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. …
Art can be created and experienced in many forms. Dance. Collage. Painting. Drumming. Pottery. Singing. Acting. Writing. Gardening. Knitting. Poetry. Sewing. Storytelling. Drawing. Even cooking.
The effect of experiencing or making art when living with dementia can be profound. We see this every day in our work as Creative Engagement Specialists and Care Managers. …
As a Girl Scout, I learned how to put the motto “Be prepared” into practice. It has served me well throughout life, especially as I’ve gotten older.
The motto has also served as a good reminder to prepare for a summer of heatwaves, potential health emergencies, and our occasional power outages. These always seems to catch us off-guard.
Here are a few strategies from the Aging Wisdom Safety Committee that we’ve implement on behalf of clients as well as in our own homes. We think you’ll find these helpful too: …
Travel for many of us has been put on hold over the past couple years due to the pandemic. It’s been particularly difficult for families that live any distance from one another. However, there’s good news! The prevalence and effectiveness of COVID vaccines and boosters, COVID test kits, along with regular use of KN95 and N95 masks, bring added protection and peace of mind.
This is prompting many of us to make plans again. We are feeling more comfortable about travel, especially domestically. According to AARP’s 2022 Travel Trends report, 67 percent of people age 50+ anticipate traveling this year, many who are looking to spend time with family.
With some thoughtful planning, we can all enjoy a little time away. Certainly, there might be bumps along the way but anticipating those potential obstacles will lessen travel stress and help bring joy to the journey.
Here are some tips for planning ahead that will help ensure you or an older loved one is ready for an adventure: …
Washington state primaries are just around the corner. Today, July 15, 2022, marks the start of the 18-day voting period (through Election Day, Tuesday, August 2). Ballots have been mailed and Accessible Voting Units (AVUs) are available at voting centers.
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. …
Especially for older adults living alone, the ability to summon help in the event of an emergency—such as a fall—is a very real concern. With a cell phone in your purse or pocket, it’s easy to feel well set. Think again. The bathroom is where most falls occur. Do you take your cell phone in when you are using the toilet? Or taking a shower? And what if you hit your head and are unconscious? With a brain bleed, minutes count!
But who wants to wear one of those telltale pendants? Fortunately, with the advent of smartwatches, there are stylish options that do not carry such stigma. …
Summer celebrations are upon — Independence Day, family reunions, graduations, weddings. All are wonderful opportunities to gather, though often filled with high expectations, requiring lots of energy and engagement. For individuals and families living with dementia, it can be challenging. A time of high anxiety.
To minimize anxiety and encourage an inclusive, more enjoyable holiday and gatherings for all, a little advance planning can go a long way in ensuring everyone has a wonderful time. …