Help! My Mom is Afraid of the Shower!
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 […] Read More
At What Point Do I Start?
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 […] Read More
Alcohol and the Older Adult
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 […] Read More
Grief versus Depression: When to Seek Professional Advice
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 […] Read More
Emergency Preparedness – Let’s Strike up the Conversation!
—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 […] Read More
The Evolution Into Downsizing
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 […] Read More
I Want to Stay Home – What is the Real Truth?
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 ? […] Read More
A Senior? An Elder? An Older Adult? Who Are They? Who Are You?
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 […] Read More
Parkinson’s Disease: Moving Forward After Diagnosis
Recently, there have been numerous celebrities in the media diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Some include Michael J. Fox, and Muhammad Ali, who was diagnosed at age 42. Yet, recently we have had announcements from older adults, Alan Alda, 82, and […] Read More
Housing Options for Older Adults: How to Make Sense of It All
With so many housing options for older adults, looking at all the choices might feel overwhelming. To narrow the list of housing options that will work for your situation it’s important to think about how much help you need each […] Read More