Our tips begin and end with you   Not enough can be said about the positives of a healthy quality of life, especially as we age. Like a rock tossed into a pond, there is no telling how far the benefits can reach – from an improved mental and emotional state to physical wellbeing to overall happiness.   As a caretaker of an elderly loved one, there are five things that can be done today to maintain or improve the wellbeing of your senior. 1.Reduce the risk of falling   Falls are one of the most common negative occurrences for the elderly, and they can result in serious injury, permanent damage, long hospital stays, and even long recuperating time. They can also be fatal.   [...]

What is animal-assisted therapy and what are the benefits for seniors?   If you’re a pet owner, you might have perked up as you initially read that term. Pets have a way of making us happy no matter what day you’ve had or what mood you’re in. That could be the reason why two-thirds of all US households and almost half of elderly individuals own a pet. Substantial scientific research has shown that pets have the ability to not only make us happier, but healthier.   That might explain why the use of pets – from dogs and cats to rabbits and birds – has been introduced in hospitals, nursing homes, and even at-home visits for elderly individuals. What is pet therapy?   It’s a [...]

With knowledge and action, you can help seniors deal with these life-changing conditions   As we age, our bodies have a harder time dealing with health problems. Issues that were easy to solve in the past become more and more challenging. For example, when we were young, a common cold might last a few days; as we age, our immune system loses strength and it can take weeks to feel healthy again. Let’s take a look at three of the most common health conditions that affect seniors, as well as the step you can take to mitigate or even eliminate these problems. Obesity   Like the rest of our population, many seniors are struggling with their weight. As we all know, the solution to obesity [...]

Determining a long-term-care plan for elderly family members   As family has become more spread out, often living across the state – or even an entire country away from each other – it is not uncommon for people to end up caring for elderly relatives long-distance. This may even describe your circumstances. You may have taken over management of finances, seeing to medical needs, arranging for in-home care, or overseeing care in an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) or nursing home for your parents, grandparents, or other relatives.   According to the MetLife/National Alliance for Caregiving report “The number of people 65 or older who have moved from one state to another has increased 65% in the last decade … Around 34 million Americans are providing [...]

Medication and other methods for living a fuller, more active life.   We all experience aches and pains as we get older, but these issues can become chronic, especially for those over age 65. If you are caring for an aging parent or you are one yourself, you know very well that chronic pain can be an ongoing issue. According to The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, “…between 25% and 50% of community-dwelling elderly have important pain problems…Geriatric nursing home residents have an even higher prevalence of pain…between 45% and 80%.” The pain can be associated with arthritis and joint disorders, cancer, and many other chronic conditions.   Another issue with chronic pain is that it is often underreported or goes untreated. Many seniors [...]

Sun and fun for everyone!   There’s nothing more special than the bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. And the more time they are able to spend together, the greater the benefits, to both the elders and the children. A close relationship with grandmas and grandpas helps increase self-esteem, grants a higher sense of independence, and fosters a sense of empathy among children.   For the senior, the joy a grandchild brings to their life is immeasurable, and enjoying activities together helps keep them young while providing wonderful companionship. Here are some fun activities that seniors can enjoy with their grandchildren during the summer months: Plant and tend to a garden   Planting a flower, butterfly, herb, or vegetable garden is not only fun for [...]

Arthritis doesn’t care who it hurts, but these tips can help   It might surprise you to know that arthritis, in its various forms, is the number one cause of disability in the United States. According to figures from the Arthritis Foundation, there are over 50 million Americans affected by the condition, consisting of 1 in 5 adults and 300,000 children. Arthritis doesn’t discriminate, but sufferers tend to be older, and their loved ones can make positive choices to help them handle its effects. Focus on the physical   It’s important to consult with a physician regarding all aspects of our health, yet even those suffering from severe arthritis can benefit from some positive personal habits. The Mayo Clinic stresses the importance of non-smoking and [...]

These activities support physical movement and mental health, and they are easy for many people, at any age!   It can be difficult for seniors to get the exercise they need, and we all know that getting enough exercise is crucial to overall health, no matter what the age. But seniors often have challenges with exercise because of physical or mobility restrictions.   In some cases, just finding someone to exercise with can be difficult. But you can help. By exercising with a senior loved one, you enhance their mental and physical well-being. So, what exercises can you do together to increase their quality of life? Try these three basic and fun activities: Walking   Walking is one of the best exercise you can do [...]

Only 65 South Florida companies made the Sun Sentinel’s list   FirstLantic Healthcare has once again been ranked as one of the best places to work in South Florida by the Sun Sentinel. Over the course of seven months, the newspaper conducted surveys at over 1,250 businesses in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties and received around 10,000 responses. Employees were asked about a number of different factors, including engagement, leadership, and core values. And based on that feedback, 65 organizations were declared top workplaces.   All of us at FirstLantic are extremely proud of making this list for the second year in a row. Last year we were ranked at 13 in the midsize business category, and this year we moved up two spots [...]

How to play health and happiness by ear   Everyone knows how uplifting, moving and pleasurable listening to music can be. Our favorite pieces can fire us up for exercise or wind us down when we need to relax. But of all age groups, it's perhaps seniors who stand to benefit most from the benefits music can offer. If you've been neglecting this simple way to improve your loved one’s well-being, help give them a tune up with the tips below. Music can reduce stress and fight disease   The good feelings music can produce are every bit as scientific as they are emotional. The American Psychological Association has highlighted these beneficial effects on health. Cortisol (the hormone that is associated with stress) sees production [...]