Uncategorized | Elderlink Home Care

Elderlink would like to congratulate our Caregiver of the Month for November, Melissa O.! We have been so honored to have Melissa as part of our team. In such a short time she has proven to be invaluable and has left a lasting impression. Melissa describes herself as kind, bubbly, and outgoing. She really shines bright and brings this light to her clients, helping them keep their spirits up during some of their most difficult times. Melissa loves living in Colorado because of our beautiful mountains. Her favorite holiday is Christmas because it’s a time filled with family and she loves the snow. Thank you so much, Melissa, for all that you do. We are very grateful for you, and congratulations!      

Elderlink would like to congratulate our Caregiver of the Month for October, Stanley W.! Stanley has been part of the Elderlink team for over two years and has over 22 years of experience as a caregiver. Stanley became a caregiver to have a chance to help others. He loves when his clients are grateful for the help he is giving and it makes him feel good to know he’s making a difference. In Stanley’s free time, he really enjoys going to the gym, playing badminton, and spending time with his wife and their three children. Congratulations, Stanley! Thank you so much for all that you do for our seniors.        

Elderlink would like to congratulate our Caregiver of the Month for September, Habtamnesh W.! Habtamnesh, also known to us and her clients as ‘Happy’, has been a wonderful addition to the Elderlink team bringing with her over six years of experience caregiving. Happy enjoys being a caregiver because her clients make her feel happy and hopeful, and giving comfort to others is important to her. Happy’s favorite way to spend her free time is hiking; she loves hiking anywhere and everywhere, and enjoys driving in the mountains. Happy loves and spoils her children, and one her favorite memories was their family trip to Hawaii. Elderlink is so fortunate to have the honor of working with Happy as she truly lives up to her namesake and brightens the lives of those around her. We appreciate all that you are, Happy. Congratulations on being Caregiver of the Month!        

At Elderlink, we know that caregiving is about so much more than tasks, schedules, and routines. At its heart, caregiving is built on connection, the small moments that bring comfort, dignity, and joy to the people we care about most. Sometimes, those moments are simple: a caregiver and client sharing a laugh over morning coffee, or reminiscing about music from decades past. Other times, it’s the quiet presence of someone sitting nearby during a difficult day. These little acts of care often leave the biggest impact. Families often tell us that what starts as “help” with daily living quickly turns into something much deeper — companionship, trust, and the reassurance that their loved one is not alone. That’s the beauty of what we do at Elderlink: we bring people together, creating space for compassion in the everyday. As life moves quickly, it’s easy to forget that comfort is often found in the smallest gestures. Whether it’s a warm smile, an encouraging word, or a hand to hold, these are the moments that make caregiving meaningful. At Elderlink, we’re honored to be part of these connections every day. We are deeply passionate about providing families with a positive home care experience. That means listening closely, honoring each person’s unique needs, and making sure the connection between caregiver and client feels natural and supportive. Our goal is not just to deliver home care services — but to help every family feel peace of mind, knowing their loved one is surrounded by respect, kindness, and genuine companionship. Caregiving is personal, and it’s our privilege to be invited into the lives and homes of the people we serve. With every referral we make, we strive to ensure you or your loved one receives not only the help they need, but also the warmth and dignity they deserve. At Elderlink, your family’s comfort and trust will always be at the heart of what we do. If you’d like to discuss how we can help you or a loved one, please call 303-734-0641.

Elderlink would like to congratulate our Caregiver of the Month for August, Nana M.! Nana brings with her over 16 years of experience in caregiving. When she was a little girl, she dreamed of helping people by being a nurse, and that is what got her into this field of work. Nana would describe herself as humble, compassionate, and kind. All very important qualities of a caregiver. In her free time, she loves gardening, driving in the mountains, and learning new things. She has two sons and two granddaughters, who are the light of her life, and a Doberman whom she adores. In the time that Nana has been part of the Elderlink team, she has really proven herself to be very committed to providing her clients the best care they could ask for. We are so grateful for you, Nana. Congratulations on being Caregiver of the Month. You deserve it!    

Elderlink would like to congratulate our Caregiver of the Month for July, Pam W.! Pam has been a caregiver for over 22 years and with Elderlink for the last 10 years. Pam loves to garden, and walking and grooming her dog. Pam has two children, four granddaughters, and two great-grandchildren whom she enjoys spending her free time with. Pam is truly dedicated to her clients, and it’s clear she has found a calling. Congratulations, Pam! We are so grateful for you!    

Elderlink would like to congratulate our Caregiver of the Month for June, Runyararo K.! Rue, as she is also known, has made a big impression since joining the Elderlink team in January 2024. In just this short time, Rue has really shown her dedication to the care she provides to her clients and has proven to be kind, patient, and humble. Rue has been a caregiver for about five years, and she has come to find that she loves helping others, learning from their knowledge, and gaining insight through their life experiences. She really enjoys the company of her elders. In Rue’s free time, she loves playing volleyball and has played for 13+ years, and her favorite TV show is Sistas by Tyler Perry.  We are so thrilled to have Rue as part of our team. Thank you for being who you are, Rue. Congratulations on being Caregiver of the Month!    

Bringing up the idea of palliative care can feel like a big moment — but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, you often don’t need to use the word palliative at all. For many patients and families, especially those dealing with chronic or progressive illness, the most effective approach is to start with what they need: clarity, relief, and a plan. Here’s how to introduce palliative care in a way that feels helpful, not scary. Start the conversation with a Goals of Care conversation Instead of saying, “You need palliative care,” try: “We’d like to schedule a visit with a nurse to talk about what’s going on and how we can support you at home.” You can describe it as a family meeting or goals of care conversation What to do it/when the question about hospice comes up? “This isn’t for people who are ready for hospice — it’s for people dealing with chronic illness who want more support.” It doesn’t replace your doctor: “You’ll keep seeing your regular providers. This clinical team helps between visits to manage, medications, and stress.” We come to you: “We can meet in your home, or wherever you live including assisted living or memory care.” It’s covered by insurance: “This service is typically covered just like any other medical visit.” Speak to What They’re Feeling Sometimes it helps to reflect what the patient or family may already be experiencing: “You’ve been through a lot lately, and it’s been a tough stretch. This visit is just about making sure you have the support you need.” When the Focus Is the Family Another helpful approach: “We often help families understand what’s happening, talk through treatment options, and make a plan — especially if things get harder down the road.” It’s not just about symptoms. It’s about clarity, comfort, and confidence. Jessie Israel, RN, MSN CEO Journey of Care 303-823-3373 www.journeyofcare.com

Having a trusted and reliable caregiver by your side can be life-changing. But like any relationship, it takes mutual effort, communication, and respect to make it successful. Here are some thoughtful tips for building a strong, lasting relationship with your caregiver. 1. Communicate Openly and Often Clear communication is key. From preferences on daily routines to how you’d like certain tasks done, being honest and upfront helps avoid misunderstandings. Encourage your caregiver to share their thoughts too—two-way communication builds mutual respect and trust. 2. Set Clear Expectations Early On Talk through your needs and expectations from the beginning. What are your daily priorities? How much independence do you want to maintain? The more clarity you can offer, the more confident and comfortable your caregiver will be in supporting you. 3. Show Appreciation A simple thank-you or kind word can go a long way. Caregiving is a deeply human job that often goes unnoticed, so letting your caregiver know you value their efforts helps them feel seen, respected, and motivated to continue providing great care. Remember, caregivers are in short supply. If they don’t feel like they’re being treated well, they know that their services are in very high demand and may not hesitate to work with another client. 4. Be Patient During the Adjustment Period Every new relationship takes time to grow. If your caregiver is new, allow space for both of you to get to know each other’s habits and rhythms. It’s not realistic to expect your caregiver to know your preferences and details of your daily routine when they arrive for their first shift. Patience helps reduce frustration and fosters a more peaceful, cooperative dynamic. 6. Get To Know Your Caregiver Caregiving doesn’t have to be all tasks and routines. Take time to share stories, hobbies, or interests. Whether it’s music, cooking, or chatting about a favorite show, these small moments of connection can build friendship and trust. 7. Address Issues Promptly and Respectfully If something isn’t working or you feel uncomfortable, speak up kindly and constructively. Avoid letting small frustrations build up. Likewise, listen openly if your caregiver raises concerns – mutual understanding keeps the relationship strong and respectful. If you or a loved one would like more information on home care services, please call Elderlink at 303-734-0641.

A fall can lead to serious injuries that significantly limit mobility and daily activities, potentially requiring increased assistance and impacting quality of life.  Early intervention is key – addressing fall risks as soon as possible can significantly reduce the likelihood of falls and associated injuries. Research consistently indicates that the most effective way to prevent falls is through regular exercise programs specifically designed to improve balance, strength, and gait.  Alongside this, modifying the home environment to remove tripping hazards and ensuring adequate lighting are also crucial elements of fall prevention strategies. Exercise Studies consistently show that exercise programs incorporating balance, strength, and gait training significantly reduce fall risk, with some research indicating a fall reduction of up to 40% with proper exercise routines. Home Modification A comprehensive fall prevention strategy should involve lifestyle modifications, exercise programs, home safety adaptations, and regular medical checkups. Home safety modifications could include: Lighting: Ensuring adequate lighting throughout the home, especially on stairs and hallways. Clutter removal: Removing tripping hazards like loose cords, rugs, and clutter from walking paths. Grab bars: Installing grab bars in bathrooms and near toilets for added support. Non-slip surfaces: Using non-slip mats in bathrooms and on high-traffic area The patient’s active participation and adherence to fall prevention recommendations is crucial for success.  Occupational therapists such as www.othousecallsdenver.com can help you develop a safe and effective fall prevention plan. The therapist will assess the person’s fall risk factors, tailor fall prevention strategies based on individual needs and risk factors, and periodically re-assess to track progress and adjust interventions as needed. Article submitted by: Nancy Dillinger, OTR/L OT House Calls, Licensed Occupational Therapist www.othousecallsdenver.com phone 303-775-4984 e-fax 720-343-3945 email othousecalls@gmail.com References Mayo Clinic NHS.UK National Institute on Aging (.gov)