Moving is stressful no matter how old you are, and it gets even harder with years of memories and possessions collected in one home. In fact, more than half of seniors say that avoiding the hassle of moving is a reason why they want to age at home, according to a survey by the National Council on Aging. Senior move managers relieve this burden, specializing in helping the elderly downsize and transition to assisted living communities or other housing. We spoke with Jennifer Pickett and May Kay Buysse, the executive team at the National Association of Senior ..read more

A growing body of research reveals how this social isolation harms mental and physical health. A Brigham Young University study suggests loneliness is as deadly as smoking or obesity, while researchers at the University of Chicago note blood pressure and stress levels are “significantly higher” in lonely people, especially seniors. Isolation is also linked with depression, illness, and higher early mortality rates, studies show. If you’re concerned your loved one is feeling lonely, there are several ways to help. Determine the “right” amount of socializing for your loved one Some alone ti ..read more

Knowing how to comfort a dying loved one is challenging and heart-wrenching. Whether you feel pressure to come up with the right words, or you’re not sure where to begin, your feelings are normal. Fortunately, there are things you can say or write to help you and your loved one feel more at peace. Meaningful conversations to have with your loved one When talking to your loved one, focus on their needs. Everyone is comforted by different things. Small gestures, such as holding their hand or rubbing their back may feel relaxing or comforting to some. Others may find solace in ta ..read more

Siblings often disagree when faced with decisions about an elderly parent’s care. Here are some of the most common issues siblings argue about and advice to resolve them.  Siblings disagree about how much care is needed Adult siblings don’t always see caregiving needs the same way. One child may have the impression that a parent is doing fine at home, while another feels that they need extra help. This is especially common if family members are spread out geographically or spend different amounts of time with aging loved ones. Solution: Get an expert assessment An ou ..read more

Relocating a senior loved one can bring them closer to family, ensure a safer home environment, and lead to a more active lifestyle. Whether your parent is planning a move to your home, downsizing to a senior apartment, or transitioning to an assisted living community, these six tips can help you plan. Delegate Moving Responsibilities Many seniors have spent their lives collecting meaningful possessions. If your loved one is downsizing, they’ll have to leave things behind. Start small. Suggest your loved one start with a room with low sentimental value, like a bathroom or guest suite ..read more

Many families look to assisted living facilities to provide essential care and peace of mind when it comes to their aging parents. Finding the best senior living community means matching your parents’ needs, lifestyle, and budget with communities in their desired area. The process is easiest and most successful when you ask the right questions, prepare, and have open conversations with your family. If you’ve noticed signs your parents need help, it may be time to look for assisted living options. Follow these six steps to find the right senior liv ..read more

About 34.2 million Americans currently provide care for a family member or loved one over the age of 50, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving. Despite these numbers, becoming your parent’s caregiver can be demanding. It often includes advocating for your loved one, coordinating providers and performing medical care tasks at home. Are You Prepared to Be a Caregiver for Your Parent? Being prepared for the role of sole caregiver means taking a lot of different factors into consideration. You’ll need to ask yourself hard questions about how your own availability ..read more

If you’re responsible for caring for an elderly loved one, caregiver support groups are a way for you and other caregivers to share your experiences, which can include information, insight, advice, or words of encouragement. Whether you’re an in-home caregiver, caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, or have a family member in an assisted living community, each person in a caregiver support group can learn from others who face similar challenges. Best Online Support Groups for Caregivers Memory Caregiver Online Support Groups Memory People If your loved one has Alz ..read more

Cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, helping with medical appointments, and managing medications are some of the duties of an elderly caregiver. But your responsibilities will ultimately depend on your loved one’s health and needs. What is a caregiver? A caregiver cares for the health and well-being of someone who needs help with daily tasks and activities. Your aging loved one may need a caregiver because of an injury, mobility or memory issues, illnesses, or chronic conditions that make everyday chores more challenging. Depending on the level of support provided, long-term caregiving can ta ..read more

When he was in his 20s, my grandfather drove Elvis Presley through Germany. At 16, my grandmother was crowned the Watermelon Queen of Georgia, and had her picture made with the president in a dress she sewed herself. Growing up, I only saw them twice a year, and would beg to hear their stories. He was candid, and loved to laugh about his wild misadventures like being stuck on top of a train car during the great Kansas City flood of 1951. My grandmother was demure, preferring to tell stories about my mother and uncles only when prompted. “The elderly leave us a priceless gift when they bes ..read more