Colorado - Boulder County

Your mother may keep falling in the bathroom. Perhaps your father is forgetting to eat dinner or take his blood pressure medication. Maybe your grandparents are perfectly fine for their age, but dont want to deal with maintaining the lawn, shoveling the driveway after snow falls, negotiating the stairs, or driving to the grocery store. Its time to consider senior living. This comes with a myriad of emotional hurdles as well as practical considerations. Wouldnt it make sense to be able to focus on your loved ones instead of on logistics and to have a financial plan in place before you reach this point? About 70% of seniors over the age of 70 can expect to use some form of senior care, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. This blog discusses what you need to know about your loved ones finances as you prepare for senior living.Do they have insurance?According to AARP, only 7.2 million Americans have long-term care insurance. Its easy to see why long term care insurance is costly, especially for seniors on a fixed income, and the costs increase each year (for instance, costs increased 40% in 2019, with steeper increases projected). However, according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI), the number of individuals with long term care policies has risen and continues to rise. If your loved one has a policy and has been paying the premiums, this is a terrific first step. It is even possible to convert a life insurance policy into a Long-Term Care Benefit Plan. Find out more about this option in ourFamily Guide to Funding Senior Care and Housing.Do they have a power of attorney (POA) in place?A Power of Attorney is a friend or relative with the right to make financial or medical decisions for your loved one. The documents may show that the power is durable (was in effect from the moment it was signed) or springing (will take effect in case of incapacity). Having a power of attorney document in place is a time saver and can help you avoid red tape and an overwhelming crush of bureaucracy.Do they own their own home?Obviously, the equity in a home is a huge advantage, especially when you have time to make minor improvements and stage it to get the highest market value possible. If your family member is not quite ready for senior living yet, this is the perfect time to spruce up their house so that you can immediately put it on the market when the decision is made. Find the deeds and mortgage papers ahead of time.Where are the financial documents?While you rummage through the basement or through the drawers in the office looking for mortgage documents, look for other relevant documents as well. For instance, you will need to know about your loved ones pensions, rotating bills, bank statements, stocks and bonds, social security statements, taxes, Medicare, and health insurance. Basically, gather everything, and organize ahead of time.Do they have a financial advisor and/or an estate planning attorney?If not, consider consulting one. The financial considerations are not easy to manage, and an experienced expert may save you a considerable amount of money and time. A specialist attorney will know if your loved one is eligible for any special programs. He or she will also be able to help with tax deductions you may not know about. What do they want? Your loved ones may have aged, but they are still in charge of their own lives and must have a say in any future plans. This is another reason to make these plans before memories possibly fade or before they are absolutely necessary. You should also involve other concerned family members in your discussions. Talk about who is willing to help and how responsibilities will be delegated. Discuss various senior living communities and locations. For instance, does it make more sense for your parents or grandparents to stay in their own community or to move to a community close to relatives who can then visit easily? There are pros and cons to both scenarios. Finances are involved in this decision, too. Have the talk! Being able to plan ahead will ease everyones mind.No matter what you find out or decide to do, you and your loved ones are not alone. For more detailed information and advice, download this comprehensive guide from Golden Lodge Assisted Living and Memory Care:A Family Guide to Funding Senior Care and Housing

Knee pain is common in older people and can make it hard for them to do things they once loved. Everyday things like walking, going up and down stairs, and even sitting down can be hard. Although there isnt a single best way to deal with knee pain, there are a number of tricks and tips that can help seniors feel better and live a better life, especially with the support of home care and their loved ones. Continue reading to learn more.Keep MovingThis might sound counterintuitive, but its best to keep moving through the pain unless the doctor has said not to. For instance, low-impact exercises like swimming, stationary cycling, and gentle yoga are all activities that can help keep joints mobile and build muscles without putting too much stress on the knees. Plus, regular exercise can also help seniors lose weight, which is very important for easing the stress on your knees.Maintain a Healthy WeightSpeaking of weight, being overweight can make knee pain a lot worse because the extra weight puts more stress on the joints. The home care team can help seniors stay at a healthy weight by assisting them with healthy meal plans.Wear Supportive ShoesThe shoes that seniors wear can have a big effect on their knee pain. Shoes that support the arch and soften the foot can help keep the knees from hurting. A podiatrist may sometimes suggest custom shoes to give their feet more support.Mobility Devices Might Also HelpWhen necessary, seniors can use canes, walkers, or knee braces to help spread their weight out more evenly and put less stress on their knees when they walk or stand. These devices offer support and stability, which can be especially helpful for older people who have knee pain.Use Hot and Cold TherapyKnee pain can be eased by using heat and cold. Putting on a warm bandage or taking a warm bath can help loosen up tight muscles. On the other hand, ice packs can reduce swelling and numb the area. The home care team can help seniors assess which type of therapy they need.Consider Physical TherapyFor older people who have knee pain, physical therapy can be helpful. A physical therapist can make a personalized exercise plan for them, teach them how to move their body correctly and use hands-on techniques to ease pain and improve joint movement.Consider Over-the-Counter PainkillersKnee pain can be eased temporarily with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin. Before taking these medicines, seniors should talk to their doctor to make sure they are safe and right for their situation since some may not be safe for them.Research Alternative TreatmentsSome seniors may be able to ease knee pain with alternative treatments like acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care.For adults, knee pain doesnt have to take them out of the game. By using a mix of these tips and tricks every day, they can better deal with and lessen their knee pain, which will make their general quality of life better. As always, its important to talk to a medical professional for personalized advice and help with knee pain management since everyones situation is different. In addition, with support from home care and loved ones, seniors can keep living an active and satisfying life.If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Aurora, CO please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (720) 789-8529At Talem Home Care of Broomfield, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Broomfield, Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, Erie, Firestone, Lafayette, Lakewood, Longmont, Louisville, Northglenn, Sherrelwood, Thornton, Welby, Westminster, Wheat Ridge and surrounding areas in Colorado.

As we gracefully age, nurturing mental wellness becomes increasingly vital, especially for our beloved seniors. The pursuit of a positive mindset is essential for a fulfilling and joyful life during this phase. In this blog post, we'll explore effective strategies that seniors can adopt to promote their mental well-being, allowing them to embrace each day with optimism and resilience.Strategies for a Positive Mindset:Seniors can significantly benefit from fostering social connections, whether through family bonds, friendships, or community engagement. Loneliness and isolation can be mitigated by participating in social activities and events. Encouraging mindful activities like meditation or gentle exercises can contribute not only to physical health but also mental clarity and emotional balance. Additionally, seniors can embark on a journey of continuous learning, exploring new hobbies or interests to stimulate their minds and instill a sense of accomplishment. A healthy lifestyle, encompassing nutritious meals, regular exercise, and sufficient hydration, forms another pillar of positive mental well-being. Establishing a daily routine, along with open communication channels, further enhances a senior's sense of control, purpose, and overall contentment. In combining these strategies, we empower our seniors to age gracefully with a positive and resilient mindset.

A Move Manager is a professional who assists older adults and their families with the emotional and physical aspects of relocation. Move managers provide a multi-faceted approach: from space planning to getting resettled post-move. With backgrounds in social work, health care, and project management, move managers share a profound commitment to connecting with people and a desire to perform meaningful work.Count on a Move Manager to:Declutter, sort and organize items you want to keep, sell or donateConduct and manage online auctions and estate salesDisperse items for donation, or share them with family and friendsCreate space plans to envision how your furniture fits in your new homeSchedule and manage professional moversPack, move, and unpack in your new place!Editors Note: Article submitted by Amy Fisk, Co-Owner & Chief Executive De-Stressor at We Move Your Mom, specializing in eliminating the stress of moving for seniors and their families, with an added real estate component to integrate and sequence the events of downsizing, moving and selling your home. Tele: 720-340-1056 email: amy@movermavens.com.