If you are reading this, I am going to assume that one or both of your parents have moved, or are about to move, into an assisted living home. The months leading up to this life change have not been easy. Your parent’s ability to live at home alone has been a concern. You’ve tried different interventions, had many difficult adult child to elderly parent conversations and spent sleepless nights from the worry of what mom or dad was up to in the middle of the night, miles away

Regardless of where your parent is at age or ailment wise, your child will cherish the memories they create with their grandparent. That grandparent may no longer be the vibrant adult you grew up with, but it is the grandparent your child is growing up with. Let them experience that person, with whom there will be a very different type of relationship than the one you shared with your parent. It’s not about creating a masterpiece or an academy award-winning documentary, but i

Who are These People? Connecting with the Staff of the Assisted Living By: Colleen Kavanaugh, CCC If your caree has recently moved into an assisted living home, in addition to all the overwhelming feelings you may be experiencing, trying to figure out who’s who in this new land can be a reason to scream. The staff is an extension of the care you have provided at home. It’s as if you have become dozens of highly trained individuals; an activity coordinator, nurse, aide, financ

Hello to the Top-Notch Teams community! My name is Colleen Kavanaugh and I am a Certified Caregiving Consultant. For ten years I cared for my parents (and my three children, partner and career). My parents had had cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and while I knew nothing about any of these illnesses at the time, I did know that I would do the best I was able. I learned a ton and swore that once my parents died that I would NEVER have anything to do with the world