Florida - Southwest

When it comes to independent senior living, Amavida in Fort Myers offers a lifestyle that is anything but ordinary. Designed for active seniors who seek adventure, engagement, and relaxation, Amavida provides a variety of amenities to ensure residents thrive in a vibrant community. Heres an in-depth look at what makes Amavida stand out.As a Resident of Amavida, Youll Never Be Bored!Amavida is not just a place to liveits a place to flourish. From exciting activities to top-notch fitness facilities, every aspect of life here is tailored to meet your needs and preferences. Whether youre looking for social opportunities, hobbies to explore, or fitness goals to achieve, Amavida has it all.Independent Living Amenities at AmavidaActivitiesStaying active is easy with an array of engaging opportunities, including:Bocce ball, tennis, pickleball, basketball, and a gold putting courseOutdoor pursuits like canoeing, bicycle riding, nature walks, and fishingEntertainment options such as live music, dancing, movie nights, trivia, and lecturesCreative outlets in a fully equipped arts studio with guided arts & crafts, open art sessions, and instructor-led classesSocial and recreational activities like bingo, bridge, poker, and gamesOpportunities for enrichment with worship services, book clubs, and support groupsClubs, Committees, and Social EngagementsGet involved with a welcoming and inclusive community through:The Welcome Committee, Volunteer Committee, and Lifestyle CommitteeSpecial interest groups like the Train Club, Theater Club, and Art ClubBible study, the Amavida Chorale, and the Low Vision Support GroupA bustling calendar of guided events and gatherings designed for residentsFitness and WellnessAmavidas fitness facilities cater to all levels of activity, offering:A full fitness center with state-of-the-art equipmentBocce ball, pickleball, tennis, and basketball courtsInstructor-led classes including yoga, water aerobics, circuit training, balance & agility, and seated exercisesOn-site physical and speech therapy for tailored rehabilitationA focus on holistic wellness with activities designed to boost physical and mental healthLive the Life You Deserve at AmavidaAt Amavida, independent senior living means having access to everything you need to lead a fulfilling, active, and enriched life. Whether youre looking to connect with others, develop a new hobby, or maintain a healthy lifestyle, Amavida has the amenities and opportunities to make it happen.Experience the vibrant, resort-style living that sets Amavida apart. Schedule a visit today to see for yourself why so many seniors are proud to call Amavida home.Enhance your lifestyle with Amavidaa community that celebrates independence, fosters connections, and offers endless possibilities!

For More Information on ManorCare Nursing & Rehab of Naples, CLICK HERE!According to the American Lung Association, the average adult takes 15 to 20 breaths a minute or in a given day over 20,000 breaths. The important respiratory system is made up of our nose, throat, trachea and lungs.We may take our lungs for granted until we have an acute episode like a cold or allergy that impairs our ability to breathe and perform routine day to day activities. The respiratory system can also be compromised due to chronic conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or acute, severe conditions like pneumonia.With COPD, one of the common symptoms is shortness of breath during activities due to the restriction of air flow during inhaling or exhaling. Therefore, many individuals with COPD have what can appear to be an intolerance to exercise.There are many reasons for an individual with COPD to engage in exercise and activities that are physically challenging. Exercise or physical activities help improve the efficiency of oxygen use and overall endurance. Exercise can also enhance muscle strength, balance and overall flexibility. As exercise improves the ability to perform activities, the symptom of shortness of breath lessens.Always consult your health care professional before engaging in new exercises or starting an exercise program in general. Anyone with lung disease needs to consider the type, amount, and frequency of exercise. Additionally, stretching, cardiovascular and strengthening exercises should be incorporated into the regime. Lastly, make sure the activities you chose are interesting, pleasurable and provide personal gratification.A warm-up type of exercise is important to prepare the heart and lungs for the conditioning phase of exercise. Warmup exercises can include stretching, range of motion exercises and low intensity exercises. This portion of an exercise routine slowly increases the breathing demands and circulation levels (heart rate).The aerobic conditioning(or cardiovascular) portion of an exercise program can include riding a recumbent or upright stationary bicycle and using a treadmill or walking on a level. During this phase of the exercise, it is important to measure your intensity of activity through measuring heart rate or exertion levels using the Rate of Perceived Exertion Scale (RPE). The RPE Scale is an easy to use tool for personal use to assess the intensity of your workout or any activity. It is a 0 to 10 scale with 0 being (Nothing at all) to 10 being (very, very heavy work). For people with lung conditions, exercising at this phase at a 3 to 4 level is often determined safe and effective.Strengthening exercises especially upper body exercises can be very helpful for people with COPD. A good measure of strength and endurance of the upper and lower body can be accomplished by performing a 30 second arm curl test and a 30 second chair stand test. These tests can be performed by an exercise professional or rehabilitation professional. Each test provides a baseline for strength and endurance and provides normative data for ages 60 to 94 (male and female). Strengthening exercise equipment can be accessed at a local fitness center or can be acquired at a sporting goods store (hand weights, cuff/ankle weights or exercise bands).Cooling down after exercise is just as important as warming up prior to conditioning or strengthening. Slowly decreasing the intensity of the exercises and engaging in range of motion or stretching exercises will allow your heart rate, respiration rate and blood pressure to return to resting (pre-exercise) levels.A few additional considerations for exercising for greater lung health include the frequency and duration of exercise. An initial exercise program can be started every other day and the exercise session should last for at least 20 to 30 minutes. The activity level can then gradually increase. One other important factor is to find an exercise activity that is pleasurable. Consider your personal characteristics: Is socialization important? Do you enjoy structure or self-led activities? Do you like sports or physically demanding leisure activities?Your pattern of breathing is also important to consider during exercise. Pursed lip breathing techniques can be used during exercise and other activities of daily living and mobility activities. Pursed-lip breathing technique is when one breathes through the nose with mouth closed then slowly breathes out through pursed partially opened lips. The inhalation phase takes approximately2 seconds and the exhalation phase is a bit longer about 4 seconds. Exercising while using the pursed-lip breathing technique helps to reduce symptoms of shortness of breath.Exercise to maintain and improve lung health can help an individual with COPD or other lung conditions live a productive and active life. As with any exercise program, consult your physician for guidance on the type and amount of exercise. You can request that your physician refer you to an exercise or rehabilitation professional familiar with pulmonary conditions. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs may be available at your local hospital.

While being a professional caregiver in Cape Coral is a highly gratifying and noble experience, the job can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Over time, the challenges associated with caring for others may lead to caregiver stress or even caregiver burnout, which can negatively impact the quality of care provided. Read on to learn more about caregiver stress and burnout, as well as self-care tips and strategies caregivers can use to maintain their health and well-being even on the most challenging days.What Causes Caregiver Stress and Burnout?When youre a caregiver, the constant demands of the job can cause physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. While providing daily care and support to others, caregivers must often tackle numerous tasks while dealing with stressful situations in their professional and personal lives. As pressure builds and responsibilities pile up, even the most seasoned caregivers must find healthy ways to decompress.When compared to other occupations, professional caregivers are more likely to experience burnout for these reasons:Emotional and Physical DemandsBecause youre often assisting ill, disabled, or elderly individuals, caregiving sometimes evokes negative emotions, such as grief, anger, and frustration. Additionally, the physical demands of providing care, including lifting, mobility assistance, and transfers, coupled with performing the same activities and tasks day after day, can take a toll on a caregivers body.Inadequate SupportCaregivers need a strong support network of family, friends, and peers to help them cope with the demands of their job. When that support isnt available, a caregivers mental health and well-being begin to suffer.Personal SacrificesCaregivers are compassionate human beings, often putting their own needs on the back burner while prioritizing the needs of others. While thats an admirable trait, this selfless approach can lead to neglecting ones own physical and emotional health, making a caregiver feel trapped and overwhelmed.The Signs and Symptoms of Caregiver BurnoutCaregivers who get burned out may exhibit these behaviors as a result:Chronic fatigue and exhaustionFeeling sad, depressed, or anxiousIrritability and mood swingsLack of interest in activities once enjoyedDifficulty sleeping or insomniaDrastic changes in appetite or weightIncreased likelihood for physical health problemsNeglecting personal hygieneSocial withdrawal and isolationWhen allowed to persist, caregiver burnout can impact a caregivers health and well-being and interfere with their ability to provide quality care.Self-Care Tips for Professional Caregivers in Cape CoralThankfully, by prioritizing self-care and finding healthy ways to decompress, caregivers can continue delivering the top-notch care their clients deserve. Heres what to include in your stress management strategy:Pamper YourselfTake time for yourself, even if its only a few minutes each day. Engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as reading, listening to music, practicing mindfulness, meditating, or pursuing a hobby.Build a Support SystemDont hesitate to reach out to others for help and support, starting with friends and relatives. Connect with fellow caregivers who understand the challenges you face through a support group or seek professional counseling to process your emotions and gain valuable coping strategies.Set Healthy BoundariesCaregivers must maintain healthy boundaries to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Learn to say no when necessary and delegate tasks to others whenever possible. Communicate your needs and limitations to family, friends, and colleagues so they can better support you.Take BreaksSchedule regular breaks throughout the day to recharge, as allocating even a few minutes of me time can significantly reduce stress levels. Use this time to engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as deep breathing exercises or stretching.Exercise RegularlyRegular exercise provides numerous physical and mental health benefits. Find an activity you enjoy, such as walking, biking, or Yoga, and incorporate it into your weekly routine. Exercising for at least 20 minutes several times a week can help reduce stress, increase energy levels, and improve mood.Practice Stress Reduction TechniquesExplore various stress reduction techniques, including deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery. Once youve mastered them, these techniques can help calm the mind and promote relaxation, even during challenging situations.Make Healthy Lifestyle ChoicesEating a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, not smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption are essential for maintaining good mental and physical health. These lifestyle choices can significantly impact your ability to cope with stress.In conclusion, caregivers must recognize the signs of stress and burnout and take proactive steps to prioritize self-care. Implementing these self-care tips allows caregivers to mitigate the effects of stress, maintain good mental and physical health, and continue to provide compassionate care to those in need. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish but necessary for your well-being and the well-being of those under your care.Home Care: The Employment Cure for Caregiver StressWorking in an institutional setting like a hospital often means dealing with long hours, difficult patients, and strict routines, all of which can elevate a caregivers stress level to the breaking point. More and more caregivers every day are turning to home care as a viable employment alternative for reasons that include:Job FlexibilityOne of the primary advantages of working in home care is the scheduling flexibility it offers. Unlike traditional care facilities, in-home caregivers have more control over their schedules and daily routines. Caregivers can choose the number of hours they work, as well as days and times that best suit their lifestyles. This job flexibility allows them to efficiently manage their personal and professional lives, resulting in a healthier work-life balance.Personalized Care ApproachIn addition to job flexibility, another positive of home care is the one-on-one nature of the work involved. In-home caregivers often care for only one or two clients at a time, allowing them to develop a deep and meaningful connection. In addition to enhancing the quality of care provided, this personalized care approach also helps reduce caregiver stress. Caregivers can focus solely on the needs of their clients with minimal distractions, creating a more relaxed and peaceful working environment.Comfort and FamiliarityIn-home caregivers perform their duties in the same setting visit after visit the clients private residence. Being in a familiar and comfortable environment can significantly reduce stress for the caregiver and the client. In-home caregivers dont have to deal with the challenges of a care facility, including noise, crowded hallways, or strict routines. Instead, they can create a customized care plan that suits the clients individual needs and preferences, factors that help caregivers feel less stressed and more fulfilled.Meaningful RelationshipsIn-home caregivers often work closely with the same clients and families for months or even years. This intimate collaboration can provide a strong support system for the caregiver, reducing stress levels. Between visits, family caregivers can often share responsibilities and provide emotional support. This teamwork and camaraderie allow professional caregivers to feel valued and appreciated, boosting their morale and reducing the risk of burnout.Is Caregiver Stress Bringing You Down? Lets Have a Conversation.Preventing caregiver burnout and prioritizing self-care can be challenging when you feel overwhelmed and underappreciated. When its time for a change, contact Home Instead in Cape Coral. At Home Instead Cape Coral, we realize that our caregivers are the lifeblood of our organization. Due to our expanding client load, we are currently seeking qualified candidates to fill several exciting caregiving positions.While proudly serving the Cape Coral, Alva, Boca Grande, Bokeelia, Burnt Store Marina, Matlacha, and North Captiva Island communities, we support clients and families with compassionate home care services, including Alzheimers and Dementia Care, Arthritis Care, Companionship Care, Diabetes Care, Elder Care, Home Helper Services, Hospice Care, Meals and Nutrition, Personal Care, Respite Care, 24-Hour Home Care, and Transportation.As a highly valued member of the Home Instead Cape Coral team, youll enjoy a fast-paced, positive work environment where open communication is valued and hard work is rewarded. We also offer competitive pay, flexible scheduling, ongoing caregiver skills training, and career advancement opportunities galore. No matter your experience level or education, wed love to hear from you! To learn more about our dynamic home care careers, please visit us today at www.homeinsteadswfl.com.

There comes a point with aging when it becomes increasingly difficult to complete normal and important daily tasks on our own. People with Alzheimers or dementia usually need support to manage their daily routines, activities, and tasks, but needing help to complete daily activities isnt limited to seniors with cognitive impairment. It is very common that as we begin to age, we begin to develop a range of issues that might make it difficult for us to complete our activities of daily living, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, broken bones, arthritis, general loss of muscle tone and balance, vision and hearing loss, and medication side effects, among many others.What are activities of daily living, and what can we do to make sure these daily tasks that serve as early warning signs don't get overlooked?What are ADLs and IADLs?Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are the technical terms for the vital daily tasks and activities that we need to complete on a daily or weekly basis to live a healthy and fulfilled life. A healthy and independent adult should be able to complete the full range of activities in both of these categories. Once limitations begin to appear, and ADLs or IADLs begin to be neglected, long-term care becomes a viable option for providing help to complete the tasks.Activities of Daily Living are the six essential skills that are needed to manage basic physical needs. These six essential skills include:Bathing: Maintaining good bathing and personal hygiene habits ensures that individuals feel relaxed, refreshed, healthy, and positive about their appearance. Bathing and personal hygiene are a vital part of a daily routine and are the first activity that should be looked at when assessing if a loved one is capable of providing care for themselves. If their hygiene or bathing habits begin to be neglected, an in-home care providers can assist with getting in and out of the shower or tub, help with physically bathing, washing, cleaning, toweling, and preparing to leave the bathroom.Toileting: Being able to use the bathroom independently is obviously an important daily task, one that will show if an individual is capable of living independently. Bathrooms can be dangerous and difficult to navigate as we begin to age, so if your loved one begins to be nervous to go to the bathroom alone, has to go extremely frequently, or has difficulty physically getting on and off the toilet, an in-home caregiver might be the best choice to assist them.Continence: To maintain day-to-day normalcy and independence an individual should be able to control their bowels and bladder fully. This can often be an embarrassing and difficult subject to speak about, but it is important that it is addressed. The underlying causes of incontinence can sometimes be reversed if the discussion is broached honestly and early.Feeding Yourself: This is mostly an issue for those suffering from diseases like Alzheimers and Dementia, where seniors can have trouble remembering to eat at all. Severe issues can also cause severe shaking or degraded hand-eye coordination that self-feeding can become nearly impossible. In these cases, an in-home care professional can assist with feeding an individual in need of care. Even if an individual doesn't require hands-on feeding, an in-home caregiver can also be helpful for preparing healthy, nutritious, and regular meals.Dressing: Dressing isnt limited to just getting clothes on, it also means dressing appropriately for day-to-day activities. Independent seniors should be able to differentiate between what should be worn for different weather patterns, as it could be dangerous to go outside under or over-dressed. Adults should be able to handle fasteners, buttons, etc on their clothes without assistance to consider this skill as a pass.Mobility: Functional senior mobility doesnt necessarily mean running a marathon or going outside to shoot the basketball around. You should be able to get yourself out of bed in the morning and start your day without any major physical setbacks. Essentially, as long as you can move around your house without direct assistance, this skill is a pass overall.Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are more complex actions that involve important parts of day-to-day living. Examples of a few major ones include:Meal Preparation: Even before physically cooking a meal, the knowledge of how it is done and recalling recipes come into play. For seniors suffering from early-stage Alzheimers or Dementia, this hurdle alone may be too much to get over. Physically, you must be able to make measurements, handle hot stoves, reach into cabinets, and lift potentially heavy ingredient bags.  You must also be mentally healthy enough to remember recipes and plan out nutritious and healthy meals for the day or week. What this skill boils down to is whether or not you can cook healthy food consistently enough to maintain a balanced diet.Housekeeping: Senior homes that are neglected for long periods of time quickly become extremely dangerous to live in. Eventually, simply walking around can become a serious hazard if you arent capable of simple housekeeping and cleanup. Hundreds of thousands of seniors are injured annually in falls, and illnesses that result from those falls can often be fatal. If you are unable to maintain a well-kept home, an in-home care professional to help with cleaning and maintaining the home is the best course of action.Transportation: Both mobility and challenges with short-term memory can make transportation a challenge for seniors. Being able to get around outside the home to buy groceries, go to the doctor, and visit family and friends are all extremely important factors in a seniors continuing health, and they all depend on having access to safe transportation. In-home care professionals can assist you with traveling in your car, securing your trip, and making sure you get to your destination and back home safely.Why are ADLs and IADLs Relevant?Most doctors agree that if a person declines enough (either cognitively or physically) that they can no longer perform an ADL or IADL on their own, this should be taken seriously. It is very common that once one skill is failed the others will soon follow, unless the cause of the issue is addressed quickly. ADLs represent the first warnings of potentially serious issues and should never be ignored.It is important to check in with your aging loved ones regularly to assess their condition. If you begin to notice any of the vital tasks (IADLs and ADLs) that are starting to be neglected, it is time to have a discussion about in-home care. Securing in-home care from a trusted provider is the best way to ensure that the quality of life or safety of your loved one does not decline in conjunction with the loss of these day-to-day skills.American In-Home Care and our sister companies Advocate, Douglas, and Whitsyms always refer qualified, and screened care providers for home health care in Tampa and surrounding areas that are compassionate and ready to help assist with activities of daily living. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.