Care Management Blog

A small group of four diverse seniors is sitting and conversing in a living room. One man is speaking animatedly while the others listen attentively. Two women are on either side of him. The mood appears engaged and relaxed in a cozy, well-lit space.

Choosing a support group

April 1, 2024

Are you feeling isolated, alone, frustrated, anxious, or just plain sad as you care for your loved one?  Meeting with others who are also facing caregiving challenges can be very helpful. You can share anything, from coping with the emotional demands of your role to handling difficult behaviors. Rather than judgment, you’ll find affirmation in…

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A person with short hair smiles gently at the camera, standing with hands on hips. The individual is wearing a black and white striped shirt and is framed by a lush green background of leaves and foliage.

Serving as a special needs trustee

March 25, 2024

A “special needs trust” (SNT) is typically created to provide financial support for a disabled individual. Aging parents of a person with Down syndrome might create an SNT to provide for their child’s needs after they have died.  The SNT trustee must manage the endowment to benefit the person with special needs over time. The…

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An illustration of two kidneys surrounded by abstract red medical imagery. The kidneys are detailed with visible arteries, veins, and internal structures. The background consists of blurred cellular components and molecular structures.

Chronic kidney disease

March 18, 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects one out of seven Americans. It is among the top ten causes of death in the United States. At first, its symptoms are very subtle and it progresses slowly, getting worse over decades. People often don’t know they have CKD. By the time significant symptoms emerge, the kidneys have been…

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An older man with short gray hair sits on the edge of a bed, looking pensive. Behind him, a woman with gray hair is lying down and appears to be asleep. The room has a calm, dimly lit ambiance.

Insomnia in older adults

March 11, 2024

Older adults need about seven hours of sleep at night. But they often have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. They frequently wake up early and are not able to go back to sleep. This is due in part to normal changes of aging. We just don’t spend as much time in the deep phases…

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A group of elderly people gathered in a cozy communal space. Some are playing chess, while others engage in conversation or read. The room is warmly decorated with shelves, plants, a corkboard, and a lamp, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

What is “assisted living”?

March 4, 2024

There are many options for older adults who can no longer live at home independently.  Assisted living facilities (ALFs) are tailored to individuals with health concerns that do not require the 24-hour medical attention provided by a nursing home. ALFs enable residents to be freed from the chore of meal preparation and housework and be…

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A woman with light brown hair pulled back and wearing a navy blue top is looking directly at the camera with a slightly confused or uncertain expression. The background is plain and light-colored.

Dealing with disgust

February 26, 2024

The emotion of disgust is a natural response. It evolved to protect us from potentially dangerous, scary, or infecting situations. But when it arises in the course of caring for a loved one—you involuntarily gag, for instance—it may cause you both distress.  Getting to the other side of the disgust response can lead to deep…

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An abstract background filled with numerous light blue and teal question marks of various sizes, overlapping and floating against a darker teal backdrop. The overall composition creates a sense of curiosity and inquiry.

Maybe it’s not Alzheimer’s

February 19, 2024

“Dementia” is not a diagnosis in and of itself. It describes a collection of symptoms that involve memory and thinking that are enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause, but there are many other reasons a person might have dementia symptoms.   Most of the conditions that cause dementia cannot be…

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An elderly man with glasses and a brown sweater sits at a desk, looking intently at a laptop screen. He appears focused and engaged, with his hands positioned on the keyboard. Background includes a window with blinds and bookshelves.

Tech support for your relative(s)

February 12, 2024

Technology has done wonders to help us stay connected with family members. But beginning users have to learn new terms and skills. In-person classes are often available through senior centers or the library. And AARP’s AgeTech Collaborative offers online video tutorials and classes through SeniorPlanet.org.  Even if you seek to provide less complicated devices, it’s…

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An elderly couple, both wearing aprons, smiling as they take a freshly baked pizza out of the oven. The man watches proudly while the woman, wearing oven mitts, carefully removes the pizza tray. The pizza looks golden and topped with various ingredients.

Burn and fire safety

February 5, 2024

Persons over age 65 are 2.6 times more likely than the general population to die in a home fire. That’s alarming! Older adults most often incur burns at home, typically when cooking or bathing. The most common burn injuries are from scalding hot water or flames.  Many factors contribute to an older adult’s high susceptibility…

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