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...]
I Want To Die With Dignity And Grace
The way I lived my life. I recently came across my dad’s Five Wishes Advance Directive. He used this legal document to plan and ensure his end-of-life wishes were known in the event he was unable to communicate. The person he’d named as first was himself. My sister-in-law followed, and I was third. My father didn’t shy away from tough conversations or hard decisions. He faced … [Read more...]
Senior Falls And Traumatic Brain Injury
The Hidden Epidemic? A senior fall, a broken hip, and a downward spiral from which there is no recovery. This scenario is well documented and universally understood as a risk for our elderly. But what about those small, unreported falls that become cumulative? Can they lead to Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI)? The answer is yes. The question is, why are small falls such a risk … [Read more...]
Moving Mom and Dad: Helping Parents Cope With Big Changes
Tips to minimize all the stress. No one likes to see their parents lose independence. After years of working and raising a family, we want our parents to be rewarded with a fulfilling retirement. Downsizing the family home and moving them into your home, assisted living, or a 55+ community can seem like the opposite of that goal. The truth is, your parents will have a safer, … [Read more...]