This week in senior care news, we mourned the loss of a US Senator, we investigated senior activity options in Dallas and discussed how to talk to parents about elder care.
These are the most talked about, tweeted and emailed senior care news stories from last week and the lessons we took away from them.
1. Senator Edward Kennedy, healthcare advocate, Dies
Lesson: Ted Kennedy fought for health care causes throughout his career. How will his passing inspire this generation of lawmakers?
Despite political differences, most politicians agree that Ted Kennedy was a friend of health care. His passing signifies the end of an era on health care legislation and signifies the beginning of a new generation of health care reformers.
2. 3 Big Mistakes When Talking To Your Parents About Elder Care
Lesson: The very first conversation is the hardest. Avoid these three big mistakes to make your conversation about elder care successful.
We've talked to hundreds of families about elder care and we've found a few common themes. In this article, we highlight the three biggest mistakes to avoid when talking to your folks about elder care.
3. In Health Debate, The Oldest Voices Are Also The Faintest
Lesson: In the health care debate, lumping everyone over 65 into one group is a mistake.
Most polls show people over age 65 are concerned about government intervention in health care, since the prevailing thought is because the intervention will be financed by cuts to Medicare. But perhaps, those who truly consume the most care, those over 85 years old, may disagree.
4. 10 Places To Keep Dallas Seniors Busy
Lesson: Dallas area seniors have hundreds of ways to stay busy, active and healthy.
HealthBridge VP Courtney Layton researched ten Metroplex senior centers and included the locations, overview, weekly activities and special events in this article. What a great resource!
5. When You're Your Mother's Keeper
Lesson: Geriatric care managers can help families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's.
This interesting NY Times article spotlights one family's caregiving journey. The sandwich generation family turned to a geriatric care manager for advice and assistance.
Free Guide: How to Talk To Your Parents About Elder Care
Learn How To Talk To Your Parents About Elder Care.
This Guide includes a presentation and two worksheets that will
make your life easier and make this conversation go much more smoothly.
Image credit: Matt Stratton