I am usually hired by the child of a senior who engages my services and entrusts their loved one’s placement or geriatric care management to me. The child often lives out of state. I would like to share a, “Real LIfe Story,” that not only emphasizes the point in the…
Articles Posted in Real Life Story
Researching Senior Living Options Early Can Help Avoid An Emotional And Financial Crisis
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…
Denial and Lack Of Expertise With Senior Living Options Can Lead To Limited Choices
Sometimes you must face the fact that you are in denial about your senior loved one’s needs. I am sharing the following Real Life Story with you to emphasize that point. My clients are a family of ten children who attended my, “Senior Living Myths Unmasked,” presentation over three years…
There Is Help For Hoarders But No Cure
The popularity of reality TV shows has brought about an overwhelming interest in the disorder of hoarding. I delivered a presentation on the subject this week and was overwhelmed myself by the number of people in the audience who thought they had the disorder themselves. As a senior living advisor…
Illinois Nursing Homes Get A Bad Grade According To A New Report
Yesterday I heard a report on Newsradio 780 in Chicago that Illinois was cited as one of the two worst states for nursing home care. The report was very brief and sketchy, so when I had an opportunity, I logged onto their website and read the article. It was only…
Evolving Guidelines For Bed Rail Use In Nursing Homes Help To Prevent Accidents
This week I was delivering my “Senior Living Myths Unmasked,” presentation to a group of business owners. The discussion on nursing home safety always stirs a lot of emotion and discussion. This week’s presentation wasn’t exempt from a lively discussion regarding the use of bed rails in long term care…
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Can Occur As Quickly As The Change Of Seasons
The weather in Chicago has fooled us again! Last week, we suffered from the sweltering heat. For the past few days it has been like fall. Tomorrow, it will probably snow. Just as the weather can change on a dime, so can “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) ,” cause depression in…
If Your Senior Loved One Has Idiosyncrasies, “Person Centered Care,” Is Your Best Bet
I was an advocate for “person-centered care,” long before it became part of elder care terminology. “Person centered care” simply means that a community, or another entity, adapts and delivers care or amenities according to the habits of the senior. As the former Admissions Director of a community that catered…
Tribune Article Points Out Pitfalls Of Having A Neighbor Act As Your Power Of Attorney
A recent article published in the Chicago Tribune entitled “Refund sought; ‘every little dime would help’ emphasizes two important points. First, the media has provided only the complainer’s side of the story. There are so many facts about this case we don’t know. Second, it points out the true pitfalls…
Medicare Advantage Plan Spoils Client’s Choice Of Nursing Homes
I recently had a situation occur that I’d like to share, lest the same circumstances arise for you. My client’s were a family whose Mother was living in an independent living retirement community with a full-time caregiver. Her health issues had escalated to the point where she could no longer…