Stay Informed, Educated and Connected!!
Fun & Quirky Employee Recognition Awards
During the Annual Meeting in May, special awards were presented along with gift cards to deserving caregivers who throughout the year demonstrated exceptional characteristics worthy of being an "Angel".
These outstanding caregivers were recognized for the following qualities:
  • Client Whisperer - Loved by all clients by providing exceptional service.
  • Night Owl - The ability to stay awake all night.
  • Running with the Bulls - Handling difficult clients with strength and fortitude.
  • The Clutch Award - Coming through when needed in critical situations.
  • Compassionate Companions - Creating a better environment for the client and their family.
  • White Knight - Accepting last minute requests for covering assignments without hesitation.
  • The Clock Award - Top priorities are always being to work on time, consistency and dependability.
Client Whisperer Award -
Marianne A.
Night Owl Award -
Vivienne B.
Running with the
Bulls Award -
Ida R.
The Clutch Award -
Carmen T. & Bonnie D.
Compassionate Companion Award -
Dale K. & Almaida N.
The White Knight Award -
Sandi R. & Veronica N.
The Clock Award -
Cynthia B., Melinda G., Roslyn M.
Greek Zoodle Salad (4 servings)
Zoodles (zucchini noodles) are all the rage and here is a different way to prepare them.
Such a light and healthy alternative to high-carb pasta salads!
INGREDIENTS:
  • 2 zucchini
  • 1/4 English cucumber, chopped
  • 10 cherry tomatoes, halved (or more to taste)
  • 10 pitted Kalamata olives, halved (or more to taste)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt & black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:
  1. Cut zucchini into noodle-shaped strands using a spiralizing tool.
  2. Place zoodles in a large bowl and top with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, red onion, and feta cheese.
  3. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper together in a bowl until dressing is smooth; pour over zoodle mixture and toss to coat. You can also use your favorite bottled Italian dressing.
  4. Marinate salad in refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
Foods That May Reduce Dementia Risk
Foods high in antioxidants and carotenoids
Certain foods were recently shown to boost brain health and also possibly reduce the risk of dementia. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and parsley are among the best sources. There are others like egg yolks, corn and grapes. Eating these types of foods that are rich in antioxidants and cutting back on processed junk foods is a critical piece in the overall approach to a "healthy aging game plan", and to maintain healthy full lives and avoid disease.
Blueberries
Blackberries
Prunes
Strawberries
Apples
Cherries
Peaches
Pears
Watermelon
Avocado
Tomatoes
Red beans
Black beans
Broccoli
Spinach
Asparagus
Kale
Bell peppers
Carrots
Apple juice
Cider
Green tea
Hibiscus tea
Beet juice
Pomegranate juice
Acai berry juice
Coconut water
Why Vitamin D is Important for Seniors
You've probably heard that vitamin D is important for staying healthy. But has anyone explained why?

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that absorbs calcium in the body and promotes bone growth. It also plays a vital role in maintaining the health of teeth, muscles, and the immune system. Vitamin D is sometimes called the "sunshine vitamin," because it's produced naturally in the body from direct sunlight exposure.

Unfortunately, many elderly people, especially those who are homebound, are susceptible to "Vitamin D deficiency" if they are stuck indoors and don't spend enough quality time outside under the sun.
Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency
in Seniors

Seniors who have a deficiency in vitamin D can experience issues including:

  • Weak Muscles and Fragile Bones - Also known as osteoporosis, this can make injuries and fractures from accidental falls more likely and potentially more severe.
  • Weakened Immune System - This can make older adults more susceptible to common infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), the flu, or even COVID-19.
  • Cognitive Impairment and Depression - Vitamin D plays a role in maintaining an elderly person's ability to regulate emotions and think clearly. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with an impaired ability to think and increased symptoms of depression in the elderly.
  • Increased Risk of Non-Infectious Disease - Vitamin D deficiency in older adults can increase the risk for certain non-infectious diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even some types of cancer.
How Seniors Can Increase Their Vitamin D Levels

Here are four ways seniors can increase their vitamin D levels to stay healthy:

  • Get Some Sunlight - Sunlight is the primary way a person produces vitamin D. A stroll in the neighborhood or at a park on a sunny day can provide seniors with many benefits, both physically and emotionally. While sunshine exposure can help increase vitamin D production, it's critical seniors (or their caregivers) monitor potential skin burn.
  • Sun Lamps - Sun lams can be a good alternative for seniors living in colder climates where the sun is not strong enough in the winter. Sun lamps may also help regulate sleep and reduce symptoms of seasonal depression.
  • Eat Well - Make sure the food and beverages your senior loved ones consume contain vitamin D. Although vitamin D is not found in many foods naturally, some sources include: cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel, tuna, beef liver, cheese and egg yolks. Many other foods and drinks are also fortified with vitamin D, including milk, breakfast cereals, and fruit juices.
  • Dietary Supplements - Dietary supplements can help people with vitamin D deficiency reach a healthy level. Research shows older adults who take these supplements are significantly less likely to develop health conditions associated with vitamin D deficiency. Speak to your loved one's doctor and get advice on the correct dose before taking any supplements.
Professional Caregivers Can Assist
The recommendations above can be a lot to manage for some older adults and their family members. A Visiting Angels caregiver can help your older loved one follow their physician's suggestions to boost vitamin D levels by:

  • Stocking the refrigerator and pantry with vitamin D rich foods.
  • Cooking foods that are rich with vitamin D.
  • Providing reminders about taking supplementary medications.
  • Encouraging outdoor activities while preventing overexposure to the sun.
Scam Series - Learn and Pass It On
from the Federal Trade Commission
Chances are good that someone you know has been scammed, maybe even YOU. They may not talk about it, but if the statistics are right, it has happened.

The truth is that sharing WHAT you know can help protect someone WHO you know from a scam. People listen to someone they trust: a friend, a neighbor, a relative, or a caregiver.

We hope this Scam Series will help you protect yourself and others against being scammed!
Home Repair Scams
Someone knocks on your door or calls you. They say they can fix your leaky roof, install new windows, or provide the latest energy-efficient solar panels. They might find you after a flood, windstorm or other natural disaster. They pressure you to act quickly, might ask you to pay in cash, or offer to get you financing.

But here's what happens next: they run off with your money and never make the repairs. Or they do shoddy repairs that make things worse. Maybe they even put you in a bad financing agreement that puts your house at risk.

Here's what you can do:

  1. Stop. Check it out. Before making home repairs, ask for references, licenses and insurance. Get three written estimates. Don't start work until you have a signed contract. And don't pay by cash or wire transfer.
  2. Pass this information on to a friend. You may see through these scams. But chances are you know someone who could use a friendly reminder.
Times may be changing for you or your loved one, but Visiting Angels is always here to help. Our qualified professional caregivers can provide support in all areas of daily living to help you or your loved one THRIVE, not merely survive.

Our goal is two-fold....enhancing the quality of life for you or your loved one and/or providing respite for you, the family caregiver.

Call us at 352-620-8484 (Ocala) or 352-805-9160 (Spring Hill) to get more specific information about the variety of services we provide.
Visiting Angels | 352-620-8484 (Ocala) or 352-805-9160 (Spring Hill)
HHA License #299994357/HHA License #299995037