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The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for seniors, it can also be a period of loneliness and stress. As the owner of First Coast Senior Care, I understand the importance of ensuring that our aging loved ones have a memorable and comfortable holiday season. Here are some tips on how to support seniors during this special time. 1. Plan Inclusive Gatherings If your elderly parents or loved ones are still living independently, consider hosting holiday gatherings at their homes or in environments familiar to them. This can reduce the stress of travel and make them feel more comfortable. Ensure that their home is safe and accessible for everyone. 2. Keep Traditions Alive Seniors often have cherished holiday traditions. Take the time to ask them about their favorite customs and make an effort to keep these alive. It can be as simple as preparing a beloved family recipe or decorating the house with familiar ornaments. 3. Connect Virtually In today's world, technology makes it easier than ever to connect with loved ones, even if they are far away. Arrange video calls or virtual gatherings to bring the family together, especially if your parents or loved ones can't be there in person. 4. Focus on Meaningful Gifts When choosing gifts for seniors, think about what would make their lives easier and more enjoyable. Consider practical items that enhance their daily living, like cozy blankets, puzzles, or books. Personalized gifts with sentimental value can also be very meaningful. 5. Offer Assistance The holiday season can be physically demanding. Offer to help with tasks like decorating, shopping, or meal preparation. Be sensitive to their energy levels and don't overwhelm them with too much to do. 6. Listen and Provide Emotional Support The holidays can bring up a mix of emotions for seniors, including nostalgia and even feelings of loss. Be there to listen and provide emotional support, creating a safe space for them to express their feelings. 7. Be Mindful of Dietary Restrictions If your seniors have dietary restrictions or health concerns, plan meals that accommodate their needs. This shows that you care about their well-being. 8. Create a Calm Environment Holidays can be hectic. Ensure that the environment is peaceful and not overly stimulating. Some seniors may have sensory sensitivities, so be mindful of loud noises or bright lights. 9. Encourage Social Activities Help your seniors stay socially active during the holiday season. Consider taking them to community events, senior centers, or even organizing small gatherings with their friends. 10. Maintain a Positive Attitude Your attitude sets the tone for the holidays. Stay positive, patient, and understanding. Your enthusiasm can be contagious and make the season more enjoyable for everyone. Remember that the holidays are about spending quality time with loved ones. Your efforts to support and include your seniors will make a significant difference in their experience. Let's make this holiday season a time of dignity, grace, and cherished memories for our aging loved ones. At First Coast Senior Care, we are dedicated to ensuring that seniors age in place with the care and respect they deserve. If you have any questions or need additional support, please don't hesitate to reach out. Wishing you and your family a warm and joyful holiday season. Warm regards, Chris Yancey Owner, First Coast Senior Care

As the owner of First Coast Senior Care, a board-certified geriatric specialist in physical therapy, and somebody who has worked exclusively with seniors for over 2 decades, I understand the unique challenges that come with supporting seniors, especially when you can't be physically present. Distance should never be a barrier to providing the care and attention your loved ones need. Here are some key topics for supporting a loved one from afar, and how First Coast Senior Care can be your trusted partner in this journey. 1. Maintain Frequent Communication Open and consistent communication is key to understanding your loved one's needs. Regular phone calls, video chats, and messages help bridge the gap and maintain a strong connection. 2. Arrange for Professional Assistance If your loved one is in Northeast Florida, First Coast Senior Care can provide the in-home assistance and companionship they need. We offer personalized care that ensures their well-being. 3. Leverage Technology Use technology to your advantage. Set up remote monitoring devices to keep an eye on their safety, and consider medical alert systems for emergencies. 4. Manage Medications Help your loved one manage their medications effectively. Many pharmacies will deliver pre-sorted medications in blister packs. Also, our caregivers can assist with medication reminders and ensure they take the right doses at the right times. 5. Coordinate Medical Care I can help bridge the gap between your loved one's medical needs and the healthcare community. With my background as a board-certified geriatric specialist in physical therapy, I am very well-versed with signs and symptoms in seniors that may require attention. We collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure they receive the appropriate care and therapies they need. 6. Stay up to date on Financial and Legal Support Assist your loved one with financial and legal matters remotely. Ensure that their finances are well-managed, and legal documents are up-to-date to protect their interests. 7. Assess Home Safety Our team at First Coast Senior Care can perform home safety assessments to identify and address potential hazards. This helps ensure your loved one's home environment is safe and comfortable. We routinely will eliminate clutter and be vigilant of fall hazards. 8. Arrange Transportation Coordinating transportation for medical appointments or social outings can be tricky on your own. We can help with scheduling and providing reliable transportation when needed. 9. Stay Informed Stay well-informed about your loved one's health, including their medical conditions and any changes in their day-to-day well-being. Our team can provide regular updates and observations. 10. Provide Emotional Support Distance can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Offer emotional support and encourage them to engage in social activities and stay connected with friends and family. We understand that caregiving from afar can be challenging, but you're not alone. First Coast Senior Care is here to provide exceptional caregivers who will treat your loved one with the care and respect they deserve. Our mission is to enable seniors to age in place with dignity and grace. If you have any questions or would like to explore how our services can support your loved one, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're dedicated to providing peace of mind to families, no matter the distance. Warm regards, Chris Yancey Owner, First Coast Senior Care Board-Certified Geriatric Specialist in Physical Therapy

It’s 2020 and in some office spaces, calendars have not been flipped since March; clothing stores have their dressing rooms closed; groceries stores have one-way traffic and there are police check points to stop out-of-state drivers. The list of oddities is endless. Our seniors have undoubtedly been through some trying times during their decades on this planet, but let’s face it, this is bizarre! What can we do at First Coast R and R to assist during this challenging time? CONNECTIVITY BENEFITS First, we can help loved ones connect electronically. If a client does not have a computer or a smart phone, we do! Our caregivers are more than happy to assist by facilitating a video call from their personal phones to enable a client to see friends and family. Several of our seniors do have computers but are not informed on how to maximize their use, and our caregivers can show them how to create email, check Facebook, initiate a video call, etc. MENTAL STIMULATION BENEFITS Secondly, the caregivers can provide mental stimulation. Whether it be cards, dominos, puzzles, Yahtzee, (my favorite) Rumikub, or anything in between. Our caregivers are happy to participate in fun and games, and it is mental stimulation and a benefit for all involved. PHYSICAL STIMULATION BENEFITS In addition,we can provide physical stimulation. Perhaps it is unsafe for the client to walk alone but with somebody standing by, they can take a stroll….and this may be inside or outside of the home. If the client likes music, we can turn on music to encourage dancing (standing or sitting) …which will also lead to an improved mood, most likely and provide great benefits in positive mindsets. Or maybe a client is unable to fix a meal independently but with a caregiver there, prepping and moving the heavy kitchen items, opening the jars, etc., they can together prepare a meal. One thing that is evident is that seniors are becoming unconditioned due to a lack of activity from not being able to shop, see a doctor, go to church, or get their haircut (among other things). And yes, some things are open, but leaving home poses a risk. Let caregivers provide the benefit of having someone to assist in normal activities in this abnormal time. BENEFITS OF A CAREGIVER During this pandemic, we have had several calls from family members who report their loved one is suffering from decreased appetite and dehydration because of being isolated. Some clients are not able or interested in cooking and we can certainly oversee meal prep and planning. Nutrition and hydration are important for optimal health. Dehydration has a significant effect on mental status as well as balance, so hydration is very important and can be key in preventing falls. Overall, the social interaction benefits a caregiver brings can encourage laughter, connection, stimulation, positivity, and be a distraction from the news. Depression is on the rise due to not only isolation, but the state of the world brought on by this pandemic. Sometimes we need to turn off the TV and focus on other things, but when seniors are alone, the TV often serves as their companion. The benefit of a caregiver during this pandemic can literally be life changing for our loved ones. We would love the opportunity to assist you or your loved one during this trying time. Please contact us for a free consultation and be well! ~ Christine “Enabling seniors to age in place, with dignity and grace”

Our Services We are prepared to offer exceptional care and are committed to being mindful, respectful, courteous, and compassionate to ensure a positive experience. Proudly serving Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St Johns and Volusia counties. ​We provide... Cheerful companionship Compassionate care Transportation Assistance with errands Meal prep and planning Medication reminders Supervision during bathing Assistance with grooming and dressing Light housekeeping Pet care Referral services Education on Fall Prevention Supervision with home exercise programs Fun and games Supervision and directions as needed due to cognitive deficits Contact us for more information.

Our Process Our Services Our Founder Contact Us Join Our Team Testimonials Blog First Coast Senior Care Enabling Seniors to Age in Place with Dignity and Grace Who We Are What We Do We Provide In-Home Senior Companion Care Services We are prepared to offer exceptional care and are committed to being mindful, respectful, courteous, and compassionate to ensure a positive experience. ​ Proudly serving Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St Johns and Volusia counties. ​ License #235472 Our Services We'd love to chat with you. Call us at (904) 810-8097 to speak with our geriatric expert, Chris Yancey . She can help you determine if First Coast Senior Care is a good fit for your loved one, and if so, discuss how to begin services. You can also reach us by emailing connect@firstcoastseniorcare.com , or by visiting the Contact Us page and scheduling an appointment to chat. "First Coast Senior Care has been so helpful in taking care of my 91 year old Mom at home. The owner, Chris, happily adjusted hours as my Mom has gotten better from a fall, and she keeps me apprised of events daily. Her caretakers have each been wonderful in their own unique ways and we know them all like good friends of the family. I would highly recommend this agency for a wide range of services!" Mary Lou H. St. Augustine Our clients say... Services Cheerful Companionship Our caregivers are trustworthy, caring, compassionate and reliable companions…but we realize not all personalities are a match. When interviewing a client we ask about the client’s interests and do our best to match them with those of a caregiver. A good client/caregiver match ultimately leads to natural personal connections. Assist with Errands/Transportation The client may choose to run errands with the caregiver, or the caregiver can go alone if needed. The caregiver can pick up groceries or household supplies, run to the post office, assist with banking, take animals to veterinary appointments, etc. The caregiver can provide transportation for hair appointments, luncheons, doctor visits, church services, club meetings, even BINGO! Light Housekeeping We can be expected to tidy up the kitchen, put food away, empty the dishwasher, wipe down the counters, empty the kitchen trash, sweep crumbs off the floor. Laundry is a common need as well, and we are happy to assist by washing, drying, folding, and hanging laundry as needed. We will spot clean hard floors with a cleaning device (for example, if there is a sticky spot). However, we are not a maid service. Things that should not be expected are a full bathroom clean, wall-to-wall vacuuming, extensive mopping, heaving lifting, steam cleaning, etc. Fall Prevention Falls are a common occurrence in the elderly and seniors with caregivers are less likely to fall. Having a caregiver available to bring a senior food or a drink, answer the door, take care of pets, remove clutter, supervise showers, and standby during standing or walking means that a senior is less likely to fall. Supervision during bathing, grooming, and dressing When taking a shower or a bath, we will assist to ensure the temperature is appropriate, towels and clothes are set out, rugs are secured, and the environment is safe. We will supervise to make sure the client is safe entering and exiting the tub/shower, and safe while they bathe. We will assist with grooming and dressing as needed. Meal Prep and Planning Another great service we offer is assistance with menu planning, obtaining groceries, and preparing well-balanced meals based on dietary restrictions, allergies, and personal preferences. If needed, we will assist by cutting food when preparing a plate. After meal preparation, we will tend to the kitchen and food will be properly stored. Follow Us On Facebook Join our Facebook community for informative articles, inspiring stories, and helpful resources tailored to geriatric care. Don’t miss out on exclusive updates, event announcements, and promotions that can benefit you and your loved ones. Follow us on Facebook today! Follow Us Insight & Experience Creating Meaningful Holidays for Seniors: A Guide to Support Supporting Seniors from Afar: A Guide to Long-Distance Care The Benefits of a Cargiver During a Pandemic Exceptional Caregivers, Providing Compassionate Support and Personalized Care Our caregiver-companions are truly outstanding. They are trustworthy, empathetic, and reliable, and form genuine connections with our seniors. Count on anyone from our exceptional team to provide the highest level of care and support. ​ We can provide you with a list of references who can speak to the exceptional care we offer. These references have firsthand experience with our services and can share their honest opinions and feedback. ​ – License # 235472 – Christine Yancey PT, MPT, GCS, CEEAA Get in Touch Now We are excited to hear from you and will respond within 24 hours of your inquiry! Contact Us First Coast Senior Care Saint Augustine, FL. 32080 904-810-8097 connect@firstcoastseniorcare.com Offiice Hours ​ Monday-Friday – 8:30-5:00, except major holidays. ​ Saturday-Sunday – messages are checked and assignments made as needed. Connect With Us ​ ​ Privacy Policy Top of Page

Our Process Assessment A representative will contact you for an assessment interview so that we can determine your needs. Senior Care Plan Together we will make a plan, determine how many hours you need a companion, and discuss the cost of services. Goals and Direction We will discuss your goals and plans in order to understand your current ability to manage your activities of daily living. Caregiver Assessment We then determine which caregiver is most suited to your individual situation, and a competent, trusted caregiver(s) will be assigned. First Coast Senior Care Objective Our goal is to enable seniors to age in place with dignity and grace! Furthermore... At First Coast Senior Care, we know it may be difficult to allow people to assist you. We are here to support your independence and to enable you to live in your preferred environment as long as possible. Our caregivers have a passion for seniors and we anticipate a mutual connection and relationship will be established that will benefit everyone involved. You should know... We have no weekly minimum hours but each shift must be at least 4 consecutive hours. If you have any questions, are ready to schedule, or need more senior care service information, please contact us at (904) 810-8097 or connect@firstcoastseniorcare.com . Contact Us Last thing... At times we receive calls because of our wealth of knowledge and experience. We are here to help seniors and their families. First Coast Senior Care is not about onboarding as many clients as we can, but about assisting you with your decisions on the best senior care plan. Sometimes assisting in your care plan means acting as a referral source. Pleas e CONTACT US today if we can be of assistance. ​ … helping you age in place with dignity and grace