Category Archives: care planning

When to stop or limit driving

driving safety

Deciding that it is time to discuss limiting driving or removing driving privileges with a parent is one of the most difficult things to do.  Driving is one of the key abilities that signifies independence, and when that is removed it may fundamentally change not only what that person can do, but also how they […]

Living prepared:organizing important records and vital information

living prepared book | Preferred Living Solutions

Whether it’s being prepared for the curve balls life can throw at you or just being able to find a vital document at a moment’s notice, having your most important records and personal information in one easy-to-find location will bring you peace of mind and security.  Preferred Living Solutions’ The Living Prepared Workbook:  My Need to […]

Palliative care and hospice care

Hospice and palliative care are two healthcare approaches offering compassionate support  to patients with life limiting illnesses. When a loved one is living with health issues it can be hard for him or her to understand what options may be available to help manage treatment, side effects, advance directive decisions, and decision-making around stopping treatment. […]

Implementing a person-centered approach to elder care

More and more emergency rooms are putting procedures into place to better serve their oldest patients. This person-centered approach to elder care is a breath of fresh air. Customizing care plans to each individual’s specific needs is a form of preventive health care. Hospitals want to reduce the number of re-admissions and this approach to care […]

5 reasons to pursue a dementia diagnosis

Pursuing a dementia diagnosis versus choosing not to seek a diagnosis are both reasonable decisions.  Many primary care doctors are reluctant to test a patient for cognitive impairment or dementia. On the other hand, in response to a patient’s report of symptoms such as memory loss, providers can make use of a screening tool, the […]

Age in place by the numbers

front porch and steps that someone living with dementia could wander away from

According to the United States of Aging Survey conducted by the National Council on Aging and United Healthcare, older Americans are striving to age in place, despite physical and economic difficulties in some cases. Nine in 10 seniors intend to continue living in their current homes over the next five to 10 years. Leading reasons […]

Five tips for a senior-friendly age in place home

aging in place shower

Where do you start to create an age in place home? The idea of remodeling your home to be senior-friendly and ready for aging in place can be overwhelming. What are the costs? Where to start? Are there DIY updates you can do without a contractor? Front door: add railings to stairs leading to outside […]

Wandering: search and rescue aids

One of a caregiver’s greatest fears is that their loved one will go wandering. After my uncle was diagnosed with dementia, my aunt was determined to care for him in their home. Our family supported her decision. As years went by and the dementia progressed, she worried about him wandering away. Keeping loved ones safe […]

Stroke warning signs: live prepared

Stroke warning signs, can you quickly and easily name them? The National Stroke Association suggests using the term FAST to help you recognize common stroke warning signs. F for face A for arms S for speech difficulty T for time It is critically important to call 911 so that you can get to a hospital and […]

Childless boomer in search of circle of care

Childless boomer is a term coined by the aging professional community. A childless boomer is defined as someone who reaches old age with no family or friends left that can provide care for him/her. A shortage of caregivers in our aging society is already a serious issue and is projected to worsen. Baby boomers need […]