Elderlink Home Care, Inc. is pleased to announce the February winner of our ‘Celebrating 30 Years’ grant; Mr. John “Johnny” Kruger. Johnny was nominated by his sister, Genny Kirkland. Mr. Kruger, 77, was born in Minnesota but has resided in Denver since 1954. When Johnny was just 18 months old, he was accidentally given an adult dose of a vaccination that caused seizures and ongoing health challenges. Then, Johnny was struck with Polio when he was just 4 years-old. Complications from the Polio caused Johnny to suffer paralysis and additional seizures. He is the true definition of a ‘fighter’! He lives in North Denver with the help of caregivers and his sister. He comes from a family of 2 boys and 3 girls. Both of his parents are passed. His father was in the Army and Johnny’s family moved around a lot due to his dad being stationed in different places. His favorite place to visit is his sister’s cabin in the mountains of California. He enjoys playing solitaire, puzzles and he loves the Colorado Rockies! His beloved cat, Panther, very recently passed away. He was 18 years-old. One of the things Johnny will be doing with the $300 grant is adopting a new cat! Congratulations Johnny!
Jennifer Moorehead | Elderlink Home Care - Part 15
Coping with elderly patients, parents and loved ones can sometimes be a difficult task. It is not uncommon for an elderly individual to demonstrate behaviors that are out of character, and sometimes even unpleasant. Some common difficult problems that can occur are: anger, paranoia, inappropriate language, forgetfulness, neglect of personal care and hygiene, decline in cognitive abilities. While these traits can be challenging to manage, there are positive approaches that can help support your elderly loved one or patient in their aging process. There are ways to cope with some of the difficulties that may arise. Five Challenging Behaviors and How to Deal With Them: 1. Anger and Rage The aging process can cause some uncomfortable and difficult emotions. For some, the loss of control over their surroundings and perhaps the loss of their own bodily abilities and functions, can be unsettling and upsetting. For others, medical issues such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can cause an elderly individual to lose control over their own words, thoughts and actions. How to help: Maintaining a calm and safe environment may help reduce the tension and anxiety the individual is feeling. Emotional connection through validation and understanding can help calm heightened emotions. 2. Feelings of Paranoia and Hallucinations Feelings of paranoia and hallucinations can be difficult not only for the individual, but for others around them. They may claim to see things that aren’t there or may accuse others of stealing their personal possessions. These types delusions can be an indicator of problems with the individuals mental and emotional health. There could be a variety of issues causing the mental disturbances including UTI infections, medication complications or the onset of dementia. How to help: It is important to keep a record of the abnormal behavior and see a doctor as soon as possible. Maintaining calm and honest communication can also help with the related emotions and reduce anxiety and disorientation. Delusions can be frightening. Try and be a source of comfort and care for them during these types of episodes. 3. Offensive Language A sudden use or increased use of offensive language could be a symptom of Alzheimer’s or dementia. There may also be an increase of emotional frustrations developing from a perceived lack of independence or loss of abilities. How to help: Seek medical assistance to check the overall health and possible side effects of medication. It could also be helpful to set firm boundaries and continue conversations about what is, and what is not, appropriate behavior. 4. Forgetfulness Forgetfulness is a very common part of the aging process. As people get older, changes occur in all parts of the body, including the brain. How to help: Writing down simple instructions for activities, setting timers and clocks for medication reminders or creating a simple daily checklist (or calendar) for bathing, household tasks and errands can all be helpful ways to assist someone dealing with forgetfulness. Helping in this manner also helps the person maintain a sense of independence. 5. Neglect of Hygiene and Personal Care There could be a variety of reasons an elderly individual may resist or refuse to upkeep their personal hygiene and cleanliness. Often times, it is physically difficult to bathe, dress and toilet themselves without anyone to help. Sometimes the reason is depression and sometimes they may simply forget to tend to their basic hygiene. Some may have anxiety about their loss of independence and they may feel uncomfortable having someone else assist with hygiene needs, which is a very personal thing. How to help: Nagging and expressing frustration could be counter-productive and make things worse. Instead, it may be helpful to gently walk them through the bathing process, discussing each step as you go, etc. Creating a safe environment (installing shower bars, placing a non-slip mat on the floor, using a shower chair) could help with fears regarding safety. Therapy and medications for depression or other mental illnesses could also be helpful. The aging process can sometimes be challenging. However, a better understanding of where this behavior stems from (whether emotional or physical), is extremely helpful. Using some of these techniques can help the caregiver cope and effectively help the person in the best way they can. Elderlink Home Care, Inc. is available to help! We have caregivers available to meet your individual needs. To learn more about how Elderlink may be able to help you and your family, you can call our office or request a personal in-home consultation.
Research has shown that traveling as we age has tremendous benefits for our mental, physical, and emotional health. Exploring new environments, learning different cultures, practicing foreign languages, and having conversations with new friends can keep the mind engaged and the body active. Traveling to places near or far provides cognitive stimulation and maintains physical stamina and strength. In addition, traveling with an elderly parent can be a great way to develop stronger family bonds with loved ones, and an opportunity to create meaningful memories. How can we make traveling easy for the elderly? When taking trips away from home with an elderly parent or loved one, it is important to plan ahead. Take necessary precautions in order to maintain overall health and well-being and maximize enjoyment for everyone. Top 10 Tips to Make Traveling Easy for Your Elderly Loved Ones Plan Ahead: New medications and refills, proper vaccinations, and health insurance should be pre-planned before traveling away from home. Talk with the hotel concierge or a travel advisor in advance about activities available at your destination for your elderly parent or loved one. And, don’t forget to prepare for the unexpected: flight delays, easy and accessible car transportation from the airport to hotel, nearby medical assistance in case of an emergency, etc. Know what to expect on your trip: When creating a tentative agenda, it might be helpful to include breaks into your scheduled plans: times for rest and establishing consistent mealtimes should be planned into your day. It is important that your elderly parent or loved one knows the vacation plans and communicates their needs for a safe and seamless travel. Print and share travel documents: Keeping an extra copy of travel documents (flight itineraries, hotel addresses, copies of a passport and driver’s license) is always a good idea in preparing for any unexpected circumstances. Be practical when packing: Clothes and shoes should be comfortable for travel and appropriate for the various activities planned. Don’t forget the basic necessities: sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a small first aid travel kit. Keep medications handy: Keep medications accessible when traveling. Medications should always be packed in a carry-on bag when flying. Make sure your elderly parent or loved one has the adequate vaccinations if traveling out of the country. Request special services: Wheelchair access, working elevators, and managing bags and luggage should all be considered when traveling in airports, staying in overnight accommodations, and in the activities planned. If necessary, check with the hotel(s) for a room on the ground floor and arrange for a wheelchair in advance when booking a flight. Consider the elderly’s safety and comfort: The activities planned should be feasible and realistic—emotionally and physically—or an elderly parent or loved one. It’s beneficial to stay active, but not push beyond healthy limitations. Be cognitive of fatigue and provide time for rest and relaxation. Stand up and stretch often: For long flights and extended car travel, provide opportunities to stretch and move the body to keep blood circulating and muscles flexible. Have healthy snacks on hand: To maintain energy and stamina while away from home, keep snack options readily available. Almonds, trail mix, bananas, apples, and carrots are healthy choices and easy to pack. Skip alcohol and drink water: Hydration is a critical component for optimal health. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Keep a bottle of water available, especially for flights and travel to locations in higher altitudes. Traveling with an elderly parent or loved one can help promote health and happiness for the mind, body, and soul. Just be sure to plan ahead and have realistic expectations! To learn more about elderly travel and care and more, click Elderlink Home Care, Inc. or call 303-734-0641.
Elderlink Home Care, Inc. is pleased to announce Mr. Bob Finney as the first winner of our ‘Celebrating 30 years’ grant. Bob, 83, was nominated by his daughter, Laura Andrus. Mr. Finney was born in Oklahoma and has resided in Colorado since his senior year of high school. He attended high school in Trinidad, Colorado and then joined the Marine Corps after high school. He attended Trinidad junior college and Colorado State University. Bob and his wife Norma have been married for 45 years. They have three children between the two of them, many grandchildren and one great grandson! His favorite place he’s ever visited is Japan. He was stationed there for 1 ½ years while in the Marine Corps and was living right at the base of Mt. Fiji! Mr. Finney plans to use the grant to help pay his property taxes. He is very thankful and says the money will be put to good use! Congratulations to Bob and Norma Finney!
Are you seeking information about senior home care services? Given the choice, it is no secret that most seniors would prefer to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home environment as they age. Home care is an option allowing older adults to age in the privacy of their home with the care they need for safety, comfort, and independence. Caregivers can help patients by providing personal and emotional support, enabling the best quality of life for an individual in need of additional assistance. Furthermore, physical health and emotional health are so often interconnected; home care might not only be a necessity, but a very special gift for you or your loved one. What Can You Expect From Home Care Services? Elderlink can provide home care support in the following areas: Eating & Meal Preparation Good nutrition and adequate fluids are imperative for a healthy lifestyle. Good health is important at any age, but preparing food can become a challenge later in life. Caregivers can provide assistance with the planning and preparing of healthy meals, helping to make mealtimes nutritious, enjoyable, and relaxing. Bathing & Dressing With age, bathing and dressing can become physically challenging. Hygiene is an important part of overall health and well-being. Assistance with baths, showers, shaving, and simple daily grooming can help the physical—as well as emotional—health of a senior. Toileting Caregivers can help with the toileting needs both safely and respectfully. Caregivers help in reducing bathroom-related accidents and provide assistance with urgent toiletry situations. Medication Assistance Caregivers can help with remembering dosages of medications, following medical instructions, and watching for side effects. Caregivers can also identify emergencies and call a physician or ambulance if necessary. Light Housekeeping The kitchen dishes, bathroom counters, cleaning and folding of laundry, changing of bed linens; these can all be challenging chores for an aging senior. Caregivers can help with light housekeeping, maintaining a clean, organized, and happy, germ-free home. Transportation Aging seniors might find driving overwhelming. Without transportation, seniors can feel socially isolated, dismiss their daily needs and errands, and miss critical appointments, such as a doctor’s visit. Home care can help with transportation assistance, providing a helping hand safely. Help Beyond the Daily Routine… Beyond helping with daily living activities, caregivers also provide companionship and social interaction. By cooking together, joining in on favorite hobbies and activities, and maintaining simple daily pleasures, a caregiver’s support and social interaction can help improve overall happiness and quality of life. Developing a Plan of Care Setting up home care for you or your loved one can be a personal and often an emotional process. It is essential to find a dependable and compassionate presence you can trust. Communicating with families to help navigate the priorities and personal needs is critical in providing the greatest quality of care. It is Elderlink’s passion to provide loving, reliable, and experienced in-home care support. We begin by conducting an assessment with the client, their family or both parties. We ask questions about the individual in need of care to make sure we have a good understanding of their physical and mental condition, the kind of care they need, the home environment, and what qualities in a caregiver are important to them. We also understand the changing needs of our clients and are committed to creating a flexi ble working relationship. The staff at Elderlink Home Care, Inc. is always works as a team to provide our clients with the best possible home care experience. If you are interested in finding out more about our services, reviewing your options, or developing an individualized plan of care, we would be happy to meet with you and discuss an individualized plan. You may request a free consultation today.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia in patients. It is a degenerative, progressive and irreversible brain disease that slowly destroys memory and one’s thinking capacity. As the disease progresses, simple tasks and conversations can become difficult and cumbersome; language, executive functions, decision-making and logic are all affected. Although it can develop at any age, the typical onset occurs at 65 years old. Alzheimer’s is currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, affecting over 5 million people nationwide. One common concern for those suffering from Alzheimer’s is the sense of a loss of one’s self and independence. For patients and families who are struggling with the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer’s, knowing what to expect and having a plan can be an empowering step. This plan may include ideas for activities that can be done with your loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s. Need help caring for your loved one with Alzheimer’s? Elderlink Home Care, Inc. is here to help. The following are a few easy, flexible and supportive activities that can comfort and greatly benefit Alzheimer’s patients. Easy Activity Ideas for Alzheimer’s Patients 1. Read books they enjoy- Reading is important as it stimulates the mind, spirit and imagination. Reading increases brain power, improves comprehension, assists in activating empathy and helps maintain cognitive reserve. It could be helpful for an Alzheimer’s patient to have some of their favorite novels close-at-hand. 2. Encourage enjoyable organizational tasks around the home- Focusing on tasks they are able to do safely can bring a sense of independence and self-accomplishment. It can also help provide someone with Alzheimer’s a sense of control over their life. 3. Cook or bake simple recipes together – Who doesn’t love the smell of chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven? Using the sense of smell can activate positive cognitive recognition, while bringing warmth to the soul. Cooking and baking can stir memories, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and strengthen emotional connections with others. 4. Interact with simple arts and crafts- Using art is an excellent way to relax, but it is also a fun recreational activity. Art can be used as a form of expression, exploring feelings, communication and managing behavior. The creative process can help improve the physical, mental and emotional well-being of an Alzheimer’s patient. 5. Ask them to untie knots- This is a problem-solving and kinesthetic activity. It stimulates the mind, provides sensory stimulation and helps to foster and improve eye and hand coordination. 6. Listen to familiar music- Music has many benefits including: sparking memory, soothing anxiety and engaging the mind. Engaging the auditory senses helps to activate brain activity. You can also encourage sing-alongs and karaoke to add some fun! 7. Watch family videos- Watching family videos can stir stored memories and bring about positive feelings and emotions. It can help an Alzheimer’s individual feel connected and engaged in life and with those around them. 8. Garden outdoors – There are many emotional benefits in being outdoors and connecting with nature. Gardening is a great interactive activity to keep the mind and body moving- improving core strength and flexibility. Being in nature can also bring a sense of peace and serenity to the spirit. 9. Play with a deck of cards – Playing with cards can go a long way to activate the mind. Whether the cards are used for pairing, sorting, matching, or playing games- remaining engaged and active is good for both mental and emotional stimulation. Not only do activities that engage the mind, body and soul increase mental activity and release positive endorphins, they help in maintaining interactions and connections with others. It’s physically and emotionally beneficial for an Alzheimer’s patient to continue participating in activities and hobbies they once enjoyed. Activities that stir memories, foster emotional connections with others and encourage self-expression, can lessen anxiety and help an individual with Alzheimer’s feel more engaged in life. Elderlink Home Care, Inc. has many rewarding years providing quality in home care for Alzheimer’s patients. We can help you assess which activity ideas for Alzheimer’s patients best suit your loved one. For your home care service needs, you may request a free consultation.
Nobody loves bringing up the subject of hospice care. Nonetheless, the never welcome subject of death is unavoidable. Over the years, we have seen how discomfort around this topic has discouraged many people from taking full advantage of the benefits of hospice care until it is too late. In this article, we list five common misconceptions about hospice care. But first, let’s understand better what hospice care is all about. Understanding Hospice Care Hospice or Home Hospice, works not to cure an illness, but instead focuses on end-of-life care – focusing on quality of life rather than life saving measures. Hiring hospice staff is among the kindest decisions families can make so end-of-life care for their loved one can become more peaceful and comfortable. Emotional pain and physical stress among family members are also minimized. With hospice care, a family member is normally the primary caregiver but with additional help of hospice staff, the patient is given attention that might be out of the family member’s purview, such as the monitoring of pain management and an elevated level of hands on care. Hospice staff is usually composed of the patient’s personal or hospice physician, a hospice nurse, in-home health aide and/or social workers. Clergy or spiritual counselors are also called in to assist the patient with the spiritual aspects of passing. The hospice team of healthcare professionals and volunteers mentioned above has the primary responsibility of managing the patient’s pain and symptoms from the critical illness they’re suffering from. This includes providing the prescribed medication for the patient, as well as the necessary equipment and medical supplies that are needed for pain management. The hospice team also teaches the family how to properly care for the patient – such as changing adult diapers, bathing the patient and preparing the right meals according to the patient’s recommended diet plan. Other services worth mentioning include bereavement care, short-term inpatient care and emotional and psycho-social counseling to the surviving family. Let’s look at the common misguided thoughts people have about hospice care. Common Misconceptions About Hospice Care 1. Hospice care is only for the last few days of life. One common mistake people make is to assume that hospice care is only provided during the last few days of a patient’s life. In fact, it is available to anyone of any age with a terminal diagnosis and life expectancy of six months or less. 2. Hospice care is only for cancer patients. Although the top diagnosis among patients seeking hospice care is cancer, hospice care is provided to patients with many other diagnoses. Other common illnesses include cardiac and circulatory disease, followed by Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, respiratory disease, and stroke Hospice is also not just about providing care for the sick. Family members also benefit from hospice care in the form of grief counseling and bereavement support after the patient’s death. 3. Hospice care is only provided in a special facility, like a hospital or retirement home. When we speak of hospice, we don’t speak of a place. Home hospice care is provided to a patient in their own home, wherever their current home may be. This could be a nursing home, hospital, residential facility or private home. Hospice care is about keeping the patient comfortable. Many end-of-life patients express a profound desire to spend this time in their own familiar home. Making sure that the patient is taken care of in surroundings he or she feels comfortable in makes end-of-life care meaningful. 4. Hospice care is expensive. Medicare began covering advance care planning in 2016 as a separate and billable service, which means that hospice care is provided by physicians and other health professionals. 46% of all Medicare beneficiaries who died in 2014 used hospice. Medicare offers a comprehensive hospice benefit covering an array of services provided in patients’ homes. 5. Hospice care is something a physician must bring up first. You don’t have to wait for a physician to bring up the idea of hospice care for yourself or a loved one. Whenever you feel that serious medical care is crucial to prevent or alleviate distressing symptoms, it is always a good time to seek a hospice team to assist you. Hospice care is actually a viable option for most people and families. It always helps to get all the facts before making any decision about elderly care. Never hold yourself back from getting the right type of care for your loved one with a terminal illness. Home hospice care and non-medical home care complement each other very well and can provide an excellent support system for your loved one and the entire family. Elderlink Home Care is here to help.
Don’t wait for an accident to happen. If your elderly parent is living alone in their own home, it is important to take steps in advance, to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. It is wise to access the situation and assist in implementing safety solutions around the home. Statistics are frightening. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that on average, 1.4 million seniors 65 years of age and older are treated in hospital emergency rooms annually as a result of an accident in the home. Of that age group, the rate of injury is the highest for those 75 years of age and older. Fortunately, most accidents are preventable. By spotting and addressing these hazards early on, you can prevent potential injuries. Here’s a home safety guide for seniors to help prevent falls, burns and other household accidents. 7 Ways to Make the Home Safe for Your Elderly Loved One Place flashlights in several rooms of the house. Make sure there is flashlight available, that is easy to reach from the bed, coffee table, porch seat and any other dimly-lit area in the house where your loved one likes to spend time – especially at night. With an easy-to-reach flashlight in place, the senior can safely roam around the home, even in the event of a power outage. Also, keep in mind that stairs, entryways and exteriors should be well-lit at all times. Switches should be easy to reach from doorways. Install grab bars, ramps and railings in the home as needed. Many seniors need something to hold on to in order to help maintain their balance. Grab bars are necessities, particularly in the bathroom. Use your judgement to determine which other areas of the home should be equipped with grab bars. Ramps are crucial if your loved one uses a wheel chair or walker occasionally or at all times. If they are still able to use stairs safely, make sure railings are strong enough for them to grab ahold of and use for support. Maintain a fireproof kitchen. One of the most important things you can do to fireproof a home is to keep a functioning fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Make sure your loved one knows its location and how to use it properly. Ventilation and exhaust systems should be routinely serviced and maintained. Ensure all smoke alarms are working properly and have fresh batteries inserted. Make sure all potential fire sources (candles, ashtrays, etc.) are away from flammable items, such as blankets, bedding, newspapers, etc. Develop an emergency escape plan with your loved one and go over it with them in detail. Print out a copy and post it on the refrigerator if you feel it is necessary. Stairs should be evenly constructed, clear of clutter and well-lit. An evenly built, clear and well-lit staircase with sturdy handrails makes the home safer for the elderly. Serious injuries can occur as a result of an unstable staircase. Never leave clutter on a staircase. Items like shoes or bags left on the stairs can easily lead to a fall resulting in a very serious injury. Consider installing a stair lift if stairs are becoming too difficult or dangerous for your loved one to manage. Renovate the bathroom with walk-in bathtubs or showers. Walk-in tubs (watertight tubs with doors) are built for individuals who have difficulty getting in and out of a traditional bathtub. They also help prevent slipping and come in right or left-handed configurations. This allows for seniors to bathe independently and safely. Walk-in showers are also preferred to those that have sliding shower doors. Program emergency numbers into their cell phone. Show your loved one how to make calls to these contacts quickly and easily. Helping them navigate the phone and even playing out a hypothetical scenario is helpful. In the event of an emergency, time is of the essence! Getting the most important numbers ready for quick dialing can help save a life! Rugs and carpets must be level with the ground and pathways should be clear from cords and/or wires. A home’s fundamental components can possibly be dangerous for the elderly when basic safety precautions are not taken. Accidents can happen when floors are not flat and uniform, thus increasing the risk of slips and falls. Always make sure pathways are safely walk-able and consider installing slip-resistant surfaces. There are many things you can do to help keep your loved one safe. This list is just a start and provides some of the most common steps to take. If you like this guide, please share it with someone you know will benefit from it! While many seniors prefer to live independently, they may need assistance with chores, personal care, keeping up with their medications or simply would appreciate extra companionship during the day. Elderlink Home Care can help you keep your favorite senior safe. Click here to see how we can make a difference.
It could be the mail stacking up or expired groceries never thrown away. Whatever it is, it’s important for you,as the child of an aging parent,to recognize and understand the signs that your aging parents may be in need of assistance. From our experience, we’ve seen parents or their children (sometimes both) admit that there’s a problem—and often admit that the aging parent needs help, yet be reluctant to do anything. It is natural, that as we age, some of our daily living activities can become too much to manage on our own. Some of these activities can become challenges that if not addressed,can lead to accidents. Fortunately, there are signs that make it easy for you to determine if your loved one is need of assistance.Let’s look at some of the common warning signs. When to Get Help for your Aging Parents 1. The house is cluttered and disorganized. Have you known your aging parent to keep a fairly tidyhouse all your life? But now, every time you visit the dishes are left in the sink for days or the hamper is stuffed to the brim. Does it look like the vacuum has not been run? 2. They forget to take their medication on time. If your aging parent is under maintenance medicines, forgetting to take them is an obvious risk to health. Forgetfulness is one of the signs of short-term memory loss and could also be a symptom for early onset Alzheimer’s Disease. 3. They make repeated phone calls at odd hours, most notably at dawn. One of the common signs we hear from clients is that their parents call them repeatedly during the wee hours in the morning. The aging parent may speak about a spouse coming home late at night, accusing them of an illicit affair. Sometimes, they call their children only because they can’t sleep. After they assure the parent everything is fine, they may call back again in just a matter of minutes. 4. They don’t like cooking or shopping. As we age, we often don’t have the energy to grocery shop andcook the way we once did. Try to put yourself in your elderly parent’s shoes. If they’re finding it difficult slicing tomatoes and following a recipe,they likely don’t have the energy or mental acuity to purchase these items at the grocery store, or vice versa. 5. They struggle to perform basic activities of daily living. We’ve commonly had clients tell us that their aging parent may develop hygiene issues. The parent may seem to wear the same clothes over and over again, or doesn’t shower as often as they once did. An elderly parent may also develop poor eating habits that become a risk for abrupt weight loss or gain. These may be signs that they’re feeling confused or apatheticand definitely a signal that your parent needs some help. 6. They seem to exhibit a feeling of loneliness or despair. When an aging parent feels that they’re useless because they can’t perform activities that were once easy for them, it’s natural for them to fall into despair. This is nearly inevitable if they live alone or have no one to talk with.These feelings of loneliness and/or despair can lead to depression if not addressed on time. 7. They show frequent mood swings. Have you ever noticed that your aging parent is happy today but sad the next week? Or even more immediate, one hour they are excited to go to a family gathering, and an hour later they regret ever attending? Frequent mood swings may be an underlying cause of something more serious, so it’s best that you seek a professional to help provide insight and discuss your options. When you see these warning signs, it is important to act quickly. The sooner you notice these changes, the quicker you can find a solution to help your parent navigate the aging process and to keep them living in their own home safely and comfortably. Getting help is one call away. If you’re looking for a free consultation to learn more about how you can help improve your aging parent’s quality of life once you observe these warning signs, contact us here.
Elderlink is celebrating our 30th anniversary this year. It makes me proud to have been on this journey with Elderlink the past 18 years. Elderlink’s founder Mary Ann Brown, sadly passed away last year. Mary Ann was a visionary. When she opened Elderlink’s doors in 1988, the idea of receiving care in your home was new. Elderlink was the first company opened in the metro area solely to provide non-medical home care services. We began as a small company with a good idea and grew steadily. When I moved back to Colorado in 1998, I was truly home again. Most of my family lived here and I had been trying to get back to Colorado myself for many years. Shortly after I moved back, I began working for Elderlink and the current owner of Elderlink at the time, Ruth Pelanne. I knew right away, I had found my passion. Elderlink was a perfect fit for me and a couple years later when Ruth was ready to retire, I purchased Elderlink from her. My daughter, Jennifer, began working for the company part time during college and came to join our team full time after graduating from college. Caring for our clients and our caregivers is a labor of love for both of us. During the ensuing 17 years, Elderlink has grown and thrived. We survived the recession of 2008. When it finally lifted, we came out stronger! We have helped thousands of seniors through-out the metro area achieve their goal of living in their own home as they age. We have also matched thousands of caregivers with clients in need. It is truly an honor to be able to work in this industry and to make a difference in the lives of those we assist. At Elderlink, we strive to be a strong member of our senior community. Through donations, we have a tradition of supporting organizations whose goals and beliefs mirror ours. I would like to take this occasion to thank each of you for being a part of Elderlink Home Care, Inc. Without the support and effort of all members of our team, we would not have reached this important milestone. Elderlink will forever be indebted to our wonderful caregivers for their contributions and to the seniors who give us the incredible honor of helping them during their time of need. We will continually strive to be a better company in the hopes that we can continue to be a part of your lives. We can’t thank you enough for your belief in us! Sincerely, Karen Moorehead – President, Elderlink Home Care, Inc.