Who are the professionals using the arts in their work with older adults? What is the difference between expressive arts therapies, arts education, and other types of arts programming? Are you a professional who uses the arts in your practice? Do you know someone whose life has been changed through art? What questions do you have about expressive arts’ connection to aging?

Yet, despite this growing epidemic of abuse, approximately 6 million cases nationally every year, the government seems to be neglecting offering any support, research, or progress- burying their heads in the sand under budget crisis and campaign promises. Although Obama passed the Elder Justice Act almost two years ago, congress has still failed to provide ANY funding, leaving another empty promise on the table.

Multiculturalism and the Field of Aging On November 16th, Marta Pereyra, Executive Director of CLESE (Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly), presented on “Multiculturalism and the Field of Aging,” at the Chicago Bridge monthy event.  Marta discussed the state of older adult immigrants in our county at the present time and explained that America is [...]

Occupy Your End of Life Most of us say we want to be in control of our destiny, but do we really mean it? Death is the one outcome we are sure of, yet most of us choose to avoid thinking about it or planning for it until “something” happens. Unfortunately, that is exactly when [...]

The one essential skill that elder law attorneys must possess is an ability to listen to their clients.

A recent report was released on the 50 long-term care systems in the United States. With an interactive, easy to use website, it is simple to see how states compare on a variety of different long-term care indicators. Illinois ranked, overall, in the 2nd Quartile, with several easily identifiable areas to improve upon.

Some amazing moments at the NAPA Listening Session included a 17-year-old daughter of a young onset Alzheimer’s disease mom, who stood up and stopped the show with her insightful, heartfelt comments about what her mom and her family needed. When the persons affected by the non-Alzheimer’s disease spoke up, showing that they were affected too and the plan should include their needs as well.

Medication errors are among the most common medical mistakes, harming at least 1.5 million people every year, according to a recent report by the Institute of Medicine. The additional medical costs of treating these drug related injuries in hospitals adds up to at least $3.5 billion per year – and that doesn’t even include the [...]

People are living longer, but are they living better? What are those last years like? Most people fear disability, debility and decline more than death itself. Is there some way to ease the aging process and help elder Americans maintain their independence and resilience longer as their age advances? The practice of meditation may be the answer.

Impacting more than 500,000 patients and resulting in billions of dollars in medical expenses on an annual basis, pressure sores are no longer a condition that can go ignored. Today there is literally a pressure sore epidemic that is effecting patients in all demographics– but particularly the elderly. Learning more about this largely preventable medical condition could not only drastically improve your loved ones quality of life— but perhaps save it!