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Recently, my younger sister received mail for my older sister for whom she is the guardian. The mail contained a check based on dividend’s my disabled sister had been receiving over the past ten years. Her former employer had been unable to locate her. During this discovery, I researched websites for unclaimed funds in several states. There were numerous accounts held in her name. While none of those amounts might cover the costs of her care, every penny still counts.
Something similar occurred following the death of my first husband, as well as my father. There were electric company accounts with deposits. An old dental bill that had been overpaid. Given the transient nature of our society - young adults transplant themselves frequently, aging parents move to remain close to their children, middle aged adults move to retire - it’s not surprising. As caregivers, we can continue to support our loved ones through following up on opportunities to grow the funding for our loved ones’ care.
Money Tips for Caregivers
Below is a list of money tips for caregivers, culled from tips offered by Fulton Bank, with branches in the Northeastern U.S. and other personal experiences:
Inventory everything. Before computers came into existence, my father kept a yellow legal pad with an ongoing inventory of bank accounts, the names of legal and financial representation, and insurance contracts. He made it easy for me to locate the necessary information when the time came. I’ve done the same thing, with names, addresses, and now email contacts for individuals who represent my interests. I only wished he would have specified what to do with his beloved Murano glass collection. Lucky for me, I came into the possession of a few more than my share.
Review credit card statements, create bill payment plans. A consistent review of credit card statements and other incoming mail will provide an apt picture of your loved one’s financial situation. When the son of another set of aging adults we help care for discovered his parents were overdue on their credit card payments, a long conversation ensued. Their children formulated a payment plan to wipe out that debt and ease some of their financial burden which had been causing undue strain on their health. Sometimes, we wind up in a situation which might cause embarrassment without realizing its impact on our well-being.
Count on your community. There are a wide variety of options in local communities designed to support the aging of a loved one. These supports might come in the way of counseling, a free day of respite caregiving, training, and other free programming that gives caregivers confidence in their duties.
Consider how managing someone else’s money might impact your finances. Named as the POA for both my parents, I understood their financial picture. Their long-term care policy had lapsed. Retirement savings had dwindled. My father was prescient in his purchase of insurance policies, yet if both parents remained in their current state, financial instability would set in. In a position to help offset their costs, I promised my father they would receive the best care I could offer if their savings ran out. He died without knowing if that was possible. His insurance policy allowed for my mother to reside in a care home until her death. There are always hidden costs to caring. We want to provide for our parents in the same way they provided for us. Financial counselors and social workers can provide caregivers with professional guidance on how to balance managing one’s own money while managing someone else’s care. The creation of two budgets will provide a solid picture of both, and help caregivers envision their lives as separate.
Our loved ones have life experiences which contribute positively or negatively to their bottom line. My parents helped to care for grandchildren and took out loans on their insurance policies to cover college costs of their children. At one point, my father feared he was upside on an insurance policy. He kept that fact hidden for a long time, worried over how he might pay it back. I might argue that stress was a precursor to his Parkinson’s. In the end, he finally did confess. We contacted a lawyer who worked through the issue. When the policy was sold to another insurance carrier, there had been a processing error. He was so relieved. We were too.
Annette Januzzi Wick is a writer, speaker, and author of I’ll Have Some of Yours, a journey of cookies and caregiving. (Three Arch Press). A frequent contributor to Cincinnati.com, her work has appeared in Cincinnati Magazine, nextavenue.com, Still Point Arts, 3rd Act Magazine, Ovunque Siamo, Belt Magazine and Creative Nonfiction (both forthcoming). Visit annettejwick.com to learn more.
Why Senior Move Management Makes Life Transitions Easier by A Call to Order Professional OrganizersSupporting Seniors with Care, Compassion, and ClarityLife ChangesWe Help Carry the Emotional WeightEvery home holds a lifetime of memoriesbirthdays celebrated in the kitchen, quiet mornings on the porch, the smell of favorite meals cooked with love. So when its time to move, especially for a senior, its never just about boxes and furnitureits about letting go, starting again, and doing so with dignity.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand the deep emotional layers of senior relocations. Whether you're moving a parent into assisted living or helping a loved one downsize, the process can feel overwhelmingfor everyone involved. That's where Senior Move Management becomes not just helpful, but essential.Senior move managers aren't just organizers. We're listeners, planners, advocates, and compassionate companions in what is often one of life's most emotional transitions. And for families navigating this journey, having that steady, understanding hand can make all the difference.How Senior Move Management Brings Peace to the ProcessBecause no one should feel rushed, lost, or alone during a move.Relocating later in life often comes with a swirl of emotionsgrief, uncertainty, fear of change. Add to that the physical strain and countless decisions that come with moving, and its easy to see how overwhelming it becomes. But with professional senior move support, what once felt unmanageable becomes a guided, step-by-step process grounded in care.Heres how we help make life transitions easier:1. A Clear Plan Reduces OverwhelmInstead of facing an entire house full of decades-worth of belongings, we break the process down into manageable steps. From sorting and downsizing to coordinating moving logistics and setting up the new home, everything is planned and paced for comfort and clarity.2. Emotional Support Is Just as Important as the Task ListOur team doesnt just focus on what needs to go wherewe focus on how it feels. We understand that parting with familiar items and leaving a long-time home can be heart-wrenching. We honor those feelings, allow space for them, and help families navigate them with kindness.3. We Make the New Space Feel Like HomeIts not just about moving thingsits about creating a safe, welcoming, and familiar environment in the new home. We recreate setups where possible, hang favorite artwork, place treasured items in view, and make sure the first day in the new space feels comforting and reassuring.Tips for Families Navigating a Senior MoveCompassion is the most important box to pack.Whether you're local or coordinating from afar, here are a few gentle ways to support a senior loved one through a move:1. Start Early and Go SlowGive the process time. Beginning conversations early allows room for thoughtful decision-making and minimizes last-minute stress. Rushing can lead to regret. Early planning is one of the most powerful tools for reducing anxiety.2. Honor Their StoryWhen sorting through belongings, listen to the stories behind the items. You might be surprised how healing it can be to reminisce. Ask questions like, Tell me about this photo or Who gave you this? Sometimes, being heard is just as important as being helped.3. Bring in a Neutral, Professional PartnerAs much as family means well, emotions can run high. A Senior Move Manager acts as a neutral guide, keeping the process organized and respectful while reducing tension between family members. We help keep the focus on what mattersa peaceful, positive transition.4. Focus on Whats Being GainedInstead of focusing only on whats being left behind, talk about whats ahead: a simpler space, closer community, more safety, or better access to care. Reframing the move as a new chapter helps ease the emotional weight.A Move with MeaningAt A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we know that a move is never just a move. Its a moment of transformation, one that deserves tenderness, understanding, and a team who truly cares.Thats why Senior Move Management is more than a serviceits a lifeline. We take on the physical burden, yes, but more importantly, we walk beside seniors and their families with warmth and respect, ensuring that no one ever has to face change alone.If you or a loved one is approaching a move and feeling overwhelmed, please know this: help is here, and it comes with a heart. Call us at 719-231-5425 or visit www.acalltoorderco.com to schedule a free consultation.Because making life transitions easierthats what were here for.FOLLOW US and stay inspired as you simplify and transition with love: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acalltoorderco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACalltoOrder Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acalltoorderco/
As we grow older, many daily activities that were once simple can become more difficult, including preparing healthy meals. For seniors, proper nutrition is essential to maintain energy, supporting the immune system, managing chronic conditions, and staying independent. Thats why meal preparation isnt just a convenience, its a lifeline.Key Benefits of Meal Preparation for Seniors1. Ensures Balanced, Nutritious MealsHaving meals prepared in advance ensures that seniors are eating regularly and get the essential nutrients their bodies need. It prevents reliance on unhealthy processed foods or skipping meals altogether.2. Supports Chronic Condition ManagementMany seniors live with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Proper meal planning allows for dietary restrictions to be met, helping control symptoms and reduce complications.3. Reduces the Risk of MalnutritionMalnutrition is a silent threat among older adults, especially those living alone. Meal preparation helps safeguard against this by promoting consistent, nourishing eating habits.4. Promotes Independence and DignitySeniors who struggle with cooking may feel frustrated or dependent. Having meals planned and readywhether through caregiver support or meal delivery servicesallows them to eat well without feeling like a burden.5. Encourages Social EngagementWhen meal prep includes shared cooking or mealtimes, it creates opportunities for connection. Eating with a companion improves mood, reduces loneliness, and often encourages better eating habits.6. Saves Energy and Prevents AccidentsShopping, standing at the stove, lifting pots, or cutting ingredients can be physically taxing and even dangerous. Meal preparation helps minimize fatigue and reduces the risk of falls or burns in the kitchen. Meal Preparation OptionsThere are several ways to incorporate meal prep into a seniors routine: Family or caregiver assistance for shopping, cooking, and portioning meals Meal delivery services that offer senior-friendly, diet-conscious options Community programs such as Meals on Wheels Group cooking sessions at senior centers that combine nutrition with social interaction Freezer meal prepping once a week or month to ensure ready-made meals are always available Meal preparation is about more than just food, its about health, safety, and quality of life. For seniors, having access to nutritious, well-planned meals means more energy, better health, fewer hospital visits, and the ability to stay independent longer.
As we age, our bodies and minds go through a variety of changes, many of which can increase the likelihood of falling. For older adults, falls are not just a minor mishap; they can lead to serious injuries, loss of independence, and a lower quality of life. Understanding why seniors are more vulnerable to falls is the first step in creating safer environments and developing effective prevention strategies.The Aging Body and Increased Fall RiskSeveral age-related factors contribute to an increased risk of falls among seniors. These include physical, sensory, and cognitive changes that often occur gradually but can have a significant impact.1. Decreased Muscle Strength and FlexibilityWith age, muscles naturally weaken, and joints may become stiffer. This can reduce balance, coordination, and reaction time, making it harder to prevent a fall when tripping or slipping.2. Poor Balance and Gait ChangesChanges in the way a person walksoften due to arthritis, neurological conditions, or previous injuriescan lead to an unsteady gait. Seniors may shuffle their feet, walk slower, or have trouble lifting their legs, all of which increase fall risk.3. Vision DeclineVision plays a critical role in balance and spatial awareness. Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration make it difficult to judge distances, see steps clearly, or identify hazards in dim lighting.4. Hearing LossHearing is connected to balance. Inner ear problems or age-related hearing loss can lead to vertigo or dizziness, making it harder for seniors to stay upright.5. Chronic Health ConditionsMany seniors live with chronic diseases such as: Diabetes (which can cause nerve damage and numbness in the feet) Heart disease (leading to dizziness or fatigue) Parkinsons disease or Alzheimers (affecting movement, memory, and decision-making) These conditions can impair coordination and increase confusion, both of which heighten fall risk.6. Medication Side EffectsOlder adults often take multiple medications, which can interact and cause side effects such as dizziness, low blood pressure, drowsiness, or blurred visionall potential contributors to falls.7. Cognitive ImpairmentSeniors with dementia or other cognitive disorders may have poor judgment, forget to use walkers or canes, or become disoriented, all of which increase their chances of falling.8. Low Physical Activity LevelsWhen seniors become less active, muscles weaken and balance deteriorates. A sedentary lifestyle can quickly lead to frailty, making even routine movements more hazardous. What Can Be Done?Awareness is the first step. By understanding why seniors are more prone to falls, families, caregivers, and seniors themselves can take proactive steps such as: Regular balance and strength exercises Home safety modifications Routine vision and hearing checks Medication reviews with a doctor Use of mobility aids as needed Falling doesnt have to be a normal part of aging. By recognizing the reasons behind increased fall risk in seniors, we can create supportive environments that promote confidence, mobility, and independence. With the right strategies in place, seniors can continue living full, active, and safe.
Arden Courts - ProMedica Memory Care Community (Sarasota)Address:5509 Swift RdSarasota, FL 34231Contact Us:Phone: 941-925-3900Fax: 941-925-7500Overview:Arden Courts Memory Care Community, located on Swift Rd in Sarasota, caters to the special needs of individuals with memory loss. Staffed by specially trained caregivers, Arden Courts cares for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Our community features friendly common spaces, an inviting kitchen, family rooms, and walking paths within enclosed courtyards, all designed for the safety and comfort of our residents.Customized Care & Services:We recognize residents have their own individual routines, interests, capabilities, and needs. We set out to accommodate their individuality beginning with an assessment by one of our professional staff members. Working with you, we develop an individualized service plan which is regularly adjusted to meet any changes in your loved ones routine or condition.Design & Layout:After five years of research with the assistance of Johns Hopkins, Arden Courts was specially designed not only to be safe and secure but to instill a sense of home that simultaneously enables residents to stay as independent as possible while also experiencing the stimulation necessary for one to thrive while residing within the community.ProMedica Memory Care Fund:The ProMedica Memory Care Fund assists those who are coping with memory loss and supports center services and caregiver education for the enrichment of all.Our Family of Care Services:Memory CareAssisted LivingIndependent LivingProMedica Senior CareProMedica Hospitals & Providers