It’s never too early, never too late – that’s the theme of the 2023 World Alzheimer’s Report.
Developed by Alzheimer’s Disease International, the report focuses on risk reduction – outlining the proactive steps people can take to ward off Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Recommendations include: Continue reading Reducing the Risk of Dementia
Your dad is sleeping more than usual.
Your mom has lost interest in Bingo and other activities she used to love.
Is it just the winter blues or could it be something more serious?
“The winter months can be hard for seniors. The days are cold and gray and, if there’s snow or ice on the ground, it’s hard for them to get out and about – especially if there are mobility issues,” said Sierra Goetz, operations director at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “While quick bouts of the winter blues are common, it’s important to watch for signs that it could be something more serious.” Continue reading 10 Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder
When you visited your aging parents during the holidays, you noticed a few things that worried you – your mom had lost a little weight, your dad rarely strayed from the recliner and there was spoiled food in the fridge.
Although subtle, these can be signs that your parents 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, operations director at 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 that may indicate they need assistance,”
Continue reading Five Signs Your Senior Loved Ones Might Need Help at Home
Are you happy with your current career path?
Does your organization provide you with the support you need to be successful?
Do you feel valued and appreciated?
If you answered no to any of those questions, maybe it’s time for a change.
Your dad passed away several months ago… leaving your mom alone in the home they shared for more than 50 years. Your friends suggest getting her a pet – a furry friend that will keep her busy and reduce the risk of loneliness, but you worry a pet will be more work than it’s worth.
“No matter the age, pets have a way of nurturing the mind, body and soul,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “This is especially true for older people who live alone. We’ve seen it with our clients – playing with a dog, petting a cat or even watching a bird can bring a lot of joy to a senior who might be feeling lonely or isolated.”
Worsening eyesight, arthritis, memory loss and other age-related conditions can make even the simplest day-to-day tasks a little challenging – especially for seniors who live alone.
“We know an overwhelming majority of seniors want to remain in their homes as they age, but sometimes they need a little help to do that,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “The good news – you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a big difference.”
Here are ten simple things you can do to make it easier for your aging loved ones to successfully navigate the challenges of aging, while reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Continue reading 10 Tips and Tricks That Will Make Life Easier for Seniors
When you visit your aging dad, he’s usually doing the same thing – sitting in the recliner watching Gunsmoke re-runs.
Is that normal?
“While it’s important for seniors to be active and engaged, many settle into a routine that’s hard to break – even when people visit,” said Sierra Goetz, operations director at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “The next time you visit, try giving your loved one a little push to do something different – something that will engage their mind and/or body while making special memories with you.”
Here are ten things you and your senior can do to make the most of your time together.
Continue reading 10 Fun Activities to Engage Your Aging Loved Ones
Struggling to find the perfect holiday gift for the senior who has everything?
It’s even harder when you’re shopping for an aging loved one who has dementia.
“I know from my family’s personal experience that caring for someone with dementia can be challenging – especially as the disease progresses,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “We were always on the lookout for tools, technologies and devices that could improve memory, help with communication and ease anxiety.”
Continue reading 10 Holiday Gift Ideas for People with Dementia
The holiday season brings out the best in most people. But for some, it brings out the worst. Experts say scams targeting older people ramp up this time of year, because seniors are typically more vulnerable and more charitable around the holidays.
“Seniors who live alone, have memory issues or don’t understand technology are especially vulnerable,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Tudor Oaks 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 ’Tis the Season for Holiday Scams
You’ve been gathering with family members to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas for as long as you can remember… but this year, things are different.
Your mom’s dementia is worsening, and she’s becoming more and more frail. You worry that she may not be able to make it and, if she does, that she won’t enjoy the family gathering.
What should you do?
“The holidays can be particularly challenging for older loved ones who have memory or mobility issues,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “It’s important for family members to be aware of the challenges and make a plan to cope with them – so that their older loved ones feel included and not burdensome.”
Continue reading Helping Senior Loved Ones Enjoy the Holidays