Hi Friend, I'm recovering from a persistent, sniffling cold that lasted for several weeks, and it was a frustrating reminder of how much ongoing illness symptoms can wear you down. It seemed appropriate to use this week's newsletter to highlight what medications are safe for older adults to take for a cold. I know it's easy to grab the first bottle in the "cold and flu" aisle, but there are some very real considerations when it comes to cold medication for older adults. In this week's...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Friend, Caring for a loved one who has dementia is a journey of a thousand small, quiet losses. One of the tougher moments is when we realize they can no longer navigate the world of money. If your loved one has stacks of unopened bills or packages they don’t remember ordering, your first instinct might be frustration. But as an advocate for older adults, I want to offer a different perspective: This isn't a lapse in character; it's a gap in protection. Our latest article, The “Invisible”...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Friend, As the April tax deadline approaches, filing can feel daunting (on top of everything else you do!), especially when navigating Social Security benefits, retirement income, or veteran-specific considerations. Our updated article breaks down exactly where older adults and veterans can get expert, IRS-certified help at no cost. Whether you are assisting a loved one with their tax filing or managing your own, these programs can save you both money and stress. Key Resources Highlighted...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Friend, You may have seen the headlines yesterday: "Medicare Freeze on Medical Equipment," or "War on Fraud Targets Medical Supplies." If you are a caregiver or someone relying on Medicare for oxygen, a wheelchair, or orthotics, those headlines are enough to make your heart skip a beat. I’ve received several notes from readers worried that they won’t be able to get the equipment they need for the next six months. A Note on Neutrality: Our goal with this newsletter is to provide clarity on...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Friend, A few weeks ago, we shared our thoughts about the evolution of caregiving technology and why 2026 will be a big year for caregiving companies. Today, I'd like to share some AI tools we found that can help caregivers reclaim their time. *Did you know? The average family caregiver spends about 27 hours a week on care tasks, much of it during "pajama time," those late-night hours spent on insurance calls, scheduling, and paperwork. As the "mental load" of caregiving grows, it can feel...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Friend, If caregiving already feels like a full-time job, 2026 may mark a real turning point. For years, aging tech meant antiquated emergency buttons and simplified tablets. That era is over. As we move deeper into 2026, aging technology has shifted from optional gadgets to practical tools that help families manage a growing care gap. More than 63 million family caregivers are now supporting loved ones in a system where care needs are rising much faster than the professional workforce....
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Friend, When my grandmother started having trouble using her cell phone, I remember wishing there were better options to offer her. At the time, a flip phone seemed too basic, but her iPhone was too complex. She didn't need every bell and whistle. She just wanted to be able to call and/or text her family. Watching her struggle with small icons, tapping the wrong buttons, and getting confused by multiple screens was frustrating for her and stressful for all of us. Recently, Chris and I had...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Friend, A new year has a way of highlighting unfinished business, especially the kind that sits quietly in a file drawer until a crisis forces it into the spotlight. If you’re caring for a loved one, this is a good time to take stock of something that often gets delayed: having the right legal and medical paperwork in place before it’s needed. Many families are caught off guard when a medical emergency or sudden decline happens. Without clear documentation, spouses and/or adult children...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Friend, The holidays bring joy (and sometimes unexpected emotions) when family members see an aging loved one for the first time in months. For some, the changes in a loved one’s health or appearance can be a shock. A little preparation goes a long way. By helping friends and family understand what to expect before they arrive, you can prevent awkward comments, hurt feelings, and unnecessary stress. Prepare Family Before Holiday Visits with Loved Ones This week's featured article shares...
5 months ago • 1 min read