“There’s no place like home for the holidays,” sings Perry Como in the Christmas classic composed by Robert Allen and recorded in 1954. But despite the wonderful lyrics of writer Al Stillman, sometimes you can (and maybe even should) reconsider what best constitutes “home sweet home.” For a senior whose…
How in the world are busy professionals who also have growing children supposed to find the time to handle their aging parents’ issues – both health and living arrangements? More and more of them are turning to experienced professionals who have experience in the field and can assist with everything…
I recently enrolled in the Certified Dementia Communications Specialist program offered by two of my colleagues in the senior living industry, Tami Neumann and Cathy Braxton of the Silver Dawn Training Institute. As a senior housing consultant and Certified Geriatric Care Manager, I am almost always hired by the children…
As I have mentioned in the past, the lines between the levels of care provided by long-term care communities have become very blurred. As the number of assisted living communities providing specialized memory care seems to increase every week, here are some of the things you need to look out…
I recall having a conversation 5 or more years ago with a colleague who was an Admissions director of a high–end assisted living community. It was around the time when I observed assisted living communities were going beyond providing “stand-by” assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs = bathing, dressing, toileting,…
My father suffered a stroke at the age of 86. He had received diagnoses of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s at the age of 84. As the diseases can have similar symptoms, it was very difficult to pinpoint which disease was causing his behaviors. At times he was depressed, moody, lethargic, and…
An article posted in National Real Estate Investor has predicated that active senior living communities and Continuing Care Retirement Communities will be the most profitable in the future senior housing market. I was trained in a faith-based, Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) that offered independent living, assisted living, and a…
A client who heard me speak a number of years ago decided to hire me for an interesting project. He and his wife live in a large beautiful older home (estimated over 5,000 square feet with three floors). The couple was wondering what the potential future costs of staying in…
Elder abuse is a crime. It can occur whether your loved one is at home, attending adult day care, or living in a senior living community. And like any other crime, you have an obligation to report it. This month, I have asked one of my trusted partners, Mike and…
There are approximately 44 million Americans who are caring for an elderly loved one. Between one and two million people over the age of 65 have been abused by someone who cares for them. During the eleven years that I have owned my senior living consulting business, I have…