Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

There are so many websites leading in different directions, each touting they are the premier, largest, biggest, best option for aging parent home care, assisted living or even financial planning and legal advice.

Where does a family turn?  How do families know they are getting someone who is working on behalf of them, with the central goal being quality of life based on client values?

The best way is to ask questions.  The venture capital company that has just hit on baby boomer aging might be able to gather some health and human service experts – but do they know mom’s community or your community?   It isn’t just expertise that you want guiding your choices, it is knowledge on ALL the local resources, knowledge of benefits, aging, care choices and most of all understanding the emotional toll this can bring to everyone in a family.

So, what questions do you ask?  I think these are the most important ones:

1)      How long has this company been in my community?  Are they local or do they just have a national database?

2)      How long have their “experts” been with the company?

3)      Are these experts credentialed and certified by a creditable process (not a 30 hour course)?  Do they have a license – if so, do they have years in the field doing aging or elder care work?

4)      Do they take referral fees from outside agencies, facilities or professionals?   If it is a “free” service you can assume so, if it’s not a non-profit or government agency, someone pays.

5)      Is this person going to help you make a decision and help you see the pro and cons of each decision as it affects your family members?

6)      If you are looking for an Elder Law Attorney, Financial Planner or Geriatric Care Manager, do they belong to a National Association that has standards for membership and certification?

Asking questions will lead you to where you will get the best guidance.

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

 This was given by a 92 year old client to a Care Manager in the mid-west:

 ”Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

 1. Free your heart from hatred.

 2. Free your mind from worries.

 3. Live simply.

 4. Give more.

 5. Expect less.”

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

Can’t open the container?  Heads up marketing, the Baby Boomers are coming!

 As our population ages, with the over 50 crowd growing by 50% this decade, I am hoping that the manufactures of packaging take into consideration the product they are selling and whether or not their target population open it.

 I purchased some body wash this past week and was able to open it in the store to smell it but with my hands wet there was no way could I open it.  I poured it into the container of another product I used previously and I just will not buy that one again.  It has a lovely fragrance but I need to get at it.

 I have found frustration with opening other items as well.  Like in the middle of the night when you want a Tylenol and you have to line up the arrows – it is dark and I can’t see.  Plus, you need to use your thumb to pry it up – hard for those of us with arthritis in our hands.

 What each of us can do is send off a letter to the manufacture of a product and tell them we won’t buy it any longer unless they have packaging we can open.

 There is power in numbers – become an advocate for all!

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

Often those with dementia are excluded from social events because they become confused or anxious when they no longer can track conversations or follow directions for games such as Bridge.

I am often asked, “What can I do with my friend who has memory loss or dementia?”. A few simple ideas:Invite them to lunch but don’t confuse them with a menu just say, “let’s go get some spaghetti and meatballs” and you do the ordering. When you eliminate the overwhelming options you are more likely to get a “yes” to your invitation and reduce the anxiety that menus or choosing a restaurant present.When you get to the restaurant just say to the waiter, “We want the spaghetti and meat balls- no need for a menu.”

Another idea is to ask the person to take a walk with you and just stay present on the surroundings; focus on the flora and/or wildlife.No need to remember, you just need to feel the day.It is surprising how many people with dementia and/or memory loss can’t remember the outing but their family will report how relaxed they were when they had the experience of just enjoying the moment.This is a gift those with dementia give us – the moment.