The Villages, Florida Welcomes Comfort Keepers

Several weeks ago, Comfort Keepers of The Villages celebrated their Grand Opening.

The festivities were fantastic and we want to thank the many Villages resident that stop by to show their support and learn about services. As well as give a special thank you to those visitors who brought canned goods for our ongoing seniors food drive.

If you didn’t make it to our grand opening, that is okay, enjoy these photos below to get an idea of what you missed!

Our New Location In The Villages 906 Avenida Central!

From Left to Right: Jocelyn Holt - Co-Owner; Tarin Lawrence - Acct. Exec.; Lynn Domenech - Co-Owner

Owners -Jocelyn Holt & Lynn Domenech: Welcome Speech

Giant Scissors for Ribbon Cutting

Local Leader Support for Comfort Keepers

The Villages Residents Dancing to Music By George

Memory Loss: When Is It Normal? When Is It Not?

Where did I put my keys?

Or, where did I park my car?

For most people, these questions probably sound more than vaguely familiar. That is because aging normally involves a certain degree of memory loss. But what degree is normal, and what is cause for concern?

Over the course of our lives—starting in our 20s—we lose brain cells, a few at a time, causing a normal decline in the brain’s ability to remember. Forgetting the names of people you recently met is fairly common. And from time to time the perfect word you want to use may escape you. But generally the name or word comes to you a little later. That’s normal. However, you may have reason for concern if you forget directions to a place you have been to many times or how to do things you have done often. This could signal the beginning of Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia.

Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

The Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com) offers the following as early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease:

•       Asking the same questions repeatedly

•       Difficulty remembering common words when speaking

•       Mixing up words — saying “bed” instead of “table,” for example

•       Being unable to complete familiar tasks, such as following a recipe

•       Misplacing items in inappropriate places, such as putting a wallet in the refrigerator

•       Getting lost while driving on familiar streets

•       Undergoing sudden changes in mood or behavior for no apparent reason

•       Becoming less able to follow directions

Memory loss also can be brought on by reversible conditions, such as:

•       Medication. Side effects can mimic Alzheimer’s symptoms, particularly in the elderly or people whose liver does not eliminate a drug normally. Interactions of drugs also can cause confusion or forgetfulness. To avoid this, share with health care providers a list of all medications you take, including over-the-counter and herbal remedies.

•       Dehydration. As they lose the ability to feel thirst, seniors are especially susceptible to dehydration. Dehydration itself can cause confusion and an increased concentration of medicine in the blood.

•       Head injury. Loss of brain cells even from what may seem like a minor head bump can lead to fuzzy-headedness. If that is the case, see your doctor.

•       Depression. Stress, anxiety and depression can trigger forgetfulness or confusion.

•       Alcohol. Interacting with medicine, alcohol can cause memory loss. Chronic alcoholism can seriously impair mental function by causing a deficiency of thiamin (vitamin B-1).

We can also take an active role in keeping our minds sharp and slowing memory loss. Eating right provides valuable nutrients and exercising improves circulation to the brain. Reading, playing cards, learning new skills, doing puzzles and brain teasers, maintaining an active social life and getting adequate rest also help maintain a fit brain.

At www.familydoctor.org, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers tips for helping your memory, such as:

•       Repeat names when you first meet people

•       Put important things, such as keys, in the same place every time

•       Keep lists and a detailed calendar

•       Make associations, such as using landmarks to help you find places

•       Follow a routine

•       Run through the ABC’s in your head to help think of words you are having trouble remembering. “Hearing” the first letter of a word may jog your memory.

•       Exercise your mind and body

Advice for Seniors & the Elderly on Aging & the Digestive System

Aging & the Digestive System

As we it get older we have the joy of experiencing changes in our digestive system (wink, wink). Unfortunately, many of us begin to lose our teeth and this makes chewing food more difficult. In addition to our changing teeth, because the body produced less saliva as we age our mouths also become drier. This can sometimes lead to problems swallowing and a poor appetite. Our esophagus also is less active as we age, so it takes longer for swallowed food to reach our stomachs and the decrease in digestive juices can sometime cause indigestion. Overall, this can lead to continued weight loss, especially after 75. So by now your thinking, “well, where is the good news?”

Good question. Here is the good news.

To prevent digestive problems for yourself or your loved ones, you should:

• Assist them with mouth and teeth care. Keep in mind that most people lose their teeth because of preventable dental disease. With good care, teeth can last a lifetime!
• If you or your loved ones have dentures, make sure they are wearing them at mealtime.
• Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly.
• Cut your food into small bite sized pieces, and like your mother always said “chew your food ten times before you swallow.”

Also drink plenty of fluids…especially water. (The average person should drink about two quarts of fluid every day.) Staying hydrated helps prevent constipation. In addition, frequent sips of water may be helpful if you suffer from a dry mouth.

Strive to eat a balanced diet, including lots of fruits and vegetables and plenty of protein. In addition, high fiber foods – like bran and fresh vegetables – help keep the bowels regular. If you or your loved ones are prone to indigestion, have them sit up for at least 30 minutes after eating.  Also, allow plenty of time in the bathroom for bowel movements. (This process may take longer for some elderly people, so it may be a good time to catch up on some reading.)

Remember, talk to your healthcare provider or seek assistance if you notice:

• Tooth pain, loose teeth or bleeding gums

• Lost or broken dentures

• Indigestion, excess gas, bloating or nausea

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Changes in appetite

At Comfort Keepers we seek to be a resource to you because we are Comfort Keepers caregivers and we are here to help! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 866-333-4737.

Florida Seniors! Get out and move something!

The benefits of exercise, unlike the Fountain of Youth, are real—even for senior citizens who avoided exercise in their younger years.

Florida Seniors Walking

Many research studies prove that seniors can improve their health and extend their longevity and time of independent living by extending their arms and legs in regular physical activity:

• According to a 2006 study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, regular aerobic, strength, balance and flexibility exercises can lower seniors’ chances of major walking disabilities. The study involved individuals ages 70 to 89, including those who had been sedentary for years.
• A study at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston involved seniors who were physically inactive and had a variety of health problems. Those who stayed on track with the study’s exercise program showed the greatest improvement in physical functioning.
• A study at the Accident Research Center in Victoria, Australia, was more specific in focus, concluding that exercise reduces at-home falls among the elderly more than home safety modifications or vision correction.
• Yet another study, in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, reported that improvement in physical function was greatest for the previously least active participants in a tai chi class that met twice a week for six months.

An exercise program that combines aerobic conditioning, flexibility, strength training, and relaxation techniques offers seniors—all of us, actually—a multitude of benefits. Among them:

• Coordination and mobility. Makes chores and activities easier, leading to greater independence.
• Balance.  Lessens the risk of falling.
• Strength and endurance. Improves ability to perform daily activities of living, without stress.
• Immunity. Strengthens body’s defenses against infection and shortens recovery time.
• Strong bones. Reduces risk of osteoporosis and broken bones.
• Strong heart and lungs. Lowers risk of heart disease.
• Disease prevention and management. Decreases risk of chronic conditions such as dementia, diabetes and various cancers.
• Joint health. Promotes weight loss and strengthens muscles, putting less stress on joints.  Also, the repetitive motion of exercise promotes the body’s natural lubrication of joints, helping manage arthritis pain.
• Attitude. Heightens self-confidence and mood. Natural endorphins produced by exercise help alleviate depression.
• Social life. Provides opportunities to meet people in group activities and classes.
• Rest. Promotes restful sleep, which decreases disease risk.
• Mental function. Helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia by improving circulation and memory.
• Metabolism and weight loss. Makes the body an efficient calorie-burning machine. Muscle burns more calories than fat.

What Kind of Exercise?

Just like a balanced diet from the basic food groups, exercise best promotes good health and independent living when it consists of a variety of activities, including:

• Aerobic conditioning. Activities such as walking, bicycling, swimming, dancing and low-impact aerobics improve heart and lung health and help manage weight. A suggested workout routine is up to 30 minutes a day most days of the week. For those with arthritis, low- to no-impact exercise such as water aerobics, swimming, elliptical trainer and stationary bicycle may be best.

• Flexibility and agility exercises.  These include stretching and activities like yoga or tai chi. They help increase range of motion and improve balance, which helps prevent falls.

• Strength training.  This includes working with free weights, resistance rubber bands and weight machines. These activities strengthen bones and muscles, making daily activities easier to accomplish.

• Relaxation techniques. Yoga classes include relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, which help support overall cardiac fitness, lower blood pressure, and may even improve the immune system.

For suggestions on adopting an exercise program, read the National Institute on Aging’s exercise guide, available at www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/ExerciseGuide/default.htm.

*Always check with your healthcare provider prior to beginning any exercise routines.

Vaccines Are Vital to Seniors Well-Being

Ocala Seniors, Are You Getting Your Vaccines?

As we age our ability to fight disease decreases, and this means it is even more important for seniors and the elderly to obtain vaccinations. In fact, as discussed in NPRs  online article by Patti Neighmond entitled: Seniors, Take a Moment…For Vaccines, Federal health officials suggest that all seniors over the age of 65 obtain three critical vaccinations which include:

• Shingles
• Flu
• Pneumonia

Surprisingly, Neighmond writes that, “A new report finds that more than 30 percent of older adults weren’t immunized against pneumonia in 2008. And only about one-third were immunized against the flu. The findings were released by the Trust for America’s Health, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.”

Today seniors have the ability to live healthy and active lives, but you must take the responsibility to ensure your good health. Or, if you are a caregiver be sure that your loved ones are getting the recommended care they need to enjoy and enhanced quality of life.

Click here to read Seniors, Take a Moment…For Vaccines in full.

At Comfort Keepers we seek to be a resource to you because we are Comfort Keepers caregivers and we are here to help! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 866-333-4737.

Aging & the Respiratory System – Florida Seniors Take Note!

As people get older the chest muscles become stiffer making it harder to take deep breaths. You may notice your elderly loved ones taking more frequent shallow breaths. (The normal rate of breathing for an elderly person is 20 to 22 breaths per minute.)
Elderly people also tend to have a decreased cough reflex.

Remember, coughing is an important reflex because it helps the lungs get rid of infectious material. Without this reflex, elderly people have a higher risk of developing bronchitis and pneumonia – especially since the secretions that line the lungs get thicker with age. Their lungs bring less fresh oxygen into the body. With less oxygen, the body gets tired faster. This may also cause elderly people to become short of breath during activity.
To Help Your Elderly and Senior loved ones Prevent Breathing Problems, You Should:

• Allow frequent rest periods throughout the day.

• Report any respiratory changes such as shortness of breath, changes in breathing pattern, a new cough or an old cough that sounds different

• Avoid exposing your elderly clients to cold and flu germs. (If you have a cold or flu, you should call your supervisor.)

• Wash your hands frequently.

Always take notice of any activities that cause your or your older family members to become short of breath. Avoid these activities and/or find an easier way to do them. Keep a record of change in breathing and report them to your healthcare provider.

Remember, watch for and seek medical care for the following:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Cough, especially if it lasts more than a few days or if the client coughs up bloody or puss-filled sputum

• Problems breathing when lying down

At Comfort Keepers we seek to be a resource to you because we are Comfort Keepers caregivers and we are here to help! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 866-333-4737.

Men Are Caregivers Too – Part II

Men Are Great Caregivers Too

Welcome back to part two of our blog post on male caregiver!

In addition to the tips we provided in part I, consider the following last few tips to improve your role as a caregiver:

1)    Ask for and accept help – Despite the fact that family caregivers are drowning in responsibility or are really confused about what the next step should be, they often respond ‘no thanks’ when help is offered.  Asking for and accepting help is a complex issue, but don’t try to go it alone.

Steps to take:

• Create a list of the tasks that need to get done in any given week, or at least those you are most concerned about.  When you see how long the list is you’ll quickly understand why you are so tired and don’t have time for yourself.
• Recognize that asking for help is a sign of strength and not of weakness.  It means you have a grasp on your situation and have come up with a proactive problem solving approach to make things easier and better.
• When a family member, friend or neighbor asks if they can help, take them up on it.  Find out what they’re willing and able to do.  For example, someone can offer companionship by walking with your spouse a few times a week.  Or a neighbor can pick up a few things for you at the grocery store.
• Consider getting full-time or part-time caregiving assistance from a professional organization.  In-home caregivers, such as Comfort Keepers can help with daily tasks.

2)    Take care of your health – It is essential for caregivers to take care of their own health.  Physical exhaustion often goes with the job of caregiving, especially when your spouse needs a great deal of physical assistance.   Remember that if you get sick, injured or exhausted, you’ll no longer be able to help your loved one.

Steps to take:

• Work exercise into your normal routine, even if it means finding someone else to provide care while you walk or take an exercise class.
• Eat nutritious meals.  Don’t give into stress-driven urges for sweets or drink too much alcohol.
• Get enough sleep.  If you are kept up at night, try a nap during the day.
• Be sure to have regular medical checkups.
• Take a break.  When you spend most of your time caring for your spouse, you still need time to take care of yourself.  Listen to music, read a book, take a bath – do whatever you need to do to relax.  By taking time out to care for yourself, you will have more energy to take care of your loved one.

3)    Learn to balance caregiving and your career – As we all know, caregiving itself can be a fulltime commitment.  Doctors’ appointments, your wife’s needs at home, and unexpected crises make it nearly impossible for you to maintain a regular work schedule. However, keeping your job may be very important to you for any number of reasons. Whether it’s for the salary, medical benefits, or personal satisfaction of working, you should not give up your job too soon.

Steps to take:

• Talk to your supervisor at work about your situation and needs in a way that expresses your concerns, both as a caregiver and a dedicated employee.
• Be understanding about your employer’s needs and work with him/her to agree on a plan that works for everyone.
• Look into home care options while you are at work.
• Try to view your job as respite time away from caregiving.  It is time for you to focus on other issues, and have time to yourself.

For more information on support for the male caregiver, visit the following Web sites:

1) Family Caregiver Alliance -www.caregiver.org

Founded in 1977, Family Caregiver Alliance was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state and local levels to support and sustain caregivers.

2)  American Association of Retired Persons – www.aarp.org

AARP provides seniors with information on financial planning, caregiving, avoiding fraud, and consumer rights.

3) National Family Caregiver’s Association – www.thefamilycaregiver.org

The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) supports, empowers, educates, and speaks up for the more than 50 million Americans who care for a chronically ill, aged, or disabled loved one. NFCA reaches across the boundaries of different diagnoses, different relationships and different life stages to address the common needs and concerns of all family caregivers.

At Comfort Keepers we seek to be a resource to you because we are Comfort Keepers caregivers and we are here to help! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 866-333-4737.

Senior Care for Veterans in Ocala, Florida | Gainesville, Florida | The Villages, Florida

If you are a veteran, or the surviving spouse of a veteran, requiring in-home care, you may be eligible to receive pension

Ocala Veterans

benefits through the Veterans Non-Service Connected (NSC) Improved Pension Benefit Program.  Comfort Keepers® of Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages can help.

For aging veterans, one of their most important benefit programs is the Veterans Non-Service Connected Improved Pension Benefit Program. Established to assist qualified veterans, and/or their surviving spouses and family, the Veterans NSC Improved Pension Benefit Program provides financial support that enables veterans to live independently while receiving the quality of care they deserve.  In particular, funds are available for aging veterans who need assistance with medical and non-medical care both in the home and in qualified facilities.

In many cases, veterans, along with their spouses and family, are unaware that this program exists. According to VA analysis, only 27 percent of veterans and 14 percent of widow(er)s who are likely eligible, actually receive any money from the program.

To qualify for the Veterans NSC Improved Pension Benefit Programs, a veteran must have 90 days or more of active duty with at least one of those days served during a US-declared war. The benefits are designed for those who meet specific financial criteria and demonstrate a physical need for healthcare.

The Department of Veterans Affairs determines active duty as full-time service, other than active duty for training, as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, Environmental Science Services Administration or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or its predecessor, the Coast and Geodetic Survey.

Other qualifications and considerations:

•             Discharge for any reason other than dishonorable conditions

•             Over the age of 65 or disabled

•             Total financial assets

•             Physical condition

•             Current marital status (if you are the surviving spouse of a veteran)

•             Total gross income versus medical deduction

Comfort Keepers can provide professional guidance while the applicant is completing the necessary paperwork and being assessed for eligibility for the Veterans Improved Pension Benefit Program. Once approved, Comfort Keepers can be the solution for quality in-home care.

We provide Personal Care Services such as bathing, mobility assistance, transfer, and incontinence care along with other services like cooking, light housekeeping, transportation to a doctor appointment, or simply the companionship of a caring person.  By providing these services, Comfort Keepers® of Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages has helped hundreds of people stay in their own home.

The Veterans NSC Improved Pension Benefit Program may cover the cost of these care services and we will be happy to assist you in accessing the information necessary to evaluate your eligibility for the program.

We are honored to help provide you, and other veterans you may know, the information you need to fully understand the benefits for which you may qualify.   Call Comfort Keepers at 866-333-4737 today and see how we can provide loving in-home care for you or your loved one.

Aging and Your Senses: Caregiver Tips and Info for the Elderly

As people get older:

They have problems with their vision due to changes in the eye muscles.

These problems include:

• Trouble reading small print without reading glasses.

• Difficulty seeing objects off to the side.

• Problems seeing in dim light or at night.

• Trouble seeing certain colors. (Blues, greens and purples all tend to look alike.)

Also recognize that your elderly loved ones produce fewer tears causing dry eyes. In addition, cataracts and eye infections are common. Some gradual hearing loss is also normal. Typically, elderly seniors complain of difficulty in hearing higher-pitched sounds.

The inner ear stiffens causing it to distort sound or cause ringing in the ears. This can also affect a person’s balance. As we age, the tongue has fewer taste buds, especially for sweet and salt. As such, help your elderly loved ones avoid using too much salt or sugar to their food because it may cause them to lose their appetite. Seniors also experience a lessened sense of smell so they may have trouble identifying common odors.

To Help Your Elderly Loved Ones With Sensory Problems, You Should:

• Be sure to get their attention first before speaking to them. If they have some hearing loss, they’ll have a better chance of understanding you if they look at you while you speak.

• Speak in short, simple sentences. In addition, lower the tone of your voice

(since high-pitched sounds are harder to hear).

Encourage your senior loved ones to use their hearing aids and /or glasses. If they don’t seem to want to use them, try to find out why. For example, are the hearing aids uncomfortable? Perhaps they can be adjusted. Are the glasses the right prescription? Maybe the client needs to see an eye doctor.

Avoid moving furniture and/or personal items because this will help your loved one with vision problems know their environment.  Make sure they have good lighting, especially if they are trying to read or write. In addition, use a night light near the bed and/or in the bathroom.

Guard against falls…especially if you notice your loved one has a problem with balance.

Remember…Watch For & Report:

• Any new vision problems

• Any new hearing loss

• Problems with hearing aids or eyeglasses

• Problems with balance

At Comfort Keepers we seek to be a resource to you because we are Comfort Keepers caregivers and we are here to help! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 866-333-4737.

How to Select In-home Care for Seniors

In today’s mobile society families don’t always live close to one another. More and more, the adult children of seniors find themselves concerned about their parents living alone or getting the extra help they may need. Sometimes assisted living facilities or nursing homes can be a solution, but ask most seniors where they would prefer to age, and the majority will say they want to stay in their own home.

No one understands this better than Comfort Keepers caregiver and registered nurse Donna Purpura. “I work with seniors every day and I see how important it is to them to maintain an independent lifestyle,” said Purpura.  But, not all in-home care is the same. With so many options, it can be difficult to know which in-home care provider will be best for you or your loved ones.

Mother-daughter team and Comfort Keepers owners Lynn Domenech and Jocelyn Holt realize the importance of selecting a qualified caregiver. “Bringing someone into your home is a decision that should be made carefully, and understanding your options is the key to making the right choice,” said Domenech. “Unfortunately, most people don’t know the difference between the options available to them…and there are significant differences,” she added.

Among the many in-home care options for seniors and other adults there are:  independents, nurse registries, and employment based agencies. Each type of provider differs in how they staff caregivers, charge for services, and assume the liabilities of being an employer.

Independents are typically individuals that are not part of a larger organizational structure providing in-home care. Generally, independent caregivers also charge less than a nurse registry or an employment based agency. This may seem like a cost effective solution for your needs, but if you secure an independent to provide in-home care, you are responsible for all employment taxes and deductions, Workers’ Compensation insurance, and general liability insurance in the event the caregiver is injured or causes property damage. When you hire an independent caregiver you are responsible for protecting yourself from any risk that may lead to additional expenses, security or safety concerns.

Nurse registries are another common in-home provider. Caregivers provided through nurse registries are usually independent contractors, and many of the same concerns you face in hiring an independent caregiver also apply to caregivers provided by nurse registries. Basically, nurse registries act as a “match maker,” to help clients find independent caregivers.

Employment based agencies, like Comfort Keepers, are the most comprehensive option for in-home care. One of the many benefits to hiring a caregiver like Comfort Keepers is that you are not liable for “employer” related responsibilities. Comfort Keepers is a turnkey care solution, so you are never burdened with liabilities of an employer.

Most importantly, Comfort Keepers ensures that all caregivers have undergone rigorous background checks, are covered by Workers’ Compensation, general liability, and bonding insurance. “Our caregivers are trained prior to being placed in your home to ensure you receive the highest quality care,” said Domenech.

In-home care is a win-win solution for those seniors and other adults who want to maintain an independent lifestyle. Who wouldn’t prefer to stay in the privacy of their own home, surrounded by cherished belongings and memories?  “Families just need to ask the right questions,” said Domenech.  “If you are seeking a care solution for yourself or someone you love, take control of the situation and leverage the information that is available to you.  Ask good questions and stay involved!”