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If there is a sudden health-related event that forces a move for your loved one into a senior living community, time is of the essence in figuring out ways to meet the financial obligations. It is common for families to struggle with the upfront costs and be unprepared for move-in fees, monthly rent, and costs associated with making this move. One resource you can consider is using a bridge loan which provides access to the needed funds quickly so that you can get the senior living lifestyle your loved one wants and deserves. Meridian communities have partnered with Elderlife Financial in providing the Elderlife Bridge Loan which is a financial bridge, allowing you to pay for care now while waiting on permanent funding. When approved for a bridge loan, funds can be disbursed within 24 hours, which can help ease the burden on a family navigating difficult decisions. The borrowed funds can be paid back in just a few months or a little over a year, whenever the family funds that were previously tied up become available. Examples include receiving the proceeds from selling a home, liquidating retirement assets, or receiving the retroactive check from VA Benefits.To learn more about other resources to affording care, call us today. We are here for you!

Is It Time For A Professional Caregiver?Aging comes with challenges, some of which may make it difficult to care for yourself effectively. If youre having trouble with daily activities but want to remain independent and live in your own home, it may be time to consider working with an at-home caregiver. What Is A Professional Caregiver?The idea of hiring a professional caregiver might feel nerve-wracking, and you may have some fears about what bringing a caregiver into your life will be like. All experiences with a professional caregiver and client will differ, but you can generally expect your caregiver to be compassionate, hardworking, and dedicated to helping you age safely. There are different types of professional caregivers and caregiving services. At Visiting Angels, we offer at-home, meaning our caregivers go to clients' homes to help them with daily living tasks so they can continue living independently. A few nonmedical tasks caregivers can assist with include medication reminders, cooking, transportation, grooming, light housekeeping, and mobility assistance. Visiting Angels Daphne offers various at-home care services to meet each client's needs. We also have specialized services for seniors with dementia, those in hospice, or those needing additional assistance after a hospital stay. All services are customizable to ensure each client receives the highest quality of care. Signs You May Need A Professional CaregiverIts never too soon or too late to hire a professional caregiver. However, if you are experiencing any of the following signs, you may want to start a conversation with a trusted home care agency like Visiting Angels.  You need help completing daily tasks like cleaning and cooking.  You find personal tasks like bathing and driving challenging. You have trouble remembering to take your medications.  Youve fallen within the last three months. You feel lonely, anxious, or sad when home alone.  You were recently diagnosed with a chronic health condition. You dont have nearby loved ones to contact if you need help.  Professional Caregivers With Visiting Angels Hiring a professional caregiver is a big decision, and finding the right home care agency and caregiver for you is essential. At Visiting Angels, we offer all potential clients a complimentary consultation to ensure our care solution fits your needs and expectations. During the initial consultation, a care team member explains our services and helps you discover which care service could work for you and how that service can fit into your life. This meeting is also a great time to ask questions and share concerns about caregiving. After the consultation, our care team will develop a personalized care plan addressing your needs. We then match you with a qualified caregiver with the skill set to assist you and a similar personality and interests to help build a foundation for a meaningful relationship. Once all the pieces are in place, Visiting Angels can provide care within 48 hours. Contact us today if youre ready to learn how at-home care from Visiting Angels can help you age safely and independently.Could your loved one living in Daphne, Fairhope, Orange Beach, Bay Minette, Mobile, Gulf Shores, or the surrounding communities benefit from our senior care services? Contact Visiting Angels today to book a no-cost care consultation.    

10 Ways to Stay HydratedBeat the Heat with These HacksWe are often dehydrated before we even feel thirsty. We lose water through sweating, urinating, and breathing.  According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, women should drink 11.5 cups a day, and men should drink 15.5 cups a day.Does keeping up with your fluid intake feel daunting? Read on for different ways you can stay on track from Registered Dietitian Lila Cornelio.Start Your Day with a Glass of WaterKickstart your hydration first thing in the morning with a glass of water. This can help replenish fluids lost overnight and set a good hydration habit for the day.Carry a Reusable Water BottleHaving a reusable water bottle on hand makes it easier to sip water throughout the day. Choose one that's easy to carry and holds a good amount of water to encourage regular drinking. Infuse Your Water with Fruits and HerbsAdd a burst of flavor to your water by infusing it with fruits like lemon, lime, berries, or herbs like mint and basil. This can make drinking water more enjoyable and encourage you to drink more.Eat Water-Rich FoodsIncorporate fruits and vegetables with high water content into your diet, such as watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries. These can contribute to your overall hydration.Set RemindersUse your phone or a hydration app to set regular reminders to drink water. This can help ensure youre drinking consistently throughout the day.Opt for Hydrating BeveragesWhile water is the best option, other beverages like herbal teas, coconut water, and electrolyte-enhanced drinks can also help maintain hydration levels, especially if youre active.Monitor Your Urine ColorA simple way to check your hydration status is by the color of your urine. Light yellow indicates good hydration, while darker urine suggests you need to drink more fluids.Stay Cool with Ice PopsHomemade ice pops made from water, fruit juice, or blended fruits can be a refreshing way to boost your fluid intake while enjoying a summer treat.Hydrate Before, During, and After ExerciseIf youre engaging in physical activities, especially outdoors, make sure to drink water before, during, and after exercise to replace the fluids lost through sweat.Limit Caffeinated and Alcoholic BeveragesCaffeine and alcohol can have a diuretic effect, leading to increased fluid loss. Balance these with plenty of water to maintain proper hydration.Hydration is crucial during the summer, as higher temperatures increase the risk of dehydration. Staying well-hydrated helps regulate body temperature, supports metabolic functions, and maintains overall health, making it essential for enjoying the season safely and energetically.-Lila Cornelio, MS, RDN, LDN is a Registered Dietitian at our Florida program, Trinity Health PACE of Pensacola. With education and expertise in public health, sports nutrition, and plant based nutrition, her passion lies in educating others how to nourish their body and mind in a fast paced world.   Mercy Life of Alabama is a PACE that offers numerous services for Seniors.  Learn more by visiting their website at: https://www.trinityhealthpace.org/alabama/mercy-life-of-alabama/.