Did your aging loved ones enjoy a few too many sweet treats over the holidays?
“It’s not uncommon for people of all ages to put on an extra pound or two during holidays,” said Sierra Goetz, operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “However, for older people it can be difficult to get rid of that extra weight – especially when winter weather limits outdoor activities.” Continue reading Winter Weather Exercises for Seniors
Are you a member of the sandwich generation – someone who is raising children while, at the same time, caring for aging parents? If so, you know that you have to make the most of every minute in every day.
“Caring for children can be tiring. Caring for older loved ones can be challenging. Caring for both at the same time… well, that can be exhausting,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “To help lighten the load, we encourage families to involve their children, especially the older ones, to help care for their grandparents.”
While winter can be a wonderland, it’s important to remember that colder temperatures, ice, snow and hours of darkness can pose risks for older adults.
“The cold weather months present some significant challenges for older adults,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “As temperatures drop, seniors are more at risk for falls, hypothermia and the flu. It’s important to be aware of the hazards and take steps to help keep your aging loved ones safe and warm.” Continue reading Tips to Keep Your Senior Safe This Winter
For most of us, this is most wonderful time of the year. Unfortunately, for many seniors, it’s the worst.
“Instead of joy and excitement, the holidays can trigger bouts of sadness and loneliness for seniors – especially if they live alone,” said Teresa Steinfatt, vice president of business performance at the Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “During the holidays, feelings for lost loved ones and family members who live far away are often magnified. They also may struggle with shopping, decorating, baking and other traditional activities, which reminds them that they’re getting older and more frail.” Continue reading Beating the Holiday Blues
Each year, millions of older Americans fall victim to some type of financial fraud. According to a report from the Federal Trade Commission, older adults were scammed out of more than $1 billion last year – losing an average of $32,200.
“Seniors who live alone, have memory issues or don’t understand technology are especially vulnerable,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “Unfortunately, the holiday season provides many opportunities for scammers to prey on older people – turning what’s supposed to be the most joyous time of the year into a nightmare.” Continue reading Protecting Your Senior from Holiday Scams
Still searching for the perfect holiday gift for your senior loved ones?
We know that coming up with holiday gift ideas for older people can be challenging – especially if they insist they don’t need anything. So, we’ve compiled a list of useful items that might help them with everyday tasks and challenges – allowing them to remain safely in their homes as they age. Continue reading Holiday Gift Ideas for Seniors
When you visited your aging mom over the Thanksgiving holiday, you noticed that she let others do the cooking – which is unusual, because she’s always loved preparing big family meals.
Has she lost interest?
Is she having trouble remembering or reading the recipes?
Is arthritis limiting her ability to pick up heavy pots and pans?
What does she do when others aren’t there to help? Are her meals healthy or just convenient?
“There could be many factors at play,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “We know that, for some of our clients, cooking just isn’t fun anymore – especially if they live alone and are just cooking for themselves. For others, limited mobility, cognitive decline and worsening vision can make it more difficult to put a healthy meal on the table and clean up afterward.” Continue reading Is Your Mom Eating Healthy Meals?
While we typically hear of outbreaks among babies and small children, adults can also get RSV, and those who are 65 and older are at risk of severe infection. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s estimated that more than 177,000 older adults are hospitalized with RSV infections each year in the United States.
At Trail Ridge Home Care, we’re committed to elevating the privilege of caregiving – it’s one of our five core values. “Our caregivers are amazing. They’re rock stars. They’re the heart and hands of our organization,” said Jeff Hongslo, chief executive officer of American Baptist Homes of the Midwest (ABHM).“We’re beyond grateful for our team of caregivers who work day-in and day-out to help seniors age safely in their homes for as long as possible. Their compassion and commitment to seniors are second to none.”
“The holidays can be particularly challenging for older loved ones who have memory or mobility issues,” said Teresa Steinfatt, Vice President of Business Performance at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “It’s important for family members to be aware of the challenges and make a plan to cope with them – so that their older loved ones feel included and not burdensome.”