According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), suicidal behavior is common in older adults for a number of reasons with loneliness topping the list. Many seniors are homebound and live on their own; are grieving the loss of a spouse or friend; lack nearby family; or have lost vital social connections during the Pandemic. These triggers can lead to

By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Mary Ellen is taking a big exhale as her 90-year-old mother, who lives alone, has finally agreed to allow a caregiver into her home. This has been an ongoing conversation with her mom for over a year. Mrs. Smith lives in a condo and has some medical challenges, including changes in her mobility. She

By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Over the past 25 years I have had, and continue to have, the opportunity to meet, talk to and work with many individuals between the ages of 55 and 102. What I’ve learned is, we are each uniquely different. Our ideas, beliefs, backgrounds, life experiences, outlooks and attitudes are as different as all of us are. Over the

Tackling Tough Talks; A Better Way By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Most of us have had, or need to have, conversations with an older loved one, family member or friend about difficult topics. Money, health changes (either physical or mental) and driving are a few topics nobody wants to bring up. Add hearing loss and memory challenges to the mix

By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Mr. Smith is 88 and lives in a long-term care setting also known as a nursing home. At 8 a.m., a breakfast tray was delivered to his room and left on his bedside table. Normally, he would be taken to the dining room for meals but due to several residents on his wing testing

By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Mrs. Collister lives in an independent apartment. About two years ago, she began to have challenges finding words and later was diagnosed with aphasia, which is the loss of the ability to understand or express speech. Usually, aphasia occurs suddenly after a stroke or head injury. It can also come on gradually from a

Thinking about using a Medical Alert System / Personal Emergency Response System? ALCA Corporate Partner David Michaels shares the basics of Medical Alert Systems to help determine the best system for you or your aging loved one. What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Medical Alert System by David Michaels, Aging Life Care Association® … Continue reading The Basics

Thinking about using a Medical Alert System / Personal Emergency Response System? ALCA Corporate Partner David Michaels shares the basics of Medical Alert Systems to help determine the best system for you or your aging loved one. What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Medical Alert System by David Michaels, Aging Life Care Association® … Continue reading The Basics

Thinking about using a Medical Alert System / Personal Emergency Response System? ALCA Corporate Partner David Michaels shares the basics of Medical Alert Systems to help determine the best system for you or your aging loved one. What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Medical Alert System by David Michaels, Aging Life Care Association® Corporate Partner The Medical Alert