Spotify  This company has created a virtual music library that you can personalize to your specifications; 70s rock n roll, anyone? You have the ability to save songs to your library, make playlists and listen to Spotifys premade playlists. Spotify also offers a variety of comedy stations, audiobooks and a specially-made playlist of music you may be interested in. There three different ways to listen: smartphone app, computer desktop program and a web player. The first two provide icons that take you immediately to your music library, while the web player can be accessed through an internet search engine.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download, but it will play ads. You can remove the ads for a monthly fee.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It has millions of different songs from which to choose.Old Time Radio Player  Do you miss classic radio programs and theatric radio voices?This app can take you back in time. There are over 14,000 episodes from classic shows, such as Hopalong Cassidy, Dick Tracy and Sherlock Holmes.Some benefits of the app include:It is compatible with Android devicesIt is free.It is easy to use.Audible  If you like to read but find your eyes straining, Audible may be a solution. Through this app, you can choose a book from genres, such as history or romance, and a narrator will read the novel to you. This app is the hip, new successor to the books on cassette tapes. Your first book is free, but you will have to pay a monthly subscription fee.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download, but you will have to pay for subsequent books.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.You can cancel your subscription and keep the books you previously downloaded.Waze  Pronounced ways, this handy GPS app is a must for drivers. Its goal is to help drivers avoid traffic jams and quickly get them where they need to be. Waze does this by tracking your car and asking drivers to submit accidents, road hazards and more, so other drivers can get the heads-up. The navigation map shows events in real time, so drivers can see the most current traffic reports.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It includes turn-by-turn navigation.Shazam  This app takes all the guess work out of remembering song titles or lyrics. If you hear a song on a TV commercial or on the radio, Shazam can listen and search for the song in its database. The app allows you to explore new and old artists.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices, Apple products and Windows smartphones.Provides the option to purchase and download songs.Honey  Honey actually isnt an app for your smartphone or tablet. It downloads onto your computer as an extension and appears as a small icon near your search bar. If you shop online, you need Honey because it applies every promo code on the internet to your online shopping cart, which saves you money. When you sign up, youll also become a member of their awards program called Honey Gold where you can earn a $10 gift card or make a donation to a charity.Some benefits of the app include:Its free to download on your computer.It works on Mac and Windows computers.You can delete your account and the extension if needed.Duolingo  If learning a new language is your goal, look to Duolingo. You can learn languages such as, Welsh, Spanish and Greek. Each lesson asks you to speak, listen, translate and answer multiple choice questions. The way the lessons are set up, its like playing a game.Some benefits of the app include:Its free but you can pay $6.99 per month to remove ads and add more perks.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It uses images and audio to help you learn.Venmo  Need to pay someone back but dont have cash or time to run to the bank? Use Venmo. You can connect your bank account or debit card with Venmo and instantly recieve and send money to anyone with a Venmo account. You can also pay for goods and services online if they accept Venmo as a payment.Some benefits of the app include:The app is free.Its free to send and receive money or use money to purchase something online. Their standard 3 percent fee applies to credit cards.Venmo uses encryption to help protect your account details.WordScapes  WordScapes is a cross between a text twist and a crossword puzzle. It challenges your vocabulary as you twist the letters to find words that will fit correctly in the crossword puzzle. It also features beautiful landscapes in the background to keep you zen and focused.Some benefits of the app include:The app is free but does include ads.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.Theres over 5,000 puzzles.WordBrain  If a word scramble and Bejeweled were blended, it would be this app. You can keep your mind sharp as you find hidden words and collapse the puzzles. It boasts 580 levels, so youll never run out of fun challenges.Some benefits of the app include:It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It is free.The rules are easy to learn.Draw Something  Its a fun game you can play with family and friends wherever they are. Players take turns drawing the given word and the other player must guess the word using only the picture and letters provided. If you enjoy Pictionary or charades, you should download this app.Some benefits of the app include:It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It is free.It offers a fun way to interact with your children or grandchildren.Lumosity  Developers have transformed cognition tests created by scientists mini mind games. Lumosity says their games will keep your mind sharp by working to enhance memory, attention and other skills. After each game, you can see your results or scores.Yoga for Adults & Seniors: For Increased Mobility & Flexibility  A yoga instructor will guide you through stretches and sequences tailored for adults and seniors. It's also beneficial for those of all ages with restricted mobility.Diabetes AppsDiabetes is becoming more prevalent across the globe. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death in 2030. The majority of people around the world with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes.However, people can delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes with physical activity, a healthy diet and maintaining a normal body, according to the WHO. Here are some apps created to help people manage their diabetes.Always consult your physician for medical advice regarding diabetes diagnosis, treatment and management. If you are interested in trying one of these apps, ask your doctor if it would be beneficial to your care plan.MyNetDiary   is a calorie counter, weight and exercise tracker, and more. It has an extensive index of food items ranging from specific brands to dishes at popular restaurants. There is a separate app, called, MyNetDiary Diabetes Tracker, where you or your loved one can view reports to see the impact of foods, medications and exercise on blood glucose levels. MyNetDiary works best if you create an account on their website.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download. However, the Pro version of the app is $3.99, the Diabetes Tracker app is $9.99 and the Maximum upgrade subscription is $5 per month.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleIt can sync with activity trackers, such as the Fitbit.mySugr  tracks blood glucose levels, medication, meals and physical activity. It has colorful, clear graphs and charts that make it easy to understand how food and exercise influence glucose levels. mySugr also has a HGA1c (hemoglobin A1c) monitor on the home screen, so you can quickly check your results.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download. However, you can choose to upgrade to the Pro version for $2.99 per month or $27.99 per year. You can also purchase a certified diabetes educator coaching feature for $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleIt connects with glucometers, such as Accu-Chek.Fooducate  is a health and activity monitor. The app calls itself a nutritionist in your pocket because when a user scans a food products bar code, the app analyzes the products nutrition panel and ingredient list. Fooducate also grades raw and pre-prepared meats, processed and raw fruits, and much more. In the app you can share recipes and motivation within the community.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download. However, you can choose to purchase a subscription for premium features. Premium features let users customize their dietary needs in case of food allergies, such as gluten and lactose intolerances.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleIt recommends healthier options based on what you are eating.Glucoracle  is an app and research project at Columbia University. The app can predict your or your loved ones blood sugar levels after eating a specific snack or food. All you need to do is take a photo of your food item, estimate the nutritional content (such as carbohydrates) and the app will calculate a blood glucose forecast. The researchers goal is to help people with diabetes to improve their self-management by making healthier meal choices and preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleThe forecast is personalized through food intake and blood glucose measurements.Apps for People With DementiaApps can be beneficial and fun for people with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. The following apps may not be appropriate for all the stages of dementia, so test out which apps will be best for your loved one. Pocket Pond 2  Everything is Zen in this app, recommended by the Alzheimers Association. You and your loved one can design a relaxing pond by adding koi fish, lily pads and other creatures. You can even make splashes in your pool. There are more in depth ways to play, such as raising and selling your koi, but you dont need to do that to enjoy the game.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.In-app purchase options can be turned off.Tiny Piano and Mini Piano: These two apps, for Apple products and Android devices respectively, allows you to play on a tiny, mini piano. The little pianos display a section of realistic piano keys, which you and your loved one can press. You can play famous songs or create your own masterpiece. What sets these two piano apps apart is that you can tap any key to follow along with the song. So, your loved one can enjoy the music by just keeping the tempo, hitting anywhere on the piano. This is a great option for those who have limited physical and/or cognitive abilities.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products, respectively.The apps come with free, preloaded songs.Colorfy  This app makes it easier to participate in the adult coloring trend. Colorfy is equipped with templates or coloring books, featuring designs such as mandalas, flowers and animals. To color, select a colored pencil and just tap the section or area you want to fill in. If you make a mistake, you can use the undo option. You can also zoom into the image if your loved one has low vision. The one drawback is that while the app is free, not every coloring book is free.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.The app can run without an internet connection.

Join Self-Care Speaker, Steve Whatley of HomeWell Care Services, Plano, TX on Saturday, May 4th at The Hope for The Caregiver Conference at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Plano Campus. Encouraging the family caregiver to focus on self-care.You Promised to Take Care of Them, but You Dont Have to Do It AloneBeing a family caregiver is one of the toughest jobs anyone can ever undertake. Caring for a family member is emotionally and physically exhausting and can steal ones primary identity: spouse, daughter, son, etc. Many times, the resulting exhaustion is brought about by the caregivers believing they must do everything and waiting too long before seeking assistance.This presentation will focus on encouraging the family caregiver not to lose focus on self-care and protecting against what can be debilitating exhaustion, preventing him or her from carrying out the caregiver role. Further, we will discuss negotiating the healthcare matrix and the best approaches to healthcare systems, communicating with physicians, hospital admissions and discharges, when to seek assistance at home, and 10 Lessons Learned.Steve L. Whatley, Ph.D., is co-owner and CEO of HomeWell Care Services Plano, a full-service in-home care company recognized as a Best of Home Care Provider by Home Care Pulse, the preeminent in-home care reputation management firm. Steve and his wife, Leslie, were led into in-home care after caring for Steves father for seven years. Prior to owning HomeWell, Steve worked in two large healthcare delivery systems: Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, and Childrens Health in Dallas. Steves experience in these two institutions resulted in vast learning about patient care, satisfaction, and loyalty. Steve earned bachelors and masters degrees in psychology from Louisiana Tech University and a Ph.D. in organizational development from Ohio State University. Hope for the Caregiver Conference will be held May 3-4, 2024, at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Plano Campus. Go here to register: Hope for the Caregiver Conference May 3 and 4, 2024 Friday, May 3Conference Rally6:008:00 p.m.Student Ministry BuildingAll conference attendees and the people for whom they provide care are encouraged to attend the rally, which features an interactive session with Dr. Beth Nolan of Teepa Snows Positive Approach to Care who will speak on Building an Inclusive Community.Teepa Snow is a renowned dementia care specialist and occupational therapist.Individuals under the care of a caregiver may attend the Friday evening rally for free. Saturday, May 48:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.AtriumSessions 1 & 4 led by Dr. Beth NolanSessions 2 & 3 led by various experts covering the multiple areas of caregivingMultiple vendors will be ready to share their resources to aid in caring for your loved ones. TopicsCaregivingSelf-careLegal/FinancialSpecial Needs/DisabilitiesMemory CareCost$15 per person or $25 per family (limit two)Cost includes both days of conference, lunch and refreshments.Special Needs CareAvailable at Prestonwood (please indicate with registration)Adult CareAvailable with reservation:Friends Place Adult Day Services1960 Nantucket Dr.Richardson, TX 75080972-437-2940If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Plano, TX, contact the caring staff at HomeWell Care Services Plano, TX, today. Call (469) 596-6500. HomeWell Care Services Plano TX is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Garland, Little Elm, Prosper, and the surrounding areas.

The Junkluggers: Simplifying Junk Removal in Dallas-Fort WorthIn the bustling metropolis of Dallas-Fort Worth, where urban landscapes meet sprawling suburbs, the need for efficient and eco-friendly junk removal services has never been greater. Enter The Junkluggers, a trusted name in the industry, offering a unique solution to the clutter conundrum that plagues both residential and commercial spaces across the region.Founded on the principles of sustainability, community, and customer service, The Junkluggers have carved a niche for themselves in the clutter removal market. What sets them apart is not just their ability to haul away unwanted items, but their commitment to responsible disposal practices and charitable contributions.Picture this: You're a homeowner, gearing up for a long-overdue spring cleaning session. The attic is overflowing with old furniture, broken appliances, and boxes of forgotten memorabilia. The garage resembles a storage unit more than a functional space for your vehicles. This is where The Junkluggers step in to save the day.With a simple phone call or online booking, The Junkluggers dispatch a team of trained professionals to your doorstep. Clad in their signature green uniforms, equipped with the necessary tools and vehicles, they tackle the clutter with precision and efficiency. From bulky sofas to electronic waste, no item is too big or too small for their lugging expertise.But here's the twist: The Junkluggers don't just dump everything into the nearest landfill. Instead, they adhere to a strict recycling and donation policy. Items in good condition are carefully sorted and earmarked for local charities or recycling centers, ensuring that they find new homes or are repurposed responsibly. This eco-conscious approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also contributes to the welfare of the community.As a resident of Dallas-Fort Worth, you can rest easy knowing that your unwanted belongings are being handled with care and consideration for the planet. The Junkluggers take the hassle out of junk removal, allowing you to reclaim valuable space in your home without guilt or environmental compromise.Homeowners arent the only ones who benefit from The Junkluggers' services. Businesses across Dallas-Fort Worth also rely on them to declutter their offices, retail spaces, and construction sites. Whether it's clearing out office furniture during a renovation or disposing of construction debris after a project, The Junkluggers deliver prompt and professional service tailored to the needs of each client.Beyond their commitment to sustainability, The Junkluggers prioritize customer satisfaction above all else. Their team goes above and beyond to accommodate scheduling preferences, provide transparent pricing, and ensure a hassle-free experience from start to finish. It's this dedication to excellence that has earned them a loyal following and rave reviews from satisfied customers throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In a city where fast-paced living often leads to accumulation of clutter, The Junkluggers offer a welcome solution. They combine efficiency with eco-consciousness, turning the chore of junk removal into an opportunity for positive change. So the next time you find yourself drowning in belongings you no longer need, remember: The Junkluggers are just a phone call away, ready to lighten your load and lift your spirits, one lugged item at a time.