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Resources for Families

Balancing Work and Caregiving: The Challenges Family Caregivers Face

Balancing work and caregiving can be overwhelming. If you’ve ever had to reschedule a meeting to care for an aging parent or worry about your job security due to family caregiver responsibilities, you’re not alone. Many working professionals struggle with the demands of family caregiver support while managing a career. Home care services can offer relief by providing professional assistance, allowing you to focus on both your loved one’s well-being and your professional growth.

Research shows that one-in-five full time workers is also a family caregiver – providing care on a regular basis for a family member or friend who is aging, has a serious illness or has a disability. According to Working While Caring: A National Survey of Caregiver Stress in the U.S. Workforce, many of these full-time workers must go to part-time status or quit altogether due to their caregiving responsibilities. Continue reading Balancing Work and Caregiving: Family Caregiver Support & Home Care Services

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Why Home Care Matters for Seniors

You, your brothers and sisters agree… If mom is going to continue to live in her home, she will need help with day-to-day activities.

“If your loved one wants to remain at home but needs assistance with daily activities, you may be wondering—what is home care? Home care provides essential support for seniors, helping them with tasks like meal preparation, personal care, and medication reminders,” said said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM. “It’s a great alternative to assisted living, offering independence and peace of mind for families.”

What Is Home Care? Understanding Its Role in Senior Care

Home care is a vital service that helps individuals maintain their independence at home. It provides support for daily living activities and medical needs. Continue reading What Is Home Care? A Complete Guide to Senior Support Services

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News / Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

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

Understanding the Impact of Mealtime Companionship on Seniors

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 Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM. “If your senior has companionship during mealtimes, they’re more likely to be happy and healthy. It’s also an important way to keep loneliness at bay and help them maintain their independence.” Continue reading Enhancing Mealtime for Seniors: Tips for Companionship and Nutrition

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News / Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

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?

Understanding Chronic Health Issues in Seniors

“Nearly 85 percent of seniors live with at least one chronic condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and dementia,” said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM.  “Without support, these conditions can significantly impact a senior’s quality of life and threaten their independence.”

The Role of Caregivers in Managing Health Conditions

While Trail Ridge Home Care’s professional, in-home caregivers do not provide medical care, they can help seniors manage chronic conditions by offering assistance with day-to-day tasks, including:

Key Services Offered by Caregivers

Medication Management for Seniors

Seniors with chronic conditions typically take multiple medications, and taking the right dose at the right time is critical to their overall health and well-being. We help seniors organize their medications, set reminders and ensure they’re taken as prescribed. Continue reading Support for Seniors: How Caregivers Help Manage Chronic Health Conditions

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Understanding the Transition: Why Seniors Stop Driving

Your dad recently stopped driving, and now he rarely leaves his house. You worry that the isolation will lead to loneliness and depression.

Your mom has missed several doctors appointments, because no one was available to drive her.

You want to help, but it’s all you can do to keep up with work and your busy family’s activities.

What can you do?

“At Trail Ridge Home Care, we understand the challenges that arise when seniors give up their car keys,” said said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM.  “They still have places they need or want to be, but friends and family members may not always be available to take them. That’s why we offer transportation services. With our help, seniors are able to continue living busy lives without relying on family members, friends or public transportation.”

The Role of Transportation Services in Senior Care

The benefits of our transportation services include: Continue reading Navigating Life After Driving: 5 Benefits of Transportation Services for Seniors

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

It’s American Heart Month – a time when the nation shines a spotlight on heart health.

While important at any age, taking steps to keep your heart healthy is critical for older people. That’s because, physical changes that happen with age may increase the risk of heart disease. The good news… there are things you can right now do to protect your heart and lower your risk of disease, including:

Understanding Your Risk Factors for Heart Disease

The first step toward heart health is understanding the factors that may increase your risk for heart disease. For example, people age 65 and older are at greater risk, because aging changes the heart and blood vessels. While age and family history are risk factors you can’t control, many others can be managed – including blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, exercise and diet. Continue reading American Heart Month: 10 Simple Ways to Boost Your Heart Health

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Understanding the Desire to Age in Place

Your mom is becoming more and more frail. You’ve suggested a move to a senior living community – a place that can meet her growing health needs – but she refuses to even think about it.

What now?

The Importance of In-Home Care Services

“An overwhelming majority of older adults want to remain in their homes as they age,” said said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM.  “Not that long ago, that wasn’t an option for many seniors – especially those with chronic conditions or memory loss. Today, there are many in-home services available to help seniors live safely and comfortably in their homes for as long as possible.”

Types of In-Home Care Services Available

The different types of home care include: Continue reading Aging in Place: The Different Types of In-Home Care

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News / Resources for Families

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

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

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.

Understanding the Impact of Loneliness on Older Adults

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

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Resources for Families

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.

Why Aging Parents Often Resist Help

“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

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