My Care Advisors

The Benefits of Residing in an Assisted Living Community

As our population ages, many older adults and their families are turning to assisted living communities to ensure safety and independence. Moving to an assisted living community offers a host of opportunities for companionship and socialization, providing an environment that can greatly enhance the quality of life and mental health. These communities provide older adults with a vibrant and supportive place to thrive.
One of the primary advantages of assisted living is the chance for social interaction and community engagement. Loneliness and isolation can significantly impact both mental and physical health, but assisted living communities counteract these effects with a vibrant social life. With numerous activities, events, and shared spaces, residents can build meaningful friendships and stay active.
In today’s My Care Advisors episode, we'll explore these benefits in greater detail. We'll discuss how assisted living improves safety, provides peace of mind for families, and offers a rich, supportive environment for older adults. Tune in to learn more about:
Assisted Living and services and amenities that assisted living communities typically offer 
Benefits of residing in an assisted living community
A client story highlighting positive outcomes of living the best life and thriving in a community they selected to match their lifestyle
Tips on how to determine the best community match and amenities 
Considerations for family caregivers and older adults to take advantage and experience all that the assisted living community has to offer
Helpful resources for making the most of residing in an assisted living community for older adults and their family caregivers
 
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.

Vacationing with Ease: How to Plan a Trip with Aging Parents

Vacationing with aging parents can be a delightful and memorable experience, filled with opportunities for bonding and creating lasting memories. However, it requires careful planning and consideration to ensure that the trip is comfortable and enjoyable for everyone involved. 
Thoughtful preparation is key to guaranteeing a successful family vacation. This begins with choosing a suitable destination, addressing common challenges and ensuring that accommodations and activities meet the needs and preferences of older adults.
Get helpful information to assist in your family travel plans. Obtain valuable tips and insights on making the most of your family trip with your aging loved ones. Tune in to learn more about the following:
Key considerations when choosing a vacation destination or trip that is suitable for an aging parent(s) or older adult loved one
Common challenges that families face when planning vacations or trips with aging parents or loved ones
Tips on how to ensure that the travel accommodations and activities are suitable for their aging parents’ or loved ones’ needs and preferences
Essential items or preparations that families should consider before embarking on a vacation with aging parents or loved ones
Thoughts on how to help make the vacation an enjoyable and relaxing experience for both an aging parent(s) or older adult loved ones and family members (e.g., managing potential stressors that may 
Tips for helping to make vacation memories last for both the aging parent(s) or older adult loved ones
 
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.

Finding the Right Match: Making the Most of an Assisted Living Community Tour

Navigating a loved one’s transition to an Assisted Living Community can be a challenging but necessary step in ensuring their well-being and safety. As families embark on this journey, it's essential to understand the different senior living options available and how they align with a loved one's current and future care needs. 
One crucial step in the process of finding the right care option for a loved one is scheduling community tours to explore the daily life and care provided, allowing families to assess whether a community aligns with their expectations and their loved one's needs. A community tour is not just a walk-through; it's an opportunity to envision a loved one's life in a new setting.
In this episode, we'll share tips and considerations for making the most of this experience, ensuring that every visit is informative and insightful and moves you closer to finding the ideal community for your loved one.
 
Tune in to hear more about the following:
The process of selecting the right care setting to match your loved one’s specific needs
Tips and considerations for making the most of a community tour and ensuring a successful visit, as in what to look for during a tour, who to talk to, when to go, and so much more
An inspiring client story about how a family successfully navigated the Assisted Living Community selection process
The follow-up steps after a tour is completed to help narrow down a selection
Resources needed to support older adults and family members as they navigate the process of finding the right care setting for their aging loved ones
 
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.

What is Memory Care?

Did you know that approximately 55 million people worldwide are estimated to be living with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias? AD is a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia. As the disease progresses, many individuals with AD or dementia may require additional care to ensure their safety. For instance, during the middle to late stages of AD, providing 24-hour supervision may become necessary. In certain cases, more specialized care may be required. It is crucial to be prepared and aware of care options to effectively meet the needs of a loved one.
 
Listen in as we explore the definition and purpose of memory care, highlighting the specialized care and support it offers for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
 
Tune in to hear more about the following:
Learn what memory care is and the specialized services provided for individuals receiving this care
Differentiate why memory care services differ from those offered in assisted living communities
Hear about a few of the key benefits of memory care for residents and their families
Listen to an inspiring client story about the positive impact of memory care for a loved one
Discover different considerations that go into selecting a memory care facility for a loved one
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.

Finding the Right Care Setting for Your Aging Loved One

With more than 30,000 assisted living communities in the U.S., navigating the right care setting or community can be overwhelming, especially for older adults and their family caregivers.
 
In this episode, we'll explore key considerations for choosing a care setting, common challenges faced by families, the supportive CarePatrol process, an inspiring client success story, and valuable resources. 
 
Listen in as we uncover insights and strategies to help you make informed and compassionate decisions for your loved ones.
 
Tune in to hear more about the following:
Discover the key factors to consider when choosing a care setting for an aging loved one.
Learn about common challenges that families face when making these difficult decisions
Discover how the CarePatrol process and  Senior Care Advisors support older adults and family caregivers during the process.
Listen to an inspirational client story of finding the right care setting.
Gain insight into resources and support networks available to families seeking guidance to navigate the process of finding the senior living setting.
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.

Safe Spaces: Navigating Fall Prevention for Aging Parents

Did you know? Each year more than one in four older adults, age 65 and older, experience a fall, resulting in about 3 million emergency department visits, 950,000 hospitalizations and 32,000 deaths. Many of these falls are preventable. (CDC)
According to a recent report from Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in this age group. About 20-30 percent of these falls result in moderate to severe injuries, leading to reduced mobility, independence, and an increased risk of premature death. Shockingly, in 2019, 88 percent of older adult hip fractures were caused by falls.
In this episode entitled "Safe Spaces: Navigating Fall Prevention for Aging Parents," we connect with Kisha Steineger, Certified Senior Advisor® and Senior Care Consultant of CarePatrol Northeast Kansas. Join us as she provides tips, insights, and ideas on the critical topic of fall prevention.
Listen in to hear about the following:
Discover common causes of falls among aging adults and how families can identify potential risks in the home
Learn how families can support their aging parents with maintaining mobility and independence while also ensuring their safety
Find out how to initiate conversations about fall prevention and how to make key points
Listen to real stories from past clients about the importance of fall prevention
Stay proactive in monitoring and adapting aging parents’ fall prevention strategies
Create fall prevention plans with the help of a healthcare professional
Gain insights on helpful resources and support networks available to you
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.

Informed Decisions: Benefits of Professional Senior Living Advice

Finding the right Assisted Living Community is more important than ever, and that's because there are more senior living options today than there ever have been. For instance, did you know that nearly 31,000 Assisted Living Communities span across the United States alone? Since that's the case, finding the perfect match for your loved one can prove difficult.
 
But help is here. In today's episode entitled "Informed Decisions: Benefits of Professional Senior Living Advice," we sit down with Tracy Toomer, Certified Senior Advisor and Owner at CarePatrol Collin County-Central, while she provides tips, insights, and more for choosing the best care.
 
Listen in to hear about the following:
Learn what the role of a Senior Living Advisor means and some of the services they offer
Discover how working with a Senior Living Advisor can help you navigate the complicated world of Assisted Living
Hear about the importance of working with a Senior Living Advisor to avoid potential dangers or hazards
Walk away with tips and sight from a Senior Living Advisor past experiences 
Determine some of the resources available to you and where to find them
 
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.

Assisted Living - Knowing Your Options

Did you know that more than 800,000 older adults reside in 30,000 assisted living communities in the US and the majority of these residents are the "oldest old," or age 85 and older, female, and non-Hispanic white. Of those residents, 4 in 10 are living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Services offered when residing in an Assisted Living Community can vary greatly. Understanding the differences is important when selecting the best setting to help live one’s best life.
 
In this episode, Mary Beth Visniski, Certified Senior Advisor®, Certified Placement and Referral Specialist, Certified Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Trainer® and Certified Dementia Practitioner®  will share her insight on what exactly is Assisted Living and need to know information as one considers this senior living option.  
Listen in to hear about the following:
What is an Assisted Living Community, the range of services provided and who typically resides in this setting.
Benefits of residing in an Assisted Living community.
Tips for older adults and family caregivers when starting the search for Assisted Living community options.
Recommended resources for older adults and family caregivers to consider when selecting an Assisted Living Community.
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.

Home for the Holidays: Recognizing When Extra Support May Be Needed

We all know just how special it is to gather with family and friends, near and far, share stories of the past, and simply be together once again. In addition to creating new memories, the holiday season also provides a unique opportunity to engage in a thoughtful "check-in" on the well-being of our older loved ones. 
It's essential to watch out for signs and situations that may indicate a need for extra support, ensuring that the holidays remain not only merry but also safe for everyone involved.
If you’re not sure where to begin, this episode will guide you through ways to prepare your home for family visits, focusing on the care needs of your elderly loved one and recognizing when they might need assistance. 
Regardless of whether you’ve been noticing some telltale signs for a while or are simply curious as to what they are, this episode promises to provide you with insights to ensure your loved one gets the exact kind of care they need.
 
Listen in and learn how to prevent avoidable issues from happening, learn how to spot the signs of needing support, and master the art of empathetic communication with your loved one. Learn about the following:
Considerations to keep in mind when hosting older adults who may have special care needs
Steps hosts can take to prepare their home for older adults who will be visiting during the holidays
Ways to keep older adults engaged in family activities during the holidays
Common signs and situations that might indicate that an older loved one needs extra support
Tips on starting the conversation about the next steps of care with an elderly loved one 
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.

Navigating the Family Caregiver Role in Assisted Living

Families navigating the transition of a loved one into an Assisted Living Community face the responsibility of deciding on the best care option for their loved one. Throughout the care transition journey, caregivers can experience a mix of emotions and doubts that may take time to disappear, which is why having a strong support system and helpful resources can make a great difference.
This episode delves into the heart of a matter that touches the lives of countless families—assisted living and the profound role of family caregivers. We will explore the intricate web of responsibilities, emotions, and decisions that family caregivers grapple with when their loved ones transition into an Assisted Living Community, and we will share stories, challenges, and solutions that form the tapestry of caring connections, no matter the location. 
 
Whether you're a seasoned family caregiver or just beginning to navigate this path, this episode promises to provide valuable insights and guidance to help you thrive in this essential role. Tune in to learn about the following:
Insights into the vital role of family caregivers and the unique challenges they face when supporting their older adult family members when residing in an assisted living community 
The multifaceted roles that family caregivers assume when it comes to fulfilling the care needs of their loved ones residing in an assisted living community
Key factors that influence the family caregiving roles and the level of demand, especially when older adults are transitioning to an assisted living community
Practical tips and strategies that family caregivers can employ to effectively manage their adjusted roles, nurture relationships, and support their loved ones during the care transition
A client's inspiring journey of successfully navigating the transition to an assisted living community, highlighting the strategies and support that led to a positive outcome
Valuable resources and tools for both older adults and family caregivers to help them navigate the challenges and uncertainties of aging and assisted living
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.