December, 2024 | Elderlink Home Care

Winter can be a magical time, but for seniors, the shorter days and colder weather can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation or boredom. Engaging in enjoyable hobbies is a great way to stay active, boost mood, and create memorable moments during the season. Here are some easy and fun hobbies for seniors to try this winter, perfect for staying entertained and connected. Winter Crafts and DIY Projects – Crafting is a wonderful way to spark creativity while also producing something beautiful. Seniors can try: Making homemade holiday decorations or cards for loved ones. Creating simple bird feeders using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Simple paint-by-numbers. These activities not only keep hands busy but also make for thoughtful, handmade gifts. Baking and Cooking – Winter is the perfect time to enjoy warm, delicious treats. You can include your loved ones in your holiday baking. Baking cookies, pies, or bread. Trying new soup or stew recipes. Hosting a virtual recipe swap with friends or family. Cooking together can also be a fantastic bonding experience with caregivers or family members. Puzzle and Game Challenges – Puzzles and games are great for mental stimulation and passing the time. Options include: Jigsaw puzzles with beautiful winter scenes. Classic games like chess, Scrabble, or domino. Research on-line games for seniors – there are a lot to choose from! Arranging for some extra in-home care can be a great way to help the senior in your life continue to stay active and participate in hobbies they enjoy. If you’d like to learn more about how visits from a screened, vetted caregiver might benefit you or your loved one, please call Elderlink at 303-734-0641. We are standing by and ready to help!

Elderlink Home Care, Inc. would like to congratulate our Caregiver of the Month for October, Fray M.! Fray has been part of the Elderlink team for over six years but has been doing caregiving work for nearly 11 years now. Fray finds a lot of joy in making her clients happy and making their lives easier, and she especially loves cooking with them. When Fray is not busy caring for others, she enjoys spending her time being active, including activities such as hiking and cleaning. We are very fortunate to know Fray and we appreciate all the hard work she puts in with her clients. Congratulations, Fray!    

As our loved ones age, ensuring they receive the care they need becomes a top priority. Home care services can provide seniors with the support and companionship they need to thrive while allowing them to remain in the comfort of their own homes. However, selecting the right home care company can be an overwhelming process. Here are some tips to guide families as they navigate this important decision. Before we dive in, its important to understand the key differences in available home care options. There are typically two terms used when describing home care – home health care and home care. Home health care refers to skilled or medical care provided by professional individuals such as nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, in the home. Usually, seniors will receive this type of care after a surgery or hospitalization and are typically temporary and covered by Medicare and traditional health insurance. Home care refers to non-skilled or non-medical care which includes ADL (activities of daily living) assistance. Things we all do all day, every day, but get harder with age or any kind of illness. This type of care is traditionally private pay and can be temporary or long-term. Assess Your Loved One’s Needs Before you begin your search, take time to evaluate what kind of care your loved one requires. Do they need assistance with personal care like bathing and dressing, or help with household tasks like cooking and laundry? Are there medical needs or memory care concerns to consider? Colorado and many other states separate home care companies by the ‘level’ of care the caregivers provide. Understanding their specific needs will help you identify the correct type of company that offers the level of care your loved one needs. Research Local Companies Look for home care providers in your area with a strong reputation for quality care. Ask friends, neighbors, or healthcare professionals for recommendations. Additionally, online reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insight into a company’s reliability and client satisfaction. Clarify the screening process Ensure the company conducts a thorough screening of all caregivers, but don’t stop there—ask for details about their screening process. The depth of a background check can vary significantly between companies. While some may only meet the state’s minimum requirements to cut costs, others go above and beyond to uphold a higher standard of care for their clients. Choose a company whose screening process makes you feel entirely comfortable. Inquire About Services Offered Not all home care agencies provide the same level of service. Choose an agency that not only provides the services your loved one needs but can also accommodate the amount of care you’re planning to arrange. Be sure to ask what the agency’s shift minimum is (4 hours is fairly typical minimum, although some agencies have shorter minimums), as well as the weekly minimum. Common services include but are not limited to: Personal care (bathing, grooming, dressing) Meal preparation and light housekeeping Medication reminders Transportation to appointments Companionship Understand Costs and Billing Home care services can vary in cost, so it’s essential to have a clear understanding of pricing. Typically, a home care company will have an hourly rate for care. Always ask if rates change on weekends or holidays and how the company handles rate adjustments and increases. Ask about the company’s billing policy, whether they work with long term care insurance companies and if they accept credit cards as a form of payment. Ask About Communication Practices A good home care agency will maintain open communication with family members. Ask how they provide updates on your loved one’s care and how they handle emergencies. Trust Your Instincts Finally, trust your instincts. If something feels off about a company or caregiver, it’s okay to keep searching. You want to feel confident that your loved one will be safe, comfortable, and well cared for. How Elderlink Home Care, Inc. Can Help At Elderlink Home Care, Inc., we understand how important it is to find the right care for your loved one. For over 36 years, we’ve been providing compassionate, reliable, and professional non-medical home care services to families in Denver, CO. Experienced caregivers are carefully screened and selected to offer personalized support that meets the unique needs of every client. If you’re seeking home care for a senior in your life, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your family. 303-734-0641

For many seniors, the idea of staying in their own home as they age is deeply comforting. It’s where memories were made, routines were established, and life feels most familiar. But as the years go by, the ability to age in place may require additional support. This is where home care services play a vital role. What Does “Aging in Place” Mean? Aging in place refers to the decision to remain at home while maintaining as much independence as possible, rather than moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home. Home care services make this possible by providing personalized assistance in the comfort of the client’s own space. The Key Benefits of Aging in Place Familiarity and Comfort Living at home allows seniors to remain in a space they know and love. Familiar surroundings can be particularly beneficial for seniors with cognitive challenges, such as dementia, as it reduces confusion and promotes peace of mind. Personalized Care Unlike in institutional settings, home care is designed to meet individual needs. Typically, services can include anything from light housekeeping and meal preparation to help with bathing, dressing, and medication management. Maintained Independence Independence is a significant factor in quality of life. It may seem like receiving care and assistance at home in essence decreases your level of ‘independence’, however, the right level of care can make it even possible for seniors to continue engaging in their favorite activities, keep their daily routine, make personal decisions, etc. Continuing to live life as they have been and taking care of their basic needs will contribute to and strengthen their sense of independence. Stronger Family Connections Home care allows family members to stay closely involved in their loved one’s care. Whether it’s coordinating schedules, joining for meals, or simply visiting often, aging in place fosters connection. Cost-Effectiveness In many cases, home care can be a more affordable option than moving to a long-term care facility. It’s also flexible, allowing families to choose the level of care that fits their budget and their loved one’s needs. Home care services help millions of seniors age in place safely. At Elderlink, we understand the unique challenges families face when navigating care options for their aging loved ones. To learn more about how  Elderlink can help your family, please call us – we are here to help! 303-734-0641.