My Care Advisors

The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and cherished traditions, but it can also present unique challenges for families with older loved ones. Whether you're adapting traditions to accommodate physical or cognitive limitations, finding ways to include relatives in assisted living, or balancing caregiving responsibilities with festive celebrations, the holidays can be difficult and stres...

Navigating the complexities of caregiving can feel overwhelming, but knowing when to seek support, communicating effectively, and utilizing available resources can truly make a difference. In this episode of My Care Advisors, we’ll explore common indicators that may signal your aging parents need additional help. This episode will also delve into effective strategies for communicating these concer...

Gain insights into CarePatrol’s approach to senior care solutions anchored in a true "culture of caring," ensuring that older adults and their families are genuinely supported in finding the right care. Listen to our guest, Becky Bongiovanni, CarePatrol’s Brand President, CPRS, and Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®, as she explores the vital role our local, trusted senior care advisors play in guidi...

It is estimated that over 53 million Americans are currently providing unpaid care to a family member or friend. These dedicated individuals often juggle their caregiving responsibilities with work, personal commitments, and their own health needs. Unfortunately, the emotional, physical, and mental toll of managing numerous responsibilities at once can lead to caregiver burnout, a state of chronic...

As our population ages, many older adults and their families are turning to assisted living communities to ensure safety and independence. Moving to an assisted living community offers a host of opportunities for companionship and socialization, providing an environment that can greatly enhance the quality of life and mental health. These communities provide older adults with a vibrant and support...

Vacationing with aging parents can be a delightful and memorable experience, filled with opportunities for bonding and creating lasting memories. However, it requires careful planning and consideration to ensure that the trip is comfortable and enjoyable for everyone involved.  Thoughtful preparation is key to guaranteeing a successful family vacation. This begins with choosing a suitable destinat...

Navigating a loved one’s transition to an Assisted Living Community can be a challenging but necessary step in ensuring their well-being and safety. As families embark on this journey, it's essential to understand the different senior living options available and how they align with a loved one's current and future care needs.  One crucial step in the process of finding the right care option for a...

Did you know that approximately 55 million people worldwide are estimated to be living with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias? AD is a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia. As the disease progresses, many individuals with AD or dementia may require additional care to ensure their safety. For instance, during the middle to late stages of AD, providing 24-hour s...

With more than 30,000 assisted living communities in the U.S., navigating the right care setting or community can be overwhelming, especially for older adults and their family caregivers. In this episode, we'll explore key considerations for choosing a care setting, common challenges faced by families, the supportive CarePatrol process, an inspiring client success story, and valuable resources.  L...

Did you know? Each year more than one in four older adults, age 65 and older, experience a fall, resulting in about 3 million emergency department visits, 950,000 hospitalizations and 32,000 deaths. Many of these falls are preventable. ( CDC ) According to a recent report from Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in thi...

Finding the right Assisted Living Community is more important than ever, and that's because there are more senior living options today than there ever have been. For instance, did you know that nearly 31,000 Assisted Living Communities span across the United States alone? Since that's the case, finding the perfect match for your loved one can prove difficult.   But help is here. In today's episode...

Did you know that more than 800,000 older adults reside in 30,000 assisted living communities in the US and the majority of these residents are the "oldest old," or age 85 and older, female, and non-Hispanic white. Of those residents, 4 in 10 are living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Services offered when residing in an Assisted Living Community can vary greatly. Understanding the di...

We all know just how special it is to gather with family and friends, near and far, share stories of the past, and simply be together once again. In addition to creating new memories, the holiday season also provides a unique opportunity to engage in a thoughtful "check-in" on the well-being of our older loved ones.  It's essential to watch out for signs and situations that may indicate a need for...

Families navigating the transition of a loved one into an Assisted Living Community face the responsibility of deciding on the best care option for their loved one. Throughout the care transition journey, caregivers can experience a mix of emotions and doubts that may take time to disappear, which is why having a strong support system and helpful resources can make a great difference. This episode...

Did you know? The cost of care tends to increase as one ages due to a variety of factors, including the potential for declining health, increased medical needs, and a greater reliance on assistance for daily activities.  There is a prevailing misunderstanding that older adults possess significant assets and are thus prepared to cover the costs of their care needs. However, the truth is that a subs...

Visiting loved ones as they age can be a deeply meaningful experience, but it also comes with a responsibility to ensure their well-being. During these visits, it's essential to be observant and proactive in assessing their physical, emotional, and cognitive health.    Listen to this episode as we explore care needs indicators to pay attention to, share valuable insights, and offer practical tips...

Did you know? People aged 70 and older are more likely to crash than any other age group besides drivers age 25 and younger.  As a loved one ages, concerns about their ability to continue driving safely may arise. For many of us, driving symbolizes freedom and independence. However, it's essential to acknowledge promptly that the abilities of an aging adult can change, affecting their overall safe...

Post-hospitalization care for older adults, especially after a serious medical event, does not always include going back home. In fact, research shows that older adults who are not able to recover their cognitive and physical function after hospitalization for an acute illness face a higher chance of rehospitalization, disability, mortality, and placement in a long-term care facility. To better he...

Did you know? Our brains get much of their power from 100 billion nerve cells, or neurons, that control reading, remembering, deciding, moving and other activities that involve thinking and planning.  Cognitive health, or the ability to think clearly, learn, and remember, is essential to performing everyday activities. It is crucial to keep one’s brain sharp to live fully, especially as one ages. ...

In the journey of discussing assisted living options with aging parents or loved ones, the involvement of siblings or family caregivers can significantly influence the process.  These conversations are often marked by complex emotions, differing viewpoints, and the challenge of making decisions that prioritize the well-being and wishes of the aging loved one. Being proactive about understanding ho...

Assisted living is part of a continuum of long-term care services that provides a combination of housing, personal care services, and health care support services.  If you or a family member are experiencing mixed feelings about the concept of assisted living, take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Numerous myths and misunderstandings surround the idea of life in an assisted living commun...

For older adults recovering from an injury, surgery or illness, there are various therapy services that can support them throughout the process in order to ensure the best health outcomes. Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists and Speech/Language Pathology professionals provide services that can help older adults feel better, achieve their health goals and improve their quality of life.   ...

Moving out of the family home and into an assisted living community may not be the easiest of transitions. For older adults who've spent decades living at the same address, relocating can be difficult and stressful. However, there are ways for loved ones to help minimize the stress of the move.  By approaching the transition to assisted living with empathy, effective communication, and support, fa...

Life can change in a moment, and determining when to move from home or independent living to an assisted living community can be overwhelming. This difficult situation may be lessened by starting the conversation early and often talking about what’s coming down the road for an aging loved one.  For older adults and their family members and caregivers, being proactive about understanding care chang...

When faced with the decision of placing a loved one in assisted living or a similar community and needing assistance to find the right care solution, would you prefer a cold, impersonal phone call or a warm in-person meeting?  For our 30th episode, we celebrate CarePatrol’s 30th year of supporting older adults and their family members to navigate care solutions. Founded in 1993 by a social worker...