My Care Advisors

Many issues and stress can happen among adult siblings when caring for a parent or older loved one, especially when facing an urgent health situation, providing caregiving or determining the support needed. Also, sometimes when siblings come together to make important decisions, tough situations can make it even more difficult to come to a consensus. Having proactive conversations may help to addr...

Downsizing or moving from a home filled with possessions from the past 20, 30 or 40 years can be emotionally difficult. Having a plan and clear path can help keep the memories and make the transition just a little easier.   Listen in as we connect with Matt Paxton, a downsizing and cleaning expert, speaker, author, radio personality, and host of the 2-time Emmy nominated television show "Legacy Li...

Did you know that the majority of adults believe estate planning is important? However, only one-third have actually created one. Estate plan documents help guide your family members and loved ones to understand and carry out care and end-of-life wishes. Most importantly, they help reduce the family burden and stress that may be caused during a time of crisis. Listen in as we explore what is an es...

Did you know that hospice and end-of-life services focus on the care and comfort of individuals who are currently living with a serious illness and choose not to continue treatment? Yet, only half of all Medicare beneficiaries use their hospice benefit.  It is important for older adults facing a serious, life-limiting illness to understand the facts and options available that can help families and...

Paying to reside in an Assisted Living community is likely a major consideration when selecting the right care solution for yourself or a loved one. If you're struggling to decipher how much assisted living costs, you're not alone.  Up-front, monthly, and a la carte prices vary greatly depending on several factors, including the size of the assisted living facility, the types of services offered,...

Most older adults indicate they would like to remain in their homes as they age. However, they most likely have not considered the modifications needed to ensure their home is suitable for “aging in place.” The reality is that many homes are not designed for individuals to safely age in place, especially when living with a chronic condition or mobility impairment that impacts activities of daily l...

As the baby boomer population continues to age, the need for quick, easy personal property sales continues to escalate, especially when preparing to downsize or move to a senior living community. This time can be a stressful one, particularly when years of saved “treasures” are factored into the equation.   Listen in as an Estate Sales professional shares her insights on living estate sales, plann...

Along the journey of aging, finding the right care solution can be confusing and overwhelming. Understanding the differences between care settings, including assisted living and nursing homes, can help older adults and caregivers find the right solution to meet their specific needs.   Learn more about assisted living communities and nursing homes, including the different services provided and how...

Did you know that approximately 55 million people are living with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias worldwide? For many who are living with AD or dementia, additional care may be needed as the disease progresses to help keep individuals safe.  It is important to be prepared and know care options to best meet the needs of a loved one.   Get a deeper look into Memory Care services and how...

Along the journey of caregiving, one may encounter many paths—some are filled with empathy and growth and others with doubt and guilt. All of these emotions and changes are part of a bigger conversation that, when shared with your loved one, may lead to better care and a better quality of life.   Tune in for a deeper dive into caregiving, including lessons learned along the journey of caring for a...

Whether you become a caregiver gradually or all of a sudden due to a crisis, many emotions surface when you take on the job of caregiving. All of your emotions, good and bad, about caregiving are not only allowed but valid and important. Caregiver guilt can emerge when there is a belief that you are falling short in any or all roles and relationships are suffering from trying to juggle multiple ta...

It is estimated that 44 million Americans provide 37 billion hours of unpaid, “informal” care each year to adult family members and friends with chronic illnesses or conditions that prevent them from handling daily activities such as bathing, managing medications or preparing meals on their own.    For caregivers, providing care for an older adult can often present difficult challenges. Stressors...

The long-awaited holiday season is a time for connecting with family and friends and celebrating traditions. This special time, while a joyous one, can also be eye-opening for families with older adults.  Whether hosting an older adult or visiting one for the holidays, understanding the ways to ensure their safety and comfort will make all the difference in the world and in your celebration.  List...

Planning for care during a serious illness or after being diagnosed with a life-limiting condition can be very challenging. Many older adults choose hospice or palliative care to support pain management or to alleviate discomfort. Did you know that nearly 2 million older adults receive hospice care or palliative care each year, and the number continues to grow? While hospice and palliative care ar...

Major life transitions can be difficult, especially when those changes involve an aging loved one. Many caregivers struggle with the best way to discuss sensitive topics with an aging parent, as well as with other family members. These conversations with an aging loved one can include the loss of driving privileges, relocating to a new residence, home safety, and increasing care needs or finances,...

The flu can be serious for everyone–but for adults 65 years and older, the risk of flu-related complications and hospitalization is particularly high. There are also other risks that may not be as obvious, such as the flu increasing the risk of heart attack by 3-5 times and stroke by 2-3 times in the first two weeks of infection for those over 65 years of age. That is why it’s important to underst...

Aging can often present difficult challenges, including complex health issues, declining physical and/or mental capacity, care-related expenses and other financial concerns. It is important to have one’s legal “house” in order to navigate these challenges. Listen in to learn more about the specialized area of Elder Law and top considerations to support a loved one’s wishes before an urgent or unpl...

Did you know that the number of adults aged 65 years of age or older is expected to double from 49 million to nearly 100 million by 2060 in the U.S.? Currently, more than 800,000 older adults reside in 30,000 assisted living communities, and that number is expected to continue to increase over the next decade. Knowing the differences between senior living options is important when determining the...

Did you know that every day, millions of people are providing care for their spouse, aging parents, or elderly family members, all while keeping up with other responsibilities? Oftentimes, these caregivers may require outside support to ensure their loved ones can have the best quality of life but don’t know where to find such help, and understanding the different services that can be delivered in...

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., affecting men and women of all ages. Older adults are especially vulnerable due to factors that range from grief over the passing of loved ones to chronic illness and much more. In fact, in 2020, suicide rates were highest among adults ages 85 years or older (20.86 per 100,000). Understanding the causes and risk factors of suicide can make...

Always approaching their responsibilities with care and compassion, caregivers make a difference in the lives of patients, residents, and their families every single day by providing vital services and support. Oftentimes, caregivers find themselves juggling too many responsibilities. When they least expect it, caregiver burnout starts to take over, affecting their mental health and well-being. Tu...

Caregiving can trigger a host of difficult emotions, including anger, fear, resentment, guilt, helplessness and grief. It’s important to acknowledge and accept what you’re feeling, both good and bad. Don’t beat yourself up over your doubts and frustrations. These feelings don’t mean that you resent your family member—they simply mean you’re human. Listen in to learn more about the following: Emoti...

Mental health is important at every stage of life, including as we age. Many older adults are at risk of developing mental health conditions. But this does not mean that mental health issues are a normal part of aging.  It's important to recognize and treat mental health disorders in older adults. These disorders don't just cause mental suffering. They can also make it harder for you to manage oth...

Navigating the costs of care and asset management, especially as one ages, can be complex. The topic of finances and paying for care can be a sensitive topic. However, for older adults and their families, it is an important conversation to have to plan for the future. This episode provides resources and information to support a loved one’s wishes before an urgent or unplanned life change occurs. ...

When thinking about care options, especially as one ages or for those living with a chronic condition, it is important to consider the support needed to complete activities of daily living (ADLs) to safely live at home. The inability to accomplish essential activities of daily living may lead to unsafe conditions and a poor quality of life. This episode provides information about the importance of...