Visiting Angels

As we age, we often naturally tend to slow down. Sometimes, seniors develop aches and pains that also lead to changes in their movement and ability. One way to try to keep up their movement and independence is to keep their body, and what propels it, flexible.Tips for Improving or Maintaining FlexibilityWith flexibility, the body can move freer, go farther and feel less pain. Flexibility can help with strength, balance and overall well-being. It also can help reduce pain and injuries. Maintaining flexibility is one of the keys to helping seniors live independent lives.Stretch ItOne key to keeping the body flexible is stretching. Many studies have shown that stretching the body helps improve flexibility. There are many ways to start a stretching routine. You can even begin by stretching in bed before you get up in the morning. Stretching cold muscles, however, can cause injury, so make sure to warm them up a little before beginning any routine. If youre looking for some guidance on your stretching journey, join a yoga class geared specifically toward beginners or senior citizens. For some extra fun while stretching, head down to the beach for your yoga, where many classes are offered weekly and often are free.If youd rather stretch at home, there are many things you can do right from the comfort of your living room or even on the lanai, including these basic stretches with descriptions and visuals from the Mayo Clinic.Just Get Up and GoWhile it might seem simple, simply moving is one of the best ways to maintain flexibility. Using those joints and muscles each day keeps them in tip-top shape. If people tend to sit too much or lie down, they can lose their flexibility and strength, which in turn can lead to a lack of independence and relying on others for more help. So get out there and do what you love or what you enjoy, as long as it involves some kind of movement. Even simply increasing the amount you walk each day can improve your flexibility. Add 100 steps each day to your routines. Park a little further out when heading to the beach. Walk to the pool instead of driving. Each of these steps can help increase the amount you walk and increase flexibility and overall strength. If biking is more your thing, hop on and go. You also can increase flexibility in the water. Swimming, or even just walking back and forth in the water, can be easier on the joints, while still providing needed exercise. Remember, Its Not Gone ForeverThere is some good news out there. Perhaps youve let things slide a bit or gotten lazy. You can feel that your flexibility isnt what it used to be. You might feel stiffness or pain when you move. Perhaps bending down to put your socks on is getting harder and harder. Many studies show that working on your flexibility now, even after the age of 65, can help you regain some of your flexibility.You can start as simple as you like. You can even march in place to begin. Or maybe you want to hang onto the stairway banister and do some leg lifts. Even standing on one foot and working your way up to 30 seconds per foot can help with flexibility. The more you do, the more flexible you will become. If youve never considered yourself super flexible but commit to a routine now, you may even be more nimble than you ever thought possible. Just keep increasing what you are doing each day, and in turn, you can increase your flexibility and overall health and well-being.We Can HelpWhether your senior loved ones want someone with them as they stretch every day and work on their health or they simply need a companion, Visiting Angels Sarasota has the right caregivers to help. Our referral network of caregivers can provide many services to help your senior with everything from getting ready in the morning to bathing before bed. The caregivers also can help you focus on what is important in life while helping to take care of everyday tasks for your senior and your family.Visiting Angels Sarasota helps local seniors in Sarasota, Siesta Key, St. Armands Key and the surrounding areas to age in place while having full, independent, safe and dignified lives. For information on using an in-home caregiver, call us at (941) 952-5800 or contact us online by.

Love is in the air this month, and part of that means taking the best care possible of the ones you love. February also is a time when the nation spotlights heart disease, the number one killer of Americans. As part of American Heart Month, take some time to combine the two - focus on the heart health of the ones you love the most, including the seniors in your life. People aged 65 and older are more likely to suffer from heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease, according to the National Institute on Aging. Its time to get down to business. Focus on the heart health of the seniors in your life. Ensuring they get checked out by a medical professional is important. But also do some fun, healthy things together to promote heart health.Here are 25 tips for seniors to be heart-healthy.Make an appointment to see your primary care physician. Find out how youre doing, and see what recommendations he or she has for your heart health.Go to the free yoga classes at Venice Beach. There are classes in the morning or a sunset class at 5 p.m. each day, all for free, seven days a week.If youre still using tobacco products and smoking at this age, its time to stop. Make this the year you quit. If you have a senior loved one in your life that smokes, help them stop and make it a goal for this year.Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. Know your healthy ranges, and ensure you stay within those.Find some new recipes that are heart-healthy and make them together with your senior loved one.Head outside each day. Even if youre just going to fetch the mail from the mailbox, it gets you moving and out into the fresh air.Be around people. Loneliness is bad for the heart. Find friends you want to be with, join an event at the senior center, or call up a family member you havent talked to in a while.Get some Zzzs. The Centers for Disease Control says getting enough sleep is vital for heart health. Portion control is key to healthy eating. Before your meal or before you snack, measure out your portions, so you dont overeat. Head to the Peace River Gardens in Punta Gorda. There are different botanicals to see throughout the year. It is a great place to walk around and get some exercise while seeing the sculptures and artwork. There also are events to attend throughout the year.Make it a goal to walk at some different beaches this year. Try a new one each week. Hit some youve never tried before, or go back to an old favorite. Walk a little further each time you visit. Walking in the sand is great exercise, and looking at and listening to the ocean is good for the soul. Feel the sunshine on your face at least once a day if its shining, even for a minute. Whether you simply step onto your patio or head to the beach, it is a great way to get into a good mood and improve your overall health.Move a little more each day, or each week. Make some goals, such as walking one block further, or riding your bike for a minute more each week. Every little bit counts, and leads to heart healthier habits.Have you gone to the grocery store and seen some odd-looking spiky fruits and wondered what they were? Put one of those in your cart and try one for the first time. See if its something you want to add to your heart-healthy diet. It seems like everyone loves pickleball. Try it out and see if youre a fan too.Hire a caregiver that can help you get moving. Compassionate caregivers at places such as Visiting Angels Punta Gorda can provide services such as companionship on a walk around the neighborhood, or fall prevention help as you do laps in your own home. Hunt for sharks teeth at Venice Beach. Even if you dont find a lot, the act of bending down each time, sticking your hand in the water and seeing what treasures youve found is exercise, and its a fun hunt and thing to do. Watch a comedy or a funny show. Laugh out loud. As they say, laughter is the best medicine.Turn on the tunes. If you have upbeat music playing in your home or car, you cant help but bop around to it. It puts you in a good mood and adds more movement to your day. Head to a farmers market and grab some fresh fruit and vegetables. Wash them up so you have healthy, ready-to-eat snacks.Make sure your seniors get up and out of bed and moving each day. If needed, hire a caregiver that can help them get dressed and ready for the day. Being dressed and ready helps put them into the right mindset to be active and alert during the day. As youre sitting down watching a show, lift some hand weights or do some leg lifts. Make it a goal to do 20 on each limb while youre watching the nightly news before dinner. Stand more if youre able. Do some of the tasks you might usually do sitting down while standing instead. For example, pace around the house while youre on the phone instead of sitting in your comfy chair. Stretch each day. It not only keeps you more nimble, but stretching can get your heart rate up.Eat at least two servings of fish a week The omega-3 fatty acids in fish are great for heart health.Visiting Angels is Here to HelpIf you are looking for help with your senior loved one as they strive for heart health, our professionals at Visiting Angels Punta Gorda are here to help. We provide a variety of home care services to meet any need they might have, from getting dressed for a morning walk to help with light meal prep.Our expert team of caregivers serves clients in Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Boca Grande, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Arcadia and surrounding areas. To learn more about our services, call us at 941-347-8288, or fill out an online form here.

Caring for senior loved ones with dementia can be both rewarding and extremely exhausting. While we strive to do everything we can for them and want to be a part of their care as much as possible, it can start to take a toll on us. That is where home care for people with dementia can help. Having an in-home caregiver can help provide relief for family members and friends while at the same time providing personalized care and support for dementia patients within the comfort of their own homes. Professional home care workers, such as those with Visiting Angels Punta Gorda, can come into the home as much or as little as you like to help your senior loved one. They can supplement the care that family members offer, or family members can supplement the care they give. Home care workers also can help with specific tasks or all of the day-to-day tasks your senior needs.Here are some ways home care can help your senior loved one with dementia and also help family members on this care journey.Everyday NeedsProfessionals with home care agencies can help dementia patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, getting dressed and undressed each morning and night, grooming, using the toilet, eating and more. Often dementia patients resist showers. Home care workers skilled in working with memory loss patients can help them at least clean up each day. By helping with these tasks, they can help ensure their safety, health and hygiene are cared for. Home care workers can help them feel more like themselves throughout the day with brushed hair and teeth, clean clothes and a clean environment.SafetyWhile in-home caregivers are present in the home, they will help ensure your senior loved one suffering from dementia is safe. They can help ensure they dont wander from the home or leave the stove burner on after cooking something. If family members cannot always be there, home care workers can alert them to anything that might be a safety hazard, such as a loose rug, wobbly banister or door that your senior loved one keeps unlocking and trying to leave from. If your senior loved one needs more stability during their bathing, caregivers can let the family know they might need to install grab bars. They also can provide a steady hand for seniors and avoid any dangerous areas, such as cords, that could cause potential tripping hazards. Dementia patients may not remember to let their families know what they need or even be aware that it is a concern, so home care workers can provide an extra level of safety protection for them. CompanionshipHaving a homecare worker present can offer seniors with dementia constant companionship. People suffering from dementia often can become isolated or feel lonely, which can worsen their symptoms. Some symptoms of dementia include aggressiveness and/or crabbiness. Dementia patients have been known to push their family members away or to act hostile. A home care worker can provide companionship and support for senior citizens, especially when family members feel like retreating or that they need a break. They can listen to their stories, ask them questions and engage the patient in meaningful social activities to improve their emotional well-being.Relieving the familyThere is no doubt that caring for a loved one with dementia brings with it a ton of emotions and lots of stress. It also can place family members in situations they are not comfortable with. If children feel uncomfortable doing some of the caregiving for their parents, such as bathing or toileting, a home care worker can do the essentials so family members can simply spend time with them. They also can help with some of the more frustrating tasks so that family members dont lose patience and so that clients do not take out their frustration on their family members. Homecare workers also can provide respite care, which means family members can leave the home or caregiving duties for a short period of time. They can go out to coffee with a friend to refresh, have a nice dinner out without worrying about hurrying back to help their loved one, or they can even just take a peaceful nap at home with the help of respite care. Respite care can also provide short-term relief for a weekend away or an extended vacation.We Can HelpIf you are looking for help caring for your senior this spring and every season of the year, our professionals at Visiting Angels Punta Gorda are here to help. We provide a variety of home care services, including companion care, fall prevention and more. Our expert team of caregivers serves clients in Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Boca Grande, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Arcadia and surrounding areas. To learn more about our services, call us at 941-347-8288, or contact us online.

Chances are, most senior citizens have spent much of their lives taking care of others. From raising children to caring for their spouses to eventually helping their own parents, caregiver has probably been one of the big titles theyve held. But what about caring for themselves? In the past several years, the phrase self-care has become a part of the English lexicon. While it might seem self-explanatory - caring for oneself, it can go a little deeper than that. Self-care is not only doing things such as caring for your body; it also means caring for your own mental health and taking care of your overall well-being. Some seniors, whove spent their lives working to help others, might view it as selfish. But it is the opposite. It is important for the enjoyment and health of their lives. For example, for seniors, it can mean making decisions that improve the overall quality of their lives, their health care and their living situation. Prioritizing this can be especially important for seniors who are facing many changes in their lives, many highs and many lows along their aging journey.Here are some ideas for self-care for senior citizens.Relieve StressWhether it is a walk through nature or a steaming hot cup of tea, finding something that helps relieve stress is important for senior citizens. Maybe your stress relief is watching a funny television show. Take an afternoon to binge-watch one of your favorites and help relieve some of your stress as you laugh it away. Dont feel selfish for taking time for yourself that will make you feel better.Saying No When NeededWhile many seniors jump at the chance to have some fun with family or friends, sometimes they just dont feel like it. While they might love Fishermens Village on a normal day, sometimes the thought of leaving the house and all of that activity might be too overwhelming. It is okay to say no once in a while. If the idea is overwhelming, you can skip some events or tasks. Maybe your grandchildren are asking you to help sew their Halloween costumes, but you just cant do it because of your painful arthritis this year. It is ok to ask for some help with the task if you arent feeling up to it or if it will stress you out too much. Instead, maybe suggest doing it together and teaching someone else in the family to do the task and the parts that might be hardest for you to do.ExercisingA wonderful form of self-care is exercising your body. It makes you feel better afterward when you do it both physically and mentally. Take time out of your day for a leisurely walk or to splash in the pool. Getting your body moving is self-care.Hobbies for FunMaybe there is a hobby youve always wanted to try, such as photography. For you, picking up a camera and shooting beautiful pictures is a way to soothe your artistic soul and a form of self-care. Or maybe there is a hobby youve always loved but never had the time for while the kids were growing up. Take it up again to make your soul happy. Go fishing and spend hours on the water. Or start making mosaics again like you used to. Do something that you enjoy doing.Time OutsideTake some time to feel the sun and warmth on your skin. Feel the breeze in your hair. Maybe even slip off your shoes and ground yourself in the sand or on the grass. Getting outside is a form of self-care. Put the tasks you feel you need to complete that day aside for a bit, and take some time to enjoy the outdoors and the scenery of beautiful Southwest Florida.We Can HelpAt Visiting Angels, our professional and compassionate caregivers can help the seniors in your life focus on self-care, and anything else they might need help with. If you are looking for help caring for your senior Visiting Angels Punta Gorda is here to help. Our in-home caregivers provide a variety of home care services, including helping seniors get ready each morning, helping them do the things they enjoy each day, and helping with specialty care, including fall prevention and dementia care.Our highly-regarded team of caregivers serves clients in Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Boca Granda, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Arcadia and surrounding areas. To use our services or to learn more, call us at 941-347-8288, or fill out an online form here.

For many, fall is the very best season of the year. Just the changing feel of the air temperatures can bringback memories and a love for the season. So many wonderful things about fall - the smells, the comfortfood and the football!Dont let your senior loved one miss out on all of the fun that can be had in the fall. From pumpkindecorating to seeing the beauty of the changing seasons, our seniors can do it all. Even if they needsome modifications from the way they used to celebrate fall and all of the fun that goes along with it,there are many options out there for them.Find Our Their FavoritesSpend some time talking to your senior loved one, and find out what their favorite parts of fall are.Its a great time to talk to them about what they did in their younger days during the fall. Did they carvepumpkins or trick or treat? What costumes did they dress up in? Did they even like Halloween? Ask whatsome of their fall traditions were. Did they have to rake the entire yard of falling maple leaves, and dreadthe changing seasons for that reason? Or did they look forward to it with anticipation, because it meantthey could jump into a huge leaf pile? Find out what they love about the season, and what theyd like todo - either a favorite activity or something new. If they have no preferences, come up with some of yourown ideas.Feeling FestiveA great way to get your senior into the fall spirit is to head outside. There you can catch a glimpse of thechanging seasonal colors, feel the change in air temperatures and decreasing humidity levels, and noticea change in the wildlife in the area.Take a drive to a scenic area where you can see the bright yellows of the season blanketing thelandscape. Go for a walk, getting even closer to the fall colors. With decreasing humidity levels, it is anicer time for seniors to walk. When youre out and about, be on the lookout for fall festivals. Theyabound at this time of year, no matter where you live in the country. Some feature scarecrow making,which might be a fun thing to do with your senior loved one. You can always do that at home too. Helpthem stuff some old clothes around the house with straw and make a festive seasonal decoration.Grab some pumpkins at a local festival, or even the local grocery store, to spice up the home for theseason. Carve them, or just make a pretty display at home with pumpkins and gords. Listen to somemusic at Oktoberfest celebrations. Even if your senior isnt up for dancing the polka, the atmosphere isfun to sit and watch and listen to.If its football they love, see what the fan access is like at their favorite teams home stadium. Do theyhave special accessible-seating for seniors? Can you pull right up to the gates and drop them off? If itstoo much for them, plan a Saturday afternoon with your senior loved one to watch the game. Wear theteam colors, make some snacks and make sure you catch kickoff.There are so many ideas. Find out what they want to do, and make a plan that goes along with theirdesires and their ability level.Food FunOne of the mainstays of fall fun is all of the fall flavors and comfort food that goes along with the season.Maybe youre senior loved picking apples from the tree as a child each fall, and baking somethingdelightful with the bushels. Even if you cant go on an apple picking adventure this year, you sure cantake pleasure in eating them, either fresh and crisp or baked into something good. A fun way to dress upraw fall apples in the fall is to pour caramel over them. You can also slice them onto their oatmeal in themorning, bake them into an apple crisp or try baking hot apple cider donuts for the first time.If theyre not up for baking themselves, fall festivals abound, and are filled with cider donuts and otherbaked goods to purchase. Another apple favorite is apple cider, which is especially good when warmed inthe fall on a colder night. To warm you up on fall nights, chili is a great seasonal option.. You also can trybaked squash and more seasonal foods to celebrate fall with your senior.We Can HelpIf you are looking for help ensuring your senior has some safe fun this fall, and every season of the year,our professionals at Visiting Angels Punta Gorda are here to help. We provide a variety of home careservices, including companion care, fall prevention and more.Our expert team of caregivers serves clients in Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Boca Granda, Cape Coral,Sanibel, Captiva, Arcadia and surrounding areas. To learn more about our services, call us at941-347-8288, or fill out an online form here

At this time of year, you no doubt have your hands full. Getting everything ready for the holidays, in addition to your regular responsibilities, can be nerve-racking. Add in caring for a senior loved one, and the stress levels can be off the charts, especially if you are their primary caregiver. If you are running out of free moments and getting filled with frustration, you may want to consider turning to an in-home caregiver for help, especially at this time of year. Having a compassionate home care worker who is dedicated to caring for your senior can be like having an extra pair of helping hands, which, especially around the holidays, can be invaluable.How They Can HelpHome care workers are trained professionals whose job it is to ensure your senior loved ones are safe and well-cared for. They can do everything from helping your senior with daily hygiene and getting dressed to spotting tripping hazards throughout the home. If your senior is writing out Christmas cards and drops all of them on the floor, a home care worker can even be there to gather them all up so your senior loved one doesnt need to worry about bending over or tripping. After your senior prepares Christmas cookies, home care workers can do the dishes for your senior, so they dont have to stand on their wobbly legs for too long. Or they can reach higher items such as rarely used spices from cabinets for your senior. They can even help with the actual preparation of food.Home care workers can even simply provide companionship for your senior loved one, which is especially valuable for seniors as they often feel lonely or depressed around the holidays.They can sit with your senior and talk about their plans for the holidays or listen to their stories about past Christmases. If your senior loves telling the origin story for each of the ornaments on the tree, home caregivers can be engaged, listeners and talkers. They even can sit with your senior and watch holiday movies. Home care workers can anticipate your seniors needs and help with them. They also will follow a specific set of instructions and plans that you and your senior loved one work out ahead of time, so they can target the area they specifically need help with. How Frequently They Can HelpIts natural to want to be with your senior as much as possible and to do all you can for them. You might be thinking you dont need a full-time caregiver. Home care workers do not need to be there all of the time. They can be there 24 hours a day, but they also can be present just in the morning when your senior loved one is getting ready or just at dinner to help them with meal prep or clean up. They can take care of the jobs that you find more frustrating when working with your senior and be there just for that part of the day. They even can just help out for a set period of time each week as you run errands. Many home care agencies, including Visiting Angels Punta Gorda, can work with you to come up with a schedule that works with your needs. Professional home care workers also can offer respite care, which means they come in to give the primary caregiver a break at certain times. For example, if you want to head out to your annual family holiday tea and your senior loved one wont be coming, they can be on hand for a couple of hours it takes you to enjoy the event. If you are exhausted from all of your holiday preparations, they can also offer respite care so you can nap and refresh for your time with your senior loved one.BenefitsHaving an in-home caregiver assist your senior loved one can make all of the difference in your level of stress this holiday season. In turn, it can help improve your relationship with your senior loved one and make the holidays happier. If you are spending less time helping them get ready each morning or carefully watching over them every second of the day, you can have more time to enjoy their company. If you have less to worry about, you can find more joy in each moment with your senior loved one. Freeing up some of your time around the holidays can give you time to focus on what is most important in your life and to enjoy this precious time with your senior loved one.A Helping HandIf you are looking for help with your senior loved one this holiday season and every season of the year, our professionals at Visiting Angels Punta Gorda are here to help. We provide a variety of home care services, including companion care, fall prevention, a safe and steady program and more. Our expert team of caregivers serves clients in Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Boca Grande, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Arcadia and surrounding areas. To learn more about our services, call us at 941-347-8288, or fill out an online form here.

Be Aware of Heat Related IllnessEven for seniors who are used to living year round in the Florida heat and humidity, heat-related illnesses can be a real concern. Especially in Florida, with warm weather year round, and humidity always sneaking into the forecast for the day, it is a concern. Heat-related illnesses are something to be aware of, especially for senior citizens. Fortunately, heat-related illnesses are preventable, so being aware of them is a key to avoiding them. Here are some things to keep in mind as you try to steer clear of and navigate heat-related illnesses.Seniors Can Be Impacted MoreThough heat-related illness can strike anyone out in the blazing hot sun or stifling humidity, older adults are often more susceptible for several reasons and do not adjust as well to changes in temperatures as younger people. One of the reasons they may have difficulty is because of chronic illnesses that impact the way they react to heat and impact their perspiration ability. Many senior citizens also are taking medications that can impact their bodys reaction, especially by changing their ability to control their bodys temperature and their ability to sweat.Be Aware of These SignsTo help avoid the seriousness that can accompany heat-related illnesses, it is important to know the signs that heat may be impacting you negatively, and more than just simply tiring you out. If you notice any of these signs, move to a cool location or in some cases call for medical assistance. Heat-related illnesses can be serious, and even fatal, if not addressed.High body temperature of 103 degrees or moreHeavy sweatingHeadacheHot, dry, red or damp skin, or cold, pale and clammy skinConfusionDizzinessElevated pulseLoss of ConsciousnessMuscle crampsTiredness or weaknessWays to Avoid Heat IssuesTo help avoid heat-related illnesses, the first priority is to stay cool and hydrated. You, of course, can take a walk out in the Florida sun - after all thats probably part of the reason you live here - to enjoy the endless sunny days. But if its going to be blazing hot that day, you may want to take your walk earlier or later in the day. And no matter when you go, bring along something to keep you hydrated, such as water or drinks with electrolytes. An important tip is to hydrate even before you head out, so your body isnt already feeling dehydrated before you even hit the sun. Even if you dont feel thirsty, take some swigs to get the hydration into your body. If your doctor has limited the amount of liquids you can drink, make sure to check with your medical provider before changing anything up.If you are heading outside on an extra hot day, you may want to keep the exercise a little more low impact. Save the strenuous activity for cooler days, or cooler parts of the day. Loose fitting clothing is also a way to help avoid heat-related impacts, so that your clothes, socks or shoes do not trap in the heat. A wide-brimmed hat or a visor, though, are great accessories to have when you are heading out into the heat and the sunshine.Another accessory you will also probably want to wear is sunscreen. The CDC says that sunburn impacts your bodys ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated. Avoiding sunburn with sunscreen can help with this issue.When its super hot out, make sure you are cooling off in air conditioning, especially if you are going to be spending part of the day outside. A fan often isnt enough to cool the body, especially on days with high humidity. A cooling shower or bath can also help if you feel overheated. An easy way to cool off is to run a cool cloth under water, and to put it on your head after you come inside. To prepare, you also can freeze a cloth before you leave for your activity, and bring it along to cool yourself on your journey.If you do notice any signs of a heat-related illness, move to a cool area. Some can be life threatening, so seek medical help immediately if needed.Visiting Angels Can HelpHeat-related illnesses are just one of the challenges seniors face. If you are looking for a professional caregiver to help your senior loved one with any of lifes challenges, Visiting Angels Sarasota can help. The caregivers from our trusted referral network can provide a variety of services to help your senior with everything from getting ready in the morning, to ensuring they drink enough liquid, to helping to steady them when they walk. We can help you focus on what is important in life, while helping to take care of everyday tasks for your senior and your family. Our professionally trained caregivers serve clients in Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Boca Grande, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Arcadia and surrounding areas. To learn more about our services at Visiting Angels, call us at 941-347-8288 or fill out an online form here.

The holidays are quickly approaching, and no matter your age, the excitement and anticipation often build around this time of the year. It is a great time of the year to plan fun and special events with your aging loved ones. From tried and true family traditions to trying out the new, there are many ways to have holiday fun with your senior loved one. Here are some suggestions.Warm From the InsideNothing says the holiday season like a cup of hot cocoa or a specialty holiday coffee drink, even in warm Florida. There is just something about a warm drink that exudes comfort. Taste test some of the fun holiday concoctions, such as a gingerbread latte or a black and white peppermint mocha, with your senior loved one. If tea is more your thing, you can try a Holly tea, with tea harvested right in Florida by Youpon Brothers at Downtown Kava. The cafe, which, of course, also serves coffee, is right in the heart of Punta Gorda. You can even sip your hot drink on the outdoor covered patio Florida style and look at the holiday decorations adorning the nearby palm trees. If your senior loved one would prefer to sit on the patio full of poinsettias at home, you can make your own creations there, too. From hot cocoa infused with candy cane pieces to eggnog-spiked coffee, the choices to put in your mug are endless.Hit the TownFor some holiday fun, there are plenty of things to do with your senior loved one in the area. Many of the activities can even be done within the comfort of your car if your favorite senior is having mobility issues. For example, you can simply head out when its dark outside and drive through the neighborhoods looking for Christmas lights. Make your own contest among the passengers in the car, voting for your favorite, the brightest and most gaudy.For a more intense light show all in one spot, head to the Charlotte County Fairground this year for the debut of The Wonderland of Lights. There will be hundreds of dazzling light displays shining brightly from December 1 to 30. It will be open each night from 6 to 9 p.m., and the cost to enter is per vehicle.Other ways to have fun with your senior loved one on the town are to hit the local shops or special holiday fairs, including the Thanksgiving weekend craft festival in Punta Gorda, where you can start or try to get all of your shopping done in one outing.Cozy at HomeOne of the best holiday feelings is being at home surrounded by your loved ones in a house decorated for the season. Plan some cozy fun at home for your senior loved one this year, especially if they are having mobility issues and feel safer in the comfort of their own home. You can decorate their space with lights and ribbons to make it more festive, and then enjoy the atmosphere snuggled under a cozy blanket watching a holiday film. Ask them about their favorite holiday film growing up, and then watch that classic. Maybe youll want to introduce them to a more modern favorite of yours. Even if the weather is fairly warm outside, you still can hibernate indoors in a cozy atmosphere with candles and lights.You and your senior loved one can do holiday crafting at home. Making decorations for the tree is fun, whether it is construction paper chains of red and green or pipe cleaners twisted to make stars or antlers on a reindeer.Baking up holiday favorites is a great way to enjoy the season with your aging loved ones. You can bake favorite Christmas cookie recipes that are a tradition in your home, or you can try some new recipes youve found while flipping through magazines or browsing the internet. Find out if theyd really like to make the fruit cake again that no one likes, or maybe theyd like to try to bake a homemade pot pie. Have fun and taste-test the results together.We Can HelpIf youre looking for help with your senior loved one this holiday season, we can help. Our professionals at Visiting Angels Punta Gorda provide a variety of home care services, including companionship during the holiday season, which can often be lonely for seniors. We also can help with personal care to get your loved ones bathed and dressed for holiday events. Visiting Angels also has specialty services, including respite care, safe and steady fall prevention and dementia care.Our professionally trained caregivers serve clients in Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Boca Grande, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Arcadia and surrounding areas. To learn more about our services at Visiting Angels, call us at 941-347-8288 or fill out an online form here.

As we age, we often naturally tend to slow down. Sometimes, seniors develop aches and pains that also lead to changes in their movement and ability. One way to try to keep up their movement and independence is to keep their body, and what propels it, flexible.Tips for Improving or Maintaining FlexibilityWith flexibility, the body can move freer, go farther and feel less pain. Flexibility can help with strength, balance and overall well-being. It also can help reduce pain and injuries. Maintaining flexibility is one of the keys to helping seniors live independent lives.Stretch ItOne key to keeping the body flexible is stretching. Many studies have shown that stretching the body helps improve flexibility. There are many ways to start a stretching routine. You can even begin by stretching in bed before you get up in the morning. Stretching cold muscles, however, can cause injury, so make sure to warm them up a little before beginning any routine. If youre looking for some guidance on your stretching journey, join a yoga class geared specifically toward beginners or senior citizens. For some extra fun while stretching, head down to the beach for your yoga, where many classes are offered weekly and often are free.If youd rather stretch at home, there are many things you can do right from the comfort of your living room or even on the lanai, including these basic stretches with descriptions and visuals from the Mayo Clinic.Just Get Up and GoWhile it might seem simple, simply moving is one of the best ways to maintain flexibility. Using those joints and muscles each day keeps them in tip-top shape. If people tend to sit too much or lie down, they can lose their flexibility and strength, which in turn can lead to a lack of independence and relying on others for more help. So get out there and do what you love or what you enjoy, as long as it involves some kind of movement. Even simply increasing the amount you walk each day can improve your flexibility. Add 100 steps each day to your routines. Park a little further out when heading to the beach. Walk to the pool instead of driving. Each of these steps can help increase the amount you walk and increase flexibility and overall strength. If biking is more your thing, hop on and go. You also can increase flexibility in the water. Swimming, or even just walking back and forth in the water, can be easier on the joints, while still providing needed exercise. Remember, Its Not Gone ForeverThere is some good news out there. Perhaps youve let things slide a bit or gotten lazy. You can feel that your flexibility isnt what it used to be. You might feel stiffness or pain when you move. Perhaps bending down to put your socks on is getting harder and harder. Many studies show that working on your flexibility now, even after the age of 65, can help you regain some of your flexibility.You can start as simple as you like. You can even march in place to begin. Or maybe you want to hang onto the stairway banister and do some leg lifts. Even standing on one foot and working your way up to 30 seconds per foot can help with flexibility. The more you do, the more flexible you will become. If youve never considered yourself super flexible but commit to a routine now, you may even be more nimble than you ever thought possible. Just keep increasing what you are doing each day, and in turn, you can increase your flexibility and overall health and well-being.We Can HelpWhether your senior loved ones want someone with them as they stretch every day and work on their health or they simply need a companion, Visiting Angels Sarasota has the right caregivers to help. Our referral network of caregivers can provide many services to help your senior with everything from getting ready in the morning to bathing before bed. The caregivers also can help you focus on what is important in life while helping to take care of everyday tasks for your senior and your family.Visiting Angels Sarasota helps local seniors in Sarasota, Siesta Key, St. Armands Key and the surrounding areas to age in place while having full, independent, safe and dignified lives. For information on using an in-home caregiver, call us at (941) 952-5800 or contact us online by.

Love is in the air this month, and part of that means taking the best care possible of the ones you love. February also is a time when the nation spotlights heart disease, the number one killer of Americans. As part of American Heart Month, take some time to combine the two - focus on the heart health of the ones you love the most, including the seniors in your life. People aged 65 and older are more likely to suffer from heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease, according to the National Institute on Aging. Its time to get down to business. Focus on the heart health of the seniors in your life. Ensuring they get checked out by a medical professional is important. But also do some fun, healthy things together to promote heart health.Here are 25 tips for seniors to be heart-healthy.Make an appointment to see your primary care physician. Find out how youre doing, and see what recommendations he or she has for your heart health.Go to the free yoga classes at Venice Beach. There are classes in the morning or a sunset class at 5 p.m. each day, all for free, seven days a week.If youre still using tobacco products and smoking at this age, its time to stop. Make this the year you quit. If you have a senior loved one in your life that smokes, help them stop and make it a goal for this year.Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. Know your healthy ranges, and ensure you stay within those.Find some new recipes that are heart-healthy and make them together with your senior loved one.Head outside each day. Even if youre just going to fetch the mail from the mailbox, it gets you moving and out into the fresh air.Be around people. Loneliness is bad for the heart. Find friends you want to be with, join an event at the senior center, or call up a family member you havent talked to in a while.Get some Zzzs. The Centers for Disease Control says getting enough sleep is vital for heart health. Portion control is key to healthy eating. Before your meal or before you snack, measure out your portions, so you dont overeat. Head to the Peace River Gardens in Punta Gorda. There are different botanicals to see throughout the year. It is a great place to walk around and get some exercise while seeing the sculptures and artwork. There also are events to attend throughout the year.Make it a goal to walk at some different beaches this year. Try a new one each week. Hit some youve never tried before, or go back to an old favorite. Walk a little further each time you visit. Walking in the sand is great exercise, and looking at and listening to the ocean is good for the soul. Feel the sunshine on your face at least once a day if its shining, even for a minute. Whether you simply step onto your patio or head to the beach, it is a great way to get into a good mood and improve your overall health.Move a little more each day, or each week. Make some goals, such as walking one block further, or riding your bike for a minute more each week. Every little bit counts, and leads to heart healthier habits.Have you gone to the grocery store and seen some odd-looking spiky fruits and wondered what they were? Put one of those in your cart and try one for the first time. See if its something you want to add to your heart-healthy diet. It seems like everyone loves pickleball. Try it out and see if youre a fan too.Hire a caregiver that can help you get moving. Compassionate caregivers at places such as Visiting Angels Punta Gorda can provide services such as companionship on a walk around the neighborhood, or fall prevention help as you do laps in your own home. Hunt for sharks teeth at Venice Beach. Even if you dont find a lot, the act of bending down each time, sticking your hand in the water and seeing what treasures youve found is exercise, and its a fun hunt and thing to do. Watch a comedy or a funny show. Laugh out loud. As they say, laughter is the best medicine.Turn on the tunes. If you have upbeat music playing in your home or car, you cant help but bop around to it. It puts you in a good mood and adds more movement to your day. Head to a farmers market and grab some fresh fruit and vegetables. Wash them up so you have healthy, ready-to-eat snacks.Make sure your seniors get up and out of bed and moving each day. If needed, hire a caregiver that can help them get dressed and ready for the day. Being dressed and ready helps put them into the right mindset to be active and alert during the day. As youre sitting down watching a show, lift some hand weights or do some leg lifts. Make it a goal to do 20 on each limb while youre watching the nightly news before dinner. Stand more if youre able. Do some of the tasks you might usually do sitting down while standing instead. For example, pace around the house while youre on the phone instead of sitting in your comfy chair. Stretch each day. It not only keeps you more nimble, but stretching can get your heart rate up.Eat at least two servings of fish a week The omega-3 fatty acids in fish are great for heart health.Visiting Angels is Here to HelpIf you are looking for help with your senior loved one as they strive for heart health, our professionals at Visiting Angels Punta Gorda are here to help. We provide a variety of home care services to meet any need they might have, from getting dressed for a morning walk to help with light meal prep.Our expert team of caregivers serves clients in Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Boca Grande, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Arcadia and surrounding areas. To learn more about our services, call us at 941-347-8288, or fill out an online form here.