I sign her out of the hospital rehab and bring her to my house for lunch. She sees her face and the droopy side for the first time and that her always perfectly coifed hair wasn’t looking very good – and said, “Ah! Look at my face”. I had to remind her it was from the Read More
Mom’s Going to Assisted Living – Am I Ready?
Tomorrow is the day I break through any denial that my mother needed help. Yet, I still feel somewhat guilty and know better on a professional and concrete level – she has had at least 4 small strokes! This one just hit her harder and has impaired her ability to speak clearly and remember what Read More
Dining Room Table Clutter – From Mom to Me!
I had been concerned about my mother’s increasing clutter of paper over the past three years and now I need to take over the managing of her affairs due to her stroke – my dining room table looks likes hers did! Hope the clutter police aren’t close by! Taking over the paperwork of a family Read More
Parenting Your Parent? No, Not Me!
Over the past 27 years, I have worked with many families, professionals and peers around the idea of “role reversal and the thought of parenting your parent.” I have opposed that notion saying frequently that you can’t reverse your role with your mom or dad, no matter what the dependency, they are still your parent Read More
Mom had a Stroke…Now What?
A few days ago, while staying with me, my 88 year-old mother had a stroke and has been in the hospital for the past 3 days. It is surprising the scenarios that go through your head and the decisions you start making way before it is necessary. Can she live alone? Should I insist she Read More
Seniors Being Discharged from Hospitals
When an aging family member is discharged from a hospital it is imperative that a responsible family member or a professional like a Geriatric Care Manager follow up. About 20% of seniors who are discharged from hospitals end up being re-hospitalized because they were confused with the discharge plan or didn’t see their primary physician Read More
