Everyone with elderly parents visualizes the day their parents become ill and need extended care – from a lengthy hospital stay to 24/7 nursing home care. Parental support laws, of "filial support" may leave the children of these patients with a hefty bill – in the event they should pass away. Many children of elderly parents fear being stuck with an astronomical bill should their parents need long-term health care of 24/7 nursing. The law currently on the books in 29 states and Puerto Rico allow long-term care providers to pursue payment from a parent's adult children. A professor of…
Caregivers must be available for their loved ones at varying times of the day. If there is an emergency and the caregiver is needed promptly, it would be convenient for a caregiver that lives 20 minutes or less away. The faster a caregiver can arrive, the quicker an issue will be resolved. But what about caregivers that aren’t in the neighborhood? They’re called long-distance caregivers, and according to the National Institute on Aging, there are approximately seven million of them, mostly caring for aging parents who live an hour or more away. Historically, caregivers have been primarily mid-life, working women…
The holidays are approaching. Many adult children will spend time with their elder loved ones. Many are traveling near or far, but these visits oftentimes reveal that their loved one is struggling. Here are some warning signs, what many in the business call "red flags" such as the following: 1. Environment: Does it looked maintained or is it in disrepair? Is trash accumulating? Does it smell of urine or feces? 2. Food: Is there adequate food? Any spoiled food present? Do you notice weight loss or do you suspect that your loved one is skipping meals or not eating a…
Seven million adults in the United States care for their elderly parents from afar, according to the National Institute on Aging. But it is no easy task to coordinate doctor’s visits long-distance or evaluate nursing homes or analyze the safety of your parents’ home if — like 90 percent of older adults, according a recent AARP poll — they choose to age in place. However, if you cannot stay at home, due to ill health or cannot perform activities of daily living, your options may be choosing a nursing home. At the Law Office we are in contact with many…
Elders don’t want to bother their children and will often hide what’s happening — even when they know they need help. Here are some telltale signs: Is there clutter? Is mail piling up or are science projects growing in the refrigerator? Has the wash been done or is clothing stained with more than pumpkin pie? Do simpler tasks seem confusing? Is your loved one losing weight? Is there paranoia about friends and neighbors? Are you afraid to drive with your grandparents? Have you noticed recent dents in their car? Have bills…
A recent report in the Wall Street Journal suggests the following tips for taking stock of your parents’ health – and recommends that, if faced with dementia or Alzheimer’s symptoms or signs of waning physical health, family members contact a professional geriatric care manager to get help creating a customized care plan. 1. Medical needs Get a sense of your aging parents’ physical and mental health, either by accompanying them to doctor’s appointments or requesting their permission to review medical records. Consider a consultation or full assessment with a geriatric care manager to go over possible health risks and lifestyle…
The cost of long-term care increased significantly, according to the 2012 MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home, Assisted Living, Adult Day Services, and Home Care Costs. Private room nursing home rates jumped 3.8 percent to $90,520 a year or $248 a day, while assisted living facility costs rose 2.1 percent on average to $42,600 a year or $3,550 a month. The average cost of homemaker/companions increased by 5.3 percent to $20 per hour. The news wasn't all about increases, however. The cost of adult day care services remained the same as last year at $70 per day and the average cost of…
Does the normally tidy house now seem neglected? Is there hoarding? Do you notice memory problems, confusion or physical unsteadiness? Discovering that a parent's physical or mental health is declining can be heavy on the heart. It also can be hard on your finances, states the Wall Street Journal. "The first thing is don't panic. "Come up with a plan." Feeling overwhelmed may prompt you to spend money on the wrong things, such as full-time care, when your parent just needs delivered meals or someone to run errands a few times a week. Here are some tips: 1. Assess needs…
Considering what just happened in New York and New Jersey, I think we all need to adopt the Girl Scout motto and BE PREPARED…….. Emergency preparedness is never easy when there is an impending threat. Imagine what it would be like if you were dealing with a senior….. medication, oxygen, limited mobility – the thought of this and many more obstacles makes me shudder. Download this link and be prepared. http://www.redcrosstbc.org/pdf/DisasterPreparednessSeniors.pdf
The sandwich generation could soon be further squeezed. Already caught between spiraling college tuition and care for aging family members, baby boomers could also become liable for their parents’ bills. This on top of worries concerning their own retirement. In approximately 30 states, “filial support” statutes make adult children legally responsible — on paper — for their parents’ expenses. In recent times, most jurisdictions have chosen not to enforce such laws, but that could change. A Pennsylvania court recently found an elderly woman’s son liable for her $93,000 nursing-home bill. But states are observing the Pennsylvania scenario with interest. While…
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