When families have exhausted other options sometimes the decision is made to move an older loved one in a skilled nursing facility. Usually, this decision is made under stress, without much time, and/or without a lot of information. You do not need to do this alone. Having a partner in this process, i.e. a professional … Continue reading How to

Wellness is not just about avoiding illness—it is all about thriving. No matter your age, it is truly possible to feel strong, sharp, and connected to the your world and the people you love. The key? A simple proactive approach to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.   What Wellness Really Means in Later Life … Continue reading Embracing Wellness

By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Janet talks to her mom almost every day. Since she lives out of town, making these daily calls can be beneficial in multiple ways, including giving her mom reminders, such as taking her daily medications. Janet would like to hire a caregiver to assist her mom at least a few times a week… someone

By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM We are living at a time when growing older, retiring and aging are being redefined.  Medical advances, technology, nutrition research, exercise—plus an appreciation of the importance of staying engaged with others and an interest in lifelong learning—help us age in new and better ways than ever. Retirement is not about the end; it’s about

By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM It is common for caregivers to go through various stages of anger as they care for a loved one with dementia. Watching our loved one change, repeating ourselves, re-explaining and answering the same questions and giving repeated information can be exhausting, frustrating, sad, and at times may leave us feeling angry, then guilty.   Recently,

New research from Virginia Tech confirms what many families already know: Aging Life Care Managers deliver exceptional value, expert guidance, and peace of mind for older adults and their families.   Who are Aging Life Care Managers®? Aging Life Care Managers are professionals trained in aging and disability care. They help families manage changing health … Continue reading How Aging

By Jeremy C. Holloway, PhD We hear the term “age-friendly” a lot these days—but what does it really mean? Is it just about having grab bars in bathrooms and good lighting in hallways? Or is there more to it? The truth is, being age-friendly goes much deeper. It’s about creating environments—homes, communities, healthcare systems—where older … Continue reading What Does

Dementia Diagnosis Are Rising — Here’s How Aging Life Care Managers Are Helping Families Cope   As more families across the country face the reality of a dementia diagnosis, support from an Aging Life Care Manager® is becoming increasingly essential. According to a recent survey conducted by the Aging Life Care Association® (ALCA), more than … Continue reading Dementia Diagnosis?

By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Mrs. Peterson is 71 years old. She has type 2 diabetes and arthritis; otherwise, she describes herself as healthy. When I started working with Mrs. Peterson, she began to reveal how constipation is also a problem including occasional bouts of hemorrhoids.   Mr. Silverton is 89 and has multiple comorbidities including heart disease, prostate cancer,