Making a decision and selecting the right home care provider makes all the difference in the quality of life of your loved one.Before selecting the right home care provider for the cherished senior in your life, you must first decide the right time to introduce them to the idea of receiving care. The questions on this checklist will help you determine this important decision to ensure your aging loved one is experiencing life to the fullest.Questions to ask:     Yes   No                                                                                                                                          Does the individual have an absence of regular experiences of joy and happiness?Has the individual suffered a recent emotional or medical crisis?Has the individual stopped or reduced social activities?Does the individual bathe less often or not at all?Are medications left over or running out too soon?Does the individual need help walking?Is the individual verbally or physically abusive?Is the individual becoming more forgetful?Has the individual fallen recently?Is the individual having problems sleeping?Has the individual lost weight recently?Is the individual's hearing or vision affecting his/her ability to function?If the individual smokes, are there burn marks on clothing or furniture?Is the individual able to run errands alone?Is the individual changing his/her clothing daily?Are there scorch marks on the potholders or dish towels in the individual's home?Are there signs of burnt pans on the stove in the individual's home?Is the individual able to do routine house cleaning?Total "yes" and "no" responsesIf you answered yes to even one of these questions, perhaps it is time to consider in-home care.Editors Note: Article submitted by Ora Lee, owner of Comfort Keepers. She can be reached at 970-241-8818 or at oralee@clcolorado.com

No matter what age we are, living a life of purpose, connection and joy is critical for our physical and mental wellbeing. For older adults, a variety of obstacles like vision loss, social isolation, mobility problems and memory issues can make enjoying life more difficult.Why is it important for seniors to focus on their mental health?Socially isolated seniors have a 59% greater risk of mental and physical decline than those who do not experience social isolation (Forbes).The health effects of social isolation and loneliness on seniors is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes per day (AARP.org).Depression in the elderly is associated with increased risk of cardiac diseases and risk of death from illness (WebMD).For older adults that want to improve their quality of life through enhanced mental health, there are a few things they can do to kick off their healthy habits.Exercise Seniors should always consult with a physician before starting any physical activity or fitness program. Seniors that are able, and approved, to exercise may see increased physical and mental wellness. Exercise has been proven to have a positive effect on the brain.Connection At any age, many people find joy in spending time with family and friends. Social isolation can be a problem for seniors that have mobility issues or arent able to drive, or who have loved ones that live far away. However, there are services that can help overcome these issues, including transportation help, in-home care assistance, technology that fosters connection and other outside sources of help.Volunteering Sharing time and talents doing volunteer work can bring a sense or purpose and fulfillment. Many organizations have programs and volunteer opportunities specifically geared to older adults.Spending time on joyful activities Everyone has a different interest or hobby that brings joy, whether thats music, art, dance, gardening or games. Seniors should try to spend time doing something that brings them happiness on a daily basis to improve their quality of life.Comfort Keepers Can HelpOur goal is to provide uplifting in-home care that benefits seniors and their families. The individualized care plans we create for our clients consider physical goals as well as non-physical mental health needs. Our caregivers can provide transportation to community events, support physician-prescribed exercise regimens, provide companionship and help families stay connected through technology. We strive to elevate the human spirit through quality, compassionate, joyful care.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today. Grand Junction 970-241-8818 and Delta/Montrose 970-240-4121Come see us on our website at Ckcolorado.comReferences Science Daily/McMaster University. Working it Out: Researchers find exercise may help fight depression in seniors. Web. 2019.WebMD. Depression in the Elderly. Web. Healthline. Geriatric Depression (Depression in Older Adults). Web.

Despite the myth that older people cant manage technology because of cognitive deficits, seniors are flocking to social media at a rapid pace.In fact, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ (and Hangouts), Pinterest, and Instagram all note higher adoption rates among adults 65 and older ? and see seniors as their fastest growing audience.Seniors Benefit Socially, Mentally, and PhysicallyOlder adults who have had positive experiences on social media have reported elevated moods. An American Psychological Association (APA) study found that seniors who spend time on social media sites were more likely to participate in activities that can lead to greater health, such as cooking healthier recipes, and finding easier ways to clean and maintain their homes. The study also indicates that they have lower blood pressure and fewer instances of diabetes, and less negative health habits such as smoking, depression, or disease. This is attributed to the ability for self-education on any number of topics, and remaining in-the-know about the latest technology trends.Social Media Keeps the Family TogetherFacebook is particularly useful for linking up with loved ones. It makes for more frequent conversations and helps close the generation gap.Sharing current photos allows seniors to see their grandchildren change and grow, and creates a closeness and involvement that may not have existed, especially if the family isnt living close by. Video chats also area great way to communicate in real time. There is also the opportunity to relive fond memories or create new ones through postings of photos and home videos.Family Peace of MindWhen a family lives apart, there can be stress and anxiety on both ends. Social media allows seniors and their families an easy way to check in as often as they wish. This is especially important if the senior is living alone and may experience ill health, a fall, or may not be eating or sleeping well, taking medications, or getting any form of exercise. Family caregivers can use social media to ask critical questions that will let them know whats occurring in their loved ones life.Community Engagement and a Sense of BelongingFeeling connected is very important to any seniors wellbeing. Social media allows the senior to make plans with others to meet up outside of the home. It also allows seniors who are unable to leave home to socialize online to combat loneliness.Shopping Online offers Convenience and SavingsEven if a senior cant venture out of the home due to physical limitations, inability to drive, or inclement weather, for example he or she can always shop online and enjoy the ease of home delivery. In addition, there are lots of money-saving coupons and online sales, which can be especially convenient and sensible for those who are penny-pinchers or on a fixed income.Some Precautions Should Be TakenFamily caregivers may want to monitor their seniors activities, ensuring that the he or she is not falling for phishing scams and the like. They may also want to make sure they are connecting with trustworthy people especially if they are conversing in chat rooms and through blogs. They should also watch their monetary spending to ensure a senior isnt overspending on items they dont need.Learning How to Use Social MediaA great source for seniors and family members is AARPs Social Media Education Center. There, you can find out about how to use specific (and commonly used) social media websites, apps, and blogs. Visit http://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/tek/social-media-education-center/Editors Note This article was submitted by Ora Lee, owner of Comfort Keepers. She may be reached at. 970-241-8818 or by email: oralee@ckcolorado.com

As people age, you can help them create a preventative care routine to keep them happy and comfortable for years to come. While factors such as age, gender, and family history are beyond seniors control, preventative care can reduce the frequency and severity of conditions that develop. That can mean regular immunizations and wellness checks. For example, you can:        Get regularly scheduled vaccines        Schedule screenings for common diseases, conditions, and cancer        Create a healthier and more joyful lifestyle are all habits that can ensure better wellbeing        Its a good idea to join your family member for their appointments with healthcare providers to determine what the necessary steps are to help improve their health and protect them against sickness or injury. As always, positivity and connection can be strong influencers of overall health.Here are some ways to practice good preventative care: 1.   Schedule Regular Screenings for Common Diseases and Conditions: According to the National Institute of Aging, the most beneficial thing you and your loved one can do in a doctors appointment is to be their notetaker. Make a list of all the questions you might have with regards to medical testing and a list of conditions that run in your family. Help make sure these questions are answered, and take notes.As a starting point, people 65 and older can ask their primary care physicians about the following tests:High Blood Pressure Make sure your loved ones healthcare provider checks their blood pressure once a year. This can help reduce chances of a heart attack and stroke.Weight Your loved one can work with their doctor to maintain a healthy weight, which will help prevent risks for heart disease and diabetes.Vision See the eye doctor for an examination once a year to keep vision strong and detect early signs of conditions like cataracts, presbyopia, temporal arteritis, dry eyes, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Hearing Hearing loss can happen with age, but like glasses for vision, modern hearing aids can provide tailor-made correction for your specific hearing deficits. That makes a world of a difference and helps your loved one feel more connected with the world around them.Diabetes If high blood pressure, obesity, or cholesterol are concerns, then blood tests should be scheduled once every 1-3 years to ensure minimize the risk for diabetes. Exercising and eating healthy can also help decrease the risk.Depression Its important for doctors to ask questions about general mood and emotional being at least once a year. Depression can be common in older adults.Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Make sure your loved ones provider is periodically doing memory tests to see if any other testing should be done for cognitive impairment.Call your loved ones healthcare provider to learn what diseases and/or conditions they might need to be tested for.2.   Schedule and Receive Screenings and Tests for Cancer:Its recommended that your loved one receive screenings for common cancers for doctors to detect it early.        Breast Cancer         Colon Cancer         Cervical Cancer         Prostate Cancer         Lung Cancer3.   Schedule and Receive Vaccinations for the following:A persons immune system can weaken with age, which is why many older adults are at an increased risk for diseases. Luckily, many of these diseases can be prevented, or severity can be lessened, with vaccines. Your primary care doctor can inform you as to how often your loved one should get vaccinated and whether any additional ones are necessary. Here are the following recommended vaccinations:        Influenza        COVID-19          Pneumonia        Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis         Shingles 4.   Eliminate Risks for Disease by doing the following: o    Quit SmokingQuitting smoking can increase ones life expectancy and lower risks of heart disease and some cancers, as well as improve overall lung function and blood circulationo    Moderate Alcohol Use Limiting alcohol use can help your loved ones current medication (if they take any) be more effective and can also prevent risks of bleeding in the stomach, memory loss, sleep problems and liver disease.o    Increase Exercise Physical activity can help treat and prevent many diseases and is excellent for better lung function and overall circulation! If your loved one has a difficult time performing more strenuous activities like jumping or muscle strengthening, then they can try the following:o    Moderate walkingo    Cleaning the houseo    Gardeningo    Tai-ChiIf your loved one can perform more intense physical activities without strain, then they can try the following:        Yoga         Working out with resistance bands and/or weights        Brisk walking         Swimming        Eat a Healthy DietA healthy diet can be delicious and easy. A well-balanced diet should include whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and poultry, and low-fat dairy. Meal-prepping saves time and makes balanced eating easier.5.   Follow the necessary steps for preventing injury          Remove fall risks         Have your loved ones healthcare providers do an evaluation to check balance, walking ability, bone health, speed, and heart health so they know how to take extra care         Make sure your loved one gets their hearing vision checked          If your loved one needs, arrange for them to see a physical therapist to work on strength and balance          Look into a fall-prevention or exercise program for your loved on         Check your loved ones environment for potential dangers like slick floors, loose cords, and other trip hazardsImprove home safety         Lower the water temperature in the water heater to prevent burns         Install smoke detectors         Install alarms and automatic shut-off features on appliances If you have any questions, please contact Comfort Keepers in Grand Junction at 970-232-2165.

For many families, starting a discussion with a senior loved one about care needs can be difficult. But, according to the Home Care Association of America (HCAOA), nearly 70% of Americans that reach age 65 will need care at some point in their life. And, 9 out of 10 seniors want to remain in their home as they age. It is comforting to know that talking to the older adult in ones life about their care needs doesnt have to be a negative experience. Family and friends should remember to share the ways that in-home care can help seniors live the life they want, maintain their physical and emotional wellbeing, and bring more hope, purpose and joy to their days.Timing is Everything Deciding when to start the conversation about care needs is important. It is never too early to discuss what care might be needed and the desires of the person that will be receiving care. And, when it is time for care to start, everyone will be on the same page about the plan. Ideally, there will be multiple discussions on the topic of care. Making plans before there is an emergency or sudden problem in the seniors home helps alleviate stress for everyone. Families and friends should talk to the senior in their life early and often. Gather InformationRemember that everyone will have the best experience possible if this is a true conversation with the care recipient, not about them. Those involved should have the opportunity to speak their mind and talk about the future. There are many options for in-home care, from the type of care services to the number of hours a week. It is a good idea for participants to do research online or by calling a care provider to get questions answered before the family meets to talk about options. Support is ImperativeUltimately, everyone wants to ensure that the care recipient is supported, cared for, and safe in their home. It can reduce stress if those speaking to their senior loved one understand that there may be resistant to the idea of having a caregiver provide assistance, and the care recipient may feel that they are losing independence. While family and friends should be honest about their observations and feelings, the senior that will be receiving care should also have a voice. This not only helps everyone feel comfortable with the plan moving forward, but opens up the conversation about all the ways home care can improve quality of life physically, mentally and emotionally. Think Beyond the BasicsCare doesnt have to only be about basic physical care needs. When it is time for help, be sure the agency will develop custom care plans that include physical safety and wellbeing, emotional health, and socialization. The goal for in home care should be to help provide the best quality of life while maintaining independence at home. Typically this includes tasks like transportation to appointments, meal preparation, light housekeeping and personal care, but ask about wellbeing tasks as well, such as:Assisting with outings, social events, shopping trips, and other activities of interest to maintain engagementActivities that bring joy, provide mental stimulation and encourage physical and emotional wellbeingEducation for familiesRespite care for family and loved onesReferrals to medical professionals, support groups and resourcesChange in condition monitoringFall risk assessment and assistance with fall preventionFacilitating connection with loved ones through phone calls, video chats and other technologyKeep communication open and be sure to review the care plan often. With information and education, in home care can be rewarding for all involved.Editors Note: Article submitted by Ora Lee, owner of Comfort Keepers. She can be reached at 970-241-8818 or at oralee@clcolorado.comTo Learn More Click:https://www.seniorsbluebook.com/home-health-hospice/comfort-keepers-delta-co-4

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops in approximately 1 in 3 people who go through serious trauma. This can include anything from the death of a loved one, military combat, car accidents, illness or injury, natural disasters, a disease diagnosis or other events that may have significant physical or psychological impact.Many people experience negative feelings after experiencing a traumatic event. However, when these negative feelings last for a long period of time, cause someone to relive the trauma or have daily impacts, that person could be suffering from PTSD. For seniors, its not uncommon for symptoms of PTSD to be a result of traumatic events that happened earlier in their lives or to occur after a major fall, a heart attack or other serious health events.For seniors with PTSD, symptoms can include flashbacks, depression or anger, fear, self-isolation, outbursts or trouble sleeping. These symptoms can be difficult to identify or mistaken for other age-related conditions.There are treatment options for seniors experiencing PTSD. It is recommended that anyone experiencing PTSD symptoms consult their physician to establish a plan of treatment to successfully manage symptoms.Lifestyle changes for some, keeping active and engaged can help manage PTSD symptoms. This can include anything from starting a physician-approved exercise regimen, volunteering, getting involved in community activities, or finding ways to increase mental stimulation.Medicine there are medications that can help seniors with PTSD. For seniors that are prescribed medication, its important to schedule regular check-ins with a physician and to be open about the positive and negative effects of medications.Therapy individual or group therapy can be a great resource for seniors with PTSD. There are multiple types of therapy, with different goals and methods for each. Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and Stress Inoculation are types of therapy specifically created to help with PTSD symptoms. Seniors that are interested in starting therapy should talk to their doctor about the type of program that might work for them.Sharing experiences talking about the traumatic event that caused the PTSD can also bring relief and foster connections that may be beneficial for a seniors physical and mental health. This can be a conversation with a friend or joining a support group its important for people to share in an environment where they feel supported and understood. It can be difficult for someone with PTSD to talk about their experiences, but for many this may be a necessary step for managing symptoms.One on One Care is essential Options such as home care has shown to be uplifting to seniors and their families. The individualized care plans created for the clients consider physical goals as well as emotional and psychological needs. Care plans for PTSD clients should include activities such as transportation to community events and appointments, support physician-prescribed exercise regimens, provide companionship and help families stay connected to the care team and connect their families through use of technology. Elevating the human spirit is the focus of the care.ReferencesMayo Clinic. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Web. 2018.Psychiatric Times. PTSD in Late Life: Special Issues. Web. 2018.American Psychiatric Association. What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Web. 2013Everyday Health. When a Health Crisis Leads to PTSD. Web. 2012Editors Note: This article was submitted by Ora Lee, owner of Comfort Keepers. She may be reached at 970-241-8818 or by email at: oralee@ckcolorado.com

The search for in home care can be difficult, confusing and frustrating. Here are some simple questions to think about. Be sure to ask them when interviewing any in home care provider or agency:How do you provide care that is geared toward physical as well as mental and emotional wellbeing?How many years have you been in business?How do you keep the family informed and engaged in care?Do you have a method to match a caregiver to my needs?Does your agency have liability coverage? Are caregivers bonded and insured for theft?Do your employees go through national and local background and driving checks?Are all of your caregivers employees of your company (not contract workers), and are they covered by workers compensation?What is your system for tracking when caregivers arrive and leave a clients home?Does your agency have a physical location where I can meet your staff and is there 24/7 phone service?Are other caregivers available to step in if our regular caregiver cant come to work?Do you require a minimum number of hours per visit? If so, what is that minimum?Do you offer personal care services such as dressing, bathing, incontinence care, transfer and walking assistance?Are your caregivers allowed to drive clients to appointments and social events?Do you develop a customized plan of care that is updated periodically?Will supervisors periodically come to our home to make sure your services are high quality?Can you provide documentation about client rights, your code of ethics, workers compensation,HIPAA compliance, as well as your fees?What technology do you use that is geared toward staying engaged and connected and ensuring safety?Will you provide a home safety assessment?Do your caregivers have ongoing training and career advancement opportunities?How quickly can we start receiving care?Editors Note: This article was submitted by Ora Lee, owner of Comfort Keepers. She may be reached at 970-241-8818 or by email at: oralee@ckcolorado.com

The health effects of and loneliness on seniors is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes per day.For seniors, maintaining social connections and staying in touch with loved ones not only improves quality of life, it improves health. Socially isolated seniors have a 59% greater risk of mental and physical decline than those who do not experience social isolation, and socialization has been shown to slow Alzheimers and Dementia patients decline.According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 11 million, or 28% of people who are aged 65 and older, now live alone and almost half of women over 75 live alone. By taking intentional steps to reduce isolation and reduce lack of contact, overall wellbeing is also improved.So, how can seniors foster connection and reduce loneliness?Social Media Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites can help seniors stay connected to friends and family across the country. And, many social media platforms have built in chat functions, games and other features that foster connection.Togetherness Activities For older adults, planning activities reduces lack of contact. This can be in-person, when possible, or through video chat and phone calls. Virtual or in-person activities can include good conversation, cooking and eating together, reading together, playing games, scrapbooking, or listening to music. And, studies show that planning and looking forward to an event can have mental health benefits too!Online Interaction Seniors may enjoy virtual meetups, online worship services, Facebook trivia night, virtual communities focused on hobbies, and other online activities can help people connect to others in their community without leaving home. For those that are able to go out, sharing hobbies and activities with others can bring joy and connection.Virtual Volunteers For seniors looking for a sense of purpose, there are opportunities to volunteer to help others from the comfort of home. This can include building Easter baskets for childrens charities, sewing quilts for shelters, writing cards for military service members oversees and other activities that allow people to do good works in their free time.Isolation and loneliness can be signs that a senior lacks the support and tools needed to live a healthy, independent life. However, with planning and deliberate action, fostering positive relationships and connections can be incredibly rewarding for everyone involved.Comfort Keepers Can HelpFor seniors that need companionship or help fighting loneliness, Comfort Keepers caregivers can help with encouragement, support and assistance with daily living. And, caregivers can encourage overall health through meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation and activities. Our custom care plans focus on physical and mental health and wellness activities. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Ora Lee, owner of Comfort Keepers in Grand Junction, CO. She may be reached at 970-241-8818 or by email at: oralee@ckcolorado.comReferences:Forbes. Technology can help the lonely elderly endure social distancing Web. 2020.Journal of Aging Research.use of Physical and Intellectual Activities and Socialization in the Management of Cognitive Decline of Aging and in Dementia. Web. 2012.Psychology Today. How to Help Older Adults Fight Loneliness During COVID-19. Web. 2020.Caring.com. Senior Loneliness: The Risks of Loneliness and Senior Neglect by Melanie Haiken. Web. 2015Forbes. Are Social Determinants the Missing Key to Improving Health? Web. 2018

Research is ongoing to determine the causes of Alzheimer's disease. Still, scientists agree that the causes probably include several factors like changes in the brain related to aging, the environment, and lifestyle. This tells us that a host of factors beyond genetics may play a role in the development and course of Alzheimer's disease.Alzheimer's is a type of Dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, affecting a person's ability to carry out daily activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of Dementia. Research is ongoing to determine the causes of Alzheimer's disease. Still, scientists agree that the causes probably include several factors like changes in the brain related to aging and other genetics, the environment, and lifestyle. This tells us that a host of factors beyond genetics may play a role in the development and course of Alzheimer's disease. There is a great deal of interest in the relationship between cognitive decline and vascular conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure, as well as metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. Although age is the best-known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, there is growing scientific evidence that healthy behaviors may reduce the risk for cognitive decline:Quit Smoking Quitting smoking improves one's health and reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other smoking-related illnesses. Prevent and Manage High Blood Pressure A healthier heart is connected to a healthier brain. Aggressively treating high blood pressure in older adults can help reduce the development of mild cognitive impairment, or MCI.Prevent and Manage High Cholesterol As we get older, more things affect our health making it less easy to understand how high cholesterol vs. other conditions influences our overall health and impact cognitive function.Maintain a Healthy Weight Evidence suggests early to mid-adulthood obesity may negatively impact cognitive functioning. Keeping your weight in the normal range is integral to healthy aging.Get Enough Sleep Getting enough hours of high-quality sleep fosters attention and concentration, a prerequisite for most learning. Sleep also supports numerous other aspects of thinking, including memory, problem-solving, creativity, emotional processing, and judgment.Stay Engaged Studies link social participation to a lower risk of cognitive decline. There are many ways for older adults to get involved and volunteer in their community. Manage Blood Sugar It's essential to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy target range to help prevent serious health problems; lower blood sugar levels are associated with better brain health.If You Drink, Do So in Moderation Drinking too much alcohol over a long time can cause some older people to be forgetful and confusedthese symptoms could be mistaken for signs of Alzheimer's disease.  Editors Note: Article submitted by Ora Lee, owner of Comfort Keepers. She can be reached at 970-241-8818 or at oralee@clcolorado.com