Category Archives: Caring for elderly parents

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 […]

5 ideas for assisted living outdoor visits during COVID

health guidance | Preferred Living Solutions

After months of being separated from our aging loved ones that reside in retirement communities, visit restrictions are being eased in many states. One or two family members or other loved ones are permitted to schedule outdoor visits with residents. Visitors are asked to follow the usual health safety protocols including temperature checks, symptoms questionnaires, […]

Staying connected with loved ones during COVID-19 through technology

enable drop in | Preferred Living Solutions

Do you want to talk to your loved-one face to face on a regular basis and feel frustrated that you can’t?  Would you like to be able to participate when the doctor sees your loved one, or talk to the staff when they are in your loved-one’s room?  Luckily, there are now some very simple […]

An advocate: 5 reasons to have one

“An advocate can be a family member, friend, trusted coworker, or a hired professional who accompanies you to your appointments and asks questions, writes down information, and speaks up for you so you can better understand your illness and get the care you need.” [Source: AARP] As an Aging Life Care Professional (also known as […]

Holiday Gift Ideas for Seniors

Are you looking for holiday gift ideas for the seniors in your life? So what are you getting for your Mom this Christmas? What are you getting for your Dad? “They already have everything they need”, you say. “They are actually thinking of moving so that they can down size, I don’t want to add […]

The Weight of Caregiver Guilt

The weight of caregiver guilt can be overwhelming. Guilt is a 4-letter word in disguise. It is a bad feeling that can tear us down. As family caregivers we wrestle with feelings of guilt frequently. We give all we have however too often we feel like we have failed. And we doubt ourselves every single […]

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. […]

5 fun activities for Assisted Living residents

valentines mail | Preferred Living Solutions

Assisted Living residents’ days tend to be routine and, sometimes, downright boring. Talking with a client’s daughter this morning, we brainstormed a few great ideas for family members and caregivers to inject some fun and novelty in your loved one’s week. Sending and receiving mail (snail mail using paper, pen and a postage stamp) is […]

Granny pods

Granny pods, med cottages, tiny homes: all are descriptors for a new senior long-term residential solution. Granny pods are – simply stated – “very cool”! Reverend Ken Dupin invented these 12 feet by 24 feet pods that sit conveniently in any backyard and plug right up one’s existing plumbing and electrical. They allow both caregiver […]