The Senior Care Podcast by LivHOME

Mary Beth Hardy, LivHOME's Regional Director, Central Region, in this episode discusses the practice of Brain Aerobics and the great value it can have for seniors. She explains how caregivers can help work Brain Aerobics into a senior's everyday life and how it can be beneficial in addressing the decline in brain function that often comes with age. She provides interesting, real-life examples of Brain Aerobics activities seniors and their caregivers have developed and used.

In this episode, Kirsten Goulde, Vice President of Human Resources at LivHOME, discusses the different types of caregiving providers available to seniors. She addresses the differences between large providers, smaller caregiving companies, and individuals who work as caregivers; a "must have" list of priorities when selecting a caregiver; and resources for finding additional information on selecting and employing caregivers.

Stuart Zimring, an elder law attorney based in California, discusses in this episode just what elder law is and what types of issues elder law attorneys can address on behalf of seniors. He explores topics such as the documents a senior needs to have in place, what Medicare does and does not cover in terms of paying for care, and how to find a good elder law attorney.

In this episode, Steve Barlam, Chief Professional Officer of LivHOME, discusses how seniors and their families should tackle the very sensitive topic of planning for the future care needs of the senior. He deals with issues including the "right time" to have such a conversation, the necessity of considering lifestyle issues as part of the care-planning process, and where to turn for financial and legal advice.

Steve Barlam, Chief Professional Officer of LivHOME, in this episode discusses how seniors and their families should handle the very beginning of the caregiving relationship. He discusses important topics such as preparations the senior and his or her family should make ahead of time, readying the home for the caregiver's very first visit, and how one should expect the caregiving relationship to develop over time.

Sharon Rosenfield, a Care Manager for LivHOME in Los Angeles, discusses the challenges of providing care to senior family members who live at a distance from their grown children. She deals with issues including the importance of noticing the little things, making the experience less lonely for the senior, and the roles a long-distance caregiver must play in emergencies.

In this first episode of 2008, Steve Barlam, Chief Professional Officer of LivHOME, provides valuable advice for those who care for seniors suffering from dementia. He describes common mistakes, ways to identify the causes and precursors to challenging behavior, and the importance of reducing anxiety among dementia sufferers.

Preparing for Emergencies features a discussion of LivHOME's experiences caring for seniors during the recent San Diego fires. It focuses on the importance of advance preparation, essential steps in the planning process, the value of communication tools, and ways to ease seniors' fears during emergency events.

Thinking Ahead for the Holidays discusses gift giving, lodging, creating memories and the value of acknowledging caregivers. Steve Barlam, LivHOME's chief professional officer and a licensed clinical social worker with more than 20 years of geriatric care management experience, also offers suggestions about how adult children can use holiday visits to assess the emotional and physical condition of their senior loved ones.

Steve Barlam, Chief Professional Officer of LivHOME, discusses the steps adult children can take to help their parents truly enjoy their senior years. Topics include the importance of effective communication, planning successful events, items children can purchase to make everyday tasks easier and more pleasant, and the great value that can come from the simple things.