Author: Aging Wisdom
There are many advantages to having a housemate: Defraying expenses. Sharing household chores. Help with transportation. Companionship. Increased safety. Peace of mind. In a survey of older adults who shared their homes, 50% said that since gaining a housemate, they are happier, sleep better, are getting out more, and they call upon their families less for help. Homesharing is a viable option for aging in place. …
Being proactive by giving serious consideration to long-term care planning provides peace of mind and frees you to fulfill goals as you grow older. Why is this planning important? …
3 Questions You Should Ask about Long-Term Care PlanningRead More »
Once you’ve decided it’s unwise to give or lend money to adult children—or grandchildren—think through how you want to communicate your decision.
Money is often equated with love. Even if this is a loving decision (e.g., you’ve determined that giving or lending them money is encouraging something unhealthy), how and when you decline is important for the future of your relationship. …
Safety, emergency planning, and disaster preparedness are always in the forefront of our minds as Aging Life Care Professionals.
Summers in the Pacific Northwest have us alert to the possibility of wildfires. We are always cognizant of potential earthquakes. During rainy seasons, we consider the prospects of flooding and landslides. In coastal areas, tsunamis are also a consideration.
Then there are the day-to-day emergencies: a fall or stroke resulting in a hospitalization, a car accident, a house fire. …
“It’s always smart to have an emergency plan, spelling out what you would do and who you would turn to for help when that inevitable crisis happens,” says Herb ConsumerMan Weisbaum.
In his many years of consumer journalism, Herb has learned a thing or two about being proactive, making smart decisions, and being prepared ahead of an emergency. “This is especially important for older adults who are living alone, caring for a spouse or partner, or without family nearby.” …
How to prepare for a medical emergency in your homeRead More »
Aging in place has great appeal and can be challenging and expensive. Elders who are part of a “Village” help each other with simple tasks, making it easier and more financially feasible to stay at home. Today, there are close to 250 Villages across the country. They are part of a widespread grassroots movement of like-minded elders focused on community building and elder empowerment. This is not just another social service.
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“With a little help from our friends”: The Village movementRead More »
Planning a trip?
Your health insurance might not come with you!
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Memorial Day weekend is often the unofficial kickoff to summer celebrations, graduations, weddings, and reunions. As you make plans for these special gatherings, it a perfect opportunity to adapt favorite traditions and create new ones. To minimize anxiety and encourage inclusive, more enjoyable gatherings for all, a little advance planning can go a long way to ensure everyone has a wonderful time.
For the person in your care who is living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, here are a few tips to help make celebrations more inclusive: …
Aging comes to us all. What makes solo aging different is the need to be more proactive about arranging for help. Twenty-two percent of older adults acknowledge they will need to take care of themselves. (Even if you are partnered now or have children, you are wise to consider the possibility of solo aging because, well, things can change … death, divorce, estrangement. In that light, we are all potential solo agers.) …
Aging Wisdom is bursting with pride to announce that our founder and principal, Lisa Mayfield, has received the Adele Elkind Lifetime Achievement Award from the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA).
This is the highest honor from ALCA. The Adele Elkind Award criteria considers the number of years a member is active in the care management field, the individual’s commitment to promoting and advancing the practice of Aging Life Care professionals, leadership, professionalism, support, and mentoring. …