Resources for Families – Page 9 – Trail Ridge Home Care

December 6, 2022

Is Your Mom Eating Healthy Meals?

When you visited your aging mom over the Thanksgiving holiday, you noticed that she let others do the cooking – which is unusual, because she’s always loved preparing big family meals.

Has she lost interest?

Is she having trouble remembering or reading the recipes?

Is arthritis limiting her ability to pick up heavy pots and pans?

What does she do when others aren’t there to help? Are her meals healthy or just convenient?

“There could be many factors at play,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “We know that, for some of our clients, cooking just isn’t fun anymore – especially if they live alone and are just cooking for themselves. For others, limited mobility, cognitive decline and worsening vision can make it more difficult to put a healthy meal on the table and clean up afterward.” Continue reading Is Your Mom Eating Healthy Meals?

November 29, 2022

RSV and the Elderly – What you Need to Know

While we typically hear of outbreaks among babies and small children, adults can also get RSV, and those who are 65 and older are at risk of severe infection. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s estimated that more than 177,000 older adults are hospitalized with RSV infections each year in the United States.

November 22, 2022

To Our Caregivers – Thank You

Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

At Trail Ridge Home Care, we’re committed to elevating the privilege of caregiving – it’s one of our five core values. “Our caregivers are amazing. They’re rock stars. They’re the heart and hands of our organization,” said Jeff Hongslo, chief executive officer of American Baptist Homes of the Midwest (ABHM).“We’re beyond grateful for our team of caregivers who work day-in and day-out to help seniors age safely in their homes for as long as possible. Their compassion and commitment to seniors are second to none.”

November 17, 2022

Enjoying the Holidays with Senior Loved Ones

Resources for Families

“The holidays can be particularly challenging for older loved ones who have memory or mobility issues,” said Teresa Steinfatt, Vice President of Business Performance 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.”

November 8, 2022

Five Tips for Long-Term Care Planning

Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Do you have a long-term care plan? Do family members fully understand the details – where you want to live, where your important documents are, how you plan to pay for the care you might need? It’s estimated that a person turning 65 today has a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care or support as they age. With odds like that, it’s important to prepare for what lies ahead.

October 5, 2022

Ten Tips for Long Distance Caregivers

Resources for Families

If you’re a long-distance caregiver, here are ten tips to help you help overcome some of the challenges.

September 30, 2022

Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

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.

July 6, 2022

The Importance of Socializing for Seniors

Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

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.”

Continue reading The Importance of Socializing for Seniors

July 5, 2022

Mom, Dad – We Need to Talk

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?

“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.”

Continue reading Mom, Dad – We Need to Talk

June 21, 2022

What is Sundowning and What Can You do About it?

Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

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?