HomeCare Advocacy Network Cedar Rapids

12/26/2025

Meet Betty Kellenberger. At 80 years old, she just hiked her way into the history books! Let Betty’s story be your reminder today: It is never too late to chase an adventure.

After Hurricane Helene upended her plans, Betty Kellenberger completed the 2,200-mile hike from Georgia to Maine, setting a new age record on the legendary trail.

12/25/2025

From all of us to all of you - may your Christmas be filled with love, joy and peace.

12/23/2025

Winter can be a beautiful time of year, but for older adults, it brings serious risks. Did you know that falls are a leading cause of injury among seniors, and the risk skyrockets when ice and snow hit the ground? ❄️

Protecting your aging loved ones requires more than just a warm coat. It means understanding the unique hazards of the season. Our latest guide covers essential tips for winter safety for seniors, including:

🐧 Why walking like a penguin can save you from a slip
🥾 Choosing the right footwear for icy days
🏠 How to prepare outdoor pathways to prevent accidents

Don't let the cold weather catch you off guard. Learn how to spot the red flags and stop potential problems before they start.

👉 Read the full guide.

Winter Safety for Seniors: A Guide to Preventing Falls While winter brings cozy scenes and holidays, it also introduces significant hazards for older adults. The combination of ice, snow, and fewer daylight hours increases the risk of accidents, particularly falls. For families with aging loved ones...

12/18/2025

Caring for an aging loved one is rewarding, but it can also take a significant physical and emotional toll. It's easy to neglect your own needs, leading to a state of exhaustion known as caregiver burnout.

Are you experiencing overwhelming fatigue, sleep problems, or feeling like caregiving is controlling your life? These are common signs you shouldn't ignore.

Learn how to recognize the symptoms of caregiver burnout and discover 7 practical strategies to manage stress, prioritize your well-being, and find balance.

🔗 Read our latest blog post for essential tips

Avoiding Caregiver Burnout: A Guide for Family Caregivers The Growing Reality for Family Caregivers Are you one of the millions of people caring for an aging loved one? If so, you are part of a rapidly growing community. A recent report from AARP and the

12/16/2025

Holiday hack alert: You don’t have to be the one-person show this holiday season. Delegate like a pro and keep the joy—ditch the overwhelm.

Practical tip
Try a “10-minute task list” and hand it off:
🎁Gift wrapping: Ask another family member to wrap 3 presents while watching a show
🎄 Decorating: Assign someone to hang garland or set the table
✉️ Cards/labels: Put someone in charge of names, stamps, and mailing
🛍️ Pickups: Have a neighbor or friend do a grocery or gift pickup run

Pro move: Put all supplies in a “holiday hub” bin (tape, tags, ribbon, markers). If it’s easy to grab, it’s easy to help.

Your energy matters more than perfect ribbons. What’s one task you’re delegating this week—and to whom? Drop your tip below to inspire someone’s sanity-saving plan.

12/12/2025

Some people might laugh at 95-year-old Frank Uryasz’s affection for Taylor Swift, but he says he will continue to shake, shake, shake it off!

The fan club has gained attention from Swifties nationwide, including Molly from North Carolina, who sent cookies and friendship bracelets to the club.

12/11/2025

The holidays can be tough for our older loved ones. Our new blog post shares simple, practical tips to help you bring joy and connection to their season. Learn how to make them feel special and included. 💚

🔗 Read more here

How to Help Seniors Beat the Holiday Blues: Tips for a Joyful Season While many of us look forward to the holidays as a time of joy and celebration, it can be a difficult period for many older adults. The festive season can amplify feelings of loneliness and sadness, leading to what is often

12/09/2025

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Let us help you refill yours this season. ☕️✨

The holiday rush is real, but you don't have to do it all alone. Our respite care services are designed to give you a much-needed break. We can step in with meal prep, transportation, companionship, or even specialized dementia care, offering flexible support from a few hours to 24/7 coverage. Let us handle the details so you can focus on what matters most—making memories.

This week, make a promise to yourself to take at least one small break.

What’s one small thing you're doing for yourself this week?
Share with us below!

Learn how we can support you by calling (319) 359-7858 or visiting http://hcan.com/Cedar-Rapids.

12/08/2025

✨ 6 Ways to Ease Caregiver Stress (Holiday Edition) ✨

The season is busy—these simple shifts can help:
• Accept help: Share a task list and let people choose
• Delegate: Cooking, laundry, errands—divide and conquer
• Take breaks: A walk, quiet cup of tea, quick nap
• Prioritize self-care: Sleep, nourishing meals, gentle movement
• Use resources: Meal delivery, transport, cleaning
• Hire help: A part-time caregiver can give you breathing room

You care for everyone—remember to care for you. 💚
Comment the tip you’re committing to this week, and tag a friend who could use this reminder.

12/05/2025

🎄 Thoughtful Gifts for Aging Loved Ones

Make the season brighter with practical presents they’ll love:
• Smart gadgets: voice assistants, digital photo frames, robot vacuums
• Kitchen helpers: jar openers, grabbers, lightweight cookware
• Comfort + safety: lift recliners, massage pillows, no-slip socks

And remember—the greatest gift is your time. A visit, a call, or a shared cup of cocoa means everything. 💛

Save this for later, swipe through the reel for inspo, and tag a friend who’s shopping for a senior!

12/04/2025

Is your aging parent or loved one showing subtle signs they might be struggling at home? It can be hard to know when to step in, but recognizing the signs early is key to keeping them safe and independent.

Our latest blog post gently walks you through what to look for:
🔹 Struggles with daily self-care routines
🔹 A home that's become cluttered or unkempt
🔹 Changes in memory, mood, or social habits
🔹 Lapses in personal hygiene or appearance

Noticing these signs doesn't mean their independence is over—it just means a little extra support could make all the difference. Read our guide to learn more about starting the conversation with empathy.

Find the full article at the link in our post. If you have questions, our team is here to help you find peace of mind.

5 Key Signs Your Senior Loved One Might Need Help at Home Are you worried your aging parent or loved one may be struggling to live safely and independently at home? Knowing when to step in isn’t always easy—many seniors try to maintain their independence and may downplay their struggles. As an a...

12/02/2025

That 84% statistic feels real, doesn't it? Especially during the holidays. One minute you’re in a meeting, the next you’re scheduling a doctor's visit for Mom, all while your holiday shopping list is a mile long. The stress is real, and you are not alone in feeling it. That's why taking a break isn't a luxury—it's necessary. Our respite care services are designed to give you that time back. Whether it's help with meal prep, transportation to appointments, specialized dementia care, or simply a few hours of companionship for your loved one, we offer flexible support that fits your life. Let us help you find more peace this season with our Holiday Respite Program. What would give you an hour back this week? Let us know in the comments. To learn more, send us a message or visit the link on our page.