Celebrating the Holidays with Dementia by Lisa Mayfield, MA, LMHC, GMHS, CMC, Principal, Fellow Certified Care Manager The holidays can often be a time filled with high expectations, requiring lots of energy and engagement in non-stop activities. For the individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, it can be challenging and a time of high anxiety. Festivities

Holidays are occasions that many of us spend with family, whether we live down the block or across the country.  For those with aging parents or loved ones, these visits are an important time to take stock amidst the hustle and bustle, and to make plans.  Make the Most of Holiday Visits: What to Look for When Visiting Aging Adults

Choosing an Assisted Living Residence: Is Free Advice the Best Advice? By Miriam Zucker LMSW, ACSW, C-ASWCM Often when family members seek the guidance of an Aging Life Care specialist, it is at a time of change. The concerns may be about obtaining home care, learning of entitlements, a discharge from the hospital or a move from home to assisted living.

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to help raise awareness and education about Alzheimer’s and other dementias. For the families confronted with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, it is easy to feel lost and overwhelmed with next steps. Find resources below to help provide information and support to those with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones. Resources for National Alzheimer’s Awareness

Moving to a long-term care facility or nursing home can be a shock to an individual and to the family. And you’ve probably figured out how expensive it is. With questions ranging from cost to quality of care to food choices, you may feel overwhelmed or trapped. An Aging Life Care Professional™ can help you navigate the nursing home maze and be

In the newest edition of the Aging Life Care Journal, Aging Life Care Professionals examine the issues faced by those who are younger and diagnosed with atypical dementias. Jennifer Pilcher-Warren, MS, PhD, CMC, is the editor-in-chief. Her message to readers is below. To read the entire issue of the Journal of Aging Life Care: Atypical Dementias, you can find it

One of the most difficult conversations caregivers can have with their older loved ones concerns driving. Telling someone they are no longer safe to drive can result in hurt feelings, resentment, and arguments. ALCA member Susan Birenbaum addresses these concerns and directs caregivers to useful resources. How to Recognize When It’s Time for Older Adults to Stop Driving Susan Birenbaum,

In the Aging Life Care Association’s newest White Paper, “Agency or Independent: Considerations in Hiring”, ALCA member Bunni Dybnis examines the legal and financial questions one should examine before deciding to hire caregivers for the home. Below is an excerpt from the beginning of the White Paper; to read and download the entire document, please click here. Agency or Independent:

Life transitions often mean that we need to make decisions about what to do with years of accumulated personal property that no longer physically fits our new space, does not fit with our new lifestyle, or that needs to be liquidated to meet financial obligations. It is comforting to know there are professionals who can assist in providing effective advice