ComForCare Home Care - Northern Colorado

Alzheimers disease (AD) is officially listed as the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. This equates to one in three older adults living with AD or another form of dementia, and these older adults require support, support which is often provided by family and friends.For those caring for an older loved one, they are likely no stranger to the burnout often associated with this type of care.  This can include, but may not be limited to:Excessive use of alcohol, medications, or sleeping pillsAppetite changes either eating too much or too littleDepression hopelessness, feelings of alienation, lack of energy to do new thingsThoughts of deathLosing control physically or emotionallyNeglect or rough treatment of the person for whom you are caringTrouble falling or staying asleepDifficulty concentrating, missing appointmentsThe good news is, there is help available. Respite Services Often, family caregivers are so focused on caring for others that they forget to take care of themselves. On average, an individual with Alzheimers lives eight to 10 years after they are diagnosed. Some individuals live with the disease for as long as 20 years. Thats far too long for any caregiver to juggle so many responsibilities without assistance.Reaching out for help from a home care agency or trusted friend, even just a couple of hours per week, before the stress affects your health and wellbeing. What is respite and how can it alleviate burnout?Respite care provides family caregivers a much-needed break from their daily caregiving responsibilities. Using respite services can support and strengthen a caregivers ability to continue taking care of their loved one in the home. For advanced dementia, specially-trained caregivers can provide a much-needed break while ensuring that all care needs are being met with advanced dementia-care strategies. Join a Dementia Care Support GroupSupport groups may feel intimidating. However, caring for those living with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia means learning new things every step of the way. Caregiving can be an isolating journey, but those who participate in support groups report feeling less alone, better prepared to deal with challenges, and more hopeful about the future.They can also help minimize burnout.Establish a Self-Care RoutineTake slow, intentional breaths  rhythmic breathing is breathing in through your nose for five seconds (or as long as you can) and breathing out of your mouth for five seconds. The idea is the amount of seconds you breathe in is the same as what you breathe out. This breathing exercise can help you relax in even the most stressful moments.Write out a daily/weekly plan  both your loved one with dementia will benefit and so will you. As you get into a rhythm, write out daily/weekly routines to help you feel more structured and accomplished during the day. Be mindful of balancing task-oriented activities with carving out your own time too!Step away from a stressful situation  sometimes we just need to take five. If the situation is too much and your loved one is safe, you may benefit from simply walking outside or in a bedroom and taking five minutes to regroup.Walk it out - for most, this is the hardest part to consider but you MUST! Both your well-being and your loved ones depend on it. Go for a walk or find time to meet up with a friend.

Of Americans 65+, a whopping 49% say they are unfamiliar with CBD products, while only 8% personally use CBD products, according to a recent Gallop poll. Thats a large number of people who dont know the possible benefits and, on the other hand, disadvantages that come with this trendy therapeutic product. What is CBD?Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. While CBD is a component of marijuana (one of hundreds), CBD does not cause a high, that would be tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that receives and translates signals from cannabinoids. The ECS helps to regulate functions such as sleep, immune-system and pain receptors. The body produces its own cannabinoids called endocannabinoids. CBD seems to cause the body to use more endocannabinoids to help with pain relief, inflammation, etc. What conditions can CBD help with?The only proven health benefit of CBD is for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome (two forms of epilepsy). Other purported health benefits for CBD include relieving: AcneAlzheimers DiseaseAnxietyArthritis painDepressionInflammatory painMuscle-spasticity in multiple sclerosisNausea and vomiting associated with cancerNerve-related painSleep disorders However, there are numerous studies being conducted currently to prove these benefits. How do you buy CBD products?Before trying a new type of health product, you should always consult with your primary care physician first. CBD products are sold in stores and online. CBD can be taken orally, such as a capsule, candy or oil. It can also be used topically, such as a cream. But, make sure you vet the product and the company before buying. Forensic toxicologists at Virginia Commonwealth University examined nine liquids, used in electronic vapes, advertised as being 100% natural CBD extracts but found one with dextromethorphan, used in over-the-counter cough medications and considered addictive when abused; and four with a synthetic cannabinoid, sometimes called Spice, that can cause anxiety, psychosis, tachycardia and death, according to a study last year in Forensic Science International. The main concern with CBD is that it is a supplement, not a medication, and the FDA does not regulate the purity of supplements. So you cannot know for certain that the product you buy has active ingredients at the dose listed. In addition, the product may contain other elements.  Also keep in mind that, while CBD derived from hemp was legalized federally December 2018, the FDA is still researching it, and some states are still restricting it.  The side effects of CBDSide effects, from what is known, seem to be mild among adults. Side effects of CBD include nausea, fatigue and irritability, according to Harvard Health Publishing. CBD can also negatively interact with coumadin/warfarin and grapefruit juice.  Again, it is crucial to speak with your doctor before starting and CBD products. As researchers discover more about the positives and negatives of CBD, hopefully, well also learn more about our bodies and more natural, alternative ways to keep them healthy beyond copious amounts of prescriptions.

If you are reaching retirement age or have a loved one 65+, you may have heard the term aging in place. Aging in place simply means that you stay at home as you grow older, rather than entering a senior living community or moving in with family members. Over 75% of older adults want to stay in their current homes. But to honor those wishes, its important to have a plan in place.As people grow older, their needs change. Maintaining physical health, safety, personal care, and mental health may all require you to make adjustments and even seek a helping hand. Fortunately, services like in-home care are making it possible for more adults to stay at home for longer periods of time.If you or a loved one is approaching their senior years, its important to put a plan in place now to ensure your preferences can be met safely. Lets talk through the most important steps for making home a safe and healthy place to grow old.Your Aging in Place Checklist: A Step-by-Step GuideWhether you live alone, have a spouse that will soon need care, or are concerned about an aging parent, this list can help you plan ahead to ensure their safety and comfort.Step 1: Assess the Kinds of Help You May RequireThe first thing to consider is the types of care you or your loved one may be most likely to require in the near future. Some illnesses and long-term conditions can make getting around harder, such as diabetes or dementia. But even when medical care isnt required, many seniors still need assistance with various other aspects of daily life.In-home care services can help seniors with most of the support they need to stay in their own homes. With in-home care, you can add any of the services you need on a schedule of your choosing, including:Personal careLight housekeeping & choresMeal preparationCompanion careTransportationMedication reminders & monitoring chronic conditions Step 2: Make a Plan for Monitoring Health ConditionsWhile home care services dont typically include skilled nursing care, they can help you manage chronic diseases. Between visits to your doctor, an in-home caregiver can check in and provide extra peace of mind, preventing disease progression and coordinating further care if and when needs change.With services like remote patient monitoring (RPM), even seniors who dont yet need full-time assistance can get a helping hand managing and tracking conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and more. RPM devices can even detect falls when no one else is in the home, ensuring that if an accident does happen, you or your loved one will receive the right care as quickly as possible.Step 3: Complete a Home Safety AssessmentEvery home has its unique quirks and features that need to be considered when making a plan to age in place. Therefore, the earlier you can start reducing hazards and making modifications, the better. With a little pre-planning, making a home accessible for the elderly doesnt have to happen all at once! We recommend starting before you need care and making at least one major modification per year to make your home an age-friendly place.Safety Hazards to Watch ForElectrical cords in walkwaysCluttered rooms with too much furniture to navigate aroundLoose rugs without tape or slip-resistant backingsStairs without sturdy railingOutdoor steps with loose stones or rotting woodRecommended Aging-in-Place Home ModificationsInstall grab bars and slip-resistant floor surfaces in bathroomsMove the main bedroom to the first floorPurchase kitchen appliances with safety featuresReplace round door knobs with lever handles Ensure ample and easily accessible lighting throughout the home (consider voice-activated smart lighting)ComForCare is available to helpour teams perform thorough in-home assessments to develop customized care plans and make home safety recommendations. For more information on how to reduce fall risks in the home, download our free guide!Step 4: Start Prioritizing Health & NutritionRegular activity, a balanced diet, and stress management are all important components of maintaining an independent lifestyle, managing health conditions, and reducing your risk of injuries. If you havent started setting these healthy habits, now is the best time to start. After all, nutrition needs change after 65, so its important to understand what youll need to accomplish your health goals.Its also important to be realistic about your ability to cook meals for yourself, which may be affected by changes that come with age. In-home caregivers can develop a personalized nutrition plan and prepare meals, helping you stay healthierand therefore live at homelonger. Step 5: Plan Ahead for Transportation & Social ConnectionStaying connected to your community is extremely important, as isolation is one of the biggest risk factors for seniors living at home alone. Being able to go out to social events, make your doctors appointments, and reach local shopping areas for what you need is critical.If your ability to drive is or becomes compromised, you need to understand what other options are available to you. For some, that could mean public transportation or getting rides from a loved one, but these options arent always realistic (or reliable) for everyone. If transportation or isolation is a concern, home care services can help. Whether you need regular assistance getting to appointments or just need a ride on an as-needed basis, our care services can be tailored to your unique preferences.Learn More About Whether In-Home Care is Right for YouAt ComForCare, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality senior care services in the comfort of our clients homes. Whether you need us for a few days each week or around the clock, our compassionate caregivers are ready to tailor services to you. Browse through our wealth of resources to learn more about the signs that its time for home care, how to talk about home care, and much more. Or contact your nearest location today to start a conversation!

Did you know there are differences between the services provided by in-home care and medical home health providers? A study by Johns Hopkins shows that about 25 million older Americans rely on home-based services as they age in place. From assistance with activities of daily living to wound care and therapy to regain ones functional status, each plays an essential role in the care continuum. Especially for Aging Services Professionals, understanding the difference between these services can help determine the appropriate provider to support an individuals plan of care goals. If you have any questions, please call ComForCare Home Care Northern Colorado at 970-460-9947.

When an older relative has surgery, theyre entering a vulnerable time. Theyll need extra support after coming home from the hospital, and its a big job to prepare meals, pick up prescriptions, help them move from room to room, and keep up with the housework. Thats especially true when you have your own kids, career, and extracurriculars to coordinate every day. Perhaps youre not in a position to take on all of your loved ones post-op care needs. Maybe you simply want help ensuring their discharge instructions are followed as closely and safely as possible. Either way, hiring transitional care can be a crucial part of your loved ones post-surgery planand ComForCare is here to support a healthy recovery!How Do I Make a Post-Surgery Plan for My Loved One?Making a post-surgery plan starts with talking to your loved ones doctor about what recovery will look like. Make sure to ask about what kind of support theyll need, including any dietary restrictions, mobility concerns (for example, whether or not theyll be able to climb stairs), and special equipment, like shower seats or canes/walkers.If you have a big family, you may have a lot of people around you who want to help take on some of the care in shifts. However, having consistent, clear, and high-quality care is crucialeveryone needs to be on the same page. And if youre solely responsible, it can be difficult to provide the level of care needed while also taking care of your obligations at home. Thats what makes transitional care such an appealing choice. With one person managing some or all of these aspects of care, you can rest assured that your loved ones health and recovery are in good hands. What is Transitional Care?Transitional care can apply to any situation when someone moves from one care setting to another, whether thats the hospital, a rehabilitation center, or a skilled nursing facility. Our caregivers help coordinate the care process between your loved ones doctor and getting settled safely at home. That can mean a one-time transition to home or a longer stay, depending on your familys unique circumstances.Why is Transitional Care Important?Coming home from the hospital may sound like a simple enough process, but unfortunately, that isnt always the case. Research shows that older adults are especially vulnerable to breakdowns of communication and care during these transitions. Without post-surgery support in place, older adults can experience higher hospital readmission rates, trip and fall injuries, longer recoveries, and other adverse effects. Post-surgery support is also important for family caregivers. While helping care for a loved one can be an incredibly rewarding experience, it can also be stressful. Some perfect examples of this include understanding the doctors orders, managing medications, and understanding the red flags for complications. Transitional care coordinates the logistics, allowing you to focus on providing the emotional support that your loved one will need following their procedure.What Transitional Home Care Services Does ComForCare Provide?ComForCares compassionate and highly trained caregivers can provide a number of home care services to help bolster your loved ones support system after surgery. Our services include:Obtaining, reviewing, and implementing hospital discharge instructionsPicking up prescriptions and providing medication remindersScheduling and providing transportation to follow-up appointmentsIdentifying trip hazards and making other home safety recommendationsHelping with meal preparation, laundry, and light housekeepingComForCare caregivers are communication partners, too, helping to make sure that you, your family, and all healthcare providers involved are in sync. Theyre fully prepared to be a resource, providing education and guidance about long-term care plans, key questions to ask, and warning signs of chronic conditions down the road.If youd like a caregiver to stay for a longer duration, they can also help with personal care services and companion care services. Should I Get Post-Operative Support for My Loved One?If your loved one has a procedure coming up, it is essential to take an honest and thorough assessment of the level of extra support theyll need. Dont forget to include yourself in this review! Transitional care services can benefit everyone: your loved one has the extra support they need to recover safely, and you have the extra bandwidth to be the best caregiver, family member, or support system you can be.Not sure if youll need extra help? As you prepare for your loved ones discharge, call ComForCare for a no-obligation consultation. We can provide a customized care plan to help the older adult in your life safely transition home, based on their needs and preferences. Our transitional care services are available 24/7, including holidays, so that everyone has access to a smooth road to recovery when they need it.ComForCare: Transitional Care & Post-Operative SupportComForCare provides in-home care services to a broad range of clients, from older adults to people with chronic illnesses. Whether you need temporary support or a more long-term solution, our skilled and compassionate caregivers are here to help your loved one live their best life. With over 200 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, ComForCare is here to serve your needs.