Category Archives: Guest Writer

Is Aging Life Care Management only for Older Adults?

When many people hear the term Aging Life Care management, they instinctively picture older adults, often someone with multiple medical conditions, declining mobility or cognition, or the need for long-term support. While older adults absolutely benefit from Aging Life Care management services, this narrow definition misses the bigger truth: At its core, Aging Life Care management … Continue reading Is Aging Life Care Management only for Older Adults?

When Slowness Isn’t the Problem in Aging Care

Aging Life Care

When Slowness Isn’t the Problem in Aging Care By Amy Pierce, RN, CMC Fifteen years ago, long before I became an Aging Life Care Manager®, I was working as a nurse in a busy, insurance-driven medical practice. Like many offices, we were constantly behind schedule. The pace was fast, the pressure was real, and efficiency … Continue reading When Slowness Isn’t the Problem in Aging Care

Respite is Self-Care for Family Caregivers

Respite self care caregiver

Life is demanding. More so when you are caring for others. The responsibilities of caring for someone who is older or has special needs or disabilities can be demanding on your physical, mental, financial, emotional, and social health. Just as flight attendants advise at the beginning of every flight to “put your own oxygen mask … Continue reading Respite is Self-Care for Family Caregivers

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?

Navigating changes: what to know when aging brings new realities

  By Jill Poser, CGCM, CMC, CDCP When a parent begins to experience the inevitable changes that come with aging, families often feel a mix of urgency, uncertainty, and emotional conflict. Even in close, supportive families, shifting roles and increasing care needs can create feelings no one expected. It can be difficult to know how … Continue reading Navigating changes: what to know when aging brings new realities

Celebrating the Holidays with Alzheimer’s or other Dementia

holidays with dementia

The holidays can often be a time filled with high expectations, requiring lots of energy and engagement in non-stop activities. For the individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, it can be challenging and a time of high anxiety. Festivities can agitate, confuse, and overstimulate persons living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. Meanwhile, … Continue reading Celebrating the Holidays with Alzheimer’s or other Dementia

Being There: Advocating for Comfort and Dignity at the End of Life

Written by Barbara Levison, MA, MSW, CMC, Aging Life Care Manager Being There: Advocating for Comfort and Dignity at the End of Life When it’s time to choose hospice care for a loved one, families are often focused on one thing: reducing suffering and pain. For long distance caregivers, this can be especially difficult, worrying … Continue reading Being There: Advocating for Comfort and Dignity at the End of Life

Six things you can do right now to prevent falls at home

The CDC reports one in four Americans aged 65 and older falls each year. With more seniors choosing to age in place and stay at home, the risk of falling increases. Here are some areas you can examine in your home right now to reduce the risk of falls.   Tips to prevent falls at … Continue reading Six things you can do right now to prevent falls at home

How to choose a Skilled Nursing Facility

When families have exhausted other options sometimes the decision is made to move an older loved one in a skilled nursing facility. Usually, this decision is made under stress, without much time, and/or without a lot of information. You do not need to do this alone. Having a partner in this process, i.e. a professional … Continue reading How to choose a Skilled Nursing Facility