Advocate In-Home Care

As Florida broils under the most intense heat of the year, its important for all of us to stay hydrated, but hydration for older adults can be especially challenging for a number of reasons. Senior dehydration can happen quickly and lead to a number of serious health complications. This is because older adults have less water in their bodies, have a lowered ability to keep their bodies fluid levels in balance, and have decreased efficiency in the kidneys, among other factors.At American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care, we know that understanding the facts about hydration is the best way to ensure that the older adults you love stay healthy this summer. Weve debunked some of the common misconceptions about hydration for older adults below.Myth: You can tell youre at risk for dehydration when you start to become thirsty.Fact: Older adults often have a diminished sense of thirst, so this is never an appropriate gauge of hydration level. By the time you feel thirsty, your bodys fluid levels have already dropped by as much as 2-3% of your body weight. Better indicators are the color of urine, which should be pale and clear, and the frequency of urination, which should be every few hours.Myth: Sports drinks are the best way to hydrate after exercising.Fact: Sports drinks may be recommended for an older adult who has engaged in a strenuous, lengthy workout, or who has experienced vomiting or diarrhea. Sports drinks can be dangerous, however, for seniors with certain types of medical conditions, such as diabetes. Check with the doctor for guidance. In most cases, plain water is the best source of hydration.Myth: Everyone needs eight cups of water each day.Fact: There are a number of factors that determine how much fluid each individual needs: age, climate, medications being taken, diet, activity level, etc. Because older adults have fewer water reserves in the body, its important to not just drink enough water each day, but to drink at optimal times during the day: first thing in the morning, before meals, and after exercising, for instance. To determine how much water a senior should drink, take 1/3 of the persons body weight and aim for that many ounces of water daily (i.e., 60 ounces of water for someone who weighs 180 pounds). However, its always best to check with the older adults doctor for guidance on fluid consumption.Myth: You can only stay hydrated by drinking fluids.Fact: If an older adult balks at drinking lots of fluids, there are foods that contain fluids that can help as well, such as watermelon, celery, cucumbers, and soup. Again, checking with the doctor for recommendations is always a good idea.Myth: Stay away from coffee; its dehydrating.Fact: Until recently, it was believed that caffeine was a diuretic and increased the risk for dehydration. However, researchers have found that drinking up to four cups per day of coffee or other caffeinated beverages showed no dehydrating effects.Myth: If a senior appears to be dehydrated, have them drink more water.Fact: Dehydration can be extremely serious, and depending on the symptoms being displayed, treatment may require more than simply taking a drink. Mild dehydration can present as a headache, fatigue, dry mouth, and muscle cramps. If drinking water or a drink containing electrolytes doesnt resolve the symptoms within 5-10 minutes, get medical help right away. IV fluids and additional interventions may be needed for moderate to severe dehydration, which can include symptoms such as confusion, trouble walking, a fast, weak pulse, dry, sunken eyes, cramping, increased breathing rate, and more.At American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care, we offer referred care providers who can help seniors stay hydrated and healthy. Our services include help with preparing meals, picking up groceries and running other errands, encouraging seniors to drink plenty of fluids and take medications as prescribed, and much more. Each referred care provider will monitor a seniors condition and report any changes immediately to ensure optimal health and wellbeing.Contact us to find out more about how our Florida home care experts can help the older adults in your life. Reach out to the office nearest you by clicking the links below to get started:American In-Home Care  Serving North, Central, and West Coast of FloridaAdvocate In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest FloridaWhitsyms In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida

For family caregivers, one of the top priorities when caring for a loved one with Alzheimers is to maintain a safe home environment. With changes in cognition, activities or routines that were once second nature may pose a safety risk for a loved one with dementia. To help family caregivers assess home safety for an older adult with dementia, the leaders in Florida home care at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care outline a room-by-room Alzheimers home safety check. While not all of these adjustments need to be made immediately following a dementia diagnosis, its important to re-evaluate and adjust following behavioral or ability changes.General Safety Inside the HomePost your home address and emergency numbers in several places throughout the home and near landline telephones.Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms in or near the kitchen and all sleeping areas. Check their functioning and install new batteries every six months.Install locks on all outside doors and windows. Consider installing an extra lock on outside doors that are located out of direct view, either higher up on the door, or down low.Install alarms or set a whole-house security system to chime when doors or windows are opened.Hide a spare house key outside in case your loved one with Alzheimer's disease locks you out of the house.Be sure that stairways have at least one secure handrail. Interior stairways should be carpeted or have safety grip strips.Keep all medications (prescription and over the counter) locked. Ensure that all prescription medications are in original containers with safety lids and clearly labeled with the person's name, name of the drug, drug strength, dosage frequency, and expiration date. Regularly dispose of expired medications.Reduce or eliminate clutter, which can create confusion and danger.Remove firearms and other weapons from the home or lock them up. Install safety locks on guns or remove ammunition and firing pins.Install night lights throughout the home in hallways, the bathroom, bedrooms, kitchen and other areas where the senior might need to navigate at night.Remove throw rugs from the home as these may lead to an increased risk of falls.General Safety Outside of the HouseKeep walkways clear of debris, hoses, and other objects that may cause the person to trip. Make certain walkways are even, fix any loose bricks, and install pathway lighting.Keep steps free from debris and install handrails.Mark the edges of steps with non-slip reflective tape.Consider installing a ramp when navigating the stairs becomes difficult.If your home has a swimming pool, restrict access with a sturdy fence and locked gate. Consider installing an alarm that sounds when motion is detected in the water.Install adequate outside lighting. Motion sensors that turn lights turn on and off automatically are especially helpful.Post a "NO SOLICITING" sign on the front gate or door.KitchenInstall safety latches on storage cabinets and drawers designated for breakable or dangerous items.Lock away all household cleaning products, scissors, knives, matches, blades, small appliances, and anything valuable.Install safety knobs on the stove.Consider disconnecting the garbage disposal. People with Alzheimer's may place objects or their own hands in the disposal.BathroomPlace nonskid adhesive strips or mats in the tub and shower.Use a shower stool and a hand-held shower head to make bathing easier.Install grab bars in the tub/shower.Set the water heater at 120F to avoid scalding.Remove small electrical appliances from the bathroom and cover electrical outlets.Remove or disable the lock from the bathroom door to prevent the person with dementia from getting locked inside.Install a raised toilet seat with handrails or grab bars beside the toilet.Remove cleaning products or lock them away.BedroomAnticipate the reasons a person with dementia may need to get out of bed, such as thirst, hunger, going to the bathroom, pain, and/or restlessness. Try to meet these needs ahead of time to reduce the number of times the person may feel the need to get out of bed.Use transfer or mobility aids to ensure safety for both you and your loved one.Use monitoring devices to alert for any sounds that may indicate a fall or other need for help. These devices can also be effective in bathrooms.If using a hospital-type bed with rails and/or wheels, read the Food and Drug Administration's safety information.Living RoomReplace torn carpet.Place the remote controls for the DVD player, television, and stereo system out of sight.Keep cigarette lighters and matches out of reach.Be certain that walkways are clear of electrical cords as well as clutter.Place decals at eye level on picture windows, sliding glass doors, or furniture with large glass panels to identify the glass pane.A great way to help ensure safety and promote dignity and an appropriate amount of independence for a loved one with dementia is to partner with a referred care provider from American, Advocate or Whitsyms In-Home Care. Each care provider we refer has specialized training and is able to provide customized care to meet a variety of needs, as well as encourage engagement in memory care activities. Additionally, referred care providers offer family caregivers support and respite so that they can step away for self-care.Contact us any time to learn more about specialized Alzheimers and dementia in-home care for older adults by clicking the link to the location nearest you below:American In-Home Care  Serving North, Central, and West Coast of FloridaAdvocate In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest FloridaWhitsyms In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease or another form of dementia, you may start to notice some progressive changes in daily activity levels and engagement with regular pastimes. However, its vitally important to help Alzheimers patients stay active by adapting everyday activities because it helps preserve a sense of purpose and bolster feelings of personal autonomy.Predictability and stability are essential for preventing older adults with dementia from becoming confused or frightened, so planning ahead is the key to success. Planned activities for Alzheimers patients can help them maintain an active lifestyle and can also reduce challenging Alzheimer's behaviors like shadowing, agitation, and anger. To follow are some helpful tips from the senior care experts at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care for adapting everyday activities to keep a loved one with dementia active and engaged.Preparation and Set-Up. Prepare the planned activity beforehand to make it easier for your loved one to complete it successfully. For example, lay out freshly laundered socks and ask for help with matching socks together, or put a pile of dirty clothes on the table and have your loved one help sort lights and darks prior to washing.Prompting and Cueing. If a senior loved one with dementia becomes easily frustrated with an activity, try prompting him or her onto the next step or task before they become agitated or stuck. Utilize direct verbal cues, guiding your loved one through an activity like dressing with simple, step-by-step instructions. Remember to use a gentle, patient tone and allow plenty of time between each cue for the senior with dementia to complete one action before moving onto the next action.Adapting for Ability. Some of the best activities for loved ones with Alzheimers are normal daily tasks adapted to meet their abilities. It may be tempting to take over and do everything for a senior loved one with dementia but including them in regular daily routines is a better way to preserve feelings of independence, normalcy, and purpose. Adapting for ability can be as simple as laying out the items needed for a task and keeping the task as simple as possible. For instance, folding towels or wash cloths is a simple repeatable task and is not as difficult as folding other items of laundry.Gentle Physical Assistance. Lastly, some activities may require moderate physical assistance, especially if a loved one is still physically able to do a task but cant fully complete it on his or her own. While heavy lifting and reaching things up high might be the first to come to mind, also consider offering physical assistance with simpler tasks, such as gently guiding a loved ones hand when it looks like he or she is not sure what to do next or holding clothing to assist with getting dressed. Assisted activities are a great way to help those with Alzheimer's maintain daily routines.Keeping Alzheimers patient's active helps to ease their feelings of unrest and nurture a sense of independence. The senior care professionals at American, Advocate or Whitsyms In-Home Care are always available to offer additional dementia care resources and support. And when you partner with one of our referred care providers for assistance, you can rest easy knowing that a senior loved one is receiving the finest in-home care.As the trusted choice for senior in-home care in Florida for over 25 years, our family of brands has offices conveniently located throughout the state:American In-Home Care  Serving North, Central, and West Coast of FloridaAdvocate In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest FloridaWhitsyms In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest FloridaContact us today at the location nearest you and let us help find the perfect care provider to meet your needs.

Searching for In-Home Care can be a big task. There are so many companies out there that provide In-Home Care services, so how do you choose one that is a reputable, safe, and reliable company that is also the right fit for your needs? We have compiled a list of questions that should help make the selection process easier:1. Is the company you are considering properly licensed or accredited by an independent third party for in-home care?While many companies will claim they are licensed, they may mean they have only a business license, and are not properly licensed with the state if required or accredited by a nationally recognized independent review for in-home and personal care services. Licensing also must be appropriate to the type of care, some companies can only provide companion care, and not assistance with the Activities of Daily Living which is a different license.2. How long has the company been in business and what areas do they serve?In order to determine the stability of a company, their relative longevity, experience and size may be of help. In addition, if they are part of a franchise, while the franchisor may have a long history that does not mean the local owner has that same experience, or stability. A company operating in a larger geographic area will likely have a larger pool of qualified caregivers to call upon if an emergency arises. It's always important to confirm who will manage your relationship, how back up is handled, and their availability for support 24/7.3. What process is used to screen and verify the caregivers, including reviewing their credentials, qualifications, certifications, and references?Have the company representative explain how caregivers credentials are verified, and if they undergo testing, screening and interviewing. Determine what levels of screening are used, state, local, and federal, and how this information is kept current.4. Do both the company and the caregiver have insurance?You should ask to inspect the companys Professional and General Liability insurance to provide peace of mind that you are protected, and not just the company should anything go wrong. If you have concerns about someone being in your home or operating your vehicle with permission, you may want to ask your insurance agent about an umbrella liability policy. Check to be sure that caregivers are bonded for theft and protect items that cannot be replaced.5. Has a consultation and home visit been conducted prior to beginning service or recommending caregivers?Making arrangements for care in your home is very different than being relocated to a facility where everything is in place already. When you choose in-home care, the client and their family are an essential part of determining, with a professional client care advisor, what services are right for the situation. The consultation and assessment may include prudent suggestions for modifying the home environment for improved safety.6. Does the contract lock you into a long term or include penalties for discontinuing service?Obtain clarity about the contract commitments you are making including the time period, any minimum, and what your cancellation options are. You should not expect any penalty for cancelling because of dissatisfaction or changing needs. Be aware that accepting a locked in low rate may limit your flexibility to cancel or impose penalties. Find a company with a reputation for treating its clients fairly.7. Is there a guarantee of caregiver match with no questions asked?You should have a choice and the approval of the caregiver that will provide the personal care for you or a loved one. The caregiver is an invited guest into ones home. If there is ever a problem for any reason with a caregiver, does the company have the flexibility to find you a different caregiver. Is their first responsibility to you, your needs, and your schedule. The decisions as to who provides your care and what type should be yours.8. What provisions have been made to handle emergencies?Generally, when it comes to in-home care the worst issues arise at night, on weekends or holidays. It is essential that the company you choose operate with a 24/7 mentality, including a defined process for managing problems outside of normal business hours. You should understand who is responsible for your relationship and expect them to respond within a few minutes of your call, and often it is best to test the system.9. Have you obtained professional and client references?While it may be difficult to conduct reference checks with clients due to privacy rules, it is relatively easy to search for information about the company on the internet, determine if they belong to industry associations that govern personal care, or see if they are registered with consumer groups like the Better Business Bureau. Take the time to weed out the bad candidates.10. What are the rates for service?Often this is the first question that is asked, but it probably should be the last. Before a company can make a quote, they should ask appropriate questions, and you should be comfortable that they can provide the services needed. Quoting prices without doing the background work can be a warning sign that you are being treated with a one size fits all approach, when each in-home care engagement is unique and personal. Companies may quote an hourly or weekly rate, but generally the more hours required per week will dictate a lower rate, subject to care needs. Live-in companions may offer an affordable alternative for the right situation. It is important to get a clear understanding of billing practices, payment options, and billing cycles.American In-Home Care and our sister companies fit all of these criteria and are always honest and straightforward about our policies and our relationship with our clients. If you have any questions about our process, or about in-home care, please do not hesitate to contact your local Client Care Liaison who is standing by 24/7 to help.

Discussing finances can be difficult, especially in relation to aging and mortality, but its an important discussion to have. There are a dizzying number of options for assistance, some of them being more worth pursuing than others. However, finding information about these options can be difficult.Most educational materials give quick nods to things like Reverse Mortgages, Life Settlements, Government Funding, Insurance Options, Retirement Funding, etc. But the education ends at that quick nod, and readers often wind up even more confused than they were at the start. That's why we have created this series of articles, to educate older adults and their families on their financial options for long term care, with in-depth views of their individual options.What is a Life Settlement?A Life Settlement at its core is a method of liquidating a fixed asset - aka your life insurance policy. The industry standard is that a settlement offer is always higher than the surrender value of a policy, but lower than the death benefit. When a Life Settlement is finalized and an offer is accepted, the client signs over ownership of the policy in exchange for cash.Life Settlement ValueThe value of a Life Settlement offer is based on several variables including policy information, underwriting, and what type of Life Settlement company you choose to work with.Policy InformationPolicy Information includes the overall value of your policy, how much your current premiums are, policy loan amounts (if any), and policy cash value. Since the Life Settlement company takes over ownership of your policy, it is important for them to be aware of all of these variables beforehand, and they will play heavily into your offer. A policy with premiums that are a small percentage of the overall death benefit will always price better than a policy that has extremely high premiums for example.UnderwritingLife Settlement companies use the same actuarial tables and underwriters that most major life insurance companies utilize. Life Settlement offers are heavily reliant on this underwriting, as it lays out the length of time that premiums are going to be paid as an average. This underwriting is based on medical records, historical averages, and the client's own account of their lifestyle.Type of CompanyThe Life Settlement industry is comprised of several layers - at the bottom of the industry are lead generation companies, followed by Brokers, and then Providers. Lead generation companies forward clients along to actual Life Settlement companies, but do not actually involve themselves in the Life Settlement process. They are essentially Life Settlement advertisers that profit from a portion of a clients settlement.Brokers are further up the ladder, but they also serve as a middleman to the companies that actually purchase the policies.  The amount of your settlement that a broker keeps varies, but it is often above 10-20%.Providers act as direct connections to the capital within the Life Settlement industry, making them as close to the top of the ladder a client can get. A Life Settlement done with a provider is often called a Direct settlement. Providers typically profit from working with funders rather than taking a portion of their clients Settlement offer.However, no matter what type of company you decide to work with, make sure their niche is in the market, and how much of your offer they keep is clearly defined during the first call. If for whatever reason the representative is dodgy or unclear, end the call. Lack of transparency has no place in a major financial transaction.Who Should Consider a Life Settlement?The near industry wide rule-of-thumb when it comes to a quickly identifying potential for a Settlement is that healthy individuals should be at least 72 years of age. If you have minor health issues you should be at least 60 years of age, and if your health issues are major or terminal than you will likely qualify based on underwriting despite your age.Life Settlements are a viable financial option in a number of different scenarios for seniors, but some of the most common include:Increasing cash flow post-retirement.Paying for long-term care including housing, medical bills, and various day-to-day needs.Getting rid of premiums that are no longer affordable while still getting value from your policy.A family business is sold, or the owner retires and the key person insurance is no longer needed.An estate plan no longer needs the life insurance policy as an asset.Industry WarningsThe Life Settlement industry has earned a leery reputation, primarily on the back of several companies that used illegal financial techniques to increase profits. Prior to regulations being put in place, unscrupulous companies would often pay the sick and elderly to take out policies with the intent to sell. The practice was quickly made illegal. Still, individuals have attempted it in recent history and been punished accordingly. Be on the lookout for this tactic if you begin looking into securing a Life Settlement for your own policy.The unnecessary layers involved in some cases can cause potential settlement offers to be significantly smaller than they should be. It isnt uncommon for an individual policy to see 3-5 companies before it reaches a provider who ultimately makes the decision to purchase. Always ask any company you work with to make it very clear if what their role is and ensure that your case is being handled directly instead of through a lead generation company.Tip: Search [Company Name] Lawsuit" when you are considering a company to work with for your Life Settlement.ConclusionsIf you would have asked me a 10 years ago, I wouldnt have brought up a Life Settlement as viable financial option. The industry was too unregulated, and elder financial abuse ran far too rampant. Licensing was rare or non-existent, and offers were often unfair. In 2017 however, I would absolutely suggest looking into a Life Settlement if you are of retirement age or suffering from a disease or illness. There is extensive industry oversight from state and federal lawmakers, licensing is mandatory in most states, and offers are the strongest they have ever been. Just ensure that any Life Settlement is done through a well vetted and reputable organization. As always, if you ever feel even remotely uncomfortable, step away. If you or your loved one could use help discussing or planning financial options, we can help. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers that are compassionate and ready to help with a variety of services, and our Client Care Liaisons are standing by to answer your questions. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.

If someone you love has been hospitalized for a stroke, there are frequently many questions about the stroke recovery process and the transition back to the home environment. Knowing what to expect in the days, weeks and months following a stroke is important.At American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care, we understand that while the prospect of bringing a loved one home following a stroke may be a huge relief, there are many logistical issues that need to be addressed to ensure safety and adherence to a stroke recovery plan.Day 1Two of the first steps toward recovery are determining the type of stroke and the severity of the stroke. With this information, the medical team can work together to determine the best course of action to aid in recovery. The team typically consists of physicians, neurologists, and occupational, speech, and physical therapists who work to develop a rehabilitation plan. Therapy often begins while the individual is still in the hospital.Initial Weeks Following a StrokeLong-term effects of a stroke will vary from person to person based upon the severity and the part of the brain affected. Its common for those recovering from a stroke to experience:Physical symptoms weakness, paralysis, difficulty swallowingCognitive symptoms memory problems and trouble speakingEmotional symptoms depression, anxiety and impulsivityExtreme fatigue and trouble sleepingTo aid individuals in their recovery process, the healthcare team will recommend therapy to help patients make strides toward rehabilitation. This may include:Physical therapy helps the stroke patient relearn motor activities such as walking, standing, sitting, lying down.Occupational therapy helps the stroke patient relearn activities such as drinking and swallowing, dressing, bathing, cooking, eating, writing, using the bathroom.Speech therapy helps the stroke patient relearn language and speaking skills.Therapy sessions are customized to each individuals goals and needs and can often be conducted in the home.Post Stroke: 1 3 MonthsThe initial weeks and months following a stroke are important. The goal of rehabilitation is to restore as much function as possible to pre-stroke levels. While the healthcare team monitors the patient and therapy continues, its important to anticipate setbacks during this time. The setbacks can be physically, emotionally and mentally challenging for both the patient and his/her family. Work with the healthcare team to make adjustments as needed to the rehabilitation plan and prioritize mental health.Post Stroke: 6 Months and BeyondAfter six months, continued recovery is possible, but improvements will be slower. Some patients may experience complete recovery and others may have ongoing impairments. During this time, its important to remain in contact with your healthcare team:Primary care physician. The primary care physician can manage any health concerns beyond the stroke and can recommend lifestyle changes that can help prevent future strokes.Neurologist. With a deep understanding of the mechanisms behind stroke-related brain injury, a neurologist can recommend customized treatments to target the affected area of the brain.Rehabilitation psychologist. A psychologist will provide support with emotional, cognitive and behavioral functioning.Occupational, physical and speech therapists. OT, PT, and ST will aid in the ongoing recovery of functioning in order to complete day-to-day activities.A coordinated effort between the members of your healthcare team can help bring about further progress and recovery in the months and years following a stroke.Post Stroke: How Home Care Can HelpTo help aid in the recovery process, the referred care providers at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care are here to help with a variety of care needs. During the initial hospitalization following a stroke, a knowledgeable referred care provider can help assess the home for fall risks and recommend other safety enhancements that will make for an easier transition home.Once home, a referred care provider can also assist with:Bathing, dressing and personal hygienePlanning and preparing nourishing meals and snacks, with adherence to any dietary restrictionsLight housekeeping and laundryFriendly companionship and conversationEncouragement to complete physical, occupational or speech therapy exercises / activitiesTransportation to follow-up medical or therapy appointmentsMedication remindersRespite for family caregivers to prioritize self-careAnd much more!For additional information about how a referred Florida senior care expert can help you or someone you love transition home safely following a stroke, contact us today. We have offices throughout Florida and we look forward to helping you.American In-Home Care  Serving North, Central, and West Coast of FloridaAdvocate In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest FloridaWhitsyms In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida

Im bad at this. I just get too frustrated. Im not doing enough! For a family caregiver, thoughts like these can be constant. Family caregiving can be challenging. Too often, those caring for sick or aging loved ones focus on the ways in which they aren't doing the job perfectly rather than all the ways they are helping the person continue to live independently. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression in the caregiver.The fact is, family caregivers provide a truly valuable service to their loved ones, allowing them to age or recover in a place where they feel most comfortable: home. The key to removing doubt is to find strategies that allow you to change perspective and focus on the positives. The Florida care experts at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care offer these tips to help you put your caregiving journey in a positive light.Be aware of negative self-talk. The first step to changing a negative outlook with your caregiving is to recognize when you are beating yourself up about it. Notice when you say or think things to and about yourself that are negative. For example, I missed Moms hair appointment. Im so stupid. Or, Ugh. I snapped at Dad today. Im a terrible daughter. Its normal to have thoughts like these. Recognize that you are having them so that you can actively combat them.Resist giving in to negative thoughts. Once youre aware of self-criticism, you can more easily recognize when youre being too hard on yourself. When you begin to feel negative thoughts crop up, take a break and redirect your thoughts toward something more positive. Think of something that went right that day or an accomplishment you are proud of to help you remember that youre actually doing better than you might think.Focus on what matters. Today, the house may be a mess. Dad may not have gotten to his doctors appointment right on time. Maybe youve had takeout three times this week. But do any of these things really matter? When we sweat the small things, it is hard to see the positive contributions we make. A messy house might mean you were more focused on spending quality time with your loved one. You may have been a little late to an appointment, but Dad still got seen by the doctor. Getting takeout means everyone got fed and you took one stressful item off your list.Try not to compare yourself with others. It can be easy to look at someone else and compare yourself to them. Perhaps a sibling spends a day with your mother and has a lovely time, while youve struggled all week with managing her care and your familys needs. You may think, Why is it so easy for her and so hard for me? But these types of comparisons only make us feel bad about ourselves. Instead, focus on the things youre doing right. This week may have been tough for you but think about a time when you had a great day with Mom. Or maybe youve found a wonderful, referred care provider, like those at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care, that both you and your mother like to help with your caregiving duties. Just remember that everyone is different and no ones way of caring is better or worse than anothers.Find a support system. Caregiving, while rewarding, is stressful from time to time. Having a support system in place, whether it is a local caregiving support group, family and friends, or members of a faith community, can give you a space to vent frustrations, find solutions, and see things from a new perspective.Additionally, dont hesitate to reach out for help. Feeling overwhelmed when caring for a loved one is common, and it is okay to ask for help or take a break when you need it. The referred care providers from American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care are a great support for family caregivers in need of respite or more in-depth care services for their loved ones. In-home care services may include transportation to and from medical appointments or fun outings, preparing nutritious meals, running errands, friendly companionship to offer motivation to stay active and engaged, and much more.Contact us to learn more about how we can help you better manage your family caregiving duties and provide a senior you love with a better quality of life. Reach out to the office nearest you by clicking the links below to get started:American In-Home Care  Serving North, Central, and West Coast of FloridaAdvocate In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest FloridaWhitsyms In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida

As Florida broils under the most intense heat of the year, its important for all of us to stay hydrated, but hydration for older adults can be especially challenging for a number of reasons. Senior dehydration can happen quickly and lead to a number of serious health complications. This is because older adults have less water in their bodies, have a lowered ability to keep their bodies fluid levels in balance, and have decreased efficiency in the kidneys, among other factors.At American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care, we know that understanding the facts about hydration is the best way to ensure that the older adults you love stay healthy this summer. Weve debunked some of the common misconceptions about hydration for older adults below.Myth: You can tell youre at risk for dehydration when you start to become thirsty.Fact: Older adults often have a diminished sense of thirst, so this is never an appropriate gauge of hydration level. By the time you feel thirsty, your bodys fluid levels have already dropped by as much as 2-3% of your body weight. Better indicators are the color of urine, which should be pale and clear, and the frequency of urination, which should be every few hours.Myth: Sports drinks are the best way to hydrate after exercising.Fact: Sports drinks may be recommended for an older adult who has engaged in a strenuous, lengthy workout, or who has experienced vomiting or diarrhea. Sports drinks can be dangerous, however, for seniors with certain types of medical conditions, such as diabetes. Check with the doctor for guidance. In most cases, plain water is the best source of hydration.Myth: Everyone needs eight cups of water each day.Fact: There are a number of factors that determine how much fluid each individual needs: age, climate, medications being taken, diet, activity level, etc. Because older adults have fewer water reserves in the body, its important to not just drink enough water each day, but to drink at optimal times during the day: first thing in the morning, before meals, and after exercising, for instance. To determine how much water a senior should drink, take 1/3 of the persons body weight and aim for that many ounces of water daily (i.e., 60 ounces of water for someone who weighs 180 pounds). However, its always best to check with the older adults doctor for guidance on fluid consumption.Myth: You can only stay hydrated by drinking fluids.Fact: If an older adult balks at drinking lots of fluids, there are foods that contain fluids that can help as well, such as watermelon, celery, cucumbers, and soup. Again, checking with the doctor for recommendations is always a good idea.Myth: Stay away from coffee; its dehydrating.Fact: Until recently, it was believed that caffeine was a diuretic and increased the risk for dehydration. However, researchers have found that drinking up to four cups per day of coffee or other caffeinated beverages showed no dehydrating effects.Myth: If a senior appears to be dehydrated, have them drink more water.Fact: Dehydration can be extremely serious, and depending on the symptoms being displayed, treatment may require more than simply taking a drink. Mild dehydration can present as a headache, fatigue, dry mouth, and muscle cramps. If drinking water or a drink containing electrolytes doesnt resolve the symptoms within 5-10 minutes, get medical help right away. IV fluids and additional interventions may be needed for moderate to severe dehydration, which can include symptoms such as confusion, trouble walking, a fast, weak pulse, dry, sunken eyes, cramping, increased breathing rate, and more.At American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care, we offer referred care providers who can help seniors stay hydrated and healthy. Our services include help with preparing meals, picking up groceries and running other errands, encouraging seniors to drink plenty of fluids and take medications as prescribed, and much more. Each referred care provider will monitor a seniors condition and report any changes immediately to ensure optimal health and wellbeing.Contact us to find out more about how our Florida home care experts can help the older adults in your life. Reach out to the office nearest you by clicking the links below to get started:American In-Home Care  Serving North, Central, and West Coast of FloridaAdvocate In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest FloridaWhitsyms In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida

For family caregivers, one of the top priorities when caring for a loved one with Alzheimers is to maintain a safe home environment. With changes in cognition, activities or routines that were once second nature may pose a safety risk for a loved one with dementia. To help family caregivers assess home safety for an older adult with dementia, the leaders in Florida home care at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care outline a room-by-room Alzheimers home safety check. While not all of these adjustments need to be made immediately following a dementia diagnosis, its important to re-evaluate and adjust following behavioral or ability changes.General Safety Inside the HomePost your home address and emergency numbers in several places throughout the home and near landline telephones.Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms in or near the kitchen and all sleeping areas. Check their functioning and install new batteries every six months.Install locks on all outside doors and windows. Consider installing an extra lock on outside doors that are located out of direct view, either higher up on the door, or down low.Install alarms or set a whole-house security system to chime when doors or windows are opened.Hide a spare house key outside in case your loved one with Alzheimer's disease locks you out of the house.Be sure that stairways have at least one secure handrail. Interior stairways should be carpeted or have safety grip strips.Keep all medications (prescription and over the counter) locked. Ensure that all prescription medications are in original containers with safety lids and clearly labeled with the person's name, name of the drug, drug strength, dosage frequency, and expiration date. Regularly dispose of expired medications.Reduce or eliminate clutter, which can create confusion and danger.Remove firearms and other weapons from the home or lock them up. Install safety locks on guns or remove ammunition and firing pins.Install night lights throughout the home in hallways, the bathroom, bedrooms, kitchen and other areas where the senior might need to navigate at night.Remove throw rugs from the home as these may lead to an increased risk of falls.General Safety Outside of the HouseKeep walkways clear of debris, hoses, and other objects that may cause the person to trip. Make certain walkways are even, fix any loose bricks, and install pathway lighting.Keep steps free from debris and install handrails.Mark the edges of steps with non-slip reflective tape.Consider installing a ramp when navigating the stairs becomes difficult.If your home has a swimming pool, restrict access with a sturdy fence and locked gate. Consider installing an alarm that sounds when motion is detected in the water.Install adequate outside lighting. Motion sensors that turn lights turn on and off automatically are especially helpful.Post a "NO SOLICITING" sign on the front gate or door.KitchenInstall safety latches on storage cabinets and drawers designated for breakable or dangerous items.Lock away all household cleaning products, scissors, knives, matches, blades, small appliances, and anything valuable.Install safety knobs on the stove.Consider disconnecting the garbage disposal. People with Alzheimer's may place objects or their own hands in the disposal.BathroomPlace nonskid adhesive strips or mats in the tub and shower.Use a shower stool and a hand-held shower head to make bathing easier.Install grab bars in the tub/shower.Set the water heater at 120F to avoid scalding.Remove small electrical appliances from the bathroom and cover electrical outlets.Remove or disable the lock from the bathroom door to prevent the person with dementia from getting locked inside.Install a raised toilet seat with handrails or grab bars beside the toilet.Remove cleaning products or lock them away.BedroomAnticipate the reasons a person with dementia may need to get out of bed, such as thirst, hunger, going to the bathroom, pain, and/or restlessness. Try to meet these needs ahead of time to reduce the number of times the person may feel the need to get out of bed.Use transfer or mobility aids to ensure safety for both you and your loved one.Use monitoring devices to alert for any sounds that may indicate a fall or other need for help. These devices can also be effective in bathrooms.If using a hospital-type bed with rails and/or wheels, read the Food and Drug Administration's safety information.Living RoomReplace torn carpet.Place the remote controls for the DVD player, television, and stereo system out of sight.Keep cigarette lighters and matches out of reach.Be certain that walkways are clear of electrical cords as well as clutter.Place decals at eye level on picture windows, sliding glass doors, or furniture with large glass panels to identify the glass pane.A great way to help ensure safety and promote dignity and an appropriate amount of independence for a loved one with dementia is to partner with a referred care provider from American, Advocate or Whitsyms In-Home Care. Each care provider we refer has specialized training and is able to provide customized care to meet a variety of needs, as well as encourage engagement in memory care activities. Additionally, referred care providers offer family caregivers support and respite so that they can step away for self-care.Contact us any time to learn more about specialized Alzheimers and dementia in-home care for older adults by clicking the link to the location nearest you below:American In-Home Care  Serving North, Central, and West Coast of FloridaAdvocate In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest FloridaWhitsyms In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida