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 [...]

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 [...]