Twenty years ago, when Elderlink Companion Care, Inc first opened its doors, the idea of seniors receiving care at home was still new. Back then, when loved ones were diagnosed with illness or recovering from surgery, they were usually placed in a long-term care facility by doctors or family members. Most people expected they would go to a nursing home or care facility if they found they were no longer able to live at home without assistance. In-home care was new and many people were still unaware of it as an option. Elderlink was the first company in the metro area created specifically to meet the non-medical homecare needs of seniors. In fact, when Elderlink first advertised in the Seniors Resource Guide, a category had to be created for them. A lot has changed in 20 years! The term homecare is used to define non-medical care or custodial care, which is care that is provided by persons who are not nurses, doctors, or other licensed medical personnel; the term home health care refers to care that is provided by licensed personnel. Study after study has shown that by far, the majority of seniors want to stay in their own homes as long as possible. Homecare is credited with helping to reduce stress and increase life expectancy. Living at home creates a sense of mental and physical well-being for the elderly. Through the years, many companies have come into existence to help seniors reach their goals of living at home. Today there are over 20,000 companies in the United States providing homecare to seniors and that number is expected to increase. Homecare can be a cost- effective alternative to nursing homes and hospitals and can help to postpone or prevent the need for other, more expensive forms of care. Despite the graying of the population, the percentage of elderly living in nursing homes has declined, according to recent Census data. The decline reflects the improved health of seniors and more choices for care. In 2006, about 7.4% of Americans aged 75 and older lived in nursing homes, compared with 10.2% in 1990 (USA Today). Today, home care for seniors has a new urgency, dubbed the senior tsunami. A wave of retiring and aging boomers will soon flood homecare providers. By 2020, it is estimated that 12 million older Americans will need long-term care.The number of changes people face as they age can be overwhelming. Illness, immobility, and the possibility of leaving the comfort of ones home can contribute to depression and anxiety. When a person is ill or in recovery, nothing can match the security and comfort of home. Homecare provides individualized assistance that is tailored to personal needs and helps maintain independence and dignity. Access to quality homecare is vital to the health of our seniors and our community. In metro Denver, seniors are fortunate to have many choices for their homecare needs. One thing is for certain, the options and services available to seniors are sure to change as much in the next 20 years as they did in the previous 20 years.For more information on how homecare can help you or a loved one, call Karen Moorehead at Elderlink Home Care, Inc., 303-734-0641

When the Seniors Blue Book was first published 35 years ago, there was no category for non-medical home care.Back then, if a person needed ongoing assistance with daily living activities, a nursing home was often their only option. Through the years, seniors became more vocal in their desire to stay home, and companies emerged to fill this need. Elderlink Home Care, Inc., which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, was the first non-medical home care agency to be listed in the Blue Book.A lot has changed in 35 years. Currently there are nearly 100 agencies locally and over 13,000 agencies nationwide providing non-medical home care. There are numerous reasons why the home care industry is seeing such accelerated growth, including: an increase in demand, the affordability of home care compared to institutionalized care, and the desire of seniors to remain in their homes as they age.Until 2008, the home care industry was unregulated by the state. In 2008 that changed. For the first time, legislation was introduced, and later passed, to regulate the companies providing non-medical home care. This allows the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to monitor the agencies that provide these services to help ensure that Colorado seniors are receiving safe and quality care.Moving forward, the biggest challenge facing the home care industry will be a shortage of qualified caregivers. In coming years, the rapid increase of people over age 65 will drive the demand for workers even higher, and with little growth in the number of workers entering the field, the supply of home care workers will likely fall short. Nationally, the shortage of caregivers is being called a crisis. The risk of doing nothing is that potentially thousands of people will go without needed care.Regardless of the challenges facing the industry today, one thing is clear: Non-medical home care is here to stay. Efforts are being made to turn things around. We are confident the necessary steps will be taken to preserve this service that is so important to millions of seniors and their families.This article was submitted by Karen Moorehead, CSA. Karen is the president of Elderlink Home Care, Inc. and can be reached at 303-734-0641 or by email at karen@ElderlinkHomeCare.com

Older adults can experience pain related to many different conditions. Back pain, in particular, has a variety of possible causes, though the most common causes of chronic back pain in seniors are osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis. People over the age of 60 are more likely to experience back pain related to the degeneration of the joints in the spine. The good news is that there are also a variety of simple solutions that may help ease this pain.Sometimes the simplest answer is the best, and in some cases, one little change can make all the difference. For others, a few adjustments to their habits or lifestyle can ease the discomfort.There are other options besides surgery and prescription drugs.Causes of OsteoarthritisArthritis is a general term that means the swelling of a joint. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage at the joint wears down, leaving the bones without any protection against each other; it is the most common type of arthritis. It can occur at any joint in the body, though it is common in the spine.When this happens, or if the cartilage is chipped or damaged on one side, the injured cartilage or the neighboring bone rub against the bone, causing further injury. This, along with the accompanying joint inflammation and muscle spasm, cause back pain.Causes of Spinal StenosisThis is a narrowing of the bone channel occupied by the spinal cord and nerves, which puts pressure on the nerves and can result in tingling, numbness, or pain. Spinal stenosis is related to osteoarthritis and degeneration of the spine and could show up in the fifth decade of life and continue through the years.When the lower back develops lumbar stenosis, the spinal nerve roots in the low back become compressed and produce symptoms of sciaticatingling, weakness, or numbness that radiates from the low back and into the buttocks and legs. This often gets worse with activity, which leads people to avoid movement and exercise.Unfortunately, a sedentary lifestyle leads to additional health issues.Symptoms of Chronic Back Pain in SeniorsSymptoms of osteoarthritis may include: Pain that is most pronounced in the mornings and evenings. Pain that interrupts sleep. Pain after activity. Tender when pressed against. Stiffness and loss of flexibility in the back (being unable to twist or bend comfortably at the waist).Spinal stenosis often features slightly different symptoms: Leg and lower back pain after even a short walk. Lower back pain that is quickly relieved by sitting down. Weakness, numbness, and tingling that moves from the low back into the buttocks and legs (sciatica).In both cases, symptoms ranging from mild to severe may start slowly and increase over time.Simple, Natural Treatments for Chronic Back Pain in Seniors1. New, High-Quality Mattresses:All mattresses are not created equal! A high-quality mattress can offer huge relief for those experiencing back pain since old, worn-out mattresses do little to support the back or neck.2. Better Diet:Healthy fats (flaxseed oil, avocado oil, olive oil, etc), fruits, vegetables, nuts, ginger, garlic, oatmeal, and lean protein sources all help reduce inflammation. Meanwhile, dairy, pastries, red meat, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, refined grains, and any heavily processed foods are best to avoid because they increase inflammation in muscles and joints.3. Yoga:Many older adults have found the practice of yoga to work in their favor, particularly by practicing restorative yoga, a deeply relaxing approach to the traditional practice. Depending upon your range of motion and fitness level, you might also choose a gentle hatha yoga or chair yoga class. Studies have shown positive outcomes like decreased pain, increased the range of motion and a greater sense of well-being for people with back pain. John Hopkins offers more tips for doing yoga with arthritis.4. Acupuncture:This is a gentle, alternative medicine approach to help ease and treat the aches and pains in aging bodies. Instead of treating symptoms, acupuncture helps treat the pain source naturally, without the use of drugs.5. Massage Therapy:Pills can cause many side effects and long-term health problems when taken too frequently. Massage therapy improves circulation and reduces inflammation and swelling; studies have shown it to be effective in reducing chronic back pain, which may reduce a patients need for pain pills.Treating chronic back pain in the elderly doesnt always mean resorting to prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs. There are all-natural alternatives that your caregiver may be able to help you try. Contact us today to learn more about in-home senior care.

If you are reading this article, you probably have already come to the realization that your parents are in need of home care. Most likely, your parents want to remain in their own home and retain as much independence as possible. Helping your parents overcome their perception that accepting in-home care means a loss of that independence is a huge key to getting them on board.The best way to do this is to help your parents understand the advantages of home care and how it can allow them to stay in their home. Often, your parents will be more open to exploring the possibility of in-home care when faced with the alternative of going into an assisted living or skilled care facility. In-home care allows your parents to receive one-on-one care in the comfort of their own home and will often save money at the same time. With help at home, your parents can remain in control and set their own standards.If you are met with resistance, try a different approach. Suggest that accepting in-home care would help you and give you peace of mind. Parents are often willing to do something to benefit their children which they would not be willing to do for themselves. Home care might be better accepted if it is viewed as a luxury or benefit something they deserve rather than something being forced upon them because they can no longer care for themselves: Mom, you deserve to have someone come in and prepare some good meals for you, is more likely to be met with a positive response than You cant take care of yourself anymore. If your aging parent is concerned about a stranger providing intimate care, a good idea is to start with non-personal care such as light housekeeping, meal preparation and transportation. Your mother or father will get used to the idea of having a caregiver and will be more responsive when the time comes for assistance with personal care.Although having this conversation with your parents may seem like one of the hardest things you've ever had to do, don't let your parents sense that. Plan your approach and timing carefully and you may be pleasantly surprised. Chances are if the subject is on your mind, it has been on your parents minds as well.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Karen Moorehead. Karen is the owner of Elderlink Home Care, Inc. and may be reached at 303-734-0641 or by email at info@elderlinkhomecare.com

If you are caring for a parent or client with dementia, the thought of them wandering will no doubt causes you anxiety. Unfortunately, over 60% of dementia sufferers will wander at one time or another. However, despite the statistics, there are things you can do to help ensure their safety. Whether it has happened before or you are thinking ahead to the possibility, these practical tips can be very helpful when dealing with someone who is at risk of wandering. Practical Tips to Keep Your Senior from Wandering 1. Make sure that all of the doors and windows are secure, without creating a fire hazard.If possible, install devices that will alert you if doors or windows are opened. For doors that have deadbolt locks, try moving the locks to a less noticeable spot; perhaps higher or lower on the door. Also, if you already have an alarm system, you may be able to adjust the settings or wiring to fit your changing needs.2. Sometimes seniors try to leave home to get something to eat or drink.If that is the case with your client or loved one, perhaps you can keep water and snacks handy in areas they frequently relax, including near their bed. When that isnt plausible, ask them regularly if they need anything, before they attempt to go searching for it on their own.3. Many dementia sufferers think they still need to go to work or do other things that used to be part of their normal routine.Also, boredom and restlessness can increase the risk of them wanting to leave home. Physical activity and planned movement can help keep your loved one content. Try to establish a daily routine to help instill a sense of responsibility and stability in your loved one.4. If possible, avoid unfamiliar or busy places that can cause confusion and disorientation.When it is necessary to enter new surroundings, be sure not to leave a person with dementia unattended, even if it is just for a couple of minutes. In their attempt to get themselves to a familiar environment, they may inadvertently wander too far.5.  If your client or parent shouldnt be alone outside, try and make your neighbors aware of this.Simply seeing a senior walking outdoors will not alarm most people, especially if they dont look at all disoriented. Try to make your specific situation clear to those that live nearby and provide your phone number so they can call you if necessary.6. Look into getting ID jewelry, such as this bracelet from the Alzheimers Association.This particular model works with a 24-hour nationwide service. After you call to inform them of what has happened, they will contact members of the community network as well as emergency personnel to begin looking for the person wearing the bracelet.7. If your client or loved one does wander off, spend no more than 15 minutes looking for them in the most likely and nearby places.Then, notify law enforcement. Provide them with a recent photo and a description of the clothing there are wearing.It is wonderful when the adult children of aging parents are able to provide the care needed as they age. However, this isnt always possible due to the busy lives we all lead! Also, being the sole caregiver can be very taxing. Elderlink Home Care, Inc. can help by sending caregivers into the home to assist with daily living activities.Please contact us today for more information about our home care services.

Dont 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.Heres 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 OnePlace 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 wheelchair 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 homes 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.