Author: Nicole Amico Kane
Last week we looked at tips for navigating long-term care options to support living at home. Successfully managing care at home depends on many factors, including finances, health status, transportation, mobility, a supportive physical environment, a willingness to accept care, and having a realistic view of the care needs.
There may come a point when the person in your care can no longer be safely and adequately cared for at home. For example, when your parent has a progressive health condition such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s, there may come a time when the care needed at home exceeds your capacity to support them safely.
Be prepared for this reality; it’s never too early to research, visit, and reflect in preparation for a possible move. It’s always best to be proactive. …
Navigating Long-Term Care Options (in greater Seattle) Part IIRead More »
We are living longer. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, those who are 85 and older are the fastest growing segment of the population. As a result, more adult children than ever are helping their parents navigate their journey with aging.
Finding appropriate supports and helping guide your parents’ choices when additional care is needed can be overwhelming. Do an online search for in-home, professional caregiving services and the results are endless. Everyone looks and sounds the same.
How can you be confident that they’ll provide safe, respectful, dependable care? Will they support your parents’ autonomy and independence, while enhancing their well-being? Is this financially sustainable? Where do you start? …
Navigating Long-Term Care Options (in greater Seattle) Part IRead More »
Since 2011, baby boomers have been turning 65 at an average rate of 10,000 per day. This will continue until 2030. And we are living longer. Fortunately, we are also healthier and more active than past generations.
But the reality, according to the Administration on Aging (AOA), is that “70% of people turning age 65 can expect to use some form of long-term care during their lives.” 35% will spend some time in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home or assisted living community. …
The holidays are often filled with high expectations, requiring lots of energy and engagement in non-stop activities. For individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, it can be challenging. A time of high anxiety.
Festivities can agitate, confuse, and overstimulate someone living with dementia. Meanwhile, caregivers can feel anxious, frustrated, and lonely. To minimize the anxiety and encourage an inclusive, more enjoyable holiday season for the entire family, a little advance planning can go a long way in ensuring everyone has a wonderful time. …
Dementia: Tips to Make the Holidays Inclusive and More EnjoyableRead More »
Self-care is essential to the well-being of family caregivers, yet it is often overlooked.
While it’s natural to focus fully on the older adult who needs support and services, we also need to remind ourselves to pay attention to their support system, be it you, family and/or friends. …
Self-Care is Not Selfish: It’s Essential for Family Caregiver Well-BeingRead More »
Uncertainty is scary. When we encounter uncertainty and change, the sympathetic nervous system is often engaged. This is what triggers “flight or fight.”
When a threat is perceived, we have a stress response. Conversations about change, like a move to a retirement community, can be that stressor, that trigger. …
Uncertainty is Scary. Uncertainty Might Be Why Your Parent is Resisting A Move.Read More »
It’s Falls Prevention Awareness Week. With Fall officially starting this Wednesday, it’s a great reminder to review the common causes of falls as well as what we can do to lower our risk, prevent injury, and stay out of the emergency department.
A recent national poll on healthy aging conducted by the University of Michigan suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to a decline in physical activity and functioning among older adults. Declines in physical condition and mobility can increase the risk for falls. …
Having concerns about a loved one’s well-being, especially when they are older, is normal. Have you noticed some changes? Is there something that seems off or unusual, perhaps atypical to your loved one’s usual demeanor, behavior, or personality?
Changes and adjustments are normal for all of us during our lifespan, but sometimes they warrant a closer look. Striking the right balance between fostering independence, respecting autonomy, and ensuring safety can be a struggle for those of us who are part of an older adult’s life. …
Aging in place, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is “the ability to live in one’s home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level.” Ninety percent of individuals 65 years of age and older report that they would prefer to continue living in their current residence as they age.
There are times, however, when the desire to age in place doesn’t match reality. If and when an individual’s home can no longer support independence, safety, and comfort, or when a health change makes it difficult to thrive within that environment, it might be time to consider options.
…
Know Your Options: The Pros and Cons of Living at Home as You AgeRead More »
We are growing older as a nation. Since 2011, baby boomers have been turning 65 at an average rate of 10,000 per day, a trend that will continue until 2030. And we are living longer. Fortunately, we are also healthier and more active than past generations.
However, according to the Administration on Aging, 70 percent of people turning age 65 can expect to use some form of long-term care during their lives. Thirty-five percent will spend some time in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home or assisted living community.
…
Navigating the Overwhelming Options of Long-Term CareRead More »
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