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How Miami Seniors Can Combat Health Problems
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, Senior Care, Senior Health | 0 comments
How Miami Senior Combat Health Problems
Aging is something that cannot be avoided, but it is possible to age in a healthy manner. Many of the common health concerns that seniors in the greater Miami-Dade area face are preventable if the correct actions are taken. For elderly people, health issues often cause them to move into nursing homes or seek out in-home care options.
Here at Advancare, our team of in-home caregivers are trained to deal with a variety of health problems faced by seniors. If you’re wondering how seniors can combat health problems they may face, we have the solutions.
What Are Common Health Problems in Miami’s Elderly
There are a variety of different physical and mental health problems faced by seniors in Miami and all over the world. However, practicing a healthy lifestyle can alleviate some of these issues, and it is important to remember to seek out assistance because many of these are treatable or preventable.
- Arthritis: This refers to inflammation and swelling of the body’s joints, which causes pain, discomfort, and difficulty moving.
- Nutrition: Seniors eating healthy meals is an important part of nutrition. Poor nutrition can lead to weight problems, and in seniors, it can lead to obesity or weight loss.
- Urinary Tract Issues: Difficulty urinating, incontinence and urinary tract infections are all common in seniors. If left untreated, these conditions can be life-threatening.
- Eye Problems: Vision tends to worsen over time, and seniors often develop eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
Signs You Are at Risk
Unfortunately, simply getting older increases the risk of getting many of the above issues. If you practice poor nutrition, do not exercise regularly, or do not socialize, a variety of physical and mental health problems could potentially follow.
Prevention
It is impossible to prevent aging, but there are proactive steps that can be taken in order to reduce the risk. These include:
- Staying Active: Even 30 minutes of walking every day can have benefits such as reducing cholesterol, improving cardiovascular health, and delaying the loss of muscle mass.
- Drinking Less Alcohol: Excessive drinking can lead to bone loss and increased falls.
- Stop Smoking: Smoking can lead to a variety of health issues. It is never too late to quit smoking.
- Keep Your Mind Stimulated: Staying social can help to ward off depression and keep the mind sharp. The home health care aides at Advancare help out by providing caring companionship.
Living Well with Health Problems
It is possible to live with a variety of different health problems. Instead of moving into a nursing home, it is possible to remain independent while still getting the assistance that you require if you hire a home health aide. The caregivers at Advancare provide in-home care services such as:
- Light housekeeping
- Incidental transportation
- Short-term disability
- Palliative care
Get in Touch
At Advancare, we are committed to providing compassionate in-home senior care across the greater Miami-Dade area. Reach out by giving us a call at 305-441-9794.
Does My Insurance Pay for Senior Home Care?
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, home care, Senior Care | 0 comments
How to Qualify for Home Health Care in Miami
A variety of senior health care treatments that were once only available at a doctor’s office or hospital can now be done in your home. This type of senior home health care is sometimes called in-home care, and its advantages include being less expensive, more convenient, and the care being of the same quality that you would find in a hospital or doctor’s office. One question that many people ask is, does insurance pay for senior home care?
The short answer to this question is yes, assuming you meet certain eligibility criteria and if the services are considered reasonable and necessary for the treatment of your illness or injury. Here at Advancare, our caregivers would like to provide a guide on the home health care services that Medicare covers.
Requirements
If you’re wondering how to qualify for home health care for home health care, here is an overview of the eligibility requirements. If you have medical health coverage, you can use your home health benefits if:
- You’re under the care of a licensed medical professional, and you’re getting services under a plan of care established and reviewed regularly by a doctor.
- You need, and the doctor certifies that you need, one or more of the following:
- Intermittent skilled nursing care
- Physical therapy
- Speech-language pathology services
- Continued occupational therapy
- The home health agency caring for you is approved by Medicare
- You’re homebound, and a doctor certifies that you’re homebound. Homebound can be defined as:
- You have trouble leaving your home without help, such as a cane, wheelchair, walker, or crutches because of an illness or injury
- You’re normally unable to leave your home, but if you do, it requires a major effort
- As part of your certification of eligibility, a doctor, or certain health care professionals who work with a doctor must document that they have had a face-to-face meeting with you and the meeting was related to the reason you need home health care.
What Home Health Care Services are Covered?
If you are found to be eligible for home health care services under your insurer, most will cover a number of different aspects of home care. These include:
- Skilled nursing care
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services
- Home health aide services: This includes the personal care services provided by Advancare. Some health coverage plans don’t cover home health aide services unless you’re also getting skilled care
What to Expect
It is important to understand that Medicare will not pay for home health services such as meals delivered to your home and homemaker services. It also will not pay for custodial or personal care like bathing, using the bathroom, and dressing if those services are the only things that you require.
Tips from Miami Caregiver
If you have any questions about whether Medicare will pay for your home health care services, do not hesitate to contact the experts at Advancare. Understanding and qualifying for Medicare can sometimes be a challenge, but our caregivers are here to help.
Contact us at (305) 441-9794 for more information.
Guide To Finding Senior Transport in Miami
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, Senior Care | 0 comments
As people age, many of the daily activities that they used to do without a second thought can become dangerous and difficult. This includes completing everyday errands, such as grocery shopping, going to the store, and visiting friends and family. The common denominator with these three activities is that they all involve driving, a skill that becomes dangerous as seniors lose their eyesight and develop slowed reaction time.
Need help driving or finding transportation in Miami?
We understand that for seniors, driving is one of the most difficult things to give up. People do not like losing the independence and freedom that comes with being behind the wheel, but at the same time, seniors can get to the point where driving causes them to get traffic violations, run out of gas, get lost, and even get into an accident. For seniors who do not want to give up the freedom that comes with leaving their home, there is a middle ground: a senior errand service. Here is an overview of the senior errand service provided by Advancare.
What is an Errand Service?
If you are the primary caregiver of a senior, you’re likely juggling both their needs and your own needs. We know that this is a lot for some family members to take on, which is why our errand service for seniors assists with taking care of everyday errands that you do not have time for, such as picking up prescriptions, going to the post office, or getting groceries. Some errand services can also include things such as house cleaning, home organization and cleaning, or security checks. Sometimes the senior can come along on the errand; other times, they may choose not to.
What to Look for in a Senior Errand Service
- Types of Errands Provided: When searching for an errand service, you’ll want to ensure that they can do the types of errands that your senior requires. Types of common errands include rides to recreational activities, picking up gifts for family members, grocery shopping, going to the post office, and driving to the doctor or pharmacy.
- Customization: A good senior errand service should be able to adapt to your needs. They will put the needs of your senior first and foremost, no matter the type of errand you are running.
- Area of Service: In your search for a senior errand service, you should make sure that they provide senior errand services in your area of residence.
- Caregivers: The caregivers that complete the errands should be screened, certified, and trained to work with seniors and run errands.
Our Miami, FL Senior Errand Service
Advancare is a Miami, FL senior caregiver company that also focuses on completing errands for seniors. We run a wide variety of different errands for seniors, and our areas of service include Miami, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Coral Gables, Aventura, North Miami Beach, and Miami Beach. We only employ the most committed, highly qualified, and carefully selected caregivers to provide in-home assistance and run errands. To provide additional peace of mind, all the caregivers are fully bonded and insured.
To get started with our senior errand service, contact us at (305) 441-9794.
Tips For Miami’s Seniors on Keeping Cool During Summer
Posted by Scott Cantin in caregiving tips, elderly care, Senior Care | 0 comments
Summertime in Miami brings blazing heat, bright sun, and uncomfortable humidity, three things that can cause heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke. While everybody should take precautions in the hot Miami summer, seniors face an especially high risk in inclement weather. According to a CDC report, 36 percent of heat-related deaths in the United States were among people over age 65, but there are ways to prevent heat-related illnesses and keep seniors cool.
Looking for home care services or companionship in the Greater Miami area?
Our professional caregivers have plenty of relevant experience keeping seniors cool in the hot Miami summer. Here are a few tips.
What is Heat Stroke and Why Are Seniors Susceptible?
Before going over our tips to stay cool, our senior care in Miami professionals think it’s important to share an overview of what heat stroke is. Heatstroke happens when the body overheats, typically to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If not treated, heat stroke can damage the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. The longer it takes to get treatment, the higher the risk for serious complications or even death.
While everybody can experience heat stroke to some degree, seniors are especially vulnerable. This is because their bodies do not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature, chronic medical conditions can change their body responses to heat, and prescription medications can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature or could actually prevent sweating.
Tips to Help Seniors Avoid the Heat
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- Encourage water intake: Remind your loved ones to drink water throughout the day. A body that is hydrated feels cooler and regulates temperature better. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
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- Understand their health conditions: Check with their doctor to find out if medications or treatments could increase the risk for heatstroke by affecting the way that their bodies regulate temperature.
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- Cool washcloth: If the senior is feeling hot, encourage them to place a cool washcloth on their back and a pan of cool water close by to periodically re-cool the towel.
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- Wear lightweight clothing: Convince them to wear as little clothing as possible and make clothes as light, breathable, and loose as possible.
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- Use solar curtains: Inexpensive solar curtains can play a large role in keeping your senior’s house cool during the hottest days by blocking out the sun.
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- Visit a public cooling center: If the house does not have air conditioning or if the system does not work well, a senior can stay cool by visiting a public cooling spot such as a senior center, library, coffee shop, or recreation center.
- Stay on the ground floor: Because heat rises, a house is cooler in the main level and the basement. Discourage them from spending too much time upstairs.
Miami’s Most Compassionate Caregivers
Our team of friendly in-home caregivers provides senior care services in Miami. We improve the lives of seniors by providing compassionate, one-on-one care in the comfort of their own homes.
If you would like additional tips on how to keep your loved ones cool during summer, call us today at (305) 441-9794.
Anti-Aging Skin and Hair Care Tips for Miami Seniors
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care, Senior Health | 0 comments
Miami Elderly Skin & Hair Care
There’s nothing to bemoan about aging, however. You can’t get older without having lived, after all. Aging isn’t a reason to mourn your lost youth. Instead, it’s a time to celebrate all the milestones you reach and remember that others may not have been fortunate enough to do the same.
If your loved one is in need of additional homecare services in the Greater Miami area, our caregivers can help!
How Aging Effects Skin and Hair
While reaching yet another birthday or anniversary is cause for celebration, no amount of celebrating can stop the effects that aging has on skin and hair. As people age, their skin and hair typically change. For example, you may realize that your hair is thinning or turning gray. You may also notice that your skin is:
- Itchy
- Blotchy
- Wrinkly
- Thinner
- Less elastic
- Slow to heal
How to Protect Your Skin from the Effects of Aging
Although there’s no cure for aging, it doesn’t mean you’re powerless to protect your skin from aging’s effects. In fact, making some simple changes to your hygiene routine may be all you need to do.
Regardless of your age, it’s important to bathe regularly. To protect your skin from aging’s ravages, you may want to bathe somewhat less frequently. It’s also wise to switch to a milder soap and use warm water instead of hot water, which can strip natural oils from your skin.
When you bathe, keep it short – just a 10-minute shower or bath is really all you probably need to get clean. Leave the buff puffs and bath brushes on the shelf and use a soft cloth to clean yourself so you won’t irritate your skin.
As you dry yourself, pat the water off your body but leave a trace of water on your skin. The thin layer of water residue on your skin will help to hydrate your skin when you apply your post-bathing moisturizer. Once you’re mostly dry, apply a fragrance-free moisturizer within three minutes. Reapply the creamy moisturizer several times throughout each day to reinforce your skin’s protective barrier.
If you or someone you love needs help with their bathing routine, learn all about our senior care services in Miami, FL, and surrounding areas now!
How to Combat the Effects of Aging on Your Hair
Thinning hair can be a cause for alarm for both men and women as they age. If your hair is thinning out, consider shortening your hairstyle so that your hair looks fuller. Coloring your hair, using a volumizing shampoo, and/or adding extensions can also add volume to your hair.
Are you seeing more gray hairs on your head? You can make them less obvious by getting some highlights. If you want them to “disappear” altogether, you may want to opt for a full-color treatment rather than highlights.
Get the Senior Care You Need from Advancare
Do you or someone you know need help with senior care in the Miami, FL area? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Senior Dental Care & Hygiene in Miami
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care, Senior Health | 0 comments
Dental Care Tips for Seniors
Let’s face it – everyone’s smile is beautiful regardless of their age. Although that’s true, maintaining a healthy set of chompers can get more difficult as you age. Some seniors experience oral issues in their twilight years that weren’t present when they were younger. Fortunately, your doctor and dentist can help you overcome many of the problems that might develop as the years progress.
Common Dental Problems Seniors Encounter
As people age, things typically change. A health issue like arthritis may make it difficult for some to brush their teeth. Newly prescribed medications may contribute to oral health challenges. Whatever is the cause or a contributor to the condition, some dental problems are more common for seniors than others.
Here are some of the oral health problems many seniors might experience as they make their way through their golden years:
- Discolored teeth
- Dry mouth
- Wear and tear on their teeth
- Gum disease
- Thrush
- Root decay
- Tooth loss
- Greater tooth sensitivity
- Stomatitis caused by poorly fitted dentures
- Uneven jawbone
Actionable Advice to Maintain Healthy Teeth as You Age
Just because you’re getting older, it doesn’t mean you’re necessarily predestined to experience issues with your oral health. You can diminish the chances that you’ll experience problems by following some simple oral health tips that are easy to work into your normal routine.
Brush Your Teeth Twice Every Day
To keep your teeth in good shape, it’s imperative for you to brush them at least twice every day. During each session, you should brush your teeth nonstop for a minimum of two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste.
Use the Right Toothbrush and Replace It Often
Toothbrushes are readily available with different levels of bristle stiffness. Make sure you’re using a toothbrush that has the right bristles for your teeth and your style of brushing. You should also be sure to replace your toothbrush with one that has the same bristle stiffness every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are showing signs of wear and tear such as fraying.
Floss Daily
Flossing at least once every day is an absolute must to maintain your teeth in good condition. If you have trouble using standard dental floss, consider using a dental floss holder, disposable dental floss picks, or a water pick instead.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Just as you probably visited the dentist every six months as a child, you should make it a point to do the same now. Even if you no longer drive, it’s not an excuse to avoid going to the dentist. Our Miami-Dade, FL home care agency proudly provides senior home care services, which include incidental transportation to appointments such as visits to the dentist.
If you or someone you love needs transportation to an appointment or another type of home help for seniors, you needn’t look beyond the team at Advancare for the necessary assistance. Our team is committed to setting the standard for home help for seniors throughout the Miami-Dade County area, and we’d be honored to serve you and/or anyone you know who may need a helping hand.
Long-Distance Caregiving for Your Loved Ones
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care | 0 comments
Long-Distance Caregiving In Miami
Prepared by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, “Caregiving in the U.S. 2020” provides a comprehensive look at unpaid family care providers located in the United States, including long-distance caregivers. The study shows that it’s not unusual for long-distance caregivers to spend close to twice as much as local caregivers to provide care for their loved ones.
We can help with any caregiver needs in Miami!
There are several reasons why long-distance caregivers often spend more to provide the care their loved ones need, such as:
- They might need to hire help to tend to their friend or family member
- Long-distance care providers may have to take time off from work without pay
- They might have to pay to travel to their loved one’s location
Tips to Care for a Loved One from a Distance
Long-distance caregivers have more to worry about than the cost of the care they arrange for their family member or friend. They also have to make sure that their loved ones are in good hands. You can only enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family member or friend is getting the care they need by being informed and involved with picking the home healthcare agency that will tend to the person’s needs.
To ensure you choose the right agency, you must have a thorough understanding of your loved one’s medical condition and their needs. Talk to your loved one and take notes so you can review them until you’re intimately familiar with the individual’s health problems and how they need to be addressed in the short- and long-term.
Arrange an interview so you and your loved one can meet the people who will render care. Make sure you and the patient you love are both comfortable with the team members who will be responsible for your loved one’s well-being. Review the caregivers’ credentials and discuss their experience in the field to ensure they have the skills and knowledge necessary to tend to your loved one.
Why Choose Advancare
If your loved one needs senior care service in Miami, FL, or a nearby area, we encourage you to contact Advancare to schedule an in-home consultation. When we visit with you, you’ll quickly realize you won’t need to interview any other agency. Our team includes dedicated professionals who have the training needed to care for your family member or friend.
Whether your loved one needs help a few hours every day or they need assistance around the clock, our team will care for your friend or family member in the appropriate manner, which will allow you to rest easy. We offer an array of elderly care services, including:
- Incidental transportation
- Alzheimer’s and dementia care
- Caring companionship
- Supportive care
- Light housekeeping
- Respite care
- And more!
We firmly believe that everyone deserves nothing but the very best senior home care in Miami and surrounding areas. And that’s what we provide day in and day out – the best senior home care at an affordable price. Whether you live locally or you’re a considerable distance from your aging loved one, contact Advancare to schedule an in-home consultation now.
