Healthy aging includes healthy vision.
May is Healthy Vision Month – a great time to learn about common age-related eye problems and what you can do to prevent them.
According to the American Optometric Association, the risk of developing eye diseases significantly increases after age 65. The most common age-related vision diseases include:
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 Tudor Oaks 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
Are you thinking about a career in health care?
Would you like to gain valuable experience while completing your education?
If so, professional caregiving might be the job for you.
“Caregiving is the perfect job for busy students – especially those who working toward a career as a nurse, physical therapist or other health care occupations,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “At HCAN, we understand that it’s not possible for students to maintain a 9-5, Monday through Friday work schedule. We offer flexible hours so we can accommodate students’ hectic schedules, while still providing our clients with exceptional care.”
Your dad shouldn’t be driving anymore, but he won’t give up the car keys.
Your mom can no longer keep the house clean, but she refuses to hire a cleaning lady.
Both of your parents could use a little assistance with day-to-day tasks, but when you bring up the idea of hiring a professional, in-home caregiver, they quickly shut down the conversation.
“It’s something we encounter a lot – older adults stubbornly resisting any kind of help. Of course, some of them are in denial, but most are embarrassed or too proud to admit they can no longer do it all,” said Mark Goetz, co-founder and president of Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “They’ve spent years enjoying an independent lifestyle – working, raising families, traveling and making decisions for themselves. Understandably, they don’t want to lose that independence, so convincing them to accept help can be very challenging.”
Continue reading When Your Aging Loved Ones Need (But Won’t Accept) Help
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?
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
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
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,”
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.”
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:
“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