Florida - Orlando

As the back-to-school season rolls in, our children and grandchildren are again encountering an onslaught of germs and viruses. This common seasonal shift as a critical reminder of how important it is to protect older loved ones from sickness. While a cold may be a mild inconvenience for a younger person, it can have a much more significant impact on seniors. Now more than ever, it is essential to ensure diligent health safeguards are in place to ensure older loved ones stay healthy and well all year. Understanding the Risks to Older Adults The aging process naturally diminishes the body's immune response, making it harder for older individuals to fight off infections. Chronic diseases common in this age group, such as diabetes or heart disease, can further impact their ability to ward off illness. This combination of factors makes them prime targets for respiratory viruses, which can lead to serious health issues or even hospitalization. Steps to Protect Older Loved Ones The CDC offers some expert recommendations for protecting the health of older adults: Stay Up-to-Date with Vaccinations: Protecting older loved ones starts with prevention. Ensure they receive the annual flu shot, the pneumonia vaccine, the latest COVID-19 booster, and the RSV vaccine if they are over 60. These vaccines are specifically tailored to combat the viruses most dangerous to older adults and can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications and hospitalizations associated with these illnesses. Maintain Rigorous Hygiene and Cleanliness: Encourage frequent handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers, particularly before meals and after touching surfaces in public spaces. Regularly cleaning their living spaces, especially high-contact areas like kitchens and bathrooms, is crucial. These areas are prone to harboring germs, and regular disinfection can help minimize the risk of infection. Enhance the Living Environment: Improving indoor air quality is key to minimizing the risk of airborne illnesses. This can be effectively achieved by using air purifiers, which filter out pathogens and allergens, maintaining HVAC systems to ensure they are clean and functional, and ensuring adequate ventilation to dilute potentially contaminated indoor air. Monitor Health Actively: Prompt action at the first sign of illness can help prevent more severe complications. Encourage older family members to stay home if they feel unwell and seek medical advice early if symptoms of a respiratory infectionseek medical advice early if respiratory infection arise. Early detection and treatment often prevent the need for more serious interventions later. Utilize Personal Protective Equipment: During times when respiratory virus transmission is high, wearing masks in crowded settings or while visiting healthcare facilities can provide an additional layer of protection against airborne pathogens. Masks can be particularly effective in settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain, helping to reduce the risk of inhaling infectious particles. Why These Measures Matter Implementing these protective strategies is not just about avoiding illness; it's about ensuring that your older family members can enjoy a high quality of life without the constant threat of health setbacks. As the community around them buzzes with activity, a little foresight and a lot of care can keep them safe, healthy, and active. The referred care providers at CareTime, American, Advocate, or Whitsyms In-Home Care go to great lengths to ensure the safety and wellness of the individuals they serve. Helping older adults stay safe and healthy is always our top priority. Contact us today or click the link to the nearest location below to learn more about our in-home care services: American In-Home Care  Serving North, Central, and West Coast of Florida Advocate In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida Whitsyms In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida CareTime Serving Ocala, Florida, The Villages, and the surrounding areas State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 30211751

On a recent walk with Mom, she misjudged the curb and rolled her ankle. While you are thankful that she only ended up with some bruises and a sprained foot, youre cognizant of the fact that she could have sustained a much more severe injury.A fall or other injury can seriously sideline older adults. In fact, according to the CDC, each year more than three million older adults are treated in emergency rooms for fall injuries. And 1 out of 5 falls causes a serious injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.To help older adults remain active and injury free, the Florida care experts at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care share the following head to toe tips.Feet and AnklesThe foot is made up of 26 bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, and over the course of a persons lifetime, will travel more than 200 million steps. Its no wonder then that feet and ankles bear the brunt of the aches and pains that surface during aging. To prevent foot and ankle injuries, implement these strategies:Wear proper footwear. Select and wear shoes that fit well and that match the activity being performed. If you walk regularly for exercise, get fitted for walking shoes that provide proper support, and buy new shoes every 6 to 9 months. When shoes fit properly, there is a decreased chance of developing hammer toes or bunions. Properly fitted shoes also provide support for ankles and knees.Keep feet clean. Wash feet regularly with mild soap and water, drying well between the toes to reduce the chance of infection. Moisturize the heels only and keep toenails trimmed to prevent ingrown toenails.Check the feet. Examine your feet daily to check for calluses, blisters or anything that seems unusual. Routine inspection reduces the chance for infection or fungus. If you are unable to easily check your feet, ask a loved one to help you.KneesCarrying four times your weight with every step, knees are also prone to a number of ailments as people age, such as:Cartilage tearsTendonitisSprained or strained ligamentsArthritis as a result of aging, injury, or a combination of bothTo protect knees from injury, its important to incorporate exercises that improve balance, agility, and strength. When exercising or participating in an activity that may put added stress on knees, be sure to incorporate a warm-up and a cool-down to get muscles ready.HipsThe CDC estimates that 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling. For older adults, a broken hip is not only debilitating, but it can also be fatal. In addition to fractures, older adults can experience hip pain from arthritis or weakened bones from osteoporosis. The hips are a primary source of strength and stability in the legs and help people to perform many everyday activities such as standing, walking, bending and going up and down stairs. When the hip muscles become weak, symptoms can include pain and decreased mobility.Healthy and strong hips reduce the risk of falling, making it important to engage in regular physician-approved exercise that targets and strengthens the muscles in and around the hips.ShouldersShoulders are the most flexible joint in the human body and are involved in myriad daily tasks from brushing teeth and preparing food to driving and opening doors. As the body ages, injuries such as rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder or dislocation can occur during an exercise routine or when simply engaged in regular household chores. To guard against shoulder injuries, be sure to:Warm up and condition muscles before exercise or a household chore that may be repetitive and involve shoulder movement.Take regular breaks when engaged in an activity that requires a great deal of shoulder use, such as gardening, sweeping, washing windows, etc.To reduce the amount of stretching needed to grab items off of a high shelf, consider moving them to a shelf at eye level.WristsThe wrists are involved in nearly every daily activity and older adults are susceptible to stress injuries, fractures and arthritis in this joint. Like other joints in the body, its important to keep the wrists strong and agile. This reduces pain and helps to maintain full range of motion so that older adults are able to continue to perform a variety of everyday tasks independently.To help keep wrists and hands strong and flexible, squeeze a tennis ball or stress ball. This exercise is easy to do and can be completed almost anywhere.In-Home Care Can HelpTo help older adults remain independent and injury free, the referred care providers at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care are here to help. Our Florida in-home care services can be customized to meet the unique needs of each individual and may include:Encouragement to complete physician-approved exerciseHome safety assessments to reduce the risk of fallsHelp with planning and preparing nutritious mealsTransportation to physical therapy or doctors appointmentsFriendly companionshipAssistance with personal care and hygiene needsSpecialized nursing careAnd much more!Contact us any time to learn more about referred 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

Sometimes we accumulate more than we need or have space for. This can lead to clutter and overwhelm our homes. Before we know it, our home can become cluttered and overwhelming. The mess not only affects the appearance of our living space but also our mental health. Junk removal services offer an effective solution to rid your home of unwanted clutter and improve your overall well-being. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of junk removal services, their benefits, and how to choose a reliable company.  The Dangers of Collecting and Why It's Important to Declutter  Over time, we can accumulate more things than we need and create an overwhelming environment. Not only does this clutter affect our mental health, but it can also pose safety hazards in our homes. People can trip over excess items or increase the risk of fire hazards. It's essential to declutter and remove unnecessary items to create a safe, welcoming living space. Read our blog post The Dangers of Collecting for more information.  Get Rid of Clutter Quickly and Safely  Professional junk removal services provide a convenient and safe solution to remove clutter from your home quickly. Junk removal professionals have the experience and equipment necessary to complete the job thoroughly and efficiently. Their training reduces the risk of injury and damage to the home when handling hazardous materials or bulky items. It also ensures the proper disposal of the items.     Tips on How to Find a Reliable Junk Removal Company  When looking for a reliable junk removal company, there are some critical factors to consider. First, hire a professional junk hauling company that is licensed and insured to protect yourself from liability in case of accidents. Be sure to check their reviews online to gauge their reputation and level of customer service. A good junk removal company provides clear pricing estimates, flexible scheduling, and a commitment to environmental responsibility.  To learn more about junk removal, read our blog here!WayForth offers comprehensive moving solutions. These include downsizing, packing, moving, and settling into a new home. We can help you or a family member with these services. Contact our moving professionals today at 1.844.WAYFORTH. 

Thanksgiving is more than just a day for feasting; its a cherished occasion that invites us to reflect on gratitude, connection, and warmth. For seniors, participating in or creating meaningful traditions can foster a sense of belonging and joy. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that keeping traditions alive plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of our loved ones. Lets explore some heartwarming ideas and tips to help you create special Thanksgiving traditions that seniors can treasure for years to come.Setting the Stage: Create a Warm and Inviting AtmosphereCreating the perfect Thanksgiving atmosphere begins long before the main event. Its about making your space welcoming and cozy so that everyone, especially seniors, feels at home. Decorate Thoughtfully: Choose decorations that evoke fond memories. Consider using family photos from past Thanksgivings to create a nostalgic display. Handmade crafts by grandchildren, or traditional decorations like pumpkins and autumn leaves, can add a personal touch.Reflection Zone: Set up a special area where seniors can sit comfortably and reflect on their favorite memories or share stories. Create a gratitude tree where family members can hang notes of what they are thankful for.Involve Them in Planning: Ask seniors for their input on the Thanksgiving menu or activities. Involving them in the planning process not only respects their preferences but also empowers them. Its a beautiful way for seniors to feel a connection to the holiday.Comfortable Seating: Ensure that there are comfortable seating arrangements. Invest in cushions or blankets for added warmth. Consider the mobility needs of seniors by arranging the seating to minimize any inconvenience in movement.By creating an inviting atmosphere filled with familiar sights and sounds, you can foster a sense of warmth and comfort, allowing seniors to feel part of a loving, connected family.Cherishing Traditions: Activities to Foster ConnectionThanksgiving is the perfect time to create lasting traditions that will help seniors feel included while allowing them to share some of their cherished experiences.Cooking Together: Invite seniors to share their favorite recipes and cook together. This not only creates a delicious meal but also provides an opportunity for storytelling and bonding. Encourage them to share tales of how they celebrated Thanksgiving when they were younger.Thanksgiving Memory sharing: Prior to the gathering, ask each family member to prepare a story about their favorite Thanksgiving memory or what they appreciate most about the seniors present. When everyone shares, it creates a beautiful tapestry of traditions and experiences, deepening family connections.Gratitude Circle: After your meal, gather everyone for a gratitude circle. Each person can voice what they are thankful for or a favorite memory from the past. This can be a touching moment for seniors, reinforcing their importance in the family and leaving them feeling cherished.Creating a Memory Book: Start a family Thanksgiving memory book where everyone can contribute their thoughts, photos, and drawings each year. Involving seniors in this activity ensures they feel vital and valued within the family legacy. Crafting: Create holiday crafts together, like making festive table centerpieces or card decorations. This activity can ignite creativity and ensure everyone feels included in the holiday preparations.Thanksgiving is a time to reflect, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories together. By focusing on traditions that foster connectedness and joy, you can create a Thanksgiving experience that speaks to the heart of what the holiday truly represents.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand the importance of environment and connection in enhancing the lives of our loved ones. This Thanksgiving, lets join together to create cherished moments that warm the heart and build lasting memories for seniors, transforming the holiday into a loving celebration. May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments that you and your family will remember for years to come. Happy Thanksgiving!