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.
Winter weather is on the way, so now is a good time to prepare your senior’s home for the cold, snowy days that lie ahead. Here’s a checklist to get you started.
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.
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.”
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?
Does your mom still have decorative throw rugs scattered around her home?
Is your dad’s living room cluttered with magazines, newspapers, books and other items?
Do you worry that your aging loved one’s shower may not be safe?
If you answered yes to any one of those questions, your senior’s home is probably not aging friendly.
Continue reading Home Safety Month: Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
Each year in the United States, more than 5 million people are treated for skin cancer – with most cases found in people age 65 and older.
“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, many of whom have thinner skin, the risk is much higher.”
If you’re like most people, you want to remain in your home as you get older… but according to a new poll, you probably aren’t fully prepared to age in place.
New findings University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging suggest many people in their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s need to do more to modify their homes or plan for services they many need if they want to avoid or delay a move.
Every 40 seconds, someone in America has a stroke.
Every 3.5 minutes, someone dies of a stroke.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain can’t get the blood and oxygen it needs, so the brain cells die. Stroke is the number five cause of death and a leading cause of serious disability nationwide and around the world – but it doesn’t have to be. According to the American Stroke Association, 80 percent of strokes may be preventable.
The lingering COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on everyone – especially older adults. According to an AARP Foundation report, two-thirds of adults reported experience social isolation and high levels of anxiety since the beginning of the pandemic. And, unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent loneliness.
The good news is that there are things you can do to improve your senior loved one’s mental health and help them keep a positive outlook on life. Experts suggest you do the following:
Continue reading Ten Ways to Boost Your Senior’s Mental Health