Senior Living Options in Bradenton

Check out Patch’s interactive map to see some senior living options in Bradenton.

Caregivers and seniors can choose from a variety of senior living options around Bradenton. Independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing are the main choices outside of home care. Some communities offer a continuum of care with a variety of choices on one campus, said Dee Isguzar, Case Manager at Senior Helpers . Independent living communities provide a place to live, activities and food but no personal care, said Larry Prescott of Grand Villa. Assisted living also offers personal care such as help bathing or reminders to take medicine. The hands-on care is in addition to housing, activities and food, Isguzar said. Memory care communities  offer “a secure assisted living or nursing home setting, usually in a …

• Photos (1)

Ageless Creativity Celebrated at the Fountains

'We are still very vital. The interest is still there. Instead of vegetating in an old folks home, you are able to fulfill something within yourself.' – 86-year-old Artist Mary Wilder Paul.

Creating studio art, conversing in French, penning memoirs, meeting Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto and trying  paddleboarding are among the 70 lifelong learning and enrichment opportunities at The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods, said Community Life Director Kathy Hallock. No, The Fountains is not community college for seniors. It is just one of the more innovative examples of independent living residences for seniors in southwest Florida. As seniors and caregivers consider selling the family home or pondering next steps, independent living residences often are the answer. 'We are still very vital. The interest is still there. Instead of vegetating in an old folks home, you are able to fulfill something within yourself,' said Artist …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (10)

Don't Call It Exercise; It's Too Much Fun

Gardening, chair-exercises, and balloon volleyball are a few of the exercise options available for seniors.

The New Year is a time when many people start thinking about getting fit and exercising and it’s no different for seniors. As seniors age, remaining active becomes increasingly important. Senior living communities and caregivers should consider looking beyond traditional physical therapy options to keep seniors engaged and active.              Seniors are most receptive to physical therapy when caregivers and their therapists develop individualized plans that fit both their lifestyle and interests. Research shows that it is difficult to motivate seniors to begin to exercise if it hasn’t previously been a priority. Integrating modified, low-impact activities, like yoga, into seniors’ exercise plans increases the likelihood that they will …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (2)

Why Is Gray Divorce the New Trend?

An analysis of the latest U.S. Census Data indicates there has been a huge increase in the number of people 50-plus getting a divorce.

On any given day you can walk into the law office of William D. Slicker, P.A., 4554 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, and see one or more seniors, from young Baby Boomers in their early 50s, to those in their 60s or 70s, waiting for professional law help by this local attorney.  Given the fact that Slicker is an elder law attorney this makes a lot of sense.  Many come for his legal advice on wills and trusts, estate planning, probate, powers of attorney and other issues commonly facing seniors.  But not all of these individuals are there for these services.  They are there because they need Slicker’s help in getting a divorce. According to a recent research study done by Bowling Green State University in Ohio, the divorce rate among Baby …

•  6 Comments
• Photos (2)

Senior Sandwich: A Toolbox for Caregivers and Seniors

Choosing an Assisted Living Facility: Asking the Right Questions

Here's a list of factors to consider when selecting a senior care community.

Naturally, adult children and caregivers want to find an assisted living facility that is best suited for their parents and their individual needs. Choosing a community can be a difficult and time-consuming process, but there are ways to make an informed choice. I recommend that all caregivers and family members take a proactive approach, visiting out a number of communities and asking important questions of the professionals at each facility. This makes the evaluation process easier and ensures an informed decision that is right for your loved one. Begin your search process by identifying the communities you will be considering and developing your list of  questions and then visiting the communities in person. Following is a list of …

• Photos (1)

Senior Sandwich: A Toolbox for Caregivers and Seniors

Support Is Paramount For Those Caring For A Loved One With Dementia

In Florida, there are more than 450,000 people battling some form of dementia and that number is expected to grow by another 140,000 in the next 12 years. It is one of the world’s fastest growing diseases.

First signs One of the first signs of dementia is mental changes. Forgetfulness is the best examples of this. It can start with not being able to remember the right word to describe something or forgetting a name or how to use a household appliance. As it progresses, the person will have increased difficulty making choices or decisions. If a person exhibits personality changes, it may be a sign of dementia. This can include someone who has become overly friendly and flirtatious or can be at the other end of the spectrum and appear apathetic and introverted. Someone with dementia may also have mood swings or anger easily.    Behavioral and personality changes tend to go hand-in-hand. A person with dementia may be restless, is easily …

• Photos (1)

The Power of Pets: How Therapy Dogs Can Help Us Heal

Dogs may be more than just man’s best friend. The animals may also help the sick heal more quickly.

A study of heart failure patients at the University of California Los Angeles showed those who were visited by a therapy dog while in recovery saw their heart pressure drop by 10 percent, epinephrine (a hormone the body makes when under stress) levels drop 17 percent and anxiety levels were lowered by 24 percent. Project PUP, a local therapy dog organization, has been bringing dogs to hospitals, hospice facilities and senior living communities for more than 25 years. The animals provide companionship and perform tricks to lift the spirits of the residents. Pets have long been recognized for their unique ability to offer comfort and companionship in times of stress, but many studies have shown that the benefits of interacting with a loving …

• Photos (4)

Key to Healthy Sight for Aging Eyes

There are steps we can take to help ensure healthy vision later in life.

According to Prevent Blindness America, the risk of severe eye problems increases significantly with age. Vision impairment is common for most people over 65. Robin Quigg is a certified ophthalmic technician with The Eye Institute of West Florida who spoke at the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center. She encouraged seniors to get a "comprehensive dilated eye exam every year." Quigg addressed the leading causes of blindness in seniors: Here is some of what she shared regarding each of these diseases: • Cataracts - "Most people in their 60s have some degree of cataracts, although they might not realize it," Quigg said. She explained cataracts just come with age. A cataract is a clouding of the eye lens that affects vision. Common symptoms are…

•  1 Comment
• Photos (2)

'Embrace Your Grief,' Advises Counselor

The founder of 'Grief Matters' shares wisdom and valuable information for those mourning the loss of a loved one.

Less than a year ago, Carole McLeod took a giant step. She started a business doing something that she loves and that has been part of her life for 40 years. Carole helps people heal from their grief over the death of a loved one. Carole is fulfilling this mission as founder and president of Grief Matters –"an educational resource for caregivers or anyone mourning the death of a loved one." Carole's credentials speak for themselves. For 25 years, she and her late husband, Alan, were owners of a local funeral home. Not merely content with just helping families honor and prepare their deceased loved ones for a final resting place, she and her husband founded a grief support group.  They called it "Comfort Circle®," the first of its kind in …

• Photos (2)