The following are common and important situations in which it would be beneficial to retain our services: Older persons living alone with little or no help Family members living out of town who are unable to visit often Family members living locally but don’t know how, or are too busy to figure out how, to tap into the best and most appropriate resources Doctors with possible concerns about their patients’ living arrangements Hospital discharge workers seeking a safe discharge plan with assurance that the patient will have someone coordinating necessary care on a continued basis Home Care/Nursing Homes/Assisted Living Facilities…
Are you unsure whether an aging relative’s behavior is due to normal aging or other serious factors? Yes No Has there been a sudden or gradual change that you have been noticing which causes you to wonder if your aging family member can continue to live safely at home? Yes No Do you live a long distance from your aging relative and find it difficult to visit regularly and assess what’s happening? Yes No Do you travel frequently and find that there is no one else to check on your parents…
The biggest rise [in poverty] occurred among people aged 65 and older who are being driven into poverty by out-of-pocket medical expenses, including premiums and co-pays from the federal government's Medicare program for the elderly. It’s been fairly clear that medical expenses were becoming an immense financial drain on the elderly. If you are elderly or have an elderly loved one, then this is a given, as supported by recent census data. As reported in Reuters, the number of poor persons hit a record high in 2010, and poverty rates among the elderly have had the steepest gain. In fact,…
A caregiver cotract is angreement between an aging parent and child, a relative or anyone else that sets forth the length of time and rate of pay for caregiving services, and the tasks to be performed. However, most children don’t want to be paid for services provided to their parents. But, the children are providing a valuable service, and may be suffering a financial loss by taking time away from a job to do so, or other activities. Also, by spending down assets to pay for caregiving, aging parents can utilize this asset protection tool to qualify for Medicaid if…
In the U.S. there are approximately 62 million unpaid Family Caregivers. In a recent AARP report, if it wasn’t for these unpaid family caregivers, this country would be in even more dire straits. These family caregivers increasingly, middle-aged offspring taking care of their elderly parents – provided $450 billion worth of unpaid home care in 2009, states AARP. That’s more than the total Medicaid spending that year or more than Wal-Mart Inc.’s total sales in 2009. It’s also 20 percent higher than unpaid home care totals for two years earlier. “If the family caregiver were no longer available, we’d see…
The physical and emotional drain of caring for an aging family member is enormous. Coping you’re your loved ones Dementia, and maintaining there dignity and quality of life as they become more dependent… are unchartered waters for most of us. Additionally, ill-informed legal, financial and medical decisions can have negative and long-lasting impact on your loved ones well-being.. However, our trained and professional coaches (Care Managers) can help you ensure the best care for your loved ones by: • Removing confusion around medical, legal, and financial decisions; • Preventing a crisis; • Eliminating miscommunications among family members • Preparing a…
Ride along: Take a rides with your parents and observe their physical ability in controlling the vehicle, staying within the lane, how turns are handled, the driving speed, ability to scan from left to right, any visual susceptibility to glare, and for any possible confusion in traffic. Check the vehicle: Periodically and without fanfare, check the outside of the car for any possible dents or scrapes. Accompany your parent at least once to every medical specialist and service or treatment center and, and have him or her sign a release of confidentiality (HIPPA) form. This will ensure that you are…
However, a person's age is not a justification for removing there keys. Seniors in their 80s and 90s can drive safely, while others in their 50s and 60s are dangers to themselves and others. However, seniors get the blame for bad driving. The most driving-accident-prone age group is 15 through 19. Your parents losing their independence, by removing the car, can be devastating to them. However, if physical and mental condition impare their ability to drive, you have to act for their and others safety. Here are some indicators: Vision: Your parent's optometrist or ophthalmologist can identify vision problems, limitations, concerns…
Your aging parents live in a different city or state, who will be your eyes and ears? Who will educate you and them about the elder care maze of Medicaid, Medicare, Long Term Care Insurance, Home Care v. Assisted Living v. Nursing Home, etc? You may talk to health care professionals, doctors, social workers, and friends. However, everyone seems to have a differing view about what is best for your aging parents; maybe these opinions conflict or have a different agenda. The physician desires to see your parents at home. Consequently, he does not lose a patient and revenue. An…
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