However, if mom is showing signs of needing assistance with her meals and transportation, I'd recommend looking around at assisted living facilities. Assisted living does not generally offer nursing care, and if help with dressing and other activities of daily living (ADLs) are needed, she'd likely still have... Read more →

People of all ages dread the idea of losing their independence, but many seniors are living this reality and struggling to come to terms with it. Aging is hardly a graceful process, so who can blame our elders for digging in their heels? If a senior is still of sound mind, emphasize that home care enables them... Read more →

Dear PJ: I’m glad that you wrote to ask about this because remotes are a significant challenge for many older people. First, of course, there are systems like Amazon’s Alexa that are voice-controlled and can be set up for operating the TV. This may seem like an obvious answer, but not Read more →

The terms home care and in-home care are used to describe different types of services provided in the home. Additionally, state regulation and licensing entities follow certain definitions... Read more →

...At first, the arrangement seemed perfect for everyone. After Ann’s mother died, her dad knew he should sell his house, but he didn’t want to move into an apartment in a senior Read more →

I first came across the term care partner in conjunction with Alzheimer’s disease. This, at first glance, would seem to be the last place where this term fits. People with Alzheimer’s need someone to take over their lives, right? Read more →

Were my elders always thrilled about being in a nursing home? No. However, they did benefit in many ways, and frankly, there was no alternative choice. I'm simply grateful we had a fine facility so close by, one where I didn't have to fight to be part of the care team... Read more →

...Apparently, convincing themselves that your parents don’t really need much help and you are overreacting by being so attentive keeps away any guilt that they’d otherwise feel. Whatever the reason, this is beyond unfair and needs to change. Read more →

Dear GY: You’re in a tough place. As you noted though, if older adults don’t cooperate by being truthful when talking to doctors, they may not receive the best possible care. I’ve been there myself and it’s frustrating because we just want what’s best. Some things to consider that might help improve ... Read more →

At first, the arrangement seemed perfect for everyone. After Ann’s mother died, her dad knew he should sell the house but he didn’t want to move to an apartment. He felt he still had too much energy. Ann and Jim, even with their two teenagers, had plenty of room and thought Ann’s dad could help around the house. Unfortunately, that is the problem: He helps too much... Read more →