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…
This month, I am celebrating the 11-year anniversary of the opening of Andrea Donovan Senior Living Advisors. I am hoping that I have at least another 11 years of rewarding work ahead of me. I have to chuckle because I have had so many unusual requests over the past decade,…
This week, I was overjoyed when a former client called me to tell me about her mother’s progress. Her mother was a young 70 when they became my clients less than a year ago. When I first met the elder during an assessment, she was at a short-term rehabilitation community…
When I started serving in the senior living industry over 15 years ago, all communities included three meals in the rent. Three meals were just part of the senior’s care package, whether the level of care be independent living, assisted living, or skilled nursing home. While that still holds true…
About one-half of the clients who engage me for my services do so after they have already selected a community for a loved one. Then, when a problem arises, they call me to help fix the problem. Unfortunately, no one has a crystal ball and can anticipate some of the…