Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the national observance of Older Americans Month. The month-long celebration focuses on healthy aging strategies, addressing challenges to community living for older adults, strides in elder care research to improve medical support systems, and changing senior landscapes.

May is also a celebration of significant turns in legislation and science that have had an immediate impact on the quality of life for older Americans.

The Expansion of the SNAP program and the Older Americans Act to help alleviate the financial burden of aging and the risk of malnutrition.
National Anti-Aging Movement
Preventable Issues Drive

Healthy Aging Strategies

One of the most significant focuses of Older American’s Month 2019 was aging as healthily as possible. The science behind aging is reasonably conclusive when it comes to the causes of overall health degradation. Put as simply as possible, aging itself is a slow decline in health. Not taking the proper steps towards aging healthily substantially accelerates the whole process drastically by introducing everything from heart disease to diabetes. While many of the health challenges we face as we age are unavoidable and a natural part of the aging process, there are countless avoidable health debits that can be better managed by seniors. There is a laundry list of healthy living strategies, and trying to parse all of them out can be incredibly intimidating; for the sake of simplicity, a few are listed below.

Keep consistent track of blood pressure to maintain heart health
Start thinking about diet before any health issues arise
Practice preventative care
Exercise, exercise, exercise! You will thank yourself for it in the years to come
Maintain an uncluttered living space
Addressing Challenges to Community Living

The research on the positive health benefits of community is robust and conclusive. It is a fact that seniors, and any other humans really, benefit significantly from both a mental and physical health standpoint by participating in some form of community.

Contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t mean living in a senior home or giving up even a shred of independence. There are millions of healthy people participating in community events every day. Bake sales, volunteer work, staying active in your grandkids lives, even just getting out and doing the shopping. There are so many ways to get out and about with other people, and the benefits are numerous and undeniable.

The Connect aspect of Older American’s Month speaks on this point at length, with a particular focus on new prescriptions that began being offered this year. Doctors can now medically prescribe “Socialization” to seniors that are suffering from issues related to isolation or depression. The early results show substantial improvements in mental health, which tend to have positive effects on physical health nearly across the board.

Expansion of the SNAP program

Between 40-50% of all retired seniors are estimated to suffer from some form of malnourishment. While malnourishment can be caused by a lack of nutrients, it is most often caused by a lack of consumption. Millions of seniors can barely afford food, and the food that they can afford is often severely lacking in vitamins and nutrients. Picture a college students’ diet, with a senior’s immune system, and you can imagine why malnourishment is such a massive health issue for seniors.

The SNAP program was expanded in 2019 to include a more significant percentage of a growing senior population, providing millions with proper dietary options. However, it has been an uphill battle informing as many seniors as possible of the benefits available to them. There was very little press surrounding the expansion of the program, and adoption has been limited, even though it is a godsend. Another challenge that has proven difficult to navigate is pride. Most individuals on social security at this point are Baby Boomers, and selling any form of government assistance to them is extremely touchy. Regardless, OAM 2019 focused heavily on spreading this information, and hopefully by this time next year, the discussion will be centered around how effective these adoption campaigns have been.

National Anti-Aging Movement

There is a national movement to remove language related to anti-aging from products and general medical terminology that has taken flight this year. AARP officially announced that they would no longer advertise anti-aging products or run any articles related to the subject. Citing the term as something that stigmatizes the completely natural and healthy aging process. There is no need to be “anti-aging” since aging itself isn’t a bad thing at all.

The language has shifted towards aging with happiness, or grace. Instead of continually saturating seniors with all of the ways they can prevent something inevitable, the focus is on owning seniority. It is an excellent message, and based on the trends being established this year, it will likely only continue to grow as more large senior brands adopt it.

Preventable Issues Drive

Seniors practicing preventative care is a subject every single May, and every other month of the year. There are so many health issues that can be avoided completely by regular visits to your doctor and a healthy diet. AARP and thousands of doctors went on record this year stating that the single most important aspect of aging well is preventative care.

The most relevant issue seniors can avoid almost entirely, barring genetic predisposition, is heart disease. Heart disease is by a large margin the leading cause of death in Americans, specifically those that are seniors or middle-aged. There are medications that can help minimize risk once it is diagnosed, but it is better to just avoid the diagnosis entirely. Other issues include diabetes, glaucoma, Alzheimer’s & Dementia, and arthritis. All avoidable or at the very least minimizable with preventative care.

The drive for exposure this year has included the previously mentioned doctors’ campaign. Nearly every long-term care location or senior healthcare provider has also bought in. In some cases, with flyers in their waiting rooms, in others with full-on exposure campaigns that work with seniors interactively to get them moving.

Changing Senior Landscapes

Every year for Older Americans Month, the state of senior housing and accommodations is a primary focus. This year specific mention of the health benefits of maintaining independence well into your golden years was made.

There are several suggested ways to make sure you can age at home, or at the very least on your terms. Most of them root in maintaining or improving health, since at the end of the day being able to administer self-care is the primary barometer for independence. This has been the case every year since OAM started, physical health leads to independence, which maintains mental health, which facilitates healthy and vibrant aging.

There has been a slow, but steady shift in the landscape of senior housing that is beginning to reach a fever pitch, however. 2019 was a year of focus on how to maintain independence even with health issues that would typically force seniors into long-term care communities or nursing homes. Historically senior care took the “shotgun” approach towards long-term living. If a single health issue prevented independence, even if it required 30 minutes a day to address, a senior home was typically the answer. This led to a complete lack of independence and often culminated in the spiral so often associated with poor nursing home care.

A more precise method of care is growing increasingly popular now, at-home care. Not every senior requires round-the-clock medical attention and on-call medical staff; most don’t as a matter of fact. If you can handle most of your activities of daily living but have trouble bathing, for example, there is no reason you should have to move into a nursing home. You can age in place, and all it requires is a 30-minute daily visit from an at-home care professional. To put it into a term, the landscape for senior care in 2019 is shifting towards personally tailored care.

If you or a loved one are interested in a consultation to see which in-home care services would be right for your loved one, we can help. We refer qualified and compassionate care providers who can help with many different services to help prepare your loved one for the future and keep them home. For more information about our services and coverage area, contact us to speak with a Client Care Liaison.

Interested in our Senior Care Services ? Click here to see our locations and service areas.

Interested in Care Provider opportunities? Click here to start registration.

The post A Look Back at Older Americans Month 2019 appeared first on Advocate.

What are activities of daily living, and what can we do to make sure these daily tasks that serve as early warning signs don't get overlooked?

What are ADLs and IADLs?

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are the technical terms for the vital daily tasks and activities that we need to complete on a daily or weekly basis to live a healthy and fulfilled life. A healthy and independent adult should be able to complete the full range of activities in both of these categories. Once limitations begin to appear, and ADLs or IADLs begin to be neglected, long-term care becomes a viable option for providing help to complete the tasks.

Activities of Daily Living are the six essential skills that are needed to manage basic physical needs. These six essential skills include:

1. Bathing: Maintaining good bathing and personal hygiene habits ensures that individuals feel relaxed, refreshed, healthy, and positive about their appearance. Bathing and personal hygiene are a vital part of a daily routine, and are the first activity that should be looked at when assessing if a loved one is capable of providing care for themselves. If their hygiene or bathing habits begin to be neglected, an in-home care providers can assist with getting in and out of the shower or tub, help with physically bathing, washing, cleaning, toweling, and preparing to leave the bathroom.
2. Toileting: Being able to use the bathroom independently is obviously an important daily task, one that will show if an individual is capable of living independently. Bathrooms can be dangerous and difficult to navigate as we begin to age, so if your loved one begins to be nervous to go to the bathroom alone, has to go extremely frequently, or has difficulty physically getting on and off the toilet, an in-home caregiver might be the best choice to assist them.
3. Continence: To maintain day-to-day normalcy and independence an individual should be able to control their bowels and bladder fully. This can often be an embarrassing and difficult subject to speak about, but it is important that it is addressed. The underlying causes of incontinence can sometimes be reversed if the discussion is broached honestly and early.
4. Feeding Yourself: This is mostly an issue for those suffering from diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia, where seniors can have trouble remembering to eat at all. Severe issues can also cause severe shaking or degraded hand-eye coordination that self-feeding can become nearly impossible. In these cases, an in-home care professional can assist with feeding an individual in need of care. Even if an individual doesn't require hands-on feeding, an in-home caregiver can also be helpful for preparing healthy, nutritious, and regular meals.
5. Dressing: Dressing isn’t limited to just getting clothes on, it also means dressing appropriately for day-to-day activities. Independent seniors should be able to differentiate between what should be worn for different weather patterns, as it could be dangerous to go outside under or over-dressed. Adults should be able to handle fasteners, buttons, etc on their clothes without assistance to consider this skill as a pass.
6. Mobility: Functional senior mobility doesn’t necessarily mean running a marathon or going outside to shoot the basketball around. You should be able to get yourself out of bed in the morning and start your day without any major physical setbacks. Essentially, as long as you can move around your house without direct assistance, this skill is a pass overall.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are more complex actions that involve important parts of day-to-day living. Examples of a few major ones include:

• Meal Preparation: Even before physically cooking a meal, the knowledge of how it is done and recalling recipes come into play. For seniors suffering from early stage Alzheimer’s or Dementia, this hurdle alone may be too much to get over. Physically, you must be able to make measurements, handle hot stoves, reach into cabinets, and lift potentially heavy ingredient bags.  You must also be mentally healthy enough to remember recipes and plan out nutritious and healthy meals for the day or week. What this skill boils down to is whether or not you can cook healthy food consistently enough to maintain a balanced diet.
• Housekeeping: Senior homes that are neglected for long periods of time quickly become extremely dangerous to live in. Eventually, simply walking around can become a serious hazard if you aren’t capable of simple housekeeping and cleanup. Hundreds of thousands of seniors are injured annually in falls, and illnesses that result from those falls can often be fatal. If you are unable to maintain a well-kept home, an in-home care professional to help with cleaning and maintaining the home is the best course of action.
• Transportation: Both mobility and challenges with short-term memory can make transportation a challenge for seniors. Being able to get around outside the home to buy groceries, go to the doctor, and visit family and friends are all extremely important factors in a senior’s continuing health, and they all depend on having access to safe transportation. In-home care professionals can assist you with traveling in your car, securing your trip, and making sure you get to your destination and back home safely.

Why are ADLs and IADLs Relevant?

Most doctors agree that if a person declines enough (either cognitively or physically) that they can no longer perform an ADL or IADL on their own, this should be taken seriously. It is very common that once one skill is failed the others will soon follow, unless the cause of the issue is addressed quickly. ADLs represent the first warnings of potentially serious issues, and should never be ignored.

It is important to check in with your aging loved ones regularly to assess their condition. If you begin to notice any of the vital tasks (IADLs and ADLs) that are starting to be neglected, it is time to have a discussion about in-home care. Securing in-home care from a trusted provider is the best way to ensure that the quality of life or safety of your loved one does not decline in conjunction with the loss of these day-to-day skills.

American In-Home Care and our sister companies Advocate, Douglas, and Whitsyms always refer qualified, screened care providers for home health care in Florida and surrounding areas that are compassionate and ready to help assist with activities of daily living. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.

The post Activities of Daily Living & Their Importance to Senior Health appeared first on Advocate.

According to a study from the AARP, 82% of seniors prefer to stay in their homes as they age, with the remaining 9% wishing to relocate to assisted living, and 4% preferring to move in with a relative. Although wanting to age in place is the clear preference among seniors, 2 in 10 people over the age of 70 recognize that they need assistance with tasks of daily living. The benefits of in-home care are that it bridges the gap between seniors’ preference for the comforts of home, with their need for a helping hand or basic medical care.

1. One-on-one care

Quality, one-on-one care from certified home care providers is the backbone of aging in place. Home health care providers know from experience that no two seniors are alike, and they can tailor their caregiving to suit the needs of every individual. Whether it’s something as easy as knowing how to prepare a favorite dish at the end of a long day or as nuanced as patiently comforting sundowning seniors with dementia, one-on-one care always puts seniors’ needs and comforts first.

2. Fewer visits to the doctor

According to a study conducted by Home Instead Senior Care, seniors who receive in-home care required 25% percent fewer in-office doctor visits over the course of a year as compared to seniors who do not receive in-home care. This finding holds true for patients with conditions that are “worse than [those of] others of the same age,” including those with arthritis and heart disease. For patients with dementia, the results are particularly pronounced: Dementia patients with in-home care visited the doctor an average of 10.2 times per year, compared to 19.2 annual visits for those without.

A second study shows that home health care professionals “may be effective in preventing unplanned hospital admissions with targeted interventions,” making these results extend past doctors visits to more serious health situations as well. These results suggest a higher quality of life and fewer medical bills for seniors who choose to age in place.

3. Faster recovery

A 2005 and 2006 study by the same lead author found that adults with acute conditions who were treated with hospital-at-home care had a shorter recovery time, fewer complications, and ended up with a lighter medical bill. Hospital-at-home care was also associated with greater satisfaction for both patients and their family members.

4. Peace of mind

For family members struggling to decide the best course of action for their senior loved one, in-home care provides peace of mind. Knowing that your parents or loved one is being cared for in a safe, comfortable environment alleviates the stress of searching for alternatives. In-home care also makes it easy for family members to communicate directly with caregivers and see their family members more often, without the restriction of visitor hours, making it easier to maintain connections with loved ones as they age.

If your loved one needs help performing daily tasks or needs basic medical assistance, consider bringing a qualified care provider into your home. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers that are compassionate and ready to help. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.

The post Why You Should Age in Place: 4 Benefits of In-Home Care appeared first on Advocate.

According to the 2012 U.S. Census, there are over 12.4 million veterans aged 65 or older living in the country today who served in conflicts around the world, from World War II through the Persian Gulf War. Even heroes age though, and even the strongest need a helping hand. In honor of their brave service, many veterans are eligible for monetary assistance for in-home care as they age, lightening the financial hardship of aging in place.

The Aid and Attendance program is an additional monetary payment available to veterans who are eligible for or who are already receiving a VA Pension benefit. In addition to pension eligibility, veterans must meet one of the following conditions to qualify:

• They require help performing daily functions like bathing, eating, or dressing
• They are bedridden
• They are a patient in a nursing home
• Their eyesight is limited to a corrected 5/200 visual acuity or less in both eyes, or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less

These benefits are available to service members, their spouses, or a surviving spouse, and can pay up to $2,127 a month for a couple, $1,794 for a single veteran, and $1,153 for a single surviving spouse.

Through American In-Home Care, you or your the veteran you love can apply an Aid and Attendance benefit toward any regular services: companion care, personal care, live-in care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, or skilled nurse care, each of which contributes toward keeping your loved one living comfortably in their home.

Companion Care

Companion care is geared for seniors with light care taking needs — just someone to provide companionship and help with daily tasks like meal preparation, errands, and transportation.

Personal Care

Personal care provides hands-on assistance with tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating.

Live-In Care

Live-In Care providers perform a full array of at-home services, including assistance getting in and out of bed, catheter care, and personal hygiene assistance.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

Because Alzheimer’s and Dementia affect every individual differently, American-In Home Care can work with you to find an agent best suited to your loved one’s needs, from regular assistance to respite care, which provides a break for family members acting as care takers.

Skilled Nursing

More serious health evaluations and ongoing care needs can be addressed by Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), who can perform any reguarlyly offered service in addition to roles that necessitate more training, like regularly monitoring health conditions and helping with Infusion Therapy (IVs).

If you are or know of a veteran who could find it easier to live comfortably in their own home through any of these services, contact American In-Home Care to speak with an agent who is knowledge about the Aid and Attendance Program. An agent can help you determine if you qualify for the benefit, work with Veteran-Care to assist you throughout the entire application process, and refer a qualified home care agent best suited to your needs. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers that are compassionate and ready to help. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.

The post Paying for In-Home Care: Veteran's Aid and Attendance Program appeared first on Advocate.

Elder financial abuse against those aged 65 or older constitutes 35 percent of all financial exploitation in the United States every year. Financial fraud can take many different forms - from blatant stealing of funds, to investments and phone scams, to identity theft - and for many seniors, a lack of knowledge about this exploitation and a lack of independent care makes them easy victims.

The following warning signs could indicate that something fishy is going on with your aging loved one’s finances.

1. Sudden changes in financial accounts - without your senior’s knowledge

The biggest and most obvious red flag signifying senior financial abuse is a sudden change in a financial account without your senior’s knowledge. This can take many forms, from large withdrawals that they don’t remember making to forged signatures that transfer account ownership.

Differentiating between the forgetfulness that accompanies dementia and the forgetfulness that could be putting your senior in danger isn’t always easy, but when in doubt, it’s better to assume caution. Sit down with your senior and examine finances together. If signatures look off or there have been uncharacteristic financial behaviors, take steps to secure your loved one’s assets. If it seems possible that it was a one-time strange occurrence, continue to regularly monitor their finances in case something more is amiss.

2. Questionable relationships

One of the most difficult aspects of senior financial fraud is facing the fact that 9 out of 10 cases are perpetrated by someone the senior knows and trusts, be it a family member, friend, long-time business partner, etc., and they typically fit a certain profile.

According to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine, "Perpetrators are most likely to be adult children or spouses, and they are more likely to be male, to have a history of past or current substance abuse, to have mental or physical health problems, to have a history of trouble with the police, to be socially isolated, to be unemployed or have financial problems, and to be experiencing major stress.”

Keep this in mind when thinking about the relationships in your loved one’s life. Although it is not easy to confront a longtime relation, it could be the key to saving your senior’s financial security.

3. Changes in investments

Most seniors use their investments to provide safe, secure income. However, brokers can change this preference to “trading,” without their clients’ knowledge, putting regular income at risk with the benefit of greater personal commission. Check in with your loved ones about their investments and ask if they’ve been promised unlikely financial gains from their stock portfolio, and request to see their investments and look for frequent or nonsensical changes. Also check to see how often their account statements have been coming in; irregular statements could be a sign of unscrupulous investors.

If you or your loved one are concerned about financial safety and would like guidance about what steps to take, our Client Care Liaisons can help. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation and to talk to your Client Care Liaison for more information.

The post 3 Signs of Elder Financial Abuse appeared first on Advocate.

Long term in-home care is often an out-of-pocket expense, meaning the payment is the responsibility of the individual or family. And although Medicare doesn't help families cover their long term care expenses, and Medicaid is often not accepted, there are other options that can help. If you choose to pay out of pocket for care, consider these paths for privately financing senior care:

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance (LTCI) helps pay for costs that private medical insurance does not cover, and  minimizes the financial impact of long-term health care needs. In general, long-term care insurance covers the cost of home care, assisted living, adult daycare, respite care, hospice care, nursing home and Alzheimer's care facilities. However, most companies will not insure people with preexisting conditions, so it is best to buy LTCI before health issues arise.

Learn more about long-term care insurance

Life Insurance Policy Conversions: Long Term Care Benefit Plan

Rather than allowing a life insurance policy to lapse, the owner can convert their policy into a Long Term Care Benefit Plan. It is a unique financial option for seniors because it pays for immediate care needs, all health conditions are accepted, and there are no premium payments. There are also no wait periods, care limitations, costs or obligations to apply, and no requirement to be terminally ill. Policy owners have the right to convert an in-force life insurance policy to enroll in this benefit plan, and are able to immediately direct tax-exempt payments to cover specific costs like senior housing and long term care.

Government Funded Long Term Care

Contrary to popular belief, Medicare is not universal health care for people over 65, and it does not cover long-term care costs for seniors. However, Medicaid and the US Department of Veteran Affairs do offer some assistance programs that can help pay for eldercare in certain circumstances. You can also follow some tips to make sure you are making the most of your Social Security benefits.

Learn more about the Veterans Aid & Attendance Program

Reverse Mortgages

A reverse mortgage, also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, is a special type of home equity loan specifically created for those over the age of 62 to take out a sum of money against the value of their house. Payments can be made as a single lump sum, monthly, or as a line of credit. So long as the amount of money borrowed is spent in the same month, it does not count against Social Security or Medicare benefits.

The best part of a reverse mortgage is that it allows seniors to stay in their homes and still retain the title so that it can be passed on to an heir or estate, protecting precious family memories.

Annuities

Imagine the steady income stream generated from a good stock portfolio without the risk of a bad investment. That basically describes an annuity. In its simplest terms, an annuity is a product sold by insurance companies where the companies invest your funds and then guarantee regular payouts in return. This process generates a regular income stream for as long as your initial investment continues to grow.

There are two types of annuities: immediate and deferred long-term care. When purchasing an immediate annuity, the buyer puts in a single large sum of money, which is then paid out as a specified monthly income determined by the buyer’s initial input, age, and gender. A deferred long-term care annuity works in a similar fashion, but sets up one account just for long-term care expenses and another to use however the buyer wishes. However, this plan is only available up to the age of 85.

Although annuities provide a steady income stream, they can complicate taxes and interfere with Medicare coverage, so consult a financial professional to make sure it is the right fit.

Trusts

Trusts provide flexible control over sheltered assets. Although many types of trusts exist, a charitable remainder trust is a good option for those who want to use private income to pay for services while greatly diminishing their tax burden by contributing to a charity of their choice. However, the amount of funds available for financing care directly depends on the size of the donation, so careful financial planning is necessary to validate the trust.

No matter how you decide to pay for care, know that it is best to start planning early. At American In-Home Care, we can help you assess all of your financial options, and will work with you directly to ensure you receive the best care for your family. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule a free in-home consultation with your local Client Care Liaison.

The post Privately Financing Senior Care appeared first on Advocate.

The truth is, the inability to make these decisions could happen suddenly, as in the event of an accident, or gradually, like when someone develops Alzheimer's or dementia, or another age-related illness. And it can happen to anyone.

So whether young or old, it is best to be prepared with a living will and a healthcare power of attorney to make sure that your wishes are followed.

Types of Healthcare Directives

There are two types of healthcare directives: a living will, and a durable power of attorney for healthcare. Healthcare directives are documents that let you specify your wishes about your healthcare, in the event that you can't speak for yourself. Both of these documents are important, and it is wise to prepare both. In some states, these two documents are combined into a single form called an advance directive.

Living Will

A living will is not the same as a conventional will or living trust that are used to leave property at death. It is simply a written document that has your statement about the type of health care that you want (or don't want) if you can no longer speak for yourself.

You can use your living will to say as much, or as little as you want about your healthcare preferences. It is up to you to decide the kind of care you would want, and to decide what you want to say about it in your living will.

Healthcare Power of Attorney 

A durable power of attorney for healthcare is another important document regarding your healthcare preferences. In this document, you simply choose and appoint someone that you trust to act as your healthcare agent in the event that you are incapacitated.

This person will make necessary health decisions for you, and will ensure that the doctors and other healthcare providers are carrying out the type of care you wish to receive.

Who Can Make Healthcare Documents?

You must be a legal adult to make a valid document directing your health care. You must also be of sound mind --meaning you are able to understand what the document means, what it contains, and how it works.

Lifespan of Healthcare Documents

When do my healthcare directives take effect?

Your living will and healthcare power of attorney will go into affect when a doctor has determined that you no longer have the capacity to make your own decisions. This happens when:

• you are unable to understand what healthcare options are available to you, and what the consequences of these options are
• you are unable to communicate (written, verbally, or with gestures) your wishes for care

What this all means is that if you can't express your health care wishes for any reason, your documents will spring immediately into effect. However, if there is any question about your ability to understand your treatment choices, or to communicate clearly, your doctor will work with your self-appointed healthcare agent to decide if it is time for your healthcare directives to go into effect.

It is important to remember that you will always be able to choose your own medical care if you have the ability to do so. Your healthcare directives will never override your communicated wishes. And even when you are no longer capable of making your own decisions, your healthcare agent must always act in your best interests and try to follow any wishes you've expressed in your living will.

When do my healthcare directives end?

Your written healthcare wishes remain effective as long as you are alive, unless you personally revoke them, or a court steps in to revoke them. Here are some specifics:

• You revoke your documents: you can change or cancel your documents at any time, just be sure that your doctors and your healthcare agent is aware of the changes or cancelation
• You get a divorce: A divorce doesn't change the written directions of your living will, however if you named your spouse as your healthcare agent in your power of attorney of healthcare, their rights will be revoked in most states, and you need to name a new agent. Sometimes it is easier to create new written documents to reflect your new agent rather than change existing ones.
• You pass away: For the most part, your healthcare directives are no longer necessary after you pass away. The only reason they would remain effective for a limited time would be so your healthcare agent could oversee the disposition of your body, which could include an autopsy or organ donation.
• A court invalidates your document or revokes your agent's authority: Most of the time, healthcare directives are not a matter for the court. However, if someone believes that did not have the mental capacity to create a valid legal document, the matter could be brought before a judge to decide. Your documents could also be invalidated if you failed to meet your state's requirements, such as notarizing in front of a witness. If someone believes that your healthcare agent is not acting in your best interest, the matter will be brought to court and an investigation into their behavior will follow. If their authority is revoked, the power will go to the first alternate agent that you have listed in your document. If you have not listed any, or if your document is invalidated, a conservator or guardian will be appointed to make care decisions for you.

If you or an aging loved one have not created your healthcare directives, take some time to think about your wishes for healthcare, and find a lawyer who can help you put them down into your formal documents. It is always best to be prepared.

If you need additional information, or would like to schedule a free in-home consultation to discuss your family's in-home care needs, contact us today at 1-844-505-0004. American In-Home Care refers qualified and compassionate care providers that can help with many services, including Companion Care, Personal Care, and Alzheimer's and Dementia Care.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Source: Irving, Shae "Living Wills and Power of Attorney for Healthcare: An Overview." Nolo.

The post What is a Living Will and Healthcare Power of Attorney? appeared first on Advocate.

That is why so many seniors are choosing to age in place; it allows them to retain their freedom, flexibility and independence in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own home. In fact, 4 out of 5 seniors believe their current home is where they will always live. But as our loved ones age, getting around the home and performing many household tasks starts to become more and more difficult, raising the concern of whether it is safe for them to live at home.

We want our loved ones to remain in the homes they love, but we also worry about their safety. In fact, 75% of adult children think about their parent's ability to live independently as they get older. But it is possible for seniors to safely and independently age at home, it just requires some elderly home safety modifications to the house and to their routine. Take some time to go through your loved one's home, making note of any areas that cause safety concern, and then proactively make any modifications, creating a safe environment for your loved one to age happily.

Bedroom

The most important thing to look for in the bedroom is whether your loved one can get in and out of the bed safely and comfortably, and access his or her essentials from the bed. First ask yourself if your loved one can even get into and out of the bed on their own. If not, patient lifts and slings to get in and out of bed are great options, as well as grab bars or "ladders" to help them lower down into the bed, or sit up while in bed on their own. If their condition necessitates it, make sure there is room for a hospital bed in the room.

Once your loved one is safely into the bed, you want to make sure that they can access necessities from their bed to avoid having to get up and down often. Make sure there is a light switch that they can reach from bed (or try clap on lights), and have the telephone and any emergency alert systems set up next to the bed. Have a remote control next to the bed for any fans in the room, or to control the air/heat. Also place any walking aides near the bed so they can reach them immediately when they stand up.

The last thing to consider is proximity to a bathroom. If they have to get up to go in the middle of the night, be sure that there are night lights in both the bedroom and bathroom so they lower the risk of tripping and falling. If there is not a bathroom nearby, consider the possibility of a bedside commode.

Bathroom

The goal in the bathroom is to create barrier-free access to all of the necessary features - the toilet, sink, tub, etc. Transfer benches, safety frames for the toilet, grab bars for the shower, and safety steps for the bathtub are all appliances or add-ons that you can install in your loved one's bathroom for their safety and ease. Also be sure that there are good non-slip bath mats on the floors, and you could consider a heated towel rack with an automatic off function to make sure your loved one is warm and comfortable.

Be sure that there is a bathroom on every floor of the house to make it easier for your loved one to access, and to avoid the risk of falling while hurriedly going up or down the stairs to reach one. Also have a constant source of light

Kitchen

The kitchen can be a dangerous place as we age, so you should spend some time observing your loved one to make sure that they are able to operate everything properly and safely. There might come a time when you need to speak with them about kitchen safety, and might need to have a family or professional care provider come into their home to help with cooking, preparing meals, and cleaning the kitchen.

To make their kitchen experience easier and safer, you can check to make sure that all smoke detectors are working properly, and that the kitchen is arranged so your loved one can easily reach groceries, appliances and utensils that they use often. You can also purchase non-slip and anti-fatigue kitchen mats for the floor, and other useful items such as jar and bottle openers, jug-pourers, and food organizers to help make kitchen tasks easier for your loved one.

Staircases

Stairs are the dreaded enemy to aging at home because of the ever-present risk of falling. So how can you be sure your loved one can safely move from one story to the next? The best options are installing an elevator in the home, or putting a stair lift on all of the staircases in the home. There are straight-rail stairlifts, and curve-rail stairlifts so that you can put one on any staircase, no matter the shape. But if lifts aren't necessary, be sure that there are handrails on both sides of the stairs, and that the top and bottom of the staircase is clearly marked. Also if the stairs are wooden, be sure to place a carpet runner down the length of the stairs to reduce the risk of slipping.

If there are stairs to the entrance of the house, you will want to consider a mobility ramp or platform lift for easy access. There are many different kind of ramps so you can find one to suit the needs of your loved one and their mobility as they age. For example, there are modular ramps, folding ramps, light ramps, and ramp rentals. Platform lifts are another option for getting up outdoor stairs, and they can be slightly less obtrusive than a ramp. You should also make sure that there is good lighting near any entrances or exits to the home that always stays on.

Living Room

The living room might seem like safe haven, but there are a few modifications that you can make to reduce the risk of accidents, and create a more comfortable space for your aging loved ones. Clear the area of any throw rugs to reduce the risk of tripping and falling, and be sure any area rugs are securely fastened down. Also make sure the room is free of clutter and debris, and that electrical cords are out of the way.

Power Lift chairs are great addition to the living room, making it easy and body-friendly to get in and out of the comfy recliner. Clap on, or remote controlled lights and other appliances are also useful and can make life easier. Be sure to create a place in the room where all remotes and electronics are stored to avoid any confusion. You could get a nice bowl or tray, and designate it as the place to put remotes and other similar items.

Even with these elderly home safety modifications, there might come a time when you realize that your loved one(s) need assistance to age at home. At American In-Home Care, we always refer compassionate and qualified care providers that can help you and your loved ones feel safe and supported at home. The care providers we refer can help with a wide variety of services, making it easy to find someone that is the right fit for your specific care needs. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free, in-home consultation.

The post Home Sweet Home: Elderly Home Safety Modifications appeared first on Advocate.

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.

The post Do I Need Respite Care? appeared first on Advocate.

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.

The post Long Term Retirement Planning appeared first on Advocate.