ElderAuthority.com

Chronic Stress Damages Caregiver Health

In this video clip from CBS Nightly News, Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports on the physical impact of stress on caregivers. She has some good recommendations to combat that stress such as remaining active, having a spiritual life, spending time alone, and building a support community.
She also says it is important to ask for specific help–something that another person can actually do. And when that person is willing to help, take it!

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world… More

Use the Holidays to Start “The Conversation”

This video from CBS Nightly News gives simple but essential advice on how conversations about end of life planning should begin.
The daughter in this news story notes that sharing final wishes “shows a lot of respect for those of us who are going to be left behind.” I give thanks every day that my parents had the courage and respect for me and my siblings to address this difficult topic while they were still alive.   It made their last years more peaceful and helped… More

The Secret Gift to Caregivers

Too Much to Do
Last week we flew to Ann Arbor, MI and closed on the purchase of a new home.  We will probably move into it within the month.  There is much to be done before we can move.  The myriad of details that go into making a major move are mind-boggling.  I can’t imagine doing it if we are ten years older.  As it is, we are exhausted at the end of each day.
In the midst life changing transitions, it is interesting to recognize the moments that cause us to break our furious… More

Age in Place with Green Cab AND Customer Service

Green technology and consumer demand intersect with the Kalamazoo, MI, company, Little Green Limousine.
Hybrid Taxi Service
Steve Gibson started Little Green Limousine in May, 2012.  His fleet is made up of one (1) fuel-efficient Toyota Prius.  He is able to charge a lower fare of $25 – $30 per hour, which is about half the cost for a town car.  Because of fuel efficiency he is able to make money while charging a lower fare and eliminating mileage and fuel surcharges.… More

ELDER ABUSE: PREVENTION OF FINANCIAL ABUSE

PLANNING PREVENTS ABUSE
It is frightening to think that you might not be able to manage your own finances at some point in the future.  Most people choose to remain in denial.  That is fine if you are one of the lucky ones who remain in control of all your faculties until the last breath of life.   If you are one of the majority who needs help as mental capacity gets fuzzier or if you contract a chronic disease that leaves you incapable of handling your personal finances, you will… More

ELDER ABUSE: FINANCIAL ABUSE

ELDER ABUSE COMPLEXITY
I want to address financial abuse between adult children and their parents.   This cannot be accomplished in a single commentary. My thoughts are triggered by two recent newsprint articles. Ruthie Ackerman in The Wall Street Journal asks, “Are Your Parents Sponges?”    Scott Wilson of the LA Times offers some ideas on how to prevent financial abuse in“The Five: How to Chat Up Parents on Their Finances.“  I have… More

BABY BOOMER GENERATION

BOOMERS LEAD THE PARADE
Starring on stage and in the hit movie, The Music Man, Robert Preston sang “76 trombones led the big parade…”  Multiply by a million, and that is how many members of the baby boomer generation were created by American births between 1946 and 1964.
At no previous time in world history has such a swelling of population occurred.  Some have referred to it as, “the pig in the python”, an apt description of the impact the explosion in birth rate created. … More

BABY BOOMER CARE GIVERS

The number of baby boomer care givers continues to grow. Many care givers are in their 50′s and 60′s.  28% home aids are 55 or older.  Some care givers choose the role, while others must learn to accept it with grace.
The following video gives two different perspectives.  The first perspective is from the viewpoint of a 57-year-old baby boomer who has found her calling as a Certified Nursing Assistant for the elderly.
The second perspective offers advice for baby… More

BABYBOOMERS ASSESS PARENTS’ SAFETY

Here is some excellent, practical advice from Elaine Sanchez for BabyBoomers (Baby Boomers) trying to asses the safety of their parents.  I like the way she presents information clearly and simply so that we can all understand it the first time around. She covers issues such as

Physical Safety
Home Safety and Helpful Technologies
Driving
Mental and Emotional Safety
Social Activity and Isolation
Finances
Bill paying and Bookkeeping
Legal issues such as Trusts,  Directives,… More