ABHM Names Annette Greely as new ABHM President & CEO

Tudor Oaks Home Care’s parent company American Baptist Homes of the Midwest (ABHM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Annette Greely as the new President and Chief Executive Officer. Annette is stepping into the role of retiring CEO, Jeff Hongslo. Annette brings more than 20 years progressive leadership to ABHM with extensive experience … Read more

Avoiding Alzheimer’s Burnout

Your dad got the diagnosis no one wants to hear – Alzheimer’s disease.

It’s heartbreaking to watch him fall victim to confusion and memory loss.

The fear that he will wander off or have an accident is overwhelming.

His mood swings and unpredictable behavior are exhausting.

“Caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease is a job with no off-time – you’re on duty 24/7, 365 days a year. It can be emotionally, physically and mentally draining,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “Burnout is a very real thing. Most caregivers try to do it all, and that can take a heavy toll. It’s important to understand the warning signs and seek out help if you suspect you’re burning out.”

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Alzheimer’s and Dementia – Tips for Better Communication

Communicating with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia can be challenging.

“Alzheimer’s is a cruel disease. It robs people of so much – including the ability to clearly communicate and understand what friends and loved ones are saying,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “The inability to communicate can be frustrating for everyone, so it’s important to have patience, good listening skills and different strategies.”

The Alzheimer’s Association offers the following advice to aid communication in every stage of the disease.

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Helping Loved Ones With Dementia Get the Nutrition They Need

If you’re caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, you know that encouraging them to eat nutritious meals can be a daily challenge – especially during the middle and late stages of the disease.

“We work with many families who are experiencing this challenge,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “Refusal to eat can be caused by a number of things – there could be a medical condition, they may not recognize that food is something to eat, they may have lost the sense of hunger and thirst or they might get distracted at mealtime. Whatever the reason, it’s important to find ways to ensure they get the nutrition they need.”

The Alzheimer’s Association offers the following tips to help make mealtimes a little more calm and comfortable:

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Alzheimer’s Disease By The Numbers

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 Tudor Oaks 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.”

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