Aging Well

Technology, apps, and devices are helping older adults stay connected with their families, safe in their homes, and in general, live more independently. In this episode, we talk about how the right technology can open up new possibilities for older adults, and share the best solutions available today that can help someone you care about.Learn more about ⁠Loretto⁠ servicesConnect with Loretto on ⁠LinkedIn

One of the hardest conversations adult children can have with their aging parents is concerns over their driving. In this episode, we talk about signs it might be time to have that conversation, offer advice on how to approach the discussion, and provide resources to help both you and your parent during this time of transition.Learn more about Loretto servicesConnect with Loretto on LinkedIn

Seeing a loved one struggle at home while they insist on staying put can feel like an impossible situation, you want to keep them safe, but you also want to honor their independence.In this episode, we explore what to do when your loved one needs additional care but insists on staying in their home. We'll share practical strategies for safety-proofing their space right away, tips for managing care from a distance, and community resources you may not know exist. Plus, we'll discuss programs that can help your loved one age in place safely and comfortably.

Moving a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia from their home into a memory care community can be overwhelming, especially if you have no idea what to expect.In this episode, we talk about what families experience during this transition, offer practical tips to help you feel confident and prepared, and provide expert insight that brings clarity, compassion, and a few “I never knew that!” moments.

Montessori practices aren't just helping young children in the classroom; they are also helping older adults with Alzheimer's disease and dementia connect with others and find purpose and joy.In this episode, we delve into how the person-centered Montessori approach to learning enhances the quality of life for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. We will discuss how simple practices that focus on an individual's abilities and capacity to contribute to their family or community can help them live happier, more socially connected lives.

How do you plan to pay for long-term care for yourself or a loved one?In this episode, we break down the cost of long-term care and how to pay for it. You will learn how Medicare and Medicaid can help, how paying for care affects a spouse (no, you won't lose everything!), and we provide the financial insight you need to begin having important conversations with financial advisors and family members.

Your aging parent needs help. The good news is that you and your siblings want to help; the bad news is that you all can't agree on what to do next. Does this sound familiar? Caring for an aging parent can be an emotional time that creates sibling tension, disagreements, and hurt feelings. In this episode, we discuss making the right decisions for your parent when you don't all agree, and we offer recommendations on establishing roles, setting expectations, and creating accountability metrics to help everyone navigate this new chapter for your family.

Your parent needs to live in a senior living facility, and you have found the perfect community for them. Now what?In this episode, we talk about how to help your parent transition into living in a senior living community, and—spoiler alert—it’s a lot like a parent helping a child adjust to college life!We discuss how to prepare emotionally, provide insider insight regarding what to expect, and give recommendations to help you both let go of worry and hold on during what can be an emotional rollercoaster as you adjust to this new normal.

Finding the right services and level of care can be overwhelming when your aging loved one needs help, but it doesn't have to be when you know your options. In this episode, we discuss the different levels of senior care services available and advise on how to find the best care option based on your unique circumstances. You will learn about the differences between independent, assisted, and skilled nursing communities, and the availability of in-home services if your loved one wants to remain living at home.

Welcome to Loretto’s Aging Well Podcast, dedicated to empowering families with the tools, resources, and support you need to help your loved ones age well. As a senior healthcare leader in Central New York, our experts provide financial, emotional, and spiritual guidance to help improve the quality of life for older adults and those who care about them. This podcast will help you navigate all aspects of the aging journey, from the initial conversation with a loved one about their aging expectations to the joys and challenges of walking with them as they age. We answer frequently asked questions about care options for older adults and provide solutions that can help improve their lives as their needs change over time. Our hope is that by offering our expert insight, practical advice, and valuable resources, we can help you and your loved one age well.

How do you parents want to age? It's a simple question you may not have considered asking them before.Conversations with your parents about how they envision growing older can help families navigate the opportunities and challenges of aging and will help inform future decisions regarding their care. In this episode we talk about critical conversations you need to have with your loved one and provide recommendations on how to make it a good experience for you both.