Elder Preparedness: Entering the Unknown

Articles, Elder Preparedness

If you have parents or grandparents who are in their declining years, you may begin to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of changes that are taking place in their lives. It is truly a time of entering the unknown, because none of you has likely experienced this before in the roles you now occupy. Their independence begins slipping away as simple tasks—shopping, driving, preparing meals—suddenly become unmanageable because of increasing forgetfulness or a broken hip from a fall.

Dementia Primer

Articles, Elder Preparedness

Dementia is a general term for loss of memory and other mental abilities. It has always been a common affliction among the elderly, but has become more and more prevalent in recent years. Awareness, acceptance, early treatment and intervention are crucial to help slow and manage the effects of this potentially devastating problem.

Use a Visitors Log to Keep Track of Elders’ Guest

Articles, Elder Preparedness

I developed the idea of a communications notebook when I was caring for my grandmother which became a valuable tool that helped me stay on top of her day-to-day care while ensuring she maintained a high quality of life. Visitors are a very important aspect of ensuring the elder in your care has enough social stimulation, but there may also be times when you need to curtail a situation where there is too much activity.

Communications Notebook: Tab 2 Daily Meal Schedule

Articles, Elder Preparedness

When I was taking care of my grandmother I developed a communications notebook as a tool to help her day-to-day caretakers and myself manage her quality of life. In the past two newsletters I covered the overall purpose of the communications notebook and the Weekly Activity Schedule included in Tab 1. This month I will address the second tab, which includes the Daily Meal Schedule.

Communication is Key

Articles, Elder Preparedness

Estate planning does not begin and end with drawing up a will or trust. It encompasses the entire process of communicating to your loved ones how you would like to leave your affairs. Unfortunately, it is all too common for a family to become bitterly divided after a death. Survivors file lawsuits and engage in nasty behavior rather than celebrate the life of the deceased. Proper communication during the estate planning process can help avoid these problems. However, because this can be an emotional time people are often reluctant to have these conversations.