Category Archives: Mental Health

Observe, Recognize, Prevent: 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 Observe, Recognize, Prevent: 7 Common Myths About Elder Abuse

Managing Crisis Situations: One Aging Life Care Professional’s Story

aging crisis, long-distance caregiving, care management

What happens when your aging father dies and you discover he’s been covering up your mother’s dementia and declining health? Add to that…you live three states away. What do you do? Who could possibly understand the crisis  you have uncovered? And who can help? Help! My Father Died and He was Hiding my Mother’s Dementia Here … Continue reading Managing Crisis Situations: One Aging Life Care Professional’s Story

Aging Adults and Suicide Risk

Suicide Prevention Month

In 2013, the second highest rate of suicide occurred in those 85 years and older. It is difficult to imagine that your aging loved one may be contemplating suicide, but the aging process can bring on depression and a sense of hopelessness that may prompt suicidal thoughts. As we mark September as Suicide Prevention Awareness … Continue reading Aging Adults and Suicide Risk

Coping With Grief and Loss

My parent is dying

Though we all know death and the loss of loved ones is a reality of getting older, it doesn’t mean that it gets any easier for those grieving a loss. Individuals will cope with grief and loss in different ways and in different timeframes. Offering support during these difficult life changes can help your loved … Continue reading Coping With Grief and Loss

What is Aging Life Care?

Aging Life Care

Overwhelmed by the choices and decisions involved with caring for an aging loved one? Hit with an emergency and don’t know where to start? Or do you want to  plan for your own senior years and make your own decisions? No matter your individual situation or preferences, Aging Life Care Professionals™ offer a client-centered approach to … Continue reading What is Aging Life Care?

Are You at Risk for Caregiver Burnout?

I am an only child caring for aging parents

Caregiving can take a toll mentally, emotionally, and physically whether you’re providing hands-on care, managing a paid caregiver, or anything in between. With the pressure of determining a loved one’s care needs and how best to care for them, it’s easy to forget that caregivers need care too. As we honor caregivers during National Family … Continue reading Are You at Risk for Caregiver Burnout?

Aging Life Care Association® Members on End of Life

Aging Life Care Professionals® not only ensure quality of care and an optimal life for their clients but also help clients plan for the end of life. ALCA Member Lisa Laney, MSW, CMC of Asheville, NC shares how she worked closely with and advocated for her client’s specific death wishes. Laney helped her client navigate … Continue reading Aging Life Care Association® Members on End of Life

Aging Life Care Association® Members on Overcoming Challenges and Resistance

A fiercely independent aging adult resisting help is challenging in itself. But combined with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, safety concerns, and family at a distance, this Aging Life Care Professional® had to be persistent and creative in her approach. Here, Aging Life Care Professional Amy Natt, MS, CSA, CMC describes how over time she was able … Continue reading Aging Life Care Association® Members on Overcoming Challenges and Resistance

How to Recognize Suicide Risk in Older Adults

Mental Illness Awareness Week

During the first full week of October, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and participants across the country are bringing awareness to mental illness.  Mental Illness Awareness Week: October 4 – 10, 2015 By Deborah Liss Fins, MSSW, LICSW, CMC, Aging Life Care Association™ Member and Fellow of the Leadership Academy It’s a sobering fact: … Continue reading How to Recognize Suicide Risk in Older Adults

Aging Life Care Association® Members on Trust and Honor

Aging Life Care Professional® Karen Wasserman, MSW, LICSW, CASWCM of Newton, MA shares that the relationship between an Aging Life Care® Manager and a client is way often more than just home or medical care management. In this story, Ms. Wasserman tells how she helped Gertrude – a Holocaust survivor – find peace in life … Continue reading Aging Life Care Association® Members on Trust and Honor