Old. Chronically ill. Black. People who fit this description are more likely to die from COVID-19 than any other group in the country. They are perishing quietly, out of sight, in homes and apartment buildings, senior housing complexes, nursing homes and hospitals, disproportionately poor, frail and ill, after enduring a lifetime of racism and its attendant adverse health … [Read more...] about Why black aging matters, too
Senior Living
Seven winter safety tips for seniors and their caregivers
During the winter months, ice, snow and cold temperatures can make life challenging for anyone. Slippery sidewalks and cold weather can cause a wide range of injuries and illnesses, especially for older people. While finding senior care to assist older adults on a regular basis can help keep them safe during any season, the following senior safety tips for winter can be … [Read more...] about Seven winter safety tips for seniors and their caregivers
Preparing your senior loved one for the autumn season
The autumnal equinox began on September 22, 2021. At the start of the fall season, the sun rises later and nightfall arrives sooner. Plenty of environmental changes occur, making it necessary to make adjustments and prepare a senior loved one for the cooler season. 1. Rake the leaves Crimson autumn leaves are a breathtaking sight. The leaves change color because of the … [Read more...] about Preparing your senior loved one for the autumn season
A journey with Alzheimer’s
Recognizing the signs Wendy Smith was a caregiver for her father, Owen Grisham, during his six-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She lived close to her parents and handled their finances and doctor’s visit. Leading up to his diagnosiss, there were many signs about his condition. Her father got lost driving, was forgetting things and his sleep became erratic. A turning … [Read more...] about A journey with Alzheimer’s
Seven ways of finding joy in trying times
Throughout history, joy has made cameo appearances in hard times. While imprisoned in a concentration camp, Austrian psychiatrist Viktor Frankl developed the joy and life-sustaining ideas in his influential book, Man’s Search for Meaning, that beauty, art and love need to co-exist amid devastation.* During the Great Depression of the 1930’s, there was a boom in musical comedy … [Read more...] about Seven ways of finding joy in trying times
How to celebrate Thanksgiving safely in your senior living community in 2020
Thanksgiving is going to look a little different this year. To keep COVID-19 transmission at bay, families will likely opt for smaller gatherings (and smaller turkeys) instead of the customary large get-togethers with relatives who’ve flown in from across the country. Unfortunately, this means that many seniors, who are at a heightened risk of developing serious illness from … [Read more...] about How to celebrate Thanksgiving safely in your senior living community in 2020
Celebrating 30 years of PACE
Cindy Cowie remembers how it all started. There was a small team of caregivers, a handful of seniors, and a conference room. The early days of Community Care’s PACE program felt like a one-room schoolhouse. There was a nurse, a social worker, and Cindy, a recreational therapist.Back then, job titles did not matter as much. You just rolled up your sleeves and helped where you … [Read more...] about Celebrating 30 years of PACE
Raising awareness about dementia and Alzheimer’s
In 2018, Wisconsin health officials set out to create a plan to improve dementia care throughout the state. After surveying a group that included individuals living with dementia, caregivers, and health professionals, the Department of Health Services identified several priorities including increasing public awareness and understanding of brain health and dementia. If you … [Read more...] about Raising awareness about dementia and Alzheimer’s
New AARP Wisconsin poll: 65-plus voters may tip the scales in 2020
Findings show Social Security, Medicare transcend party lines Tuesday, September 15, 2020, AARP Wisconsin released the full survey results that shows voters age 65-plus are a not a lock for either presidential candidate. Former Vice President Joe Biden (56 percent) leads President Donald Trump (39 percent) among voters 65 and older. The survey finds that support for Social … [Read more...] about New AARP Wisconsin poll: 65-plus voters may tip the scales in 2020
Help seniors avoid falling this autumn
You might say that a fall motivated Kelly Schroeder to pursue a career working with seniors. Schroeder, the director of clinical services for Community Care, a local nonprofit and expert in long term care, had a grandmother who fell and never truly recovered. As a result, her grandmother found herself dependent for the rest of her life, but it was totally preventable. As … [Read more...] about Help seniors avoid falling this autumn