No one wants to admit they’re less independent than they used to be. When I was a social services professional, the seniors in my care were always very reluctant to ask for help. Whether it was getting a glass or water or telling a nurse or aide they were in pain, many people would rather […]
Continue ReadingThousands of seniors need home care every day in the United States, and if that time ever comes for our loved ones, we would do well to follow the example of my grandmother. When she saw an elderly friend of hers grow less independent and hire a home health aide, she made it clear to […]
Continue ReadingMy grandfather passed away from cancer in his eighties, leaving behind my grandmother who went on to live a few years longer. After his death, I remember my grandmother repeatedly saying, “I wish I had gone first. I don’t want to be around without him.” And that was before her health had deteriorated to the […]
Continue ReadingThe most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud. — Coco Chanel Creativity has many outlets. Some people love to paint, while others go crazy for pottery-making, dance, or photography. And then there’s the art of fashion — ready and waiting to be embraced by bold souls brave enough to wear their creativity […]
Continue ReadingGrowing old means letting go — and that’s a beautiful thing. Our Western world encourages control and independence under the guise of individualism: being financially self-sufficient and living alone are seen as desirable for both men and women; people are marrying less and embracing singlehood longer; we have technology available at our fingertips that entertains […]
Continue ReadingThere can be no doubt that hiring professional caregivers is a task that takes time and energy. In the nursing home where I worked, our aftercare agencies were highly scrutinized for staff with experience, training, and criminal records to ensure that patients received only the best services available. If your elderly loved one lives at […]
Continue ReadingWhen it comes to looking after the well-being of elders, there is a whole spectrum of options available. They range from having the elder live independently at home (maybe with a few check-ins a week), to full-time care within a nursing home. One middle-of-the-road option is signing your elder up for an adult day care program. […]
Continue ReadingWhen most of us think of serious illnesses, a few salient ones come to mind, like heart disease, diabetes, or maybe even cancer. But what a lot of people don’t know is that one of the fastest-growing and most devastating conditions is depression — especially among seniors. As a chronic illness, depression can deteriorate the […]
Continue ReadingIf you’re taking care of a senior citizen, meeting their physical and medical needs is probably your first priority. You want to make sure they have a safe home to stay in, and one that takes their limitations into account (i.e., has ramps, handrails, or is handicap-accessible). You also want to see that any illnesses […]
Continue ReadingWhen it comes to deciding how to care for your elder, you know you want only the best. Still, it’s tempting to go with an informal caregiver – a close friend perhaps, or someone you trust enough to hire “under the table.” After all, you are putting a loved one in the hands of another […]
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