Florida Snowbird Support
A Guide To Worry Free Florida Living For Snowbirds and Families
Warm visions of escape usually ride on the crisp air of fall to over 900,000 "snowbirds" living across the country. For many, these visions exist no more.
The security of their wintertime nest, blown away by recent hurricanes, has caused many in the over-50 crowd to grapple with the possibility of cancelling or postponing their return to Florida. Storms named Frances, Jeanne and Wilma haunt their memories and may overshadow the joy of their impending migration. The physical rebuilding may have been completed, but the need for assurance and reinforcement during their return to Florida often goes undetected in this senior population.
The re-establishment of the second home can be practically reinforced and emotionally supported in small, simple steps:
Train In Senior Technology
A growing over-50 and the “elderly market” for computers, generators and cell phones have corporations, businesses and communities offering both incentives and classes for their products.
- Consider adding your loved one to family cell phone plans.
- Offer to provide remote computer services to assist the learning curve and to increase communication.
Strenthen Elder Social Networks
- Encourage your southern bound parents and in-laws to create, strengthen and expand a local network of friends.
- A call to Florida cronies prior to their trip creates excitement and anticipation on both ends.
- Investigate and consider new clubs such as walking groups, golfing circles or Red Hat clubs.
The reestablishment of these ongoing bonds as well as the openness to inviting new friends into these circles is critical.
Be Aware of Elder Anxiety Signals
"Studies have shown that generalized anxiety disorder is more common in the elderly, affecting 7% of seniors, than depression, which affects about 3% of seniors. Surprisingly, there is little research that has been done on this disorder in the elderly," says researcher Eric J. Lenze, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
- Look for vague or unexplained physical complaints, withdrawal and/or agitation.
- A decreased appetite, weight loss or weight gain, sleep disturbances and/or lack of attention to personal care can be silent signals of worry and depression.
- Discuss concerns openly and honestly.
- Encourage the same openness and the importance of discussion should these signs be observed in elderly friends and neighbors.
Maintain Regular Communication
- A planned Sunday afternoon call to check in and catch up on the weekly happenings can reinforce the comforts of home and connections with family.
- Don’t forgo snail mail - it brightens the day to receive a child’s drawing or a short note in the mailbox accompanying the usual junk mail and bills at their recently reinstated address.
Practice Regular Physical Activity
- A 15-30 minute walk per day, to bolster physical as well as mental strength.
- Check in regularly to see how routines are going.
Review Community Hurricane Procedures
- Know evacuation routes.
- Prepare and refresh hurricane emergency kit.
- Post contact lists and emergency information in the home.
Review Insurance Policies
- Reconsider and discuss all options with trusted family members.
- Obtain second quotes and opinions.
- Learn together who is locally trusted and reliable.
Discuss The Importance Of Reaching Out For Help
- Open up an “it’s no longer a stigma” discussion using examples, if possible, of known acquaintances who reached out in need.
Adopt An Attitude Of Rediscovery
- Bolster the excitement of returning to bask in the southern comforts of winter life in Florida.
- Share the excitement with friends and family members.
