Category Archives: Guest Writer

Seven Signs That an Aging Parent Needs Help

Older American Woman

Does your aging parent need help? As an Aging Life Care™ advisor, I know how fiercely older adults want to maintain their independence. Many feel that their adult children don’t understand them or are making something out of nothing — a fall, a burnt pot, a call from the police station. They make promises to … Continue reading Seven Signs That an Aging Parent Needs Help

A Daughter’s Perspective on Senior Living

Senior Living Elder Daughter

Written by: Mary Ann Buckley MSW, LCSW-C I have assisted many older adults in making moves to senior communities over the last 20 years. Last month I assisted my own mother in moving to a senior living community. Discussing the move, finding the perfect community, planning for, and making the actual move took on a … Continue reading A Daughter’s Perspective on Senior Living

Tips for Rightsizing not Downsizing

moving aging parents and selling the house

Practical Tips from an Expert As many aging adults face the prospect of leaving their homes for smaller living spaces, there are a few key strategies that can make the transition happen in a much less stressful and smooth fashion. I like to think of it as rightsizing, not downsizing. by Marie LeBlanc, BS, MBA … Continue reading Tips for Rightsizing not Downsizing

Keeping Older Adults Safe in the Heat

Photo by Sam Williams for Unsplash. Two older people walking together in short sleeves and shorts.

Summer is in full swing in the Northern Hemisphere. Weather extremes are increasing, with hotter temps a concern for large swathes of the U.S. At the same time, the U.S. population is older than ever before and there are safety measures to keep in mind when we venture outdoors. It’s important to take precautions when … Continue reading Keeping Older Adults Safe in the Heat

LGBTQIA Care Managers in Care Management

While Aging Life Care Managers come from a variety of backgrounds and expertise, they all have high qualifications, certifications, and uphold ALCA’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Founded in 1985 by a handful of geriatric care social workers in New York City, the organization has grown to be nationwide and includes educated professionals … Continue reading LGBTQIA Care Managers in Care Management

Breaking the Stigma: Embracing Mental Health Treatment in Older Adults

By Sam van Kalkeren, MSN, RN, CMC, CDP, CADDCT – Aging Life Care Association® Breaking the Stigma: Embracing Mental Health Treatment in Older Adults Mental health is just as important as physical health for older adults. Let’s break the stigma and prioritize mental well-being. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth Many people with mental illness report that the stigma surrounding … Continue reading Breaking the Stigma: Embracing Mental Health Treatment in Older Adults

Falls: Prevention and What to Ask Your Older Loved One

An older woman sitting alone on a bench in a garden with a walking aid next to her

Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal, trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. For many elders who have a fall, this is often the beginning of a deleterious cascade of ill health that will lead to trauma, hospitalization, decreased mobility, depression, and in some cases, even death. … Continue reading Falls: Prevention and What to Ask Your Older Loved One

Tips for Helping a Loved One Adjust to Assisted Living

assisted living

Do you have a senior loved one who needs more resources, time, and care with daily activities than you alone can provide? Are you considering moving them to an assisted living community? These are designed to provide care and assistance with daily activities, while ensuring their residents some level of independence.   However, moving to an … Continue reading Tips for Helping a Loved One Adjust to Assisted Living

The Basics of Medical Alert Systems

medical alert system

Thinking about using a Medical Alert System / Personal Emergency Response System? ALCA Corporate Partner David Michaels shares the basics of Medical Alert Systems to help determine the best system for you or your aging loved one. What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Medical Alert System by David Michaels, Aging Life Care Association® … Continue reading The Basics of Medical Alert Systems

Beat the Heat: 7 Safety Tips for Aging Adults

beat the heat

It’s been a challenging year, with social isolation, a worldwide pandemic, and having to be confined indoors.  Now that it’s Summer, and most of the outdoor restrictions have been lifted, it is exciting to finally be able to venture outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather, the blossoming flowers, and the abundant sunshine! However, there are … Continue reading Beat the Heat: 7 Safety Tips for Aging Adults