Aging is a fact of life, no matter how much society shuns away from it. Aging is living. Aging is being able to take the next breath. Aging is having another day to care for your loved one with your whole heart. As we all age, it is important that we promote healthy aging to…
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I was recently asked, “why are you so passionate about aging & dementia care⁉️” I know deep down that the answer is much bigger than some degrees and credentials…And I don’t believe I just landed here in the field of Gerontology (#aging) by mistake. For me, I know I was led here. It is my…
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“Hi, my name is Ashley, and I am an Aging Influencer!” Before you scroll to the next article, let me tell you why I added this dippy title to my name. This past week while attending the ASA On Aging Conference, I decided to add this title. A title I never thought I would proudly…
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Have you ever wondered what your future care will look like? Being a millennial, one might ask “Why would you be thinking of that? You’re young!” But there’s something about being a young Millennial caregiver, and working in the field of aging care, that makes you think.. Think about your future.. Think about your loved…
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How many of you are working caregivers? *raise your hands* Now, how many of you have contemplated OR made the tough decision to stop working, or retire early due to caregiving? It is all too common. When the caregiving demands are so extreme, caregivers are often left with minimal options. Leaving the workforce may be…
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Boundaries are the midway between diva and doormat. I absolutely LOVE this quote by psychotherapist, Joyce Marter, LCPC. If you’ve ever enforced a personal boundary before, you know how much of a balancing act it can be! Making sure that you are not too pushy (diva) while also ensuring you aren’t ignored and ran over…
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Dying Matters! Death Dignity Matters! Death & Culture Matters! Yes, I know society paints the “death” word as a dirty word. Saying the word DEATH gets people jumpy. Talking about dying gets folks uncomfortable. I’ll be honest, I have not always been ready to talk about death and dying. Flashback to my teenage years when…
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“Mom… What’s going on with Grandma Trollie? Why is she acting that way?” These were the words I murmured at the tender age of 6 years old, the day I was first introduced to Alzheimer’s disease. Picture this: A bright-eyed, young 6-year-old walking down the hallway of her great Grandma Tollie’s house (her name was…
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Involve your loved one in their future care plans.. Sounds reasonable right?🤔 Except when your loved one has a dementia diagnosis and they may not have the full capacity to voice their wants and needs. They may even reject the idea of you supporting them altogether! This is why it is important to have these…
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Stockings and presents under the tree.. and the biggest question is, “What type of gift do I get my loved one living with dementia?!” Around the holidays, gift giving for an individual living with dementia can get tricky. Luckily, there are TONS of articles, helpful tips, and gift recommendations available for families to refer to.…
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