Your Aging Parents Blog

Film About End of Life Decisions - Consider the Conversation Nominated

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:10:50 GMT

Consider the Conversation Nominated for 9 Awards Terry Kaldhusdal and Michael Bernhagen, filmakers, are pleased to announce that the PBS version of Consider the Conversation: A Documentary on a Taboo Subject has been nominated for 9 awards...

Holiday Stress Tips for the Sandwich Generation

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:13:56 GMT

The countdown crunch is on for the sandwich generation. Are you more likely to make it to the end of the holidays in one piece, or in pieces? How about taking the time now to seriously re-evaluate your "to do" by following these holiday stress tips.

Medicare Open Enrollment Ends December 7 - Talk to Your Aging Parents

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:39:02 GMT

Are there any specific changes that your aging parents need to make to their Medicare Plan? The 2011 Medicare Open Enrollment period ends December 7. Medicare limits making changes in coverage to certain specific time frames. Check in with this Medicare publication to make sure that they don't miss out and have to pay penalties to get the coverage that they want. (Scroll down to page 7 to make sure.) Even if your parents don't need to make any decisions, now, use this time as an opportunity to ask questions about their medicare insurance coverage (and any other insurance), where they keep their records, and whether it really will be enough as time goes on. You’ll want to understand it for their future, and yours.

Independent Living Aids - Emergency Information - Daughter of an elderly father with an allergy and a heart condition-

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:45:18 GMT

I found a nifty Identification Holder for seniors, or anyone with special needs or disabilities. It's called MediPal, and I got one for my dad

How do I get POA for Finances while my aging mom is in the hospital?

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:53:42 GMT

My mom is in the hospital in a rehab facility, but I need power of attorney so I can pay her bills and take care of her things. The rehab offers to do

Tell Your Aging Parents: Emergency Alert System National Test

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:36:14 GMT

Make sure your aging parents know that there is no cause for alarm. On November 9, 2011 will be the first national test of the Emergency Alert System. All public media will be involved - television, radio, all channels. The alert will last about 3 minutes. Make sure you warn your parents ahead of time so the elders of the country won't think we are under attack, or some major weather disaster. No need to repeat the panic of Orson Welles and War of the Worlds.

Halloween Activity for the Sandwich Generation

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:34:47 GMT

Here's a great Halloween idea for the sandwich generation. Any grandparent and grandchildren could enjoy this - low cost, low effort, lot's of fun. If you need holiday entertainment and decoration -- try this Halloween wreath -- made of candy corn of course!

Gifts For Seniors: Mixbook Photo Books

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:09:02 GMT

One of the greatest gifts for seniors is a customized photo book. Many seniors get their greatest joy from their children and grandchildren. With a customized

An iPod and an App = a daily, easy check-in service

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:48:46 GMT

My brother and I wanted for our Dad the opposite of a panic button: a Don’t Worry Button, something with a big friendly button for him to send a “Don’t

Consider the Conversation: First Primetime Television Broadcast

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:36:36 GMT

Breaking news! - The first primetime television broadcast of Consider the Conversation will take place on Saturday, July 2nd at 9 pm on all three West Virginia PBS stations (WPBY, WSWP, WNPB)! Consider the Conversation is a documentary that poignantly urges all of us to talk openly about what we want and how we want to be treated at the end of life. Rev. Dale Susan Edmonds, founder of Talk-Early-Talk-Often.com, appears along with numerous end-of-life experts and families facing immediate decisions. Take the time to watch it with your aging parents, and tell your friends, your congregation, or people in your workplace.

Home Security Network: A Needed Upgrade for Your Aging Parents

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:28:16 GMT

A home security network is an important consideration for your aging parents. Whether they are moving or aging in place, their safety should not be left to chance.

Gifts for Seniors for Every Occasion

Sat, 07 May 2011 17:35:12 GMT

Gifts for seniors are some of the hardest decisions to make. What could they use? What would they enjoy? Find great ideas for your aging parents for every occasion and ability.

Independent Living Aids: Maintain Freedom and Self-reliance

Sat, 07 May 2011 16:34:08 GMT

Independent Living Aids are vital to help our aging parents maintain their lives with as much freedom and self-reliance as possible. Here are some of the most helpful suggestions.

Arthritis Aids - Extend Your Parent's Freedom with Independent Living Aids

Mon, 02 May 2011 12:34:49 GMT

Recommended Arthritis Aids to preserve your parents' freedom and independence.

Senior exercise gives unexpected benefits: get senior fitness routines

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:28:31 GMT

Why senior exercise may be the key for your parents to regain aging fitness of body, brain, and spirit.

Care for the Caregiver in the Congregation

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:38:37 GMT

How can you care for the caregiver in your congregation? Listen as Elaine K Sanchez addresses one of the most frequent caregiver emotions: guilt.

Essential Activities for Dementia

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:32:58 GMT

Keeping the person with dementia active provides the cognitive stimulation and engagement needed to maintain daily mood and overall quality of life. Provide activities for dementia - here's how...

Understand the Alzheimers Brain and What to do next

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:33:26 GMT

The alzheimers brain is one of the most frightening things families can imagine. You may fear for your parents, you may fear for yourself. Understand what's happening then learn what to do.

Addressing Caregiver Challenges in the Congregation

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 22:28:06 GMT

Addressing caregiver challenges is a new frontier as our congregations or their parents age. Watch this video to understand the new phase of life called "caregiving" and what congregations must do to

Making End of Life Decisions: 100 Things

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 13:06:26 GMT

Making end of life decisions can't be easy. You'll need a framework of understanding to be able to talk to your aging parents and to get your own perspectives out of the way.

Make Sure Your Aging Parents Are Shoveling Snow Safely

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 14:29:54 GMT

The blizzards have hit us. And there's more snow to come. Make sure your aging parents or neighbors who are senior citizens stay safe. You don't want "heroic fatalities" just to clear the sidewalks. These simple tips will help them (or you) shovel snow safely.

My Big Screen Movie Premiere... (OK, Not Hollywood)

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:10:18 GMT

This Saturday - Feb 5, 2011 you can see the Wisconsin Premiere of
Consider the Conversation: a documentary on a taboo subject

These filmmakers are trying to get people all over the country to talk -- about what they'd REALLY like to have happen at the end of their life. Here's a small clip of my part. (Keep watching -- I'm the 3rd person you'll see... in the church.)

Then click to learn more about the film and how you can buy tickets. See you Saturday!

Access Illinois Senior Services for Your Aging Parents

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 19:43:30 GMT

Illinois senior services form a complex, but effective, network of services to support aging parents. Here's where to start.

Find Hawaii Senior Services: A Government Community Partnership

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 15:28:17 GMT

Hawaii senior services have a long history of community and government partnership. Find comprehensive services for your aging parents here.

Your Aging Parents are Now Senior Citizens: How to Talk About the Future

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 12:53:38 GMT

How do you get your aging parents, who are now senior citizens, to talk about the future? Now is the time and here are the tools you'll need to start.

Social Security Death Records - Steps for Recording a Death Notice

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 10:31:29 GMT

Social security death records are required by law and help prevent identity theft. Learn what to do after a parents dies to file a death notice.

End of Life Issues and Choices for Aging Parents

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:43:03 GMT

End of life issues and choices are the focus of a PBS documentary. Beginning these conversations with aging parents will help your family be prepared for the future with confidence and calm.

Active Aging Tips for New Year Resolutions

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 15:33:58 GMT

These active aging tips are a great place to start conversations with aging parents. Why not consider an active life as part of your New Year resolutions as well? The benefits are enormous...

Spirituality and aging: valuable discussions with elderly parents

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 20:30:50 GMT

Spirituality and aging - How do you have deeper conversations with elderly parents? What are their lessons and legacy? What can life review teach you about the future?

We Need YOU. Talk Early Talk Often With Aging Parents: Nominated for Best of the Web in Caregiver Resources. Please Vote!

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:07:07 GMT

Talk-Early-Talk-Often.com is a growing information, education, and networking resource for people, like you, with aging parents. Nominated for BEST OF THE WEB contest for Best Caregiver Resources. Please take 30 seconds and cast your vote here. Thanks!

Research Florida senior services for your aging parents

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:04:03 GMT

Find Florida senior services to help your aging parents plan for future elderly help

Why Advance Directives need more than a signed document to be compelling

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 11:02:17 GMT

Advance Directives need more than a signed document. Who needs to have the conversations with your aging parents? What do they need to talk about? How do you start the talks?

Medical Power of Attorney Q & A

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 10:49:19 GMT

Questions and Answers about a Medical Power of Attorney or being a Health Care Proxy for your Aging Parents

An Advance Health Care Directive for Aging Parents is easier for Doc

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 10:13:07 GMT

An advance health care directive for aging parents could solve many problems for their doctors. A survey of 10,000 doctors identified many ethical dilemmas. Who to talk to should not be among them.

Holiday Stress Management: Better Family Relationships in Sandwich Generation

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:06:20 GMT

Holiday stress management has everything to do with improving family relationships. Here's how the sandwich generations can improve family communication.

Elderly Drivers: Understanding the Real Hazards for Senior Drivers

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:59:32 GMT

Elderly drivers are the fastest growing segment of the driving population. Your aging parents continue to proclaim their competence, but you need to learn what hazards to watch for.

Media Page: Heading Home for the Holidays?

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:28:08 GMT

Heading Home for the Holidays? Today's Economic Chaos Requires That You Talk With Your Aging Parents About the Future

Invite Rev. Dale Susan Edmonds, Family Communication Coach, to teach your audience about what to look for, and what to talk about when visiting aging parents for the holidays.

Can Senior Citizen Driving Be a Source of Holiday Stress Relief?

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 11:54:21 GMT

Going home for the holidays? This would be a great time to ride along with aging parents and check out the driving situation. Don't bring up the subject at the holiday dinner table! But you might find time to have private conversations with a parent or with a sibling to talk about what you've seen and what they hope for the future. Get some tips about starting the conversations...

Holiday Stress Tips: The Sandwich Generation Learns to Unplan the Holidays

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 17:45:16 GMT

Holiday stress tips are essential for people in the sandwich generation. You've got a lot on your plate, but coping with holiday stress can be achieved. "Backward preparation" and "un-planning" key.

How to Talk About Taking Care of the Elderly

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 11:41:45 GMT

Hi all, I've been researching how to have this conversation with my parents and I found this website, ShareWIK.com, which has offered a lot of helpful

Gift Ideas for Senior Citizens

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:44:45 GMT

Check out this cool item to promote physical fitness and brain fitness in one!

CSA - Society of Certified Senior Advisors Recommends End of Life Planning Tips

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:35:42 GMT

Need to talk to your aging parents about these difficult subjects? Check out what these professionals suggest...

Make Senior Safety a Priority for Your Aging Parents

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:24:14 GMT

Make senior safety a priority for your aging parents. Learn to talk to them about elder safety -- in the home and in the community. There are new safety risks for senior citizens.

Simple Fire Safety Guidelines for Winter Fires with Aging Parents

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:54:02 GMT

Follow these simple fire safety guidelines and your aging parents can continue to enjoy their winter fires safely. Consider the alternative.

The best water exercises for seniors.

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 11:58:18 GMT

The best water exercises are good water exercises for seniors and can be used as water therapy exercises post -surgery. Water senior exercises help your aging parents with balance and strength.

Fire Place Safety: Protect Your Parents This Winter

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 02:08:51 GMT

Fire Place Safety can help your aging parents stay safe this winter. Prevent injury, falls or worse by following these tips.

Urgent Fireplace Safety Tips for Aging Parents

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 00:24:54 GMT

Fireplace safety for seniors is serious business. There are new fire dangers for aging parents, so you'll need to make sure you learn about them and show your parents what fire place safety looks like

Exercises for seniors: How to improve balance and prevent falls

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 13:46:35 GMT

Exercises for seniors: Help your aging parents maintain senior fitness through Balance Exercises to prevent falls.

Fire Safety Month: A Big Deal for Aging Parents

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:24:30 GMT

Fire Safety Month could mean life or death for our aging parents. We readily teach children about fire safety. In reality, older adults suffer twice as many fire deaths as the general population.

Adopt a Dog Month: Can Your Aging Parents Benefit?

Sat, 09 Oct 2010 12:51:32 GMT

This is officially Adopt a Dog Month. But it's never a bad time to think about adopting a dog or adopting a cat for your aging parents. Just make sure you carefully consider a few things.