News
The Death with Dignity Act
The Death with Dignity Act often sparks controversy and brings to the forefront important questions about the role of doctors in end-of-life care. The American Medical Association defines “death with dignity” or “medical aid in dying” (MAID) as when a physician offers "the necessary means and/or information" to assist a patient in choosing to end their own life.” Throughout this blog the terms “death with dignity” and “medical aid in dying” will be used interchangeably. What constitutes dying with dignity varies from person to person. It is a highly personal perspective. For instance, if someone believes that dying in a confused [...]
6 Steps to Establishing a Sustainable Exercise Routine
If you've recently met with a healthcare professional, you've likely been reminded of the benefits of healthy habits, such as balanced nutrition and a sustainable exercise routine. However, knowledge alone doesn't translate to healthy habit formation. So, it's not surprising that many people need more support than a verbal reminder to "move more" or "start exercising." A sustainable exercise routine should be individualized since each person has preferences, needs, interests, and health considerations that all play a role. Here are six ways to help establish an exercise routine and adopt a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. Six Ways To Start A Sustainable [...]
Home For The Holidays: Leaving The Nursing Home During A Medicare-Covered Stay
A week prior to Thanksgiving, I met with a client whose husband was in a local nursing home for a rehabilitation stay following a fall that resulted in hospitalization. The wife communicated that her husband wanted to come home for the day to spend Thanksgiving Day with his family and would be devastated if he was unable to do so for health reasons. The nursing home originally informed our client that her husband leaving the nursing home during a Medicare-covered stay would result in a loss of coverage if he went home for the day because it would be evidence [...]
Exercise for Seniors: How to Maximize Active Aging
We know that exercise for seniors is important. We know that exercise is especially important as someone reaches their golden years, yet older adults remain the most sedentary group overall. So, where’s the disconnect? Is it the lack of knowledge about exercise? No, probably not. Is it that older adults can’t exercise? No, absolutely not. So, it likely has more to do with knowing what to do and how to do it. Active aging requires the combination of both regular structured exercise programs and being physically active as much as possible. And the truth is, being active is easier than [...]
Wellness Programs for Seniors
Wellness programs for seniors are highly beneficial—but what do they encompass? What does “wellness” cover? “Wellness” is a broad term used in various ways, from healthcare to the workplace and everywhere. For instance, primary care annual appointments typically include wellness services, such as health screenings, risk assessments, and routine blood work. In the workplace, employers may offer wellness programs, promote stress reduction, fitness memberships, nutritional education, or healthy living. Other health professionals also offer wellness services aside from those found within medical practices or employ organizations, such as health spas or fitness centers. Regardless of the setting, these services have [...]
What to Look for When Visiting Elderly Loved Ones This Holiday Season
The holidays are a busy time of year. We are rushing to complete our shopping lists, decorate, and put the casserole in the oven before our guests arrive. Over the next month, many of us will travel to visit our senior family members, with whom we have kept in contact via phone or email throughout the year. Here is what to look for when visiting elderly loved ones this holiday season. Upon entering our loved ones’ homes, we might observe: Bills and paperwork are in disarray on the dining room table. Unopened and expired foods in the refrigerator. Expired medication [...]
How Beautiful It Can Be To Let The Dead Go
October has always been one of my favorite times of the year. I allow fall to remind me that things come to an end and that they can still be beautiful. I always think of the quote, “The leaves are about to show us how beautiful it can be to let the dead go.” It also helps that Halloween is my favorite holiday. As the excitement of Halloween has come to a close this year, I can’t help but think of another holiday our neighbors to the South have just celebrated. In the United States, we typically mourn loved ones, [...]
There Is Hope In The Face Of Unspeakable Evil
My last visit to Israel was in the Spring of 2018. I was traveling as part of a professional tour of aging services throughout Israel. Although the trip had many memorable experiences, a random encounter with a stranger at Ben Gurion Airport outside of Tel Aviv prior to my departure was the most memorable. As I was walking to my departure gate to return to Newark, NJ, after the 10-day trip, I noticed a middle-aged gentleman standing by a table with what appeared to be gift packages on display with a banner in Hebrew above the table and a picture [...]
Physical Therapy for Seniors: How It Can Help
Physical therapy for seniors: what is it and how can it help? Suppose you have ever had an injury, pain, recurrent falls, or changes to your walking or otherwise daily mobility. In that case, you’ve likely heard of physical therapy or have been a patient yourself. Physical therapy for seniors is a form of healthcare that combines prescribed exercise, therapeutic activities, functional mobility, patient education, and rehabilitation to help heal and restore everyday function. Physical therapists are movement experts in rehabilitative and preventative care, working to improve one’s quality of life. As of 2016, a Doctorate of Physical Therapy is [...]
Nonprofits And Programs For Seniors
I am honored and proud to be a member of the Board of Directors for two nonprofit organizations that serve the needs of seniors and their loved ones. ARTZ Philadelphia and Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern New Jersey (JFCS) are the nonprofits. Each nonprofit offers complimentary programs for older adults and those living with dementia. ARTZ Philadelphia is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and well-being of people with dementia and their care partners through joyful interactions around arts and culture. Their evidence-based programs connect people with dementia and those they love with artists, cultural organizations, and each other. They help [...]
What is a Lady Bird Deed?
In estate planning, there are many legal tools available to protect and manage assets. One particular tool is the Lady Bird deed. The Lady Bird deed, also known as an enhanced life estate deed, is an important legal document that provides specific benefits in estate planning. The Lady Bird deed is a specialized type of life estate deed that allows the owner of a property to retain control over it while they're alive but automatically transfer the property to a pre-determined beneficiary upon death without going through probate. What sets it apart from a traditional life estate deed is the [...]
A Journey Of Bonding: Father And Daughter’s Cross-Country Road Trip With Two Bulldogs
In July, my daughter, Liza, accepted an offer to begin a Ph.D. program in canine cognitive behavior at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Upon her acceptance, we began to immediately map out how she would get to Lubbock from Brooklyn and take her car. There was an important catch—she was going to Lubbock with two bulldogs. That meant it was difficult to fly due to the bulldogs' breathing issues. After much contemplation, it was agreed I would drive the 1,735 miles from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, to Lubbock, Texas, with my daughter and the bulldogs in tow. We set out on the evening [...]
The Role of a Healthcare Proxy in Elder Care
The designation of a healthcare proxy in elder care is an essential aspect of planning for the future, especially for seniors who want to honor their healthcare wishes. Understanding the role and importance of a healthcare proxy in elder care can provide peace of mind and protect the rights of elderly individuals. As age-related illnesses or cognitive decline can sometimes impair the ability to make informed healthcare decisions, having a trusted healthcare proxy becomes increasingly vital. The Role of a Healthcare Proxy in Elder Care A healthcare proxy, also known as a medical power of attorney or healthcare agent, is [...]
The Difference Between a Revocable and an Irrevocable Trust
Trusts are fiduciary arrangements that allow a third party (also known as a trustee) to hold assets on behalf of a beneficiary. However, there are different types of trusts, and it's important to understand the difference between a revocable and irrevocable trust. This distinction is vital as it can have significant implications for how assets are managed, controlled, and taxed. Understanding Revocable Trusts A revocable trust is often also called a living trust. It is a legal entity created to hold ownership of an individual's assets. What makes a revocable trust stand out is its flexibility. The creator of the [...]
Dying at Home Versus in a Hospital: Making Informed End-of-Life Care Decisions
In the final stages of life, the decisions about where a loved one should spend their last moments become both deeply personal and profound. The transition from life to death is a delicate journey, and making informed choices about end-of-life care is crucial. One of the most important decisions to consider is whether to have the person die at home or in a hospital. This article will explore the details of this choice, looking at the benefits and drawbacks of dying at home versus a hospital. The goal is to help individuals and families decide the best choice for their [...]