Wisdom Wednesday: Aging Wisdom's Podcast

As a society, we value self-sufficiency and driving is tied to that sense of independence.  However, there may come a point in all our lives when driving is no longer practical. If and when driving becomes a safety issue, how do we have conversations or implement effective changes with those in our care that shouldn’t be driving anymore?  In this presentation excerpt, our colleague Wendy Nathan ,...

During the Q & A period of this virtual presentation, an attendee asked about additional services – specifically around transportation and  technology – that are available to residents when they live in assisted living or memory care, or at home. As our colleague Nicole shares there’s typically some level of transportation available a long-term care setting; it depends on whether the resident...

As Aging Life Care professionals , we find Home Care works best when someone's willing to accept the care, and when the care needs are predictable. This can be difficult and cost-prohibitive, for example, when you're helping someone in the later stages of dementia.  It's one thing if needs include showering, medication reminders once a day, light housekeeping, and meals. That's...

What kind of medical staff is onsite at assisted living and memory care communities? This varies from community to community, but a great question to ask when touring a facility. Many communities have a registered nurse on site, Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 5:00, and the nurse might be available on call as needed. Professional caregivers are staffed 24/7, and long-term care communities also have...

You are not alone on this journey! Often families and individuals don’t realize they can save time, energy, money, and heartache by engaging the right professionals and knowledge experts along the way. If you're starting to think about moving yourself or moving someone in your care, it's important to connect with a professional to help make sure that you're not overlooking something...

What is Medicaid spenddown? "Spend down is a way for someone with Medicare to qualify for Medicaid even if the person’s income is higher than the state’s Medicaid limit. Under spenddown, a state lets the person subtract their non-covered medical expenses and cost sharing (like premiums and deductibles) from their available income, so that their countable income is lowered to a level that qual...

Common issues resulting in an emergency: A fall. Wildfire. Health event. Flooding. Heatwave. Earthquake. Either we have experienced some these issues, helped someone who has, or we may anticipate that one or more may affect us in the future.  Are you ready for a crisis or emergency? Regardless of the cause or circumstance, when you are in the midst of an emergency, you are not thinking clearly, so...

What is Aging Life Care™?  Aging Life Care is a holistic, client-centered approach to caring for older adults or others facing ongoing health challenges.  Working with families, the expertise of Aging Life Care Professionals provides answers and clarity at a time of uncertainty.  Our guidance leads families to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they lo...

Fear of losing independence and freedom are common refrains we hear from clients when the topic of moving to a retirement community is proposed.  Our parents may be resistant to the idea because they immediately think of the traditional medical model nursing home when you mention a retirement community. It’s not unusual to perceive a senior housing as restrictive, filled with rules.  The reality i...