In March, 2018, while serving as Florida’s governor, Rick Scott implemented new regulations regarding hurricane preparedness for assisted living facilities and nursing homes in Florida. Scott put the new rules in place after 12 residents at the Hollywood Hills Rehabilitation Center in Broward County perished from heat exposure following Hurricane Irma in 2017. The residents’ deaths raised serious questions…
Moving to an assisted living community is a highly personal decision that is based on many different factors, all of which are unique to the individual who is considering the move, as well as their families. Assisted living communities are designed for older adults who value an independent, social lifestyle but who require assistance with daily activities, such as grooming,…
Family caregiving is a beautiful labor of love, but it can also be complex, exhaustive, and demanding. If you are caring for a parent or another family member, let us help you take the break you deserve with our Respite Care Program. Respite care can be a real sanity saver for overburdened family caregivers, especially those who care for…
Residents of Grand Oaks of Okeechobee recently received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. “I was very pleased the majority of our residents at all Grand Oaks communities consented and received their first vaccine dose,” said Laurie Allen, Grand Oaks Administrator. On January 21-22, the first doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine were administered to residents who wished…
According to experts in neuroscience, there are many potential health benefits associated with crafting. Participating in your favorite craft can improve anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, and it may also protect the brain from damage caused by aging. While additional research needs to be completed, past studies suggest the health benefits of crafting are comparable to those seen in…
After your senior loved one has made the decision to move to an assisted living community like Grand Oaks of Okeechobee, you may find that you are both a bit overwhelmed by the moving process. You may be thinking, “Where should we begin? What should we pack? How do we know what not to take?” These are all common…
Established in 1995 by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), National Assisted Living Week (which begins on Grandparents Day each year) helps promote awareness about assisted living facilities and the important way they benefit local communities, residents, and their families. This year’s National Assisted Living Week is September 13th —19th. The theme is “Caring is Essential,” which highlights…
During the hot summer months, one of the simplest yet most overlooked necessities is proper hydration. This is especially true when it comes to senior care. The elderly or those experiencing certain health conditions are particularly susceptible to dehydration. While it’s no surprise that drinking plenty of fresh water can help keep dehydration at bay, drinking more water also…