Easing the Hustle and Bustle of the Holidays for Our Aging Population

The holidays are a time of year when we strive to create happy memories. We take joy in organizing events for family and friends, socializing, exchanging gifts, and enjoying the company of those we love.  Yet as our relatives age we may need to adjust our plans and expectations by taking into consideration the changesContinue reading “Easing the Hustle and Bustle of the Holidays for Our Aging Population”

Customer Service Transforms After A CEO’s Personal Experience

A recent article* about a hospital CEO elevates him to hero status, and his willingness to share his experience deserves attention. The point is he was willing to share a very personal experience about the customer service during his mother’s hospital stay, and how it transformed his own hospital. Upon spending time with his motherContinue reading “Customer Service Transforms After A CEO’s Personal Experience”

Help to Protect Seniors from Financial Exploitation

My latest column for The Cincinnati Enquirer and Gannett Newspapers, “Scams on Seniors,” addresses the disturbing trend of financial exploitation of the elderly.   Unfortunately, those taking advantage of our elders are most often those close to them – family, friends, caretakers, neighbors, handymen, etc. Other professionals may take advantage, as well, including bankers, attorneys,Continue reading “Help to Protect Seniors from Financial Exploitation”

Be Sensitive to the Desires of Seniors at the Holidays

We take joy in organizing events for family and friends, socializing, exchanging gifts, and enjoying the company of those we love. Yet as our relatives age, we may need to adjust our plans and expectations by taking into consideration the changes that come with aging. My latest monthly column for Gannett Newspapers is entitled, “BeContinue reading “Be Sensitive to the Desires of Seniors at the Holidays”

Why Socialization Matters for Healthy Aging

As we age, life events occur that can change our social circles and our ability to socialize. Yet remaining socially active has been shown to decrease depression and anxiety, reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and improve overall physical health and recovery from illness. My latest monthly column for Gannett Newspapers is entitled, “Developing newContinue reading “Why Socialization Matters for Healthy Aging”

Taking Away the Car Keys: How to Know When the Time is Right

Many seniors resist turning over the car keys. Driving is often seen as the last link to independence, and the decision to stop can have ripple effects on quality of life. It is a difficult decision at best and we must be sensitive to our parents’ feelings and concerns. Evaluating their abilities, addressing their fearsContinue reading “Taking Away the Car Keys: How to Know When the Time is Right”

Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Memory Care: Demand will Rise

We’ve all heard of the “silver tsunami.” And we should know that the number of boomers who will be diagnosed with memory impairment will continue to rise each year. The question remains who will care for this growing population who will no longer be able to care for themselves? Unfortunately, it will be a problem.Continue reading “Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Memory Care: Demand will Rise”

Making Choices for a Parent with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia

Assisting an older parent with making decisions is complicated when you know Mom or Dad has dementia. At what point do you intervene and begin to make decisions for her or him? My latest monthly column for Gannett Newspapers, “Making the choices for a parent with dementia requires support,” offers some advice for those facingContinue reading “Making Choices for a Parent with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia”

What’s an Adult Child to Do? My Parent Refuses Help!

My latest monthly column for Gannett Newspapers addresses the difficult task of navigating between what assistance a parent needs versus what assistance a parent wants. In “Helping a parent who refuses your assistance,” we offer a perspective on the difficult balance of what a child may know is best for their parent’s health and safety,Continue reading “What’s an Adult Child to Do? My Parent Refuses Help!”

The Conversation: Talking to Aging Parents

My latest monthly column for Gannett Newspapers addresses the difficult task of talking to aging parents about what happens if they become ill, have a life-threatening event, or become physically or mentally incapacitated. We often avoid addressing our concerns, holding onto the hope that a parent’s situation will simply work itself out. This is rarelyContinue reading “The Conversation: Talking to Aging Parents”