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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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News / Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

To maximize efficiency, some home care organizations rely on remote video- or Zoom-driven caregiver trainings. At the Trail Ridge Home Care we know there’s a better way.

“We believe the difference between a good caregiver and a great caregiver is training,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manger at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner HCAN. “That’s why we provide all of our caregivers with a world-class, hands-on experience before they start working with clients as well as on-going training opportunities to help them remain at the top of their game.”

When you choose to work with Trail Ridge Home Care, you can be confident that your aging loved ones’ caregivers have successfully completed extensive training and are prepared to deliver consistent, compassionate care. Our in-person, hands-on training includes:

Continue reading Our Training Makes the Difference

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

When it comes to falls, the odds are stacked against our aging loved ones.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every four seniors will fall this year – it’s the number one cause of injuries among people age 65 and older,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “Of course, falls often result in injuries, like broken hips, but they can also cause a senior to become fearful or depressed – making it difficult for them to maintain their independence.”

September 18 – 23 is Fall Prevention Awareness Week, so we’re joining with other organizations to share practical tips to reduce the risk of falls. Goetz says there are 10 simple things you can do to help keep your aging loved ones on their feet. Continue reading 10 Tips to Help Seniors Prevent Falls

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Resources for Families

Does your mom’s arthritis make it difficult for her to button a blouse or open a jar of mayonnaise?

Is your dad struggling to read the labels on prescription bottles because of macular degeneration?

“Nearly 85 percent of seniors live with at least one chronic condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and dementia,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “Without support, these conditions can significantly impact a senior’s quality of life and threaten their independence.”

Continue reading Helping Seniors Manage Chronic Conditions

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News / Resources for Families

Looking for something to do when the kids go back to school?

Have you thought about professional caregiving?

At the Trail Ridge Home Care, we offer flexible schedules that that allow busy moms to make extra money and do meaningful work without missing their kids’ school plays, soccer practice or other family events.

Continue reading Professional Caregiving Is The Perfect Career for Busy Moms

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News / Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Did you know that loneliness can pose a health risk as deadly as smoking? It’s a growing concern – one that recently was addressed by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.

“In recent years, about one-in-two adults in America reported experiencing loneliness,” Murthy says in an advisory. “And that was before the COVID-19 pandemic cut off so many of us from friends, loved ones, and support systems.”

Older people are at an increased risk for loneliness and isolation increases for a variety of reasons – driving may no longer possible, mobility issues, chronic illnesses and hearing loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Continue reading Sounding the Alarm About Loneliness

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News / Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Your dad passed away about three months ago, and you’re beginning to realize just how much your mom depended on him.

He did all the driving… now she rarely leaves her home.

He was the cook… now her most of her meals come out of the microwave.

He did the laundry… now she sometimes wears the same outfit day after day.

You know she needs help, but she doesn’t want to leave the home she shared with her husband for more than 60 years.

“This is a very common situation,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “It’s completely understandable that mom or dad wants to remain in the family home – especially after the loss of a spouse. Thankfully, they don’t always need to move to assisted living to get the help they need. Families now have options to help their aging loved ones live safely in their homes for as long as possible – including enlisting the help of a professional caregiver.”

Continue reading What Does an In-Home Caregiver Do?

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

How many prescription drugs do your aging parents take? If they’re like most seniors, they take at least one – probably more.

While medicines can help us live longer and healthier, taking them the wrong way or mixing certain drugs can be dangerous – and, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, as many as 55% of seniors fail to take their medications as prescribed.

“Managing medications can be difficult for a variety of reasons,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN).  “For example, it can be hard for seniors to read the small print on the pill bottles and, seniors who have memory issues, often simply don’t remember to take the right pills at the right time.” Continue reading Ten Tips to Help Manage Meds

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Resources for Families

Your parents have been very clear, repeatedly – they do not want to move to a senior living community… at least not yet.

“An overwhelming majority of seniors want to remain in their homes as they age, and a new study shows they’re doing whatever it takes to make that possible,” said Mark Goetz, co-founder and president of Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “The study, which was conducted by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, found that in 2020 and 2021, more than 1 million homeowners over age 65 made at least one home improvement to make their homes more accessible for those with limited mobility. In fact, older homeowners are now the fastest-growing age group when it comes to total home improvement expenditures.”

While some homes may require major renovations, others may only need a few modifications. Goetz recommends going room by room – looking for potential hazards or ways to make them more senior friendly. Continue reading Making Home Safe for Mom and Dad

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