Leslie Newlife

Indoor Activities for Seniors Living in a Nursing Home

Unfortunately, you can’t enjoy spending time outdoors every day. Mother Nature sometimes has other plans, and that is why it is important to have indoor activities for seniors living in a nursing home. Elderly loved ones want to enjoy things while in an assisted living facility, especially on rainy days.

Book Club

Who doesn’t love a good book? Many seniors living in a nursing home have an infinity for reading. An excellent way to interact with other residents is hosting or organizing a book club. Weekly book club meetings give seniors something to look forward to.

Live Music

Many seniors spent the better part of their years enjoying live music. Bring this experience back for them by welcoming cover bands that play music from the era of music they listened to. Live music is a straightforward way to bring smiles to the residents’ faces and allow them to enjoy their afternoon reminiscing about music from their younger years.

Game Night Tournaments

Many assisted living facilities have board games on hand to occupy some residents. Get everyone involved with an exciting game night tournament. These friendly competitions allow residents to tap back into their competitive side and exercise their problem-solving skills.

Card Making & Scrapbooking

Busting out the arts and crafts supplies is easily one of the most fun activities for many seniors. Assist residents in creating elegant cards or scrapbooks with old photos and art supplies. You can even spruce up some projects with satin ribbon. Setting up an arts and crafts opportunity is especially wonderful before holidays, as it allows residents to create thoughtful homemade gifts for their families.

Senior Olympics

This super cool idea brings physical exercise to a whole new level. Incorporate a fun concept into exercise for an effortless healthy indoor activity that makes the rainy day fly by. You can make an entire day of tournaments, offer awards, or create teams. Some exercise ideas include chair yoga, water aerobics, and dancing.

Talent Show

This indoor activity for seniors living in a nursing home allows them to show off their impressive skills and favorite pastimes. Hosting a talent show fuels passion for hobbies the resident might have forgotten about. Talent shows will help them feel young again and act as a group activity that can include everyone.

Indoor hobbies and events for seniors are perfect for crummy rainy days or weekend activities. Showcasing these activities is a thoughtful and well-considered gesture that will delight seniors and encourage them to feel young again. And, if you’re planning ahead for when the weather clears, discover our list of activities seniors will adore in sunny Florida!

Useful Home Modifications for Older People in Your Family

Moving out and being taken care of elsewhere is not always someone’s first choice when aging in place. Spending time with the family has its merits, but ensuring that it doesn’t come with added risks is essential when caring for your loved ones. These useful home modifications for older people in your family serve as a guide to protect your home and prevent unwanted accidents where you least expect them.

Keep It Easy to Reach

Often, reaching for different appliances or tools gets tricky for seniors. Ensure that the most used items in your home are easy to get to without the aid of a stool or the need to reach. This decreases the odds of slipping or falling in the kitchen. This is not exclusive to one room; things like soap in bathrooms or paper towel rolls in the kitchen should all be in easy-to-reach cabinets or drawers to keep the process simple and safe.

Transform a Room

By changing the living areas in your home a little bit, you can keep your older family members safe. If you can, try giving your older family member a room on the first floor. The less walking up and down the stairs that they need to do, the better. However, if it is not possible to avoid it, consider safeguarding your stairs with stair treads to increase the footing on each step and prevent possible trips or slips when using them. These serve to benefit everyone else in your home as well.

Use Intercoms

Consider installing a wireless voice-activated device in your home to communicate freely and without confusion. Cell phones can take time to use properly for someone who isn’t used to operating them. Because of this, using a voice-activated intercom or smart home technology enables quick and easy communication should it be necessary. easy communication should it be necessary. Considering vision insurance for your loved one can also help aid and improve their quality of life, which can in turn improve cell phone use to minimize the use of intercoms. These are helpful when you need to notify the family for dinner or just check up on someone’s well-being.

Provide an Alert System

Among the many useful home modifications for older people in your family you can make, a medical alert system is the most important out of them all. Having a medical alert system on hand at all times aids significantly in ensuring your loved ones get the help they need immediately should an accident occur. By keeping this on hand and in the rooms they use most, you can tend to your duties or tasks without worrying about leaving them alone.

There are many reasons to consider home health care, and being able to stay connected with your family is one of them. Reminding them how much you care by keeping their surroundings as safe as possible provides a feeling of safety and love. Many aspects of life change over the course of these years, but the one constant always remains: the genuine care a family shares.

Benefits of Cold Therapy for Seniors

According to James Vaupel, an American scientist in the field of aging research, seniors are living longer, healthier lives. Much of this is because many seniors are making better choices and proactively improving their longevity through adopting healthier routines. 

Millions of seniors in the US are striving to enhance their health as well as stay fit and active by exploring alternative therapies.  One such therapy known as cold therapy, has started to become a popular and attractive option for seniors.  But what are the benefits of cold therapy for seniors, and is it a good option for you?  Here are a few things to know about cold therapy so you can make the decision for yourself.

What is Cold Therapy?

Sometimes called cryotherapy, cold therapy is used in many ways to treat a variety of conditions.  Medical studies show that when the human body is exposed to cold temperatures it triggers a physiological state called hormesis.  Hormesis is a biological survival response humans have when subjected to extreme conditions.  Medical studies show that when hormesis is achieved through cold therapy sessions, it can actually strengthen the body. 

Then, there are other less-extreme forms of cold therapy that can deliver impressive health-improving results to seniors.  From alleviating pain, reducing swelling, and combating inflammation, the use of cold to treat common ailments has been put into play for thousands of years. 

Benefits of Cold Therapy on Seniors

There is quite a bit of research on cold therapy, but there are still more studies that need to take place about its effects on seniors. Nevertheless, here are some ways seniors are experiencing the benefits of cold therapy, and how it could be a solution for you too.

Fight Inflammation and Pain

A common complaint for many seniors is chronic pain, achy joints and sore spots in the body.  Studies show that applying a cold press to tight, painful areas of the body can minimize swelling, reduce pain and relieve inflammation.  If you suffer from muscle or joint discomfort, look into the healing effects of a Breg Polar Care Cube. This is a therapeutic device that provides hours of soothing, cool temps to affected areas when you wrap it around troublesome joints or muscles.  

Improve Mood and Alertness

If you’ve ever felt a shock after jumping into a cold pond, then you have just experienced the clarifying benefits of cold water therapy.  Being exposed to a short burst of cold water has a way of being very energizing and can temporarily jolt you out of brain fog.  The reason being is that the body responds to the cold by releasing endorphins which not only make you feel more alert, they can also boost your mood.

Boost Immunities

A study co-conducted by Dr. Johannes van der Hoeven, a chief professor of the Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands, showed that exposing the body to cold water such as immersion pools or regular cold showers triggers the production of cytokines.  Cytokines are small proteins that play a big role in the body’s ability to combat autoimmune diseases.  In the study, van der Hoeven noticed that subjects who were regularly exposed to cold conditions showed a spike in cytokines as well as white blood cell activity which stimulates the lymph system, thus boosting immune systems.

Improved Sleep

When you sleep, your body temperature drops, which is a natural and critical function that helps you fall asleep.  A study published by Medical News Today revealed that insomniacs lack this involuntary trait to lower body temperature, therefore they are unable to fall asleep.  The article goes on to say that when insomniacs were studied while wearing “cooling caps,” (headgear that keeps the head cool), they were better able to get a full phase of sleep. 

If you are struggling with less sleep, as many seniors are apt, you might want to look into using cold therapy for a better night’s sleep.  You can do this by sleeping in a room with cool temperatures.  Or, you can look into getting a cooling pillow that will keep your head cooler to help you get sufficient sleep.

Are Cold Therapy Treatments Right for You?

In the final analysis, your choice to practice cold therapy should depend upon your needs, and the results you see from it.  If you decide to try localized or whole-body cold therapy treatments, do consult your physician before adding cold therapy to your health routine.

Here’s What to Look for in a Senior Care Facility

We all hope to grow old gracefully. But time and age care nothing about grace, or about our sensibilities and hopes. There are a few things you can do to increase the chances of a positive aging experience. But at the end of the day, the outcome is out of your hands. You might not be lucky enough to enjoy the final years of your life independently in your own home. Seeing how your aging parents manage the process can help you better prepare for your own golden years. 

If you are in the sandwich generation bracketed on both ends by dependents, you might find it infeasible to take in your aging parents and properly care for your children. One of the hardest choices you will have to make is placing your parents in senior housing to give everyone a chance at their best life. Once you decide that is the way things have to go, you have to make an even tougher decision: Which senior housing option do you choose? If you don’t know what to look for, this can be a daunting decision. It is a little easier when you can imagine that it is you in their place. What would be the most important considerations for you? That list will very likely include the following:

A Modern Package Handling Solution

You are going to want to send your parents parcels that are bigger than a tiny envelope. You do not want them to have to go pick it up at a carrier location, or take a chance missing the package because they were out and about. If they get a lot of their purchases through Amazon, they will also need access to painless returns. 

Before signing any rental agreements, check out the package room and be sure that all of the important boxes are checked:

  • Video surveillance for security
  • Easy accessibility
  • Simple to use app
  • Accommodation for any size package

One of the biggest challenges for people living in multi-family housing is packaging handling. It is also one of the biggest challenges for the management of said housing. If you manage a senior care facility, this type of package room can be a real life saver because you will no longer have to divert staffing resources from other key functions such as maintenance, safety, and providing a better overall experience to the clients and their families. If a modern package handling solution is not on offer, keep looking. Your loved ones deserve better.

Fast Internet Connectivity

Because of carrier contracts and inscrutable broadband laws, much of the population is restricted to one or two carrier options. That means that not every place is created equally when it comes to internet connectivity. There are enormous obstacles to broadband adoption in many places. Try to avoid such places when looking for a home for your aging parents.

A blazing fast internet connection is not just for gamers with too much time on their hands. One of the most cherished forms of communication for parents is the video call. A common complaint from people living in senior facilities is the feeling of being cut off from the people they love. A video call helps in bridging that gap. You also have to realize that today’s senior citizens are a lot more tech savvy. We already have Twitter and Facebook seniors. The next generation will be Tik-Tok and snapchat seniors. Their connectivity needs are the same as yours. Be sure that is available to them.

Ways to Remain Active

One of the biggest determiners of a long and healthy life is the amount of activity you do. Rocking chairs are good for short-term relaxation, but bad for long-term health. If a senior living facility is rich in rocking chairs and poor in activities, it is the wrong place for your parents. There should be signs of healthy outdoor life. Seniors should be encouraged to go on walks, do yoga, and other light activities. Anything that encourages healthy motion is typically a good thing for anyone. People get less active as they get older. Beside their new home is one that encourages activity.

Aging is never fun nor easy. But it can be less painful when you prioritize package handling, broadband connectivity, and physical activity.

The Sandwich Generation: 4 Ways to Effectively Care for Aging Parents

The sandwich generation faces a unique set of challenges. Along with looking after your children, focusing on work, and managing your social life, you also have the responsibility of taking care of your aging parents. The demands of daily life can already be difficult enough, and the added burden of caregiving can be overwhelming. However, there are effective ways to manage this transition. Here are a few ways to effectively care for aging parents while balancing your other responsibilities.

 Assess Their Needs

 The first step in effectively caregiving for your parents is assessing their needs and determining how you can help. Depending on their health conditions, your level of involvement may vary. When assessing your parents’ needs, consider their existing medical conditions, mobility, home safety, cognitive health, and proximity to family. How much support do they currently have and where do they need additional assistance?

After doing this, you’ll want to decide how you can best help your parents and create a plan to care for them. Do you have the proper resources available to help? For instance, if you live far away you may need to hire an in-home caregiver, consider having your parents move in with your family, or have them move into an assisted living facility. Remember, even if you can’t provide direct care for your parents, arranging assistance for them still shows your support and love.

However you decide to care for your parents, involve them in the conversation and decision-making process. This will help them retain a sense of control over their lives and help determine their preferences for care. Considering your parents’ wants and needs will make the transition easier on both ends and make them less resistant to change.

 Lean on Others

It can feel weird switching roles with your parents and taking care of them instead of the other way around. Managing this transition along with balancing your other obligations with family and work is no small feat and often stressful. Although you share a special bond with your parents, that doesn’t mean you need to take on all of the responsibilities alone. In fact, leaning on others and asking for help can make caring for your parents much more enjoyable and successful.

Especially if you have siblings or a large family, you should lean on each other for assistance and support, and take turns with certain tasks if you’re able to. It’s also completely normal and understandable to ask your spouse, children, friends, and neighbors for help with other areas of your life, like getting groceries, picking up your kids from school, doing chores, and more. Having a strong support system to help you with tasks and to be an outlet to discuss your feelings can make taking care of your parents much less stressful.

Prepare Your Finances

Caregiving for your parents can be overwhelming emotionally, but it can also put strain on your finances. Depending on what type of care your parents need, you may need to buy medication, medical devices, care services, systems to senior-proof your home, and more. Especially if your parents move into your home or move into an assisted living facility, the costs can quickly add up, which can be stressful.

Although you can rely on your parent’s finances for some of the costs, they might not be able to cover all of the expenses, and you may need to manage their money for them. Before you start caregiving, it’s helpful to have a clear understanding of your parents’ financial situation to determine how much extra funding they need. From there, you can create a budget for expected costs and learn how much financial assistance you may need to provide.

If you’re struggling to afford the costs, research government benefits like Medicaid, and other programs that can help your parents pay for care. You can also leverage your home’s equity for additional financial assistance if you’re a homeowner. Home equity loans can be helpful for this situation as they have a lower interest rate than a personal loan or credit card and come in a lump sum payment, so you can immediately start tackling caregiving expenses.

Take Care of Yourself

Between caring for your aging parents, looking after your children, focusing on work, and other responsibilities, it can be difficult to find time for yourself. Caregiving can be exhausting paired with demands of daily life; with so much focus on taking care of others, it’s also important to take care of yourself during this time.

At the very least, make sure you’re eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and taking care of your mental health. If you’re feeling drained, you won’t be able to effectively care for others in your life, so make yourself a priority. Whether you need an afternoon to yourself, a date night with your spouse, or a night out with friends, dedicate time to relax and unwind where you don’t have to worry about attending to others. Remember, practicing self-care isn’t selfish and will only allow you to be more present and attentive to your parents, family, and partner. If you neglect your needs, you’ll likely become overwhelmed and burned out.

4 Budgeting and Finance Tips for Seniors

Are you in the process of revamping the monthly budget as retirement nears? Many older adults overhaul their spending habits in anticipation of living on a relatively fixed income. There are many great tools and resources available for anyone who needs a bit of assistance. If you don’t want to spend money on a professional financial planner, consider using one of many social service organizations. Contact local and online non-profit organizations that offer budgeting and money planning help for seniors and retirees. Most cater to those over 50 as well as low-income earners in all age groups.

If you have assets to pass on to heirs, consider using a MEC (modified endowment contract) to avoid many of the hassles that accompany the estate planning process. Even without the guiding hand of a professional, take it upon yourself to rework monthly budgets by adjusting for income changes and eliminating as many expenses as possible. The best part of the challenge is that there are so many approaches that work in different situations. Remember to review all retirement accounts and note important dates, like the month when you’ll be required to take mandatory payouts. Here are some suggestions to get the ball rolling.

Get Free Help

Local and national organizations like AARP and others are set up to assist retired people with finances and offer stress management tactics for lifestyle challenges at this stage. Call your local social service department and ask what kind of no-cost or low-cost help you can get from financial planners, personal tax assistants, and volunteer accountants.

Do Basic Estate Planning with a MEC

If you have any assets you plan to leave to heirs, consider using a modified endowment contract to convey them easily and without any red tape. If modified endowment contracts are new to you, read a helpful online explanation on all the particulars. That way, you’ll be prepared to decide if it makes sense to convert designated assets into a MEC. Too many seniors neglect to deal with issues like estate planning and leave their children and other heirs with complex tax situations. The good news is that it takes just a small amount of planning to avoid all sorts of financial messes. That’s just one reason MECs make so much sense for huge numbers of retired adults.

Redo Your Monthly Budget

Want to revamp your financial situation for the better? Take a few hours to sit down and focus on the monthly budget. Be alert for situations that have changed and places where you can cut expenses. Likewise, consider selling stuff you no longer need to add some cash to savings. Another tactic is to take on a low-stress part-time job to bring in a few extra dollars and retain a bit of structure in your daily schedule. Ten hours per week is all it takes to boost income and keep your mind alert and fresh.

Review Retirement Accounts

Make sure you know the rules about minimum withdrawals from retirement accounts. Consider speaking with a financial pro to get everything organized and up to date. Consider ditching low-interest investments that might be languishing in stock portfolios. Make it a point to review your retirement finances at least once per year.

Guide for the Givers: Self-Care Tips for Caregivers

Caregiving is one of the most selfless and rewarding jobs out there, but it can also be physically and emotionally taxing. In addition, it can be difficult to remember to take care of your own needs when you are in the business of putting other people before yourself. Therefore, it’s necessary to make sure you’re taking good care of yourself when working as a caregiver so you can do the best work possible. Here is a guide for the givers: self-care tips for caregivers to help them have the most well-balanced life.

Get Enough Sleep

The importance of a good night’s sleep is often overlooked. Being well-rested gives you more energy to do your best throughout the day. Sleep is the body’s time to rest, heal, and recharge. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, your body will have a much harder time healing itself, and the mind will have a more challenging time focusing on tasks during the day. An average adult’s ideal amount of sleep at night is six to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Balanced Diet

Eating a well-balanced diet will help energize you and give you the nutrients you need to be healthy and strong. It also helps improve brain function, allowing your mind to stay focused. Consuming a good amount of protein during each meal gives you more energy and keeps you full longer, cutting down on unnecessary snacking. A well-balanced diet will help you bring your all to your job as a caregiver, allowing you to do your best work.

Notice Your Needs

Listening to your own mind and body is essential. Pay attention to your needs and what your body is telling you. For example, if you feel like you need rest, take the time to catch up on your sleep. If you’re feeling stressed out or overwhelmed, find some time to calm down, relax, and release tension. Paying attention to what you need will help you be more balanced overall and give you the ability to take better care of patients every day.

Avoid Overworking

Feelings of burnout can creep in when you overwork yourself. It becomes challenging to do your job to the best of your ability and care for someone else when taking on too much work. If you notice you are feeling overworked, take some time off, or cut back on some of your hours to give yourself time to recharge. It’s imperative to take time for yourself and do things that relax you and bring you joy and peace. Taking some time for yourself outside of work allows you to show up to work with a positive attitude.

There are several different rewarding careers in caregiving. They all require that you prioritize self-care in order to do the best possible work on the job. Now that you have reviewed a guide for the givers: self-care tips for caregivers, you can live a more balanced life and bring your best self to work every day.

10 Healthy Habits for Leading a Successful Retirement Life

If you want to enjoy your retirement, you must find out what it means for you. Of course, you have to organize your money, make a budget and stick to it. But that’s not what retirement is all about. There are some healthy habits you can incorporate during this time to get a new direction in life.

Some retired people also fall victim to the trap of addiction, which is why rehabs like Infinite Recovery have a unique treatment program for older adults. Check https://www.infiniterecovery.com/drug-rehab-dallas/ for more details.


10 Healthy Habits for a Successful Retirement

Senior citizens have the right to live their retirement lives with dignity, passion, fun, and stability. In order to ensure these elements, the aged people must incorporate a few healthy activities in their daily routine once they retire.

If you integrate the following healthy habits into your life, you will not only stay physically fit but will also stay mentally sharp. So, let’s take a look at them here:

1. Practice Healthy Eating

Older people are prone to develop chronic diseases like heart issues, diabetes, arthritis, etc., and this is why a healthy diet is always recommended. A healthy diet for older adults consists of veggies, legumes, whole grains, dairy, lean meats, etc.

Once you retire, make sure you contact a nutritionist and get a healthy diet plan for yourself, and stick to that. It will make sure that you are not spending your post-retirement life in some hospital bed, but rather living peacefully in your home, among your loved ones.

2. Get a New Pet to Avoid Loneliness

Retired people often feel lonely at home because their partners may have passed away or their children are away from home. This is why you could consider getting a new pet because it will give you someone to take care of. It is essential for older people to feel needed, and once they get a pet, they enjoy not only the constant companionship, but the tasks of feeding, walking, and grooming, too.

The sense of being needed by someone can make retired people happy. Studies show seniors who are happy are less likely to have any trouble getting up, dressing, or taking a shower, so make yourself happy by getting a new pal.

3. Give Back To Community

You should give back to the community when you are retired. Now, by giving back, we are not saying you have to donate a lot of money, but you should do something beneficial for the community. You can take advantage of your good reputation in the locality and organize charity drives. Organizing a cleanliness campaign once a week is also helpful. If you want to visit the local youth centers and donate money to uplift its condition, you can do that too.

Senior citizens may find it uniquely satisfying to help others because they get to be part of a social network that is incomplete without them.

4. Exercise Regularly

Even if you live in an assisted living community, you should find time to exercise every day. Experts recommend moderate exercise of 30 minutes is suitable for people in older age groups.

Go for a morning walk, go swimming, or do other physical activities that will help balance your weight and prevent chronic diseases. Many senior citizens join older adult yoga groups to stay healthy. It also gives them a sense of purpose and belongingness with their peers.

5. Look for Passive Income Streams

Since you are retired, you live your life off of your savings, and that’s okay. But why not look for a passive income stream that will be flexible and versatile?

There are plenty of passive income streams online that anybody can take advantage of. Thus, you can earn some extra cash while not getting bored just sitting at home. Many seniors use affiliate marketing, sell digital products, invest in real estate, sell their valuable items, write a blogs, etc., to spend their free time and earn some extra money.

6. Make a Routine

Keeping your life bound by structure and routine is always good for staying healthy. In fact, seniors can have ample time to relax in the evening if they make a schedule and do their chores during the day.

Thus, you will have a sense of direction and a sense of purpose in your life even after your retirement.

7. Have an Active Social Life

Feeling lonely is common for older adults, which is why having a social life is necessary for their bodies and minds to function at an optimum level. Make friends with people who have similar interests and ignore any possible age gap. As the old saying goes, ‘Age is just a Number.’ Thus, you will constantly be updated on what is happening in the world.

8. Volunteer with Local Groups

Nonprofit organizations are always in need of volunteers. Find a cause that you care about and where you can be of service.

In addition to the benefit of giving back to the community, more than 50% of Americans believe their self-esteem increases when they use their skills and knowledge in volunteering somewhere.

Moreover, senior people can also volunteer with their family and friends, which will give them more time to spend with their loved ones.

9. Spend Time with Grandchildren

As a grandparent, you have the wonderful opportunity to contribute to your grandchildren’s childhood and upbringing. So make plans and spend as much time as possible with them because this is precious time you will never get back.

When you seek options to pass your days after retirement, spending time with your grandkids can be an excellent way to do that. You will get to be a part of their lives in a meaningful way and share your stories and experiences with them, which is beneficial to everyone.

If your grandkids are away, spend time with other local kids to help keep your inner child alive.

10. Enroll in a New Course

When senior citizens retire, they often look back at their lives and think of all the decisions they did not make or the things they did not do. Now that you have more time, this is a great opportunity to revisit your local community college and enroll in courses that interest you.

It may be that you worked in the banking industry all your life, but you have a fancy towards Victorian Literature. You can easily join a distance education course and get a new degree.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Even if you don’t want to further your academic education, you could enroll in a new language or musical instrument class to simply give you joy.

Final Thoughts

A successful retirement life cannot be achieved if you don’t plan ahead of time. So you have to think of this phase as something to enjoy and plan your time accordingly. Once you adjust to retirement, you can make the most of the additional the free time and incorporate the habits mentioned above in order to live life to its fullest.

 

The Top Activities for Seniors in Florida

Senior citizens have a right to live with dignity and are entitled to enjoy their retirement years. Florida has many opportunities for senior citizens to stay physically fit, mentally sharp, and independent outside of their retirement community or nursing home. Above all, however, Florida has plenty of senior-friendly options for fun! Check out some of the top activities for seniors in Florida to understand just how great the Sunshine State is.

Visiting Theme Parks

Visiting theme parks is one of the most popular activities for seniors in Florida. A visit to a theme park is a wonderful way to spend quality time with family and friends. The most popular theme parks include Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, and Legoland.

Each of these parks offers something different for visitors. For instance, some parks focus on familiar movies and television shows while others feature roller coasters and carnival stalls. Some parks even focus on history and science. Regardless of what a senior’s interests and activity levels are, there’s likely a theme park in Florida to suit them.

Go Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is another activity that older adults can enjoy. This type of fishing involves using a lightweight lure to catch fish. It requires patience and skill, but it’s also a wonderful pastime for the older generation to teach newcomers. Many seniors find fly fishing relaxing because it allows them to simply enjoy the water and scenery while waiting for their catch. If you know a senior who loves fly fishing, there are many great fly fishing spots in Florida.

Enjoy a Hike

There are plenty of hiking trails throughout Florida. These trails are great for seniors because they allow you to explore nature while getting in crucial exercise. Hiking is also a fantastic way to explore new places and meet new friends. Hiking becomes increasingly difficult as we age, but there are ways to make hiking easier on our bodies. One example is using walking sticks. If your loved one doesn’t already own a walking stick, consider buying one before they head out. Paved trails welcome those achy joints or mobility devices.

Volunteer With Local Groups

Nonprofits always need more volunteers, and many organizations welcome older adults. Volunteering allows seniors to give back to society and help others on a personal level. Volunteering enables them to use their skills and knowledge to make an impact that matters to them. It’s important to note that family and friends can volunteer alongside their loved ones as well!

These are some of the top activities for seniors in Florida. Seniors can do so many things during their retirement years, and Florida continuously welcomes snowbirds, weekend vacationers, and travel groups alike to live life to the fullest.

7 Reasons to Consider Home Health Care

If you have a loved one who is sick or injured and in need of additional medical care, you might be considering what option is most suitable to their needs. In-home care can be a great solution for many people. Here are seven reasons to consider home health care for your loved one.

  1. A Comfortable Solution

As the old saying goes, “There’s no place like home.” That couldn’t be more true! One of the main benefits of home care is it allows your loved one to enjoy the familiar and comfortable luxuries of their own home, while still getting the medical attention they need. 

When you opt for in-home services, your family member can enjoy home-cooked, well-balanced meals and the ability to stay in a home that’s familiar to them — along with many other comforts. 

  1. More Independence 

In many cases, home health care allows your loved ones to maintain their independence for as long as possible. Some people only require help with light housework, meal planning, medication assistance, and transport to and from appointments or grocery shopping.

      3. Personal Care Needs

If your loved one requires more medical attention, don’t fret. Bathing, dressing, nail trimming, toileting, mobility support, and eye health with vision insurance are other home care needs that can usually be arranged. 

  1. An Affordable Option

Depending on the amount of medical attention your loved one requires, home health care can be a more affordable option than an assisted living facility or nursing home. 

Several factors determine the cost of home care, including the company you use, the number of hours you’ll need care for and geographic location. In New York City, for example, the average cost of home health care is $20 per hour. Another factor that will generally determine the amount you’ll spend is the extent of medical attention the patient requires. Light chores and meal preparation will generally cost less than more demanding tasks, like helping them in the restroom. 

  1. Keeps Families Together

Placing your family member in an assisted living or nursing home can be a painful decision to make. It might even lead to resentment. For the nursing home patient, it can also lead to loneliness and depression. 

Whether it’s your spouse, elderly parent, or a sick or injured child, home care allows your family to stay together as long as possible. And who doesn’t want more time with their loved ones? 

  1. Safer Option 

Nursing homes aren’t without risks. There have been numerous incidents of elder abuse. There have also been cases where someone wasn’t monitored closely enough and they suffered a fall. Bedsores are also an issue at nursing homes that have poorly trained staff. Of course, we can’t forget that the country is currently in a pandemic and there’s a verifiably higher risk of COVID-19 fatalities in those facilities.

Home care helps reduce these risks. You’ll have the ability to see your senior family member on a regular basis to monitor for any problems that may be occurring. Since home aides offer one-on-one care, they’ll also be able to better supervise your loved one. 

  1. Companionship 

Another one of the main advantages of home care is it allows your senior citizen family member to receive companionship. When you’re not available to spend time with your loved one, they may experience some loneliness. A home aide will often converse, play cards or enjoy other activities with your family member. This can increase your family member’s happiness. 

These are just seven reasons to consider home health care. Although there are situations where an assisted living facility or nursing home may be more ideal or even necessary, many patients can benefit from home aides. The advantages of home care can help your loved ones have a better quality of life — and allows you to spend more time together. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.