The Holiday Blood Pressure Management Tips You Need for a Senior With Hypertension

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An older woman hands a plate of holiday food to her grandson as she implements holiday blood pressure management tips for herself.

Holiday blood pressure management is key to ensuring a healthy and happy season for those with hypertension.

It’s here! The festive holiday season is well underway, full of laughter, decorations, and of course, family get-togethers. But let’s be real: it can also be filled with stress, tempting treats, and a frantic pace that leaves everyone just a little frazzled. If you are a caregiver for a senior loved one, you understand how quickly the holidays can change from “merry and bright” to “overwhelming and chaotic,” especially when a chronic health condition like hypertension is in the mix. Between indulgent holiday meals, busy schedules, and unexpected stressors, trying to help manage a loved one’s high blood pressure can be challenging. But never fear; with some thoughtful planning and small adjustments, you can implement some holiday blood pressure management tips to keep their health in balance while still enjoying all the festive cheer.

Here’s how to experience the season while protecting the heart health of a senior loved one.

  • Be mindful of holiday foods. Holidays and food go hand in hand, and it’s easy to be tempted by rich dishes, sweets, and salty snacks. However, for someone managing high blood pressure, these types of foods can pose risks. Instead of concentrating on what the person can’t have, think about ways to adjust traditional dishes into healthier versions. Swap out salt for herbs and spices like garlic, rosemary, or thyme. In place of heavy mashed potatoes full of butter, consider mashed cauliflower or baked sweet potatoes seasoned with a touch of cinnamon. If the person has a sweet tooth, fresh fruits may be a satisfying alternative to high-sugar desserts.
  • Don’t neglect regular exercise. Cooler weather and busy schedules often mean less physical activity, but staying active is a vital part of keeping blood pressure levels under control. You don’t have to plan an intense workout. Gentle, regular movement can make a significant difference. If the person is able, consider a daily walk, even if it’s just around the neighborhood for 15-20 minutes. If going outside isn’t an option due to the weather, there are lots of ways to stay active indoors. Try a gentle stretching routine or even a seated exercise video designed for seniors. Dancing together to holiday music can also be an enjoyable way to stay active while enjoying the holiday spirit.
  • Watch the holiday drinks. The holidays are an occasion for toasting and celebrating, but alcoholic drinks can raise blood pressure and interact with certain medications. If alcohol is included in your family’s holiday celebrations, help your loved one limit their intake or opt for non-alcoholic alternatives. You can make festive mocktails using sparkling water, a splash of cranberry juice, and fresh fruit garnishes. If their morning routine includes caffeine, make an effort to limit it, especially during particularly stressful or busy days. Too much caffeine can also spike blood pressure levels, and with the holiday hustle, it’s easy for these small things to add up.
  • Stick to a medication schedule. Amid the holiday excitement, it is easy to forget the daily routine, including medications. But staying on top of blood pressure medications is extremely important, especially when the holidays can present extra health challenges. Set reminders on your phone or mark it on a calendar to ensure that your loved one’s medication is taken on time. If travel is part of your holiday plans, make sure you have plenty of medication packed, along with an easy-to-access schedule to ensure that nothing is missed. A simple pill organizer may help keep everything in order during this busy time.
  • Keep stress levels in check. The holidays can be emotionally taxing, and stress is one of the biggest contributors to high blood pressure. Instead of attempting to make everything perfect, focus on what truly matters: quality time together. Delegate tasks, whether that means asking family members to help prepare dishes or arranging a potluck where everyone contributes. This reduces the burden on you and allows the senior you love to be involved in the festivities without feeling overwhelmed. Mindfulness exercises can also help an older loved one manage their stress. Schedule ten minutes in the morning for some peace and quiet together to breathe in deeply, exhale slowly, and release the tension that tends to build up during this busy season.
  • Prioritize rest. Between family gatherings, holiday preparations, and changing routines, sleep schedules can get disrupted. Insufficient rest can increase stress, which then affects blood pressure. Make sure the person you’re caring for has the chance to get enough sleep every night. Encourage regular bedtimes and make the bedroom a calm, inviting place, free of distractions like television or bright lights. If afternoon naps help them feel rested, make time for them. Sufficient rest can keep their blood pressure in balance and ensure they can fully enjoy all of the festivities.

Need a Helping Hand?

At Responsive Home Care, our caregivers make the holidays healthier, brighter, and safer for the older adults we serve. Our caregivers can plan and prepare nutritious meals, provide engaging activity ideas to reduce stress and instill joy, and allow family members to take necessary breaks from care. Contact us at 954-486-6440 to learn more about our home health care in Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Weston, and throughout Broward County.

The Parkinson’s Symptoms You May Not Have Expected

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An older man struggling with Parkinson’s symptoms holds the hand of his caregiver as she gives him a hug.

You may be surprised to learn about some of the non-movement Parkinson’s symptoms a loved one might experience.

When most people think about Parkinson’s disease, tremors or difficulty moving likely come to mind first. However, if you are caring for a family member with Parkinson’s, you’ve probably noticed they’re dealing with so much more than just movement issues. Non-movement Parkinson’s symptoms, like cognitive changes, depression, and sleep problems, can have just as much of an effect on daily life, but often go unnoticed or untreated. Understanding these symptoms is crucial to providing the most effective care for someone you love with Parkinson’s disease. Read more

How to Help Older Adults Eat Healthy All Year Long

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A caregiver who knows how to help older adults eat healthy tosses a salad for an older man.

Help older adults eat healthy and prevent malnutrition with these tips.

With the holidays nearing, you might be thinking about festive meals and family gatherings centered around favorite foods and traditions. But what about the rest of the year? Is everyone in your family—particularly older loved ones—getting proper nutrition on a regular basis? While holiday feasts could be an exception, many seniors quietly struggle with malnutrition for a number of reasons. The first step to knowing how to help older adults eat healthy all year is learning about the issues they might be facing. Read more

What Is a Plan of Care and Why Is It So Important?

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An older couple who asked their care professional, “What is a plan of care?” look closely at her computer screen as she explains.

If you’re wondering, “What is a plan of care?” we have the important details you need.

You have just started exploring in-home care choices for a loved one, and you’re becoming somewhat overwhelmed. There are countless options to consider, and many new and unfamiliar terms to understand. Take, for example, the plan of care. What is a plan of care, and is it necessary? It may seem like just another piece of jargon in a sea of perplexing terms, but it’s actually one of the most important aspects of senior care services. Here’s why:

Personalized Care Coordination

A care plan isn’t only a document; it is a tailored blueprint designed to meet an individual’s distinct needs and preferences. This plan makes certain that all facets of care, from day-to-day routines to the person’s interests and hobbies, are integrated to make life more comfortable, more enriching, and safer. It helps avoid generalizations in care, concentrating instead on providing what is most advantageous for the person’s health and happiness. This proactive approach supports not just physical health but also emotional and social well-being, adjusting seamlessly to evolving conditions.

Transparent Communication

Among the important functions of a plan of care is to foster clear and consistent communication among everyone involved—caregivers, medical professionals, and family members. This document serves as a central point of reference that everybody can turn to, decreasing misunderstandings and making certain everybody is on the same page concerning the care provided. By developing a common framework for responsibilities and expectations, it encourages a collaborative environment that enhances the quality of care.

Ongoing Assessment and Adaptation

A care plan is a living document that changes with a person’s evolving needs. It contains mechanisms for regular assessment and review, making it possible for adjustments as the senior’s preferences or health status change with time. This flexibility is important for accommodating the natural progression of aging along with any unforeseen health problems, making certain the care provided continues to be effective and appropriate. Through continuous reevaluation and monitoring, the plan stays aligned with the person’s current needs, promoting optimal wellbeing outcomes.

At Responsive Home Care, our services always begin with a complimentary in-home consultation and development of a tailored plan of care. This lays the foundation for the services that will be provided, which caregiver or caregivers will perform these services, when they will occur, and other key details the care team will adhere to.

Your engagement in the care planning process offers you a voice in the care a family member receives. It can help you grasp the rationale behind each aspect of the care strategy and reassures you that their health and happiness are prioritized.

Ready to get started on the creation of a customized care plan for an older loved one? Give us a call at 954-486-6440 to set up your in-home meeting today! We are happy to offer our customized senior care services throughout Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lighthouse Point, and throughout Broward County.

6 Ways to Help a Senior Loved One Sleep Better

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A man lies awake in bed. It can be difficult for family members to know how to help a senior loved one sleep better.

Try these tips to help a senior loved one sleep better.

We have all been there: slowing down breathing, counting sheep, listening to white noise, all in an effort to force our brains to shut down to allow us the sleep we desperately need. As we age, it can be even more difficult to get enough sleep. Older adults may experience changes in their sleep architecture, including lighter sleep, more frequent awakenings, and a shift towards earlier bedtimes. Yet maintaining healthy sleep patterns is very important for cognitive function, emotional health, and physical vitality, making it important to know how to help a senior loved one sleep better.

What Affects Sleep Patterns in Older Adults?

There are numerous factors impacting senior sleep, including:

  • Health Conditions: Chronic pain, arthritis, and respiratory issues can contribute to discomfort during the night.
  • Circadian Rhythm Changes: Aging can adjust the body’s internal clock, leading to a preference for earlier bed and wake times.
  • Environmental Factors: Temperature, noise, and light can affect sleep quality.
  • Medications: Certain medications may have side effects that disrupt sleep patterns.

So, How Can You Help a Senior Loved One Sleep Better?

  • Relaxation Techniques: There are a variety of relaxation techniques that older adults can incorporate into their pre-sleep routine, such as mindfulness exercises, deep breathing, and gentle stretching routines. There are both physical and mental benefits of relaxation practices in preparing the mind and body for a restful night of sleep.
  • Limited Naps: Though there are benefits to short naps, longer naps, especially later in the day, makes it harder to fall and stay asleep at night. Emphasize the importance of brief, rejuvenating naps while cautioning against extended daytime sleep, which could disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle.
  • Regular Exercise: Exercise is important, but just as important is the timing of physical activity. Engaging in exercise early in the day can play a role in better sleep. Encourage activities that the person enjoys, whether it is a morning walk, gardening, or light yoga, fostering a healthy routine that aligns along with their preferences.
  • A Comfortable Sleep Environment: Make sure the mattress and pillows are comfortable and supportive. Consider soft, breathable bedding materials, and if applicable, invest in sleep-inducing scents or a white noise machine to create an optimal atmosphere for relaxation.
  • A Consistent Routine: Encouraging a regular sleep routine is critical for seniors. Beyond sticking with consistent bedtimes and wake-up times, consider incorporating calming pre-sleep rituals. This might include activities like reading a book, listening to soothing music, or practicing gentle meditation to signal to the body that it’s time to wind down.
  • Mindful Eating: Specific foods promote sleep, such as those rich in magnesium or tryptophan. Additionally, herbal teas are known for their calming properties. Offer practical tips on portion control and timing to optimize the positive impact of nutrition on sleep.

Our caregivers are helping older adults in our community stay engaged and active, eat healthier, and enjoy calming routines that foster better sleep habits. Contact us at 954-486-6440 to learn how our home care services can assist someone you love in Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Lighthouse Point, and the surrounding areas.

The Ins and Outs of Senior Exercise

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A senior smiles as he swims for his daily senior exercise.

These exercise tips are a great place to start to introduce more physical activity into the life of an older loved one.

The countdown is on to the new year, and this means only one thing: deciding on a resolution you can make that you’ll actually be empowered to keep. How about setting a goal that will help both you and someone you love live healthier and feel happier? It starts with knowing effective exercise tips to achieve success.

A regular physical exercise routine is vital for all of us, but not always easy to start or maintain. One smart way to keep motivated is to identify an accountability partner and encourage each other. If you’re providing care for an older loved one, you have the perfect opportunity to help each other become more physically fit! But it is important to first know how much and what forms of exercise are best for seniors.

What’s the Ideal Amount of Exercise for Older Adults?

This varies from one person to another, and should always begin with a visit to the physician for a complete check-up and recommendations. Whatever an individual’s ability level, appropriate exercise is important. It improves bone density, muscle mass, heart and lung functioning, and much more, including boosting mood and emotional wellbeing.

There are a few general guidelines for exercise for older adults, and the news could not be better: even a small amount of physical activity will make a big difference. As little as 15 – 20 minutes per week of vigorous exercise (running, swimming, playing basketball or tennis) has been shown to lower mortality rate by 16 – 40%.

What Are Some Good Exercises for Older Adults?

Some of the best aerobic exercises to consider, which can be modified when necessary based on ability level, include:

  • Dancing, which helps strengthen multiple muscle groups while improving balance and mood – and, if dancing with a partner, socialization too.
  • Walking, particularly in nature, to experience varied terrains and the psychological effects that come from spending time outdoors, including a boost in mood, lowered anxiety and stress, and more.
  • Cycling, either on an outdoor or stationary bike: a great low impact activity that benefits the heart, lungs, and large muscles.

How to Get Started

Getting started with a new fitness program is often the hardest part. Here are a few tips to help you both achieve success:

  • Begin slowly and set attainable goals. Then celebrate reaching them!
  • Select activities that are fun. With so many options, there is no reason to settle for a tedious, boring routine.
  • Be sure to stay hydrated.
  • Include warm-up and cool-down periods.
  • If any pain or discomfort is experienced, stop.

Let Us Help!

A caregiver from Responsive Home Care makes an excellent exercise buddy to help older adults remain on track with a brand new or existing physical fitness routine. We are here to provide accompaniment to the gym, pool, senior center, or wherever else the person would like to go. We also make great walking partners! Contact us at (954) 486-6440 to find out more about our senior care services in Fort Lauderdale, Lighthouse Point, Hollywood, and the surrounding areas.

Are You Prepared for the Responsibilities of Hospital Care at Home?

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A woman in a wheelchair receiving hospital care at home is assisted by her adult daughter.

It’s important to understand and prepare for your role before agreeing to hospital care at home for a loved one.

No one wants to spend any more time than needed in the hospital. The aim is to get the necessary treatment or procedure over with as quickly as possible and move on to recovering. Unsurprisingly, the growing trend in hospital care at home is one being met with open arms. Imagine being able to avoid:

  • Isolation and loneliness from short visiting hour periods
  • The risk of infection inherent in a hospitalization
  • The need to share a room with somebody else who is ill
  • Institutional food
  • The bright lights, alarms, and bells that make sleeping difficult

Hospital level care in the home allows someone whose condition is serious yet stable to receive visits from clinicians and any necessary medical equipment—so treatment is provided in the most comfortable and least restrictive environment.

There is nothing not to love about such a program, right?

The Downside to Receiving Hospital Care at Home

While the benefits of in-home hospital care are incredible, there’s one main factor to take into consideration: are you ready and equipped to serve as the caregiver for a family member who is critically ill? While physicians and nurses visit the home and are available by telehealth sessions for questions, the majority of care falls on the family.

“In the hospital, if something happens, they know how to take care of it,” explains Clare Semling, whose husband participated in a hospital-at-home program. “Now it’s on you.”

It’s important for family members to participate in the decision-making process about a loved one receiving hospital care in the home, and also to be made aware of the implications it will mean in their own lives. For instance, you’ll need to think through:

  • What will you do in the event of an emergency?
  • Can you handle getting up as required during the night to check on the person, help them to the bathroom, etc.?
  • Are you ok with having clinical staff coming in and out of the home at regular intervals?
  • Will you be able to manage medications and ensure they’re taken as directed?

Also, think about your current commitments and responsibilities: caring for children, taking care of household chores and errands, working outside of the home, and other important activities such as spending time with your spouse, nurturing relationships with friends and other friends, participating in hobbies and pastimes you enjoy, engaging in healthy lifestyle choices, etc.

It can be helpful to create a quick estimate of how much time you currently have available to care for a family member at home, considering all of the factors above. If it feels unmanageable or overwhelming, seek out help.

Responsive Home Care is here to help if a loved one chooses to receive hospital-at-home care. We can provide medication reminders, run errands, prepare meals, and take the night shift if you would like, enabling you to maintain the healthy life balance you need. Contact us at 954-486-6440 for more information on how we can help with personalized in-home care services in Fort Lauderdale, Lighthouse Point, Hollywood, and the surrounding communities.

Here’s What to Avoid During Chemotherapy

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: Do you know what to avoid during chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is, without a doubt, a potentially life-saving journey. However, during the process of destroying harmful cancer cells, noncancerous cells can be in the crossfire, leading to challenging side effects. The physician will offer guidelines on what cancer patients should do to minimize these effects, but it’s just as important to know what to avoid during chemotherapy. Read more

Keeping a Sense of Purpose for Seniors Leads to a More Fulfilling Life

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Learn the importance of maintaining a sense of purpose for seniors.

What motivates you to push forward every day? If you are part of the sandwich generation, taking care of both older and younger loved ones, your list is probably quite long! However, for aging adults, as the nest empties, it becomes important to redefine their identity and learn new ways to bring meaning to each day. Read more

How to Help Manage the Challenges of Medical Tests for Aging Adults

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senior-man-getting-ct-scan-with-technician

If you need to help an aging loved one manage the challenges of medical tests, Responsive Home Care can assist!

There is almost always nothing “routine” about routine checkups at the doctor. You may arrive to your appointment perfectly fine, but leave with orders for blood work along with other medical tests a doctor recommends to help keep you as healthy as possible. These tests might be nothing more than a minor inconvenience for you, however trying to manage the challenges of medical tests for older adults can be overwhelming for many reasons: transportation problems, thinner skin, mobility issues, cognitive difficulties, fragile veins, and so much more.

There are steps you can take to advocate for and help an older loved one manage the challenges of medical tests more easily. For example:

  • Find out if tests can be carried out in the individual’s home. Home health care is becoming an increasingly viable option for blood work along with other tests.
  • If the aging adult has to leave home for the test, call the facility where the test will be conducted ahead of time. Find answers to any specific questions you may have about parking, drop-off location, the best time of day to schedule for the test, etc.
  • Providing a urine or stool sample can be challenging. Ask the doctor for any recommendations to help make the process easier, for example, a receptacle to position over the toilet as opposed to using a cup. Make sure the bathroom floor is clean and dry and that any bathmats or throw rugs are removed, and encourage the person to hold onto a grab bar during the collection process to prevent a fall.

Can Home Care Services Help Manage the Challenges of Medical Tests for Aging Adults?

An in-home caregiver from Responsive Home Care can:

  • Pick up prescriptions and provide medication reminders to make certain that meds are taken exactly as prescribed
  • Provide accompaniment to medical appointments, tests, and procedures, while assisting with mobility support as needed
  • Take notes to make sure doctors’ orders are understood and followed
  • Help the person to get settled safely back at home afterwards, and provide companionship and oversight to watch for any changes in condition that should be reported
  • And so much more

Also, many individuals feel much more comfortable receiving assistance for sensitive medical matters from a trained professional. Our caregivers are skilled in discreet and respectful support with personal care needs, allowing family relations to step back and offer the older adult with privacy.

Contact us online or at (954) 486-6440 to arrange for the support necessary for someone you love. We offer a free of charge in-home consultation that will help you understand your options, so contact us today to learn more about our senior care in Hollywood, FL and the nearby areas!

How to Manage Restlessness in Dementia

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senior-dementia-man-confused-and-restless

Responsive Home Care can help to manage restlessness in dementia.

Wandering. Pacing. Fidgeting. As these signs of restlessness develop in aging adults with dementia, it’s important to address them before they escalate to aggression, agitation, or leaving the house. But figuring out why the older adult is feeling restless is sometimes half the battle of trying to manage restlessness in dementia.

For starters, think about the following questions:

  • Are there any visitors who could be producing distress or anxiety?
  • Might they have to use the restroom?
  • Are they bored?
  • Are there a lot of distractions in the room?
  • Have they been sedentary too long and need to move?
  • Is anything causing the individual physical discomfort or pain?
  • Could the senior be thirsty or hungry?

If you aren’t sure, a great place to start is acknowledging any physical needs. Do they need a snack or drink?  If not, also watch out for nonverbal clues that could reveal distress, and call the physician right away for direction in the event that you suspect the person is in pain.

If the problem boils down to emotions, try distracting the person with a soothing activity that they really enjoy, for example, listening to favorite music and dancing together to channel that restless energy in a positive way. Go for a walk outside, if weather permits, or move into another room of the house for a change of scenery and to work on a puzzle together, read, or take part in another enjoyable activity.

The Unique Challenges of Sundowning

Aging adults can feel particularly anxious or confused during the late afternoon and into the evening due to sundowning. If restlessness is happening during this particular time of day, it may be very difficult for family caregivers, who need to be able to rest and get a sufficient amount of sleep.

A team effort is often the most effective approach to sundowning, as it allows the primary family caregiver to take the break they need during the night while ensuring the senior remains safe. Actions you can take include:

  • Create a tag with identifying and contact information for the senior, or purchase an identity bracelet or necklace, and make sure the older adult is wearing it all the time.
  • Talk with the person’s neighbors to let them know about the situation so they can help you keep watch in the event the person does manage to wander away from home.

If you are trying to manage restlessness in dementia, reach out to Responsive Home Care online or at (954) 486-6440 for a fully trained and experienced Alzheimer’s caregiver to take the night shift, or any other shift. A live in caregiver in Hollywood, FL or the nearby areas can provide someone you love with the patient, creative, and compassionate care they need to overcome restlessness and other difficulties of dementia, while giving you peace of mind and a healthier life balance.

How Beverage Thickeners Can Help with Swallowing Disorders in Seniors

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happy-senior-lady-drinking-smoothie

Help ease swallowing disorders in seniors with beverage thickeners.

If you’re not living with a swallowing disorder, you probably haven’t thought much about the various consistencies and textures of the liquids in your diet. When you are thirsty, nothing hits the spot like an ice-cold glass of water. On a hot summer day, you may crave a cool milkshake. And when you are recuperating from the flu, a warm bowl of soup is so comforting.

When you’re dealing with swallowing disorders in seniors, however, liquids need to be thickened, making it harder to feel as though your thirst is quenched, and changing your ability to enjoy things such as that first hot cup of coffee in the morning, or a glass of your favorite soda at lunchtime. Making a change to thickened liquids does take time, but these suggestions can help.

What Are the Best Beverage Thickeners?

It all depends on personal preference, and it may take some experimentation to identify which works best. A doctor will advise on the degree of thickness needed, which can vary from thin, to nectar- or honey-like, to spoon-thick. The kinds of thickeners available include:

  • Starch powders, produced from modified cornstarch, which have to be served right after mixing in order to avoid lumpiness or a gritty texture or taste.
  • Liquid or gel thickeners that blend easily without clumping, even into beverages which can be harder to thicken, such as soda, hot foods, or supplement beverages.
  • Pre-thickened products, which are becoming increasingly available, either in honey or nectar consistencies.
  • Gum-based powders, which are fairly new and are commonly a preferred option over starch powders, because they maintain their viscosity over time, and work without adding flavor, grit, or cloudiness to the liquid.

When navigating swallowing disorders in seniors, hydration is of the utmost importance. Certain fluids may be more palatable, particularly as the person is adapting to thickened liquids. Try fruit juice, which will be similar in texture to a fruit puree or smoothie. You can also freeze thickened juice, or just about any other thickened beverage, into an ice pop.

And don’t forget that beverage thickeners may be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance providers. Although these products can be obtained over the counter, ask a doctor to write a prescription and include the requirement for a beverage thickener in the senior’s chart notes to see if the cost is reimbursable.

Our caregivers can help prepare thickened beverages and provide encouragement to make certain someone with a swallowing disorder stays healthy and hydrated, along with many other senior care services at home. Email or call us at (954) 486-6440 to request a complimentary in-home consultation to find out more about our home care in Lighthouse Point and the nearby areas.