Shirley executed a Power of Attorney (POA) for Health Care when she was 64 years old. At the time, she directed that that everything possible be done to keep her alive, regardless of her chances of recovery or costs. She kept her POA for Health Care … [Continue reading]
Sexuality: Turn the Cards Face Up
“They tell you they are going to lay out all the cards, but you find out that all the cards are not face up.” Vince is talking about his interaction with medical providers since his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He is referring to the lack of … [Continue reading]
Are You in the Hospital? When a Hospital Admission Isn’t
78-year old Rita was being treated for cancer when she was taken to the hospital after she fell and broke her pelvis. During her five-day hospital stay, she was evaluated by her cancer doctor as well as other specialists to address her many medical … [Continue reading]
Keeping the Wrinkles Out of Elder Care
Tips for Helping Aging Loved Ones By Penny Golden, RN As science progresses and people are living longer, many of us find ourselves faced with helping to care for aging family members. This can be a confusing process. Which doctor does Mom see … [Continue reading]
Will Your Family Need an Elder Care Advocate?
By Signe Gleeson, RNC, CCM, MS No one should face aging and illness alone. Too often, older adults find themselves without an ally or advocate when they are most vulnerable. Illness and infirmity can diminish the best of us. This is more dramatic … [Continue reading]
When Enough is Enough
“Sometimes the gentlest of breezes can topple us off the precipice.” While we all know that death is inevitable, it is difficult to accept it as such. Often we search for answers through medical procedures and technologies when the true answer comes … [Continue reading]
Helping Parents and Family Work Together – A Personal View
The experience of working with my many siblings as we attempted to make the “right” care decisions with and for my mother left me humbled and gave me a new appreciation for the challenges we face. It’s a lot easier to “talk the talk” than “walk the … [Continue reading]