Tag Archives: Durham

Five Creative Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day

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 […]

Face Masks and FaceTime

Today was a good day. I visited two clients, a husband and wife of 60+ years, in their home. I’ve been visiting them, providing care management support and services, for several years. This past year I’ve been with them through two hospitalizations, one rehab stint, numerous medical appointments, and more. Today we made our way […]

Medicare card updates

Medicare card

Medicare is mailing new Medicare cards to all people with Medicare starting in April 2018. Who needs to know this information? You, your elderly neighbor, your aging parent, church members, medical offices, retirement communities, baby boomers, SO MANY PEOPLE! Why is this information about new Medicare cards important? Medicare recipients hand over their Social Security numbers every time […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Smart homes for smart seniors

Smart homes make aging in place a reality for seniors. Many seniors don’t desire or can’t afford retirement community options or round the clock home aides.  As an aging life/geriatric care manager I am excited about many of the new passive monitoring systems that may allow my clients to stay in their homes for awhile […]