Mobility and Independence

Adaptive vehicles and vehicle modifications — when they can still drive with help

Disclaimer: Vehicle modifications should only be installed and used under guidance from a certified driving rehabilitation specialist. This article provides general information only. Your older adult can no longer press the pedals because of arthritis or weakness. They cannot turn their neck enough to check mirrors. They cannot transfer into

Mobility and Independence

When to stop driving — the conversation nobody wants to have

Disclaimer: Questions about driving safety should be discussed with a physician or evaluated by a certified driving rehabilitation specialist. This article provides general guidance only. Driving is independence. For most people, it's not just a practical ability to get from one place to another. It's a

Mobility and Independence

How to take away the keys — strategies that preserve dignity

Disclaimer: Decisions about removing driving privileges should involve a physician and may require legal counsel. This article provides general guidance only. Sometimes conversation doesn't work. You've talked about the dangers. Your older adult's physician has expressed concerns. You've seen near misses or

Mobility and Independence

Wheelchairs — manual, transport, and the selection process

Disclaimer: Wheelchair selection and prescription should be done with a healthcare provider, physical therapist, or wheelchair specialist. This article provides general information only. A wheelchair represents a significant shift in independence. Not a loss of it, but a shift in what independence looks like. Your older adult might move from

Mobility and Independence

Mobility scooters — when and where they make sense

Disclaimer: Mobility scooter selection and suitability should be assessed by a healthcare provider. This article provides general information only. A mobility scooter is often the first piece of equipment that older adults will actually accept. Unlike a walker or wheelchair, a scooter feels like an extension of capability rather than

Mobility and Independence

Canes — choosing the right one and using it safely

Disclaimer: Cane selection and use should be guided by a healthcare provider or physical therapist. This article provides general information, not medical advice. A cane is not a consolation prize. It's not what you use when walking has failed. It's a tool that works with the

Mobility and Independence

Walkers and rollators — the options and how to choose

Disclaimer: Walker selection should be guided by a physical therapist or healthcare provider. This article provides general information only. A walker is a serious tool. It signals that someone needs significant support to move safely. That's why many older adults resist them, and it's also why

Mobility and Independence

When walking becomes difficult — understanding mobility decline

Disclaimer: This article is informational and not a substitute for medical evaluation. If your older adult is experiencing new mobility changes, contact their physician for assessment. Your father used to pace while on the phone. He could walk to the corner store and back without thinking about it. Now, watching

Medications and Treatment

Medication assistance for veterans — VA pharmacy benefits

This article provides information about VA pharmacy benefits for eligible veterans. Always verify eligibility with the VA directly. VA benefits and coverage vary based on discharge status and priority group. Your father is a veteran. He spent years in the military serving his country. Now he's aging, accumulating

Medications and Treatment

When they refuse treatment — respecting autonomy while managing fear

This article addresses the emotional complexity when an elder refuses recommended medical treatment. Your elder has the right to refuse treatment. Your role is understanding their perspective and managing your own fear while supporting their autonomy. Your mother was just diagnosed with cancer. The oncologist recommends chemotherapy. Your mother says

Medications and Treatment

Medication therapy management — the pharmacist consultation most people don't know about

This article provides information about medication therapy management services. MTM consultations are often free or low-cost for eligible patients. Ask your elder's pharmacist or healthcare team whether they qualify. There's a free or low-cost service available to many older adults that few people know about. It&

Medications and Treatment

Hospital-to-home medication transitions — the dangerous handoff

This article provides information about medication transitions from hospital to home. Always verify medication lists, ask questions about changes, and consult your elder's primary doctor if anything seems unclear. Your father spent three days in the hospital for pneumonia. He's getting better and is ready to