Staff Spotlight: Lisa Mayfield

What is your role at Aging Wisdom?
I am the Founder and Principal of Aging Wisdom.

What made you want to work in the field of aging?
My path into this work began with a very special relationship with my Grandpa. My mom was a teacher, and during the summers we spent a great deal of time with my grandparents in Portland while she took courses. My grandparents were often in charge of keeping me out of trouble—and I cherished that time. One of my favorite memories is playing Uno with my Grandpa. He would jokingly accuse me of changing the rules so I could win. 😊

5 Essential Questions: Building Your Plan with Confidence

This is the third article in a three-part series on Navigating Age with Confidence

Proactive planning is essential for navigating life’s unexpected events and transitions with clarity and confidence. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a sudden change in circumstances, or simply the natural progression of aging, having a well-thought-out plan in place allows others to step in and support you effectively when needed.

Taking the time to prepare, by organizing key information, optimizing your possessions, and considering essential questions, ensures that your wishes are respected and that critical decisions can be made without unnecessary delay or confusion. …

ADLs and IADLs: What are they?

Acronyms and abbreviations are abundant in Aging Life Care. Whether you are an older adult or a family care partner, it’s helpful to become familiar with and understand these terms. In this article we look at two that are used frequently: ADLs and IADLs.

Conversations to start now

Between ages sixty-five and seventy-five (“young-old”), you’re typically independent and clear about what matters most to you. That makes now the ideal time to talk with your family or chosen decision makers about your wishes for your future. Waiting until age eighty-five often means those conversations are driven by crisis, fear, or urgency. Starting as early as you can allows for calm and more thoughtful conversations. …

Holding On, Letting Go: Optimizing Your Belongings

This is the second article in a three-part series on Navigating Age with Confidence

A lifetime of belongings doesn’t accumulate all at once. It builds slowly, quietly, alongside our lives. They are memory, intention, and sometimes unfinished decisions.

But there often comes a moment, sometimes prompted by a move, a health change, or the experience of caring for a parent, when the question shifts from “What should I keep?” to “What am I leaving behind for someone else to manage?”

Staff Spotlight: Sarah Rankin

What is your role at Aging Wisdom? Creative Engagement Specialist

What made you want to work in the field of aging? My grandparents were always a big part of my childhood growing up and I got to spend time with my great-grandparents as well learning about their lives and experiences.  I naturally have an affinity for older adults and I feel drawn to support those in vulnerable stages of life. …

Respite Care is Self-Care for Family Caregivers

Life is demanding. More so when you are caring for others.

The responsibilities of caring for someone who is older or has special needs or disabilities can be demanding on your physical, mental, financial, emotional, and social health.

Just as flight attendants advise at the beginning of every flight to “put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others,” the same advice applies to family caregivers. Putting your own oxygen mask on first is a metaphor for self-care.

We all need a break from the demands of daily life. This is especially true for family care partners. Respite is an important yet often overlooked aspect of every family care partner’s self-care. …

What’s normal aging and what’s not

Aging brings change. Some of it is expected and manageable; some of it deserves closer attention. Have you noticed slower recall, needing more light to read, or taking a little longer to recover from exercise? These are common, normal parts of aging. What’s not normal? Changes such as getting lost in familiar places, poor balance, and difficulty managing everyday tasks. Knowing the difference is important. …

Staff Spotlight: Heather Davis

 What is your role at Aging Wisdom?

I work in an administrative role, part time, supporting the Leadership, Care Management, and Creative Engagement teams so they can focus on providing exceptional care and guidance to our clients and their families.

Plan Today, Protect Tomorrow: Organizing documents and personal information

This is the first article in a three-part series on Navigating Age with Confidence

As we age, planning ahead can make all the difference in maintaining independence, security, and peace of mind.

Organizing your documents and personal information is crucial in case of unexpected life events or changes in circumstances that require someone to step in and assist you. Having key information like financial records, medical details, and legal documents readily accessible ensures that your wishes are honored and decisions can be made quickly and effectively. …

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