Posts Tagged ‘caregiving’

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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The physical drain of caring for an aging family member can be tremendous. Often, however, it’s the emotional drain that takes a greater toll.

Learning to cope with Dementia, maintaining a loved one’s dignity as they become more dependent… most of us are not equipped to navigate these issues. Moreover, uninformed (even though well-intentioned) legal, financial and medical decisions can have negative and long-lasting impact. We help family members ensure the best care for their loved ones by: Eliminating confusion around medical, legal, and financial options Preventing a crisis and unnecessary hospitalizations Reducing miscommunications among family members, with the loved one, and with other professionals Creating a comprehensive life care plan that anticipates and addresses problems Acting as a liaison to families at a distance,…

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Adult Daycare Center versus Home Care

Adult daycare centers and in-home senior care are both excellent choices that permit elderly and disabled adults to live at home rather than move into a nursing home or assisted living facility. In order to make the best choice for your family, it’s helpful to learn what each offers before deciding which best suits your situation. Either choice allows family caregivers to: • Keep a full or part-time job; • Have help with the physical needs involved with care; • Obtain respite from what can be a 24-hour responsibility; • Reclaim your relationship as spouse, son or daughter rather than…

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Choosing a nursing home for an aging parent is an important and difficult decision.

We are to help you find nursing homes. However, if you want to do it by yourself, here are some steps so you can find a good nursing home and avoid a bad one. Make a List: Start by contacting the Department of Aging for a list of local nursing home facilities. Ideally, the facilities should be close to family members and friends who can visit often. Residents with frequent visitors usually get better care. Do Some Research: Every year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services collect data on more than 15,000 nursing homes throughout the country. Health inspection…

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At Senior Life Care Planning we have STRATEGIES THAT WORK.

We help people navigate thru the Medicaid maze, provide legal and financial solutions, and help you alleviate your frustrations and time involvement.   For the FREE GUIDE, to protect yourself, your family, and insure your Quality of Life click on   “The Planning Ahead Alzheimer’s Guide” “Caring For Someone With Alzheimer’s Disease”   1. Do you reside in Maryland?                                                        Yes         No     2. Do you worry about long term care or nursing home costs?        Yes         No     3. Are you confused about Medicaid or VA benefits?                      Yes         No     4. Is being discharged from the hospital and returning…

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Over the next quarter century, the number of older Americans is projected to grow from 12 percent to 20 percent of the total population.

Over the next quarter century, the number of older Americans is projected to grow from 12 percent to 20 percent of the total population, and various estimates indicate that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered individuals will comprise 7–10 percent of that older population. By the year 2030, the LGBT community age 65 and above is expected to almost double, from 2.5 million to as many as 4.7 million. In honor of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, AARP has launched a new portal within their website dedicated to LGBT elders. The portal is designed to accommodate and offer advice on the…

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How care coordinators can help adult children face a challenge which often seems overwhelming, both emotionally and mentally, and is always stressful

A past New York Times article on how care coordinators can help adult children face a challenge which often seems overwhelming, both emotionally and mentally, and is always stressful: the job of caring for an elderly parent. The Times article described the caring challenge as follows: There are diagnoses to decipher, housing issues to consider, health aides to vet and a raft of legal documents to complete. It can seem overwhelming, even when families are in complete agreement on how to care for an elderly relative. And often they are not. But a care coordinator can buy you time and…

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Some hidden costs of caregiving — and some ways to combat them.

Caregiving can make you sick In an article by SmartMoney.com states that caregivers of all ages have a heightened risk for chronic health problems. Among working women 50 and older, 20% of caregivers report just fair or poor health — more than double the number of non-caregivers, the MetLife/NAC study found. And nearly 26% of adult men under the age of 39 say the same, more than three times the rate of non-caregivers in that group. Among the most common chronic health conditions reported at higher rates: diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. Those — and other related illnesses — can…

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Aging parents and their children are entering into legal agreements, “caregiver agreements,” in order to compensate children who are providing caregiving services.

Millions of Americans are now caring for their aging parents. Aging parents and their caregiving children are in difficult financial economic times. Consequently, the aging parents and their children are entering into legal agreements, “caregiver agreements,” in order to compensate children who are providing caregiving services. In preparing these caregiving agreements, families should consider the following: What types of services are being performed? Therefore, define the duties and responsibilities, of the parent and caregiving children How much compensation shall be paid to the caregiver? What services are being performed? What is reasonable compensation? Have all family members involved in the…

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When do you NEED HELP with someone with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia?

If you caregiving for an aging parent,or loved one, we are often asked, when do I need help? Here are some indicators that you may need help: Personal Care for the Dementia Patient – bathing; grooming etc. becomes problematic; Dealing with Aggressive Behaviors; they’re being Physical or have Overwhelming Issues; Halucinating etc. Caregiving From a Distance; Financial – Do we have enough assets? Asset Protection; How can we Afford the Nursing Home? When Caring Takes Its Toll on YOU – You are yelling and screaming; burnt out; angry; frustrated; Depressed – not sleeping; feeling sad; guilt; discouraged; Moving an aging…

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