For people with dementia, it's not unusual to experience sundowning syndrome. Sundowning is marked with increased confusion and agitation late in the day. While sundowning is common for many people with Alzheimers, managing sundowning symptoms can often be challenging for family caregivers.To help family caregivers, the Florida care experts at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care share information about understanding sundowning syndrome, its causes, and ways to help better prepare for and reduce challenging behaviors.What Is Sundown Syndrome?Sundown syndrome, or sundowning, is a state of confusion that a person with dementia experiences during the late afternoon or nighttime hours. A person might display an array of feelings during a sundowning episode, including agitation or anxiety, irritability, confusion, disorientation, restlessness, suspicion, or paranoia. These feelings often show up as challenging behaviors, such as:Yelling or shoutingPacing back and forthSeeing or hearing things that arent thereExtreme mood swingsThe exact cause of sundown syndrome isnt known, but there are several factors that can contribute to triggering these behaviors, for example:Low lightingIncreased shadows caused by the setting sun or a darkened roomFatigueHunger or thirstBoredomPainDisruption of the bodys internal clockBeing in an unfamiliar placeInfection such as a UTIDepressionWhat Are the Best Tips for Managing Sundowning Symptoms?The good news is that sundowning can be managed, and with some simple steps, symptoms can be greatly reduced. Try the following:Look for patterns in behavior. Determining your loved ones triggers in the evening is the key to reducing sundowning behavior. Keep a notebook handy to track the persons activities and behavior. Make note of any activities, environments, sounds, etc. that tend to trigger sundowning behaviors.Take care of the basics. Often, challenging behaviors occur because a need hasnt been met, and many people with dementia arent capable of advocating for their needs. Ensure the person has eaten, is well hydrated, uses the bathroom regularly, isnt feeling pain or discomfort, and isnt too hot or cold. Ensuring basic needs are met can greatly reduce sundowning behaviors.Establish a routine. For people with Alzheimers, a daily routine can be a great source of security and helps to reduce stress for both the individual and the caregiver. Ensure there are set times for waking up, eating meals, and going to bed. Any appointments or outings should be scheduled earlier in the day when the person is feeling their best.Reduce distractions. Overstimulation from loud noises, crowds, or even shadows cast from the windows in the evening can trigger sundowning. Reducing these distractions can help create a sense of calm and safety. Draw the curtains before the sun begins to set to reduce reflections or shadows. Lower the volume on the TV, and avoid having visitors over in the evening, as this can create confusion for already tired older adults.Create a relaxing evening environment. A calm and soothing environment in the evening can give you a good head start on reducing anxiety. For example, try playing soft music and lightly scent the room with a pleasing fragrance like lavender to help your loved one feel more relaxed.For family caregivers, reducing your own stress level is important in helping older loved ones stay calm in the evenings as well. Its natural to feel frustrated and exhausted at the end of a long day, but your loved one can pick up on these feelings, whether they come across in the tone of your voice or in body language. This can lead to sympathetic stress in the individual, causing them to become agitated too.Partnering with referred care providers from American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care can help family caregivers get the breaks they need, while ensuring their loved ones continue to receive exceptional care. A referred care provider can offer a wide range of services to help your loved one, including specialized Alzheimers and dementia care , respite care services, and 24-hour care.For more information about the home care services offered by the referred care providers at American, Advocate or Whitsyms In-Home Care, contact the office closest to you.American In-Home Care  Serving North, Central, and West Coast of FloridaAdvocate In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest FloridaWhitsyms In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest FloridaState of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661

The Seniors Helping Seniors family loves seeing our care receivers enjoy the best parts of each season. With summer fast approaching in the Northeast, it will soon be time to break out the shorts, light the citronella candle, and dust off the patio table for the seasons first outdoor feast!It can be tempting to indulge throughout the summer months. With family cookouts, vacations, and the urge to spend time enjoying the outdoors in lieu of the kitchen, we often opt for quick, not so healthy choices. A nutritious, balanced diet, however, is important for active seniors all year long.The good news is, continuing to eat right over the summer months doesnt have to be complicated. Soak in these four Seniors Helping Seniors tips for a summer of healthy and delicious eating!Keep It BalancedMaking good decisions isnt hard once you know what to choose. Lets look at the layers of the food pyramid and determine the best foods to reach for and which to skip.GrainsThe foundation of the food pyramid is the grain group, which encompasses things like rice, pasta, bread, and oats. When stocking the cabinets, whole grains are best. Whole grains are made using the entire grain kernel and, therefore, are good sources of dietary fiber, minerals, and Vitamin B.Fruits and VegetablesWe all know fruits and veggies provide plenty of dietary value, but which are the most nutritious options? Look for produce that is red, orange, purple, and green, as these fruits and veggies contain vitamins and minerals that are especially important to senior health.P.S. The Northeast is known for its abundant fruit and vegetable production, so check the local section of the grocery store or visit community produce stands for some excellent options!DairyWhen choosing milk, yogurt, and cheese products, go with low-fat or fat-free options. Calcium is the major benefit in this group, but dairy products also provide phosphorus, Vitamins A and D, B12, potassium, and more.ProteinProtein covers a wide variety of foods, including meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and legumes (like beans and lentils). Look for meat and poultry thats lean or low-fat and seafood thats high in omega-3s and has a low mercury count. For a vegetarian meal, substitute legumes as a tasty and nutritious option.Its important to mix it up when it comes to protein. Many people eat plenty of meat and poultry, but often skimp on fish and legumes. However, each category has specific vitamins and nutrients that are key to a balanced diet.Advantages of Sensible EatingWhen a variety of nutritious foods are incorporated into a balanced diet, the mind and body will benefit in spades! For example, healthy eating helps:Reduce cholesterolLower risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetesPromote proper bowel functionSupport a healthy nervous systemBoost immunity and prevent infectionEncourage healthy eyes, skin, and gumsMaintain strong bones and teethImprove concentration and attention spanIncrease energy and mental clarityPreparation Is KeyHow food is cooked contributes to a healthy diet as well. During the summer months, grilling is an excellent option and produces flavorful dishes. Better yet, its a wonderful time to gather with loved ones and your Seniors Helping Seniors companion to enjoy the outdoors and fellowship while dinner is cooking!Grilled to PerfectionCooking on the grill is easy and requires little preparation. Simply apply your favorite seasoning combination or marinade and get grilling! As the food cooks, excess fat and oil drip away, leaving a wholesome and delicious dinner.Try these tips and tricks from Seniors Helping Seniors in-home services to make grilling a breeze:Invest in a meat thermometer and always ensure poultry is cooked to an internal temperature of 165F and pork to 145F.Cook veggies in foil packets with seasoning and a little oil (extra virgin olive oil or canola are best). Ensure the packet is sealed at the top and place it directly on the grates until the veggies are tender.Craving something sweet? For dessert, try grilling pineapple, peach, or watermelon slices for an after-dinner treat!One of the best things about this method is theres minimal clean-up required, leaving more time to spend enjoying your dinner companions!Practice Proper Portion ControlConsuming the right amounts of each food group is important as well. When making a plate, follow these Seniors Helping Seniors suggestions for a balanced meal:Envision a vertical line directly down the middle of the plateOn the right, add half whole grains and half lean proteinFill the left side with fruits and vegetables (heavier on the veggies)Eat dairy in moderationNow, all thats left is to choose a healthy option to wash it all downDrink Up!Staying hydrated is key, especially when summer heat kicks into high gear! Water is an essential nutrient and should be the majority of whats consumed throughout the day. Try fruit-infused water for a twist on the traditional or sparkling water for something bubbly. Tea and coffee are good options as well and provide several health benefits of their own.Avoid sugary drinks or those with high salt content and stay away from consuming alcohol in excess. These actually contribute to dehydration and a number of other issues.Whos ready to welcome summer?! With these tips from Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care services, you or your senior loved one will find plenty of health-conscious ways to enjoy the tastes of the season!

Youve probably driven past one or more of these shiny, new-construction senior living communities that have been popping up in recent years and thought to yourself, Wow, those sure dont look like they used to.Its true; they dont. And in fact, todays senior living communities simply arent like they used to be.Theyre modern and luxurious, with amenities and designer touches, amazing food and service, and the grandeur wed expect from a high-end resort hotel. Youre almost amazed to the point where you have to remind yourself that its not a hotelits home.Indeed, so nice are these new senior communities that its easy to get caught up in all the marble and chandeliers and somehow lose track of what may be the most critical feature of all, and the question every senior and their families should be asking:Can this community give me or my loved one the ability to age in place? Aging in place is the ability for seniors to remain in their residence of choicewithout sacrificing quality of lifewell into their late or even final years. But recent data suggests millions of seniors may be going about it the wrong way.The Institute on Aging reports that some 43.5 million U.S. adults are sole caregivers for an aging parent. And while thats both noble and selfless, rising life expectancies mean todays seniors are living long enough to experience multiple, simultaneous health issues and depend even more on their relatives for care that, lets face it, they arent able to nor qualified to give.Its a Matter of Lifestyle Quality for Both Seniors & FamiliesPleasing aesthetics and all the modern luxuries convey exceptional lifestyle quality. But you mustnt be so enamored with them that you neglect to consider the future and how aging may escalate any chronic conditions or otherwise weigh on mobility or the ability to perform daily activities.Plenty of senior living communities offer only an exquisite independent senior living option, which means that the emergence of memory-related impairments or worsening health issues would likely necessitate a move to an entirely different community that offers assisted living, memory care or other specialized services.In that case, you and your family would be left to figure out the logistics, plan and execute a move to a more care-driven senior living community, one you probably wouldve considered in the first place had you foreseen the road ahead. The availability of expertise in developing personalized care plans and services like medication management may have impacted that initial decision.It Doesnt Require a Crystal Ball to Plan AheadWhen evaluating todays broad spectrum of available senior living solutions, remember the ultimate value and sustainability of a community isnt determined in the here and now. You began your search thinking of the future and whats best for you and your loved ones. Remember to keep that top of mind. Fancy chandeliers and marble countertops are nice, but knowing your loved ones have the opportunity to age in place and be properly cared for, without the added stress of moving into another senior living community and losing that day-to-day consistency, is really what your search is all about.

Written & Submitted By: HarborChase of Sarasota- click here for more information*Most people don't think about senior living until they need to or until its relevant to them and their family. Because of this, there are many misconceptions surrounding the senior living industry and the types of care available. For example, when most people think of senior living, they think nursing home or (the more ageist idea) old folks home.Not only can some of these misconceptions be demeaning, but a lot of them are simply incorrect. Yes, nursing homes are a type of senior living, but they are one of many! In addition to nursing homes, theres also independent living, assisted living, dementia care, and short-term respite care.However, the two types that tend to get confused the most are assisted living and nursing homes (also called skilled nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities). Since both provide a more specialized degree of care, people often assume they are the same thing; however, they are different types of care who cater to individuals with different needs.HarborChase Senior Living offers both assisted living and skilled nursing services at our communities throughout the U.S., and were shedding some light on the similarities and differences between these two types of care, as well as who can benefit from each.Similarities Between Assisted Living & Skilled NursingSupportive Care and ServicesTypically, when adults move into a senior living community, they do so because they need (or want) some type of care, support, or engagement. Whatever support they provide, the first purpose and priority of these communities are to enhance the quality of life for older adults.Safe and Secure EnvironmentAll senior living communities, no matter what type of services they offer, have enhanced safety and security measures to ensure resident safety. From community measures such as secure entry and exits and sign-in systems to personal measures like handrails and emergency call technologies, assisted living and nursing homes host heightened safety features.Nourishing MealsBoth assisted living and skilled nursing facilities provide well-balanced, nutritious meals to residents and guests. While the dining experience may look a little different, residents from both types of communities will get to benefit from daily, prepared meals.Life Enriching ProgrammingWhile they may prioritize different things, both assisted living and nursing homes offer programs and activities to keep residents and guests engaged, socialized, and active, including guided fitness, spiritual services, and art classes.Differences Between Assisted Living & Skilled NursingDegree of CareResidents in an assisted living community are generally healthy and independent but may require support with routine day-to-day activities, like bathing, eating, or mobility. Aside from some assistance with certain activities, assisted living residents typically have a higher degree of independence and ability.In contrast, residents of a nursing home typically require round-the-clock or more comprehensive care. These individuals often have a more complex medical condition requiring thorough attention and monitoring by licensed skilled nurses or other professionals.AtmosphereWhile both types of communities keep their residents engaged by offering programming and events, the atmosphere of each differs simply because of the nature of the care provided. Many nursing home residents may be confined to their beds or require assistance with mobility, so the atmosphere is generally less energetic and vibrant. Activities are still offered, but they may be lower-impact than those in an assisted living community.AppearanceAnother main difference between assisted living communities and skilled nursing facilities is the appearance itself. Since skilled nursing facilities provide such a specialized degree of care, they tend to be a more clinical and sterile environment. However, assisted living communities are more of a residential setting and often resemble a high-end apartment building or luxury resort, like HarborChase.Length of StayGenerally, skilled nursing aims to provide medical care or rehabilitation following a surgery or injury. It tends to vary based on the reason for being there, but the average length of stay in a nursing home is typically less than one year(this also has to do with Medicare coverages).On the other hand, individuals usually live in assisted living communities for2-3 years on average, and many even wish they had moved in sooner!Understanding Your OptionsWhile there are many similarities between assisted living communities and nursing homes, its the differences that are most crucial in determining which care option is right for you or a family member. While both care options will provide a safe, engaging, and supportive atmosphere, they vary in the type and intention of care delivered.Assisted living communities provide a long-term, residential option that includes support when needed and independence when wanted. Skilled nursing facilities deliver more acute medical care and attention for those with immediate clinical needs.Before determining which care option could be most beneficial for your situation, its essential to understand the needs and goals.Care at HarborChaseHarborChase Senior Living offers both assisted living and skilled nursing services, as well as independent living, memory care, and short-term care. Our upscale communities are located throughout the United States and offer highly-focused, professional care in a comfortable and appealing environment. Whatever the degree of care, we ensure that resident and guest needs are met properly and compassionately.For more information on our assisted living and skilled nursing communities or to speak with a team member about which care is right for your family ,click here to contact us today!