Aging Archives | Just Like Family Home Care

Navigating Dementia in the Sunset Years

August 29, 2024

Dementia is a neurocognitive disorder which effects a large population in the U.S. According the study, over 3.4 million of Americans age 71 and older suffer from some sort of dementia, and in Florida alone over 580,000 people have been diagnosed with this disorder. Dementia is characterized by a number of symptoms. Signs typically include:

Memory loss
Difficulty performing everyday tasks, such as bathing, driving, or preparing meals
Confusion
Disorientation
Mood changes
Change is personality

In many cases during early stages of development, Dementia symptoms can be decelerated by certain modifications in lifestyle and diet. Here are some of the changes that seniors can make to help avoid cognitive disorders.

Quit smoking and avoid second hand smoking
Avoid alcohol consumption
Stay active – take walks regularly, do chair exercises for seniors, or go for a light swim
Avoid head trauma – wear helmet, when riding a bike or fasten seatbelt when driving a car
Change diet to Mediterranean style – try to eat a lot of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, olive oils, and different fish varieties
Keep mind active – solve different varieties of puzzles, try to learn a new language or play an instrument, or make crafts
Maintain social interactions with family and friends
Try to reduce stress
Monitor blood pressure and blood sugar levels
Keep healthy sleep habits

Just Like Family Home Care is available to assist seniors during every stage of Dementia. Our team is specialized in

Helping with everyday hygiene tasks and dressing
Preparing healthy meals and feeding assistance
Assisting with exercises and walking
Administering medications
Monitoring vitals
Doing laundry and light housekeeping
Transporting to doctors’ appointments and other events
Companionship
Helping stay connected with others
Respite Care

Just Like Family Home Care provides professional support and care to seniors with Dementia to help them improve their quality of life while stay in their own homes. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

The Synergy Between Hospice Care and Just Like Family Home Care

July 29, 2024

Hospice care is a specialized form of medical care designed to provide comfort and support to individuals in the final stages of life, when aggressive treatment fails or no cure exists. It focuses to enhance the quality of life for patients by managing pain and other uncomfortable symptoms, rather than attempting to cure the illness. In addition, hospice offers emotional and spiritual support for both the patients and their loved ones. Hospice care can be provided in various settings, such as the patients’ homes, hospitals, nursing homes, or specialized hospice centers, with the most common being at home. Just Like Family Home Care works alongside hospice care to provide comprehensive support for patients. These are some of the ways in which we work together:

Filling in the Gap in Care: Hospice agencies may not always provide continuous care due to various reasons. Professional caregivers can step in to assist with tasks like bathing, dressing, companionship, medication reminders, and light housekeeping. This support ensures continuity of care when families need more assistance than hospice can offer.
Helping Discharged or Ineligible Patients: If patients’ conditions stabilize or get better, they may be discharged from hospice. Just Like Family Home Care offers a wide range of services to help patients remain safe and independent in their own homes, from assistance with daily living activities to transportation to doctor appointments.
Supporting Family Caregivers: Just Like Family Home Care provides break for family members. Family can take a break while professional caregivers watch over the patient, ensuring their well-being and relieving stress.

Hospice care and Just Like Family Home Care work hand in hand to provide seniors comprehensive care. This integrated approach not only improves the patients’ quality of life but also provides vital support to their families, helping them navigate the complexities of end-of-life care of the loved ones.

Golden Years Sun Safety: Seniors and Skin Cancer Awareness

June 28, 2024

Skin cancer, the abnormal growth of skin cells, most commonly develops on areas exposed to the sun. However, it can also occur on less sun-exposed areas, such as the palms, beneath fingernails or toenails. As seniors age, their risk of developing skin cancer increases. Sun safety is very important, since one of the most preventable types of cancer is skin cancer. Here’s what you need to know:

Types of Skin Cancer:

Basal Cell Carcinoma: The most common type, often appearing as a pearly or waxy bump.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Usually presents as a red, scaly patch or sore.
Melanoma: The deadliest form, characterized by changes in moles or new growths.

Risk Factors for Seniors:

Sun Exposure: Accumulated sun exposure over a time contributes to skin cancer risk.
Age: Around 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.
Fair Skin: Light-skinned individuals are at higher risk.
Gender: More men over 55 develop melanoma.

How Just Like Family Home Care Can Help:

Assistance with Dressing: Help seniors dress in sun protective clothing, such as lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover arms, shoulders, and legs, as well as wide-brimmed hat to protect face, ears, and neck.
Assistance with Sunscreen: Help seniors apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, which is a highly recommended method of preventing skin cancer.
Assistance with Appointments: Help seniors attend dermatology appointments for regular skin checks.
Supportive Care: Provide emotional support during diagnosis and treatment.

Remember, one of the most preventable forms of cancer is skin cancer. An early detection and professional assistance play a vital role in management and treatment. Just Like Family Home Care plays an essential role in helping seniors maintain skin health and overall well-being.

Arthritis in Seniors

May 30, 2024

Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. It primarily affects seniors and tends to worsen with age. It can have a major negative effect on seniors’ quality of life by impairing their capability to carry out everyday tasks and engage in social interactions. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for minimizing the impact of arthritis on seniors’ well-being. Just Like Family Home Care plays a vital role in helping seniors manage arthritis. These are some of the ways we can be of great service.

Skilled Nursing Care: Just Like Family Home Care can provide professional nursing care. Seniors with arthritis can benefit from the assessment, care, and pain management techniques offered by registered nurses (RNs).

Dietary Guidance: Just Like Family Home Care team can educate seniors about arthritis-friendly diets. We recommend avoiding pro-inflammatory meals like processed foods, sweets, and saturated fats and consuming anti-inflammatory foods like berries, leafy greens, olive oil, and fatty fish.

Support with Daily Life Activities: Just Like Family Home Care team can help seniors with bathing, dressing, grooming, and meal preparation. By minimizing joint stress during daily activities, seniors will experience less pain and discomfort.

Emotional Level Support: Arthritis can influence seniors’ mental health. Just Like Family Home Care team can provide emotional support and companionship. We minimize elders’ sense of loneliness by listening to their worries and offering support.

Considering that every senior has different needs and preferences, personalized arthritis care is crucial. Just Like Family Home Care is able to modify support according to each person’s unique circumstances and degree of arthritis severity.

Heart Disease and How Just Like Family Home Care Can Help

April 26, 2024

Heart disease has a significant impact on seniors. The risk of having a heart attack, stroke, coronary heart disease, and heart failure is significantly higher in people 65 years of age and above. Millions of seniors’ quality of life is diminished and their activities restricted by heart disease, which is also a major source of disability. Just Like Family Home Care can be a valuable resource for supporting heart health in seniors. Here are three key ways in which we can help:

Supporting Preventative Care with Nutrition and Well-being: The best line of defense to help identify cardiac problems early on is preventative care services, which include yearly physicals, lab testing, and screenings. In the case that the senior is unable to drive themselves and the family is unavailable, Just Like Family Home Care can help with transportation to and from appointments. A few healthy lifestyle choices that can help lower the risk of heart disease include increasing physical activity, eating a balanced diet, cutting back on alcohol, and giving up tobacco products.

Services to Support Recovery and Lower Readmissions to Hospitals: Returning home after a cardiac incident might be very stressful. Following the discharge instructions is important for lowering the possibility of being readmitted to the hospital. By handling duties like driving the senior home upon release, cleaning the house, collecting up prescriptions, sending out medication reminders, running errands, and more, the Just Like Family Home Care team can help with the transition back home and make recovery process less stressful.

Personal and Hygiene Care: Just Like Family Home Care can provide personal care services, such as light housekeeping, errand running, companionship, and more. Maintaining personal hygiene might become increasingly difficult both during and after recovery, particularly, when mobility changes. The staff at Just Like Family Home Care is happy to help while upholding dignity and offering support.

While every elderly person faces various needs, Just Like Family Home Care is available to assist seniors as they go through heart health journey. Our staff is here to help with all phases of heart health care, encompassing prevention, post-treatment rehabilitation, and continuing care.

Benefits of Spring Cleaning for Seniors

March 30, 2024

Traditionally, spring cleaning gives us a chance to makeover our houses and get ahead of the busy spring and summer months. However, due to physical restrictions or health concerns, spring cleaning can be a difficult undertaking for elders. In this situation, Just Like Family Home Care’s support might be quite helpful. Here are some advantages of spring cleaning for seniors with the help of Just Like Family Home Care:

Safety First: A clean and organized home is a safer home. Clutter can be a tripping hazard, and accumulated dust can exacerbate respiratory issues. Just Like Family Home Care can ensure safety during cleaning, such as preventing falls and using non-toxic cleaning products.
Promoting Hygiene: A thorough cleaning can eliminate germs, allergens, and bacteria, which promotes a healthy living environment. Regular cleaning can improve air quality, which is particularly important for seniors with respiratory issues.

Reducing Stress: Getting spring cleaning chores done can make you feel proud and accomplished. A well-kept and arranged home can boost happiness, lessen stress, and encourage sounder sleep.

Fostering Independence: With a clean and organized home, seniors can navigate their space more easily, fostering a sense of independence.

Companionship: Spring cleaning with Just Like Family Home Care can also provide valuable companionship for seniors. The presence of a caregiver can make spring cleaning a social experience, making it more enjoyable for seniors and providing an opportunity for seniors to engage in conversation and share stories.

In conclusion, spring cleaning is not just about keeping things tidy. It’s about creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable living environment. With the help of Just Like Family Home Care seniors can reap the benefits of spring cleaning without the stress and physical strain. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Aging in Place

February 27, 2024

Aging in place is the idea of growing older while remaining in one’s own home, rather than moving to a senior care facility. This choice is favored by many senior citizens since it preserves their comfort, familiarity, and independence. However, aging in place may also require some assistance. Just Like Family Home Care can provide various services to help seniors live safely and comfortably at home. A few of the main advantages of using Just Like Family Home Care to age in place include:

• Personalized care: Just Like Family Home Care is able to customize services, including the kind, frequency, and length of care, to meet the unique needs and preferences of elders. You can choose the caregivers you trust and feel comfortable with, and communicate with them directly about your expectations and feedback.

• Cost-effectiveness: Just Like Family Home Care can often provide care at a lower cost than institutionalized care, especially for long-term or chronic conditions.

• Improved health outcomes: Just Like Family Home Care can offer a range of health care services, such as medication management, wound care, care after surgery, monitoring of vital signs, injections, attending doctor appointments, and many more. By using these services, seniors can enhance their quality of life, avoid or treat health issues, and spend less time in hospitals or emergency rooms.

• Emotional well-being: Just Like Family Home Care can also support seniors’ emotional well-being by providing companionship, social interaction, and mental stimulation. We can help elderly cope with loneliness, depression, or anxiety, and enhance their self-esteem and dignity.

At Just Like Family Home Care we empower seniors to maintain their independence, improve their quality of life, and grow old comfortably in their own homes.

Incontinence in Seniors

January 29, 2024

Incontinence is a common problem among seniors. About 75% of women over age 65 suffer with urine leakage, and 60-70% of people with Alzheimer’s eventually become incontinent. Incontinence can be caused by aging, illness, or injury. Weak muscles of the sphincters and pelvis can lead to urinary incontinence because the muscles cannot remain tight enough to hold urine in the bladder, or the bladder does not have enough support from the pelvic muscles to stay in its proper position. Weak bladder muscles may also result in not being able to empty the bladder completely. Additionally, incontinence may be caused by medication interactions, vaginal or urinary tract infections, prostate problems and progressive diseases that lead to cognitive and physical decline.

Just Like Family Home Care can help seniors deal with incontinence by providing assistance with toileting, hygiene, incontinence products, and medication management. We can also provide transportation to doctor’s appointments and prescription pickups. Just Like Family Home Care can also offer emotional support and companionship to seniors who may feel embarrassed or ashamed about their incontinence. We can also help seniors stay connected with their friends and family by providing transportation assistance to social events and activities.

At Just Like Family Home Care we provide seniors, who are incontinent, with support they need to keep their dignity and self-confidence to continue being involved in life.

Healthy Fall Charcuterie Board

October 25, 2023

A healthy fall charcuterie board is a great way to enjoy the seasonal flavors and produce, while also catering to the needs and preferences of seniors. Here are some tips and ideas on how to make a healthy fall charcuterie board that elderly can make:

Choose whole-grain breads and crackers that are high in fiber, B vitamins and protein. These can help with digestion, energy and blood sugar levels. You can also make your own cauliflower chips for a low-carb alternative.
Add nuts, such as almonds, pecans or walnuts, to your board. Nuts are a healthy snack that provide plant-based protein and healthy fats. You can also roast or spice them for extra flavor.
Load up on fruits and veggies that are in season, such as apples, pears, grapes, kumquats, figs, brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes. Fruits and veggies add color, nutrients and antioxidants to your board. You can also roast some of the veggies for a warm and cozy touch.
Choose the right meats and cheeses for your board. Avoid cold cuts that are high in sodium and saturated fat, which are not good for heart health. Instead, opt for thinner sliced meats and choose lower-fat cheese options.
Add one or two dips to your board, such as hummus, spinach dip or a sweet dip made with yogurt and honey. Dips can add moisture and flavor to your board, as well as provide some calcium and protein.
Don’t forget some fun treats to finish off your board. You can add some dark chocolate, dried fruit or mini pumpkin pies for a festive touch. Just be mindful of the portion size and sugar content of these treats.

Just Like Family Home Care hopes these tips and ideas help seniors create a healthy fall charcuterie board that they can make and enjoy!

September is Healthy Aging Month

September 25, 2023

Just Like Family Home Care can play a vital role in helping seniors with healthy aging. Some of the ways we can do so are:

Providing personalized home care services that meet the needs and preferences of each senior. Home care services can include assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, medication management, and transportation. Just Like Family Home Care can also provide companionship, socialization, and mental stimulation for seniors who may feel lonely or isolated.
Offering nurse-directed care for seniors who have complex medical needs or chronic conditions. Nurse-directed care can involve skilled nursing services, such as wound care, glucose checks, injections, catheter care, and IV therapy.
Supporting seniors who are receiving hospice or palliative care at home. Hospice care is a type of care that focuses on relieving pain and symptoms for people with terminal illnesses. Palliative care is a type of care that aims to improve the quality of life for people with serious illnesses, regardless of the prognosis. Just Like Family Home Care can provide hospice support services, such as personal care, emotional support, spiritual care for seniors and their families.
Educating seniors and their families about the resources and options available for aging in place. Aging in place is the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably.

Just Like Family Home Care can help seniors live well in their own homes and communities.