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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.
Heat Illnesses in Seniors and How to Prevent Them
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care, Senior Health | 0 comments
Exposure to extreme heat is unsafe for anyone. It’s even riskier for our senior loved ones. As a caregiver, it’s crucial to understand the signs of heat illnesses and how to prevent them. In addition, it is essential to learn quick relief measures to ease related stress and pain.
At Advancare, we ensure all our seniors are well-protected from the possibility of heat illnesses, thanks to our professional in-house caregivers Miami. We also ensure they get the best care and treatment if they suffer from heat illnesses. Meanwhile, here’s what you should know about heat illnesses in seniors and how to prevent them.
Types of Heat-related Illnesses
Extensive exposure to heat without necessary protection can cause several health problems. Some of the heat-related illnesses that you may be at risk of include the following:
- Heat syncope: This is sudden dizziness that occurs when you stay overly active in hot weather. It may be severe or even likely to make you feel faint if you’re taking heart medication like beta blockers.
- Heat edema: This is the swelling in the ankles and feet due to extreme heat exposure.
- Heat rash: This is a skin irritation caused by heavy sweating. It causes small red blisters similar to pimples. Your skin may also feel prickly and itchy.
- Heat exhaustion: This is a warning that indicates your body’s inability to cool itself. It may cause weakness, nausea, dizziness, and weakness. You may also sweat a lot while your body remains normal, but the skin remains cold and clammy.
- Heat stroke: This is a severe heat-related condition caused by extreme body temperatures.
- Sun Burn: This is a form of skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to heat. Signs of sunburn include red, tender skin, blisters, and skin starting to peel. Severe reactions may present signs and symptoms such as chills, rash, fever, and nausea.
Causes of Heat Illnesses in Older Adults
Here are some of the factors that cause heat illness:
- Age-related skin changes, such as inefficient sweat glands and poor blood circulation.
- High blood pressure and other conditions that require a diet change.
- Illnesses that cause fever or general weakness, such as kidney, heart, and lung diseases.
- Reduced sweating caused by medications such as tranquilizers, diuretics, and sedatives.
- Staying dehydrated for too long.
- Drinking alcoholic beverages.
Tips to Prevent Heat Illnesses for Seniors
Here are some of the things that caregivers services Miami can do to prevent heat illnesses for seniors:
- Drink a lot of water, such as water, vegetable juices, fruit juices, or other drinks with electrolytes.
- Avoid taking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. However, if your doctor has limited your liquid intake, ask what you should take during the hot season.
- Try keeping your indoor space as cool as possible if you live in a home with fans or air conditioning. You should also limit using the oven, keep your shades, curtains, or blinds closed during hot days, and keep your windows open at night.
- Dress for the hot weather with light-colored, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothing. You should also look for clothes with natural fabrics such as cotton.
- Avoid outdoor physical activities when it’s hot. Otherwise, try finding someplace indoors to exercise or engage in physical activities.
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, especially if you’ll be exposed to the sun for long. You should also wear a hat, sunglasses, and other protective clothing to protect yourself from prolonged sun exposure.
Protect Your Loved Ones with the Best Caregivers Services Miami
Your loved one deserves the best protection from heat-related illnesses. At Advancare, we’re the best Caregiver services Miami. We’re committed to providing compassionate in-home caregiving services for clients in Miami, including Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, and surrounding areas. We can help you keep your loved one protected from heat-related illnesses. Contact us today at 305-441-9794 to learn how we can help you.
Embracing the Power of Technology in Seniors
Posted by Scott Cantin in health innovations, Senior Care | 0 comments
In this fast-paced digital age, technology is not just for the younger generation. It holds incredible potential for seniors too! By embracing technological advancements, older adults can enhance their daily lives and maintain independence like never before. Join us as we explore how technology can empower seniors to maintain meaningful connections with their loved ones, effortlessly access essential healthcare resources, and confidently overcome life’s challenges.
1. Staying Connected
One of the biggest advantages of using technology as a senior is staying connected with loved ones who may be far away. Video calling apps like Skype or FaceTime allow for face-to-face communication regardless of physical distance. Seniors can chat with family members, friends, and even participate in social groups online. This helps combat feelings of loneliness and isolation while fostering meaningful connections.
2. Accessing Healthcare Resources
Technology has made healthcare more accessible than ever before for seniors. With telemedicine services becoming increasingly popular, seniors can now consult doctors remotely without having to leave their homes or wait in long queues at medical facilities.
Additionally, wearable devices such as fitness trackers offer invaluable real-time health monitoring capabilities. By tracking vital signs like heart rate and activity levels, these devices provide a comprehensive understanding of one’s well-being.
3.Managing Medication Reminders
For many older adults managing multiple medications on different schedules becomes challenging. Technology offers solutions through medication reminder apps that send notifications to seniors’ smartphones or smartwatches, ensuring they never miss a dose. This can greatly improve medication adherence and overall health outcomes for in-home care services Miami.
4. Enhancing Safety at Home
The National Institute on Aging lists home safety as a key concern for seniors. Although having professional senior care services in Miami can greatly mitigate the risks, employing technology take safety to a whole new level. Smart home systems equipped with motion sensors and security cameras provide an added layer of safety for seniors living alone. These devices can detect unusual activity, alerting both the senior and their caregiver in real-time. Moreover, voice-activated assistants like Amazon Echo or Google Home stand ready to be steadfast personal companions. From gentle reminders and answering questions promptly to controlling various aspects of the home environment such as lights and temperature settings – they ensure comfort at every step.
5. Accessing Information
The internet is a wealth of knowledge that is easily accessible through computers or smartphones. Seniors can research topics of interest, read books online, participate in virtual classes or webinars to keep their minds active and engaged.
Additionally, social media platforms enable them to connect with communities sharing common interests, making it easier than ever for seniors to find support groups, hobby clubs, and educational resources tailored specifically toward them.
Unlock New Possibilities – Embrace Technology for a Vibrant Senior Living Experience
Technology has revolutionized every aspect of our lives including how we manage senior living. Properly utilizing technology allows senior adults not only maintain independence but also access healthcare resources, staying socially connected, and improving safety at home. While embarking upon new technologies may initially evoke hesitancy for some individuals, it is crucial to recognize that embracing technological advancements has immense potential in significantly enhancing the quality of life for seniors. By staying informed about the latest advancements and seeking guidance when needed, seniors can enjoy the many benefits that technology has to offer.
At Advancare, we understand the importance of embracing technology in senior caregiver services Miami. Our caregivers are knowledgeable about various technologies and can help seniors incorporate them into their daily lives. If you or a loved one could benefit from our caregiver services in Miami, please visit our website or contact us today.
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.
The Importance of Reading and Understanding Food and Beverage Labels for Seniors in Miami Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care, Senior Health | 0 comments
When shopping at the grocery store, the one common thing in all packages is the nutritional label on the back. Their goal is to help you make an informed decision about what you’re consuming. Nutritional facts are particularly helpful for older adults because they have different nutritional needs than young people. At Advancare, we recommend reading these labels when buying food for seniors. We have also trained our caregivers to read these labels to ensure the seniors under our care eat healthy foods.
What Information Will You Find on the Food Label?
Manufactured foods carry labels containing nutrition and safety information. This information helps you know more about the food you’re buying so you can stick to a healthy diet. The label will have information on the following:
- The name of the product and brand
- Included ingredients
- Nutritional information (amount of fat, energy, sugars, protein, salt, etc.)
- Serving instructions
- Best before or use-by dates
- Percentage labeling
- Weight
- Allergy information
- Directions for use and storage
Understanding Food and Beverage Product Dates
You’ll find three types of dates printed on foods and beverages. They include the following:
- ‘Best if used before’ or ‘Best if used by’: This tells you how long the food will maintain the best quality or flavor.
- Use by: Tells you how long the item will remain at peak quality. Once that date passes, the product will be less tasty or stale.
- Sell by: This is more for retailers. The manufacturer suggests the day the item should have been sold. Ensure you buy your items before this date, as the quality is still fresh.
Unfortunately, these dates don’t exactly mention when a product is no longer safe to consume.
Understanding Nutritional Facts Labels
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires food and beverage companies to put a Nutrition Facts Label on packaged products. At the top, there is the serving size. This is the amount of food a person can eat at one time. However, it isn’t a recommendation of how much you should eat. You can eat more or less. The guidelines are to help you understand how much you need for a balanced diet.
Interpreting the Percent Daily Value (% DV)
The percent daily value (%DV) shows how many nutrients in every serving contribute to your total daily diet. A normal adult, including seniors, requires about 2000 calories a day, but it can be more or less, depending on lifestyle.
Any food with 5%DV or less is considered to have fewer nutrients, and food with 20% DV is considered to have too many nutrients.
How to Read the Ingredient List
The ingredients contained in food and beverages are listed on the Nutrition Facts label. Each ingredient is listed with how much it weighs, with the heavier listed first. Watch out for foods with added sugar, especially when buying foods for senior adults. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, corn sweetener, saccharin, and sucralose should be taken in moderation.
While the FDA regulates some of these terms and descriptions, some aren’t regulated. Check the nutrition label carefully to ensure a product matches your eating goals.
Need Help Ensuring a Senior Adult Is Eating Healthy?
Do you need caregiving services to ensure you or a loved one is eating healthy? Advancare can help. Our caregivers know how to read food and beverage labels to ensure seniors only eat healthy meals.Contact us to learn more.
How Seniors Can Stay Safe in Hot Weather in Miami-Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care | 0 comments
Summer’s warmth provides us with an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. While taking long walks and other recreational activities may be tempting, you’re at risk of becoming dehydrated and sick if you stay in the heat for too long. Extreme weather can affect older people more than others. Seniors with chronic medical conditions are also at higher risk of developing heat-related illnesses because of age-related physical changes in the body.
At Advancare, we recommend wearing your sunscreen when going out and avoiding the sun between 10 am and 4 pm when it’s sweltering. We equip our caregivers with the correct information to help you stay safe during hot weather. Here are some of the tips you can utilize to stay safe during summer.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
The most important thing every senior must remember when going out daily is that direct sunlight harms the skin. If you have to work or spend time outdoors, do it early in the morning or the evening when the sun is not too hot. Wear long-sleeved shirts, blouses, and hats to protect your skin from UV light. Extreme exposure to the sun may not only cause skin dryness and irritation, it can also lead to skin cancer.
Invest in Air Conditioning
Air conditioners are popular systems for keeping your home cool. Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned spaces. If you can’t afford the cost of running it throughout the day, use fans and other cooling mechanisms to keep your indoor space cooler. Restaurants, libraries, and other public areas have air conditioners. Spend more time in these places. It’s also essential to mention that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps seniors above 65 years who have limited income to cover the cost of air conditioners and other utility bills.
Stay Hydrated
To keep your body hydrated and cool, drink plenty of cool water, clear juice, and other liquids that don’t contain caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can make your body lose water causing you to urinate more. If you have trouble taking plain water, place a slice of orange, pineapple, or any other fruit you like to change the taste. Water is extremely important for seniors even if they don’t sweat as much as younger people.
Dress for the Season
The warm season calls for light, loose and light-colored clothes. Seniors should focus on cotton clothes as they absorb moisture, leaving your skin dry and soft. Avoid dark heavy clothes as they absorb heat. Your outfit should always be topped with a lightweight hat. Light clothes help keep you cool while preventing suburbs. You should also use broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion or spray with sun protection (SPF) of 15 or higher. This means the lotion is specifically designed to protect your skin from the sun. Apply sunscreen generously on your most exposed skin such as the neck, face, hands, and feet. Bugs are also common in summer. Use spray insect repellent when going outdoors.
Keep Your Home Cool
Apart from fans and air conditioners, there are many other ways of keeping your home cool. For instance, you can close the windows during the day except those that are under shade if you have trees that offer shade. You can also remove rugs and carpets that absorb heat and dust and avoid cooking in the house during the hot weather.
Contact Advanacare today to learn more about our senior home care services and how our caregivers can help you.
Choosing the Right Activewear for Seniors in Miami-Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care | 0 comments
Older adults need to exercise regularly. It strengthens their muscles and delays some health problems. But just as important is finding the right shoes and clothes for exercising. Comfortable activewear makes it easy to work out. At Advancare, we know that finding the right activewear can be tricky. When you work with our caregivers, they can help in choosing the right activewear. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision.
What to Look for in Fitness Shoes
It’s important to buy comfortable shoes. If possible, get them at a physical store instead of online. This allows the seniors to try them on and walk around to test how they feel. It’s also advisable to get shoes for the physical activity you have in mind. For instance, walking and running shoes have an elevated midsole.
Generally, consider shoes with good heel support, non-skid soles, and enough room for the toes. Such features ensure the feet remain comfortable during the whole workout session. They also reduce the risk of injuries.
Lastly, replace worn-out shoes. If your knees, hips, and shins hurt after an activity, the shoes could be the culprit. Also, if the treads are worn out, or your feet feel abnormally tired after an activity, consider replacing the shoes.
Choosing the Right Bottoms for Exercise
What are the right bottoms for exercising? Our caregivers advise older adults to get leggings and pants of the right length based on their height. Extra length at the bottom is a trip hazard. Also, senior adults who prefer leggings should consider high-waisted pants. They’re more comfortable because they don’t cut across into their abdomen. It’s also important to choose bottoms based on the activity you’re doing. For instance, loose shorts are suitable for basketball but not ideal for yoga.
What Are the Best Sports Bras?
Sports bras give women chest support during physical activity. Apart from getting the right size, it’s wise to look at the design. Most sports bars are worn by slipping over the head. However, this can be uncomfortable for most seniors or impossible for people with short-term disabilities. Also, those clasped at the back can be hard to operate. The suitable sports bras are those that clasp or zip in the front.
What Material of Sports Clothes Is Right for Seniors
Cotton isn’t the only material for sportswear. You have to consider the type of physical activity you’ll be doing. For instance, spandex is a great material for activities like pilates and yoga. It has excellent flexibility when stretching and bending, making it ideal for seniors who participate in aerobics.
Features to Look for in Sports Clothes for Seniors
When choosing activewear for seniors, ensure it has these three qualities.
· Can absorb moisture
· It keeps you cool throughout your workout session
· Prevents bad smell
During cold weather, seniors should wear layers like a workout jacket over a t-shirt. If it gets hot, they can take off layers and exercise comfortably.
Let Us Help You Find the Right Activewear
At Advancare, we have a team of professional caregivers to help seniors find the right workout clothes. They are compassionate and committed to serving those under their care. If you live in Miami-Dade, contact us to book a consultation session.
Tips for Managing Osteoporosis in Seniors
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care | 0 comments
As we age, we battle many age-related conditions. While most are caused by old age, others can be prevented by simple exercises and diet. One of these conditions is Osteoporosis. If you or your loved one is struggling with Osteoporosis, you should learn more about the condition to help them. At Advancare, it’s our mission to keep you safe, healthy, happy, and comfortable. That’s why we ensure our caregivers provide the best home care services in Miami-Dade. Your senior loved one can use their help managing Osteoporosis and other daily activities.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become too weak to the point that they can break easily. The disease hinders normal activities such as climbing stairs, walking, and other mobile activities. People with Osteoporosis often break bones in the hip, wrist, and spine. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMSD), over 53 million individuals either are at risk or already have Osteoporosis due to low bone mass. Osteoporosis can strike at any age, but it’s worse and more common in older women.
What are my risk factors?
While anyone can develop Osteoporosis, certain factors make some people more vulnerable to Osteoporosis than others. For instance, the National Osteoporosis Foundation found that one out of every two women and one man in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone in their lifetime due to Osteoporosis
Risk factors you can’t change.
- Sex: Women are more likely to develop Osteoporosis than men
- Age: seniors are at higher risk than any other group
- Frame size: Thin women with small bones are at high risk
- Ethnicity: White and Asian women are at high risk
- Family history: If Osteoporosis runs in the family, there are high chances you can develop it as well
Other risk factors you can change include medication use, hormones, alcohol intake, smoking tobacco, anorexia nervosa, and nutrition and activity level.
How can I reduce my risk?
There are many steps you can take to reduce the risk of weak or broken bones. To start with, you need to look at the risk factors you can change and adjust your lifestyle accordingly. Start by eating a healthy diet with enough bone-building vitamins, such as Vitamin D and Calcium. You also need to participate in weight-bearing that can maintain and increase bone strength. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, and talk to your healthcare provider about some medications that could cause weaker bones.
Tips for managing Osteoporosis in seniors
While there’s no cure for Osteoporosis, there are treatments that can help slow down the progression of the disease and reduce bone fractures. The following tips can help you manage Osteoporosis:
- Focus on getting enough calcium and Vitamin D
- Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet
- Quit smoking
- Wear supportive shoes
- Keep a healthy weight
How to prevent falls and Fractures in Seniors with Osteoporosis
- Get your vision checked regularly
- Remove any tripping hazards around your home
- Use assistive devices
- Go for a bone density test
- Take medications prescribed
If you have any concerns about managing Osteoporosis in your loved one, feel free to contact us and speak to our team at Advancare, and we will be happy to help. We have the right professionals to help your loved one manage Osteoporosis.
Dental care tips for seniors in Miami-Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care | 0 comments
Taking care of your teeth starts when you’re just 6 months old and becomes critical as you age. During your senior years, you may face various problems with your dental health. Lack of calcium and other minerals can cause teeth deterioration and various dental health concerns. When you lose more teeth, you will experience difficulty chewing and swallowing food.
Regular dental checkups enable dentists to diagnose, treat and prevent problems before they worsen. At Advancare, we recommend making regular visits to your dentist for dental exams and check-ups to keep your teeth healthy. We offer home care services to seniors in Miami-Dade, such as palliative care, meal planning, errand running, and much more. You can reach out to our team for more information.
Common Senior Dental Problems
Older people are more susceptible to oral health issues such as:
- Dry mouth: Old age, long-term use of dentures, and certain medications can cause dry mouth.
- Darkened teeth: Your teeth become dark naturally by consuming plenty of stain-causing foods and beverages such as coffee. Enamel erosion exposes the yellower, darker dentin. If you have darkened teeth, visit your dentist.
- Gum disease: Gum diseases in older adults are common as many things, including long-term use of tobacco, plague, specific medication, unhealthy diet, and certain medical conditions like anemia and cancer cause them.
- Root decay: Dental decay happens when the gum tissue begins to recede, which exposes the tooth root. The root no longer has enamel to protect it from the decay-causing acid. As a result, it becomes prone to decay and bacteria.
- Sensitive teeth: Sensitivity is quite common in seniors and it’s mainly caused by gum recession which exposes the tooth root, causing sensitive teeth. Using an anti-sensitive toothpaste can help improve the symptoms. If the problem doesn’t go away, you could be dealing with a more significant issue.
- Uneven jawbone: When you fail to replace missing teeth, it causes the other teeth to shift into the open spacing, causing uneven jawbone.
Age itself is not a dominant or primary factor in determining oral health. However, health conditions such as arthritis can make flossing and brushing difficult. Drugs also affect the general health of a senior’s teeth.
What Seniors Should Expect During a Dental Exam
Suppose you just booked a dental exam. In that case, you should expect a few questions from the dentists, such as the approximate date of your last dental visit, loss of sensitive teeth, bumps, lumps or swelling in your mouth, difficulty chewing, tasting, and swallowing food, and many others. During your visit, your dentist will also check your face and neck for discoloration.
You will also be asked to bite to check how your teeth come together when opening and closing. They will also check for swellings around your mouth, signs of infections, and tooth damage. If you wear dentures, the dentist will ask a few questions about when you wear them and when you remove them if they’re removable.
Don’t wait until you’re experiencing pain to visit a dentist. Apart from dental exams, you should always keep your mouth, teeth, and gums clean. Contact our team today if you need any home care services in Miami-Dade.
