In This Episode:
Dr. K talks with Mary Hulme, geriatric social worker specialized in dementia and the co-author of “Caring from Afar: A Guide to Home Sensor Systems for Aging Parents.” They discuss:
- How geriatric social workers help older adults and families
- Why safety is no longer the automatic top priority in social work
- How to use an older person’s goals when weighing safety versus autonomy
- What is positive risk-taking in dementia
- Why Mary likes home sensor systems
- Features and options to consider when selecting a PERS system
- GPS-enabled devices and options for tracking people with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia
- Tips on discussing safety and location tracking with an older relative
Related episodes:
010 – Interview: Choosing a Wearable Medical Alert System for Older Adults
054 – How to Make Difficult Decisions Easier: Using Goals of Care & Weighing Benefits vs Burdens
Related Resources:
- Mary Hulme’s website: Moonstone Geriatrics
- How can ‘positive risk-taking’ help build dementia-friendly communities?
- Alzheimer’s Association: Ethical and Care Issues
- Family Caregiver Alliance
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I am 86 and was recently widowed. I would welcome assistance to adjusting to widowhood.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I would recommend looking into a support group. You may want to start by posting to an online forum for older family caregivers, as I know many of them have been through a similar loss and people will be able to offer suggestions on what they found helpful to cope. There is a very active forum at AgingCare.com, you can find it here.
Other thoughts: give yourself time, lots of time. Working through bereavement often takes much longer than people around you might expect (unless they’ve been through it too). It is normal for things to go up and down, with some days easier and some days horribly hard. Remember there is no “right” way to go through this process. Try to connect with people who have been through it or who otherwise feel supportive. Everyone else is generally well-intentioned but may inadvertently not feel helpful. Good luck and take care!