Category Archives: Mental Health

“Dad resists every suggestion I make! Help!”

Susan is getting burnt out trying to care for her 91 year old father.  She has a part-time job teaching and takes care of her two school-age grandchildren in the afternoons.  Her mother has been gone for three years and Dad is truly struggling to stay independent, and failing at that.  His neighbors and church … Continue reading “Dad resists every suggestion I make! Help!”

Caring for our Elders and Raising Abuse Awareness

Nearly 1 in 10 American senior citizens are abused or neglected each year, yet only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse is brought to the attention of authorities, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Elder abuse can mean physical and psychological harm, but it also may manifest through financial exploitation … Continue reading Caring for our Elders and Raising Abuse Awareness

Suicide Among Older Adults – And Help For Them

//// By Susan Birenbaum LCSW, MBA, C-ASWCM //// People do not realize that suicide is a major problem in the elderly. Since Older Adults have so many medical issues, it is assumed that death is a result of co-morbidity rather than suicide. Albeit, our society does not value older adults as other cultures do. In … Continue reading Suicide Among Older Adults – And Help For Them

Putting Pen to Paper in the Time of COVID-19

“To write a letter is human, to receive a letter, divine” – Susan Lendroth Four years ago, I downsized. Living in an apartment house, I am now part of a community, not a formal one, but one with a passing hello in the lobby or weather conversation in the elevator. However, it was my relationship … Continue reading Putting Pen to Paper in the Time of COVID-19

7 Common Myths About Elder Abuse

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was launched in 2006 on June 15th by the World Health Organization. Elder abuse is one of the most overlooked public health problems in the United States. Victims of abuse are three times more likely than those who weren’t mistreated to die prematurely. Learn how to identify those at risk and … Continue reading 7 Common Myths About Elder Abuse

Stories of Celebration During COVID-19

//// By: Harisa Paco, MSW, LICSW, CMC //// During March and April our whole world saw this pandemic wreak havoc on our lives. And yet, I’ve been amazed by creative ways that people have celebrated while social distancing. It feels like we’re constantly being bombarded by bad news, it’s tough to think about the current … Continue reading Stories of Celebration During COVID-19

Self-care During a Pandemic

//// By: Harisa Paco, MSW, CMC //// Our nation has been moving towards reopening and Memorial Day weekend saw record numbers of people heading out and maneuvering how to kick-off summer in a socially distant way. While social distancing will still be important, and even as salons and other places begin hanging up their “open” … Continue reading Self-care During a Pandemic

Social Isolation Due to COVID-19

//// by: Kizzy Chambers //// The pandemic of COVID-19 has increased concerns about older adults’ cognition among many family members. Most of us understand that older adults or individuals with significant cognitive impairment or dementia, need stability and routine. As a result of the COVID-19, visitors are prohibited in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. … Continue reading Social Isolation Due to COVID-19

Looking out for the emotionally vulnerable in the COVID world

By:  Bunni Dybnis, MA, LMFT, CMC Our lives have changed dramatically as COVID-19 becomes the focus of most everything. The news, warnings, restrictions, instructions, double messages, shortages, politics, and financial implications are never-ending. For most, the initial chaos, fears, panic, and confusion settle in as we adapt to our new world.  For a small number, … Continue reading Looking out for the emotionally vulnerable in the COVID world

The Art of Listening: Achieving Successful Communication

By: Miriam Zucker, LMSW, ACSW, C-ASWC As Aging Life Care Specialists(r), we are called upon to provide an assortment of services. The needs are as varied as the families we are helping.  We continuously strive to be experts in our knowledge of homecare, entitlements, senior residences, elder law attorneys, and providing skilled and supportive counseling. … Continue reading The Art of Listening: Achieving Successful Communication