You like being in the driver’s seat. It’s your life and you want to be sure you get to live it your way.
Perhaps you cared for your parents and want things handled differently when you reach your own elderhood. Maybe you do not have children and wonder who will help you when you need it. Perhaps you do have children and want to have your independence, make your own decisions.
This blog is for those who want to proactively plan for their later years. Check out our monthly posts for thoughts that can help you decide what will work best for you in terms of housing, paying for care, and meeting life’s challenges as you age.
Want to set up a plan? Call us for a consultation: 413-775-4570
If your spouse is younger than 65 and has received an Alzheimer's diagnosis, you may feel in a world all your own. You probably don't know anyone else in this situation and may sense a social stigma. It can be scary. Lonely. And feel just not fair! Look for a support group. You are not... 
Dentures need the same level of care and attention as natural teeth do. Bacteria and fungi that grow on teeth can also infect a dental appliance. Pressure spots on the gums can lead to pain and potential infection. Also to problems eating and then weight loss. In addition, poor denture care can result in stains... 
Perhaps your loved one has just gotten out of the hospital and needs some meals for a few weeks while recuperating. Or maybe Mom has dementia and it's become too much for Dad to have to cook on top of caring for her. Meals on Wheels America serves communities most everywhere in the country, but there... 
If you care for a loved one with moderate to advanced dementia, it's likely the idea of placement in memory care has come up. Maybe a friend has nudged you. Or it's been suggested by your relative's doctor or care manager. Perhaps you know you are exhausted. Most families eventually investigate this option because it’s... 
If someone else in your family has primary responsibility for the care of your loved one, that doesn't mean you don't have anything to contribute. Far from it! Caring for an older adult is more than one person can do alone. There are many ways to lend a hand (even if you don't live nearby).... 
People with heart failure (HF) often tire easily, especially if they exert themselves. In HF, the heart is swollen with fluids and cannot beat efficiently. The body's cells then become hungry for oxygen. If your loved one has HF, you witness this in his or her fatigue, shortness of breath, and frequent naps. Even with... 
If the person you care for has a low vision diagnosis, three types of modifications to the home can make life easier: Lighting, glare control, and the use of color contrast. Fortunately, these strategies are relatively inexpensive. Lighting. Sunlight is the best. It's full-spectrum light. But it fluctuates depending on the time of day and... 
Frustrated in your search for a paid caregiver? You are not alone. There is an extreme shortage of helpers right now. Even before COVID, the demand for aides was greater than the supply. The "Great Resignation" hit the caring professions hard. Caregivers close to retirement left early. And many younger workers decided to opt for... 
Distance makes caregiving more challenging, from knowing what's needed, to getting tasks accomplished. Here are some tips: Stay in touch. This is a win–win. You stay current on issues, and your relative gets the emotional boost. Use the phone, email, and/or Web-based video calls. Connect at different times of day to see what's up. Is... 
Catching things early is big with Medicare. Every year, all Medicare enrollees are eligible for a free "Wellness Visit" with their primary care doctor. This is NOT an annual physical, so don't use that term when making the appointment. Beyond basic vitals—height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse—there is no physical examination. If a physical exam... 