Colorado - Denver South

Depression affects people of all ages, but it is not a natural part of aging. It is normal for seniors to feel periods of sadness or grief over changes to their health or a friends passing, but this shouldnt be a persistent feeling that negatively impacts their quality of life. Depression is a treatable medical condition.One of the most recognizable signs of depression is prolonged feelings of sadness or hopelessness, but there are a multitude of other symptoms seniors may experience as well. Some people may not even realize these are related to depression:Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyedChanges in sleep habits insomnia or increased tirednessChanges in appetiteAches or pains not related to another medical conditionIrritabilityTrouble concentratingOlder adults should talk to their doctor about changes in their overall well-being or things that seem out of the ordinary for them. Being open and honest can help seniors to get the help they need to feel better and make the most of each day.Taking Steps to Prevent DepressionThere are ways that seniors can be proactive about their mental health and improving their quality of life. Loneliness and isolation are two major factors that can contribute to depression, especially for seniors aging in place. Here are a few ideas for building connections and boosting mood:Pursue hobbies. Explore different activities and groups, whether independently or through a community group. Joining a book club, taking an art class, playing golf, or learning to play piano can be mentally stimulating. Seniors can use their free time for hobbies they find enjoyable, or to learn something new.Get involved in the community. Volunteering is a wonderful way to socialize and stay connected while making a difference. Spending a few hours helping in the library, working at an animal shelter, tutoring children, organizing a special event, or greeting guests at a local hospital or business can be very rewarding. It allows seniors to stay involved in things that are important to them and meet new people.Stay active. Exercise is essential for mental health. Physical activity releases endorphins that boost mood and staying active can help release stress and tension. Regular exercise can also improve mobility, balance, flexibility, and coordination which can enhance overall health and happiness.Spend time with family and friends. Schedule regular calls or visits with loved ones. Video chatting can be a great way to see those who are too far to meet up with in person. Have lunch with a friend once a week and try a new restaurant or recipe. Maintaining connections can reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation and build a strong sense of community.Find a sense of purpose. Seniors should strive to find something that makes them happy and motivates them to get up each day. Whether that is caring for a pet, spending time with grandchildren, traveling, or knitting blankets for people in need, it is something that is meaningful to them and gives them a sense of purpose.Life has a lot of ups and downs, but there are ways to weather these changes and maintain a positive quality of life. Depression is not a condition that seniors have to handle on their own. Partnering with a non-medical in-home caregiver can be a wonderful source of companionship for seniors, help them stay involved in activities they enjoy, assist with tasks around the home, and much more. Learn more by calling (855) 470-2273 to schedule a care consultation with Always Best Care.

We are happy to announce that Agape Healthcare has earned The Joint Commissions Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commissions (TJCs) national standards. TJC expert surveyors evaluated the organization in an unannounced and rigorous survey March 2021 for compliance with standards of care, including patient safety, quality of care, staff performance and leadership.Accreditation is a voluntary process with re-accreditation every three years. Agape first earned and has maintained accreditation since 2012 and is among an elite few independent hospice and palliative care providers within Denver to hold the distinction of both State Accreditation and The Joint Commission Accreditation.People living with serious or terminal illness deserve the very best care, support and symptom management, says Director of Compliance, Quality and Administrative Services, Amanda Stanley. With Joint Commission accreditation, were making a significant investment in quality care from the top down. This accreditation recognizes our culture of excellence, and it provides a framework for continual growth as we serve our community.Were grateful to the TJC surveyors, who made the process as smooth and straightforward as possible, and the Agape team working together to provide information, field visits and other requests for this survey. Most notable, the seal represents a highly skilled team absolutely dedicated to providing the best possible experience for every patient and family we serve.

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought incredible innovation to our lives, from facial recognition unlocking phones to smart assistants handling our schedules. However, AI also poses significant risks, such as phishing emails, deepfake videos, and voice simulations impersonating individuals. Seniors must be informed of AI fraud to prevent them from falling victim to such schemes.Scams to Be Aware of in 2024As AI technology advances, scammers are finding new ways to develop more intricate and believable schemes. Its important to stay updated on these emerging tactics to protect yourself and your loved ones. These are some of the most prevalent AI scams to watch out for in 2024:AI-Generated Email PhishingAI-generated phishing emails are designed to look incredibly convincing, often mimicking legitimate communications from trusted organizations. The sophistication of AI means that these emails can include personalized details, making them even harder to detect. For example, a phishing email might use an email address like boss@cornpany.com instead of boss@company.coma subtle but critical difference in spelling.To stay safe, always verify the senders email address, look for any inconsistencies in the message, and avoid clicking on suspicious links. If you get an invoice for something you are confident you did not purchase, dont click on the link or attachment; instead, go directly to your credit card account to ensure there are no fraudulent purchases. The same applies to money requests from apps like Venmo and PayPal; go directly to the source without clicking any links.Chatbot FraudChatbots have revolutionized customer service, but they can also be used maliciously. Fraudsters use AI-powered chatbots to engage with victims, extract personal or financial information, or direct them to phishing websites.Red flags for scams include urgent requests, offers that seem too good to be true, or unusual language or grammar. A good rule of thumb is to not share sensitive information like passwords or credit card details through chat interfaces.Deepfake ScamsDeepfakes are AI-generated audio and video clips that make it appear like someone is saying or doing something they never actually did. These can be used to create convincing scams. For example, a common scam involves someone calling and claiming to be a loved one in an emergency and needing money, often mimicking their voice. Instead of panicking and sending the money, you should verify the persons identity, usually by calling them directly.If you receive such a call, look for inconsistencies in video or audio quality, unusual behavior, or other red flags.Investment ScamsFraudsters may use AI to generate convincing investment opportunities, complete with fabricated data and endorsements from seemingly reputable sources. Be cautious of high-pressure sales tactics urging you to make a quick decision, and thoroughly investigate any investment opportunity and the company behind it. Be wary of offers that promise unusually high returns with little risk.If you suspect an investment scam, immediately report it to regulatory authorities and financial institutions like the SEC or FINRA.Social Media ManipulationAI can generate and spread misinformation on social media platforms, influencing public opinion and manipulating users. This can include fake news stories, fraudulent advertisements, and the impersonation of trusted figures.Limit your privacy settings on social media and only accept requests from known individuals. Always verify the credibility of the sources and accounts you follow as well.At The Oberon House in Arvada, CO, we always prioritize your safety and well-being. Your security is our top priority. Contact us today to learn more 303-420-7258.

Spring Cleaning ChecklistThe weather is starting to turn, and it's time to indulge in the annual spring-cleaning ritual. Its extra important for seniors to conduct spring cleaning checklists and let go of items that pose potential threats. So, clean out your garage, straighten up your parents' home and prepare your living area for the season ahead! Take a look at BrightStar Cares guide to tidying up as the seasons change. Dispose of Harmful Items First things firstget rid of any items that may be harmful. We often overlook things that have been in our homes for a while and dont realize they may become dangerous as time goes on. Here are nine things, according to AARP (Opens in a new window), that you should get rid of during this years spring cleaning: Hazardous WasteAerosol cans, batteries, motor oil, antifreeze and paint all need to be properly disposed of so they dont contaminate the environment or accidently harm elderly folks, children or pets. Exposure to these substances and other household chemicals (Opens in a new window) can lead to headaches, allergic reactions and, in severe cases, respiratory illnesses. Go to Earth911.com to find a safe place for disposal. Piled-Up Plastic ContainersDo you have piles of plastic containers sitting around just in case? Take a closer look at that plastic. Containers with recycle codes 3 or 7 may contain BPA, a hormone-disrupting chemical that leaches into food as containers age or heat up in the microwave or dishwasher. Replace containers made before 2010 with new plastic or glass ones, that dont contain BPA.Expired or Unused MedicationsWith age, there often comes a greater reliance on medication. But what happens when you no longer need certain medicines? Too often, people let expired medication gather dust. Instead, toss old drugs in an eco-friendly way. Dont flush them down the toilet or put them in the trash. Take them to official collection sites on National Take-Back Initiative Day, April 27. If you keep expired medications around, you risk someone accidentally taking the wrong drug. Old SpicesDried-up, decades-old spices wont make you sick, but they wont add flavor or nutrients to your food, either. According to experts at McCormick (Opens in a new window), seasoning blends last one or two years. Herbs and ground spices are good for one to three years, and whole spices last up to four years. Saving these age-old spices only adds to the clutter in your loved ones home. Moldy MakeupMakeup is only safe for a limited time. After that, infection-causing bacteria can start to grow, especially in eye makeup. Mascara only lasts two to three months, lip gloss six months and foundation six months to a year.Crusty Contact Lens CasesDid you know that 92% of contact lens cases are contaminated due to poor hygiene and lack of cleaning? Eye experts (Opens in a new window) say cases should be cleaned with a fresh soaking solution and dried every day. After three months of use, its time for a replacement.Old PillowsPillows older than 18 months contain fungi, dead skin and dust mites that can aggravate allergies, asthma and sinusitis. Try folding your pillow in half and squeezing out the air. If it doesnt spring back, its too old. Beyond allergies and asthma, the Sleep Foundation (Opens in a new window) asserts that old pillows also contribute to sore musclesa big concern for many elderly folks. Expired Canned FoodCanned food certainly last longer than produce, but these goods will expire after a while. Be sure to read the labels on canned products to learn how long it will keep for. Canned tomatoes and fruits are good for 18 months, while canned meat and vegetables last up to five years. Throw old, expired food awayif its expired, it shouldnt be eaten or donated. Germy Kitchen SpongesAccording to a study done by the Agricultural Research Service (Opens in a new window), microwaving your sponge can kill 99.9 percent of germs. These cleaning implements are rife with bacteria thriving in the damp crevices. Some of these bacteria are linked to severe gut and skin infections. To reduce the bad stuff, microwave your sponge daily in an inch of water for a minute on high heat.Spring Cleaning Tips for Older AdultsOnce your loved ones home is free from any harmful materials, its time to get started on the rest of your spring-cleaning list. Here are just a few more tips for making the most of the season: Cleaning Up for Fall SafetyAround 36 million falls (Opens in a new window) are reported each year, and thats only counting those among older adults. With such a staggering number, its clear that falls are not just passing dangerstheyre a public health concern. This years spring cleaning is a perfect time to evaluate your loved ones home safety and focus on fall prevention. As you help them tidy up, consider the following tips for a safer living space (Opens in a new window): Clear walkwaysRemove any boxes and cords from walkways. Even if theyre easy to avoid for you, they could be a tripping hazard for seniors. Tidy up high-traffic areasConsider moving pieces of furniture like coffee tables and ottomans from high-traffic areas. Try putting side tables right beside furniture instead of obstructing walkways. Examine the floorsHave you noticed loose floorboards or rugs? Repair any damaged flooring or carpeting as soon as possible and use double-faced tape to fasten loose rugs to the floor. Invest in non-slip matsPlace non-slip mats in areas prone to getting wetoutside the bathtub, in front of the kitchen sink and in entryways. Checking Safety Equipment Heres another thing to add to your spring-cleaning checklistfire safety. Its a good idea to check smoke alarms and fire extinguishers regularly, and you might as well lump this task in with spring cleaning. Ensuring your loved ones home is fire-safe will give you added peace of mind. Try these tips from the U.S. Fire Administration (Opens in a new window): Install a smoke alarm inside and outside each sleeping areaReplace smoke alarms that are older than 10 years Ensure carbon monoxide alarms work and are less than seven years oldCheck all electrical cords and replace those in poor condition Make sure outlets do not feel warm to the touch Develop a fire escape plan that identifies an outside meeting place Clearing ClutterYoure armed with lots of spring-cleaning tips, but maybe you dont quite know where to start. Its understandable tidying up an entire home is overwhelming, especially when youre doing so on behalf of a loved one. If youre feeling stressed, implement these strategies while spring cleaning (Opens in a new window) for a senior loved one: Start small: Try not to think of spring cleaning as one giant project. Instead of resolving to clean the whole house today, start with a drawer, cupboard or closet and go from there. Create three piles: As you sift through your loved ones things, place them into one of three pileskeep, donate and toss. Organizing items this way avoids one big, overwhelming pile of stuff youll have to sort out later. Downsize: Consider using this time to downsize. For every new item your loved one adds to their home, ask them to choose something to throw out. Encourage them to donate unused items in good condition and get rid of trash right away. Manage your time: Spring cleaning can last more than one day. If youre on a time crunch, dedicate just a few hours over the weekend to clean. Dont feel like you have to do everything at once spread the responsibility over several days. Ask a professional: You dont have to do it alone! Look into professional organizers in your area and ask them for help decluttering your loved ones home.  Call 24/7 BrightStar Care today to learn more 303-300-6666.