Florida - Southwest

Whats the best part of being a Music Therapist at Hope Healthcare?For me, its being able to provide joy, comfort, and humanity to those in their final stages of life with music. Music is such an important part of the human experience, and its all around us. Even on the days I feel like Im not making an impact, patients and families prove me wrong every time by their responses and their thankfulness.The people I work with dont always see what we do as therapy or work. In fact, they will often experience a greater benefit because they see our time together as something enjoyable to do. They stay engaged the entire time.Im fulfilled by this work because it actually makes a positive difference in peoples lives at a time when they especially need that difference.Why did you choose a career as a Music Therapist?One day, I was watching The Music Never Stopped a movie about a family who found their estranged son with a brain tumor, unable to make new memories. Through music therapy and a Beatles song, the son suddenly came to life. He was walking, talking, and emerged from his vegetative state. He could recall everything that happened. The movie highlights his journey of recovery and rekindling family relationships through music. That was my inspiration. I always loved helping others, and I didnt want to give up music, so I decided to pursue this path.While I studied music in college, I realized I could use my talents with my naturally compassionate personality traits to help others and make a difference. The coolest thing is that I get to use a combination of my abilities to help people feel better.What do you wish people knew about Music Therapy?Were not the entertainment. Music Therapy is a clinical and evidence-based profession that requires an extensive amount of training and board certification. Our work can be seen as entertaining to our patients, families, and the public, but were doing much more than that. Like taking the wrong medication, the wrong type of music at the wrong time can cause restlessness, the resurfacing of repressed trauma, anger, anxiety, or sadness. We do so much more than playing music.'For the person receiving therapy, its not about performance or ability. Im not a music teacher. I explain that I use music to reach non-musical goals. People start to understand that the music is just the vessel not the end goal of our interaction.What are some of your favorite memories of Music Therapy?A caregiver hadnt slept well the previous night. She was restless, agitated, and speaking nonsensically. As soon as I began to provide soft, soothing music, she fell and stayed asleep in less than three minutes. That was my shortest session ever.I played hymns for a patient to help recreate the experience of going to church. He would always tell me how he felt at peace and how much he loved my visits. It warmed my heart.A woman who was over 100 years old will always sing with me, not matter how tired she was. She could recite almost every hymn with no problems. It was incredible how much she remembered.A women who was rapidly declining wanted to complete a book about her end of life journey, but she was unable to write. With her permission, I helped her record an interview. She spent over an hour talking about her life. After she died, I was about to combine her audio narration and relevant music to create a keepsake CD. Her family had no idea. When I presented it to them, they were blown away by everything she talked about. The visit was filled with tears, laughter, and thankfulness all around.One of the most powerful moments is doing the large group drum circle at Rainbow Trails Camp. Kids of all ages are bonding over a common activity by campfire! In the Hope Kids Care program, some children are able to communicate through music without words. One of my patients interacts through a tablet, and we find ways to talk about what he likes. Others will learn to communicate, interact, and enjoy music with their family. I helped fulfill a childs wish to play with his schools marching band then helped him participate in the Edison Festival of Lights parade too.I enjoyed the work I did during the early days of the COVID pandemic. Some of our residents only interactions outside of medical treatments were these enjoyable experiences with music therapy. They would light up being able to sing with someone and share their memories. One time, a son and daughter were visiting, but their mom was unresponsive. I started to sing some of her favorite songs, and she came alive to interact with her family for a brief moment.About Music Therapy at Hope HealthcareMusic Therapy is a part of the comforting, compassionate care provided in many of Hopes innovative programs. People of all ages and of all ability levels can benefit from these therapeutic interventions. No prior training, musical abilities, or talents are necessary to participate.To support Hopes mission of providing exceptional care and support to everyone in need, please consider making a donation at MoreHope.org.We asked Hopes talented Music Therapists to tell us more about their unique specialty and share their heartwarming stories. Read more for a fascinating glimpse into this wonderful therapeutic intervention.

Eat Well. Live Well.When you were younger, your mother probably instilled the idea of drink your milk and eat your veggies. Well, we agree with mom and that concept doesnt change as you age. While your appetite may change, you still need to make good choices when it comes to nutrition.The following are benefits that improved nutrition can provide:A healthy diet and proper nutrition can increase your energy level which will help you stay more mobile and flexibleGood nutrition can help you fight off illnessSeniors with better eating habits tend to have an increased mental capacitySometimes, getting to the store or preparing your meals can be difficult. You may consider a senior living residence where meals are prepared fresh daily by skilled chefs. In some communities, menus are chosen by licensed nutrition experts that understand the health needs of senior adults.Eating alone can also decrease appetites. At senior living communities, residents can share meals in dining rooms with their friends and neighbors. The socialization aspect can improve overall food intake.

If you're 65 or older, you're more susceptible to health problems that can come with hot weather. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are various reasons why seniors don't adjust as well as younger people to changes in temperature. For instance, various health issues and prescription medications can impact the body's ability to regulate heat. As a senior, you'll have to be more conscious than others about staying cool, especially in the hot summer months. Here are three tips for regulating body temperature:Keep Your Environment CoolThe best way to regulate your temperature is to stay in a cool, comfortable area. That's easier with indoor air conditioning, but you'll want to take additional steps like not using your oven or stove to keep your room cooler. Don't be a "hero" and try to suffer through without turning on the A/C - it's healthier to maintain a consistent temperature in your space. Fans can't provide this consistency and won't prevent heat-related health conditions on days with 90-degree-plus temperatures. Don't have A/C or it doesn't seem to be working? Visit the library, a retail store, a restaurant, or other public spot to keep your cool.Drink Plenty of FluidsBy the time you feel thirsty, you're already on your way to dehydration. Sip water or a water-based, non-alcoholic drink throughout the day. Try to avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks as they may even make dehydration worse. If you're taking a medication that has a diuretic effect, be sure to consult with a medical professional to establish a baseline amount to drink. You may need more than you think.Dress Right for the WeatherLightweight and loose-fitting clothing can keep you cooler than fabrics that are heavy or tight. A natural material like cotton or linen can help your body stay cooler than synthetic fabrics will allow. If you're not sure how warm temperatures will get, or if the day is initially cool, dress in easy-to-remove layers. And if you'll be outside, don't forget to regularly apply a high-SPF sunscreen. By preventing burns that can keep your skin feeling hot, you'll stay cooler and reduce your risk of skin cancer.At Amira Choice, apartments in independent living, assisted living and memory care help you stay comfortable regardless of the conditions outside. For more information about our communities, contact us.

Food allergies are a growing concern in the senior population, affecting many older people. Studies say that 5% to 10% of older people have some sort of allergy, including food allergies, according to the World Allergy Organization. Food allergies can cause a range of symptoms from mild itching and hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Its important to know that you can develop food allergies later in life. Find out more about common food allergies in seniors, how to recognize the types of food allergy reactions and what can be done to manage them.Why Food Allergies Are Getting Worse With AgeA simple explanation for the growth of late-onset food allergies is the fact that people are living longer. As people get older, underlying physiological changes occur, and the risk of chronic diseases rises.Iron deficiency, which is common in older people, can also lead to development of food allergies, according to the National Institutes for Health. Drug treatments also can cause increased food allergies. The NIH says that since food allergies are increasing in all people, there will be an increase in seniors, too.The NIH also says that since a number of factors may cause or contribute to allergies, many conditions can be hard to diagnose as allergies. Among the challenges are non-typical symptoms, existing conditions and medications, and lack of awareness of the risks. Some of the symptoms of allergies in seniors may include confusion, dizziness and fatigue, which may be mistaken for other conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. For those reasons, if youre a senior suffering from some other condition or disease, you should be tested for allergies. Common Food Allergies in SeniorsDairyYou may develop dairy allergies, from mild to severe, as you age. The allergy is due to being unable to fully digest the milk sugar lactose. Symptoms can include bloating, diarrhea and gas. In rare cases, milk allergy can cause anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition.Symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking foods containing milk.Fish Some fish, including halibut, salmon and tuna, are often linked to late-onset food allergies. You can be allergic to one type of fish but not to others. Allergic reactions may include mouth and throat irritation and swelling, difficulty breathing, and possibly nausea and vomiting.Fruits and Vegetables This is a common allergy in adults, known as allergy syndrome or pollen-food allergy syndrome. The bodys immune system can mistake certain proteins in fruits and vegetables for the proteins found in pollen.Allergic reactions, usually after eating raw fruits or vegetables, include itching lips, mouth and throat, followed by tingling, redness, swelling and blisters in the most extreme cases.Peanuts Adults can indeed develop a peanut allergy later in life, and such allergies are on the rise in the general population. Peanut allergies are considered one of the most hazardous, since it often can lead to anaphylactic shock. Among the reactions include:Breathing difficultiesCollapse or loss of consciousnessConfusion and anxietyFast heartbeatLightheadednessThis is a very serious allergy that must be treated quickly.Shellfish Crustacean and mollusk allergies are common. An allergic reaction to one type of shellfish can carry over to others. If you are allergic to one type of shellfish, youll often be advised to avoid all types.The shellfish to avoid include:ClamsCrabsLobstersMusselsOystersScallopsShrimpSoy Most allergic reactions to soy tend to be mild, but you may experience severe symptoms. These include cough, itching and stomach problems.Soybeans are a member of the same family as peanuts. While those with peanut allergies dont usually have soy allergies, most people who are allergic to soy are also allergic to peanuts.Tree Nuts These nuts include almonds, hazelnuts, pecans and pistachios. Allergic reactions to tree nuts can be mild to severe, including anaphylactic shock.If youre allergic to one type of nut, youll usually be advised to avoid all types to be safe.Wheat Wheat allergies are a sensitivity to the protein gluten, which is also found in barley, oats and rye. Also known as celiac disease or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, the condition causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which also interferes with the absorption of nutrients.Symptoms of wheat or gluten allergies can include bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and weight loss.Managing Senior Food AllergiesSeniors can manage their food allergies by avoiding the allergens, taking medications for symptom relief, and, in extreme cases, using epinephrine auto-injectors. Counseling and education for patients and caregivers are also essential for the proper management of food allergies.At Senior Lifestyle, you can be sure we watch out for the nutrition needs of our residents, including their food allergies. We also look out for your health at Senior Lifestyle communities, with medical care available round the clock.Seniors and their families can be assured that safe, delicious meals are served every day. Senior Lifestyle focuses on combining the joys of dining with the nutrition that experts say residents need to live a healthy life.Each community offers its own unique culinary experience, but you can expect the following at a Senior Lifestyle community:Decadent dessertsDistinct and dynamic menu choicesFamily and guest dining for deeper connectionsMenus that suit personalized and customized resident dietsNutritious meals to promote wellnessRestaurant-style diningSeasonal cuisine and holiday fare for special eventsOur staff invites residents to share with us how we can cater to their medical, nutritional, dietary and taste preferences. Our communities also ask for feedback on the dining experience and to provide recipes to be included in each communitys weekly menus.