People with aging parents may find it difficult to have a discussion about the prospect of transitioning them into a senior residence, particularly an assisted living community. Many adult children should expect to face some resistance from their parents who may feel they are not ready to give up their independence and/or move from their home. However, there are potential warning signs that one should consider while evaluating the particular circumstances. The following are some examples when having a discussion on the topic might be necessary: The refrigerator is empty or filled with spoiled food, which may be a sign…
It's important for everyone to execute advance directives and powers of attorney. An advance directive, otherwise known as a living will, documents a person's desires related to end-of-life medical decisions. A medical power of attorney, is where someone is appointed to make healthcare decisions if the person is no longer able to do so, due to either a physical condition or reduced mental capacity. Also, a financial power of attorney is similar to the health care power of attorney but deals with financial issues banking, property, taxes insurance etc. It's especially important for people with Alzheimer's to have these documents…
If you are providing care for your aging parent, and they are paying for your services, beware of the consequences. Medicaid, my treat the transfer of funds, from your parent to you, as a gift. Therefore, if your parents apply for Medicaid, to pay for the nursing home, they may be denied due to gifting. To prevent Medicaid from treating payments to family members as a gift, there must be a written, contract between the parties. This “care contract” must be in place before the work is performed and must specify the services and amount to be paid. The…
Are you watching your aging parents get frustrated with simple tasks? When you stop to visit, struggling with routines? You know that living aids are available – bathtub handles, portable urinals, and the like – but perhaps you weren’t aware of some products, little things that can make life easier, less frustrating, and more livable. We aren’t reccommending any of these, or suggesting one brand above another. We’re just hoping that in looking these items over, you may find that certain something that will ease pain, simplify routine, or give a sense of security that you thought was long gone….
According to the Federal Highway Administration, drivers over the age of 70 cause more vehicular deaths than every other age group, except for drivers under the age of 20. Clearly there is a need to be attentive to the driving abilities of our aging friends or family. What should you do if you feel you need to take the keys for the safety of your loved one and for the safety of others? Driving is so closely connected to a feeling of independence and freedom, even broaching the subject can be highly emotional. It will help to have other options…
Depression is a common problem in seniors, but it is rarely diagnosed. Even though those over the age of 65 account for 16 to 25 percent of all suicides in the country, there is very little treatment or services geared towards seniors. How can you make sure your aging parent isn’t in danger? Some Common Causes of Senior Depression Adapting to a move from home to an apartment or retirement facility. Chronic pain. Feelings of isolation or loneliness as children move away and their spouse and close friends die. Loss of independence (problems getting around, caring…
Many people are now finding themselves placed in a new role of caregiver for an aging parent or loved one. Naturally, you want to provide the very best living environment for your aging parent, but there may come a time when you just can’t do it alone. If you want to make sure your parent can continue safely living at home, in home care may be the perfect answer for your family, prior to moving to an assisted living facility or a nursing home. So, how do you find the right professional in-home care for your aging loved one? When…
Your parents are living into their 90’s. Their savings have been depleted on the cost of care. Consequently, the only assets are their income, maybe a pension and Social Security. However, they still are at home, and need help with cooking, shopping and bathing. You receive a phone call, “I just don’t have enough to pay the caregiver next month.” What will you do? The savings are exhausted. Federal, State and Local Government programs have been cut. Medicare and Medicaid will not pay for the caregiver. Consequently, they may not get any help at all, unless they are in a…
If you've never been a caregiver to an aging or ailing relative or friend, there's a good chance that someday you will. About 65 million Americans have provided care for an ill or elderly family member or friend in any given year, according to a 2009 report by the National Alliance for Caregiving and the AARP. The task, which can take up an average of 20 hours of a caregiver's week, can take a toll on caregivers' health, their job performance and their finances. If there's one thing caregivers need to know, it's this: Help is available, and there is…
As an elder law attorney firm, when we meet with clients during our initial consultation, it is necessary for us to obtain information regarding income and assets. Unfortunately, most clients do not have a clear understanding of their financial situation. Consequently, people with an unclear or incomplete understanding of their finances often fail to budget for expenses properly, and may miss important payments which can affect overall credit scores. The elderly, in particular, may fall prey to various financial “scams.” Therefore, family members need to provide assistance to their relatives to avoid these situations. Family members are often reluctant to…
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