This article was first published July 15, 2022 and updated October 27, 2022
The Midterm elections are just around the corner. The Washington State Voters’ Pamphlet arrived in mailboxes last week. Ballots were mailed October 21. Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2022. For information about elections in Washington State, visit the Washington State Secretary of State website page HERE.
Whenever an opportunity to vote is on the horizon, our team often fields questions from family members and other supports about voting when the person in our mutual care is living with a cognitive impairment. …
The Right to Vote and Cognitive Impairment (updated)Read More »
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 »
October 15–December 7 is Medicare’s annual “open enrollment” period. This is when you can switch plans. Are you getting a lot of mail about the cost savings of Medicare Advantage (MA)? The initial outlay may seem less than your current plan. And if you have “original Medicare,” plus a supplemental plan for the 20% Medicare doesn’t cover, andprescription coverage, bundling it all together is tempting. …
The King County Library System (KCLS) has another wonderful line-up of authors for their Fall Pioneers in Aging online author series.
We hope you’ll register to attend each author in the series and join them for more lively learning! Aging Wisdom, along with our many of our friends, is proud to help KCLS by co-sponsoring these enriching author conversations (click here for a downloadable flyer): …
Fall PIONEERS IN AGING virtual author series at KCLSRead More »
It’s Falls Prevention Awareness Week, a national health campaign with the goal of increasing awareness around falls and injury prevention. As we transition from summer to fall, it’s a perfect reminder to engage in a personal falls prevention review.
Falls preventions is a team effort. Engage your family and friends, healthcare provider, pharmacist, and eye doctor to help. Care managers like me are always ready to offer guidance as well. …
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, an opportunity to discuss this often-stigmatized topic. Let’s use this awareness to spread hope and critical information to people affected by suicide.
Understanding the reasons someone may consider suicide, recognizing the warning signs, and knowing how to support someone with suicidal thoughts can go a long way in getting the person who is struggling the help and support they need. …
Suicide Prevention Awareness: Recognizing risk in older adultsRead More »
If you are like 68% of grandparents, you live too far away for regular interactions with your grandchildren. No reading bedtime stories or soothing little tears. No ticklefests or hands-on projects. These casual yet meaningful activities just aren’t an option.
Video visiting helps. But according to Kerry Byrne of The Long-Distance Grandparent, you can count on only about a minute of video engagement for every year of your grandchild’s age. …
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead
Nineteen years ago Lisa Mayfield launched Aging Wisdom as a solo practitioner in geriatric care management (AKA Aging Life Care).
Aging Wisdom was started with the vision of helping individuals and families navigate unexpected health and cognitive changes and crises, as well as to help guide families to common ground when they might not agree on the best approach to supporting an older loved one in their care.
Our objective has always been to help others age well, care well, and live well. Much has happened in those 19 years and this early vision continues to guide our work today as a team of fourteen amazing women and growing! …
A vast majority of older adults (77%) say they want to remain in their own homes as they age. Of course! Home is comfortable: We know where everything is—in the house, and also in the neighborhood and town. Friends, doctors, grocery store. We know how to get around quickly and easily. Plus, the emotional benefits of memories, identity, and history are baked into the walls of a home. …