Home Instead Sandy Hook/Trumbull

08/16/2025

When time slips away, it could be more than just aging... ⏱

One of the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s is losing track of dates, or the passage of time. 🕰 If you or someone you love is struggling to follow schedules or forgets what year it is, it may be time to start a conversation.

This powerful image, a brain made of clocks, reminds us how Alzheimer’s can distort our sense of time. ⏰ Early detection matters. Know the signs and learn more at alz.org/10signs

08/15/2025

I am old and I just realized I still have so many unanswered questions!!!! I never found out who let the Dogs Out...where's the beef...how to get to Sesame Street... why Dora doesn't just use Google Maps...why eggs are packaged in a flimsy paper carton, but batteries are secured in plastic that's tough as nails...why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed... why "abbreviated" is such a long word... why lemon juice is made with artificial flavor yet dish-washing liquid is made with real lemons... why they sterilize the needle for lethal injections... and, why do you have to "put your two cents in" but it's only a "penny for your thoughts" where's that extra penny going to... why do "The Alphabet Song" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" have the same tune... why did you just try to sing those two previous songs... and just what is Victoria's secret? ...and do you really think I am this witty?? ... I actually got this from a friend, who stole it from her brother's girlfriend's, uncle's cousin's, baby's momma's doctor who lived next door to my old class mate's mail man...Now it is your turn to take it from me...Peace!! 😜

08/13/2025

Growing older brings changes—some expected, some not. But one thing remains the same: the desire to stay in control of your life and your choices. That’s why it’s important to talk about care, support, and future needs before there’s an emergency.

Open, respectful conversations give families time to understand each other's wishes and explore solutions that preserve independence and dignity.

Read More http://homeinstead.com/.../communicating-touchy-topics/

08/12/2025

“There’s no do-overs in grief, and so there’s a ton of second guessing in grief.” — Lisa Pahl

It’s never easy to talk about death. But avoiding it? That can leave our loved ones with conflict, confusion, and a heavy burden of “what ifs.”

In this episode of , Dr. Lakelyn sits down with hospice social worker and co-creator of The Death Deck, Lisa Pahl to explore the real consequences of not planning ahead.

Starting the conversation now won’t take away the pain of loss, but it can offer clarity, connection, and peace when it matters most.

🎧 Listen to wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple: https://apple.co/3RuALpz?utm_source=facebook...
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cArqqi?utm_source=facebook...

08/10/2025

When we grieve, this is what we truly need 💜 "Together we can make a difference."

08/10/2025

Did you see this?
Data shared at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference provides the first robust evidence that healthy living—including physical activity, healthy diet and memory and problem-solving exercises—can help protect people who carry the APOE-e4 gene variant from cognitive decline.
The takeaway: While genetics can put you at risk, healthy living may help you lower it.

08/09/2025

A new dementia diagnosis can bring fear, uncertainty, and a deep awareness that life is changing, even in the early stages.
If someone you care about is facing this news, your support matters more than you may realize.

You don’t need the perfect words.
You don’t need to have all the answers.
You just need to show up with empathy. 💛

08/09/2025

💜

08/08/2025

📣BREAKING NEWS: Today marks a turning point in what we know about brain health.

The results from U.S. POINTER, a two-year, randomized controlled clinical trial, provide the rigorous data needed to say with confidence that healthy behaviors can meaningfully protect brain health across diverse populations in the U.S.
The findings, shared for the first time today at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference, tested lifestyle programs that simultaneously targeted risk factors for cognitive decline. The programs focused on:

✅👟Aerobic exercise
30–35 minutes of moderate-to-intense aerobic activity 4X times a week, plus strength and flexibility exercises 2X a week.
✅🧠Cognitive engagement
Computer-based brain training program 3X a week for 30 minutes, plus regular engagement in other intellectually challenging and social activities.
✅🥗Nutrition
Adherence to the MIND diet, which emphasizes dark leafy green, berries, nuts, whole grains, olive oil and fish, and limits sugar and unhealthy fats.
✅🫀Health Monitoring
Regular check-ins on blood pressure, weight and lab results.

Participants followed a self-guided or structured lifestyle program. Remarkably, cognitive function improved over the two years for both intervention groups. The group that followed a more structured program improved even more.

U.S. POINTER is the single largest research commitment the Alzheimer’s Association has made in its history.
Thank you to our community, our donors, the study participants and the staff. You made these findings possible.
Learn more at alz.org/USPOINTERresults.

08/08/2025

Here's some useful tips for holidaying with a loved one living with dementia. What tips would you add?💜

08/05/2025

Sometimes is about the chores: medications, money, meals, bathing, and more. But, in the quiet moments between the chores, it also can be about giving and sharing comfort, peace of mind, dignity, and love. 💜

08/04/2025

We’ve cooked up something yummy for our care community. 😋🍉 Save this refreshing watermelon feta salad recipe for your next meal prep win. Perfect for warm-weather caregiving days!

✨ Bonus: It comes with meaningful conversation starters to help you connect while you share. ✨

Tag us in your photos enjoying it with your loved one—we’d love to see your summer caregiving moments! ☀️

07/26/2025

After answering the call to caregiving, Betty June Harp is officially retiring at the vibrant age of 90. 🎉

She’s been the heart of so many meaningful moments with our Louisville team, and while we’ll miss seeing her smile each day, we’re celebrating all she’s given—and all that’s ahead.

Congratulations on your retirement, Betty June. You’re a legend, a light, and yes, finally a lady of leisure. 💜

With all our love,
Your Home Instead family

07/25/2025

Supporting a loved one with dementia doesn’t require grand gestures—it’s often the smallest, most consistent moments that make the biggest difference.

With the right approach, emotional connection, and trusted in-home care, family caregivers can help their loved ones feel secure, included, and appreciated every day.

Learn more about how to help your loved one with dementia feel valued and connected: https://bit.ly/4nafqQZ?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhfacebook&utm_content=app.dashsocial.com%2Fhomeinsteadinc%2Flibrary%2Fmedia%2F550116593

07/25/2025

Save this post as your go-to guide for helping older adults stay safe, cool, and cared for all summer long. ⤵

🍋 Try lemon water, herbal iced tea, smoothies, or fresh fruit to make staying hydrated fun and social.

👒 Choose light, breathable fabrics, wide-brimmed hats, and sun-safe accessories to stay cool outdoors.

🕰️ Plan morning porch chats, evening walks, or outdoor music sessions when temperatures are lower.

🧊 Use simple cooling hacks like fans, chilled washcloths, or soaking hands in cool water.

Check out more care resources to help older adults feel seen, safe, and supported: https://bit.ly/40RvDAY

07/24/2025

“No one can do it 24/7."

Even the most devoted caregivers need time to recharge. Respite care isn't just a luxury, it’s a necessity for your well-being and your loved one’s continued care at home. Whether it's for a coffee break, a workout, or simply a moment of quiet, taking time for yourself helps you show up stronger.

💬 How do you make time for yourself as a caregiver?

🎧 Listen to wherever you get your podcasts – link in bio to hear the full episode. ⤴

07/23/2025

We’ve cooked up something yummy for our care community. 😋🍉 Save this refreshing watermelon feta salad recipe for your next meal prep win. Perfect for warm-weather caregiving days!

✨ Bonus: It comes with meaningful conversation starters to help you connect while you share. ✨

Tag us in your photos enjoying it with your loved one—we’d love to see your summer caregiving moments! ☀️

07/16/2025

Omaha local legend and longtime Home Instead friend Mary Maxwell brought her signature wit to our 2009 Convention—confusing the Archbishop for her ride, entering the car wash backwards, and rocking mismatched earrings like a pro. We absolutely LOVE her. 💚😂

07/15/2025

Save this post as your go-to guide for helping older adults stay safe, cool, and cared for all summer long. ⤵

🍋 Try lemon water, herbal iced tea, smoothies, or fresh fruit to make staying hydrated fun and social.

👒 Choose light, breathable fabrics, wide-brimmed hats, and sun-safe accessories to stay cool outdoors.

🕰️ Plan morning porch chats, evening walks, or outdoor music sessions when temperatures are lower.

🧊 Use simple cooling hacks like fans, chilled washcloths, or soaking hands in cool water.

Tap the link for more care resources to help older adults feel seen, safe, and supported. 🔗: https://homeinsteadinc.visitlink.me/8J0IPc

07/14/2025

When “let’s talk” feels like too much, start small.
In this episode of Caregiver Chats, Dr. Lakelyn sits down with Amy Friesen, eldercare expert and author of Breadcrumbs, to explore why families avoid planning conversations—and how to gently start them.

Amy shares why it's rarely a one-time talk, how professionals can help ease tension, and why sometimes the message lands better when it doesn’t come from you.

🎧 Listen to wherever you get your podcasts – https://apple.co/3RuALpz?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhfacebook&utm_content=app.dashsocial.com%2Fhomeinsteadinc%2Flibrary%2Fmedia%2F550111415

07/11/2025

What if the best medicine for aging well... is friendship? 💚

David Troxel shares how a Home Instead Care Pro became a lifeline for his dad—not just helping around the house, but watching golf, cooking together, and bringing joy back into the day.

Because the truth is, the brain loves company. And sometimes, a little companionship can change everything.

🔗 Visit the link in bio and join our Caregiver Chats podcast community. ⤴

07/10/2025

When Thao walks into the room, a veteran with advanced Parkinson’s — mostly nonverbal — lights up and says, “There’s my angel.”
Thao Nguyen, a Care Pro with Home Instead, doesn’t just show up. She brings music. She brings home-cooked Vietnamese meals. She brings peace of mind.

Originally from Vietnam, Thao cared for her grandmother and extended family from a young age. That lifelong devotion to elders followed her to the U.S., where a neighbor introduced her to caregiving.

One family loved her cooking so much, they stocked their pantry just so Thao could prepare her signature dishes. Another client requested her by name each week, just to hear her music in the hall.

“I treat them like my own parents,” Thao says. “I love them so much.”

Thank you, Thao, for reminding us that exceptional caregiving isn’t just noticed.

Let this story be a reminder: great care creates connection that lasts.

07/08/2025

What do you say when your child asks, “Why doesn’t Grandma remember me?”

If you’re navigating dementia in the family, this quick guide shares 5 ways to help kids stay connected with a grandparent who has memory loss—plus where to find age-appropriate support tools. 👇

💚 Check out more tips and resources here: https://bit.ly/4nyVqYE?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhfacebook&utm_content=app.dashsocial.com%2Fhomeinsteadinc%2Flibrary%2Fmedia%2F550089093

07/02/2025