By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM On her way home from work, Cindy stopped to say hello to her mom and see how her day was going. Her mom had moved into an assisted living apartment about 10 months prior. It has been a big adjustment for her 84-year-old mother. Her mom is slowly starting to settle in and has

Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal, trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. For many elders who have a fall, this is often the beginning of a deleterious cascade of ill health that will lead to trauma, hospitalization, decreased mobility, depression, and in some cases, even death. … Continue reading Falls: Prevention

By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM For the last several years, I have been watching, listening and talking to people between the ages of 50 and 103 about growing older. Nearly everyone I run into—clients, friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances, strangers in the grocery store and doctor’s office, you name it—I’m listening and interested in how they view aging. Here’s what

By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM If you are caring for a loved one or handling a variety of challenging situations including health concerns, finances, how to prepare for the unknown future, all those “what if’s,” stress and anxiety can creep in and make it difficult to just get through the day.hen was All of us have likely experienced periods

Severe winter weather is descending across the United States, which greatly impacts the safety and well-being of the elderly, especially when the weather event is unexpected or comes fast. Here are some tips from the experts in aging well® to help your older loved one prep for winter weather. Before a Storm • Stay informed: … Continue reading Preparing for

By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM A Real Gift Dan and Michelle, like many of us, have been busy this holiday season. Work, two teenagers, shopping, figuring out how to visit both their parents… and the list goes on. Michelle and her daughter went to her mom’s for their traditional cookie bake and noticed some small changes in her mom.

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 other dementia, it can be challenging and a time of high anxiety. Festivities can agitate, confuse, and overstimulate persons living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. Meanwhile, … Continue reading Celebrating the

By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM I feel silly writing about such a simple subject to the great Northeast Ohio Boomer readers who are anywhere from 50 to 105! Of course, we all know the importance of handwashing; but do we? I am specifically referring to older adults in hospitals, living in senior care communities, individuals living with memory issues

Whether you live down the block or across the country, holiday visits are a great opportunity to take a closer look at your aging loved one and their surroundings. Take time to observe any changes in an aging family member’s behaviors or lifestyle during dinners, gift exchanges, parties, etc. Changes may vary widely – from outwardly visible to subtle shifts