Do you know if they have living wills, health care powers of attorney or do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders? An advance directive is a legal document that goes into effect only if a person is incapacitated and unable to speak for themselves. It helps others know what type of medical care they want – or don’t want.
Whether it’s playing a game of Scrabble with a grandchild or enjoying lunch with a best friend, there’s just something special about being around people you love.
“Socialization is important at any age, but it’s critical for older adults – especially for those who live alone,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager for Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “Research shows spending time with family and friends can boost a senior’s quality of life – including their physical and mental health.”
Mom can no longer keep up with household chores – beds are unmade, there’s expired food in the fridge and unopened mail on the counter.
Dad spends less time with his friends and more time sitting in his recliner.
Is it time to suggest in-home care?
“It’s never easy to admit that you need help with day-to-day activities — especially for seniors, because they worry it’s the first step toward losing their independence,” said Teresa Steinfatt, vice president of Business Performance at Trail Ridge Home Care partner HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “While care conversations can be very challenging, it’s important to have them before a crisis occurs.”
If you’re caring for a loved with with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you may have noticed an increase in confusion, anxiety or even aggression at the end of the day. This type of late day confusion is often referred to as sundowning.
“Sundowning is not a disease itself – it’s a group of symptoms that is marked by signs of anxiety, sadness, confusion, irritation and pacing or wandering,” said Linda Lundeen, Care Advocate Success Trainer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “It’s called sundowning, because behavior change typically starts around dinner time and often continues into the night.”
Continue reading What is Sundowning and What Can You do About it?
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