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.
If you’re a long-distance caregiver, here are ten tips to help you help overcome some of the challenges.
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.
Every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) falls in the United States – making falls the leading cause of injury and death in that age group.
The good news, many falls are preventable – which is the focus of National Fall Prevention Awareness Week. From September 18 – 24, we’ll be joining with other organizations to raise awareness about fall prevention and helping older adults live without the fear of falling. Continue reading Raising Awareness About Fall Prevention
Your mom and dad have lived safely and independently in their home for more than 50
years, but lately you’ve noticed things are a little off – there’s spoiled food in the fridge, mom’s hair is no longer perfectly styled and dad spends most of the day watching Gunsmoke re-runs.
Is it time to start thinking about moving them to an assisted living community?
Not necessarily.
Looking for something to do when the kids go back to school?
Have you thought about professional caregiving?
At the Tudor Oaks Home Care, we offer flexible schedules that that allow busy moms to make extra money and do meaningful work without missing their kids’ school plays, soccer practice or other family events.
Continue reading Professional Caregiving Is The Perfect Career for Busy Moms
After a brutal day at work, all you want to do is grab a glass of wine and turn on your favorite TV show.
But you know that won’t happen.
In addition to checking in on your aging mom, you have to also feed your hungry kids and help with algebra homework.
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.”
Other benefits of pet ownership include:
Your mom and dad have lived safely and independently in their home for more than 50 years, but lately you’ve noticed things are a little off – there’s spoiled food in the fridge, mom’s hair is no longer perfectly styled and dad spends most of the day watching Gunsmoke re-runs.
Is it time to start thinking about moving them to an assisted living community?
Not necessarily.
“Many people still think that when mom or dad needs help with the activities of daily living, they need to move them to a senior living community,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “For many families, in-home care is actually the better option – especially for those who don’t yet need the level of care provided in assisted living or skilled nursing communities.”
Your aging loved one just received a devastating diagnosis… Alzheimer’s disease.
Now what?
“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). “When my stepmom was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, we had so many questions. However, since every case is different, we didn’t always get answers. With Alzheimer’s, there’s a lot of uncertainty – so many unknowns. It’s scary.”