Monthly Archives: September 2015

dementia, Alzheimer's, memory loss

Caring for Someone with Dementia? Find Support from an Aging Life Care™ Expert

Today is the last day of September and the last day of World Alzheimer’s Month.  While this dedicated month educates people on the signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia, it is also about supporting the loved ones who live with dementia and those that provide care.

Caring for someone with dementia can test even the strongest of relationships. The anxiety, agitation and erratic behavior often associated with dementia may be hard for a spouse or adult child to understand or manage.

If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, it is important to look for help and support from others. Asking for assistance or support does not make you less of a caregiver. In fact, it enables you to be a better caregiver. Your local Alzheimer’s Association is a great resource of information and support groups, and many communities have an Area Agency on Aging that may direct you to resources in your area.

Aging Life Care Professionals™ are also an excellent source of information and support. Aging Life Care Professionals work with families to find solutions to caregiving challenges and can help you understand your loved one’s dementia and associated behaviors.

In this story, Aging Life Care Association™ member Gretchen Napier, BS, MS, CMC shares how her involvement saved a marriage and allowed the family to spend quality time together during the last year of their father’s life.

If you are caring for a loved one with dementia or know of someone who needs help, contact an Aging Life Care Professional. You can find an expert in your area at aginglifecare.org.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

September is Healthy Aging Month

Staying Motivated to Exercise – Go4Life!

Aging Life Care Association™ is proud to be a partner in Go4Life® — an exercise and physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging at NIH in collaboration with the 2015 White House Conference on Aging

Tips on Staying Motivated to Exercise

One of the great challenges of being physically active is staying motivated. When it’s too hot or too cold outside or you’re not in the mood, it’s all too easy to put off your activity for another day. So, how do you keep going and even challenge yourself to do more?

For many people, a desire to stay healthy and independent is an important motivator. Ron’s family history of heart disease and high cholesterol convinced him to be more active. “I got a step counter and started walking briskly in my neighborhood. I feel like I’m doing something to improve my health, and I always come home with more energy for the rest of my day.”September is Healthy Aging month

Making exercise a regular part of daily life helps many older adults keep their commitment to being active. Their advice is to:

  • Make it a priority. Think of your time to exercise as a special appointment.
  • Make it easy. Put weights next to your chair so you can lift while watching TV, or join a gym that’s on your route to work.
  • Make it fun and social. Do more of the activities you already like and know how to do. Join an exercise class or exercise with a buddy.

Once you start exercising regularly, your body will get used to a higher level of activity. To prevent boredom and help you build up the benefits:

  •  Add new physical activities that challenge you.
  • If you can, do your activities longer, further, or harder. Walk a longer distance. Shift from walking to jogging. Use heavier weights or a stronger resistance band.

“I’m not going to say I don’t struggle with motivation from time to time,” says Beverly, age 70, “but the friends I’ve made in my water aerobics class remind me how fun exercise can be.”

To find out more about how you can stay motivated to be active, visit the Go4Life® website at www.nia.nih.gov/Go4Life. Go4Life is an exercise and physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging at NIH. It has exercises, success stories, and free materials to help you get ready, start exercising, and keep going.

For assistance in planning for healthy aging, quality care, and an optimal life, connect with an Aging Life Care Professional™ – the experts in aging well. An Aging Life Care Professional will work with you or your loved ones to develop a tailored, individual care plan. Find an expert at aginglifecare.org.

Don’t miss other posts from our Go4Life and Healthy Aging month series:

 


 

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

helping aging family members find quality of life in their later years

Do People Still Hold Hands?

How Aging Life Care Professionals™ Help Clients Discover Happiness and Quality of Life

 

From offering dating advice to finding the right living facility, Aging Life Care Professionals™ help aging family members find quality of life during their later years.  As Aging Life Care Associaiton™ Member Debbie Feldman, MSW, LCSW, CMC shares here, her work as an advocate and support system is often rewarded with the gift of friendship.

How can Aging Life Care Professional™ Help You or an Aging Family Member?

Aging Life Care Professionals™, also known as geriatric care managers, work with families and individuals to provide guidance at a time of uncertainty. Aging Life Care Professionals are specialized health and human service professionals advocating and directing the care of older adults and others facing ongoing health challenges. Their expertise leads families to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love, thus reducing worry, stress and time off of work for family caregivers.

Aging Life Care Professionals can assist in a number of ways and tailor their services to address individual client needs, with the overall goal of improving the well-being of clients and families.

Aging Life Care Professionals are engaged to assist in a variety of areas, such as:
  • Housing – helping families evaluate and select appropriate level of housing or residential options
  • Home care services – determining types of services that are right for a client and assisting the family to engage and monitor those services
  • Medical management – attending doctor appointments, facilitating communication between doctor, client, and family, and if appropriate, monitoring client’s adherence to medical orders and instructions
  • Communication – keeping family members and professionals informed as to the well-being and changing needs of the client
  • Social activities – providing opportunity for client to engage in social, recreational, or cultural activities that enrich the quality of life
  • Legal – referring to or consulting with an elder law attorney; providing expert opinion for courts in determining level of care
  • Financial – may include reviewing or overseeing bill paying or consulting with accountant or client’s Power of Attorney
  • Entitlements – providing information on Federal and state entitlements; connecting families to local programs
  • Safety and security – monitoring the client at home; recommending technologies to add to security or safety; observing changes and potential risks of exploitation or abuse
  • Long-distance care – coordinating the care of a loved one for families that live at a distance; including crisis management

A care plan tailored for each individual’s circumstances is prepared after a comprehensive assessment. The plan may be modified, in consultation with client and family, as circumstances change. Local, cost-effective resources are identified and engaged as needed.

When caregiving for an aging family member becomes overwhelming; or if you’d like assistance in preparing for your own aging, contact an Aging Life Care Professional. You can find an expert in your area at aginglifecare.org.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

Aging Life Care Association® Members on Finding Quality of Life and Friendship

From dating advice to assisted living, Aging Life Care Professional® Debbie Feldman, MSW, LCSW, CMC of Buffalo, Grove Illinois shares how she helped her client find quality of life during his last years. In turn, she found a good friend.

tips to reduce falls for people with Parkinson's disease

Take a Stand to Prevent Falls: Falls Prevention Awareness Day

On this, the first day of fall, the National Council on Aging is raising awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults.

 

Did you know that 1 in 3 older Americans falls every year? Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for people aged 65+. Falls can result in hip fractures, broken bones, and head injuries. And even fallswithout a major injury can cause an older adult to become fearful or depressed, making it difficult for them to stay active.

If you have an aging parent, grandparent, or neighbor in your life, helping them reduce their risk of falling is a great way to help them stay healthy and independent as long as possible. The good news about falls is that most of them can be prevented. The key is to know where to look.

Watch this video from the National Council on Aging’s Falls Prevention Resource Center for six steps to prevent fall.

Here are three more tips to help you prevent a fall:

An Aging Life Care Professional™ can conduct a fall risk assessment and develop a plan to avert risks. Here are some of the ways an Aging Life Care™ Manager can help you and your family:

  • Make homes safer by reducing tripping hazards such as throw rugs, cords and wires; installing grab bars and hand rails to toilets, tubs and showers; and improving the lighting.
  • Create an exercise regimen to increase strength and improve balance.
  • Ensure emergency alert devices are installed and in place.

To learn some warning signs to watch for, read Six  Surprising Signs Your Loved One May Be at Risk for a Fall by Aging Life Care Professional Claudia Fine. For exercises to help improve balance, don’t miss these recent posts:

To find an Aging Life Care Professional near you, search ALCA’s online directory of experts.


 

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

 

During World Alzheimer's Month, the ALCA blog will share posts on dementia.

World Alzheimer’s Day – September 21, 2015

September 21st is World Alzheimer’s Day – the Pinnacle of World Alzheimer’s Month 

 

If you are worried about yourself or someone you love, take a look at this list of 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease from the Alzheimer’s Association.  This list also points out what is typical age-related memory loss and other changes.  Individuals may experience one or more of these symptoms, so it is important to speak with a doctor.  Note: This list is for information only and not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified professional.  

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s, especially in the early stages, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own. What’s typical? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems. Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before. What’s typical? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure. People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game. What’s typical? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.

4. Confusion with time or place. People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there. What’s typical? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not recognize their own reflection. What’s typical? Vision changes related to cataracts.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing. People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a watch a “hand clock”). What’s typical? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time. What’s typical? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.

8. Decreased or poor judgment. People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. What’s typical? Making a bad decision once in a while.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities. A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove
themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. What’s typical? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.

10. Changes in mood and personality. The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone. What’s typical? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

If you have questions about any of these warning signs, the Alzheimer’s Association recommends consulting a physician. Early diagnosis provides the best opportunities for treatment, support and future planning.  An Aging Life Care Professional™ can help you find the doctors and proper assessments you or a loved one nee. Find an expert at aginglifecare.org.

Source: Alzheimer’s Association, 2009. This is an official publication of the Alzheimer’s Association but may be distributed by unaffiliated organizations or individuals. Such distribution does not constitute an endorsement of these parties or their activities by the Alzheimer’s Association. 


 

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

What is an Aging Life Care Professional?

A Closer Look at the Aging Life Care Professional™

Today is Member Appreciation Day and the Aging Life Care Association™ is extremely grateful to the professionals that make up this association. In today’s blog post, we share with you the value each member brings to ALCA’s vision of a world where adults and their families live well as they face the challenges of aging.

When individuals, families, or other professionals (Elder Law Attorneys, Financial Advisors, Hospital Discharge Planners, Physicians) work with a member of ALCA, they can be assured that the practitioner has met stringent education, experience, and certification requirements of the organization, and all members are required to adhere to a strict code of ethics and standards of practice.Aging Life Care Association™

Members of ALCA are Aging Life Care Professionals™ – also known as geriatric care managers – are educated and experienced in a variety of fields related to Aging Life Care™ / care management, including, but not limited to gerontology, nursing, social work, psychology, or occupational therapy. Aging Life Care Professionals become the “coach” and families or clients the “team captain.”  Take a closer look at Aging Life Care Professionals and see how they differ from patient advocates, senior advisors, navigators, or elder advocates.

What is an Aging Life Care Professional?

Aging Life Care Professionals are specialized health & human service professionals advocating and directing the care of older adults and others facing ongoing health challenges. Working with families, their expertise provides the answers at a time of uncertainty. Their guidance leads families to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love, thus reducing worry, stress, and time off of work for family caregivers.

What is an Aging Life Care Professional?
  • Experienced professionals with a strong background and education in social work, nursing, counseling, and/or geriatrics.
  • Navigators for Families: Aging Life Care Professionals use advocacy, knowledge, and expertise to assess the individual’s needs and abilities, and to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and services designed specifically for older adults.
  • Aging Life Care Professionals provide access and direction to families or older adults to entitlements or community resources specific to their needs.
  • Supporters for Quality of Life: Aging Life Care leads to optimal actions for ongoing care and quality of life for clients and their families.
  • Aging Life Care Professionals work with families to find the best solutions for complex problems. They work with families to prioritize actions items and reduce the feelings of being “overwhelmed”.
  • Aging Life Care Professionals are creative and build a plan of care around resources in the community and can build solutions where there are few current resources.
  • Aging Life Care clients are older adults, special needs adults, or those with health conditions which do not resolve such as MS, Cerebral Palsy, or Asperger’s.
  • Aging Life Care Professionals assist the courts and other professionals with comprehensive objective assessments and budgets for care: some specialize in mediating family conflicts.
How do I Find an Aging Life Care Professional?

Whether planning for your future care or caring for an aging loved one, contacting an Aging Life Care Professional can save you time, money, and stress.  ALCA offers a user-friendly search engine, allowing you to locate an Aging Life Care Expert in your area.

For more examples of how Aging Life Care Professionals are helping people age well, visit the ALCA Newsroom for current articles and features.


 

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

ALCA is proud to be a partner in Go$Life

Three Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Exercise

Aging Life Care Association™ is proud to be a partner in Go4Life® — an exercise and physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging at NIH in collaboration with the 2015 White House Conference on Aging

Before You Jump Into an Exercise Program, Ask Your Doctor a Few Questions First

Are you considering adding exercise to your daily routine? Or do you want to increase your exercise level significantly? There’s a safe way for almost everyone to be more active. Even if you have a health condition, there are exercises you can do that offer great health benefits.

One way to get started is to talk with your doctor about the exercises and physical activities that are best for you. If you have a specific health issue that you are concerned about, ask your doctor for some tips to help you exercise safely. Here are some questions to consider:

 1. Are there any exercises or activities I should avoid?

Your doctor can make recommendations based on your health history, keeping in mind any recent surgeries and ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease.

This would be a great time to check with your doctor about any unexplained symptoms you’ve been experiencing, such as chest pain or pressure, joint pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Your doctor may recommend postponing exercise until the problem is diagnosed and treated.

 2. Is my preventive care up to date?

Your doctor can tell you if there are any tests you might need. For example, women over age 65 should be checked regularly for osteoporosis.

 3. How does my health condition affect my ability to exercise?

Some health conditions can affect your exercise routine. For example, people with arthritis may need to avoid some types of activity, especially when joints are swollen or inflamed. Those with diabetes may need to adjust their daily schedule, meal plan, or medications when planning their activities. Your doctor can talk to you about any adjustments you need to make to ensure that you get the most out of your new exercise routine.

Try some of these Go4Life exercises to improve your strength! Stronger muscles can make it easier to do everyday things like get up from a chair, climb stairs, carry groceries, open jars, and even play with your grandchildren.

To find out more about how to exercise safely, visit the Go4Life® website at www.nia.nih.gov/Go4Life. Go4Life is an exercise and physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging at NIH. It has exercises, success stories, and free materials to help you get ready, start exercising, and keep going.


 

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

ways to avoid caregiver burnout

How to Help Loved Ones with Dementia Cope with the Loss of a Spouse

There are creative and effective ways to help an aging parent, family member or loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia cope with the loss of their spouse, according to a survey of Aging Life Care™ experts.  Remembering that there are different stages and types of dementia, making sure the surviving spouse does not become socially isolated and not rushing other major changes in their lives are among the top expert recommendations.

Americans are increasingly challenged by the need to communicate difficult information to aging family members with dementia. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as many as 5 million of the 43 million Americans age 65 and older may have Alzheimer’s disease and another 1.8 million people have some other form of dementia. And, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias will escalate rapidly in coming years as baby boomers age. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease may nearly triple, from 5 million to as many as 16 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or stop the disease.During World Alzheimer's Month, the ALCA blog will share posts on dementia.

As the world recognizes September as World Alzheimer’s Month, the Aging Life Care Association™ is sharing helpful information from members  to help American families facing one of the most difficult of these challenges. ALCA polled 288 Aging Life Care Professionals™ from across the country asking them to identify the most effective strategies for helping a loved one with dementia cope with the loss of their spouse. The top six strategies identified by the aging experts are:

1. Remember there are many different stages of dementia. Your loved one’s capacity for understanding, coping and grieving can be very different depending on their stage of dementia. (Identified by 96% of survey respondents )

2. If your loved one’s response to reminiscing about their spouse is positive, share old photos and memories. (88 %)

3. Make sure the surviving spouse is not socially isolated. Schedule visitors on a regular basis and help them keep up with any normal social routines they have. (85%)

4. Reassure them there are people who care about them and will care for them. (84%)
#5 Don’t rush big changes. It may make sense for them at some point to move to a facility, or closer to family. But, if possible, give them time to adapt so there aren’t too many major life changes at once. (81%)

6. If they choose to be included in mourning rituals for their spouse, make sure there is someone overseeing this so if the situation becomes too stressful they can leave. (78%)

“With the rising rates of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, families are increasingly confronted with this difficult challenge,” said Emily B. Saltz, MSW, LICSW, CMC . “Our survey shows that knowing your loved one’s stage of dementia and respecting individual differences are key,” added Ms. Saltz.

Many of the Aging Life Care Professionals surveyed expressed strong views about the need for tailoring your response to the individual, both in terms of their stage of dementia and their personality. Some individual comments included:

  • “As each person is unique, each person with dementia is unique. Recognize your loved one’s values, personality and culture.”
  • “There are varying types of dementia, some affecting short term memory more than others and each type has a different appropriate response.”

Other Aging Life Care experts surveyed by ALCA shared additional tips, including:

  • “Do not underestimate their ability to understand, at an emotional level, what they cannot express verbally.”
  • “Take cues from the affected person. If they are not aware or focused on the loss, do not remind or instigate a conversation about the loss.”

To find an Aging Life Care Expert near you, search an online directory of professionals at aginglifecare.org.


 

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

 

Staying safe while exercising

Stay Safe While Exercising – Go4Life!

Aging Life Care Association™ is proud to be a partner in Go4Life® — an exercise and physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging at NIH in collaboration with the 2015 White House Conference on Aging

Staying Safe While Exercising

You may already know that exercise is an important part of staying healthy. But how can you stay safe while exercising? The good news is that exercise and moderate physical activity are safe for almost everyone, including older adults. Here are a few things to keep in mind while exercising.

1. Take precautions to avoid injury. The key to exercising safely, especially when just beginning an exercise program, is moderation.

  • When starting an exercise program, start slowly with low-intensity exercises.
  • Wait at least 2 hours after eating a large meal before doing strenuous exercise.
  • Wear appropriate shoes and comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Warm up with low-intensity exercises at the beginning of each exercise session.
  • Drink water before, during, and after exercise, even if you aren’t feeling thirsty.
  • If exercising outdoors, pay attention to your surroundings, including the weather, traffic hazards, uneven walking surfaces, and strangers.

2. Keep an eye out for signs that you should stop exercising. You might experience minor discomfort or muscle soreness when you start to exercise. This should go away as you get used to the activities. However, if an exercise is too intense, your body will give you stronger signals that you need to stop. If you experience any of the following, stop exercising and follow up with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and any modifications you should consider.

  • Pain or pressure in your chest, neck, shoulder, or arm
  • Dizziness or feeling sick to your stomach
  • Breaking out in a cold sweat
  • Muscle cramps
  • Severe pain in joints, feet, ankles, or legs

3. Consider talking with your doctor. In some situations, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before starting an exercise routine. If you have an ongoing health condition or certain other health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis, or if you haven’t seen your doctor for a while, check with your doctor about your plans to start exercising.

Try this Go4Life Balance Exercise.  Balance is important because it can help reduce your risk for falls. For more on reducing your risk for falls, click here.

To find out more about how you can exercise safely, visit the Go4Life® website at www.nia.nih.gov/Go4LifeGo4Life is an exercise and physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging at NIH. It has exercises, success stories, and free materials to help you get ready, start exercising, and keep going.

For assistance in planning for healthy aging, quality care, and an optimal life, connect with an Aging Life Care Professional™ – the experts in aging well. An Aging Life Care Professional will work with you or your loved ones to develop a tailored, individual care plan. Find an expert at aginglifecare.org.


 

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.