Kathy Quan

We are all taking care of our aging parents. Unfortunately, some of them are living on such a fixed income that it feels almost impossible to help them meet their needs and cater to some of their wants. Fortunately, with a bit of financial rearranging, they can have it all. Here are a few things you might suggest that can put them on the right track. Home refinancing Interest rates are historically low. And if one of your parents is a veteran, they may be able to refinance with a VA IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan), which typically has fewer out-of-pocket costs and flexible eligibility.... Continue Reading

We all want to spend more time with aging parents and loved ones. So, when forces outside of your control force you to keep your distance, you may feel afraid, anxious, and guilty. While these feelings are completely normal, you should know that distance doesn’t have to mean sacrificing care or connection for your loved one. It just means you may have to get creative to ensure that your senior feels safe, loved, and protected.     Smartphones One device that every senior should have is a user-friendly and reliable smartphone. You can find senior-friendly cell phones that will work with... Continue Reading

Here’s hoping everyone is healthy and safe!! COVID19 has touched all of our lives in many various ways. The one things most evident is our mortality, and how life can change on a dime! Planning is an essential part of life and as we all age, taking hard looks at possibilities is essential.   Turning 60? So while you’re caring for your aging parents as well as dealing with COVID19 and all of the news restrictions on our lives, you suddenly find yourself 60!! Happy Birthday, and many returns of the day! Now it’s time to take a look at your own life and begin to plan for your... Continue Reading

As you grow older, you will realize that age isn’t just a number. Unfortunately, as the years add on, you will notice that your body just isn’t capable of doing things it once was. For individuals who like to stay fit, this tends to be a problem. You want to continue to hit the track or the gym like you used to but your body just doesn’t let you do certain things anymore. This is why we have listed five exercises that anyone over 50 should be wary of attempting due to the danger they pose. Squatting with weights Squats with just your body weight is a great way to keep your legs in top shape... Continue Reading

Last week, Leanne Meier RN, BSN had as her guest on her voiceamerica.com podcast Once a Nurse, Always a Nurse, Tina Marrelli MSN, MA, RN, FAAN (see post below). Tina was asked to speak about her award-winning book for caregivers A Guide for Caregiving – What’s Next? and on the topic of self-care for caregivers. It was a terrific episode and I really recommend you take time to listen to the on-demand replay. They both presented some great points! The Episode Description reads: Tina Marrelli, BSN, RN joins me Monday, December 23, 2019 on Once a Nurse to talk about Caregivers... Continue Reading

I am pleased to call Tina Marrelli, MSN, MA, RN, FAAN, a friend. She is also a fabulous award-winning, best-selling author. Everything she writes is done to perfection and so it’s no surprise that she has combined her vast knowledge as a nurse from the home health and hospice field with the art of caregiving for her loved ones. Tina has chosen to share some of the very best tips that you’ll find anywhere in her award-winning book, A Guide for Caregiving – What’s Next?   Caregiving for your aging loved ones is probably one of the most difficult roles you’ll encounter... Continue Reading

I got a new laminator that will laminate papers up to 13″ wide. It’s reasonably priced and comes with a great supply of various sized pouches to get you started. It also came with a trimmer and a page rounder. The instructions are easy to follow and it works quite well. While not all legal documents can or should be laminated, copies of them can be so you can place the originals in a safe place and be able to access the copies as needed for information purposes. Laminators are also great for work projects like training materials and marketing or reference materials. Arts and craft... Continue Reading

Celebrating Black Friday through Cyber Monday The price for the Caring for Your Aging Parents course on the Teachable.com platform is on sale from Black Friday through Cyber Monday for just $12. That a 48% DISCOUNT! Purchase and download today and enjoy the course anytime in the future. You can even download it and listen to the audio while you’re multi-tasking, and review the slides later to make note of the points that will help you best on this journey. I have just completed that last leg of my journey in this sandwiched generation with the passing of our 4th parent, my mother-in-law.... Continue Reading

Little is more overwhelming than finding out you or someone you love is terminally ill. However, when faced with life’s final journey, covering some critical details can provide peace of mind, both for the dying and for those who must carry on. Read on for information that can help you forge a pathway during this most difficult time.   Add Financial Security On top of the emotional distress that accompanies a terminal illness, many people find themselves in financial upheaval. There can be substantial medical expenses involved, and it’s not unusual for families to face mortgages, credit... Continue Reading

What your parents must know when online Nowadays, Internet use among seniors is on the rise. But unfortunately, predators frequently prey upon the elderly taking priority of their trusting nature and a lack of tech knowledge. Statistics tell no lies. According to the Aviva agency survey, 73% of over-45s internet users confessed that they had been targeted by email scam and 6% of these claimed they had been caught in a cheat’s net. Although there are many techniques that everyone can use to identify a possible intruder before it causes any real harm, some older adults may say “I am too... Continue Reading