How to manage with confidence, compassion, and comfort   In the United States, the estimate of seniors in elderly care institutions is about five percent. The Institute on Aging details that the other ninety-five percent rely on a mixture of family, friends, and paid assistance. It's an uplifting picture that our society is caring for the elderly, and yet any necessary change of environment can be tough for seniors, regardless of the length of the care.   Whether it's transitioning from a hospital stay to a temporary facility or back home, preparation and a period of adjustment may be required if your loved one has to move between care environments. Here are some suggestions on how to make sure the process is as smooth as [...]

Long-term care options and what to look out for   It never feels like the right time to think about moving a loved one to an assisted living facility. Above all else, you want your senior to be safe, well fed, and mentally stimulated. And sometimes the best place to do that is in a community home. Once you’ve decided to make a change, the next decision to make is which facility is the right one for your aging senior. It’s important to take the following precautions to determine if the elder care facility feels right for you and your loved one. Ask the important questions   There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to elder care facilities. Make sure you’re asking the right questions [...]

From a very early age, Anna knew caring was her calling   Even after almost 40 years as a nurse, FirstLantic’s Anna DeMartino hasn’t lost her passion for what she does.   “It’s all I ever wanted to do,” she says, and she knew it from an age when people do not typically think about their future jobs.   When she was eight years old, her grandfather passed away, and it was then that Anna began taking care of her grandmother. Her love of helping people grew further when she was 13 and began volunteering at a nursing home through a school program.   In college, Anna took a career planning course, but she soon realized it was pointless; nursing and caregiving were permanently embedded [...]

How to deal with the stressors that come with caring for an aging loved one   Caring for an elderly loved one is a rewarding experience. All the same, it can put a lot of pressure on the caregiver. Individuals can focus so much time and attention on their senior that they don’t realize their own health and well-being are suffering. And since caregiving is typically a long-term responsibility, these stressors can have their own long-term effects on the mind and body. Signs of caregiver stress can include gaining or losing weight, sleeping too much or too little, constantly feeling overwhelmed, worried, or irritated, and losing interest in activities you used to enjoy.   It’s important for caregivers to learn how to deal with the [...]

Learn what makes these animals special   Everybody needs a companion, and this is particularly true as we get older. While it would be nice to keep the same friends forever, unfortunately that doesn’t always work out. Because people move or pass away, it can be easy for seniors to become isolated, which is potentially dangerous.   Fortunately, even if friends of the human persuasion aren’t readily available, there are many animals that can be a great substitute. Pets can do wonders for the wellbeing of everyone, and perhaps especially for seniors in need of companionship. But which ones are best? If you are looking for a new pal for yourself or a loved one, here are some things to think about: Cats are perfect [...]

Learn about this dedicated South Florida professional and a prestigious award she just received   FirstLantic is proud to announce that one of our caregivers has just been named Home Health Aide of the Year by the Home Care Association of Florida (HCAF). Patricia Pollard has been in the home care industry for over seven years and represents the qualities we look for with all of our staff.   To make their choice, the HCAF looks at a number of factors, including dependability, sensitivity to client needs, team spirit, and commitment.   “I love being a caregiver and I truly believe it shows when I go into [people’s] homes,” Patricia said. “It’s the happiness I feel of knowing that I’m making a difference in somebody’s [...]

Know the signs of stroke and act FAST   Stroke remains one of the most serious health risks in this country, especially for those over age 55. It is the 5th leading cause of death in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), stroke is also a leading cause of serious long-term disability, reducing mobility in more than half of stroke survivors over age 65. Here are more quick stroke facts:   Each year, nearly 800,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke A stroke happens every 40 seconds Every 4 minutes, someone dies from stroke Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the U.S   Time equals brain   Time is the most critical thing to understand when it [...]

Understanding the most common “extrinsic” causes of trips and falls helps create a safer environment for senior loved ones   According to the American Family Physician, falls are the top cause of emergency-room visits in the United States for people over the age of 65. Because of factors like declining muscle strength, arthritis, poor vision, and weaker bones, seniors are not only more likely to fall, they are more likely to suffer serious injury when they do.   If you have an elderly loved one, or if you are concerned about tripping and falling hazards in your own home, there are preventative measures you can take to reduce the chances of a fall.   An initial step is identifying the most common external sources of [...]

A senior’s diet must include more nutrients and have more restrictions   The short answer, of course, is yes.   As people age, there are few things that stay the same. We move a little slower, sleep a bit less consistently, and we are constantly told to make changes to our diet. Doctors will typically recommend a well-balanced diet for older adults, meaning regular servings of fruits, vegetables, proteins, plant- or fish-based fats, and whole grains to maintain overall good health. Although sticking to a healthy diet is something we’ve been told to do throughout our life, age-related changes in the body make these healthy choices even more important. How does your body change as you age?   Generally, your digestive system shifts, your immune [...]

According to a recent report, those who refuse home care were twice as likely to be readmitted to a hospital within 30-60 days   If you or an older family member has recently been admitted to the hospital for a moderate to severe injury, disease, or chronic health condition, getting home health care services could seriously decrease the chances of readmission. In fact, according to one report from the Alliance for Home Health Quality and Innovation and the United Hospital Fund, research shows that those who received home health care were only half as likely to be readmitted to a hospital within 30-60 days compared to those who refused it. So, why do patients refuse home health care in the first place?   In some [...]