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

Have you gotten a flu shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months old and older should get a flu shot, with rare exceptions.

Because our immune systems weaken with age, it’s  especially important for older people to get immunized. In recent years, it’s estimated that between 70 percent and 85 percent of flu-related deaths occurred in people 65 and older and between 50 percent and 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in the 65-plus age group.

Health experts say the best way to protect yourself and your senior from potentially serious complications is with a flu vaccine. Here’s what they want you to know: Continue reading Flu Shot Facts

In the U.S., nearly 7 million people age 65 and older currently have Alzheimer’s disease.  By 2050, that number is expected to double.

“Working with seniors and their families, we understand that just thinking about the possibility of Alzheimer’s is very scary,” said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM.  “That’s why we’re joining with other organizations to raise awareness and challenge the stigma around Alzheimer’s and other dementias.”

Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline of memory, thinking and reasoning skills. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are 10 warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Continue reading Ten Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

We know music is good for the soul, but did you know it’s also good for the mind?

Studies show that music brings our senses to life and stimulates many parts of the brain at the same time, including those that affect language, mood and movement. Through research at the University of California, Davis, experts have even pinpointed the region of the brain which stores memories by linking them to familiar songs and the emotions associated with those memories.

“We’ve seen the reaction from our own family members as well as clients who have some form of dementia – a visible change often takes place when they hear music,” said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM. “If they hear a familiar song, they might sing, dance or clap their hands. It makes them happy and, in many cases, it can lessen aggressive behavior.” Continue reading The Benefits of Music Therapy

Your mom seems to have trouble focusing while reading or watching her favorite television program.

Does she simply need new glasses or could it be something more serious?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 3 million Americans have some form of glaucoma – a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve. When left untreated, it can cause vision loss and even blindness. Continue reading Understanding Glaucoma

Did you know stroke is the third leading cause of death among women and kills more women than men?

Surprised? If so, you’re not alone. Many women are not aware of their risk or the fact that symptoms can present differently in women.

“In recognition of American Stroke Month, we’re joining with other organizations across the country to raise awareness about symptoms and prevention,” said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM.

“Knowing the facts about stroke can help women take steps to protect their health and, if needed, seek treatment.” Continue reading Women and Stroke – What You Need to Know

When it comes to healthy aging, a little exercise goes a long way – especially when it comes to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Experts with the Alzheimer’s Society, analyzed data from 16 studies into exercise and dementia. They found that regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing dementia by about 28%. For Alzheimer’s disease specifically, the risk was reduced by 45%.

“This kind of research is very important” said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM.  “We’re hopeful that one day there will be a cure for dementia, but until then we need to do whatever we can to prevent it.” Continue reading Physical Exercise and Cognitive Decline

Whether it’s tending a large vegetable plot, working in a community garden or planting a few potted pansies, gardening can do wonders for a senior’s overall health and well-being.

“For many seniors, gardening is much more than a hobby. Being outdoors and digging in the dirt is a great way for seniors to improve their physical and emotional health,” said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM. “With a little help, even seniors with limited space, mobility issues or other aging challenges can enjoy the benefits of gardening.”

Here are ten ways your aging loved ones can benefit from gardening: Continue reading Ten Benefits of Gardening

Most people know that dementia is a cruel, but there’s a lot about the disease that people don’t understand.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association:

• Dementia is not a single disease. It’s an overall term to describe a collection of symptoms that one may experience if they are living with a variety of diseases.
• Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia – accounting for 60% – 80% of cases.
• Alzheimer’s disease actually begins 20 or more years before memory loss and other symptoms develop.

Continue reading What is Dementia?