My Care Advisors

Easing the Transition to Assisted Living

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.

When is the Right Time to Consider Assisted Living?

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.

Three Decades of Family Caregiving Support

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.

Navigating Family Disagreements when Caring for an Aging Parent

Many issues and stress can happen among adult siblings when caring for a parent or older loved one, especially when facing an urgent health situation, providing caregiving or determining the support needed. Also, sometimes when siblings come together to make important decisions, tough situations can make it even more difficult to come to a consensus. Having proactive conversations may help to address or even avoid sibling and family member disagreements.
 
Listen in as we explore:
The common reasons or situations where sibling conflict over the care of an aging parent or loved one can occur and how to proactively address potential conflict
Tips to start the conversation with siblings or family members about the care needs of their loved one
Recommended professionals who may be able to help siblings navigate the care needs of their aging parent or loved one to proactively address family conflicts
Additional resources to support families throughout a loved one’s care journey
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.

Jumpstart to Downsizing

Downsizing or moving from a home filled with possessions from the past 20, 30 or 40 years can be emotionally difficult. Having a plan and clear path can help keep the memories and make the transition just a little easier.
 
Listen in as we connect with Matt Paxton, a downsizing and cleaning expert, speaker, author, radio personality, and host of the 2-time Emmy nominated television show "Legacy List with Matt Paxton." Topics include:
Matt’s journey to helping individuals and families find the upside to downsizing
Biggest misconceptions when it comes to the disposition of or decluttering of items
Top questions raised by individuals going through the downsizing/decluttering process
Tips to jumpstart downsizing efforts, especially for older adults
Suggestions for how to start the conversation with family members, including older adults, about downsizing
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.

The Importance of Estate Planning

Did you know that the majority of adults believe estate planning is important? However, only one-third have actually created one.
Estate plan documents help guide your family members and loved ones to understand and carry out care and end-of-life wishes. Most importantly, they help reduce the family burden and stress that may be caused during a time of crisis.
Listen in as we explore what is an estate plan and the steps to take to ensure your estate and care wishes are documented. Topics include:
What is an estate plan, and why is it important to have in place, especially for older adults
Documents that make up a basic estate plan 
When estate plan documents are especially important and when they may not apply 
Other documents/legal issues that are important to consider
Estate Planning myths
How to start the conversation with your older loved ones
Considerations when hiring an attorney and the typical process 
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.

Hospice: Myths, Facts & New Options

Did you know that hospice and end-of-life services focus on the care and comfort of individuals who are currently living with a serious illness and choose not to continue treatment? Yet, only half of all Medicare beneficiaries use their hospice benefit. 
It is important for older adults facing a serious, life-limiting illness to understand the facts and options available that can help families and caregivers be better prepared.
Get insights into the myths and facts about hospice care, including considerations for selecting a hospice or end-of-life service provider. Topics include:
The most common myths about hospice
Ways hospice supports individuals and families with life-limiting conditions
Where services can be provided, such as Assisted Living and Memory Care
Additional end-of-life care options, including the services of an End-of-Life Doula
Tips for caregivers to start the conversation about the end-of-life wishes of their loved ones
Helpful resources and considerations for older adults and caregivers to keep in mind when selecting hospice and end-of-life care providers
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.

Paying for Assisted Living

Paying to reside in an Assisted Living community is likely a major consideration when selecting the right care solution for yourself or a loved one. If you're struggling to decipher how much assisted living costs, you're not alone. 
Up-front, monthly, and a la carte prices vary greatly depending on several factors, including the size of the assisted living facility, the types of services offered, and the amount of care you require. 
Listen in to learn more about how to start important financial conversations and information to help navigate paying for Assisted Living services. Topics include:
Services that are typically provided when residing in Assisted Living
Average cost of living in an Assisted Living Community across the U.S.
Factors that may impact overall Assisted Living costs 
Ways to pay for Assisted Living 
Financial considerations to be aware of when selecting an Assisted Living community 
How to start the conversation with a family member about being financially prepared
Helpful tips and resources for older adults and caregivers
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.

Aging in Place? Why Home Modifications are Important

Most older adults indicate they would like to remain in their homes as they age. However, they most likely have not considered the modifications needed to ensure their home is suitable for “aging in place.” The reality is that many homes are not designed for individuals to safely age in place, especially when living with a chronic condition or mobility impairment that impacts activities of daily living (bathing or showering, dressing, getting in and out of bed or a chair, walking, using the toilet, and eating). 
 
Home modifications may be needed to maintain as much independence as possible. Listen in as a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist shares her insights on aging in place and how home modifications support safety and independence. Learn more about:
What aging in place means
What is meant by the term clinical home modifications
The areas of the home to assess for improved safety as one ages
Modification recommendations for different areas of the home, including the entryway bathroom and kitchen
Helpful tips and resources that support aging in place
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.

The Benefits of a Living Estate Sale

As the baby boomer population continues to age, the need for quick, easy personal property sales continues to escalate, especially when preparing to downsize or move to a senior living community. This time can be a stressful one, particularly when years of saved “treasures” are factored into the equation.
 
Listen in as an Estate Sales professional shares her insights on living estate sales, planning considerations, resources and more. Tune in to learn about:
Understanding what a “living” estate sale is and how the process works
Tips on timing for when to consider having a living estate sale
Considerations for when to start planning for a sale
The role of Blue Moon Estates Sales professionals in supporting older adults and family members throughout the living estate sales process
Next steps for caregivers to support a loved one in the process of letting go of their treasures to help with their care transition
Resources older adults and caregivers should consider in the process of downsizing
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.