Chicago's Geriatric Care Manager Center of Excellence – Since 1991 • In Home CaregiverChicago's Geriatric Care Manager Center of Excellence

Why AND Is the Most Important Word
Do you recall the 1991 movie called City Slickers? It was another great role for Billy Crystal, but it...
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July 19, 2022
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Making Your Holidays Happy Again
Yes, “holidays” is a plural word here. Please allow me to digress on this plurality and simply point out...
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November 16, 2021
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Not Just Spring…
We’ve heard of Spring Training for those who follow baseball teams like the CUBS or the SOX, and we...
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April 13, 2021
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Can I Have A Hug?
I doubt there is anyone who does not have something that they have not been able to do during...
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March 4, 2021
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COVID’s Other Deadly Toll
During this pandemic, over 13,000 more Alzheimer’s and other dementia patients have died than expected from these cognitive disorders,...
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September 22, 2020
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Dementia: We’re Not Post-COVID Yet
If you have a family member or loved one with dementia, this pandemic and its restrictions have been exponentially...
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May 26, 2020
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Distance Caregiving Through a Wall
I’ve written numerous times about distance caregiving, and one of the observations I have offered is that distance is...
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May 19, 2020
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Caregiving During COVID: Four Tips for Reengagement
You may recall that I have recommended limiting your news consumption, because it really does add to our stressed...
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May 12, 2020
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Tips for Distance Caregiving: Up Close and Personal at a Distance
If you think being a caregiver to an older loved one is hard–with all the trips to help them...
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February 4, 2020
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Caregivers and their Medicare?
Yes, you read it right. I am posting this one about what caregivers should know about their Medicare. But...
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September 12, 2013
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In the Caregiver's Words

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…and when to not say anything…read further. It seems like such a waste of talent…the energy and brains that scammers invest in finding new ways to bilk people of their money, and older adults are more susceptible than others. Let me start with that part first. Older adults more often get scammed, because they answer their phones, they tend to be more trusting and they have more liquid assets. Let me share the short version of a number of relatively new scams targeting seniors. For more details, please also go to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission web site (https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts ). 1. A Government program that will pay bills. The scammers have been selling this “government program” at places of worship. The scammers at first appear legitimate as they take enrollment information from enrollees. The first bills appear paid, but the scammers cancel the transactions and keep the funds. When the bill comes the next month, it will have late fees, and the scammers will have the credit card and personal identification and financial information of the enrollees. 2. The “good-looking” bad check. This one actually seems to go back to the faxes that used to come across from a Nigerian prince, but it is still being used. The scammer asks you to deposit a check for a substantial amount of money because they do not have access to their own local bank. But could you please write a check for a much smaller amount in the meantime? Well, by the time the check bounces, so does the scammer. 3. More taxing issues. With the tax filing deadlines approaching, some people will be approached by email or even conventional snail mail with notices that the government demands more. If the email has a link, do not click it; it may have malware or worse. If the written letter asks for a wire transfer, prepaid debit card, gift card or other form of payment than a check, it also likely is a scam. If the request is to make payment to I.R.S., that also is a scam, because Uncle Sam asks for checks to be made payable to the U.S. Department of Treasury. 4. I cannot hear you now. Sprint used to famously ask, “Can you hear me now?” Well, there are robocalls going out with the same question…do not say yes! Scammers will be recording your answer to be used later as confirmation in what may sound to be a legitimate solicitation that has your “yes” answer as the reply and that now will have a price tag associated with it. Don’t say anything! How do you help protect your older loved one? Well, for phone callers, you can still request that their numbers be placed on the “no call” registry: 888/382-1222. To report suspicious activity, the Federal Trade Commission can be reached at the site I listed at the top of this post or called at 877/382-4857. Charlotte Bishop is a Geriatric Care Manager and founder of Creative Care Management, certified professionals who are geriatric advocates, resources, counselors and friends to older adults and their families in metropolitan Chicago. Please email your questions to info@creativecaremanagement.com.
We have all heard that pride goes before a fall. It turns out that feeling down often precedes falling down as well…at least for older adults. For a number of years, there has been a well-founded suspicion among health care providers that some drugs are just bad for a person’s balance. It’s a noteworthy side effect. And, of course, add those medicinal imbalances to an older physical frame, and some unfortunate accidents can happen. Most notably, it is the fall that results in a hip fracture and the difficult recovery that represents to an older loved one. Researchers in Sweden have found that the chances of a hip fracture are about three times greater among 65+ year old patients on antidepressants versus those not on these medications. Closer examination over the period preceding diagnosis through actually receiving a prescription, however, revealed something that came as a bit of a surprise to doctors. The period before a patient actually begins taking a prescription for their depression actually has an even higher risk of a fall, so it evidently is not all about what just the medication can do to the patient. In the 16 to 30 day window while a patient is depressed, but before they are taking a medicine for it, they are nearly six times more likely to have a fall than non-depressed patients. The month preceding that was the second highest risk…about four times that of non-depressed patients. What encouraged this research in the first place was the noteworthy presence of depression in hip fracture patients in hospital and recovery. While getting through the hip fracture and rehab, physicians in Sweden had noticed the relatively high prevalence of depression. This was not entirely uncommon for an older, sometimes frail or isolated population, but as they dug deeper they found that depression may have actually been a contributing factor to the fall. Also important in predicting fall risks was age. The older the patient, the higher the risk. Men also were at greater risk for a fall than women. The researchers also note that there likely are multiple factors at work for any given person, but depression should be a red flag nonetheless. If you have an older loved one, you should be sensitive to changes in mood…as a healthy approach all by itself. Now, you know it is also a way to look out for their fall risk. Please pass on the attached diagram about safe walking…and also encourage anyone who has more than their share of seasonal blues to see a professional. That office visit may be the step that keeps them on their feet. Charlotte Bishop is an Aging Life Care Advisor, Geriatric Care Manager and founder of Creative Care Management, certified professionals who are geriatric advocates, resources, counselors and friends to older adults and their families in metropolitan Chicago. She also is the co-author of How Do I Know You? A Caregiver’s Lifesaver for Dealing with Dementia.
(Today's Guest Posting is from Senior Planning Services, a Medicaid eligibility assistance company) Sleep is an essential part of life no matter the age. As people age, acquiring a healthy amount of sleep oftentimes becomes challenging. A variety of psychological and physiological aspects can impact sleep. Uncovering reasons behind sleep issues, plays a part in improving the sleep pattern changes people face in later years. The recommended quantity of sleep needed for people varies throughout life. By older age, a healthy night’s sleep consists of seven to nine hours. Unfortunately, many older adults experience a range of sleep issues that interfere with the ability to fall or stay soundly asleep. The aging body undergoes many inevitable changes. Some of these changes may contribute to changing sleep patterns in older adults. The body may produce less melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep, or symptoms of a disorder can interfere with quality of sleep. Possible physical causes of sleep problems can include: • Physical pain from chronic conditions • Congestive heart failure • Frequent need to urinate • Neurological conditions • Certain medications or supplements As people age, they often face a number of emotional stresses. Adjusting to life with a chronic illness or disability causes many fears, frustrations and worries. The loss of a spouse can lead to feelings of depression and loneliness. Financial concerns over rising medical expenses or retirement funds also lead to higher stress levels. Emotional stress and financial concerns interfere with quality sleep. Sleep affects the ability to concentrate and focus, impacting attention span, memory and mood. The risk of accidental falls increases with inadequate sleep, which can result in injuries. Poor quality of sleep also impacts the immune system, making it difficult to fight infections or recover from illness. If left untreated, depression and anxiety can worsen, causing additional problems. A general loss of interest in favorite activities or social withdrawal may occur, making feelings of loneliness worse. These feelings can exacerbate trouble sleeping. Poor sleep is not an inevitable part of aging. Many people that experience few health problems and emotional stresses generally sleep well. To address sleep issues, a primary care physician can diagnose any physiological causes and suggest a course of action. For example, pain relief or a decrease in the need to urinate may contribute to better sleep. Stress management and treatment for issues such as depression and anxiety can improve sleep. Doctors may prescribe medications to ease symptoms of mental illness or teach relaxation techniques to encourage restful sleep. Participation in social activities can positively impact mental health and reduce emotional stress. A financial plan for retirement, medical expenses or long-term care by a qualified Medicaid planning and consulting company can provide a realistic outlook on future costs, which can be broken down into manageable steps. An exercise regimen approved by a physician promotes better sleep in general as well as a boost in overall mood and mental health. Other lifestyle changes that may help improve sleep include: • A quiet bedtime routine • Avoiding stimulants and alcohol • Smaller meals before bedtime • Reserving the bed for sleep and sex only • A regular sleep/wake schedule Sleep impacts quality of life. Just because a person has reached a certain age does not change the importance of getting good sleep. Determining the cause of sleep issues will help identify ways to alleviate the problems and improve sleep. Overall physical and mental well-being can depend on the quality of sleep a person gets, affecting mood, alertness and health. Ultimately, sleep problems should not be taken lying down: just good sleep should. Senior Planning Services is the ultimate solution for optimized Medicaid eligibility. Thousands of Medicaid applicants and their families have relied on the expertise of Senior Planning Services. Please follow this link. Charlotte Bishop is a Geriatric Care Manager and founder of Creative Care Management, certified professionals who are geriatric advocates, resources, counselors and friends to older adults and their families in metropolitan Chicago. Please email your questions to info@creativecaremanagement.com.
If you are a distance caregiver who will be home with an older loved one during these holidays, it is a great chance to have great conversation and to do a caregiver check up with your older loved one. You may beneficially find it helpful to raise some questions in your catch-up conversation to get a clearer sense of how well your elder is caring for themselves. Try these: 1. How are you sleeping? It is common knowledge that as we age, we simply need less sleep, but there is a real health difference between needing less sleep and actually suffering from insomnia. Consistent loss of sleep can be a real health risk in itself. Medical researchers find that as the hours of lost sleep pile up, blood pressure also rises. With rising pressure, there is rising inflammation or even weakening of blood vessel walls. People with genuine insomnia have twice the chance of suffering a stroke. Recommend end of day habits that will be less stimulating...like less television and more reading. It may be helpful to even suggest a white noise machine or some sound devices that mimic wave action or light rainfall to soothe your loved one to sleep. 2. Do you enjoy a good cup of coffee? At the opposite end of the sleep continuum, don't discourage your older loved one's coffee during the day. At the same time you can encourage decaf or a switch to non-caffeinated teas after the lunch hour to avoid stimulation that can fuel sleeplessness. But coffee actually imparts measureable health benefits. It has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and even some forms of cancer. 3. Do you have a place for safe walking? Walking just half an hour daily - or even six days out of seven - has had a demonstrably beneficial effect on reducing belly fat. And the effect is more than cosmetic. Walking or even jogging can reduce the middle and at the same time lower the risk of the three above: diabetes, heart disease and cancer. With any exercise, always encourage your loved one to consult their physician and to get comfortable and supportive footwear. 4. How are you feeling? This sounds like a vague question, but it is a chance to talk about anything that has changed lately. Research shows that unusual chest or arm pain are common precursors for heart issues in men. In women, it is not so clear. In fact, fewer than a third of women report discomfort before a cardiac event. But nearly all women have symptoms like indigestion, pain, anxiety or other cues before a heart attack. Listen for what may be brushed off as "nothing." If you are a caregiver to an older loved one, enjoy family and the holiday, and take the conversational opportunity to make it a healthy holiday and new year. Charlotte Bishop is a Geriatric Care Manager and founder of Creative Care Management, certified professionals who are geriatric advocates, resources, counselors and friends to older adults and their families in metropolitan Chicago. Please email your questions to info@creativecaremanagement.com.
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We all know that that Spring in the Midwest isn’t on a straight line from Winter toward Summer, but we're on the cusp of a number of religious holidays that bring families together as we all move into warmer weather. March 8 – Holi, the Hindu holiday honoring winter’s harvest and beginning of Spring March 22 to April 21 – Ramadan, the Islamic holiday timed to the moon over Mecca April 5 to April 13 – Passover, celebrating the Israeli’s liberation from Egypt April 9 – Easter, which marks Christian’s celebration of Jesus’ resurrection This isn’t about the holidays as much as some counsel on how to make this a holiday gathering and a wellness check for those who may be caregivers to older loved ones. When I speak with the adult children or partners of older loved ones, I encourage them to be observant for signs that their loved one’s ‘quality of life” may be compromised and to engage in conversation to get feedback on how their loved one is actually doing. What should you look for?
1. Household Clutter – You older loved one doesn’t have to be a hoarder to be at risk with the accumulated clutter of years of aging in place. Every year one in three adults over age 65 fall, and most of these falls are at home. Look for worn carpeting or scatter rugs that may be trip hazards. Or stacks of newspapers and magazines or wires that may be obstacles to walkways in the home.
2. Pantry Stocked – While you may be able to tell if your older loved one is losing weight, whether they are eating well may be a bit more subtle. You will surely have occasion to have coffee in the kitchen, so use it as a chance to surreptitiously check that your loved one is well-provisioned.
3. Lighting – Check on how well lit the key sites of most household accidents are: this is the bathroom and kitchen. While you’re at it, check for indoor/outdoor lighting at all entrances and also the stairs.
Take it a step further than simply asking the glossy “How are you doing?”
1. How are you sleeping? – We all know that as we get older we simply need less sleep, but insomnia is another matter altogether. They may show the wear of too many sleepless nights, but the poor sleep could be a symptom of poor nutrition or even depression. When we talk to employers we often ask what keeps them awake at nights; not a bad start with your older loved one either. A pattern of poor sleep can lead to other health problems: blood pressure rises, blood vessels become inflamed, stroke risk increases and more. IF you do not ask, it may be you who loses sleep.
2. Want Some Coffee? – I mention this as a way to get a current take on how well your loved one is eating. But ask about when they have coffee. Coffee during the early half of the day can impart all sorts of healthy benefits: reduced risk of stroke, diabetes and even some types of cancer. Taken to late in the day, however, we get back to sleep issues.
3. What Have You Been Doing This Week? – What does your loved one do on a regular basis that keeps them engaged or keeps them ambulating? Time framing to "this week" helps you assess memory. They don’t have to wear a pedometer to track their activity levels, but it’s important that they get out and move. Walking about an hour a day has a marked impact on wellness by way of increasing caloric burn and helping with cardiovascular circulation. Sitting is the new smoking. It’s true that if they don’t use it, they’ll lose it.
4. How are you…today? – I started by saying we have to move beyond the general questioning, but it is important to ask how your loved one is feeling…TODAY. Time framing again. The time frame is helpful in encouraging a mental pause to consider now…not just overall. Depression often has some very tangible tells – irritability, down countenance, negativity. And cardiac issues can have warning signs that can occur months before an emergency. For women the signs are less clear, so don’t assume that indigestion is about food or any other subtle cues are just a passing issue. Listen for what they may call “nothing;” it can be something.
If you’re a caregiver to an older loved one, enjoy family and the holiday, and take the conversational opportunity to make it a healthy holiday and year. Charlotte Bishop is an Aging Life Care Advisor, Geriatric Care Manager and founder of, certified professionals who are geriatric advocates, resources, counselors and friends to older adults and their families in metropolitan Chicago. She also is the co-author of How Do I Know You? A Caregiver’s Lifesaver for Dealing with Dementia.