Let’s Call it “Visitability” accessibility All Trending Articles Caregiving Living 08/12/202108/19/2021 by Ellen Blake What the heck is "visitability"? Many people refer to this housing trend as "accessibility", but that word seems to have a negative connotation for some, conjuring up visions of older adults with age related disabilities. The term,"visitability" is becoming the preferred, and actually a kinder and more welcoming, term
Not Just For Wheelchairs; The Beauty of Accessibility accessibility All Trending Articles Caregiving Living 07/06/202108/23/2021 by Leslie Farin Why build an accessible house? Designing and building an accessible home is a journey, one which requires education, patience and compromise. Our goal was to build an affordable one-story lake house that was both beautiful and comfortable for visiting family or friends who are burdened in some way with
The Triple Tragedy of Grandparent’s Grief: Enduring the Death of a Grandchild While Helping Your Adult Child Caregiving Health 06/22/202110/11/2021 by Leah Dobkin Death of a child... His animalistic howl shredded my soul, and literally brought me to my knees...when I told my father that his 19-year-old granddaughter, Hannah Rose died. It’s been six years since her death. Life for our family was initially like a perpetual roller coaster inside a tornado
Looking for a Grab Bar That Doesn’t Look Like a Grab Bar? Caregiving Living 06/02/202108/08/2021 originally published 7/14/2020 updated 6/2/2021 by Leslie Farin The Beauty of Accessibility Many people tell me they don't want grab bars installed in their bathrooms because they look "institutional". Or they say grab bars are for "old people". These days, manufacturers make beautiful ones that are both useful and beautiful. And grab bars are
Do You Worry About Aging Alone? How (and Why) to Cultivate a Family of Choice All Trending Articles Caregiving Living 04/09/202106/01/2021 by Carol Marak Family of choice is the best support team for solo agers It feels like yesterday since I helped my parents with their elder care needs while working a full-time job. I experienced first-hand the effects of growing older by observing relatives evolve through the latter stages. However, they had
When Should I Consider Home Care for My Parents? Caregiving Living 12/23/202012/25/2020 by Laurie Miller Owner, Apple Care and Companion originally posted 4/18/2018 updated 12/23/2020 Home Care for Parents When do my parents need home care? How do I know? What should I look for? Where do I begin? These are questions people ask me all the time. This topic is not black and white, but a wide array of shades of
6 Planet Friendly Alternatives to Traditional Funerals All Trending Articles Caregiving Second Act 12/08/202012/08/2020 by Jenny Leigh Hodgins Why I became a memorial planning coach in my "second act" I learned the hard way, through agonizing personal tragedies, what's really important for a memorial. Again and again, I encountered grief-stricken scenarios where no memorial plans were in place for a loved one. I stepped up to
6 Invaluable Techniques to Improve Communication With a Loved One With Dementia All Trending Articles Caregiving 11/04/202011/12/2020 by Rebecca Warner, author of My Dad My Dog As Health Care Surrogate for my parents, I navigated the healthcare and caregiving labyrinth on their behalf for 14 years. I was in the doctor’s office with Dad the day the doctor diagnosed him with Alzheimer’s. Over the next nine years, I
6 Ways to Convince Your Aging Parent to Stop Driving All Trending Articles Caregiving 09/19/202009/20/2020 by Ellen Blake What to do if your loved one refuses to stop driving At some point, many of us start to fear our parent is no longer safe behind the wheel. My concern started two years ago with my dad, then 87. I, along with my siblings, saw worrisome signs, but
12 Signs Your Aging Parents Need to Stop Driving All Trending Articles Caregiving Resources 09/08/202009/20/2020 by Ellen Blake How do you know when it's time for your elderly parent to stop driving? The last time I drove with my dad he made a left turn without his blinker on - from the right lane. He drove under the speed limit on a busy street, oblivious to the
We Are All Older People in Training All Trending Articles Caregiving 09/01/202009/02/2020 by Leslie Farin It's OK to be old In a society where we value youth, I say its OK to grow old. In fact, it's a good thing. What's the alternative? Earlier today I participated in an online conference entitled, Sage 2020, hosted by Honor. Louise Aronson, New York Times bestselling author of
It’s Not About You! What Not to Say When Someone is Grieving All Trending Articles Caregiving 03/10/202010/09/2020 by Leslie Farin An unfortunate side effect of aging is we lose people we love. There’s no getting around it. I had a big, noisy and really fun extended family for most of my life, but the numbers dwindle every year. I try to remember how lucky I am to have had
33 Great Resources for Older Adults and Their Caregivers All Trending Articles Caregiving 12/12/201908/27/2020 Resources for Seniors and Their Caregivers Old age is not for sissies - and neither is the caregiver role. You are NOT alone. Below is a list of some of the wonderful resources available (in no particular order): The Administration for Community Living: This organization provides a list of national and local
Reduce Holiday Loneliness and Increase Cheer for Elderly Loved Ones Caregiving Holidays 11/13/201912/15/2020 originally posted 11/13/2019updated 12/15/2020 by Leslie Farin (with Laurie Miller) Holidays are unfortunately not happy for everyone While on a recent trip to visit relatives in New Jersey, I was reminded of how magical and wondrous the winter season can be No matter how dreary and cold the weather outside was that week,
How Do Loved Ones Live On Forever? Tell Their Stories All Trending Articles Caregiving Living Thinking Outloud 07/20/201911/20/2019 by Harriet Gross Saying goodbye I’m home again after spending a few days in Pittsburgh, my home town, a place I always love to visit. But I don’t always love the reason for the visit: this time, it was to bury an uncle, the last of many, and acknowledge the ending of
A Letter to My Family All Trending Articles Caregiving 06/06/201907/24/2020 This beautiful poem was shared at a workshop I attended for The Conversation Project.. I have a copy with my will with instructions to give to my children when the time comes. I know they will do their best to care for me, but, like me, they tend to beat
Have You Had “The Conversation”? All Trending Articles Caregiving 06/05/201903/10/2021 by Leslie Farin, Publisher 50Plus-Today "It's too early until it's too late" I recently attended a workshop called The Conversation Project. This grass roots initiative, founded by Pulitzer prize winning author Ellen Goodman, encourages people to communicate their end-of life-wishes. Driving to the event, I wasn't sure what to expect; perhaps a
Planning to age in place? Consider universal design concepts All Trending Articles Caregiving Living 05/30/201911/25/2019 by Ellen Blake As a caregiver to elderly parents who are adamant about aging in place in the two story house where they've lived since 1976, I am well aware of the many challenges that can arise on a daily basis. Some of the issues can be addressed with a simple
Senior Resources New York All Trending Articles Caregiving NYC Resources Resources 05/11/201908/15/2020 NEW YORK SENIOR RESOURCES CITY MEALS Providing a lifetime of nourishment in all 5 boroughs for individuals 60 years of age or older or are unable to prepare meals or have no one to do so for you, need assistance and must be able to live safely at
Tips for Family Caregivers All Trending Articles Caregiving 11/16/201810/07/2019 by Ellen Blake Caring for aging parents is hard work. But it can also be rewarding! Taking care of an elderly loved one takes a great deal of time, effort and patience. They often need help with a wide range of tasks, from errands, to meals,to eventually even bathing. It's tough, emotionally
