Gentle Shepherd Home Care

As you journey through the golden years, there comes a time when the question of downsizing into a smaller living space arises. For many seniors in Colorado Springs, this decision can be both emotional and practical.At Gentle Shepherd Home Care, we understand the unique challenges that seniors face, and were here to help our clients understand when it might be the right time to consider downsizing their real estate and to make the transition easier.5 Indicators Its Time to DownsizeBelow are the top 5 indicators that its time for you or your senior loved one to downsize their real estate:Changing Lifestyle NeedsOne of the primary factors that prompt seniors to think about downsizing is a change in their lifestyle needs. As children move out and daily routines evolve, the large family home often feels like more space than necessary. Downsizing allows seniors to find a home that aligns with their current lifestyle, offering convenience and accessibility.Financial ConsiderationsFinances play a crucial role in any major life decision, and downsizing is no exception. Seniors may find that maintaining a large property becomes increasingly expensive, both in terms of mortgage payments and ongoing maintenance costs. Downsizing can free up equity and reduce monthly expenses, providing financial flexibility and peace of mind.Health and MobilityAs we age, health considerations become more pronounced. Climbing stairs, maintaining a sprawling yard, or managing a large home can become challenging for seniors facing mobility issues. While in-home senior care can help with these issues, downsizing can enhance safety and ease of living, promoting a healthier, more comfortable lifestyle.Social IsolationSeniors may experience social isolation if their home is located in a rural area, where neighbors are few and far between. Moving to a smaller residence or a senior community can foster a sense of community, providing opportunities for social interaction and companionship that are essential for overall well-being.Simplifying LifeThe desire to simplify life is another common reason for downsizing. A smaller, more efficient living space often means less clutter and easier maintenance. This not only reduces stress but also allows seniors to focus on the things that truly matter, such as spending quality time with family and pursuing enjoyable activities.Gentle Shepherd Home Care Can Help Seniors with Care NeedsGentle Shepherd Home Care offers a variety of in-home care services for patients who want to remain independent but still need some extra support. Schedule your care assessment to determine if in-home senior care is appropriate for your situation.Deciding when to downsize is a personal and often complex choice. At Gentle Shepherd Home Care in Colorado Springs, we recognize that each seniors journey is unique. Our goal is to support our clients in making informed decisions about their living arrangements.If you or a loved one are contemplating downsizing, were here to help you navigate this transition with compassion and expertise. Contact us today to explore the possibilities and embark on a new chapter that aligns with your evolving needs and aspirations.

Criminal-minded individuals are always looking for easy targets, and thats why they like to pick on seniors, who may be easier to confuse or to persuade in whatever scam the perpetrator is working. Over the years, many of these scams have become fairly sophisticated, and its difficult for seniors to separate truth from fiction when confronted by a convincing criminal. Here are some of the newest scams that target seniors used today by swindlers out to separate seniors from their cash and other assets.Obituary scamsAs despicable as it may be, there are crooks who are more than willing to take advantage of grieving seniors, and will browse through obituaries to find someone who has recently passed on, so their surviving senior relatives can be targeted. The criminal contacts a senior and tells them that their deceased relative left some outstanding debts which have to be paid off. They might go so far as to threaten legal action if the debt is not immediately taken care of, and an intimidate senior will often give in and pay.Bogus prescription drugsA very common scam aimed at seniors is the one which has a website setup offering inexpensive prescription drugs. This can be very appealing to seniors who have limited funds, and are always on the lookout to save money wherever possible. Once they buy the drugs online, they find that the drugs do nothing at all to address their symptoms, because the prescription drugs are actually nothing more than cheap placebos.The grandparent scamThis scam relies on the helpful nature of seniors, and consists of a criminal contacting an elderly person, and pretending to be a relative in financial trouble. The crook asks for money to be wired to him/her so the trouble can be resolved, and the relative can be free of debt or financial obligation. In some cases, the criminal will impersonate a lawyer or legal representative of the relative, to make it seem even more urgent.Lottery winnings and fake prizesMost seniors would be thrilled to have lots of extra money coming from a lottery prize or some other fake prize, which they are told they've just won. In order to claim their prize, all they have to do is mail in the fees and taxes on that prize, and the prize can then be issued in full to them. Of course, the prize never arrives, and the senior is bilked out of the fee and taxes money.Preventing senior scamsSenior living home care can be a big help to vulnerable seniors in terms of preventing scams from being carried out on them. Elder in-home care can monitor and in some cases, screen attempts made by criminals to victimize unsuspecting seniors. In Colorado Springs and elsewhere in the country, home care professionals offer a sound second opinion on such scams, and in most cases can debunk them before they ever get to the next stage. This is another way that senior care can be very beneficial for seniors, especially those who are often confused by dementia or other cognitive impairments.

Research shows that seniors are common targets of scammers. One of the most common ways that criminals try to get information is through Medicare scam calls. In fact, your Medicare number is often more valuable for criminals than your social security number or credit card numbers/banking information.The caregivers at Gentle Shepherd Home Care in Colorado Springs can help you identify these scams. We offer a variety of in-home senior care services from companionship to medical care.In this article, well explain what you need to know about common Medicare scams.Does Medicare Ever Call Recipients?There are only two reasons that Medicare will ever call you, according to the Medicare website:Health/drug plan provider may call if you are already a member or the agent who helped you join may contact youCustomer service representative may contact you if youve left a message or received a letter stating that you will receive a phone callTop 7 Medicare ScamsFraudsters are getting smart with their scams. However, if someone calls you claiming to be from Medicare with the following pitches, its a scam.Your old Medicare card is invalid- you will be getting a new cardThis is one of the most common Medicare scams. The fraudster will inform you that in order to issue a new card, they will need your social security number and/or your Medicare card number.Truth: Medicare will not call you if there is an issue with your card. They will send a letter to arrange a phone interview.Your Medicare plan is about to be canceledThe caller will claim that in order to prevent your Medicare from being canceled, you will need to verify your current Medicare number, full name, address, banking information, birthdate, and social security number. This is also a common Social Security scam.Truth: Medicare representatives have your Medicare number on file- they will never ask for it. Additionally, Medicare representatives never ask for details such as your social security number to verity your identity.You are eligible for early access to vaccinationsThe COVID-19 pandemic spawned many pandemic-related scams such as being sent at-home testing kits or special access to vaccinations. These offers require that you provide information such as your Medicare number, social security number, and other personal details. Most of these start out as text messages or robocalls. The caller will offer you special access if you pay out of pocket.Truth: Medicare will never ask for you to pay out of pocket to get special treatment.You must confirm your appointment for genetic testingIn some cases, scammers will call offering free genetic testing to screen for a variety of health conditions. When you agree, they will steal your information and will bill Medicare for the test. In some cases, you may be sent an at-home test to complete along with a request for your information.Truth: Medicare will not call or send an at-home kit to offer you testing that you have not requested.You are eligible for free medical suppliesIf a scammer is aware of a specific health condition, such as diabetes, they may offer you free medical supplies or medications. They use this offer to get your Medicare number and other personal information as well as your credit card number so that you can pay for shipping. Your information will be used to over-bill Medicare.Truth: Medicare is not likely to call you to offer free medical supplies/medications. They will never ask for you to pay for shipping or provide financial information. Never pay for anything without seeing an invoice that can be confirmed with Medicare.You overpaid and are due a refundOne of the most common scams fraudsters use is to contact you via a phone call or text offering a refund on overpayment.Truth: Medicare will not call you to verify your personal financial information before issuing a refund. If you are due for a refund, a paper check will be sent out or it will be sent to the bank account on file.Youve been pre-approved for a cheaper/better planSome scammers will try to convince you that you are eligible for a cheaper/better plan than you are currently on. These are most common during open enrollment.Truth: Medicare will not call you without sending a letter first. You should never follow up on any unsolicited calls, visits from people claiming to be Medicare reps, or brochures.What to Do if You Are ContactedScammers can be persuasive, aggressive, and even threatening. However, its important to stay calm- they wont be able to do anything if you dont give them your information.Also, keep in mind that Medicare will not cold-call you. They will contact you via postal mail first to set up a phone interview.If you or a loved one is contacted by a fraudster:Never give out personal informationHang upReport the scam to MedicareWarn loved onesIf you or a loved one is in need of in-home elderly care, contact Gentle Shepherd Home Care in Colorado Springs. We offer a variety of services from simple companionship to medical care.

Research shows that one of the most important things for seniors is to maintain a sense of structure and purpose. A daily routine can provide you with a variety of physical, mental, and emotional benefits- which contribute to a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.Gentle Shepherd Home Care in Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, and Denver can help support a daily routine through their in-home senior care services. In this article, well explain some of the benefits of daily routines for seniors.Top 8 BenefitsBelow is an explanation of how establishing a daily routine can be beneficial for seniors:Physical HealthRegular Exercise: Daily routines often include physical activities like walking, stretching, or light exercises, promoting better mobility, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.Consistent Sleep Patterns: A structured routine helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, improving the quality of sleep and supporting overall physical health.Mental Well-beingCognitive Stimulation: Engaging in daily activities, such as reading, puzzles, or hobbies, provides mental stimulation, potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline.Stress Reduction: Predictability and routine create a sense of security, reducing stress and anxiety, contributing to better mental health.Social ConnectionRegular Social Interactions: Daily routines often involve social activities, fostering a sense of community and preventing social isolation.Emotional Support: Social interactions within routines provide emotional support, contributing to overall emotional well-being.Sense of PurposeAccomplishment and Fulfillment: Completing daily tasks and activities gives seniors a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and satisfaction.Maintaining Independence: Routines help seniors maintain independence by allowing them to manage daily tasks with confidence.Adaptability and ResilienceCoping with Change: While routines provide stability, they also teach seniors to adapt to changes, enhancing their ability to cope with unexpected events or transitions.Positive Mindset: Learning to navigate variations within a routine fosters a positive mindset and resilience.Emotional StabilityReduced Depression: Having a structured routine can contribute to a lower risk of depression by providing a stable and predictable environment.Enhanced Emotional Well-being: Daily routines contribute to emotional stability, supporting overall mental and emotional health.Improved Overall HealthConsistent Medication Management: Incorporating medication schedules into daily routines ensures that seniors take prescribed medications consistently, promoting better health.Balanced Nutrition: Planning and incorporating regular meals into routines support a well-balanced and nutritious diet, contributing to overall health.Time ManagementEfficient Use of Time: Routines help seniors manage their time efficiently, ensuring that important tasks are completed without feeling overwhelmed.Reduced Stress: Knowing what to expect and having a clear schedule can reduce stress related to uncertainty and time management.Gentle Shepherd Home Care Supports Daily RoutinesGentle Shepherd Home Care offers a variety of in-home senior care services for elderly residents of Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, and Denver. Our caregivers are highly trained and can support a daily routine for our clients. Schedule your care assessment today to learn what we can do for you.

Most seniors today prefer to remain in their own home for as long as possible. They dont want to give up their independence by moving in with family or into an independent living facility. This is known as aging in place and can be a viable option for seniors who need little to no assistance with activities of daily living.In-home senior care services from Gentle Shepherd Home Care in Colorado Springs can make this possible. Our caregivers are trained to handle an array of elderly care services from companionship to meal prep to medication reminders to transportation and more.In this article, well explain some of the benefits of in-home care for independent seniors.Who Needs In-Home Care Services?Gentle Shepherd Home Care offers a variety of in-home care services for all ages and needs. However, most of the time, patients who need home care are elderly. If youre unsure if your loved one needs in-home care, consider the following questions:Does your elderly loved one hear the phone when it rings?Do they understand how to safely store food and toss it when it has gone bad?Are they able to cook and clean up after eating?Are they attending social/family gatherings?Can they do their own laundry?If the answer to any of these is no, your loved one may benefit from in-home care.4 Benefits of In-Home Senior CareWhile it can be difficult to accept, nearly everyone will require some type of assistance after the age of 65. If the thought of moving in with relatives or a nursing home/assisted living facility is unappealing for your loved one, in-home senior care can help them age in place.Four benefits of in-home senior care include:Household MaintenanceThere is a lot of work that goes into keeping a household running smoothly. Caregivers can help stay on top of household chores such as laundry, handyman services, housekeeping, and more. They may also help with financial and healthcare management, as well as appointments and financials.TransportationFor many seniors, transportation is an issue, especially at night. Unfortunately, public transportation is not always safe- especially for elderly people. However, one of the services offered by caregivers includes transportation.Personal CareMany seniors need assistance with activities of daily living including meal prep, bathing, dressing, and more. In-home senior care providers can be in the home to help with these activities.Health CareAging usually brings a variety of health concerns as well. Some caregivers are trained to help with these concerns including taking blood pressure, blood glucose readings, medication reminders, and more. Many times, health insurance will cover a portion of these services.Schedule Your Care Assessment TodayIf you believe that you or your loved one may benefit from elderly care services, schedule a no-obligation care assessment. Gentle Shepherd Home Care offers care services for all ages and needs. We can offer companionship for your loved one, and many of our caregivers are able to provide medical care as needed.

Retirement offers a unique opportunity for seniors to enrich their lives by exploring new passions, hobbies, and interests. However, in some cases, health challenges and mobility limitations can create barriers to pursuing these activities. In these situations, the experienced in-home senior care providers at Gentle Shepherd Home Care in Colorado Springs can help.Our caregivers understand the importance of fostering engagement and independence for seniors and strive to assist them in discovering and pursuing new hobbies and passions.7 Hobbies to ConsiderBelow, we will explore 7 hobbies that seniors should consider pursuing in retirement:Consider Past PassionsMany times, past passions can provide valuable clues to what may bring joy in the present. Consider activities enjoyed in the past. Is there a hobby that was once loved but never had the time to pursue fully? Revisiting these interests can reignite passions and provide a sense of familiarity in trying something new.Explore CreativityWhen it comes to creativity, there is no such thing as an ae limit. Consider pursuing artistic pursuits such as painting, photography, pottery, writing, and more. Many communities have a senior center that offers classes tailored to seniors, providing a supportive environment to nurture creative talents. In addition to providing mental stimulation, these activities also offer a therapeutic outlet for self-expression.Physical ActivitiesPhysical activity is critical for maintaining overall health and well-being, especially as we age. Consider exploring a variety of exercises that cater to personal interests and physical capabilities such as yoga, dancing, tai chi, swimming, and more. These activities can help seniors stay active and energized. In addition, group classes and/or clubs can foster a sense of camaraderie while staying fit.Volunteer ActivitiesVolunteering is a great way to give back to the community, while also staying socially engaged. Consider volunteering with organizations that align with personal interests and values. Regardless of passions, there are plenty of organizations within the community that are looking for volunteers. Volunteering offers a variety of benefits including providing a sense of purpose and fostering meaningful connections.Embrace LearningLearning should be a lifelong pursuit. Consider exploring educational opportunities such as attending lectures, joining discussion groups, enrolling in online courses, and more. In some cases, local community colleges and universities offer special programs for seniors to expand knowledge in areas ranging from history and literature to science and technology.Connect with NatureSpending time outdoors can provide a variety of physical and mental benefits. Consider connecting with nature through activities such as gardening, birdwatching, nature photography, and more. Check with the local community center to learn about nature clubs and organized outings to explore the local parks, botanical gardens, and trails with others who share the same passions.Cultivate Social ConnectionsBuilding and maintaining social connections through retirement is critical for overall well-being. Look for opportunities to connect with others who share the same passions. Join groups within the community that are tailored for seniors. In addition, consider attending community events, cultural activities, religious gatherings, and more to connect with others and forge meaningful relationships.How Gentle Shepherd Home Care Can Help Seniors Find New HobbiesThe in-home elderly care experts from Gentle Shepherd Home Care in Colorado Springs can help seniors find new hobbies. We understand that everyone is unique and take the time to get to know our clients to provide personalized support and companionship, as well as encouragement and motivation. In addition, we can help seniors research and access community programs, classes, and events that align with their interests. Contact us today to schedule your care assessment with one of our highly skilled caregivers.