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Resources for Families

Resources for Families

Struggling to find the perfect holiday gift for the senior who has everything?

It’s even harder when you’re shopping for an aging loved one who has dementia.

“I know from my family’s personal experience that caring for someone with dementia can be challenging – especially as the disease progresses,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “We were always on the lookout for tools, technologies and devices that could improve memory, help with communication and ease anxiety.”

Continue reading 10 Holiday Gift Ideas for People with Dementia

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News / Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

The holiday season brings out the best in most people. But for some, it brings out the worst. Experts say scams targeting older people ramp up this time of year, because seniors are typically more vulnerable and more charitable around the holidays.

“Seniors who live alone, have memory issues or don’t understand technology are especially vulnerable,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN).“Unfortunately, the holiday season provides many opportunities for scammers to prey on older people – turning what’s supposed to be the most joyous time of the year into a nightmare.” Continue reading ’Tis the Season for Holiday Scams

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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 she’s becoming more and more frail. You worry that she may not be able to make it and, if she does, that she 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 Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “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 and not burdensome.”

Continue reading Helping Senior Loved Ones Enjoy the Holidays

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News / Resources for Families

Did you know…

  • Across the U.S., nearly 38 million Americans (about 11% of the population) are taking care of loved ones with chronic, disabling or serious health conditions.
  • 60% of family caregivers also have full- or part-time jobs.
  • 30% of all caregivers are caring for two generations.
  • 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 and AARP

“Family caregivers are super stars,” said Mark Goetz, co-founder and president of Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “These statistics show that while caring for an older loved one is extremely rewarding, it can also be challenging and exhausting.” Continue reading Honoring Family Caregivers

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Few people deserve our respect and gratitude more than the brave men and women who served in the military. At Trail Ridge Home Care and our partner organization HomeCare Advocacy Network, we’re proud and privileged to care for older veterans and their family members – giving them the care and support they need to age safely and with dignity.

As we honor a veterans on November 11, we hope you’ll join us by showing appreciation for the older veteran in your life. Here are a few ideas:

Continue reading Ten Ways to Honor Older Veterans This Veterans Day

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Resources for Families

You missed an important meeting at work, because your mom fell in the shower.

You left your son’s big soccer game to take your dad to a doctor’s appointment.

You forgot to make cookies for your daughter’s school bake sale, because you were busy making dinner for your aging parents.

If this sounds like your life, you’re not alone.

A new report from AARP shows that there are 38 million family caregivers in the U.S. and they spent more than 36 billion hours caring for adults with chronic, disabling or serious health conditions. Other findings include: Continue reading 7 Ways to Manage Caregiver Stress

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Resources for Families

When is the last time you enjoyed a meal with your aging loved ones?

Research shows that seniors who regularly dine with friends and family tend to eat more and make healthier choices. More importantly, most older adults say they feel happier and more fulfilled when eating with others.

“Sharing a meal is about so much more than eating food,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “If your senior has  companionship during mealtimes, they’re more likely to be happy and healthy. It’s also an important way to help them maintain their independence.” Continue reading More Than a Meal on the Menu

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News / Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

To maximize efficiency, some home care organizations rely on remote video- or Zoom-driven caregiver trainings. At the Trail Ridge Home Care we know there’s a better way.

“We believe the difference between a good caregiver and a great caregiver is training,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manger at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner HCAN. “That’s why we provide all of our caregivers with a world-class, hands-on experience before they start working with clients as well as on-going training opportunities to help them remain at the top of their game.”

When you choose to work with Trail Ridge Home Care, you can be confident that your aging loved ones’ caregivers have successfully completed extensive training and are prepared to deliver consistent, compassionate care. Our in-person, hands-on training includes:

Continue reading Our Training Makes the Difference

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

When it comes to falls, the odds are stacked against our aging loved ones.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every four seniors will fall this year – it’s the number one cause of injuries among people age 65 and older,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “Of course, falls often result in injuries, like broken hips, but they can also cause a senior to become fearful or depressed – making it difficult for them to maintain their independence.”

September 18 – 23 is Fall Prevention Awareness Week, so we’re joining with other organizations to share practical tips to reduce the risk of falls. Goetz says there are 10 simple things you can do to help keep your aging loved ones on their feet. Continue reading 10 Tips to Help Seniors Prevent Falls

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Resources for Families

Does your mom’s arthritis make it difficult for her to button a blouse or open a jar of mayonnaise?

Is your dad struggling to read the labels on prescription bottles because of macular degeneration?

“Nearly 85 percent of seniors live with at least one chronic condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and dementia,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “Without support, these conditions can significantly impact a senior’s quality of life and threaten their independence.”

Continue reading Helping Seniors Manage Chronic Conditions

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