By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM The holidays mean different things to each of us, depending on where we are in life this season. Children grow, loved ones face challenges. We all face uncertainties and, like everything in life, our holiday experiences change, too. We all know the phrase, “Is the glass half empty or half full?” Optimists will usually say the

By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Steve’s wife Carol was in her mid-40s when she had a massive stroke, leaving her paralyzed on her entire left side, affecting her ability to swallow. The first year after her stroke, Carol remained in a rehabilitation facility. She required a feeding tube but eventually with ongoing therapy, encouragement and determination, she regained her

Those who serve older adults periodically come across individuals with no children or children who live at a distance from them. Historically, most adults aged 65 and above seemed to have at least one family member who could provide some measure of care and support. That situation is now changing, however, in a big way, and will continue to change

By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM I recently read the article, “The Surprising Cause of Hospital Acquired Pneumonia,” by Mark Ray. The article discussed how hospital-acquired infections are among the most common hospital-related complications affecting one in 25 patients, according to The New England Journal of Medicine. And these infections are largely preventable. Within 48 hours of a hospitalization, bacteria

This week we are spotlighting one of our members and recipient of the ALCA Midwest Chapter Outstanding Member Award for 2020 – Ann Sutton Burke. Tell us about your current practice? The practice I manage is CareLink, Your Experts in Aging based in Cincinnati Ohio. It is part of a non-profit agency, Jewish Family Service (JFS) of the Cincinnati area.

Helen is 93 years old and has lived at an assisted living community since she was 90. She has a one-room suite with her own bathroom. It is decorated with her favorite things and whatever furniture that would fit. She has one window that overlooks some trees and a strategically placed bird feeder. Tom is 84 years old and is living

By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Bill is 74 and retired but you wouldn’t know it; he’s in great shape.  He is up early and stays busy every day, working on a variety of projects and hobbies. Unfortunately, he took a fall on his way out the door to walk his dogs.  One-fourth of Americans over 65 fall each year

Older Adults Admit High Anxiety and Fear About New Technology: Candoo Tech Surveys Shows 53% of Seniors Say Learning a New Device is More Stressful Than Going to the Dentist The results of a recent survey of technology-enabled older adults show that for 53% of them, learning new tech devices such as a computer or cellphone, produced more anxiety and

Without a doubt, one of the hardest things for families to do is help an aging loved one transition back home from a hospital or rehab center stay – and the stakes are huge. Many older adults who leave the hospital will be readmitted within 30 days for a variety of reasons, such as falls, non-adherence to medication regimens, or