Posts Tagged ‘caregiving’

Reducing Corporate Risk And Expense: Your Employees And Elder Care

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…

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The nearly 15 million Americans are caring for persons with Alzheimer’s Disease.

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…

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Caregivers Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

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…

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Caregiving Struggles

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…

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Don’t be an Ostrich regarding Elder Law Issues i.e. head in ground

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…

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Money was no object when the time came for Joan Lunden to find a senior care facility for her 88-year-old mother.

(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…

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Long Distance Caregiving

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….

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Adult children spending time and money on their parent’s care has tripled

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…

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What are the symptoms of Moderate Stage Alzheimer’s Disease?

If you are a caregiver who is taking care of a loved you need to be aware of the difference between mild and moderate Alzheimer’s disease. As with the progression of the disease, the care level increases. The following are signs of moderate stage Alzheimer’s disease: Needing help bathing, showering, choosing clothes, brushing teeth or getting dressed Needing help setting the table or getting out of a chair Developing poor or sloppy table manners Getting suspicious, angry, or easily upset or having difficulty expressing oneself or understanding others Feeling restless and wandering, especially in the afternoon or evening. When your…

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So Far Away: Twenty Questions and Answers About Long-Distance Caregiving.

Caregiving for aging family members is challenging. However, in today’s mobile society where family members may live many miles apart, it is especially stressful. Therefore, for the long distance caregiver there is a sense of concern that can generate tremendous guilt. The National Institute of Health (NIH) estimates that there are approximately seven million Americans are long-distance caregivers i.e. caregiving for someone who lives an hour’s drive or more away. From providing respite care, to remote financial or medical management support; arranging and supervising in-home care; or being available in case of emergency. Additionally,  long-distance caregivers step in as advocates…

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