Florida - Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte Counties

It is a huge change for anyone to move from one place to another, especially for seniors. Leaving behind a familiar space and environment, along with routines, can be a challenge. However, the support and love from family members can help them have a fulfilling transition with understanding, warmth, and, of course, new beginnings.Recognizing the importance of acknowledging these emotions, here are some tips for families to participate in the relocation process.Making Memories, Not Just Moving BoxesMoving is not just the process of packing the bags and settling into new homes. It is about honoring a lifetime of memories and transitioning towards a new chapter of life. By working together, you can transform the relocation experience of the seniors into a positive, comforting memory.Personalized PlanningHaving a conversation ahead of time to understand the preferences of your beloved seniors can help tailor the relocation plans. Communicating within the family about the routines and respecting their needs and sentimental values will empower them. By assigning specific tasks to individuals, the move can be made a lot easier and more fun.Comfort and FamiliarityActive involvement of family members can help restore memories; they can bring in furniture, bedding, and more. This provides them with an immense amount of emotional stability and reassurance. This assistance not only lightens the physical burden for seniors but also helps with an organized move.Safety and SecurityFamily members can ensure that the senior living space is thoroughly cleaned and checked for their safety. This includes adding accessibility equipment, such as grab bars or ramps, and looking over the surroundings for ease of mobility.Connecting with Community ResourcesThe local community plays an important role in senior living. Fostering a sense of belonging is as essential as introducing seniors to nearby health providers, recreational activities, or even other senior centers.Taking Care of DocumentationThere is a lot of paperwork, and the senior family members will need help managing and keeping track of things. Family members can join in by participating in organizational tasks. These can be simple, such as scheduling appointments and managing logistics such as change of address notifications, utility transfers, and insurance updates.Post-Move Follow-UpIt is reassuring to provide ongoing support and follow-up once the beloved seniors have settled into their new home. Actively taking part in addressing their unforeseen challenges can contribute to the overall well-being and happiness of our beloveds.How to Ensure a Safe MovingProfessional movers can be a great resource. However, involving your family in the moving process is key to ensuring a safe and smooth transition for your senior loved one. The shift can be massive, but not necessarily for the things you carry. Seeking support from relocation service providers will also cut your work in half, as they provide everything you need.The beginning of a vibrant and enriching experience can be sealed with the love of a simple family addition from our team at WeCare Senior Relocation Services, LLC. Interested? Contact us for more information on how we can help you with a gift-like relocation.

Many investors were glad to see the end of 2022. But whats ahead this year? And what moves can you make in response to last years results? To begin with, heres what happened: 2022 was the worst year for the financial markets since 2008, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping nearly 9%, the S&P 500 losing more than 19% and the technology-heavy Nasdaq falling 33%. Several factors contributed to these results, including the moves by the Federal Reserve to aggressively hike interest rates to combat inflation, the Russia-Ukraine war, recession fears and increased concern over COVID-19 cases in China.However, 2023 may be different. Many experts believe that inflation may moderate considerably, especially during the second half of the year. If that happens, the Fed may well pause its interest rate hikes and perhaps even consider cutting rates a move that is often positive for the financial markets. Also, if a recession emerges, but its relatively short and mild, as expected, the rebounding economy may be favorable for the investment outlook.   Regardless of what transpires this year, though, you can help move toward your financial goals by following some basic steps that make sense in all investment environments. Here are a few to consider: Focus on the long term. It can bedisconcerting to look at investment statements containing negative results, as was the case for many people throughout 2022. But its important to view a single years outcome in the larger context and historically, the stock market has had many more positive years than negative ones, though, of course, past performance is not a guarantee of what will happen in the future. In any case, its generally not a good idea to overreact to short-term downturns and make moves that could work against your long-term strategy. Keep adequate cash in your portfolio. Thevalue of your investments may have gone down in 2022 but you didnt really sustain any actual losses unless you sold those investments for less than what you paid for them. To avoid having to sell investments to supplement your income or to pay for unforeseen costs, such as a major home or car repair, try to build the cash portion of your portfolio, so it covers a few months worth of living expenses.When youre retired, and it becomes even more imperative to avoid selling investments when their price is down, you may need an even bigger pool of available cash. Look for opportunities. Although 2022 was certainly a down year for the financial markets, some developments have presented new opportunities for investors. For one thing, the contribution limits have increased for IRAs, 401(k)s, and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), all of which are pegged to inflation. Also, with interest rates considerably higher than they were a year ago, fixed-income investments may offer more income and provide added stability in portfolios during times of economic weakness.When youve been investing for a long time, you will experience down years in the market, such as the one in 2022. These years are an inevitable part of the investment process. But since you cant control what happens in the financial markets, you need to concentrate on what you can control and that may be a lot more than you think. Chad Choate III, AAMS Edward Jones828 3rd Ave W. Bradenton, FL 34205 941-462-2445 chad.choate@edwardjones.com

Thoughts of the holiday season may have you dreaming of sugar plums and family gatherings for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa. But what about navigating holidays throughout the year, like the 4th of July, when spousal and family caregivers provide care at home and watch everyone else join in the festivities? You may be surprised to learn that many caregivers experience stress, loneliness, and isolation year-round that increases on holidays.Gaining insights into why the holidays may be difficult for all family members can make get-togethers more enjoyable with a few special accommodations. The ten tips below highlight the importance of family flexibility and caregiver support on holidays and throughout the year.Navigating HolidaysWho and What Are the Holidays Really About?Navigating the holidays is about time with loved ones celebrating life, love, and family in different ways when a spouse or aging parent needs care. Children living far away may not recognize changes in daily activities, mobility, and health until a holiday visit calls attention to a parent's struggles.It is common for the primary caregiver, who may be one of your parents caring for the other or an adult child caring for a parent, to feel isolated and alone when family members may not recognize or seem to appreciate their efforts. How often do you thank your brother or sister for everything they do for mom or dad?   Have you considered stopping by and giving mom or dad a few hours off from their caregiving duties?Without the caregiver's support, many loved ones would not be able to continue living in their homes. Family members considering holiday visits and gifts are encouraged to be open-minded and flexible. Traditional gifts may be less valuable than paying for the services of an in-home caregiver, housekeeper, yard work, home repairs, respite for the caregiver, or other more practical items.Each Family Member Has Different Holiday Memories and ExpectationsFor your parent, who may be the caregiver or for a sibling, family members' out-of-sight, out-of-mind lack of involvement can result in feeling isolated. Then, suddenly, the holidays arrive. Siblings and other family members want to show up and be attentive to a loved one, not realizing the additional burden their visit places on the family caregiver.For the caregiver, thoughts of celebrating holidays with family or remaining alone may be equally unappealing. Family members who visit may not realize the effect of interrupting daily care routines, including meal times, medications, time for rest, and other activities. When visiting, ask how you can help the caregiver. While you are a guest, your family member who needs care remains the priority.    While the expectation is that family gatherings are picture-perfect, time together may be filled with memories of holidays past. Mom or dad may yearn for their spouse. Adult children might grieve the loss of a parent or other family members.The rush to visit both sets of parents in a single day can be pressure-filled for couples with young children who also have care needs. In addition, siblings may have expectations of delightful gatherings interrupted by worry-filled discussions of how quickly mom and dad are declining and how to help.During the holidays and all times of the year, hiring an in-home care agency offers family caregivers support with routine daily activities that are time-consuming. For example, in-home caregivers can assist with meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, medication reminding, bathing, and other activities, including holiday preparations.Be Flexible to Create a Holiday Celebration Everyone Can EnjoyIf you or your family are planning a holiday get-together, consider pre-holiday planning activities, the effects of a change in routine for a spouse or parent, and support for the family caregiver. While families may want to carry on long-lasting traditions, it is essential to celebrate in sensitive and practical ways to support the primary caregiver and a loved one's daily routine and healthcare needs.Consider These Ten Tips for Navigating Holidays:Give the primary family caregiver the day off if you are celebrating in the family home. Bring or make the holiday meal and clean up the kitchen and house afterward.If you are the primary caregiver and there is no family to visit, order a holiday meal for pick-up or delivery along with your favorite dessert. Plan a pleasant activity like watching a movie or something that you and the person you care for will enjoy.Schedule a day before the holidays to decorate and plan. An in-home caregiver may be the perfect solution to provide support for decorating, shopping, and pre-holiday planning tasks.If you are a family member not involved in caregiving, consider gifting ongoing in-home care services to support a loved one with meals, shopping or errands, light housekeeping, personal care, medication reminders, and more. Your support will benefit your loved ones, and the family caregiver.If adult children and spouses visit both families, schedule holiday visits on different days or separate times of the day, allowing for downtime in-between visits.What time of day are mom and dad at their best? For example, is a noon meal preferable instead of waiting until 5 p.m. when a parent may be tired or sundowning?Alternatively, ease holiday stress by scheduling a family gathering around dessert instead of all of the effort involved with making a big meal and cleaning up.Designate an extra bedroom or room for nap-time or play for young children separately from aging parents who may experience stress or behaviors resulting from too much noise and excitement.Avoid family discussions or interventions about the care needs of aging loved ones. Instead, schedule a meeting outside of the home to discuss investigating options to support loved ones and family caregivers.Make memories that will last by scheduling a photographer to take family and individual photos. Record videos, share family recipes, tell stories, and create new traditions.If you are a family caregiver, celebrate the holiday on any day you choose. Work with an in-home care agency to schedule an in-home caregiver visit so that you can plan a day out each week to run errands or treat yourself. Socializing with friends is essential for caregiver well-being. Find a reason to celebrate each monthespecially every November for National Family Caregivers Month.Family and friends can offer support on the holidays and throughout the year for loved ones and the primary caregiver. For example, consider gifting regular in-home care services, housekeeper, or yard service for a loved one and an occasional treat for the family caregiver like a massage.Learn how BrightStar Care's independently owned and operated agencies can provide in-home care services to support family members caring for a spouse, aging parents, grandparents, and others.About Pamela D. WilsonPAMELA D WILSON MS, BS/BA, NCG, CSA is a national caregiving expert, author, advocate, and speaker educating family caregivers, older adults, professionals, groups, and corporations. Since 1999, Pamela has been an entrepreneur and business owner providing direct service: in-home care, care management, and legal and financial appointments. In addition, she consults about elder care, care navigation, caregiving services, and caregiver support programs with families, health and care providers, attorneys, and financial planners.  2021 Pamela D Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Guided by the Jewish tradition of helping people. JFCS has delivered comprehensive counseling and social services on a non-denominational basis to the entire Sarasota Manatee community since 1986.In the past year, JFCS served 20,000 clients, providing services to children and youth, families, seniors, and veterans.JFCS has made a significant commitment to offer essential programs and resources to empower the seniors in our community to age in place with dignity and independence. We provide a caring connection to seniors and their families through the following programs and services:Counseling Services support older adults in coping with the many challenges of aging loss, bereavement, family challenges, marital conflict, and adjustment to the many losses that occur as we age. Depression is not a normal part of aging and is both under reported and under treated. Our licensed mental health professionals are available to work with seniors in their homes or at either JFCS office to address any of these concerns. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance are accepted.Senior Outreach Services: JFCS offers socialization and friendship as part of a weekly program that connects isolated seniors at a weekly program of group support, lunch, and activities. A handicapped accessible van provides door to door transportation to the Fruitville office for weekly programs. Medicare assignment is accepted.Caregiver Support. It is estimated that over 31,000 people age 60+ are caregivers, caring for a spouse, relative, or a friend.We know that caregivers experience fatigue, isolation, and often don't know how to ask for the help they need. JFCS offers free caregiver support groups and individual support sessions to help caregivers and their families understand and accept the challenges they are facing and connect them to the community resources they need along their caregiving journey. Onsite respite activities are available during the weekly support groups.New programs include wraparound services and in home respite for caregivers, Children of Aging Parents evening support groups, MindSet classes plus an evidence based support program targeted to the caregiver whose spouse/parent has been diagnosed with MCI or Alzheimer's disease.A dedicated Caregiver Helpline is staffed by a caregiver resource specialist during agency hours at (941)364-7560; a comprehensive caregiver website is accessible at www.caregivernetworksrq.orgGeriatric Care Management. JFCS can be a caring connection for family members caring from a distance. Geriatric care managers are available to assess needs, arrange for support services, and provide oversight to give families peace of mind across the miles to ensure that loved ones can continue to age in place safely and with dignity.Volunteering. Share your time and talents as a JFCS volunteer! Opportunities are available to work with all ages and meet your schedule. JFCS volunteers set the example for the true spirit of caring.Main CampusThe Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Campus2688 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, FL 34237-5223South County Satellite OfficeSouth County Human Services Center7810 South Tamiami Trail Suite A-7Venice, FL 34293For more information, call 941-366-2224 or visit our website at: www.jfcs-cares.org.