Does your mom still have decorative throw rugs scattered around her home?
Is your dad’s living room cluttered with magazines, newspapers, books and other items?
Do you worry that your aging loved one’s shower may not be safe?
If you answered yes to any one of those questions, your senior’s home is probably not aging friendly.
Continue reading Home Safety Month: Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
Each year in the United States, more than 5 million people are treated for skin cancer – with most cases found in people age 65 and older.
“Summer is here, which means we’ll all be spending more time outdoors soaking up the sunshine,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “While sun exposure does have benefits – including mood improvement – too much exposure can be harmful. For seniors, many of whom have thinner skin, the risk is much higher.”
Every 40 seconds, someone in America has a stroke.
Every 3.5 minutes, someone dies of a stroke.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain can’t get the blood and oxygen it needs, so the brain cells die. Stroke is the number five cause of death and a leading cause of serious disability nationwide and around the world – but it doesn’t have to be. According to the American Stroke Association, 80 percent of strokes may be preventable.
Are your senior loved ones traveling with you on this summer’s family vacation?
“Lots of great memories are made on summer road trips, so it’s wonderful when grandma and grandpa are able to travel with the rest of the family,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “If your senior has health issues or limited mobility, travel may be challenging – but it’s not impossible. Taking a few extra steps before you hit the road can help you overcome many of those travel challenges.”
The lingering COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on everyone – especially older adults. According to an AARP Foundation report, two-thirds of adults reported experience social isolation and high levels of anxiety since the beginning of the pandemic. And, unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent loneliness.
The good news is that there are things you can do to improve your senior loved one’s mental health and help them keep a positive outlook on life. Experts suggest you do the following:
Continue reading Ten Ways to Boost Your Senior’s Mental Health
When you visited over the holidays, you noticed things weren’t quite right with your mom – there was spoiled food in the refrigerator, stacks of unopened mail and stains on her usually very nice clothes. It’s clear to you that she needs a little extra help at home… but your brothers and sisters don’t agree. So, now what?
Continue reading Ten Tips to Help Siblings Have Positive Caregiving Discussions
As winter turns to spring, we start worrying less about ice and snow and more about severe weather.
“Whether it’s damaging thunderstorms, flash flooding, or tornadoes, it’s important to prepare for whatever Mother Nature throws at us – especially if you have aging loved ones,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “Many seniors don’t move as quickly as they used to, because of physical limitations or memory issues. That’s why it’s important for families to take a few extra steps to help their aging loved ones prepare for severe weather – especially if they live alone,”
Continue reading Weathering the Storm – Helping Your Senior Stay Safe in Severe Weather
Are you feeling overwhelmed or worried?
Have you lost interest in activities you used to enjoy?
Are you sleeping too much or too little?
“Caring for an aging loved one can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be very challenging,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “When you’re taking care of someone else, it’s easy to forget about your own health and wellbeing. Neglecting your own needs could lead to caregiver burnout.”
It’s one of the hardest things older people have to do – give up their car keys.
“It’s one of the most difficult discussions that families will have with senior loved ones because they equate driving with independence,” said Mark Goetz, co-founder, and president of the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “There is no magic number – no set age when people should stop driving. However, we know that many seniors drive, on average, seven to ten years longer than they probably should.” Continue reading When Should Your Senior Loved One Stop Driving?