Browse: Home / Aging in Place
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/06/18
Carpal tunnel syndrome? Tennis elbow? Injured knee? Or could you just use some extra support? Simple Comforts in Charlottesville, Virginia has many different braces and supports for both the caregiver and the care receiver. In this video, Tina Ross explains the braces and supports they stock in their store. See more of our videos of [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Assistive Technology, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/05/30
Abundance Organizing understands that suffering the death of a loved one can be overwhelming, and that having to manage a loved one’s belongings can trigger memories that add to the pain of loss. The team at Abundance Organizing brings comfort and peace by organizing your loved one’s legacy. They provide a survivor’s checklist, contact agencies [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/05/25
Simple Comforts is a retail store in Charlottesville Virginia selling home medical equipment and supplies for independent living. Simple Comforts sells: Canes and crutches Walkers and rollators Transport chairs and wheelchairs Lift chairs Bath safety equipment Magnifiers Cushions Braces Assistive devices for cooking and eating Devices for getting in and out of vehicles Pressure stockings [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Assistive Technology, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/05/25
Not sure if you need a walker, rollator, wheelchair, or transport chair? What’s the proper height for a cane? What’s the proper way to sit on a rollator? Thanks to Tina and Jon Ross at Simple Comforts in Charlottesville, Virginia for giving us a quick demo of mobility devices. See the video below! See more [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Assistive Technology, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/04/29
What a luxury it is to have your affairs in order! And what a gift to the people you love! This list of 25 Documents You Need Before You Die, prepared by the Wall Street Journal, is a good guide to what documents you should have organized, and why. You must also be sure your [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Legal and Financial, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/04/26
If you employ private caregivers for your loved one, you should know your payroll tax responsibilities. Don’t want to handle it yourself? There’s a service for that! HomeWork Solutions’ payroll services allow families to completely outsource the household payroll and tax remittance functions to payroll professionals. Payroll service subscribers offer their staff direct deposit of their payroll, [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/04/25
If your loved one doesn’t drive or finds errands exhausting, Disposables Delivered can ship incontinence supplies directly to their home. I met Lucille Levine, RN, BSN – a representative of Disposables Delivered – at the annual conference of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. I was impressed by the service this company offers. [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/04/23
At Care is There we’re always on the lookout for great meal solutions for seniors, so “Mom’s Meals” caught my eye. Mom’s Meals are made from fresh, high-quality ingredients, are delivered directly to your loved one’s home in a refrigerated container, and remain fresh in the refrigerator for 14 – 18 days. The cost is [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/03/31
“Are you ready for this?” My client was continuing a game we love to play together: I call to remind her of my appointment to help her with her calendar, the mail, the bills, the taxes, the doctor’s appointments. She warns me, tongue firmly in cheek, of the chaos that will greet me when I [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/03/31
Powers of attorney are widely misunderstood, even among professionals in the senior care industry. Equally misunderstood is how to determine if a person has legal capacity to make their own decisions. For example, did you know that in the State of Virginia: If the person granting the power of attorney (the principal) has mental capacity [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving, Memory Loss, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/03/30
There is a beauty that exists in our built environment when a building is balanced, functional, efficient, accessible, healthy, and comfortable. Our homes should allow us to easily accomplish our daily tasks, be comfortable, help us recharge our energy levels, and be able to adapt over time as our needs change. All of these attributes are [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/02/24
How do you make communication easier with a loved one who has hearing loss? I like the following summary from Oticon. You can download the Oticon full brochure here. Talk Face-to-Face Face the person you are talking to. Don’t try to converse from a different room or with your back turned. It is easier to [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Hearing Loss, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/02/24
Hearing loss can make your loved one feel isolated, embarrased and frustrated. You can help by making your own speech easier to understand. Clear Speech is a technique of speaking in which the speaker attempts to express every word and sentence in a precise, accurate, and fully formed manner. It is not loud, monotone, artificial [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Hearing Loss, Long Distance Caregiving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/02/24
The UVA Speech-Language-Hearing Center offers comprehensive services for the diagnosis and treatment of language, speech, and hearing disorders for adults, adolescents, children, and infants. The facility has treatment rooms with observation capabilities and diagnostic suites for hearing evaluations and hearing aid fittings. At Care is There, we have experienced Dr. Mani Aguilar’s passion for her [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Assistive Technology, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Hearing Loss, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/02/22
As senior citizens age, limbs don’t work as freely as they once did; the eyes dim and responses slow. Physical and mental changes can make it difficult for these loved ones to stay in their homes as long as they would like. Sometimes minor repairs and some home modifications can be made which enable these [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/02/19
I am constantly inspired by our clients, and I’ve learned to never underestimate them. Today I was talking to a new client, who cares for her elderly mother in the home they share. We were getting her setup on the website we use to communicate with her and her out-of-town sister about the geriatric care [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Assistive Technology, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/02/18
TRIAD presents Senior Safety Seminars about home safety, scam awareness, safe shopping on the Internet, storm preparedness, gang awareness, and elder abuse.
Posted in Aging in Place, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/02/17
Want to know how to communicate with your elderly parents? David Solie wrote the classic: How to Say it to Seniors, Closing the Communication Gap with our Elders. This is a must read for anyone who wants to learn what is important to our elders, how to understand what they are trying to tell us, [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/02/03
The Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program provides reimbursement vouchers to home-based caregivers for the cost of temporary, short-term respite care provided to individuals of any age with a disability or special need (children and adults, including elderly persons). Individuals eligible to apply for voucher funding through the Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program include Virginia caregivers of children [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/01/29
My mom has the engineer’s mind in our family, so I always pay attention to the solutions she creates. On a recent visit she showed me how she makes it easier to manage her medications. She uses a different size pill box for the morning meds and the evening meds. This allows her to see [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Long Distance Caregiving, Managing Medications |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/01/28
What’s the recipe for a perfect family visit? Answering that question can open a whole new world of joy and connection with the people you love. My family loves doing projects together. We thrive on the closeness we derive from planning, trading ideas, recognizing each other’s strengths, and admiring the fruits of our labor. Our [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2013/01/27
JABA’s Mary Williams Community Center is now open in the historic and beautifully renovated Jefferson School City Center in Charlottesville Virginia. The Center welcomes individuals and families of all ages with a focus on independent adults over 60. Whether it’s for health related or current events discussions, crafts, sewing, gardening, exercise programs, computer classes, games [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/12/01
Rosalba Valentino creates beautiful new custom garments from treasured vintage clothing and fragments. When I met Rose, I was impressed by her love of vintage fabrics and her interest in the stories behind the garments she transforms into new, wearable art. In my travels as a geriatric care manager I meet people who have lived [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Hearts at Work, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Kaitlyn Sewell on 2012/11/25
Care giving and care receiving present many challenges, not the least of which is learning to set healthy boundaries. Johanna Rude can help! Johanna is the founder of Passion Points, an organization that combines psychotherapy tools with executive coaching. With her background in psychotherapy, business and executive coaching, Johanna provides the guidance, insight and accountability [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Hearts at Work, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/11/25
Concerned it is not safe for your senior citizen loved one to drive? Driving safety is one of the most difficult conversations between adult children and their elderly parents, and sometimes it helps to use a neutral evaluation tool. AAA has developed an on-line, confidential self-screening program featuring a series of computer-based exercises that can [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia, Seniors and Driving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/11/08
Failure to take medications as prescribed is a leading cause of problems for senior citizens, and can contribute to them prematurely losing their health and independence. A 2012 study indicates that the most pervasive reason for non-compliance is the cost of the medication, but that patients are more likely to take their medication if they [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving, Managing Medications, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/10/22
Thank you to our Harrisonburg, Virginia Police Department for looking out for our senior citizens! Lt. Kurt Boshart and Sgt. Ron Howard of the Harrisonburg Police Department gave a presentation about senior-targeting scams to the Aging in Place Business Round Table from the Harrison-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce. They warned us to be watchful for these [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Long Distance Caregiving, Memory Loss, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/10/22
Maxim Healthcare Services is a national home healthcare company with offices in Charlottesville (servicing many nearby counties including Rockingham) and nine other Virginia locations. Maxim provides: Skilled and non-skilled private duty nursing services for pediatrics and adults Companion care Staffing services for facilities Wellness and Flu clinics Maxim accepts Medicaid (but not Medicare), Managed Care [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/10/20
Excerpt: “As Seniors we know our capabilities and energy are diminishing, but want to retain the right to limit ourselves when the time comes, and not have young people put those limitations on us, to make them feel better.” I recently asked Dawn Schultz and several others to speak at the Aging in Place Business [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Assistive Technology, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Hearts at Work, Long Distance Caregiving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/10/20
I asked four esteemed colleagues to participate in a panel discussion titled “What Seniors (and their Families) Want – How to Promote Your Services Effectively and Respectfully.” The discussion was brilliant, and made for a very rewarding meeting of our Aging in Place Business Round Table from the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce. It was [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/10/20
This week I’ve been visiting my own parents, who have taught me so much over the years about caregiving. Besides raising me and my two sisters, they cared for their own aging parents and took on extensive, longstanding caregiving roles for members of their church. My dad is a graduate of Duke Divinity School and [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Hearts at Work, Long Distance Caregiving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/10/01
At Care is There, our job is to help our senior citizen clients and their families have lives that work and lives that are joyful. So I’m always on the prowl for service providers that provide extraordinary customer service. I was delighted when I visited the cardiologists at Cardiovascular Associates of Charlottesville and witnessed their [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/10/01
One of the most difficult components of senior living is the constant worry over what comes next. Oftentimes, it is overwhelming to consider how many decisions have to be made in a short time-span, so that in the event of disability or death, all personal wishes and information are easy to access and understand. Well, [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Resources for Central Virginia | Tagged aging in place, communication, end-of-life planning, geriatric care manager, senior citizen |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/09/18
Do you know where your elderly loved one’s medical information is, or how accessible it would be to an EMT or other personnel during a medical emergency? More and more long distance care givers have this dilema. The File of Life is a program developed to remove this concern. It was developed by TRIAD as [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Assistive Technology, Resources for Central Virginia | Tagged aging in place, assisted living, Augusta, Care is There, charlottesville, elderly parent, geriatric care manager, independent living, senior citizen, Staunton, Stuarts Draft, Virginia, Waynesboro |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/08/28
When does someone have the mental capacity to make their own decisions? What authority is granted, and not granted, through a “power of attorney?” Doris Gelbman, an elder law attorney here in Charlottesville, Virginia, answers these questions in this video. She also tells “stories from the trenches” to help you grasp the implications of mental [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Long Distance Caregiving, Memory Loss, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/08/28
I recently visited a hidden gem – Stuart’s Draft Retirement Community and Christian Homes — and wanted to share it with you. David Brenneman, Director of Marketing, gave me a great tour and will do the same for you! This is a lovely community, run for 17 years by two local families committed to providing [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Memory Loss, Resources for Central Virginia | Tagged aging in place, assisted living, Augusta, Care is There, charlottesville, elderly parent, geriatric care manager, independent living, senior citizen, Staunton, Stuarts Draft, Virginia, Waynesboro |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/08/12
I’m delighted to see Charlottesville, Virginia reduce its permit fees for new and remodeled homes that meet “Visit-Able” accessibility standards (25% reduction) and “Live-Able” accessibility standards (50% reduction.) Accessible homes make it easier for our senior citizens to age in place and enhance their independent living, but these design standards create convenient, sensible homes for [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, News and Events, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/08/08
It seems like such a simple thing – cleaning – but as we age, it is a physically challenging, often risky task. A dirty environment can be very discouraging to live in and often leads to clutter and a sense of hopelessness. Enter Specialty Housekeeping, LLC. Created in 2005 by Nancy Alexander, Specialty Housekeeping offers [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/08/02
Ever wonder exactly what a geriatric care manager does? Well, here’s a quick video about what we do at Care is There Geriatric Care Management. My thanks to the Aging in Place Business Round Table from the Charlottesville (Virginia) Regional Chamber of Commerce where I recently gave this presentation. Know someone who worries about their [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/07/27
Door to Door Solutions is a senior move manager, which means they are specially trained to help senior citizens make a successful transition from one living space to another. Door to Door Solutions was in my neighborhood today (see photo), which inspired me to share their services with you! Plus, I’m a big fan of [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/06/20
The right lighting makes homes safer and more comfortable for senior citizens. Phil Blosser of Blosser Lighting Inc. is a Central Virginia lighting designer who provides beautiful lighting solutions tailored to the needs of older adults. Margaret P Calkins, PhD reports in Senior Journal.com that “older people require three times the amount of light to [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Assistive Technology, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/06/19
If your client or loved one has low vision you should know about these two Charlottesville-based service providers that can help. Suzanne Burch, of Vision Solutions, makes house calls to demonstrate devices for low vision. She works in partnership with Dr. Stephen Record of Drs. Record and Record Optometrists. In addition to his traditional eye [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Assistive Technology, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/06/15
Should you quit your job to care for your elderly loved one? More and more reports say “no”, including these from NPR, the Wall Street Journal, and Reuters. We all want the best for the people we love, and most people want to age in place in their own homes. But many caregivers don’t realize [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/06/05
In the sixth of 6 videos for caregivers and health care providers, we review the materials presented in the series. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the United Hospital Fund’s Next Step in Care campaign collaborated on a series of six videos called “Helping Patients & Family Caregivers Take the Next Step in [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Long Distance Caregiving, Managing Medications |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/05/29
In the fifth of 6 videos for caregivers and health care providers, learn how to get help finding a Part D plan, programs and benefits that can help with drug costs, and cost saving strategies. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the United Hospital Fund’s Next Step in Care campaign collaborated on a [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Long Distance Caregiving, Managing Medications |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/05/22
In the fourth of 6 videos for caregivers and health care providers, learn how many people may not be medication compliant, practical solutions for non-compliance, and the role of education and persuasion. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the United Hospital Fund’s Next Step in Care campaign collaborated on a series of [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Long Distance Caregiving, Managing Medications |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/05/15
In the third of 6 videos for caregivers and health care providers, learn how medication is usually dispensed in an institution, where to find medication management and caregiver help on the web. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the United Hospital Fund’s Next Step in Care campaign collaborated on a series of six [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Long Distance Caregiving, Managing Medications |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/05/08
In the second of 6 videos for caregivers and health care providers, learn what medication reconciliation means, the roles of family caregivers and health professionals, and the problems reconciliation can identify. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the United Hospital Fund’s Next Step in Care campaign collaborated on a series of six [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Long Distance Caregiving, Managing Medications |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/05/01
Managing medications can be one of the most important roles of a caregiver. Doctors can prescribe medications, but it is up to caregivers to help patients take the medications as they are prescribed. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the United Hospital Fund’s Next Step in Care campaign collaborated on a series [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Long Distance Caregiving, Managing Medications |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/04/28
Tips for getting a quick appointment with the doctor for your elderly loved one: This is a great article from Agingcare.com, discussing advice from Marion Somers, Ph.D., a geriatric care manager and author of the book, Eldercare Made Easier. As Care is There geriatric care managers we often use this collaborative, professional approach. Her tips are [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/04/28
Many families don’t realize that geriatric care managers – like us at Care is There Geriatric Care Management - can take a heavy load off their shoulders when it comes to caregiving — especially long distance caregiving. We all want our elderly parents to be independent and we also want them to be safe and to be assisted in [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/04/23
Daily Living Center in Waynesboro Va is an excellent resource for both caregivers and care receivers. Daily respite services provide a valuable and resonably priced way for caregivers to go to work, run errands, or just take time for themselves. I urge caregivers to give these services a try and see the difference it can make in [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/04/17
My client’s medical emergency is beautiful. My client is beautiful and she is the master of her emergency. Here’s why and how. She is of 81 years; a Ph.D. in sociology; a painter. Gracious, generous, and thoroughly competent, a friend said she “should be running the United Nations.” Quite. Her health is better than most people [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2012/02/21
Supporting your aging loved ones in their desire to live with independence, dignity and normalcy can sometimes be as easy as Velcro buttons and bendable straws. I recently visited the Universal Design exhibit at James Madison University in Harrisonburg Virginia. The exhibit highlighted easy ways to make simple tasks accessible to everyone. One of my favorites [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Assistive Technology, Care for the Caregiver, Long Distance Caregiving, Memory Loss, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2011/12/29
Here’s a powerful mind trick: pretend you are sitting at the funeral of the elderly person you love. Now that they are gone, what are you treasuring about them? What is lost now that they are gone? What do you wish you had done or said? Now: snap your fingers and you have a second [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2011/11/30
CareCalls from Care Checkers are designed to assist families of aging and disabled loved ones by making daily health and safety checkup calls. Care Checkers offers medication reminders, meal reminders and activity reminders, along with friendly social interaction. All calls are made by live representatives, not an automated system. They keep caregivers updated with daily status reports [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Assistive Technology, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving, Memory Loss, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2011/11/30
Where do geriatric care managers fit into the health care system? Today I listened to a presentation about innovations in the delivery of health care. Timothy Ferris, M.D., M.Phil, M.P.H., Medical Director, Massachusetts General Physicians Organization reported these important results of adding care managers to Massachussets General Hospital (a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School) in a [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2011/11/30
My pals at BuilderFish have produced a very practical guide for making sure your home supports you and your loved ones at every stage of life. The BuilderFish “Lifetime Home Survey” is free, comprehensive, easy to read and easy to apply. If you’re building a new home, remodeling your home, or preparing for the move-in of a loved [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Assistive Technology, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2011/11/23
My clients have moxie. I love them for it! Two of my beloved clients died this year but while they lived they did it moxily! One of them raised three kids on her own after her husband was killed suddenly in a freak accident. She picked herself up and did what needed to be done – [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2011/09/15
Want to be a caregiving genius? Try these ten easy tips! How do I know so much, besides the fact that I’m a geriatric care manager? I like to listen to my clients, and yesterday one of them said to me (and I quote) “You are a genius!” Hey, cut my pay in half and sign me [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving | Tagged aging in place, Care is There, caregiver, charlottesville, elerly parent, geriatric care manager, independent living, long distance caregiving, senior citizen, stress |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2011/09/06
I knocked on the door – no answer. I called – no answer. His newspaper was still by the door. I asked if the neighbors had seen him. No. I was checking in on a new 90-year-old client while his family was away for the weekend. On Saturday everything went as planned – he greeted me [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving | Tagged aging in place, caregiver, caregiving, charlottesville, communicating with senior citizens, elderly-parents, geriatric care manager, independent living, long distance caregiver, long distance caregiving, senior citizens, stress |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2011/07/19
Do you know a senior citizen who is facing a household move? Change is difficult for anyone, and it can be especially unsettling for senior citizens. Moving one’s house means moving one’s home. It means giving up familiar surroundings and routines and often means giving up cherished belongings that signify memories, accomplishments, and affection. It may [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2011/04/27
In my work as a geriatric care manager I’m always looking for the win/win/win scenario: the client wins, the caregiver wins, the community wins. I see so many caregivers frustrated because their loved ones won’t accept the help they appear to need. But who really wants to “be helped?” We are used to being independent and productive, [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2011/04/23
I spoke on Jennifer Till’s radio show about how we can miss the joy of “now” with our mothers by relating to them based on past experiences. (Click here to listen to a recording of that episode of “Real Life with Jennfer Till.”) Perhaps we had difficult childhood experiences with our mothers that we haven’t fully [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Hearts at Work, Long Distance Caregiving | Tagged aging in place, caregiver, caregiving, charlottesville, communicating with senior citizens, elderly-parents, geriatric care manager, independent living, long distance caregiver, long distance caregiving, senior citizens, stress |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2011/04/15
At 1:30am I got a call from the personal emergency response system (PERS) for one of my clients. The message was cryptic and unsettling: “Person number one is not responding! Person number one is not responding!” Hmm. So I called her and she was fine — bright as could be! I apologized for waking [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Hearts at Work, Long Distance Caregiving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2011/03/26
Should a healthy ninety-two year old woman sign a do not resuscitate (DNR) order for herself? A client of mine was given that choice recently. She is marvelously modern, healthy and alive, having a spirit that is deep in wisdom and fresh with optimism and grace — and a body that is holding up well! [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2011/01/13
This week I attended Charlottesville’s Senior Networking Group – one of several such groups I participate in to keep informed about services available here. After the meeting there were bagels left over. Margaret Fitch – Program Coordinator for our local Senior Center – knew I was going to see on of our geriatric care management [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Communicating with Senior Citizens | Tagged aging in place, charlottesville, geriatric care manager, independent living, long distance caregiver |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2011/01/06
Today I took a client to the hairdresser. That was a giant victory because this very frail and very proud lady rarely lets anyone do anything for her. Then we had lunch (something she rarely does anymore) and picked up light bulbs for her nightlights and a battery for the radio beside her bed. So [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving | Tagged aging in place, caregiving, communicating with senior citizens, elderly-parents, geriatric care manager, independent living, long distance caregiving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2011/01/01
“Jim Vlock is on a mission. Afflicted 15 years ago with macular degeneration, a retinal disorder that erodes central vision and thus the ability to drive, read, watch television and recognize faces, Mr. Vlock is determined to spread the word about the many devices that can help people like him live more fulfilling, independent and [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Assistive Technology | Tagged aging in place, blindness, geriatric care manager, macular degeneration |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2010/12/29
“Just Five” is the next generation in cell phones for seniors. See the Independent Lifestyles Newsletter for a description and how to learn more. In order to age in place with excellence and maintain our independent living as long as possible, it make sense to leverage technology in addition to all the love and care [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Assistive Technology, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia | Tagged communicating with senior citizens, geriatric care manager, independent living, long distance caregiving, senior citizens and technology |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2010/12/17
Dementia and driving are a dangerous mix, and it becomes even more complicated if your elderly parent forgets they can’t drive.
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving, Memory Loss, Seniors and Driving | Tagged aging in place, communicating with senior citizens, elderly-parents, geriatric care manager, independent living, senior citizens and driving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2010/12/17
Losing the ability to drive can be a major turning point in a person’s life and can threaten their independent living and plans for aging in place. It means he must depend on other people or professional services for transportation, and he is subject to their schedules, routes, and destinations. There is the risk that after an older person loses the ability to drive, they will stop doing the things that keep them healthy and engaged.
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia, Seniors and Driving | Tagged aging in place, elderly-parents, geriatric care manager, independent living, long distance caregiving, senior citizens and driving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2010/12/17
The DMV has a process for evaluating the skills of elderly drivers that have been reported to them for review. This article describes the procedures and possible outcomes.
Posted in Aging in Place, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia, Seniors and Driving | Tagged aging in place, geriatric care manager, independent living, long distance caregiving, senior citizens and driving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2010/12/17
When speaking to your loved one, remember that driving is a powerful symbol of and facilitator of freedom and independence. It also forces older people to consider that they may no longer be capable of performing a task that they’ve been doing since they were a teenager! So it is important to discuss the subject with respect and consideration.
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving, Seniors and Driving | Tagged aging in place, geriatric care manager, independent living, long distance caregving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2010/12/17
Sometimes driving skills are impaired by reversible changes in health. In those cases, driving assessment centers can help your loved ones regain lost skills that will allow them to drive safely and legally.
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia, Seniors and Driving | Tagged aging in place, charlottesville, geriatric care manager, independent living, long distance caregiver |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2010/12/17
How Driving Skills are are Assessed for the Elderly Are you worried that your elderly parent can no longer drive safely? This series of articles tells you what you can do, including: What the law says about elderly drivers. The process and implications of reporting an unsafe elderly driver. How driving skills are assessed for [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia, Seniors and Driving | Tagged aging in place, geriatric care manager, independent living, long distance caregiving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2010/12/14
For your elderly parent, losing the ability to drive can seem like the first sign that they are losing their freedom and independence and they may feel it will threaten their ability to age in place. But if your loved one has become unsafe behind the wheel they are a risk not only to themselves but to other people’s loved ones that are sharing the road with them.
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia, Seniors and Driving | Tagged aging in place, communicating with senior citizens, geriatric care manager, independent living, long distance caregiving |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2010/12/14
Eldercare Locator’s “Staying Connected: Technology Options for Older Adults” guide takes users through the basic facts about how to use tools like Facebook, email and texting, including privacy and safety information. The guide also introduces YouTube, Twitter, Skype, Instant Messaging and blogging – all tools that older adults can use to stay connected. You can [...]
Posted in Aging in Place, Assistive Technology, Care for the Caregiver, Communicating with Senior Citizens, Long Distance Caregiving | Tagged aging in place, communicating with senior citizens, geriatric care manager, independent living, long distance caregiving, senior citizens |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2010/11/30
Most of us want to age in place, to be independent and secure in the home we have loved for many years. But even as we grow and change, we forget that your home can grow and change with us!
Posted in Aging in Place, Assistive Technology, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia | Tagged aging in place, certified aging in place specialist, charlottesville, geriatric care manager |
By Elizabeth Swider on 2010/11/24
Long distance caregivers with elderly parents who are aging in place can worry less if they create a caregiving team managed by a geriatric care manager.
For many families, an in-home caregiving team can be a cost effective way to preserve independent living until assisted living becomes necessary. You can reduce caregiver stress while supporting your parents’ independent living by following these six easy steps to establish a caregiving team.
Posted in Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Long Distance Caregiving, Resources for Central Virginia | Tagged aging in place, charlottesville, elderly-parents, geriatric care manager, long distance caregiving |