When I opened my doors in 2006, I began touring and evaluating communities under wrap; meaning, I didn’t volunteer to the admissions director at a community that I was a consultant. I did this because I wanted to see how an outsider would be treated during an unexpected “walk-in”, if…
“When choosing a long-term care community for your loved one, make sure his/her care-level needs and financial realities are appropriately assessed.” Greetings! As part of my services, I always meet and get to know the person I’m about to place. My past experience as an admissions director of a continuing…
Greetings! The holidays are a cherished time for families to be together – a time to make new memories and to celebrate the past. The holidays are also a time when family members might notice that an older loved one is declining physically or mentally. For example, the onset of…
“Prepare for your loved one’s transition from the hospital to a long-term care community.” Four years ago, my mom, who is 88 and a registered nurse, had a triple bypass with a valve replacement. The hospital staff informed me that their transitional care unit was full and I would have…
People often ask for my opinion of the 5-star nursing home rating system that was instituted approximately two years ago by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service. The system is a comparative tool that assigns nursing homes composite rankings from 1 (below average) to 5 (above average). Rankings can…
Over half of my clients are children of seniors who are already living in a community. The children are looking to move them because the senior needs a higher level of care or they are dissatisfied with the care the senior is receiving. But the most common reason clients contact…
“Delaying a loved one’s move to a long term care community might not be a good decision in the long run.” The decision to move a senior to an assisted living community or nursing home can be an unpleasant experience. Because our parents took care of us, it is a…
I’m pleased to introduce my monthly newsletter, “Senior Living Moments–Words to the Wise.” My clients, contacts and associates have suggested that I provide tips on how to demystify what can be a daunting task: dealing with the issues of an elderly relative or friend. “Boomer Bind” More than 44 million…
Happy Holidays! My very best wishes to you and your loved ones for a blessed and prosperous new year. The holidays are a time to celebrate with family and friends. It is also a time when families might observe that their loved ones’ health is declining. With these observations comes…