This is Murphy, a therapy dog, and Anne, a person living with dementia.* As soon as Murphy was carefully positioned in her lap, Anne began gently petting her. Then she began to sing and rock her. Tears welled up in the eyes of Anne’s caregiver and mine. I had the privilege of participating in a Pet Therapy Community Class at The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA). … [Read more...]
How Much Does This Casket Cost?
Pre-planning allows you to be a wise consumer. “It doesn’t cost you anything to have the pre-planning discussion with a funeral home. I want to stress that you are not obligated to purchase the arrangements you discuss. You can even talk about pre-funding your funeral, but you don’t have to say yes to all the dollars discussed.” Funeral Director Christine Cuoco of Ruby … [Read more...]
I Wish People Didn’t Fear Discussing Funeral and Burial Arrangements
An open conversation takes the burden off loved ones. Most people pre-plan their burial. They buy the plot or crypt, but never take the next step of pre-planning their funeral arrangements. - Funeral Director Christine Cuoco of Ruby Memorial Christine’s comment resonates with me because that is our family story. My parents had pre-purchased a spot in a local mausoleum but … [Read more...]
11 Great Safety Tips for Seniors That Will Completely Change Their Lives
The New Year is upon us and while many people are focusing on resolutions that have to do with losing weight and breaking bad habits—there is one resolution that all seniors need to be making: to be safer in the new year. Over a quarter of senior Americans are currently living alone which is why elderly safety is so important. Falls and accidents are most likely to happen right … [Read more...]
Nutritional Needs of People Living with Parkinson’s Disease
Caregivers can help ease some common symptoms of Parkinson's. Parkinson’s disease affects many thousands of people in the United States. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, around 60,000 Americans are diagnosed each year, most of whom are over 60 years old. There is no doubt that caring for someone living with Parkinson’s disease is a tough challenge. Although, at the … [Read more...]