American In-Home Care

While there is much to celebrate in aging, it also brings with it several challenges. For some older adults, the changes that come with aging can bring about anxiety. While anxiety is a regular part of life and a common feeling in a variety of situations, if the anxiety gets to a point where it feels overwhelming and interferes with day-to-day life, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders in older adults are a mental health issue that frequently goes undiagnosed.Anxiety Disorder SymptomsBecause mental health is as important as physical health for older adults, the Florida care experts at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care know the importance of whole person care. To follow are some of the common symptoms of anxiety disorders:Obsessive thoughtsRestlessnessNightmaresInsomniaTrouble with memory and focusRefusal to participate in routine activitiesOverwhelming feelings of panic, fear, and/or apprehensionRepetitive/ritualistic behaviors (i.e.: repeated handwashing)Reactions that are disproportional to the triggering fearIn addition to these symptoms, a variety of physical signs may accompany anxiety disorders, such as:Sweaty or cold handsHeart palpitations or racing heartHeadachesShortness of breathFrequent urinationTense musclesTremblingDry mouthExcessive sweatingHot flashesNauseaBecause these symptoms can interfere with enjoying and participating in daily life, it is important for older adults to see a doctor. Anxiety disorders are chronic health conditions that cannot be willed away. Whats more, anxiety can have a serious impact on an older adults physical health.Common Anxiety Disorders in Older AdultsGeneralized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Generalized anxiety disorder is the most common anxiety disorder in older adults. Seniors with GAD worry about a variety of things and constantly feel on edge and in a high state of alert. They fear the worst in most every situation, even if the fear is unlikely. Older adults with GAD often recognize that their nervousness is excessive, but they are unable to gain control over their emotions. GAD affects both women and men but is more common in women.Social Anxiety Disorder: Older adults with social anxiety disorder feel extremely self-conscious and nervous in day-to-day situations with people. It is common for older adults with this form of anxiety to fear judgment from others and to be overly concerned that they will do something to embarrass themselves. Social anxiety disorder may cause seniors to avoid social situations and it is often hard for them to make and maintain friendships.Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Older adults with OCD have recurring thoughts or compulsions. They may feel that performing a specific action in the same way each time provides a sense of control.Treatment Options for Older Adults with AnxietyAnxiety is considered a chronic health condition that requires medical treatment, just like high blood pressure. Anxiety is not something that should make an older adult should feel ashamed. The two most common approaches to treat anxiety, which are frequently done in conjunction with one another, are:Talk therapy. Talk therapy or counseling is a series of one-on-one meetings with a counselor or therapist. Therapy sessions often take place weekly and help the older adult discuss his or her feelings with a trained individual who can offer strategies to manage anxiety.Prescription medications. Medications prescribed by a doctor can help alleviate feelings of nervousness or panic in older adults so that they can patriciate and engage in life to the fullest.Expert Help in the Comfort of HomeThe compassionate referred care providers at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care can help older adults with anxiety disorders in a variety of ways, from providing transportation to medical and therapy appointments to offering consistent, friendly companionship and socialization opportunities, and everything in between.To help ensure the physical and mental health of an older adult you love, contact the office nearest you to discover all the ways in-home care services help older Floridians thrive.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

September is Healthy Aging Month, an awareness campaign designed to bring attention to the many positive aspects of growing older. While growing older does have many benefits, its important for older adults to take charge of their overall mental and physical health and wellness. Making healthy aging a priority, rather than an afterthought, helps older adults remain active and independent.To help ensure that older adults prioritize healthy aging, the Florida care experts at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care share these 10 tips:1. Prioritize fall prevention. Incorporating exercises that focus on balance and strength are critical for reducing the chances of a fall. Each year, older adult falls result in a variety of medical emergencies, but with a focus on exercises that build leg strength and balance, the risk of falls can be significantly reduced.2. Walk more. Regular walking helps older adults stay active and mobile. Whether walking to the store, at a local mall, around the block or at a nearby park, walking is something that can be done almost anywhere. Walking is a great form of exercise that is easy on the joints, strengthens muscles, increases flexibility, and provides a number of mental and physical health benefits. Figure out the average number of steps taken per day by using a smartphone or activity bracelet and then make a commitment to increase this number a little bit each day.3. Socialize. Maintaining friendships and connections throughout aging helps maintain mental and physical health. Scheduling a regular lunch with friends, volunteering at a local non-profit, participating in a book club at the library, or inviting family over for dinner are just a few examples of the ways in which older adults can maintain connections to people and their community, and to bring purpose to life.4. Vaccinate. There are a number of vaccines physicians recommend for adults 65 years and older. They include: an annual flu shot; pneumonia; shingles; COVID-19; and Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap). Speak with a physician to discuss individual medical history and for recommendations on vaccinations.5. Request a medication review. Schedule an appointment with a physician for a medication review to go over the prescribed and over-the-counter medications being taken. Ask the physician to identify any medications that may decrease cognitive function, make one groggy, or increase fall risk. Work with the physician to determine if medication doses can be decreased, if there are other medications available that may have fewer side effects, or if any can be safely stopped.6. Create (or update) a personal health record. A personal health record (PHR) is a centralized location where all important medical information is kept. A PHR provides an accurate picture of an older adults health and can help ensure better and safer medical care. A PRH can help older adults quickly get the care needed in an emergency situation, a second opinion, or provide a new member of the older adults medical team with needed health information.7. Review (or create) an advance healthcare directive. An advance directive is a legal document that details how medical decisions should be made on ones behalf if they are incapacitated. This provides a guide for loved ones and the healthcare team to honor ones wishes. Since peoples preferences regarding their medical care may change over time, its important to revisit an advance healthcare directive frequently and update if needed.8. Review (or create) advance financial planning. It is often assumed that if an older adult were to become incapacitated and unable to manage their finances that his or her spouse would take over responsibility. In fact, this is not possible without a durable power of attorney that covers finances. Ensuring that this legal document is in place provides peace of mind for both the older adult and their family members.9. Make and keep medical appointments. As people age, it becomes more important than ever to make and keep regular wellness exams and schedule routine screenings. Whether an annual physical, a quarterly medication check, an annual eye exam, a mammogram, a colonoscopy, or other preventative measures, making and keeping these appointments helps older adults remain proactive in their healthcare.10. Plan for long-term care. When asked, most older adults would choose to age in place remaining in the home, neighborhood and community they love. With the help of referred care providers from American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care, this is easier than ever before. Offering a variety of medical and non-medical in-home care services that help older adults remain active, independent and engaged throughout the aging process, the referred care providers bring peace of mind to seniors and their families.To learn more healthy aging tips and for additional information on the wide variety of in-home care services offered by referred caregivers throughout Florida, reach out to your local office at American, Advocate, or Whitsyms In-Home Care.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

Managing chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease can feel like an uphill battle. There are so many facets to address: dietary requirements, medications, medical appointments, and lifestyle changes, to name a few. There are steps you can take, however, to help someone you love better manage chronic health conditions at home. It begins with learning as much as possible about the persons diagnosis and what you can do to help overcome the associated challenges.You Dont Have to Do It Alone! The best strategy for effectively managing chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease at home is working with a care partner to ensure the persons needs are met without overwhelming or overburdening you. Referred care providers at American, Advocate, or Whitsyms In-Home Care are also here to help, with services such as preparing nutritious meals, providing transportation to medical appointments and tests, offering companionship and encouragement to stay physically active, and much more. Contact us today!If you, a family member or friend need a little extra care, and still want to live at home -- We can help with Home Health Care Services --Care Providers: Register and take an important step towards taking control of your career! Case opportunities include days, evenings, nights and extended care shifts. We register companions, Home Health Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, Nurses and LPN's. https://www.americaninhomecare.com

Even though were all susceptible to becoming victims of scams and fraud, older adults are much more likely to be targeted, for several reasons. For one thing, scammers believe seniors are more financially sound than those who are younger. They may be lonely and isolated, making them more vulnerable to carrying on a conversation with a scammer on the phone. And theyre assumed to be more polite and trusting. As a result, older adults lose an astounding $3 billion each year to senior financial fraud.The key to prevention is knowing the red flags of a scam artist and staying up to date on the latest fraud trends. To assist, American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care share some of the most prevalent scams targeting seniors below:The Trusted Government Official Scam. These phone calls appear to come from the IRS, Medicare, Social Security Administration, or simply a Washington, DC area code, making it easy to believe the calls are legitimate. The scammer will ask to confirm the older adults personal information, stating that they are investigating back taxes that need to be paid or some other legal resolution.The Grandchild Scam: In this frightening scenario, the scammer claims to be the seniors grandchild who is having an emergency and is in need of funds to help. The caller will plead with the older adult to keep the call confidential, requesting a gift card or money wire transfer to obtain money.The Love Scam: Online dating is a common way for single or widowed older adults to find companionship, but unfortunately, it also opens them up to scammers. Online dating fraud involves scammers creating elaborate fake profiles, utilizing stolen photos and details, to trick seniors into falling for them. They will eventually ask for funds to travel to meet the senior, but then disappear with the money.The Winner Scam: Vulnerable seniors receive notice that they are winners of a lottery or other type of contest. In this scam, the seniors are required to pay a fee to collect their prize. The scammer will ask the senior for bank account details in order to deposit the winnings. Sadly, however, this can lead to the theft of large sums of money, sometimes wiping out an older adults hard-earned savings altogether.The Internet Scam: Internet scammers use pop-ups that alert their victims to a virus the computer has been infected with. In order to have the virus removed, the user needs to pay a fee or download software that will allow the scammer to steal personal information.Though scams such as these are incredibly disturbing, there are steps you can take to protect the older adults you love, including:Make sure senior loved ones have caller ID and utilize voice mail for any unknown callers.Talk with older adults about the importance of NEVER giving out personal or sensitive information over the phone.Be wary of any mail that contains contests, sweepstakes, or prizes; if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.Scammers are very good at what they do, so never belittle or criticize an older adult who may have fallen victim to them.Additionally, allow the referred care providers at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care to help an older loved one remain vigilant against senior scams by providing an extra pair of eyes to ensure safety. Partnering with a referred care provider ensures that an older loved one has regular companionship, which helps to eliminate loneliness, one of the top factors that can lead to older adults being vulnerable to fraud or scams. Referred care providers also offer a wide range of in-home care services, such as light housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, personal hygiene care, and so much more.The Florida senior care experts at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care are here to ensure the independence and safety of the older adult you love. Contact the office nearest you to learn more.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

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.