Weve all experienced the exhaustion that hits us at the end of an especially hectic day. Typically, this can be remedied by a good nights sleep, allowing us to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face the new day. Yet chronic fatigue in older adults takes exhaustion to a whole new level, causing lethargic feelings that are more difficult to alleviate.What causes chronic fatigue?A variety of health conditions and even the treatments for those conditions can cause or exacerbate chronic fatigue, including:Anxiety and depressionGriefStressDiabetesHeart diseaseCancerKidney or liver diseaseCOPDThyroid diseaseChemotherapy and radiationMedications for pain or nausea as well as antihistamines and antidepressantsAnd moreWhat can be done to help?Lifestyle choices can either help or worsen chronic fatigue in older adults. For instance, avoid:Not getting enough sleep: Strive for at least 8 hours per night, regularly going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.Consuming too much caffeine: Limit caffeine intake and skip caffeine altogether later in the day. Consider cutting current caffeine intake in half to improve energy levels.Unhealthy eating habits: Choose more nutritious foods, such as whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, fruits and veggies over highly processed foods and junk foods.A sedentary lifestyle: The right amount of physical activity is key; talk with the doctor for recommendations, but typically, the goal is 30 minutes of exercise most days.Smoking: Smoking can cause a variety of serious health concerns which further drain energy. Talk to a physician about getting help with quitting smoking.Staying productive and engaged is also crucial to preventing or lessening chronic fatigue in older adults. Explore activities that spark interest and joy, such as:Volunteering in a field of interest: at the local elementary school, homeless shelter, pet rescue facility, religious organization, etc.Taking a class to learn something new at the community college or even onlineJoining a club or group that participates in shared interests: bowling, knitting, fishing, walking, swimming, etc.Its always a good idea to schedule an appointment for a check-up if chronic fatigue is suspected. The doctor can rule out any new underlying conditions, review medications being taken and modify if needed, and provide additional tips to help.The referred care providers from American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care are here to help as well. Their 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 a senior you love live 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

If youve ever moved, you know its a huge job. Sorting, packing, organizing and dealing with a mover and other vendors takes large amounts of time and energy. But, what about the emotional challenge of moving?  To help you make the most of your experience and lower your stress levels, check out some of our most valuable tips for coping with emotions associated with moving: Acknowledge your feelings and emotions Allow yourself to feel your emotions, to avoid a breakdown. Ask for help Moving is a big deal. Ask friends and family to help you pack and deal with the emotionality of moving. Be thoughtful as you go through your possessions Take the time upfront to sort your items and determine whether to save, donate, or toss to avoid any frustrations later. Take time to really see your surroundings Your home is full of memories. Take time from your organizing and moving to remember all the important things that happened there.  Look ahead Take a trip to your new neighborhood or community and visit local spots. Your move is a new opportunity for discovery and growth.  Speak up During a move, its easy to feel overwhelmed and be swayed by others opinions. Remember to communicate your needs clearly.  Reserve some time for yourself Make sure that you schedule some down time. Breaks can keep your emotional and physical energy going through the moving process.   If youd like to learn how the professionals at WayForth can help with all the aspects of moving such as floor planning, packing and unpacking, downsizing, storage solutions, and more. Contact our experts at 817-697-4478 or go to our website to get started! 

When someone you love has been diagnosed with dementia, it can be overwhelming. Questions need to be answered, decisions need to be made, and educational resources are crucial to understanding how the disease will progress, what to expect, and how to best help the senior.While theres a preconceived notion that nursing home care is inevitable for someone with dementia, there is actually a viable alternative in many cases: respite care from a referred care provider at American, Advocate or Whitsyms In-Home Care. Respite care services allow seniors to remain at home, where theyre most comfortable. And they allow family caregivers the opportunity for regular breaks from providing care something that is critical to their own health and wellbeing.Here are just a few reasons that care at home for someone with dementia is preferred:Routines are important for those with dementia, to help minimize confusion and disorientation. Respite care at home allows seniors to follow routines they are already accustomed to with the familiarity of family caregivers.Respite care services are highly personalized according to each persons specific needs and challenges. The referred care provider will follow the family caregivers lead, with the added benefit of being able to provide recommendations for creative solutions to the any difficulties or issues being faced.Skilled dementia care providers understand how to ensure a calm, soothing environment for someone with dementia. They know, for instance, never to argue with someone with dementia or try to correct the person. They can also incorporate music, art, and other types of meaningful activities into each day to enhance quality of life.Continuing to live at home alleviates a particular type of stress for someone with dementia known as transfer trauma. Transfer trauma in dementia is common, resulting from relocation and leading to a greater chance for the senior to wander and to feel anxious, isolated, and depressed.The benefits of respite care services extend to family members as well. The stress associated with providing dementia care for a loved one can quickly lead to health concerns such as caregiver burnout and depression. These conditions can also negatively impact the senior who is receiving care.Family members need to ensure plenty of time for their own self-care, for relaxing, enjoyable activities, to spend time with family members and friends, and to take care of other obligations. Respite care can be arranged on a regular, consistent basis whether just a few hours once a week or every day, and even overnight.At American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care, were pleased to refer care providers who can help through:Companionship for conversations, reminiscing, and other meaningful activities to enhance cognitive functioningEvaluation of overall health and wellbeingPersonal hygiene assistance such as showering/bathing, getting dressed and using the bathroomMedication managementMeals and eatingAnd moreWeve been the trusted choice for respite care services in Florida for decades, with a family of brands located throughout the state. To learn more, contact the location nearest 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

Pain is one of the leading reasons people seek medical care. Approximately 50 million adults experience chronic pain.  More adults suffer from chronic pain conditions than the number affected by heart disease, diabetes, and cancer combined (Tsang et al., 2008). Chronic pain contributes to an estimated $560 billion yearly in direct medical costs, lost productivity, and disability programs (Institute of Pain Medicine, 2011). Because of this impact, it is imperative that we understand the complexities of living with and treating chronic pain. Chronic pain affects all aspects of life. Medical treatments, including medication, surgery, rehabilitation and physical therapy, may be the first line of defense in treating chronic pain. However, psychotherapy can also be effective at relieving chronic pain because it can alter how the brain processes pain sensations. Understanding and managing the thoughts, emotions and behaviors that accompany the discomfort can help people cope more effectively with painand can actually reduce the intensity of pain.  Get a Therapist- He/She can help you navigate chronic pain and teach you management techniques. Manage Stress- Stress makes pain worse, stress management techniques will help you cope. Focused Breathing- Relaxes tensions in the body reducing pain.   Stay active- Pain and the fear of pain can lead you to stop doing the things you enjoy -causing more pain.          Biofeedback- Teaches you how to control normally unconscious bodily functions including pain.         Hypnosis or Guided Imagery- Directs your thoughts by focusing on specific images other than pain. Music Therapy- Performing or listening to music can help with pain by creating relaxation and producing endorphins. Know your limits- Be active in a way that acknowledges your physical limitations, dont push yourself to do more than you can. Low-Impact Exercise- Stretching, yoga, walking and swimming can increase endorphins to combat pain. Be social- People with social support are more resilient and experience less depression and anxiety. Have a pain plan. Learn what affects the intensity and duration of your pain, and what helps to make it better. Manage Expectations. Avoid all or nothing thinking. Seek help to learn coping skills to manage painYou are not in this alone.  Let us connect you with a counselor who to help you navigate pain or any other issue you need.  his article was submitted by Dr. Mary-Catherine Segota, Dr Segota is a Psychologist with Counseling Resource Services Inc. She can be reached at 407-654-4433 or at www.counselingresourceservices.com