Family at a Distance
Many older adults have no immediate family because they’ve been single all their lives or have family who do not live near. I become involved with many older adult clients where the relationship begins between the two of us and eventually due to circumstances, accelerating memory loss or health concerns, I contact the extended family [...]
Don’t Let Anger Ruin Family Relationships
Memory loss is a terrible thing, especially when anger and suspicion arise about family members trying to be helpful. A current male client, John, diagnosed with memory loss two years ago cannot recall the diagnosis or at this point comprehend the extent to which it affects his daily life. Rent and other bills have gone [...]
When the Situation Seems Questionable – Ask Questions, It May Save a Life
I received a call one week ago about a client residing in a nursing home. I had seen Betty just four days earlier and we had a pleasant visit, however I was now being told that her condition was critical and that hospice was being called. Betty used oxygen 24/7 due to years of smoking. [...]
Staying in Touch
You’ve been single all of your life and are now questioning this decision. You see others needing care and they have immediate family. You don’t and aren’t sure what you’ll do. This is the main reason why it’s important to maintain relationships with friends and extended family. The time to do this is throughout life, [...]
Moving Made Easy
You realize that it’s time to leave your home for a higher level of care; however you have no idea how to begin. Your children may live out of town and cannot readily assist. You’ve browsed through brochures and have even scheduled community tours. However you’re wondering what the communities are not telling you or [...]
Is It Time for Guardianship or Conservatorship?
When situations accelerate, a parent or parent denies the need for help and are at high risk or danger to self; it may be time to consider guardianship or conservatorship. There are times when family members don’t want the responsibility of serving in this capacity. In these events a professional guardian or conservator may be [...]
Older Adults Need Your Time
You have an interest in helping older adults but don’t know where to begin. The number of older adults permanently living in nursing homes is increasing as is the number of older adults who have no one to visit them. While many nursing homes don’t actively seek volunteers consider contacting the activities director and expressing [...]
Having Your Identity Stolen
There are many individuals who target older adults for scams. If you’ve never had issues with stolen identity consider yourself fortunate. I’ve stopped carrying a checkbook and only use a debit or credit card. At least with this form of transaction, the Credit Card Company or bank can assist in filing fraud. If you’re a [...]
Adult Protective Services Can Help
Adult protective services can be a tool for family to provide support when parents will not accept help. This is often a difficult step; however there are times when other options have been exhausted. Adult protective services can serve as an intermediary and as an objective observer when issues arise. Depending on the county where [...]
Helping With Finances
You are a friend trying to help a friend who has had ongoing problems paying her bills on time. You think it would be easier if you just had your friend’s social security and retirement checks deposited into your checking account. This would allow you to write checks and pay her bills. But stop a [...]
keep looking »
Posts
