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News / Resources for Families

Do you have aging loved ones who are living with diabetes?

A chronic condition, diabetes affects how the body turns food into energy. It occurs when the pancreases is no longer able to make insulin or when the body can’t make good use of the insulin it produces. Over time, diabetes can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, kidney disease and vision loss.

According to the American Diabetes Association:

  • Approximately 37.3 million Americans (11.3%) have diabetes
  • More than 15.9 million seniors (29.2%) have diabetes
  • Nearly 1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year
  • Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.
  • By 2050, it’s estimated that cases in older women will rise by 270% and older men by 430%

“Although there is no cure, there are things you can do to help your senior loved ones manage their diabetes and continue to live independently in their homes,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “If family members or friends aren’t available to help, you might want to consider hiring an in-home professional caregiver – someone who will consistently deliver services needed to help your loved ones stay on top of prescribed dietary, exercise and medication regimens.” Continue reading Five Ways Home Care Can Help Seniors Living with Diabetes

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

While caring for an aging loved one can be very rewarding, it can also be very challenging – especially if your loved one has Alzheimer’s or a related dementia.

“For those who have never cared for a family member or friend with the disease, it can be overwhelming,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “With Alzheimer’s disease or any other form of dementia, there are many questions, but few answers. There’s a lot of uncertainty – so many unknowns. It can be very scary.”

Continue reading Seven Tips to Help Care for Someone With Alzheimer’s

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Your aging mom is recovering from an unexpected surgery.

The hospital is ready to discharge her, but your dad is too frail to safely take care of her at home.

You want to help… but you live more than an hour away, have a demanding job and a busy family – so, there’s no way you can’t be her full-time caregiver.

What can you do?

“We work with a lot of families who are in similar situations. They’re eager for their loved ones to return home, recover and resume normal routines, but they aren’t prepared for the challenges that come with the hospital to home transition,” said Teresa Steinfatt, vice president of business performance at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “For those families, home care is a great option.”

Continue reading Hospital to Home – How a Professional Caregiver Can Aid in the Transition

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Home modifications, like installing grab bars in the shower, are typically necessary for seniors who want to remain in their homes as they age. For those living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, they’re especially important.

“Because dementia physically changes the brain, reasoning, judgement and decision-making can be seriously impaired. As the disease progresses, a person living with dementia may not be able to recognize common home hazards, or they could use basic household items in dangerous ways,” said Sierra Goetz, operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “However, with a few simple modifications, you can help loved ones living with dementia remain safely in their homes for as long as possible.” Continue reading Home Safety Tips for People Living with Dementia

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Did your aging loved ones enjoy a few too many sweet treats over the holidays?

“It’s not uncommon for people of all ages to put on an extra pound or two during holidays,” said Sierra Goetz, operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “However, for older people it can be difficult to get rid of that extra weight – especially when winter weather limits outdoor activities.” Continue reading Winter Weather Exercises for Seniors

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Resources for Families

Are you a member of the sandwich generation – someone who is raising children while, at the same time, caring for aging parents? If so, you know that you have to make the most of every minute in every day.

“Caring for children can be tiring. Caring for older loved ones can be challenging. Caring for both at the same time… well, that can be exhausting,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “To help lighten the load, we encourage families to involve their children, especially the older ones, to help care for their grandparents.”

Continue reading How Children Can Help With Caregiving

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

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

“The cold weather months present some significant challenges for older adults,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager 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.” Continue reading Tips to Keep Your Senior Safe This Winter

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

For most of us, this is most wonderful time of the year. Unfortunately, for many seniors, it’s the worst.

“Instead of joy and excitement, the holidays can trigger bouts of sadness and loneliness for seniors – especially if they live alone,” said Teresa Steinfatt, vice president of business performance at the Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “During the holidays, feelings for lost loved ones and family members who live far away are often magnified. They also may struggle with shopping, decorating, baking and other traditional activities, which reminds them that they’re getting older and more frail.” Continue reading Beating the Holiday Blues

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News / Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Each year, millions of older Americans fall victim to some type of financial fraud. According to a report from the Federal Trade Commission, older adults were scammed out of more than $1 billion last year – losing an average of $32,200.

“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 Protecting Your Senior from Holiday Scams

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Resources for Families

Still searching for the perfect holiday gift for your senior loved ones?

We know that coming up with holiday gift ideas for older people can be challenging – especially if they insist they don’t need anything. So, we’ve compiled a list of useful items that might help them with everyday tasks and challenges – allowing them to remain safely in their homes as they age. Continue reading Holiday Gift Ideas for Seniors

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