Recommendations for communicating with older adults this Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is a time when many of us get together with family near and far to feast and enjoy each-others company. The majority of these festivities involve our older parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents. Aging can have a profound effect on communication and can create barriers between … Continued
In 1999, I fulfilled my 2nd grade promise to take care of my Mom if she ever got sick. From personal experience, Supporting The Caregiver is as important as providing the personal care yourself. When I talk about that ‘time’ to anyone I generally say it was the worst but also the most precious … Continued
The question before you is: Should You Be Using Social Media To Advocate For Seniors? I just read the article: Advocating for Aging Services in a Digital World by Julie Sweetland, featured on the American Society for Aging website. She’s right. We need to change both attitudes and perspectives, and social media both … Continued
Holidays in the Eyes of a Person with Dementia Author: Bobbi Kolonay RN MS CCM HNB Owner of Holistic Aging – Options For Elder Care Pittsburgh’s Expert in Aging Related Issues Everyone deserves to have a nice holiday, but it’s on us to accommodate those who are struggling with the effects of a … Continued
Author: Barbara (Bobbi) Kolonay RN, MS, CCM You should no longer hear the words “I’m sorry, but you are no longer continuing to make progress in Physical Therapy (Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy) so we need to discharge you from our service”, coming from your client’s therapist. This is what is referred to as: Plateau Therapy. The … Continued
Surrogate Decision Making Needed for HALF of Hospitalized Older Adults… is No Surprise to Options For Elder Care Wouldn’t you want that surrogate to be someone who knows your history, has clinical expertise, knowledge of the health care delivery system, that can interpret your diagnosis and treatment plan, has expertise in the older population, has … Continued
The Science of Aromatherapy By Barbara (Bobbi) Kolonay RN MS CCM Clinical Aromatherapist What is Aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is the use of therapeutic oils extracted from trees, bushes, flowers and shrubs from all over the world, recognizing each oil has its own unique chemical make-up. Recently, aromatherapy tended to be viewed as an art rather than … Continued
Driving with Alzheimer’s Disease By Barbara (Bobbi) Kolonay RN, BSN, MS, CCM Elder drivers are more likely to get into multiple vehicle accidents than younger drivers and suffer more serious injuries. As we age, our ability to drive safely can be limited by many factors, including visual decline, loss of hearing, mental functioning, limited mobility, … Continued
There Is NOTHING Wrong with Me and I Don’t Need Help! (Tips for dealing with a loved one who deny they have an impairment) Anosognosia is not denial, but the lack of knowing that an impairment, deficit, or illness exists. It results from physical changes in brain cells most typically in the right front side … Continued