Topic: care management
Concerns about an older parent’s well-being are normal. Striking the right balance between supporting independence and ensuring safety can be a struggle for adult children. One of the most common reasons adult children reach out to us is when a parent, who obviously needs help, refuses it.
When we see changes in our parents, it’s usually a sign that something has shifted. …
When Your Parent Refuses Help: How to move forwardRead More »
Every client has a rich personal history. As an Aging Life Care practice, our Care Managers understand the value of learning about each client as an individual. It aids us as we help clients and their families navigate the best options for aging, caring, and living well.
Whenever there’s an opportunity to return to what brings a client joy, we’ll go there in some capacity. …
Each seed is a story: Care Managers get to know each client as an individualRead More »
Our Aging Life Care Professionals, AKA Care Managers, wear many hats: team member, navigator, diplomat, advocate, collaborator. Additionally, the services and supports they provide are not cookie cutter solutions, but tailored to each client’s needs, finances, and goals. …
The Role of a Care Manager: Team Member, Navigator, Diplomat, Advocate, CollaboratorRead More »
It is probably one of the toughest conversations you’ll ever have: you would rather talk about finances and death with your parents than ask them to retire the car keys.
Why is it so hard? Americans prize self-sufficiency. Driving is deeply connected to our sense of independence and freedom. On the practical side: without a car, your parents will have trouble getting places. Opportunities to socialize will be tricky too.
Though an emotionally charged topic, it’s counterproductive to postpone tough conversations. Keep in mind, it’s more important to avoid accidents or death than to avoid talking about unpleasant and difficult topics. …
Every situation has its own variables, just as each family has its own system and dynamics. This can often rank at the top of obstacles to providing the support an aging parent may need.
Risk assessment and risk tolerance play a part as well, especially if the person in your care is living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. …
What are some of the obstacles to helping someone?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 »
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. …
“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! …
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: …
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. …
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