Should I move an elderly family member in with me? Or should we look into senior living?

This is a question I receive a lot. Before I dive in, it’s important to remember that every situation is different. Be sure to do what’s best for you and your family. But to gauge what’s right, I have a list of pros and cons for you to consider.

Pros:

· Living with your loved one can help connect the family. Some of my fondest memories are o...

As life throws inevitable challenges our way, caregiving for a loved one—especially during a medical crisis—can test our resilience and resourcefulness. In this episode, I share my personal experiences as a caregiver and senior living expert. From unexpected medical emergencies to the necessity of being a strong advocate, I offer practical insights and compassionate advice for anyone navigating a similar journey.

Chapters:

00:00 Prep...

So, you decided your loved one needs a caregiver…what’s next? Where do you find one? How do you choose the right fit?

I'm not only a senior living expert with 17+ years of experience in the industry, but I am also the primary caregiver for my husband who is a stroke survivor. I have the perspective of helping others find the right resources while navigating this reality for my own family.  

With this unique position, I have gath...

In life, as in everything else, preparation can be the key to gracefully overcoming challenges. Understanding and planning for our loved ones’ aging years not only mitigates stress but ensures decisions reflect their wishes—before difficult moments arrive.

As a senior living expert, author, educator, and caregiver, I know it's key to explore essential strategies to navigate your parents’ aging years with empathy and foresight. In th...

After years of helping families, I've come across a myriad of myths about assisted living that are nothing short of fiction. Today, we’re setting the record straight and exploring why assisted living can be a fantastic choice for many.

Busting Common Myths About Assisted Living

Assisted living often brings up images of sterile, institutional environments, stuck in a time warp of outdated care practices. But as Theresa Williams, a sal...

Different ways to pay for senior living:

So you’ve decided you or your loved one needs senior living - how much is it going to cost? A 2020 study by Genworth determined that the U.S. average for assisted living is $4,429 a month, though it could be less (or even more) depending on where you live! Budget is a huge factor in determining what’s available to you. Unfortunately, there’s also a huge misconception that Medicare wi...

Life is a journey, and as we move forward, our needs and desires evolve. When it comes to senior living, many people are daunted by the myths and misconceptions that surround it. But I believe it’s time to look at senior living communities with an open mind. These communities aren’t just about change—they’re about enhancing one’s quality of life with confidence.

Understanding Senior Living Options

When it comes to senior housing, it'...

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 ...

The Everyday Challenges

Last night was a typical scene in my life, one almost like running a residential care home. Between managing the needs of my husband, Mark, who requires constant care after suffering multiple strokes, and my son, Chris, who recently injured his ankle, it felt as though I couldn’t catch a break. Even our dog joined in the drama with a limp, compounding the chaos!

Understanding Caregiver Stress

Being a caregiver ...

Have you ever felt too old to chase a dream or explore a new path? As someone who's walked alongside many seniors through their journeys of transitioning into new phases of life, I've heard countless people second-guess themselves, thinking they’ve missed their chance to pursue something different simply because of their age. Yet, time and time again, I've witnessed the magic that unfolds when they let go of these fears and embrace...

Today, the rise of online dating apps is something that has been both amusing and bewildering to navigate, especially for the younger generation like my daughter, Abby. Remember those stories of endless swiping on apps like Bumble? Each generation finds its own unique—and sometimes hilarious—path to love.

Redefining Love in Later Years

As I reflect on the Netflix show "Later Daters," it's evident that finding love at an older age req...

As the clock ticks into 2025, it's hard to believe how quickly time flies. Reflecting on the past few years, I realize that 2022, 2023, and 2024 have been challenging and transformative. As I look ahead, like many of you, I find myself setting goals—some ambitious, some simple—but all important for leading a rewarding life as we age. I’ve come to understand that the key isn't merely surviving but thriving, and much of that involves...

After 17 years in senior living, I've witnessed thousands of families navigating the emotional rollercoaster of finding the right care for their loved ones. Through it all, I’ve come to identify the 4 types of families: the deniers, the always-yes, the dysfunctional family, and the guilt-ridden family. And believe me, just about everybody fits into one category!

· The family in denial: This family doesn’t want to admit their lo...

Picture this: a sweet lady, one of my dear clients, called me in a complete tizzy last week. Her phone and email were overwhelmed with messages from senior living communities she had no interest in. Rightfully, she was frustrated and initially thought I had inadvertently shared her contact information with these communities. Fortunately, after clarifying, we discovered the true culprit: a classic case of accidental online misdirect...

Have you ever paused to reflect on the idea of the "golden years"?

It's a phrase we encounter often, mapping out an idyllic picture of our later years full of leisure and happiness. But is that glittering image truly reflective of reality? In this week's episode, I invite you to join me to uncover into this concept that has intrigued me—and many others—over time.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Aging in Style
• 00:49 The Origin of '...

How can my community become dementia friendly?

We're back with another round of Ask Lori, where I answer questions from my listeners. If you’re curious about some community dementia resources, I have two great options to discuss. One is for businesses, while the other is for caregivers and their loved ones with dementia.

First is Dementia Friendly, a nationwide initiative offering community education on dementia. This nonprofit train...

What are some tips for the holidays when my loved one has dementia?Be adaptable, flexible and communicate

The holidays are a time for togetherness and making memories, but the reality is it can also bring stress and disappointment. Holiday traditions may need to evolve over time as family dynamics and situations change, including when a loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Megan Rowe, former Senior Program Manager with the Alzheime...

Understanding Senior Housing and How to Pay for it

As we age, planning for our future living arrangements and associated costs becomes crucial. In this episode, we're going to demystify the options and strategies for covering senior housing and care services, ensuring that you are well-informed as you consider the financial aspects of your loved one's aging.

Often, there's confusion regarding the payment methods for senior h...

As the holiday season approaches, it's time filled with joy, celebration, and family gatherings. However, it’s also crucial for us to be vigilant when visiting our older family members. With concern from my listeners growing every year post-Thanksgiving, I felt the need to emphasize the importance of spotting the “red flags” when it comes to the well-being of our loved ones.

Why Don’t They Tell Us?

It’s perplexing why older family me...