How to Talk to Your Parent’s Doctor: A Caregiver’s Guide to Medical Appointments
Helping an aging parent at doctor appointments requires preparation before the visit, confident communication during it, and clear follow-up afterward. With the average appointment lasting just 15–20 minutes, family caregivers who come prepared with organized questions, updated medication lists, and specific concerns get significantly better outcomes for their loved ones. You’ve driven your parent to […]
Managing Your Parent’s Medications: A Simple Guide to Avoiding Mix-Ups
Medication management for seniors is one of the most common and preventable causes of health complications at home. As many as 55% of seniors fail to take their medications as prescribed. Simple tracking systems, clear communication with healthcare providers, and the support of a professional caregiver can dramatically reduce the risk of dangerous mix-ups. You […]
Flu Season Is Coming: How to Protect Your Aging Parent at Home
Seniors face significantly higher risks from the flu due to age-related immune changes. Protecting aging parents during flu season requires proactive vaccination, hygiene habits, nutrition support, and consistent home care — ideally with the help of a professional caregiver who can monitor symptoms and maintain daily routines. Fall arrives and, with it, flu season — […]
Taking Steps to Reduce Your Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
Taking Steps to Reduce Your Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease A brisk 30-minute walk could do more than boost the step count on your smartwatch. It could significantly reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. “We know that regular physical activity is critical to healthy aging. It strengthens muscles, improves heart health and can prevent or […]
Celebrating Older Americans Month
Celebrating Older Americans Month All of us at HCAN are proud to join others across the country to celebrate Older Americans Month – recognizing the important contributions seniors make in our communities. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the theme for this year’s celebration is Age My Way – focusing on the many […]
Senior Green Thumbs – The Benefits of Gardening
Senior Green Thumbs – The Benefits of Gardening Whether it’s tending a large vegetable plot, working in a community garden, or planting a few potted pansies, gardening can do wonders for a senior’s overall health and well-being. “For many seniors, gardening is much more than a hobby. Being outdoors and digging in the dirt is […]
Five Reasons Why Caregiving is Meaningful
Five Reasons Why Caregiving is Meaningful Are you looking for a job that provides more than a paycheck? If so, you might want to consider a career in professional caregiving. “At the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN), we understand the power of compassionate caregiving. For us, caregiving is so much more than a job – it’s […]
Living Past 110? Researchers Say the Odds are Increasing.
Living Past 110? Researchers Say the Odds are Increasing. Will you live past age 110? How about past 120- or 130-years old? You may be thinking “Living past 110? Well, researchers say the odds are increasing. It may seem unlikely now, but according to a new study, the odds of becoming a supercentenarian are increasing. […]
Five Ways a Professional Caregiver Can Support Your Senior’s Healthy Habits
Five Ways a Professional Caregiver Can Support Your Senior’s Healthy Habits Is your dad able to manage multiple medications? Is your mom eating healthy, nutritious foods? Are your parents able to safely get in and out of the shower or bath? “We work with a lot of families who are worried that their aging loved […]
Is it Forgetfulness or Dementia?
Is it Forgetfulness or Dementia? Your mom routinely misplaces her glasses and sometimes forgets to pay a bill. Your dad has trouble remembering the names of his grandchildren and often snaps at them, which is out of character. Are they experiencing the normal forgetfulness that comes with aging or is it something more serious, like […]