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Impact of Caregiving on Businesses

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

10 Feb

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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Tags : Assisted Living Sonoma California (CA), Board Homes Northern California, ca, Care Homes Northern California, Fairfield, Marin County, Napa, Napa County, Novato, sacramento, Santa Rosa, Solano County, Sonoma, Vacaville, Vallejo

Learn More About Memory Training

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

16 Jan

My interview with Harry Lorraine is a must listen. Harry is touted by Time Magazine as the “The Yoda of Memory Training.” He talks about untrained vs. trained memory, “senior moments,” help for those with forms of dementia and much more…a must listen! Click here.

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Tags : Concord, Contra Costa County, Fairfield, Marin County, Napa, Napa County, Novato, nursing homes, Petaluma, Residential Care Homes Northern California, San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, Sonoma County, Vacaville, Vallejo, Walnut Creek

Be Careful What You Promise To Your Spouse, Partner or Parents

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

10 Jan

On January 1, 2011, baby boomers began turning 65-years-old. In fact, a baby boomer will turn 65 every eight seconds, and by 2030, there will be twice as many people over the age of 65 as there currently exist today.

As baby boomers begin to reach retirement age, more and more discussion is taking place about the aging process. One topic being discussed among families, aging in place, is the idea that it is normal for the majority of people to want to live at home as they age. The MetLife Report on Aging in Place 2.0, Rethinking Solutions to the Home Care Challenge” (September 2010) states “although a large majority of older Americans say they want to Age in Place, it is often more easily said than done. Today’s care infrastructure, technologies, existing housing, funding sources,
and the businesses and services available for Aging in Place are not being fully
realized in order to achieve the promise most hope for as America ages.”

Though staying at home is certainly the choice of the elderly, it may not be the safest or least costly choice. Below are a couple examples of comments I’ve heard from clients which are all too common:

“I promised my wife I would never put her in a convalescent home,” said a caring husband about his wife with Alzheimer’s who is also a fall and wander risk. NOTE: The home is not safe for someone in her condition. The husband is in poor health and all three children live out of state and have jobs and their own children to take of.

“I gave my word to my father that he would not go to a nursing home, and if needed, I would make sure he gets the proper care at his home. He has lived in this home for the last 50 years.” NOTE: Because of the father’s condition, he cannot be left alone, so in order to live at home, he needs 24-hour assistance, 7 days per week. Due to the significant cost for this, the father’s money will be depleted in less than one year.

There are two misconceptions that many have regarding long-term care:

1. “If I don’t stay home, I’ll need to go to a Nursing Home”
There was a time when nursing homes were the main type of facility for long-term care. Many of us remember going to visit loves ones at these locations with horrible smells and less than adequate care. Today, nursing homes are mainly set up for short-term stays after being hospitalized for recovery and strengthening. Those who need to be in nursing homes for long-term care are either on Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) or need medical care (i.e. – IV’s, feeding tubes, wound care, coma care, quadriplegics). Most people still believe that if they are not taken care of at their own home, they will have to go to a Nursing or Convalescent Home. That is simply not true.

2. “Assisted Living is another name for a Nursing Home”
There are approximately 1,300 Nursing Homes and just under 8,000 Assisted Living locations in the State of California. Therefore, far more people who need assistance reside in assisted living versus skilled nursing. 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.

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.

Frank M. Samson is Founder of Senior Care Authority based in Sonoma and also hosts “The Aging Boomers” on KSVY 91.3 or can be listened to live at www.ksvy.com, every Monday at 2pm PT. The company provides free assistance to families in helping them find the best Independent, Assisted Living and Residential Care Homes for their loved ones. He can be reached at 707.939.8744 or e-mailed at frank@seniorcareauthority.com. The company website is www.seniorcareauthority.com.

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Tags : Concord, Contra Costa County, Fairfield, Marin County, Napa, Napa County, Novato, nursing homes, Petaluma, San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, Sonoma County, Vacaville, Vallejo, Walnut Creek

Sex and the Holidays

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

21 Dec

The Aging Boomers
Katherine Forsythe, MSW is a counselor, coach and educator. I was able to interview her about many of the areas we face during the holidays. If you’re older, younger, single, married, have a partner or just want to learn while being entertained at the same time, you must listen to this!

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Tags : Concord, Contra Costa County, Fairfield, Marin County, Napa, Napa County, Novato, Petaluma, relationships, San Rafael, Santa Rosa, senior relationships, Sonoma, Sonoma County, Vacaville, Vallejo, Walnut Creek

Dementia Caregiving in Sonoma CA

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

06 Oct

Dementia Caregiving

When Nobody Appreciates You, What Can You Do?

By Paula Spencer, Caring.com senior editor

What’s worse –- the many challenging dimensions of dementia caregiving, like losing your privacy, worrying, assisting with daily living, filling the long hours, coping with new expenses, the anticipatory grief of watching someone you love change, and family-work stress (to name, oh, a few) –- or the thanklessness of it all?

Feeling taken for granted as a caregiver is incredibly common. Surveys indicate that more than half of all caregivers do. And yes, these understandable feelings are a stressor. What also adds stress: Feeling sheepish when you want to complain about this.

continue reading from caring.com

Are you providing Home Care for someone with Dementia? Please contact www.seniorcareauthority.com for help in the Sonoma area!

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Categories : Assisted Living Sonoma California (CA), Elder Care Sonoma California (CA), Home Care Sonoma California (CA), Nursing Homes Sonoma California (CA), Senior Care Authority Sonoma California (CA), Sonoma, Sonoma County

Tags : Sonoma, Sonoma County

Keeping Track of Seniors with Alzheimer's in Walnut Creek, California

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

26 Jun

Keeping track of seniors with Alzheimer’s

The e-mail alert shouted its message: “Missing Person with Alzheimer’s. PLEASE HELP.” It was sent to Alzheimer’s Assn. chapters and to law enforcement officials within hours after an Orange County woman disappeared while on a short trip to visit a friend…

That story has a happy ending, but many confused seniors who become lost are never found again. The Alzheimer’s Assn. estimates that 60% of individuals with Alzheimer’s will wander at least once during the progression of the disease. Up to 70% of these individuals wander more than once, and up to several times. One study reported that nearly half of those not found within 24 hours die — usually from dehydration, exposure or injury.

Myths About the Aging Brain Revealed in Napa, California

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

19 Jun

For elder care information and assistance in the area, visit www.seniorcareauthority.com.

(ARA) – Who says you can’t teach a mind new tricks at any age? Recent research shows that Americans have the power to positively influence their brain function throughout life – an important realization that is especially relevant for the more than 78 million baby boomers in the United States. Brain health is one of the top health-related concerns of aging populations and has been identified by the Centers for Disease Control as a public health priority.

“The fear of memory loss and losing brain capacity looms large among the minds of boomers,” says Dr. Majid Fotuhi, a leading neurologist and author of “The Memory Cure.” “But we can maintain and even improve our brain health as we age. In fact, our brains have the ability to grow and change throughout life.”

Dr. Fotuhi debunks four common myths surrounding the brain and aging.

1. The brain stops growing after childhood.

A decade ago, many experts would have scoffed at the idea that the brains of adults, particularly older adults, could grow or develop in any significant way. But that has changed. Research increasingly suggests that each time a new skill is learned, such as playing an instrument, speaking a foreign language or even dancing, new pathways are formed and areas of the brain may grow, even well into the later years. Physical and mental exercise can alter specific brain regions, improving in cognitive function. Brain growth isn’t just for kids.

2. Once I start experiencing memory loss, it’s all downhill and there’s not much I can do.

Actually, there are a number of things you can do to improve your memory throughout life, even if you are already noticing changes. Exercise, challenging mental activities, social engagement and diet adjustments have all been shown to have positive effects on cognition and memory. In fact, a new study published online in May in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, showed that healthy people with memory complaints who took algal DHA capsules for six months had almost double the reduction in errors on a test that measures learning and memory performance versus those who took a placebo, a benefit roughly equivalent to having the learning and memory skills of someone three years younger. DHA (or docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid and a building block for the brain. Algal DHA products comparable to those used in this study can be found at major retailers like Walmart, CVS and Walgreens under the Algal-900 product name – look for the life’sDHA seal on these supplements to ensure you are getting an algal DHA source. For more information on foods, beverages and supplements that contain algal DHA, visit www.lifesdha.com.

3. Memory problems must mean Alzheimer’s disease.

Many people, young or old, worry that mild forgetfulness must be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. But most people are worrying needlessly – research shows that more than 80 percent of people will never get Alzheimer’s disease. Some experts now believe that it is time to redefine everyone’s understanding of age-related memory loss and dementia. Emerging research indicates that many people experiencing memory loss and dementia actually have mixed pathologies in their brains. In fact, very few senior citizens have “pure Alzheimer’s disease.” Instead, late-life cognitive impairment may in fact be a result of multiple “hits” to the brain, from a variety of risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress, head trauma and poor diet. The good news? There is the opportunity to influence brain health and function by incorporating lifestyle factors like exercise, a healthy diet, stress reduction and intellectual and social engagement. Regardless of family history, the choices a person makes in life may be able to slow the progression of age-related cognitive decline or help prevent it altogether.

4. Brightest equals youngest.

Today’s society does place an emphasis on age but, keep in mind, people over 65 rule the country. The majority of legislators, CEOs, doctors, lawyers, judges, economists and CEOs are not in their 30s or 40s, but seasoned veterans who bestow several decades of experience and expertise. Along with gray hairs come both knowledge and wisdom and you do not have to look far to find inspiring stories of accomplishment, creativity and reinvention in the second half of life. To see some inspiring profiles of aging and learn more about the actions you can take to ensure that you build and maintain a mind that is healthy and beautiful for an entire lifetime, go to beautiful-minds.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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How to Decide if an Assisted Living Facility Is a Good Fit for Your Aging Loved One in Vacaville, California

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (1)

13 Jun

How to Decide if an Assisted Living Facility Is a Good Fit

Author explains what you can and can’t expect out of these semi-independent senior living arrangements

For seniors who may benefit from round-the-clock help, but who aren’t entirely dependent, assisted living facilities are a likely fit. Nearly 40,000 facilities nationwide make up this parcel of the senior housing landscape, and they are generally regarded as a step between a nursing home and, say, an adult day care service. But no two are alike, says Paul Hogan, cofounder and CEO of Home Instead Senior Care, a global provider of non-medical senior care at home. While the facilities generally provide help with bathing and dressing if needed, in addition, some offer occupational therapy services, for example, or may have an exercise room available to residents. That’s why it’s important to talk with your parent early on about his or her preferences and visit several facilities before deciding which one—if any—is a good place for Mom or Dad to call home, says Hogan. In their recent book, Stages of Senior Care: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Decisions (McGraw-Hill 2009), Hogan and his wife, Lori, touch on the pros and cons of assisted living. U.S. News asked Hogan, who is well-versed in the care options available for seniors, for guidance on how to determine if assisted living is the right choice and how to pick the best facility.

Caregiver Stress Test for Marin County, California Caregivers

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

30 May

By Frank M. Samson

What is a Caregiver exactly? The Department of Health and Human Services defines them as “a person, either paid or voluntary, who helps an older person with the activities of daily living, health care, financial matters, guidance, companionship and social interaction. A caregiver can provide more than one aspect of care. Most often the term refers to a family member or friend who aids the older person.”

“Put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others” is something you hear each time a flight is taken. A similar concept should be used when taking care of an elderly parent or other loved one. It’s difficult enough for the caregiver to manage their personal life without the added responsibilities of providing in home care and managing various aspects of someone else’s life as well. There is proven research showing caregivers are less healthy than non-caregivers, both physically and mentally. This research is based on higher hospitalization rates, higher death rates and higher levels of depression. Additionally, those who have other responsibilities, including being a spouse, parent and/or employee are likely to deal with more everyday stress.

According to the American Medical Association, caregivers are often so concerned with caring for their relative’s needs that they lose sight of their own well-being. Below is a caregiver stress test which will help determine where the caregiver may stand:

Caregiver Stress Test

Score each item as:

1-Never

2-Once or twice

3-Rarely

4-Sometimes

5-Often

6-Usually

7-Always

In caring for a loved one, how often do you have the following experiences:

__Feeling resentful

__Feeling trapped

__Being tired, not sleeping enough

__Feeling weary

__Feeling troubled

__Poor appetite or overeating

__Feeling hopeless

__Feeling useless

__Being physically exhausted

__Feeling disillusioned

__Feeling anxious

__Feeling “burned out”

__Being unhappy

__Feeling rejected

__Being utterly drained of feeling

______TOTAL SCORE*

*If your score is 60 or above, the stress associated with being a caregiver is beginning to take its toll.

*If your score is 90 or above, the caregiver is living with burnout.

In my day-to-day work, I personally witness caregiver stress as a common phenomenon, but the good news is the caregiver can manage stress and improve their physical and mental health to benefit themselves, their parents and others who depend on them. Following are some options to consider:

* Exercise – The strength to handle an aging parent and exercise is a great stress reliever.

* Healthy Diet – Having three balance meals a day is a minimum necessity.

* Regular Check-ups – When caring for someone else, as a caregiver – you can not ignore the signs of your own health.

* Professional Home Care – Ongoing help from professional caregivers or just temporary relief – respite care.

* Assisted Living Homes or Communities – Safety should be the number one priority for your loved one. There are various affordable options available.

Frank M. Samson is Founder of Senior Care Authority based in Sonoma. Which provides free assistance to families finding in-home care, independent and assisted living for their loved ones. Reach him at 707.939.8744 or e-mail at frank@seniorcareauthority.com. The company Web site is http://www.seniorcareauthority.com.

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Easing the Financial Burden for Senior Care in Napa County, California

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (2)

23 May

Frank M. Samson

Providing senior care for a loved one can be overwhelming both emotionally and financially. According to the 2009 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, median annual costs for various types of senior care in the Bay Area can reach burdensome levels:

Adult Day Care – $20,410 annually – based on eight hours a day, five days a week.

In-Home Services – Assistance with activities of daily living, including dressing, personal hygiene, bathing, etc. – $52,634 annually, based on 44 hours a week.

Assisted Living Facility –$39,960 annually – private one-bedroom

Nursing Homes – $82,125 – semi-private, and $102,018 – private, annually

I hear stories daily from adults regarding the financial challenges associated with providing their aging parents with assistance. Such assistance may be provided at home, assisted living facilities, residential care homes or nursing homes. As they go through the process, seniors commonly say, “I do not want to be a burden on my kids as I age.” I’ve highlighted below some of the options that will help pay, fully or partially, for needed assistance or care:

Medicare/Medi-Cal

Most private health insurance plans follow the same general rules as Medicare. If any long-term care is covered, it is usually for only skilled, short-term and medically necessary care. Homecare is limited only to medically necessary skilled care. Custodial or personal care is not covered by health insurance. The coverage in a skilled nursing facility must follow a hospital stay and is limited up to 100 days. If you meet Med-Cal’s financial eligibility status, you must select a skilled nursing facility that accepts Medi-Cal.

Long Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance could be the best investment one can make. Unless medically necessary, you can avoid skilled nursing facilities by residing at assisted living facilities, residential care homes or at a home with the needed in-home care. This type of insurance makes it much easier to cope with most otherwise uncovered health issues as you get older.

Long-term care insurance should be as important as your healthcare insurance, life insurance and homeowner’s insurance. Generally, long-term care is needed for conditions that cannot be cured or healed, and for helping people with routine activities such as dressing, bathing, transferring, continence care, toileting and eating. Long-term care insurance extends for a long period of time, covering care for various types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Long-term care insurance, which can reduce the burden from your family and your peace of mind, should be a very serious consideration.

Life Insurance

There are various ways you can use your life insurance to help pay for long term care, including accelerated death benefits, viatical settlements and life settlements.

Accelerated Death Benefit – An accelerated death benefit is a life insurance death benefit paid in cash in advance, tax free.

Life Settlements – Life settlements give you the ability to raise cash by selling your life insurance policy at its present value. The proceeds may be used for any reason including paying for long term care.

Viatical Settlement – This settlement allows you to sell your life insurance policy to a third party and use the money your receive to pay for your care. This option is only possible if you are terminally ill.

Veterans Aid and Attendance

The aid and attendance pension benefit offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs may be available to wartime veterans and surviving spouses who have in-home care or who live in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. The current monthly benefit can be up to $1,948.

Though there are minimum qualifications, I have listed the prerequisites for review below:

* Served in the military during time of war, or spouse.

* Have less than $80,000 in investments excluding home/car. Note: There are other options still to consider if this wasn’t checked.

* Monthly income less than the monthly cost of care including prescriptions. Need help from others in one or more of activities of daily living.

* If surviving spouse, married to the veteran at the time of death.

* Have sufficient resources to pay for care while awaiting a decision from the VA – may take up to four to 12 months.

As you can see, while providing senior care for your loved one may be emotionally and financially challenging, there are a variety of available options to substantially ease the burden.

Frank M. Samson is Founder of Senior Care Authority based in Sonoma The company provides free assistance to families in helping them find in-home care, independent and assisted living for their loved ones. He can be reached at 707.939.8744 or frank@seniorcareauthority.com. The company Web site is http://www.seniorcareauthority.com.

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