HomeCare Advocacy Network of Council Bluffs and Southwest Iowa

01/27/2026

💔 7 Signs Older Adults May Be Experiencing Loneliness 💔

Loneliness can impact anyone, but for older adults, it often goes unnoticed. Recognizing the signs early can make all the difference. 💡

Here are 7 signs to look out for:
1️⃣ Social withdrawal: They seem disengaged or uninterested in social activities.
2️⃣ Lack of communication: Repeating themselves or struggling with words.
3️⃣ Changes in sleep: Difficulty falling asleep or waking up frequently.
4️⃣ Changes in eating habits: Noticeable weight changes or altered eating patterns.
5️⃣ Varying moods: Shifts in attitude, sadness, or irritability.
6️⃣ Changes in appearance: Rumpled clothes, unkempt hair, or significant weight fluctuations.
7️⃣ Memory loss: Forgetting names, recent events, or feeling overwhelmed.

🌟 Let’s support our loved ones by noticing these signs early and taking action!

👉 Visit our resources page to learn more about how you can help and bring meaningful connections back into their lives. Together, we can make a difference. 💞 https://hcan.com/aging-in-place-resources-expert-home-care-support-for-seniors/

01/26/2026

Did you know that nearly 5 million seniors rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table? Yet, many older adults who qualify for assistance aren’t enrolled. Understanding the impact of SNAP on senior hunger is crucial to creating a more equitable future for our aging population.

Discover the facts, the challenges, and the solutions in this eye-opening article. Let’s work together to ensure no senior goes hungry.

Nearly 6.5 million low-income adults over age 60 rely on SNAP to stay healthy and make ends meet. Find out NCOA is helping to fight senior hunger.

01/24/2026

Does the thought of planning meals for your aging parents—while trying to manage your own household—feel like just one more thing on your overflowing to-do list? We understand how overwhelming it can be to juggle caregiving duties with everything else.

Meal prep doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing marathon. It can be a simple way to bring a little peace of mind back into your week. In this reel, we’re sharing a few manageable steps to make sure your loved ones have nutritious meals ready to go, without adding extra stress to your plate.

Here are a few ways to start small:

✅ Customize the space: Organize the kitchen so common tools are within easy reach.

✅Share ingredients: Roast a big batch of veggies or chicken that can work for your dinner and theirs.

✅Stock the staples: Keep basics like broth, rice, and beans on hand for quick fixes.

✅Repurpose with purpose: Turn last night's roast into tomorrow's stew.

✅Invest in good storage: Clear, easy-to-open containers keep food fresh and visible in the fridge.

Taking these small steps helps ensure your loved ones are eating well, even when you can't be there for every meal. It allows you to focus less on the logistics of cooking and more on the quality time you spend together.

Which of these tips would help you the most this week? Let us know in the comments below.

01/23/2026

Meet Wilma and Welthy, identical twins who just celebrated their 100th birthday together! From sharing a bedroom to raising eight kids, their century-long bond is a heartwarming testament to the power of sisterhood. 🥰 Don't miss their incredible story of love, laughter, and life lived side by side.

“The bond they share is truly indescribable."

01/23/2026

Please join us in wishing Adriana a very Happy Birthday today!!🎉 We hope you have a great day and a year full of blessings!

01/22/2026

Did you know that half of the 4 million Americans living with glaucoma don't even know they have it? 👁️

Often called the "silent thief of sight," this condition can damage your vision before you ever notice a single symptom. By the time many people realize something is wrong, the vision loss is often irreversible.

That is why early detection is critical.

In our latest blog post, Understanding Glaucoma: Symptoms, Risks & Prevention, we provide a comprehensive guide to protecting your sight. Inside, you will learn:
✅ The hidden warning signs you might miss
✅ The different types of glaucoma
✅ Key risk factors to watch out for
✅ How comprehensive eye exams can save your vision

Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Take control of your eye health today by reading the full guide.

Understanding Glaucoma: A Guide to Protecting Your Sight Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye. It stands as a leading cause of irreversible blindness for people over the

01/20/2026

Making sure your mom or dad takes their medication on time—and with the right meals—is essential for their health. Many medications work best, and are easier on the stomach, when taken with food. When life gets busy, it's easy to worry if a dose was missed or not taken properly.

Our compassionate caregivers can provide gentle Medication Reminders, including prompts to take medicines with meals, helping your loved one stick to their prescribed schedule safely. This personalized support offers peace of mind for you and promotes better health for them. We are your trusted care partner, ensuring every dose is taken as directed. 💊

Learn how we can support your family's health and happiness. Visit http://hcan.com/SouthwestIowa or call (712) 318-1992 today!

01/19/2026

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

For many of you, this question isn't just something you think about once a year—it’s the reality you live every single day.

When you’re caring for an aging parent, "doing for others" takes on a whole new meaning. It’s in the quiet moments of reassurance, the late-night safety checks, and the endless coordination of appointments. It’s the invisible labor of love that often goes unnoticed by the outside world.

But please remember: In your dedication to caring for your loved one, you are answering Dr. King’s question in the most profound way possible. You are ensuring dignity, safety, and comfort for someone who needs it most.

Today, we honor your service and dedication.

How are you planning to support your community? Let us know in the comments below.

01/16/2026

Sharing a meal is so much more than eating food. If your senior has companionship during mealtimes, they’re more likely to be happy and healthy. It’s also an important way to help them maintain their independence. Our professional caregivers can provide a listening ear and smiling face during mealtimes. Contact us today to learn more!

01/15/2026

Have you checked what’s inside your aging parent’s refrigerator lately? 🍎🥦

It’s not always easy for seniors to maintain a balanced diet—especially if they live alone or can no longer drive to the grocery store. From frozen dinners to skipping meals entirely, nutrition often takes a backseat when cooking becomes a chore.

But healthy eating is a cornerstone of aging well! That’s why we’ve put together five practical, easy-to-follow tips to help you support your loved ones in making better food choices every day.

Check out our latest blog for simple strategies to boost their nutrition and well-being.

5 Essential Nutrition Tips for Seniors A quick look inside your aging parent's refrigerator might reveal more about their well-being than you think. Are you seeing fresh fruits and vegetables, or is it mostly frozen dinners and processed snacks? Ensuring older adults maintain a nutritious, balanced....

01/14/2026

Please join us in celebrating a couple recent award winners!! Paula received our Rising Star award and Vanity was our Care Advocate of the month for November!!🎉 We greatly appreciated you ladies and your hard work and dedication to HCAN of SWI and our clients!!

01/14/2026

Are you happy with your current career path?

Does your organization provide you with the support you need to be successful?

Do you feel valued and appreciated?

If you answered no to any of those questions, maybe it’s time for a change.

Learn more today https://hcan.com/southwestiowa/careers/