The flu is a relatively common virus that affects most people at some point in their life. Though unpleasant, the flu may seem of minimal concern to the general public, but it can be dangerous - especially for older adults. Those 65 years of age and above experience a much higher risk of flu-related complications including worsening health conditions, hospitalizations, or fatalities. Knowing how to protect yourself against the flu will help you reduce the risks of catching the flu, and help to prevent flu complications by educating yourself about the signs associated with this virus.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month which marks an annual campaign aimed at raising awareness about the impact of breast cancer. One of the major goals of this awareness month is ensuring all women have access to mammograms and breast cancer screenings which can lead to early detection, as well as ensuring everyone has access to support systems.
A natural disaster, storm, or emergency can be a scary time for everyone involved. Whether you yourself are living through it, or have loved ones in a storm’s path, being a part of a hurricane is certainly unsettling. Our hearts and support are with all those who endured the recent Hurricane Ian, which recently hit the southern part of Florida. Pacifica Senior Living has several communities in the state of Florida, and as we watched the projected storm path and weather warnings leading up to the hurricane, it became apparent that some of our residents - specifically those in our Fort Myers community - would have to be moved.
Nutrition is always an important part of daily life, but it can be even more important for seniors. What you eat can have a big impact on your overall well-being, and your health. Healthy eating habits can help improve everything from your energy levels, to mood, impact your immune system as well, and affect both your brain health and heart health. Learning what foods are best for you as you age can help you maintain as much youthful vim and vigor as possible, so you can get the most out of your golden years.
There are times in our lives when we need a little extra help. Being a primary caregiver is not an easy task, and Respite Care is a great alternative to at home health care. Pacifica Senior Living’s Respite Care program is specially crafted to allow family members who have been providing home care an opportunity to rest from the daily tasks required when taking care of a loved one.
Now that summer is here, many of us are spending more time outdoors enjoying the sun, heat, and beautiful weather. But it is important as the temperatures rise and the sun stays out longer to be aware of safety tips and advice for keeping cool and protecting yourself against the elements.
Have you ever heard the term “brain foods?” Certain foods can help promote brain health, boost memory, and are great for overall brain function. Ensuring your brain has all the nutrients and energy it needs to function at optimal levels will help boost your mind health and keep your brain strong.
There are a number of ‘brain foods’ known for helping to keep your mind running smoothly, boost memory, and prevent strokes. These foods are naturally packed with nutrients that promote strong mental health, healthy brain cells, and increased cognitive function in a number of ways. Choosing a diet that focuses on brain health is especially important in older adults who are more prone to develop memory conditions or overall deterioration. There are many simple ways to choose foods that make up a good mind diet and help your overall wellbeing.
The FDA has recently approved a second booster of either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for individuals who are 50 years of age or older. Since older individuals generally are at a higher risk of infection, and may experience more severe symptoms if they catch COVID-19, the vaccine boost is intended to ensure those at a higher risk are still protected.
For many people, there often comes a time when a close relative is no longer able to live successfully on their own. This often opens a confusing can of worms as families try to determine what course of action is best for their loved one. With so many options, such as in-home care, agencies, family caregiving, and nursing options, it can be hard to know where to start. On top of that, there are so many aspects of care to consider. Caregivers may need to ensure a loved one receives proper nutrition, will have to consider medication management, or might have to factor in mobility issues. All these factors can be overwhelming, and often families do not know where to start.
Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our residents and staff. At Pacifica Senior Living, we are going above and beyond in the face of COVID-19 to minimize the risk of infection throughout our communities, implementing new precautions to reduce the spread of illness.