CARE BLOG
The Promise of a Better Tomorrow
The Promise of a Better Tomorrow When Mark and Sierra Goetz founded the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN), they did so with a vision of arming today’s spectrum of caregivers with hope, high-impact resources, and the promise of a better tomorrow. One way they’re doing that is through HCAN’s new Family and Friends Dementia Education class - a high-touch approach designed [...]
Raising Awareness About Fall Prevention
Raising Awareness About Fall Prevention Every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) falls in the United States - making falls the leading cause of injury and death in that age group. The good news, many falls are preventable - which is the focus of National Fall Prevention Awareness Week. From September 18 - 24, we’ll be [...]
Advance Directives – What You Need to Know
Advance Directives - What You Need to Know Have you talked to your aging parents about their end of life wishes? Do you know if they have living wills, health care powers of attorney or do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders? “It’s a very tough, but necessary conversation,” said Teresa Steinfatt, Vice President of Business Performance at the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “Developing [...]
Ten Tips to Help Manage Meds
How many prescriptions drugs/meds do you take? If you’re over 65-years-old, you probably take at least one - maybe more. Studies show that more than 85 percent of those age 65 and older take at least one prescription drug or meds - with more than 35 percent regularly taking five or more prescription and over-the-counter medications. While medicines can [...]
Survey Shows Most Adults Aren’t Planning for Future Needs
Survey Shows Most Adults Aren’t Planning for Future Needs With more than 10,000 people turning 65 every day, home care is quickly becoming an increasingly important part of the senior care continuum. Seniors want to age in their homes “We know that an overwhelming majority of seniors want to age in their homes,” said Mark Goetz, co-founder and president of [...]
Professional Caregiving Is The Perfect Career for Busy Moms
Professional Caregiving Is The Perfect Career for Busy Moms Looking for something to do when the kids go back to school? Have you thought about professional caregiving? At the HomeCare Advocacy Network, we offer flexible schedules that that allow busy moms to make extra money and do meaningful work without missing their kids’ school plays, soccer practice or other family [...]
Are You Feeling the Squeeze?
Are You Feeling the Squeeze? After a brutal day at work, all you want to do is grab a glass of wine and turn on your favorite TV show. But you know that won’t happen. In addition to checking in on your aging mom, you have to also feed your hungry kids and help with algebra homework. Before you can [...]
Ten Reasons Older People Need Pets
Ten Reasons Older People Need Pets Your dad passed away several months ago… leaving your mom alone in the home they shared for more than 50 years. Your friends suggest getting her a pet - a furry friend that will keep her busy and reduce the risk of loneliness, but you worry a pet will be more work than it’s [...]
The Highs and Lows of Owning a Home Care Business
The Highs and Lows of Owning a Home Care Business Listen to the HomeCare Hub podcast now: Rookies and seasoned veterans agree - owning a home care business can be an amazing ride. Home Care Rewards “There were a lot of highs and there were some lows,” said Teresa Steinfatt, vice president of business performance with the [...]
The Changing Definition of Retirement
The Changing Definition of Retirement What will your retirement look like? Will you pack up and move to a warmer climate? Do you want to travel the world? What about volunteering or maybe an encore career? According to a recent study of more than 11,000 pre-retirees and retirees, the definition of retirement is changing. Among the findings: Today’s retirees say [...]
Understanding the Stages of Alzheimer’s
Understanding the Stages of Alzheimer’s Your aging loved one just received a devastating diagnosis… Alzheimer’s disease. Now what? “For those who have never cared for a family member or friend with the disease, it can be overwhelming,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “When my stepmom was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, we [...]
Seven Benefits of Home Care
Seven Benefits of Home Care Your mom and dad have lived safely and independently in their home for more than 50 years, but lately you’ve noticed things are a little off - there’s spoiled food in the fridge, mom’s hair is no longer perfectly styled and dad spends most of the day watching Gunsmoke re-runs. Is it time to start thinking [...]
Drink Up – The Importance of Staying Hydrated
Drink Up - The Importance of Staying Hydrated As the temperature rises, so does the risk of dehydration - especially among older adults. “My mom experienced dehydration just a few weeks ago,” said Debbie Hilt, a consultant working with the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “I encourage her to drink a lot of water, especially during the summer months, but she [...]
What Makes a Great Caregiver?
What Makes a Great Caregiver? Caregiving can be a life changing experience - just ask Aaron Blight. “My experience with caregiving started more than 20 years ago when I was working for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services - I was in the federal Medicaid program, and I was relatively young,” he said. “My mother-in-law was unexpectedly [...]
Most Older Adults Believe They Will Eventually Need Assistance, But Few Plan For It.
Most Older Adults Believe They Will Eventually Need Assistance, But Few Plan For It. Do you want to remain in your home as you age? Have you thought about the things you’ll need in order to continue to live independently in 10, 20, 30 or even 40 years? If you haven’t, you’re not alone. According to a new AARP Long-Term [...]
Can You Hear Me Now?
Can You Hear Me Now? Did you know that hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor against dementia? According to a recent study, treating hearing loss could eliminate 1 in 10 cases of dementia. In the study, researchers found that mild hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia, moderate hearing loss triples it and severe hearing loss raises the [...]
Five Easy Steps to Start Your Caregiving Career
Five Easy Steps to Start Your Caregiving Career If you’re thinking about a career in caregiving, you’re not alone. It’s one of the fastest growing occupations in the country - with nearly 600,000 projected job openings through 2030. “With more than 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day, the need for dedicated, compassionate professional caregivers will continue to grow,” said [...]
The Benefits of Music Therapy
The Benefits of Music Therapy We know music is good for the soul, but did you know it’s also good for the mind? Studies show that music brings our senses to life and stimulates many parts of the brain at the same time, including those that affect language, mood and movement. Through research at the University of California, Davis, experts [...]
Helping Seniors Beat the Heat
Helping Seniors Beat the Heat It’s not even officially summer yet, but record heat has already gripped much of the country. While the high temperatures and suffocating humidity make life unpleasant for almost everyone, it can be dangerous, even deadly, for older adults. People age 65 and over are more prone to heat stress, because they don’t adjust as well [...]
The Importance of Socializing for Seniors
The Importance of Socializing for Seniors Whether it’s playing a game of Scrabble with a grandchild or enjoying lunch with a best friend, there’s just something special about being around people you love. “Socialization is important at any age, but it’s critical for older adults - especially for those who live alone,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager for [...]
At HCAN, We Don’t Sell Franchises – We Award Them
What does it take to be an HCAN franchises partner? “We don’t sell franchises at HCAN, we award them,” said Aaron McMartin, HCAN’s Vice President of Development. “When evaluating candidates, we look for passion… is it there? Is the culture fit there? Do they remind me of our other franchisees? Do they remind me of our executive team? Are [...]
Mom, Dad – We Need to Talk
Mom, Dad - We Need to Talk Mom can no longer keep up with household chores - beds are unmade, there’s expired food in the fridge and unopened mail on the counter. Dad spends less time with his friends and more time sitting in his recliner. Is it time to suggest in-home care? “It’s never easy to admit that you [...]
What is Sundowning and What Can You do About it?
What is Sundowning and What Can You do About it? If you’re caring for a loved with with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you may have noticed an increase in confusion, anxiety or even aggression at the end of the day. This type of late day confusion is often referred to as sundowning. “Sundowning is not a disease [...]
Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference Does your mom still have decorative throw rugs scattered around her home? Is your dad’s living room cluttered with magazines, newspapers, books and other items? Do you worry that your aging loved one’s shower may not be safe? If you answered yes to any one of those questions, your senior’s home is probably [...]
Fighting the Darkness of Alzheimer’s on the Longest Day
Fighting the Darkness of Alzheimer’s on the Longest Day The summer solstice - it’s the day with the most light… the longest day. On June 21st, people from around the world will mark the occasion by shining a light on Alzheimer’s - honoring those living with the disease and their caregivers, for whom every day is the longest day. Did [...]