The recent CBS investigative report regarding the cases of alleged neglect at a national assisted living chain held no surprises for me. I began my career in the elder care industry fifteen years ago when assisted living provided only “stand by,” assistance with activities of daily living (ADLS = bathing,…
As the former Admissions Director of a retirement community that offered independent living, assisted living, and intermediate nursing care, I often had to convince the senior that it was time for him/her to move. Some of the seniors (and their children) knew that it was time to move. Other seniors…
I was sad to read that the search for victims who perished in a Quebec retirement community fire had ended. At least twenty eight seniors were killed when the wood-framed building caught fire and was destroyed in less than an hour. In the fifteen years that I have been involved…
And old saying observes that “Beauty is only skin deep,” but I believe both beauty and better health begin inside and out. Here’s one example why. I serve as a Geriatric Care Manager for a woman in her late 80s who has no family. Although I regret to take her…
A friend and I were having a casual conversation regarding the costs of hiring a 24 hour caregiver. Her sister was having difficulty caring for a spouse with dementia. I told her that in the western suburbs of Chicago Illinois, the figure I was quoted was somewhere in the area…
Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones! While the holidays can be a time of joy, they are also a time when extended family gatherings may provide us with occasion to notice that an older loved one’s health is deteriorating. As families reunite, celebrate the season, and take stock…
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), Alzheimer’s Disease is now the most common form of dementia among older persons. Dementia is marked by serious decline of one’s cognitive abilities — that is, the ability to think clearly, remember information, and engage in critical reasoning. More than the occasional…
In my last blog post, I talked about my client who is an 86 year old woman and is currently experiencing some issues with her teeth. Here is a summary of the story, some details that I didn’t share in the last blog, and how it ended. As her Power…
I am currently in the process of assisting one of my clients who is having issues with her teeth She is 86 years old. I was appointed as her Power of Attorney For Health Care. Recently, the nurse at the assisted living community where she resides informed me that her…
Many of my clients have asked me if they are making a mistake by “preparing too soon,” for a senior loved one’s life changes. My response is you can avoid an emotional and financial crisis by educating yourself with regard to the options for your loved one. Please read the…