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March 2023

News

You may have heard the heartbreaking news – actor Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

“FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone,” his family said in a statement sharing the diagnosis. “For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, FTD is caused by a group of disorders that gradually damage the brain’s frontal lobes (the areas behind your forehead) and/or its temporal lobes (the regions behind your ears). There are three types of FTD: Continue reading What is Frontotemporal Dementia?

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Resources for Families

Your mom didn’t tell you about a nasty fall.

Your dad won’t give up his car keys.

Both parents shut down when you try to start a conversation about long-term living options.

“It’s something we see a lot – seniors resisting any kind of assistance, because they view it as a threat to their independence,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “For decades, they’ve been able to do things for themselves and other family members – working, running errands, babysitting, managing money, etc. It’s hard for them to admit they now need help with day-to-day activities, and they don’t want to be a burden to family and friends.

Continue reading 7 Ways to Help Your Seniors Remain Independent

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Resources for Families

Your mom lives alone and no longer drives.

She rarely leaves the house and has lost connections with friends and activities that she used to love.

You worry about her spending too much time alone – and with good reason.

According to the National Institute on Aging, isolation and loneliness are associated with higher risks for a number of health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity. And now results from a new National Health and Aging Trends study suggest it also increases the likelihood of developing dementia. Continue reading Social Isolation and Dementia

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

The last time you visited your mom, you noticed something was off. Maybe she was a little more forgetful than usual or she struggled to get out of a chair. Perhaps you spied an unopened stack of mail or an unexplained dent in her car.

Although subtle, these can be signs that your mom may need a little help to continue living safely in her home.

“Admitting you need help isn’t easy for most seniors. They want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, so they likely will downplay or try to hide any potential threat to their independence,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager of Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “Because it’s unlikely they’ll ask for help, it’s important for loved ones to understand the signs the signs that may indicate they need assistance,”

Continue reading Does Your Loved One Need a Caregiver?

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