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Resources for Families

Resources for Families

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?

Aging parents

“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 Sierra Goetz, operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “While care conversations can be very challenging, it’s important to have them before a crisis occurs.” Continue reading Mom, Dad – We Need to Talk

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Resources for Families

While winter can be a wonderland, it’s important to remember that colder temperatures, ice, snow and hours of darkness can pose serious risks for older adults.

“The cold weather months present some significant challenges for older adults,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “As temperatures drop, seniors are more at risk for falls, hypothermia and the flu. It’s important to be aware of the hazards and take steps to help keep your aging loved ones safe and warm.”

Understanding Winter Risks for Seniors

Seasonal hazards to watch for include: Continue reading Keeping Your Senior Safe This Winter

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News / Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

More than 60 million women in the U.S. are living with some form of heart disease.

Heart disease and stroke can affect a woman at any age.

Heart disease is the number one killer of women – it’s responsible for 1 in every 5 female deaths.

Only about half of women living in the U.S. understand that heart disease is their number one killer.

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. Continue reading Women and Heart Disease – Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

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Resources for Families

Your dad is sleeping more than usual.

Your mom has lost interest in Bingo and other activities she used to love.

Is it just the winter blues or could it be something more serious?

“The winter months can be hard for seniors. The days are cold and gray and, if there’s snow or ice on the ground, it’s hard for them to get out and about – especially if there are mobility issues,” said Sierra Goetz, operations director at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “While quick bouts of the winter blues are common, it’s important to watch for signs that it could be something more serious.” Continue reading 10 Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder

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Resources for Families

When you visited your aging parents during the holidays, you noticed a few things that worried you – your mom had lost a little weight, 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 her 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 Sierra Goetz, operations director at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “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,”

Continue reading Five Signs Your Senior Loved Ones Might Need Help at Home

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Your dad passed away several months ago… leaving your mom alone in the home they shared for more than 50 years. Your friends suggest getting her a pet –  a furry friend that will keep her busy and reduce the risk of loneliness, but you worry a pet will be more work than it’s worth.

“No matter the age, pets have a way of nurturing the mind, body and soul,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “This is especially true for older people who live alone. We’ve seen it with our clients – playing with a dog, petting a cat or even watching a bird can bring a lot of joy to a senior who might be feeling lonely or isolated.”

Continue reading Ten Reasons Older People Need Pets

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Worsening eyesight, arthritis, memory loss and other age-related conditions can make even the simplest day-to-day tasks a little challenging – especially for seniors who live alone.

“We know an overwhelming majority of seniors want to remain in their homes as they age, but sometimes they need a little help to do that,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “The good news – you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a big difference.”

Here are ten simple things you can do to make it easier for your aging loved ones to successfully navigate the challenges of aging, while reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Continue reading 10 Tips and Tricks That Will Make Life Easier for Seniors

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Resources for Families

When you visit your aging dad, he’s usually doing the same thing – sitting in the recliner watching Gunsmoke re-runs.

Is that normal?

“While it’s important for seniors to be active and engaged, many settle into a routine that’s hard to break – even when people visit,” said Sierra Goetz, operations director at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “The next time you visit, try giving your loved one a little push to do something different – something that will engage their mind and/or body while making special memories with you.”

Here are ten things you and your senior can do to make the most of your time together.

Continue reading 10 Fun Activities to Engage Your Aging Loved Ones

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