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December 2024

News / Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Older adults lost a reported $1.9 billion… yes, BILLION… to fraud last year.

A new report from the Federal Trade Commission, says, because most cases of fraud are not reported, the actual number is likely much higher. The report says older adults were:

  • more than five times more likely than younger groups of people to report losing money to a tech support scam.
  • almost three times as likely to report a loss to a prize, lottery or sweepstakes scam.
  • approximately 53% more likely to report losing money to a friend or family impersonation scam.

“Seniors who live alone, have memory issues or don’t understand technology are especially vulnerable. It’s shameful,” said said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM. “Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, so it’s important that we help our senior loved ones understand the risks and take steps to avoid becoming a victim.”

According to the National Institute on Aging, these are the most common scams that target older adults. Continue reading Keeping Older Loved Ones Safe From Scams

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Resources for Families

When you last visited your aging parents, things seemed a little off – there were stains on your mom’s clothes, your dad rarely strayed from the recliner and there was spoiled food in the fridge.

Although subtle, these can be signs that your parents may need a little help to continue living safely in their 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 said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM. “Because it’s unlikely they’ll ask for help, it’s important for loved ones to understand the signs that may indicate they need assistance.”

If you’re going to be home for the holidays, keep an eye out for concerning red flags, including: Continue reading Do Your Aging Loved Ones Need Help at Home?

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Resources for Families

Still searching for the perfect gift for your aging loved ones?

“We know that coming up with gift ideas for older people can be challenging – especially if they insist they don’t need anything,” said said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM. “My advice… think useful. We work with a lot of seniors, and we’ve seen how simple tools can help them with every day tasks and challenges.”

Below is a list of useful items than can help your aging loved ones remain safely in their homes for as long as possible. Continue reading Holiday Gift Ideas for Seniors

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Resources for Families

You missed your son’s holiday program, because your mom fell in the shower.

You forgot to make cookies for your daughter’s school party, because you were busy making dinner for your aging parents.

It’s your turn to host the family holiday celebration, but you don’t have time to clean the house, wrap gifts or even shop for groceries – because you also have to do that for your mom and dad.

If this sounds like your life, you’re not alone.

“Caring for aging loved ones can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be very challenging – especially during the holidays when people are usually very busy,” said said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM.  “When you’re taking care of someone else, it’s easy to forget about your own health and wellbeing. However, neglecting your own needs could lead to caregiver burnout – and that’s not good for anyone.”

To help manage holiday and caregiver stress Blilie suggests: Continue reading Managing the Holidays and Caregiver Stress

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