Care Management Blog

Four glass jars are aligned in a row. The first jar is filled with coins and has a plant with several leaves. The second and third jars have fewer coins and smaller plants. The fourth jar has only a few coins and a small sprout.

Before you quit your job

July 24, 2018

It may be true: Your aging relative needs more and more care. You know you are the best person for the job. But it’s too much to do on top of your own work. Think twice before exiting the workforce, however. There are some stiff financial consequences. For example, if you are midcareer, you are…

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Silhouette of a human head made up of interlocking blue gears. Smaller gears float away from the back of the head, symbolizing thoughts or ideas. The background is white, emphasizing the intricate machinery within the head.

Is it Alzheimer’s disease?

July 17, 2018

When your father struggles to remember a grandchild’s name, should you be concerned? Older adults typically have some memory loss. People with Alzheimer’s disease, however, experience very specific changes in their thinking that go beyond the normal forgetfulness of aging. You might consider a dementia evaluation if your loved one has begun having difficulty with…

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An elderly man with a focused expression is sitting outside in a lawn chair. He is holding a walking cane in one hand and wearing a white hat, along with a plaid shirt and a jacket. The background appears to be an outdoor setting with blurred greenery and people walking.

“I don’t need help!” – Part 1

July 10, 2018

It’s a common refrain and the bane of many family members: Your loved one is having trouble, yet he or she refuses outside help. This can put your relative at risk. But if the worst happens and things go south, it also ends up making more work for you. Doubly frustrating when you know it…

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A close-up of a smiling baby with closed eyes, showcasing two tiny bottom teeth. The baby has a joyful expression with rosy cheeks and a smooth, bald head. The background is blurred, making the baby's face the clear focal point of the image.

The habit of happiness

July 3, 2018

Happiness is in our nature. We are born with the ability to be happy. And then life happens. Our life experiences affect our attitude about happiness. They influence how much we believe we deserve happiness or convince us we don’t deserve it. Especially in stressful situations like caregiving, feelings of happiness can be rare! A…

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An elderly woman with white hair and a green patterned sweater stands next to a younger woman with long hair in a ponytail, wearing a white uniform. Both are smiling warmly at the camera, appearing to be in an outdoor setting.

Using long-term care insurance

June 26, 2018

Your relative may have bought long-term care insurance to cover the expense of care when help is needed. Activating the policy takes some lead time. It’s wise to learn all the steps and definitions so you can be strategic with your timing. Types of care covered Read the policy and see what kinds of care…

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An elderly man in a wheelchair enjoying a meal with family members at a dining table. A young girl sits across from him, and an older woman sits beside him. They are smiling and appear engaged in conversation, with plates of food and glasses of juice on the table.

Travel tips when your loved one is disabled

June 19, 2018

It’s difficult to know what to anticipate when traveling with a family member who has trouble getting around. Here are tips from experienced, disabled travelers to reduce your road-trip stress this summer.  If your travel includes hotel lodging: Talk directly with the hotel. Many hotel chains have a centralized reservation system. Get a direct, on-site…

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A promotional image for the "America The Beautiful" national parks and recreational lands pass features a large owl in flight over a grassy field. The pass logo, resembling a compass, is visible in the lower right corner.

Accessible National Parks

June 12, 2018

If the person you care for has trouble getting around, you can still go on a family vacation. Many of our national parks have special accessibility programs. Our parks are our treasures, and park staff are working to ensure that all Americans have access. To find a park with accessibility services, go to the National…

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