My Care Advisors
Listen in to inform, inspire and help older adults and caregivers navigate the wonderful, yet at many times, challenging journey of aging. You will hear from senior care advisors, aging specialists, and other leading experts as they shine a light on topics that are important to older adults and caregivers, and we’ll also provide resources, tips and tools that will help you make informed decisions along the way.
Episodes
Thursday Nov 02, 2023
What to Look for When Visiting an Aging Parent
Thursday Nov 02, 2023
Thursday Nov 02, 2023
Visiting loved ones as they age can be a deeply meaningful experience, but it also comes with a responsibility to ensure their well-being. During these visits, it's essential to be observant and proactive in assessing their physical, emotional, and cognitive health.
Listen to this episode as we explore care needs indicators to pay attention to, share valuable insights, and offer practical tips to help you make the most out of your visits while providing the best care for your aging loved ones. Learn about the following:
Misconceptions or common mistakes made when visiting aging parents
Key change indicators to consider during visits, such as physical, behavioral, cognitive and mental health
Steps to take if one identifies that the current living environment is not meeting care needs
Tips for initiating conversations regarding overall well-being, especially if care needs have changed since the last visit
Practical tips for making the most out of visits with aging parents and ensuring that their needs are met effectively
Available resources or tools to help adult children keep track of their aging parents' health and well-being between visits
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Healthy Aging: When Is it Time to Hang Up the Keys?
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Did you know? People aged 70 and older are more likely to crash than any other age group besides drivers age 25 and younger.
As a loved one ages, concerns about their ability to continue driving safely may arise. For many of us, driving symbolizes freedom and independence. However, it's essential to acknowledge promptly that the abilities of an aging adult can change, affecting their overall safety on the road.
Research indicates that the age at which people typically stop driving varies widely due to factors such as health, mobility, and access to alternative transportation options. Some individuals can drive competently well into their 80s and beyond, while others may face difficulties in their 60s or even earlier. Most, however, drive 7 to 10 years longer than they should.
Having a conversation with an older adult about when it might be time to stop driving can be challenging but is crucial for their safety and the safety of others on the road.
Tune in for tips and resources to help you navigate these conversations and better support the safety of your loved one. Learn about the following:
Signs that it may be time for an older adult to stop driving
The impact of age on safe driving
A client story of an older adult and their family highlighting a time when driving safety was impacted
Tips to start the conversation with a parent or older adult about driving safety and when it may be time to hang up the keys
Professionals who may help navigate challenging discussions and decisions
Helpful resources 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.
Thursday Oct 05, 2023
When Returning Home Isn’t an Immediate Option
Thursday Oct 05, 2023
Thursday Oct 05, 2023
Post-hospitalization care for older adults, especially after a serious medical event, does not always include going back home. In fact, research shows that older adults who are not able to recover their cognitive and physical function after hospitalization for an acute illness face a higher chance of rehospitalization, disability, mortality, and placement in a long-term care facility.
To better help individuals improve function for post-hospitalization recovery, including cardiac, stroke and pulmonary rehab, strengthening, hip and knee replacements, and pain management, there are post-acute care options available for different care needs.
For families and caregivers navigating care transitions with a loved one, understanding the benefits of post-acute care, as well as the different options available, will make a positive difference in the care outcomes of the older adult.
Tune in for resources to better understand post-hospitalization care and obtain practical tips on initiating these essential conversations with a loved one. Learn about the following:
Misconceptions about returning directly to home after a hospital stay due to injury or surgery, especially for older adults
What if a stroke, fall or accident leads a loved one to have a short-term stay in post-acute rehab where they learn they cannot go home due to extra support that is needed? What are considerations older adults and their family caregivers should plan for?
A client story that underscores the importance of preparing for care needs and steps to consider when navigating discharge from a hospital or rehab facility
Tips to start the conversation with older loved ones about their care wishes
Helpful resources 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.
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
Mindful Aging: Keeping Your Brain Sharp
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
Did you know? Our brains get much of their power from 100 billion nerve cells, or neurons, that control reading, remembering, deciding, moving and other activities that involve thinking and planning.
Cognitive health, or the ability to think clearly, learn, and remember, is essential to performing everyday activities. It is crucial to keep one’s brain sharp to live fully, especially as one ages.
Brain health is of utmost importance for older adults because it directly affects one’s overall well-being, quality of life, and independence. With age, the brain undergoes changes that can impact cognitive functions, memory, and emotional well-being. Taking steps to improve brain or cognitive function can greatly increase quality of life and significantly impact an individual’s ability to engage in activities.
Tune in for insights about brain health, how it is impacted by age, and tips for supporting it. Learn about the following:
What is meant by brain health
How can brain health be impacted, especially as one ages (e.g., age-related, injury, dementia, etc.)
A brief overview of recent Alzheimer’s disease prevention studies and the brain health connection (e.g., heart-head connection, etc.)
Tips to help keep one’s brain sharp at any age
Helpful resources for older adults to help maintain and improve brain health
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Having ‘The Talk’: How Siblings Can Navigate Assisted Living Conversations
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
In the journey of discussing assisted living options with aging parents or loved ones, the involvement of siblings or family caregivers can significantly influence the process.
These conversations are often marked by complex emotions, differing viewpoints, and the challenge of making decisions that prioritize the well-being and wishes of the aging loved one.
Being proactive about understanding how additional support will significantly improve a loved one’s quality of life can help establish a path to decisions that are focused on the success of the aging adult.
Gain insights about assisted living conversations, including ways to approach care options with siblings, caregivers and older adults. Tune in to learn about the following:
Navigating sibling or family caregiver conversations if an aging parent or loved one needs extra support
Suggested “Dos and Don'ts” when discussing senior care options
Helpful resources to help navigate care options
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Dispelling Assisted Living Myths
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Assisted living is part of a continuum of long-term care services that provides a combination of housing, personal care services, and health care support services.
If you or a family member are experiencing mixed feelings about the concept of assisted living, take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Numerous myths and misunderstandings surround the idea of life in an assisted living community.
When selecting the right community to meet one’s needs, it's crucial to distinguish between reality and fiction. Listen in to this episode as we explore:
Common misconceptions and frequently asked questions regarding assisted living
Typical services offered to older adults residing in an assisted living community
Tips for determining the right assisted living community to meet the needs of the older adult
Questions to ask a Senior Care Advisor or healthcare professional to help make informed decisions about available care options
Helpful resources for older adults and caregivers to access 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.
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
Therapy Solutions No Matter the Location
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
For older adults recovering from an injury, surgery or illness, there are various therapy services that can support them throughout the process in order to ensure the best health outcomes.
Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists and Speech/Language Pathology professionals provide services that can help older adults feel better, achieve their health goals and improve their quality of life.
Learn about the differences between each therapy service and how they can support the health goals of older adults and the overall caregiving journey, through the following insights:
The differences between Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech/Language Pathology services
Typical reasons or conditions for why therapy services are prescribed
Frequently asked questions about therapy services
Questions to ask when selecting a provider or contracted therapy services at an assisted living community
Helpful resources for older adults and caregivers to learn more about therapy services
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Easing the Transition to Assisted Living
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Moving out of the family home and into an assisted living community may not be the easiest of transitions. For older adults who've spent decades living at the same address, relocating can be difficult and stressful. However, there are ways for loved ones to help minimize the stress of the move.
By approaching the transition to assisted living with empathy, effective communication, and support, family members and caregivers can help ease the process and ensure the older adult's well-being and comfort during this important life change.
Tune in for insights on how to support a loved one during this time, and learn about the following:
Steps to prepare for the transition to Assisted Living (e.g., documents needed, pre-move tour to see living space, amenities, etc.)
Considerations to help personalize the new living space (e.g., meaningful items from their previous home, furniture that can be moved, etc.)
Tips on intake paperwork (e.g., who signs, what decisions will you need to make, paying for care, etc.)
Guidance on moving day transitions (e.g., set up the room ahead of time, etc.)
Tips to ease the emotional transition to the new community once a loved one has moved (e.g., participation in activities, communication with family and friends, etc.)
Recommended resources for caregivers and family to support a loved one best while moving to a new community
Additional considerations if the person moving has dementia
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.
Thursday Jun 29, 2023
When is the Right Time to Consider Assisted Living?
Thursday Jun 29, 2023
Thursday Jun 29, 2023
Life can change in a moment, and determining when to move from home or independent living to an assisted living community can be overwhelming. This difficult situation may be lessened by starting the conversation early and often talking about what’s coming down the road for an aging loved one.
For older adults and their family members and caregivers, being proactive about understanding care changes and additional support will significantly improve their quality of life. An essential first step is having conversations about care wishes and spotting the signs that more support from an assisted living community may be needed.
Tune in for insights about assisted living, including signs that your loved one may need more help and how to start the conversation. Hear about the following:
Changes Paula has seen in healthcare in her experience as a Certified Senior Advisor®, especially with seniors
A real-life example of an urgent situation faced by caregivers where an abrupt change of condition that occurred made it unsafe for their older adult to live independently at home
Early signs that it may be time to consider additional care support
Tips for caregivers to proactively start the conversation regarding care and senior living options to meet the care needs of their loved one
Tips and resources on what information is needed to prepare for this journey
Resources and individuals who may be able to help jumpstart and support care wishes
Considerations for determining whether assisted living is an appropriate option to meet care needs as well as financial considerations
Helpful resources for older adults and caregivers to access 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.
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Three Decades of Family Caregiving Support
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
When faced with the decision of placing a loved one in assisted living or a similar community and needing assistance to find the right care solution, would you prefer a cold, impersonal phone call or a warm in-person meeting?
For our 30th episode, we celebrate CarePatrol’s 30th year of supporting older adults and their family members to navigate care solutions. Founded in 1993 by a social worker after observing the personal trauma experienced by a family whose loved one had been placed in the wrong type of facility, CarePatrol became the pioneer organization whose core values are dedicated to being a comprehensive personal service and valuable resource for families during the placement of a loved one.
Listen in as we explore:
How the mission and unique approach of CarePatrol has helped build a strong foundation of ‘giving seniors and their families a less stressful and easier way to find safer senior care choices’ for more than 30 years
The important roles of local Senior Care Advisors and Certified Senior Advisors (CSA)® in supporting older adults navigate senior care options
Considerations when selecting the right support to navigate senior care options
How CarePatrol’s systems, tools and process improvements and people improvements help support older adults and their caregivers
Insight into the future for senior care options and the support needed to help navigate the complexities of care
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.
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Whether you are an aging adult or a caregiver, you should never feel alone in this journey. We are here for you.