Florida - Orlando

A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is life-changing and raises many questions. What is Parkinsons disease? What symptoms are expected in each stage? How will everyday life be affected? In honor of Parkinsons Awareness Month, CareTime, American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care offer the following information to help families provide the best care for a loved one at all stages of the disease.What Is Parkinsons Disease?Parkinsons occurs when dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting signals in the brain, is deficient. This reduction in dopamine levels leads to the manifestation of various symptoms that can impact a person's daily life.What Are Some of the Common Symptoms of Parkinsons?Symptoms vary from one person to another but commonly include:Tremors: One of the most recognizable symptoms of Parkinson's is tremors, involuntary shaking movements, usually starting in the hands or fingers.Bradykinesia: This refers to slowness of movement, making routine tasks more time-consuming and challenging.Rigidity: Stiffness in the limbs and joints can make it difficult for individuals with Parkinson's to maintain their range of motion.Postural Instability: People with Parkinson's may experience difficulty maintaining balance and are more prone to falls.Changes in Handwriting: Known as micrographia, individuals with Parkinson's may notice a decrease in the size of their handwriting.Speech Changes: Speech may become softer or more monotone, and articulation may be affected.What Can Be Expected in Each Stage of the Disease?Parkinson's disease progresses gradually, and its stages are often categorized to help understand its impact on an individual's life.Stage One: Mild SymptomsDuring the initial stage, symptoms are mild and may not interfere significantly with daily activities.Tremors and other motor symptoms are noticeable but do not impede functionality.Stage Two: Moderate SymptomsSymptoms become more pronounced, including tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia.Daily activities require more effort, but individuals can still live independently.Stage Three: Significant ImpairmentThis stage brings an increase in bradykinesia, rigidity, and instability.Independence becomes more challenging and falls become more frequent.Stage Four: Severe SymptomsIndividuals often require assistance with daily activities and may be unable to live independently.Rigidity and bradykinesia are severe, and falls are more frequent.Stage Five: Advanced SymptomsAt this stage, individuals are typically unable to walk or stand.Around-the-clock assistance is necessary for all daily activities.How a Referred Care Provider Can Help Someone Better Manage ParkinsonsUnderstanding the progression of Parkinson's disease is crucial for tailoring home care services to the specific needs of each individual. Here are ways a referred care provider from CareTime, American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care can support individuals at different stages:Assistance With Daily Activities: In the early stages, a referred care provider can offer support with tasks that may become challenging, such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, and medication reminders.Mobility Assistance: As the disease progresses, assistance with mobility becomes essential. A care professional can help with transfers, provide mobility aids, and ensure safety within the home.Fall Prevention: In later stages, the risk of falls increases significantly. A referred care provider can implement measures to minimize fall risks, such as removing tripping hazards and assisting with walking and transfers.Emotional Support: Parkinson's not only affects the body but also takes a toll on mental and emotional well-being. A referred care provider can offer companionship, emotional support, and assistance with coping strategies.Contact us today to learn more about how home care services can help someone you love live a better quality of life with Parkinsons disease or any other chronic health condition. Click 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 FloridaCareTime  Serving Ocala, Florida and the Surrounding AreasState of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 30211751

Even though were all susceptible to becoming victims of scams and fraud, older adults are much more likely to be targeted, for several reasons. For one thing, scammers believe seniors are more financially sound than those who are younger. They may be lonely and isolated, making them more vulnerable to carrying on a conversation with a scammer on the phone. And theyre assumed to be more polite and trusting. As a result, older adults lose an astounding $3 billion each year to senior financial fraud.The key to prevention is knowing the red flags of a scam artist and staying up to date on the latest fraud trends. To assist, American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care share some of the most prevalent scams targeting seniors below:The Trusted Government Official Scam. These phone calls appear to come from the IRS, Medicare, Social Security Administration, or simply a Washington, DC area code, making it easy to believe the calls are legitimate. The scammer will ask to confirm the older adults personal information, stating that they are investigating back taxes that need to be paid or some other legal resolution.The Grandchild Scam: In this frightening scenario, the scammer claims to be the seniors grandchild who is having an emergency and is in need of funds to help. The caller will plead with the older adult to keep the call confidential, requesting a gift card or money wire transfer to obtain money.The Love Scam: Online dating is a common way for single or widowed older adults to find companionship, but unfortunately, it also opens them up to scammers. Online dating fraud involves scammers creating elaborate fake profiles, utilizing stolen photos and details, to trick seniors into falling for them. They will eventually ask for funds to travel to meet the senior, but then disappear with the money.The Winner Scam: Vulnerable seniors receive notice that they are winners of a lottery or other type of contest. In this scam, the seniors are required to pay a fee to collect their prize. The scammer will ask the senior for bank account details in order to deposit the winnings. Sadly, however, this can lead to the theft of large sums of money, sometimes wiping out an older adults hard-earned savings altogether.The Internet Scam: Internet scammers use pop-ups that alert their victims to a virus the computer has been infected with. In order to have the virus removed, the user needs to pay a fee or download software that will allow the scammer to steal personal information.Though scams such as these are incredibly disturbing, there are steps you can take to protect the older adults you love, including:Make sure senior loved ones have caller ID and utilize voice mail for any unknown callers.Talk with older adults about the importance of NEVER giving out personal or sensitive information over the phone.Be wary of any mail that contains contests, sweepstakes, or prizes; if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.Scammers are very good at what they do, so never belittle or criticize an older adult who may have fallen victim to them.Additionally, allow the referred care providers at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care to help an older loved one remain vigilant against senior scams by providing an extra pair of eyes to ensure safety. Partnering with a referred care provider ensures that an older loved one has regular companionship, which helps to eliminate loneliness, one of the top factors that can lead to older adults being vulnerable to fraud or scams. Referred care providers also offer a wide range of in-home care services, such as light housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, personal hygiene care, and so much more.The Florida senior care experts at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care are here to ensure the independence and safety of the older adult you love. Contact the office nearest you to learn more.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

1. Do Your Research Dont just hire the first mover you come across. Look for online reviews and ratings from past customers. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the company. Look for mover associations and certifications that prove the company is legitimate.   2. Get a Written Estimate Always get a written estimate of the total cost before signing a contract. Dont rely on verbal agreements or estimates over the phone. Know exactly what youre paying for, including any additional fees or surcharges. Some scam movers will offer a low quote initially, only to hike up prices later by adding fees not mentioned in the contract. 3. Insurance & Coverage Ask if they carry insurance and find out what type of coverage, they offer in case something is damaged or lost during the move. Legitimate movers will carry insurance that covers damages that occur during transportation. Without it, youll be responsible for the costs of any damage.  4. Review the terms of Service Take your time to review the terms carefully and dont sign it until you understand everything. Read the fine print and ask for clarification on anything you dont understand. Look for the cancellation policy in case you need to change your moving date or cancel entirely. A legitimate mover will make sure you understand everything before you sign.  5. Get their Contact Information Get contact information for the company and their employees in case you need to follow up on anything during or after your move. Make sure to get a working phone number and email address for the company in case anything goes wrong. If you have any questions, contact the company directly rather than relying on a third party. Make sure the company provides accurate addresses to avoid fraudulent activities.  6. Make a List (or Request One) Make sure to make a list of the content in your home, especially your most treasured items. Or get a copy of the inventory list with all items being moved. Dont be afraid to ask for a copy of the list, even if the movers are in a hurry. Make sure the inventory list is detailed and accurate to prevent damage, missing or stolen goods.  7. Never Pay the Full Amount Upfront Legitimate movers wont ask for full payment before the move is complete. Theyll usually only ask for a deposit upfront (a 25% deposit is the standard). Instead, pay the deposit and only pay the full balance after the move is complete, and youve verified that all your items are there and in good condition.  For more information on how to protect your move, read our blog here!  Let WayForth help you with your next move by utilizing our personalized services. These include downsizing, space planning, packing and moving, unpacking, storage and settling into your new home. Contact our moving professionals today at 1.844.WAYFORTH. 

Theres a reason they say moving is the third most stressful event in life. Not only does it throw your typical routine out the window and add to an already growing to-do list, but living out of boxes for days or weeks, and not knowing where things are, can weigh heavily on you emotionally and physically. One important thing to understand is that there is a real difference between a move management service and everyday movers. While movers might handle packing, driving from one location to another, and unpacking, a move management organization goes far beyond to assist you from creating a complete inventory of your possessions for a space plan to setting up your new home (some will even make your bed). Whether youre moving to a senior living community or relocating to another home, your move management company should be able to fulfill all the needs that come with your transition. This could include assisting with donating items to a local charity, short and long-term storage options, clearing out and preparing your home for sale, and most importantly understanding the emotional impact that comes with moving from your home of 50+ years.Read more about WayForth's services here! WayForth has helped over 15,000 people since our start in 2016. We have learned that it is possible to reduce the stress associated with relocation by being prepared. Our move management experts help with downsizing, floor planning, packing and unpacking, and more. WayForth can help you or a family member with our personalized moving solutions to fit everyones unique needs. Contact our moving professionals today at 817-697-4478 or visit our website to learn more.