What Happens When There Is a Suicide?
It happened years ago but I’ll never forget. The telephone call came in on a weekend just before Christmas from my immediate supervisor at work. I never got calls from work on a weekend so I could not imagine the […] Read More
The Importance of Autonomy in the Well-Being of the Older Adult
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 […] Read More
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
Cookies, Hugs and a New Year
The cookies are long gone. The hugs are sadly a thing of the past too. A New Year is upon us and I, for one, am hopeful. First, the cookies. Long a tradition children and then grandchildren would take a […] 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
Special Needs during COVID-19
Caring for a child with special needs can be stressful even during “normal times” but we are now facing the added stress of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Sweeping changes in our routines and cancellation of our normal group therapies and […] Read More
Oh No, Not Again – Power Out – Who Does it Affect and How
As I write this, it hasn’t rained appreciably for months. The fires of last week around California are being contained and there is no wind. Most of all we have power back on. I would suspect that many of us […] Read More
Fall Prevention: What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
Mrs. Hill lives in her own home and is fiercely independent. She is very active and enjoys attending bunco with her ladies group every week. However, last week on her way to the car, Mrs. Hill tripped over an extension […] Read More
Are Opioids in Your Future? Another Side of Heath Care
If you are considering a hip or knee replacement (or other major medical surgery), it’s quite probable that an opioid will be prescribed for pain. According to David L. Albright, Hill Crest Foundation endowed Chair in Mental Health, opioids bind […] 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