Real situations, real answers
What do I do when…?
These are the situations people bring to me again and again. Find yours, read what I’d do, and watch the video if you’d rather hear it from me. If yours isn’t here, call me. That’s what I’m for.
“I live alone and worry about falling”If You Fell, How Would Help Get In? The Simple Lockbox FixLocked doors keep you safe, but they also keep help out. Courtney Jones on using a combination key lockbox so emergency help can get in.▶ Includes Courtney’s video
“Someone I love is going into the hospital”Going Into the Hospital? Don’t Go Alone. Why You Need an AdvocateNurses are stretched thin and hospital stays are shorter. Courtney Jones explains why every patient needs an advocate and how to set up family shifts.▶ Includes Courtney’s video
“I’m stuck and don’t know who to ask”It’s Okay to Ask for Help. You Just Need to Know Who to CallNobody is an expert at everything. Courtney Jones on why we stop asking for help as we age, and how to build your own list of people to call.▶ Includes Courtney’s video
“I got a letter about my Medicare plan”Got a Letter About Your Medicare Advantage Plan? Open It Today.Medicare Advantage plans are being cancelled and changed. Courtney Jones explains what to do with that letter before the December 7 deadline.▶ Includes Courtney’s video
“Someone wants to move in with me”“Can I Just Stay Until I Get On My Feet?” Protecting Your HomeSoft-hearted, not foolish. Courtney Jones shares ground rules for seniors when a friend, relative or partner asks to stay with you for a while.▶ Includes Courtney’s video
“Winter is on its way”Winter Is Coming: A Senior’s Get-Ready ListCourtney Jones’s practical winter prep list for seniors: deicer, the snow shovel, a car kit, holiday lights while it’s mild, and booking help early.▶ Includes Courtney’s video
“I have repair people or a delivery crew coming”Workers Coming to Your Home? Have Another Set of Eyes ThereFurnace install, cable repair, a delivery crew? Courtney Jones on why seniors should never be the only one home when several workers come in.▶ Includes Courtney’s video- “It’s time to change the clocks”Twice a Year, Twice the Safety: Check Your Smoke Detectors and Change Your Furnace FilterA simple twice-a-year home safety habit for seniors: test smoke detector batteries and change the furnace filter every time the clocks change.
- “I want an easy game or something relaxing to do”Free Online Coloring and Memory Games for Seniors (No Sign-Up, Big Buttons)Free online coloring pages and a gentle memory match game for seniors: big buttons, no sign-up, no ads, no clock. Color, print and play with the grandkids.
- “I’m bored and want something fun to do”15 Fun Activities for Seniors at Home (Most Are Free)Easy, enjoyable activities for seniors at home: coloring, memory games, old radio shows, homemade cards, music, puzzles and ways to stay connected.
- “I want my family to know my wishes”The Living Legacy Planner: A Guide to Organizing Your Final WishesWhy The Living Legacy Planner helps seniors and caregivers record final wishes, finances, medical details and memories in one place, and how to start.
- “I want to make Christmas cards this year”Make Your Own Christmas Cards Online (Free, With Your Family Photo)Make your own Christmas cards online for free with a family photo: what to write, how to print a stack or text them to family, and fun ideas with the grandkids.
- “I want to send someone a card”How to Make Your Own Greeting Card Online, Free (Step by Step)Make your own greeting card free online: pick an occasion, add a family photo, write your wishes, then print it, save a PDF or text it to family.
- “I need to get Mom and Dad’s papers in order”How to Organize Important Papers for Your Aging ParentsA simple checklist for organizing an aging parent’s important papers: IDs, insurance, medications, bank accounts, legal documents and final wishes, in one place.
- “I’m thinking about moving to a 55+ community”Over-55 Communities: Is 55 the Right Limit for You?Thinking about a 55+ active adult community? Weigh the pros and cons, from social life and low-maintenance living to HOA fees and resale limits.
- “I think Mom or Dad needs more help”Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Help (and What to Do Next)The quiet signs an aging parent needs more help at home, from unpaid bills to missed pills, and the gentle next steps Courtney Jones recommends.
Remember: this is practical, everyday guidance from someone who’s been there. It isn’t medical, legal or financial advice. For those decisions, please check with your doctor, a lawyer or a licensed advisor. I’m happy to help you work out what to ask them.
From Courtney
Don’t see your situation? Tell me about it.
Your first conversation is free. Tell me what’s going on, and we’ll work out the next step together. Sometimes you need a plan. Sometimes you just need somebody who gets it.
