Blog

Who Knows? Who to Ask When Help is Needed?

Published: February 21, 2024

My mother is quickly spending her savings and will not be able to afford her Assisted Living facility.  What do we do? My husband requires so much care due to his health that I am exhausted.  I want to be able to do it all but I have my own health issues.  What is there… Read More

More than a Dixie Cup

Published: December 11, 2023

In the Fall of 2017, I was a graduate student taking an elective on Gerontology, specifically on Successful Aging. The title brought curiosity, knowing everyone around me is, myself included. I found it to be proactive to integrate this knowledge into my profession and personal life. In addition to taking the course, I was fortunate… Read More

Successful Aging and Life Satisfaction

Published: September 22, 2023

Successful aging and life satisfaction can be a subjective concept. For the purposes of this article, I would like to propose the definition of successful aging and life satisfaction as: The continued ability to learn and develop as a person. The ability to apply new knowledge and learned strategies that enable one to remain functioning… Read More

Grieving the Many Losses in Life

Published: July 29, 2023

Loss is often thought of with regards to the loss of a loved one due to death, but there are many types of loss that one experiences throughout their lifetime that need to be identified and grieved to be free of its painful hold on us. This can be a difficult process since our death-denying… Read More

Decubitus Ulcers – More Than Just a Pain in the Butt

Published: June 28, 2023

Mr. Clarke lived alone in his one-bedroom apartment with his dog Buster. Recently, Mr. Clarke fell, broke his pelvis, and was transferred to skilled nursing for rehabilitation. After some rigorous physical therapy, Mr. Clarke was able to return home with some support from his neighbors. Since his return home, Mr. Clarke’s neighbors have been visiting… Read More

The Importance of Autonomy in the Well-Being of the Older Adult

Published: April 26, 2023

Studies show that maintaining a sense of autonomy is an important factor in keeping the older population living a satisfying life. “Autonomy is the ability of the individual to make and carry out decisions about how, with whom, when, and where to spend one’s time” (Bennett et al, 2015). It is imperative for health care… Read More

The Best Gift

Published: December 9, 2022

It’s not even black Friday and in fact I’m sure Halloween was just last a few days ago. However, people, places and things are gearing up for holiday shopping. If the person you’re thinking of is considered an “Older Adult” by AARP, Medicare or some other entity responsible for the category, you may want to… Read More

Who Is Going to Care For Me?

Published: October 24, 2022

The woman was a grandmother but young by today’s standards – 64. She had been divorced for years but was hard working and self sufficient until the cancer diagnosis. Reluctantly following her physician’s advice, she had to quit work and file for disability. As the disease gained a further hold, she went on SSI and… Read More

Looking for Care: Deciding Between Hiring Privately vs. an Agency

Published: August 3, 2022

Rebecca is a full-time working mother of 3 teens. Trying to juggle it all, Rebecca is traveling three hours, one way, to assist her aging parents who adamantly want to remain in their home. However, she is exhausted. Rebecca feels that she is under performing at work and is not fully present with her children.… Read More

The Quandary of Family Heirlooms

Published: April 18, 2022

As an only child, I grew up among an adult population. Now, I am a member of the “Baby Boomer” generation. My grandfathers died before I was born, my paternal grandmother I did not know well, and my maternal grandmother was loving during her short life. I was able to meet my maternal great-grandparents, but… Read More