Prospects will often call me and open the conversation by saying something like, “My mother needs some assistance.” A statement such as this one can mean anything. Assisted living actually means the next level of care that is necessary when the senior is no longer completely independent. Specifically, he/she needs…
I attended a networking breakfast that was organized for professionals involved in different areas of the senior industry. I was asked by the leader to share the greatest challenge that I was currently experiencing with my business. I didn’t have to think too long to respond. Over the past year…
As a former Admissions Director of a continuing care retirement community (CCRC),* it was my responsibility (along with the community nurse) to assess prospective residents for placement in the appropriate level of care. During many consultations with my clients, I’ve found that people often don’t understand the different definitions of…
A Real Life Story I am currently advising an elderly couple who recently chose a beautiful apartment in a continuing care retirement community. The items on their retirement community “wish list” included the following: The apartment had to be no less than 1000 square feet. The community had to provide…
During the latter stages of Alzheimer’s disease, it is common for individuals who are bilingual to revert to speaking and understanding only their original, native language. An event such as this can present challenges as described in the following Real Life Story. Real Life Story My clients are the daughters…
I had to chuckle because a national advice columnist was asked the following question about a senior who was in apparent need of assisted living services: “My mother-in-law was diagnosed with dementia over a year ago. She can no longer do anything for herself. She can no longer climb the…
As you can imagine, I’m often asked how to convince a loved one who has dementia to move out of a home when she or he has refused. The issue is further complicated when someone is ambulatory, somewhat functional, but safety is a concern. If your loved one refuses to…
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…
I often have seniors and their families hire me to find the right community because the senior is lonely and wants to socialize with people his/her own age. The feeling of being isolated and depressed while eating alone is often a major cause for concern. While I empathize with such…
“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…