February is American Heart Month and it’s the ideal time to check in to make sure you are giving your heart the love and care it needs all year long. Heart disease afflicts both men and women and it is estimated that as many as 20 million adults have coronary artery disease, the most common form of heart disease. Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in the United States. To help encourage healthy lifestyle choices that improve older adult heart health, the Florida care experts at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care share the following tips:

Make Healthy Dietary Choices. If an older adult lives alone, it can be hard to have an inclination to cook, and frequently, older adults opt for fast foods and other foods that are quick to prepare. Unfortunately, many of these foods are high in sodium and fat, and aren’t well rounded nutritionally. Aim to include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber with each meal. Read labels and work to reduce the amount of sodium, saturated fat, cholesterol and sugar in your diet. Include lean sources of protein in your diet such as white-fleshed fish, plain Greek yogurt, lentils, poultry, and low-fat cottage cheese. Protein helps build muscle. Strong muscles help improve mobility and balance for older adults.

Exercise (Almost) Daily. Aim to get a minimum of 30 minutes of light exercise at least five or six days each week. Take a walk around the block, walk at the mall, swim some laps at the gym, participate in an online yoga session, or do housework or gardening. Be creative -- there are lots of ways to achieve 30 minutes of exercise as part of a normal daily routine. It is also recommended that older adults include muscle-strengthening and balance exercises twice a week. These exercises will help decrease fall risk. Be sure to speak with the physician before beginning any exercise routine.

Schedule (and Keep) Regular Healthcare Appointments. Regular medical appointments are an important part of an older adult’s overall, long-term health. During an appointment, the physician will monitor blood pressure and other symptoms that may be an indication of heart disease. Staying on top of your health will help decrease the potential for preventable diseases and health conditions. If the doctor prescribes medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or any other chronic health condition, be sure to take each medication as prescribed.

Prioritize Good Sleep. Experts recommend that older adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. A full night’s sleep is beneficial for brain functionality, metabolism, immune health, emotional well-being, and for damaged cell and tissue repair. Practice good sleep hygiene: have a set time for going to bed and getting up; create a relaxing bedtime routine such as a warm bath or shower; turn off electronic devices; and limit caffeine intake. If an older adult is having difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, his or her physician can offer tips to help.

Reduce Stress. Stress has been linked to cardiovascular disease and a variety of other health conditions. While it’s impossible to remove all incidents of stress from an older adult’s life, there are a number of healthy outlets that can help relieve stress. Activities that can help reduce stress include regular visits with family and friends, engaging in religious activities, volunteering, meditation, prayer, yoga, exercise, hobbies and more. Help an older loved one identify activities that they find enjoyable and help reduce stress, and then encourage regular participation.

Stop Smoking and/or Drinking Alcohol. If an older adult regularly smokes or drinks alcohol, provide encouragement for the person to quit. Alcohol and tobacco products have been linked to a number of chronic health conditions, including heart disease. If an older loved one needs assistance with reducing or eliminating alcohol or tobacco products, his or her physician can help.

What Are the Risk Factors for Heart Disease?

Making lifestyle changes, like those outlined above, is the first step in prioritizing older adult heart health. It is also important to know the risk factors for heart disease, which include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Poor diet
• Inactive lifestyle
• Excessive caffeine consumption
• Excessive alcohol consumption

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

In addition to lifestyle, a person’s age and family history can increase the risk for a heart attack. It is also estimated that as many as half of all Americans have at least one of the top three key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. It’s critical to know the warning signs of a heart attack and to seek prompt medical attention if any of these are noted. Warning signs include:

• Pain or discomfort in the chest
• Lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting
• Jaw, neck or back pain
• Discomfort or pain in arm or shoulder
• Shortness of breath

The most common symptom for a heart attack in both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. Women may experience other symptoms such as nausea/vomiting, shortness of breath, and jaw or back pain, which are not typically associated with a heart attack. If an older loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to call 911 immediately.

The referred care providers at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care can help encourage healthy lifestyle habits in older adults that contribute to heart health in a variety of ways with expert in-home care services, including:

• Planning, shopping for, and preparing healthy, well balanced meals
• Providing transportation to medical appointments and social outings
• Encouragement for physician-approved exercise
• Friendly companionship and engaging conversation
• And much more!

To find out more about how an experienced and compassionate referred care provider can help an older adult you love prioritize heart health while maintaining independence in the comfort of home, contact the office nearest you:

• American In-Home Care – Serving North, Central, and West Coast of Florida
• Advocate In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
• Whitsyms In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661

The news has been flooded this season with the devastating effects of RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, on babies and toddlers. Hospitals have been stretched beyond capacity and scrambling to find the resources to care for these young patients, who typically recover quickly from this common virus. And though it’s not as widely discussed, the risk of severe illness from RSV is quite high in older adults as well. In fact, the CDC estimates that RSV in older adults leads to as many as 177,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths.

As a result, the experts at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care know it’s important for all of us to be vigilant in protecting each other – from the youngest to the oldest – from RSV. It begins with understanding more about the virus and how it differs from other illnesses that are rampant this time of year.

What Are the Symptoms of RSV?

RSV in older adults can manifest with symptoms similar to those of the common cold, the flu, or even COVID-19. RSV often begins with symptoms such as:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Reduced appetite
• Runny nose
• Low-grade fever

If the virus worsens, however, it can display through:

• Rapid breathing
• Wheezing when breathing
• Increased coughing
• A higher fever
• Blue-tinted skin from lack of oxygen
• Call 911 immediately if the skin looks blue or if the person struggles to breathe.

What Do I Do if I Suspect RSV in an Older Adult?

Contact the older adult’s primary care physician for direction. There are two types of tests available that they may want to order to confirm an RSV diagnosis: a rapid antigen test, which produces results within about an hour, or a molecular test, which can detect smaller levels of the virus and other infections as well.

RSV may present with mild cold-like symptoms, but some older adults may develop a lung infection or pneumonia. Additionally, RSV can lead to a worsening of chronic health conditions such as asthma, COPD, or congestive heart failure. Because of this, if an older loved one displays any RSV-like symptoms, it’s important to seek the prompt advice of a physician.

How is RSV Treated in Older Adults?

Currently, there is no vaccine for RSV, but researchers are working to develop one. If an older loved one is diagnosed with RSV and is not seriously ill, the virus can be treated at home with these steps:

• Drink plenty of clear liquids
• Use saline nose drops to combat congestion
• Try over-the-counter pain relievers
• Get adequate rest
• Avoid cigarette smoke

If symptoms worsen, it’s important to contact the older loved one’s physician for advice and further assessment.

How Can I Protect My Loved Ones From RSV?

RSV is both highly contagious and long-lasting. Someone carrying the virus can transmit it to others for anywhere from three days to four weeks, even when no longer symptomatic. It can spread through:

• Airborne droplets from sneezes or coughs
• Surface contact (the virus can live on hard surfaces for several hours)
• Close personal contact

Preventative measures include:

• Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoiding touching the nose, eyes, or mouth.
• Staying away from those who are displaying cold-like symptoms.
• Wearing a face covering and gloves while in close contact with others.
• Disinfecting surfaces in the home such as doorknobs, countertops, phones, the TV remote, etc.
• Covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing.

A referred care provider from American, Advocate, or Whitsyms In-Home Care can also help in a number of ways: light housekeeping to ensure a clean and sanitary home environment, running errands to reduce an older adult’s exposure to crowded stores, providing medication reminders, and much more.

American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care have been referring home care providers in Florida for over 30 years, and we’re always here to help your family with trusted in-home care services. To find out more about how an experienced and compassionate referred care provider can improve safety and comfort for the older adults you love, contact the office nearest you:

• American In-Home Care – Serving North, Central, and West Coast of Florida
• Advocate In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
• Whitsyms In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661

As a busy family caregiver, you may have made your list and checked it twice, only to find the list has grown to more to-dos than you can manage. The holiday season is a joyful one, but also a time when many family caregivers feel completely overwhelmed at the thought of the extra tasks involved.
Your days are already filled as it is with meeting the care needs of someone you love, managing your own household, taking care of children, a career, and more. How can you possibly fit in holiday decorating, planning special meals, arranging for family get-togethers, shopping, wrapping, sending, cards, etc.?

At American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care, we suggest hitting the pause button for just a moment, taking a deep breath, and considering the following time management tips for family caregivers. They’re designed to help you alleviate stress and allow you to relax and fully enjoy the holiday season – and beyond.

What Are the Best Time Management Tips for Family Caregivers?

Here are some steps you can take today to make the best use of the precious 24 hours you have each day:

• Don’t just make a list – prioritize it. Daily. Start with a brain dump of everything you have to accomplish over the next week, both for the older adult in your care and yourself individually. It may appear overwhelming, but that’s just the first step! Once you have your full list, divide it up into seven days and note the tasks you’d like to tackle each day. Within each day, prioritize the top three tasks. You now have a much more manageable list for each day. And if something happens to make it impossible to complete the tasks on any given day, simply move them to the next day, or split up over the remaining days of the week.
• Touch each to-do once. It’s easy to become distracted, starting one task and then get pulled in another direction. For instance, you might start folding laundry, but then remember you need to start making dinner, but on the way to the kitchen you realize you neglected to pay the electric bill, so you stop at the computer to take care of that. At some point, though, you’ll need to circle back to finish the laundry. Unless it’s an emergency, the most efficient use of your time is to stay on task and complete what you are doing before moving onto something else.
• Set realistic expectations. If you’re the type of person who likes everything to be done perfectly, you may not like this suggestion! Scaling back on your idea of what constitutes completion of a task can help you free up time for things that are more important or that you’d rather do. For instance, maybe you can set the expectation to vacuum the floors less often, or to prepare simpler meals. Instead of purchasing holiday gifts for each person in your family, consider having everyone draw names and purchase for just one. Perhaps you can decorate just one room in the home where everyone spends the majority of time.
• Delegate whenever possible. As an older adult’s primary caregiver, the majority of daily tasks may rest on your shoulders. Hold a family meeting and brainstorm ways that others can chip in to help. If you’ve been taking Mom to a weekly hair appointment, for instance, maybe someone else can begin taking over that role. Others can commit to tending to the older adult’s lawn, or helping with housework or meals on a rotating basis. Providing care for another person is never a solo endeavor, and sharing tasks allows the older adult the additional benefit of socialization with other family members and friends.

The referred care providers at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care are here to help as well! A referred care provider can prepare meals, run errands, take care of light housekeeping, provide transportation, and more. And perhaps most importantly, a referred care provider can serve as a friendly companion for conversations and fun activities, making each day the best it can be for an older loved one and allowing you the extra time you need for a healthy life balance.

To learn more about the Florida home care services available through referred care providers and how partnering with American, Advocate or Whitsyms In-Home Care can help you alleviate stress and truly enjoy the holiday season and beyond, contact the office nearest you.

• American In-Home Care – Serving North, Central, and West Coast of Florida
• Advocate In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
• Whitsyms In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661

With many people eagerly anticipating the joy of the holiday season, it’s important to recognize that for older adults especially, the holidays can be a time of deep sadness. Feelings of nostalgia from holidays past, grief from the loss of loved ones, and health problems related to growing older can all intensify during the holidays. As a result, the experts at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care know it’s critical to keep your finger on the emotional pulse of the older adults in your life by watching for signs of senior depression and knowing what to do if you suspect it in someone you love.

How Can You Tell if It’s Senior Depression?

There are three key questions to ask yourself to determine if a senior is depressed:

• Could it just be a wistful trip down memory lane? Fondly remembering holiday celebrations from times past and wishing to experience them again is normal for everyone. However, a senior whose mood remains pensive long after the conversation shifts to different topics may be experiencing depression.
• How’s their health? Depression impacts physical health, too. Watch for a senior who has lost interest in following a healthy diet, who struggles with maintaining good sleep habits, is unintentionally gaining or losing weight, or who seems overly fatigued, as these can all point to depression.
• Are they enjoying life in general? Depression can be displayed through a lack of interest in activities that had previously been enjoyable for the older adult, difficulty with concentrating and focusing, and a general sense of anxiety and fidgeting rather than being able to be still and calm.

Clinical psychologist Lara Honos-Webb, who authored “Listening to Depression: How Understanding Your Pain Can Heal Your Life,” illustrates the difference between feeling sad and being depressed with an analogy to colors. “A person is blue if they have deep, colorful emotions in response to loss in life. Depression is more like the color black – there [are] no subtle colors to the emotion but stark pain.”

If you suspect senior depression – or even if you’re unsure – contact the older adult’s doctor immediately for help. Treatment is available, necessary, and effective, and the earlier depression is detected, the better.

How Can You Help a Senior Who Is Depressed?

Additionally, these tips can be helpful in supporting someone you love who is depressed:

• Encourage the person to stay physically active, especially outdoors whenever possible. It’s a beautiful time of year to get out and take a walk in nature.
• Remain upbeat yourself, reminding the older adult of how much you love them and pointing out the many positives each day brings, no matter how small.
• Create a list together with the senior of hobbies and interests they have enjoyed in the past, as well as new ones they may want to try. Agree on one or more of these activities to start doing together.
• Put on some music the older adult especially enjoys. Hum, sing, and dance along, encouraging the senior to join you.
• Most of all, it’s important to just be there, no matter what the person’s mood may be. Sometimes, just knowing you are there to provide love and support unconditionally can be incredibly helpful.

Since socialization is such an important aspect of mental wellness, partner with a referred care provider from American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care for a friendly caregiving companion to engage the senior in conversations and enjoyable pastimes.
For more than 30 years, American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care have been referring experienced home care providers with special skills and knowledge to make life the best it can be for older Floridians and the families who love them. Find out the difference we can make for someone you love! Contact the office closest to you to learn about our in-home care services:

• American In-Home Care – Serving North, Central, and West Coast of Florida
• Advocate In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
• Whitsyms In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661

Are you currently caring for an older loved one? Perhaps you’ve had a recent visit with Dad and it seems like he needs some extra support at home. Whatever the case, home care services can make a difference for both you and your loved one. November is National Home Care and Hospice Month, and it’s the perfect time to explore the many benefits of in-home care services.

How Does Home Care Help Seniors?

Home is where the heart is. So, it’s no wonder why aging in place is ideal for most older adults. In-home care services help seniors in numerous ways, including:

• • Preventing dangerous falls in the home
    As a person ages, changes in muscle mass and balance can increase the risk for falls. An in-home care provider can assist with mobility, remove clutter and tripping hazards from around the home to create a safer environment, assist with muscle and balance-building exercises, and more to ensure the older adult’s safety.

• • Allowing for continued independence A primary concern for people as they age is the loss of independence. Few people have a desire to give up the car keys or leave their homes for a care facility. However, as health concerns progress, the need for support arises. Home care services allow older adults to maintain independence and live on their own for as long as possible. The referred care providers at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care offer safe and reliable transportation services for those who can no longer drive themselves to appointments and social outings. Errand and shopping services are also offered to help older adults stay on top of their needs.
  • Providing personal care as needed
    Everyone is unique. Some older adults may not be able to drive, but can otherwise take care of themselves. Others may have multiple chronic conditions and need assistance with day-to-day activities. Referred care providers can assist with a wide range of personal care needs including:

• • • Bathing and personal hygiene
    • Getting dressed
    • Going to the bathroom
    • Walking, transferring, and positioning
    • Diabetic care
    • Medication assistance
    • And more

Providing a friendly companion
Older adults who live alone often experience feelings of loneliness due to social isolation. This can lead to depression and a decline in overall health. The providers we refer offer a friendly face each day, providing conversation, engagement in hobbies and pokies that use pay id games, and connection that can make a positive difference in an older adult’s life.

How Does Home Care Help Family Caregivers?

Balancing care for an older loved one with work, family life, personal obligations, and more can be daunting. Home care services aren’t just a great benefit for older adults; they provide a much-needed break for family caregivers as well. The services offered by our referred care providers allow family caregivers to get the rest they need to avoid caregiver burnout. For family members who live at a distance from older loved ones, in-home care services provide peace of mind, ensuring that seniors are well cared for.

Discover the Full Benefits of Home Care Today!

With the assistance of knowledgeable and compassionate referred care providers, older adults throughout Florida can remain in the homes and communities they love while living vibrant and independent lives.

To learn more about the in-home care services available through referred care providers and the benefits of partnering with American, Advocate or Whitsyms In-Home Care, contact the office nearest you.

• American In-Home Care – Serving North, Central, and West Coast of Florida
• Advocate In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
• Whitsyms In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661

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 Symptoms

Because 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 thoughts
• Restlessness
• Nightmares
• Insomnia
• Trouble with memory and focus
• Refusal to participate in routine activities
• Overwhelming feelings of panic, fear, and/or apprehension
• Repetitive/ritualistic behaviors (i.e.: repeated handwashing)
• Reactions that are disproportional to the triggering fear

In addition to these symptoms, a variety of physical signs may accompany anxiety disorders, such as:

• Sweaty or cold hands
• Heart palpitations or racing heart
• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent urination
• Tense muscles
• Trembling
• Dry mouth
• Excessive sweating
• Hot flashes
• Nausea

Because 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. What’s more, anxiety can have a serious impact on an older adult’s physical health.

Common Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults

• Generalized 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 Anxiety

Anxiety 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 Home

The 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.

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661