For many adult children, one of the hardest transitions in life is realizing that a parent who once took care of you now needs care themselves. The signs can appear slowly: a forgotten doctor’s appointment, unopened mail, skipped meals; or they can arrive suddenly after a fall or hospital stay. Whatever brings that realization, it often comes with confusion and worry:  Where do I start? Who can help? How do I manage this when I’m already stretched thin? Coordinating care for

Caring for an aging parent or loved one can be one of the most meaningful acts of love, and also one of the most exhausting. Many family caregivers take on the role gradually, saying yes to one small task after another, until their own lives revolve entirely around someone else’s needs. The problem is that caring without knowing how to set boundaries as a caregiver often leads to burnout. You may start feeling resentful, guilty, or completely drained. Setting boundaries doesn

We grow up imagining our parents, caregivers, and older loved ones as invincible, so it’s not an easy transition to find yourself searching  “how to hire a caregiver for elderly parents” . Whether you are feeling calm and practical or overwhelmed with worry, guilt, and a mountain of unanswered questions, how do you even start this process? How do you know who to trust with the most vulnerable moments of your loved one’s life? As geriatric care management professionals, we’ve

We often think of companionship as something that walks, talks, or wags a tail. But for many seniors, especially those navigating life in a smaller home or a retirement community, a different kind of companion can offer profound comfort and purpose: the humble houseplant. While the idea of talking to your plants might seem whimsical, the simple, the daily routine of indoor gardening for the elderly is a powerful tool for enhancing well-being in later life. For an elder, the d

Behavioral changes in aging parents or loved ones can often be the first, and sometimes only, indicators of underlying physical or mental health issues that, if left unaddressed, can lead to serious complications. Recognizing these silent signals is not about fostering alarmism, but about proactive care. It’s about intervening early to preserve our parents' health, safety, and independence for as long as possible. Here are ten key behavioral changes family members should look

Many older adults lose interest in food due to changes in taste, medication side effects, or emotional factors. Learn the common causes of loss of appetite in seniors and how a Geriatric Care Manager can help.

Financial exploitation of the elderly is a growing and often underreported form of abuse that can devastate seniors’ savings, independence, and emotional well-being. Unlike physical abuse, financial exploitation can be harder to detect, as it often involves trusted individuals - family members, caregivers, or even strangers in service roles - who manipulate or steal from vulnerable older adults. With an aging population and increasing reliance on digital transactions, the ris

For older adults, the changing seasons are more than just a shift in the weather; they present a unique set of challenges that can turn a home from a sanctuary into a hazard. Proactively winterizing an elder's home is not merely about comfort: it's a crucial step in preserving health and independence through the colder months. By focusing on four key areas (heating, slip prevention, lighting, and weather-specific threats) families and caregivers can create a safe harbor for t

Deciding on long-term care placement for an aging loved one is often one of the most emotionally and logistically challenging experiences a family can face. The process involves evaluating medical needs, financial considerations, emotional adjustments, and the overwhelming array of facility options. This is where a geriatric care manager (GCM) becomes an invaluable ally. As trained professionals specializing in elder care, GCMs provide expertise, objectivity, and compassionat

A geriatric care manager's guide on how to talk to parents about end-of-life planning, including some things to consider, step by step instructions, and a checklist.

The “golden years” are often imagined as peaceful. A time to relax, enjoy family, and reap the rewards of a life well-lived. But for many older adults, especially those in second-chapter marriages, aging brings not just health challenges but also complicated family conflicts. Stepchildren may clash with biological children. A new spouse may feel dismissed or excluded. And the older parent, caught in the middle, is left heartbroken as the family they love fractures around them

We often imagine that when we retire, our days would be filled with golf, travel, and time with grandkids. They can be. Much of our...

When we think of food insecurity, we often picture homelessness or extreme poverty. However, a hidden crisis is growing among an...

When your aging parent enters the healthcare system, it can feel like their identity vanishes behind a wall of medical codes,...

For younger adults, a fall might mean a scraped knee or a bruised ego. But for seniors, the same stumble can lead to life-altering...

In an era dominated by digital communication and fleeting social media interactions, the ancient tradition of storytelling has become a...

You stop by your parent’s house in the afternoon and notice they’re still in bed. Later, during a phone call, they sound groggy, even...

Confidants, companions, and often the very heartbeat of the home: that's what pets are to many people, and especially so for many seniors...

Moving is often ranked among life’s most stressful events, right up there with divorce and starting a new job. But for older adults, a...

You never imagined you would feel this way about your own parent. You recall standing in the kitchen one night, staring at the dishes...