Elder Care Blog
Preparing Seniors for a Natural Disaster
The news is full of stories of the ravages of hurricanes Harvey and Irma. I read in yesterday’s paper that 150 assisted living and skilled facilities in Florida were forced…
Does She Really Need a Diagnosis?
When interacting with families, I often hear this question: “Why should we bother taking Mom to the doctor? We already know she is confused. Isn’t that just what happens in…
Preventing Falls in Older Adults
Just yesterday, I watched my 2-year-old grandson toddling joyfully through the house. He ran from one toy to another, falling down at times and popping right back up without a…
Is Your Primary Care Physician Your Head Coach?
I’m a sports fan and especially love to read about head coaches. There’s a lot more than one would think that goes into being a great head coach. So, what…
Healthy Habits for your Brain
In mid-July, 2017, the Alzheimer’s Association hosted a week-long international conference in London, England. This event was the largest gathering of researchers from around the world focusing on progressive brain…
“I’m a person…not a diagnosis”
When I worked in an assisted living community many years ago I was touring a group of investment bankers through our memory care program. One of the bankers, with the…
Great Care in a Community Starts with Communicating Personal Preferences
“How does your mom take her coffee?” This is how I often start a conversation with a family member who is about to move their loved one into a community…
What’s New in Northern Virginia?
In the search for a senior residential facility in the Washington DC metro area, waiting lists are all- too common. In fact, some of the more popular facilities may not…
Planning for Care: Beyond Legal and Financial Responsibilities
When planning for retirement, most people know that legal and financial issues are of utmost importance. Powers of attorney, trusts and wills are in the forefront of planning for aging…
Aging and Social Isolation
According to AARP, a full 87% of senior Americans would prefer to remain in their own home as they age. The movement to “age in place” has gained in popularity…
Living to be 100. Words of Wisdom.
Yesterday, I had a wonderful opportunity to attend the first annual Centenarian event in Northern Virginia, where individuals who had reached the age of 100 (and beyond) were honored. The…
Don’t Wait for a Crisis to Plan for Care
Sometimes, old age can take us by surprise. Your Father may be living happily on his own until one day, he falls and breaks a bone. Overnight his world changes, and you…