You did your homework. You planned ahead. You sat down with an attorney, signed the paperwork, and named someone you trusted to handle things if you ever couldn’t. Maybe it was your son, your daughter, or a trusted friend. You felt relieved to have plans in place. And then, slowly, things started to feel off. ... Read More
Caring for a loved one can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life—but it can also be exhausting. Many family caregivers find themselves overwhelmed, juggling responsibilities while trying to provide the best possible care. In fact, more than 60% of family caregivers report experiencing high levels of stress, and nearly 40% say they ... Read More
There are a lot of considerations when it comes to an older adult getting a pet. While many of us enjoy a furry (or feathery, or scaly) friend, older adults should keep a few things in mind when weighing the pros and cons of bringing a new pet into their home. Can I take care ... Read More
Retirement. The golden years. Time to finally relax. These phrases sound wonderful, but for many older adults, the transition away from careers, active parenting, and long-held roles can leave an unexpected void. The question “What do I do now?” becomes surprisingly complex. The good news? Developing a sense of purpose in your later years isn’t ... Read More
When someone you love has dementia, the way you care for them changes. But one thing should never change: their right to feel respected. Dementia can affect memory, language, and independence. But it should never erase dignity. Dignity is about being seen as a whole person, not just a set of needs or tasks. Maintaining ... Read More
When your aging parent or loved one needs emergency medical care, the last thing you want to worry about is scrambling to gather essential items. Yet many families find themselves in exactly this situation, frantically packing bags while dealing with the stress of a medical crisis. The solution? A pre-packed hospital go bag that’s ready ... Read More
What happens when our days grow quieter with age? For many older adults, things begin to shift. There might be fewer social plans, more time at home, and less daily activity. Health changes may limit outings, close friends might live far away, and routines can slow down. Some people enjoy the calm, but for others, ... Read More
Samantha’s dad, Walter, had always been a proud, hardworking man. In his seventies, dementia began to cloud his memory. One afternoon, he asked where his mother was. Samantha froze; her grandmother had been gone for more than forty years. She gently told him the truth. Walter’s face fell, his eyes filled with tears, and for ... Read More
Travel season is in full swing, and many of us have made plans to enjoy the peak season in the United States. Everyone deserves to take vacations, and that includes family caregivers of people who are experiencing cognitive decline. Traveling with someone who has dementia can be rewarding, meaningful—and, at times, unpredictable. People who have ... Read More
Maria sat quietly by her father’s bedside, watching his breath grow slower with each passing day. Though he was still there, her heart already felt heavy. She found herself mourning moments: the stories they hadn’t yet told, the hugs that might soon be gone, the future memories that would never be made. This experience is ... Read More
11 months ago, I was desperately in need of getting another CNA for my 86 yr. old mother living miles away. I called another agency, and they recommended that our family hire a professional guardian/care manager and recommended Barlowe & Associates. We quickly discovered that the care manager was exactly what my mother needed and was well worth it. An NFL quarterback—calling the perfect plays, initiating correct actions and handling the snaps. The care manager mastered the execution of challenging games with superb knowledge. I was amazed and impressed with her professional unbiased ability to “keep on playing.” I don’t know what I would have done without her during my mom’s final days. She made sure things were approached/handled exactly as my mother wanted.