Keep Them Active

Make sure those you care for are moving and connecting with others.

Wheelchair Safety

A little common sense will help protect your elder

A few years ago, I had a fresh-faced batch of geriatric care management students in my program. For their first training mission they had to spend an entire day in a wheelchair and try to get around town as if it were a regular day. They had to get to my class, make a phone call from a pay phone, get in and out of an elevator, use a public restroom, drink from a water fountain, eat at a restaurant, shop in a convenience store, and so forth. Boy did that mission awaken them to the realities of a wheelchair-bound life. I suggest that if you are working with an elder in a wheelchair, you try to do the same so you have a real understanding of what your elder endures.

Tips for Traveling with the Elderly

Planning is the key to a great trip

Thanksgiving Day is just around the corner. Millions of people will be traveling to share this special time with loved ones. Travel can still be an exciting experience for elders, but it takes a great deal of organization. Complications you would never think of can arise. Something as simple as jet lag could pose a major problem since it takes many elderly people twice as long to recover from it.

Work Options for Caregivers

Six ways to be both a caregiver and a valued employee

Today's business world is full of working singles, working couples, working parents, and now, working caregivers. These working caregivers are often dealing with a dramatic change in personal circumstances, as senior relatives who were once independent now need attention. Caregiving takes time and energy, so it’s important to be flexible so you can meet all of your commitments while you remain employed.

Preparing Your Elder for Rain or Shine

Take protective measures before going outside

Aging Parents and Their Finances

Consider hiring a trusted financial expert

Dealing with finances, either your own or those of others, can be a real headache. And money is something that can easily come between people, especially family members. However, when you have aging parents, their finances may need your attention at some point. This can be complicated, but there are ways to make it more manageable. Remember that the very nature of the discussion calls their independence into question, so be sensitive to that. But you still have to address this as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely that problems will arise.

The Importance of a Will

A crucial document best taken care of well in advance

A will is a crucial document that must be taken care of well in advance of the end of your elder’s life. Do not allow your elder to die intestate (without a will). When your elder doesn’t have a will, the state may take over, which can become very complicated. You’re almost sure to lose a hefty percentage of the true value of the estate. By making a will and assigning power of attorney, your elder will feel comforted that his or her wishes will be carried out.

Dealing with Grief

Allow yourself to grieve

Grief can be a hard subject to talk about. No amount of planning can eliminate the grief or loss associated with the death of an elder loved one—and it shouldn’t. Grief is an important part of death, and you need to allow yourself to feel it. It is a healthy and powerful way to show love.

Fulfilling Elders’ Wishes in Their Last Days

Easing the process

Understanding Hospice Care

Hospice also supports family members

Clients often ask me to explain what hospice care is, as well as when it can be implemented. Hospice is a specialized program of palliative care for patients and/or residents who have less than six months to live. This period can vary from state to state.