Is a Stroke Preventing You from Enjoying Life? New therapy offers hope and healing in Central Florida Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States for people 65 and over. Nearly two million brain cells can die each minute during a stroke, leaving behind a wound in the brain. While the effects depend on the areas of the brain impacted, they commonly include partial paralysis, speech impairment, memory problems, cognitive difficulties, and even personality changes.  Physical, occupational, and speech therapies can help stroke survivors recover some lost function and learn to manage their condition, particularly in the first six months after the stroke. After that point, most are told that continued improvements are unlikely. Peer-reviewed, published research suggests that recovery is still possible, even years after a stroke.  A unique protocol of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been shown to trigger the bodys own self-regeneration mechanisms, restoring physical and cognitive functions. Clinical evidence indicates that this protocol can create new blood vessels, stem cells and nerve cells in the brain and improve physical abilities, attention, information processing speed, memory, and other skills.  Does it Work?  Cindy, a 67-year-old widow and hemorrhagic stroke survivor, was left unable to drive, work, walk without assistance, or even comb her hair. More than three years after her stroke, she turned to the Aviv Medical Program, a customized treatment plan built specifically for her needs. Her program included a unique, scientifically proven HBOT regimen along with cognitive training, dietary coaching and physical training to build the foundation for her ongoing recovery. Since completing the program at Aviv Clinics, Cindy can walk without a cane, work, drive her golf cart around The Villages, and even style her own hair.  Because of Aviv, Im now able to do those things, says Cindy. The more progress I make, the more I want to do.  About Aviv Clinics The Aviv Medical Program and this unique evidence based HBOT protocol is offered exclusively at Aviv Clinics in central Florida.  Wondering if the Aviv Medical Program right for you or someone you love? Contact Aviv Clinics for a free, no-obligation consultation with a licensed physicians or visit www.aviv-clinics.com to learn more.   Editors Note: This article was submitted by Dr. Mohammed Elamir, MD, FACP, lead physician at Aviv Clinics. The clinic may be reached at 352-488-2848 or by email at info@aviv-clinics.com.

The aftermath of a stroke can be devastating and present many challenges that require specialized personal care and dedicated attention for senior patients. If a stroke has significantly impaired your loved ones physical ability and emotional well-being, you may be worried and frightened about the road ahead.Professional stroke home care can be a beacon of hope.Visiting Angels experienced caregivers will help your senior safely age in place after a stroke in the comfort of home. Your loved one will receive a non-medical customized home care plan to assist them with their daily routines and activities. Visiting Angels care providers will then foster ongoing companionship and one-to-one support on your seniors road to recovery.Professional Help at Home After a StrokeEvery year, nearly 800,000 U.S. adults experience a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many endure reduced mobility that affects their safety and independence at home.Like many primary caregivers tending to a stroke survivor, you may doubt whether you can provide the best care especially while balancing work, personal, and family obligations.With the help of Visiting Angels, you dont have to provide home care alone.Visiting Angels understands the impact of stroke and can deliver personalized care that addresses your loved ones limitations. Here are some common stroke after-affects your senior may be experiencing and how Visiting Angels can help:Cognitive difficultiesVisiting Angels can implement exercises, games, and routines to enhance your seniors memory, problem-solving, communication, and cognitive skills. Caregivers will provide emotional support and encouragement, creating a conducive environment that promotes cognitive rehabilitation and overall well-being.Difficulty swallowingIf your senior has swallowing problems, Visiting Angels will assist in preparing tailored meals and ensuring safe consumption. Caregivers will provide reminders about taking medications, performing therapeutic exercises, and attending appointments. Caregivers can also monitor your senior for signs of choking or increased difficulty swallowing.Mood changesVisiting Angels provides camaraderie and companion care that can help your older adult cope with feelings of frustration, sadness, depression, and isolation that may arise during their recovery.Reduced mobilityVisiting Angels will be by your loved ones side to reduce the risk of falls, assist with transfers, and help your older adult navigate the stairs, bathroom, and other high-fall-risk areas of the home.Speech and communication challengesVisiting Angels will get to know your loved one and understand their preferences, needs, and cues even if they have a limited ability to speak or understand. Caregivers will also remind them to perform therapeutic speech exercises, if needed.Vision concernsVisiting Angels will make recommendations to improve household safety and quality of life for your senior with reduced vision  such as adding light, marking areas that could cause accidents, adapting activities for low-vision needs, running errands, and providing transportation.Choose Visiting Angels for Home Care Stroke AssistanceIf your senior has a stroke, they are at a higher risk of having a second one. Survival chances and positive treatment outcomes increase when stroke symptoms are identified and treated early. An in-home professional caregiver from Visiting Angels by your loved ones side can monitor for stroke signs and request immediate life-saving emergency assistance.Visiting Angels also provides a Ready, Set, Go Home program that helps seniors successfully transition to home following a hospitalization, including after a stroke. The program includes home visits to identify and reduce the risk of preventable events or mishaps that could cause a return to the hospital or emergency room. Visiting Angels caregivers can also visit your senior in the hospital or rehab facility and have a plan in place before discharge to ensure you have peace of mind.Surviving a stroke doesnt mean your loved one has to give up their independence or move away from the home they love. Learn how Visiting Angels can help your senior age in place after a stroke through a free home care consultation.

Top Tips for Reducing Elderly Anxiety at NightTrying to reduce elderly anxiety at night for a loved one? Read our top tips for the best ways to minimize elderly anxiety at night and improve their sleep quality.Alt Text: An Elderly Man Reminiscing (Image Source)Do you have an elderly loved one who experiences anxiety at night? Unfortunately, anxiety can become more common and impactful as we age, causing sleep disturbances and other issues. However, there are strategies that caregivers can use to help reduce anxiety in the elderly at night. This article will discuss tips for reducing elderly anxiety at night, including creating a relaxing environment, engaging in relaxation techniques, and utilizing innovative technologies. Read on to learn about assisting your senior family member in coping with their anxiety at night and improving their sleep quality.Related: Three Things to Consider When Taking Care of Your ParentsUnderstanding Elderly Anxiety at NightTo fully grasp nighttime anxiety in older adults, we must examine its causes and symptoms.The Causes of Anxiety in the Elderly at NightThere are various causes of anxiety in the elderly at night, some of which include:Health Concerns - Older adults may have concerns about their health, chronic illnesses, pain, and other age-related issues that can cause anxiety and worry at night.Loss of Independence - Aging can cause a loss of independence, which can be emotionally distressing and lead to anxiety.Fear of Falling - Older adults are at an increased risk of falling, which can cause anxiety and fear, especially at night when it is dark, and visibility is low.Loneliness and Isolation - Many older adults live alone, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. These feelings can heighten at night with less social interaction and distractions.Financial Concerns - Older adults may worry about their financial stability, especially if they are retired and living on a fixed income.Medications - Certain medications can cause side effects such as insomnia, nightmares, and anxiety, which can be more pronounced at night.Cognitive Decline - As people age, Alzhermers, dementia, and cognitive decline can occur, which can cause confusion, disorientation, and anxiety at night.Past Traumatic Experiences - Older adults may have experienced traumatic events in their past, such as war, abuse, or loss of loved ones, which can cause anxiety and flashbacks at night.Click Here to see how teleCalm can stop late night calls!Identifying Anxiety Symptoms in Older AdultsAnxiety symptoms can manifest differently in older adults compared to younger individuals. Some common symptoms of anxiety in the elderly include:Excessive Worrying - Elderly individuals may excessively fret over health, finances, and various life aspects.Physical Symptoms - Anxiety may induce symptoms like increased heart rate, perspiration, trembling, and shortness of breath.Sleep Disturbances - Seniors with anxiety might struggle with falling asleep, maintaining sleep, or awakening too early.Irritability and Restlessness - Anxiety can lead to feelings of irritability, agitation, and restlessness in older adults.Avoidance Tendencies- Some seniors with anxiety might evade situations that exacerbate their anxious feelings, such as social gatherings or leaving the house.Memory Challenges - Anxiety can impact memory and focus, posing concerns for elderly individuals experiencing cognitive decline to some extent.Physical Complaints - Anxiety can cause physical complaints such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and muscle tension.Late-Night and Repeated Calling - It is important to note that according to WebMD, these symptoms can also indicate other medical conditions, and a proper evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the underlying cause.Top Tips for Reducing Elderly Anxiety at NightHere are some tips that can help reduce elderly anxiety at night:1 Using teleCalm's Repeat Dialing FeatureWith just a few simple steps, you can customize your preferences in the teleCalm Caregiver App to stop compulsive and repeated calls.Features of teleCalm's Repeat Dialing include:Customizable Settings: Choose the number of calls (2-5 times) and the specified period of time (15-60 minutes) before repeat dialing is activated.NotificationsGentle Messages to Your Loved OneNo Additional CostAlt Text: An Elderly Woman In Her Room (Image Source)2. Using teleCalm's Quiet Hours FeatureThe teleCalm's Quiet Hours feature can block incoming and outgoing calls during specific times. Here's how the Quiet Hours feature works:Customizable Settings - You can customize Quiet Hours in the teleCalm Caregiver App to activate during specific times, such as Nighttime Quiet Hours from 10 pm to 7 am.Default or Personalized Messages - Your loved one will hear a default message during Quiet Hours. You can also record a personalized message in your voice to reassure them.Easy to Set Up - Activate Quiet Hours under the Settings screen in the teleCalm Caregiver App. Select the time ranges for Daytime and Nighttime Quiet Hours. You can also adjust or turn off Quiet Hours anytime in the app.3. Establishing a Regular Sleep RoutineA consistent sleep schedule can help improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety at night. Encourage the elderly to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.4. Creating a Calming Sleep EnvironmentMake sure the bedroom is comfortable, quiet, and dark. Encourage the elderly to create a peaceful atmosphere by playing soothing music, using aromatherapy, or using a white noise machine.5. Limiting Caffeine and Alcohol IntakeEncourage the elderly to avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, as these substances can interfere with sleep quality and contribute to anxiety.6. Developing a Relaxation RoutineMeditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation before bedtime.7. Addressing Underlying Medical ConditionsAddress any underlying medical conditions contributing to anxiety at night, such as pain, urinary urgency, or respiratory distress.8. Talking to a Healthcare ProfessionalEncourage the elderly to seek professional help if their anxiety at night is severe or interfering with their daily activities. A mental health professional or physician can provide appropriate treatment options.Click Here to Contact teleCalm Today and Start Stress Free Phone Service!Alt Text: An Elderly Gentleman Holding a Colorful Ball (Image Source)Use a Mixed Approach to Help Combat Elderly Anxiety at NightElderly anxiety at night is a common issue that can significantly impact their quality of life. Fortunately, there are several strategies that caregivers can use to help alleviate anxiety in the elderly at night, such as establishing a regular sleep routine, creating a relaxing environment, engaging in relaxation techniques, and seeking professional help. Additionally, teleCalm offers solutions such as the Repeat Dialing feature, which can help reduce compulsive and repeated callsthe Quiet Hours feature, which blocks incoming and outgoing calls during specific times. With a mixed approach incorporating lifestyle changes and innovative technologies, caregivers can help their loved ones manage anxiety and improve their overall well-being.Related: My Mom is Calling at 3AM