It’s been a challenging year, with social isolation, a worldwide pandemic, and having to be confined indoors.  Now that it’s Summer, and most of the outdoor restrictions have been lifted, it is exciting to finally be able to venture outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather, the blossoming flowers, and the abundant sunshine! However, there are safety risks to keep in

By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Dehydration, Part 2: In my May blog post, I discussed the many reasons dehydration increases as we age, and the issues and problems dehydration can cause in older adults. Dehydration is a serious and common occurrence with many older adults, especially for those living alone or even in senior care communities. As an Aging

This Pride Month, Aging Life Care Professionals across the country join in celebrating and honoring LGBTQ+ elders. Included in this celebration is understanding the unique needs of LGBTQ+ elders and creating care plans that support and enhance their individual lifestyles. According to SAGE, LGBTQ+ elders are: Twice as likely to be single and live alone Four times less likely to

By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Doris is 81 years old and lives alone. She is well organized and prepared, in case something should happen to her. She has her Advance Directives in order and keeps a medication list and important contact information on her refrigerator. For her own peace of mind, Doris has an emergency call device, just in

By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Rosemary, 85, is a widow who lives in a condo that she and her late husband purchased in her early 70s. Four years ago, Rosemary’s neighbor found her sitting on the grass in the front yard of her condominium complex. She was mumbling and not sure how she ended up outside. Despite a visit

As the aging population continues to grow, so does the demand for caregivers. During National Aging Life Care™ Month this May, the Aging Life Care Association is raising awareness around a solution for caregivers and families of aging adults — Aging Life Care Managers®. This network of professionals are experts in aging, helping ensure a client’s optimal quality of life

By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM I had the opportunity to attend the 38th Annual Aging Life Care Association® Conference held in Orlando in early April. Working as an Advanced Aging Life Care Professional® attending conferences can be a valuable resource for many reasons, including listening to dynamic experts from a variety of disciplines in the field of aging. The topics, current trends, issues, products and services

“National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) exists to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning. NHDD is an initiative to encourage patients to express their wishes regarding healthcare and for providers and facilities to respect those wishes, whatever they may be.” – The Conversation Project Make your healthcare decisions and choices known…start the

By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Jim’s mom, Eleanor, is 82 years old. She has been in a long-term care setting (often referred to as a nursing home) for the past year. She had a fall in her home resulting in a hip fracture. Eleanor never fully recovered and continued to require significant assistance. Living alone in her multi-level home simply was not