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Resources for Seniors

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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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 / 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 / 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.”

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