Summer is here, and with it comes longer days, warmer weather, and the natural energy of a new season. For older adults and caregivers, summer also brings unique challenges — managing medications in the heat, staying safe during outdoor activities, and making sure the support systems we rely on are still in place when routines change.
This month, we are focusing on what it means to stay safe, connected, and informed during the summer months. From medication management to navigating care transitions, our June issue is filled with practical tools to help you and your loved ones thrive all season long.
We also have very exciting news to share: registration for our Annual Aging Well Symposium & Resource Fair is now open! October 3rd will be here before we know it, and we want you there. Whether you are a caregiver, an older adult planning ahead, or someone who simply wants to connect with our community, this event is free and open to all. Details are inside.
Wishing you a safe, joyful summer,
Luz Johnson, Founder
Aging Well of CA
Our Annual Aging Well Symposium & Resource Fair returns on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. PST, at the Orangevale Community Center, 6826 Hazel Avenue, Orangevale. This free community event brings together older adults, caregivers, and trusted local resources for a full day of education, connection, and support.
Registration is now open for attendees and it’s completely free to attend. We encourage you to register in advance so we can plan accordingly. We look forward to seeing you there!
Medication management is one of the most important — and challenging — parts of caring for an older adult. Many seniors take multiple prescriptions prescribed by different doctors, along with over-the-counter medications, supplements, or vitamins. Without a clear system, the risk of missed doses, incorrect timing, duplicate medications, or harmful interactions increases significantly. Effective medication management protects health, reduces hospitalizations, and lowers stress for both older adults and caregivers.
Summer adds a layer of complexity that many families do not anticipate. Heat affects how medications are stored and absorbed, and disruptions to routine — travel, houseguests, schedule changes — can throw even a well-organized system off track. Taking a few proactive steps now can prevent complications before they happen.
One of the first steps in medication safety is maintaining an accurate, up-to-date medication list. This list should include the medication name, dosage, how often it is taken, why it is prescribed, who prescribed it, and which pharmacy fills it. Including over-the-counter products and supplements is just as important, as these can interact with prescription medications. This list should be brought to every medical appointment and updated whenever changes occur.
Many medications are sensitive to heat and humidity. Storing medications in a hot car, near a sunny window, or in a steamy bathroom can reduce their potency and effectiveness. During summer months, caregivers should check storage instructions for each medication and find a cool, dry location. This is especially critical for medications that require refrigeration or controlled temperature conditions.
Summer travel, family visits, and shifting schedules can disrupt medication routines that work smoothly at home. Pill organizers, reminder apps, and written medication schedules can help ensure medications are taken correctly and consistently — even when the day looks different than usual. For individuals with memory challenges, caregivers may need to supervise or administer medications directly to maintain accuracy.
Caregivers and older adults should know what each medication is for, how long it should be taken, and what side effects to watch for. New symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, fatigue, appetite changes, or mood shifts may be medication-related rather than part of normal aging. In summer, dehydration can also intensify the effects of certain medications. When changes appear, contacting a healthcare provider promptly can prevent serious problems.
Pharmacists are valuable — and often underutilized — partners in medication safety. They can review medication lists for interactions, explain proper use, and suggest ways to simplify regimens when possible. Using one pharmacy for all prescriptions helps pharmacists monitor interactions more effectively. A quick conversation at the counter could prevent a serious and avoidable complication.
Medication management is not about perfection. It is about awareness and consistency. When families take an active role in organizing, understanding, and monitoring medications, they significantly reduce risks and build greater confidence in the daily care routine all summer long.
Staying active and connected is one of the most impactful things older adults and caregivers can do for both physical health and emotional well-being. A walking club is a simple, low-impact way to get moving, form meaningful social connections, and build a healthy routine together. Whether done outdoors in parks, indoors in community centers, or virtually with friends, walking clubs are adaptable to all fitness levels and mobility needs.
Walking is one of the most accessible forms of physical activity. It does not require special equipment, and participants can choose their pace. For older adults, regular walking helps improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones, support balance and coordination, and even boost mood and cognitive function. For caregivers, walking provides a structured way to relieve stress, increase daily activity, and connect with others who understand the challenges of caregiving.
Walking also supports social interaction, which is especially important for older adults at risk of isolation. Shared goals motivate participants and encourage consistency. A group setting adds accountability and friendship, making health activities more enjoyable and sustainable.
A walking club is easy to start and can be tailored to meet group needs. Set a schedule with regular days and times that work for the group. Choose routes and locations that suit participants — options include neighborhood loops, local parks, mall walking routes (especially great in hot summer weather), or tracks at community centers. Select a pace that is comfortable for everyone, and consider offering separate pace groups for different energy levels.
Simple tools like pedometers or smartphone apps can help track progress and keep motivation high. Ending walks with a brief social moment — a coffee, water break, or short conversation — reinforces the community aspect and keeps participants coming back.
Caregivers often put their own health last because of caregiving demands. A walking club gives caregivers permission to invest in their own wellness while sharing time with others on similar paths. Walking clubs can be caregiver-friendly by offering short distances, accessible routes, rest spots, and the option to include the person being cared for — if mobile — or a buddy for support.
During summer months, a few extra precautions keep walking safe and enjoyable. Carry water and stay hydrated throughout the walk. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes and light, breathable clothing. Use sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses on sunny days. Walk in the early morning or evening to avoid peak heat hours. Use well-lit, flat routes if balance is a concern, and let someone know your route and expected return time.
Walking clubs are more than exercise — they are community builders. They invite older adults and caregivers to step out of isolation, set goals, share stories, and improve health one step at a time. Whether you walk three times a week or once with a friend, each step supports connection, well-being, and aging well.
Hospital stays are often stressful for older adults and caregivers, but the most vulnerable moment frequently comes after leaving the hospital. Care transitions — such as moving from hospital to home, rehabilitation, or assisted care — are high-risk periods for medication errors, missed follow-up care, and confusion. Understanding how to manage these transitions is essential for safety and recovery.
During a hospital stay, many things change quickly. New medications may be added, others stopped, and treatment plans adjusted. Different providers may rotate in and out, and communication can feel rushed. Caregivers often become the primary advocates, responsible for asking questions, tracking information, and preparing for what comes next.
Discharge planning should begin before leaving the hospital. Families should clearly understand the diagnosis, treatment provided, and expected recovery process. Discharge instructions are often lengthy and written in medical language, so it is important to ask for explanations in plain terms. Caregivers should not hesitate to ask staff to repeat information or write it down.
Medication changes are one of the most common sources of post-hospital complications. Families should request a complete medication review, comparing pre-hospital medications with discharge prescriptions. Clarify which medications are new, which were discontinued, and which should continue. Never assume medications remain the same after a hospital stay. Confirming instructions with a primary care provider or pharmacist adds an extra layer of safety.
Many readmissions occur because follow-up appointments were not scheduled or warning signs were missed. Before discharge, caregivers should confirm upcoming appointments, therapy referrals, lab work, and who to contact with questions. Knowing which symptoms require immediate medical attention can prevent emergencies and unnecessary returns to the emergency room.
Care transitions also affect daily life at home. Mobility may be reduced, energy lower, and care needs temporarily increased. Planning for temporary support — such as home health services, adaptive equipment, or additional caregiver help — reduces strain and improves recovery outcomes. Preparing the home environment in advance creates a safer and smoother landing.
Successful care transitions rely on communication, organization, and advocacy. When caregivers are informed and prepared, older adults experience safer recoveries, fewer complications, and smoother transitions. Managing hospital discharges thoughtfully is a key part of aging well — helping families move forward with confidence rather than crisis.
The American Association of Retired Persons — better known simply as AARP — is one of the most influential nonprofit organizations in the United States dedicated to improving the lives of adults age 50 and older. Founded in 1958, AARP has grown into a powerful voice for aging issues, with offices in every state, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its mission combines advocacy, education, support, and community building for older adults and those who care for them.
AARP serves older adults age 50 and above, whether retired or still working, as well as family caregivers supporting aging parents, spouses, or loved ones facing chronic illness, disability, or memory loss. It also supports adults approaching retirement and communities working to become more age-friendly.
AARP’s Caregiving Resource Center offers practical information, tools, and guidance for anyone involved in family caregiving. Topics include balancing caregiving with work and family life, navigating medical and legal challenges, strategies for preserving dignity and quality of life, and tips for creating care plans and communicating with healthcare providers. AARP also provides free downloadable caregiving guides and checklists designed to help families at every stage.
One area where AARP provides particular value is supporting older adult independence — including transportation. AARP advocates for accessible transportation options and publishes resources to help older adults navigate driving retirement, community transportation alternatives, and ride services. For caregivers helping a loved one who can no longer drive, these resources offer practical guidance on maintaining independence and community connection.
AARP regularly hosts free online classes, webinars, and virtual events on caregiving topics, health strategies, and work-life balance. Caregivers can also join the AARP Caregiving Online Community, a supportive space where people share experiences and ask questions. Many of AARP’s resources — including caregiving tools, community events, and online engagement — are free and open to the public without a paid membership.
AARP actively advocates for legislation that supports family caregivers, such as policies to reduce financial burden, improve access to respite care and paid leave, and simplify interactions with health systems. Through campaigns and partnerships, AARP makes caregiving issues visible to lawmakers and the broader public.
For more information, caregiving tools, and resources, visit: www.aarp.org/caregiving
There is a book that many caregivers wish had existed when they first stepped into the role. The One Who Stays, written by Dawn Cillino, is exactly that — a practical, honest guide written from the inside out, for the person who makes the decisions, manages the details, and stays when things get hard.
Dawn brings a unique perspective to caregiving. As a retired Creative Director, she approaches a deeply personal topic with the clarity and structure that families so desperately need. Drawing from her firsthand experience caring for aging parents, she writes about the realities that rarely get discussed — the paperwork, the logistics, the conversations no one prepares you for — and she does it with both empathy and precision.
The book covers the areas caregivers encounter most: legal and financial preparation, organizing care, working with professional caregivers, and navigating the day-to-day responsibilities that quietly accumulate over time. It is designed to be both a reference and a source of support — something you can open when you need a next step and reach for again when the situation changes. Whether you are just beginning the caregiving journey or deep in the middle of it, The One Who Stays offers something invaluable: the sense that someone else has been through this, has written it down, and genuinely wants to help you find your footing.
Caregiving can feel like something you are expected to figure out as you go. The decisions stack up. The systems are complicated. And through all of it, you keep showing up — because that’s what love looks like in practice. This book honors that reality and offers something rare in the caregiving space: real structure, real answers, and the reassurance that you do not have to navigate it alone.
Dawn Cillino is a retired Creative Director and the author of The One Who Stays. Drawing from her firsthand experience as a caregiver, she writes about the practical and emotional realities of supporting aging parents. Her work focuses on helping families navigate caregiving with greater clarity, structure, and confidence.
To learn more or order the book, visit: www.onewhostays.com
Since 1997, Senior Care Solutions has been helping families across the Greater Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado County areas navigate one of caregiving’s most overwhelming challenges: finding the right care for an aging loved one. Their experienced Family Consultants guide families through the full range of senior care options — from in-home care and assisted living to memory care and skilled nursing facilities — and their services are completely free.
Whether you are just beginning to explore options or facing an urgent need, Senior Care Solutions brings nearly three decades of local expertise and compassionate, personalized guidance to help families make informed decisions with confidence and peace of mind.
Call 916-965-5565 or visit their website to connect with a consultant today.
Two ways to put your business in front of the families who need you most.
Be in the Room Where the Decisions Are Made
The Aging Well Symposium draws 100+ caregivers, seniors, and healthcare professionals who are actively seeking services like yours. Sponsorship opportunities start at $50 and go up to the Legacy Sponsor package at $1,000 — with only one spot available. Every table-level sponsorship and above includes a $250 donation to Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center and the Orangevale Parks & Rec Senior Program. Your investment grows your business and gives back to the community you serve. Early bird pricing ends June 15.
Reach This Audience Every Month, Not Just Once a Year
Newsletter sponsorship puts your business in front of caregivers, seniors, and healthcare professionals across Sacramento County month after month. Your sponsorship includes a 250–400 word themed article written in your voice, your logo, and an events listing.
Options start at $100 for a single event listing, $300 for a 6-month cycle, or $550 for full-year visibility. Spots are limited to 3 businesses per month and are first-come, first-served.
Join Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center for their biggest fundraiser of the year! The 21st Annual Cruise Around the World Cook-off & Fundraiser takes place on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Elk’s Lodge No. 6 in Sacramento. Enjoy an evening of international flavors, live competition, and great company — all in support of family caregivers in our community. General admission tickets are $50 online through June 17 ($60 at the door). Don’t miss it!
We are actively building our partner event calendar for the months ahead. If your organization has an upcoming community event, seminar, workshop, or resource fair to promote to our readers across Northern California, we would love to feature it here. Newsletter sponsorship spots for the remainder of 2026 are now available. Contact us to learn more about reaching our engaged caregiver community each month.
We want to hear from you! As we build the program for the 2026 Aging Well Symposium, we are inviting attendees to submit topic suggestions for consideration. Is there a caregiving challenge, resource, or question you have been wanting to explore? This is your chance to help shape the conversation.
Looking for trusted information on caregiving, aging, and senior services? Our Resource page has you covered. From expert video conversations with senior industry professionals to past newsletters packed with practical guidance, everything you need is just one click away. Whether you are a caregiver navigating a new challenge or a family member looking for answers, these tools are here to support you every step of the way.
