Are you looking for a flexible schedule that will allow you to be home with your children before and after school or take your aging loved ones to doctor’s appointments?
Do you need a part-time job while finishing your education?
Are you a retired professional looking for a meaningful way to give back to others in your community?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, a career in caregiving might be for you. Continue reading Five Reasons Why You Should Become a Caregiver
Your mom lives alone and no longer drives.
She rarely leaves the house and has lost connections with friends and no longer participates in activities that she used to love.
You worry about her spending too much time alone – and with good reason.
Older people are at an increased risk for loneliness and isolation increases for a variety of reasons – driving may no longer be possible, mobility issues, chronic illnesses and hearing loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Continue reading Combating Loneliness in Older Adults: Strategies for Connection and Well-Being
Your mom didn’t tell you about a nasty fall.
Your dad won’t give up his car keys.
Both parents shut down when you try to start a conversation about long-term living options.
“It’s something we see a lot – aging parents who resist help, because they view it as a threat to their independence,” said said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM. “For decades, they’ve been able to do things for themselves and other family members – working, running errands, babysitting, managing money, etc. It’s hard for them to admit they now need help with day-to-day activities, and they don’t want to be a burden to family and friends. Continue reading Navigating Conversations: 10 Essential Tips for Supporting Aging Parents Who Resist Help
Learn the importance of home care, why home care is better than alternatives, and how home health services improve senior lives
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:
“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
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?
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
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
Your mom is being discharged from the hospital after an unexpected surgery. The social worker assigned to her case says she’ll need home health and home care services in order to continue recovering at home.
Why does she need both?
“People often think home care and home health are the same thing,” said said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM. “While they do have some similarities, they are not interchangeable, and it’s important t for families to understand the differences.” Continue reading Home Health vs. Home Care: Understanding the Key Differences and Benefits for Senior Recovery
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 your dad has become very frail. You worry that they may not be able to make it to the celebration and, if they do, that they 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 Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM. “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… not burdensome.”
Blilie offers these tips to help you and your family make the holidays joyous for everyone. Continue reading Helping Your Aging Loved Ones Enjoy the Holidays