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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Worsening eyesight, arthritis, memory loss and other age-related conditions can make even the simplest day-to-day tasks a little challenging – especially for seniors who live alone.

“We know an overwhelming majority of seniors want to remain in their homes as they age, but sometimes they need a little help to do that,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “The good news – you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a big difference.”

Here are ten simple things you can do to make it easier for your aging loved ones to successfully navigate the challenges of aging, while reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Continue reading 10 Tips and Tricks That Will Make Life Easier for Seniors

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Resources for Families

When you visit your aging dad, he’s usually doing the same thing – sitting in the recliner watching Gunsmoke re-runs.

Is that normal?

“While it’s important for seniors to be active and engaged, many settle into a routine that’s hard to break – even when people visit,” said Sierra Goetz, operations director at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “The next time you visit, try giving your loved one a little push to do something different – something that will engage their mind and/or body while making special memories with you.”

Here are ten things you and your senior can do to make the most of your time together.

Continue reading 10 Fun Activities to Engage Your Aging Loved Ones

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Resources for Families

Struggling to find the perfect holiday gift for the senior who has everything?

It’s even harder when you’re shopping for an aging loved one who has dementia.

“I know from my family’s personal experience that caring for someone with dementia can be challenging – especially as the disease progresses,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “We were always on the lookout for tools, technologies and devices that could improve memory, help with communication and ease anxiety.”

Continue reading 10 Holiday Gift Ideas for People with Dementia

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News / Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

The holiday season brings out the best in most people. But for some, it brings out the worst. Experts say scams targeting older people ramp up this time of year, because seniors are typically more vulnerable and more charitable around the holidays.

“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 ’Tis the Season for Holiday Scams

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Resources for Families

You’ve been gathering with family members to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas for as long as you can remember… but this year, things are different.

Your mom’s dementia is worsening, and she’s becoming more and more frail. You worry that she may not be able to make it and, if she does, that she won’t enjoy the family gathering.

What should you do?

“The holidays can be particularly challenging for older loved ones who have memory or mobility issues,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director 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.”

Continue reading Helping Senior Loved Ones Enjoy the Holidays

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News / Resources for Families

Did you know…

  • Across the U.S., nearly 38 million Americans (about 11% of the population) are taking care of loved ones with chronic, disabling or serious health conditions.
  • 60% of family caregivers also have full- or part-time jobs.
  • 30% of all caregivers are caring for two generations.
  • The majority of caregivers (82%) care for one other adult, while 15% care for 2 adults and 3% for 3 or more adults.
  • About 15.7 million family caregivers care for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.
  • Upwards of 75% of all caregivers are female.
  • Family caregivers spend an average of 24.4 hours per week providing care. Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers spends 41 hours or more per week providing care.
  • On average, caregivers spend 13 days each month on tasks such as shopping, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, transportation and medication management.
  • The average age of a family caregiver is 49.2 years old.
  • The average age of a care recipient is 69.4 years old – with 47% of recipients age 75 or older.
  • The average duration of a caregiver’s role is 4 years.

*Source – Family Caregiver Alliance and AARP

“Family caregivers are super stars,” said Mark Goetz, co-founder and president of Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “These statistics show that while caring for an older loved one is extremely rewarding, it can also be challenging and exhausting.” Continue reading Honoring Family Caregivers

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Few people deserve our respect and gratitude more than the brave men and women who served in the military. At Trail Ridge Home Care and our partner organization HomeCare Advocacy Network, we’re proud and privileged to care for older veterans and their family members – giving them the care and support they need to age safely and with dignity.

As we honor a veterans on November 11, we hope you’ll join us by showing appreciation for the older veteran in your life. Here are a few ideas:

Continue reading Ten Ways to Honor Older Veterans This Veterans Day

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Resources for Families

You missed an important meeting at work, because your mom fell in the shower.

You left your son’s big soccer game to take your dad to a doctor’s appointment.

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

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

A new report from AARP shows that there are 38 million family caregivers in the U.S. and they spent more than 36 billion hours caring for adults with chronic, disabling or serious health conditions. Other findings include: Continue reading 7 Ways to Manage Caregiver Stress

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Resources for Families

When is the last time you enjoyed a meal with your aging loved ones?

Research shows that seniors who regularly dine with friends and family tend to eat more and make healthier choices. More importantly, most older adults say they feel happier and more fulfilled when eating with others.

“Sharing a meal is about so much more than eating food,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “If your senior has  companionship during mealtimes, they’re more likely to be happy and healthy. It’s also an important way to help them maintain their independence.” Continue reading More Than a Meal on the Menu

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News

How bad will flu season be this year?

Because there has been significant flu activity in the Southern Hemisphere, experts say flu season in the U.S. could be severe – starting as early as October, peaking between December and February and possibly extending through May.

Doctors say one way to avoid the flu is to get the annual shot, which lowers the risk of getting infected or becoming severely sick from the flu. They say it’s especially important for older adults, because they are at higher risk of complications. It’s estimated that 70% – 80% of flu-related deaths and 50% – 70% of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 and older.

Here’s what experts want you to know:

Continue reading What You Need to Know About the 2023-2024 Flu Season

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