Familial infighting is nothing new. We experience it as a child, vying for the last piece of cake or the biggest slice of pizza. We compete with siblings for the lion’s share of mom or dad’s attention, and in the case of step-siblings, navigate a whole gamut of blended family complications. It is no wonder that families often disagree when it comes to caring for an aging parent Read More

Aging and finding appropriate care in today’s environment can be complicated. When I spend time with seniors, helping them navigate the senior living process, they often benefit from my valuable insight into the care and conditions at various assisted living and memory care communities in our area. As I learn about their care needs, finances and social concerns, I often learn more life lessons from them than they learn from me. One weekend, I spent time with a gentleman named Karl. He gave me some gems that are very insightful into the aging process: Read More

As seniors age and senior care becomes inevitable, you may be faced with choices regarding the type... Read More

In years past, most people referred to senior living collectively as nursing homes. There was no distinction between types of facilities and care needs. Seniors and their families had fewer options for varying requirements and preferences. While the world of senior living has changed significantly in recent years, there are still many people who remember the stigmas associated with nursing homes of old and are hesitant to consider senior living communities for themselves or a loved one. Read More

Many of us that work remotely these days make Panera and Starbucks our office. I’ve had some very productive meetings over a Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew or Panera Mediterranean Bowl. Last month, a chance encounter at a lunch meeting resulted in a very unlikely friendship. Read More

Living longer, better, and with more independence? Yes please! Read More

What’s covered, what’s not, and what you need to know. Read More

One night I received a call from a daughter that was struggling to find care for her parents. She had been doing an excellent job scheduling their doctor appointments, managing their medications, shopping for groceries, preparing weekly meals, washing laundry, and maintaining their home. Now, she was burnt out. Read More

Is your parents’ home safe to live in? It may seem like a simple question, but it’s actually quite complicated. There are many factors that indicate if a home is a good fit for an older adult and many red flags if it won’t be a good option long-term. Read More

Marcy called my CarePatrol office about her husband Marvin. He had dementia, and she wanted to know about assisted living options “for when he gets really bad.” Marvin’s Alzheimer’s was affecting his short-term memory and ability to have meaningful conversations. Read More

In Baltimore there are 3 types of assisted living and memory care facilities: continuous care retirement communities (12 of them), assisted living communities (40), and residential assisted living (613 RALs). Read More

Today, aging successfully is in focus more than ever, and it’s become apparent that there are some health risks that are more common in women than men. By Rebekah Alcalde Read More

Since doctors prescribe exactly what needs to be taken, noncompliance — not following your doctor’s recommendations for treatment — can be very dangerous. Many adults aren’t purposefully noncompliant, they just don’t understand the schedule or how the medication works. By Rebekah Alcalde Read More

When someone hears terms like neglect, exploitation, physical abuse, mental/emotional abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment, they probably don’t connect them to the seniors in their life. Read More

Celebrated in March, International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month highlight the contributions and impact made by women throughout history and society. Read More

The beginning of Spring is nature’s way of hitting the restart button and surprising us with new scenery. For many, this is a time of updating spaces, attitudes and outlooks on life. For older adults, Wellderly Week provides an opportunity to enjoy their free time and redefine “acting your age.” Read More

Have mom or dad come dangerously close to getting into an accident recently? If so, it may be time to have another one of those “talks.” By Rebekah Alcalde Read More

Over the next 3 decades, the number of people over 65 will double, from 40 million to over 80 million. And those over 85 years old will be the largest segment of this growing senior cohort. Read More

Longevity, or living a long life, is what we strive for as we age. Healthy, active, longevity. And there are solid guidelines available to help us to get there. No big secret, no magic elixir needed, and it is not as hard as you might think. Read More

January brings a bit of sadness or depression to many of us, but for seniors it can be even more significant. So how can we, the caregivers, help? Make plans! Read More