Category Archives: Family Members

Dad Had A Stroke… Now What? (Part II)

In my previous blog post, we learned Mr. Smith needed skilled rehabilitation services after his stroke. His son, Paul, selected a facility near his home with the goal of his dad returning home after he received skilled rehabilitation. Mr. Smith was motivated and worked hard on his physical, occupational and speech therapy. After about three months, Paul … Continue reading Dad Had A Stroke… Now What? (Part II)

A Preventable Disaster Saddened and Frustrated Me

“Living with a Visionary” is a beautifully written essay by John Matthias, Professor Emeritus and writer, published in the New Yorker on February 1, 2021. It starts out as one of the most touching descriptions of living with a person with dementia that I have ever read. His wife, Diana, had Lewy Body Dementia and … Continue reading A Preventable Disaster Saddened and Frustrated Me

Dad Had a Stroke… Now What?

Mr. Smith is 79 years old. A week ago, he had a stroke while home alone. Thankfully, his youngest son arrived minutes later and got Mr. Smith admitted to the hospital. After a week, the hospital discharge planner contacted Mr. Smith’s oldest son, Paul, who is listed as his healthcare POA (Power of Attorney). The … Continue reading Dad Had a Stroke… Now What?

Black and Brown Aging Life Care Managers® Changing The World, One Client at a Time

For over 400 years, black and brown communities have experienced systemic racism and intergenerational trauma (Gibbs et al., 2020). In 2020 and 2021, we continued to experience these traumatizing events portrayed through violence, dehumanization, and oppression. The disparities among black and brown communities have been marginalized and minimized by many for so long that some … Continue reading Black and Brown Aging Life Care Managers® Changing The World, One Client at a Time

Sex, Money, & Your Parents: Conversations you never wanted to have

Annie and her two siblings have been helping their elderly parents in a growing number of ways over the past several years. Assisting with the care and upkeep of the family home, making needed grocery runs, preparing meals, attending occasional medical appointments, and in general — ensuring things are going OK.  Their mom was diagnosed … Continue reading Sex, Money, & Your Parents: Conversations you never wanted to have

A Portable Living Solution & Protection – For The Ones You Love

  Bob and his father, John, in front of the newly delivered Wheel Pad! Brattleboro, VT What does a family do about an aging parent who lives far away on his own? This dilemma faced Bob and his wife Jennifer Jacobs. Bob’s father, John, had always been independent. Once a professor of Histology at the … Continue reading A Portable Living Solution & Protection – For The Ones You Love

Sibling Relationships and Older Parents

As adult children age many unresolved conflicts are swept under the carpet and avoided.  Often with parents as buffers, and contact limited, relationships remain stable. All this can change when adult children must share the task of caring for an aging parent. When the focus becomes their own unresolved conflicts, this can interfere with the … Continue reading Sibling Relationships and Older Parents

“Home” for the Holidays? Common Signs Your Older Loved One May Need Help

This year the holidays and holiday gatherings will look a bit different for most of us because of the pandemic. Experts advise us to stay home and limit our in-person celebrations to those living in our immediate household. Observing the holidays with loved ones outside our household will likely take place virtually or physically distanced. … Continue reading “Home” for the Holidays? Common Signs Your Older Loved One May Need Help

Eldercare as Art and Ministry – combining life’s passions

Aging Life Care Association® members are distinguished for their high qualifications, adherence to standards of practice, and a drive to care for older adults. And it is this distinction as an Aging Life Care Manager® that separates them from people who are geriatric care managers. And one such notable member is Irene V. Jackson-Brown, Ph.D., … Continue reading Eldercare as Art and Ministry – combining life’s passions

Alzheimer’s and the Family Caregiver

November is National Family Caregivers Month and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. These observances help raise awareness about the challenges of caregiving for families, especially Alzheimer’s caregiving, as well as increase support for and educate caregivers and their communities. The current COVID-19 pandemic has also presented new realities and stresses. According to the Centers for … Continue reading Alzheimer’s and the Family Caregiver