As a caregiver, the demands of daily life can quickly overwhelm even the strongest among us. We find ourselves juggling countless responsibilities, often at the expense of our own well-being. This cycle can take a heavy toll on our health if we don't pause to listen to what our bodies are telling us. In this week's episode, I will share with you five key steps that helped me as a caregiver find balance and ensure my well-being amid...

As someone who has been deeply immersed in the world of aging and senior care, I've noticed that there’s a significant aspect of aging that often goes unspoken: menopause and perimenopause. Despite the numerous conversations about other transitional stages in life, this particular journey at the end of our reproductive cycles is seldom discussed openly.

What is even more puzzling is that so many of us experience it, yet it remains a...

How to Know It's Time to Take the Keys Away from a Senior Loved One

Driving is more than just a means of getting from point A to point B; it's a symbol of freedom, independence, and self-reliance. This significance is particularly pronounced among seniors who have spent their lives behind the wheel. However, there comes a time when the risks of driving may outweigh the benefits, and it's crucial for families to recognize when that m...

Grappling with Faith

When you're faced with a loved one's health crisis—be it a spouse, child, or parent—it's natural to question and confront every emotion you feel, including those tied to faith. Experiences like this can push some to lose faith, while others find their faith strengthened. Personally, during the two and a half years since my husband Mark suffered four strokes, I've found my faith not just intact but growing. Of co...

The Importance of Visiting Loved Ones with Dementia or Disabilities

Visiting friends who have dementia or disabilities can be challenging.

My husband, Mark, had four strokess, and it's been a journey for us. Initially, everyone was supportive, but as time went on, visits dwindled. It’s sad to see him feeling isolated, especially when many of his friends have stopped checking in.

People have their lives, and I understand that...

Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially when you're making crucial decisions that influence your healthcare journey for years to come. If you're like many others approaching the Medicare milestone, you've probably already been inundated with stacks of mail, each piece claiming to offer the best advice or solution. As I found with my husband Mark, having a reliable guide through this maze isn't just helpful—it's essential.

When Ma...

It's funny how life has a way of teaching us new things, even when we think we're well-versed in a particular area. As someone who has been a senior living expert for nearly 20 years, I thought I had a firm grasp on everything related to senior housing. However, this past experience of helping my mother and her husband transition to assisted living and memory care offered a fresh perspective. Being on the other side of the process ...

Navigating the world of senior living can be quite a maze, especially when you're trying to figure out where the responsibilities of a senior placement service end and the duties of a senior community begin. Some families I've worked with have found themselves unsure about this transition, leading to confusion on move-in day and beyond. It's a common concern: knowing who to turn to for answers when it comes to important details lik...

There's a new billion-dollar scam that is targeting seniors, using artificial intelligence in ways that are both alarming and sophisticated. Imagine working your whole life, saving diligently, only to have your retirement funds siphoned away by cunning scammers leveraging cutting-edge technology. It’s a chilling thought, but it's not just a distant worry for the future—it's happening right now. The FBI has been sounding the alarm o...

When it comes to finding the right senior living arrangement for our loved ones, the options can seem both endless and confining. It's a deeply personal decision that hinges on balancing proximity with care quality. As families, we often find ourselves at a crossroads: should we choose a senior living community that's geographically close, offering frequent visits and convenience? Or should we explore options a bit farther afield, ...

Big changes are on the horizon for senior care homes in Texas, sparked by a wave of new legislation designed to enhance protections for our elders. While these laws were inspired by some recent news stories, the focus is now on creating a brighter, safer future for seniors in residential care.

Now is the perfect time to explore these legal updates, understand their implications, and ensure our seniors enjoy the quality of care they ...

As time goes on, relationships evolve, and new conversations begin to surface, especially with senior adults in our lives. It's not uncommon to find ourselves tiptoeing around certain discussions, unsure of how to approach them without causing discomfort or misunderstanding. Today, I want to talk about three conversations that tend to be particularly challenging: taking the car keys away, transitioning from independence, and end-of...

When the time comes to transition a loved one into assisted living or memory care, the relief of choosing the perfect community can quickly be overshadowed by the seemingly mountainous paperwork that follows. I remember the personal journey of navigating these requirements with my family, and let's just say, it's an experience that can be downright overwhelming, if you're not prepared.

But breathe, now. You're not alone in this jour...

As we gracefully move into the 'golden years' of our lives, I often hear concerns about what lies ahead. Many are worried about the changes that come with age, particularly concerning living situations. It's no secret that the conversation around planning for assisted living or senior housing can stir emotions. But what if I told you that being proactive about your future could open up exciting new opportunities for you and your lo...

Ever found yourself in a situation where you've meticulously arranged a caregiver for a loved one, only to have them cancel at the last minute or be sent away by your family member? If that scenario sounds all too familiar, you're not alone. It's a common and frustrating experience that many adult children face, leaving us scrambling to find a solution while managing our own lives.

As someone who deals with this professionally and p...

Being a caregiver is a demanding role, one that requires not just physical and emotional strength but also strong communication skills. It's about ensuring clear understanding, providing comfort, and facilitating coordination among everyone involved in the caregiving journey. Today, I want to delve into the seven ways that being a good communicator can significantly enhance the caregiving experience for everyone involved.

Chapters:

Ever notice how families considering senior-living moves seem to slip into familiar “roles”? After 18 years and thousands of consults, I can predict which of four archetypes will call me next: the Denial ostrich, the Always-Yes rabbit, the Dysfunctional tug-of-war team, or the Guilt-Ridden promise-keeper. Spotting your role early turns panic into a plan and saves both money and heartache.

Each type brings genuine love—and very real ...

Staying Hydrated: A Key to Aging Gracefully

Ever feel like you're sipping water all day, yet not getting enough? Imagine being in an older adult's shoes, where the sense of thirst is just a whisper of what it used to be. A study from 2023 found that dehydration affects one in four older adults, with the numbers rising even more for those in long-term care. It's easy to see a glass of water as just that—a simple beverage. But for sen...

Have you ever looked around your home and realized just how much you’ve accumulated over the years? When it’s time to move into assisted living, it’s not about taking everything — it’s about being thoughtful and intentional with what you bring.

This next chapter is all about comfort, safety, and simplicity. You’re creating a space that’s manageable, meaningful, and truly feels like home — not just a smaller version of your current h...