Amira Choice Naples

As we age, it's normal for our bodies to lose some flexibility, but that doesn't mean you should resign to living with aches, pains, and declining mobility. Regular stretching can help loosen muscles, relax joints, and reduce pain. The best part is, you don't need to go to the gym to start a stretching routine. Here are three easy stretches you can do every day from the comfort of your home.Seated Shoulder StretchThis simple shoulder stretch helps loosen the shoulder joint. It can help alleviate pain or stiffness in the neck and shoulder regions. Start by sitting up as straight as you can in a chair. Reach your right arm across your body until you feel a stretch. Then, use your left hand to push your right arm closer to your chest gently. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then repeat with your other arm.Neck StretchIf you've ever woken up with a kink in your neck, you know that neck pain can get in the way of driving, socializing, and spending time doing the hobbies you love. This stretch is a quick and easy way to get some relief. Sit or stand straight with both feet firmly planted on the floor. Tilt your head to the left as far as you can without discomfort. Then, reach over your head with your left arm and pull your head towards your left shoulder. Hold for 30 seconds before repeating on the other side.Hamstring StretchStretching your hamstrings can help maintain mobility and flexibility in you hips. it's one of the best stretches you can do to help improve your posture and reduce your risk of injury during physical activity. Sit down in a chair and rest your heal on the floor in front of you. Slowly lean forward from your hips until you feel a stretch. Make sure you don't round your back during this exercise. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then repeat with the other let.With just three easy stretches, you can lower your risk of injury and help keep your body limber, flexible, and mobile. For more senior health and wellness tips, or to learn more about life at Amira Choice, visit us at AmiraChoice.com.

If you're 65 or older, you're more susceptible to health problems that can come with hot weather. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are various reasons why seniors don't adjust as well as younger people to changes in temperature. For instance, various health issues and prescription medications can impact the body's ability to regulate heat. As a senior, you'll have to be more conscious than others about staying cool, especially in the hot summer months. Here are three tips for regulating body temperature:Keep Your Environment CoolThe best way to regulate your temperature is to stay in a cool, comfortable area. That's easier with indoor air conditioning, but you'll want to take additional steps like not using your oven or stove to keep your room cooler. Don't be a "hero" and try to suffer through without turning on the A/C - it's healthier to maintain a consistent temperature in your space. Fans can't provide this consistency and won't prevent heat-related health conditions on days with 90-degree-plus temperatures. Don't have A/C or it doesn't seem to be working? Visit the library, a retail store, a restaurant, or other public spot to keep your cool.Drink Plenty of FluidsBy the time you feel thirsty, you're already on your way to dehydration. Sip water or a water-based, non-alcoholic drink throughout the day. Try to avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks as they may even make dehydration worse. If you're taking a medication that has a diuretic effect, be sure to consult with a medical professional to establish a baseline amount to drink. You may need more than you think.Dress Right for the WeatherLightweight and loose-fitting clothing can keep you cooler than fabrics that are heavy or tight. A natural material like cotton or linen can help your body stay cooler than synthetic fabrics will allow. If you're not sure how warm temperatures will get, or if the day is initially cool, dress in easy-to-remove layers. And if you'll be outside, don't forget to regularly apply a high-SPF sunscreen. By preventing burns that can keep your skin feeling hot, you'll stay cooler and reduce your risk of skin cancer.At Amira Choice, apartments in independent living, assisted living and memory care help you stay comfortable regardless of the conditions outside. For more information about our communities, contact us.

Studio apartments are most often linked to kid-free young adults. But there is another generation that is now choosing (or perhaps struggling to choose) whether a studio apartment is right for them. You may find yourself asking, 'Why would I want to downsize that much and live in a studio apartment?' Actually, there are quite a few good reasons:The BenefitsMany seniors are not able to maintain, and afford larger units for an extended period of time. Studio senior apartments are much more affordable and can help you extend your private pay finances should you need financial assistance down the road. The main benefit of studio apartments for seniors is reducing the amount of stuff youre taking care of. In senior living communities like Amira Choice, there is no yard to maintain and maintenance is handled by us.Additional benefits include greater access to transportation, visiting health providers, more opportunities for socializing, and lower overall housing costs.Decreasing Space, Increasing LifeOur different community locations and lack of things to deal with provide many residents a high quality of life. Weve had new residents express that they love that they can have great meals (that they get served and dont have to cook) and have great outdoor spaces, many activities to do if they choose and the peace of mind of care if and when they need it. They are all great places to live, no matter how much space you have.What is important to you?That is one of the first questions that youll hear from us. Usually the answers are safety, quality care, and quality living. Then, after we have the conversation of whats important and you see the studio apartment, youll have a moment of shock. Yes, its small. But think back to why you or your loved one needs a senior community (falls, isolation, not eating right, needed care), none of those reasons involved having a large apartment. Plus, youll have the whole community as your home (thats more than the home you moved from likely.) With less stuff at home to deal with, more focus can be put toward living a better quality of life.We understand that making the decision to move yourself or moving a loved one into a senior living community and also a studio apartment is hard. Thats why were here. To help support you, guide you and let you know that its okay. Its okay to be scared and its okay to let go of the guilt. From our experience, for some seniors, too big is too much. Too much walking, which increases risk of falls. Too much to maintain and they just dont need space anymore. They need love, they need care, they need an engaging community of peers around them - all of which you can find at Amira Choice.Here are a few more Ways to Live Well in Studio Apartment1.)Pick a color scheme and get some fun art2.)Get creative with shelving3.)Use a decorative divider4.)Get a comfy twin size bed with fun, new linen that matches color scheme5.)Use curtains to define your space6.)Make use of every corner7.)Wall shelves, wall shelves, wall shelves8.)Double duty furniture (ex: ottoman that doubles as storage)9.)Pinterest is your friend 10.)Get the floorplan with dimensions and outline what is necessary to bring with and what you can pass along to family

Whats the key to aging well? Its just one factor of many, but engaging with spirituality and religion consistently improves quality of life for seniors, leading to several positive effects. At Amira Choice, strongly believe in the value of spiritual support. With that in mind, here are five benefits to embracing spirituality later in life.PurposeAs we age, transitioning out of our careers and moving past the years when were most needed as parents, it becomes extremely important to find new ways of engaging, exploring, and encouraging others. Research is showing that spirituality can play a part in helping seniors with healthy, positive aging by providing a sense of structure and understanding for our lives. Connecting to something larger than ourselves, serving others, and thinking beyond our own situation can truly improve the quality of our days.CommunitySeniors with spiritual support gain access to the rich community that characterizes faith groups. Pursuing connections and investing in relationships, new and old, makes every day worth celebrating. By attending worship services, joining book or Bible studies, and sharing open conversations with other members of our faith, we form and strengthen relationships that enhance our lives and when a senior living community supports and encourages religious involvement, the social benefits spread throughout the community.HopeSeeing challenges arise in our life and the lives of the people we love can be difficult to manage. How we handle those challenges, and maintain a sense of hope in the face of them, has big implications for our health in later years. Spirituality and religion can provide a strong support, lifting our spirits when we need it most. Connecting to faith gives seniors a mental boost to cope with illness and loss and helps them maintain the positivity that leads to recovery and new beginnings.BrainpowerKeeping our brains active and engaged as we age is hugely important, and spirituality provides a jolt to our brainpower. Studies have shown that practicing religion helps to slow cognitive decline, and for seniors living with dementia and other forms of memory loss, it can help reduce or stabilize cognitive disorders. Improving our mental capacity means improving every aspect of our life, from our health to our relationships and our daily activities.HealthAlong with increasing brain function and offering an outlet for personal connection, religion and spirituality provide real psychological benefits that help improve health outcomes overall. Seniors who rely on faith enjoy a more positive and hopeful attitude about life and illness, which actually predicts better health outcomes. They are less likely to develop depression and anxiety, and because of their renewed sense of purpose, they tend to have healthier habits and relationships. In short, belief, positivity, and hope lead to tangible improvements in our health and wellness.At Amira Choice, our faith-based programming is ecumenically diverse, and were blessed to have residents and staff from a variety of religious traditions. Visit the Amira Choice community near you and ask about the spiritual programing we provide transportation to, or offer in-house.

Finding a living environment that offers security, comfort, and friendship becomes more crucial as we age. When its time for you or a loved one to go from living at home to a more supportive atmosphere, there are many choices. Knowing where to begin can be challenging given the abundance of different possibilities. When contemplating a senior living community, keep these three points in mind.Level of CareNot all senior living facilities offer the same levels of care. Some are geared toward seniors who are active and independent, only offering services like home maintenance, activities and dining. Others provide a variety of services, such as specialized memory care and round-the-clock nursing care. It's crucial to evaluate your present and future needs before choosing a senior living community. Do you still consider yourself to be very independent but feel that you might use some help with your daily tasks? Do you have a chronic illness that necessitates ongoing medical care? Think about the level of care you need now and any potential future demands.AmenitiesThe amenities that senior living homes provide vary greatly. Some facilities might have swimming pools, fitness centers, and even movie theaters, while some might only have a basic dining hall and sitting area. Think about the amenities you value most. Do you take pleasure in being social and active? Find a community with a variety of events and activities. If you love to read, a community with a full library is something to look for. Do you like to spend time outside? Find a community that has gardens and walking routes.LocationWhen selecting a senior living community, location is also crucial. While some people might want to stay close to their existing residence, others might want to relocate near their relatives or to different climates. Take into account your location priorities. Do you wish to be close to attractions for culture and entertainment? Do you prefer living in a suburban or rural area? Do you wish to be close to a hospital? To help you with your search, make a list of your priorities.It's critical to evaluate your degree of care requirements, think about the amenities that are significant to you, and pick a senior living community that complements your lifestyle. You may choose a senior living community that fulfills your needs and promotes your well-being by taking the time to carefully examine what you want in a living arrangement and thoroughly investigate your possibilities. At Amira Choice, we believe in creating environments for vibrant senior living. Contact us today to find out what we can offer you or the senior in your life.

If presents are what you are after, there are some nice ideas out there check out the Alzheimers Store.This article, however, focuses on the gift of your presence. Is there anything better than fully being with another person, in a relaxed, fun, comfortable way? How can we give more of that to our loved ones who are living with dementia? 1. We can step out of our comfort zone a tad to communicate more effectively. We may simply need to be a bit louder, to utilize more gestures and to add a little more energy and expression into our words and our tone of voice.2. We can avoid arguing with the person about their view of reality. (If you have ever won an argument with a person who is living with dementia, well, thats a first!) We can practice recognizing and acknowledging whatever emotions the person is expressing. I think of this as crossing to their side of the street, looking around, and reporting on what we see. I get it, Mom. Of course, youre angry. I would be too.3. Sometimes a simple apology is validating. Im so sorry, Dad. I can see Ive upset you. Validation opens up some space. In that space, you can then change the subject to something else that is meaningful to the person. I always feel better after a walk. Lets stretch our legs and find a cup of coffee.4. If the person is not averse to being touched, we can use gentle touch to connect, reassure, and to express affection. As dementia progresses, the person may crave good, solid, sincere, gentle touch, as opposed to a cursory pat on the back or a brief hug. Might the person enjoy a little longer hug or a touch on the upper arm that lingers? If you have a parent living with dementia who gave you nurturing, gentle touches as a child, consider whether giving those same kinds of touches back to your parent now might be a comfort. Its possible that they got those same sorts of touches from a beloved parent!5. Think out of the box to try new ways of communicating and spending time together, whether your visits are in person or virtual. Especially if conversation is becoming more of a struggle as dementia progresses, try keeping conversation to a minimum in favor of doing things together:Sing your persons favorite song(s)?Read and discuss favorite holiday recipes?Read a short poem out loud. Perhaps something the person has memorized which is still intact in that long-term memory.Remind them of a favorite or funny holiday memory?Even virtually, if it can be arranged for you both to have an adult coloring book and some crayons or colored pencils at the ready, you could color together.If each of you have a cup of tea or coffee nearby, you can toast one another.Play peaceful holiday music, listen together, and breathe deep.Move to the music. Movement is critical in preventing falls and in keeping our brains working well. Whatever limitations we may have, we must keep moving whatever we can still move! Invite your loved one to move with you: circle your wrists, roll your shoulders, reach up or out or down, touch each finger one at a time to the thumb, march in place and/or do whatever other movements may conform to both your abilities.If visiting virtually and your session is just about over, how about saying goodbye by kissing the screen? I bet they will get a kick out of your big lips!It's not likely every idea here will be an ideal fit for you and your loved one, but hopefully this grab bag will inspire you to explore what will work for you both, so that you can more successfully share YOU, your PRESENCE with them, during this holiday time and beyond!

It is no secret how critical MOVEMENT is for human beings. But when we think about our role as a caregiver, and all the tasks that need to be completed, we often move exercise to the bottom of the list (for both the caregiver and the person receiving care). However, movement, or exercise, doesn't need to be an additional task that you do -- consider the possibility of incorporating more movement into the daily routine of the person you are caring for. This will be good for YOUR brain and body as well!How much movement do you and the person you care for get? If you are at all worried about the state of your own brain, right now or in the future, making regular exercise a part of your life can help. Even simply going for a brisk walk (the more often and regularly, the better) can make a difference. If you are caring for someone in your home, this might feel like an impossible thing to find time for. I urge you to think about anyone who has ever said to you, Let me know what I can do to help. Perhaps some of those folks could come and be with your family member while you get your walk in. If you need further convincing on the protective benefits of exercise for your brain, please see Dr. Sanjay Guptas book, Keep Sharp, for more on this topic, as well as more on stacking your personal deck towards preventing dementia.What CAN the person who you care about do, movement wise? That is going to generate a different answer from each and every one of you.It is always recommended to consult with a doctor, physical therapist or in some cases a trusted personal trainer to determine what sorts of exercise are absolutely safe for you, and /or for the person you care for. Many doctors are offering virtual consultations these days, which might make this more convenient for you.Whatever the person living with dementia CAN already do, start there, and do more of it. To prevent falls, exercise should be available daily for people living with dementia. That should include strength and balance exercises, adapted as needed to the abilities of the individual of course. Can the person you care for stand up on their own, then sit back down again, even once? If they can do it once, even if they have to lean on a walker to get up, try for twice. If they have the opportunity to practice this every day, they WILL get stronger. Mobility skills CAN be changed.There are many other ways to get people to move, and you dont even have to call it exercise In fact, you might want to avoid that word like the plague! Lets say the person is in a wheelchair and cannot stand up. Can they still catch a ball? Bat a balloon? Put on some music, call it Chair Dancing, and have them follow your lead. Reach for the sky! Twist at the waist! Circle your shoulders! Circle your wrists! Touch each finger to the thumb!That old adage, use it or lose it really does apply here.If a person uses a walker but actually CAN walk a few steps on their own safely, could they possibly park the walker a couple steps away from the dining room table and walk the rest of the way, with you at their side if necessary? Walking a few steps, a couple times a day might lead to being able to walk an additional step a day on their own after a couple of weeks, and perhaps more, the more it is practiced. Again, its wise to check with medical professionals on what I going to be safe for whoever you care for.From a seated position, there are many ways to utilize movement for engagement. Here are three ideas:If the person enjoys classical movement, put on something lively (one of Bachs Brandenburg Concertos might be fun) and you can both practice your conducting skills as you listen. That might feel like a decent workout if you keep it up throughout the piece! Do take breaks as needed or trade off the conducting job!If sports interest the person more than music, how about asking the person to show you what movements go with, saybasketball? Or, you might do the motion and say, Guess what sport Im pretending to play? There are plenty of sports out there to work with.If the person enjoys poetry or Shakespeare, take a favorite poem or quote and together make up gestures that would go along with each line or idea of the poem. Joyce Kilmers famous poem, Trees, works well for this:I think that I will never see (Whats a gesture for I think?)A poem lovely as a tree (Whats a gesture that could represent a tree?)Or, from Romeo and Juliet: My bounty is as boundless as the sea (Show me with your arms how the sea moves!) My love as deep. (What can we do for the word deep?) The more I give to thee (How might we show giving?)the more I have (How could we show having?) for both are infinite. (Show me a gesture that means infinite!)Movement helps our spirits. Even if we are only moving in our chair, it can give us a sense of stirring things up, changing the air around us, maybe even changing our mood! Movement helps us get out of stuck emotional places. So, keep moving, in whatever ways we can!To learn how we keep residents at Amira Choice active and engaged, contact us!