As people age, they often become overly attached to their homes and even though there may be compelling reasons to find other living arrangements, these folks will go to extreme lengths to remain in their homes.
Notwithstanding the affection for their dwellings, there is oftentimes undeniable pressure for seniors to move out and into a different living arrangement. Consider the following:
•The challenge of maintaining a yard and providing upkeep has become too great.
•There is a need for long term care that can't be handled in the home.
•The older person needs supervision that can't be provided in the home.
•The neighborhood has deteriorated and safety is a concern.
•There is a desire to be near children or grandchildren (70% of those 65+ live within 1 hour of a child).
•The home cannot accommodate disability needs.
•There is a need to avoid climbing stairs.
•Assets are tied up in the home and cash is needed through selling the property.
•Driving is no longer possible and available local transportation is not adequate.
•There is a desire for a warmer climate, a yearning for new vistas or a need for challenging new experiences.
Typically, the thought of giving up their residence, finding new accommodations, downsizing personal possessions and executing the move can seem overwhelming to many older people.
Perhaps another obstacle for many seniors, contemplating a move, is the lack of support or help from family members. In fact, some seniors have no children. For others, the children are living far away or are extremely busy with their jobs or their own families. And in some cases -- because people are living so long -- the children are elderly as well and find it difficult to help with the move.
This overwhelming pressure and stress relating to moving can often result in gridlock -- a failure to make any decision at all.
Because many elderly people face such a daunting task with moving, a growing number of seniors relocation specialists are stepping forward to provide assistance. These individuals or companies provide or arrange for the following services:
•advice and counseling,
•help with finding new accommodations,
•downsizing possessions through personal, caring assistance with discarding, donating or arranging estate sales,
•selling the existing property,
•organizing, arranging and scheduling the move,
•unpacking at the new location and removing boxes and other debris,
•setting up and arranging furniture.
And it isn't just the elderly person, contemplating a move, who is hiring these specialists. Active senior communities, independent living facilities, nursing homes and assisted living often retain a relocation specialist to provide advice and arrange services to help seniors with a move. Family members of seniors have also found it more convenient to hire a specialist to help their loved ones with relocation.
So who are these companies or individuals who provide seniors relocation and real estate services? (A list of these providers can be found at www.longtermcarelink.net.)
Seniors Real Estate Specialists
A Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) is a real estate agent who specializes in helping the elderly transition to a new location. The specialist has been trained to recognize the special needs of seniors and understand the various living arrangements available to older people. Most of these specialists concentrate on selling the property and do not directly provide relocation services but they will arrange for companies or individuals or advisors who can provide these other services.
Senior Move Managers
A Senior Move Manager is a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers. These people often have a background in social work or case management and have experience working with the elderly. As such, they understand the needs and desires of seniors. Senior Move Managers can provide or arrange for any needed service such as counseling and advice, selling property, downsizing or relocating their clients.
Moving Companies
Many independent moving companies recognize the special needs of seniors and they will provide moving services, storage and other specialized programs for this unique group of customers. These companies will often work together with senior advisors and relocation specialists.
Specialists with Developers or Senior Communities
Active senior community developers, senior residences and care facilities have recognized that providing relocation services will help their clients or residents transition more quickly into the new living arrangements. This not only relieves the stress on the seniors but also results in less cost to the providers who might be holding open properties or rooms for a long period of time -- while receiving no income -- due to the difficulty of selling the old residence and relocating.
Professional Organizers
Professional organizers -- many of whom are members of the National Association of Professional Organizers -- have found a unique niche in helping people reduce clutter in their homes or provide a more efficient office or living environment. Because of extensive experience in reducing personal possessions, a professional organizer can be particularly useful in helping to downsize in anticipation of a move.
Professional or Geriatric Care Managers
Care managers help the elderly and their families deal with the issues of long term care. Most care managers also help people, needing long term care, to find appropriate living arrangements. A natural outgrowth of finding new accommodations has resulted in many care managers specializing in relocation services as part of what they do.
Adding Value by Helping to Obtain the Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit
About 30% of seniors over the age of 65 are war veterans or they are the surviving spouses of these veterans. Under the right circumstances these people could be receiving a veterans benefit called "aid and attendance" which, under the right circumstances, could furnish up to an additional $1,800 a month in income. This is such a well-kept secret that only a fraction of eligible veterans are receiving the benefit. Relocation specialists who are experts on obtaining the veterans aid and attendance benefit are helping seniors find additional income to pay for assisted living or nursing home costs. Seniors are also seeking out these veteran-savvy relocation specialists for help with moving and creating new income after the move. Click here to learn more.
http://www.mireverse.com/
http://www.reversemortgageloans-rates.com/
Showing posts with label seniors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label seniors. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Dealing with the Sudden Crisis of Eldercare
Eldercare providers and advisers who deal with the public know from experience that the need for long term care can often arise without warning. In many cases, desperate caregivers are frantically trying to find services, advice or care funding sources to help their loved ones with unexpected long term care needs. This sudden need for help often occurs when the loved one needing care has recently demonstrated unsafe behavior, or there has been an injury or sudden illness or there is a pending release from nursing home rehab or the current caregiver can no longer cope. Help must be found right now.
Unfortunately, many of these caregivers -- who are typically operating in crisis mode -- don't know where to turn for help. It's not that there aren't advisory services out there to help them, it's just that the caregivers often don't know where to find these services.
Government caregiver resource services such as area agencies on aging and related ADRC pilot programs typically reach out to caregivers through referrals from hospitals, discharge workers, doctors, home health agencies and nursing homes. Caregivers seeking help outside of this referral network generally aren't aware of government advisory services. In the private sector, help with caregiving issues is generally provided when a caregiver calls a specific agency, nonprofit organization or an advisor. There is no nationwide, private sector one-stop shopping source of help for all the types of care provider services that are available in the community.
The national care planning Council has discovered an answer to help desperate caregivers find the one-stop shop support they need. A 2004 study by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP estimates nearly six in ten (59%) caregivers are currently employed. Many of these working caregivers will use their Internet access at work to find the caregiving support they need.
The National Care Planning Council is in the process of developing websites in every state that contain the Internet resources employed caregivers are looking for. Currently, results from websites operating in 10 states indicate that harried caregivers will indeed search out these state care planning council websites for help. For example, one state website sponsored by the National Care Planning Council -- the Utah Eldercare Planning Council website, www.careUtah.com-- last year produced over 1,000 inquiries for help primarily from younger family caregivers. Additional requests for help were also received by Utah Eldercare Planning Council members through traditional outreach networking channels such as eldercare advisers, eldercare service providers, government agency referrals, associations, brochures and community presentations.
The National Care Planning Council is currently seeking qualified individuals to be Directors and oversee geographic service areas of state care planning councils. The Director's job is to coordinate local requests for help from the community and provide needed eldercare services. If you are a professional care provider or eldercare advisor please contact us about this opportunity to help the community and at the same time expand your services by becoming a Director of a Service Area. Or you may simply want to become a member of your local state care planning council.
Contact the National Care Planning Council at 800-989-8137 or by email at inquiry@longtermcarelink.net. To read more detailed information about what about state care planning councils, please go to www.longtermcarelink.net/council.pdf
http://www.reversemortgageloans-rates.com/
www.mireverse.com
Unfortunately, many of these caregivers -- who are typically operating in crisis mode -- don't know where to turn for help. It's not that there aren't advisory services out there to help them, it's just that the caregivers often don't know where to find these services.
Government caregiver resource services such as area agencies on aging and related ADRC pilot programs typically reach out to caregivers through referrals from hospitals, discharge workers, doctors, home health agencies and nursing homes. Caregivers seeking help outside of this referral network generally aren't aware of government advisory services. In the private sector, help with caregiving issues is generally provided when a caregiver calls a specific agency, nonprofit organization or an advisor. There is no nationwide, private sector one-stop shopping source of help for all the types of care provider services that are available in the community.
The national care planning Council has discovered an answer to help desperate caregivers find the one-stop shop support they need. A 2004 study by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP estimates nearly six in ten (59%) caregivers are currently employed. Many of these working caregivers will use their Internet access at work to find the caregiving support they need.
The National Care Planning Council is in the process of developing websites in every state that contain the Internet resources employed caregivers are looking for. Currently, results from websites operating in 10 states indicate that harried caregivers will indeed search out these state care planning council websites for help. For example, one state website sponsored by the National Care Planning Council -- the Utah Eldercare Planning Council website, www.careUtah.com-- last year produced over 1,000 inquiries for help primarily from younger family caregivers. Additional requests for help were also received by Utah Eldercare Planning Council members through traditional outreach networking channels such as eldercare advisers, eldercare service providers, government agency referrals, associations, brochures and community presentations.
The National Care Planning Council is currently seeking qualified individuals to be Directors and oversee geographic service areas of state care planning councils. The Director's job is to coordinate local requests for help from the community and provide needed eldercare services. If you are a professional care provider or eldercare advisor please contact us about this opportunity to help the community and at the same time expand your services by becoming a Director of a Service Area. Or you may simply want to become a member of your local state care planning council.
Contact the National Care Planning Council at 800-989-8137 or by email at inquiry@longtermcarelink.net. To read more detailed information about what about state care planning councils, please go to www.longtermcarelink.net/council.pdf
http://www.reversemortgageloans-rates.com/
www.mireverse.com
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Early New Years Resolution - Plan for Long Term Care
“According to some sources, 60% of us will need long term care sometime during our lives. It is important for all of us to prepare for that day when we will need to help loved ones with elder care or we will need elder care for ourselves.”
“It is simply a fact of life to prepare financially for unexpected disasters by covering our homes, automobiles and health with insurance policies and to provide funding for our retirement. But no other life event can be as devastating to our lifestyle, finances and security as needing long term care. It drastically alters or completely eliminates the three principal retirement dreams of elderly Americans, which are:
1. Remaining independent in the home without intervention from others
2. Maintaining good health and receiving adequate health care
3. Having enough money for everyday needs and not outliving assets and income
Yet, it is our experience that the majority of the American public does not plan for the devastating crisis of needing elder care. This lack of planning also has an adverse effect on the older person's family, with sacrifices made in time, money, family lifestyles and even affecting the family's or caregiver's medical and emotional health.” National Care Planning Council “ The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning”
Because of changing demographics and potential changes in government funding, the current generation -- more-than-ever -- needs to plan for long term care.
If you have spent time helping a parent or loved one cope with a disability resulting from aging, you know the frustration of balancing what you feel they need to do and what they want to do. Communication is strained at times, because after all, you are the child and they the parent, yet physically and mentally the rolls have changed.
When you make directives, assignments and arrangements in advance of needing elder care, then everyone involved can follow the prearranged care plan.
As an example, Jefferson Simpson wrote in his care plan that if dementia or Alzheimer's inhibited his mental abilities to communicate or recognize his surroundings, he wished to be in a respectable facility and only asked that he be visited and brought chocolates. To his children this request seemed silly at the time, but when his mental capacities did diminish, the instructions were there. No one had to wonder if they should try to take care of Father Jefferson at home and how they would do it. Without quilt or question they placed him in a respectable facility that took care of his needs. All they had to do was make loving visits, and of course they brought chocolates.
In order for Jefferson's simple request to happen, he had made financial, legal and personal long term care plans years before.
What do you want your children or friends to do on your behalf?
When it comes time for them to help, what if you can't say what you want because of a physical or mental disability? This is where a written long term care plan comes into effect.
Do you have a financial plan or long term care insurance? Retirement savings can disappear quickly when used for care services.
Where is your paperwork; insurance policies, living will, medical directives, Armed Services discharge or disability papers? Is there someone designated to know the location?
What are the legal documents that are needed for power of attorney, estate planning and disbursement of assets? When do they have to be completed?
What types of care services and facilities are available and what are the costs?
What will government programs pay for and how do you qualify?
There is a lot you can do now to put together a plan for your own long term care. You may have limited resources in the future or health problems that will inhibit your ability to take care of things you could do now. For example.
James and Cindy want to be able to stay in their home as they age. In order to do this, when they were in their 40's they took out a long term care insurance policy that will pay for home care if it is needed. The policy will also pay for nursing home costs as a care option. With taking the policy at a younger age and in good health the monthly payments are low. Extra funds can now be put away for retirement without worries of having to deplete savings for care costs.
Or consider Sarah's following experience:
After taking care of her own parents for many years, Sarah realized the importance of making, in advance, a plan and preparations for herself. She saw all of her parents' assets dissipated in order for her father to qualify for Medicaid nursing home coverage. She didn't want the same thing to happen to her. She took the time to create her own plan on paper-- expressing her wishes for her own care. A trip to her attorney provided all the legal documents and estate planning she wanted to be in place to insure care for her and an inheritance for her children.
There is much to learn about long term care and there are a lot of new services and programs available to draw from.
The National Care Planning Council has gathered together an overall review of government and private long term care services both on the Council website, www.longtermcarelink.net and in their book The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning.
The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning provides comprehensive information about long term care planning. The design also allows you to record personal information, family agreements and directions on 20 planning sheets at the back of the book. Using this book as a single-source repository for information and directions makes it much easier for you or your care coordinator to carry out your wishes when the need for care occurs.
http://www.reversemortgageloan-rates.com/
“It is simply a fact of life to prepare financially for unexpected disasters by covering our homes, automobiles and health with insurance policies and to provide funding for our retirement. But no other life event can be as devastating to our lifestyle, finances and security as needing long term care. It drastically alters or completely eliminates the three principal retirement dreams of elderly Americans, which are:
1. Remaining independent in the home without intervention from others
2. Maintaining good health and receiving adequate health care
3. Having enough money for everyday needs and not outliving assets and income
Yet, it is our experience that the majority of the American public does not plan for the devastating crisis of needing elder care. This lack of planning also has an adverse effect on the older person's family, with sacrifices made in time, money, family lifestyles and even affecting the family's or caregiver's medical and emotional health.” National Care Planning Council “ The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning”
Because of changing demographics and potential changes in government funding, the current generation -- more-than-ever -- needs to plan for long term care.
If you have spent time helping a parent or loved one cope with a disability resulting from aging, you know the frustration of balancing what you feel they need to do and what they want to do. Communication is strained at times, because after all, you are the child and they the parent, yet physically and mentally the rolls have changed.
When you make directives, assignments and arrangements in advance of needing elder care, then everyone involved can follow the prearranged care plan.
As an example, Jefferson Simpson wrote in his care plan that if dementia or Alzheimer's inhibited his mental abilities to communicate or recognize his surroundings, he wished to be in a respectable facility and only asked that he be visited and brought chocolates. To his children this request seemed silly at the time, but when his mental capacities did diminish, the instructions were there. No one had to wonder if they should try to take care of Father Jefferson at home and how they would do it. Without quilt or question they placed him in a respectable facility that took care of his needs. All they had to do was make loving visits, and of course they brought chocolates.
In order for Jefferson's simple request to happen, he had made financial, legal and personal long term care plans years before.
What do you want your children or friends to do on your behalf?
When it comes time for them to help, what if you can't say what you want because of a physical or mental disability? This is where a written long term care plan comes into effect.
Do you have a financial plan or long term care insurance? Retirement savings can disappear quickly when used for care services.
Where is your paperwork; insurance policies, living will, medical directives, Armed Services discharge or disability papers? Is there someone designated to know the location?
What are the legal documents that are needed for power of attorney, estate planning and disbursement of assets? When do they have to be completed?
What types of care services and facilities are available and what are the costs?
What will government programs pay for and how do you qualify?
There is a lot you can do now to put together a plan for your own long term care. You may have limited resources in the future or health problems that will inhibit your ability to take care of things you could do now. For example.
James and Cindy want to be able to stay in their home as they age. In order to do this, when they were in their 40's they took out a long term care insurance policy that will pay for home care if it is needed. The policy will also pay for nursing home costs as a care option. With taking the policy at a younger age and in good health the monthly payments are low. Extra funds can now be put away for retirement without worries of having to deplete savings for care costs.
Or consider Sarah's following experience:
After taking care of her own parents for many years, Sarah realized the importance of making, in advance, a plan and preparations for herself. She saw all of her parents' assets dissipated in order for her father to qualify for Medicaid nursing home coverage. She didn't want the same thing to happen to her. She took the time to create her own plan on paper-- expressing her wishes for her own care. A trip to her attorney provided all the legal documents and estate planning she wanted to be in place to insure care for her and an inheritance for her children.
There is much to learn about long term care and there are a lot of new services and programs available to draw from.
The National Care Planning Council has gathered together an overall review of government and private long term care services both on the Council website, www.longtermcarelink.net and in their book The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning.
The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning provides comprehensive information about long term care planning. The design also allows you to record personal information, family agreements and directions on 20 planning sheets at the back of the book. Using this book as a single-source repository for information and directions makes it much easier for you or your care coordinator to carry out your wishes when the need for care occurs.
http://www.reversemortgageloan-rates.com/
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Keeping Mom and Dad Safe at Home
Generally, elderly parents want to remain living in their own home. However, remaining in the home becomes a concern when children see their parents slowing down, perhaps even having trouble with handling stairs and doing general daily activities. Yet, with parents' mental and physical health currently not creating problems, there seems to be no imminent need to search out support services or other accommodations for aging parents.
This is now the time to evaluate the home to make it safe and secure for your loved ones -- now and in the near future -- in anticipation of aging disabilities that may occur. Help and support are available. The nation as a whole is more aware of elderly needs and services and products are becoming available at an outstanding pace.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states,
“Employment of personal and home care aides is projected to grow by 51 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The expected growth is due, in large part, to the projected rise in the number of elderly people, an age group that often has mounting health problems and that needs some assistance with daily activities.” Bureau of labor Statistics-Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition
This growing need for aides and services also encompasses:
• home remodeling services -- making a home more serviceable to the elderly;
• safety alert systems and technology;
• motion sensors to monitor movement;
• telehealth services -- using home-based computer systems for the doctors office or a nurse to monitor vital signs and
• even a pill dispenser that notifies when it is time to take medication.
Where do you begin to make sure your elderly family member is safe and managing well in his or her home?
Visit often and at different times of the day and night. Make note of daily activities that appear challenging and where changes might be made to add safety and convenience. Remove rugs that slide -- causing a fall -- and move furniture with sharp edges. Set the water heater at a lower temperature. This will protect their older sensitive skin from scalds and burns. Be sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in place.
Bathrooms are a hazard area for the elderly. Grab bars by the toilet and shower are a must to help prevent falls. There are easy to install bars at your local hardware store if you want to do the work yourself. Another item that is good to have is a shower stool or chair.
If you are not sure of what needs to be done, consider hiring a professional. There are companies that specialize in home remodeling and accommodation for seniors. Michelle Graham of Accessible Design by Studio G4 says about senior home remodel projects,
“The main thing we incorporate in all of our projects is a careful study of needs and potential needs that may develop throughout a client's lifespan.”
Keep in mind what future home adjustments might be needed for your parents to “age in place” in their home.
Home safety or medical alert companies provide GPS-based bracelets or pendants to track the elderly at home who tend to wander. Or the companies may provide alarm devices such as pendants or bracelets which allow the elderly to alert someone if there has been a fall or a sudden health-related attack. In the event an alarm has been triggered, a 24 hour monitoring service will alert the family or medical emergency services or call a neighbor depending on previous instructions. In addition there are companies that will install motion sensors in the home to monitor the elderly on a 24 hour basis.
Don't forget your parents' community as a valuable resource for helping them stay in their home. Take Margaret Muller as an example. At 82 years of age, Margaret lives alone in her small home. She manages very well with the help of her local Senior Center. The Center's “Senior Companion” program sees that Margaret is taken to the store for groceries and other needs and checks in with her often to see how she is doing. Once a day, the Senior Center delivers a hot healthy meal to her door. Having these services and visits gives Margaret the help she needs and peace of mind that she is not alone.
Neighbors, local church groups, senior centers and city centers are some places to look for assistance. Most of the time there is little or no cost for these services.
Your state aging services unit is a valuable community resource. The National Area on Aging website www.aoa.gov states:
“AoA, through the Older Americans Act and other legislation, supports programs that help older adults maintain their independence and dignity in their homes and communities. In addition AoA provides funding for a range of supports to family caregivers.”
Some of the programs the site lists are:
Supportive Services and Senior Centers
Nutrition Services
National Family Caregiver Support Program
Grants for Native Americans
Nursing Home Diversion Grants
Aging & Disability Resource Centers
Evidence-Based Disease Prevention
Long-Term Care Planning
Alzheimer's Disease Grants
Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities
A few thoughts on hiring home care aides or live-in care givers.
The classifieds are filled with people looking for work as aides to the elderly. Many of these aides are well-qualified, honest people who will do a good job; but, of course, there will be some not so reputable. If you are looking to hire someone, be sure you interview and check references and qualifications. You will be responsible for scheduling that person and doing payroll and taxes as well. Be very sure you hire someone trustworthy, as the elderly seem to trust these helpers more than they should and therefore can easily be taken advantage of.
A professional home care service will eliminate your employment concerns. Professionally-provided aides are usually bonded and service is guaranteed. Home care companies take care of the scheduling and payment of their employees. Home care companies cater to the elderly in their homes by offering a variety of services. The National Care Planning Council lists many of these companies throughout the country on its website www.longtermcarelink.net .
These providers represent a rapidly growing trend to allow people needing help with long term care to remain in their home or in the community instead of going to a care facility. The services offered may include:
• companionship
• grooming and dressing
• recreational activities
• incontinent care
• handyman services
• teeth brushing
• medication reminders
• bathing or showering
• light housekeeping
• meal preparation
• respite for family caregivers
• errands and shopping
• reading email or letters
• overseeing home deliveries
• dealing with vendors
• transportation services
• changing linens
• laundry and ironing
• organizing closets
• care of house plants
• 24-hour emergency response
• family counseling
• phone call checks
• and much more.
Thomas Day, Director of the National Care Planning Council states,
“Care in the home provided by a spouse or a child is the most common form of long-term care in this country. About 73% of all long term care is provided in the home environment typically by family caregivers.”
As their caregiver, you can make the difference in the quality of life for your aging parents and if staying in their home is a possibility, you have the resources to make it happen.
http://www.reversemortgageloans-rates.com/
This is now the time to evaluate the home to make it safe and secure for your loved ones -- now and in the near future -- in anticipation of aging disabilities that may occur. Help and support are available. The nation as a whole is more aware of elderly needs and services and products are becoming available at an outstanding pace.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states,
“Employment of personal and home care aides is projected to grow by 51 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The expected growth is due, in large part, to the projected rise in the number of elderly people, an age group that often has mounting health problems and that needs some assistance with daily activities.” Bureau of labor Statistics-Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition
This growing need for aides and services also encompasses:
• home remodeling services -- making a home more serviceable to the elderly;
• safety alert systems and technology;
• motion sensors to monitor movement;
• telehealth services -- using home-based computer systems for the doctors office or a nurse to monitor vital signs and
• even a pill dispenser that notifies when it is time to take medication.
Where do you begin to make sure your elderly family member is safe and managing well in his or her home?
Visit often and at different times of the day and night. Make note of daily activities that appear challenging and where changes might be made to add safety and convenience. Remove rugs that slide -- causing a fall -- and move furniture with sharp edges. Set the water heater at a lower temperature. This will protect their older sensitive skin from scalds and burns. Be sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in place.
Bathrooms are a hazard area for the elderly. Grab bars by the toilet and shower are a must to help prevent falls. There are easy to install bars at your local hardware store if you want to do the work yourself. Another item that is good to have is a shower stool or chair.
If you are not sure of what needs to be done, consider hiring a professional. There are companies that specialize in home remodeling and accommodation for seniors. Michelle Graham of Accessible Design by Studio G4 says about senior home remodel projects,
“The main thing we incorporate in all of our projects is a careful study of needs and potential needs that may develop throughout a client's lifespan.”
Keep in mind what future home adjustments might be needed for your parents to “age in place” in their home.
Home safety or medical alert companies provide GPS-based bracelets or pendants to track the elderly at home who tend to wander. Or the companies may provide alarm devices such as pendants or bracelets which allow the elderly to alert someone if there has been a fall or a sudden health-related attack. In the event an alarm has been triggered, a 24 hour monitoring service will alert the family or medical emergency services or call a neighbor depending on previous instructions. In addition there are companies that will install motion sensors in the home to monitor the elderly on a 24 hour basis.
Don't forget your parents' community as a valuable resource for helping them stay in their home. Take Margaret Muller as an example. At 82 years of age, Margaret lives alone in her small home. She manages very well with the help of her local Senior Center. The Center's “Senior Companion” program sees that Margaret is taken to the store for groceries and other needs and checks in with her often to see how she is doing. Once a day, the Senior Center delivers a hot healthy meal to her door. Having these services and visits gives Margaret the help she needs and peace of mind that she is not alone.
Neighbors, local church groups, senior centers and city centers are some places to look for assistance. Most of the time there is little or no cost for these services.
Your state aging services unit is a valuable community resource. The National Area on Aging website www.aoa.gov states:
“AoA, through the Older Americans Act and other legislation, supports programs that help older adults maintain their independence and dignity in their homes and communities. In addition AoA provides funding for a range of supports to family caregivers.”
Some of the programs the site lists are:
Supportive Services and Senior Centers
Nutrition Services
National Family Caregiver Support Program
Grants for Native Americans
Nursing Home Diversion Grants
Aging & Disability Resource Centers
Evidence-Based Disease Prevention
Long-Term Care Planning
Alzheimer's Disease Grants
Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities
A few thoughts on hiring home care aides or live-in care givers.
The classifieds are filled with people looking for work as aides to the elderly. Many of these aides are well-qualified, honest people who will do a good job; but, of course, there will be some not so reputable. If you are looking to hire someone, be sure you interview and check references and qualifications. You will be responsible for scheduling that person and doing payroll and taxes as well. Be very sure you hire someone trustworthy, as the elderly seem to trust these helpers more than they should and therefore can easily be taken advantage of.
A professional home care service will eliminate your employment concerns. Professionally-provided aides are usually bonded and service is guaranteed. Home care companies take care of the scheduling and payment of their employees. Home care companies cater to the elderly in their homes by offering a variety of services. The National Care Planning Council lists many of these companies throughout the country on its website www.longtermcarelink.net .
These providers represent a rapidly growing trend to allow people needing help with long term care to remain in their home or in the community instead of going to a care facility. The services offered may include:
• companionship
• grooming and dressing
• recreational activities
• incontinent care
• handyman services
• teeth brushing
• medication reminders
• bathing or showering
• light housekeeping
• meal preparation
• respite for family caregivers
• errands and shopping
• reading email or letters
• overseeing home deliveries
• dealing with vendors
• transportation services
• changing linens
• laundry and ironing
• organizing closets
• care of house plants
• 24-hour emergency response
• family counseling
• phone call checks
• and much more.
Thomas Day, Director of the National Care Planning Council states,
“Care in the home provided by a spouse or a child is the most common form of long-term care in this country. About 73% of all long term care is provided in the home environment typically by family caregivers.”
As their caregiver, you can make the difference in the quality of life for your aging parents and if staying in their home is a possibility, you have the resources to make it happen.
http://www.reversemortgageloans-rates.com/
Friday, October 2, 2009
One Stop Shopping for Eldercare Services
A fast-growing generation of elderly people, needing care, is starting to put a great deal of pressure on caregiving family members. More and more we are seeing articles and books about the burden of long term care on families.
According to research By the National Care Planning Council, only about 16% of long-term care services are covered by the government. The other 84% are provided free of charge by family caregivers or provided by services paid out-of-pocket by families or from those receiving care. And the bulk of government care services are provided only after a care recipient has depleted all of his or her savings. The Council also estimates that at any given time approximately 22% of the population over age 65 is receiving some form of long term care support. About 44.4 million adult caregivers provide 21 hours a week of care with 4.3 years average time spent providing care. “National Care Planning Council”
Dilemma of Finding Eldercare Services
The need for care usually occurs without warning, when a stroke, heart failure or other medical condition or illness incident to age suddenly happens to an aging senior. Family members end up in panic mode trying to understand and educate themselves on what needs to be done and what resources are available. If they need to take time from work to handle the crisis then it becomes urgent to find answers and solve caregiving needs. The need to balance work with urgent caregiving responsibilities creates untold stress on employed family caregivers.
Most family caregivers simply don't know where to turn for help and advice.
Long term care services are complicated and provider contacts are fragmented throughout the community. For the majority of Americans, eldercare becomes a frustrating do-it-yourself process. How do you find out what government services are available and what they will pay for? What legal documents are necessary and how do you protect assets? What type of home care or facility care is needed? Should you quit your job to become the caregiver? Will the government or insurance pay you for caregiving to help replace your lost income?
The question often arises as to whether to use long term care professionals or go it alone in arranging care and services.
“Using care professionals is the most cost effective and efficient way to provide help for a loved one. Hiring professional advisers or providers to help with long term care is no different than using professionals to help with other complex issues such as car repairs, dealing with taxes, dealing with legal problems, or needing trained employees to help run a business. With their education and training, long term care professionals also bring experience that only comes from dealing with countless hands- on caregiving challenges”. “The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning”
One Central Source for Locating Help and Advice
The National Care Planning Council recognizes the need for family caregivers to educate themselves and find the needed resources and professional help quickly.
To fill the need for caregivers nationwide, the National Care Planning Council web site "Long Term Care Link", was developed as a comprehensive resource for long term care planning. There are hundreds of pages containing articles on long term care covering all aspects of caregiving and care services. Books are also available on how to plan for long term care and how to apply for your veterans benefits for long term care. NCPC books
If you are looking for government and community resources, there are lists with applicable website links. Some of those lists include National and State Area Agency on Aging Services, Senior Centers and Veterans Service Offices.
There are over 100 links to websites filled with reference materials. For example; the Gerontological Society of America, National Nursing Home Survey, Elder Law Answers, Senior Corps.
Find Eldercare Professional Service Providers in Your Area
The National Care Planning Council lists eldercare specialists and advisers who help families deal with the crisis and burden of long term care. These specialists can be found under the services category lists like the ones below, on the website. Each professional is listed under the State and area in the State that he or she services. A caregiver can go to the National Care Planning Council website and find someone in the area of need and read about the services of the listed company, individual or facility. Website visitors needing help can then call, email or fill in a request form to receive contact from a listed provider.
Listing categories on the website include the following specific services.
• Care Management, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Dispute Resolution
• Non-Medical Home Care
• Home Health Agency – Medicare-Covered Home Care and Hospice
• Home Maintenance, Deep Cleaning, Remodeling and Yard Work
• Veterans Benefits -- Consultant for the Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit
• Geriatric Health Care Practitioner or House Call Doctor
• Reverse Mortgage Specialist
• Elder Law Advice and Medicaid Advice
• Estate Planning, Tax Planning, Trust Management Services and End-Of-Life Planning
• Care Facility or New Home Search, Relocation, Downsizing and Real Estate Services
• Adult Day Care Services
• Insurance Products, Retirement Planning and Financial Advice
• Funeral & Burial Preplanning
THE NATIONAL CARE PLANNING COUNCIL INTRODUCES
ITS STATE CARE PLANNING COUNCIL WEBSITES
A state care planning council is an informal statewide alliance of eldercare specialists and advisers that helps families deal with the crisis and burden of long term care. When you go to your state care planning website, your search for help is right in your neighborhood.
Purpose of the State Care Planning Council
1. Educate the public on the need for care planning before a crisis occurs.
2. Provide, under one source, a list of providers representing most of the available
3. government and private services for eldercare.
4. Offer a trusted team of providers and advisers that the public will recognize in their area and can turn to for expert help in dealing with the challenges of long term care.
One Stop Shopping for Eldercare Services
State Care Planning Council websites offer a closer-to-home option for finding help and services to solve caregiving problems. Many of the local service providers work together as a team to help meet specific eldercare needs of the individual.
For example:
Tim and Debra, both in their late 80’s, were adamant about staying in their home. Both were taking medications and were mobile with walkers. Their daughter, Julie was concerned about their safety in the home, especially with avoiding hazardous falls, bathing and preparing meals. Tim insisted he could drive his car, even though he was a hazard on the road. Julie had taken the car keys and therefore faced an argument every time she went to their home.
Lately, Julie noticed that the required medications were not being taken. Tim was a diabetic and required monitoring with his insulin and diet. Julie ordered “Meals on Wheels” which her mother quickly canceled. Frustrated at having no cooperation from her parents, Julie realized she needed outside help.
Checking the internet for resources in her area, she found the name of a Professional Care Manager in her area listed on her State Care Planning Council website. Jackie -- the professional care manager and family dispute professional -- had worked many times with families like Julie and her parents.
A meeting was arranged where all parties to the caregiving were involved. Tim expressed that he did not want to give up his freedom driving to the store or other places he liked to go. Jackie suggested selling the car and using the money to pay a taxi or community transit. She arranged for Tim to see a geriatric physician to get his diet under control for his diabetes. Some in-home help with bathing, meal preparation and medication reminders was arranged by having a local non-medical home care company come in daily. Jackie gave Julie explicit instructions on how to organize the house to help prevent falls. To pay for the extra expense, Jackie introduced a reverse mortgage broker who explained how their home equity-- on a risk-free basis --could provide the money they needed for their care.
Every service provider or adviser Jackie brought in worked side-by-side with her on the state care planning council. Jackie knew they could provide the needed help with expertise and integrity.
Julie found that using professionals gave her peace of mind and confidence that her parents' care was in good hands.
The State Care Planning councils are just starting to grow and be populated with professional service providers throughout the Untied States. Like the National, the State websites are filled with resource material and articles for the public use.
Locate a State Care Planning Council at http://www.longtermcarelink.net/a15state_councils.htm
http://www.reversemortgageloans-rates.com/
According to research By the National Care Planning Council, only about 16% of long-term care services are covered by the government. The other 84% are provided free of charge by family caregivers or provided by services paid out-of-pocket by families or from those receiving care. And the bulk of government care services are provided only after a care recipient has depleted all of his or her savings. The Council also estimates that at any given time approximately 22% of the population over age 65 is receiving some form of long term care support. About 44.4 million adult caregivers provide 21 hours a week of care with 4.3 years average time spent providing care. “National Care Planning Council”
Dilemma of Finding Eldercare Services
The need for care usually occurs without warning, when a stroke, heart failure or other medical condition or illness incident to age suddenly happens to an aging senior. Family members end up in panic mode trying to understand and educate themselves on what needs to be done and what resources are available. If they need to take time from work to handle the crisis then it becomes urgent to find answers and solve caregiving needs. The need to balance work with urgent caregiving responsibilities creates untold stress on employed family caregivers.
Most family caregivers simply don't know where to turn for help and advice.
Long term care services are complicated and provider contacts are fragmented throughout the community. For the majority of Americans, eldercare becomes a frustrating do-it-yourself process. How do you find out what government services are available and what they will pay for? What legal documents are necessary and how do you protect assets? What type of home care or facility care is needed? Should you quit your job to become the caregiver? Will the government or insurance pay you for caregiving to help replace your lost income?
The question often arises as to whether to use long term care professionals or go it alone in arranging care and services.
“Using care professionals is the most cost effective and efficient way to provide help for a loved one. Hiring professional advisers or providers to help with long term care is no different than using professionals to help with other complex issues such as car repairs, dealing with taxes, dealing with legal problems, or needing trained employees to help run a business. With their education and training, long term care professionals also bring experience that only comes from dealing with countless hands- on caregiving challenges”. “The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning”
One Central Source for Locating Help and Advice
The National Care Planning Council recognizes the need for family caregivers to educate themselves and find the needed resources and professional help quickly.
To fill the need for caregivers nationwide, the National Care Planning Council web site "Long Term Care Link", was developed as a comprehensive resource for long term care planning. There are hundreds of pages containing articles on long term care covering all aspects of caregiving and care services. Books are also available on how to plan for long term care and how to apply for your veterans benefits for long term care. NCPC books
If you are looking for government and community resources, there are lists with applicable website links. Some of those lists include National and State Area Agency on Aging Services, Senior Centers and Veterans Service Offices.
There are over 100 links to websites filled with reference materials. For example; the Gerontological Society of America, National Nursing Home Survey, Elder Law Answers, Senior Corps.
Find Eldercare Professional Service Providers in Your Area
The National Care Planning Council lists eldercare specialists and advisers who help families deal with the crisis and burden of long term care. These specialists can be found under the services category lists like the ones below, on the website. Each professional is listed under the State and area in the State that he or she services. A caregiver can go to the National Care Planning Council website and find someone in the area of need and read about the services of the listed company, individual or facility. Website visitors needing help can then call, email or fill in a request form to receive contact from a listed provider.
Listing categories on the website include the following specific services.
• Care Management, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Dispute Resolution
• Non-Medical Home Care
• Home Health Agency – Medicare-Covered Home Care and Hospice
• Home Maintenance, Deep Cleaning, Remodeling and Yard Work
• Veterans Benefits -- Consultant for the Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit
• Geriatric Health Care Practitioner or House Call Doctor
• Reverse Mortgage Specialist
• Elder Law Advice and Medicaid Advice
• Estate Planning, Tax Planning, Trust Management Services and End-Of-Life Planning
• Care Facility or New Home Search, Relocation, Downsizing and Real Estate Services
• Adult Day Care Services
• Insurance Products, Retirement Planning and Financial Advice
• Funeral & Burial Preplanning
THE NATIONAL CARE PLANNING COUNCIL INTRODUCES
ITS STATE CARE PLANNING COUNCIL WEBSITES
A state care planning council is an informal statewide alliance of eldercare specialists and advisers that helps families deal with the crisis and burden of long term care. When you go to your state care planning website, your search for help is right in your neighborhood.
Purpose of the State Care Planning Council
1. Educate the public on the need for care planning before a crisis occurs.
2. Provide, under one source, a list of providers representing most of the available
3. government and private services for eldercare.
4. Offer a trusted team of providers and advisers that the public will recognize in their area and can turn to for expert help in dealing with the challenges of long term care.
One Stop Shopping for Eldercare Services
State Care Planning Council websites offer a closer-to-home option for finding help and services to solve caregiving problems. Many of the local service providers work together as a team to help meet specific eldercare needs of the individual.
For example:
Tim and Debra, both in their late 80’s, were adamant about staying in their home. Both were taking medications and were mobile with walkers. Their daughter, Julie was concerned about their safety in the home, especially with avoiding hazardous falls, bathing and preparing meals. Tim insisted he could drive his car, even though he was a hazard on the road. Julie had taken the car keys and therefore faced an argument every time she went to their home.
Lately, Julie noticed that the required medications were not being taken. Tim was a diabetic and required monitoring with his insulin and diet. Julie ordered “Meals on Wheels” which her mother quickly canceled. Frustrated at having no cooperation from her parents, Julie realized she needed outside help.
Checking the internet for resources in her area, she found the name of a Professional Care Manager in her area listed on her State Care Planning Council website. Jackie -- the professional care manager and family dispute professional -- had worked many times with families like Julie and her parents.
A meeting was arranged where all parties to the caregiving were involved. Tim expressed that he did not want to give up his freedom driving to the store or other places he liked to go. Jackie suggested selling the car and using the money to pay a taxi or community transit. She arranged for Tim to see a geriatric physician to get his diet under control for his diabetes. Some in-home help with bathing, meal preparation and medication reminders was arranged by having a local non-medical home care company come in daily. Jackie gave Julie explicit instructions on how to organize the house to help prevent falls. To pay for the extra expense, Jackie introduced a reverse mortgage broker who explained how their home equity-- on a risk-free basis --could provide the money they needed for their care.
Every service provider or adviser Jackie brought in worked side-by-side with her on the state care planning council. Jackie knew they could provide the needed help with expertise and integrity.
Julie found that using professionals gave her peace of mind and confidence that her parents' care was in good hands.
The State Care Planning councils are just starting to grow and be populated with professional service providers throughout the Untied States. Like the National, the State websites are filled with resource material and articles for the public use.
Locate a State Care Planning Council at http://www.longtermcarelink.net/a15state_councils.htm
http://www.reversemortgageloans-rates.com/
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Negative Press on Reverse Mortgages -- Is it the next big scam?
To hear it told by uninformed reporters that don't do their homework it would be wise to steer clear of the Reverse Mortgage. It seems a month doesn't pass when there is legislation passed that makes it harder to get a Reverse Mortgage and less beneficial to the seniors. In fact my earlier post mentioned lowering that amount of YOUR cash that you can have access to. I don't know but while there are many scams out there to watch out for the Reverse Mortgage isn't one of them...there is so much information about the Reverse Mortgage and there are testimonials of thousands of people with the Reverse Mortgages..how long with the scam last if it was? Take the time to talk to a professional that knows the ins and outs of the program the beneifts and the pitfalls to avoid. Do yourself a favor and at least get the education so you can make an informed decision. Maybe its not for you, but what if it was the best thing you ever did? Why not find out for yourself. Don't take my word for it or any reporters word for it. Find out for yourself.
www.mireverse.com
www.mireverse.com
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