What Are the Benefits of Intergenerational Programs?

Last fall, when we interviewed Tanya Castillo, RN, Director, Lifespark Community Home Care, for a blog on the warning signs that an aging parent might need some help, she mentioned broken appliances, dirty dishes, neglected pets, poor dental hygiene, strong body odor, incontinence, and unpaid bills as red flags for family members. We caught up with her recently to find out what adult children can and should do when their older loved one is no longer able to manage on their own.Shame and embarrassment can lead people to rely heavily on neighbors or friends, especially when the senior is afraid that if their child sees whats going on, theyll put me in a home, Tanya said. As a result, you might not realize how dire the situation is, but once you become aware, you really do have to address it.Download our eBook: When Should I Consider Assistance for My Loved OneApproach with good intentionsThe key, she said, is to come from a place of love and good intentions and to let the individual know that you wont force them into anything, but that as their child, youre concerned. We coach the family memberusually the adult daughterto reassure their parent that you want them to stay as independent as possible, and to do that you might need to bring in a little extra help.When meeting with a potential client at the in-person consultation, the Home Care team typically hears one of three responses: Thanks, but no thanks; Ill think about it; or Lets move forward. But the emotional factors behind resistance can be complicated.Financial pushbackOne of the most common defenses against in-home services is cost, even for those who can afford it. Many of the seniors we meet with say they dont want to spend their childrens inheritance, Tanya said. We explain that having a little bit of help now, like a nurse to help with appointments, medications, and bills, is going to keep them healthier and more independent in the long run.Occasionally, its the opposite, where the elder wants assistance but their adult children are pushing back, arguing that every dollar spent on care now means less for them when their parent passes. When we see this type of conflict, either between a parent and a child or between siblings, we try to point out that this is for them, too, she said. Well be there for their parent, so they dont have to take time off of work and so they can be the daughter, not the caregiver.She also reminds family members that the client has the right to spend their money however they wish, as long as theyre alert and cognitively competent. They also have the right to choose to stay in their own home if theyre safe to do so.Daughtermother dynamicTanya shared a story about a woman in her early 70s with severe rheumatoid arthritis whose 97-year-old mother was her caregiver. The daughter called Lifespark and scheduled an in-person consultation, but her mother, who lives in the same building, shut down the meeting, saying that her daughter couldnt afford it and didnt need it.Later, the daughter called back to request another consult, but once again, the mother intervened. Finally, the daughter called a third time, saying that she and her mother had sorted it out and agreed that Lifespark could provide services.Our goal is to keep people off the roller coaster of health care crises, Tanya said. To do that, we explain how services are going to benefit them and how we can be helpful.Couples struggle, tooLifespark also gets calls from seniors who have been their spouses caregiver but are no longer able to take care of them. Were now working with a 99-year-old gentleman with memory loss who was very resistant to having anyone but his 95-year-old wife care for him, Tanya said. Because of his cognitive impairment, he didnt understand why she couldnt do it all, including helping him shower and dressing him.Too often, though, the caregiving spouse gets hurt. Given that this mans wife was five-foot-three and he was six feet tall, it was a risky situation, she said. We explained that bringing in services benefits both individuals by helping to prevent injury.Ultimately, he agreed to services. The couple now has someone coming in weekly to set up his medications, help him shower, and do light housekeeping and shopping, which also benefits his wife, Tanya said.Sudden gaps in careOne of Community Home Cares newer clients is a man with a traumatic brain injury whose wife had been his caregiver until she unexpectedly passed away while in the hospital. The family suddenly needed 24-hour support for him while they looked for a long-term care facility.It was an emotionally challenging situation as he was dealing with the grief of losing his wife and the loss of his independence, Tanya said. He refused to move but due to his brain injury, it wasnt safe for him to live by himself. In this case, family had to step in and make the decision for him.Quality of life decisionTanya acknowledged that home care is expensive and not covered by insurance. But it goes a long way to preventing emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and the need for transitional care. One of things we tell people is, Youve spent your whole life saving for a rainy dayand its raining.For more tips and insights, download our free eBook: When Should I Consider Assistance for My Loved One.To learn how Lifespark can help your loved one live more independently, visit Community Home Care or call us at 952-345-8770.

When it comes to caring for loved ones, families in Colorado Springs want more than assistancethey want compassion, connection, and confidence that their loved ones are safe and supported at home. Thats exactly what Homewatch CareGivers of Colorado Springs delivers through their non-medical home care services.With a dedicated team of professional caregivers who understand the physical, emotional, and social needs of seniors, Homewatch CareGivers helps individuals maintain independence and quality of liferight where they feel most comfortable.What Non-Medical Home Care Means for FamiliesNon-medical home care focuses on helping seniors with daily living activities and companionship, allowing them to remain safe and independent at home. Unlike skilled medical services, this type of care is centered on support, not treatmentmeeting people where they are and helping them live life on their own terms.Homewatch CareGivers creates personalized care plans that adapt to each clients preferences, routines, and goals. Whether someone needs a few hours of help each week or full-time support, their caregivers bring consistency, empathy, and peace of mind.Personalized Non-Medical Care ServicesEvery seniors situation is unique. Thats why Homewatch CareGivers of Colorado Springs offers flexible care plans that are customized for each individual.Key Non-Medical Care Services Include: Personal care assistance: Bathing, dressing, grooming, and hygiene support Companionship and social engagement: Conversation, games, hobbies, and outings Meal planning and preparation: Healthy home-cooked meals that match dietary needs Medication reminders: Gentle prompts to help clients stay on schedule Light housekeeping: Laundry, dishes, and general tidying for a comfortable space Transportation and errands: Rides to appointments, grocery stores, and community events This approach promotes independence while ensuring safety and emotional well-beinghelping seniors continue to enjoy their favorite routines and surroundings.A Local Team That Truly CaresWhat sets Homewatch CareGivers of Colorado Springs apart is their genuine commitment to relationships. Every caregiver is chosen not only for skill, but also for compassion, patience, and integrity.Our caregivers are not just professionalstheyre companions. We make sure every client feels seen, heard, and respected while receiving the care they deserve. John Hastings, from the Homewatch CareGivers of Colorado Springs teamThe team views caregiving as a partnershipoffering practical help while nurturing meaningful human connection.Why Colorado Springs Families Trust Homewatch CareGiversColorado Springs is home to a vibrant senior populationabout 16% of residents are over the age of 65. As more families seek reliable in-home support, Homewatch CareGivers stands out for its community-based, relationship-driven approach.Families choose them because: Locally owned and operated: Deep understanding of the Colorado Springs community Flexible care plans: Support available from a few hours a day to full-time care 24/7 availability: Assistance whenever families need it most Thoroughly screened caregivers: Extensive training and background checks for peace of mind Whole-person focus: Supporting emotional and social wellness, not just physical needs Their mission is simple yet powerful: to make every day better for the people they serve.Supporting Independence and Dignity at HomeThe ability to stay in ones own home has a profound effect on a seniors happiness and sense of purpose. Homewatch CareGivers non-medical services empower older adults to maintain control over their lives while having the right amount of help to stay safe.Caregivers provide encouragement and support with dignitynever taking away independence, but enhancing it through partnership and trust.Partnering with Families Every Step of the WayCaring for an aging loved one can be both rewarding and challenging. Homewatch CareGivers partners closely with families to share the responsibility and relieve stress.They provide: Respite care for family caregivers needing rest or time away Regular communication and status updates Collaborative care planning to reflect family input and changing needs This family-first philosophy has made Homewatch CareGivers a trusted name throughout El Paso County and the surrounding region.Local Insight: Aging in Colorado SpringsColorado Springs is consistently recognized as one of the most senior-friendly cities in the state, with excellent parks, senior centers, and resources such as Silver Key Senior Services and the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging.Homewatch CareGivers collaborates with many local organizations to connect families with additional supportfrom transportation services to social engagement programsensuring seniors can thrive in their community.Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Medical Home CareQ1: What is non-medical home care? Non-medical home care provides help with personal care, companionship, and daily activities, allowing seniors to live safely and comfortably at home without medical treatment.Q2: Who can benefit from non-medical home care? Seniors who need extra support with household tasks, mobility, or social connectionbut dont require skilled nursingare ideal candidates.Q3: Is non-medical care covered by insurance? Coverage varies. Some long-term care insurance policies or veterans benefits may help. Homewatch CareGivers assists families in exploring payment options.Q4: Can services be adjusted over time? Yes. Care plans are flexible and regularly reviewed to match evolving needs, whether increasing or reducing hours.Q5: How quickly can care begin? Services can often start within 2448 hours after an initial consultation and care assessment.The Bottom LineFor seniors and families in Colorado Springs, Homewatch CareGivers provides more than non-medical home careit provides peace of mind. Their caregivers deliver practical help, heartfelt companionship, and a commitment to dignity and respect.Every visit, every conversation, and every act of kindness reflects their mission: to help people live their best life at homesafely, independently, and with compassion.Take the Next Step If you or a loved one could benefit from non-medical home care in Colorado Springs, reach out to Homewatch CareGivers today to learn more or schedule a complimentary consultation. Learn More: Visit their Seniors Blue Book profile

For older adults and their families alike, a dementia diagnosis is a life-changing event.  Understanding how to help a family member to thrive while navigating care options can feel overwhelming. The GUIDE program has been instrumental in providing resources to help older adults live their best lives after a dementia diagnosis.GUIDE is a voluntary, nationwide Medicare initiative designed to improve the quality of life for those living with dementia, using care coordination and management, caregiver education, support and respite services, including:          In-Community Wellness Coordinator Support         24/7 Care Management & Call Support Line         Access to training and educational tools         Personalized Care Plan         Up to $2,500 per year for in-home respite care at no cost (eligible for those with moderate to severe dementia)         Specialist Referral & Care Coordination         Companionship Care Liaison Between Providers, Community & Caregivers         In-Community Wellness Coordinator Support         Ongoing Monitoring & Support         Referral and Coordination of Services and Support         Medication Management & ReconciliationGiving family caregivers peace of mind as well as the resources to help their older loved one after a dementia diagnosis, the GUIDE program has been changing lives. The programs goal is to help people with dementia remain safely in their homes for longer through funded respite care and provide needed support for family caregivers. Finding the right home care company can help you learn the nuances of the GUIDE program, review program qualifications, and understand how it can help your loved one receive support tailored to their unique needs.