Optimistic Aging: The Benefits of a Positive Outlook

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Three older women who understand optimistic aging smile broadly.

Learn about the benefits of optimistic aging and how to adopt a more positive outlook to make each day brighter.

Caring for an aging parent often means becoming their confidant and cheerleader. It should never be just about managing medications or medical appointments; you are enriching their life, making each and every day more meaningful. It is amazing what a big change an optimistic aging attitude can have on a person’s wellbeing, and in your role as family caregiver, you can make a profound impact on the life of the individual you love.

Here are several ways you can promote a positive outlook and an environment focused on mental and emotional wellbeing:

  • Health and Wellness: Managing chronic conditions, regular medical check-ups, and a healthy diet are vital components of comprehensive care, but equal attention should be given to mental health. Encouraging open conversations about feelings and any anxieties can help identify issues before they become serious. It is also useful to integrate holistic practices such as meditation or mindfulness exercises, which have been found to improve mental health and overall quality of life.
  • Community and Connections: Maintaining social connections is vital for emotional health. Facilitating participation in community events or arranging for regular visits with friends and relatives can significantly enhance their quality of life. Technology can play a crucial role here, bridging the distance through social media or video calls, which allows for maintaining relationships despite physical distance. Creating opportunities for senior loved ones to meet new people, such as through local clubs or community centers, can also be beneficial. These connections can help prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are common in older adults.
  • Engaging Activities: Integrating both new interests and long-held passions into their routine is essential for maintaining an optimistic aging outlook. Activities like gardening, art classes, or book clubs are fun, keep the mind active and motor skills sharp, and help facilitate social interactions. You can also consider technology-driven activities like virtual reality experiences that simulate travel or historical events, which can be both educational and entertaining. And don’t forget physical activities such as gentle yoga or tai chi to improve both physical and emotional wellbeing.
  • Professional Support: Sometimes, the care needed goes beyond what family can provide. An experienced caregiver offers not only friendly companionship but also personalized support that fosters independence in the comforting environment of their own home. Professional caregivers can be instrumental in implementing therapeutic activities, preparing healthy meals, and providing transportation to appointments. In addition, they offer valuable respite for family caregivers, ensuring that the care provided is both consistent and comprehensive.

Your focus on promoting positivity for a senior loved one, along with our customized home health care services, can be life-changing. Reach out to us at 954-486-6440 and let’s work together to make life more fulfilling and enjoyable for someone you love. Our services are available throughout Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lighthouse Point, and throughout Broward County.

Battling the Fear of Falling: Empowerment Strategies for Seniors

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An older man who has overcome his fear of falling smiles confidently as he leans on his cane.

Try these tips to help someone you love overcome a fear of falling.

As we grow older, it’s natural to become more apprehensive about the possibility of falling. For many people, however, the fear of falling can be paralyzing, causing a decrease in physical activity, social engagement, and overall quality of life. It is important to address this fear head-on and empower older adults to live confidently and fearlessly. Here are some useful strategies to help those you love overcome anxiety about falling:

  • Gain Education: Understanding the factors that contribute to falls and the steps which can be taken to prevent them is crucial. By educating themselves about balance, strength, and mobility exercises, older adults can feel more equipped to take control of their physical health. Learning about proper nutrition, hydration, and medication management can also play an important role in fall prevention and overall well-being.
  • Establish a Support Network: Social isolation can exacerbate the fear of falling. Encourage older loved ones to remain connected with friends, family, and community groups. Having a strong support network can offer emotional support, encouragement, and assistance when needed. Consider organizing regular activities or social outings to help combat loneliness and foster a sense of belonging.
  • Modify the Home: Making simple modifications to the home environment can significantly decrease the risk of falls. Installing grab bars in the bathroom, securing rugs, improving lighting, and eliminating clutter are just a few examples of changes that can enhance safety and provide peace of mind. Consider conducting a home safety assessment to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate modifications.
  • Stay Active: Regular physical activity improves strength and balance while boosting confidence and decreasing the risk of falling. Encourage older loved ones to take part in activities they enjoy, whether it’s walking, swimming, yoga, or tai chi. It is never too late to begin reaping the advantages of an active lifestyle. Group exercise classes specifically designed for older adults can provide social interaction and motivation to remain active.
  • Use Assistive Devices: For people with mobility issues, assistive devices such as canes, walkers, or stairlifts can offer added stability and confidence. Encourage older adults to use these devices as needed to maintain their independence and safety. Proper training on how to use assistive devices is essential to ensure their effectiveness.
  • Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques which can include deep breathing, meditation, and visualization can help people manage anxiety and fear. By focusing on the present moment and cultivating a sense of calm, older adults can decrease stress and approach life with greater self-assurance. Encourage loved ones to incorporate mindfulness practices into their daily routine for improved emotional well-being.
  • Seek Professional Help: If the fear of falling is significantly impacting a loved one’s day-to-day life, encourage them to seek support from a healthcare professional. A physical therapist, occupational therapist, or psychologist can offer personalized guidance and strategies for overcoming fear and improving confidence. These professionals can also address any underlying physical or mental health issues contributing to the fear of falling.

Responsive Home Care can help too! Contact us at (954) 486-6440 for details on fall prevention and other senior services in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lighthouse Point, and the surrounding areas. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to promoting the health, safety, and independence of older adults. From tips for home modifications to personalized support, we provide comprehensive solutions to meet the unique needs of each individual. Don’t allow the fear of falling to hold back someone you love—take proactive steps now to help them live life to the fullest.

Try These Ideas for Unique Birthday Celebrations for Seniors

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Birthday celebrations for seniors help people enjoy their special day to the fullest, as this gentleman is doing as he blows out the candles on his cake with his family cheering him on.

These creative birthday celebrations for seniors are sure to make someone you love enjoy their special day!

If you are interested in a fun way to celebrate the life of somebody you love, nothing beats a birthday party! The key to planning a successful birthday party for an older family member is crafting ideas that are unique to the individual. Start by thinking through:

  • How large of an event should it be, according to their personal preferences?
  • What brings purpose and meaning to their life?
  • What hobbies and interests are important to the person?

With this information in mind, consider these creative party ideas that can make the day truly special.

10 Ideas for Creative Birthday Celebrations for Seniors

  1. Intimate Tea Party: Craft an ambiance of sophistication and warmth with vintage teacups, delicate tablecloths, and soft, ambient lighting. Choose an assortment of teas to accommodate different tastes, and curate a menu of delectable finger sandwiches and pastries. Encourage meaningful conversations by incorporating a couple of icebreaker games or conversation starters, fostering a cozy atmosphere where connections are deepened over laughter and shared stories.
  2. Themed Movie Night: Immerse the space in the chosen movie theme with decorations that transport everyone into the film’s universe. Provide cozy blankets and cushions for a true home-theater experience. Include an interactive element by incorporating trivia related to the selected movie, ensuring that the celebration becomes not just a screening but a shared journey through cinematic nostalgia.
  3. Technology-Fueled Celebration: Personalize a virtual celebration by incorporating digital elements such as a virtual photo booth or a collaborative online memory board where attendees can share photos and messages. Organize interactive games or quizzes that transcend geographical boundaries, fostering a feeling of togetherness in spite of the physical distance. Ensure the celebration feels intimate and connected, even through the digital realm.
  4. Music and Dance Evening: Create a personalized playlist that spans the entirety of the birthday person’s life. Include songs that hold sentimental value and invite guests to share anecdotes associated with specific tracks. Consider hiring a dance instructor to lead a session, making certain that everyone, regardless of age, can take part in the joy of dancing and create new memories in the process.
  5. Outdoor Picnic: Enhance the picnic experience by incorporating themed decorations and personalized touches. Create a playlist of the birthday person’s favorite tunes to accompany the outdoor setting. Pack the picnic basket with favorite snacks as well as handwritten notes from family and friends, expressing their appreciation and love. Consider organizing simple outdoor games to add an extra layer of enjoyment to this nature-filled celebration.
  6. Wellness Day: Create a spa-like atmosphere with soothing scents, calming music, and soft lighting. Customize the day according to the person’s preferences, whether it’s a facial, massage, or a guided meditation session. Extend the pampering beyond the spa treatments by providing personalized wellness packages for guests to take home, ensuring the celebration’s tranquility lingers even after the day concludes.
  7. Book Club Gathering: Dive into the literary world by selecting a book that not only aligns with the birthday person’s interests but also holds meaning for the guests. Extend the discussion beyond the book itself, encouraging attendees to share their favorite literary quotes or personal stories connected to the chosen work. Elevate the experience with thematic decorations and a book-inspired menu, making it a feast for both the mind and palate.
  8. Crafting Party: Elevate the crafting experience by offering a diverse selection of materials and project options. Include stations for painting, scrapbooking, and even a collaborative group project that everybody can contribute to. Consider hiring a local artist to offer inspiration and guidance. The finished crafts then become not only keepsakes but tangible symbols of the shared creativity and love within the group.
  9. Memory Lane Celebration: Transform the space into a sentimental haven adorned with mementos and photos from each significant life phase. Create a visually captivating slideshow that not only showcases memorable moments but also narrates the stories behind each snapshot. Provide guests with personalized note cards to jot down their fondest memories, creating a heartwarming keepsake for the birthday honoree to cherish.
  10. Cooking Party: Turn a cooking event into a collaborative culinary adventure by choosing recipes that hold personal significance for the birthday person. Provide personalized chef hats or aprons, creating a cohesive and festive atmosphere. Consider incorporating storytelling into the cooking process, where each dish becomes a narrative thread weaving together shared memories and culinary creations.

Need some additional inspiration when it comes to birthday celebrations for seniors or help with making your party idea a reality? We are here to help before, during, and after the special day to make each day the best it can be for someone you love. Contact us at 954-486-6440 to learn more about our senior care services in Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, and the surrounding areas.

How to Help an Older Adult Who Is Grieving

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An older adult who is grieving clutches a photo in her arms as she gazes sadly out the window.

An older adult who is grieving needs lots of support to get through this difficult time.

By the time we reach our golden years, we’ve had many years of building deep connections with family and friends. These bonds are crucial to our quality of life, and when they are severed, it inevitably leads to feelings of deep loss.

You may feel hopeless to help an older adult who is grieving, but there are steps you can take. It begins with understanding more about this powerful emotion.

What Should You Know About Grief in Older Adults?

Grief Is Complex

  • Grief in older adults is a complicated emotional reaction to a variety of losses, including the passing of family members, declining health, or changes in independence.
  • Acknowledging the unique nature of each older adult’s grieving process is essential for offering individualized support.

Grief Effects Mental Health

  • Grief can manifest in a variety of ways, impacting mental health and well-being.
  • Seniors may experience feelings of loneliness and sadness, as well as physical symptoms such as changes in sleep patterns or appetite.

Grief Is a Process

  • The grieving process is non-linear and unique to each individual, encompassing stages such as denial, anger, depression, bargaining, and acceptance.
  • Seniors may revisit these stages at different times, necessitating patience and empathy from caregivers and loved ones.

How Can You Help an Older Adult Who Is Grieving?

Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms. Engaging in activities that bring joy and comfort is important for dealing with grief. Encourage the person to pursue hobbies, take part in social interactions, and practice mindfulness. In addition, emphasizing a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and nutritious meals, contributes to their resilience and overall well-being during challenging times.

Seek Professional Support. Grief is a complex emotional experience, and professional support can offer valuable guidance. Encourage the individual to explore counseling or join a support group tailored to their needs. Professional resources offer tools for managing emotions, coping strategies, and also the comfort of a supportive community, aiding in the healing process.

Maintain Open Channels of Communication. Grieving seniors often face the struggle of expressing their emotions. Encourage open communication, providing a safe space in order for them to share their feelings. Be a compassionate listener, offering understanding and reassurance without judgment. Creating an environment where emotions can be expressed fosters a sense of connection and healing.

Strengthen Community Connections. Building a supportive community is crucial for someone facing grief. Create opportunities for social interactions, and make certain they maintain connections with family, friends, and community resources. Establishing a network of support can provide a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering a supportive environment for healing.

We’re here to assist older adults who are struggling through times of bereavement. Our compassionate, kind care professionals provide both a listening ear and engaging activities to help make each day a little brighter. Contact us online or give us a call at 954-486-6440 for assistance and support in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lighthouse Point, or the surrounding areas.

Reality Orientation in Dementia: The Pro and the Cons

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A caregiver helps guide a senior with dementia through reality orientation.

Reality orientation can help loved ones with dementia through confusion.

Did you ever wake up in the middle of a dream and wonder, just for a moment, if what you were dreaming about was real? It can feel very disorienting until you open your eyes and take in your familiar surroundings. An experience like this can give you just a brief glimpse into the ongoing disorientation for a person with dementia. When confusion about time, place, and even identity settle in for a person you love, you’re faced with two options for responding: either stepping into their reality with them, or practicing reality orientation for someone with dementia.

Which Reality Is Best?

In a nutshell, each approach has its place in dementia care. However, there are specific cautions to understand when using reality orientation for someone with dementia. It is important to first understand what is involved with both options and when they could be most appropriate.

Accepting Their Reality

Living in an alternate reality is quite typical for a person in the mid to later stages of dementia. The individual may believe they are a young adult engaged in their previous career (or a different one altogether), with a spouse and young children to look after. Going along with their perception of reality helps them maintain a feeling of self-worth and purpose. It instills comfort and peace, and it is often the recommended approach.

Orienting Them to Your Reality

On the other hand, reality orientation involves providing cues and prompts about the current time, date, and place. Studies have shown that it can improve cognitive functioning, especially when combined with donepezil, and help with some of the more difficult aspects of dementia.

However, reality orientation should be handled gently with compassion, skill, and awareness of the person’s emotional state. For example, if the person asks where their mother is, it could be extremely harmful to respond, “Why, she died 40 years ago! You are 95 years old, so there is no way your mother could still be alive.” In contrast, reality orientation may be effective in ordinary conversations. For instance, if the individual wakes up and asks what day it is, you might respond, “Today is Friday, the day you have your exercise class and then dinner with Steve.”

If the person seems to become agitated or anxious with reality, it’s always best to join them in the perceived reality that feels comfortable to them.

Our specially trained caregivers are pros at knowing how to effectively engage someone with dementia and make each day the best it can be. We utilize imaginative, customized approaches that help with memory, communication, safety, and comfort, while encouraging independence and a sense of purpose and self-worth.

Reach out to us at (954) 486-6440 for more information on our dementia care in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Plantation, and the surrounding areas.

 

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

Increasing Social Engagement for Introverted Seniors

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Senior man sitting alone at the dinner table

Learn how to increase social engagement for introverted seniors.

Brace yourself! The holidays are here. Many people may love the frantic pace of parties and celebrations, but there are others who balk at the thought of stepping out of their comfort zone and into more intensive social obligations. It could be due to one of two fundamental distinctions: extroversion vs. introversion. And it’s worthwhile to know which category the older adults in your life lean towards more, so you can help them thrive with the most appropriate type of socialization for their personality.

What’s the Difference Between Introverts and Extroverts?

In all reality, no one is exclusively one or the other. Think of a continuum with introversion on one end and extroversion on the other. We are all sitting at some point along that continuum. The main traits of introversion include a more reserved, quiet, and internally-focused viewpoint, while extroversion involves a more outward focus: sociable, talkative, and action-oriented.

It’s intriguing to know that psychologists believe we grow more introverted as we age, in a condition referred to as “intrinsic maturation.” So just because a senior you love once fully enjoyed and drew energy from highly social settings, you may see a change towards beginning to feel more self-contained and satisfied with small, intimate social scenes or even just spending more time alone.

Knowing that social engagement for introverted seniors is crucial to a senior’s health and wellness, how can you help a more introverted individual enjoy time together with family and friends, not only during the holidays, but all year long? These guidelines can help.

  • Assign a buddy. Having one trusted, close friend, family member, or caregiver to stay close to the senior adds an amount of familiarity and comfort to what may seem like an intimidating setting.
  • Agree on a specific exit time. Talk with the senior about how much time might feel comfortable for socializing. If they would like to stay for just an hour, for example, be sure to respect that decision and be prepared to leave when they are.
  • Stay near the perimeter. Instead of motivating the older adult to be front and center in a social environment, choose a quieter place at the edge of the group, where they can talk with one or two people at a time.

How Can Home Care Help Increase Social Engagement for Introverted Seniors?

A caregiver from Responsive Home Care offers the ideal opportunity for the one-on-one social engagement for introverted seniors. Just a few of the numerous ways we can help include:

  • Going to holiday gatherings with the senior to ensure all of their needs are met in the most comfortable setting
  • Providing accompanied transportation to a small-group class or to learn a new hobby they’ve always wanted to try
  • Providing companionship at home for discussions and activities that are fun for the senior
  • And much more

Contact Responsive Home Care, offering the most trusted home health care service in Fort Lauderdale, FL and the surrounding areas, online or at (954) 486-6440. You can receive more recommendations to help a senior you love enjoy the greatest possible quality of life, and to learn how a professional caregiver can help.

Broken Heart Syndrome and How to Help Those Who are Grieving

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Senior woman looking at an old photo of a loved one

Learn how you can help grieving seniors avoid broken heart syndrome.

In his documentary about grief, George Shelley uses the analogy of glitter. If you toss glitter into the air, it’ll land in all of the cracks and crevices of the room, and it’ll be nearly impossible to fully sweep up and remove. Individuals who have lost a loved one can relate. Yet in some instances, grief may be so overwhelming that it can result in a serious and aptly-named condition: broken heart syndrome.

Broken heart syndrome is a very real physical condition due to the intense stress experienced in certain types of grief (such as one spouse losing the other after decades of marriage). The medical term is takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a temporary enlargement of the heart that prevents it from pumping blood effectively.

Broken heart syndrome is more common than many people know. A number of high-visibility examples include Johnny Cash, who passed away just four months after the loss of his wife and George H.W. Bush, who became ill following the loss of his wife of 73 years.

There are decades worth of research studying the effects of grief on a person’s physical health.  In 1995, for instance, the term “widowhood effect” was coined to explain the thirty percent increase in mortality rate faced by individuals who lost a longtime partner. Other scientists determined a connection between the immune system and grief. Sometimes, surviving spouses simply no longer have the strength to live.

Help prevent this condition and ease the pain of grief for someone you love with these tips.

  • Provide a listening ear and encourage the person to express their grief in a healthy way.
  • Talk about the lost loved one, allowing the opportunity for shared stories and memories.
  • Help the person stay engaged in comforting, enjoyable activities as much as possible.
  • Look for a grief support group for the person to attend, either virtually or in person.
  • Make sure the person is staying hydrated, eating healthy foods, and getting a lot of sleep.
  • Emphasize to the person everything they have to live for, and that doing so is the best way to honor the lost loved one’s legacy.
  • Suggest the senior speak with a therapist to work through overwhelming emotions.

A trained caregiving companion from Responsive Home Care is also a great way to help a senior who is grieving. We offer socialization and an abundance of opportunities for reminiscing and conversations, along with engaging activities, and more. Contact our home care professionals online or at (954) 486-6440 for a free in-home consultation to find out more about our Fort Lauderdale senior home care and care throughout the surrounding areas.

How to Build New Senior Friendships

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Senior friendships can make the days a little brighter.

If you’ve ever observed young children at the park, you know how quickly friendships are formed. A small group might be playing hide-and-seek, and a newcomer dashes over with a breathless, “Can I play?” In most cases, the response is a resounding, “Sure!” and thus – instant friends. Read more

The Key to a Joyful Life for Older Adults May Surprise You

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Joyful Life for Older Adults

Close relationships and contentment are the keys to creating a joyful life for older adults.

It has taken nearly 80 years and a slew of scientific studies to come up with the result: a good genetic makeup and wealth really have little to do with our amount of joy. The Harvard Study of Adult Development launched in 1938, delving into the lives of high-profile participants such as Ben Bradlee and John F. Kennedy. Over the years, it is been expanded to add inner-city residents as well as offspring from the original Harvard elite, and the results were unexpected, to say the least. So, what are the keys to a joyful life for older adults?

It was established that the very best predictors of a happy and long life were not IQ, genetics, fame, finances, or social class but simply close relationships. Robert Waldinger, director of the research, a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, shares, “The people who were the most satisfied in their relationships at age 50 were the healthiest at age 80. Loneliness kills. It’s as powerful as smoking or alcoholism.”

Psychiatrist George Vaillant, who led the research study between 1972 – 2004, shared in his book Aging Well: Surprising Guideposts to a Happier Life from the Landmark Harvard Study of Adult Development, the contributing factors that forecast healthy aging:

  • The absence of smoking and alcohol abuse
  • Physical activity
  • Mature strategies to manage challenges in life
  • Sustaining a healthy weight
  • Having a stable marriage

The bottom line is, self-care is crucial to our level of joy – from the perspective of both physical and mental health. Devoting time and effort to making your relationships the very best they can be most certainly falls under that umbrella as well. In fact, subsequent scientific studies have revealed that the level of contentment men and women experience in their relationships is a much more accurate determinant of what their physical health is likely to be later in life than physical factors like cholesterol levels.

The research study also upended earlier thinking that our personalities are carved in stone by age 30. Many who encountered difficulties in their early adult years enjoyed happier later years, while others excelled early in life but ran into challenges in later years due to mental health issues and alcoholism.

The study is ongoing, looking into its third and fourth generations, as researchers believe there is still more to understand, such as just how to more effectively manage stress and whether a hard childhood can impact middle age and later years.

Let Responsive Home Care’s knowledgeable caregivers help instill joy in a senior’s life; contact us today! Our caregivers serve as warm and friendly companions to take part in exercise, conversations, and enjoyable activities together, fostering socialization and additional relational connections. You can reach us any time at 954-486-6440 to schedule a free in-home assessment to find out more information about our home care assistance in Plantation, FL and neighboring areas.

Two Ways Using Virtual Reality Helps Dementia Patients

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grandfather and grandchild using VR headsetsPicture for a second how it could feel to struggle with the cognitive obstacles of Alzheimer’s disease. The people who are closest to you are no longer familiar. The words that would roll off your tongue without a second thought are now just beyond your grasp. In fact, the whole world as you once knew it has turned completely upside down, leaving you yearning for a recognizable foothold.

One of the kindnesses imparted by dementia is the long-term memories that oftentimes remain intact long after short-term memories have disappeared. It is why connecting a senior with Alzheimer’s to the past is usually an incredibly effective way to engage them – through music, movies, photos, and reminiscing. We can also now add a high-tech tool to the mix that is demonstrating impressive results with seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease; virtual reality.

Skip Rizzo, director for medical virtual reality at the USC Institute for Creative Technologies, has been using the technology to help veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. He’s now expanding his reach to seniors – beginning with his own 89-year-old mother, whose delightful reaction to a virtual trip to Rome confirmed exactly how effective the technology can be for older adults.

Rizzo shares an encounter in which he visited a nursing home where a group of residents were simply sitting around a table in silence, until he began showing them flashcard-like pictures of objects they might recognize from their past. The change in the atmosphere was electric, as the seniors began sharing memories with each other. With the potential of low-tech tools such as simple photos to create delight for seniors, just imagine the opportunities available to us now with high-tech options like virtual reality!

The advantage of virtual reality for older adults goes further than merely boosting memory and bringing enjoyment, such as:

Improved Health Care

The distraction of virtual reality is showing to be an effective tool for easing physical pain for seniors. It can also be used to enhance balance and other motor skills as well as improve spatial reasoning. It can even help doctors detect health conditions by monitoring how older adults respond in various activities and games.

Increased Socialization

We know that older adult isolation is a contributing aspect in a number of physical and mental health problems. A recent study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine presented that up to one in four older adults feel socially isolated. To tackle this concern, AARP Innovation Labs developed an app called Alcove, in which older adults and their friends and family can enjoy virtual reality experiences together.

Would you like to learn more creative options to improve quality of life for an older adult you love? Connect with our team at Responsive Home Care, for home care in Hollywood, FL and throughout the greater area at 954-486-6440!