Safe Harbor Healthcare Services

Learning the Signs of a Stroke

bbworks — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 14:01:40 +0000

Strokes are one of the leading causes of death in the US. Almost 800,000 strokes occur in the US each year, according to the CDC. The risk of having a stroke can increase as you age. For the safety of you and your loved ones, it is important to know the signs of a stroke so you can act quickly if one occurs. For families of older loved ones, understanding the signs of a stroke can mean the difference between life and death in some emergencies.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke is a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain. Generally, most strokes are caused by an artery blockage from the heart to the brain. However, there are other potential causes. They often depend on the type that is occurring. You can find more info on the different types of strokes below. A stroke will generally happen rapidly, and medical intervention is needed as soon as possible. Acting quickly can make a big difference. On average, those who receive emergency care within 3 hours of having a stroke will have a better overall outcome than those who don’t.

Stroke Signs: FAST Acronym

One of the most widely accepted methods of identifying a stroke is FAST, which stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech, and Time to call. FAST is taught by the National Stroke Association and the American Heart Association.

Face Drooping

During and after a stroke, you may notice the individual’s face drooping. It is common for this drooping to affect only one side of the face, but it may affect both. They may also experience numbness in their face. One way to be sure is to ask the person to smile. They may not be able to lift both sides of their mouth into a smile.

Arm Weakness

One arm (generally on the same side as the facial droop) may weaken or become numb. Try asking the individual to raise their arms. The arm on the affected side may drift downward, or may not move as easily. In some cases, they may not be able to lift the affected arm at all.

Speech

The individual’s speech might become slurred and/or difficult to understand. Ask the individual to repeat a simple phrase. Garbled or slurred speech when repeating the phrase should be a red flag. They may even mix up the order or switch words out for those that don’t make sense.

Time to Call

Call 911 immediately. Even if the signs fade over time, you should still contact emergency services. If possible, note the time that you notice the symptoms starting, so that the first responders and doctors have an accurate account of when the stroke occurred.

Types of Stroke

There are three types of strokes. While the main signs and symptoms remain the same, the severity of the stroke can differ. A medical professional will be able to determine the type of stroke an individual had with proper testing and evaluation in the hospital. Medical attention is needed regardless of the type and should be given as soon as possible.

Ischemic Stroke

This is the most common type. About 80% of all strokes are Ischemic Strokes. This type of stroke occurs when a clot or other blockage prevents blood flow through an artery to the brain. This blockage can cause brain cells to die as they cannot get oxygen or other nutrients. Bad cholesterol is one of the most common causes of Ischemic Stroke. This is because cholesterol deposition can narrow your arteries.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage

An Intracerebral Hemorrhage means that an artery in the brain has ruptured. This causes blood to compress the brain’s structure. As blood leaks within the brain, the pressure will continue to build. The pressure, combined with internal bleeding, can be a seriously dangerous combination. This condition can lead to unconsciousness or even death. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) is the most common cause of this.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

This type of hemorrhagic stroke happens if an artery ruptures near the brain. This can cause immediate and intense headaches, nausea, and vomiting. This type is most often caused by abnormalities of the arteries at the base of the brain. This is also known as a cerebral aneurysm. The cause of cerebral aneurysms is not fully known, but they can occur at any age.

Additional Stroke Symptoms

There are many other common stroke symptoms, but they are often not as easily identifiable as those in the FAST model. Dizziness and overall loss of balance or coordination can be common in most stroke victims. Numbness, especially along one side of the body, is one of the first signs the victim might notice themselves. Blurred vision or trouble seeing can also be a sign of stroke, especially in just one eye.

Because strokes happen in the brain, headaches are a common symptom that stroke victims suffer from. Many stroke victims report that these sudden, severe headaches are more painful than any migraine they have had before.

Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has provided excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help older and disabled individuals live safely and independently while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information, contact us or call (718)-979-6900.

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Grief and Losing an Elderly Loved One

bbworks — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:54:54 +0000

Grief affects everyone differently, especially when the one we lost was a huge part of our lives. After an elderly loved one passes away, it can be important to process your grief. The loss of an elder can be strange. On one hand, they lived a full life; but on the other, there is a void in your life that was always filled. Many people feel this way when they lose elderly parents or grandparents. This article will discuss how grief can often feel conflicted after the death of an elderly loved one.

The Pains of Aging

Many elderly people deal with a lot of pain and health issues in their final years. Getting old is not an easy process. If you were close to them, you may have witnessed their health declining over time. It can be difficult to think about, but many old people suffer from a lot of chronic problems in their final years. It can be painful watching a loved one struggle with their diminishing mental or physical well-being. Conditions like dementia, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, and other chronic illnesses take their toll.

Minimized Grief of the Elderly

Unfortunately, people can often diminish feelings of grief for older people. Sometimes it can be unintentional. It may seem comforting to tell someone, “At least they lived a long life,” but that doesn’t make the loss hurt any less. A long life lost means that those closest to them probably had a lifetime of memories. Even if they died peacefully, saying that “it was their time” doesn’t often negate feelings of loss. Platitudes don’t always help. Your reaction to them may differ. Know that they aren’t said to minimize your loss, even if they feel that way.

Losing a Parent or Grandparent

It can be heartbreaking to lose a parent or grandparent, no matter your age. If they were your only surviving parent, you may feel lost and alone without them. Your children may also be experiencing the loss of their grandparent. A family losing its matriarch or patriarch can mean a lot of dynamics changing in the coming years. This can include changing holiday traditions and plans with extended family. For many families, the elders are the glue that holds them together and keeps everyone in touch.

If You Are Close in Age to the Deceased

The older you get, the more common isolation can seem. Friends and family throughout the years pass away. Grief can weigh heavily on those of an advanced age, especially when the deceased was close in age to you. Many elderly individuals suffer from what is known as cumulative grief, where the feelings of loss throughout their years begin to weigh even more heavily on them. As you survive more and more of your friends and family, that grief can compound.

Grief and Mental Healthcare in Elder Care

The loss of a loved one can weigh heavily on your elderly loved one. Losing a spouse, sibling, or close friend can be a devastating loss to your loved one. For many older adults, the mental effects of a major loss can take a toll on their own health. Changes in the dynamics of their home life can undergo major changes as well. This is especially common when a partner or spouse passes away. During this transitional time, it can be vital to oversee your surviving loved one’s care situation and help them monitor their needs. They may also feel especially lonely or isolated. If your loved one relied heavily on their partner, they may require more assistance around the house in their daily life. This may require considering additional care support.

Safe Harbor offers in-home care assistance through our Certified Home Health Aides. Our aides are trained to assist older and disabled individuals with daily care needs, such as meal preparation, hygiene care, medication reminders, and more. Having an aide around throughout the week can also help fend off feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has provided excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help older and disabled individuals live safely and independently while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information, contact us or call (718)-979-6900.

The post Grief and Losing an Elderly Loved One appeared first on Safe Harbor Healthcare Services.

Advance Directives and Elder Care

bbworks — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:11:17 +0000

For families looking after older loved ones, understanding your role in their medical care can be important. But legally speaking, you likely don’t have a say. However, with your loved one’s permission, a lawyer could help grant you an Advance Directive. Advance Directives are legal documents that help ensure an individual’s wishes are carried out if they become incapacitated and cannot properly express their desires to the medical professionals providing care. In New York State, the health care system recognizes 3 types of advance directives: Living Wills, a health care proxy, and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders. For family caregivers, understanding these directives can be important. It may be helpful to work with your loved one and their estate attorney to draft them up if needed or wanted.

Why Are Advance Directives Important For Older Adults?

It is important to understand what your options are when discussing advance directives with an estate attorney so that you can create a plan that reflects your loved one’s needs. Advance directives can cover a variety of medical situations. They can be important for defining unwanted treatments, or keep you on or off life support, depending on your wishes. Advance directives can also prevent family members from dealing with court battles over your wishes when you are unable to represent your own desires.

Living Wills

A Living Will is a document that establishes what kinds of medical treatment may be administered, or not, during end-of-life treatment. This is very important, as these cases can come up suddenly, such as from a car accident or a medical emergency. A Living Will takes out the guesswork, where family members may struggle to decide in your stead. A Living Will generally needs to be constructed with an attorney in the state where the treatment is being given, to ensure validity. Some states may honor the Living Will of other states, depending on local or state laws.

Health Care Proxy

Health Care Proxies are individuals who are granted authority over your medical care if you are incapacitated. Proxies are generally close family members or trusted friends. While many people rely on their spouse in a medical emergency, they are not automatically considered a healthcare proxy. Some couples may also choose to name an adult child as their Health Care Proxy. This can be helpful if both spouses are rendered incapacitated, like in a car accident.

Before you declare someone as your healthcare proxy, you should first notify them. Ask the chosen individual if they are comfortable with the responsibility, and express your wishes to them. They must be aware of what this means when it comes to healthcare, especially in the event of an emergency. In New York State, 2 doctors must examine you and determine that you are unable to make proper decisions regarding your medical health before your proxy can act on your behalf.

There are 2 types of Health Care Proxies. Temporary proxies are typically utilized when an individual undergoes an outpatient procedure requiring anesthesia, but can be used in some other cases. Temporary proxies are there to make decisions quickly for you in the event of complications. Permanent proxies are set up for more long-term care. This is usually employed when an individual goes into a vegetative state, or suffers from a debilitating mental illness.

DNR Orders

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders mean that the individual doesn’t wish to be revived if their breathing or heartbeat stops. These orders generally only apply to emergency medical professionals, doctors, and other healthcare workers. DNR instructions are signed by a doctor when put in place. DNR’s do not affect any wishes to remain on life support. DNR Orders are sometimes included within Health Care Proxy or Living Will orders. This can help inform those who would enact them of their wishes. Individuals with DNRs may sometimes wear a medical bracelet to inform paramedics and EMTs of their status. Otherwise, there is no way for the emergency medical service provider to be informed of a DNR status. When filing for a DNR, the individual can decide whether it applies only in a hospital or also out of hospital.

Advance Directives and Home Health Care

When your loved one is receiving care with a home health agency, you should inform the agency of their Advance Directives. This can help ensure that their care wishes are followed in the event of an emergency. You may want your loved one’s care team to contact their Health Care Proxy in an emergency, for example. Out-of-hospital DNRs would not prevent a home health aide from calling for an ambulance in the event of an emergency. But, it would inform them not to attempt resuscitation themselves.

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Summer Hydration for Elders

bbworks — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:21:29 +0000

Hydration is important year-round, but for older adults, it can be harder to manage. In the summer heat, hydration can be a matter of life and death. Unfortunately, many older adults struggle to drink enough water daily. While it’s never good to be dehydrated, in the Summer, it can be deadly. This article will look at the dangers of dehydration and how you can help encourage your aging loved one to drink more water.

Dehydration Risks for Older Adults

As you age, your body’s capacity for water retention decreases. Additionally, your body’s receptors can dull. This means that you are less tuned in to when your body needs water. The combination of dulled receptors and poorer retention can cause elders to not realize that they need water. Certain medications, as well as chronic conditions such as diabetes and dementia, can affect these receptors, too. Mobility issues with age can also contribute to dehydration, as it becomes harder to access water.

Health Risks from Dehydration

Dehydration can lead to dizziness, muscle weakness, confusion, cramps, bladder problems, and constipation. Additionally, chronic dehydration can also cause more serious health issues. Urinary and kidney issues, low blood volume complications, and even seizures can develop from a lack of water.

Heat and Hydration

While there are plenty of health risks from dehydration normally, the summer heat can create many more risk factors. Water is essential to the body’s natural cooling functions. Sweating, for example, helps the body cool by expelling stored water onto the skin. The body can’t sweat if there is no water to release. Dehydration during the summer can contribute to heat stroke risk. A lack of hydration can also make symptoms of sunburn and sun poisoning much worse.

Dehydration Prevention Tips

The best way to prevent dehydration is to drink water. It is important to drink a few glasses of water with each meal. Encourage your loved one to drink water before, during, and after exercising. When spending time outside in the heat, water can be extra important.

Taking Pills with Water

If your loved one has to swallow pills, they are likely drinking liquid to assist in taking the medicine. Instruct them to drink a full glass of water with their pills, not just a few sips. This can help them intake more water. Proper water consumption can also help distribute the medicine more efficiently through the body.

For Adults Who Hate Water

Some people do not like drinking water. It may help to flavor the water to help encourage drinking. Avoid flavorings and additives. Instead, add natural and healthy ingredients to their water. Common ingredients include lemon, cucumber, lime, mint, rosemary, or berries. Try switching up these add-ins on occasion to keep them interested.

Water-Rich Fruits and Veggies

Consider more water-rich vegetables and fruits for your loved one’s meals and snacks. Melons, berries, celery, romaine, peppers, cucumbers, oranges, and spinach all contain a lot of water. For these vegetables, serving them raw is best for hydration purposes.

Soups and Smoothies

Serving soup is a great way to add extra water to your loved one’s diet, but the summertime may be too hot for that. Consider making your loved one a healthy, refreshing smoothie with water, fruit, and even some vegetables. Gazpacho and other cold soup recipes may be an interesting avenue to explore.

Shade Is Your Friend

When going outside with your loved one, sit them in the shade and give them a sun hat. You sweat more in the sun, leading to more dehydration. Shade can also help reduce the risk of developing heat exhaustion, sunburn, and heat stroke.

Don’t Just Drink When You Are Thirsty

As mentioned above, it can be harder for older people to feel thirsty. As such, consistent water consumption is a helpful way to combat dehydration. This can be extra important in the summer heat. Even if they are staying indoors in the air conditioning, consistent hydration can be vital.

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Dental Care Tips for Older Adults

bbworks — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:21:16 +0000

Dental care is an often-overlooked aspect of senior healthcare. Unfortunately, many seniors experience a decline in oral hygiene as they age. This is often because of mobility, memory issues, and tighter budgets in retirement. However, the cost of implants and fighting advanced gum disease can be a lot more than regular dental check-ups and maintenance. This article will discuss dental health tips for seniors.

Brushing and Flossing Daily for Better Dental Health

Dentists recommend brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day. Daily care helps manage plaque, build gum strength, and keep your mouth healthier. Use fluoride toothpaste to brush. Dentists usually recommend brushing after breakfast and before bed. Flossing can be a challenge for seniors with mobility issues or arthritis. If you have trouble flossing, ask your dentist about potential alternatives.

See Your Dentist Regularly

Check-ups and regular cleanings from the dentist are vital to improving your overall oral health. Dental appointments can help you flag oral health issues before they become much more serious. What constitutes “regular” dental appointments can vary from person to person. Your dentist can help you create an appointment schedule that fits your needs and budget.

Dental Care Costs for Older Adults

Unfortunately, basic Medicare doesn’t cover most dental care. You may need to consider getting private dental insurance if you do not have it already. When looking for dentists in your network, look for dentists who cater more to older clients. They will be more familiar with the care associated with aging individuals.

Dry Mouth and Your Dental Health

Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications and can be detrimental to your dental health. Saliva washes away bacteria and reduces infection. Dry mouth can make eating, talking, and swallowing harder. In addition to medication, chemotherapy and radiation treatments can lead to dry mouth. Some chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, can also reduce saliva production. If you are suffering from dry mouth, talk with your dentist about what you can do to remedy it.

Looking for Changes in Your Mouth Health

Your risk of developing dental health issues increases with age. This can include gum disease, tooth loss, infections, and even oral cancer. See a doctor or dentist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms for 2 or more weeks:

A lump in your mouth, lip, or throat
Abnormal white or red patches in your mouth
Trouble moving your tongue or jaw
Issues with swallowing or chewing
Numbness in your mouth or tongue
Pain in an ear without hearing loss
Swelling or numbness of the jaw

These symptoms are common indicators of more serious health issues. Your doctor or dentist can help you identify the issue and begin treatment.

Healthier Habits for Better Dental Care

In addition to the aforementioned brushing and flossing, there are several ways that you can improve your overall dental health by making life changes. Eating healthy and reducing sugar intake is a great place to start. Smoking, chewing tobacco, and heavy alcohol consumption can increase your risk of oral cancer and tooth decay.

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How Do People Pay For In-Home Care?

bbworks — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:32:01 +0000

Many older adults live on strict incomes and the fixed budgets of their pensions or savings. So, when it comes to receiving elder care, how do they afford it? This article will look at some common ways that elder individuals plan for in-home care in retirement.

Medicare and In-Home Care

Generally, Medicare only covers in-home care in certain situations. And for most of these cases, it is only temporary. This can include recovery after a hospital stay, such as after a stroke or major surgery. However, if skilled nursing care is required, Medicare may cover in-home nursing care full-time.

Medicaid Benefits for Elder Care

Medicaid is a support system for lower-income elders. You may be eligible for waiver programs that can cover some or all of your in-home care. Elders who wish to qualify have to meet the necessary medical and financial requirements. An elder law attorney or Medicaid planning specialist can help you apply.

Out-of-Pocket/Family-Supported Care

Some individuals pay out-of-pocket, or with the support of their family unit. This can include pensions, savings, or social security checks. Family members may help contribute to the cost of care for their older family members when possible. For families in this situation, discussing care expectations and the cost of care as needs arise can be important. Over time, your loved one’s care needs may change.

Veteran’s Assistance Programs and In-Home Care

As of 2023, more than 27% of veterans in the US are over the age of 75, according to the Census Bureau. Veterans and their spouses can be eligible for VA benefits when it comes to elder care. This may include partial or full coverage of your in-home care.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-Term Care Insurance is a type of insurance that many older adults invest in. You may have this through your pension program from your employer, or buy into it on your own. LTC Insurance policies help cover in-home care, nursing support, and more when you need it. Policies may vary, and can have different authorizations, daily benefit amounts, and maximum payouts allowed.

Whole Life Insurance Policies

Some Life Insurance programs offer “Whole Life” benefits. This allows the policyholder to borrow against the policy or use some of the funds for care in old age. This can help you financially while you are still alive. However, using these funds will lessen the amount of money that your loved ones receive after you pass.

Hybrid Life Insurance Policies

Hybrid Life Insurance policies combine traditional life insurance and LTC coverage. If policy funds for LTC are unused, they are then added to the life insurance payout after your passing. These policies can be generally easier to qualify for at a later age than traditional LTC insurance plans.

Reverse Mortgaging for In-Home Care Costs

A reverse mortgage is a type of loan for older homeowners that can convert some of their home equity into usable funds. Doing so can provide a steady stream of income to the homeowner. Some companies offering reverse mortgages can be predatory. Always review reverse mortgage agreements with your financial planner and an experienced finance lawyer first.

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How Your Vision Changes with Age

bbworks — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:22:30 +0000

Your eyes change with age, generally getting worse over time. Many older individuals require stronger eyeglass prescriptions over time. Those who have never needed glasses may begin using reading glasses in their daily lives. Light sensitivity and other vision issues can also develop with age. Below, we will discuss ways to reduce vision loss for older adults.

Reading Glasses for Older Adults

With age, your eyes may have a harder time discerning fine detail up close. Reading glasses help magnify objects and text in your close field of vision. Over time, your eyes may progressively worsen, even with reading glasses. As such, you may require stronger magnification over time.

Causes of Serious Vision Loss in Older Individuals

While there can be a wide assortment of causes for vision loss with age, some causes can be more common. Cataracts, high blood pressure, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are among the most common causes of vision degeneration in America. You may want to talk to your primary care physician and your eye doctor about your risk factors for these conditions.

Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye examinations from your optometrist or ophthalmologist can help your medical team understand how your vision is changing over time. Your eye doctor can also identify early signs of vision issues, such as cataracts or glaucoma. The earlier complications are found, the more likely intervention can occur. Treatment to cure or slow the progression of these conditions is more effective when they are caught early on.

How Blood Pressure Affects Vision Loss

When blood pressure is high, it can affect your vision. The high pressure can damage the blood vessels in your eyes. A healthy lifestyle and diet changes can keep your blood pressure in check. However, further intervention may require medical care or medication.

Managing Vision Loss From Aging

Even with following all of the above tips, vision loss will likely be a problem for most older individuals. Managing and adjusting the level of assistance your eyes need will help you navigate life as the quality of your eyesight degrades. In the early stages of vision loss, prescription glasses or contacts may be necessary, or magnified reading glasses. Reading, driving, and other activities that require focused vision may become more challenging without them.

Healthy Eating to Minimize Vision Loss

While most people know that carrots are good for their eyes, there are plenty of other foods that can improve eye health. At an advanced age, these changes in your diet can help mitigate worsening eye health. Dark leafy greens such as kale and spinach are high in beta-carotene and Vitamin A, the two nutrients that make carrots good for vision. Omega-3 fatty acids are also known to improve eye health, as well. Foods high in this essential fat include sardines, salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds.

Sunglasses And Protecting Your Eyesight

Sunglasses reduce eyestrain by blocking out UVA and UVB rays. Polarizing sunglasses help block out more of the sun’s harmful rays. As such, they can be more efficient in protecting your vision. Consider wearing wrap-around sunglasses for further protection.

Improving Your Home Life as Your Vision Loss Progresses

Older individuals can improve their quality of life at home despite vision loss with a few easy improvements. Consider upgrading the bulbs in lighting fixtures to be brighter. Motion sensor nightlights can make trips to the bathroom at night safer. If your loved one needs daily assistance as a result of their vision loss or other medical conditions, consider hiring a home health aide. A certified home health aide can assist with daily care, such as meal preparation, bathing, light housekeeping, doctor’s appointments, and more.

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6 More Classic Movies To Watch with Your Older Loved One

bbworks — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:10:06 +0000

Last year, we created a list of 8 classic movies to watch with your older family members. You can find that list here. This article will provide 6 new suggestions for family movie nights. The movies below will include some important classics in film history. We also included some international titles in this list.

Classic Movie Ratings And Older Films

While many of these films are rated G or PG, please note that movie rating systems have changed over time, so use discretion when including younger family members in your classic movie nights. Many of these movies also predate the existence of PG-13 (1984). If the movie does not have an MPA rating, we have added its TV rating to help families decide. Older movies may also have themes or tropes that may not be as welcome today, so consider checking for a parental guide online before showing an older movie to younger children.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) – G – 1h 55m

Blake Edwards’s comedy helped make Audrey Hepburn into a major fashion icon well into the late 1900’s. This New York-based rom-com classic is remembered for its fashionable looks and its wit.

A Raisin in the Sun (1961) – NR/TV-14 – 2h 8m

This classic film was adapted from the play of the same name. Sidney Poitier stars along with Claudia McNeil and Ruby Dee in this thought-provoking family tale. The film centers around the family anticipating a life insurance check, whose sum would be incredibly life-changing. The family contemplates how to spend or save it. It also explores themes of racism and systemic oppression.

Seven Samurai (1954) – NR/TV-14 – 3h 27m

If your family won’t shy away from subtitles, we recommend Akira Kurosawa’s most acclaimed film. “Seven Samurai” follows a group of samurai warriors hired by local farmers to defend their land from bandits. The most expensive film out of Japan at the time of its release, “Seven Samurai” innovated multi-cam shooting for high-impact action sequences. It is often among lists of the greatest films of all time. It is also an important reference point for many action movies today.

12 Angry Men (1957) – NR/TV-14 – 1h 35m

This one-room drama focuses on the deliberation of a jury. The jury must decide on the conviction or acquittal of a teenager accused of murdering his abusive father. The tight space of the room adds tension to the arguments of the men, as one juror looks to convince his 11 peers.

Au Revoir Les Enfants (1987) – PG – 1h 44m

A classic French film, “Au Revoir Les Enfants,” is a World War II tale told from the perspective of young boys at a boarding school during the Nazi occupation of France. Writer and director Louis Malle creates a stunning, autobiographical coming-of-age story. In the film, the boarding school of his youth gains some new students, Jewish teenagers hiding out from the Holocaust.

A Room with a View (1985) – NR/TV-MA – 1h 57m

This classic British period piece features a well-stocked cast of some of Britain’s best actors and actresses. Many of whom are still acting today. The cast includes Helena Bonham Carter, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Julian Sands. This drama follows the budding love between a pair of travellers on a trip to Florence, Italy.

Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has provided excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help older and disabled individuals live safely and independently while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information, contact us or call (718)-979-6900.

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Staying Cool As Heat Rises

bbworks — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:06:21 +0000

It isn’t summer yet, but 2026 has experienced many record-breaking days of heat already. Staying cool in the summer is essential at any age. But for elders, it can be even more vital. Older adults tend not to feel as hot as younger people, even as the heat is taking its toll. This article will cover some important tips to keep cool as the summer months begin.

Staying Cool and Hydrated

Hydration is an essential part of staying cool. Water in the body helps regulate internal temperature and allows you to sweat. Sweating is a natural process that helps your body cool down. Over time, the thirst receptors in your body tend to dull. For many older adults, this means that they aren’t drinking as much water as they need to. Some medications may also affect hydration levels or feelings of thirst. Generally, it is recommended to drink 8 cups of water a day. But increased heat and sweating may require you to drink more. Help your loved one work towards drinking more water to help them stay hydrated.

Fans and Air Conditioners

Keeping your loved one’s home cool with an air conditioner is important in the heat of the summer. Fans can be helpful as well, but tend to stop being effective after the temperature inside the home reaches 90 degrees or more.

Visit Your Local Library

Running the AC all day can get expensive. Consider saving money by helping your loved one visit their local library. Libraries are a great place to get cool and read some books. Libraries often have activities, laptops for general use, and other amenities for seniors. Some will even run events on certain days to bring older adults together. This can help minimize feelings of isolation.

Staying Cool Outside

If your loved one has to venture out, help them be prepared for the heat. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses can protect their head and keep them cooler. Brighter colors reflect more light and tend to reduce heat compared to darker shades. Encourage them to wear light or bright colors. Avoid spending too much time in the sun. Seek shade whenever possible. Encourage them to use sunscreen when venturing outside, even on cloudy days. SPF 30 or more is generally recommended. Taking a swim in a pool can also be a great way to cool off.

Cool Showers or Baths

A cool shower or bath can help reduce your internal temperature and keep you cooler. When setting up for a bath, shower first, so you can soak cleanly. A book or some music with their bath can help encourage them to relax for longer without having to leave the cool water. Add warm or cold water to the bath as needed to maintain a comfortable temperature.

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Physical Therapy & Home Support

bbworks — Mon, 25 May 2026 15:39:33 +0000

When your loved one is going to physical therapy after an injury or surgery, support shouldn’t end when they come home from their appointment. Physical therapy works best when the individual continues their exercises, stretches, and other treatments at home. This article will discuss how in-home care support can make a major difference in recovery outcomes.

Physical Therapy Continues at Home

Many physical therapists will help clients create at-home regimens. These may include daily or weekly exercises, morning stretches, and more. These regimens can also include ways to make daily tasks easier on their bodies, such as different ways to rise out of bed, or recommendations for how to lift or carry things. When individuals follow through with these at-home plans, their recovery outcomes are generally more positive than those who don’t. The prescribed regimens can be for clients during their PT, as well as in the months after.

In-Home Support and Physical Therapy

Caregivers should encourage their loved ones to maintain their treatment at home. This can include providing assistance and support during exercise at home. Try to help them maintain a consistent time to do their exercises. Some regimens will even suggest certain stretches for mornings, afternoons, or evenings.

Professional In-Home Care Support

If your loved one is doing physical therapy because of an injury, disability, or surgery recovery, they may need help beyond what their PT can provide. In-Home care assistance through a Home Health Aide can make up the difference in that care. A Home Health Aide can assist your loved one with daily care needs such as meal preparation, hygiene care, and even traveling to their Physical Therapy appointments. HHAs can also assist your loved one with their at-home PT regimens. This can help improve their adherence to the plan set by their therapist.

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