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…
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…
The blistering Chicago heat arrived last week. That means it is time to review some tips to keep your senior loved one safe. Our elderly loved ones are more sensitive to the effects of heat and are more prone to dehydration. Remember that they do not adjust well to rapid…
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…
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…
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…
One of the facts that I stress to my clients is that skilled nursing is not one-to-one care. Other facts that a lot of my clients don’t take into account are how the costs of a 24 hour caregiver (which can start at $200 per day if they agency is…
I read the attached article, “Adult Children Ignoring Confucius Risk Lawsuits in China,” about the elderly having the option of suing their children if they don’t visit them enough while they are in a long term care community. I used to be the Marketing/Admissions Director of a large Continuing Care…
I am often confronted with some interesting family dynamics when a family hires me to consult with them. At times, the children are willing to accept my advice without reservation. Sometimes, there is often one child who wants to prove that s/he can “do this on her/his own.” While there…
When I am hired by a family whose loved one has Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia, my thoughts immediately turn to my Father. My Mother, who is a registered nurse, insisted upon caring for him at home until his medical conditions forced his transfer to a nursing home.…