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Resources for Seniors

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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News / Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Did you know that loneliness can pose a health risk as deadly as smoking? It’s a growing concern – one that recently was addressed by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.

“In recent years, about one-in-two adults in America reported experiencing loneliness,” Murthy says in an advisory. “And that was before the COVID-19 pandemic cut off so many of us from friends, loved ones, and support systems.”

Older people are at an increased risk for loneliness and isolation increases for a variety of reasons – driving may no longer possible, mobility issues, chronic illnesses and hearing loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Continue reading Sounding the Alarm About Loneliness

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News / Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Your dad passed away about three months ago, and you’re beginning to realize just how much your mom depended on him.

He did all the driving… now she rarely leaves her home.

He was the cook… now her most of her meals come out of the microwave.

He did the laundry… now she sometimes wears the same outfit day after day.

You know she needs help, but she doesn’t want to leave the home she shared with her husband for more than 60 years.

“This is a very common situation,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “It’s completely understandable that mom or dad wants to remain in the family home – especially after the loss of a spouse. Thankfully, they don’t always need to move to assisted living to get the help they need. Families now have options to help their aging loved ones live safely in their homes for as long as possible – including enlisting the help of a professional caregiver.”

Continue reading What Does an In-Home Caregiver Do?

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

How many prescription drugs do your aging parents take? If they’re like most seniors, they take at least one – probably more.

While medicines can help us live longer and healthier, taking them the wrong way or mixing certain drugs can be dangerous – and, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, as many as 55% of seniors fail to take their medications as prescribed.

“Managing medications can be difficult for a variety of reasons,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN).  “For example, it can be hard for seniors to read the small print on the pill bottles and, seniors who have memory issues, often simply don’t remember to take the right pills at the right time.” Continue reading Ten Tips to Help Manage Meds

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

As the temperature rises, so does the risk for heat-related problems – especially for older adults.

“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, the risk of heat- and humidity-related problems is much higher.”

Below are ten tips to help you and your aging loved ones beat summer’s sweltering heat.

Continue reading 10 Summer Safety Tips for Seniors

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News / Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Did you know that Alzheimer’s disease actually begins 20 or more years before memory loss and other symptoms develop?

“Most people know that Alzheimer’s is a cruel disease, but there’s a lot about the disease that people don’t understand,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, so we’re joining other organizations to educate people about Alzheimer’s and share information about available resources and support.” Continue reading Alzheimer’s Disease By The Numbers

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News / Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Did you know that arthritis isn’t a single disease? The term actually refers to joint pain or joint disease, and there are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions.

May is recognized annually as Arthritis Awareness Month – an opportunity for us to join the Arthritis Foundation and other organizations to share information about arthritis and ways you can treat or manage it.

Here are some fast facts from the Arthritis Foundation: Continue reading Fast Facts About Arthritis

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News / Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

Whether it’s tending a large vegetable plot, working in a community garden, or planting a few potted pansies, gardening can do wonders for a senior’s overall health and well-being.

More Than A Hobby

“For many seniors, gardening is much more than a hobby. Being outdoors and digging in the dirt is a great way for seniors to improve their physical and emotional health,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “With a little help, even seniors with limited space, mobility, or other aging struggles can enjoy the benefits of gardening.”

Here are a few ways your aging loved ones can benefit from gardening:

Continue reading Senior Green Thumbs – The Benefits of Gardening

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Resources for Families / Resources for Seniors

The last time you visited your mom, you noticed something was off. Maybe she was a little more forgetful than usual or she struggled to get out of a chair. Perhaps you spied an unopened stack of mail or an unexplained dent in her car.

Although subtle, these can be signs that your mom 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, co-founder and operations manager of 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 the signs that may indicate they need assistance,”

Continue reading Does Your Loved One Need a Caregiver?

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