Regardless of social distancing, limited get-togethers at restaurants, and all-around new realities of COVID-19, Father’s Day is a special time to recognize those important people in your life: dads, grandfathers, uncles, partners, friends, that person who made you feel safe and that taught life lessons to you as a child. It is fun to get […]
Category Archives: Healthy Living
Post holiday blues is a normal feeling for many people, especially caregivers. The gifts have been opened, the decorations have been taken down, it’s back to our “regular” routine. This could be a time where a sense of sadness or depression may set in. The beginning of a new year comes with the ability to […]
Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, includes challenges with chewing, swallowing food or liquid. Dysphagia is often related to aging. As with other muscles in the aging body, muscles in the mouth and throat can lose strength and bulk. Sometimes dental problems lead to a decreased ability to thoroughly chew food, which in turn leads […]
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 […]
As basic as our need for water, sunlight is an ingredient for healthy bodies and minds. Known as the sunshine vitamin, we produce Vitamin D in response to exposure to sunlight. It is necessary for strong bones. Bone pain and muscle weakness are ways our bodies may reflect a deficiency. Low blood levels of Vitamin […]
Serving as my client’s patient advocate is one of my most heartfelt responsibilities. Who has your back if you are admitted to the hospital or need to go to the hospital emergency department (ED)? Have you heard of running a gauntlet? That’s what a trip to the hospital is like. The complexities of medical insurance, patient […]
Same day medical procedures that require support from a care partner or a friend can be a challenge to organize and schedule. Have you or your loved ones been postponing a same day medical procedure (cataracts, endoscopy, colonoscopy, etc.) because you need someone to accompany you, wait for you throughout the procedure (required by physician) and […]
Active Aging Week is an annual health promotion event, held the last week of September, to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, taking care of yourself and aging well. Organized by the International Council on Active Aging, communities feature health-promoting events held across the country. This year’s theme is “Explore the Possibilities”. Preferred Living Solutions is partnering with several businesses in the Ligon Mill Office […]
When I began to measure balance in my life, it led me to the idea of a mid-life career change. I thought a lot about what it means to be a baby boomer. Those musings led to wanting to learn more about the aging process. Early in my geriatric care management coursework I learned how […]
Have you ever been a family caregiver? If so, you know that the penultimate job description has yet to be written. In a 24 hour period you may fill the roles of sitter, companion, cook, cleaner, nurse’s aide, nurse, doctor, driver, spiritual advisor and more. Each care-giving experience is unique, dynamic and an emotional mine […]