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You may have heard the heartbreaking news – actor Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

“FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone,” his family said in a statement sharing the diagnosis. “For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, FTD is caused by a group of disorders that gradually damage the brain’s frontal lobes (the areas behind your forehead) and/or its temporal lobes (the regions behind your ears). There are three types of FTD: Continue reading What is Frontotemporal Dementia?

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Resources for Seniors

Your mom didn’t tell you about a nasty fall.

Your dad won’t give up his car keys.

Both parents shut down when you try to start a conversation about long-term living options.

“It’s something we see a lot – seniors resisting any kind of assistance, because they view it as a threat to their independence,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “For decades, they’ve been able to do things for themselves and other family members – working, running errands, babysitting, managing money, etc. It’s hard for them to admit they now need help with day-to-day activities, and they don’t want to be a burden to family and friends.

Continue reading 7 Ways to Help Your Seniors Remain Independent

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Resources for Families

Your mom lives alone and no longer drives.

She rarely leaves the house and has lost connections with friends and activities that she used to love.

You worry about her spending too much time alone – and with good reason.

According to the National Institute on Aging, isolation and loneliness are associated with higher risks for a number of health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity. And now results from a new National Health and Aging Trends study suggest it also increases the likelihood of developing dementia. Continue reading Social Isolation and Dementia

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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 Tudor Oaks 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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News / Resources for Families

You worked hard.

You achieved your professional goals.

You saved enough money to retire early and comfortably.

You love traveling, playing golf and spending time with your family, but you’re also looking for more – maybe a meaningful encore career.

“Professional caregiving is a great option for older men and women who want more than a paycheck. The older caregivers on our team enjoy staying active and, most importantly, making an important difference in the lives of others,” said Sierra Goetz, operations manager at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the Home Care Advocacy Network. “With many years of life and work experience experience, retirees have so much to offer – that’s why they’re such great caregivers.”

Continue reading Are You Ready for an Encore Career?

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News / Resources for Families

Do you have aging loved ones who are living with diabetes?

A chronic condition, diabetes affects how the body turns food into energy. It occurs when the pancreases is no longer able to make insulin or when the body can’t make good use of the insulin it produces. Over time, diabetes can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, kidney disease and vision loss.

According to the American Diabetes Association:

  • Approximately 37.3 million Americans (11.3%) have diabetes
  • More than 15.9 million seniors (29.2%) have diabetes
  • Nearly 1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year
  • Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.
  • By 2050, it’s estimated that cases in older women will rise by 270% and older men by 430%

“Although there is no cure, there are things you can do to help your senior loved ones manage their diabetes and continue to live independently in their homes,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “If family members or friends aren’t available to help, you might want to consider hiring an in-home professional caregiver – someone who will consistently deliver services needed to help your loved ones stay on top of prescribed dietary, exercise and medication regimens.” Continue reading Five Ways Home Care Can Help Seniors Living with Diabetes

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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 Tudor Oaks 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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News

The volume on your dad’s television is blaring.

When talking to your mom, she’s constantly asking you to repeat what you said.

In group settings, your parents never join the conversation.

Hearing loss is a common problem that comes with aging. According to the National Institute on Aging, nearly 25 percent of those aged 65 – 74 and 50 percent of those who are 75 and older have disabling hearing loss.

The good news – hearing aids can help most older adults hear sounds they’ve not previously heard, hear speech over the telephone more clearly, make communication with family and friends easier and improve communication in noisy listening situations, like a restaurant.

And now a new study shows hearing aids might also be an important tool in the effort to prevent cognitive decline and dementia. Continue reading Hearing Aids Can Lessen Cognitive Decline

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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 Tudor Oaks 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 Tudor Oaks 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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