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.”
If you’re like most people, you want to remain in your home as you get older… but according to a new poll, you probably aren’t fully prepared to age in place.
New findings University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging suggest many people in their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s need to do more to modify their homes or plan for services they many need if they want to avoid or delay a move.
Every 40 seconds, someone in America has a stroke.
Every 3.5 minutes, someone dies of a stroke.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain can’t get the blood and oxygen it needs, so the brain cells die. Stroke is the number five cause of death and a leading cause of serious disability nationwide and around the world – but it doesn’t have to be. According to the American Stroke Association, 80 percent of strokes may be preventable.
The lingering COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on everyone – especially older adults. According to an AARP Foundation report, two-thirds of adults reported experience social isolation and high levels of anxiety since the beginning of the pandemic. And, unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent loneliness.
The good news is that there are things you can do to improve your senior loved one’s mental health and help them keep a positive outlook on life. Experts suggest you do the following:
Continue reading Ten Ways to Boost Your Senior’s Mental Health
A brisk 30-minute walk could do more than boost the step count on your smartwatch. It could significantly reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
“We know that regular physical activity is critical to healthy aging. It strengthens muscles, improves heart health and can prevent or delay many age-related conditions,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “Scientists are now learning that keeping fit could also reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.”
Continue reading Taking Steps to Reduce Your Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
As winter turns to spring, we start worrying less about ice and snow and more about severe weather.
“Whether it’s damaging thunderstorms, flash flooding, or tornadoes, it’s important to prepare for whatever Mother Nature throws at us – especially if you have aging loved ones,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “Many seniors don’t move as quickly as they used to, because of physical limitations or memory issues. That’s why it’s important for families to take a few extra steps to help their aging loved ones prepare for severe weather – especially if they live alone,”
Continue reading Weathering the Storm – Helping Your Senior Stay Safe in Severe Weather
It’s one of the hardest things older people have to do – give up their car keys.
“It’s one of the most difficult discussions that families will have with senior loved ones because they equate driving with independence,” said Mark Goetz, co-founder, and president of the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “There is no magic number – no set age when people should stop driving. However, we know that many seniors drive, on average, seven to ten years longer than they probably should.” Continue reading When Should Your Senior Loved One Stop Driving?