By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Steve is 75 and has several comorbidities including COPD, chronic back issues/pain despite several back surgeries and procedures, ongoing difficulties with mobility, and high blood pressure, to name a few. None of that stops him. Two months ago, he and his wife decided to take a trip to see friends in another state. It …
Keeping Older Adults Safe in The Heat
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 taking aging adults out into …
Tips for Helping a Loved One Adjust to 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 assisted living community (ALC) can be intimidating. Try …
A Good Death
By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Several years ago, I had a client, named Susan, hire our team to assist her with two main goals: keeping her husband with dementia at home and supporting her as she continued to work on leaving her adult daughters the gift of a dying well. Susan had ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). When I met her, …
The Aging Life Care Association® offering free info sessions for National Aging Life Care™ Month
Aging Life Care Managers® offer a holistic, client-centered approach to caring for older adults, dependent adults, and others facing ongoing health challenges. Sometimes called geriatric care managers, Aging Life Care Managers are strategic planners with key knowledge in crisis intervention, housing, health and disability, advocacy, family legal needs, and financial and local resources. The Challenge … Continue reading The Aging …
Solo Agers: Alone & Prepared
By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Sandy, 73, is divorced, has no children and is an only child. She’s a solo ager. Active since her retirement six years ago, Sandy loves her part-time job at a local florist, volunteers at church, is an avid reader and enjoys walking in her neighborhood. Recently, she has been short of breath on her …
Just Breathe
By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Almost everyone reading this article likely has been in one or more of the following situations: cared for someone with dementia or a chronic illness, called 911, sat in an emergency department with someone, received negative information from a doctor or lost a loved one. When any of these situations occur or an infinite number of other stressful scenarios, …
“The Promise”
By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Last week, I had the opportunity to work with a lovely couple, Tim and Kelly. They are in their upper 50s, recent empty-nesters and caregivers of Kelly’s father. Her father has been living with them for the past 10 years. It is not as common as it once was to have an elderly parent(s) …
When a Friend is Seriously Ill or Dying: Say This, Not That
By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Peter is 62 and was recently diagnosed with aggressive cancer. His prognosis is poor and his illness has progressed quickly. He’s been in and out of the hospital battling infections and complications from both his treatments and cancer. Friends and relatives have called Peter to get updates on his health and to offer support. …
HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE – UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE
by Melissa L. Johnson, RN, BSN, MHA, CHPN, CCM – Aging Life Care Association® Member Palliative care and hospice care are both specialized healthcare models that focus on palliation, or relief of symptoms, associated with serious, debilitating illnesses. Such symptoms may include pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, or the need for additional emotional support. Palliative care … Continue reading HOSPICE AND …