Florida - Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte Counties

Charlotte, Manatee & Sarasota

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Amanda Barton

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I'm Amanda Barton your local Publisher. Please let me know how I can help you. We are Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties most comprehensive and reliable source to find and compare Senior Housing such as Retirement Communities, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing. Health at Home options like Home Health Care, Non-Medical Home Care, Hospice and Senior Resources, and Activities and Entertainment. Whether you are looking for resources, looking to promote your business, or just want to know what's happening around town, the Seniors Blue Book website is your go-to! Our healthcare system is difficult to navigate, throw in insurance and legal issues on top, and then manage it all in a crisis… no one should have to do it alone. Let me help you. Call 941-351-3630 or email me today!  Thank you for using Seniors Blue Book, enjoy!

Florida - Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte Counties

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Florida - Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte Counties

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Activities & Events In Your Area

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Apr 25, 2024 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM

Luau Open House

Get a taste of the resort lifestyle and join us for a Luau !  Enjoy live entertainment and tasty bites to transport you to the tropics.  

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Local Aging Options

Freedom Village of Bradenton Memory Care

Memory Care 6410 21st Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida, 34209

Freedom Village of Bradenton, located just six miles from the Gulf Coast beaches in West Bradenton, Florida is a premier Continuing Care Retirement Community that offers beautiful and spacious living accommodations and a full range of health care services, including Memory Care.  Our community provides a safe, friendly and comfortable environment for our residents, from upscale apartments and villas in Independent Living, to the personalized services we offer in Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation.We follow the principles of Heartfelt CONNECTIONS - A Memory Care Program. This nationally recognized philosophy establishes a continuum of care for those diagnosed with dementia, as well as their families.  Our knowledgeable caregivers get to know each resident personally to create an environment that reduces fear and anxiety and promotes self-esteem and well-being.        *  Assistance with daily living activities       *  Nursing staff supervision 24-hours-per day       *  Specialized activities and programs       *  Scheduled transportation       *  Personal concierge services       *  Weekly housekeepingCall 941-799-6855 to learn more about our services or to schedule a personalized visit. We look forward to sharing our beautiful campus with you.

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Discovery Village at Sarasota Bay

Memory Care 1414 69th Ave. W., Bradenton, Florida, 34207

Discover the exceptional lifestyle at Discovery Village At Sarasota Bay, a state-of-the-art community featuring unique amenities such as a Grande Clubhouse with game rooms, bistro, movie theater, indoor wellness pool, and more! Our all-inclusive Assisted Living and Memory Care, with no care levels, offer comprehensive wellness programs to keep you healthy and well.

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Freedom Village of Bradenton Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation Facilities 6410 21st Avenue W., Bradenton, Florida, 34209

Freedom Village of Bradenton, located just six miles from the Gulf Coast beaches in West Bradenton, Florida is a premier Continuing Care Retirement Community that offers beautiful and spacious living accommodations and a full range of health care services, including Rehabilitation.  Our community provides a safe, friendly and comfortable environment for our residents, from upscale apartments and villas in Independent Living, to the personalized services we offer in Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation.After an illness or injury, only the best short-term rehabilitation services can get you back to your life as soon as possible.  Our team of expert clinicians collaborate with each other and with you to design an individualized plan tailored to your challenges, abilities and goals.     *  Physical, occupational and speech therapies     *  Orthopedic rehabilitation     *  CVA/Stroke rehabilitation     *  Fall prevention program     *  Pulmonary program     *  Cardiac heart failure program     *  Balance and vestibular therapy Call 941-799-6855 to learn more about our services or to schedule a personalized visit. We look forward to sharing our beautiful campus with you.

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Park Royal Behavioral Services

Mental Health & Counseling 9241 Park Royal Dr., Fort Myers, Florida, 33908

Park Royal Behavioral Services provides life-changing care to adults and seniors who have difficulty coping with life's challenges. One of the finest freestanding behavioral health facilities in the United States, Park Royal Hospital offers a full continuum of care from acute Inpatient including Co-Occurrence Treatment Program to Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), a State-of-the-Art ECT Therapy, and Medical Detox. We admit 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and accept most insurances including Medicare and the managed plans of Medicaid. Any concerned person, including family members, friends or companions, physicians, or social workers can make a referral.

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Articles Written By Local Businesses

Why You Should Age in Place: 4 Benefits of In-Home Care

According to a study from the AARP, 82% of seniors prefer to stay in their homes as they age, with the remaining 9% wishing to relocate to assisted living, and 4% preferring to move in with a relative. Although wanting to age in place is the clear preference among seniors, 2 in 10 people over the age of 70 recognize that they need assistance with tasks of daily living. The benefits of in-home care are that it bridges the gap between seniors preference for the comforts of home, with their need for a helping hand or basic medical care.1. One-on-one careQuality, one-on-one care from certified home care providers is the backbone of aging in place. Home health care providers know from experience that no two seniors are alike, and they can tailor their caregiving to suit the needs of every individual. Whether its something as easy as knowing how to prepare a favorite dish at the end of a long day or as nuanced as patiently comforting sundowning seniors with dementia, one-on-one care always puts seniors needs and comforts first.2. Fewer visits to the doctorAccording to a study conducted by Home Instead Senior Care, seniors who receive in-home care required 25% percent fewer in-office doctor visits over the course of a year as compared to seniors who do not receive in-home care. This finding holds true for patients with conditions that are worse than [those of] others of the same age, including those with arthritis and heart disease. For patients with dementia, the results are particularly pronounced: Dementia patients with in-home care visited the doctor an average of 10.2 times per year, compared to 19.2 annual visits for those without.A second study shows that home health care professionals may be effective in preventing unplanned hospital admissions with targeted interventions, making these results extend past doctors' visits to more serious health situations as well. These results suggest a higher quality of life and fewer medical bills for seniors who choose to age in place.3. Faster recoveryA 2005 and 2006 study by the same lead author found that adults with acute conditions who were treated with hospital-at-home care had a shorter recovery time, fewer complications, and ended up with a lighter medical bill. Hospital-at-home care was also associated with greater satisfaction for both patients and their family members.4. Peace of mindFor family members struggling to decide the best course of action for their senior loved one, in-home care provides peace of mind. Knowing that your parents or loved one is being cared for in a safe, comfortable environment alleviates the stress of searching for alternatives. In-home care also makes it easy for family members to communicate directly with caregivers and see their family members more often, without the restriction of visitor hours, making it easier to maintain connections with loved ones as they age.If your loved one needs help performing daily tasks or needs basic medical assistance, consider bringing a qualified care provider into your home. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers that are compassionate and ready to help. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.

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Does Your Loved One Need Assistance Walking?

As a parent or loved one gets older, they may find it a little more challenging to get around safely. Maybe a short walk leaves them winded or their balance isnt what it used to be. If thats the case for your loved one, an assistive walking device could be needed to help them stay mobile and prevent a fall. Falls are a leading cause of hospitalizations for older adults and often lead to a loss of independence.If your loved one is experiencing difficulty moving around their environment, maybe its time to consider the use of a walker, a cane or even a wheelchair.Signs Your Loved One Needs an Assistive Walking DeviceThe following are a few warning signs to look for when considering an assistive device:They hold onto walls and furniture when walking aroundThey had a recent fallThey have unexplainable bruising (likely from bumping into furniture)They have complained about numb feet, also known as neuropathyIf your loved one has these signs, they may benefit from a walking device to help them balance and stay mobile. It can give them confidence and increase their activity. It will also make them feel safe. In short, their quality of life will improve.Types of Assistive DevicesMany people may benefit from a straight cane or walking stick for balance, while others may benefit from a four-wheel walker with a seat and basket, also known as a rollator. The four-wheel walker will provide the walking support your family member may need while also providing a basket for carrying belongings, and it also has the bonus of a seat to sit on if they are fatigued.Another option is a standard rolling walker. This device is lightweight, has two front wheels and is more stable than a cane or rollator. The standard rolling walker is best for someone who has balance issues and is unable to safely use a rollator.The last option would be a wheelchair. A standard wheelchair would be for a family member who is unable to walk or can only walk short distances. Another choice is a transport wheelchair. The transport wheelchair is lightweight and does not have large wheels and hand rims, so an aide or family member must be available to transport the patient. A transport wheelchair can be ideal for pushing a family member outside and to doctors appointments, as well as at malls and even theme parks.Determining the Best DeviceWhen deciding on an appropriate device for your loved one, consider their environment, such as the width of doors and the types of indoor and outdoor surfaces in and around thier home. For example, a rollator walker has four wheels and will roll across carpets and sidewalks much easier than a standard walker, whereas a straight cane will be easier to use on cobblestone or uneven surfaces.Medicare typically provides coverage for an assistive device every five years. Talk with your family doctor and Medicare for more information regarding coverage. Once you have decided to get an assistive walking device, the height of the device must be setup appropriately. The user should stand up straight and relax their arms to their sides. The walker or cane should be at wrist level. When holding the device, the elbows should have a slight bend.Choosing the most appropriate device is situational. Many people choose to have a cane for the house and a rollator to walk outside. Other people have a rolling walker at home but have a transport wheelchair for long distances.Most importantly, if your family member is having balance problems, is falling or seems to walk around the house from dresser to chair to table to counter, consider getting them an assistive device for walking.If your family member is hesitant to use a walking device, ask them to consider the costs of not using one, and weigh the risks versus the benefits. If you have safety concerns about your loved one or yourself, talk with your doctor. A physical therapist can also assist with balance concerns and the selection of the most appropriate walking device.The content of this site is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical conditions or treatments.About the authorDr. Tim McCutcheon is a team lead physical therapist at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sunrise in Florida. His responsibilities include lead therapist of the amputee program, co-lead of The Joint Commission Disease-Specific hip fracture program and site coordinator of clinical education for student therapists. McCutcheon has been with Encompass Health Sunrise since fall of 2006, and started his career there with the brain injury program. He has specialized in stroke and spinal cord injury before being promoted to orthopedic senior PT. He is recognized by his peers for his strong mentoring and leadership. McCutcheon continually promotes challenging, fun physical therapy to a diverse population. During time away from work, he enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and three wonderful young daughters.

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The Loneliness Epidemic Among Aging Adults: What’s Causing It?

Retirement and the later years of life should be a time spent exploring hobbies and spending time with friends and family. Unfortunately, this time also comes with challenges and isnt always perfect. One of the biggest challenges facing aging adults is developing feelings of loneliness. Feeling lonely as a senior adult is more common than people may think, even for seniors with a seemingly active and social lifestyle.Here are a few contributing factors to the loneliness epidemic.Changes in Social CirclesThrough working years, adults have natural opportunities to socialize with others and make new friends. These opportunities no longer exist in retirement, and seniors must rely on their existing friendships.Over time, friendships can fade, and it can be hard to make new friends. In addition, friends and family members may pass away, creating a shrinking group of people that seniors can socialize with.Fewer friends and family means less social interaction, which can quickly lead to feelings of loneliness.Changes in MobilitySeveral health issues can cause changes in mobility for seniors. Even for perfectly healthy seniors, aging joints and bones can make it more difficult to easily get around like they used to. Limited mobility can make it more difficult to get out of the house and meet up with friends or participate in regular activities. It can also contribute to lower self-confidence, making seniors less likely to seek out new friends or activities. Seniors with poor mobility often find themselves at home most of the time, which often leads to loneliness.Reliance on TechnologyWe know that socializing virtually is not the same as socializing in person. However, we still tend to rely on technology to communicate with people we care about. Phone calls, video calls, and text messages often replace face-to-face conversations.Even when seniors regularly interact with friends and family through technology, it doesnt have the same effect as meeting in person and can still lead to a gap in needed social interaction.Keep Loneliness at Bay at Independent Living in SarasotaSeniors who live alone are more likely to develop feelings of loneliness. Moving to independent living in Sarasota can be a good option for seniors who lack needed social interaction.With regularly scheduled events, wellness programs, and friendly neighbors nearby, Sarasota assisted living and independent living provides a true sense of community that helps keep feelings of loneliness at bay.

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Sleep Your Way to Better Health

SPRING CLEAN YOUR SLEEP ROUTINEA good nights sleep sure seems to put a little pep in our step. But can you really sleep your way to better health? Benjamin Franklin said, Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise, and more recently Beyonce was quoted in an article saying, Having peace, happiness, and healthiness is my definition of beauty. And you cant have any of that without sleep.  Sleep is as important for health as nutrition and exercise, explains Millennium Physician Group Sleep Specialist Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg, MD. It really is one of the three pillars of health, and you have to make sure that you get enough. It helps with healing of our body and our muscles and has been shown to be important for metabolism. Sleep has multiple benefits, and we all need to make sure we prioritize sleep. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports if not getting enough sleep is a regular part of your routine, you may be at increased risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, poor mental health, and even early death. If you dont get enough sleep night after night, it can lead to all sorts of physical effects. But even a few missed nights of sleep can take a real physical toll on your body. I dont really worry about an occasional bad night. What I worry about is consistently not getting enough, because that can affect our health, Dr. Abbasi-Feinberg explains. Theres a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes if you dont get enough sleep. There are also problems with being sleepy during the day, which then increases your risk of accidents in terms of car crashes and work-related accidents. Not getting enough sleep can affect your overall health, your mood, and your stress levels. And racking up those sleepless nights can also take a real toll on your personal relationships.  We know that people who dont get enough sleep tend to be less empathetic, Dr. Abbasi-Feinberg reveals. So, in any relationship, either at work or at home, sleep deprived people tend to be grumpier and more likely to be short tempered, which then affects  all their interpersonal interactions. SPRING CLEAN YOUR SLEEP ROUTINETheres a misconception that people need less sleep as they get older. For folks 65 or so, they still need seven hours of sleep. The problem that we see is that they tend to have more medical issues, and it becomes a little bit more difficult for folks over the age of 65 to make sure that theyre prioritizing sleep.  Theres a whole host of things that can affect your sleep, specifically as you age: Certain medicationsNew and different schedules after retirementGoing to sleep much earlier than you used to, and waking up much earlierTaking naps during the afternoonChanges in your bladder functioning/overnight bathroom scheduleSleep apneaThe National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports sleep problems are also a common symptom of depression, and you should see your healthcare provider to find out whether depression or another underlying health condition is affecting your sleep. The NIH goes on to list the following common sleep problems or disorders are common in older adults and should be addressed by your healthcare provider: InsomniaRestless legs syndromeNarcolepsy or hypersomniaSleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops for a time during sleep, can cause severe problems.LOSING THAT HOUR OF SLEEP: DAYLIGHT SAVING TIMEMany agencies, including the Sleep Research Society agree research shows that daylight saving time causes acute sleep loss and chronic circadian misalignment. This means that by increasing light exposure in the evening, daylight saving time can cause a delay in the bodys production of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin, resulting in a later bedtime and a shorter sleep duration. Daylight saving time has a negative impact on our health, agrees Dr. Abbasi-Feinberg. The problem is that extra hour of light in the evening delays our sleep. That makes it more difficult to fall asleep and then leads to chronic sleep loss. HOW TO BECOME A CHAMPION NAPPERYou might be looking to naps as a way to bank some Zs. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, a third of U.S. adults nap on any given day. And believe it or not, you could be doing it wrong. There are keys to make the most of your next nap. Keep the naps short. Short meaning between 20 and 40 minutes at the most, advises Dr. Abbasi-Feinberg. I often recommend that you take a nap earlier in the day, so somewhere between 1:00 and 2:30 in the afternoon. There is some good data that shows if you are taking the nap to increase performance, drinking a little caffeine before you take your nap makes a big difference and can be very effective so that you can function for the rest of the day. In fact, caffeine followed by a brief nap has been shown to improve alertness and mental acuity in several studies. One study, specifically of night shift workers, showed that a combination of napping plus caffeine was the most effective way to improve alertness and performance tests evaluating reaction time, sustained attention, verbal fluency, and other cognitive skills. TIP THE SLEEP SCALES IN YOUR FAVORThere are some simple steps you can take to improve your sleep:Limit exposure to electronic devicesMake your bedroom a comfortable sleep environmentAvoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine close to bedtimeExercise regularlyManage stressAvoid large means before bedtimeAnd whether its daylight saving time or a bout of jet lag, Dr. Abassi-Feinberg offers up a few bonus tips to get back on a healthy sleep schedule.  Getting up in the morning at the same time is probably the best thing that you can do for your sleep. And getting outside into the sunshine is the second-best thing you can do to reset your biological clock. Dr. Abbasi-Feinberg adds that you should consider seeking help from your healthcare provider if you have persistent sleep problems. Sweet dreams! 

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Local Business Videos

The Gallery at North Port: Independent Living Tour | Experience Senior Living

Welcome to The Gallery at North Port, where a unique collection of stories, backgrounds, and people are revered and shared amongst family and friends. Traditional galleries are devoted to displaying works of art, a place designed to inspire others, to stimulate feelings, to create connections, and largely to enrich the greater community. The Gallery at North Port is no different, only here the work of art being celebrated is you.The Gallery offers different levels of lifestyles and care where vibrant connections are made and something new unfolds every day to become part of your story to share.  The Gallery team members recognize that, just like our communities, you are unique and are the author of your story. We are dedicated to adapting to your preferences so you can continue to live your life on your terms.We offer enticing spaces that invite people to gather and appreciate the greatest work of all, you.941-218-2900

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Asking For Referrals

? Are you being specific and direct when asking for referrals? If your target client is the 55+ demographic, you'll want to watch our weekly series called "The Art of Marketing Well". In this series, our Director of Sales, Kelly Wain, brings you quick-tip marketing videos to expand your business reach. For more information, connect with us on Linkedin!

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Best Ways to Pay for Senior Living & Live Worry Free - #5: Veterans Benefits

The cost of senior living in Florida may be more affordable than you expect. Our expert senior advisors will teach you insider secrets and strategies to pay for senior living and live the stress-free life you've been dreaming of. In this video, we discuss another way to pay for senior living: Veterans Benefits. For more ways to pay for assisted living, watch the rest of our series and download our FREE e-book "8 Ways to Pay for Assisted Living & Memory Care" - https://bit.ly/8WaysToPay If you're looking for senior living options or in-home care, contact us! We help seniors get the care they deserve to start enjoying their golden years. Call us: (800) 969-7176 Email us: info@floridaseniorconsulting.com Website: https://floridaseniorconsulting.com/

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Having A Pet Could Be The Key To Aging Well

Join us for the Art of Aging , where Kelly Wain, a certified health and wellness expert shares tips to keep you aging well.

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Job Opportunities Near You

Senior Fitness Instructor

Looking to hire more Senior Instructors for classes at the YMCA, specifically for Yoga, Chair Yoga, Dance, tai Chi, Stretching and Active Living. 

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Home Health Aides (HHA) and CNA's

 Youthful Aging Private Duty Home Care has immediate openings for Home Health Aides (HHA) and CNAs for Short Shifts.Qualifications:Valid Driver License, reliable personal vehicle, and Proof Insurance?Authorized to work in the United States?CNA/HHA license or certification (or can you pass the HHA Competency Test)Job Duties:CompanionshipMedication RemindersAssist to walk, sit, and/or standMonitoring changes in health or behaviorMeal preparationPersonal hygiene (bathing, toileting, dressing, etc.)Light housekeepingTransportation for shopping and/or doctor appointmentsEOEJob Type: Part-timeSalary: $18.00 per hour

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Business Development Manager

The Business Development Manager will handle the networking and development of referral resources within the Senior community. Marketing the business (visiting properties, events, clinical sites) Perfect for a retiree or someone with some social services experience within the hospitals, Hospice or SNF industry. Only 8-10 hours per week to start. Base salary plus commission offer.  Areas of interest are Port Charlotte, Englewood, Venice.  Contact Gisel Garcia at 239-990-1949

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