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For many seniors, keeping up with daily household tasks like cooking and cleaning can become challenging. When a senior’s living space becomes dirty or cluttered, it can quickly turn into an unsafe environment. 

Whether seniors are living alone, in assisted living, or in memory care in St. Petersburg, Florida, there are several ways you can help seniors keep a clean and clutter-free space.

Invest in Organization Solutions

If seniors do not have a simple and easy way to store all of their items, keeping a space clean and clutter-free can be a real challenge. With proper organization, keeping a tidy living space becomes much easier. Consider investing in organization solutions such as:

• Kitchen drawer organizers
• Dresser drawer organizers
• Cabinet organizers
• Pantry labeling
• Additional closet storage

Working with a professional organizer can be a great way to make the most of a senior’s space. However, setting up organizational solutions doesn’t have to be expensive. Purchasing simple storage products can go a long way, and taking time for DIY organization projects can be a fun way to spend quality time together.

Get Rid of Unused Items

When seniors hang on to items they no longer need, their living space can quickly become cluttered. No matter how organized you are, there are only so many items that can fit into a space before it becomes messy. 

Help a senior plan a garage sale or help them donate items to someone in need. Getting rid of unused items can transform a space from cluttered to clean and organized. 

While some seniors struggle with giving away sentimental items, donating or selling them gives them a new home where they will be used and given a new life.

Encourage Cleaning Habits

There is no one-time solution for keeping a clean space. Seniors must invest time each day in keeping a clean living environment. The best way to do this is to develop good cleaning habits. 

Encourage a senior to adopt these habits by making charts or taking time to clean with them. Once they make cleaning a habit, it will be ingrained in their daily routine, and keeping a clean home will be much easier.

Clean and Clutter-Free Spaces in Assisted Living Facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida

Assisted living facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida, offer a healthy environment where seniors can enjoy clean and clutter-free living spaces. Through housekeeping services and the help of staff, seniors won’t have to struggle to keep their living areas clean.

Autumn is here, and with that comes delicious fall treats! Many independent living facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida, are celebrating fall with cooking classes and yummy meals. Baking can be a great way to connect with your loved ones and keep your mind occupied. Make these three fall treats to get into the autumn spirit this season. 

1.      Pumpkin Bread

This fall treat is one of the most popular every autumn. With delectable blends of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pure pumpkin, you are sure to get in the fall spirit after eating tasty pumpkin bread. 

Pumpkin bread doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Pumpkin itself is a healthy vegetable with plenty of beneficial nutrients. You can enjoy this tasty fall treat in your assisted living facilities in Saint Petersburg, Florida. 

2.   Caramel Apple Pie

Craving a delicious pie but want something different from the usual pumpkin pie? Make a caramel apple pie instead. This type of pie brings all of the delicious flavors of caramel apples with brown sugar crisp toppings. 

You can make your own salted caramel sauce to go with this pie. This will add more depth and flavor to the finished treat. Feel free to enjoy it with your family and fellow resident friends. Everyone will love this crunchy, sweet pie!

3.   Carrot Cake

Carrot cake is a classic recipe that many people remember from childhood. Eating carrot cake has two benefits: it helps you get your serving of vegetables in, and it tastes delicious. 

Feel free to top your moist, warm carrot cake with walnuts or other nuts of your choice. You can skip the nuts in the recipe if you need to accommodate allergies or taste preferences. Baking a carrot cake with your loved ones is a wonderful way to get in the holiday spirit and enjoy fall this season. 

Baking at Assisted Living Facilities in Saint Petersburg, Florida

Baking is a great hobby to enjoy solo or with your loved ones. If you are in the mood to share delicious fall treats with the people around you, bake these three delectable autumn treats this season. Assisted living facilities are vibrant communities full of residents who love to share ideas, hobbies, and joy. Celebrating autumn can be an opportunity for socializing and connecting with the people around you. Baking tasty treats is always a good experience for both the chef and the guests!

Getting quality sleep is essential at all stages of life, especially for the elderly. Lack of sleep is known to cause a multitude of negative effects. However, getting too much sleep can also cause problems. 

Whether your loved one is living at home or receiving care in assisted living facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida, monitoring their sleep habits is important.

How Much Sleep Is Normal for the Elderly?

Each person is different, so the amount of sleep required for each individual will vary. However, experts suggest that seniors should get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. 

Some seniors enjoy naps during the day, but nap time should be taken into account when calculating the total hours of sleep. If seniors sleep nine hours each night and take a one- to two-hour nap, an underlying issue is probably causing excessive sleep. 

Getting too much sleep increases the risk of developing a number of health issues, including:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Depression
• Stroke
• Obesity

Too much sleep has even been linked to premature death. If you notice your elderly loved one is sleeping more than normal, it is worth exploring the underlying cause and consulting a doctor.

Causes of Excessive Sleep 

There are many reasons a senior may sleep more than normal, and it may take some investigative work to pinpoint the reason. 

One common cause of excessive sleep among seniors is the side effects of medication. Some medications can cause drowsiness, making it harder for seniors to wake up and stay awake. 

Another common reason is mental health challenges, like depression or anxiety. Seniors struggling with these issues tend to sleep more than their peers with better mental health. Other possible reasons could include:

• Poor sleep quality
• Sleep apnea
• Other sleeping disorders
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Chronic fatigue
• Boredom
• Underlying health problems

A medical professional can help you and your loved one determine the cause of the excessive sleeping and work toward a healthier sleeping schedule.

Care for Your Elderly Loved One at Assisted Living Facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida

For some seniors, staying at home will become unhealthy or unsafe. Hazards at home and feelings of isolation can lead to sleep disturbances for seniors. 

In these cases, moving to assisted living or utilizing skilled nursing facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a good option. The staff in senior communities work with seniors to ensure they maintain a routine and are on top of healthy sleep habits.

Falls are one of the most common reasons older adults visit the hospital each year. As we age, falls become more dangerous and can result in serious injury. In addition, seniors can face long recovery times from even minor slips and falls. 

Many hazards, environmental factors, and behavioral habits can contribute to falls. Here are three surprising causes of falls in the elderly.

1. Stubbornness 

As seniors age, many of them want to hang on to old habits and routines, even if they are no longer safe. For example, seniors experiencing declining mobility may not be able to get around the house as easily anymore, particularly with stairs. 

Some seniors can be stubborn and refuse to change their home or routine. Unfortunately, this stubbornness creates an accident waiting to happen, often leading to falls and serious injuries.

2. Confusion

It is common for seniors to experience some cognitive decline during their later years. Confusion is a common symptom of cognitive decline and can indicate the early onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Many people don’t realize that confusion can lead to falls in the home.

When a senior becomes confused about where they are or what they are doing, they can get disoriented and be highly susceptible to tripping in an environment they are normally familiar with.  

3. Medication Side Effects

Most seniors are on some sort of medication, and it is not uncommon for medications to be adjusted or changed over the years. Unfortunately, doctors can’t always predict how medications will impact seniors, and there can be some unanticipated side effects. 

Medication management can also become more difficult, leading to missed or double doses.

One side effect is diminished balance or dizziness, which makes seniors much more susceptible to falls. It’s important to work closely with your doctor and alert them immediately if you or a loved one starts experiencing negative side effects with medication.

Stay Safe at Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg 

Seniors who live alone are at a higher risk of experiencing serious injury after a fall simply because there is no one around to help them. Assisted and independent living facilities in St. Petersburg, FL, provide a safety net for seniors because they provide a dedicated staff on-site, 24/7.

Assisted living in Saint Petersburg is a great option if you or a loved one have experienced a fall or are simply looking for a bit more support.

During the later years of life, seniors become more susceptible to chronic health issues, and heart conditions are no exception. Seniors are more prone to experience heart disease, heart attacks, heart failure, and more. Taking care of your general health is important, but it’s a good idea to pay particular attention to your heart health.

Here are four simple heart-healthy habits to add to your routine.

1. Exercise Regularly

Exercise is important for overall wellness at any stage in life, and it is especially important for seniors. Seniors who do not exercise regularly are at a significantly higher risk of developing serious ailments, including heart-related diseases. 

Keep heart disease at bay by exercising — it improves blood flow and makes your heart stronger. Whether you go on walks near your home or take advantage of the gym or pool at assisted living facilities in Saint Petersburg, FL, make your daily exercise routine a priority.

2. Eat Heart-Healthy Foods

Eating nutritious food is the best way to keep your body and mind in good health for as long as possible. Consider adding heart-healthy foods to your diet, including:

• Leafy green vegetables
• Whole grains
• Berries
• Walnuts
• Avocados
• Beans

These are just a few examples of heart-healthy foods, and many of them can easily fit into your existing daily diet. You can also switch out your regular snacks for more nutritious, heart-healthy snacks. Before making any drastic changes to your diet, always consult with your doctor.  

3. Get Regular Sleep

Getting consistent, quality sleep is important to your health, particularly your heart health. Poor sleep has been linked to a greater risk of high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol and an increased chance of developing heart disease. 

One theory behind the association between poor sleep and heart disease is the fact that your blood pressure goes down at night. When you are awake for more hours or getting poor quality sleep, your blood pressure stays higher for longer. Sustained high blood pressure is a leading risk factor for developing heart disease. 

If you are having trouble sleeping, don’t ignore it. Consider changing your schedule, altering your eating habits, or consulting a professional.

4. Take Advantage of Heart-Healthy Activities at Assisted Living Facilities in Saint Petersburg, FL

With onsite walking paths, pools, gyms, and healthy dining options, maintaining your heart health in assisted living is easier than ever. Whether you are living an active lifestyle or are in need of nursing facilities in St. Petersburg, FL, you can find what you need and focus on your heart health. 

If you or a loved one has decided to explore care options for later in life, you’ll find that there are several options. From home care to assisted living to independent living facilities in St. Petersburg, FL, there are many choices for seniors.

It can be hard to know exactly what type of care you’ll need. Read on to learn more about the differences between home care and assisted living. 

Assisted Living

Assisted living facilities in Saint Petersburg, FL, provide housing and care to seniors who can’t or have chosen not to live independently. They receive support services and health care services, including bathing, dressing, and eating, if necessary. 

Seniors also receive assistance with medication, meals, and laundry, and can benefit from structured social activities and transportation. Assisted living facilities provide the care that seniors need, and also offer a sense of community that keeps them active.

Home Care 

Home care is a service provided by a caregiver that takes place in a senior’s home. A caregiver may visit once a day or spend many hours each day providing care, depending on the level of need. 

Home care offers transportation, companionship, and daily assistance with various tasks, including:

• Meal preparation
• Bathing
• Grooming
• Toileting
• Dressing
• Housekeeping 

Home care offers a convenient option for seniors who aren’t ready to leave their homes. It’s also a highly customized form of care that gives seniors everything they need.

Finding Assisted Living Facilities in Saint Petersburg, FL

Saint Petersburg is home to some of the best assisted living facilities as well as home care providers around. No matter what level of care you or your loved one requires, there is a skilled caregiver or expert community to provide it. With a little research, you can find the perfect fit and ensure your loved one is taken care of through retirement.

Caregivers are generally highly professional, compassionate people who work every day to improve the lives of the elderly. The services for in-home care and assisted living in St. Petersburg, FL, are some of the best around. However, just like any profession, not every caregiver is perfect.

Sometimes caregivers suffer from stress, and other times, caregivers may just not have a personality that is compatible with your elderly parent.

No matter what the reason, there are a few signs to look for that indicate it is time to change your elderly parent’s caregiver.

1. Your Parent Expresses Concern

While this sign may seem obvious, make sure you listen to your parent when they express concerns about their caregiver. Even things that sound trivial, such as forgetting to take out the trash or cooking a meal incorrectly, can be signs of a bigger underlying issue. 

2. Sudden Change in Attitude

Sometimes elderly people feel too ashamed to admit trouble with a caregiver and will instead act out. If you notice a sudden and inexplicable change in attitude with your elderly parent, it may be time to explore alternative care options.

3. Mismanagement

If you are using a service company to coordinate in-home care for your parent, the management of the staff and the agency itself is critical. If you notice that your parent’s caregiver has been changed a number of times, or if there is high turnover or other signs of mismanagement, it may be time to consider switching caregivers.

4. Disengaged Caregiver

Caregivers should always be attentive and thorough. If you notice that your parent’s caregiver is distracted or can’t answer basic questions about care for your parent, that’s a sign that another caregiver may be a better fit.

Find Care Through Assisted Living in St. Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg is home to a number of care facilities that cater to the elderly in all stages of life. From in-home care to skilled nursing facilities in St. Petersburg, FL, you can find a solution that meets your parent’s needs.

Seasonal allergies are no fun, and in Florida, the symptoms can be severe. A wide variety of unpleasant symptoms are associated with seasonal allergies, including: 

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Runny nose
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Fatigue

If you have a loved one who is enjoying their retirement in assisted living facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida, they may need some help managing their symptoms during allergy season.

Dealing with Allergies at Assisted Living Facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida

In Florida, the primary causes of allergies are ragweed and mold, both of which reach peak growing conditions in the summer and fall seasons. Mold thrives especially well in moist and humid conditions, and the summer humidity in Florida creates the perfect environment for mold growth in a variety of settings. 

Whether mold, ragweed, or seasonal pollen are causing your loved one’s allergic reactions, there are several ways you can help them mitigate their symptoms within independent living facilities in St. Petersburg, FL.

Limit Time Outside During Daylight Hours

Though it may seem strange to suggest staying indoors during the sunny summer months in Florida, this is one of the best ways to avoid bad allergy symptoms in the state’s most humid time of year. 

Pollen counts are highest during the day, so your loved one will have an easier time avoiding bad allergies if they limit their outdoor activities to the evening.

Keep the HVAC System Clean

Your family member’s HVAC system keeps them nice and cool during the hot summer months in St. Petersburg. However, did you know that an improperly cleaned AC unit can cause allergy symptoms?

This is largely because the unit collects dust and pollen from the outside, which gets ventilated throughout the home and can cause allergic reactions.

Use Protective Gear While Gardening

Gardening is a popular pastime among residents in independent living communities, but interacting directly with plants can be a significant cause of allergy symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to urge your loved one to always wear gloves and a mask while gardening to reduce contact with allergens.

Avoid Planting Allergy-Inducing Flowers

If your family member has a passion for gardening, encourage them to avoid plant and flower options that tend to cause allergic reactions. Some plants that commonly cause allergic reactions include flowers like daisies, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers, as well as other plants like juniper, wisteria, and cypress.

Many seniors take multiple medications and supplements throughout the day. It can be easy to mix up medications or lose track of what was taken. For this reason, managing medication is critical to avoid missed doses or double doses. 

Whether older adults are living alone or enjoying assisted living in Saint Petersburg, Florida, there are a few simple actions older adults can take to more effectively manage their medications. 

Here are five medication management tips for older adults.

1. Keep All Medications in One Location

If an older adult takes multiple medications, they should all be stored in one location for easy access. Medications stored throughout the home can become confusing and take unnecessary time to track down. 

Keeping medications in one location makes it simple to keep track of what was taken and pay attention to when certain medications are running low.

2. Store Medication Properly

Unfortunately, some medications can become less effective if not stored properly. For example, medications can start to break down if they are stored in a location that is too moist, too cold, or too warm. 

Make sure to read all the prescription labels, which should clearly spell out how the medication needs to be stored.

3. Presort Medications

Make a habit of pre-sorting medications at the beginning of the week or even the beginning of the month. This can make taking medications accurately and on time much simpler. There are even sorting tools that can help make sorting and storing easier. 

Pre-sorting also prevents confusion about which medications to take on which days and minimizes the chances of missed doses.

4. Double-Check Medication Instructions

Some medications have specific administration instructions, such as eating with food or avoiding taking at night. In addition, when seniors are on multiple medications, extra due diligence is required to ensure that the medications don’t negatively react with one another.

Make sure to double-check with the doctor about how different medications interact with each other and with supplements. In assisted living facilities, the resident pharmacist will also be able to help. 

5. Set Up a Tracking System

Just like many other things in life, it is sometimes easier to keep track of things when you write them down. Medication management is no different. Creating a tracking system that notes when medication should be taken and when it was taken can make a big difference in keeping a consistent schedule.

A tracking system can also be helpful to medical professionals if they need to investigate an underlying issue. The tracking system allows them to see if any doses were missed or taken at the wrong intervals.

Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg, Florida

Seniors from all walks of life can find incredible assisted living facilities in the Saint Petersburg area. Whether it’s independent living, skilled nursing assistance, or memory care in St. Petersburg, FL, the community caters to varying needs.

Seniors can enjoy retirement to its fullest and get the care they need for the long term.