Long Term Care - Other

As with many topics, including aging, it’s often hard to separate essential truths from widespread myths. Sometimes it’s only through lived experiences that we find out what’s real and what’s not. Well, as a way to shortcut this process of getting smart, there’s a new resource for you: Navigating Your…

The stereotype of life in a retirement community or long term care facility is not great- images of disability, bland food and boredom probably come to mind. And in some ways, those are accurate visions. But in many other ways, the reality is more complex and messy- just like life…

Being a caregiver is a tough job, whether you’re a family member or a paid employee. Injury among caregivers is high, given the physical demands of the job, and most paid workers earn so little that they must rely on Medicaid for their own health insurance. The hours are long,…

You’ve probably heard of the organization Make-A-Wish Foundation, which provides seriously ill children with opportunities to experience events or activities that would otherwise be unattainable for them. For many seniors, especially those living in long term care facilities, there are also wished-for-dreams, but little way to fulfill them. One organization,…

Many older people who live in the community do so with the help of a support team: family or paid care providers who ensure a safe and manageable environment. Occasionally that team needs a break- maybe a respite from caregiving demands or a temporary absence due to other obligations. What then…

No one likes being hospitalized but for some patients, the real trauma begins post-hospitalization. The transition to home, rehab facility or some other setting can be fraught with miscommunication and lack of oversight, leading to unnecessary and at times life-threatening complications for the patient. In particular, medication mistakes can cause…