Heart, Body & Mind Home Care

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness,and loss of function in the joints. It can cause mild to severe symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis not only affects the joints, but may also attack tissue in the skin, lungs, eyes, and blood vessels. People with rheumatoid arthritis may feel sick, tired, and sometimes feverish.Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system turns against parts of the body it is designed to protect. Rheumatoid arthritis generally occurs in a symmetrical pattern. This means that if one knee or hand is involved, the other one is, too. It can occur at any age, but usually begins during a persons most productive years. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs much more frequently in women than in men. About two to three times as many women as men have the disease.Effects VaryRheumatoid arthritis affects people differently. Some people have mild or moderate forms of the disease, with periods of worsening symptoms, called flares, and periods in which they feel better, called remissions. Others have a severe form of the disease that is active most of the time, lasts for many years or a lifetime, and leads to serious joint damage and disability.Rheumatoid arthritis can affect virtually every area of a persons life from work life to family life. It can also interfere with the joys and responsibilities of family life and mayaffect the decision to have children.Yoga Can Help by Reducing Tension and Improve Joint FlexibilityFortunately, current treatment strategies allow most people with the disease to lead active and productive lives. These strategies include pain-relieving drugs and medications that slow joint damage, a balance between rest and exercise, and patient education and support programs.The Benefits of YogaYoga offers people with arthritis a form of exercise that is both beneficial and enjoyable enough to do regularly. People with arthritis may want to use a chair or other aids to help maintain balance while doing yoga.According to the Arthritis Foundation, yoga is proven to help people with arthritis improve many physical and psychological symptoms including: Building muscle strength Increasing flexibility Promoting better balance for fall prevention Reducing body aches and pains Creating a better sense of well-being, and Reducing feelings of anxiety and depression.Scientific studies of people with various types of arthritis have shown that regular yoga practice can help reduce joint pain, improve joint flexibility and function and lower stress and tension to promote better sleep.Yoga InstructorHeart, Body & Mind Home Cares experienced yoga instructors will modify yoga moves and positions so that they are suitable for people with arthritis, tension or joint discomfort. Practicing a form of yoga that suits your bodys abilities may bring you welcomed relief.Empowering You to Live WellLiving well is about more than just having your needs met; its about unique, engaging experiences. We believe that engaging in the right leisure activities, such as Chair yoga, can keep brain cells stimulated, cognitive skills intact longer and reduce tension in joints and other areas of the body. In addition to traditional home care services, Heart, Body, & Mind Home Care is committed to offering unique wellness services to our clients to help them get the most out of life.Ralph B. LaughtonPresident of Heart, Body, & Mind Home CareFort Myers Home Health CareHeart Body & Mind Home Care is committed to the principle that it takes more than just effort to provide care to another human being it takes heart. Our hearts are in all that we do. If you are interested in learning more about our compassionate home care and wellness services in Southwest Florida, includingFort Myers home health careNaples home healthcareHome health care Port CharlotteSarasota home carePlease contact us at (866) 488-1485.

Deciding what type of long-term care loved ones need when they are no longer able to live totally independently is an important decision that should not be considered lightly. If given the option to live ones golden years in an institutional setting or in ones own home, the majority of people would choose their own homes.There are many instances when home care is a perfectly appropriate and less expensive care choice than nursing home placement or a permanent move to a retirement or assisted living facility.When making a long-term care decision for a sick, elderly or frail family member, it is useful to understand the benefits of in-home care services, explained Ralph Laughton, President of Heart, Body & Mind Home Care. Whether only a small amount of assistance is needed to help avoid a future crisis, or home care is required in the aftermath of a fall or acute illness, home care enables one to reside and recuperate in comfortable, familiar surroundings. Heart, Body & Mind Home Care wants to help educate the local community on the advantages of choosing home care in these types of situations.In-home care helps a frail person to live independently for as long as possible, given the limits of his/her medical condition. It covers a wide range of services and often delays the need for long-term nursing home care or serves as an aging in place solution to help seniors stay in their homes. Home care services can include:Household chores such as cleaning and preparing meals;Personal care that is non-medical, such as bathing, dressing or moving around the house;Health and medical care, such as a nurse, home health aide, or physical therapist; andSocialization through personalized Life Enrichment Activities.Theres No Place Like HomeHomes are often havens to people, representing an environment of familiarity and comfort. Home care promotes healing research demonstrates that patients heal more quickly and comfortably at home versus in a hospital or nursing home setting and there is significantly less chance of re-hospitalization when recuperation is at home. Additionally, making a decision to move into a facility and sell a home is an unalterable decision, once completed.More for Your MoneyAccording to the Genworth Annual Cost of Care Survey, on average, the annual cost to stay in a nursing home far exceeds the annual cost for home care. A good rule across the board is that eight hours a day or less of home care will be less expensive than moving elsewhere. Many people fail to realize that nursing home care and other types of long-term care are not covered by Medicare.Providing Peace of MindHome care services are delivered one-on-one, assuring more private attention than in a nursing home or a facility. There is no waiting for ones turn when care is needed. Also, using a home care agency such as Heart, Body & Mind Home Care that carefully screens and trains all caregivers and provides ongoing supervision can help provide families with peace of mind that their loved ones are in good hands.Home Care Technology that Keeps Clients Safe & ConnectedWhen an older adult or disabled individual lives alone or at a distance from family and close friends, its natural for family members to be concerned about safety and to want to feel a part of his or her care. At Heart, Body & Mind Home Care, we work with leading home care technology companies to help ensure that clients are matched with the right caregivers and to help families stay connected to their loved ones and learn more about home care services and aging care issues.Assurance of a Healthy LifestyleA home caregiver can be effective in promoting and ensuring a healthy lifestyle. Home caregivers produce healthy and nutritional meals that appeal to the individual and can also keep a close eye on the amount of food eaten. In addition, a personalized daily exercise program can be implemented and followed through, with the added safety of a qualified professional caregiver being present.Dignity + Independence = Higher Quality of LifeIn-home care fosters dignity and independence, important ingredients for a happy lifestyle. Home care (in particular, private pay home care) can offer personalized care tailored to the needs of the family and individual on any given day, whether the needs are as simple as companionship or more complex, such as personal care. With the additional benefit of accompaniment on transportation to and from various appointments, social activities or errands, home care allows families more free time together.Determining the best options for a loved ones care can be a difficult process, but there are many resources available to aid in ones decision. For more information on in-home care options available and guidance on whether in-home care is an appropriate option for a particular situation, contact Heart, Body & Mind Home Care.About Heart, Body & Mind Home CareHeart Body & Mind Home Care is committed to the principle that it takes more than just effort to provide care to another human being it takes heart. Our hearts are in all that we do. If you are interested in learning more about our compassionate home care and wellness services in Southwest Florida, including Lee, Collier, Charlotte and Sarasota Counties, please Contact Us at (866) 488-1485.Further information can be found on our web site at www.HBMhomecare.com. 

For more information on the author Heart, Body & Mind Home Care, CLICK HERE.Most Cancer Survivors Are Over 65A cancer survivor is anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer and is living today. Because of major advances in diagnosis and screening as well as better treatment for many types of cancer, many people are living longer with cancer. As of January 2014, it is estimated that approximately 14.5 million people in the United States have a history of cancer. Of these, 64 percent were diagnosed 5 or more years earlier, and 15 percent were diagnosed 20 or more years ago. Further, because cancer tends to affect olderadults, about 60 percent of survivors are 65 or older while 20 percent are age 80 or older.Length of Survival Varies How long a person may survive after a diagnosis of cancer varies considerably by the type of cancer and the stage of diagnosis. Staging describes the extent or severity of an individuals cancer. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan a persons treatment and estimate their chance of recovery and recurrence. For example, more than 85 percent of adults with breast, prostate, and skin cancers live at least five years beyond their diagnosis. More than half of people diagnosed with leukemia, a type of blood cancer, live at least five years beyond their diagnosis. A few cancers, such as liver and pancreatic cancer, have low survival rates regardless of the stage at diagnosis. This is largely because these cancers are often diagnosed at a late stage, when treatment is less effective. Age and Health May Affect Survival A persons age, and more importantly his or her health status, when diagnosed with cancer may have an effect on their survival and recovery. Older adults are more likely to have other health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Managing these conditions can complicate treatment and affect recovery time. Also, older peoples bodies metabolize, or break down, drugs at a slower rate than younger people, and this can have an effect on the way medicines are tolerated. For instance, some older adults may not be able to tolerate high doses of chemotherapy (cancer-fighting drugs) and radiation that are used to treat cancer.Coping After Treatment Ends Many cancer survivors look forward to returning to a normal life after treatment ends. But for some this can be a stressful period. They may have questions about follow-up care, such as how often to see certain doctors. They may have concerns about how they feel and about what they can do to keep the cancer from returning. Some survivors have to learn to deal with changes to their bodies, such as scars from surgery or alterations in bowel or bladder function, and persistent effects of cancer and its treatment, such as pain or fatigue. Many survivors also must cope with the emotional effects of having cancer and potential changes in their relationships with their family and friends caused byillness. Knowing what to Expect Can Help Understanding what to expect after cancer treatment can help survivors and their families plan for follow-up care, make positive lifestyle changes, and make important health-related decisions.Fort Myers Home Health Care Heart Body & Mind Home Care is committed to the principle that it takes more than just effort to provide care to another human being it takes heart. Our hearts are in all that we do. If you are interested in learning more about our compassionate home care and wellness services in Southwest Florida, click the link above.

For more information on the author Heart, Body & Mind Home Care, CLICK HERE.Now that your family member or friend has received a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease its important to learn as much as you can about the disease and how to care for someone who has it. At Heart, Body & Mind Home Care, we feel that it is important for family members to know the right way to share the news with other family and friends.Sometimes, you may feel that you dont know how to care for the person with Alzheimers. This is a common feeling among caregivers of people with Alzheimers because each day may bring different challenges. Learning about the disease can help you understand and cope with these challenges.Heart, Body & Mind Home Careoffers free information about Alzheimers disease for families and caregivers.Learning About Alzheimer'sAlzheimers disease is an illness of the brain. It causes large numbers of nerve cells in the brain to die. This affects a persons ability to remember things and think clearly. People with Alzheimers become forgetful and easily confused and may have a hard time concentrating. They may have trouble taking care of themselves and doing basic things like making meals, bathing, and getting dressed.Alzheimersvariesfrompersontoperson.Itcanprogressfaster in some people than in others,andnot everyonewillhavethe same symptoms. In general, though, Alzheimers takes many years to develop, becomingincreasinglysevereovertime. Asthe disease getsworse,peopleneedmorehelp.Eventually,they require total care.Alzheimers diseaseconsistsofthreemainstages: mild (sometimes called early-stage), moderate, andsevere(sometimescalledlate stage). Understanding these stages can help you careforyourlovedoneandplanahead.MildAlzheimersDiseaseInthemildstageofAlzheimers,peopleoftenhavesomememory loss and small changes in personality. They mayhavetrouble remembering recent events or the names offamiliarpeopleor things. They may no longer beabletosolvesimplemath problemsorbalanceacheckbook.PeoplewithmildAlzheimers also slowly lose the abilitytoplanandorganize.Forexample, they may have trouble making a grocery list andfindingitemsin thestore.ModerateAlzheimersDiseaseInthemoderatestageofAlzheimers,memorylossandconfusionbecomemore obvious. People have more trouble organizing, planning and following instructions. Theymay need help getting dressed and may start having problems with bladder or bowel control. People with moderate Alzheimers may have trouble recognizing family membersand friends. They may not know where they are or what day or year it is. People with moderate stage Alzheimersmay also begin to wander, so they should not be left alone. Personality changes can become more serious. For example, people may make threats or accuse others of stealing.SevereAlzheimersDiseaseIntheseverestageofAlzheimers,peopleusuallyneedhelpwithalloftheirdailyneeds. They may not beabletowalkorsitupwithouthelp.Theymaynotbeabletotalkand often cannot recognize family members. They may also have trouble swallowing and therefore refuse to eat.Tips from Heart, Body & Mind Home CareSofar,thereisnocureforAlzheimers,buttherearetreatmentsthatcanpreventsome symptoms from getting worse for a limited time. Below are some ways that you can learn more aboutAlzheimersdisease.If you have a family member who is a client ofHeart, Body & Mind Home Careyou have access to our FREE onlineFamily Learning Centerthat contains more than 50 family caregiver training videos and resources.Talkwithadoctororotherhealthcareproviderwho specializes in Alzheimers disease.CheckoutbooksorvideosaboutAlzheimersfromthe library.Gotoeducationalprogramsaboutthedisease.Findasupportgroupforcaregivers,ideallyoneinwhichmembersaretaking care of someone who is in the same stage of Alzheimers as the person for whom you are caring.You may also contactHeart, Body & Mind Home Carefor additional free information regarding Alzheimers or request a FREE in-home consultation.TalkingwithFamilyandFriendsWhen you learn that someone has Alzheimers disease, you may wonder when and how to tell your family and friends. You may also be worried about how others may react to or treat the person. Others often sense that something is wrong before they are told. Alzheimers disease is hard to keep secret. When the time seems right, be honest with family, friends, and others. Use this as a chance to educate them about Alzheimers disease. You can share information to help them understand what you and the person with Alzheimers are going through. You can also tell them what you can do to help.Listed below are suggestions of how you can help family and friends understand how to interactwith the person who has Alzheimers.Helpthemrealizewhatthepersoncanstilldoandhowmuchheorshecanstill understand.Givethemsuggestionsabouthowtostarttalkingwiththeperson.Forexample, HelloGeorge,ImJohn.Weusedtoworktogether.HelpthemavoidcorrectingthepersonwithAlzheimersifheorshemakesa mistakeorforgetssomething.Helpthemplanfunactivitieswiththeperson,suchasgoingtofamilyreunionsor visitingoldfriends.HelpingChildrenUnderstandAlzheimersIf the person with Alzheimers has young children or grandchildren, you can help them understand what is happening. Answer their questions simply and honestly. For example, you might tell a young child Grandma has an illness that makes it hard for her to remember things. Know that their feelings of sadness and anger are normal. Comfort them. Tell them they didnt cause the disease.If the child lives with someone who has Alzheimers, dont expect him or her to babysit the person. Make sure the child has time for his or her own interests and needs, such as playing with friends and going to school activities. Spend time with the child, so that he or she doesnt feel that all your attention is on the person with Alzheimers. Many younger children will look to you to see how to act around the person with Alzheimers disease. Show children that they can still talk with the person and help them enjoy things. Doing fun things together, like arts and crafts or looking through photo albums, can help both the child and the person with Alzheimers.ChallengesforTeensAteenagermightfindithardtoaccepthowthepersonwith Alzheimers has changed. He or she may findthechanges upsetting or embarrassing or not want to be around the person. Talkwithteenagers about their concerns and feelings. Dont force them to spendtimewiththepersonwho hasAlzheimers.About Heart, Body & Mind Home CareHeart Body & Mind Home Careis committed to the principle that it takes more than just effort to provide care to another human being it takes heart. Our hearts are in all that we do. If you are interested in learning more about our compassionate home care and wellness services in Southwest Florida, click on the link above.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints. It can cause mild to severe symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis not only affects the joints, but may also attack tissue in the skin, lungs, eyes, and blood vessels. People with rheumatoid arthritis may feel sick, tired, and sometimes feverish. Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system turns against parts of the body it is designed to protect. Rheumatoid arthritis generally occurs in a symmetrical pattern. This means that if one knee or hand is involved, the other one is, too. It can occur at any age, but usually begins during a persons most productive years. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs much more frequently in women than in men. About two to three times as many women as men have the disease. Effects Vary Rheumatoid arthritis affects people differently. Some people have mild or moderate forms of the disease, with periods of worsening symptoms, called flares, and periods in which they feel better, called remissions. Others have a severe form of the disease that is active most of the time, lasts for many years or a lifetime, and leads to serious joint damage and disability.Rheumatoid arthritis can affect virtually every area of a persons life from work life to family life. It can also interfere with the joys and responsibilities of family life and may affect the decision to have children. Yoga Can Help by Reducing Tension and Improve Joint Flexibility Fortunately, current treatment strategies allow most people with the disease to lead active and productive lives. These strategies include pain-relieving drugs and medications that slow joint damage, a balance between rest and exercise, and patient education and support programs. The Benefits of Yoga Yoga offers people with arthritis a form of exercise that is both beneficial and enjoyable enough to do regularly. People with arthritis may want to use a chair or other aids to help maintain balance while doing yoga. According to the Arthritis Foundation, yoga is proven to help people with arthritis improve many physical and psychological symptoms including: Building muscle strength Increasing flexibility Promoting better balance for fall prevention Reducing body aches and pains Creating a better sense of well-being, and Reducing feelings of anxiety and depression.Scientific studies of people with various types of arthritis have shown that regular yoga practice can help reduce joint pain, improve joint flexibility and function and lower stress and tension to promote better sleep.Yoga Instructor Heart, Body & Mind Home Cares experienced yoga instructors will modify yoga moves and positions so that they are suitable for people with arthritis, tension or joint discomfort. Practicing a form of yoga that suits your bodys abilities may bring you welcomed relief. Empowering You to Live Well Living well is about more than just having your needs met; its about unique, engaging experiences. We believe that engaging in the right leisure activities, such as Chair yoga, can keep brain cells stimulated, cognitive skills intact longer and reduce tension in joints and other areas of the body. In addition to traditional home care services, Heart, Body, & Mind Home Care is committed to offering unique wellness services to our clients to help them get the most out of life.Submitted and Written By: Heart, Body & Mind Home Care - click here for more information

Strategies on Maintaining IndependenceHome care agencies are knowledgeable about ways persons with disabilities can maintain and enhance their independence. Some home care agencies, such as Heart, Body & Mind Home Care, also provide a free in-home safety assessment. Simple home modifications such as grab bars in the bathroom or more complex modifications such as lowering a counter for better wheelchair access can make daily activities safer as well as more comfortable.Information/Education Besides coordinating communication between a care team, home care agencies such as Heart, Body & Mind Home Care can improve health management through education. We have an extensive supply of educational materials targeted to help care recipients and their families. Through education, our caregiving team also encourages family involvement in care. Respite Effective, sustainable caregiving comes from well-rested caregivers who are not only paying attention to the needs of the care recipient, but to their own needs as well. Respite care allows for relief from the daily responsibilities of care and is essential for all caregivers. A home care agency can provide respite care for part of one day or as an ongoing scheduled weekly routine.Exercise Exercise and activity are important for maintaining the best health. A home care agency can devise and implement an exercise and activity plan in coordination with the care recipients physician. Meals A home care agency can prepare nutritious and tasty meals for care recipients, while educating on how to maintain a proper diet. Connections to Community Resources There are countless community services available as a long term solution that can make for a more successful in-home care experience. In addition to the typically requested in-home care services, Heart, Body & Mind Home Care can also help identify, locate and coordinate as many of these options as applicable. Transportation Having a home care agency available to accompany a person on public transportation, run errands or provide transportation to social events and fun day outings can greatly enhance care at home, allowing respite for family caregivers and mental stimulation for care recipients. Submitted and Written By: Heart, Body & Mind Home Care - click here for more information

For more information on the author, Heart, Body & Mind Home Care, CLICK HERE!Alzheimer's affects everyone a little differently, but understanding the progression of the disease will help for better planning. Keep in mind that when it comes to Alzheimer's, even the best laid plans can falter. Continuous education about Alzheimer's care and enlisting the support of professionals, family and friends is essential.Care Focus for Beginning Stages: Family members can best assist a loved one with Alzheimer's through planning together, providing a patient, calm listening ear and memory prompts when needed.What you might expect:Your loved one may experience some changes in thinking and learning abilities, which may not be detectable to others without daily contact.This stage of the disease can last for years.What you can do:Be a care advocate for your loved one, providing emotional support and encouragement.Provide assistance with money management or hire a professional to assist.Help your loved one to stay healthy and engaged in what he or she loves doing.Help plan for the future:Discuss care setting desires (home, assisted living, hospice) and identify care providers.Research support groups.Discuss end of life care requests.Provide memory prompts and personal organization assistance when needed.Establish a regular daily routine.What you may need:A geriatric care manager to assist with planning care options.Medication reminder system (could be an electronic device or a smartphone app).A smartphone app or other tool for sharing calendars that has audible reminders.Time alone and with friends to keep your mind engaged in positive activities.Care Focus for Middle Stages:Care strategies will be focused on flexibility, patience and daily structure with time for self-care for the caregiver.What you might expect:Behavioral changes can occur, including sleep changes, physical and verbal outbursts (sometimes abusive), wandering and repetition of questions and activities.This stage can last for many years, and an increased amount of care will be needed as the dementia progresses.Daily tasks such as dressing, bathing and communicating may become more difficult.What you can do:Encourage as much independence as possible, but be ready to assist when needed.Enhance quality of life by doing simple activities together such as gardening or walking.Assist with communication efforts by speaking slowly and with simple, short sentences. Be patient in waiting for a response, as it may take some time to process your request.Daily routines and structure are important.What you may need:Assistance from a specially trained Alzheimer's in-home caregiver to develop personalized caregiving and communication strategies.Someone to care for your loved one when you are away, as it will become dangerous for your loved one to be left alone.Care Focus for Late Stages:Compassionate caregiving is focused on preserving the dignity and quality of life for your loved one while maintaining a safe, clean and healthy environment.What you might expect:This stage of the disease may last for a few weeks to several years.Your loved one may have difficulty with eating, swallowing and walking.Oftentimes the ability to communicate with words and expression is lost.A vulnerability to infections, especially pneumonia is experienced.Incontinence is common.Close family members may become unidentifiable or seem like the enemy.What you can do:Even though your loved one may be unable to talk, you can still connect with your loved one. Express your caring through touch, sound, sight, taste and smell.Assistance with eating may be necessary, adapting foods as needed for easier swallowing.Set a toileting schedule and provide assistance in the bathroom.If your loved one is bedridden or chair-bound, learn the ways to avoid pressure sores and joint freezing by relieving body pressure and increasing circulation.Take precautions to prevent infections.Watch for non-verbal signs that may indicatepain such as pale or flushed skin, swelling, wincing facial expressions or agitation.What you may need:Around-the-clock care, with assistance from specially trained Alzheimer's caregivers.Training in how to perform the Heimlich maneuver in chase of choking.Incontinence products.Hospice care, which focuses on dignity and quality of life.Training from a professional care provider on how to properly lift a person without causing injury, and/or a lifting device that can be installed in the home.

For more information on Heart, Body & Mind, Click here.Deciding what type of long-term care loved ones need when they are no longer able to live totally independently is an important decision that should not be considered lightly. If given the option to live ones golden years in an institutional setting or in ones own home, the majority of people would choose their own homes.There are many instances when home care is a perfectly appropriate and less expensive care choice than nursing home placement or a permanent move to a retirement or assisted living facility.When making a long-term care decision for a sick, elderly or frail family member, it is useful to understand the benefits of in-home care services, explained Ralph Laughton, President of Heart, Body & Mind Home Care. Whether only a small amount of assistance is needed to help avoid a future crisis, or home care is required in the aftermath of a fall or acute illness, home care enables one to reside and recuperate in comfortable, familiar surroundings. Heart, Body & Mind Home Care wants to help educate the local community on the advantages of choosing home care in these types of situations.In-home care helps a frail person to live independently for as long as possible, given the limits of his/her medical condition. It covers a wide range of services and often delays the need for long-term nursing home care or serves as an aging in place solution to help seniors stay in their homes. Home care services can include:Household chores such as cleaning and preparing meals;Personal care that is non-medical, such as bathing, dressing or moving around the house;Health and medical care, such as a nurse, home health aide, or physical therapist; andSocialization through personalized Life Enrichment Activities.There's No Place Like HomeHomes are often havens to people, representing an environment of familiarity and comfort. Home care promotes healing research demonstrates that patients heal more quickly and comfortably at home versus in a hospital or nursing home setting and there is significantly less chance of re-hospitalization when recuperation is at home. Additionally, making a decision to move into a facility and sell a home is an unalterable decision, once completed.More for Your MoneyAccording to the Genworth Annual Cost of Care Survey, on average, the annual cost to stay in a nursing home far exceeds the annual cost for home care. A good rule across the board is that eight hours a day or less of home care will be less expensive than moving elsewhere. Many people fail to realize that nursing home care and other types of long-term care are not covered by Medicare.Providing Peace of MindHome care services are delivered one-on-one, assuring more private attention than in a nursing home or a facility. There is no waiting for ones turn when care is needed. Also, using a home care agency such as Heart, Body & Mind Home Care that carefully screens and trains all caregivers and provides ongoing supervision can help provide families with peace of mind that their loved ones are in good hands.Home Care Technology that Keeps Clients Safe & ConnectedWhen an older adult or disabled individual lives alone or at a distance from family and close friends, its natural for family members to be concerned about safety and to want to feel a part of his or her care. At Heart, Body & Mind Home Care, we work with leading home care technology companies to help ensure that clients are matched with the right caregivers and to help families stay connected to their loved ones and learn more about home care services and aging care issues.Assurance of a Healthy LifestyleA home caregiver can be effective in promoting and ensuring a healthy lifestyle. Home caregivers produce healthy and nutritional meals that appeal to the individual and can also keep a close eye on the amount of food eaten. In addition, a personalized daily exercise program can be implemented and followed through, with the added safety of a qualified professional caregiver being present.Dignity + Independence = Higher Quality of LifeIn-home care fosters dignity and independence, important ingredients for a happy lifestyle. Home care (in particular, private pay home care) can offer personalized care tailored to the needs of the family and individual on any given day, whether the needs are as simple as companionship or more complex, such as personal care. With the additional benefit of accompaniment on transportation to and from various appointments, social activities or errands, home care allows families more free time together.Determining the best options for a loved ones care can be a difficult process, but there are many resources available to aid in ones decision. For more information on in-home care options available and guidance on whether in-home care is an appropriate option for a particular situation, contact Heart, Body & Mind Home Care.About Heart, Body & Mind Home CareHeart Body & Mind Home Care is committed to the principle that it takes more than just effort to provide care to another human being it takes heart. Our hearts are in all that we do. If you are interested in learning more about our compassionate home care and wellness services in Southwest Florida, including Lee, Collier, Charlotte and Sarasota Counties

At Heart, Body & Mind Home Care the best senior home care doesnt stop at the end of the day. Our agencys certified nurse assistants and home health aides provide overnight home care service so you or your loved one can rest comfortably overnight in the comfort of your own home. Receiving personalized one on one overnight home care from one of our fully trained caregivers means someone is there to assist you or your loved one with bathroom breaks, medication reminders and assistance or changing position in bed to prevent bedsores. With a dedicated overnight caregiver, help is always available.Deciding what type of long term home care loved ones need when they are no longer able to live totally independently is an important decision that should not be considered lightly. If given the option to live ones golden years in an institutional setting or in ones own home, the majority of people would choose their own homes. There are many instances when senior home care is a perfectly appropriate and less expensive care choice than nursing home placement or a permanent move to a retirement or assisted living facility.Heart, Body & Mind Home Cares overnight home care helps a frail person to live independently for as long as possible, given the limits of his/her medical condition. Overnight home care for the elderly often delays the need for long term nursing home care or serves as an aging in place solution to help seniors stay in their homes.Benefits of Overnight Home Care ServiceOvernight home care can relieve anxiety about being alone at night. Customized services include:Assisting with bathroom breaksChanging sleeping positions, reduce risk of bedsoresRest more comfortably through the nightPeace of mind having a professional caregiver available for those with Alzheimers, Dementia or other serious conditionNight time respite care for family caregiversFlexible weekly schedule to suit your needsTheres No Place Like HomeHomes are often havens to people, representing an environment of familiarity and comfort. Home care promotes healing research demonstrates that patients heal more quickly and comfortably at home versus in a hospital or nursing home setting and there is significantly less chance of re-hospitalization when recuperation is at home. Additionally, making a decision to move into a facility and sell a home is an unalterable decision, once completed.Providing Peace of MindHeart, Body & Mind Home Cares overnight home care services are delivered one-on-one, assuring more private attention than in a nursing home or a facility. There is no waiting for ones turn when care is needed. Heart, Body & Mind Home Care carefully screened and must pass both a state and federal criminal background check. Additionally, our agency provides ongoing supervision of caregivers which helps provide families with peace of mind that their loved ones are in good hands.Overnight Home Care = Dignity + IndependenceOvernight home care fosters dignity and independence, important ingredients for a happy lifestyle. Home care (in particular, private pay home care) can offer personalized care tailored to the needs of the family and individual on any given day, whether the needs are as simple as companionship or more complex, such as personal care.Determining the best options for a loved ones care can be a difficult process, but there are many resources available to aid in ones decision. For more information on in-home care options available and guidance on whether in-home care is an appropriate option for a particular situation, contact Heart, Body & Mind Home Care.About Heart, Body & Mind Home CareWant to learn more about why you should choose Heart, Body & Mind Home Care? Contact our care team for more information about our certifications, testimonials, technology, and more. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have regarding Overnight Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Veterans Home Care, Long Term Care, Long Term Care Insurance and Florida Medicaid.Were proud to provide dedicated, holistic senior home care and veterans home care services for clients in Fort Myers & Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco Island, Port Charlotte and surrounding communities in Southwest Florida.

Good nutrition is beneficial at any age. Benefits worth noting are increased mental acuteness, resistance to illness/disease, higher energy levels, a more robust immune system, faster recuperation times and better management of chronic health problems. Now, however, proper nutrition for older adults is even more important, with research revealing that poor nutritional decisions can eventually lead to cognitive decline and dementia.Heart, Body & Mind Home Careknows how challenging it can be for seniors to maintain a healthy diet, in part because of the difficulties with cooking for one or two persons, transportation difficulties, problems standing for long periods of time to cook, and even loneliness, which can take the joy out of mealtimes. Because caloric needs change with aging and less activity, another issue is the possibility that seniors are not receiving the proper low-fat, high nutrient foods their bodies require.With older adults, a healthy diet will emphasize nutrient-dense food choices and the importance of fluid balance. Appropriate fluid intake is often overlooked or goes unnoticed, because as we age, there can be a disassociation between how hydrated our bodies are and how thirsty we feel.Nutrient-dense foods are high in nutrients in relation to the calories they contain. For example, low-fat milk is more nutrient-dense than whole milk. Although the low-fat milks nutrient content is the same as the whole milk, the low-fat milk has fewer calories and would be the more appropriate choice for an older adult. Reducing the overall fat content in the diet, while still choosing nutrient-rich foods is the best way for the older adult to reach optimum nutrition and help protect against dementia and cognitive decline.Specific research points to the antioxidant vitamins C and E as being particularly beneficial in protecting against Alzheimers disease. Vitamin E is primarily found in vegetable and nut oils, as well as in spinach and whole grain products. Vitamin C-rich foods include citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits, as well as tomatoes, spinach and red peppers.Keep in mind that nutrients are most beneficial when provided by actual foods rather than supplements; however, this sometimes proves difficult with an older adult because of decreased calorie needs. A health care professional should be consulted when considering vitamin supplements.In addition to antioxidants, consuming a low-fat/low cholesterol diet can help to prevent the onset of Alzheimers disease. High fat diets are thought to impair learning and memory performance, and elevated blood cholesterol can triple a persons risk for developing the disease. High cholesterol foods such as animal products (meat and dairy), butter and cooking oils and fried foods, should be minimized to no more than 300mg of cholesterol a day as recommended by the American Heart Association.Preliminary studies have also shown a connection between omega-3 fatty acids and a reduced risk of Alzheimers disease. Omega-3 fatty acids, found most prevalently in fish, provide anti-inflammatory properties, which are thought to increase memory and learning performance. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids include mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon.The true challenge may lie in encouraging a frail elder to eat when he or she suffers from poor appetite. Oftentimes, medications or treatable disorders such as heartburn, constipation or nausea can cause poor appetite. Meal times for a frail elder can also be lonely or depressing if a life partner has recently passed away. Some tips to encourage a person at mealtimes include:Ask the reason why the person does not want to eat (not hungry, the food is cold, food doesnt taste good, etc.)Serve small, frequent meals rather than three larger mealsServe beverages after a meal so a person doesnt feel full before eating the mealBring the joy back to mealtimes with colorful foods and a variety of texturesSet an attractive table with food garnishes, placemats, flowers and perhaps music in the backgroundConsider finger foods that are easy to handle or use adaptive equipment such as silverware with specially designed handles for those who have difficulty using utensils.Ensuring that a loved one is eating enough nutritious foods and drinking enough fluids is a challenge, but it is important to remember to treat the person as an adult, not a child. Also consider hiring a home care agency for assistance with trips to the grocery store, planning and preparation of meals, and companionship during mealtimes. For more information about the nutritional needs of the elderly in our local community or an easy nutritional screening form, please contactHeart, Body & Mind Home Care.About Heart, Body & Mind Home CareHeart, Body & Mind Home Careis committed to the principle that it takes more than just effort to provide care to another human being it takes heart. Our hearts are in all that we do. If you are interested in learning more about our compassionate home care and wellness services in Southwest Florida, including Lee, Collier, Charlotte and Sarasota Counties.Submitted and Written By: Heart, Body & Mind Home Care - click here for more information

A Family Tree for HealthWhy create a family health history? A family health history is a written record of a familys health. The history contains information about a familys medical conditions, lifestyle habits (for example, whether anyone in the family has smoked), and where and how family members grew up. Its like a family tree for health.What a Family Health History May RevealYou can use a family health history to see if you, your children, or your grandchildren might face an increased risk of developing serious health problems. These health problems might be common ones, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. They could also be less common diseases that are passed from one generation to the next, such as hemophilia or sickle cell anemia. People cant change the genes they inherit from their parents, but they can change things like diet, physical activity, and medical care to try to prevent diseases that run in the family. This is good news because many diseases result from a combination of a persons genes, lifestyle, and environment.Actions That May Reduce Disease RiskA health care professional can use a family health history to help assess a persons risk of certain diseases. The professional might recommend actions to lower the chance of getting those diseases.Actions to reduce the risk of disease may involve:Lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier foods or exercising moreGetting certain medical testsTaking medicines that are more effective based on your specific genes.For example, a son with a family history of diabetes might be told to lose weightand exercise more. A daughter who is considering having a baby might get tested to see if she carries a gene for a rare condition that runs in the family.How You and Your Family May BenefitFor older adults, a family health history might help explain why you have developed certain health conditions. But it is important to know that simply getting older increases the risk of many diseases, too. Creating and sharing your family health history with your health care professional can help you be healthier. But perhaps the biggest benefit is providing information that may help your children and grandchildren live longer, healthier lives.Ralph B. LaughtonPresident of Heart, Body, & Mind Home CareAbout Heart, Body & Mind Home CareHeart Body & Mind Home Care is committed to the principle that it takes more than just effort to provide care to another human being it takes heart. Our hearts are in all that we do. If you are interested in learning more about our compassionate home care and wellness services in Southwest Florida, including Lee, Collier, Charlotte and Sarasota Counties, please Contact us at (866) 488-1485.

For more information on the author, Heart, Body, & Mind, CLICK HERE!Make Exercise a HabitOnce you've started exercising, its important to keep going because physical activity needs to be done on a regular basis to produce maximum benefits.A Regular Part of Your DayAt Heart, Body & Mind Home Care we believe that one of the best ways to stay physically active is to make it a life-long habit. Set yourself up to succeed right from the start by seeking to make exercise a regular part of your day. When it becomes a normal part of your everyday routine, like brushing your teeth, then you'll be less likely to stop and will find it easier to start up again if you're interrupted for some reason. If you can stick with an exercise routine or physical activity for at least 6 months, its a good sign thatyou're on your way to making physical activity a regular habit.Ways to Make Exercise a HabitHere are a few ways to help you make exercise a regular part of your daily life.1. Make it a priority.2. Make it easy.3. Make it safe.4. Make it social.5. Make it interesting and fun.6. Make it an active decision.Make It a PriorityMany of us lead busy lives, and its easy to put physical activity at the bottom of the to do list. Remember, though, being active is one of the most important things you can do each day to maintain and improve your health. Make it a point to include physical activities throughout your day. Try being active first thing in the morning before you get busy. Think of your time to exercise as a special appointment, and mark it on your calendar.Make it EasyIf its difficult, costs too much, or is too inconvenient, you probably wont be active. You are more likely to exercise if its easy to do. Do more of the activities you already like and know how to do. Walk the entire mall or every aisle of the grocery store when you go shopping. When you go out to get the mail, walk around the block. Consider yoga or chair yoga for support and even tai chi. You can be active all at once, or break it up into smaller amounts throughout the day.Make It SafeExercise and moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, are safe for almost all older adults. Even so, avoiding injury is an important thing to keep in mind, especially if you're just starting a new activity or you haven't been active for a long time. Talk to your doctor if you have an ongoing health condition or certain other health problems or if you haven't seen your doctor for a while. Ask how physical activity can help you, whether you should avoid certain activities, and how to modify exercises to fit your situation.You may feel some minor discomfort or muscle soreness when you start to exercise. This should go away as you get used to the activities. However, if you feel sick to your stomach or have strong pain, you've done too much. Go easier and then gradually build up.Make It SocialEnlist a friend or family member or consider going with a professional caregiver companion. Many people agree that having an exercise buddy keeps them going. Take a yoga class with a neighbor. If you don't already have an exercise partner, find one by joining a walking club at your local mall or an exercise class at a nearby senior center.Make It Interesting and FunDo things you enjoy and pick up the pace a bit. If you love the outdoors, try biking, fishing, jogging, or hiking. Listen to music or a book on CD while walking, gardening, or raking. Plan a walking tour or hiking trip at a nearby park.Most people tend to focus on one activity or type of exercise and think they're doing enough. The goal is to be creative and choose exercises from each of the four categories endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Mixing it up will help you reap the benefits of each type of exercise, as well as reduce boredom and risk of injury.

For more information on the author Heart, Body & Mind Home Care, CLICK HERE.Hundreds of thousands of individuals across America will experience a stroke this year. Still, despite the fact that stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and the number one cause of adult disability, many remain uneducated as to its causes and methods for prevention. Even more alarming is the fact that many individuals fail to recognize a stroke when experiencing symptoms. Heart, Body, & Mind Home Care understands the importance of Stroke Education. We encourage the general public to become more aware about stroke risk factors, methods for prevention and symptom recognition. Heart, Body & Mind Home Care knows that acting F.A.S.T is the key to reducing the side effects of a stroke.F.A.S.T ThinkingAs part of a national public education movement Heart, Body, & Mind Home Care encourages F.A.S.T thinking when you are unsure if a loved one has experienced a stroke.Face- Ask the person to smile. Does one side of his face droop?Arms- Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?Speech- Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Can he repeat the sentence correctly? Are his words slurred? If any of these answers are YES thenTime is of essence! Call 911 right away or get to a hospital as fast as possible!Quick Facts about StrokeSymptoms of a stroke includeSudden numbness or weakness of face, an arm, or a leg especially on one side of thebody.Confusion or trouble speaking and understanding.Trouble seeing from one or both eyes.Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.Sudden severe headache with no known cause.What is a stroke?A stroke is the result of interrupted blood flow to an area of the brain and can cause brain damage. How a stroke patient is affected depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged. Some people recover completely from strokes, but more than 2/3 of survivors will have some type of disability. Abilities impacted usually include speech, movement, and memory.How do you reduce your risk of a stroke?According to the National Stroke Association (NSA), 80% of strokes are preventable throughcareful attention to these ten steps:Check your blood pressure regularly.Find out if you have atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heartbeat).Stop smoking.Drink alcohol in moderation.Know your cholesterol numbers.Control diabetes.Exercise.Eat a lower sodium, lower fat diet.Find out if you have circulation problems.Be aware of stroke symptoms.Life after a strokeThere are ways to make life easier if your abilities are impacted due to stroke.Dressing can be made easier by selecting clothes with front fasteners and replacing buttons, zippers, and laces with Velcro fasters. There are also several dressing aids available, such as long-handled shoe horns on Internet sites and in health supply stores.Special utensils such as flatware with built-up handles which are easier to grasp and rocker knives for cutting food with one hand can help people with physically-impaired arms and hands.Helpful bathroom devices include, among others, grab bars in shower or tub, raised toilet seat, tub bench, electric razor and toothbrush and flip-top toothpaste tube.Need more information?Visit www.stroke.org or call 1-800-STROKES (1-800-787-6537).Subscribe FREE to Stroke Smart magazine at www.stroke.org to view the latest gearsand gadgets.Join a stroke support group.Contact Heart, Body & Mind Home Care for information on recovering at home with help.Heart, Body & Mind Home Care offers care for individuals who have suffered from a stroke as well as advice and guidance for friends and family who serve as caregivers. Despite a loss of certain abilities, those living with a stroke may still remain comfortable within their own home with the proper care and assistance.We urge the public to become educated about strokes and offer ourselves as a helpful resource for all who wish to learn more about the disease.Fort Myers Home Health CareHeart Body & Mind Home Care is committed to the principle that it takes more than just effort to provide care to another human being it takes heart. Our hearts are in all that we do. If you are interested in learning more about our compassionate home care and wellness services in Southwest Florida, click the link above.

For more information on the author, Ralph B. Laughton,President of Heart, Body, & Mind Home Care, CLICK HERE!Diabetes is the #1 cause of kidney failure. In fact, approximately 40 percent of people with diabetes will develop chronic kidney disease.What is the connection between diabetes and kidney disease?Besides balancing chemicals in your body, controlling blood pressure and keeping bones healthy, your kidneys clean waste and extra fluid from your blood. The filters in your kidneys are full of tiny blood vessels (called glomeruli) and high blood sugar can harm these glomeruli, which causes diabetic kidney disease. Once the kidneys are harmed like this, they cannot be fixed, and if not treated early, can lead to kidney failure.Can you notice if your kidneys are being damaged?Unfortunately, noticeable symptoms do not appear until after kidney disease has already progressed, so you will not be able to feel if diabetes has harmed your kidneys. The only way to know is to be tested, and be sure to test regularly because early detection can slow the progression of the disease. Your doctor can perform these simple tests to check how well your kidneys are functioning.How can I protect my kidneys?The good news is that diabetic kidney disease does not happen quickly, which means you can take steps to protect your kidneys! Even if your kidneys are already damaged, you can control your diabetes to help keep them from getting worse.The steps to prevent diabetic kidney disease are the same steps needed to slow diabetic kidney disease.Control your blood sugar: Because high blood sugar can damage the kidneys, it is important to monitor your blood sugar regularly and work with your diabetes care team to keep your blood sugars within your blood glucose goal range.Control your blood pressure: Right behind diabetes, high blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure. Having both diabetes and high blood pressure increases your risk of kidney disease.Control your cholesterol: High cholesterol speeds up the progression of kidney disease.Be physically active: Daily physical activity and exercise help control blood pressure and lower blood sugar.Avoid tobacco: Smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys; therefore, kidneys cannot function at their best. Smoking also tends to raise blood sugar and makes it harder for your body to use insulin.Follow a proper diabetic diet and keep a healthy weight: Picking healthy foods, eating smaller meals and eating more often can help control diabetes and prevent problems. Work with a dietician to plan meals and learn what is right for you.Use pain medications with caution: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen reduce blood flow to the kidneys and regular use can trigger kidney damage. Seek the advice of your physician, as regular use of these medications should be monitored.It can be difficult on ones own to handle the many aspects of diabetes management and possible lifestyle changes to keep kidneys as healthy as possible. A qualified personal home care agency such as Heart, Body & Mind Home Care develops private and personalized in-home care plans that help empower people to enhance their health and ensure a vibrant quality of life at home. Contact Heart, Body & Mind Home Care for more information on the ways in-home care can help effectively manage diabetes and kidney care.

Skin changes with age. It becomes thinner, loses fat, and no longer looks as plump and smooth as it once did. Veins and bones can be seen more easily. Scratches, cuts, or bumps can take longer to heal.Years of sun tanning or being out in the sunlight for a long time may lead to wrinkles, dryness, age spots, and even cancer. But there are things that can be done to protect skin and to make it feel and look better.Dry Skin and Itching Many older people suffer from dry skin, often on their lower legs, elbows, and lower arms. Dry skin feels rough and scaly and appear unsightly. There are many possible reasons for dry skin, such as not drinking enough liquids staying out in the sun being in very dry air smoking feeling stress losing sweat and oil glands (common with age).Dry skin also can be caused by health problems, such as diabetes or kidney disease. Using too much soap, antiperspirant, or perfume and taking hot baths will make dry skin worse.Because older people have thinner skin, scratching can cause bleeding that may lead to infection. Some medicines make the skin itchier. If your skin is very dry and itchy, see your doctor.Help for Dry Skin Moisturizers like lotions, creams, or ointments can soothe dry, itchy skin. They should be used every day. Try taking fewer baths and using milder soap to help your dry skin. Warm water is less drying than hot water. Dont add bath oil to your water it will make the tub too slippery. Some people find that a humidifier (an appliance that adds moisture to a room) helps.Bruises Older people may bruise more easily than younger people. And, it can take longer for the bruises to heal. Some medicines or illnesses may cause bruising. If you see bruises and you dont know how you got them, especially on parts of your body usually covered by clothing, see your doctor. Wrinkles Over time, skin begins to wrinkle. Things in the environment, like ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, make the skin less elastic. Gravity can cause skin to sag and wrinkle.Certain habits also can wrinkle the skin. Some of these habits are easier to change than others. You may not be able to change your facial expressions, but you can quit smoking.A lot of claims are made about how to make wrinkles go away. Not all of them work. Some can be painful or even dangerous, and many must be done by a doctor. Talk with a doctor specially trained in skin problems (a dermatologist) or your regular doctor if you are worried about wrinkles. Age Spots and Skin Tags Age spots, once called liver spots, are flat, brown spots often caused by years in the sun. They are bigger than freckles, and many times show up on areas like the face, hands, arms, back, and feet. Age spots are harmless, but if they bother you, talk to a dermatologist about removing them. Also, a sunscreen may prevent more sun damage.Skin tags are small, usually flesh-colored growths of skin that have a raised surface. They are a common occurrence as people age, especially for women. They are most often found on the eyelids, neck, and body folds such as the arm pit, chest, and groin. Skin tags are harmless, but they can become irritated. A doctor can remove them if they bother you. Submitted and Written By: Heart, Body & Mind Home Care - click here for more information

Personal changes can make a difference. Falls and fractures are not an inevitable part of growing older. Many falls result from personal or lifestyle factors that can be changed. Your doctor can assess your risk of falling and suggest ways to prevent falls.At your next check-up, talk with your doctor about your risk of falling and changes you might make. Also, let your doctor know if you've fallen or almost fallen. You might be referred to another health care provider who can help, such as a physical therapist.Here are some changes you might make. Be physically active. Have your medicines reviewed. Limit alcohol use. Have your blood pressure checked when lying and standing. Get a vision check-up. Avoid multi-focal glasses when walking. Choose safe footwear.Be Physically ActiveRegular physical activity is a first line of defense against falls and fractures. Physical activity strengthens muscles and increases flexibility and endurance. Your balance and the way you walk may improve with exercise, decreasing the chances of a fall.Its important to keep muscles strong.Strengthening muscles in the lower body can improve balance. Work with your doctor or a physical therapist to plan a physical activity program that is right for you.Tai Chi May Help Prevent Falls by Improving Balance and Control.This exercise uses slow, flowing movements to help people relax and coordinate the mind and body. It can also boost your self-confidence. Dancing and other rhythmic movements can help as well.Have Your Medicines ReviewedFind out about the possible side effects of medicines you take. Some medications might affect your coordination or balance, or cause dizziness, confusion, or sleepiness. Some medications dont work well together, adding to your risk of falls.Bring your prescribed and over-the-counter medicines with you when you visitthe doctor. Also bring any vitamins, minerals, and herbal products you are taking.Your pharmacist can also be helpful in answering your questions about possible side effects from medicines. Ask about how the combination of all your drugs might affect your balance or walking, or your risk of falling. Never stop taking your medications unless you talk with your doctor first.Limit Alcohol UseLimit the amount of alcohol you drink. Even a small amount can affect your balance and reflexes. In older adults, too much alcohol can lead to balance problems and falls, which can result in hip or arm fractures and other injuries. Older people have thinner bones than younger people, so their bones break more easily. Studies show that the rate of hip fractures in older adults increases with alcohol use.Have Your Blood Pressure Checked When Lying and StandingSome older people have normal or increased blood pressure while seated, but their blood pressure drops too much on standing. There is no way to know unless you check. Tell your doctor if you feel faint or unsteady when you get up from sitting or lying down.Get a Vision Check-UpEven small changes in sight can make you less stable. Have your vision checked regularly or if you think it has changed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. This person can provide visual devices if you need them and teach you how to use them. He or she can also offer helpful suggestions about the best lighting for you and about not wearing your multi-focals when you walk or use the stairs.If you are age 60 or older, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. If you are at increased risk for or have any age-related eye disease, you may need to see your eye care professional more often.Choose Safe FootwearOur feet have nerves that help us judge the position of our bodies. To work correctly, our feet need to be in touch with the ground and our shoes need to stay securely with the foot as we take each step. Otherwise, falls may occur.Its important to select your footwear carefully to help prevent falls. Wear sensible, low-heeled shoes that fit well and support your feet. There should be no marks on your feet when you take off your shoes and socks.Your shoes should completely surround your feet. Wearing only socks or wearing floppy, backless slippers or shoes without backs can be unsafe. Also, choose shoes with non-slip soles. Smooth soles can cause you to slip on waxed or polished floors.Written By: Ralph B. LaughtonSubmitted By: Heart Body & Mind Home Care - Click for more information*

Alzheimers affects everyone a little differently, but understanding the progression of the disease will help for better planning. Keep in mind that when it comes to Alzheimers, even the best laid plans can falter. Continuous education about Alzheimers care and enlisting the support of professionals, family and friends is essential.Care Focus for Beginning Stages: Family members can best assist a loved one with Alzheimers through planning together, providing a patient, calm listening ear and memory prompts when needed.What you might expect:Your loved one may experience some changes in thinking and learning abilities, which may not be detectable to others without daily contact.This stage of the disease can last for years.What you can do:Be a care advocate for your loved one, providing emotional support and encouragement.Provide assistance with money management or hire a professional to assist.Help your loved one to stay healthy and engaged in what he or she loves doing.Help plan for the future:Discuss care setting desires (home, assisted living, hospice) and identify care providers.Research support groups.Discuss end of life care requests.Provide memory prompts and personal organization assistance when needed.Establish a regular daily routine.What you may need:A geriatric care manager to assist with planning care options.Medication reminder system (could be an electronic device or a smartphone app).A smartphone app or other tool for sharing calendars that has audible reminders.Time alone and with friends to keep your mind engaged in positive activities.Care Focus for Middle Stages:Care strategies will be focused on flexibility, patience and daily structure with time for self-care for the caregiver.What you might expect:Behavioral changes can occur, including sleep changes, physical and verbal outbursts (sometimes abusive), wandering and repetition of questions and activities.This stage can last for many years, and an increased amount of care will be needed as the dementia progresses.Daily tasks such as dressing, bathing and communicating may become more difficult.What you can do:Encourage as much independence as possible, but be ready to assist when needed.Enhance quality of life by doing simple activities together such as gardening or walking.Assist with communication efforts by speaking slowly and with simple, short sentences. Be patient in waiting for a response, as it may take some time to process your request.Daily routines and structure are important.What you may need:Assistance from a specially trained Alzheimers in-home caregiver to develop personalized caregiving and communication strategies.Someone to care for your loved one when you are away, as it will become dangerous for your loved one to be left alone.Care Focus for Late Stages:Compassionate caregiving is focused on preserving the dignity and quality of life for your loved one while maintaining a safe, clean and healthy environment.What you might expect:This stage of the disease may last for a few weeks to several years.Your loved one may have difficulty with eating, swallowing and walking.Oftentimes the ability to communicate with words and expression is lost.A vulnerability to infections, especially pneumonia is experienced.Incontinence is common.Close family members may become unidentifiable or seem like the enemy.What you can do:Even though your loved one may be unable to talk, you can still connect with your loved one. Express your caring through touch, sound, sight, taste and smell.Assistance with eating may be necessary, adapting foods as needed for easier swallowing.Set a toileting schedule and provide assistance in the bathroom.If your loved one is bedridden or chair-bound, learn the ways to avoid pressure sores and joint freezing by relieving body pressure and increasing circulation.Take precautions to prevent infections.Watch for non-verbal signs that may indicatepain such as pale or flushed skin, swelling, wincing facial expressions or agitation.What you may need:Around-the-clock care, with assistance from specially trained Alzheimers caregivers.Training in how to perform the Heimlich maneuver in chase of choking.Incontinence products.Hospice care, which focuses on dignity and quality of life.Training from a professional care provider on how to properly lift a person without causing injury, and/or a lifting device that can be installed in the home.Heart, Body & Mind Home Cares caregivers are specially trained in providing skillful in-home caregiving for persons with Alzheimers or dementia throughout the progression of the disease. Whether you are looking for respite, around-the-clock care or a hands-on way to learn techniques for providing the best care possible for your loved one, we are here for you and your family.

For more information on the author ,Heart Body & Mind Home Care, CLICK HERE!Now that your family member or friend has received a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease its important to learn as much as you can about the disease and how to care for someone who has it. At Heart, Body & Mind Home Care, we feel that it is important for family members to know the right way to share the news with other family and friends.Sometimes, you may feel that you don't know how to care for the person with Alzheimer's. This is a common feeling among caregivers of people with Alzheimer's because each day may bring different challenges. Learning about the disease can help you understand and cope with these challenges .Heart, Body & Mind Home Care offers free information about Alzheimer's disease for families and caregivers.Learning About Alzheimer'sAlzheimer's disease is an illness of the brain. It causes large numbers of nerve cells in the brain to die. This affects a persons ability to remember things and think clearly. People with Alzheimer's become forgetful and easily confused and may have a hard time concentrating. They may have trouble taking care of themselves and doing basic things like making meals, bathing, and getting dressed.Alzheimer's varies from person to person .It can progress faster in some people than in others ,and not everyone will have the same symptoms. In general, though, Alzheimer's takes many years to develop, becoming increasingly severe overtime. As the disease gets worse, people need more help. Eventually, they require total care.Alzheimer's disease consists of three main stages: mild (sometimes called early-stage), moderate, and severe (some time called late stage). Understanding these stages can help you care for your loved one and plan ahead.Mild Alzheimer's DiseaseIn the mild stage of Alzheimer's ,people often have some memory loss and small changes in personality. They may have trouble remembering recent events or the names off similiar people or things. They may no longer be able to solve simple math problems or balance a check book. People with mild Alzheimer's also slowly lose the ability to plan and organize. For example, they may have trouble making a grocery list and finding it  in the store.Moderate Alzheimer's DiseaseIn the moderate stage of Alzheimer's, memory loss and confusion become more obvious. People have more trouble organizing, planning and following instructions. They may need help getting dressed and may start having problems with bladder or bowel control. People with moderate Alzheimer's may have trouble recognizing family members and friends. They may not know where they are or what day or year it is. People with moderate stage Alzheimer's may also begin to wander, so they should not be left alone. Personality changes can become more serious. For example, people may make threats or accuse others of stealing.Severe Alzheimer's DiseaseIntheseverestageofAlzheimers,peopleusuallyneedhelpwithalloftheirdailyneeds. They may not be able to walk or sit up without help .They may not be able to talk and often cannot recognize family members. They may also have trouble swallowing and therefore refuse to eat.Tips from Heart, Body & Mind Home CareSofar,thereisnocureforAlzheimers,buttherearetreatmentsthatcanpreventsome symptoms from getting worse for a limited time. Below are some ways that you can learn more about Alzheimer's disease.If you have a family member who is a client of Heart, Body & Mind Home Care you have access to our FREE online Family Learning Center that contains more than 50 family caregiver training videos and resources.Talk with a doctor or other healthcare provider who specializes in Alzheimer's disease.Checkout books or videos about Alzheimer's from the library.Got o educational programs about the disease.Findasupportgroupforcaregivers,ideallyoneinwhichmembersaretaking care of someone who is in the same stage of Alzheimer's as the person for whom you are caring.You may also contact Heart, Body & Mind Home Care for additional free information regarding Alzheimer's or request a FREE in-home consultation.Talking with Family and FriendsWhen you learn that someone has Alzheimer's disease, you may wonder when and how to tell your family and friends. You may also be worried about how others may react to or treat the person. Others often sense that something is wrong before they are told. Alzheimer's disease is hard to keep secret. When the time seems right, be honest with family, friends, and others. Use this as a chance to educate them about Alzheimer's disease. You can share information to help them understand what you and the person with Alzheimer's are going through. You can also tell them what you can do to help.Listed below are suggestions of how you can help family and friends understand how to interact with the person who has Alzheimer's.Help them realize what the person can still do and how much he or she can still understand.Givethemsuggestionsabouthowtostarttalkingwiththeperson.Forexample, Hello George, Im John .We used to work together.Help them avoid correcting the person with Alzheimer's if  he or she makes a mistake or for gets something.Helpthemplanfunactivitieswiththeperson,suchasgoingtofamilyreunionsor visiting old friends.Helping Children Understand Alzheimer'sIf the person with Alzheimer's has young children or grandchildren, you can help them understand what is happening. Answer their questions simply and honestly. For example, you might tell a young child Grandma has an illness that makes it hard for her to remember things. Know that their feelings of sadness and anger are normal. Comfort them. Tell them they did'nt cause the disease.If the child lives with someone who has Alzheimer's, don't expect him or her to babysit the person. Make sure the child has time for his or her own interests and needs, such as playing with friends and going to school activities. Spend time with the child, so that he or she does'nt feel that all your attention is on the person with Alzheimer's. Many younger children will look to you to see how to act around the person with Alzheimer's disease. Show children that they can still talk with the person and help them enjoy things. Doing fun things together, like arts and crafts or looking through photo albums, can help both the child and the person with Alzheimer's.Challenges for TeensA teenager might  find it  hard to accept how the person with Alzheimer's has changed. He or she may find the changes upsetting or embarrassing or not want to be around the person. Talk with teenagers about their concerns and feelings. Dont force them to spend time with the person who has Alzheimer's.

For more information on the author,Heart, Body & Mind Home Care, CLICK HERE!Planning for Medical CareIf you find that an older relative or friend needs your help to deal with a medical condition, there are a number of steps you can take to help that person plan for medical care. Begin by talking with the person and other family members about medical and prescription drug needs, as well as about who should have permission to act on the persons behalf.Find Out About Health CoverageFind out what kind of health coverage the person already has. If the person has Medicare, find out which parts: Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), or Part D (prescription drug coverage). Also, find out whether the person is in Original Medicare, in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), or in any other type of Medicare health plan. This information is on the persons Medicare card.If the Medicare card for the person you care for is not available for you to look at, you can either call Medicare together, or the person can complete an authorization form to allow you to get Medicare information released to you. To get an authorization form, call Medicare at 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. If the person does not currently have Medicare, find out when he or she will be eligible to enroll.It is also important to find out if the person has other health coverage in addition to Medicare, such as a health plan with a former employer, Medicaid, or other insurance that can help pay for health care needs. If the person is enrolled in Original Medicare, also find out if he or she has a Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy.Gather the Necessary InformationAs you work together to plan for medical care, it will be helpful to have the following information about the person.Social Security number;Medicare number and Medicare plan;other insurance plans and policy numbers, including long-term care insurance;contact information for health care professionals, including doctors, specialists, nurses, pharmacists;current list of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and their dosages;current health conditions, treatments, and symptoms;history of any past health problems;any allergies or food restrictions;emergency contacts, close friends, neighbors, clergy, housing manager;where to find financial and legal information, including the persons living will and medical power of attorney.Getting Help from SHINEWhen you have a Medicare concern that needs to be discussed, a good resource in Florida is SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders). SHINE is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and your local Area Agency on Aging. The SHINE program gives free health insurance counseling and guidance to people with Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information to you or to family and friends, like you, who have authorization to help someone with health insurance questions. SHINE services are free, unbiased, and confidential. (In some states, SHINE is known as SHIBA or SHIP.)The counselors at the SHINE office can answer general questions about hospitalization, Medicare choices, and local programs that can offer additional help. They can also help you learn more about living wills and power of attorney procedures.Florida SHINE volunteers help Medicare beneficiaries make choices among a vast array of options that include 20 prescription drug plans, 157 Medicare Advantage plans (including Special Needs Plans), as well as 25 insurance companies that offer 11 types of Medigap supplemental insurance policies in all 67 counties to offer approximately 14,740 plan choices statewide.SHINE volunteers also provide assistance with Medicare, Medicare Prescription Drug Plan choices, Medigap, Long-Term Care Insurance options, Medicare claims and appeals, billing issues, fraud and abuse, and enrollment into financial assistance programs to assist low-income beneficiaries with the costs associated with Medicare.You can meet with a local representative or talk to a SHINE counselor on the telephone for personal assistance. Visit www.FloridaShine.org or call 1-800-963-5337.