Archives by: Jennifer Beach
About the author
Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM writes the Thrive blog, Caregiver Corner. She established Advocate for Elders in Rocky River in 2010. Jennifer has 25 years of experience in working with and advocating for older adults and their families. Jennifer is a licensed, insured Social Worker and an Advanced Aging Life Care® Professional. She has served as the Midwest Chapter President of the Aging Life Care Association and additionally served 7 years on the Board of Directors. In 2018, Jennifer was honored as the recipient of the ALCA Midwest Chapter Outstanding Member of the Year Award. Learn more at advocate4elders.com.
Jennifer Beach Posts
Fear of speaking up in senior communities or nursing homes is a real problem. Residents frequently believe, if they report about the way an aide interacts—or in many cases, does not interact—with them, there will be repercussions. After all, they are the vulnerable ones needing care and assistance. ...
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Difficult conversations are hard, but what if that difficult conversation allowed your loved one to address an issue sooner, reducing difficult treatment or discomfort, or even live longer? ...
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What seems like simple little details are actually important details that matter significantly and make a huge impact on a person’s day. Whether the issue is staff shortages, a need for increased training, understanding someone’s abilities and pace, our tone of voice, asking versus telling... all these details are important to help older adults have quality days, even with their challenges. ...
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Medication management can become a challenge as our loved ones age. Are they still able to handle it on their own? Nearly one in three hospital admissions and readmissions of the elderly are linked to problems and/or harmful side effects due to medications. ...
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We all want to maintain our independence. Many of us are willing to risk safety, quality, comfort and potential injury, all to hold onto to our way of life. But resisting change can be dangerous. How do you know when safety should outweigh the wish to remain independent? How do you know when it is time to move? ...
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Let's say you have fallen and broken a bone. The hospital team has done their job and now it's time to go to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation. Sometimes that can be a rocky transition. ...
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Delirium is a temporary state of mental confusion that starts suddenly. It is caused by a physical condition of some sort, such as infections, dehydration or low salt levels, and liver and kidney problems. Someone suffering from delirium might not know where they are, what time it is, or what’s happening to them. It can be very frightening to see a loved one so disoriented, but typically, delirium will go away with treatment and support. ...
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Learning a new tech device is more frightening than hearing a strange noise at night, a dental visit and a doctor appointment combined, according to a survey of adults 60+). Fifty-seven percent of older adults fear internet scams, hacks and computer viruses. ...
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