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Leisure Activities for Seniors with Limited Mobility
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, Senior Care, Senior Health | 0 comments
As we grow older, it’s crucial to maintain an active and fulfilling life. However, for seniors dealing with limited mobility, finding accessible and enjoyable leisure activities can be a challenge. In the United States, where a substantial portion of the population is aging, the demand for such options is on the rise. In this article, we’ll explore some accessible leisure activities tailored to seniors with limited mobility.
1. Chair Yoga and Gentle Stretching
Staying physically active is vital for seniors, even those with limited mobility. Chair yoga and gentle stretching classes are gaining popularity nationwide and can be especially beneficial for seniors. These activities focus on promoting flexibility, balance, and relaxation, all while being gentle on the joints. South Florida’s year-round mild climate is ideal for exploring outdoor options like water aerobics and pool exercises, which can be easily adjusted to suit seniors with limited mobility.
2. Art and Craft Workshops
Art and craft workshops have become increasingly popular among seniors for good reasons. They offer an excellent creative outlet that can be adapted to different mobility levels. Whether it’s painting, pottery, or knitting, these activities allow seniors to express themselves while enjoying the process. South Florida provides a variety of options, with art and craft workshops available in community centers, senior centers, and private studios.
3. Virtual Travel Adventures
For seniors who can’t travel due to limited mobility, virtual travel adventures are a fantastic alternative. Thanks to technology, they can explore the world from the comfort of their homes. Virtual tours of famous landmarks, cultural exhibitions, and online cooking classes from around the world are easily accessible, offering an exciting and educational way to spend leisure time.
4. Puzzle Games and Brain Teasers
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity, and there are plenty of options for seniors with limited mobility. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and brain-training games can help keep the mind sharp. Many online platforms offer these games, making them accessible to seniors in South Florida and beyond.
5. Gardening and Indoor Plants
Gardening can be a therapeutic and rewarding leisure activity for seniors. Even with limited mobility, individuals can enjoy gardening by caring for indoor plants or creating container gardens. South Florida’s mild climate allows for year-round outdoor gardening, and seniors can enlist assistance or participate in community garden programs.
6. Book Clubs and Senior Social Groups
Reading provides an excellent way to escape into different worlds and engage the mind. Seniors can join book clubs, both in-person and virtually, where they can discuss their favorite books and connect with others who share their interests. Social groups for seniors in South Florida offer an opportunity to make new friends and stay socially engaged.
7. Music and Dance
Music and dance are fantastic ways to uplift spirits and stay active, even with limited mobility. Seniors can attend live music performances or join dance classes tailored to their needs, often available at community centers and senior centers in South Florida.
Seniors with limited mobility should not miss out on the joy of leisure activities. Whether through physical exercise, creative pursuits, virtual adventures, or mental stimulation, there are numerous options to stay engaged and lead a fulfilling life. South Florida’s climate offers a unique advantage, providing opportunities for outdoor activities all year round.
If you or your loved ones are seeking assistance and support to participate in these activities, consider in-home care services from Advancare. Their dedicated team can help seniors in South Florida make the most of their leisure time while ensuring safety and well-being. Stay active, stay engaged, and enjoy a fulfilling life, even with limited mobility. Contact us for more information.
Caring Tips for Aging Grandparents in Miami
Posted by Scott Cantin in caregiving tips, elderly care, Senior Care | 0 comments
Grandparents are a valuable part of our families, culture, and society at large. They’re the connection between the generations, and we owe it to them to provide the care they need as they age. If you’ve been tasked with the responsibility of caring for your aging grandparents, you may be wondering what you can do to ensure that they’re happy and safe. At Advancare, we provide caregiver services in Miami to support families and to ensure that their loved ones get the care they need. Let’s look at some of the best ways to care for your aging grandparents.
Visit Often
Loneliness is a major concern for people who are aging and spend most of their time at home. To combat feelings of isolation, visit your loved one often to check in and break up their days. Bring games, share meals, and spend quality time with your aging grandparent. Create a routine so that they know when to expect your visits, and stick to your schedule. That way, your loved one will know they’re not alone.
Listen
Seniors have many life experiences to pass on, and if you’re lucky, they’ll share valuable stories from their lives with you. Listen to what they have to say — even if you’ve heard the story before, and even if it’s not particularly interesting to you. Someday, you’ll be grateful for the time you spend listening to your aging grandparent, and you’ll be able to share their stories with your loved ones, too.
Send Mail and Photos
If you live far away or can’t visit, send letters and photos through the mail. Your loved one will be delighted to receive handwritten notes about your life and photos of your family. If they have trouble seeing, you may want to type letters on the computer and print them out in a clear, large font. You can also send small gifts like slippers, coffee mugs, or other items that show that you’re thinking of them.
Video Chat Frequently
May in-home care services in Miami help seniors to video chat with family members. If your loved one has internet access, offer to FaceTime with them. That way, you can chat and show off your children, pets, and home. It gives them something to look forward to, and it’s easy to fit into your busy schedule.
Make Sure Their Home is Safe
One major aspect of caregiver services in Miami is ensuring that a senior’s home is safe. Stairs, cords, and other tripping hazards are very dangerous. Walk through your loved one’s home to ensure that it’s safe and secure. You may need to install handles in the bathroom, a shower seat, or a stairlift, depending on their needs.
Encourage Exercise
Mental and physical exercise are essential to staying happy and healthy, and it’s been proven that physical activity can reduce the riskof many physical limitations as we age. Encourage your aging grandparent to take short walks, try new crafts, and do puzzles to stay active. Pay attention to their physical limitations to avoid injuries.
Ask For Help
Caring for aging grandparents can be overwhelming, and without the right support system, you can quickly burn out. In fact, over 40% of caregivers show symptoms of depression. There are caregiver services in Miami that can walk alongside you to lighten your load and ensure that your aging grandparent is cared for.
Enlist Help From Trusted Caregiver Services in Miami
At Advancare, we believe that seniors deserve to live as independently as possible with help from trusted loved ones and caregivers. We provide home care services that include light housekeeping, shopping, personal care, and more. If you’re interested in learning more, contact us today.
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!
How to Modify Your Home for Aging in Place
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, home care, Senior Care | 0 comments
It is common to want to stay in your home for as long as possible, even as age catches up with you. For most seniors in the country, the comfort of being in their lifelong house and independence are huge priorities. However, as you get older, your needs will keep changing. Therefore, you have to start thinking about how to modify your home to age with you.
You may not have to renovate everything, but there are a number of crucial changes that will ensure you age in place comfortably. You should also have to start looking into caregiver services Miami, so you can get all the assistance you need at home.
Below are the top ways to adapt your home for aging in place:
Widen the Doorways
Having wide doorways is essential for wheelchair or walker access. Consider making the doorways 34–36 inches to ensure an easy burden down the road should you require mobility aids.
Install Ramps
When you have balance issues in your old age or are unsteady, exterior stairs could be challenging. This is why it makes sense to have ramps on the entry. Ramps also make it easier to get into and out of the house using a wheelchair.
Modify the Kitchen
As you age, you may find that your cabinetry and countertops are too high and that your appliances are no longer in their ideal locations. A kitchen renovation is necessary to build lower cabinets or remove shelves to make your items easier to reach. A wider space in the kitchen could also make it more wheelchair-accessible.
Update Lighting
When it comes to lighting, brighter is better. Poor lighting is a safety hazard as it is easy to trip and fall. Therefore, ensure you have brighter bulbs or other light sources within the house to ensure you can see everything as you move around. It would help to widen your windows or install a glass door to ensure as much natural light as possible gets in during the day. A fresh coat of bright paint could also help.
Modify the Bathroom and Shower
If you have a bathtub, Caregiver Services Miami recommends you replace it with a walk-in shower. This way, walking in and out of the bathroom will be easier and much safer. If you cannot replace the bathtub, add a safety bar or install safety strips to help curb slips and falls.
Consider Installing Assistive Technology
Assistive technology has made many homes livable for seniors without making too many permanent modifications. Some of the technological tools you could install include:
- Smart-home devices. Google Home, Amazon Echo, and other voice-controlled home technologies can assist you in automatically controlling things like lighting, calls, reminders for appointments and medications, and grocery ordering. A smart doorbell connected to Alexa can also help you with two-way conversations and video monitoring.
- Medical alert systems. A medical alert system can help to monitor your condition and reach out to preset emergency contacts and senior care Miami services quickly. These alarm systems are available as wearable devices, such as bracelets and necklaces, or as easy-to-use smartphone apps.
- Stairlift. If you have a multi-level home, staircases could cause you plenty of anxiety as a senior. However, with a stairlift, you can move to and from the top layers of your home with minimal stress.
Experience Stress-Free Aging at Home With Caregiver Services Miami
Staying in your own home during your old age ensures you are not disconnected from the things you love about your family and neighborhood. However, you will need help to live comfortably. At Advancare, we are ready to provide you with personalized in-home care services Miami, ensuring that you get on with your daily activities seamlessly. Contact us today to learn more about our affordable home care assistance.
Financial Planning and Management for Seniors
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, home care, Senior Care | 0 comments
After spending most of your life working and saving, you may imagine it’s finally time to take a break during your senior years. Well, you are right, but there’s one catch – you have to plan your finances early on. Otherwise, you may put yourself and your family under a lot of pressure. Caregiver services Miami often encounter many unprepared families dealing with senior living, healthcare, and asset management complexities.
Therefore, you must prioritize financial and legal matters to make the most out of your senior years. Before you start, consult a financial planner who understands your situation and can assist you in navigating the complexities of government benefits, taxes, investments, and pensions.
As you decide on how best to spend your golden years, here are five financial planning tips to consider:
Optimize Your Benefits
There are plenty of policies and benefits available in the U.S. that you can use to fund your caregiver services Miami. Examples include long-term care insurance (LTC), private insurance, assisted living or memory care, and veterans’ benefits.
Whatever your options, ensure you have an optimized plan that allows you to get the best care possible. However, you should remember that because Medicare does not cover most senior living options, you may require LTC insurance or private pay.
Plan For Housing and Healthcare, and Have an Updated Estate Plan
As you assess your assets and personal finance goals, factor in the potential costs of at-home care or retirement living. You may find it wiser to sell your home or some of your properties and downsize to offset these future costs.
As you make a plan for the properties you own, ensure that you have updated estate plans, will, and asset titling. This is important during significant changes, such as when you acquire new properties or there are legislative changes.
Consider Your Future Decisions
As you age, there may be a time when you will no longer have the physical or mental capacity to manage your money and assets. This is why you should appoint a financial power of attorney. You must also consider various forms of life insurance to cover any debts or financially assist your family. Knowing you can still provide and protect your loved ones even after you are gone will give you peace of mind.
Keep an Eye Out for Fraudsters
The FBI states that most identity theft, data breaches, and other financial scams primarily target senior Americans. This is because seniors tend to be more trusting, and most are likely to have financial savings, good credit, and one or several properties. The best way to protect yourself is to safeguard your sensitive personal and credit card information and stay in the know.
Invest in Your Well-being
You obviously feel obligated to support your family financially, whether in the form of inheritance or gifts. However, don’t forget to live a full and healthy life. Determine what you want to set aside for your loved ones and what to allocate to your senior care Miami and lifestyle. At the end of the day, life is for the living, and a great plan should balance all your needs.
Peace of Mind During Retirement With Caregiver Services Miami
It is normal to want to stay in an environment you are familiar with during your senior years. The good news is that you can do so without overburdening your loved ones. Advancare offers the best in-home care services Miami and is ready to support you when that time comes. Contact us today to learn more about our personalized and affordable senior care services.
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.
How Seniors Can Stay Safe During Hurricane Season
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care | 0 comments
Miami is a great place to live, especially if you are a senior, but like anywhere else, it has its downsides. For many people, the biggest downside is the climate. Severe weather is always a threat, with hurricane season taking up a large portion of the year. If you are taking care of a senior in Miami, it is essential that you keep them prepared to deal with hurricanes and other inclement weather conditions.
Need senior support or resources in Miami?
Here at Advancare, our team of in-home caregivers is committed to providing compassionate in-home senior care for our Miami, FL clients, and we are happy to share our tips on hurricane preparedness.
Hurricane Checklist for Miami Seniors
Hurricanes and severe weather can be a frightening experience for seniors, especially ones who are living on their own. One of the best ways to mentally prepare for a hurricane is to have our caregiver services in Miami create a preparation kit for hurricanes. Doing so will ensure that the seniors in your life have all the necessary supplies and medication to weather the storm.
This kit will be useful if you stay in your home during the hurricane, and your senior can also bring it with them if they are forced to evacuate. Here are some things that you should include in your storm preparedness kit for at least three days.
- Non-perishable food (canned goods, dried fruit, nuts, etc.)
- Any necessary medication and medical supplies (have extra oxygen tanks if needed). Also, contact your doctor’s office and pharmacies to ensure access to care and medication
- First-aid kit (bandages, adhesive tape, alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment, pain relief medication, etc.)
- One gallon of water per person per day
- Personal hygiene and sanitation items
- Portable generator or battery-powered device to charge medical devices
- Battery-operated radio with extra batteries
- Cellphone and charger
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Waterproof container with important documents (identification cards, medical records, and insurance cards) and cash
- Lighter and matches
- Cooler and ice packs
- List of important phone numbers and emergency contacts
- Pet supplies if applicable (food, water and medication)
Secure your Home
- Reinforce windows and doors with shutters or plywood
- Bring in all outdoor furniture and decor
- Clear gutters and drains to prevent water from flowing into your home
- Trim trees and vegetation
- Secure loose objects around the property
- Disconnect all unnecessary electrical appliances
- Turn off gas and water supply
- Make sure your roof is in good conditions
- Identify safe spaces in your home (such as bathrooms or closets)
Plan for a Power Outage
One of the most important aspects of elderly care in Miami, FL is planning for power outages. Whether they’re caused by hurricanes or another type of severe weather, power outages are common and can be cause for concern if the senior is not prepared to handle them. The items in the hurricane preparedness kit can also be used in the event of a power outage, and here are some additional things that you can do to plan for a power outage.
1. Air Conditioning
In Miami, losing air conditioning can be the most uncomfortable aspect of losing power during a storm. If the AC goes out, try to prevent light from entering and warming the room by covering up your windows on the inside. Try to avoid using fans unless you are in the room with them.
2. Food
Tell your senior to turn down the fridge temperature and freeze any food that can be frozen if you are expecting a power outage. Have a cooler with ice packs, drinks, and snacks prepared. First consume food that spoils fast: eat fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, and dairy products which spoil quickly. Discard food that smells, tastes, or looks odd, has an off odor, discoloration, or slimy film. Also, get rid of food from cans or bottles that appear wrecked or swollen.
3. Gas
Make sure that your car’s gas tank is full in the event of a power outage. This makes it easy to leave town if necessary.
Transportation Assistance
During hurricane season, transportation assistance and paratransit options are essential for individuals with mobility challenges. One such service is Miami-Dade County’s paratransit service, which may provide evacuation transportation to an evacuation center or a designated shelter before the storm. This service must be scheduled in advance by contacting the county’s Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program.
Moreover, the American Red Cross also offers transportation assistance during hurricanes and other natural disasters. Their services include providing transportation to and from shelters and healthcare facilities for individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges.
Other Considerations & Tips
- Have a plan in place for how you will evacuate if necessary. It’s important to have it well before a hurricane is expected to hit.
- You should be aware of the evacuation route in your area and have a plan to leave quickly if necessary.
- Monitor the news for updates on the storm’s path and any evacuation orders. Listen for updates on the radio.
- Stay indoors during the hurricane and avoid going outside until it is safe to do so.
- Have a communication plan in place with family and friends in case of an emergency. This can include having a designated contact who can check in on you during the storm.
Emotional & Mental Health Considerations
One of the most significant emotional considerations for seniors during a hurricane is the fear and anxiety that can come from living through such a natural disaster. The uncertainty and potential danger of the situation can cause seniors to feel anxious, stressed, or even fearful for their safety. This type of distress can increase their vulnerability to physical illnesses and long-term mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
Another emotional consideration is the feeling of isolation that can occur during and after a hurricane. Disruptions in transportation, communication systems, and power outages can leave seniors feeling cut off from family and friends. This isolation can increase feelings of loneliness and anxiety and contribute to a decline in mental wellbeing.
Miami Senior Care & Support
Providing home help for seniors and in-home senior care services, the professional caregivers at Advancare are here to help your senior prepare for inclement weather. For more tips on how to help your loved ones prepare their homes, contact us at (305) 441-9794.
Originally posted on July 20th, 2020. Updated on September 14th, 2023.
