The holidays are usually expected to be filled with happiness, friendliness, fellowship and harmony, but for many seniors it is far cry from reality. For many, feelings of sadness, loneliness and isolation are their holiday companions. There are many different factors that can contribute to seniors being at particular risk of suffering from the "holiday blues," including: Reminders of past losses of significant loved ones Sadness over the contrast between "then" and “now” Spending the holidays without family Coping with failing health To help make the holidays more enjoyable for seniors, The …

Americans love their cars – and that’s a love affair that extends from the youngest drivers to the oldest.  Unfortunately, these two groups also account for a high percentage of auto accidents. It is predicted that more than 25 percent of all automobile accidents will be caused by individuals older than 65 by 2030. A number of factors can hinder seniors’ driving capabilities such as medications, sleep and memory loss.  Caregivers often see these signs and begin to wonder if it’s time for their favorite senior to hang up the car keys, but are concerned about how to initiate this discussion.  …

Naturally, adult children and caregivers want to find an assisted living facility that is best suited for their parents and their individual needs. Choosing a community can be a difficult and time-consuming process, but there are ways to make an informed choice. I recommend that all caregivers and family members take a proactive approach, visiting out a number of communities and asking important questions of the professionals at each facility. This makes the evaluation process easier and ensures an informed decision that is right for your loved one. Begin your search process by identifying …

First signsOne of the first signs of dementia is mental changes. Forgetfulness is the best examples of this. It can start with not being able to remember the right word to describe something or forgetting a name or how to use a household appliance. As it progresses, the person will have increased difficulty making choices or decisions. If a person exhibits personality changes, it may be a sign of dementia. This can include someone who has become overly friendly and flirtatious or can be at the other end of the spectrum and appear apathetic and introverted. Someone with dementia may also have …

A study of heart failure patients at the University of California Los Angeles showed those who were visited by a therapy dog while in recovery saw their heart pressure drop by 10 percent, epinephrine (a hormone the body makes when under stress) levels drop 17 percent and anxiety levels were lowered by 24 percent. Project PUP, a local therapy dog organization, has been bringing dogs to hospitals, hospice facilities and senior living communities for more than 25 years. The group brings pups to Grand Villa of Largo, an assisted living and Alzheimer’s residence, once a week. The animals provide …

A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that occurs anywhere along the urinary tract. The most common symptoms include a fever, painful urination, strong need to urinate and foul-smelling or cloudy urine. However, in older adults some of these symptoms do not present, like fever, or may be something experienced often, like strong need to urinate, due to age and bladder weakness. As the infection progresses, it can bring about additional symptoms such as confusion, agitation, poor motor skills and other behavioral changes. Because these symptoms are also warning signs of dementia, a…

It sounds like an alarming statistic, but one out of every ten Floridians, 1.5 million total, suffers from diabetes. The state ranks tenth in the U.S. when it comes to the number of people with the disease. Pinellas County alone has more than 115,000 residents struggling to manage diabetes. With the prevalence of the disease on the rise, diabetes management is crucial, especially among seniors. And while it may not be easy, it is definitely doable. Here are some tips that can help:      Obtain and follow a diabetes meal plan from your health practitioner. This should involve eating foods with…

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Cardiovascular disease generally refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain or stroke. Other heart conditions, such as infections and conditions that affect your heart's muscle, valves or beating rhythm, also are considered forms of heart disease. While some conditions may be congenital or hereditary, many forms of cardiovascular disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices.  Here is some helpful …

Largo, Fla. - Caring for aging parents and loved ones can be difficult under any circumstance, but challenges often multiply when dealing with a unique population segment – veterans. The National Alliance for Caregivers states that caregivers of veterans are twice as likely to remain a caregiver for 10 years or longer, and are often unable to retain a job while providing adequate care for their veteran. With stress and pressure stacking up, these caregivers, often the adult children or even grandchildren, may wonder where to turn for assistance, and may be unaware of resources that are …

  The holidays are a joyous time to spend with family and friends. However, for someone who is grieving after the loss of a loved one, it can be a trying time. The most important thing you can do for that person is to be there for whatever he or she may need. It can be difficult to know what to say or do when someone you love is grieving, but don’t let discomfort prevent you from reaching out. The holidays may create painful reminders that emphasize a person’s sense of loss. Often, friends and family members are unsure how to act or what to say to support their grieving loved one during the …

It is that time of year. No, not winter or the holiday season. It is open enrollment for Medicare. This year’s enrollment period is earlier than prior years and adults ages 65 and over have until Dec. 7 to make their selections. During the open enrollment period, seniors should review all their options. While their choices for coverage may be similar to previous years, there are some rate changes that they will want to review. There are basically two options for Medicare recipients: the original Medicare program or a Medicare Advantage Plan, most of which are HMOs run by private companies. It…

One in every eight older Americans has Alzheimer’s disease. The condition affects 5.4 million people, according to the latest research by the Alzheimer’s Association. It is a tragic disease that strips a person of his or her memory, abilities, personality and self, leaving them unrecognizable to family, friends, and even themselves. Alzheimer’s isn’t just difficult for the person who has the disease. Caregiving for a person with a form of dementia can be very taxing, but it can become easier with some physical and emotional nourishment. Support groups have the ability to ease the burden of …

Grandparents Day is a great time to take the opportunity to bring your children and their grandparents together for some fun family time. Grandparents Day, Sept. 11, is the perfect occasion to tighten the bond between two generations. Best of all you can be celebrate it all month long! The grandparents in your family will be thrilled to have a special visit and to spend time with your little ones, but getting the kids to be as enthusiastic may be challenging. Here are some activities that can help keep every generation entertained and happy as they spend time together. For younger children: …

This month we celebrate Senior Citizens Day. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed August 21 as a day to celebrate America’s older population saying "for all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older." One of the best ways to celebrate this holiday is to spend time with the seniors in your life, whether they are family members or friends. Obviously with Florida’s summer …

Although living in the Sunshine State means being able to enjoy warm weather and sunny days almost year-round, residents of Florida know that spending the summer here isn’t always easy. As beautiful as summer may be, the heat it brings is not something to be taken lightly. According to the National Weather Service, heat causes more deaths per year than floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined, making it the number one weather related killer in the United States.  Of even more concern is a report from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that states that seniors are more …

A USA Today and ABC News 2007 poll found that more than 40 percent of baby boomers who have living parents are providing them with financial care, personal care or both.  Although a more recent poll has not been done, we can assume a growing number of baby boomers are finding themselves in the same predicament. For the adult child now caring for a parent, this can be a difficult situation. As we age, it often becomes inevitable that our needs will change in the areas of medication management, personal safety, socialization and personal care.  Many seniors resort to denial behaviors rather …

We've thought about it, lost sleep over it and finally came to the decision we're placing our parents into an assisted senior living community. The task of choosing the right community can be challenging, but it need not be difficult.  The key is to find a community that matches their needs and interests; and that offers them the amenities and services that will give them comfort for years to come. They need socialization and peace of mind so they can enjoy their retirement. With that in mind when looking at senior living communities, seniors and their families should consider quality of life…

As our parents live longer and more active lives, many of us are taking on an unexpected role in their lives. We're becoming part of the “sandwich generation” – those who are caring for their aging parents while still raising their own children. According to the Pew Research Center, more than one in eight Americans between the ages of 40 to 60 is both raising a child and caring for a parent. Based on the 2000 U.S. Census, Largo's 55 plus community is 30 percent; more than the state's 18 percent. This means that for many Largo residents, possibly you, they are the primary caretakers of their …