Financial Exploitation and Abuse
Did you ever wonder how many older adults become involved with people who take advantage of them? Many times it’s one of their own family members who abuses finances and property, after all, who would press charges against their own children? Think again, because it does happen. While many older adults feel the need to [...]
Unscrupulous Contractors Target Older Adults
Older adults are a target for unscrupulous service people and contractors. Many hire contractors recommended by friends who have no idea how to determine the qualifications of contractors. It’s always a good idea to check the local better business bureau records to see if a contractor is a member. Normally individuals who pay to join [...]
Averting Tragedy Through Unusual Measures
I recently called the hairdresser of a woman I help to inquire if she had cashed a check written by my client the other day since it was about to bounce due to insufficient funds in the account. The hairdresser was thankful for my call and more importantly relieved that my client had someone to [...]
Going Beyond the Normal Boundaries of Care
If you look hard enough, there are people who care and want to make a difference. Some social workers in communities are the best kept secret, especially when they truly care. I presently am the guardian for a man who lives in a secured unit because he has dementia and is a flight risk. One [...]
Valuing Life
I was visiting a client in a nursing home the other day and spent time in the community room. It was interesting for me to watch everyone in the room, what they were doing and their level of involvement. It made me stop for a moment when I realized each person in the room had [...]
Bringing Up the Idea of Help Before It’s Really Needed
You’re seeing little signs with your parents that things may be getting out of control. Stacks of papers piling up with what appears to be unpaid bills or a house not as clean as it once was. However, you may choose to ignore the signs and delay the inevitable because you just don’t have time [...]
Protecting Yourself From an Assisted Living “Salesperson”
Due to the present state of the economy, many assisted living and other care communities have available openings. How do you protect yourself from a community who wants to fill a bed or a room and will tell you whatever it takes to get your family member to move in? Believe it or not, this [...]
Researching Daycare Options for A Family Member or Friend
You’re considering daycare for a family member who has memory loss but aren’t sure where to begin. Often the local Alzheimer’s chapter will have a resource list they can provide. But again, this is just a list with a lot of work behind the investigation and you’re not sure what to look for or what [...]
Working With Your Physician to Manage Depression, Dementia and Behaviors
More and more individuals are experiencing difficulties with depression, dementia and medications. If your family member has behaviors that are making caring for them difficult, the first step is to consult the family physician who then may refer you to a psychologist or a psychiatrist for a medication and behavioral review. Depending on where you [...]
Matching Your Family Member to Members of An Assisted Living Facility
Looking for assisted living facilities for a family member can be frustrating. There are so many. How do you know which will provide the best care? Many facilities will offer to provide a tour during a meal time because food is one of the top complaints of residents. If you can, tour during lunch or [...]
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