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…
Chicago Senior Living Advisors Blog
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…
Seniors With Depression, Parkinson’s, And Dementia Benefit From Dance Therapy
I just turned 55 on my last birthday. Although some people consider 55 as the official age of becoming a senior, I have never allowed my age to deter me from participating in my hobby of tap and jazz dancing. As a senior living advisor, (and a former, part-time children’s…
Adult Day Care Fills An Important Void In Senior Living Options
Adult day can care be a very cost effective option to both senior housing placement and non-medical home care. It is an excellent alternative for the working children of seniors who aren’t ready to have the senior move to a long term care community. Adult Day Care provides structured activities…
Tragedy Proves Seniors With Dementia Should Never Travel Alone
A recent, nationally publicized tragedy involving a woman with memory issues emphasizes the fact that a senior with dementia (even in the early stages) should never travel alone. The woman’s family was aware of the fact that she was having memory issues. Yet, they allowed her to fly from Barbados…
The Switch From A 24-Hour Caregiver To Skilled Nursing May Be Tough On A Senior
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…
Geriatric Depression And Its Social Challenges
During the past several months, I have been hired to find senior living options for many clients who have been diagnosed with depression. Some of them have been at the independent living level of care. I was fortunate to sit down with several of my clients and find out what…
Should Children Be Penalized For Not Visiting Parents Enough In A Long Term Care Community?
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…
Family Consensus Should Play A Part In The Selection Of A Long Term Care Option
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…
Location Should Never Be The Sole Criteria For Selecting A Long Term Care Community
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.…