When assuming the role of a caregiver for a family member, it is crucial to establish clear and documented terms for the arrangement. According to AARP, over 20 million Americans are currently providing care for ill parents, relatives, or friends. Failing to clarify the caregiving agreement can lead to complications and misunderstandings among those involved. For instance, a caregiver may find themselves providing uncompensated care while relying on an inheritance that never materializes. To mitigate such issues, it is advisable to create a formal caregiver contract that outlines the caregiver’s responsibilities and specifies the payment and expenses they will receive…
Let’s begin by examining the concept of dementia. Dementia is a neurological disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. This condition leads to the deterioration of brain cells, resulting in memory loss and confusion. It hampers daily activities and worsens over time. It’s important to note that dementia is not a normal part of the aging process, although Alzheimer’s disease is a specific form of dementia. In the early stages of dementia, individuals may encounter challenges in finding the right words and names. Social interactions can become awkward due to difficulty remembering names of new acquaintances. Misplacing valuable items and…
If an employee management issue costs an organization an estimated $2,441 per employee ($17.1 billion to U.S. employers) does that affect the organization’s risk management behavior? What if this same issue causes employees to lose focus, undergo stress, and have things occur in their personal world that are beyond their and the organization’s control? Of course it does. This is a situation that is becoming more and more common as employees become more involved in the caregiving for parents and spouses as they age. Changing demographics are increasing risks to organizations across the country as employees over the age of…
Summer vacation is a time to be enjoyed with family and friends, but for the 15 million people caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, however, vacations and holidays can be conflicted, stressful and difficult. Many people are already balancing the responsibility of caregiving with everyday life and now have to change their routine significantly and worry about traveling, organizing and changing environments. The added pressure of a vacation or holiday can be very overwhelming. Here a few coping strategies and guidelines for enjoying and surviving one’s summer vacation and other holidays throughout the year. Even though summer vacation may be 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…
Care giving often leaves families struggling to answer questions including: Where will my parents live now? Who will be there to assist them? Who will make health and financial decisions for them if they can't make them on their own? Who will pay for their care? What about their will and estate? These kinds of questions can shed light on years of unattended and estranged relationships while challenging family members to create workable and mutually acceptable solutions to collectively care for their loved one. Here are some options to consider as your family works to "share the care:" Hold a…
Some mistakenly dismiss elder law as something with which they need not concern themselves until they personally need help getting by each day. However, at the Elder Law office we work with many local residents on these issues decades before they need care themselves. That is because many adult children are forced to deal with these concerns on behalf of their parents–many of whom have serious health concerns that arise quite quickly. With demographic changes leading to a boom in the elderly population, the need to care for aging parents is catching more and more adult children by surprise. According…
(CNN) — For years, the former host of "Good Morning America" had been a long-distance caregiver to her mother and brother in California, providing them with emotional and financial support from New York. After her brother's death in 2006 from complications from type II diabetes, Lunden needed to find a new home for her mother, who was suffering from the onset of dementia. Trying to create the best possible quality of life for an aging relative is "the new normal" for 43.5 million Americans caring for someone older than 50, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance. It's not just their…
Taking care of your aging parent can be difficult, even if you live right down the road. But when you live out of state, those difficulties can grow exponentially. How can you make sure their needs are met? Preparation. Visit with a Purpose. If you can, take an extended trip so you have ample time to assess how your parents are coping. Particularly review: Hygiene Eating habit How they’re getting around Their social interaction Are they taking care of their business (bills, medications, etc.)? Make Arrangements. If you notice your parent having difficulties, consider getting them a home health aide….
According to MetLife's National Health and Retirement Study, the percentage of adult children spending time and money on their parent's care has tripled in the last decade and a half. This comes as no surprise to me, as I see the rising long-term care costs, the economic downturn, and failure to plan ahead for senior care places. Therefore, many families are in tough situations when a loved one ages and needs extra day-to-day care. The MetLife data found that roughly a quarter of all adults are currently providing at least some financial assistance to their parents. A similar survey from…
Frederick, MD 
301-663-9230
