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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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News / Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

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:

  • more than five times more likely than younger groups of people to report losing money to a tech support scam.
  • almost three times as likely to report a loss to a prize, lottery or sweepstakes scam.
  • approximately 53% more likely to report losing money to a friend or family impersonation scam.

“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

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Resources for Families

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?

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Resources for Families

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

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Resources for Families

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

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

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

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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 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

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News / Resources for Families

Did you know…

  • More than 34 million Americans have provided unpaid care for an adult age 50 for older last 12 months.
  • 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

“Family caregivers are super stars,” said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM. “These statistics show that, while caring for an older loved one is extremely rewarding, it can also be challenging and exhausting.” Continue reading Family Caregiving Fast Facts

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

While it can sometimes be challenging, more and more seniors are turning to technology to help them remain in their homes as they age.

“Certainly, nothing replaces the personal touch, but technology can help improve seniors’ lives and help them age a little more gracefully” said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM.  “It can also give their families much needed peace of mind.”

A new U.S. News and World Report survey, shows an overwhelming majority of seniors (93%) consider aging in place an “important goal”. To accomplish that goal, about half (49%) are adopting assistive technologies at home.

According to the report, the top reasons why survey respondents have started using assistive or health-related technologies are: Continue reading Aging in Place With the Help of Technology

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