My Care Advisors

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.

Assisted Living Communities vs. Nursing Homes - What are the differences?

Along the journey of aging, finding the right care solution can be confusing and overwhelming. Understanding the differences between care settings, including assisted living and nursing homes, can help older adults and caregivers find the right solution to meet their specific needs.
 
Learn more about assisted living communities and nursing homes, including the different services provided and how such services can benefit the care needs of your loved one. Tune in to learn more about:
Main differences between an assisted living community and a nursing home
Types of assisted living communities, the typical services/amenities, average costs and ways to pay for services
Typical services offered in a nursing home, the average costs associated with care and ways to pay for care
Tips for caregivers to start the conversation if additional support is needed to meet the care needs of their loved one
Questions older adults and caregivers should ask their doctor or healthcare professional to better understand the best care solution to meet their needs
Resources for older adults and caregivers to review when selecting a care solution, whether it is an assisted living community or a nursing home
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 Memory Care?

Did you know that approximately 55 million people are living with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias worldwide? For many who are living with AD or dementia, additional care may be needed as the disease progresses to help keep individuals safe.  It is important to be prepared and know care options to best meet the needs of a loved one.
 
Get a deeper look into Memory Care services and how they can support your loved one’s well-being, including differences from other services, costs and resources for selecting the best care option. Listen in to learn more about:
What is Memory Care and the services that are typically provided for individuals receiving this care
Differences between Memory Care services and Assisted Living
Who can benefit from the services provided in Memory Care and the typical diagnoses of those who are receiving Memory Care services
The average cost to receive Memory Care across the US and ways to pay for services
Signs or factors to take into consideration as to when and if Memory Care is the right option for a loved one
Questions older adults and caregivers should ask their doctor or healthcare professional regarding whether Memory Care is appropriate for their condition
Resources for older adults and caregivers to access when selecting a Memory Care provider
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com.  We are grateful to be your guide.

A Parent’s Passing: Lessons Learned from a Daughter and Senior Care Professional

Along the journey of caregiving, one may encounter many paths—some are filled with empathy and growth and others with doubt and guilt. All of these emotions and changes are part of a bigger conversation that, when shared with your loved one, may lead to better care and a better quality of life.
 
Tune in for a deeper dive into caregiving, including lessons learned along the journey of caring for a loved one, resources to support your loved one’s healthcare and end-of-life wishes and tips to get the conversation started about care needs and important end-of-life decisions. You will hear about the following:
Lessons learned while navigating the care journey of a loved one
Important considerations to have when thinking of end-of-life care wishes or in case of a health emergency of a parent or loved one
Tips to help start the conversation regarding care wishes with a loved one
Helpful resources for older adults and caregivers to navigate end-of-life care wishes
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com.  We are grateful to be your guide.

A New Year’s Resolution: Address Caregiver Guilt

Whether you become a caregiver gradually or all of a sudden due to a crisis, many emotions surface when you take on the job of caregiving. All of your emotions, good and bad, about caregiving are not only allowed but valid and important.
Caregiver guilt can emerge when there is a belief that you are falling short in any or all roles and relationships are suffering from trying to juggle multiple tasks and roles simultaneously. Also, families and caregivers frequently may experience guilt associated with selecting care options for the parent or loved one. 
 
Listen in as we explore ways to resolve caregiver guilt by living each day through the lens of your aging loved one and steps one can take to help free oneself from the guilt associated with care options.  You will hear about the following:
What is caregiver guilt
The signs and symptoms of caregiver guilt
Steps caregivers can take to cope with caregiver guilt
Who to consult for help in addressing caregiver guilt
How Local Senior Care Advisors help support caregivers and older adults, especially during care transitions that help address caregiver guilt
Helpful resources for older adults and caregivers to help address caregiver guilt
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com.  We are grateful to be your guide.

Living with Gratitude: The Important Role of Family Caregivers

It is estimated that 44 million Americans provide 37 billion hours of unpaid, “informal” care each year to adult family members and friends with chronic illnesses or conditions that prevent them from handling daily activities such as bathing, managing medications or preparing meals on their own. 
 
For caregivers, providing care for an older adult can often present difficult challenges. Stressors associated with caring for an older adult with complex health issues, such as declining physical and/or mental capacity and care-related expenses, can cause a shift in personal life priorities that can be emotionally and physically difficult. Numerous studies have explored how gratitude can positively affect one’s well-being.
Listen in as we explore the important role caregivers play and how an 'attitude for gratitude' can make a positive difference.  You will hear about the following:
Who are caregivers?
Roles that caregivers play in supporting family members' and older adults' care needs
Factors that impact caregiving roles and demands, especially when caring for an older adult. 
The role of certified senior advisors or senior care advisors in supporting caregivers and older adults, especially during care transitions.
Steps that caregivers can take to help manage stress and foster a sense of gratitude.
Helpful resources for older adults and caregivers to learn more about managing stress and living with gratitude.
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com.  We are grateful to be your guide.

Tips for a Safe & Merry Holiday Season

The long-awaited holiday season is a time for connecting with family and friends and celebrating traditions. This special time, while a joyous one, can also be eye-opening for families with older adults. 
Whether hosting an older adult or visiting one for the holidays, understanding the ways to ensure their safety and comfort will make all the difference in the world and in your celebration. 
Listen in to learn more about the following:
Tips for older adults and caregivers to start the conversation with family and friends if care needs have changed for their holiday visit (e.g., significant weight loss or gain, wheelchair or relying heavily on a walker, incontinence, inability to do things for themselves, like eat or use the restroom, unpredictable behavior or memory and cognitive problems caused by Alzheimer’s or dementia)
Steps individuals can take to prepare the home for older adults who will be visiting during the holidays (e.g., safety tips, fall prevention)
Tips for supporting the mobility and independence of an older adult visiting home for the holidays
Considerations to keep in mind when hosting older adults who may have care needs (e.g., emergency contact/doctor info/medicine info)
Steps to take if one identifies that the current living environment is not meeting the care needs of the older adult
Ways to keep older adults engaged in family activities in a safe yet fun manner (e.g., meal planning/prep, family photos, traditions) 
Steps on starting the conversation about the next steps of care with an elderly loved one (e.g., one sibling takes care of the older adult, and other siblings realize more support is needed)
Top 5 helpful tips to keep the holidays merry, safe and bright for older adults
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com.  We are grateful to be your guide.

What is Palliative Care vs. End of Life Care?

Planning for care during a serious illness or after being diagnosed with a life-limiting condition can be very challenging. Many older adults choose hospice or palliative care to support pain management or to alleviate discomfort. Did you know that nearly 2 million older adults receive hospice care or palliative care each year, and the number continues to grow? While hospice and palliative care are similar, there are some key differences. 
It’s important for older adults to plan ahead and let their caregivers, family members and doctors or health care professionals know their care wishes in advance. Knowing the specific differences between hospice and palliative care can help someone decide what level of care is best to support their wishes.
Listen in to learn more about the following:
Differences between palliative care and hospice care
Typical services that are provided to those who are receiving hospice care
Typical services provided when receiving palliative care
Ways to pay for palliative care
Typical services provided when receiving hospice care
Ways to pay for hospice care
Care options for older adults to receive either palliative care or hospice care services
Tips for caregivers to start the conversation about support to meet the care needs and end of life wishes of their loved ones
Questions older adults and caregivers should ask their doctor or healthcare professional regarding whether palliative care or hospice care is appropriate for their condition
Helpful resources for older adults and caregivers to access when selecting a palliative care or hospice care provider
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com.  We are grateful to be your guide.

Having the Conversation About Care Needs

Major life transitions can be difficult, especially when those changes involve an aging loved one. Many caregivers struggle with the best way to discuss sensitive topics with an aging parent, as well as with other family members. These conversations with an aging loved one can include the loss of driving privileges, relocating to a new residence, home safety, and increasing care needs or finances, just to name a few. 
How to begin the conversation is just as important as the actual decisions that need to be made. Having a good plan and approach will help to make the conversations easier and more productive for everyone.
Listen in to learn more about the following:
Understanding the signs that your parent/family member or older adult may need extra support to accomplish activities of daily living
Tips for caregivers to start the conversation about support to meet care needs
Tips for communicating concerns with a parent, family member or older adult about the support needed
Available support for older adults to help “lighten the caregiving load” (e.g., home care, meal delivery, transportation, etc.)  
Additional resources to support caregivers and older adults
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com.  We are grateful to be your guide.

Staying Healthy this Flu Season

The flu can be serious for everyone–but for adults 65 years and older, the risk of flu-related complications and hospitalization is particularly high. There are also other risks that may not be as obvious, such as the flu increasing the risk of heart attack by 3-5 times and stroke by 2-3 times in the first two weeks of infection for those over 65 years of age. That is why it’s important to understand ways to stay healthy this fall and winter as the flu and cold season kicks into high gear!
 
Listen in to learn more about the following:
The differences between Influenza and other illnesses, such as COVID-19, a common cold or a stomach bug.
Information regarding the “flu” vaccine, timing and receiving with other vaccines (e.g., COVID-19 vaccine or booster, etc.)
Personal strategies to stay healthy this fall and winter, especially for older adults and their caregivers.
Questions older adults and caregivers should ask their physician or health care provider regarding vaccines and other strategies.
Resources to support caregivers and older adults to stay healthy this fall and winter.
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com.  We are grateful to be your guide.