Licensed versus Unlicensed
I recently came across a news article about elder abuse. It was a horrible account of abuse in a San Antonio home. Although the article didn't specifically mention it, I am almost certain it was an unlicensed home. The woman was charging $600 a month to allow...
It’s All About Choices
In almost twenty years in the assisted living industry, the one thing I have come to realize is with the elderly people at this stage it's all about choice. I've tried over the years to put myself in their shoes. They have been living for a long time independently...
Music Memories
Last night I was watching a PBS special on Motown music. They had Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls, the Temptations and so many others. This music was popular when I was in high school and it brought back so many memories. I remembered dancing to them as a teenager....
Alzheimers or Dementia
In 19 years in the assisted living industry, I have found that anyone who exhibits any symptoms of dementia are automatically labeled as having Alzheimers. When I was in college, I had a professor who illustrated the differences between the two. She said when you...
5 Signs Your Elderly Loved One May Need Help
I do talks about how you know when you need help or an assisted living placement. AARP recently came out with an article that pretty well describes some things to look for. They listed 5 things: 1. Fall hazard - a person is falling a lot 2. Unfinished business -...
How to Live Longer
I recently saw a Ted Talk on the secret of living longer. You may be surprised to hear what the most common predictor of long life is. In the talk, the psychologist reveals the strongest predictors are close relationships and social integration. This is certainly...
What To Look For When Choosing an Assisted Living or Long Term Care Community
I bet I get calls weekly from people who ask about what to look for in an assisted living or long term care facility. The first thing I tell them is to enlist the help of your five senses: 1. Sight - How do the people look? Do they look happy? Are they clean and...
Changes to Life
I recently stepped away from day-to-day operations at Argent Court. It was bitter sweet since I have been doing this for 19 years. I decided to focus on other things in life as my priorities have changed. The reality is I’m getting older and if this industry has...
Memories
As I was putting up my Christmas tree this year, I was struck at how many memories my tree represents. There are those handmade ornaments from my children (who are now grown with children of their own), a painted ornament from a resident named Edith, numerous...
Loneliness During the Holidays
Loneliness is the biggest theory behind elderly dying during the holidays. The following article talks about ways to prevent loneliness during the holidays. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/elderly-loneliness-during-holidays-148441.htm There was a great commercial...