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 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:
What will your retirement look like?
Will you pack up and move to a warmer climate? Do you want to travel the world? What about volunteering or maybe an encore career?
According to a recent study of more than 11,000 pre-retirees and retirees, the definition of retirement is changing. Among the findings:
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.”
Whether it’s playing a game of Scrabble with a grandchild or enjoying lunch with a best friend, there’s just something special about being around people you love.
“Socialization is important at any age, but it’s critical for older adults – especially for those who live alone,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager for Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “Research shows spending time with family and friends can boost a senior’s quality of life – including their physical and mental health.”
If you’re caring for a loved with with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you may have noticed an increase in confusion, anxiety or even aggression at the end of the day. This type of late day confusion is often referred to as sundowning.
“Sundowning is not a disease itself – it’s a group of symptoms that is marked by signs of anxiety, sadness, confusion, irritation and pacing or wandering,” said Linda Lundeen, Care Advocate Success Trainer at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “It’s called sundowning, because behavior change typically starts around dinner time and often continues into the night.”
Continue reading What is Sundowning and What Can You do About it?
Does your mom still have decorative throw rugs scattered around her home?
Is your dad’s living room cluttered with magazines, newspapers, books and other items?
Do you worry that your aging loved one’s shower may not be safe?
If you answered yes to any one of those questions, your senior’s home is probably not aging friendly.
Continue reading Home Safety Month: Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
Each year in the United States, more than 5 million people are treated for skin cancer – with most cases found in people age 65 and older.
“Summer is here, which means we’ll all be spending more time outdoors soaking up the sunshine,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “While sun exposure does have benefits – including mood improvement – too much exposure can be harmful. For seniors, many of whom have thinner skin, the risk is much higher.”