In recent years, there has been a drastic shift away from institutionalized care for aging seniors. In the last two decades of the twentieth century rest homes began disappearing rapidly. The percentage of people over 75 in nursing homes fell from 9.6% in 1985 to 6.4% in 2004, according to the AARP Public Policy Institute.  […]

I know from first-hand experience how dangerous falling can be to the seniors that we love. It took three days after a midnight fall at her assisted living residence to end the life of my mother-in-law. From that tragic experience, I have learned that it is the quick response after an inevitable fall that will […]

Many household injuries can be prevented by fixing safety hazards that are often overlooked. Usually, this involves nothing more than a few simple repairs. Here are the most common hazards to look for, organized by areas in the home.  All Areas of the Home:  Electrical Outlets and Switches  Outlets and switches unusually warm or hot to the […]

Helping a family member who needs eldercare services raises a whole set of unique issues and questions that none of us as caregivers (or potential caregivers) are eager to discuss. The topic of financial issues is a delicate subject for most aging adults, especially when it comes to telling their children how well, or not […]

There are many forms of arthritis and each type of arthritis has its own characteristic symptoms. While there are many types of arthritis affecting every patient differently, there are also common signs and symptoms to watch out for:  Common Symptoms of Arthritis  Inability to move freely  Joint pain, stiffness, swelling  Pain in areas around joints: typically, the hips, […]

Many of us have moved close to them in their twilight years or moved them close to us. And many more who have always been close to the same area. As they age, we travel more and we worry more when we can’t see them quickly or drive over to check on them. This list […]

I had a client recently whose elderly mother lived alone. Her mother had the various usual ailments that come with old age, including arthritis, moderate high blood pressure and diabetes. However, she was still fairly independent, doing her own cooking, shopping and minor household chores. From time to time her daughter would come over and […]

One can hardly pick up a newspaper or periodical and not see stories about families struggling to provide for a loved one who needs long-term care. Often accompanying the article is a statement about whether long-term care insurance may be appropriate for you. Unfortunately, whether you should or should not buy the product is based on a series […]

When asked the simple question, “What do you think pays for the cost of long-term care?” many consumers, if they answer at all, are likely to focus on programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Administration and private funding. That could turn out to be an expensive misconception.  Long-term care is often thought of as […]

Geriatric Care Managers (GCMs) are elder care specialists who evaluate older adults’ functional abilities and home environment. GCMs meet with the older adult and family, create individualized care plans to address any gaps in activities  What is a Geriatric Care Manager?  Geriatric Care Managers (GCMs) are elder care specialists who evaluate older adults’ functional abilities and […]