Home Instead

09/04/2026

Have you ever wondered if a loved one’s changes were “just part of getting older?”

Dementia is not a normal part of aging.

If you have noticed changes in someone you love and are carrying questions you do not quite know how to ask, you are not alone. We are here to help families find support and take the next step when they are ready.

Learn more at homeinstead.com 🫂

09/03/2026

Have you ever heard “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” used as if they mean the same thing?

It is understandable. But dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and everyday life. Alzheimer’s disease is one specific type of dementia.

Learning the language around a diagnosis can help families feel more prepared for the road ahead.

Learn more at homeinstead.com 🫂

08/31/2026

Caring for a parent can bring up a lot of complicated emotions, especially when the relationship has been difficult.

In this Caregiver Chats conversation, Dr. Lakelyn and licensed mental health counselor Rebecca Johnson explore the often unspoken experience of caring for a narcissistic parent, with compassion for the boundaries, grief, and mixed feelings that can come with it.

If this is part of your story, you are not alone. 💚 Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts: https://bit.ly/3V3ebtc

08/21/2026

Dr. Lakelyn welcomes audiologist Dr. Debbie Abel for an important conversation about hearing loss and why recognizing it early can make a tremendous difference in health, relationships, and quality of life.

Listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/4xoaUml

08/19/2026

As a gerontologist, I’ve seen firsthand the difference professional caregivers make for older adults and their families. It’s time we recognize caregiving for what it is: an essential profession deserving of respect, investment and opportunities for growth. - Lakelyn Hogan Eichenberger

08/19/2026

Yvette Nicole Brown recounts her father's Alzheimer's journey and shares an important lesson: Hiding from a diagnosis only prolongs discomfort. Once her family knew what they were up against, her father could get the care he needed, and she could begin the process of acceptance. 🫂

🎧 Watch the full conversation on Caregiver Chats podcast: https://bit.ly/4xKM4NF

08/14/2026

Struggling to hear may be the cause of chronic fatigue in older adults. Listen to the latest episode of Caregiver Chats to learn more: https://bit.ly/4xoaUml

08/10/2026

We are excited to announce the we received "BEST "NEW" WINDOW" award. We had fun decorating and can not wait until next year.

Winners Announced for 2026 Old West Balloon Fest Adopt-a-Pilot Window Decorating Contest

GERING, NE — Businesses throughout Mitchell, Scottsbluff and Gering brought their creativity and community spirit to life for the 2026 Old West Balloon Fest Adopt-a-Pilot Window Decorating Contest.
This year marked the largest participation in the history of the window decorating contest, with all 58 participating pilots adopted and 29 local businesses competing for top honors. The competition was fierce, with businesses going above and beyond to welcome their adopted pilots and celebrate Old West Balloon Fest.
“Our community is full of spirit this year, and welcoming our visitors is important because it improves their overall experience in Scotts Bluff County,” said Brenda Leisy, organizer of the window decorating event.
To keep the judging fair, judges were selected from neighboring communities, with some traveling from as far away as Oshkosh. Each participating business was visited and judged based on creativity, theme, presentation and overall impact.
Judges selected winners in four categories, along with the coveted High-Flyer Award for Best Overall Design.
2026 Window Decorating Contest Winners

Best “Patriotic” Theme
Winner: Security First Bank
Honorable Mention: Platte Valley Bank – Gering

Best “Business Spirit”
Winner: Gering Bakery
Honorable Mention: Scott Free Brewing
Honorable Mention: Dairy Queen

Best “New” Window
For businesses participating in the contest for the first time
Winner: Home Instead
Honorable Mention: True Green – Gering

Best “Creativity and Use of Objects”
Winner: Shelby Lynn Floral Design
Honorable Mention: The Blossom Shop
Honorable Mention: Legacy of the Plains Museum

High-Flyer Award — Best Overall Design
Winner: Bumper to Bumper

Bumper to Bumper also took home the grand prize of a balloon ride.
The judges agreed that selecting this year's winners was no easy task.
“We had to pick six Honorable Mentions and still had a hard time deciding,” said Chadron State College freshman Logan Levick, one of this year's judges.
The judging panel praised the businesses for their creativity, community involvement and enthusiasm for Old West Balloon Fest. From patriotic displays to clever use of everyday objects, each participating business helped create a festive atmosphere for residents and visitors throughout the county.
Winners in each category will receive a commemorative pottery mug designed by Tiffany Hort, owner of Elodie’s Oddities, while Honorable Mention recipients will receive a special ribbon to display at their businesses.
The Adopt-a-Pilot Window Decorating Contest has become a fun way for local businesses to connect with the pilots, celebrate Old West Balloon Fest and show visitors just how much community spirit exists throughout Scotts Bluff County.
Congratulations to all of this year's participants and winners—and thank you for helping make Old West Balloon Fest 2026 one to remember!

08/10/2026

HOME INSTEAD WARMLY WELCOMES ALL 2026 HOT AIR BALLOON PILOTS!

We are thrilled to be part of the festivities and celebrate the beauty, wonder, and excitement that your balloons bring to our community. Our windows proudly showcase the magic of this special event.

Thank you for helping create moments of joy and inspiration.
BE THE SUNSHINE AND LIFT EVERYONE UP LIKE A HOT AIR BALLOON!

Wishing you safe travels and successful flights.

08/07/2026

Do you have a loved one who is withdrawing due to hearing loss? Try these tips for better communication. 👂🏼✨

Listen to the full episode of Caregiver Chats with our host Dr. Lakelyn and guest audiologist Dr. Debbie Abel: https://bit.ly/4xoaUml

08/05/2026

When someone living with dementia does something unexpected, our first instinct is often to blame the person.

Instead, blame the disease.

In this clip from Caregiver Chats, geriatric social worker Mindy Crouch shares a simple mindset shift that can help families—especially children—respond with empathy instead of confusion or embarrassment.

By separating the person from the disease, we can protect their dignity, reduce fear, and create more compassionate moments together.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Caregiver Chats:

Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4gJIrlU
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4pt1m6E
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4pu8Bv7

08/03/2026

It’s hotter than a pepper sprout out there! 🥵

And while we’re all reaching for iced drinks and fans, older adults need a little extra care to stay safe in the summer heat.

Here’s your caregiver-approved summer safety toolkit for aging loved ones:

💧 Hydrate with variety – Water is essential, but try chilled fruit, herbal iced tea, smoothies, or even popsicles to keep it fun and refreshing.

👒 Dress smart – Light, breathable clothing and wide-brimmed hats help regulate temperature and protect sensitive skin.

🌬️ Cool it down – If there’s no AC, use fans, cold washcloths, or even a bowl of cool water for hands and wrists to provide quick relief.

🌿 Time outdoor activities wisely – Early mornings or evenings are safest. A short stroll, porch chat, or birdwatching can bring joy without overheating.

👂 Connect with care – Sometimes, just being present — listening, sharing a memory, or sitting together — is the best form of comfort.

Let’s keep our older adults safe, seen, and supported this summer.

🔁 Share this post to spread the word about senior summer safety.

07/31/2026

How can we help kids understand the end of life?

In the latest episode of Caregiver Chats, Dr. Lakelyn sits down with geriatric social worker and author Mindy Crouch to explore how caregivers can have honest, age-appropriate conversations with children about death, dying, and grief.

Drawing from nearly two decades of supporting older adults and families, Mindy shares practical guidance for helping children process loss, ask difficult questions, and feel supported through life's hardest transitions.

🎧 Listen to Caregiver Chats wherever you get your podcasts:

Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4gJIrlU
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4pt1m6E
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4pu8Bv7

07/29/2026

"Every parent want's to protect their child from hurt. Unfortunately, that's not life."

In the latest episode of Caregiver Chats, Dr. Lakelyn sits down with geriatric social worker and author Mindy Crouch to explore why helping children understand dementia can reduce fear, strengthen family connections, and build healthy coping skills that last a lifetime.

Drawing from nearly two decades of supporting older adults and their families, Mindy shares practical, age-appropriate strategies for talking with children about dementia, grief, and the changes they may see in someone they love.

If dementia has touched your family, this conversation offers thoughtful guidance on how honesty, compassion, and open communication can help every generation navigate the journey together.

🎧 Listen to Caregiver Chats wherever you get your podcasts:

Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4gJIrlU
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4pt1m6E
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4pu8Bv7