Elder Options, Inc.

04/11/2026

Saturday Reading: The Fight Against Ageism: Our Families Story

About four months ago, our family’s life changed forever. Our fiercely strong, active, and independent mother suffered two, nearly back-to-back strokes. As a family, we were blindsided. Our mother was healthy, actively working, and traveling. Throughout this journey there were days when everything felt uncertain; however, we tried our best to remain positive and present to support our parents to encourage healing. However, at times, this was a challenge, as what we didn’t expect to experience- was the sheer amount of ageism our mother would experience.

Read More:

About four months ago, our family’s life changed forever. Our fiercely strong, active, and independent mother suffered two, nearly back-to-back strokes. As a family, we were blindsided. Our mother was healthy, actively working, and traveling. Throughout this journey there were […]

04/11/2026

Did you know that not all dementia is the same? Dementia is not a single condition, but a group of disorders, each with its own symptoms, progression, and challenges. Some individuals may struggle primarily with memory, while others experience changes in behavior, communication, or decision-making.

As a individuals, understanding these differences is essential as it allows us to meet each person where they are, respond with patience and compassion, and provide unique, person centered care.

04/10/2026

A Life Lived Fully Every Day: A Caregivers Story

Prior to coming to work for Elder Options, I was a CNA in a large skilled nursing facility. I worked with some amazing residents but, always felt I was limited on my time. I never felt I could spend the time with them that I always felt would be beneficial.

At my start with Elder Options, I was scheduled with a lovely woman who has some memory impairments. She was living alone as her husband had passed away but, had family who visited regularly. In the beginning, she was quiet. I knew it would take some time for her to trust me. Each shift, I helped her in the shower, cleaned up the house, made meals, and we went out for errands. One day, I found her crying after the shower. I simply sat next to her and held her hand. A moment passed and she began to tell me about her husband. She told me about his love for the outdoors, the adventures they want on together, and how they first met. This one day, changed everything.

A few months later, I suggested that we could go to the Senior Center for lunch, as we were having such a great time together but, she was missing a sense of connection. At first, she was reluctant so, we went to "check it out". After a few lunches, she started talking to others she saw regularly. She was then invited to the center's grief support group. In this group, she met so many who much like her, were grieving the loss of their spouse. After only a few short months, my client became the facilitator of the support group, welcoming new members, introducing them to others, and providing a sense of connection to others that she was so desperately seeking.

I have worked for Elder Options for 19 years but, as I reflect back on my first client, I see how what began as simple caregiving shift became something far greater. She rediscovered her voice, her purpose, and a renewed sense of joy and I had the honor of witnessing it all. In the end, she showed me what it truly means to live a life fully every day. This experience reaffirmed why I chose this path to help others not just live, but truly live fully every day.

04/09/2026

Honoring a Life Lived Fully, Every Day: A Care Manager Story

I received a call from a daughter who who was completely overwhelmed. Her father was in a skilled nursing facility after a significant stroke. Her mother wanted to bring her father home but, as the daughter-she was really worried about this plan. Her father had no use of his right side and her mother would not be able to help him into bed or even to the bathroom. Her fathers speech had also been impacted so, he was not able to communicate his needs.

As the Care Manager, I was able to coordinate with the discharge planner and primary care physician, arrange the appropriate medical supplies, ensure all new prescription's were ordered, schedule and attend follow up medical appointments, place a skilled home care team in place, and bring her father home.

After he was home, I continued to provide regular oversight and often made several changes to accommodate his needs. I also kept a very close eye on his wife to ensure she was not overextending herself and experiencing any sort of burn out.

In the beginning, we talked a lot. I can remember late night calls, with the wife in tears, wondering if she was doing the right thing. However, over time-they settled into a routine. I would regularly visit my client and his wife. At each visit, I would sit down to talk with him. I never wanted him to feel we were talking "around him", not to him. Even though he could not respond. He could shake his head yes or no and always flashed me the biggest smile. This was when I knew, he was happy.

To this day, I am so incredibly proud that we were able to not only provide support but, also ensure he lives his life to the fullest each and every day. After his passing, his daughter sent me a beautiful note stating: "I cannot thank you enough. You allowed my father to come home, which was his greatest wish".

03/29/2026

Sunday Reading: Navigating Care After a Health Crisis: Understanding Your Options-Liz Heape Caldwell, BS,MBA,CMC

Jemma James and her husband had lived a quiet, independent life in their home for more than 60 years. They raised three children together, and although two lived out of town, their family visited often. The James children had busy lives of their own, juggling work and their children’s activities, but their parents were doing well and valued their independence.

Then one day everything changed. Read more:

Liz Heape Caldwell, BS, MBA, CMC Jemma James and her husband had lived a quiet, independent life in their home for more than 60 years. They raised three children together, and although two lived out of town, their family visited […]

03/27/2026

Home care = hands on help.
Care management = hands on guidance.

At Elder Options, we do both! 👏

03/26/2026

👏 Meet Natalie!

Administrative Assistant, problem solver, and all around rockstar. She helps our clients and caregivers every day. We are so grateful for all her hard work.

03/25/2026

When caring for a loved one starts to feel overwhelming, it’s time for support you can trust.

Elder Options is here to help with personalized care, compassionate caregivers, and guidance you can rely on every step of the way.

Because your loved one deserves to feel safe, comfortable, and cared for at home and you deserve peace of mind.

✨ Let’s talk about your options today.

03/24/2026

At Elder Options, our goal is to empower clients to live safely and comfortably in their own homes, on their own terms.

03/20/2026

Primary caregivers: it’s okay to not be okay. If you need a moment for yourself, reach out, we’re here to support you.

03/19/2026

Time for a Meet the Team spotlight! 🌟

Meet our incredible Admin Manager Mickie! From keeping the office organized to supporting our caregivers and clients every day, she plays a huge role in making sure everything runs smoothly. We’re lucky to have someone so dedicated to our team and community.

03/18/2026

We understand getting outside safely can sometimes be a challenge. That’s where having a caregiver can make a big difference. A caregiver can assist with walks around the neighborhood, help safely get to the porch or backyard, or simply provide companionship while enjoying the sunshine together.

Spending time outdoors doesn’t have to be complicated. Something as simple as sitting outside, enjoying a warm breeze, or taking in the sights of the season can do wonders for overall well-being.