Take a Vacation From Being a Caregiver

Take a Vacation From Being a Caregiver

When you are responsible for the care of an aging loved one, a summer vacation or weekend getaway may seem impossible or out-of-reach. Questions race through your mind: What happens if mom falls? Who will remind Dad to take his medications? What if there is a storm? You feel overwhelmed and cancel your plans.  …

Dementia and Sexuality

Dementia and Sexuality

Sex and aging adults. It’s the butt of all too many jokes — dirty old men…rigid or sex-starved women…wrinkled bodies…impotence. But as we live longer and social mores evolve, aging adults are becoming more vocal about sexual needs and intimate relationships well past the age of 60. Indeed, sexuality is a core human quality, essential to…

How Aging Adults Can Beat the Heat

How Aging Adults Can Beat the Heat

With temperatures already breaking 100° in parts of the country, the dog days of summer are here and it will only get hotter.  This raises some concern for keeping safe and cool, especially among senior citizens. Aging adults, in particular, may be at higher risk of heat-related maladies as they are less likely to sense…

Talk to Me: Communication and Alzheimer’s

Talk to Me: Communication and Alzheimer’s

No matter the level of one’s memory loss, stage of Alzheimer’s disease, or type of dementia, human connection and communication is important to overall well-being. Communication requires patience, understanding, and good listening skills. But often, even the most well-trained or educated caregiver gets frustrated or avoids communication altogether. During Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, Aging…

The 7 Biggest Myths about Elder Abuse

The 7 Biggest Myths about Elder Abuse

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was launched in 2006 on June 15th by the World Health Organization. Elder abuse is one of the most overlooked public health problems in the United States. Victims of abuse are three times more likely than those who weren’t mistreated to die prematurely. Learn how to identify those at risk…

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the Aging Adult

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the Aging Adult

According to the Alzheimer’s Association,  research has linked moderate and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) to a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia years after the original head injury. TBI affects not only professional athletes but also many older adults as a result of a fall or auto accident.   Find…

When the Spouse Left Behind Has Dementia…

When the Spouse Left Behind Has Dementia…

There are creative and effective ways to help an aging parent, family member, or loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia cope with the loss of their spouse, according to a survey of Aging Life Care Professionals™.  Remembering that there are different stages and types of dementia, making sure the surviving spouse does…

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. This month, the Aging Life Care Association™ (ALCA) recognizes the work of The Alzheimer’s Association to “uncover the truth about Alzheimer’s Disease.” As the #EndAlz campaign shines the spotlight on Alzheimer’s Disease, the ALCA blog will share information and resources to help support caregivers and family members impacted by…

Stories From Aging Life Care Month

Stories From Aging Life Care Month

Aging Life Care Professionals™ across the country celebrated National Aging Life Care™ Month by providing seminars, webinars, special events, open houses, and other educational activities for the public. Many took to social media to share Aging Life Care stories via selfies and videos. Each week, ALCA asked members to share something from their world as…

Aging Life Care Managers Ensure Estate Plan Matches Reality of Care Needs

Aging Life Care Managers Ensure Estate Plan Matches Reality of Care Needs

The typical estate planning team most often includes the attorney, an accountant, financial advisor, and sometimes an insurance professional.  With the increased number of older adults in our society and the changing landscape of family systems, there is a growing need for an estate planning team to include the professionals who can make client-specific recommendations…