How Do Seniors Get around without a Car?

March 22, 2024 by Staci Baker

Transportation plays a critical role at any stage of life, allowing us to stay active in community activities, visit family and friends and most importantly attend schedule appointment with your doctor. Although losing the ability to drive can be challenging for seniors, it does not mean your mobility and independence must end. Thankfully, transportation services have evolved significantly, offering older adults various affordable ways to maintain independence, connection and quality of life. These options range from traditional public transit to modern ride-sharing services, providing seniors with a wide choice for getting around without needing to drive themselves.

Exploring Alternative Transportation Options

Let’s review some efficient transportation modes suitable for seniors.

Embracing Public Transportation

Many seniors rely on public transportation since it is inexpensive and convenient. The robust transit networks in the city and surrounding areas make it easy for older adults to navigate urban landscapes without needing a car. From light-rail systems to accessible buses, public transit offers convenience and reliability for seniors.

Power of Ride-Sharing Services

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Lyft, are an excellent option for seniors who prefer the convenience of door-to-door service. With a simple tap on their smartphone, seniors can request a ride and be on their way in minutes. These services offer flexibility and convenience, allowing older adults to maintain their independence without the hassle of driving a car.

Navigating Volunteer Driver Programs

Volunteer driver programs become vital for seniors who require transportation aid in areas lacking public transit options. These initiatives depend on committed volunteers who provide door-to-door service. Though their availability may fluctuate, volunteer driver programs serve as a lifeline for seniors without conventional transportation choices.

Utilizing Senior Living Transportation Services

For seniors residing in retirement communities or assisted living facilities, transportation services are often included as part of their amenities. These services give seniors access to essential medical appointments and general shopping. This can ensure that the seniors can maintain their independence and quality of life. While scheduling may be required, senior living transportation services offer peace of mind for older adults and their families.

Accessing Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

Seniors with medical needs can benefit from non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) programs. These provide senior transportation assistance for medical appointments and other healthcare-related services. Programs such as TRU PACE, available to Medicaid beneficiaries, ensure seniors can access the care they need without relying on a personal vehicle. While availability may vary by location, other NEMT programs such as MedRide in Colorado play a vital role in supporting seniors’ health and well-being. Additional options for those needing special assistance through your local AAA program or contacting Via in the Denver area. Transportation is not typically covered by Medicare Part A & B.

Healthcare Clinics Providing Transportation for Seniors

Caregivers often take on additional responsibility for the mobility of their loved ones while driving them to their medical appointments, activities, and other locations. This can be time-consuming and challenging, especially if they have their own family or job, there are mobility issues or are in need of transfer assistance. For seniors requiring additional support with transportation, professional healthcare clinics offer personalized transportation assistance. Caregivers provide door-to-door help, ensuring seniors can safely navigate and access essential services. These services offer practical support and give the seniors companionship and social interaction during their outings.

While giving up the keys to a car may seem daunting, seniors have many transportation options available to them. With options ranging from public transportation to ride-sharing services and volunteer driver programs, older adults can stay independent and connected to their communities. By exploring these alternative transportation options, seniors can continue leading active and fulfilling lives without needing a car. If you are looking for reliable transportation assistance for your senior or loved one, TRU PACE may be able to help you and your loved one. Contact us to learn more.

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Tips for Caring for Someone with Dementia

March 22, 2024 by Staci Baker

Caring for someone with dementia can be a challenging journey filled with ups and downs. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or professional caregiver, you must have the right knowledge to provide the best possible care for your loved one.

Read on to explore practical tips and strategies to help you navigate the complexities of dementia care with confidence and compassion.

Educate Yourself

The first step in caring for someone with dementia is to educate yourself about the condition. Take the time to learn about the different types of dementia, their symptoms, and how they progress over time. Understanding the challenges your loved one faces can help you anticipate their needs and provide more effective support.

Establish Routine and Structure

People with dementia often feel more secure and comfortable with a predictable routine. Establishing a daily schedule can help reduce confusion and anxiety, making it easier for your loved one to navigate their day-to-day life. Try to stick to consistent meal times, bedtime routines, and daily activities to provide a sense of stability.

Create a Safe Environment

Safety is important when caring for someone with dementia. Take steps to remove any potential hazards from the home, such as sharp objects, tripping hazards, or toxic substances. Install grab bars in the bathroom, secure rugs and carpets, and consider using locks or alarms on doors and windows to prevent wandering.

Communicate Effectively

Communication can be challenging for people with dementia, but there are strategies you can use to facilitate meaningful interactions. Speak slowly, use simple language, and avoid asking open-ended questions that can be confusing. Be patient and attentive, and always listen to your loved one’s feelings and concerns.

Practice Empathy and Compassion

Dementia care requires a great deal of patience and empathy. Try to put yourself in their shoes and understand the world from their perspective. Show compassion and understanding, even when behaviors become challenging or frustrating. Remember that your loved one is doing their best in a difficult situation.

Seek Support

Assisting someone with dementia can be emotionally and physically taxing, so it’s essential to seek support when you need it. Reach out to family and friends for help, join a support group for caregivers, or consider hiring professional respite care to give yourself a break when necessary.

Stay Flexible and Adapt

Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning that your loved one’s needs will likely change over time. Stay flexible and be prepared to adapt your caregiving approach as their condition evolves. Keep an open mind and be willing to try new strategies and interventions to meet their changing needs effectively.

Take Care of Yourself

Don’t forget to prioritize your health and well-being as a caregiver. Make time for self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with friends. Remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup, so take care of yourself to be the best caregiver possible for your loved one.

Are you looking for comprehensive care and support for your loved one with dementia? At TRU PACE, we provide personalized care for older adults with complex medical needs, including dementia. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you and your family on this journey.

How PACE Helps Older Adults and Their Caregivers

November 6, 2023 by Staci Baker

When it is time to seek out healthcare assistance for yourself or an older adult, there are many options. Creating a plan can be a confusing and daunting task as you try to piece together services to meet all of your needs. For family caregivers, this can be especially stressful while also balancing the needs of work and family. Many caregivers find that care coordination for their parents can be a full-time job.

PACE, which stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, is an option that removes the burden of care coordination for older adults and their families. PACE is an innovative model of healthcare providing wrap-around services and coordinated care all in one place, alleviating stress on the older adult and their family. PACE provides the flexibility needed to meet the health care needs of older adults to support them living successfully in the community.

A unique approach for every person

Every individual who receives care and services through PACE has a unique plan of care developed by an interdisciplinary team including providers, nurses, social workers, therapists, dietitians, homecare, transportation specialists, and more. The team works with each PACE participant to create an individualized plan that cares for the whole person, including their medical, social, and mental health needs.

PACE is more than a list of services; PACE is a complete solution

PACE offers a day center, where participants can receive medical care, rehab therapies, meals and socialization. The PACE Center serves as the central hub of all services, including scheduling and transportation to and from all appointments. PACE’s comprehensive services and care coordination can be an invaluable solution for the older adult and their caregivers who are balancing the needs of family and work.

If you think PACE may be a solution for you, please call TRU PACE at 303-665-0115.

Art Stories at TRU PACE

September 14, 2023 by Staci Baker

“You should see this! It looks like a sunset!” Abby lightly guides Cartier’s hand on a sheet of mixed media paper. A few at the table smile a little – Cartier is blind, so he can’t see it – but he can sure feel what is happening beneath his hand and in the room around him, alive with music and chatter.

Purple Art is a Boulder, Colorado based creative art program for seniors of all abilities. Abby Sivy and Cindy Parker have been leading an expressive art class at Tru PACE for five years and we look forward every Monday to faces lighting up when we walk into the room to start a painting session.

According to a Journal of Aging Studies study, there are six features of successful aging: a sense of purpose, interactions with others, personal growth, self-acceptance, autonomy, and health.

The findings indicate that “creative activity contributes to successful aging by fostering a sense of competence, purpose, and growth. Artistic creativity also facilitates successful aging by encouraging the development of problem-solving skills, motivation, and perceptions that translate to practical creativity in the way these individuals manage their everyday lives.”

Purple Art’s magic lies in the unique approach that we bring to each session. There is no right or wrong. No representation. Just the joy of moving color around the page, using a paintbrush, fingers, sponge brushes, whatever feels right. It does not take long for the inhibitions to melt away and the play to take over. Coloring within the lines is not allowed! The goal is to make a mess and have fun.

Artists look forward eagerly to Mondays and some organize their PACE days around the class.

We often bring images from famous artists and paint “in their style” or provide pictures to inspire, or big bunches of wildflowers (“you brought us the mountains!”) Some participants have painted in the past and have renewed the practice with enthusiasm. Others just paint, paint, paint. It’s so heart warming to see the support and encouragement that the participants give each other.

We instituted an “Artist of the Month” day and have installed a gallery of paintings on a long hall. On Artist of the Month day, we all go out into the hallway, walkers, wheelchairs, staff, and see who is the proud Artist! We’ve seen tears of excitement and so many congratulations as we read the statement on the wall about the person who “won” this month.

Our allies are the activity professionals and the care staff. They share in the excitement of the session, help with materials and set up and often sit with a participant who may have mobility or other issues to help guide them.

People of all ages need validation and a sense of belonging. PACE is one of the excellent organizations we work with that recognizes that creative programming is a crucial component of care.

There is beautiful reciprocity in working with a different generation. This connection is deep in our work: we learn tremendous lessons from PACE participants in each session and take a gem with us every time we leave. And we know that we leave gems in the hearts and minds of our artists.

By: Cindy Parker

Website: https://www.purpleart.org/

Instagram: @bohemiaboulder

Email: bohemiaboulder@gmail.com

Podcasts for Seniors

October 16, 2020 by TRU Community Care

Long ago, before the advent of television, there was radio. Families would huddle around the radio and listen to shows each week. News and events were broadcast and it was how we gained information and how we were entertained. Over the decades things changed and television took over and then the internet. Now, in 2020, the podcast is the new radio. But what the heck is a podcast? How do I get them? How do I listen?

A podcast is an online show, similar to a radio show, that’s available at all times. A podcast is audio only – no video. You can listen to a podcast as soon as it’s available, or you can listen to it 5 years later. There are podcasts in all genres, from politics to sports to culture to comedy to everything in between. Typically, podcasts are structured like a typical radio show – there is a host, and that host often interviews people about a specific subject. By the end of a podcast, you generally achieve one of the following:

Entertainment value
Valuable insights
Education
A good laugh

A typical podcast is about 30 minutes in length, though there are shows that go for an hour and shows that only go for 15 minutes.

Podcasting started as mostly an independent way for individuals to get their message out there and build a community of people with similar interests.

That still exists, but today there are podcasts from:

individuals
companies (large and small)
radio networks (like NPR)
TV networks (CNN, Fox, ESPN, etc.)
new podcast-only networks
comedians
storytellers
churches

And a whole lot more…

Podcasts can be broken up into “seasons” like a TV show or be episodic and ongoing. A weekly release for new episodes is common, but there are daily podcasts, weekly podcasts, and really any cadence (or lack thereof) the creator desires.

Another great thing about podcasts is that you can subscribe to them, which makes it easy to get notified (via your favorite podcast app) when new episodes come out.

The most convenient way to listen to a podcast is through your smartphone. Practically every device on the market has at least one way to listen, and most phones have many! So, if you have a smartphone in your pocket, you already have an ideal podcast listening platform.

If you have an iPhone or iPad, you have a head-start because they already come with a podcast app built in. Just look around your apps for one called Apple Podcasts. It’s a great app for the average listener, allowing you to search the directory, find new shows and subscribe easily. Then, you just have to fire up the app each time you want to listen, and pick an episode for the day!

Podcasts are an excellent way for older adults to continue to learn, be informed, be entertained and just have fun.

TRU PACE is a unique health care model that looks at the whole person’s intellectual, physical, social, and emotional needs. During this current pandemic, TRU PACE understands the importance of keeping the minds and souls of their participant’s intellectual engaged and vitalized. All participants can receive technical support from the PACE Recreational Therapy department and volunteers to help them set up systems to open the world of podcasts. Call TRU PACE at 303-665-0115 and speak to an Enrollment Specialist or visit https://www.pace.trucare.org to determine if you or a loved one can become a TRU PACE participant. TRU PACE TRUly cares about the older adults in our community.

Combating Senior Isolation

October 3, 2020 by TRU Community Care

Isolation during this pandemic is increasingly becoming an issue for all of us. But for our seniors, especially ones with few family members, this can be a significant challenge as they work to remain independent and in their own homes. Senior isolation can result in a number of detrimental factors like depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, increased risk of falls, physical health decline, and a higher risk of mortality. In a pandemic, socialization is more important than ever for older adults.

TRU PACE is introducing a new volunteer program designed to offer a fresh, fun socialization option for their older adult participants. TRU PACE has created an “Adopt-a-Grandparent” program, where members of the community can “adopt” one of the program’s participants to offer enjoyable social engagement every week. Through this unique program, TRU PACE participants and their volunteers can communicate in a variety of ways, like email, letters, phone calls and Zoom meetings. Even trading funny cartoons or jokes goes a long way in helping a senior who has become more isolated. While the Adopt-a-Grandparent program can be satisfying for both the TRU PACE participant and volunteer, it can also positively impact the physical wellbeing of the older adult, which is especially important during times of stress. By becoming an Adopt-a-Grandparent volunteer, community members can make an important difference in the lives of older adults – and create lasting connections of mutual learning and enjoyment.

TRU PACE is a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly. The program is designed to help seniors age successfully while remaining in their own homes. The program offers numerous benefits such as coordinated health care, transportation, social services, in-home care and more. The end result is the program is in constant and regular interaction with their participants. The Adopt-a-Grandparent is another in its portfolio of innovative ways to support seniors.

“We are so excited to kick off this new program for our participants. We have always offered innovative ways to meet the needs of our participants whether it is daily phone calls, Zoom/Telehealth calls, Zoom group activities, Zoom counseling and now the Adopt a Grandparent program. Senior isolation during this pandemic can be a real problem and the impacts are substantial and critical. We are committed to new and creative ways to combat this issue,” said Samantha Black, Executive Director for TRU PACE.

If this is a program you’d like to become involved with, please look for TRU PACE on Facebook or via the following link: https://www.pace.trucare.org/adopt-a-grandparent/

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The Top 5 Concerns Facing Older Adults in Our Community

September 6, 2020 by TRU Community Care

As we age we hope that our lives will become easier and without the stresses our younger years gave us. In many instances that is exactly how it happens. However, for many older adults there are specific challenges and concerns that become more immediate and important and finding solutions can be daunting.

The top concerns facing seniors today include:

Heath Care Costs – The cost of care is skyrocketing and as we get older, we require more care. The regular office visits, specialists, procedures and medications – all of these are very costly and they impact the resources of seniors dramatically. Consistently, this tops every list of senior citizen concerns.

Physical Aging – Aging means that we cannot move as well as we used to. We don’t see as clearly and our bones weaken. Nutrition, exercise and physical therapy become all the more important as we age.

Loneliness – As we get older, we may become more isolated. Friends and family are harder to see and isolation can become an issue. This is especially true during this pandemic. Senior isolation can result in a number of detrimental factors such as depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, increased risk of falls, physical health decline and a higher risk of mortality.

Transportation – Our reflexes can slow as we age and our eyes can become less clear. This may lead us to give up driving for our safety and the safety of others. This can limit the freedom a senior has and can make the tasks of doctor’s appointments and social interaction much more difficult.

Social Climate – Adjusting to technological changes is the largest social hurdle for older adults. Smart phones, computers and the internet offer many ways for a senior to stay in communication, but learning how to use these technologies is challenging for many.

For seniors meeting certain eligibility criteria, the TRU PACE program offers solutions for all of these concerns. PACE stands for Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly. PACE is a healthcare model centered on the belief that it is better for the well-being of older adults to be served in the community – in their homes – whenever possible. Anyone 55 years and older who resides in the designated service area, lives safely in the community at the time of enrollment, and needs assistance with at least TWO activities of daily living (certified by the state to need nursing-home-level of care) is eligible for PACE services.

TRU PACE provides an integrated continuum of care to seniors that help maintain their independence in their home for as long as possible. Care and services include:

The TRU PACE Center which offers access to an adult day program, rehab services, and medical clinic, where care is provided by a TRU PACE physician familiar with the participant’s history, needs and preferences.
Care coordinated by an interdisciplinary team (IDT) of professionals: Primary care, nursing, rehab therapies, social work, home health, recreation therapy, dietary, and transportation. PACE becomes the Primary Care Provider and offers an extensive network of specialty providers. This eases the pain and confusion of navigating the health care system.
Home health and personal care, respite and palliative care.
All necessary prescribed medications.
Improvement to participant’s living environment to optimize independence and minimize the risk of illness and/or injury.
A full network of medical specialists.
Transportation to/from the TRU PACE Center for medical appointments and other services.
Hospitalization and skilled nursing care.

Find out how TRU PACE can help you or a loved one remain living successfully in the community you love! To learn more about the TRU PACE program and eligibility requirements, please visit www.pace.trucare.org or call an enrollment specialist at 303-665-0115.

Demo Post #1

April 25, 2017 by TRU Community Care

Demo content for this demo post.