Florida Elder Care & Senior Health

Foster Grandparent Program in Pinellas County, Florida

For seniors 60 and over who would like to help children, the Foster Grandparent Program in Pinellas County is in need of volunteers. This is a tremendous opportunity for seniors to give at-risk children individual attention and assistance with school work.

It isn't just the children who benefit. Seniors who participate in this program find it extremely rewarding. Many seniors volunteer as much as four hours a day, five days a week. In addition to helping the children, seniors who qualify can earn a tax-exempt stipend for their service as well as travel reimbursement. If you or someone you know is interested in helping Pinellas County with this program contact Seniors in Service in Tampa Bay, Inc. at (813) 932-5228.

Beverly Napoli
Visiting Angels of Clearwater
www.homehealthclearwater.com

Creating a Safe Home Environment for Those With Alzheimer's

One of the most important parts of care giving in the home is providing safety and security for both the patient and the caregiver.   Adapting the home environment is much easier than trying to adapt the behaviors of those experiencing a steady decline in cognitive and physical abilities. Making those changes can not only reduce physical dangers, but also reduce the amount of stress for both caregivers and the patient.  Since a person with dementia may not recognize the difference between what is safe or unsafe, limiting access to potentially dangerous areas that contain tools or equipment is important.  Try removing all unnecessary appliances and electrical equipment from the bathroom and kitchen.  Knives should always be stored in a safe and secure location.      Kitchens can be made safer by removing knobs.   Check the refrigerator regularly for spoiled foods. Many people with cognitive impairments may be unable to distinguish between fresh and rotted food.      For a complete list of suggestions to keep all the rooms of the home safer for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia contact me at d.campbell@apnursingservice.com, and I will be happy to send them to you.   A safe living environment will ensure that the patient will be able to remain in their home for as long as possible.      Dianne Campbell A Preferred Nursing Service Port Charlotte, Florida www.apnursingservice.com

Elder Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (EFMNP) in Northern Florida

The Elder Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (EFMNP) in Northern Florida provides vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables from farmers' markets for qualifying seniors.The EFMNP is a national, federally funded program. It is currently available from April through July in the following Florida counties: Alachua, Bay, Hernando, Jackson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Sumter, Suwannee, Union, and Washington.

The only qualifying requirement is to be a legal resident of a participating county and be age 60 or older with an income of (or less than) 185% of federal poverty guidelines.

Eligible elders are given two books of coupons (total of 10 $4.00 coupons) per year, per household. Those coupons can then be exchanged for fresh, locally grown, unprocessed fruits and vegetables with participating farmers at local farmers' markets.

Not only do participating seniors receive wholesome foods, but they also have the opportunity to socialize, get out into the community, and get fresh air and exercise.

To learn more about how to participate in the program in the available counties, contact the Florida Department of Elder Affairs at 850-414-2000 and ask about the Elder Farmers' Market Nutrition Program or click here to learn more from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs website.

Karen Best Wright, B.S. Community Health Education
www.SeniorPro.com
www.BlogforHealthyLiving.com
www.RaisingYourGrandchildren.com