Making the Leap From Informal to Professional Caregiving
Explore the journey of transitioning from being an informal caregiver to entering the realm of professional caregiving and see if it’s right for you.
How to Stay Organized and Manage Time Effectively as a Paid Caregiver
As a paid caregiver, good organization and time management can make the difference between a happy and an unhappy client. Find out how you can succeed.
5 Fun & Engaging Activities for Seniors
These are 5 fun and engaging activities that are perfect for seniors looking to have a good time and stay mentally and physically active.
Tips for Balancing Caregiving and Work: How to Manage Both Roles Effectively
From setting boundaries to seeking support, here are some tips to help you with balancing caregiving with your job!
Effective Communication Techniques for Caregivers: How to Connect with Your Clients
Clients can often struggle to communicate for a variety of reasons. See how you can make sure you are effectively and patiently connecting with them.
A Comprehensive Guide to Personal Care Skills for Professional Caregivers
What skills are required for professional personal care for seniors? What skills and qualities are required to do it well? Read on to see!
Managing Chronic Conditions: Empowering Seniors to Take Control of Their Health
Diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and other conditions can be a nightmare to navigate, especially as you age. Here’s how you can support your loved one through it.
Home Care vs. Facility Care: Which Caregiving Environment Suits You Best?
Which professional caregiving environment is best to work in? Home care or facility care? See what works for you!
Balancing Self-Care and Compassion as a Professional Caregiver
As a professional caregiver, you care a lot about your clients, but how can you make sure that you balance that with your own care?
How Home Care Supports Long-Term Health Management
How can home care help your loved one stay happy and healthier longer? Find out!
Tips for Those Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease can come with a lot of challenges for caregivers. See how to rise up to the challenge.
How to Prepare for a Caregiver Job Interview: Top 5 Tips
Prepping for any interview, including one for a caregiver job, can be nerve-racking. These tips can help!
What Are the Requirements to Be a Professional Caregiver?
When it comes to education and skills, what’s required to become a professional caregiver? Read on to see.
Tips, Resources, and Support for Caring for Seniors At Home
Caregiving for a loved one does not have to be a solo venture. See what resources, tips, and support are available to you.
The Ripple Effect: How Self-Care Impacts Your Ability to Provide Quality Care
Self-care is a term often talked about regarding family caregivers, but see why it’s vital to prioritize as a professional caregiver.
Companion Care: Elevating Emotional Wellbeing for Seniors
Many seniors may suffer from isolation and loneliness, adversely affecting their health. Companion care can help. See how!
Home Care Careers: Empowering Independence and Enhancing Lives
Home care careers can make a difference in the lives of many. Learn how and how you can get started!
Why Senior Home Care is the Best Option for Your Loved Ones
Learn why senior home care is the ideal choice for your loved ones. This article explores the benefits and advantages of this personalized approach to caregiving.
Choosing a Caregiver: Agency vs Independent Contractors
Considering hiring a caregiver? Discover the risks and benefits of working with an agency or independent caregiver as well as what you need to know before making your decision.
Working for an Agency vs. Being an Independent Contractor or Household Employee
Looking for a career in home care? Learn more about the benefits of working with an agency, as opposed to independently or as a household employee.
The Role of a Caregiver: What You Can Expect as a Professional Caregiver
Curious about a career in caregiving? See what you can expect to do as a professional caregiver each day.
Understanding How Respite Care Can Benefit You and Your Loved Ones
Respite care is an essential service that provides temporary relief to family caregivers. See how it can benefit you and your loved ones.
Private Duty Care: What You Need to Know Before Hiring a Caregiver
What is private duty care? Do you need it? See what you need to know about this type of care and if it’s the right fit.
How to Build a Successful Career in Home Care: Tips for New and Experienced Caregivers
In this blog post, we'll provide tips for new and experienced caregivers on how to build a successful career in home care industry.
What Are the Duties of a Professional Caregiver?
With the demand for direct-care workers projected to rise dramatically over the next decade, caregiving is also one of the few recession-proof professions. If this interests you, read on to learn more about what a typical day might look like once you’ve embarked on your exciting new career as a professional caregiver.
Identifying and Coping with the Challenges of Long-Distance Caregiving
Learn how the challenges of long-distance caregiving can be addressed and discover how home care services can bridge the gap between family members.
The Benefits of Personalized Home Care Services
Learn how personalized home care services can make a big difference in the lives of seniors and their caregivers, from providing trusted support to address individual needs.
Advice for Navigating Difficult Family Dynamics as a Caregiver
As a professional caregiver, you may find yourself dealing with complicated family dynamics. Here are some tips to help you navigate through them.
Navigating the Challenges of Long-Term Home Care
Are you feeling overwhelmed with the prospect of caring for a loved one? Get insight into long-term home care and find out how to face the challenges.
The Emotional and Physical Challenges of Being a Caregiver
What follows are caregiver stress signs to watch for – along with preventative steps you can take – so you can continue to honor your loved one’s wishes and provide them with the nurturing they deserve.
Preventing Elder Fraud: Real Stories of Caregiver Vigilance
Elderly individuals are often targeted by scammers because they are seen as vulnerable and more trusting. As a caregiver, it is important to be vigilant and take steps to prevent seniors from becoming victims of fraud and scams. What follows are four real-life examples of how caregivers at First In Care have prevented fraud and scams from happening to their clients.
Effective Communication Strategies for Caregivers
As a family caregiver, finding creative ways to communicate with those special seniors is essential for their health and well-being. What follows are several communication tips that every caregiver should know.
The Importance of Respite Care for Family Caregivers
For family caregivers, respite care can mean the difference between burnout and a sustainable home care routine. Learn more about it in this blog post!
Creating a Safe and Comfortable Home Environment
Want to help your loved one age in place? Learn what steps you can take to create an enjoyable, safe, and comfortable home care environment.
The Importance of Self-Care for Caregivers
Caring for others can be incredibly rewarding, but it's important to take care of yourself too. Here are several ways to make sure you're taking care of yourself as a caregiver.
How to Climb the Caregiving Career Ladder
When you’re a caregiver, doing the same job day in and day out for years can put a damper on your spark and passion. Fortunately, there are several ways to rekindle the fire you once had while climbing the career ladder, starting with those that follow.
5 Tips to Help You Discuss Caregiving Options with an Elderly Loved One
Convincing an aging loved one to accept professional care is never easy. Here are five ways to get even the most stubborn senior to reconsider.
How to Assist When a Senior is Dealing with Incontinence
Those facing senior incontinence may face several difficulties. Here are some tips for how to assistant them and make life easier.
Why Our Caregivers Love Our Workplace Culture
Finding an employer in the home care field with a culture that aligns with your values and beliefs is often easier said than done. What follows are several reasons why the caregivers at our agency love coming to work every day.
Why Choose a Career in Home Health Care?
If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, a career in home health care might be your calling – one that could help reignite the motivational spark that once burned deep inside your body.
Protect the Hearts You Love During Heart Month
You are never too old or too young to begin taking care of your heart. February is American Heart Month, making it the perfect time to protect the hearts of your loved ones.
5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Home Care Services
Once you’ve selected a reputable provider, getting the most out of your home care experience as days transition into months – and even years – takes planning and perseverance.
What It’s Really Like to Be a Professional Caregiver
As someone providing nonmedical care to others, each day as a professional caregiver brings new fulfillment opportunities along with the occasional challenges.
The Top 5 Skills Every Home Caregiver Needs
If you possess a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of others while unleashing your full potential, caregiving could be your calling.
5 Signs Your Parents May Need Home Care Assistance
Determining when aging parents need home care assistance is never easy. Here are five ways to ensure it's the right decision before approaching yours about the topic.
How to Deal with Caregiver Stress During the Holidays
Although it’s highly gratifying, serving as a family caregiver can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Adding numerous holiday activities to an already full plate can push even the most seasoned caregiver to the breaking point.
7 Reasons Why Home Care is the Best Job for You
In addition to being virtually recession-proof, a home care career provides many other advantages over other professions. If you are interested in joining the rapidly growing healthcare industry, here are seven reasons why home care might be your calling.
4 Common Myths About Caregiving
Many of the nearly 40 million family caregivers in the U.S. believed some of the common myths about caregiving before they began helping a senior loved one. Here are four of them.
How to Protect Your Senior Loved Ones Even When You Can’t Be There
While caring for a loved one when you live in the same city can be difficult, long-distance caregiving can present a unique set of challenges. Here are five tips to help you protect your loved ones when you can’t be there with them.
How to Respond to Behavior Changes of Loved Ones with Dementia
How can you best respond to behavior changes and better manage a loved one with dementia whose thinking is also changing? Here are nine tips that will help.
Five Reasons to Make a Career Change to Homecare
It’s been said that “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” In our experience, we’ve found that this truism applies to caregivers who have long careers helping others.
Why Many Veterans Are Choosing Home Care as Their Next Career
Home healthcare agencies love hiring veterans, and many of them are choosing home care as their next career. What is it that is drawing our vets to this life-changing career? Here are five reasons
Five Common Misconceptions About Home Care
Here are five common misconceptions about home care and the facts that will alleviate any concerns you might have.
Come See Us at the Senior Fair in Lakewood Ranch!
Looking for food, raffle prizes, and free giveaways? Come visit First In Care at the Senior Fair in Lakewood Ranch!
Keeping Senior Loved Ones Active at Home
Searching for ways to keep your senior loved ones active at home can be challenging, but it’s a positive step that needs to be taken. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
What Does It Take to Become a Professional Caregiver
If you are considering a career in caregiving – congratulations. As you embark on your new career, let’s look at five things you need to consider in order to become a professional caregiver.
5 Questions You Should Ask During Your Caregiver Interview
It’s important that you find an agency that you feel will support you and treat you like the professional you are. Here are five questions you should ask during your caregiver interview.
What is the Difference Between Personal Care and Companion Care?
Home care agencies offer many different types of services, including personal care and companion care. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but there are significant differences between them. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Caregiver Health: Depression and Caregiving
Family caregivers spend an average of more than 24 hours a week helping their loved ones continue to live at home. Unfortunately, this time commitment and all the other obligations a caregiver has often put their physical and mental health at the bottom of their to-do list.
5 Tips to Provide Long-Distance Support to Aging Parents
If you’re separated from a senior loved one who lives an hour or more away, you’re considered a long-distance caregiver, and our hearts go out to you. To make your situation a bit easier, here are four tips that we’ve found helpful for families like yours.
What Can Concierge Senior Care Do For You?
Concierge caregivers are there to make life more comfortable for an aging seniors who may be unable to perform tasks they once were. The ultimate goal of concierge senior care is to help seniors continue to live comfortably at home.
Tips for Managing Alzheimer’s and Dementia Symptom
Just as each individual with dementia or Alzheimer’s progresses differently, so too can the caregiving experience vary widely from caregiver to caregiver. Thankfully, there are strategies that can help make your path as a caregiver rewarding.
5 Signs of Elder Fraud and How to Prevent Them
It’s estimated that financial exploitation costs the elderly over $6 billion annually, just from reported cases. To help protect your loved one against elder fraud, here are five signs to look for and ways you can prevent them.
Simple and Safe Exercises for Seniors
Exercise is vital for seniors, but it can be difficult to know which exercises to begin with and concentrate on. Becoming active again can be challenging for an older adult who hasn’t worked out in a while.
5 Fun Activities to Enjoy this National Senior Citizens Day
Why not spend National Senior Citizens Day introducing your loved ones to fun activities they can enjoy throughout the year? If that’s your goal, these entertainment ideas should make the festivities even more memorable for you both.
Fall Senior Wellness Expo!
The Sarasota and Manatee Senior Wellness Expo, featuring John Rinell's tribute to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, is just around the corner. Find out more!
5 Tips to Prevent Unnecessary Senior Hospitalizations
Every year, thousands of seniors end up in the hospital because of accidents at home, medication mismanagement, or physical or mental health issues. Fortunately, many of these hospital admissions are unnecessary and preventable following these five tips.
5 Tips for Long-Distance Caregivers
Caring for a loved one when you live in the same city can be difficult, but long-distance caregiving carries with it a unique set of challenges. Here are five tips to help you successfully manage care from a distance.
4 Symptoms of Depression in Seniors
Watching a senior loved one or parent struggle with feelings of overpowering sadness and despair can be painful. Here’s how to approach the situation and get your loved ones the help they need.
Managing Alzheimer’s and Dementia Symptoms
Being faced with the possibility that a parent or loved one has developed Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can be distressing and, at times, surreal. As the disease progresses, you’ll need to take steps to help manage their symptoms and provide them with the comfort and care they need.
When is it Time to Suggest Elder Home Care to a Loved One?
How can you be confident that the time has come? You don’t want to suggest it before it’s needed, but you also don’t want to wait too long. Here are five signs your senior loved one needs elder home care.
Why Bradenton Seniors Are Choosing Home Care
If your aging loved one is like most, they want to remain in their current home for as long as possible. What follows are several reasons why more and more families in Bradenton are now choosing home care as the best option for their aging loved ones.
5 Signs It’s Time to Consider In-Home Senior Care
As a concerned family member, knowing if and when an aging friend or relative needs help around the house isn’t always easy. Here are 5 warning signs that it might be time to have “the talk” about in-home senior care with that special someone in your life.
Hurricane Season – Design an Emergency Kit with Seniors in Mind
If you have one, your emergency kit probably contains standard survival supplies such as non-perishable food, drinking water, first aid equipment, blankets, batteries, etc. But if you have an aging loved one living in Florida near the coast, you'll need to take some additional emergency preparedness steps.
Palliative Care and Hospice Care – What’s the Difference?
When a loved one chooses to die at home, the family's options include palliative care and hospice care. Although they share many similarities, palliative care and hospice care are not the same. This guide will help you honor your dying loved one's wishes by choosing the best option for them.
The Benefits of Hospice Support Care
For many people, hospice is an intimidating word that’s associated with the end of life. And although hospice is indeed for those who are very sick, hospice care can be highly beneficial to patients and their families. Even though it addresses the patient’s care, comfort, and quality of life, hospice alone cannot meet all the patient’s daily needs.
Why Respite Care Should Be a Part of Every Family’s Care Plan
Although it’s highly gratifying, serving as a family caregiver can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. No matter what role you find yourself serving, here’s why respite care should be an essential part of your family’s overall care plan.
Signs of Elder Abuse All Caregivers Should Look Out For
According to the National Council on Aging, up to five million older Americans are abused every year, and the annual loss by victims of financial abuse is estimated to be at least $36.5 billion. Yet, sadly, it’s estimated that only one in 24 cases of abuse are reported to the authorities.
Competition Word Search – April Winners
Each month First In Care is offering a word search or puzzle challenge for a chance to a $25 gift card of your choice and a shot at a gift basket for your office, facility, or hospital wing. Take a break for a chance to win. Fax your completed puzzle back to First In Care to be entered into the drawing at the end of the month.
How to Encourage a Senior with Limited Mobility to Get Outside
If your loved one is resistant to venturing outside, these are some ideas to help them regain their desire for fresh air and sunshine, and possibly establish a routine of spending time outdoors.
5 Activities That Can Help a Senior Feel Young Again
How can seniors keep their energy levels up and maintain their zest for life? Engaging in healthy activities as they age brings enjoyment to a senior’s life and positively impacts their mental and emotional well-being. Here are five activities that you or your senior loved one can try to help you live a fulfilling and active life in your golden years.
Why is Yoga Such a Great Exercise for Seniors?
Fitness professionals have recommended yoga for seniors for some time, believing it to be one of the best forms of exercise for older adults. Over time, and done with the proper form, yoga can improve a senior’s health, physically and mentally.
Try These Superfoods for Optimal Senior Brain Power
Studies also show that the best brain foods are also those that protect our heart and blood vessels. They’re especially rich in healthful components like B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and other antioxidants that promote blood flow and brain health. Here are eight superfoods that promote optimal senior brainpower:
When Living with an Elderly Parent Isn’t Working Out
Aging parents are moving in with their adult children more than ever before. If you currently find yourself in this situation, here’s how to coexist with an elderly parent while living under the same roof.
The Role of Caregiver Guilt: “I Made a Promise.”
Being a more effective caregiver requires the ability to manage negative emotions that can interfere with the quality of care that you provide, including guilt. That said, here are several ways to keep your attitude positive so that your seniors will continue to receive the nurturing they deserve.
How to Communicate with Seniors Who Don’t Want to Accept Home Care Assistance
Getting aging loved one to accept in-home care is never easy. Here’s how to get even the most stubborn senior to say “Yes.”
Competition Word Search – February Winners
Each month First In Care is offering a word search or puzzle challenge for a chance to a $25 gift card of your choice and a shot at a gift basket for your office, facility, or hospital wing. Take a break for a chance to win. Fax your completed puzzle back to First In Care to be entered into the drawing at the end of the month.
Senior Cognitive Health: Don’t Forget to Train Your Brain
Finding ways to stimulate your aging loved ones isn't always easy. Making a memory box, playing games and family activities are a few ways to improve your senior's cognitive health.
Look Out for These Early Signs of Dementia
Although signs of dementia may vary by patient, the early stages may include memory loss, depression, hallucinations are some early signs of dementia.
Loneliness Could Be Increasing the Risk of Dementia in Seniors
Seniors that feel lonely and isolated are more likely to experience cognitive decline and even are exposed to the risk of dementia than those who stay socially connected. For that special senior in your life, here’s why good brain health often results in a higher quality of life.
10 Caregiving Industry Facts You Should Know
If you are considering a career in home care, these ten fun facts about the caregiving industry will help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Top 10 Secrets About Being a Happy Professional Caregiver
As a professional caregiver serving on the front lines, here are ten secrets to staying positive even on the worst of days.
Value of Caregivers to the Aging Population
The value of professional caregivers cannot be overstated. It's a career that really makes a difference in the lives of many seniors! See if it's a good fit for you.
Competition Word Search – December Winners
Each month First In Care is offering a word search or puzzle challenge for a chance to a $25 gift card of your choice and a shot at a gift basket for your office, facility, or hospital wing. Take a break for a chance to win. Fax your completed puzzle back to First In Care to be entered into the drawing at the end of the Month.
5 Activities to Get Seniors Involved in the Holiday Fun
How can you include your senior loved one in the festivities? Here are five fun holiday activities for seniors that can be perfect!
Don’t Fall Victim to These Holiday Scams Disguised to Target Seniors
What follows are several common holiday scams that target seniors, along with tips for keeping you and your loved ones safe.
How to Deal with the Stress of Caregiving During the Holidays
Following these stress-relief tips for caregiving will help ensure that this holiday season is one that you will fondly remember for many years to come.
8 Foot Health Tips for Seniors
Here are eight foot health tips for seniors and their caregivers that promote good foot health and can keep your senior’s feet comfortable.
Planning Ahead – How to Pay for Senior Care
When it comes time to pay for senior care, many seniors discover that they weren’t prepared financially. Here are 7 tips that can help in that situation.
Competition Word Search – October Winners
Each month First In Care is offering a word search or puzzle challenge for a chance to a $25 gift card of your choice and a shot at a gift basket for your office, facility, or hospital wing. Take a break for a chance to win. Fax your completed puzzle back to First In Care to be entered into the drawing at the end of the Month.
Bedsores – Common Causes and Tips for Prevention
Bedsores are painful, difficult to heal, can cause infections, and can be common in seniors. See what causes them and how to prevent them.
Assisted Living vs. Home Care – How to Decide What’s Right for You
This article is here to help you to make the best, informed decision by looking at what both assisted living and home care can offer.
5 Questions to Help Determine If It’s Time for Home Care
The most challenging question you might be asking yourself is, “How can I be certain that it’s the right time for home care?” Here are 5 ways to know.
How to Assess if an Elderly Parent Needs Home Care Assistance
To help you know when it's time for help, here are seven ways you can assess if your elderly parent needs home care assistance.
How to Be an Advocate for Your Aging Parents
As a family caregiver, one of your primary concerns is to be an effective advocate for your aging parents' medical care. Here are five tips!
How Seniors Are Limiting Hospital Readmissions
One in five seniors experience hospital readmissions within 30 days of being discharged from an initial stay. Let's see what helps some to avoid that.
Competition Word Search – August Winners
Each month First In Care is offering a word search or puzzle challenge for a chance to a $25 gift card of your choice and a shot at a gift basket for your office, facility, or hospital wing. Take a break for a chance to win. Fax your completed puzzle back to First In Care to be entered into the drawing at the end of the Month.
Make the Most of a Hospital Stay and Shorten Recovery Time
How can you help your hospitalized loved one feel more comfortable? Here are five things you can do to help them make the most of a hospital stay.
Caregiver Support – Why Self-Care is Not Selfish
To avoid caregiver stress, it may become necessary to focus on your own health so that your senior continues to receive the care they deserve. If you currently find yourself in this position, here’s why practicing self-care doesn’t mean that you are a selfish person.
Signs of Dehydration in Seniors
While dehydration might seem like a minor issue, it can lead to serious problems that can place seniors' independence at risk. See how to prevent it!
Statement on COVID-19 Vaccines
What is First In Care doing to keep our caregivers and clients safe during this pandemic? What is our stance on COVID-19 vaccines? Find out.
Competition Word Search – July Winners
Each month First In Care is offering a word search or puzzle challenge for a chance to a $25 gift card of your choice and a shot at a gift basket for your office, facility, or hospital wing. Take a break for a chance to win. Fax your completed puzzle back to First In Care to be entered into the drawing at the end of the Month.
Boost Brain Health with These Fun Activities for Seniors
If you're trying to keep your senior loved one mentally active, here are some fun, brain-health-boosting activities that seniors will no doubt enjoy.
Why More People Are Opting for Home Care Over Nursing Homes
Older adults often must choose between receiving care at home versus moving into a nursing home. Here's why many would rather stay at home.
How a Familiar Environment Can Aid Recovery
When it comes to finding a suitable environment for a loved one to recover, a senior may be given several transitional care options. Here’s why recuperating at home might just be the best option for your aging loved one.
Safe at Home – Home Care vs. A Care Facility
If there’s an aging senior in your life, at some point they will probably need some outside help. Should you turn to a care facility or home care?
How Recovering at Home Can Benefit the Healing Process
A growing body of evidence would seem to indicate that recovering at home might be the better choice for that special senior in your life. See why.
The Important Relationship Between Willpower and Recovery
Recovering at home after a hospital stay can be hard on anyone, but it can be especially difficult for an aging-in-place senior and their loved ones. See how willpower can help them get through the recovery process.
Helping Seniors to Beat the Summer Heat
According to the CDC, over 600 Americans die every year from heat-related illnesses- including many seniors. If you’re an informal caregiver here are several ways to keep your aging in place loved one cool, hydrated and comfortable all summer long.
How to Respectfully Convince an Aging Parent They Need Care
Convincing an aging parent that they need care without being too pushy is never easy. Here are some proven ways you can get them to say "yes"!
Helping a Senior with Stroke Recovery
If you're currently a caregiver for a senior that has suffered a stroke, your role in providing them with the support they need can make a big difference in keeping them safe at home. Here are five tips to help make that happen and assist them with their stroke recovery.
Recognizing the Signs of a Stroke in Seniors
Nearly three-quarters of all strokes occur in people over age 65, and the risk of stroke more than doubles each decade after the age of 55. The risk for strokes in seniors is concerning and these are sobering statistics for them and their caregivers. Here are some of the signs to look for so you can get them the crucial early treatment they need.
Why Family Caregivers Deserve Care Too
All too often, family members and friends acting as caregivers go unrecognized. Rarely is their invaluable contribution to people's lives acknowledged. It's evident from the high incidence of caregiver stress that they need and deserve as much support and care as possible.
Parkinson’s Disease: Bridging the Communication Gap
When Parkinson's progresses, it can create communication barriers that make caregiving more challenging. As a caregiver, finding ways to bridge that communication gap is essential for providing the level of care that your loved one needs.
Putting Together a Comprehensive Parkinson’s Care Team
Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, or simply “Parkinson’s”, can be a real game changer at any age. As a caregiver, one of the ways to ensure that they enjoy a higher quality of life is by assembling a comprehensive Parkinson's care team. These team-building tips can help with that.
Personalize Your Senior’s Diet During National Nutrition Month
Aging-in-place seniors that become malnourished oftentimes face unique health challenges that place their independence at risk. March is National Nutrition Month, making it the perfect time to learn about ways to personalize your loved one’s plate so their body gets the nutrition it needs.
Getting Through to Your Aging Parents
For reasons like pride and control, seniors can become secretive about their health and stop listening to their own children. Watching your parents make risky decisions can be frustrating and even agonizing at times. Thankfully, getting through to your aging parents is possible by taking these steps.
Is It Time to Consider 24-Hour Senior Home Care?
Deciding if-and-when to start 24-hour home care, or increase to this level, is never easy. Here are some important things to consider before making your final decision.
How to Tell Your Family You Need Help Caring for Elderly Parents
Once your aging parents need caregiving assistance it’s not uncommon for old sibling rivalries to resurface as relationships get magnified. If you’ve been shouldering most of the caregiving burden alone, here’s how to let your family members know that you could use their help in caring for your elderly parents.
Helping a Senior Who Refuses In-Home Caregiving Assistance
Convincing a senior who refuses caregiving that it's in their best interests can be difficult. Thankfully, getting them to say “yes” is possible by taking this approach.
What to do When a Senior with Dementia Starts to Wander
If you’re an informal caregiver for a senior with dementia once they start to wander it creates unique safety challenges. Here are some wandering prevention tips so you can sleep better at night knowing that your loved one is safe.
Stay Vigilant Against these Senior Scam Tactics
As an informal caregiver, helping your aging loved one stay vigilant against senior scam tactics is important for their continued health and wellbeing. Here’s what to look for, along with some reliable ways to stop financial fraudsters in their tracks.
Determining if a Senior Can Continue Aging in Place
Knowing when it’s time for an aging in place senior to give up their independence can be difficult. Using these guidelines should help make the decision-making process go more smoothly.
Helping an Aging Parent with Unhealthy Habits
As an informal caregiver, convincing your aging parent to stop their unhealthy habits is never easy. Using these tips should make the process go more smoothly so that your loved one will enjoy a higher quality of life.
Talking with a Senior Loved One
As an informal caregiver, talking with a senior loved one in a meaningful way is essential for their continued health and wellbeing. Using these communication tips should make the process go more smoothly.
Safely Include Seniors in Holidays
Since COVID-19 is more dangerous for the elderly, you’ll need to find safe, creative ways for your aging loved ones to join in the Holiday festivities. Here are a few “distance celebrating” ideas that you may want to consider that can help to safely include seniors.
Role Reversal in Caregiving
Although serving as an informal caregiver for an aging family member is highly rewarding, taking care of the same parent or grandparent who raised you can be confusing and frustrating. Here are some ways to take care of them while maintaining a healthy relationship.
Prevent Senior Falls: 6 Tips
If you have an aging in place loved one in your life, making sure to prevent senior falls should be a priority. Here are 6 ways to help your elder avoid trip and fall hazards when you’re not around.
Seniors, Turning Over The Car Keys
Sadly, more than 7,000 seniors die in motor vehicle accidents every year, with another 250,000 treated in emergency departments for crash-related injuries. However, turning over the car keys for good can be a serious blow to an aging in place senior’s independence. Here’s how to know for sure when it’s time for your loved one to stop driving.
What to Expect After a Senior Experiences a Stroke
Millions of Americans suffer a stroke every year. If you are currently caring for an aging in place elderly loved one who just had a stroke, here’s what to expect after they leave the hospital.
Why is Proper Nutrition So Important for Aging in Place Seniors?
Some of the main reasons why elders get malnourished include depression, impaired dentition and a lack of nutritious food in the home. For those seniors who are aging in place proper nutrition is so important for maintaining their quality of life and independence.
What to Look for When Choosing a Senior Caregiver
If you’re like most informal caregivers, you also manage a household and at least a part-time job. Unless there’s a trusted family member or neighbor nearby, it may be necessary to hire a professional caregiver for mom or dad. Here’s how to find the best one:
Feeling Overwhelmed as a Senior Caregiver
It’s not uncommon for family caregivers to experience chronic stress and anxiety that eventually place their health and wellbeing at risk. If you’re a senior caregiver, here are several proven ways to keep yourself from feeling overwhelmed.
Mini Strokes (TIA) and Their Health Effects
A transient ischemic attack, or TIA for short, is a miniature version of a stroke that shares the same symptoms, but these mini strokes only last for a few minutes and don’t cause permanent damage like a stroke can. Unfortunately, roughly one-third of all seniors who experience a mini stroke eventually suffer a full-blown stroke within the next few years- sometimes in a matter of hours or days.
When to Ask for Help as a Primary Family Caregiver
Caregiver fatigue is a common problem that many informal caregivers experience, especially when they’re shouldering most of the responsibilities. To protect your health and wellbeing, it’s O.K. sometimes to reach out for help.
How to Make Sure Seniors are Prepared for Hurricane Season
When a hurricane makes landfall, residents aged 65-and-over are most vulnerable because of health problems, diminished awareness and transportation challenges. In the storm’s aftermath a lack of food, water, shelter and medicine can quickly place the elderly at risk. If your aging in place parents currently live near the coast here’s how to help them prepare for the next storm.
How to Discuss the Topic of Home Care with an Aging Parent
The average senior spent many years working and running a household, so they don’t want to be lectured by their kids about something like home care. Sadly, convincing an aging parent to accept home care may be the difference-maker between them keeping their freedom and independence, or not.
How to Be Sure You’re Hiring the Right Home Care Company
Finding a home care company for your loved one that you both agree upon can be hard. At First In Care in Bradenton, we are a private, fully licensed and insured home care agency with compassionate caregivers that are carefully screened and highly trained beforehand. Our agency’s mission is keeping seniors as safe and comfortable as possible so they can stay right where they want to be.
Understanding and Managing the Effects of Sundowner’s Syndrome
If you’re an informal caregiver for an elderly loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s, then you understand how their behavior can sometimes turn on a dime. They could have a clinical condition that’s called Sundowner’s Syndrome, or “sundowning” for short. Trying to understand and manage Sundowner’s Syndrome can be challenging and stressful, but it is possible when taking these steps.
Moving an Elderly Parent into Your Home
Moving an elderly parent into their home is one of the toughest decisions that adult children ever have-to make. Consider these 4 things beforehand to ensure it’s the right “move” for you.
How to Make Home Safer for Seniors with Limited Mobility
Aging in place seniors with limited mobility face safety challenges around the home which can make it seem like an intimidating place at times. If you’re currently looking after an older loved one who’s still living at home, here are some proven ways to help keep them safer.
What You Need to Know When it Comes to Keeping Seniors Safe
Seniors oftentimes make easy targets for criminals when they are socially isolated, less mobile and not as strong as younger victims. Elders with dementia, a chronic illness or disability are at even higher risk. Sadly, a high percentage of crimes committed against seniors are perpetrated by their own family members.
Thanking Health Care Professionals on the COVID-19 Front Lines
We’ve all seen pictures of exhausted, PPE-attired health care workers finishing up their shifts while serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. You might even be a health care professional or live with one. During the COVID-19 outbreak these heroes oftentimes battle stress, fatigue and depression while doing their jobs. In addition to keeping us safe, those brave men and women have families of their own that love and rely upon them. Here are 4 great ways to show health care professionals everywhere just how much they’re appreciated.
First In Care Home Health Agency – Bradenton Business Hall of Fame
First In Care Home Health Agency Inc has been selected two years in a row for the 2020 Best of Bradenton Awards for Home Health Care Service and now qualifies for the Bradenton Business Hall of Fame.
COVID-19 Symptoms in Seniors and What You Should Do
In younger people COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. However, seniors - the age group that’s at highest risk from complications or even death - may not show any of these signs. If you suspect that your senior has COVID-19, here’s what to look for and how to help them if necessary.
How to Reduce Stress in Yourself and Others
Most family caregivers are amazing people that devote their lives to caring for aging in place elderly loved ones. But caregiving can also be very stressful and exhausting, especially when you throw in a traumatic event like the COVID-19 outbreak.
Ways to Keep an Elderly Loved One’s Spirits High Even from a Distance
Looking after an aging in place loved one is tough under any circumstances, but when you live far away it just makes the situation much harder. Toss in a household full of kids and a career, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a self-induced guilt trip and anxiety. Thankfully, there are several good ways to boost your loved one’s spirits from afar, starting with these.
Cleaning Tips Before and After Caregiver Visits
If your elderly loved one is receiving some professional home care right now, cleaning and sanitizing their home before and after caregiver visits is now more important than ever before. Using these cleaning and disinfecting tips will help keep everyone safer.
How to Help Seniors Stay Socially Engaged
When a life-changing event like the COVID-19 pandemic comes along, the resulting social distancing orders and travel bans can put a real damper on your senior’s social calendar. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your loved one gets the social interaction they so desperately need.
Caring for Your Mental Health and Your Physical Health
As a family caregiver, looking out for your mental health and wellbeing is just as important as taking physical precautions. When you don’t, it leaves you exposed to emotional stress and mental fatigue. What follows are several ways to ensure that your mental health remains strong through the inevitable ups and downs.
Weekly Update to Our Clients & Caregivers – April 15, 2020
We have decided to send out a weekly update to our clients and staff to give you updated information regarding First In Care measures to continue serving our clients in the safest and healthiest manner possible while ensuring the health and wellbeing of our staff.
Stay Positive as a Family Caregiver During Times of Uncertainty
Caring for an aging loved one can be overwhelming even during the best of times. Here are several ways to stay more positive when things aren’t going quite so well.
Helping a Grieving Senior Parent After the Loss of a Spouse
Your elderly father recently passed away, leaving your mother alone in the house they once shared. She’s always depressed, doesn’t eat right and isn’t keeping up her appearance. It’s gotten to the point that you’re worried about her health and wellbeing. Helping a grieving senior deal with the loss of a spouse is hard. Here are some ways to provide your love and support.
Coronavirus – 5 Important Tips for Senior Caregivers
The deadly disease known as coronavirus, or “COVID-19”, first reared its ugly head back in December. COVID-19 has so far infected more than 340,000 people worldwide and the U.S. is seeing hundreds of newly confirmed cases every day.
Coronavirus Considerations for Our Clients and Caregivers
Our clients and their family members are justifiably concerned given the particular impact of coronavirus on older adults. We want to assure you that we have taken the following steps to help our clients:
How to Improve Movement, Mobility and Posture in Seniors
Movement, mobility and posture are all important when it comes to an aging in place senior’s quality of life. Far too many elderly Americans live sedentary lifestyles because of poor mobility and other movement and posture-related challenges. If you’re currently caring for an aging in place elderly loved one, here are some ways to keep them more active which will ultimately benefit their movement, mobility and posture.
Tips to Promote Bone and Joint Health
Many people over the age of 65 have bone and joint health problems that cause inflammation, pain and deformities in their hips, knees, fingers and other areas. As aging bones weaken and joints stiffen, many seniors simply stop participating in activities like they used to. But when a senior is aging in place, leading a sedentary lifestyle can quickly place their freedom and independence at risk.
Caregiver Fatigue – Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others
Millions of Americans care for an aging in place elderly family member, usually a parent or grandparent. Since most also manage a household and job, those added caregiving responsibilities can be stressful and overwhelming at times. If you currently find yourself in this position, caring for yourself is important so you don’t develop caregiver fatigue.
How to Encourage a Senior Parent to Use a Cane or Walker
Your aging mother still lives alone, but you can tell it’s getting harder for her to walk around. Her steps are noticeably shaky and wobbly, and she’s constantly holding onto things to steady herself. But whenever you’ve tried to talk to mom about using a cane or walker, she just laughs and says: “Those things are for old people!”.
Online Caregiver Match-Making Vs. Agency Hires
When it comes to a loved one’s caregiver needs, does it make sense to take a page out of the online dating playbook? Can a great home care aide be discovered virtually? Here are factors everyone needs to consider when browsing those online caregiver profiles.
Medication Management Tips for Senior Caregivers
The average American aged 65-and-over takes four different prescription medications plus two over the counter (OTC) drugs or vitamins daily. That’s a lot of pills to manage, especially for a senior who’s forgetful or has cognitive impairment. As a result, poor medication management has become a serious problem within the elderly population.
How to Set Realistic New Year’s Caregiving Resolutions
As the calendar moves into January, it’s common to think about New Year’s resolutions. If you’re a family caregiver who’s looking after an aging in place senior, making a list of caregiving resolutions can help you more efficiently balance your responsibilities with a household, spouse, children and job.
How to Eliminate Trip and Fall Hazards in a Senior’s Home
This is the third time Dad has fallen while at home during the past year, and now you’re worried that it’s going to happen again. You want your dad to be able to continue living on his own for as long as possible, but something needs to change. One of the best ways to ensure that his home is a safer place is by eliminating trip and fall hazards.
Ways to Help Get an Elderly Parent in the Holiday Spirit
Ever since your mom died several years ago, your elderly father just hasn’t been the same. Depression seems to be his new constant companion, and when the holidays come around every year dad’s demeanor gets even worse. He still lives alone nearby, so you’ve been trying to come up with some creative ways to lift him out of his funk and get him in the holiday spirit.
Surviving the Holidays as a Sandwich Generation Caregiver
The holidays can be a hectic time of year, but when you’re trying to make all those last-minute preparations while also looking after an aging in place elderly loved one, you can find yourself feeling completely overwhelmed. Being a member of the “sandwich generation” during the holidays can ratchet up your stress level to the point that it places your health and wellbeing at risk.
Ways to Relieve Senior Loneliness During the Holidays
Even though advertisers portray the holidays as “Hallmark moments”, they can oftentimes seem like quite the opposite for many seniors. According to a recent AARP Loneliness and Social Connections survey, over one-third of elderly Americans feel lonely and depressed during the holiday season. If your aging loved one struggles with senior loneliness during the holidays, here are some simple ways to remind them just how much they’re loved.
How to Deal with Negative Feelings as a Caregiver
Serving as a family caregiver for an aging in place elderly loved one is highly rewarding, but it can also be very hectic and exhausting at times. As a result, it’s not uncommon for a family caregiver to start developing negative feelings towards the senior they’re caring for. If those emotions are not promptly addressed, they can not only adversely affect a caregiver’s health and wellbeing, but also that of their loved one. Fortunately, working through negative feelings as a caregiver is possible by taking these steps.
What to Do If an Elderly Parent Becomes Incapacitated?
Sadly, it’s not uncommon for an elderly person to eventually reach the point where they can’t think clearly, rationalize, or make important decisions on their own. Once a senior becomes incapacitated, if they don’t have a durable power-of-attorney (POA) their adult children must find other ways to ensure their loved one’s continued health and wellbeing.
Why It’s Important to Designate a Family Spokesperson
In many families, when an elderly parent is going through a serious illness the resulting stress and anxiety cause old childhood rivalries to flare up again. Siblings take on various roles ranging from bossy and dominant, to conflict avoidance and peacemaking. When it comes to an aging parent’s care, having a designated family spokesperson will help make the entire process go more smoothly.
How to Help an Aging Parent Deal with Feelings of Loneliness
Your elderly father passed away several months ago and your aging mother now lives alone in the house you grew up in. But lately mom always seems lonely and depressed, and she’s isolated herself from family members and friends. In fact, mom’s feelings of loneliness have reached the point that you’re now worried about her health and wellbeing. What should you do? There are several proven ways to help an elderly parent overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation, starting with these.
How to Ask Siblings for Help When Serving as the Primary Caregiver
For the past 6 months, you’ve been taking care of your aging in place elderly mother. Your siblings live nearby but so far, they’ve been “MIA” when it comes to mom’s care. At first everything was going well, but now you’re starting to feel the stress of being a primary caregiver who’s also juggling a part-time job and household. Fortunately, there are several reliable ways to involve your siblings in a loved one’s care, starting with these.
5 Low-Impact Exercises for Seniors
Many older adults suffer from arthritis and reduced bone density that limit their strength, flexibility, and balance. That makes finding effective forms of exercise for seniors that don’t place a lot of stress on their bodies a priority. If that’s a concern for you, here are 5 low-impact workouts that most seniors can use to stay fit.
Can Your Aging Parent Continue Aging in Place?
According to recent polls, most Americans aged 65-and-over want to continue aging in place for as long as possible- even well into their 70s and 80s. Unfortunately for many, at some point declining health will place them at risk for remaining at home. For various reasons, such as privacy and pride, most seniors don’t like discussing their personal business with others, including their own children.
Help Seniors Maintain Balance and Coordination
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, scores of Americans aged 65-and-over fall every year, resulting in nearly 3 million emergency room visits, over 800,000 hospitalizations and more than 27,000 fatalities. Unfortunately, many of those injurious falls take place in the home and are due to a lack of balance and coordination.
Save The Date! Visit the First In Care Home Health Agency Team at the Harbour Isle Vendors Event
Want to come to a cool Vendors Event that brings a variety of businesses from Manatee and Sarasota areas? Well, swing by the Harbour Isle Vendors Event at the end of Manatee Avenue on October 15th, from 4:30-8:30 PM. Tuesday, October 15th from 4:30-8:30pm @ One Particular Harbour 12300 Manatee Ave West Bradenton, FL 34209 [...]
5 Ways Modern Technology Can Help You Care for an Aging Parent
If you’re currently serving as a caregiver for an aging in place elderly parent, you’re not alone. And thanks to the technological age we live in, there are more high-tech gadgets and gizmos available than ever before to assist your caregiving efforts. Here are 5 innovative ways that modern technology can help you care for an elderly parent.
How to Care for a Bed Bound Senior
Caring for a bed bound senior is one of the most demanding and time-consuming scenarios a family caregiver can face. But providing your loved one with the care they need is possible when you follow these tips from the pros.
How to Involve Your Siblings in the Caregiving Process
For the past 6 months you’ve been providing some daily living assistance to your aging in place elderly mother. But with your own busy household and part-time job to manage, the added workload and stress are starting to wear you down. Your adult brothers and sisters all live nearby, but thus far they’ve been “MIA” when it comes to helping-out mom. What should you do?
Serving as a Caregiver for a Senior with Failing Eyesight
Millions of aging in place elderly Americans suffer from failing eyesight that interferes with their normal daily living activities. If you’re currently assisting an aging loved one with failing eyesight, there are several proven ways to help ensure that they live a more productive and rewarding life.
How a Companion Animal Can Help Seniors Stay Independent and Active
Your elderly mother lives alone in Manatee County, Florida, and you manage your own household in another state. Ever since dad died a year ago, she just hasn’t been the same. Mom seems depressed, and isn’t eating or sleeping enough, or getting the exercise she needs. Now you’re worried that her health and wellbeing may be at risk. What should you do? Studies have found that an effective way to keep seniors more independent and active is by getting them a companion animal.
Finding Time to Balance Caregiving with Work and Kids
For almost a year now you’ve been taking care of your aging in place elderly father. But trying to balance caregiving with your own job and household is starting to wear you down. In fact, it’s now reached a point where your kids and boss are starting to complain that you’re not giving them the attention they deserve. If things don’t change, dad’s health and wellbeing, along with your own, could be placed in jeopardy.
How Can I Help My Elderly Parent Sell Their Car?
Helping an elderly parent sell their car can be challenging and stressful if you haven’t done it before. There are several steps that will need to be taken to ensure that the selling process goes smoothly, and that you’re getting mom a fair price for her vehicle. To help you develop a more effective car selling strategy, use these tips from the pros.
The Benefits of Water Aerobics for Seniors with Arthritis
Regular exercise is a great way to help keep an aging in place senior healthier, happier and more independent. But for the millions of seniors with arthritis, getting the exercise they need is oftentimes a daily struggle. If you’re a caregiver for an aging in place loved one with arthritis, getting them to a pool nearby that offers water aerobics for seniors will help ensure that they get the exercise their body so desperately needs.
How SilverSneakers is Helping Caregivers Keep Seniors More Active
Regular exercise benefits a senior in so many ways, including improving balance, flexibility and coordination, strengthening their immune system, building lean muscle, reducing stress and promoting a better night’s sleep. If you’re looking after a senior in the Manatee County, FL, area, one of the exciting new ways you can help keep them more active is by introducing them to the SilverSneakers program.
How to Keep a Senior Hydrated While in the Florida Sun
For many Floridians aged 65-and-over, the sun’s intense heat can also quickly place them at risk for dehydration. If you’re currently serving as a caregiver for an aging in place elderly loved one, there are several proven ways to keep a senior hydrated so they can continue enjoying the rejuvenating Florida sunshine for many years to come.
Helping an Aging Parent with Dementia Remember Who You Are
Watching an aging parent with dementia slowly decline can be painful, and when that cognitive impairment directly affects your relationship with them it’s even worse. It’s not uncommon for seniors in the later stages of dementia to totally stop recognizing and remembering others, including their own adult children and grandchildren.
How Ride-Sharing Services are Transforming Senior Transportation
Roughly 20% of all Americans aged 65-and-over can’t drive any more, but many of them still live at home. Staying active becomes more difficult once a senior gives up their car keys, and finding them some safe and reliable transportation is oftentimes problematic.
Effectively Coordinate Long-Distance Caregiving
Providing care for an aging in place elderly parent is difficult and time-consuming under any circumstances. But when an adult child lives several hours away, those long-distance caregiving responsibilities can push their stress level to the breaking point.
Senior Transportation Options in Manatee County, FL
For most aging in place seniors, turning over the car keys for good is a major blow to their freedom and independence. Not being able to drive oftentimes keeps at-home seniors from getting to the store, their exercise classes, doctors’ appointments and other activities. And eventually, that inactivity starts taking a toll on their health and wellbeing. If you’re serving as a caregiver for a senior in Manatee County, FL, who no longer drives, finding them reliable senior transportation starts with these options.
Safety Tips for Caregivers when Bathing an Elderly Parent
Bathing an elderly parent is not only challenging, at times it can be quite dangerous. Countless seniors and family caregivers are injured in bathroom accidents every year, with many of those injuries resulting in emergency room visits and hospitalizations. To help keep you both safer, try these bathing tips from the pros.
Help an Aging Parent Deal with Back Pain More Effectively
Of all the health problems elderly Americans face, back pain is the most common. In fact, studies have shown that within an average year over half of all seniors experience at least one back pain flare-up. If you’re currently taking care of an aging in place parent who deals with chronic back pain, once those episodes start becoming more frequent it can eventually threaten their at-home independence.
Convincing Seniors to Stay Off Ladders and Stepstools
Now that they’re both in their 70s, you’re concerned one of them is going to experience a serious fall that will interfere with their ability to age in place. What should you do? What follows are several reliable ways to help convince your aging parents to avoid ladders and stepstools.
Best Manatee County, FL Beaches for Seniors with Limited Mobility
Just because a senior isn’t getting around like they used to doesn’t mean they can’t dip their toes in those warm beach sands from time-to-time. If you’re a caregiver for an elderly loved one, there are several great Manatee County, FL beaches that cater to seniors with limited mobility, starting with these.
5 Healthy Snacks for Malnourished Seniors
If you’re serving as a caregiver for an elderly loved one who’s not eating like they should, it can be challenging to find snacks for them that are both healthy and appetizing. To assist your efforts, here are 5 tasty and nutritious and healthy snacks your senior might enjoy.
Help Kids Deal with an Elderly Grandparent with Dementia
When you’re a Sandwich Generation member who’s caring for an elderly grandparent with dementia, your kids may start complaining about the amount of time you’re spending with grandpa or grandma, instead of them. Explaining to your children why their grandparent’s behavior is changing can also be difficult, and you could hear questions like: “Why can’t grandma take me to the park anymore?”, or “Why does grandpa keep forgetting my name? Trying to process those confusing feelings can oftentimes make kids feel sad, frustrated, and even jealous.
Is it Time to Consider Using a Patient Lift?
Countless family caregivers get hurt annually while assisting heavier loved ones, and back injuries and falls are common. Patient lifts are a great way to help both caregivers and patients avoid injuries, and are widely used at hospitals and nursing homes to ensure worker and care recipient safety.
5 Tips to Effectively Manage Arthritis
When you’re taking care of an elderly loved one with arthritis it can progressively get worse, disrupt their normal daily activities, and jeopardize their at-home freedom and independence. In-an-effort-to keep your senior more active while aging in place, here are 5 proven ways to help them effectively manage arthritis.
How to Handle Caregiver Anger Before It Leads to a Blowup
You’ve started questioning your caregiving approach, and feel your emotional “fuse” getting shorter and shorter. It feels like one of these days your temper is going to explode, and you know that you’ll regret it afterwards. What should you do? Here are some effective ways to diffuse caregiver anger before it causes a serious blowup.
Join Us at H2U Ellenton – Friday, January 18th
Come find out the benefits of learning new hobbies and staying active as you grow older. Join Pam Green, First In Care Director of Business Development at H2U Ellenton on Friday, January 18th at 1pm Where: 7042 US Hwy. 301 North in Ridgewood Shopping Plaza What: Discuss 6 Reasons Seniors Are Never to Old to [...]
Senior Adult Lifestyle Festival – Heath Expo at First Baptist Church
Senior Lifestyle Heath Expo at First Baptist Church - Thursday, January 10th, 2019. Pictured left to right: Pam Green, First In Care Business Development Director; Patti Wesley, Residential Assisted Living Sales Coordinator; Vicki Bartz, Community Relations Director with Tidewell Hospice
Caring for a Senior with Incontinence
Millions of elderly Americans deal with the embarrassment and uncertainty caused by urinary incontinence. More common in older women, incontinence can interfere with an at-home senior’s ability to enjoy an active lifestyle. When you’re serving as a caregiver for an older loved one who’s still aging independently in place, poor bladder control can frustrate you both. Here are some proven ways to proactively care for a senior with incontinence.
Prescription Misuse or Abuse – How to Tell the Difference
When you envision a family member that’s misusing, or even abusing, prescription pills, you probably don’t picture your elderly mother or grandmother. If you are currently caring for an aging in place family member, and you suspect that they are misusing or even abusing their meds, what should you do?
How to Respond to Aggressive Language and Behaviors From an Aging Parent
We’ve all seen the stereotype of the angry elderly neighbor portrayed in movies and TV shows. But when you’re caring for a senior parent who’s aging in place at home, and their behavioral abuse is directed towards you, it can be upsetting and stressful. Typically brought on by dementia, this “responsive behavior” includes aggressive verbal and occasional physical outbursts as your loved one inappropriately acts out what they’re feeling. As a caregiver, there are several effective ways you can respond to aggressive language and behaviors.
5 Tips to Combat Caregiver Fatigue
Every year, millions of family members serve as caregivers for elderly loved ones who are aging in place at home, usually a parent. But the physical and emotional demands of caregiving can become overwhelming, especially when the senior’s health is in decline. Over time, stress can cause caregiver fatigue, notably if the caregiver has their own household to manage.
Nutrition Tips for Seniors
When serving as a caregiver for a senior loved one with dietary deficiencies, it can be challenging to meet their nutritional needs as they continue aging in place at home. Starting with what a balanced diet looks like, there are several reliable ways to supply a senior with the nutritious foods they need.
Proper Medicine Storage – Why So Important?
You’re worried that mom’s not storing and taking her meds properly, and that it could jeopardize her health and wellbeing as she continues aging in place at home. Is careless medicine storage a dangerous problem for seniors? The answer may surprise you.
5 Tips For Dealing With Remote Caregiver Guilt
Guilt is a common emotion experienced by family caregivers who are providing at least some care for a senior who’s independently aging in place at home, usually their parent. Those feelings tend to intensify when that caregiver lives far away from their elderly loved one, a condition referred to as “remote caregiver guilt”.
Do I Need Home Care and Hospice Care? Discussing End-of-Life At-Home Care with Seniors
None of us likes discussing hospice care or end-of-life care issues, but it’s a natural part of the aging process. When caring for a senior family member who’s made it clear they want to remain at home even after being diagnosed with a life expectancy limiting condition like cancer, liver failure or advanced pulmonary disease, it can be emotionally and physically draining to honor their wishes.
What can a Home Care Worker Do for Me?
As seniors get older, it can become more and more challenging to handle daily tasks and to manage living independently in a single-family home. A retirement community, assisted living center or nursing home are always options, of course, but many times seniors want to spend this season late in life in the places they love and doing the things they enjoy most.
5 Facts You Should Know About Summer and Seniors
Summer is the season to travel and enjoy the great outdoors. But spending time outside is a little more complicated for seniors. They are vulnerable to conditions and reactions that younger adults simply don’t experience. It’s vitally important to help seniors get out of the house and spend time getting some fresh air. But, remember these 5 things before you spend any extended time outside in the hot summer elements with a senior citizen.
Finding Affordable At-Home Care
Many aging adults are determined to remain in their homes as long as possible. The challenge is this: As adults get older, living independently in a single-family home becomes more and more challenging over time and at-home care may become a necessity.
How to Comfortably Travel With an Aging Adult
Travel with family and friends are great ways to get aging adults out of the house and to help them live full lives, even later in life. But to comfortably travel with an aging adult isn’t as straightforward as loading kids into a minivan and hitting the road. Are you planning to travel with an aging adult loved one? Here are 5 things to keep in mind as you map out your journey.
10 Ways to Thank a Family Caregiver
Family caregiving is hard work. Whether you’re an adult child caring for an aging parent or a professional caregiver working long days in service to a senior, the work is taxing. If you know and admire a family caregiver, you’ve mostly likely tried to think of ways to communicate your appreciation for all that the caregiver does on a daily basis.
Effective Ways to Build a Caregiving Team
Everyone needs care at some point. It’s often an aging family member who relies on others for their everyday needs — and it requires a caregiving team to help meet those needs effectively. If you’re faced with leading the care of an elderly family member, here are 5 ways to build the caregiving team that’s needed to meet his or her needs.
How to Protect Aging Parents from Scams and Identity Theft
Elderly care is essential for your aging parents for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons why elderly care is so important is that identity thieves and scammers often target seniors who don’t have anyone supporting them on a day-to-day basis. As a caregiver it is important for you to know how to protect your aging family members from scams and identity theft.
Ask the Experts Open Discussion Panel and Luncheon – Lakewood Ranch
Ask the Experts Open Discussion Panel and Luncheon Join Windsor Reflections for an open discussion panel with experts in the Alzheimer’s and dementia field. Enjoy a delicious lunch while gaining support from local professionals. Guest Speakers: Pam Green, Alzheimer’s Support Group Facilitator: First In Care Home Health Dr. Dipti Patil, Geriatric MD: Florida Mobile Physicians, [...]
Communicating with At-Home Caregivers
It is essential to do everything possible to make sure that you are communicating with at-home caregivers as effectively as possible. Following the tips below can guide you into a relationship with your at-home caregiver that is both professional and mutually-beneficial.
How to Identify and Prevent Elder Abuse
About 10% of Americans ages 60 and older have dealt with some form of elder abuse, and that only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse are reported to authorities. How do you help prevent your elderly loved ones from experiencing abuse? Start by looking for signs of abuse, and then use proven strategies for stopping and preventing any further abuse.
Time Management – Managing Your Time Effectively as a Caregiver
Time management is very challenging for caregivers. There’s so much to do for them and only so much time in one day. Managing your time effectively will enable you to accomplish everything and still live a full life. Above all, it can reduce your stress and give you a sense of control.
Helping Your Aging Parents Downsize Their Home
Helping your aging parents downsize may seem like a scary task. For those taking care of their elderly family members, it is a pivotal point that an individual must handle with understanding, delicacy, and care. Downsizing a home also might mean that your parent is going through some changes in living arrangements, which can make a senior anxious. With some care and a few tips from experienced professionals, you can make downsizing your aging parent's home much more comfortable for everyone involved.
The First In Care Team is Growing!
We are proud to announce the newest additions to our First In Care team! Learn a little bit about our new crew below. L to R: Michelle Cassidy, Jennifer Leandro and Kowana "Kay-Kay" Turner Kowana Turner - Scheduling Born and raised here in Manatee County 3 Girls that are all grown up now [...]
6 Reasons Seniors Are Never too Old to Learn New Hobbies
For most of our life we are too busy doing more ‘important’ things to set aside a few moments to learn something new. Then, one day, we suddenly wake up and have time to fill, but nothing to fill it with. At this point in life, many seniors want to learn new hobbies but feel too old to do so. This is nonsense, however. Seniors are never too old to learn new hobbies; the benefits of doing so are even backed by science!
Must-Know Questions & Answers About Hiring a Private Caregiver
Soon I will have to hire an in-home caregiver for my husband. My thoughts have turned to the obvious: Who can help us? What skills must his caregiver have? Costs? How do we hire the right person? Such questions lead to more questions, and here is where I am: Should I use a senior home care agency or what about hiring a private caregiver? Differing opinions abound among family and friends. But facts count more than opinions, so I’ve started asking questions—and getting answers.
3 Signs That You Need a Professional Senior Caregiver
For many seniors, preserving independence is a daily struggle. Some may have accepted that they can no longer fully care for themselves, but resist the idea of bringing in professional help. Every family situation is unique, but there are some red flags that suggest it may be time to hire a professional caregiver to help your loved one live life to the fullest.
UTIs in Seniors- Signs and Symptoms
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in people over the age of 65, and not only are they uncomfortable, but UTIs can further cause kidney infections, kidney failure and bloodstream infections (sepsis). While serving as a caregiver for a loved one who’s still aging in place it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of a UTI.
Emergency Preparation Plan for Seniors
Many seniors who are still living at home have special daily living requirements and medical needs that must be addressed within their emergency preparation plans. If you have an elderly loved one who’s still aging in place close by, or especially in another state, it’s important to discuss disaster preparedness with them before the next event presents itself. To assist your efforts, here are some tips on devising an emergency preparation plan for seniors to consider.
Convincing an Aging Parent to Accept At-Home Care
You love your parent, and want to provide them with the nurturing they need so that they can continue aging in place within the comfort of their own home. So what do you do? Convincing an aging parent that’s hesitant to accept at-home care is never easy. What follows are several ideas from experts you can use to help facilitate a smoother and more successful process.
Attention Seniors: Enjoy a Better Night’s Rest Using These Tips
It’s a fact that we simply feel more refreshed when we’ve had a good night’s sleep, and for adults of all ages that means 7 to 9 hours daily. For those over age 65, getting a better night's rest improves memory, sharpens alertness, speeds up healing, and provides more energy.
How to Prevent, Detect & Treat Dehydration in Aging Adults
Dehydration can occur at any age, with seniors being more at risk than other adults. This article summarizes the role of fluid in our bodies, and the effects of aging on fluid balance. It then provides you with tips for preventing your parent from becoming dehydrated. You’ll read about signs of dehydration in aging adults and treatment for those who need extra help to return to a healthy fluid balance.
The Changing Nutritional Needs of Seniors
The nutritional needs of seniors may change as their body undergoes several physiological changes. And as a result, dietary adjustments must be made in order to keep them healthy and active for many years to come. Let’s take a look now at what some of those changes mean.
At-Home Entertainment Ideas for Seniors
Many seniors today are choosing to age in place within their own homes with the support of their families. At some point, however, the aging process simply makes it too hard for seniors to get out and participate in activities like they once did. When a senior becomes homebound, excessive sleep or television viewing is [...]
Signs Your Elderly Mother is Depressed
While growing up your mom was always there to lift your spirits when you were feeling down. Ever since your dad passed away, you’ve noticed that your mother just doesn’t seem to have the same twinkle in her eye or outgoing demeanor that she used to. It’s harder to get her to engage in conversation, [...]
Helping Your Aging Parents Manage Their Finances
The last few times you’ve stopped by your elderly parents’ home you’ve noticed a pile of unopened mail on their dining room table, and that several of the envelopes were stamped with “payment due” on the outside. Lately your mom and dad have also been complaining about bill collectors harassing them on the phone. What [...]
Hiring a Private Caregiver: Must-Know Questions & Answers
Many families today are turning to private in-home caregivers for their aging parents instead of placing them in long-term care facilities. Private in-home care allows seniors to age in place with dignity and independence within the comfort of their own home. The two available paid caregiver options are hiring an independent contractor directly or going [...]
Pick-Me-Ups for Tired Caregivers
At some point, roughly 1 in 3 American adults will serve as caregivers for another family member, usually an aging parent. Being a caregiver is highly rewarding, but as time progresses the added responsibilities can be tiring. When a caregiver gets worn down, they can experience physical and mental fatigue, and later health and relationship [...]
Caregiver’s Tip: Coping with Dementia on Outings
Being a caregiver for someone who has dementia brings with it many challenges. One of these challenges is navigating public situations. The increased confusion and personality changes that often accompany dementia can make social situations stressful both for the person who has dementia and for caregivers. This can increase feelings of social isolation and caregiver [...]
The Challenges of Early Onset Alzheimer’s
This article about challenges associated with early onset Alzheimer’s focuses on information that families need to have when a diagnosis is likely or has just been made. The responses to each question offer an overview for planning next steps. What is Early Onset Alzheimer’s? Early onset Alzheimer’s begins when a person is younger than 65, [...]
Transitioning Mom’s Care: How to Make a Smooth Shift
As our parents age, we face a variety of new situations and challenges. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the number and complexity of decisions and daily tasks to be completed. We may also face limitations in our ability to care for our parents in their home, whether these be physical challenges, financial pressures, [...]
Does My Family Need Home Care?
Overview of Family Caregivers in the U.S. A joint study between the National Alliance for Caregiving and the AARP estimated that over 34 million Americans provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older in the past 12 months. And while millions sacrifice careers and personal ambitions in order to dedicate themselves to the [...]
When is Home Care Helpful?
There are many ways that home care can be helpful for seniors and their family members. Home care can help for short periods of time, for extended periods, or around-the-clock in certain circumstances. Here are the most common reasons families set up home care for a loved one. Ways which home care is helpful There [...]
Tips on Dealing With the Grief When a Loved One is in Hospice Care
The word ‘grief’ can be quite personal. The meaning of grief for each person is defined by past experiences. Personal losses and life-altering tragedies, even those of long ago, affect today’s grieving process. Each past loss leaves its own memory, be it now faded or still raw with pain. The Hospice Foundation of America describes [...]
First In Care is Hosting a Food Drive with The Food Bank of Manatee
Do you know the look of hunger? Most of the time, it is difficult to see. Yet, 43% of households in Manatee County are living below the poverty level. One out of seven adults and one out of four children are food insecure, which means they do not have consistent access to adequate food. With [...]
How to Avoid Caregiver Burnout
Serving as a part or full-time caregiver for aging relatives is highly-rewarding, but on the flip-side it can be tiring and stressful. For example, you may be providing some daily care needs for one or both of your elderly parents, and you want to offer them the same attentive nurturing they showed you growing up. [...]
Urinary Tract Infections in Seniors: The Risks and How they Differ
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common in elders than in younger people, and symptoms vary for older people. This article reviews structure of the urinary tract; its changes as we age; risk factors and signs of a UTI; and prevention strategies, including the benefits of professional caregivers. The Urinary Tract: Its structure and age-related [...]
How do I Find a Professional Caregiver?
Your aging parent has finally reached the point where they need some in-home care, and you’ve tried to step in and provide the nurturing assistance they need. Unfortunately, with everything else on your plate it’s starting to physically and emotionally wear you down. At this time you’re considering a professional caregiver for your mom or [...]
Adapting to the Changing Needs of Your Elderly Parents
Parents provide nurturing and love to their children as they transition into adulthood. But one day you wake up and the roles are reversed. Most families eventually have to face the stark reality that their elderly parents are experiencing declining health due to aging. Balancing your elderly loved one’s diminishing health with their independence and [...]
Receiving Home Care Services During Hospice
When a family member is diagnosed with limited life expectancy, he or she often has a strong desire to spend the final days in the comfort of home. However, caring for a loved one at the end of life can be emotionally challenging and physically exhausting. First In Care Home Health Agency can support you [...]
Making Family Visits Pleasant and Safe for the Elderly
Visiting your aging family members is important for their physical and emotional well being. Remaining connected with family decreases social isolation and improves health outcomes. Yet, family visits can be challenging. Complicated dynamics, busy lives, and changing roles are things all families face. With a bit of planning and thoughtfulness, family visits can be less [...]
How to Avoid the Perils of Going Home After a Hospital Stay
Getting the news that you’ll be heading home from the hospital can be a big relief at first. Recovering from an injury or illness in your own home is, for the most part, a much more comfortable experience than it is in the hospital. Unfortunately, the reality of leaving the hospital is that you’ll be [...]
How Humor Helps the Elderly
Humor is enjoyed among people of all ages, but it turns out it’s particularly healthy for the elderly. That’s because laughter can prevent certain medical conditions for which older people tend to be at risk. Of course, not all senior citizens are aware of how helpful humor can be. That’s why their younger family members [...]
Join Us at the Manatee County Caregiver Forum – November 9th, 2017
There are few challenges in life more difficult and rewarding than providing care for a loved one. The Manatee County Caregiver Forum has been established to recognize and celebrate caregivers and promote self care through motivational and inspirational speakers, provide education and practical tips in varied areas of care giving and attempt to define services [...]
How Independent Living Can Improve Seniors’ Mental Health
People want to live a full and rewarding life for as long as possible, and seniors are no exception. Independence is a big source of feelings of competence and self-esteem. But when you start noticing that some of your skills are less reliable than they once were, your confidence can take a real dip. The [...]
See the Lighter Side of Life: Humor and Laugh Therapy
Humor / Laugh Therapy Benefits of Humor and Laugh Therapy Promotes Psychological Well-being & Improves Quality of Life Improves Relationships Builds Group Identity & Solidarity Enhances Mental Functioning & Memory Reduce Stress, Tension, Anxiety & Counteracts Depressive Systems Exercises & Relaxes Muscles Improves Respiration & Circulation Increases Immune System Defense Elevates Pain [...]
First In Care Raises Money for 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer’s
First In Care Home Health Agency, a leading senior home care provider serving Manatee County, Florida, is raising funds for the 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer's being held on October 21, 2017 in Bradenton, Florida. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event [...]