By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM All of us are likely aware or have heard, read and/or see the increasing number of people who suffer from complex, chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, dementia, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. The number of individuals with comorbidities (when a person has more than one disease or condition at the same …
Help! I Don’t Have Friends Anymore
By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM I have had a very good friend for a long time, and I’m in awe of her. A full-time caregiver for her mother, she works part-time, has interests she maintains, and many genuine friendships—not acquaintances—true friends. She makes connections and invests in her friendships. Missing Making friends as we get older is not easy …
Survey Finds Increase of Loneliness Post Pandemic
In a recent survey of Aging Life Care Managers®, 86% responded seeing an increase in loneliness among clients post COVID – with 46% seeing this increase within the last two years. Professionals share ways they are combatting loneliness and isolation among their clients. Aging Life Care Managers® Can Help Offset Loneliness and Subsequent Issues … Continue reading Survey Finds …
HELP, My Mom is Making Angry Accusations
By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM On her way home from work, Cindy stopped to say hello to her mom and see how her day was going. Her mom had moved into an assisted living apartment about 10 months prior. It has been a big adjustment for her 84-year-old mother. Her mom is slowly starting to settle in and has …
Falls: Prevention and What to Ask Your Older Loved One
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 …
Caregiver Corner: Better with Age? Actually, Yes
By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM For the last several years, I have been watching, listening and talking to people between the ages of 50 and 103 about growing older. Nearly everyone I run into—clients, friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances, strangers in the grocery store and doctor’s office, you name it—I’m listening and interested in how they view aging. Here’s what …
Calm Yourself: Physical Ways to Stop Anxiety in its Tracks
By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM If you are caring for a loved one or handling a variety of challenging situations including health concerns, finances, how to prepare for the unknown future, all those “what if’s,” stress and anxiety can creep in and make it difficult to just get through the day.hen was All of us have likely experienced periods …
Preparing for Winter Weather with Older Loved Ones
Severe winter weather is descending across the United States, which greatly impacts the safety and well-being of the elderly, especially when the weather event is unexpected or comes fast. Here are some tips from the experts in aging well® to help your older loved one prep for winter weather. Before a Storm • Stay informed: … Continue reading Preparing for …
Changes This Season Brings
By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM A Real Gift Dan and Michelle, like many of us, have been busy this holiday season. Work, two teenagers, shopping, figuring out how to visit both their parents… and the list goes on. Michelle and her daughter went to her mom’s for their traditional cookie bake and noticed some small changes in her mom. …
Celebrating the Holidays with Alzheimer’s or other 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 …