Did you know that arthritis isn’t a single disease? The term actually refers to joint pain or joint disease, and there are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions.
May is recognized annually as Arthritis Awareness Month – an opportunity for us to join the Arthritis Foundation and other organizations to share information about arthritis and ways you can treat or manage it.
Here are some fast facts from the Arthritis Foundation: Continue reading Fast Facts About Arthritis
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
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
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,”
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
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
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
Did your aging loved ones enjoy a few too many sweet treats over the holidays?
“It’s not uncommon for people of all ages to put on an extra pound or two during holidays,” said Sierra Goetz, operations manager at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “However, for older people it can be difficult to get rid of that extra weight – especially when winter weather limits outdoor activities.” Continue reading Winter Weather Exercises for Seniors
While winter can be a wonderland, it’s important to remember that colder temperatures, ice, snow and hours of darkness can pose risks for older adults.
“The cold weather months present some significant challenges for older adults,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “As temperatures drop, seniors are more at risk for falls, hypothermia and the flu. It’s important to be aware of the hazards and take steps to help keep your aging loved ones safe and warm.” Continue reading Tips to Keep Your Senior Safe This Winter