There have been several studies that have shown a link between adults with depression that lead to dementia. A just released large body of research has linked late-life depression to social isolation, poorer health and an increased risk of death. This new study finds that depression is associated with subsequent vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, conditions poised to expand dramatically with the aging population. Read the full article on this study.
Archive for in home care
The Correlation Between Depression and Dementia
by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)
04
May
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Categories : Alzheimer's, assisted living, Assisted Living Sonoma California (CA), Baby boomers, board and care homes, Caregivers, Dementia, Drugs for the Elderly, Elder Care, Elder Care Sonoma California (CA), Exercise, Family Caregivers, Geriatric Care, Geriatric Care Manager, in home care, inhome care, Long term care insurance, Nursing Homes, Patient Advocacy, residential care, residential care homes, San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Senior Care Authority Sonoma California (CA), senior health, Senior Placement, Senior Placement Services Sonoma California (CA), Sonoma, Sonoma County, The Aging Boomers, Vacaville, Vallejo
Some months ago on the “The Aging Boomers” radio show, I interviewed various members of the Fall Prevention Team at the Area Agency on Aging to discuss their “Matter of Balance” program to assist seniors for their everyday needs to help prevent falls. Last week, I also had the opportunity to interview Marc Mendelsohn, President of Safe Aging Solutions, which specializes in healthy & affordable solutions for safe and independent living.
According to AARP nearly 90% of seniors want to stay in their homes as they age which is no surprise, but the most substantial risk and threat to living independently at home are falls. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related visits to the emergency room in the U.S. and represent the cause of 75% of the accidental deaths in people over 65. Falls also resulted in 85% of the non fatal hospital injuries for people 65 and over.
Fortunately, a lot can be done to make homes safer for seniors in preventing falls. I personally visited Safe Aging Solutions showroom in Sonoma, and it was quite clear that there is now a large choice of product and equipment to choose from at home to decrease the chance of falls. Much of what is available is now also attractive and appropriate for use in a personal residence rather than typical of something utilized in an institutional setting.
Beginning on the outside of the home safe entry into and out of the home is tantamount. If stairs are present and the senior is able to negotiate them without issue, hand rails can be installed to match the homes décor that offer added stability. All surfaces need to be non-slip and if not should be changed to surfaces that are. This can be achieved by applying a non-slip surface over the existing medium. When stairs are a challenge, stair chair lifts, platforms lifts and elevators are all options limited only by individual budget. Basic ramping installed with a non slip surface offers another option. Automatic door openers are a wonderful option for both interior and exterior doors.
When a pool is present in the home an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) pool lift can make all the difference in safely entering and leaving the pool.
Bathrooms are singularly responsible for more accidents than any other place in the home and as a result walk in tubs & showers have become very popular. A walk in curb-less shower allows for access without needing to step over a curb and there are also wheelchair accessible showers that allow access in a wheelchair or with a walker.
Walk in bathtubs allow safe access while stepping over a low curb through en entry door instead of negotiating the high sides typical in standard tubs. When in the tub bathtub grab bars offer added support and there are now options in hundreds of colors and finishes to match your personal décor. The same goes for other handicap grab bars in other locations.
Toilet safety rails that fold up and out of the way when not in use add tremendous safety value around the toilet area. Many choices of bathroom safety bars are also available such as the Superpole for support in getting up and down wherever necessary. Comfort height toilets which are higher than standard toilets installed with color coordinated toilet grab bars offer safe use in the toilet area. A qualified bathroom designer can include all the necessary items in your bathroom design, rendering it both safe and attractive for years to come.
In the kitchen area and even in small kitchen designs there are some fantastic choices for safe access. When reach is an issue adjustable height kitchen cabinets are an option. If sitting is necessary while cooking a height adjustable sink and adjustable height cooktop are all options. Here again an experienced certified kitchen designer can assist you with all the options available today.
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Categories : AARP, Alzheimer's, assisted living, Assisted Living Sonoma California (CA), Baby boomers, board and care homes, Caregivers, Dementia, Drugs for the Elderly, Elder Care Manager, Exercise, Fall Prevention, Family Caregivers, Geriatric Care, Geriatric Care Manager, Home Care Sonoma California (CA), in home care, inhome care, Macular Degeneration, Napa, Napa County, Novato, Patient Advocacy, Patient Advocate, San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Senior Care Authority Sonoma California (CA), senior health, Senior Placement, Senior Placement Services Sonoma California (CA), Sonoma, Sonoma County, The Aging Boomers, Uncategorized, Vacaville, Vallejo, Walnut Creek
Truths on Senior Living and Long-Term Care
by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)
30
Mar
It’s essential to become familiar with key issues associated with senior living and long-term care before being confronted with the situation in your family. Most are surprised to learn about the various nuances of insurance coverage, costs and various senior living options available.
See how well you can answer these True and False statements (scroll down for answers):
1. True or False – Seniors on Medicare that need rehabilitation care to regain abilities like speaking and walking after an illness or injury such as a broken hip or a stroke are covered for 100 days.
2. True or False – Insurance coverage for caregiver assistance at home is limited only to medically necessary skilled care.
3. True or False – If a senior has been diagnosed with a type of dementia like Alzheimer’s and cannot live safely in their own home, the best option for them is in a Skilled Nursing Facility.
4. True or False – Medicare does not pay for long-term care.
5. True or False – Receiving professional care at home is more economical than living in a long-term care location like assisted living.
6. True or False – The leading cause of injury among seniors (65 years +) occur when driving.
7. True or False – Medicare can penalize hospitals for excessive readmissions, reducing Medicare insurance payments if too many patients are readmitted within 30 days of their last hospital stay.
8. True or False – About 70 percent of individuals over age 65 will require at least some type of long-term care services during their lifetime.
9. True or False – Though benefits are provided by the Veteran’s Administration for a veteran, unfortunately there are no benefits available for the veteran’s spouse.
10. True or False – From 2000 to 2010, the death rate for Alzheimer’s disease increased by 39 percent, whereas death rates for other major causes of death decreased.
ANSWERS:
1. False. As of 2013, Part A covers up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility, and the patient receives full coverage for the first 20 days in the facility. From days 21 to 100, the patient pays $144.50 per day, and Medicare pays the rest. After 100 days, the patient must pay the full cost of staying in the facility.
2. False. Though non-medical homecare is not covered by health insurance, some is covered by long-term care insurance. Non-medical or personal assistance may be help eating, bathing, or going to the bathroom.
3. False. Those that have some cognitive impairment or dementia like Alzheimer’s, can “age in place” in residences like Assisted Living, many of which specialize in dementia care. This includes state licensed, private residences which may have 4-12 residences.
4. True. Neither will Medicare Supplement insurance. These programs will pay only for limited nursing home or home health care, and only after a patient is discharged from the hospital after a 3-day stay.
5. False. Though the majority of seniors would rather live at home, costs canreach over $10,000 a month for 24-hour care, not including all the costs associated with living in ones own home or apartment. Also, living alone can be lonely and add to depression without much social interaction. There are several options which can be far less expensive than staying at home.
6. False. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury among adults age 65 and older in the United States and account for 95 percent of hip fractures. Fortunately, falls are a public health problem that is largely preventable.
7. True. The goal of the new Affordable Care Act is to is to pressure hospitals to pay attention to what happens to their patients after they walk out the door. The penalties have made hospitals pay more attention and while improving their supervision of discharged patients’ recoveries.
8. True. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
9. False. Veteran’s aid and attendance benefits for veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication monitoring or other various activities of daily living. The monthly benefits can range from $1,113 for a surviving spouse to $2,054 for a married veteran.
10. True. For 2000 and 2010, the age-adjusted death rate for Alzheimer’s disease increased by
39 percent, whereas death rates for other major causes of death decreased including Stroke
(-36 percent), Heart disease (-31 percent), and Cancer (-32 percent). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Categories : Alzheimer's, assisted living, Baby boomers, board and care homes, Caregivers, Dementia, Elder Care, Family Caregivers, Geriatric Care, Geriatric Care Manager, in home care, inhome care, Long term care insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, Nursing Homes, Patient Advocacy, Patient Advocate, residential care, residential care homes, senior care, Senior Care Authority Sonoma California (CA), senior health, Senior Living Sonoma California (CA), The Aging Boomers
I had the honor of interviewing Dr. G. Allen Power, MD on “The Aging Boomers” Radio Show. Dr. Power is Eden Mentor at St. John’s Home in Rochester, NY, and Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Rochester. He is a board certified internist and geriatrician, and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians / American Society for Internal Medicine. Dr. Power’s book, Dementia beyond Drugs: Changing the Culture of Care, won a 2010 Book of the Year Award from the American Journal of Nursing, and a Merit Award from the 2011 National Mature Media Awards.
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Categories : Alzheimer's, assisted living, Assisted Living Sonoma California (CA), Baby boomers, board and care homes, Caregivers, Concord, Contra Costa County, Dementia, Drugs for the Elderly, Elder Care, Elder Care Manager, Fairfield, Family Caregivers, Geriatric Care, Geriatric Care Manager, Housing, in home care, inhome care, Napa, Napa County, Novato, Nursing Homes, residential care, residential care homes, senior care, Senior Care Authority Sonoma California (CA), senior health, Senior Placement, Senior Placement Services Sonoma California (CA), Sonoma, Sonoma County, The Aging Boomers
It’s no secret that with people living longer, there continues to be an increase in family caregiving for parents and other loved ones. This trend also has a domino effect on the impact in the workplace. Just take a look at the following statistics:
• 61 percent of family caregivers over the age of 50 are employed, (50 percent full-time and 11 percent part-time). – National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) and AARP, Caregiving in the U.S.
• 64 percent of workers with eldercare responsibilities most commonly arrive late, leave early or take off time during the day to provide care, 17 percent are reported taking a leave of absence and 9 percent have to go from full-time to part-time work. – National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) and AARP, Caregiving in the U.S.
• 19 percent left the workplace entirely because of having to care for a spouse or other family member. – Employee Benefit Research Institute, The 2012 Retirement Confidence Survey.
These challenges will continue to rise. By 2020, one in three total U.S. households is expected to be involved with caring for an elderly relative, up from one in four today.
ELDERCARE VERSUS CHILDCARE
Even with this ongoing increase in working family caregivers, some might say that it is not too different than childcare while the baby boomers were born between the years 1946 and 1964. Let me tell you some of the key differences:
1. The beginning of eldercare and the duration is unpredictable. This can come on suddenly and often involves many family members.
2. The physical demands on eldercare can be greater since it may include intimate personal assistance of activities of daily living like bathing or toileting for a grown adult.
3. The financial costs for eldercare can add to the strain of caregiving and the effects it has on one’s job.
4. The distance between where the adult child and parents live adds to the stress and complications associated with logistics, additional expenses and the job when long-distance travel is involved.
5. Having a number of family members involved can lead to disagreements among siblings and these emotions can play a significant role when caring for a parent.
WHAT SHOULD FAMILIES DO?
Talking about your children and showing pictures of them on Smart Phones are commonplace today. Showing pictures of your elderly parents who need care is not an everyday thing. Some years back when you heard that someone died in their 70’s, it was not a big surprise. Now, the comment would be, “he (she) was so young!” Today, we hear more about people living until their late 80’s, 90’s and even 100’s.
Unfortunately, most people don’t want to face the fact that their family members are aging and may someday need care. Both the parents and adult children would rather not think about it. Since most are living longer because they are beating heart disease, cancer and other diseases, families have to change and openly discuss the facts and plan appropriately. By discussing financial matters, Durable Power of Attorney, insurance matters, parent’s wishes (if family cannot provide the hands-on care) and the list goes on. Most in the U.S. believe that if someone cannot age at home, they have to go to a nursing home. That’s just not true anymore, and there are other options.
According to the MetLife Mature Market Institute, family caregivers (50 and older) who leave the workforce to care for a parent lose, on average, almost $304,000 in wages and benefits over their lifetime. These estimates range from $283,716 for men and $324,044 for women. Planning properly will help to reduce these numbers somewhat since the caregiver’s role is also dealing with attorneys, doctors, support services and the list goes on. Here are just a few of many questions I ask adult children when a parent is going to need some level of care, whether at home or outside the home:
• Do you know how much your parent has coming in each month?
• Is there any long-term care insurance?
• Who has Durable Power of Attorney?
• Do they have an Advanced Health Care Directive?
When the answer is “I don’t know,” that adds to their stress level and now family members have to work together to get things done. Plan. Plan. Plan.
WHAT SHOULD COMPANIES DO?
A recent study from the National Alliance for Caregiving, Workplace Eldercare shows by implementing eldercare programs can benefit employees and employers with worker retention, productivity, stress levels and health among workers. Some examples of programs include:
• Referral to caregiver resources including in-home care companies, senior placement companies, health care advisors, senior move managers and more.
• Having caregiver resources speak to working caregivers and provide information at the workplace.
• On-site support groups for working caregivers.
These workplace benefits can help working family caregivers balance their work and personal lives while attending to the necessary caregiving responsibilities. The company can benefit from improved employee retention which saves money as well as recruitment efforts to attract the most talented individuals.
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Categories : AARP, Assisted Living Sonoma California (CA), Baby boomers, ca, Dementia, Elder Care Manager, Elder Care Sonoma California (CA), Estate Planning, Family Caregivers, Geriatric Care, Geriatric Care Manager, Hiring, Home Care Sonoma California (CA), Human Resources, in home care, inhome care, residential care, residential care homes, Senior Care Authority Sonoma California (CA), Senior Placement Services Sonoma California (CA), The Aging Boomers
The 3 C’s to In-Home Care and Assisted Living
by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)
01
Jan
OK, you’re back from spending time with your parents or other loved ones and realize they’re not as independent as they used to be or they need more assistance than they’ve had previously. The decision is whether to get someone to come into their home (more frequently) or having them move into a location that provides more supervision and care such as assisted living. Let’s take a look at these two options:
In-home Care
CARE – Most home care is nonmedical care provided by trained caregivers. However, some home care can only be delivered by licensed, health care professionals. Caregivers can be hired through an agency, registry, or privately, and because every state has authority to license and regulate its home care agency system, there are often variations in licensure requirements and regulations from state to state.
COSTS – According to the 2012 MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home, Assisted Living, Adult Day Services, and Home Care Costs, the national average rate for non-medical care runs $21/hour. Rates are different from one metropolitan area to another and rates are higher for medical or nurse assistance at home.
CAUTION – Caregivers can be hired from an agency or they can be hired as a private or independent caregiver. Be careful if you are considering hiring a private or independent caregiver, since the individual becomes your employee and you become the employer. On the other hand, if you hire an agency, they may be a little higher in cost but will screen caregivers and do thorough background checks, assume full liability for all care provided, supervise caregivers, cover auto insurance, take responsibility for caregivers’ benefits, vacation days, and sick days and have a replacement caregiver available in case your regular caregiver calls in sick.
Though most seniors want to stay at home, if they are going to be home alone just with a caregiver coming in at different times, social interaction is extremely important, especially with those suffering from dementia. In this type of situation, strongly consider Adult Day Care in your community if in-home care is going to be your option.
Assisted Living
CARE – Assisted Living options range from small, family Residential Care Homes to larger, full-service communities with hundreds of residents. The smaller locations are similar to living in someone’s home with live-in caregivers who provide assistance. The larger locations (communities) are more like Senior Apartments with caregivers providing 24/7 assistance. More and more seniors are becoming residents of small, large and specialized Assisted Living facilities including dementia care. Generally speaking, Assisted Living is for people that need help with the activities of daily living (ADL’s). ADL’s are considered the routine activities that people tend do everyday without needing assistance. There are six basic ADL’s, including eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring (walking) and continence. If someone has some form of dementia, like Alzheimer’s there are locations that are licensed to properly care for individuals with this disease.
COSTS – According to the 2012 MetLife Market Survey, the national average monthly base rate in an assisted living community was $3,550 in 2012. . Regardless of size, base rate fees often cover only some of the total costs of needed assisted living services. Communities will vary on the number of services that are included in the base rate. The national average monthly base rate for Alzheimer’s and dementia care is $4,807.
CAUTION – There are many choices for those needing assisted living and/or dementia care and supervision. Selecting the wrong community or residential care home for your loved one can make things even more difficult. Consider using a professional in senior care placement who is familiar with the various options, including care, costs and location. They can then suggest the best options for your loved one to continue to age in a safe place.
OVERVIEW
The MetLife Report on Aging in Place 2.0, Rethinking Solutions to the Home Care Challenge” states “although a large majority of older Americans say they want to age at home, it is often more easily said than done. Today’s care infrastructure, technologies, existing housing, funding sources, and the businesses and services available are not being fully realized in order to achieve the promise most hope for as America ages.” In addition, hiring in-home help may be a temporary fix for a permanent problem that will turn into being more expensive. Dementia is always going to progress, and a person with dementia is going to become less functional and more needy over time. Be careful of the promises you make to loved ones regarding long-term care. You may be promising something that could be less safe at a far higher cost.
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Categories : Alzheimer's, assisted living, Assisted Living Sonoma California (CA), Baby boomers, board and care homes, Caregivers, Dementia, Diabetes, Family Caregivers, Home Care Sonoma California (CA), in home care, inhome care, Long term care insurance, Medi-Cal, Medicaid, Medicare, residential care, residential care homes, Senior Care Authority Sonoma California (CA), senior health, Senior Placement, Senior Placement Services Sonoma California (CA), Sonoma County, The Aging Boomers
4 Key Observations With Parents This Holiday Season
by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)
03
Dec
With the holidays approaching, many have made plans or are making plans to visit with their parents and other loved ones. Some family members haven’t been together for quite awhile, and this is an exciting time to celebrate being with one another. While visiting and enjoying the season, it is also important to recognize the things may have changed since the last visit. In this regard, it is important to observe your parents and their surroundings to determine if they need additional help with care and/or assisted living.
Observation 1 – Changes in Parents
• Appearance of Home – Does it seem like the home needs more maintenance than usual? Offering to help with whatever needs to be done around the house will give you a pretty good idea of things that are not getting done.
• Weight – Does it seem like they’ve lost weight or are frailer?
• Hearing – If they’re giving you answers to questions that don’t make sense, they may need to be checked by a professional for their hearing.
• Medications – Are they taking their medications consistently? Check to see if medications are organized properly and try to determine if they are taking them in a timely manner. How is their balance? If there appears to be a balance problem, medications or incorrect prescription eyeglasses could be playing a role, so visit the appropriate doctor.
• Driving – How is their driving? Have them drive if you go for a ride and take notice how they are on the road.
• Bills – Are they paying their bills? Has the mail even been opened?
Observation 2 – Surroundings for Fall Prevention
• Handrails – Are there handrails on the stairway? Is the stairway well lit? Having handrails professionally installed on both sides helps avoid falls. Handrails should also be installed in showers, toilet areas or anywhere where balance has to be shifted.
• Rugs – Could rugs be a tripping hazard? A small increase in floor height of a rug could cause problems. Non-skid rugs should be used on bathroom floors.
• Bathroom – Is there a step-in bathtub or walk in shower? What about a shower chair? A toilet safety frame? Bathrooms are a common place where seniors fall, and it can be very dangerous due to hard surfaces and sharp corners.
• Clutter – Are there newspapers, magazines, shoes and other materials lying around or on the stairs? Keep these things away from common walk areas.
• Storage – Is everything within easy reach? Eliminate the use of ladders and make sure storage items are in convenient locations.
Observation 3 – Documents for Parents End of Life Wishes
• Legal documents – Power of attorney and health care directives (living will). If these documents are complete, make sure you have copies for yourself and know where they are stored. If not, help get them going. These documents are free and can be prepared without an attorney if you are comfortable with this. Don’t wait until there’s an illness that can make it then difficult to execute. Talk to your parents and make them aware of how important it is to you (and should be to them) to have these documents completed…it’s never too early to have them done!
• Keeping Records – Keep records of your parents’ doctors, medications and contact information. This can save you from both panic and stress when an emergency arises.
Observation 4 – Normal Aging or Early Signs of Dementia
Though a medical professional dealing with the elderly is the most well equipped to diagnose dementia, it is important that family is aware of any early signs. Taking a proactive approach is vital to early diagnosis and treatment. Presently, there is no cure for the progressive dementias, such as Alzheimer’s, but treatment such as medication, nutrition and interpersonal communication could help slow the disease’s progression.
Memory loss does not necessarily mean that someone has dementia. A professional in this field gave me an analogy that sticks in my mind. She said that memory loss is when someone forgets his or her car keys, but someone suffering from a form of dementia may not remember that he or she owns a car in the first place.
Following are some signs of which to be conscious in the early stages and consult with a professional if they persist:
• Changes in short-term memory
• Adding and subtracting
• Using a word incorrectly when talking
• Jumbling words
• Quiet or withdrawn
• Lack of interest or initiative
• Inability to carry out plans
• Becoming more angry, frustrated and restless
• Struggling with tasks that used to be routine
If your visiting with your family during the holidays, have a wonderful time being together. However, keep in mind that it’s important to be aware of the surroundings to create a less risky setting at home and to get the assistance necessary to keep your parents safe. Many times the relative who visits the most infrequently is the one who notices the changes.
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More Long Term Care Myths and Facts – Part 2
by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)
18
Nov
In a recent blog, I shared some long-term care myths and facts. I’ve added more myths relative to long-term care (LTC) costs.
Myth: Most LTC costs are paid by Medicare, the federal health insurance program for those age 65 or older.
FACT: Because Medicare is health insurance for those over 65, many assume LTC is included in the coverage; however, Medicare does not pay for LTC. Medicare coverage focuses on treating acute, short-term illnesses. Although it may include nursing home and home care (certain medical needs), it is for a limited time (less than three months).
Myth: My existing insurance will pay if I need Long Term Care.
FACT: Studies suggest that almost one-third of consumers think they are covered by an existing insurance of some type, but they are not. It is a myth that health insurance policies will cover LTC costs. Medicare supplement policies are not designed to do so. Disability insurance typically protects against the loss of income due to a disability. But this type of insurance does not pay for the supportive services or the daily living help a person may need to remain independent. Long-term insurance policies are designed to cover a range of LTC services.
Myth: Most people are buying LTC insurance to protect themselves.
FACT: While the number of people purchasing LTC insurance has grown in the last decade, current estimates suggest about 10–13 percent of Americans over age 55 have LTC insurance coverage. Private and public employers are increasingly offering group LTC insurance coverage as a benefit option for their employees.
Myth: LTC insurance will protect against all possible costs associated with LTC.
FACT: There are no LTC policies on the market that will guarantee that all costs for
LTC will be covered during one’s lifetime. Policies often limit coverage to specific settings, for specific lengths of time, and to specific dollar amounts per day. Compare exclusions and limits carefully when shopping. Keep in mind that LTC insurance can complement other financing alternatives, such as self-insuring.
Myth: Everyone can depend on Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) to pay for a range of LTC services.
FACT: Medicaid is not designed to pay for LTC expenses for all people, regardless of
income and assets. Medicaid or Medical Assistance is a federal and state government
program that serves as the safety net for individuals who need LTC and meet the
low income and asset eligibility criteria. There are various services potentially available under Medicaid Waiver programs, but varies dramatically across the 50 U.S. states. This can affect consumer choices.
Myth: There is no value in having LTC insurance if I use up all the benefits and still have to “spend down” my assets to qualify for Medicaid.
FACT: A majority of states now offer a LTC Partnership Program. Partnership programs are designed to protect consumers from having to become impoverished to qualify for Medicaid—thereby saving the state’s limited Medicaid resources. If a consumer takes personal responsibility and purchases an approved LTC insurance policy, then the State guarantees that if benefits from the LTC policy do not cover the cost of LTC, the consumer may qualify for Medicaid while retaining a predetermined amount of assets.
Myth: “My greatest asset is the equity in my home, but the only option I have is to sell my home to get to this money.”
FACT: A reverse mortgage is a loan against the equity or value in a senior’s home that does not have to be paid back as long as the senior lives in the home. The money is repaid, plus interest, when the senior dies, sells the home, or permanently moves out of the home. In certain situations, reverse mortgages can work well, but they are not for everyone. Recent changes in home values and the current real estate market are critical factors to consider.
Long-Term Care Myths and Facts (Part 1)
by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (1)
30
Sep
When families are confronted with having to make decisions about the care of a parent or other loved one, their understanding about long-term care is quite often very different from the facts. This process can be very stressful both financially and emotionally, so I hope by sharing this series of myths and facts in long-term care will help by reducing the stress associated with this process and better prepare for costs associated in long-term care.
Myth: If someone cannot live at home safely anymore, they will ultimately have to go to a Nursing Home.
FACT: Though this was a reality several years ago, there are many more options in today’s world. The reality of long-term care can be quite different than the nursing home setting many envision. Long-term care may involve assistance with “activities of daily living (ADL’s),” such as eating, bathing, dressing, walking, toileting, or taking medications. Some may have multiple chronic health problems such as cancer, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes) and cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementias. Long-term care may include a variety of settings including in-home care (medical and non-medical) and Assisted Living options from small, residential care homes to larger multi-level communities. Those who have not yet been confronted with long-term care of a parent or other loved one will be pleasantly surprised by the many choices and options they have compared to what their grandparents experienced.
Myth: There is less risk associated with long-term care than with other life events that can impact an individual’s financial security.
FACT: There is a greater risk of needing long-term care than many other life events. According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “about 70 percent of people over age 65 will require some type of long-term care services during their lifetime.” In comparison, insurance professionals cite that the probability of losing your home to a fire is 1 in 1,200 and that the chance of having a car accident is 1 in 240. Although most people have a car, homeowners, and health insurance, few have planned to protect themselves against the much more likely risk of needing long-term care.
Myth: The risk of needing long-term care is greatest when a person turns 65 years of age.
FACT: The oldest old (individuals who reach 85 years and older) are the ones most likely to need help with activities of daily living. The average age of an assisted living resident is 86.9 years old. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, between 2010 and 2030, the age 75-84 group will increase by more than 86 percent, the age 85+ group by 57 percent, and the overall age 75+ group by 77 percent.
Myth: Both Men and women are equally at risk for needing long-term care.
FACT: Women face a greater likelihood than men of needing long-term care. Longer life expectancies for women increase the chances of them reaching the 85-plus age group. This means that women are more likely not only to need long-term care but also to outlive husbands and caregivers. Approximately two-thirds of assisted living residents and nursing home patients are female.
Myth: Home care is less expensive than assisted living or nursing home care.
FACT: Long-term care costs are dependent on the type of care and duration needed. Depending on the type and amount of services used, receiving home care may or may not be less expensive than being in an assisted living location or nursing home. In many cases, home care is a cost-effective alternative greatly preferred by individuals who want to stay in their own home. According to the 2011 MetLife Market Survey of Long-Term Care Costs, below are the average costs in the United States:
• In-home, non-medical care: $21 per hour or approximately $15,000/month if 24/7 care were needed.
• Assisted Living – $3,477/month
• Skilled Nursing – $6,420/month
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Categories : Alzheimer's, assisted living, Assisted Living Sonoma California (CA), Baby boomers, board and care homes, Caregivers, Dementia, Diabetes, Elder Care Sonoma California (CA), Estate Planning, Family Caregivers, Home Care Sonoma California (CA), in home care, inhome care, Long term care insurance, Nursing Homes, Nursing Homes Sonoma California (CA), residential care, residential care homes, senior care, Senior Care Authority Sonoma California (CA), senior health, Senior Placement, Senior Placement Services Sonoma California (CA)
Handling the Stress of Long-Distance Caregiving
by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)
19
Aug
Long-distance caregiving continues to be a growing trend with difficult challenges for adult children. The Pew Research Center estimates that one out of every 8 Adults in America between the ages of 40 and 60 is raising children of their very own and tending to aging parents. Plus, between 7-10 million adults care for their parents from far away.
Every aspect of caregiving tend to be difficult from afar including determining the level of care needed to finding good local care providers to managing the quality of care. The greatest challenge for long-distance caregivers include how to know when a senior needs help, given their loved one sounds perfectly fine on the phone and perhaps in emails or letters. Other difficulties are certainly not knowing just how to aid local siblings with caregiving; finding local professional caregiving help; checking up on a parent’s medical care; and finding time to visit them to help take care of their personal affairs, financial paperwork and residential safety.
Other challenges include providing respite care for a live-in caregiver, helping parents decide if it may be time to move from their residence to a safer environment like assisted living and not being present for the whole period of time when a parent’s life may be ending. Many long- distance caregivers feel guilty about not doing enough and concern themselves with having the ability to afford taking time away from work, leaving their family and all the costs associated with travel.
A good way to meet these challenges is to generate a solid care plan for the senior. The Family Caregiver Alliance Handbook for Long-Distance Caregivers (request a copy by emailing frank@seniorcareauthority.com), has a step-by-step guide for families to:
• Assess the care status
• Develop a care team
• Hold a family meeting
• Access local agencies
Determine exactly what the senior needs help doing and how much assistance is needed. Is help needed with Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) including dressing, bathing, eating, transferring oneself and toileting? What about cooking, shopping, household tasks, laundry, taking medications? Observe the senior during the day and find out which activities are the most challenging. Ask the senior where support is needed most. Chatting with the senior’s doctor can also help determine where help would be beneficial. A detailed understanding saves time and expense in the end because the help received is well aligned with the senior’s needs.
Family meetings along with other communications have become easier to coordinate with web conference calls, video chatting, texting and personal websites. Regular conference calls are the way to get updated on a parent’s health. The adult child needs to be sure they’ve got written permission to receive their parent’s medical and financial information. Onsite caregivers should be aware of exactly what the family wants should the senior becomes ill or has an accident.
Today, children who live far from their loved ones can monitor a parent’s health using their computers or phones using medical devices inside the senior’s home that measure and distribute vital signs, oxygen saturation, blood-sugar readings, weight, temperature, and motion detection. The Internet communicates the results to the senior’s family and doctor.
Overseeing care of loved ones from afar increases emotional and psychological stress. Many community and online resources, support groups and organizations offer help and guidance. Though each person’s situation is unique, with the right support from others, as well as the senior’s involvement wherever possible, the adult child living a long way away will feel more at ease knowing their aging parent is safe and taken care of.
Frank Samson’s Aging Boomers Blog
Copyright © 2013 All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013 All Rights Reserved