Hi, my name is Lee Sapp, your local Publisher of Seniors Blue Book of Greater Orlando. For nearly 40 years, SBB has been the PREMIER SENIOR WEBSITE and PUBLICATION for all things Senior.
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Seniors Blue Book’s print and web presence wide and diverse reach offer business opportunities that other marketing mediums are simply unable to provide. 120,000 copies are printed annually along with millions of website visits.
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Click to viewJoin Hillary Ayers, family and consumer sciences agent with UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, as she shares nutritional tips, dietary guidelines and meal planning for elders. To register, email OfficeonAging@ocfl.net or call 407.836.7446.
Engage Estero will host a public forum on Traffic Congestion in Estero, featuring a panel of experts who will discuss the causes and outlook for road congestion in the Greater Estero Area. The event will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 6:00 pm at the Estero High School Auditorium at 21900 River Ranch Road, Estero, Fl 33928. The forum is free and open to the public. Registration is requested. RSVP at https://esterotoday.com/apr2024. Engage Estero is an all-volunteer, nonpolitical, nonprofit Community Engagement Association. We exist to inform citizens of significant community issues and encourage citizen engagement to impact the quality of life in greater Estero favorably.
Experience operatic and classical songs from global composers. Discover operas history, evolution and influence on all music.
Join Jessica Daly, faculty librarian with Advent Health University, as she discusses the signs and symptoms of ADHD and when to discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Take a Break for Personal Health & Peace of MindDid you know nearly 35 million people in the United States provide caregiving to someone who is 50 years old or older? Forty percent of all caregivers are in what is considered a high-burden situation, spending 21 hours or more every week on caregiving tasks. This continues for an average of four years.If you are looking after a parent, spouse or loved one withAlzheimers disease or dementia, your responsibilities may entail 24-hour care in addition to other family and work obligations.Are You Still Unsure Whether You Should Take A Break?Many caregivers are so focused on their loved ones, they dont even take a moment for themselves. This can lead to physical, emotional and mental exhaustion and result in caregiver burnout.Taking a break isnt something to feel guilty about. Its something to accept you may need for your own personal health.Many caregivers find comfort in respite care to not only provide periodic stress relief, but also to cover vacations, work obligations, and emergencies in other areas of their lives.The Difference A Day Can MakeSome memory care communities offer a Day Stay, a convenient service that allows caregivers the option to drop off their loved one for a few hours, one day, or up to five days a week as needed.Day stays provide periodic relief, but also offer caregivers an opportunity to socialize with friends, go to the gym, attend medical appointments, run a few errands, or simply take a few hours to rest, without the worry of finding a family member to assist with care.Short-Term Respite Care Offers Help To Florida Caregivers When:You need a break from caregiving responsibilities for work or a tripYou want your loved one to stay safe during a hurricane or stormYour personal health is compromised by caregivingYour caregiving responsibilities have caused you to become overextended, depressed or sickYou have an emergency, health issue or crisis and need to take a week or month off from caregivingYou need a few hours to yourself to run errands, socialize with friends, attend a medical appointment or restThe right level of respite care offers the break you need, with the peace of mind that your parent, spouse or loved one will be well cared for by professionals.How Do You Take the Next Step?Sonata Senior Living offers respite care throughout Central and South Florida. Our services include specialized, around-the-clock care for Alzheimers disease, dementia, and other chronic health conditions.Call or visit a Sonata Senior Living assisted living community to see if respite care is right for you. Prepare for the appointment by writing down questions to ask and checking with your loved ones insurance provider about potential financial assistance.Sonata Senior Living is committed to enriching the lives of residents through constant innovation, diverse programming, and services that recognize individuality and personal choice.
Our culture is rooted deep in an abiding love for the Central Florida area that was established by Dr. Phillip Phillips, a citrus magnate and noted philanthropist who constantly made a positive and genuine impact on the lives around him. HarborChase offers a host of stimulating activities and customized programs that will enhance your loved ones health and happiness.
TO US, YOU ARE MORE THAN A CLIENTAt the Family First Firm Medicaid & Elder Law Attorneys, well help support you and your loved ones with Medicaid, wills, trusts, advanced directives, Veterans benefits, probate, and more. Whether youre rejoicing in the birth of a child, planning for the future, or celebrating the life of a loved one, well be here by your side.
If youve ever moved, you know its a huge job. Sorting, packing, organizing and dealing with a mover and other vendors takes large amounts of time and energy. But, what about the emotional challenge of moving? To help you make the most of your experience and lower your stress levels, check out some of our most valuable tips for coping with emotions associated with moving: Acknowledge your feelings and emotions Allow yourself to feel your emotions, to avoid a breakdown. Ask for help Moving is a big deal. Ask friends and family to help you pack and deal with the emotionality of moving. Be thoughtful as you go through your possessions Take the time upfront to sort your items and determine whether to save, donate, or toss to avoid any frustrations later. Take time to really see your surroundings Your home is full of memories. Take time from your organizing and moving to remember all the important things that happened there. Look ahead Take a trip to your new neighborhood or community and visit local spots. Your move is a new opportunity for discovery and growth. Speak up During a move, its easy to feel overwhelmed and be swayed by others opinions. Remember to communicate your needs clearly. Reserve some time for yourself Make sure that you schedule some down time. Breaks can keep your emotional and physical energy going through the moving process. If youd like to learn how the professionals at WayForth can help with all the aspects of moving such as floor planning, packing and unpacking, downsizing, storage solutions, and more. Contact our experts at 817-697-4478 or go to our website to get started!
Read MoreSeptember is Healthy Aging Month, an awareness campaign designed to bring attention to the many positive aspects of growing older. While growing older does have many benefits, its important for older adults to take charge of their overall mental and physical health and wellness. Making healthy aging a priority, rather than an afterthought, helps older adults remain active and independent.To help ensure that older adults prioritize healthy aging, the Florida care experts at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care share these 10 tips:1. Prioritize fall prevention. Incorporating exercises that focus on balance and strength are critical for reducing the chances of a fall. Each year, older adult falls result in a variety of medical emergencies, but with a focus on exercises that build leg strength and balance, the risk of falls can be significantly reduced.2. Walk more. Regular walking helps older adults stay active and mobile. Whether walking to the store, at a local mall, around the block or at a nearby park, walking is something that can be done almost anywhere. Walking is a great form of exercise that is easy on the joints, strengthens muscles, increases flexibility, and provides a number of mental and physical health benefits. Figure out the average number of steps taken per day by using a smartphone or activity bracelet and then make a commitment to increase this number a little bit each day.3. Socialize. Maintaining friendships and connections throughout aging helps maintain mental and physical health. Scheduling a regular lunch with friends, volunteering at a local non-profit, participating in a book club at the library, or inviting family over for dinner are just a few examples of the ways in which older adults can maintain connections to people and their community, and to bring purpose to life.4. Vaccinate. There are a number of vaccines physicians recommend for adults 65 years and older. They include: an annual flu shot; pneumonia; shingles; COVID-19; and Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap). Speak with a physician to discuss individual medical history and for recommendations on vaccinations.5. Request a medication review. Schedule an appointment with a physician for a medication review to go over the prescribed and over-the-counter medications being taken. Ask the physician to identify any medications that may decrease cognitive function, make one groggy, or increase fall risk. Work with the physician to determine if medication doses can be decreased, if there are other medications available that may have fewer side effects, or if any can be safely stopped.6. Create (or update) a personal health record. A personal health record (PHR) is a centralized location where all important medical information is kept. A PHR provides an accurate picture of an older adults health and can help ensure better and safer medical care. A PRH can help older adults quickly get the care needed in an emergency situation, a second opinion, or provide a new member of the older adults medical team with needed health information.7. Review (or create) an advance healthcare directive. An advance directive is a legal document that details how medical decisions should be made on ones behalf if they are incapacitated. This provides a guide for loved ones and the healthcare team to honor ones wishes. Since peoples preferences regarding their medical care may change over time, its important to revisit an advance healthcare directive frequently and update if needed.8. Review (or create) advance financial planning. It is often assumed that if an older adult were to become incapacitated and unable to manage their finances that his or her spouse would take over responsibility. In fact, this is not possible without a durable power of attorney that covers finances. Ensuring that this legal document is in place provides peace of mind for both the older adult and their family members.9. Make and keep medical appointments. As people age, it becomes more important than ever to make and keep regular wellness exams and schedule routine screenings. Whether an annual physical, a quarterly medication check, an annual eye exam, a mammogram, a colonoscopy, or other preventative measures, making and keeping these appointments helps older adults remain proactive in their healthcare.10. Plan for long-term care. When asked, most older adults would choose to age in place remaining in the home, neighborhood and community they love. With the help of referred care providers from American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care, this is easier than ever before. Offering a variety of medical and non-medical in-home care services that help older adults remain active, independent and engaged throughout the aging process, the referred care providers bring peace of mind to seniors and their families.To learn more healthy aging tips and for additional information on the wide variety of in-home care services offered by referred caregivers throughout Florida, reach out to your local office at American, Advocate, or Whitsyms In-Home Care.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 Florida
Read MoreOn a recent walk with Mom, she misjudged the curb and rolled her ankle. While you are thankful that she only ended up with some bruises and a sprained foot, youre cognizant of the fact that she could have sustained a much more severe injury.A fall or other injury can seriously sideline older adults. In fact, according to the CDC, each year more than three million older adults are treated in emergency rooms for fall injuries. And 1 out of 5 falls causes a serious injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.To help older adults remain active and injury free, the Florida care experts at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care share the following head to toe tips.Feet and AnklesThe foot is made up of 26 bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, and over the course of a persons lifetime, will travel more than 200 million steps. Its no wonder then that feet and ankles bear the brunt of the aches and pains that surface during aging. To prevent foot and ankle injuries, implement these strategies:Wear proper footwear. Select and wear shoes that fit well and that match the activity being performed. If you walk regularly for exercise, get fitted for walking shoes that provide proper support, and buy new shoes every 6 to 9 months. When shoes fit properly, there is a decreased chance of developing hammer toes or bunions. Properly fitted shoes also provide support for ankles and knees.Keep feet clean. Wash feet regularly with mild soap and water, drying well between the toes to reduce the chance of infection. Moisturize the heels only and keep toenails trimmed to prevent ingrown toenails.Check the feet. Examine your feet daily to check for calluses, blisters or anything that seems unusual. Routine inspection reduces the chance for infection or fungus. If you are unable to easily check your feet, ask a loved one to help you.KneesCarrying four times your weight with every step, knees are also prone to a number of ailments as people age, such as:Cartilage tearsTendonitisSprained or strained ligamentsArthritis as a result of aging, injury, or a combination of bothTo protect knees from injury, its important to incorporate exercises that improve balance, agility, and strength. When exercising or participating in an activity that may put added stress on knees, be sure to incorporate a warm-up and a cool-down to get muscles ready.HipsThe CDC estimates that 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling. For older adults, a broken hip is not only debilitating, but it can also be fatal. In addition to fractures, older adults can experience hip pain from arthritis or weakened bones from osteoporosis. The hips are a primary source of strength and stability in the legs and help people to perform many everyday activities such as standing, walking, bending and going up and down stairs. When the hip muscles become weak, symptoms can include pain and decreased mobility.Healthy and strong hips reduce the risk of falling, making it important to engage in regular physician-approved exercise that targets and strengthens the muscles in and around the hips.ShouldersShoulders are the most flexible joint in the human body and are involved in myriad daily tasks from brushing teeth and preparing food to driving and opening doors. As the body ages, injuries such as rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder or dislocation can occur during an exercise routine or when simply engaged in regular household chores. To guard against shoulder injuries, be sure to:Warm up and condition muscles before exercise or a household chore that may be repetitive and involve shoulder movement.Take regular breaks when engaged in an activity that requires a great deal of shoulder use, such as gardening, sweeping, washing windows, etc.To reduce the amount of stretching needed to grab items off of a high shelf, consider moving them to a shelf at eye level.WristsThe wrists are involved in nearly every daily activity and older adults are susceptible to stress injuries, fractures and arthritis in this joint. Like other joints in the body, its important to keep the wrists strong and agile. This reduces pain and helps to maintain full range of motion so that older adults are able to continue to perform a variety of everyday tasks independently.To help keep wrists and hands strong and flexible, squeeze a tennis ball or stress ball. This exercise is easy to do and can be completed almost anywhere.In-Home Care Can HelpTo help older adults remain independent and injury free, the referred care providers at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care are here to help. Our Florida in-home care services can be customized to meet the unique needs of each individual and may include:Encouragement to complete physician-approved exerciseHome safety assessments to reduce the risk of fallsHelp with planning and preparing nutritious mealsTransportation to physical therapy or doctors appointmentsFriendly companionshipAssistance with personal care and hygiene needsSpecialized nursing careAnd much more!Contact us any time to learn more about referred in-home care for older adults by clicking the link to the location nearest you below: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 Florida
Read MoreSearching for In-Home Care can be a big task. There are so many companies out there that provide In-Home Care services, so how do you choose one that is a reputable, safe, and reliable company that is also the right fit for your needs? We have compiled a list of questions that should help make the selection process easier:1. Is the company you are considering properly licensed or accredited by an independent third party for in-home care?While many companies will claim they are licensed, they may mean they have only a business license, and are not properly licensed with the state if required or accredited by a nationally recognized independent review for in-home and personal care services. Licensing also must be appropriate to the type of care, some companies can only provide companion care, and not assistance with the Activities of Daily Living which is a different license.2. How long has the company been in business and what areas do they serve?In order to determine the stability of a company, their relative longevity, experience and size may be of help. In addition, if they are part of a franchise, while the franchisor may have a long history that does not mean the local owner has that same experience, or stability. A company operating in a larger geographic area will likely have a larger pool of qualified caregivers to call upon if an emergency arises. It's always important to confirm who will manage your relationship, how back up is handled, and their availability for support 24/7.3. What process is used to screen and verify the caregivers, including reviewing their credentials, qualifications, certifications, and references?Have the company representative explain how caregivers credentials are verified, and if they undergo testing, screening and interviewing. Determine what levels of screening are used, state, local, and federal, and how this information is kept current.4. Do both the company and the caregiver have insurance?You should ask to inspect the companys Professional and General Liability insurance to provide peace of mind that you are protected, and not just the company should anything go wrong. If you have concerns about someone being in your home or operating your vehicle with permission, you may want to ask your insurance agent about an umbrella liability policy. Check to be sure that caregivers are bonded for theft and protect items that cannot be replaced.5. Has a consultation and home visit been conducted prior to beginning service or recommending caregivers?Making arrangements for care in your home is very different than being relocated to a facility where everything is in place already. When you choose in-home care, the client and their family are an essential part of determining, with a professional client care advisor, what services are right for the situation. The consultation and assessment may include prudent suggestions for modifying the home environment for improved safety.6. Does the contract lock you into a long term or include penalties for discontinuing service?Obtain clarity about the contract commitments you are making including the time period, any minimum, and what your cancellation options are. You should not expect any penalty for cancelling because of dissatisfaction or changing needs. Be aware that accepting a locked in low rate may limit your flexibility to cancel or impose penalties. Find a company with a reputation for treating its clients fairly.7. Is there a guarantee of caregiver match with no questions asked?You should have a choice and the approval of the caregiver that will provide the personal care for you or a loved one. The caregiver is an invited guest into ones home. If there is ever a problem for any reason with a caregiver, does the company have the flexibility to find you a different caregiver. Is their first responsibility to you, your needs, and your schedule. The decisions as to who provides your care and what type should be yours.8. What provisions have been made to handle emergencies?Generally, when it comes to in-home care the worst issues arise at night, on weekends or holidays. It is essential that the company you choose operate with a 24/7 mentality, including a defined process for managing problems outside of normal business hours. You should understand who is responsible for your relationship and expect them to respond within a few minutes of your call, and often it is best to test the system.9. Have you obtained professional and client references?While it may be difficult to conduct reference checks with clients due to privacy rules, it is relatively easy to search for information about the company on the internet, determine if they belong to industry associations that govern personal care, or see if they are registered with consumer groups like the Better Business Bureau. Take the time to weed out the bad candidates.10. What are the rates for service?Often this is the first question that is asked, but it probably should be the last. Before a company can make a quote, they should ask appropriate questions, and you should be comfortable that they can provide the services needed. Quoting prices without doing the background work can be a warning sign that you are being treated with a one size fits all approach, when each in-home care engagement is unique and personal. Companies may quote an hourly or weekly rate, but generally the more hours required per week will dictate a lower rate, subject to care needs. Live-in companions may offer an affordable alternative for the right situation. It is important to get a clear understanding of billing practices, payment options, and billing cycles.American In-Home Care and our sister companies fit all of these criteria and are always honest and straightforward about our policies and our relationship with our clients. If you have any questions about our process, or about in-home care, please do not hesitate to contact your local Client Care Liaison who is standing by 24/7 to help.
Read MoreThe cost of senior living in Florida may be more affordable than you expect. Our expert senior advisors will teach you insider secrets and strategies to pay for senior living and live the stress-free life you've been dreaming of. In this video, we discuss another way to pay for senior living: Medicare and Medicaid. For more ways to pay for assisted living, watch the rest of our series and download our FREE e-book "8 Ways to Pay for Assisted Living & Memory Care" - https://bit.ly/8WaysToPay If you're looking for senior living options or in-home care, contact us! We help seniors get the care they deserve to start enjoying their golden years. Call us: (800) 969-7176 Email us: info@floridaseniorconsulting.com Website: https://floridaseniorconsulting.com/
The cost of senior living in Florida may be more affordable than you expect. Our expert senior advisors will teach you insider secrets and strategies to pay for senior living and live the stress-free life you've been dreaming of. In this video, we discuss another way to pay for senior living: Veterans Benefits. For more ways to pay for assisted living, watch the rest of our series and download our FREE e-book "8 Ways to Pay for Assisted Living & Memory Care" - https://bit.ly/8WaysToPay If you're looking for senior living options or in-home care, contact us! We help seniors get the care they deserve to start enjoying their golden years. Call us: (800) 969-7176 Email us: info@floridaseniorconsulting.com Website: https://floridaseniorconsulting.com/
Download our FREE e-book "8 Ways to Pay for Assisted Living & Memory Care" - https://bit.ly/8WaysToPay The cost of senior living in Florida may be more affordable than you expect. Our expert senior advisors will teach you insider secrets and strategies to pay for senior living and live the stress-free life you've been dreaming of. In this video, we discuss another way to pay for senior living: long-term care insurance. For more ways to pay for assisted living, watch the rest of our series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... AND Download our FREE e-book "8 Ways to Pay for Assisted Living & Memory Care" - https://bit.ly/8WaysToPay -------------------------------------------- If you're looking for senior living options or in-home care, contact us! We help seniors get the care they deserve to start enjoying their golden years. Call us: (800) 969-7176 Email us: info@floridaseniorconsulting.com Website: https://floridaseniorconsulting.com/
The cost of senior living in Florida may be more affordable than you expect. Our expert senior advisors will teach you insider secrets and strategies to pay for senior living and live the stress-free life you've been dreaming of. In this video, we discuss another way to pay for senior living: social security. For more ways to pay for assisted living, watch the rest of our series and download our FREE e-book "8 Ways to Pay for Assisted Living & Memory Care" - https://bit.ly/8WaysToPay If you're looking for senior living options or in-home care, contact us! We help seniors get the care they deserve to start enjoying their golden years. Call us: (800) 969-7176 Email us: info@floridaseniorconsulting.com Website: https://floridaseniorconsulting.com/