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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

It’s never too late to start eating smart.

A healthy, well-balanced diet can help your senior loved ones maintain a healthy weight, stay energized and lower the risk of developing chronic conditions, such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Recents studies also suggest it could ward off dementia.

“When you look in your senior loved one’s refrigerator, what do you see – fresh fruits and vegetables or hot dogs and canned peaches,” asked Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “We know that maintaining a healthy diet is critical for healthy aging. But for some older people, cooking just isn’t fun anymore – especially if they live alone. 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 Nutrition Tips for Older Adults

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Resources for Families

Does your job offer more than a paycheck?

A new study shows that living a purposeful life can stave off loneliness – especially in older adults. That’s why professional caregiving may be a great option for seniors who are interested in an encore career.

Embracing an Encore Career in Professional Caregiving

“The older men and women on our caregiving team enjoy staying active and, most importantly, making an important difference in the lives of others,” said Sierra Goetz, operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the Home Care Advocacy Network (HCAN). “With many years of life and work experience, older people have so much to offer – that’s why they’re such great caregivers. Continue reading Finding a Purpose Can Reduce the Risk of Loneliness

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Resources for Families

Mom can no longer keep up with household chores – beds are unmade, there’s expired food in the fridge and unopened mail on the counter.

Dad spends less time with his friends and more time sitting in his recliner.

Is it time to suggest in-home care?

Aging parents

“It’s never easy to admit that you need help with day-to-day activities — especially for seniors, because they worry it’s the first step toward losing their independence,” said Sierra Goetz, operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “While care conversations can be very challenging, it’s important to have them before a crisis occurs.” Continue reading Mom, Dad – We Need to Talk

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Resources for Families

While winter can be a wonderland, it’s important to remember that colder temperatures, ice, snow and hours of darkness can pose serious risks for older adults.

“The cold weather months present some significant challenges for older adults,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director 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.”

Understanding Winter Risks for Seniors

Seasonal hazards to watch for include: Continue reading Keeping Your Senior Safe This Winter

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News / Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

More than 60 million women in the U.S. are living with some form of heart disease.

Heart disease and stroke can affect a woman at any age.

Heart disease is the number one killer of women – it’s responsible for 1 in every 5 female deaths.

Only about half of women living in the U.S. understand that heart disease is their number one killer.

Surprised? If so, you’re not alone. Many women are not aware of their risk or the fact that symptoms can present differently in women. Continue reading Women and Heart Disease – Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

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Resources for Families

Your dad is sleeping more than usual.

Your mom has lost interest in Bingo and other activities she used to love.

Is it just the winter blues or could it be something more serious?

“The winter months can be hard for seniors. The days are cold and gray and, if there’s snow or ice on the ground, it’s hard for them to get out and about – especially if there are mobility issues,” said Sierra Goetz, operations director at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “While quick bouts of the winter blues are common, it’s important to watch for signs that it could be something more serious.” Continue reading 10 Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder

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Resources for Families

When you visited your aging parents during the holidays, you noticed a few things that worried you – your mom had lost a little weight, 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 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, operations director at 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 that may indicate they need assistance,”

Continue reading Five Signs Your Senior Loved Ones Might Need Help at Home

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Your dad passed away several months ago… leaving your mom alone in the home they shared for more than 50 years. Your friends suggest getting her a pet –  a furry friend that will keep her busy and reduce the risk of loneliness, but you worry a pet will be more work than it’s worth.

“No matter the age, pets have a way of nurturing the mind, body and soul,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “This is especially true for older people who live alone. We’ve seen it with our clients – playing with a dog, petting a cat or even watching a bird can bring a lot of joy to a senior who might be feeling lonely or isolated.”

Continue reading Ten Reasons Older People Need Pets

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