Preventing Falls in the Elderly with Tai Chi

January 5, 2010

A new year!
Many of us are thinking of incorporating new or different exercise programs into our everyday life. Do not overlook the value of various exercise programs for your elderly parents. Yes, even if they have limited strength and mobility.
I read a report recently that summarized the positive effects of Tai Chi as [...]

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Top Five 2009 ‘Transition Aging Parents’ Posts

December 26, 2009

1.  My 15 Minutes of Dementia
I immersed myself for 15 minutes in using a new kit called the “Virtual Dementia Tour”.  Ok, so it was just a simulation and only for 15 minutes, but it totally changed my perception of dementia.  In fact, I can’t get the experience out of my mind.  I believe that’s [...]

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“Medicare D – What Your Aging Parent Should Do (Before Dec 31)

December 20, 2009

I posted this article in my November 15th ezine.  But, just in case you’re not a subscriber to my list yet, here is very important information.  Time is running out for the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period.  It ends December 31 for 2010 plan coverage.  Take a few minutes now to read my tips below [...]

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5 Tips for Better Communication with Your Aging Parents

December 17, 2009

Many long-distance caregivers are preparing for visits with our aging parents during the Christmas holidays. We all want to make the most of the time with our parents.
But do you sometimes end your visit and
* realize you wished you had broached some important topic?
OR
* sensed there was something your parent was not sharing with you?
Before [...]

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Gift Ideas for Your Aging Parent

December 12, 2009

If you’re like me, you’re trying to wrap up your shopping.  I’m buying for 3 elderly people, my mother and the two ladies I visit weekly in their nursing homes.  In my mind, I’ve been all over the place with gift ideas.  I know none of these folks have a lot of room for items [...]

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5 Things You Should Know About Nursing Homes (from an insider)

December 7, 2009

I just finished reading an excellent book written by an agency nurse with considerable experience working in nursing homes.  This book could well serve as a primer in ‘nursing homes’ for any adult child.  It’s helpful for those with parents in a nursing home, as well as those of us who are trying to learn [...]

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5 Ways to Cope with Financial Situation of Aging Parent

December 5, 2009

I came across an article that describes the efforts of a new Key Bank campaign.  Its purpose is to raise awareness (in adult children) of the need to balance the financial situation of an aging parent without  jeopardizing their own. When our parents need us, we will likely jump in and offer any and all [...]

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Prescription Drug Guide to Manage Medications – Help for Aging Parents

December 1, 2009

One of my favorite sites, ElderCare Locator (hosted by eldercare.gov), recently posted a wonderful new brochure, “Prescription Drug Options for Older Adults: Managing Your Medicines“.  If your elderly parent is like mine, they are on a number of medications.  My mother is on 7 different medications.  It still boggles my mind.  As much as I [...]

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Checklist as You Visit Aging Parents this Thanksgiving

November 20, 2009

Today, I want to highlight the main points of a wonderful article that I read recently. It pointed out that around the holidays, admissions spike at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. I asked a nurse friend of mine, “Is this true” and she said, “It definitely is”. So, why?
Many of us live across the [...]

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The Missing Component of Aging in Place

November 20, 2009

I got a scary call yesterday from my mother.  It was morning, and she was about to leave for her 3-months check-up with her specialist at Johns Hopkins.  She fell, could not get up, and had to crawl to her walker.  She told me she did not black out or trip, and had no idea [...]

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