We are excited about a new medical alert watch for aging adults. This watch is also a great idea for other people with health concerns, people at risk for in-home falls, or anyone that lives alone. Lively is a stylish personal safety watch that combines a medical alert system and a passive in-home activity monitor.. Lively does […]
No more room for another family heirloom? Did your parents ask you in childhood to love, honor and cherish…all their stuff…til death do you part? The generation that birthed the baby boomers may have planted the seed of heirloom responsibility while rocking you in the family cradle. Baby boomers took the baton and loaded their […]
What do healthcare providers, caregivers and their loved ones living with dementia have in common? Looming frustration at medical appointments! Last week, while sitting in a Raleigh, NC medical waiting room for at least 30 minutes with my 80 year old client for his 6 month follow-up eye exam (monitoring Age-Related Macular Degeneration) I brainstormed […]
I learned a few things this week as an active participant in a dear client’s successful transition from hospital to home hospice. “Be prepared” sums up the lessons nicely. Some of what I learned may seem trivial but, I promise, even the small things make a difference for a weary patient that just wants a […]
Are you looking for a few gift giving ideas for aging adults? Dehydration is skin’s enemy, especially during cold weather. Moisturizing gel socks and aloe moisture gloves calm chapped, cracked feet and hands. Whip up a batch of the Pioneer Woman’s classic chicken and noodles and freeze in pint containers for easy evening meals. Bucky is a […]
Mealtime at an assisted living facility can be an eye-opener to families and friends of senior residents. The short story is that menus, supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy food options are improving. Sharing a meal with your loved one at their community can be enjoyable or stressful. Here are a few suggestions […]
Going to visit a family member or friend at an assisted living community? Wondering what to do or say to have a meaningful visit? Bring a small gift. Assisted living apartments and rooms are small spaces with limited flat surfaces. new door wreath that you make or buy (and offer to store their current one […]
Sometimes it is the simplest everyday tasks that challenge caregivers and their aging parents the most. Caregiver tools can make life easier for everyone. I use this simple tool almost daily to help my elderly clients get out of my car. We know that incontinence accidents can happen. This item protects car upholstery and saves loved […]
Wandering, sometimes referred to as “elopement” is a very real concern to families of loved ones living with dementia. Spouses, partners, adult children often are committed to keeping their family member at home for as long as possible. As dementia progresses reality is distorted and “home” may have a different definition for the person with […]
I spend a lot of time with elderly residents and caregivers in assisted living and memory care communities where social interactions and activities are limited. Music, television, puzzles and games help folks pass time. Visitors, especially adult children and grandchildren, are usually a special source of pleasure and joy. A great way to spend quality time together […]