By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM We are living at a time when growing older, retiring and aging are being redefined.  Medical advances, technology, nutrition research, exercise—plus an appreciation of the importance of staying engaged with others and an interest in lifelong learning—help us age in new and better ways than ever. Retirement is not about the end; it’s about

By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM It is common for caregivers to go through various stages of anger as they care for a loved one with dementia. Watching our loved one change, repeating ourselves, re-explaining and answering the same questions and giving repeated information can be exhausting, frustrating, sad, and at times may leave us feeling angry, then guilty.   Recently,

New research from Virginia Tech confirms what many families already know: Aging Life Care Managers deliver exceptional value, expert guidance, and peace of mind for older adults and their families.   Who are Aging Life Care Managers®? Aging Life Care Managers are professionals trained in aging and disability care. They help families manage changing health … Continue reading How Aging

By Jeremy C. Holloway, PhD We hear the term “age-friendly” a lot these days—but what does it really mean? Is it just about having grab bars in bathrooms and good lighting in hallways? Or is there more to it? The truth is, being age-friendly goes much deeper. It’s about creating environments—homes, communities, healthcare systems—where older … Continue reading What Does

Dementia Diagnosis Are Rising — Here’s How Aging Life Care Managers Are Helping Families Cope   As more families across the country face the reality of a dementia diagnosis, support from an Aging Life Care Manager® is becoming increasingly essential. According to a recent survey conducted by the Aging Life Care Association® (ALCA), more than … Continue reading Dementia Diagnosis?

By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Mrs. Peterson is 71 years old. She has type 2 diabetes and arthritis; otherwise, she describes herself as healthy. When I started working with Mrs. Peterson, she began to reveal how constipation is also a problem including occasional bouts of hemorrhoids.   Mr. Silverton is 89 and has multiple comorbidities including heart disease, prostate cancer,

Words Matter: Elevating Our Language, Elevating Our Profession By Mary Ann Buckley, LCSW-C Words can do so much. As a Social Worker with over 30 years of experience—primarily in the field of Aging Life Care management—I’ve accumulated countless thoughts and observations over the years. I’ve witnessed profound changes in our field and also identified areas … Continue reading Words Matter

By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM My previous (February 2025) blog post discussed why someone we care about may refuse help, even when it is clear they are putting themselves at a greater risk of harm or losing their independence faster; even altogether. It is not just about an individual being stubborn. As with all things in life, it is

Communicating with a loved one who has dementia can be challenging. Dementia affects memory, language, and cognitive functions, making it hard for people to process and respond. However, with patience, empathy, and the right techniques, you can make conversations more positive and meaningful. A professional Aging Life Care Manager can also provide essential support, offering … Continue reading Top 10