Florida - Southwest

Choosing the right funeral or cremation service can be an emotional and challenging task. Lee County has two funeral homes that have been providing cremation and burial services to the community for nearly a century. Harvey-Engelhardt began serving the Ft. Myers and surrounding Lee County area in the early 1900s, while Fuller Metz, in Cape Coral, began in the mid 60s.Thousands of families have placed their trust with them to handle one of life's most emotional and personal matters.As the premier funeral homes in Lee County, they provide the resources to Celebrate, Remember, and Honor a life lived. With spacious facilities, professionally licensed staff and state of the art equipment, they continue to be a leader in the funeral & cremation profession. Harvey-Engelhardt and Fuller Metz operate a private crematory for individual cremations and they are a provider of Life Tributes, a unique program designed to personalize memories with printing, video and website services. Most importantly, the staff understand the people of Lee County are their neighbors and their responsibility as a community resource goes beyond just the time services are performed. Harvey-Engelhardt and Fuller Metz Funeral Homes are available 24 hours a day to respond, consult and advise with honesty, integrity and quality.

As individuals age, their furniture needs change, and selecting the right pieces becomes crucial. Hardwood furniture is a highly advantageous choice for senior citizens, offering style, safety, durability, and overall appeal. We will explore the benefits of incorporating hardwood furniture into the living spaces of older adults. From the practicality of its design to the timeless elegance it brings, hardwood furniture caters to the specific needs of seniors. With a focus on comfort, accessibility, and longevity, hardwood furniture is an excellent investment, enhancing the living experience for senior citizens.How to Incorporate Hardwood Furniture in a Living Space for a Senior CitizenCreating a comfortable and functional living space for senior citizens involves carefully considering their needs. When incorporating hardwood furniture, it is essential to prioritize accessibility and ease of use. Opt for furniture with appropriate height and firmness, making it easier for seniors to sit down and get up without straining themselves. Additionally, consider the furniture layout for smooth movement and ample space for mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs. By arranging the furniture strategically, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for senior citizens.Why is Hardwood Furniture Better for Older People?1. StyleHardwood furniture exudes timeless elegance and adds a touch of sophistication to any living space. With its rich colors, natural grains, and beautiful finishes, hardwood furniture enhances the aesthetic appeal of a room. It can complement various interior design styles, from traditional to contemporary, allowing senior citizens to personalize their living space according to their preferences.2. SafetySafety is of paramount importance when it comes to furniture selection for senior citizens. Hardwood furniture is known for its sturdiness and stability. It provides a solid foundation, reducing the risk of accidents such as falls or furniture collapse. Unlike furniture made from other materials, hardwood furniture is less likely to wobble or become unstable over time, ensuring a safe environment for older adults.3. DurabilitySenior citizens often seek furniture that will last for years, minimizing the need for frequent replacements or repairs. Hardwood furniture is renowned for its durability and longevity. It can withstand daily use, heavy weights, and the wear and tear associated with daily living. By investing in hardwood furniture, seniors can enjoy furniture that retains its beauty and functionality for generations.4. Environmental BenefitsHardwood furniture is often crafted from sustainably sourced wood, making it eco-friendly. Senior citizens can contribute to environmental conservation efforts by opting for hardwood furniture. Sustainable forestry practices ensure that new trees are planted to replace the ones used for furniture production, promoting the long-term health of forests. Hardwood furniture can be repurposed or recycled, reducing its environmental impact.5. Improved Indoor Air QualityIndoor air quality is a significant concern, especially for seniors with respiratory issues or allergies. Hardwood furniture has the advantage of being natural and free from harmful chemicals or toxins commonly found in furniture made from synthetic materials or treated with certain finishes. By choosing hardwood furniture, senior citizens can maintain a healthier indoor environment, promoting better respiratory health and overall well-being.It Looks Better Than Furniture Made from Other MaterialsHardwood furniture has a distinct advantage over other materials regarding aesthetics. Its natural beauty and unique grains create an inviting and warm atmosphere in any living space. Furthermore, hardwood furniture ages gracefully, developing a beautiful patina that enhances its charm and character over time. This inherent beauty makes hardwood furniture a standout choice for senior citizens who appreciate the timeless elegance and a visually appealing living environment.A Perfect Choice for Senior CitizensHardwood furniture offers numerous advantages for senior citizens, encompassing style, safety, durability, and comfort. By incorporating hardwood furniture into their living spaces, older adults can enjoy its timeless elegance and visual appeal. With its sturdy construction, hardwood furniture ensures safety and stability, minimizing the risk of accidents. Its durability guarantees long-lasting functionality, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Moreover, hardwood furniture can be customized for optimal comfort, providing seniors with a pleasant seating experience. As a worthwhile investment, hardwood furniture enhances the lives of senior citizens by creating a beautiful, secure, and comfortable environment.

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak or brittle. A person with osteoporosis has a higher risk of bone fracture of the hip, spine, upper arm, pelvis or wrist as their bodys bone regeneration is no longer able to keep up with normal bone loss. Angel Morrison, Vice President of Clinical Services at Senior Lifestyle, says osteoporosis can be treated but not cured. For those who live at home or arent under a doctors care, osteoporosis may not be diagnosed until a fall occurs, she says.Estimates say 14.1 million Americans ages 50 and older (about 13%) have osteoporosis, according to the Washington Post. Osteoporosis is more common in older women than men 27% to 6%, according to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Morrison talks about living with osteoporosis, how osteoporosis affects the lives of seniors, and how Senior Lifestyle can help.What Should Seniors Know About Osteoporosis?A number of factors can increase your risk for the disease. Here are some risk factors and treatments for osteoporosis.Risk factorsThe Mayo Clinic says there are some factors that can increase your risk for osteoporosis:Diet. Low calcium intake and eating disorders can contribute, as can certain gastrointestinal surgeries.Hormone level. Lowered sex hormones or too much thyroid hormones can be a factor. Osteoporosis is also associated with overactive parathyroid and adrenal glands.Lifestyle choices. Excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco use or a sedentary lifestyle can have higher risks.Medical conditions. These can include cancer, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney or liver disease, multiple myeloma or rheumatoid arthritis.Personal factors. The disease is most common among older people, especially women. White and Asian women are at a higher risk for the disease. Those with a family history or who have a small body frame also are at a higher risk.Steroid hormones. Medications used to treat cancer, gastric reflux, seizures or transplant rejection can interfere with the bone-rebuilding process.Osteoporosis TreatmentsThere are several osteoporosis treatment options, including medication, hormones, exercise and a calcium-rich diet.>> Read 7 Best Exercises for Seniors (and a Few to Avoid!)The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends five steps to battle the disease:Get daily doses of calcium and vitamin D Exercise regularly, focusing on weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening routinesQuit smoking and limit alcohol intakeTalk to your health care provider about a bone density test. Take an osteoporosis medication if necessaryHow Can a Senior Community Help With Osteoporosis?Osteoporosis will impact your lifestyle, but Morrison says it doesnt have to impose a severe change. She says Senior Lifestyle can help a resident with osteoporosis live a more comfortable, fulfilling life.Senior Lifestyle is able to assist residents with clinical expertise and oversight in collaboration with your primary health care providers for diagnosis and treatment options, she says. This care at Senior Lifestyle begins with assessment.We have specific assessments that review key indicators related to osteoporosis risk, such as medication treatment, falls, diet and exercise, Morrison says.>> Infographic: Are Retirement Communities Safer Than At-Home Care?Care and TreatmentSpecialized training is provided to our staff regarding treatment options for osteoporosis, Morrison says. She says each Senior Lifestyle location coordinates care and treatment as ordered by the primary care physician. This may include therapy options and medication review.   MonitoringEarly detection and treatment provides the most promising outcomes, Morrison says. At Senior Lifestyle, we assess these key areas with a focus on early detection and action items to reduce some of the more serious outcomes.Seniors, especially those who already have osteoporosis, are encouraged to undergo regular bone mineral density assessments. These will monitor the strength of bones and the effects of medications and other therapies.Senior Lifestyle offers trained medical professionals to assist with coordination of services with local testing and diagnostic providers, Morrison says.Healthy LivingSenior Lifestyle locations use exercise and nutrition to help residents thrive.Our specially trained staff offer assistance with pain management, encourage active movement and offer weight-bearing exercise programs, Morrison says. Staff is also available 24/7 to meet your needs.Communities offer balance classes, chair yoga, tai chi, walking clubs and water aerobics, all adapted to senior ability levels, to keep residents healthy and strong.We also partner with local therapy providers for physical and occupation orders to assist with weight-bearing regimens that are designed to promote better outcomes, Morrison says. Nutrition also factors into the holistic health plan at Senior Living communities. Meals are prepared by dedicated and specially trained staff, Morrison says, and menus are provided by a registered dietitian.Nearly one in six seniors in America faces the threat of hunger or malnourishment, dramatically raising their health risks, according to Medicare Advantage. By contrast, 71% of seniors in retirement communities surveyed by the Administration for Community Living say they eat healthier as a result of nutritional programming. Residents at Senior Lifestyle communities are served delicious meals each day, combining the joys of dining with the nutrition that experts say residents need to live a healthy life.>> Read Senior Nutrition: Healthy Meals for the ElderlyEmotional SupportBecause older adults are often beset by chronic health conditions such as osteoporosis (according to the CDC, 80% of seniors have at least one condition, and 50% have two or more), they are more at risk of depression.To offset this risk, seniors need to have connection, security and autonomy in their lives. Senior Lifestyle communities come alongside residents to provide the support they need.Daily scheduled programming in our communities includes a spiritual and emotional component to assist with disease processes across the board, Morrison says.  Learn How Senior Lifestyle Can Help You Senior Lifestyle communities can provide the medical and physical support needed by those with osteoporosis. Contact us today to find out more or to learn about a community near you.

For more information on the author Heart, Body & Mind Home Care, CLICK HERE.Most Cancer Survivors Are Over 65A cancer survivor is anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer and is living today. Because of major advances in diagnosis and screening as well as better treatment for many types of cancer, many people are living longer with cancer. As of January 2014, it is estimated that approximately 14.5 million people in the United States have a history of cancer. Of these, 64 percent were diagnosed 5 or more years earlier, and 15 percent were diagnosed 20 or more years ago. Further, because cancer tends to affect olderadults, about 60 percent of survivors are 65 or older while 20 percent are age 80 or older.Length of Survival Varies How long a person may survive after a diagnosis of cancer varies considerably by the type of cancer and the stage of diagnosis. Staging describes the extent or severity of an individuals cancer. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan a persons treatment and estimate their chance of recovery and recurrence. For example, more than 85 percent of adults with breast, prostate, and skin cancers live at least five years beyond their diagnosis. More than half of people diagnosed with leukemia, a type of blood cancer, live at least five years beyond their diagnosis. A few cancers, such as liver and pancreatic cancer, have low survival rates regardless of the stage at diagnosis. This is largely because these cancers are often diagnosed at a late stage, when treatment is less effective. Age and Health May Affect Survival A persons age, and more importantly his or her health status, when diagnosed with cancer may have an effect on their survival and recovery. Older adults are more likely to have other health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Managing these conditions can complicate treatment and affect recovery time. Also, older peoples bodies metabolize, or break down, drugs at a slower rate than younger people, and this can have an effect on the way medicines are tolerated. For instance, some older adults may not be able to tolerate high doses of chemotherapy (cancer-fighting drugs) and radiation that are used to treat cancer.Coping After Treatment Ends Many cancer survivors look forward to returning to a normal life after treatment ends. But for some this can be a stressful period. They may have questions about follow-up care, such as how often to see certain doctors. They may have concerns about how they feel and about what they can do to keep the cancer from returning. Some survivors have to learn to deal with changes to their bodies, such as scars from surgery or alterations in bowel or bladder function, and persistent effects of cancer and its treatment, such as pain or fatigue. Many survivors also must cope with the emotional effects of having cancer and potential changes in their relationships with their family and friends caused byillness. Knowing what to Expect Can Help Understanding what to expect after cancer treatment can help survivors and their families plan for follow-up care, make positive lifestyle changes, and make important health-related decisions.Fort Myers Home Health Care Heart Body & Mind Home Care is committed to the principle that it takes more than just effort to provide care to another human being it takes heart. Our hearts are in all that we do. If you are interested in learning more about our compassionate home care and wellness services in Southwest Florida, click the link above.