Blog

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

Food and the Inflammation Process

Published: February 23, 2022

Betty Lynn was diagnosed with arthritis ten years ago. She didn’t believe in diets, and ate pretty much whatever she felt like. Betty enjoyed cereal with sugar, the Sunday doughnut after church, Chinese food on Friday nights and even the occasional frozen pizza. Betty wasn’t overweight, and by first glance she appeared to be in… Read More

Help! My Mom is Afraid of the Shower!

Published: January 15, 2022

Donna and her husband David live independently in their own home. Two years ago, Donna was diagnosed with dementia. David became her primary caregiver; however, as her condition progressed, he needed help. He was no longer able to assist his wife with bathing, as she would become agitated and downright angry when he tried to… Read More

At What Point Do I Start?

Published: October 2, 2020

So here it is over 6 months since we have been living with COVID-19 – the pandemic.  Lives have changed forever.  But while I write this, life does go on in some fashion as before.  Basic needs are met one way or another and we try to look forward to better days.  In the meantime… Read More

Alcohol and the Older Adult

Published: July 10, 2019

Alcohol has quite the history and not all of it is filled with kittens and puppy dog tails. In the 1920s, Congress submitted the 18th Amendment, which banned the manufacture, transportation and sale of intoxicating liquors, for state ratification. Many citizens hated alcohol due to car accidents, addiction, using too much wheat, a decrease in… Read More

Grief versus Depression: When to Seek Professional Advice

Published: May 10, 2019

Mr. Smith has been feeling really down recently. It is not without cause. He recently lost his wife to a long battle with cancer and is in the process of downsizing his home to move into a smaller, more manageable apartment. On top of that, his children have approached him with concerns about driving so… Read More

Emergency Preparedness – Let’s Strike up the Conversation!

Published: April 8, 2019

 —Frankie Sherwood, CSUS Gerontology Intern with Elder Options Last December, my grandmother was evacuated from her assisted living facility during the Rye Fire in Saugus, CA. Residents and staff were forced to spend a total of 12 days away from the senior living community. Staff and volunteers from the community worked to safely evacuate a… Read More

The Evolution Into Downsizing

Published: February 19, 2019

My career is to advocate, find resources, referrals, and support individuals whose life has suddenly changed due to dynamics of aging. Lately, the time has come to realize that the next journey of life is to morph into a world of changes. This ah ha moment came to me when I had a recent dental… Read More

I Want to Stay Home – What is the Real Truth?

Published: December 11, 2018

Marie is 88 years old and lives alone in her home. A new Assisted Living Facility just opened in her community and she’s feeling pressure to move in. How can she and her family decide what’s best for her ? To add to the discussion, Marie fell at home a few weeks ago and broke… Read More

A Senior? An Elder? An Older Adult? Who Are They? Who Are You?

Published: October 12, 2018

I recently saw a banner proclaiming “Hug a Senior” flying over a much traveled street. I don’t know about you but I’m particular about who I want a hug from. Do I want a hug from you? And for that matter, what makes me a senior? Is this statement ageism? A recent article in Aging… Read More