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Nurturing Well-being through Indoor Gardening
Posted by Scott Cantin in Cognitive Aging, Dementia, depression, mental health, Senior Health, Winter projects | 0 comments
As we age, it’s important for us to keep ourselves physically and mentally active. Physical and mental activity is positively correlated with a lower risk of many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Further, many of the most common ways to keep physically and mentally active involve others. However, isolation can put you at a higher risk of developing certain chronic health illnesses and conditions and worsen conditions you may already have.
To keep ourselves healthy, we must find activities we enjoy to incorporate into our regular routine. One of the best such activities is indoor gardening.
Why Indoor Gardening is Beneficial for Seniors
Indoor gardening is a great activity for seniors for several reasons. Gardening is a physical activity involving a good deal of movement. As we age, a sedentary lifestyle can, over time, begin to impair our overall mobility. But regular movement, which can include bending, stretching, lifting, and walking, can help keep us in good shape. Fortunately, gardening involves considerable movement and can keep us flexible, strong, and healthy.
Further, we all benefit from learning new things. Learning boosts our mood, helps us feel connected to the wider world, and can be a great way to socialize. Some research indicates that continuous learning can help stave off cognitive decline, dementia, and related conditions. And even experienced gardeners learn new things with each new plant and crop.
Gardening offers us a great opportunity to connect with others. When working with others, you learn about them, share a few laughs, and enjoy each other’s company. Humans are inherently social creatures, and connection is vital to our overall health and well-being. Indoor gardening with a neighbor, friend, or caregiver can be a perfect place to meet new friends and create new memories.
Year-Round Enjoyment
There’s a substantial body of research about the benefits of being in and around nature on our psychological well-being. Frequent exposure to nature can significantly reduce our stress levels, as well as our levels of depression and anxiety. It can also elevate mood and boost our levels of happiness and satisfaction. And when you consider the positive benefits that being in nature, around others, and engaged in physical activity provide, you can clearly see that gardening can have a big positive impact on our health.
Indoor gardening can also help improve the quality of the air we breathe. Plants are natural filters and can help remove harmful gases known as volatile organic compounds from the air. As a result, a well-kept indoor garden can help reduce our risk of developing chronic respiratory ailments.
Best of all, indoor gardening is an activity that can be done year-round. An indoor garden may be as simple as a few potted plants on windowsills to a room filled with indoor terrariums and large potted plants or even a greenhouse. No matter the weather conditions, you can enjoy cultivating your plants and watching them grow each day while enjoying all the benefits gardening provides.
How Seniors Can Build or Maintain Indoor Gardens
You may be new to indoor gardening and just getting started. Or you may already have an indoor garden, but mobility-related or other issues may be preventing you from maintaining it. If either is the case, chances are you’ll benefit from the excellent caregiver services in Miami Advancare provides. Our experienced, well-trained, and friendly caregivers can help you build or maintain your indoor garden and help with other light housekeeping tasks. Our agency provides in-home care services in Miami 24/7, so we have flexible service options for you.
You don’t have to garden alone. And gardening together with an experienced caregiver can be a great addition to your existing daily routine. Contact us today if you’re looking for caregiver services in Miami to help you with indoor gardening or other common household or health-related tasks.
How to Best Manage Stress and Anxiety as You Age
Posted by Scott Cantin in mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments
Aging brings about a slew of changes, from changes in routine to fluctuations in physical health. These changes can be a lot to manage, and for many senior adults, they can cause stress and even anxiety. While some stress is normal, it can easily get out of control, causing issues with your mental and physical health. However, there are ways to manage your stress before it turns into full-blown anxiety. These tips from Advancare will equip you to reduce stress and anxiety as you age in healthy, sustainable ways.
See your doctor regularly
The best way to stay on top of your health and wellness as you age is to maintain your regular check-ups with your doctor and other healthcare providers. Not only can your doctor ensure that your blood sugar, blood pressure, and other important hallmarks of overall health look good, but they can talk to you about any new symptoms or concerns that you might be having.
If you see a therapist for any mental health concerns, keep those appointments even as you age. While mental health is important at every age, people experience life changes as they age that can cause them to experience depression and anxiety. If this is something you have struggled with or are currently struggling with, you don’t have to go it alone. Your doctor, along with experts such as caregiver services in Miami, are all available to help you move forward.
Stay active
Exercise is a fantastic way to stay healthy and happy. Physical fitness is necessary to maintain strength, but it also has some significant mental health benefits. Research has shown that moving your body decreases muscle tension, lowering the body’s contribution to feeling anxious. There are a lot of options for exercise, from low-impact weightlifting to cardio on an elliptical or treadmill.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults age 65 and older need at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, such as walking, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity like hiking, running, or jogging. Whatever exercise you choose, make sure it’s something you enjoy enough to sustain. Also, make sure to consult with your doctor before you start any sort of new workout regimen. They can advise you on how to stay safe during your workouts.
Stay in touch with friends and family
Aging can be isolating, especially if you move to a new city or state. It’s easy to lose touch with family and friends in the wake of all these busy life changes. Take care to retain your connections with those you love, as being involved with loved ones can naturally reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. It’s a good idea to establish regular times to talk, such as weekly phone calls or bi-weekly video chats.
Get out when you can and enjoy social gatherings if you can do so safely. Coffee dates with friends or low-key lunch meetings with others in your social circle can also help with anxiety and feelings of stress. Volunteering is another great way to provide a sense of purpose and community. It can help you meet new friends as well.
Contact Advancare for caregiver services in Miami, FL
Stress and anxiety don’t have to be a normal part of aging. With some proactive steps and some positive lifestyle changes, you can discover a path to your healthiest and happiest self yet. At Advancare, we are passionate about the care and well-being of seniors. Through in-home care services in Miami, we can support you or your loved one through compassionate, personalized care. Contact us today to learn more about senior care in Miami and how Advancare can help!
How to Stay Connected with Loved Ones Who Live Far Away
Posted by Scott Cantin in mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments
As we age, it’s normal for family members and friends to move away, in some cases, even across the country. Whether you have children who start their lives hours away from you or siblings who end up states away, it can be challenging to see those you love move. It can also make it hard to stay in touch. Still, physical distance doesn’t have to mean emotional distance.
Advancare is committed to ensuring seniors remain connected with loved ones who live far away. These tips and tricks will help you think of new ways to connect with your friends and family all while building an even deeper bond.
Make an effort
The most important part of maintaining a strong relationship with friends and family who live far away is making the effort in the first place. Distance inevitably changes a relationship, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of it. It takes additional effort to stay in touch with loved ones who live far away, but it’s well worth it.
Making an effort, including reaching out regularly, shows your loved one that you are committed to maintaining the relationship. Utilize new forms of communication, even ones you aren’t comfortable with at first. This shows you are willing to step outside your comfort zone for the sake of the relationship.
Schedule regular video calls
Phone calls are excellent ways to stay in touch with loved ones, but there’s something to be said about the connective power of video calls. The COVID-19 pandemic popularized the use of video calls, with an estimated 47.6 percent of adults using video conferencing for both work and personal use. Video calling is more popular than ever with people of all ages. Video calls allow you to see your loved ones’ faces with just the click of a button.
Consider scheduling regular video call dates with those you want to stay in touch with. A call every other week is a great starting point, but ask what works for them and be flexible.
Remember important dates and life events
Talking is important, but there are many other ways to stay connected with friends and family members who live far away. Showing them you are thinking about them on important dates solidifies your bond and offers goodwill that endures. Sending cards for anniversaries, birthdays, and other live events is a great way to show you care.
It can be a challenge to keep track of special occasions. Take a minute at the start of the year and note all of these dates to remember in your phone, so you get reminders ahead of time. With a little bit of planning, showing love and appreciation through cards or notes is easy to do.
Don’t rely on social media to stay connected
It’s tempting to use social media as a way to stay informed on what your friends and family members are doing, especially since the majority of Americans use platforms like YouTube and Facebook. However, social media serves as a highlight reel and rarely showcases the reality of what might be going on in people’s lives. It can also create distance between loved ones when social media is the only form of communication utilized.
There’s nothing wrong with commenting on your loved one’s social posts and following their adventures, but make sure to supplement that with plenty of phone calls and video chats. Additionally, share big news with friends and family personally before posting it on a social media network.
Advancare provides in-home care services in Miami
No matter how busy you and your loved ones might be, staying in touch can offer a wealth of benefits, including stronger relationships and deeper emotional attachments. If you’re looking for ways to make the most of everyday experiences, including writing notes to relatives, consider senior care in Miami, like the services from Advancare. Our professional caregivers can assist with a wide variety of household tasks, providing you with the compassionate, personalized care you need to thrive. Contact us today to learn more about caregiver services in Miami!
5 Benefits Of Reading For Seniors in Miami
Posted by Scott Cantin in Cognitive Aging, mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments
For centuries, people have loved reading, and it’s not just for fun. Seniors, in particular, can greatly benefit from getting lost in a good book. Whether fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or anything else, research shows that reading can improve mental and emotional health. That’s why our caregivers at Advancare encourage seniors to read their favorite books. Let’s look at some ways that reading can benefit seniors!
1. Improves Cognitive Functioning
Cognitive decline is a common experience for seniors, but it can be controlled by engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading. An engaging story captures the reader’s attention, no matter where it unfolds. Reading is a fascinating hobby that activates various brain functions, such as concentration, memory, and imagination. All of this contributes to boosting brain activity and enhancing its overall functions.
2. Reduce Stress
Many older adults deal with chronic stress due to concerns about the future, finances, health changes, and loss of independence. This stress can lead to various health issues, but reading can provide relief from life’s pressures. When stress becomes overwhelming, seniors can pick up a novel and immerse themselves in the author’s world. Reading also provides a peaceful break to relax and unwind.
3. Promote Emotional Well-being
Reading a book can boost your loved one’s self-esteem. Finishing a book gives them a sense of accomplishment and a chance to learn new words and ideas. More knowledge often leads to greater confidence, improved communication skills, and easier conversations. This increased confidence can even enhance their social lives.
Different books explore a range of emotions, allowing seniors to connect with the characters’ challenges and successes. This emotional connection helps build resilience and helps them handle their feelings effectively. Plus, discussing books with family and friends fosters meaningful connections, reduces loneliness, and makes them feel like they belong.
4. Reading and Empathy
Seniors can benefit from regularly encountering new beliefs and situations to develop greater empathy. One effective way to gain exposure to diverse perspectives is by reading various books by different authors. Studies indicate that reading books, especially fiction, can boost empathy and emotional intelligence when you genuinely enjoy and engage with the story. Repeated exposure to fresh situations, beliefs, and ideas through literature gradually reinforces your mind’s ability to connect and empathize with others at any age.
5. Better Sleep
Many older adults struggle with sleep problems, which can harm their physical and mental health. Having a bedtime routine, like reading, tells the body it’s time to sleep. Reading is better for sleep than using electronic devices, which can disrupt rest. Some seniors watch TV for a long time before bed, which can affect the quality of their sleep. Reading a few pages of a good book triggers the release of natural chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, helping seniors sleep better.
In-home Caregiver Services in Miami, FL
Seniors facing challenges with reading printed books due to health limitations can benefit from switching to audiobooks. Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary activity; seniors living in retirement communities can share their love of books with neighbors and friends. This helps combat loneliness and social isolation, reducing the risk of dementia and depression. Book clubs are wonderful ways to encourage seniors to read and share their passion for stories. To improve their reading experience, consider providing well-lit spaces, selecting books with larger print, introducing them to audiobooks, creating comfortable reading areas, and providing a diverse selection of reading materials.
If you’re looking for a senior caregiver in Miami-Dade, Advancare offers highly qualified and trained caregivers ready to assist with various daily activities and personal care. Contact us for more information about our assisted living and home care services.
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!
Can Games Have a Positive Impact on Seniors?
Posted by Scott Cantin in Cognitive Aging, Fun activities for seniors, mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments
Games are a great way to pass the time. Games are often thought of as something kids and young adults do, but they are also important to seniors. In fact, playing different types of games can have a hugely positive effect on the well-being of seniors as a whole. This includes cognitive health, socialization, physical health, emotional well-being, and the improvement of mental flexibility. Here, we will talk about these benefits and the different kinds of games that can have a positive impact on seniors.
Cognitive Health
Playing games helps seniors keep their minds sharp. Board games like chess and Scrabble, card games like bridge, and brain-training games like Sudoku all improve your memory, ability to solve problems, and ability to think strategically. Memory, especially short-term memory, gets worked out when someone plays video games. One study showed chess could be considered a protective factor against dementia and cognitive decline in older people, particularly due to the enhancement of cognitive reserve.
Seniors can remember things like names, addresses, phone numbers, dates, and times better when they play video games, even if they only play once in a while. Additionally, they also make players switch between tasks quickly, which can help seniors be more mentally flexible and able to do more than one thing at a time.
Socialization
Seniors are often at risk of being alone and lonely, which can lead to depression. Games are a great way to meet new people, whether you play them with family, friends, or in a group. Board games and card games, in particular, get people talking and laughing face-to-face, which builds a sense of belonging and friendship.
Physical Health
Video games can also be good for your body, especially for older people. Some games that require physical interaction, like the VR game Beat Saber, Wii Sports, and other similar games can help seniors improve their balance, coordination, and reflexes because they require them to act quickly and make decisions. Furthermore, seniors have reported that playing video games has made them walk faster.
Emotional Well-being
Anything you enjoy, like going for a walk, having lunch with friends, or going to a movie, is good for your emotional health. Therefore, it is no surprise that many seniors who like to play video games feel better after doing so.
A study of 140 seniors over the age of 63 found that both regular and occasional gamers reported better health, social functioning, and happiness than those who did not play video games. In addition, it also reports that people who play video games have much lower rates of depression than those who don’t.
Enhance Mental Flexibility
Games often require you to adapt to changing situations and make decisions quickly. This helps seniors become more flexible and adaptable in their minds. Trivia games, for example, test your memory and general knowledge, and video games can help you get better at hand-eye coordination and solving problems.
Types of Games
Below is a list of suggested games and how they can benefit seniors.
- Board Games: Classic choices like chess, checkers, and Scrabble are excellent for stimulating critical thinking and strategic planning.
- Card Games: Games like bridge, poker, and solitaire encourage social interaction and memory retention.
- Outdoor Games: Bocce ball, lawn bowling, and croquet provide a fun way to enjoy the outdoors while staying active.
- Brain Games: Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and brain-training apps offer mental challenges that can improve memory and cognitive skills.
- Trivia Games: Games like trivia quizzes and quiz shows are not only fun but also enhance general knowledge and memory recall.
- Video Games: While not traditionally associated with seniors, many video games offer cognitive benefits and can be adapted to various skill levels.
Games can benefit seniors in many ways. They promote cognitive health, combat social isolation, encourage physical activity, boost emotional well-being, and enhance mental flexibility. Seniors can explore various types of games to find those that resonate with their interests and abilities. Whether it’s a weekly card game with friends or a daily session of brain-training exercises, games can help improve the quality of life for seniors, ensuring they remain mentally and socially engaged well into their golden years.
Advancare can help your senior loved ones stay alert and healthy as they age. Contact us today to discover the many services we offer in Miami and the surrounding area!
Benefits of Music Therapy for Seniors in Miami
Posted by Scott Cantin in Cognitive Aging, Fun activities for seniors, mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments
Music is a natural and powerful part of human life that has been a part of our lives for thousands of years. It has evolved into a formal therapeutic practice known as Music Therapy, recognized as an established health profession. Music Therapy addresses physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs across various age groups, including young children and aging adults.
Music offers various physical and mental health benefits for seniors. It has become a valuable therapeutic tool and a form of entertainment and social activity in senior living facilities. This article will explore how music can be integrated into seniors’ lives to enhance their overall well-being.
What is Music Therapy for Seniors?
Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based approach that harnesses the power of music to achieve specific therapeutic goals within a therapeutic relationship with seniors. It is a recognized and respected field that employs music interventions to enhance older individuals’ mental health and overall well-being.
Benefits of Music Therapy for Seniors
Songs can stir up cherished memories and elicit instant smiles. Music therapy has been thoroughly researched and has shown a significant impact on seniors’ emotional, physical, and cognitive well-being. Here are some of the many benefits associated with music therapy for seniors:
Calm Anxiety in Dementia Patients
Music with particular themes and beats can be helpful when relaxing agitation, which is common when your senior has dementia or Alzheimer’s. Calming music can lower the heart rate and reduce stress.
Enhances Cognitive Skills
Music therapy can be really helpful for seniors to improve their memory and cognitive skills. Music doesn’t just make you feel good when you hear tunes from your past; it can also bring back special memories and get responses from seniors with dementia.
Ease Depression
The social aspect of music therapy is especially beneficial to seniors, who often feel disconnected from the people in their lives. Listening to and performing music is an inherently emotional experience that helps pull them out of more depressive mental states. Relaxing music can help reduce levels of stress hormones and decrease anxiety.
Increases Social Connection
Older adults often face the risk of social isolation, which can lead to social anxiety when reintroduced to social settings. Music therapy gives them a chance to come together, share stories, and connect over their shared love for music. Group music sessions create a sense of belonging and a friendly social atmosphere.
Helps Stay Active
Music often makes you want to dance, and dancing is an important part of music therapy. The beats and tunes of music can inspire you to move in simple ways, like clapping, moving your arms and legs, or using different instruments. People often come together to make music using various instruments. These activities are enjoyable for seniors and help improve physical well-being, balance, and coordination. It’s a fun way to stay active without feeling like a chore.
Improves Creative Skills
Seniors can get creative with music therapy, no matter their musical background. They can sing, play instruments, or even compose music, all to express themselves and find joy.
Home and Senior Caregiver Services in Miami, FL
Music therapy has an amazing ability to improve the lives of seniors. It brings several benefits, like boosting memory, encouraging social interaction, and lifting spirits. At Advancare, we understand the importance of senior care, and our trained caregivers can significantly impact seniors’ lives.
Our home care services are perfect for those who want to age comfortably at home, even with health issues. Our skilled caregivers provide compassionate, one-on-one care in the privacy of your own home. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Meditation Practices for Miami Seniors
Posted by Scott Cantin in mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments
For thousands of years, meditation has been used as a way for people of all ages to feel more at peace. In recent years, the popularity of meditation has only grown, as there have been scientific studies proving its effectiveness.
Even if you think you’re too old to learn a practice such as meditation, it is never too late. Meditation in seniors has the same benefits as meditation for any other age group, and our caregivers at Advancare are happy to explain how the practice can help.
Types of Meditation Practices
There are many different types of meditation practices. Here are a few of the most popular here in South Florida.
- Mindfulness: is the process of being present with your thoughts. Being mindful means being completely aware of your surroundings, being aware of who you are, and what you’re doing.
- Transcendental: involves repeating a personally assigned mantra, such as a word, sound, or small phrase. It’s practiced for 20 minutes each day while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed.
- Guided: is also known as guided imagery or visualization, and it’s a method of meditation in which you form mental pictures or situations that you find relaxing.
- Vipassana: is an ancient Indian form of meditation that involves seeing things as they are. Its goal is self-transformation through self-observation.
Signs of Stress
If you’re noticing these signs of stress in seniors, then meditation can be a recommended course of action.
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Feeling pressured or rushed
- Irritability and moodiness
- Physical discomforts, such as stomach problems, headaches, or chest pains
- Eating too much or not enough
Tips for Meditation Practices
- Set intention: First, think about what you’re trying to accomplish by meditating. What are you looking to get out of it?
- Schedule: When starting to meditate regularly, it is important to keep a regular schedule. Therefore, set a time every day and stick to it.
- Try different apps, groups, and independent meditation: There is no one correct way to meditate. Everybody will respond to meditation in different ways. For some, a meditation group will work best, while others will respond best to solo meditation. Try a few different approaches to find what works best for you.
- Practice no judgment: Meditation is largely about finding peace within yourself. Thus, any form of judgment should be avoided when meditating.
- Focus on the breath: One of the main tenets of meditation is learning to breathe in a certain way.
Get in Touch with Caregivers that Will Help You Reach Your Goals in FL
No matter what your meditation goals are, our team of senior caregivers at Advancare will help you reach them. Our professionals perform home care services such as caring companionship, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, light housekeeping, and meal planning and preparation.
To get in touch with our caregivers, reach out at 305-441-9794.
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.
How to Create Meaningful Relationships in Your Senior Years
Posted by Scott Cantin in Fun activities for seniors, mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments
Meeting new people and making new friendships is vital to the human experience, especially as we age. Good friends can be powerful medicine that keeps us engaged and socially connected.
While family and friends can help older adults connect socially by calling or meeting regularly, senior loved ones themselves have numerous ways to create meaningful relationships.
If you’re having difficulty growing your social network, read on to learn how to remain socially active and why it’s important.
Ways You Can Form Meaningful Relationships
While it can be challenging, it’s not impossible to make friends as you age. Here are some of the ways you can strengthen your social circle:
Create Time and Space for New Relationships
Making new relationships requires not only the effort to make new friends, but also the time and resources to maintain them. That’s why Caregivers Services Miami assists seniors with daily tasks, allowing them the time and energy to stay socially engaged.
Building and sustaining a relationship can be challenging if you lack time for others. However, if you prioritize your schedule, you can find time to devote your energy to building and sustaining a meaningful friendship.
Join a Volunteer Group or Senior Center
If your community has a senior center or group, ensure you join and participate in the social events they offer. For instance, senior care Miami offers a various programs that can make it easier to build deeper friendships over time.
Create Time and Focus on Your Hobbies
Your hobbies offer a better opportunity to meet individuals with similar interests. Plus, involving people in the activities you enjoy might also naturally foster new friendships. Joining community painting classes or group exercises are some of the hobbies that can boost your overall happiness and open the door to new friendships.
Participate in Local Events
You can meet and bond with new people at local events like concerts or festivals. They offer a perfect opportunity to learn about people’s backgrounds and cultures, which is crucial to sustaining friendships.
Why Is Meaningful Relationship Important as We Age?
Investing in meaningful relationships brings benefits like:
- Improved emotional and mental health: Various studies have shown that friendships significantly improve mental and emotional health. Building and sustaining a friendship increases your chances of improving cognitive performance while preventing stress and depression.
- Reduced loneliness and isolation: Keeping solid friendships helps reduce loneliness and improve general well-being. With friends, you’ll have a listening ear, a supportive shoulder, and—more importantly—companionship that can greatly enhance your life.
- Being physically active: Group exercises and hobbies offer a perfect way to keep fit while connecting with your loved ones.
- An opportunity to learn and explore: You are never too old to learn. Bonding with new friends can help you learn something new. For instance, you can discover more about the modern era, technological development, or even the newest, exciting games. By learning such things, you become more knowledgeable and strengthen your relationships with others.
Advancare Caregiver Services Miami Helps You Create Meaningful Relationships
Building a solid connection with others can be challenging, but it is possible. You can create new healthy relationships by joining a senior center, discovering a new hobby, and participating in local events.
Just as there are many ways to create meaningful relationships, many benefits also come with them. A deep and meaningful connection brings you happiness while improving your overall well-being.
With the help of our caregiver services in Miami, senior loved ones can make friends and strengthen their existing ties. At Advancare, you’ll find new experiences along with home care services that provide opportunities to expand your social circle. Contact us today for more information on how we can help.
