All posts by clearsem

Senior Nutrition: The Real Brain Foods

All Posts, Health and Wellness

We've heard about eating right for our heart, but what about eating right for our brain? Healthy eating and a balanced diet has been shown to have many benefits, such as lowering risk for heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, but there is also increasing evidence that certain foods and proper senior nutrition can help lower the risk for developing Alzheimer's and dementia.

Alzheimer's disease and dementia are some of the most notable conditions that we wish to prevent, or to lower our risk as we age, and as there is increasing evidence that certain foods can actually lower our risk for these conditions. Take a look at the list of foods below that have been shown to increase brain function and lower the risk of Alzheimer's, and start incorporating these brain foods into your regular diet.

1. Oils

Oils are a great source of Vitamin E and healthy fats, which are essential to the proper functioning of your brain. A potent antioxidant, vitamin E may help protect neurons or nerve cells. In Alzheimer’s disease, neurons in certain parts of the brain start to die, which jump-starts the cascade of events leading to cognitive deterioration. So beefing up your Vitamin E intake now might help stop this process later.

Coconut Oil and Olive Oil are two of the best natural oils for your body and your brain, and can be added into your diet through salad dressings, baking, and as a base for sautéing foods. Avocado Oil, Almond Oil, and Sesame Oil are also great to use and are packed with healthy Vitamin E and omega-3. However, stay away from Corn Oil and Soybean Oil, as they are rich in omega-6, which can cause inflammation in excess.

2. Fish

Salmon, mackerel, tuna, and other fish are rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The good news is that DHA has also been shown to be beneficial to brain health because it seems to be very important to the normal functioning of brain neurons.

So adding fish to your diet is a great way to take care of your brain and your heart, and might also help you eat less red meat in your diet, as it is packed with saturated fats which can aid in clogging arteries. However, try to stay away from farm-raised salmon, shark, Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, American Eel, Chilean Sea Bass, and imported shrimp due to high mercury content, antibiotics, and unsustainable fishing practices.

3. Dark green, leafy vegetables

Kale, collard greens, spinach, and broccoli are good sources of vitamin E and folate. For example, one cup of raw spinach has 15% of your daily intake of vitamin E, and 1/2 a cup of cooked spinach has 25% of your daily intake.

Exactly how folate may protect the brain is unclear, but it may be by lowering levels of an amino acid known as homocysteine in the blood. High levels of homocysteine may trigger the death of nerve cells in the brain, but folic acid helps break down homocysteine levels. High homocysteine levels have also been linked to an increased risk for heart disease.

4. Avocado

Good news for all the avocado lovers out there: this creamy treat is also a rich source of antioxidants and vitamin E. Foods rich in vitamin E are associated with a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Avocados are also packed with Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and overall health, and healthy fats.

Avocados can be a great addition to any meal, and can be added to smoothies, used on top of salads or omelettes, or used as a spread on whole grain toasts for a morning treat.

5. Seeds

Seeds, including sunflower seeds, are also good sources of vitamin E. One ounce of dry-roasted sunflower seeds contains 30% of your recommended daily intake. Chia seeds, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds are all great sources of vitamin E, and can be sprinkled on top of your salad, eaten as a snack, or added to baked goods to give your brain a boost.

6. Almonds and almond butter

Although both are high in fat, almonds and almond butter are a source of healthy fats, necessary for a healthy brain and heart, and they are also packed with vitamin E. There has been some very good research that diets that are high in healthy fats, low in saturated fat and trans fats, and rich in whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and nuts are good for the brain and the heart.

Both nuts and nut butters may help keep the heart and brain healthy and functioning properly. Other good choices are cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts.

7. Red Wine 

Research shows that drinking in moderation is heart healthy, and can be good for your brain too, potentially lowering the risk for Alzheimer's. Moderation is considered one daily drink for women, and two for men.

Alcohol relaxes the blood vessels and reduces the blood's ability to clot, making it a useful preventative method for heart disease. Less is known about how red wine and alcohol work to lower the risk of Alzheimer's, as it is difficult to pinpoint alcohol as the contributing factor, rather than other healthy lifestyle choices.

8. Berries

The latest research presented at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Boston found that blueberries, strawberries, and acai berries may help slow down age-related cognitive decline by preserving the brain’s mechanism to get rid of toxic proteins, which wanes with age.

Berries can be added to smoothies and salads, eaten alone as a snack, and also make a great dessert mixed with nuts and coconut flakes.

9. Whole Grains

Fiber-rich whole grains are important to brain health, and can include whole wheat, whole oatmeal, bulgar, brown rice, buckwheat, whole grain barley, whole rye, and quinoa. Whole grains are an integral part of the Mediterranean diet, which is also loaded with fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, olive oil, and wine. Research out of Columbia University Medical Center in New York City shows that a Mediterranean diet may be linked to lower risk of mild cognitive impairment that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

This type of diet may reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and other vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure—all of which may have a role in increasing risk for brain and heart diseases.

10. Exercise

No, you can't eat exercise. But there is substantial evidence that regular exercise is crucial to staving off many age-related conditions, including Alzheimer's. Setting up an exercise regimen, and eating a diet rich in healthy oils, fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, and nuts will go a long way in lowering your risk for developing Alzheimer's or dementia, and will help you feel energized, fit and fulfilled.

American In-Home Care always refers qualified, credentialed, screened, care providers that can assist with a wide variety of services in-home or in facilities, including diet monitoring, meal preparation, and grocery shopping. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free consultation to assess your in-home care needs, and determine which care options are right for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do I Need Respite Care?

All Posts, Long Term Care Options

As we age, most people wish to remain in their own homes for a number of reasons. Being home is familiar and comfortable, and can decrease the physical, mental, and financial stress of moving into a facility. However, remaining at home can start to cause safety concerns if mental and physical health conditions are not managed or monitored properly.

A common option when you decide that your aging loved one needs assistance to stay at home is to take on the role of caregiver yourself, either by moving in with your parents, or having them move in with you. This can be a situation that takes time to adjust to, and can even cause family tension. This is why it is important to talk openly to your parents or loved one about issues such as needs, expectations, and setting boundaries.

As the sole family caregiver, it is easy to become overburdened by the added stress and responsibilities of caregiving duties, in addition to your own personal and professional duties. It is important to be aware of your limitations, and to take time for yourself to avoid caregiver burnout, and to recognize when it is time to seek professional aid, which can come in the form of Respite Care.

What is Respite Care?

Respite Care is all about taking care of the caregiver, since providing care for an elderly or ill loved one can start to take a mental and physical toll on your well-being. Respite Care offers family caregivers temporary relief from the physical and emotional burdens of caregiving, reducing stress and preserving family stability. Respite Care is an important part of an overall home care strategy, and can offer services in the home, or a variety of other settings.

  • In-Home Respite
    • A referred care provider can be brought into the home for a specified period of time to provide oversight and care for your loved one, allowing you to leave the home and/or have personal time to take care of your own needs.
  • Alzheimer’s Respite
    • Respite is especially important when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, as it can be a physically and mentally draining task. By having a Respite care provider who specializes in Alzheimer's Care, you can take a break to give you time for your own duties, so you can return refreshed and healthy.
  • Hospital Support
    • Qualified care providers can perform additional support during a stay at the hospital, giving your loved one constant care and attention during some, or all, of their stay, and keeping family members up-to-date.
  • Overnight
    • Sometimes you need a temporary care provider to stay with your loved one overnight if you’re in need of a good night’s sleep, or need to travel. With overnight Respite Care, your loved one will be safely looked after, ensuring safety and companionship while you’re away.
  • Travel Care
    • If you are planning a trip with your loved one and need extra assistance during your travels, a travel care provider can travel with you and perform care. They will be discreet and compassionate, allowing your family to enjoy the trip and each other’s company, while keeping your loved one safe and properly looked after.

When Should You Consider Respite Care?

There are certain times that having the assistance of a certified and professional care provider can be invaluable. There are certain situations where you should always seek professional assistance for the safety of both you and your loved one, but there will also be less specific times when you feel like you need help or need a break, and it is important to listen to that, and not be afraid or hesitant to seek out help. You should consider Respite Care when:

  • You need to travel overnight for business or pleasure (it is important to take personal vacations!)
  • Your elderly parent or loved one needs to transfer from one location to another, or is staying somewhere for an extended period of time (like a surgery center, rehab facility, hospital, etc).
  • Help is needed with daily activities of living, or skilled care following a hospitalization, surgery, injury, or illness.
  • Your parent or loved one wants to be at home while undergoing intense medical treatment, such as chemotherapy.
  • You feel mentally or physically exhausted, and need time for yourself to rest or perform personal duties.

At American In-Home Care, we always refer qualified, screened, care providers that can assist you with your Respite Care needs. Contact a Client Care Liaison at any time to set up a free assessment of your in-home care needs; they can provide you with additional information about which care options are right for you and your family. We are available to take calls 24/7 at 1-844-505-0004.

Gifts For Alzheimer's Patients

All Posts, Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Alzheimers CareWith over 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease, and more than 10 million people providing care for them, it is highly likely that you will be buying gifts for a loved one with Alzheimer's, or someone that has been touched by the disease, this holiday season or at some other time. As such, it is important to know what gifts are appropriate - gifts that can help ease stress, confusion, and depression, and actually aid the memories of those suffering.

The key is to look for gifts that your loved one is interested in, and that will keep them actively engaged and at ease. Gifts for Alzheimer's patients should be fun, yet stimulating in some way - be it cognitive stimulation, sensory stimulation, or physical stimulation. Special DVDs can be a good alternative to television, and games and puzzles can not only be fun and interactive, but can help you keep tabs on how your loved one's disease is progressing.

Keep in mind that certain gifts, like new electronics, might seem like a fun or helpful gift, but could actually cause added stress or embarrassment for an Alzheimer's patient because it creates another thing to be remembered. If you decide you want to give a tech gift or electronic, be sure to go over the instructions with your loved one slowly and more than once, so that they have a good understanding,  and keep a copy of the instructions for yourself.

Gifts for Alzheimer's Patients

1. Early Stage: When in the Early Stage of Alzheimer's, people can still live healthy, active lives for the most part, and might only notice subtle changes in their memory and body. For these individuals, gifts that aid cognitive stimulation are beneficial, and can include some of the following:

  • Magnetic reminder pads for the refrigerator
  • Labeled baskets or file folders to keep documents and other misc. items
  • Designated hanger or jar for keys
  • Family calendar with important dates written in - birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc.
  • Dial-by-picture telephone system
  • Automated pill dispenser
  • Night light for bedroom or bathroom
  • Crossword puzzles related to 20th Century events or history
  • "Spot the difference" photo games
  • Large playing cards or index cards
  • Puzzles with places they have gone, or art they enjoy
  • Stimulating DVDs, such as nature or history documentaries
  • "Classics" CD from their favorite musician
  • A collection of their favorite movies
  • Plan a special outing - go to a play, a movie, a museum, shopping with family and friends
  • Do fun hands-on activities together such as painting or scrapbooking

2. Middle/Late Stage: People in the later stages of Alzheimer's generally need assistance with most of their daily activities as their state continues to deteriorate. Gifts that provide sensory stimulation, and that bring back pleasant memories are beneficial for individuals suffering from moderate or late stage Alzheimer's, such as:

  • Scented lotions in their favorite scent
  • A bathrobe or slippers in their favorite color
  • A warm throw blanket
  • Comfortable clothes that are easy to put on and take off, and easy to wash - such as sweats, knits, and wrinkle-free sleeping garments
  • A CD or compilation of their favorite songs or musicians
  • Family photo album with pictures of every family member, and their name
  • An illustrated family tree
  • Puzzles of favorite places or art works
  • Games - color stimulation, size and shape games, brain-game books
  • Color-by-number activities
  • Nature or animal DVDs or documentaries
  • Stress ball, or sensory hand-held toys
  • Do fun hands-on activities together such as painting or scrapbooking

Gifts for Family Caregivers 

Caring for an Alzheimer's patient, especially if it is a loved one, can be extremely taxing on a person, both physically and mentally, and can often lead to caregiver depression. To avoid this, truly the best gift you can give an Alzheimer's or dementia caregiver is the gift of respite care. By having someone else relieve caregiving duties temporarily, you will help the family caregiver reduce stress and have a necessary and deserved break over the holiday season.

  • Gift certificates - to salons or spas, favorite restaurants or hotels, favorite clothing stores, maid or lawn services, personal wellbeing such as yoga or gym membership, or technology support
  • Books - informational about caregiving and Alzheimer's disease, and also purely fun, entertaining books from a genre that you know the caregiver enjoys
  • TIVO or DVR subscription - allows the caregiver to record their favorite shows and movies on television that they might miss due to caregiving duties
  • Respite Care - finding a company that can refer a professional, qualified, and compassionate respite care provider to temporarily relieve the family caregiver of their duties is probably the most valued gift you can give. It gives your caregiver the gift of personal time and rest.

American In-Home Care always refers qualified, credentialed, screened, care providers that can assist with a wide variety of services in-home or in facilities. The care providers we refer to perform Respite Care can assist with overnight respite, in-home respite, Alzheimer's respite, travel care, and a number of other services to assist with daily activities. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free consultation to assess your care needs.

Long Term Retirement Planning

All Posts, Long Term Care Options

The number of Americans needing long term care is expected to double in the next 30 years, putting a increased financial and emotional burden on many families. This burden will be felt the most by Baby Boomers who are facing retirement themselves, while also caring for elderly parents and maintaining relationships with grown children of their own.

As it is becoming less common for children to assume the sole caregiving responsibility for their parents, it is even more crucial to be proactive and focus on long term retirement planning at an earlier age.

So what are the steps to successfully plan for long term retirement?

1. Location Matters

As a healthy, recent retiree, or an adult planning for retirement, it is important to think about where you are living. If you have a large, expensive house in a largely car-dependent city or neighborhood, you might want to consider downsizing into an apartment, condo, or small home that is in a pedestrian friendly location near your family and friends. Making the change now will allow you to limit unnecessary expenses, and ensure that you will be able to age at home as long as possible.

According to a UBS survey, 89 percent of participants said that while they would prefer to stay in their current home, they still find moving to a smaller home vastly more preferable than moving into a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility.

2. Get Long Term Care Insurance

If aging in your home is what you want, an important step in your retirement planning should be finding an insurance policy that covers that kind of care. It is never too early to be searching for a Long Term Care Insurance policy that suits your needs, as the younger and healthier you are, the cheaper the policies are.

3. Consider The Tradeoffs

It is natural for a parent or grandparent to want to help their children and grandchildren with money - mortgages, college tuition, etc. However, most of us are not wealthy enough to not have to make tough financial decisions sometimes. That same money could be put away in preparation for your long term care needs, which would prevent financial hardships and relationship strains on your children later on.

If you do end up needing to rely on your children for care later in life, it could be a source of conflict between siblings on how to split care responsibilities and payments.

4. Talk To An Expert

Talking to a professional with your entire family present is an important step for long term retirement planning. It allows you to determine what is important to you, and how to manage your retirement and care needs so that the whole family is on the same page, preventing strife later on.

Find a financial advisor or lawyer who specializes in wealth transfer and estate planning, and who is willing to build  relationship with you so they can adapt as your needs change over time.

Once you have determined that either you or your parents need assistance to continue to age at home, one of our Client Care Liaisons can set up a free consultation to determine your in-home care needs, and refer a care provider that is right for your family. Contact us Toll Free at 1-844-505-0004.

 

 

Maximizing Social Security Benefits Under New Rule

All Posts, Long Term Care Options,

By Laurence J. Kotlikoff, Social Security expert and Boston University economist (This article previously appeared on NextAvenue.org)

Here are 12 tips for maximizing Social Security benefits under the new rule.

The 2015 Budget dramatically changed Social Security claiming options. ​Every day, I get a host of emails from the victims of these changes. Most are like my 64-year-old secretary, who I wrote about last week.

Thanks to Congress and the President, she lost her ability at age 66 to do three things: a) get a child benefit for her severely disabled child, b) a get spousal benefit for her non-working husband who has had to stay home and care for their child for years and c) file for her retirement benefit, immediately suspend it (with the strategy known as “file and suspend“) and wait until 70 to collect her highest possible retirement benefit.

The most important means to maximize your lifetime benefits was, and remains, to try to start benefits only after they have stopped growing.

What’s her new best strategy?

Is it to keep working to forgo getting her son and husband benefits for four years and take her own retirement benefit at 70? This strategy entails her continuing to work 80 hours of week at two jobs to keep the family living at its decidedly lower-income living standard.

Or is it to take her own retirement benefit at 66 and thereby activate benefits for her son and husband? Doing so means her own retirement benefit will be 26 percent smaller for the rest of her life. That option provides the immediate wherewithal (the money) to consider working one rather than two jobs from age 66, but at the price of a permanently lower long-term living standard.

Surprising, Rushed Social Security Changes

This is the kind of outcome that the AARP — the huge nonprofit that is supposed to protect the elderly — was applauding in emailing its tens of millions of members and telling them to actively congratulate their Congressmen and Congresswomen for supporting the change in the law. I wrote about this in a recent Forbes column.

This is the kind of outcome that the small-minded, ill-informed Congressional staffers who changed Social Security rules are now cheering. They made their draconian changes in a back room, with no public hearings, knowing that the changes would be rushed to a vote before Congress. They made these changes knowing that these changes would take benefits away from millions of low- and middle-income people.

But if the new Social Security benefit rules are here for good, and they certainly seem to be, what should people do?

Here are 12 secrets to maximizing your lifetime Social Security benefits under the new rules:

1. The most important means to maximize your lifetime benefits was, and remains, to try to start benefits only after they have stopped growing. For a high earning 60-year-old couple, for example, their inability to utilize the file and suspend strategy costs them about $50,000. But if they wait until 70 to collect their retirement benefits, they will still be up $350,000 compared to taking their retirement benefits at 62. That’s the power of being able to wait to collect a 76 percent greater check every month from age 70 through 100 if you live that long. As a result of this new law, this couple loses roughly $50,000 out of the $400,000 they would have previously received from optimizing. That is, the budget legislation cost them 12.5 percent of their remaining lifetime benefits.

The hit to my secretary if she takes her retirement benefit at 66, which appears likely, is roughly twice as large.

So this supposed “progressive” policy change that “eliminated loopholes” is nothing of the sort. It will force low- and middle-income households to file for their retirement benefits early and leave them with permanently lower old-age living standards.

2. If you are married, you may still qualify to use the file and suspend strategy.Under this strategy, a) one spouse files and suspends their retirement benefit at 66 and waits until 70 to restart that benefit at its highest possible value while b) the other spouse files just for a spousal benefit at Full Retirement Age and waits until 70 to take his or her retirement benefit.

Under the new law, use of the file and suspend strategy is highly restricted. The spouse who is going to file and suspend has to have been born no later than May 1, 1950, and submit their request to file and suspend on or before April 29, 2016, so Social Security has time to process their application. This reflects the six-month grandfathering window including in the 2015 Budget.

The spouse who wants to take their full spousal benefit by itself and let their own retirement benefit grow must be born no later than Jan. 1, 1954. The grandfathering rule here is you need to be 62 by the end of the year, but Social Security treats someone whose birthday is on the first of a month as having changed their age on the last day of the prior month.

So if your spouse does file and suspend before this witching second, you better not turn 62 (the way you record your own birthday) even a nanosecond after midnight, Jan. 1, 2016.

3. If you are divorced (after having been married for 10 or more years) and turn 62 no later than Jan. 1, 2016, you can still file just for your divorce(e) spousal benefit at full retirement age and wait until 70 to collect your own retirement benefit.

4. If you are married and you and your spouse are more than four years apart in age, but the younger of the two of you will reach 62 by the end of this year, that younger spouse is still free to file just for a full spousal benefit when he or she reaches Full Retirement Age and still let his or her retirement benefit grow through age 70. This is possible, because the older spouse will be taking retirement benefits by then.

5. If you are married and reach 62 no later than Jan. 1, 2016 and your older spouse won’t reach 66 by May 1, 2016, your older spouse can file for a retirement benefit before age 70 but after you reach Full Retirement Age, permitting you to take just your spousal benefit at that point and then wait until 70 to collect your own retirement benefit.

Whether this is optimal is something only the most precise commercial software can calculate. Make sure that the software program you use has been fully updated since the legislation has passed.

6. Suppose you are a married younger spouse and that you were born after Jan. 1, 1954 and that your spouse was born after May 1, 1950. Assume you have very low earnings relative to your spouse so that your spousal benefit will exceed your own retirement benefit even if you wait until 70 to collect it. In this case, you and your spouse have a tricky problem.

Your spouse can file for their retirement benefit before reaching 70, say, at 68. But doing so comes at a price of permanently reduced retirement benefits and a permanently lower widow’s benefits for you if your spouse dies before you and after age 68. On the other hand, by taking their retirement benefit earlier than 70, your spouse can permit you to take your spousal benefit sooner than would otherwise be the case. Recall, however, that if you take your spousal benefit before full retirement age, it will be permanently reduced.

One option, which is likely the best in many cases, is for you to take your own retirement benefit when you reach Full Retirement Age and then take your excess spousal benefit when your spouse reaches age 70 and take their retirement benefit.

But if your spouse has a relatively low maximum age of life, it may be better for you to take your retirement benefit as early as age 62 and have your spouse take their retirement benefit somewhat before age 70 at which point you take your excess spousal benefit. Taking the excess spousal benefit (the difference between your full spousal benefit and your own retirement benefit) early (before full retirement age) will permanently reduce it. But if you are going to be flipping onto a widow’s benefit fairly early in life, getting a bird in the hand may be worth it.

If the above sounds even more complex than under the old system, you’re right: it is. The new law has made maximizing your Social Security via the correct collection strategies even more complex for many couples.

7. If you took your retirement benefit before Full Retirement Age, were born after Jan. 1 and were hoping to suspend it at full retirement age, you can still suspend your retirement benefit and restart it at 70 at what is now a 32 percent larger value. But you can’t provide your spouse or your ex-spouse or your young or disabled children any benefits based on your account during the years that you keep your retirement benefit in suspension.

For example, you may have filed for your retirement benefit last year, say, at age 62 to activate a child benefit for your disabled child and a child-in-care spousal benefit for your spouse who is caring for your child. You may have done so knowing that at Full Retirement Age you could suspend your own retirement benefit and restart it at a 32 percent higher at 70 without terminating your child’s disabled child benefit and your spouse’s child in care spousal benefit during the suspension period. But Congress and the President just took that option away. When you reach Full Retirement Age, if you suspend, both the child and child-in-care spousal benefit will stop until you restart your retirement benefit. Consequently, the advantage of this start-stop-start strategy has been greatly reduced.

Still, it may be best to forego those auxiliary benefits for four years in order to have a permanently higher retirement benefit (and when you die, provide a permanently higher widow(er) benefit), starting at 70.

8. If you are single or divorced before 10 years and you aren’t going to get married, the new law doesn’t change any of your options except for one. If you don’t reach 66 until after May 1, 2016, but you still suspend your retirement benefit, you will no longer be able to ask to receive all your suspended benefits in a single lump sum check if, for example, you are diagnosed with a terminal disease. This makes suspending your benefit in order to raise it by restarting it at 70 a riskier option.

9. If you are widowed, nothing has changed with respect to your options to maximize your lifetime Social Security benefits. Your best strategy will be to either take your widows benefit at 60 (or 50 if you are collecting disability) and start your own retirement benefit at 70 (or, if widowed, at Full Retirement Age, but you can then suspend it until 70) or take your retirement benefit at 62 and take your widow(er) benefit at Full Retirement Age or earlier in the case your deceased spouse took their own retirement benefit early.

10. If you are collecting disability benefits, you weren’t hurt as badly by the new law. That’s because thanks to another midnight massacre of Social Security benefits, you weren’t able to collect a full spousal benefit off you spouse’s work record in any case. On the other hand, if your spouse turns 62 by or on Jan. 1, 2016, he or she can collect just a full spousal benefit from Full Retirement Age through 70 while letting the retirement benefit grow. That is, the spouse, too, is grandfathered.

11. If you are disabled and were expecting to collect excess spousal benefits from your spouse during years that their retirement benefit is in suspension,you can kiss those benefits goodbye unless your spouse was born on or before May 1, 1950 and files and suspends. If your spouse is a minute too young to meet that deadline and suspends after reaching Full Retirement Age, he or she won’t be able to give you any benefits off their work records while their retirement benefits are in suspension.

12. If you and your spouse were born before or on Jan. 1, 1954 and have been married for 10 plus years, but neither of you will turn 66 before or on May 1, 2016, you have an option to collect full spousal benefits off of each other’s records starting at Full Retirement Age and then take your own retirement benefits at 70. But, there’s a rather large caveat: The option involves getting divorced two years before you reach Full Retirement Age.

Neither of you will be deemed at Full Retirement Age to be filing for both your divorcee spousal benefit and your own retirement benefit (because you have been grandfathered in), so you’ll have this option that someone who won’t turn 62 by or on Jan. 1, 2016 won’t have. Between the time that you divorce and age 70, you can “live in sin.” Then at 70, you can get remarried. For some high-income households this can mean an extra $120,000.

Source: Kotlikoff, Laurence J. "How to Max Social Security Benefits Under the New Rules." Next Avenue. 18 Nov. 2015. PBS NewsHour. 16 Nov. 2015. 

Signs of Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease

All Posts, Alzheimer’s and Dementia,

A person suffering from early-onset Alzheimer's disease likely does not look like the average Alzheimer's patient. The average Alzheimer's sufferer in America is a woman in her 70s, whose disease has a relatively slow onset and symptoms that reflect memory loss.

However, early-onset Alzheimer's is different, affecting the middle-aged populace with symptoms that don't necessarily have anything to do with memory loss. According to the Mayo Clinic, 200,000 Americans suffer from it, so how can you tell if you are among them?

Stealing or Breaking the Law

Behavioral changes in older adults should always be cause for concern. If behavioral patterns have changed drastically, and a previously well-behaved adult starts behaving dangerously or erratically, it could be a sign of  Frontotemporal Dementia, the most common brain-damaging disease that strikes people under age 60, affecting their ability to make decisions and determine right from wrong.

Falling Often

If you or a loved one are falling frequently, tell your doctor as it could be a sign of a cognitive problem. In a recent study of 125 people sampled, those that fell often had correlating brain scans for early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Forgetting What Objects Are For

There's a difference between not remembering where you put your keys and not remembering what a key is used for. If you're having problems remembering the function of objects or where things go, it is time to talk to a doctor.

Eating Inappropriate Things

Some patients of early-onset Alzheimer's have been reported to eat inanimate objects, such as paper or other inedible things, prior to their diagnosis. Also, people diagnosed with Alzheimer's generally consume more calories and are hungrier than non-sufferers, and still they tend to lose weight. Both of these could be related to decreased brain function; the brain receives hunger signals and isn't sure how to process them.

Not Able to Recognize Sarcasm

Sarcasm can sometimes be hard to pick up on, but if you find yourself constantly missing out on humor and sarcasm that others are picking up on, this could be a warning sign of brain atrophy. In diseases such as early-onset Alzheimer's and Frontotemporal Dementia, the brain’s posterior hippocampus is affected, which is where short-term memory is stored, and where one would sort out such things as sarcasm.

Being Depressed

A change in mental health later in life is another symptom of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. If you have never suffered from clinical depression in your young adult life, but develop depression later in life, this could be an alerting factor. This doesn't mean that every person diagnosed with depression later in life will suffer from Alzheimer's, but it does make someone three times more likely to have an Alzheimer's-related disease. Get treatment for depression as soon as possible because it is speculated that the hormones released during depression can actually damage parts of the brain.

Blankly Staring

With early-onset Alzheimer's, the function of the brain is compromised, meaning your ability to recall facts, memories and information is compromised, the brain becoming all around unfocused. So staring in a detached way might be an early sign of a compromised brain.

These symptoms could signal early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease, but they might also be the signs of other underlying conditions. A trained neurologist can easily diagnose Alzheimer’s or other dementias, so talk to your doctor if you have worrying signs so that you can begin treatment. If diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, having a care provider in your home could help you feel safe and comfortable. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, credentialed, insured and screened care providers that can help with a variety of services including Alzheimer's and Dementia Care. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home assessment.

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Adapted From: Andrea Atkins, "7 Surprising Early Signs of Alzheimer's Disease." Next Avenue. Oct. 2015. 

 

Aging In Place: Benefits of Staying Home

All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips, Long Term Care Options

The ability to live alone is a way for older Americans to maintain their independence and identity, and it doesn’t necessarily mean being lonesome. Due to medical advancements and healthier lifestyles, people are living longer, healthier lives, which means they can stay in the workplace longer and save more money, making it an option to stay at home rather than move in with their children, or go in to a facility.

In fact, the percentage of older adults living with their children has dropped from 35% in the 1950s, to a relatively steady 12% since the 1980s, according to the Huffington Post. So why do more and more older Americans want to age in place? What is the allure of staying at home?

What makes aging in place desirable 

  • Familiarity: For older adults, being familiar with their home and surroundings is more than a nice feeling, it means safety. Knowing where things are and having a routine in their home is important for safe aging, especially if they are diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's.
  • Comfort: There is a reason people get homesick, it's because there is no place like home. Being at home is going to be the most comfortable option that a senior can have. They have their own surroundings and belongings, and will feel the most at ease there.
  • Independence: Being able to remain at home to age means that seniors will have an opportunity to remain more independent. They will be able to continue doing many of the things that have been a part of their lives, and that they enjoy. They also have the ability to maintain relationships with friends and family who live around them, and who they want to visit with.
  • Emotional Well-Being: Our location and the place we live can impact how we feel mentally. When older adults age in place by receiving help at home, they are likely to have a better outlook and feel happier and healthier than if they were confined in a facility.
  • Affordability: With Assisted Living Facilities averaging a monthly rate of $3600, and Nursing Homes an average rate of between $220-$250 daily, depending on the privacy of the room, long term care can have  major financial impact on an individual and a family. In-Home care is generally the most affordably option for long term care, with Homemaker/Companion services and Home Health Aid services having an hourly average of $20 per day (Refer to Genworth Survey for specific statewide costs).

Avoiding burden on a family caregiver

While all of these factors contribute to the desire for seniors to age in place, it is also important to remember that it might not be safe or healthy for some older adults to live completely on their own. Some might need assistance with daily activities, or just regular social interaction that they can't achieve on their own. When this is the case, it is important to get a care provider into the home so that they can age in place with reassurance and safety.

Often times, a family member will take on the role of caregiver for an aging parent that wants to stay home. However, being a family caregiver with no assistance from a professional could have serious impacts on personal lives and careers.

Being the sole caregiver for an aging parent can impact both work time and leisure time, having consequences on personal well-being, income, and relationships. In fact, 60% of family caregivers said being the sole caregiver had negative effects on their jobs, and 33% said they spent more than 30 hours a week on caregiving, according to the Genworth Survey.

Professional In-Home Care options

Bringing a professional care provider into the home allows the elderly loved one to reap all the benefits of aging in place, while giving family members the flexibility to have time for their personal and professional lives. With a professional care provider in the equation, family members can take a step back from the physical and emotional pressure, and define new roles in the caregiving process that fit with their lives and schedules.

There are many options for in-home care providers, so that you can find the best fit for you and your family. In-home care providers can range from Companion to Registered Nurse, and can provide a variety of services. To view rates, the Genworth Survey provides median cost of different levels of caregivers by state.

  • Homemakers & Companions:  Provide help with household tasks that cannot be managed alone. Homemaker services includes “hands-off”care such as cooking, cleaning and running errands.
  • Home Health Aides & Certified Nursing Assistants: Home Health Aides offer services to people who need more extensive care. It is “hands-on” personal care, such as assistance with bathing and dressing, but not medical care.
  • Licensed Practical Nurses & Registered Nurses: People who require medical care, such as wound care/bandage changes, enemas, catheterization and IV flush, require either Licensed Practical Nurses or Registered Nurses. RNs are also known for their critical thinking, leadership, and ability to teach patients about their care.

Care providers can perform hourly, live-in, or respite (temporary) care, depending on the needs of you and your family. Many care providers have specialized training to assist loved ones who may need dementia care or care specific to other chronic diseases like Parkinson's or ALS.  At American In-Home Care, all of the care providers we refer are highly qualified and credentialed, and have also been screened, bonded and insured. Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to assess your in-home needs.

 

Elderly Pet Owners: What To Consider Before You Adopt

All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips,

Pets are affectionate, caring companions that can make us smile and feel loved and needed. This sense of social interaction and feeling of purpose makes it seem like a pet would be an ideal companion for an elderly person who is alone or melancholy. But this isn't always the case.

There have been studies that show for elderly pet owners who often live alone or in group facilities, pets can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase social interaction, laughter and physical activity, and aid with learning.

And while these things are all undoubtedly beneficial, it is important for seniors wanting pets to consider their own health, well-being, and ability to provide care before committing to a pet.

Questions For Elderly Pet Owners To Consider:

  1. Is your current living situation suitable for the pet you are considering?
    • If you are living in a facility, check their policy to make sure they allow the type of pet you are considering. If you live at home, make sure you have adequate outdoor space and there aren't any obvious hazards inside or out.
  2. Are you planning to move soon?
    • It is important for a pet to have a stable living situation where they can feel comfortable, and that they're not being constantly uprooted. 
  3. Do you or a loved one have allergies, lung conditions, or other health concerns that might be affected by the presence of a pet?
    • It is very common to have pet allergies, so be sure to talk to your doctor before adopting a pet if you know that you or one of your family members has a health condition.
  4. Can you afford the cost of pet care?
    • Pet care can be expensive when you consider the cost of regular food and supplies, plus veterinary care, which increases as your pet ages. Some organizations, such as Purina and Pets For The Elderly, can provide minimal assistance, but most of the financial burden will fall on you.
  5. Do you have the time and/or energy to take care of a pet?
    • Pets also require a lot of attention, focus, time, and energy to ensure their happiness and safety. They require regular grooming, playtime, exercise, and feedings, many of which occur several times a day. Some pets need more attention and energy than others, so be sure to do your research beforehand. But don't be fooled, all pets require attention and proper love and care, which means your time and energy.
  6. Are you able to transport the pet to the vet, and pick up necessary pet care items?
    • You need to be able to drive to have the ability to take your pet to the vet when they need to go, and to go to the store to pick up their supplies. These supplies can often be heavy and cumbersome. Take into account you might need assistance with this.
  7. Is the pet you're adopting the right age for you?
    • Kittens and puppies might be cute, but their energy and behavior might not be the right fit. Consider adopting an older animal. They tend to be require less exercise and are easier to care for, plus you can offer them a loving home when others might not want them.
  8. Would the pet you are considering hinder your personal safety?
    • One of the major concerns for elderly pet owners is pets causing a fall or another injury. There have been studies that show owning cats and/or dogs can be both stressful and dangerous for the elderly. In a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 86,000 fall injuries associated with cats and dogs occurred each year from 2001-2006. The most common injuries were fractures and contusions/abrasions, with the highest fracture rates occurring among older individuals 

Although these factors should be considered and taken seriously, it is also important to consider the positive effects of having a pet, and determining if one is right for you and your home. It is possible for older adults to safely own, love, and care for a pet, as long as they have done their research and have prepared themselves and their homes.

Finding The Right Pet

While large dogs are easy to see and, thus, harder to trip over, they generally require more physical care, such as frequent walks,  bending over to clean up after them in public, and brushing and grooming. Small dogs can require less physical energy, but can get out of sight and lost easier, or cause falls from being underfoot.

Cats generally require less care than dogs, as they don't need to be taken out for walks and require less grooming. Fish and other types of pets, such as hamsters or birds, could require even less. Remember to select the type of pet with the right temperament for your needs.

The right pet for you also depends on your own budget, energy, time, and physical limitations. You can take quizzes to determine the right pet for you and your home, and look through this checklist to ensure you are ready for your animal. Also consider that individuals with certain disabilities, impairments, or illnesses may be candidates for assistance or therapy dogs that can help them function or interact.

When you are ready to adopt, there are reputable breeders all over the country, but you should also consider adopting from your local shelter to give a homeless animal a new loving home and a new life. June is National Adopt-A-Cat-Month, sponsored by the American Humane Association, and many organizations have adoption assistance programs for older adults, including The Pets for the Elderly Foundation. To find a local animal shelter near you, you can search online by using Petfinder’s search tool.

Ultimately, the decision to bring a pet into your home is your own, and by educating yourself beforehand, it can be a very positive life decision. If you or your loved one decides that you are in need of home care to have a safe environment for you or your pet, contact American In-Home Care at 1-844-505-0004 to set up your free, no-obligation consultation. The care providers we refer perform a variety of services including assistance with pet care, homemaking, Alzheimer's Care and After Surgery Care.

Building A Responsible Doctor-Patient Relationship

All Posts, Chronic Disease Care, Family Caregiver Tips, ,

A Comprehensive Partnership With Your Physician: A Patient's Responsibility

By Marjorie Marcus, MSW

In the past, doctors took the lead and patients typically followed without question. These days, a good doctor-patient relationship is a partnership. So here is what you can do to make your physician visits as productive and effective as possible.

Create a list before your appointment. This will make it easier to fully cover what it is that brought you to your doctor, and ensure that you do not forger any problems or issues you want to discuss. The list should include the following information:

A list of symptoms

This list should include, but not limited to, aches and pains, trouble sleeping, anxiety, moods. Are you sad all the time? Are you more confused lately? This list ensures that you give your doctor an accurate account of what is occurring in your life, mentally and physically. Include when these issues started, how often and how long they last, what makes them better or worse. Be sure to explain how these issues affect your daily activities.

A list of your medications

ALL medications should be listed; non-prescription, herbal remedies, vitamins, even eye drops should be included on this list. Better yet, bring your medications to your appointment. Include dosage, how often and times of day you take these medications. Make sure to note any side effects.

An outline of your daily activities

Be honest when discussing these activities. What do you enjoy doing? How often do you exercise? Do you smoke and/or drink? Describe your sex life. How do you sleep? What and how often do you eat?

Describe any life changes

Examples of these are divorce, death of a loved one (including pets), or a change in living arrangements. These life changes can cause stress, and stress affects our health.

This comprehensive approach of sharing complete information is key to developing a solid doctor-patient relationship. By being open, honest and detailed about your medical and personal condition, you and your doctor will be working together to formulate the comprehensive care plan you desire.

Written by Marjorie Marcus, MSW, a Client Care Liaison for American In-Home Care. Originally published in The Villager's Voices Publication, Palm Coast, FL. Sept. 2015

 

Contact American In-Home Care today at 1-844-505-0004 for your free, no-obligation consultation. We will work with you to match the best care provider and determine the right care options for you and your family.

The Health Benefits of Laughter: It Is The Best Medicine

All Posts, Health and Wellness

"Laughter is the best medicine." That old adage has been passed around for years, but is there any truth to it?

Recent research has found that the effects of a good laugh can reduce stress and pain, boost the immune system, provide social connections and make people generally happier. Reasons like this could explain why we see laughter clubs, Laughter Yoga studios, and institutions like the Laughter Wellness Institute becoming more popular; they are part of the movement to formally introduce laughter into people's lives. This movement has also brought a surge of laughter therapy into senior living facilities in an effort to boost social interaction and happiness among older adults.

Health Benefits of Laughter

Laughter has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and change us physiologically, making us more relaxed. However, researchers aren't sure whether these benefits are caused by the physical act of laughing, or the understanding that people who laugh are more likely to have a positive attitude and good social connections, both traits shown to improve longevity. Either way, laughing has been shown to have many positive effects on the body, and it's a fun and easy way to improve overall health.

Laughter can increase your health in the short term by stimulating organs such as the heart, lungs and muscles, increasing blood flow and oxygenation of the cells. This improves circulation, which helps soothe tension in the muscles of the body, resulting in a nice, relaxed feeling for up to 45 minutes after, and improving sleeping habits. Over the long term, laughing regularly can help improve your immune system by producing neuropeptides and infection-fighting antibodies that help fight stress and other serious illnesses. Laughing also helps relieve pain and improves overall mood, lessening depression and anxiety, increasing social connections, and making you feel healthier and happier.

Benefits for Seniors

Laughter is good for anyone, no matter what age. However, recent studies have shown that the laughter is especially beneficial for seniors because laughter therapy is well-suited for aging bodies. Laughter exercises are very low-impact, requiring only use of your mouth, and gentle movement of the arms and legs. Laughter is also good for combatting depression in older adults, which is common due to loss of loved ones, changes in health, and feelings of isolation.

Therapeutic approaches to laughter such as Laughter Wellness and Laughter Yoga are a type of complementary medicine for seniors that can help keep them in good health and good moods. The exercises are low-impact, well tolerated, and easily adaptable to all levels of cognitive, sensory and motor abilities. Best of all: It’s fun!

Benefits of laughter for seniors:

  1. Increases cognitive function: Degeneration of brain cells makes it difficult for many seniors to understand and process humor.  Laughter therapy that relies on laughing alone rather than understanding humor is ideal for seniors to help them reap the many benefits of laughter to improve their health and well-being . As little as one hour of practice per week has been shown to increase memory and cognitive function. People with dementia and the onset of Alzheimer’s have also shown remarkable improvement with laughter therapy.
  2. Decreases feelings of isolation: It is common for seniors, both in their own homes and in facilities,  to experience feelings of isolation. Often they do not have much contact with friends or family members, and are in need of meaningful human contact. Laughter therapy is useful because laughing together fosters communication and can greatly improve cooperation and empathy between people of different ages and backgrounds. Laughing in a group means everyone can join in and develop a sense of belonging, giving seniors that much needed feeling of closeness and bonding.
  3. Reduces physical illness: Lack of oxygen in the cells is a common reason for frequent illness. Therapeutic laughing can help people to laugh comfortably for extended periods of time as a form of exercise, significantly increasing their supply of oxygen and circulation. This has been shown to have many health benefits for seniors, including decreasing stress related diseases, reducing chronic pain, and controlling blood pressure.
  4. Improves mobility: A sedentary lifestyle, illness and lack of physical exercise cause the muscles and limbs to stiffen, which leads to immobility, pain and aches. Physical fitness stemming from laughter is beneficial because when you laugh, all your body systems are affected in a positive manner. It is particularly important for seniors as well as people who are bedridden or in a wheelchair.
  5. Lessens stress and depression: Many factors put seniors at risk for depression, and frustration and a loss of physical and mental health is often the result. Laughter helps to reduce stress and generate a positive attitude, combatting feelings of depression. Laughing together in a group also helps to boost self-esteem and overcome feelings of insecurity.

If you can't join a formal laughter class or therapy session, there are ways to prompt laughter on your own. For example, watch a funny movie, go to a comedy club, play with a pet, or organize a game night with friends and family. With all of the noted health benefits of laughter, let your silly side shine, and find any excuse to strike up a good laugh. If you or a loved one are experiencing feelings of isolation, anxiety or difficulty while at home, consider the benefits of an in-home care provider to assist with safety and companionship at home. American In-Home Care refers qualified, screened and credentialed care providers that perform Companion Care, Personal Care, and Live-In Care. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.