Category Archives: Guest Writer

When Slowness Isn’t the Problem in Aging Care

February 27, 2026Aging Life Care Professionals, Aging Well, Amy Pierce, Guest Writer, Uncategorized Laura Sanchez

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

February 12, 2026Aging Parents, Caregiving, Dementia, Guest Writer, Lauren Wandler Laura Sanchez

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?

January 27, 2026Aging Life Care Professionals, Care Managers, Care Recipients, Caregiving, Family Members, Guest Writer, Jennifer Beachaging life care professionals, Stroke ALCA Marketing

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

January 22, 2026Caregiving, Guest Writer, Jill Poser, Solo Agers, Uncategorized Laura Sanchez

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

December 17, 2025Alzheimer's, Dementia, Lisa MayfieldAlzheimers, dementia, holiday Callie Daters

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

October 30, 2025Aging Life Care Professionals, Barbara Levison, Guest Writer, hospice care Laura Sanchez

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 →

Advocating the Right Way at Doctor Appointments

October 14, 2025Aging Parents, Guest Writer, Jenny Reynolds, Support Laura Sanchez

By Jenny Reynolds, MSW, LCSW, CMC Joining a loved one at a doctor’s appointment can feel tricky. You want to help without taking over. Here are five things not to do so your loved one stays at the center of the conversation. Top 5 Things NOT to do when Advocating for a Loved One … Continue reading Advocating the Right Way at Doctor Appointments →

How to choose a Skilled Nursing Facility

July 23, 2025Aging Parents, Aging Well, Assisted Living, Family Members, Guest Writer, Health, Long-Term Care, Making a Move, Steve Barlam ALCA Marketing

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 →

Embracing Wellness at Every Age: A Guide for Living Vibrantly in Later Life

June 26, 2025Aging Well, Amy Pierce, Guest Writer Laura Sanchez

Wellness is not just about avoiding illness—it is all about thriving. No matter your age, it is truly possible to feel strong, sharp, and connected to the your world and the people you love. The key? A simple proactive approach to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. What Wellness Really Means in Later Life … Continue reading Embracing Wellness at Every Age: A Guide for Living Vibrantly in Later Life →

Elder Abuse: Shattering Myths and Taking Action

June 9, 2025Aging in Place, Aging Life Care Professionals, Aging Parents, Caregiving, Elder Abuse, Guest Writer, Jullie Gray, Mental Health ALCA Marketing

Elder Abuse Awareness: Shattering Myths and Taking Action //// By: Jullie Gray, DSW, MSW, LICSW, CMC – Aging Life Care Association™ Member //// June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the abuse and neglect of older adults. This global event aims to foster a better understanding of … Continue reading Elder Abuse: Shattering Myths and Taking Action →