulants, or consider taking smaller portions.
Get Professional Senior Home Care in Miami
Sometimes you or your loved one need a professional helper to make life more bearable. Advancare is a premier senior home care services provider in Miami-Dade. We help show you and your loved ones the care they deserve. Contact us to schedule a free evaluation.
Greater Meaning and Life Purpose With Caregiver Services in Miami
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, Fun activities for seniors, Senior Health | 0 comments
Maintaining a perspective that every moment holds an opportunity for greater meaning and purpose is crucial. As we age, we may realize that life’s inherent meaningfulness can grow even larger. It’s also important to engage in pleasantly stimulating, even challenging activities to find limitless satisfaction in our daily lives.
Five Ways to Find Greater Life Satisfaction in One’s Senior Years
With the help of caregiver services, Miami’s elderly population should strive to embrace the joys that life has to offer. By entrusting their essential life routines to capable hands, seniors and their loved ones can enjoy more quality time together.
Over time, our Miami caregivers have learned that the following ageless tips are surefire ways to nurture a greater sense of life passion. “Amor fati” (or love of fate), as the ancients were fond of saying.
- Prioritize Fitness
Better physical conditioning is the path to more feel-good endorphins, guaranteed to make colors seem brighter, and satisfaction feel that much deeper. If a sense of passion seems lacking, trust us; do some loose-fitting attire, then gently move, stretch, lift, or otherwise challenge one’s body to almost immediately improve one’s outlook on life. - Get in Touch With Your Deepest Inner You
To truly feel proud of who you are, it’s essential to nurture the things that make you unique. Take a trip down memory lane by looking through old scrapbooks and memorabilia of your past victories. Don’t be afraid to bask in your own inner glory! By doing so, you’ll feel even more meaningful and accomplished when you implement the next tip. - Strengthen Alliances
For good reason, it’s said almost to the point of cliché. Strengthening positive social bonds, by any measure, is absolutely essential to enjoying life, improving health, and taking it all in with deeper interest. According to one ancient philosopher, we’re advised to consider the world deeply, and consider ourselves lightly. Truly, the quickest way to refresh our perspective is to regularly meet with those we value and respect, then allow them to honor us with their own experience. - Express Gratitude
You can use a gratitude journal, or just write letters to friends and loved ones. You can even give a genuine and heartfelt compliment. It’s remarkable how quickly appreciation for our external environment reflects back to us, there’s absolutely no drawback in doing so. - Enjoy the Sun
The Miami area has almost year-round perfect weather, offering locals the opportunity to bask in outdoor bliss more often than not. While we may not always wake up feeling our best, making time to spend outdoors consistently can help improve our mood and outlook.
Securing More Time for the Things That Matter Most
There’s no greater way to enhance the meaning of one’s golden years than to secure quality time and pursue what’s most meaningful in life. If you or a loved one are thinking of caregiver services in Miami and its surroundings, Advancare is here for you. Reach out, and inquire about our services to learn if in-home senior care is right for you and your family.
Simple Steps to Prevent Elderly Falls in Miami-Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, Senior Care | 0 comments
Elderly falls are a massive threat to the safety, health, and independence of senior adults. Despite this huge risk, older adults above 65 are more susceptible to falls than any other age group. Medication, weak muscles, and poor balance and posture are the primary causes of falls in seniors. Sometimes, hazards like loose rugs, clutter, and poor lighting lead to falls. If you’re worried about your senior adult falling and getting injured or worsening an existing condition, you can trust our caregivers at Advancare to give your loved one the support and care they need to walk safely around the house.
Conditions That Make You More Likely to Fall
Researchers have found that several conditions contribute to falling. We call them risk factors. You can adjust most of these factors to prevent falls. The more risk factors, the more frequent the falls. For instance, a senior is likely to fall if the lights are dim and they trip on a rug. Some of the physical contributing conditions include:
- Lower body weakness
- Foot pain or uncomfortable footwear
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Vision problems
- Difficulties in posture and balance cause pain when walking.
What Can Happen After a Fall?
Most falls don’t cause injuries. However, according to the CDC, one out of five falls causes serious injuries such as head injury or broken bone. These injuries can make it difficult for seniors to get around and engage in other daily activities. Serious falls lead to broken bones, hip fractures, and arm, wrist, and ankle injuries.
In severe cases, a senior may suffer significant injuries, such as head injuries, especially if they are taking medicine. An older person who falls and hits their head should see a doctor immediately to rule out a brain injury. Most seniors who fall don’t report this to their doctor. They also become afraid of falling. As a result, they may avoid engaging in their everyday activities, which causes them to become even weaker, increasing their chances of falling down.
Things You Can Do to Prevent Falls
Fortunately, falls are preventable. There are several things you can do to protect your loved one from falling down. These include:
- Talking to your doctor: Take your loved one to see a doctor to assess their risk of falling. In this meeting, ask about specific things your senior can do to avoid falling down. The doctor will also assess their medication to ensure none contributes to falls.
- See an optician: Regular eye checkups can determine if a person needs glasses to see better or not.
- Wear non-slip shoes: As you grow older, the ground feels smoother every day, and it’s easy to trip and fall if you lack proper balance. Always wear comfortable non-slip sandals or shoes when working around your home to prevent slips.
- Remove home hazards: Get rid of all items you feel can cause falls, such as small rugs and boxes in the middle of the stairs. Areas that are considered blind spots should be left empty, especially on the floors.
- Use assistive devices: Assistive devices such as handles and rails help prevent falls by providing support in the bathroom and other areas like stairs.
Need Help Preventing Elderly Falls in Miami-Dade?
While there are so many ways you can help prevent falls around seniors, the best thing you can give them is someone to help them during their senior years. Our compassionate, caring, respectful and professional caregivers can help provide the care your senior needs to live a comfortable, happy and healthy life. Contact us today for more information.
6 Winter Skin Care Tips for Seniors in Miami-Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care | 0 comments
The harsh winter weather can be particularly destructive to a senior’s sensitive skin. As your body’s first line of defense against infections and germs, maintaining healthy skin may seem harder for seniors in Miami-Dade during winter. The cold weather can strip the skin of its vital moisture, leaving it vulnerable to dryness, cracking, and itching. Staying home also makes things worse as the heating devices you use reduces your home’s humidity level. Fortunately, there are ways you can help protect your skin and keep it healthy during the cold season. In this post, the team at Advancare will help seniors and family caregivers learn a few winter skin care tips.
1. Moisturize Frequently
Seniors are likely to lose moisture much earlier than younger people, which can cause dryness and many other skin conditions. Therefore, they must moisturize their skin in the winter months. The lotion provides the protection needed. However, you should seek heavier creams or ointments if you’re worried about not getting enough moisturization. Just be sure to check the ingredients to ensure no elements work against your skin’s health. Apply moisturizer immediately after a shower to lock in hydration and cover the areas with warm, comfortable clothing.
2. Keep Your Body Hydrated
Dehydration is not just a summer concern. You can get dehydrated even in the colder months. Don’t skip drinking water because it’s cold outside. If you’re unable to take cold water, you can warm it to a comfortable room temperature and drink it to keep your body hydrated from the inside out. Experts recommend taking the regular eight glasses of water a day unless you have a medical condition that limits your fluid intake. You can also stay hydrated by drinking other forms of fluids like soups.
3. Bundle up
The best way to protect your skin in the colder months is to stay warm by covering as much skin as possible. Exposed skin is vulnerable to windburn, which can lead to painful chapped skin. Dress in warm, comfortable clothes, covering your ears, neck, and legs, especially when running errands outdoors. This helps protect the skin, keep moisture in, and prevent dryness.
4. Short and Warm (Not Hot) Showers
Warm steamy baths offer the best way to relax in winter. However, you shouldn’t stay in the shower for too long. Taking too long in the showers and baths can strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture. Be careful with the water temperature when washing or bathing, and use mild soap and other bathing products that minimize skin irritation and dehydration.
5. Humidify
Room humidifiers add moisture back to your dry skin. Artificially heated air is often too dry, which also contributes to dry skin. Full-room humidifiers help soothe dry, flaky, and inflamed skin. It also prevents scratchy eyes and inflamed airways. Read the instructions for use carefully to avoid breathing germs and bacteria.
6. Sunscreen, Yes, Even on Winter Days
Sunscreen is a popular product for summer, but did you know you can use it during winter? Even if it’s not that hot, you still need to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. UV rays can still cause damaging sunburns despite the cloudy, overcast conditions.
For more information about caring for seniors in Miami-Dade and other caregiving tips, contact Advancare today!
Emotional Benefits of Companion Care for Seniors in Miami
Posted by Scott Cantin in caregiving, elderly care | 0 comments
Many seniors prefer to stay in their homes as they grow older, which promotes independence. While it’s a great idea to spend their time in an environment they know, they end up lonely and depressed as they spend most of their time alone. Society today tends to focus on physical health rather than emotional and mental health. As you age, you need a loving family member or caregiver who can cook, clean, run errands, and do any other duties for you.
If you don’t have a family member in Miami, you can get caregiving services at Advancare to provide companion care and other services. Our caregivers are specially trained to give you the company and comfort you deserve. Companion care helps you feel loved, respected, and appreciated. In this article, we discuss the benefits of companion care for seniors in Miami.
What is Companion Care?
Companion care is a form of care offering non-medical services to senior adults or people with disabilities. A companion caregiver primarily offers emotional support and assists the senior with everyday tasks such as housekeeping and preparing meals.
What’s the Difference Between Companion Care and Personal Care?
The main difference between companion care and personal care is the activity involved. A companion caregiver provides non-medical care services such as preparing meals and housekeeping.
A personal caregiver, on the other hand, assists with personal hygiene, medication, toileting, and other personal tasks. Personal caregivers offer custodial care and assist with personal everyday errands such as taking seniors to the hospital.
Benefits of Companion Care in Miami, Florida
Here are the main benefits of companion care we thought you should know.
Encourages Independence
One of the best ways seniors can restore their independence and live their life on their terms is through companion care. As you age, you may start to worry about not being able to drive or perform the activities you enjoyed when you were young. However, with companionship, you can be sure to go anywhere you want, meet people, talk to people and live your life just as before.
Builds Friendship
Having a companion to talk and laugh with improves self-esteem, reduces stress, and enhances the overall quality of life. A companion caregiver can talk, play games with you, and also take you to visit your friends or family to spend quality time together.
Offers Comfort
Living in your own space with the safety, comfort, and familiarity of the home can be incredible for your mental and emotional health. A companion provides the peace of mind you need to live life as you want. You don’t have to worry about skipping meals due to the inability to cook or not getting your medication on time because you don’t have anyone to get them for you from the shops.
Gives Confidence and Peace of Mind to Family
Your children and grandchildren are happy when you’re happy. They want to make sure you get the support you need to thrive. That’s why they make sure you eat your meals on time, sleep early, exercise, play games, chat with them and attend your medical appointments.
Promote overall health
When you eat on time, exercise, socialize and take medication as required, your overall health is likely to improve over time. You are happier to meet people as often as you want, which helps reduce isolation, depression, dementia, stress, and other age-related mental issues.
Looking for Companion Care in Miami-Dade?
At Advancare, we have the skills and experience to provide companion care for seniors living in Miami-Dade. Our well-trained caregivers have years of experience helping seniors and their families with tasks such as housekeeping, running errands, cooking, and many more. To learn more about our services, feel free to call us at (305) 441-9794 today.
