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Alzheimer's Care
September 05, 2024
Azheimer's Care in Clearwater, FL and Surrounding Areas
I was reading an email I received from another home care agency in Florida, and I liked how the writer explained Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
You may have heard about companies that fall under a “corporate umbr...
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April 01, 2024
Earlier this month, I discussed the importance of exercise and an active lifestyle for seniors with Parkinson’s disease.Recently, one of our Home Helpers caregivers who assists a gentleman client with PD accompanied the man to an activity class that he really enjoys. The class...
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April 01, 2024
Caregiving has both positive and negative effects on the family caregiver. It is very gratifying to help a family member with activities of daily living. But day after day, week after week, caregiving can burden family caregivers.Some of the negative aspects of family caregiving...
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April 01, 2024
I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend in our Pinellas and West Pasco communities meeting fellow citizens and learning more about ways we can all work together for the common good. Sometimes my team and I do this in conjunction with other businesses, local civic organizations, or o...
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March 01, 2024
Where does the time go? Easter is right around the corner, and I need to get busy preparing for fun and festivities for my family, friends, colleagues, and some special senior guests I hope can attend my annual celebratory gathering.DailyCaring, a caregiving website resource I r...
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March 01, 2024
A friend of mine recently suffered a respiratory illness that kept her up nights and negatively impacted her appetite. She told me that nothing tasted like it should and she had been force-feeding herself to get food down, and the medications she was prescribed only made matters...
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February 01, 2024
I always feel honored when my Home Helpers® team receives awards and recognition for the amazing work we’ve accomplished, but it is even more special when these awards are presented as a result of our clients’ participation in home care research about the level of care they...
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February 01, 2024
I’m not sure that I know anyone who has NOT directly or indirectly been impacted by cancer. I know people who have survived various forms of the disease and others who have succumbed to its devastating effects.Cancer comes in a variety of forms and stages, and the very word ge...
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February 01, 2024
As you may know, I stay quite busy between my roles as owner and President of Home Helpers Clearwater, a member of various community organizations, a Power Partner with our Community Warriors group, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. That said, I routinely enjoy at least one c...
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February 01, 2024
In 2023, I lost two special senior gentlemen – one a dear friend in his 80s, and one a client in his 90s. They both passed away due to the repercussions of acute urinary tract infections (UTIs).My friend lived alone in Tarpon Springs and routinely enjoyed Ketel One martinis wi...
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February 01, 2024
It has been five years since my last colonoscopy, and the time has come for me to schedule my next colorectal screening. Each year during March, I think about it. Not simply because it is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, but because I have at least one serious risk factor that...
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January 01, 2024
5 Types of Tea have True Health Advantages for SeniorsI remember when I was a young girl, I received a tea set for Christmas. I proceeded to set up little tea parties with my dolls and stuffed animals, and sometimes I would invite my little brother or sister to join us. We didn...
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January 01, 2024
When I begin to develop an idea for a blog, I search for interesting topics in the news, I use personal and professional experiences, and I check the National Day Calendar for monthly, weekly, and daily themes.This week, I chose the bittersweet topic of dark chocolate because Fe...
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January 01, 2024
I’m seeing all kinds of pink and red hearts everywhere as we approach Valentine’s Day, and hearts are the perfect symbol for a day focused on love and relationships.They should also serve as a reminder to us that February is Heart Health Awareness Month, and we should all sh...
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December 01, 2023
One of our Home Helpers clients who is retired from driving recently asked her caregiver to take her to Countryside Mall so she could finish her holiday shopping. She wanted to purchase a few things for herself, too, but it was mostly to buy a few high-priced sweaters for her se...
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December 01, 2023
I am not the first to admit that family, professional, and private caregivers have difficult jobs…some more so than others. That’s why each year my administrative team and I host a special Christmas party for our hard-working caregivers at Home Helpers.We all enjoy food, fun...
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December 01, 2023
She comes on time, helps me with my shower, my breakfast, my laundry. It's really nice to not worry about that, especially since I can't walk that well. The healthcare worker is very efficient. She takes care of me, whatever I need, I don't have to worry about it. Janet CIt help...
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November 01, 2023
As a Certified Senior Advisor and owner of Home Helpers® Clearwater, I am proud to be in a professional collaboration of like-minded individuals representing other businesses that assist seniors. Our Community Warriors Power Partners strive to empower seniors in Clearwater and ...
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November 01, 2023
I always think about my friend’s Mother-in-law during the holiday season, because she goes the extra mile to make sure her gluten-free daughter and finicky adult grandchildren get specific versions of some of her favorite holiday dishes so everyone can enjoy their meal.For exa...
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November 01, 2023
I have a dear aunt with a deep love of sweets, but she also has diabetes. She takes medications to control her insulin, however, she definitely pushes her sugar intake limits, especially during the holidays. After all, with holiday parties, family gatherings, and her vast expans...
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October 01, 2023
The act of brushing one’s teeth dates back to 3000 BC when ancient civilizations used a “chew stick” made from a thin twig with a frayed end, which rubbed against the teeth. A more modern toothbrush was invented in 1780 by William Addis when he attached pig bristles to a s...
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October 01, 2023
I’ve noticed that weighted blankets have become quite popular over the last few years for comfort and improved sleep, and many people I know swear by them. My nephew actually put a weighted blanket on his Christmas wish list a few years ago and was quite pleased to have receiv...
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October 01, 2023
Trying to figure out the best ways to keep your senior loved ones safe and independent at home can be very difficult. As a Certified Senior Care Advisor, I have met with many families struggling to make the very best decisions for their aging and elderly loved ones. Every senior...
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September 01, 2023
When I went to the doctor’s office recently, the very nice receptionist presented me with a brochure. At first glance, I realized that it was the perfect resource for my weekly blog. I thanked her for the information and tucked it away in my purse until I had time to read it m...
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September 01, 2023
Please pardon the pointed pun in the title of this week’s blog, but I have discovered there are many misconceptions about breast cancer that have been debunked and should be addressed.To accurately bust 15 myths surrounding breast cancer, I turned to the National Breast Cancer...
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August 01, 2023
Before my grandchildren returned to school, my adult children were gathering supplies, shopping for new clothes, and making doctor appointments to update physical exams and vaccinations.That prompted me to consider the importance of updating immunizations for my husband and myse...
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August 01, 2023
After Hurricane Ian unexpectedly slammed Ft. Meyers last year, the recovery efforts were massive. The same could be said of the number of storm-chasing scammers who preyed upon the vulnerabilities of older Floridians.In the wake of Hurricane Idalia, the Florida Department of Eld...
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July 01, 2023
August is National Wellness Month, and in my first blog installment, 60 Wellness Tips for Aging Adults in Clearwater – Part 1, I began by sharing 26 of those wellness tips to encourage seniors to take care of themselves for better health, wellness, and improved quality of life...
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June 01, 2023
My Mom stopped driving at night when she was in her late 50s because the glare of approaching headlights was almost blinding. Her local optometrist explained that she had developed cataracts that had worsened over time and would require surgery to preserve her vision.She was ref...
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April 01, 2023
Hope. It’s a simple word with a huge meaning.Sir Winston Churchill once said, “All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.”Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines hope as the “expectation of fulfillm...
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February 01, 2023
Bruce Willis has been one of my favorite actors since he starred with Cybil Shephard on a television show called Moonlighting many moons ago. His blockbuster movie, Die Hard, was also one of my faves. So, you can imagine how sad I was to hear about his battle with aphasia which ...
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January 01, 2023
One of my friends who happens to be a caregiver received a call over the holidays from her younger sister’s BFF of nearly five decades. My caregiver friend knows the BFF’s family very well because both her family and the BFF’s family lived parallel to each other on paralle...
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December 01, 2022
If Thanksgiving is any indication of what the 2022 holiday travel season will look like, planes, trains, and automobiles will be packed, as will the friendly skies, the rails, and the roads.In this post-pandemic era, I am noticing more people, including seniors, itching to get b...
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December 01, 2022
Each year around the holidays I like to offer a friendly reminder to you about noticing the needs of your senior loved ones when you gather for holiday celebrations. After all, a lot can happen in a year and if you don’t see them very often, you may be surprised by what you di...
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December 01, 2022
I may say this every year around this time, but I’m going to say it again: where does the time go?As we embark on New Year 2023, it occurred to me that many of the elders we care for rarely make new year’s resolutions. Perhaps, it’s because they’ve seen so many new years...
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December 01, 2022
Have you ever heard the phrase, “New Year's Eve is for amateurs?” Ha! I used to be one back in the day, partying with friends, counting the seconds down to when I could plant a big kiss on my hubby at midnight! Meanwhile, our parents were watching Dick Clark’s New Year’s...
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December 01, 2022
It was very helpful for her to be able to get into her wheelchair and ready for the day. I like that this agency helped me find answers to my questions, and they provided good service to my mother. Laura MThey take care of all his needs, help him shower, and get outside in the n...
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November 01, 2022
A caregiver was taking care of a respected man of her community – a former city Fire Chief – and it was under the guise of a housekeeper. He had Alzheimer's disease. His wife had a standing appointment with her hairdresser at 9:00 AM each Friday, but she did not feel comfort...
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November 01, 2022
I remember asking my aging Mom what she wanted or needed for Christmas each year, and she always told me that she didn’t need anything. She was perfectly happy being surrounded by her family. So, that left the rest of the family and me scrambling to find thoughtful and/or usef...
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October 01, 2022
In my last blog, I was scrambling to post about last-minute preparations before severe storms and hurricanes in light of Hurricane Ian which ravaged our beautiful state. One of the tips that stuck out to me involved keeping important, perishable items safe and dry by putting the...
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September 01, 2022
Florida is a melting pot of various cultures, and our population is primarily comprised of retirees and aging adults who have chosen to live their golden years in paradise! Our warm, sunny climate is perfect for year-round golf and beach excursions, and myriad options to support...
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September 01, 2022
I love the new campaign our corporate partners at Home Helpers have created called “Send a Senior a Smile!”As a Certified Senior Advisor, I can tell you that it’s not always easy to find ways to bring smiles to the faces of seniors enduring mental and physical health issue...
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September 01, 2022
So far in Florida, we’ve been blessed to have no severe storms or hurricanes this season. However, now we are under the gun to make preparations before Hurricane Ian strengthens over the Gulf of Mexico and targets the West Coast.With that in mind, I want to remind you of these...
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July 01, 2022
From my early experience working in the banking industry, to my current career as a Certified Senior Advisor, I have learned that every aging adult has their own unique lifestyle and perspective about the physical and mental challenges they deal with on a daily basis.Some of the...
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June 01, 2022
Today, Tuesday, June 7, 2022, is World Caring Day, I must admit that there are no more caring individuals in the world than caregivers! Caring is what they do day and night, and in some cases, 24/7/365.Whether a caregiver is a family member, friend, private or professional,...
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June 01, 2022
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was recognized in June, but in my personal and professional opinion, EVERY DAY should be ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY!! Hard stop.I mean, come on. I regularly hear about senior scams that ruin financial stability; family members who physically or emo...
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June 01, 2022
I get calls every day inquiring about home health care for someone’s loved one. I am glad to listen to the caller’s questions and provide answers pertaining to their queries. What is common among many of these calls is the confusion family members have about the differences ...
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May 01, 2022
On a recent Saturday afternoon, a notification chimed on my phone that caught my attention. A country music star had died at the age of 76. When I opened the story to read more, I learned it was Naomi Judd who had died due to “the disease of mental illness.”I shared this sol...
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May 01, 2022
Memorial Day 2022 is upon us, and as I ponder the freedoms I have as an American, I can’t help but feel enormous gratitude for the military men and women who served so valiantly but died in the line of duty. They essentially signed blank checks for amounts up to and including ...
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April 01, 2022
Over the holidays, I asked that you notice the needs of the seniors in your life. Sometimes, it can take some time…maybe even months…before needs are noticed and conversations have ensued that result in action to provide the necessary in-home care for them.Recently, a friend...
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April 01, 2022
When I was in my late teenage years and my early 20’s, I spent a lot of time with my maternal Grandmother. She was a lovely woman inside and out, and we always shared a special bond.During that time when I stayed with her, I started noticing changes in her behavior and thought...
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April 01, 2022
As we shift from April to May (can you believe it?), I am choosing to ACT FAST to address stroke and how we, as individuals and a community, can help during Stroke Awareness Month.This was an easy choice since a caregiver friend of mine in Kentucky informed me that her younger s...
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April 01, 2022
I am a Mother and a Grandmother, and I don’t know about you, but one thing I always look forward to on Mother’s Day is not having to cook! My grown children send cards, and my husband usually brightens my day with flowers, and these are all very nice! However, the best gift ...
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March 01, 2022
Even in our fair state of Florida, the winter months can result in seniors spending more time indoors and less time engaging with others. After all, snowbirds from the north have flocked to the Clearwater area for the season to escape cold weather, making local roadways, restaur...
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March 01, 2022
Home Helpers® Clearwater selects an Exceptional Caregiver each month who has demonstrated excellence in their performance by going above and beyond to help their clients and our team. At the end of the year, an overall Exceptional Caregiver is chosen.In addition, a collaboratio...
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March 01, 2022
Have you seen the price of groceries lately? Of course, you have. Gas pumps are squeezing our wallets, too. Inflation has a stronghold right now, which is only making matters worse for seniors on a fixed income striving to make ends meet.This makes me especially uneasy because s...
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March 01, 2022
It has only been a couple of years since I had a colonoscopy, but each year during the month of March, I think about it. Not simply because it is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, but because I have at least one serious risk factor that makes me more vulnerable: Heredity.My mat...
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March 01, 2022
As I prepared to write this blog, a news report stated that Bruce Willis, a 67-year-old actor I’ve always enjoyed watching on television and the big screen, is suffering from aphasia.Aphasia is a condition brought on by a brain injury, a tumor, or potentially, a stroke, and it...
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February 01, 2022
There are a number of my friends and relatives that are diagnosed with hypertension, or high blood pressure, and most take medications to control the condition. I wonder if they truly understand the ramifications of having high blood pressure and its link to heart disease among ...
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February 01, 2022
In my line of work, I regularly encounter seniors who live alone, and they often are lonely, isolated and suffer from anxiety or depression.Social engagement and relationships are vital to our health and well-being. Professor Louis Cozolino of Pepperdine University emphasizes th...
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February 01, 2022
Caregiving is a huge responsibility, and it is not for the faint of heart. Some people are naturally gifted with a heart for caregiving, while others struggle with the responsibility.Choosing to be a caregiver requires a clear decision to put the needs of others ahead of your ow...
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February 01, 2022
While watching a morning news program, a featured baker was explaining his process for making King cakes for local celebrations of Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday that annually commemorates the beginning of the Lenten season for Christians on Ash Wednesday.The King cake was filled wi...
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January 01, 2022
I have a confession to make. I routinely use CBD products, and they help me. In fact, my husband, extended family members, friends and colleagues use CBD, and my sister even purchases canine CBD to use on her dogs!In case you’re not familiar, CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound...
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January 01, 2022
Ironically, January is National Blood Donor Awareness Month, as the American Red Cross has declared a National Blood Shortage Crisis for the first time in history. All of this is thanks to the rampant spread of the highly-contagious COVID-19 Omicron variant. This is quite troubl...
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January 01, 2022
I recently had my annual eye exam at my optometrist’s office, where they always run a battery of tests to determine if my vision has changed, check the state of my cataracts, and detect early signs of glaucoma and other conditions that could affect my eyesight.Fortunately for ...
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January 01, 2022
Over the last two years, it has been troubling to see so many seniors and their families experiencing anxiety, depression, isolation, loneliness, illness and the loss of loved ones due to the COVID pandemic. That’s why I am incredibly grateful that Home Helpers® Clearwater ha...
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December 01, 2021
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends this year! Question: Did you happen to notice any changes in your elders since the last time you gathered together? Perhaps, their appetite was not the same, or they seemed especially cautious when walking or h...
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December 01, 2021
A colleague of mine in another state has become a “personal UBER,” of sorts, to an 82 year-old retired school teacher with expensive tastes. She has been providing transportation assistance for this client for a number of months, since the woman also “retired from driving....
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December 01, 2021
In my recent blog, Noticing Senior Needs Over the Holidays, I shared information to help you understand more about things you should take note of while you spend quality time with your aging loved ones this holiday season.However, it occurred to me that if you are unable to spen...
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December 01, 2021
Once in awhile, I enjoy watching Food Network, in particular, The Pioneer Woman series featuring Ree Drummond. She is a very talented chef living on a ranch in America’s heartland with her husband, Ladd, and their children. Ree has a natural knack for showing off her culinary ...
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December 01, 2021
Whenever I turn on the television anymore, I am inundated with commercials about updating the bathroom. They promote changing an outdated tub to a low, step-in shower, and their overall renovations are pretty stunning, if I do say so myself.As I pondered the idea of bathroom ren...
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November 01, 2021
As I’ve mentioned before, the majority of the men in my family – past and present – have served in some branch of the United States military. The older generations were sent overseas to Korea, Vietnam, Japan and Thailand, just to name a few, while others landed in the Midd...
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November 01, 2021
Respite: A short period of time when you are able to stop doing something that is difficult or unpleasant or when something difficult or unpleasant stops or is delayed; an interval of rest or reliefRespite. We all need it at some point in time as life happens. That’s why, in c...
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November 01, 2021
If you’ve been paying attention to the news at all, you are probably aware of the challenges we all face heading into the holiday shopping season and Black Friday. Demand is up, but the supply chains are so bottle-necked, many businesses may not receive their goods in time for...
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November 01, 2021
Your Community Warriors in ActionI am so proud to be a member of a group of empowered, equally-driven women, my Community Warrior Power Partners, who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of seniors and their caregivers! We are YOUR Community Warriors, emphasizing ...
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October 01, 2021
Last year around this time, I shared a story about a dear friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. She had postponed her annual mammogram because of her busy schedule, and the cancer wasn’t discovered until she made time for he...
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October 01, 2021
After lots of serious info about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Brown Bag Check-ups, and scary senior scams, I wanted to lighten the mood and present something fun for the caregivers I employ and the clients in their charge.A Pumpkin Decorating Contest is underway at Home Helper...
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October 01, 2021
October generally conjures up many thoughts, and most commonly among young people, they are Halloween-focused. Seniors do not typically pay much attention to this annual day, aside from purchasing sweet treats for the stream of trick-or-treaters who visit wearing the season’s ...
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October 01, 2021
Now that I have introduced myself and three of my Community Warrior Power Partners, Cathy Forrisse with Family Home Health Care; Amber Geier with Pineapple Placements; and Janeen Salzberger with Pathfinders Downsizing; it is time for my final Power Partner introduction, our Elde...
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September 01, 2021
Aren’t grandparents truly GRAND! Grandparents are special for many reasons, but they have become even more so over the last year-and-a-half, as loved ones have not been able to spend time with them due to COVID.Unfortunately, many people have lost their grandparents throughout...
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September 01, 2021
I was talking to a dear friend of mine recently, and she was feeling low. She tried to hide her sadness and tears, but it was ME…her BFF…so she opened-up and shared her emotions freely, as best friends should.I know my friend is grieving numerous losses. Her father took his ...
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September 01, 2021
It seems rather appropriate that I publish this blog discussing National Assisted Living Week® (NALW), observed beginning September 12-18, 2021, in the middle of this special week of celebration, because Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) and nursing homes have been the center o...
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September 01, 2021
In this extension to my blog about our Community Warriors, a team of empowered business women who help seniors and our communities, I would like to introduce two more of my “Power Partners,” Amber Geier and Janeen Salzgeber. Both of these experienced women help aging adults ...
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September 01, 2021
Medications and supplements can be confusing, especially for seniors, but they are an essential component to their physical and mental well-being. It’s easy to forget that the occasional headache or upset stomach may be a side effect from medications, over-the-counter (OTC) dr...
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August 01, 2021
We’ve all heard the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child.””This is an idiom that translates to, ‘Many people must cooperate to achieve a goal.’ This expression is generally considered an African proverb common to many African cultures,” says The Gramma...
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August 01, 2021
“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 ...
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August 01, 2021
There has been so much back-and-forth discussion about COVID vaccines over the last year that I briefly hesitated to approach the subject of immunizations for seniors. However, the importance of getting and maintaining specific vaccines far outweighs my reasons for hesitancy.I w...
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August 01, 2021
As an extension to my blog about our Community Warriors collaboration to help seniors and our communities, I would like to share more about one of my “Power Partners” and me.Debbie Humphrey, Home Helpers® Clearwater In-Home Health CarePlease allow me to introduce myself! I ...
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July 01, 2021
It appears the majority of our Clearwater area and its residents fared better than expected following the overnight appearance of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Elsa, with little damage reported and few injuries. As I write this blog, the threat of strong wind and rain has diminished ...
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July 01, 2021
I have to confess that writing a weekly blog can be daunting, and ideas are not always forthcoming, especially with regular daily distractions!In times like these, I often reference the National Day Calendar (NDC) for important monthly, weekly and daily awareness days that are b...
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July 01, 2021
Home Helpers® Clearwater is much more than a non-medical, in-home care agency for seniors. We been providing exceptional in-home care for seniors, those with disabilities, illness, or recovering from injury or surgery for over 25 years. We are also a caregiver resource cen...
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July 01, 2021
In my last blog, I discussed a number of Caregiver Resources that are FREE and available through my Home Helpers® website. One of these valuable resources is called, How to Pay for In-Home Care, and it offers helpful information about determining the cost of care, managing the ...
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June 01, 2021
I feel very fortunate that my husband takes his health seriously and sees his doctors on a routine basis. That’s not true for most men, which probably explains why women outlive their male counterparts by an average of five years.It’s important that senior men manage their h...
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June 01, 2021
My father passed away at the young age of 62, so Father’s Day is a bittersweet occasion for me. Fortunately, I have a senior Father-in-Love, who is still relatively active with yard work and domestic chores, in spite of his underlying health conditions.Unfortunately, finding m...
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June 01, 2021
Extreme heat is currently punishing the entire West region of the United States from Montana to New Mexico, and it has me overwhelming concerned about the millions of residents enduring it, most especially the senior population.In as much as Floridians are impacted by intense he...
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June 01, 2021
I often hear that one of the luxuries of being a retired senior is having more time and freedom to travel. I’m not in that category yet, but I have had a few opportunities to attend professional conferences out of state, and most recently, vacation with my husband out of the c...
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June 01, 2021
I know for a fact that there are few things more important to seniors than being able to live independently in their own homes, to enjoy their retirement and to embrace their golden years.Senior independence is the primary goal sought by the majority of aging adults. However, ph...
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May 01, 2021
When Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued multiple Executive Orders regarding the threat and mitigation of COVID-19 in March 2020, the coronavirus was already spreading rapidly in Miami-Dade County, and soon after, throughout the Tampa Bay area, our state and across our nation. ...
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May 01, 2021
I saw a post come across my Facebook newsfeed that took me by surprise. One of my friends had posted over Mother’s Day weekend asking for prayers of healing for her Mother-in-Law, Joan. Now, Joan is my aunt’s best friend, and I’ve known her and her family my entire life. J...
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May 01, 2021
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, 2020 was one of the most challenging years of my life, and one of the most difficult years for my senior clients. Unfortunately, so many Florida seniors were lost due to COVID-19, and so many more were left alone, isolated and depre...
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May 01, 2021
The world was pummeled by the COVID pandemic and a barrage of severe tropical storms and hurricanes in 2020, and a record number of 30 named storms. Unfortunately, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has forecast another above-average storm season in 2021...
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April 01, 2021
I recently went in search of triple antibiotic ointment for a minor wound I sustained while doing yard work. As I rummaged through our medicine cabinet, I found everything but the ointment!As I perused the items along the shelves of the cabinet, I realized from aged packaging an...
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April 01, 2021
Because April is National Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, and I routinely work with caregivers to Parkinson’s Disease and their clients, I felt it important learn more about its impact on Florida residents.“Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common degenera...
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April 01, 2021
I recently received a call from a high school friend about her mother. I had assisted Mrs. Jones after a horrific accident she had a few winters ago when she broke her back and required assistance with pharmacy pick-ups and medication reminders, light housework, grocery shopping...
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March 01, 2021
If there is one thing I have discovered when talking with seniors and their family members over the last year it is they all have suffered some level of stress and anxiety regarding their aging loved ones due to COVID-19 and their subsequent isolation.Aside from COVID, seniors w...
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February 01, 2021
There has been a great deal of information in the news regarding the two COVID-19 vaccines that were approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), being administered in Florida, across America and around the world.The primary discussion I’m hearing...
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January 01, 2021
If there is one thing family members are most concerned about when they call me to discuss in-home care for seniors they love, it is their fear of fall risks. It is a very rational concern, because statistics indicate seniors are at greater risk of falling for many reasons.Accor...
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December 01, 2020
COVID-19 and the global health crisis have wreaked havoc on the hospitality and food service industries, and an enormous number of people have lost their jobs because of it. The hardworking men and women, who were formerly employed by hotels and restaurants, now find themselves ...
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December 01, 2020
As we say farewell to pandemic-plagued year 2020, and we embark on baby New Year 2021, I want to emphasize how important it is that we promote our best physical and mental health through a nutritious, balanced diet featuring fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains.Of cours...
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December 01, 2020
This year has been incredibly challenging, and I don’t know anyone who isn’t looking ahead to a better New Year 2021. With that in mind, I decided to lighten-up and enlighten you with 21 inspirational quotes for our next trip around the sun!Country Living extends this invita...
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November 01, 2020
Thanksgiving is going to look much different for most of us this year, thanks to COVID-19. This nasty virus has infected millions of Americans, and it has killed hundreds of thousands. It has disrupted our lives and up-ended our annual plans to share this special holiday of grat...
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November 01, 2020
I was watching 60 Minutes last Sunday evening, and a segment of the program featured six seniors over the age of 90, who had been participating in a study funded by the National Institutes of Health and performed by researchers at the University of California – Irvine, for mor...
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October 01, 2020
A few weeks ago, I learned a dear friend and colleague had been diagnosed with breast cancer. This vital, energetic woman was blindsided by the news, as was I when she told me. She had been very busy with her typical, hectic schedule, which is why she postponed her originally-sc...
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October 01, 2020
This year, the most prevalent health concern has been the coronavirus, and rightly so. COVID-19 has ravaged Florida, our nation and our world, making it the most worthy subject to be examined.What must not be overlooked in 2020, however, is the dangerous impact of influenza duri...
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October 01, 2020
For decades, I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing my children, my grandchildren and all the neighborhood children dressed-up in their Halloween costumes, ready for their trick-or-treat missions! Every year, each child would choose their favorite character, or theme, and fully-exerci...
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October 01, 2020
I cannot let October creep away without mentioning a very important awareness campaign about long-term care plans for seniors and aging adults. It’s something we never think about when we’re young, but it is vital we consider as we age.I admit, I work with seniors on a daily...
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October 01, 2020
My profession is all about non-medical, in-home care and assistance to seniors in need. The compassionate caregivers I employ are highly-trained and experienced in many levels of home care, and they can help you or your senior loved one, even in the midst of COVID, or when under...
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September 01, 2020
One thing that is always prevalent on my mind when working with seniors is their ambulation and risk of falling.The National Council on Aging [NCOA], reports that 1 in 4 seniors will experience a fall each year, so the likelihood an aging adult I know will take a tumble is high....
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September 01, 2020
Most people in the United States have had experiences with loved ones – or known others with loved ones– impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease [AD]. Unfortunately, many people around the world do not understand dementia or its detrimental effects.That’s why Alzheimer’s Disea...
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September 01, 2020
I’m very thankful that I do not have a regular prescription medication regiment and only take vitamins, natural supplements and a low dose aspirin daily. However, this is not the case for most seniors my caregivers and I know and love.The majority of seniors take at least one ...
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August 01, 2020
After six months, the coronavirus is still alive and surging in Florida. I hope seniors are staying home as much as possible, but that means NOT seeing family and friends.As I contemplated this, it occurred to me that many seniors who live alone may face serious consequences if ...
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August 01, 2020
Since the onset of COVID-19 in March, I have received a plethora of inquiries regarding in-home care for seniors and what it entails, especially as it pertains to their loved one’s vulnerability to the disease.Our website clearly displays our Home Helpers® COVID-19 response, ...
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August 01, 2020
“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 ...
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August 01, 2020
One brisk December day in 2010, three days after my best girlfriend’s 50th birthday, her 78 year-old father made the decision to end his life. He took his pistol out of the case, put the barrel to his head and pulled the trigger. There was no suicide note, and he had not spoke...
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July 01, 2020
As I write this blog, I am troubled by the regrettable resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Florida. It has only been three months since the novel coronavirus reared its ugly head and forced our communities to shutdown to slow the spread. At that time, the most vulnerable population ...
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July 01, 2020
As the number of coronavirus cases and deaths continue to rise in Florida, it is important to remember that seniors continue to be the most vulnerable, even though more young people are contracting the disease. Have you considered how caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s Diseas...
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July 01, 2020
Florida continues to set records for positive COVID-19 tests and deaths, which is not something about which citizens should feel at all proud. As an in-home care provider to seniors, I am quite concerned with the rising statistics, even though the median age for positive tests h...
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July 01, 2020
I don’t mean to sound like the bearer of bad news all the time, but most of what we hear in the local and national media is gloom and doom, in terms of the coronavirus.Contracting COVID-19 does not automatically mean a death sentence, though. There are many success stories of ...
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June 01, 2020
Dr. Marshall L. Cook said it best in his book, Growing Old is Not for Sissies, because aging takes a toll on men and women over the age of 65, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.From a physical standpoint, seniors living in Florida must exercise an abundance of ca...
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