Alzherimer's Care October 16th 6:30 - 8:30 pm  Learn more about Alzheimer's disease, communication strategies for working with Alzheimers patients, and more. Seating is limited.   For more information contact Seniors ETC at 720.529.1211 or info@seniorsetc.com

In Today's Newsletter

 

 

7 Tips For Introducing Home Care To Your Parents

1. Start discussing the different options with your parents early on. Don't wait until its too late, and you have an immediate need. Instead, introduce a few simple services while your parents are still in relatively good health, and can help you make the decision.

2. Communicate clearly and with a purpose. Have your ideas planned out, and have responses to any questions or arguments you anticipate from your parents. Remember to stay as calm as possible, and allow some room for your parents to make choices. Their independence may feel threatened, so allow them some room to make their own choices.

3. Help your parents establish good documentation and record keeping skills. While your parents are in good health, it's easier to accumulate everything into one central location. Have them pull together doctors records, insurance information, estate information, wills, living wills, investment and financial information. It may be difficult for them to share this information with you, but explain the necessity of having it together in one location.

4. Become a resource. If your parents are missing key pieces of information, or are unaware of some of the options available to them, become a resource. Supply them with community resources, forms for Medicare and Medicaid, long-term care insurance options, and financial planning resources. 

5. Provide several options. Nobody likes to be told how to do something, especially your parents. They have always been there to provide for you; turning the tables can be a difficult moment. Instead, give them choices. They will feel more responsible and more accepting to the situation if they have had some choice in the matter.

6. Consistently evaluate the situation. If you have in-home are, its easier to make assessments. Communicate with your care manager regularly, and discuss your options. Also listen to your parents, and find out how they feel. Will simple adjustments make them happier? Sometimes small changes can make all the difference in the world.

7. Remember you aren't alone. If you have family members near by, involve them in the decision making process. If that's not an option, find local resources in your community to help. Many people face these same situations every day. Find support centers that can steer you in the right direction, and provide you with good reliable resources to help you through these changing times. 
 

Winter Squash - Our Fall Bounty

Fall is near by and so is the season for fresh winter squash.  We are fortunate to have so many varieties to choose from: acorn, spaghetti, pumpkin, turban, and butternut just to name a few.
 
Winter squash is low in calories, carbohydrates, high in fiber.

And packed with nutrients.

 

Many of us have heard our mothers say,  "One deep yellow vegetable a day"  For those of us interested in staying ahead of the vitality and longevity curve this is good advice.

 

I prefer to bake my winter squash. Because it is easy!  Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds with an ice cream scoop., spray a shallow baking dish with cooking spray, place unpeeled halves cut sides down and bake in a 350°F oven 30 -45 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing with a fork or skewer. When tender, remove from the oven and allow the pieces to cool.

Small acorn squash, spaghetti squash, and butternut squash can be pierced in several places with a long-tined fork or metal skewer and baked whole. (350 degrees for approx 1 hour)

 

When done, remove the pulp, and serve with butter (we use spray margarine) and seasonings, or add brown sugar, and cinnamon.

 

Spaghetti squash is great with your favorite Italian sauce and Parmesan cheese.

 

For the more adventurous, here is one of my favorite spaghetti squash recipes.

Ingredients:

 

· 1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 1 onion, chopped
· 1 clove garlic, minced
· 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
· 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
· ¼ cup sliced black olives
· ¼ cup fresh basil, minced

 

Bake your spaghetti squash

 

When squash is done, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion in oil until tender. Add garlic, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, and cook only until tomatoes are warm.

 

Use a large spoon to scoop the spaghetti like strands from the squash, and place in a medium bowl. Toss with the sautéed vegetables, feta cheese, olives, and fresh basil.

 

Serve with a crusty bread.
 
  

Ongoing Learning: Diet and Meal Preparation

Did you know Seniors Etc can help your loved one prepare meals, share conversation while she eats, and even clean the dishes?

 

You buy the groceries, and share simple ideas for eating alone. But is your loved one really eating correctly? Many seniors report that they don't like to eat alone, and therefore end up snacking rather than eating nutritious meals. And many times it's a simple matter of having a friendly face to share the meal with, and someone to help them put the meal together. Consider hiring a Seniors Etc caregiver to help you. We'll be there to help plan the meals, help prepare the food, and even clean up afterwards. We'll give you peace of mind, and ensure your loved one eats properly.

Want to find out more? Contact Seniors Etc for more information, and to schedule your fact-finding consultation.