Aging is a bittersweet part of life. Aging is a sign of life and having lived for many wonderful years. But aging also tends to come with challenges, such as decreased health. Moreover, aging comes with the need to plan for a future when a person has fewer tomorrows than yesterdays. In this article, we address one pertinent aging question, how to get power of attorney for elderly parents.

Getting a Power of Attorney for an aging loved one is one way to prepare. It will make the transition into the later stage of life easier on everyone. POA’s are not something people like to think about. However, just like getting life insurance and a will, a Power of Attorney can be helpful and prevent the stress of needing one when it’s a little too late to get a Power of Attorney easily.

Why Should You Get a Power of Attorney for Your Elderly Parents?

Think of everything you have access to and do on a daily or monthly basis. You might call and make a payment to the electric company. Maybe you called the bank to ask about an unknown charge. Maybe you called your insurance company to make some adjustments to your coverage. It is easy for the account holder to complete tasks. However, when you aren’t the primary or secondary owner of the account, completing even the simplest task, like paying an electric bill, can be difficult.

Sometimes the bank will want the account holder’s information, and sometimes a hospital will want a Power of Attorney. You may also need a POA for less frequent things, like selling property. If you have an aging parent, it is time to start talking to them about a POA. Ask them how they plan to manage their finances and health care decisions if they become unable to do so.

Why You Can’t Wait to Get a POA

As people age, they can sometimes suffer memory loss, or other cognitive disorders that require the help of others to complete simple tasks. You shouldn’t wait until your elderly parent reaches that stage before getting a POA though.

If your parent’s health and mental capacity decreases significantly, it can be impossible to get a POA. Then, you will instead have to petition the courts for adult guardianship. It is important to start talking to your parents about who they would like to help them with finances and medical decisions if they become unable to manage it themselves. By talking about it, you can get the POA set up before it’s needed. This will allow you and your family to focus on what is really important, instead of focusing a legal battle.

What Type of Power of Attorney Should I Get for My Elderly Parent?

There are different types of Power of Attorneys and knowing the difference can help you better prepare for getting one. When discussing POAs, the agent is the person who is acting on behalf of the person who is labeled as the principal. In this case, the elderly parent is the principal, and you are the agent.

There are 4 types of Power of Attorneys you need to know about so you can get one that is best suited for your situation and plans.

GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

A general POA allows an agent to act on behalf of the principal in almost every aspect. Some businesses may require a special POA for their business and will not accept a general POA. However, for the most part, a general POA can allow the agent to handle the principal’s accounts and transactions.

A General POA is a great option if you think you will be paying bills, closing accounts, or opening accounts for your elderly parent before they become incapacitated. It’s important to know that a general POA is no longer valid after the principal becomes incapacitated. That means if your elderly parent can no longer make decisions for themselves, the POA becomes invalid. After that, you will need to petition the courts for adult guardianship. For this reason, a general POA may not be the best option for managing an elderly parent’s accounts.  

SPECIAL OR LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY

A Special Power of Attorney is limited to specific acts. In this case, the principal decides what they would allow the agent to do and lists it in the POA. This prevents the agent from having the ability to commit acts the principal would not do for themselves or consent to.

If your parent is worried about you having the ability to open accounts under their name, a special or limited POA can give them peace of mind. They can then control what the POA can be used for. Some businesses may also require a specific special POA for their business. For example, a bank may require a special POA. Make sure you or your elderly parent contact the accounts you might be handling. That way, you will know whether or not a special POA is necessary for their accounts.

SPRINGING POWER OF ATTORNEY

A springing power of attorney allows the power of attorney to only become valid after a specific point. These are great for elderly parents who want to wait until they can no longer manager their own accounts before giving someone else the power to manage them. As with the special/limited POA, the principal can determine what they want to allow the agent to have access to and be in control of.

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY

This power of attorney is another great option for elderly parents because it remains valid even if the principal becomes incapacitated. This POA also goes into effect immediately, giving the agent immediate access to it. This is great for an elderly parent who is not incapacitated, but wants a little help with some things and then wants the agent to fully take over when they do become fully incapacitated. This POA should have all of the specific permitted powers listed on it.

What Should Be Included in the Power of Attorney?

This should be a discussion between you and your parent to decide what they are comfortable having you in charge of. They may want you to have a POA for their bank accounts so you can withdraw money for them. Or, they want you as a POA for their finances so you can do their taxes for them. Also, they may also want to allow you to make medical decisions for them.

Common Uses for a POA:

• Buy or Sell Property – If your loved one becomes incapacitated and can no longer live in their home, you may decide to sell their property. You may have also discussed purchasing property for them to be closer to you.
• Pay Bills – Some bill payments require the account holder to make the payments, in these cases, you will need a POA to make a payment on the account.
• Open or Close Accounts – If your loved one moves and you need to turn off the utilities to their home or open a new account, you will most likely need a POA.
• File Taxes – In order to file taxes on someone else’s behalf, you need a POA.
• Make Medical Decisions – If your loved one needs treatment for an ailment but they cannot make decisions for themselves, having a POA will allow you to make decisions regarding treatment. A medical POA is different from a medical directive or living will.

Difference Between a Medical Power of Attorney and Healthcare Directive

Healthcare directives and medical POAs are not the same. Healthcare directives gives directions to medical professionals to carry out the will of the individual in the circumstance that the person becomes incapacitated and requires medical care to keep them alive. Most medical directives involve end of life decisions, such as if the person wants to die naturally or be given medication to ease pain and suffering. They may also have information in the directive on how to handle life support and resuscitation.

Medical POAs are different because it leaves the agent in charge of decisions regarding the principal’s healthcare. This can be used for a lot of medical decisions that may need to be made after the person becomes incapacitated, and before they reach the end of life state. For example, an elderly parent with dementia could fall and hurt themselves. During this time, the medical POA will be asked how to proceed with treatment, such as consent to surgery, or pain management. The principal has to lack the mental capacity to make medical decisions for themselves in order for a medical POA to be activated. An agent cannot make medical decisions for a parent who is capable of making their own medical decisions.

How can I get a Power of Attorney for my Elderly Parent?

Are your elderly parent is of sound mind and judgement, and not mentally incapacitated? Then, you can have a lawyer draw up a Power of Attorney for a fairly low cost. This is the best method to get a POA. It allows you and your parent to be walked through each part of the POA. Then each party fully understands and agrees to everything. Using a lawyer is also a good idea because they can help identify your specific needs for the POA. Also, the lawyer can ask questions to identify what type of POA best suits the needs of your situation.

There are a lot of websites and programs that will draw up the papers for you for a small fee. The websites ask you for questions regarding what kind of POA you would like and then creates the forms for you to print at home. In these cases, you will need witnesses to be present when signing the document, and the form should be notarized. Use caution when using programs and websites that offer POA forms though. While it can be convenient and cheaper than using a lawyer, you will not get any legal advice or guidance.

Final Thoughts on How to Get Power of Attorney for Elderly Parents

Getting a Power of Attorney for your elderly parents can sound daunting. However, you have a few options that can make things simple. We always recommend finding a good professional to help you.

Good luck.

The post How to Get Power of Attorney for Elderly Parents appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

One very common question we hear at Medicare Life Health Co. is “Is assisted living tax deductible?” There are two answers:

• Yes, if the reason for living in an assisted care facility is primarily medical, then all the expenses for the facility, which includes meals and lodging, is deductible.

• No, if there is no medical reason for residing in assisted living, as defined by the government, then your expenses are not tax deductible.
• In this case, only medical services are considered deductible. However, only if they add up to a certain amount.

In addition, in most cases that are defined as “medically necessary”, the resident is living at a nursing home, not in assisted living.

So, let’s take a look at both your assisted living and long term care options and their tax implications.

Whether you are trying to plan for long term care for yourself or for a loved one, there are important financial questions you should be asking yourself. One of these questions is how expenses associated with long term care can affect your taxes. Moreover, what are the tax benefits to opting for long term care facilities.

Are Nursing Homes Tax Deductible?

Long term care facilities such as assisted living facilities and nursing homes can incur a lot of expenses. Some of the expenses associated with long term care facilities include:

• Lodging
• Meals
• Transportation
• Assistance with Personal Care (ie. Bathing, dressing, and eating)
• Medication Administration
• Medical Care
• Physical therapy
• Health Monitoring

Typically, by the time a person moves into a long-term care facility, they need a lot of help. Moreover, there are many aspects of daily life that require the help of a medical professional. These professional include nurses or certified nurse assistants (CPAs). As a result, there are a few different situations in which these expenses can be used for tax credits and tax deductions.

• Related Reading: How Long Does Medicare Pay for Rehab?

Tax Deductions and Credits Related to Nursing Homes

If the individual in the nursing home is financially independent, then that person can claim the Medical Expense Tax Deduction. (Additionally, they cannot be considered another person’s dependent.) Also, they may qualify for the “Credit for Elderly or Disabled.”

If the individual will be claimed as a dependent on another person’s taxes, the person filing taxes can qualify for the Medical Expense Tax Deduction based on the medical expenses for their dependent.

Medical Expense Tax Deduction

Medicare Expense Tax Deductions are one of the most common tax deductions. You can use this deduction if your medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your individual’s income.

According to the IRS, medical care expenses included care given for diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention. In addition, you can often deduct transportation to medical appointments. This is because it is a necessary cost for the medical care to be received.  

Your care in an assisted living facility is deductible if your care is primarily medical. Then, all the expenses for the facility, which includes meals and lodging, is deductible.

If the reason for living in an assisted care facility is not medical, then only medical related expenses are deductible. In this case, deductible medical expenses might include a medical exam prior to entering the care facility. Also included: medical appointments, transportation to medical appointments, medical devices, medications, and payments for such care.

Long-Term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes

When prescribed by a doctor, living in a long-term care facility is considered medically necessary. First, talk to a doctor when you are deciding if it is time for assisted living. This will make sure you understand whether or not you can deduct costs.

Also, the care facility may be able to help you develop a health care plan. They are skilled at developing plans that include medically necessary care when it is truly needed.

• Related Reading: Alternative Ways to Paying for Long-Term Care

Credit for Elderly or Disabled

This tax credit is for those 65 years or older, or those that are permanently and totally disabled with a taxable income. This tax credit is not specific to nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Instead, it is for those that are living off limited or fixed incomes due to their age or disability. To find out more about this tax credit and if you or a loved one qualify, visit the IRS website.

Aging Expenses

It is expensive to get old. There is no doubt that as we age, life gets more expensive. The need for medical care goes up, there are more frequent doctors’ visits, need for medication, and sometimes there are needs to adjust our living situation. Growing old in own home can be expensive.

Aging Expenses at Home

Some things you may need to consider when you or your loved one is getting older, is making changes to your home to make it safer and easier to live in for a longer period of time.

• Add railings in your bathroom near the toilet and in the shower.
• Put a seat in the shower.
• Ensure the shower and bathroom floors are non-slip or have non-slip mats.
• Add dim lighting with motion sensor for ease of seeing at night when going to the bathroom.
• Make sure there is sufficient railing on any stairways.
• Switch out round door handles for lever door handles.
• Equipment that makes accessing the home easier for those that are disabled. This includes a wheelchair ramp, stair life, and extra wide doorways for wheelchair access.

Acknowledging that aging comes with extra expenses can be helpful when saving and planning for the future. What if you don’t want to move to an assisted living facility or nursing home in old age?

Then, as one option, a nurse can come to your home to help with daily care. They can also help you run errands.

Transportation is another expense to consider. As you age, you may not be able to drive. Or, you may not want to drive, which means you will need to pay for a transportation service.

Expenses Associated with Long-Term Care Facilities

While nursing homes and assisted living facilities tend to have flat fees for lodging, meals, and medical care, other expenses may not be included.

Things like transportation, or activities that are outside of the nursing home, may incur additional costs. The nursing home may also charge fees for holding your bed until you return.

So, if you are considering a long-term care facility, make sure you ask about the costs that are not covered in the plan. Planning ahead will help you budget accordingly.

• Related Reading: What is Long-Term Care Insurance?

Conclusions on Tax Deductible Assisted Living

To start, the government considers medically necessary expenses are tax deductible. Next, the expenses must add up to over 7.5% of your income for the year. Then, if your stay in an assisted living facility or nursing home is “medically necessary”, then it too is deductible. Finally, talking to your doctor is a good place to begin the process.

The post Is Assisted Living Tax Deductible appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

What are the average funeral costs in the United States? The cost of a funeral depends greatly on the options you or your loved one choose.

This article includes a helpful end of life planning list with average funeral costs detailed for your budgeting – including caskets, facilities and burial plots.

The only true fact of life is that death is certain. With death comes a lot of questions, and a lot of planning. It is never too soon to financially prepare for the costs of funerals. You might be wondering what options exists and what the costs are of those options.

Average Funeral Costs Summary Chart

How Much Does a Funeral Cost? Here is a Detailed Breakdown

Body Options

Burial vs. Cremation & Also Body Donation

There are three options when it comes to post life care. The two most popular in the United States are burial and cremation. The other option is body donation.  Body donation is gaining popularity because of its low cost and the idea that the person is giving back to the world one final time through donating to science and medicine.

You may have an idea in your head about what your final wishes will entail, but you should still try to understand each option and their financial obligations, so you are financially prepared. It is never to early to prepare for the inevitable.

Average Cost of Cremation

Cremation isn’t free, but it is cheaper than burial. The average cost of cremation with a viewing in the United States, is $5,150, according to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA).  The bulk of the fee for cremation is the service fees charged by the funeral home. These fees cover the labor the funeral director and basic services.

Average Viewing Costs with Cremated Bodies

Viewing costs include the rental of the funeral home or other venue and memorial service. A viewing is a great way for family and friends to say their final goodbye to their loved one.

You can choose for the viewing to occur either before or after the cremation. Choosing to do a viewing before the cremation can result in some extra costs such as embalming and rental casket costs.

Embalming is not necessary for cremation, but many choose to include embalming if they have an open casket viewing before the cremation. The cost for embalming averaged $750 in 2019 according to NFDA.

Because a casket is not necessary for cremation, many choose to rent a nice casket for the viewing. The average rental casket cost was around $995. Flowers, and displays including photos may also increase the costs of the viewing.

Cremation Casket Rental Costs

The purchase of a casket is not necessary. However, you will be required to purchase a cremation container. A cremation casket can be purchased for around $1,200. This a traditional looking wooden casket that is burned with the remains. The alternative option would be a cremation container, which is a wooden box that isn’t lined, and typically very cheaply made. The cost of a cremation container is around $150.

When considering whether to go with a casket or a cremation container, it’s really personal preference and beliefs. Some believe there is more comfort and dignity in using a lined casket, whereas others believe the box is not the final resting place, so spending extra money on it is unnecessary.

Average Cost of an Urn

Next to consider, cremation results in the family being given back the remains. Many people decide to keep the remains in a special place, called an urn. The funeral home only has to supply a basic box for the remains.

As a result, most people choose to purchase an urn, which can cost several hundred dollars. Personalized urns that use high quality materials may even cost thousands of dollars.

Funeral & Scattering Travel Costs

In addition, if you plan on scattering ashes in a special place, you will want to consider the cost of travel.

Travel may not just be for one person either, sometimes this act is basically a small ceremony of its own and may require travel for several people. If you’re planning your own final wishes and are not wanting your loved ones to pay any costs for your funeral, you may want to consider how much it would cost for them to travel.

For example, if you want your ashes scattered in the ocean, but all of your loved ones live in the middle the United States, you will want to include the cost for them to take off work and travel so they can be there for your final wish.

Other Cremation Costs

Furthermore, funeral homes may charge other fees – including a transportation fee.

• The transportation fee is charged for picking up the remains from the hospital or morgue and transporting it back to the funeral home.
• The funeral home may charge you a cremation fee if it uses a third party for the cremation.
• There may also be body preparation fees for clothing changes, make up, hair, or anything else that needs to be done to do the body in order to proceed with the visitation and cremation.

What Else Can Be Done with Cremation Remains?

Finally, cremation remains can be used in a lot of different ways. Some people may keep them in a urn, others may choose to scatter them in a special location. There are other options beyond that though.

• You can create jewelry out of cremation remains. For example, several businesses can use remains to create lab grown diamonds.
• You can also purchase a biodegradable urn to grow a tree out of the ashes.
• In addition, you can have them put into fireworks or ammo.
• Finally, there are a lot of companies that use ashes to make products, such as vinyl records, glass artwork, and stuffed animals.

Average Cost of a Burial

Burials come with the most expenses. However, planning for a burial ahead of time can save everyone a lot of stress associated with the cost of a burial.

According the NFDA the average cost of a funeral with a viewing and burial was $7,640, and this didn’t include the cost of the cemetery plot or the vault.

Average Cost of Burial Space

Not all burial spaces are equal. The cost for a plot can range from a couple of hundred in a rural area, to over $10,000 in an area with less green space to bury people.

What is a Mausoleum and What is the Average Cost?

Moreover, choosing a mausoleum as an option, will result in a much higher cost. A mausoleum is an enclosed where caskets are kept in crypts. They are an above ground burial option and typically have benches or a space for people to visit.

Average Cost of a Burial Plot

In-ground plots can be cheaper, but they can also be costly. It just depends on the location. Purchasing burial space as soon as possible can ensure you have a spot and protect you from the cost of inflation.

When choosing a burial space, the size of the space matters. Some people only purchase single plots, while others purchase double plots so they can rest next to their spouse. They may also purchase a family plot. The more space you take up, the more money it will cost.

Finally, in many states though, you can create your own family cemetery on family land, following state and local laws of course. Being buried in a family cemetery can significantly reduce the cost of a burial funeral.

Average Cost of a Casket

A metal casket cost on average $2,500. This cost can increase substantially depending on the quality and design of the casket. If you opt for a basic casket, the cost could be around $1,000.

The funeral home typically sells caskets, but you can always purchase a casket from another source to save yourself money. The Funeral home has to use the casket you provide.

You also don’t need a casket at all. It is “green” burials are becoming more popular. It is a burial that focuses on natural decomposition and limiting pollution into the Earth. The option to not use a casket exist. However, if you purchased a plot on private property, that cemetery may have its own rules. It is important to fully understand the rules for the location of the plot.

Average Viewing Costs

The Viewing portion of the funeral can incur several costs. The cost for the use of the facilities for viewing averaged $425.

The cost for body preparation averaged $255. Body preparation for a visitation includes sewing and gluing specific parts of the body to create a natural sleeping look. It also includes make-up and hair styling. The other cost will be embalming.

The Average Cost of Embalming

Embalming is not mandatory, even for burials. However, many people decide on embalming because it slows the rate of decay, allowing families to have an open casket viewing and funeral with the body looking as close to living as possible. The cost for embalming can average $750.

If you’re interested in a green burial, you may choose to forego embalming or find a funeral home and embalms using Earth friendly essential oils. The Green Burial Council can answer a lot of questions regarding green burials.

Cemetery Headstone Costs

Headstones, monuments, grave markers, whatever you call them, they are part of the price tag for burial funerals. They are commonly done in granite, but the material used does affect cost.

A small flat grave marker starts at $1,000 on monument.com, while upright headstones start at $1,200. What you decide to add to the headstone can also increase the cost. The cemetery may have rules about headstones.

In addition, you will want to make sure the headstone you purchase follows the cemetery’s rules because if it doesn’t, you might be liable for the costs associated with getting a stone that is in regulation.

Hearse Costs

The use of the funeral home’s hearse is not free. You will be charged for the hearse to transport the casket from the funeral home to the location of the funeral and then to the cemetery. The average cost for the use of a hearse in 2019 was $340.

If you use the service car or van for the funeral service, it could also cost you money. The average cost for the use of the funeral home’s service vehicle was $150 in 2019.

Open and Closing of Plot Fees

The other fee you will incur with a burial is the opening and closing of the plot. Digging up the plot and then refilling it usually requires the use of specific machinery, such as an excavator.

This cost could be included in your plot purchase, but it could also be separate fee due upon opening/closing of the plot.

Likewise, opting for a crypt in a mausoleum doesn’t get rid of this cost either. Opening the crypt can cost money as well. When searching for a cemetery be sure to ask them of the costs that will come up when it is time to use the plot.

Non-Traditional Burials

Traditionally, in the United States, burials occur with the body in a casket, in a cemetery. This is not the only form of burial though.

• Green Burials in which the body is placed naturally in the earth to allow for natural decomposition is becoming more popular.
• There is also the option for an ocean burial. Burials at sea are legal, and must follow certain guidelines, such as the burial must take place more than 3 nautical miles from a shore. More information on the legality of ocean burials can be found on the Environmental Protection Agency website.

Body Donation

A Non-Traditional, But Helpful, Low Cost Option.

Body donation is typically low cost or completely free of costs. There maybe stipulations on whether a body is accepted. You can reach to several programs in your area to find one that best fits your needs and beliefs. Typically these programs are ran by universities, but there may also be private organizations in your area.

Body Farms

Body Farms are often ran by Anthropology departments at universities. You can research your local or closest university to see if they have a Body Farm.

In these cases, the cost of body donation is completely free. They may charge a travel fee if they have to pick up the remains from a specific distance. You may still need to contact a funeral home to pick up the remains until the organization that runs the Body Farm can make arrangements to transfer the remains to their land.

What exactly happens on a Body Farm?

Well, they put the body in different environments to study the decay process and develop new ways to make identifications on bodies. It can seem like a less than peaceful ending, but the scientific advancements made because of Body Farms is incredible! It is a great way to keep helping science move forward after death.

Whole Body Donation

Medical schools use donated bodies to help students study medicine and perfect techniques they need to become incredible doctors.

Body donation to these programs is free of cost. If you live near a medical school, you can contact the university to find out if they have a body donation program, and whether there are any costs associated with the program.

Typically, it is a cost-free option, but occasionally you may need to cover the cost of transportation. However, the program usually covers cremation of the remains after the body has been used to it’s fullest extent.

There are other programs as well, such as Medcure, which services 45 states and is a cost free option. Medcure covers transportation costs, the cost of the death certificate, and the cost of cremation. The program you choose may also offer confirmation on how the body was used. This can give families a sense of pride knowing their loved one was part of research that is helping people.

How to Pay for Funeral Costs

Here are the most used ways of paying for funeral costs:

1. Final Expense Insurance – Also known as funeral insurance or burial insurance. This is a whole life insurance plan that gives you a lump-sum of cash when you pass to help you pay for your end of life expenses.
   • Read more about these plans and how to use them here.
2. Prepaid Plans – Plans made with service providers before you pass that cover the costs at a specific facility or with a specific company.
3. Savings / Retirement Funds – Paying with cash.

NOTE: Long Term Care Insurance – Unless you have a special rider on your long-term care insurance, it will not pay for your final expenses.

Average Funeral Costs Summary

As you can see, the average funeral costs in the United States vary significantly depending on the options you choose. Having a plan and a budget set in place early will help you to save money in the long run.

Final Expense Insurance will help you with making sure these costs are covered for your loved ones after you are gone.

The post Average Funeral Costs For End of Life Planning appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

Caregiver stress and caregiver burnout is real. The sleepless nights, worry and agitation are real symptoms of caring for elderly parents stress.

While you are learning how to care for your aging parents, you must also continue to care for yourself.

Ways to Destress When Caring for an Elderly Parent

Caregiver burnout happens when you begin feeling overwhelmed with the daily tasks of caring for another person. You begin to feel like your whole life is consumed with that one person and you have nothing to yourself.

What can you do when you start to feel this way? First thing you must know is that you aren’t alone, and your mental health is just as important as your loved one’s health.

A Personal Caregiver Stress Story

Jessica’s Story – “My grandma walked slowly into the dining room on Thanksgiving. She had a pecan pie in her hand and a knife. She began cutting it as her hand made an uneven line. She was trying to get the slice out of the pie pan, but the knife was just cutting the pie into mush.

She has always been a very stubborn and independent woman. Asking her if I could cut the pie for her would have been frustrating and embarrassing. We all chuckled and blamed it on the fact that the pie was just the right consistency, and that it would be delicious no matter what it looked like on the plate.

That was the first time I noticed she wasn’t herself. Since then, she has needed more and more help and assistance. The last time she drove herself somewhere she got lost, despite having the GPS on in the car. Sometimes she repeats questions, and sometimes she calls the grandkids by the wrong name.

As we watch her health deteriorate, I know my grandpa must be struggling. As the mother of a child with Cystic Fibrosis, where my daily routine is focused around his medical treatments and medications, I know how easy it is to feel like you’re simply living for someone else. It’s hard. But there are a lot of ways to destress and find yourself again. Your life doesn’t have to only be about caring for another person.”

Caregiver Stress Relief Options

Here are some of your options when it comes to relieving caregiver stress and preventing burnout.

1. Respite Care

To start, one great option for getting a much-needed break is respite care. Respite care is when a qualified individual comes in and takes over the caregiving role for a few hours so you can care for yourself. Many respite caregivers are qualified nurses or medical professionals that can take on medication administration and manage medical equipment.

Depending on where you live, you might be able to find a program that provides respite care to families in need. A simple google search for respite care in your area can help you find this service. You may also be able to get recommendations from your loved one’s doctor.

2. Hospital Social Worker

All hospitals have social workers. Social workers aren’t just for children. Social workers can help navigate difficult situations and gather resources for you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can ask to speak with a social worker at your loved one’s next appointment and ask for resources. They might be able to find you local programs and help you find solutions to the caregiver burnout.

3. Help from Family

If you have family or close friends around, ask them for help. Reaching out for help can be difficult for a lot of people, but you can’t expect others to just know you are struggling. Be vocal about your needs and let them know you would appreciate if they could help you manage this difficult time. Having a family member come over and help even just one day a week so you can get out of the house can completely change your mental state. We often tell new moms that they need to ask for help and that it takes a village to raise a child. Caring for an elderly parent is no different. It is hard work, and it can be emotionally and mentally draining. It really takes a village to care for an elderly parent, just like it does for a child.

3. Elderly Groups

Bingo night, a knitting club, a book club, there are a lot of activities and groups for the elderly. Adding in something fun to your routine can help you destress and decompress. It can also bring joy to your parent and yourself. Getting old and becoming sick doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop. The last years of our lives should be spent enjoying as much as possible.

Also, getting your parent some friends and social engagement from their peers is critical for mental health. This may sound like it is just for your loved one, but really when you get out and engage in these groups, you will find yourself meeting people in the same situation as yourself. You will also find yourself having fun and enjoying a moment without the stress and focus on caring for your loved one.

4. Trips Out of the House

Getting out of the house regularly is especially important, and not just for errands or work either. You need to get out and do something fun. With or without your loved one. If your loved one is on hospice and can’t leave the house due to medical devices, then you need to take time for yourself and get out of the house.

Visit a museum, go to a zoo, go do something fun to get your mind off the stress of being at home. Being stuck in a house caring for another person is exhausting, and it can negatively impact your mental health. If your loved one is not on hospice yet, it’s okay to take them with you. Enjoy a change of scenery, it will help you destress.

6. Consider a Nursing Home or Assisted Living for Your Loved One

This can be a difficult conversation, but sometimes it can provide a much healthier environment for you and your loved one. Assisted living is for people who may need some assistance, such as help getting groceries. Whereas a nursing home is a place where the residents require 24-hour attention and medical care.

If your loved one is still mostly independent, an assisted living facility can help them make friends with peers and get them engaged in community events. If your loved one requires around the clock medical attention, a nursing home can be a good environment, as they also provide activities and engagement. If your loved one refuses to go to a nursing home or assisted living facility, ask them why.

Finding out what they want is critical. Some people might be fearful that the home will involve neglect or abuse, which isn’t an irrational fear. They may also not want to be around peers that are nearing the end of their lives because it can be depressing losing friends frequently. It can also be a constant reminder that they are at the end of their life.

If your loved one is fearful, then a nursing home or assisted living home may not be a good option, and that’s okay. Deciding what is best for you and your loved one is very personal. You may choose to visit a few local nursing homes or assisted living homes to get a better idea of the options in your area.

7. Implement Security Measures

It can be stressful caring for someone with dementia. The fear of them leaving the house at strange hours or getting lost can consume your mind. You can help ease the stress of this fear by implementing some simple security measures.

You can put alarms on your doors and windows. You don’t need an expensive security system for this either. Simple magnetic alarms can cost as little as a couple of dollars for each alarm. These alarms are battery operated and work by going off once the magnet is pulled apart. They can go on doors and windows.

This can help you know immediately if your loved one is leaving the house at night while you’re home and prevent them from harming themselves or getting lost. You can also turn on their GPS location on their phone so you can track their whereabouts if they’re still going places on their own.

There are a lot of options for GPS tracking, watches, necklaces, and even small GPS trackers that you can put in a purse, wallet, or jacket, so that you can always have access to their location. These security measures can help you feel more at peace.

8. Support Groups

Connecting with people that are experiencing the same situation as yourself can be very powerful and validating. You aren’t alone, many caregivers are experiencing the same emotions as yourself. Attend a support group for caregivers so you can learn more about how others are coping with similar situations.

You can vent about your situation, then find ways to cope with the difficulties and feelings associated with being a caregiver. Your hospital’s social worker can probably recommend a local support group. You might also be able to find one online.

9. Counseling for Caregivers

There can be a lot of negative emotions associated with being a caregiver. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed, angry, sad, and even guilty. Navigating these emotions can be difficult to do on your own. Counseling can help you deal with your feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

As your loved one ages and you become responsible for their health and well-being, you can feel overwhelmed with the responsibility while also feeling guilty that you aren’t happy with the arrangement. You may also be feeling sad that the person you loved and looked up to is deteriorating.

There is a feeling of loss when your loved one is living with dementia because that person isn’t the same as you remember them. Coping with these feelings is extremely important to your mental health. Seeking out counseling to navigate this difficult time can be beneficial.

10. Make Time for Yourself

While your loved one is very important to you, you still need to make time for yourself. Dedicating a set time each time to destress is important. Whether it’s soaking your feet, watching TV, or just reading a book, it’s important to give yourself time.

Dedicating time to practice selfcare can help your relieve caregiver stress and bolster your mental health. If you need to make time for yourself by not doing the dishes one night, or skipping vacuuming the house, it’s okay to do that. You do not have to do everything, every single day. It is okay to skip a task in order to give yourself a break.

11. Hire Help

If you have the financial ability to do so, hiring a house cleaner, or hiring someone to run errands such as grocery shopping, can decrease your workload and reduce your caregiver stress. If you have distant family members that can’t help in person, ask them to consider helping by paying for some of these services.

Even just being able to delegate one task to another person can give you enough time to do something for yourself. It is extremely difficult caring for an elderly loved one, especially when you are responsible for all of the tasks of their care and your own household.

12. Go for a Walk

Daily exercise and fresh air can positively impact your mental health. Exercise increases endorphins and can help you feel less stressed. Going for a daily walk around the park, or even just your neighborhood, can help you destress. Take your loved one with you and enjoy the walk together. The fresh air and change of scenery will melt your stress away for a moment.

Being a caregiver for a loved one can be very difficult. It is common to feel overwhelmed with the daily tasks and to feel like you’ve lost part of yourself. You can overcome these feelings through implementing some changes though. Taking time to destress is important can give you more joyful moments during this caregiving role.

Conclusions on Managing Caregiver Stress

The most important thing is to find a way to take care of yourself. No matter what is going on or who you are responsible for, you are always responsible for yourself first. Make yourself a priority so you have the energy and compassion to care for others.

The post Caregiver Stress & Burnout Relief appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

Falls are the number one cause of injury (both fatal and non-fatal) in people over 65. Yikes! As a result, it is important to learn how to prevent falls – for yourself and for your older loved ones.

When I was taking care of my 85 year old grandparents, it was a major fall that signaled to us all that it was time to move them to an assisted living center. They had reached the point where living in a split-level house with 2 sets of stairs was becoming a safety hazard.

Like with my grandparents, sometimes a fall can signal the need to move or set-up additional care. On the other hand, sometimes it is just a wake-up call to make sure you are doing all you can to make your (or your senior’s) living environment as safe as possible.

One Third of All Seniors Fall

• According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one out of every three seniors will fall each year.

• Moreover, according to Sixtyandme, the falls older adults take have consequences:
  • One in three falls requires medical assistance.
  • Shockingly, hospitals around the US see more than 2.8 million people every year just for falls.

• As a result, there are financial consequences for treating these falls.
  • Non-fatal falls cost about $50 billion every year.
  • While fatal falls cost $750 million per annum, according to Sixtyandme.

However, many of these falls are preventable.

Let’s look at how you can set yourself or your senior loved-one up for safety and success – both in and out of the home.

Step 1: The How to Prevent Falls Safety Assessment

According to the National Council on Aging, there are six areas you should assess when considering how to prevent falls: balance and gait, vision, medications, environment, and chronic conditions.

Fall Prevention Quiz

Answer these questions to create the foundation for your Fall Prevention Plan.

1. How is your balance and coordination? Do you run into things often? How often do you stumble? Are you relying on support for walking (i.e. walls, canes, furniture, walkers)?
2. How is your vision? Have you had an eye check-up lately? How old are your glasses? Is there a lot of light available in your living spaces?
3. Do you have any health problems that might cause you to fall?
4. Are you taking any medications that have side-effects that might contribute to a fall?
5. Can you see any major safety concerns in your house (i.e. stair, sharp corners)?
6. Do you have any pets or family members that might contribute to unsafe living conditions?

Once you have the answers to these questions, you can start to address them one-by-one with the steps below.

Step 2: Work on Balance & Coordination

Prevent Falls by Improving Your Balance

If you don’t use it, you loose it, applies directly to balance. We must all keep up on our balance and agility to stay healthy and active. This especially applies to people over the age of 65.

If you, or your loved-one, have significant challenges with walking and balancing, you should seek out the help of a professional physical therapist.

If you are just looking to stay on-top-of your balance and mobility, then it is time to work-out! Being active and participating in fitness activities in general is the first step in keeping your balance.

Yoga, Strength & Balance Exercises

Next, if you want to work directly on improving balance, turn to exercises like yoga and tai chi. These have many different moves and poses that help you challenge your mind and body to focus, strengthen and balance.

We recommend this program as a way to keep mobile or get back into fitness. The Grow Young Fitness Chair Exercises for Seniors is a very popular program for regaining balance and strength.

The DVD Starter Pack includes Cardio, Core work, Balance and gentle Yoga. It is an easy, safe, effective workout DVD for beginning fitness seniors and the elderly. This starter kit is by Grow Young Fitness.

Click here for More of the Best of Senior Fitness

Products to Help You Prevent Falls

If you, or your loved-one, need a little balance support in everyday life, we have a few recommendations that have helped our senior friends over the years.

Our number one recommendation, is having a good cane. Even better – a cane with a portable seat.

Often it is just nice to know you have the freedom to go where you choose and not have to worry about needing support to stand or sit. The Drive Medical Deluxe Folding Cane Seat is our top cane choice for mobility and safety.

We like that the cane is light enough (1.3 lbs) to walk comfortably with and the chair is comfortable enough for short rests and medium waits. The chair can support up to 250 lbs.

It is especially good for travel lovers who swear by this product to keep them feeling safe in new circumstances.

Note, you should always consult your medical professional or physical therapist on the use of walking aids.

Step 3: Make Sure You Can See

Check Your Eye Health

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), our eyes start to show signs of aging in our mid-40s. Typically, aging eyes start to loose the ability to focus up close first and general deterioration continues as our eyes age.

It makes sense: if you can’t see well, trips and falls are much more likely to happen. As a result, eye-health is an important part of fall prevention for the elderly.

If you (or your loved ones) start to have problems with your eyes, make an appointment right away. The American Optometric Association (AOA) mentions eye problem warning signs to pay close attention to such as:

• Fluctuating Vision
• Seeing Floaters / Flashes
• Loss of Side Vision
• Seeing Distorted Images.
  If you experience any of these, you should talk with your professional care providers right away.

In addition to normal eye aging, you can find more information on age-related vision problems (including Macular Degeneration, Cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy, Dry Eye, Glaucoma and Retinal Detachment) here.

Steps to Protect Your Vision

1. Improve Your Lighting: The AOA mentions that older adults need more light to see as well as they used to. As a result, setting up proper lighting in your home is crucial for senior safety.
   • First, make sure that all of your rooms have plenty of both day-time and night-time lighting in general. Having a variety of light sources that are located in different places and at different heights will help to eliminate shadows and light up all objects in one’s path.
   • In addition, make sure you have plenty of reading light, and glare reduction light to protect from reflecting sources. For example, putting back-lighting on the TV or keeping a lamp on while watching TV can help reduce eye strain and glare.
2. Keep Prescriptions Up-to-Date: Next, regular eye exams should be on everyone over 65’s calendar. Your eyes are not only your first defense in fall prevention, but also crash prevention. If you (or your senior loved-one) are still driving – make eye health a number one priority and stay on top of your annual check-ups.
3. Buy Eye-Drops: Finally, eyes get drier as you age. Your tear glands produce less moisture year-after-year. In order to maintain clear eyesight, you may need to use eye drops more often.
4. Avoid Tint-Changing Lenses: These lenses do not adjust fast enough for aging eyes walking into a dark room from the sunlight. Consequently, these lenses are a major trip hazard.
5. Watch out for Bifocals on Stairs. The two different lenses might mess-up perception, especially on the stairs.

Step 4: Check Your Health & Medications

Medical Conditions & Medication Concerns

There are many medical conditions that are associated with fall concerns. Moreover, there are many medications that come with concerning side-effects. Make sure you (or your loved-one) are on top of your health appointments and are aware of any changes in your health that might lead to fall concerns including dizziness or balance issues.

Next, discuss with your doctors what medications you are taking and if any of them have any side-effects that might cause a fall.

Finally, the National Council on Aging also warns against over the counter drugs that contain sleep aids. (Some might be identifiable by having “PM” in their name). Make sure that you are very aware of the effects of these drugs before using them.

Preventative Measures

If you or your loved-one are over the age of 65, and are on Medicare, then you have a covered preventative exam each year. Use this to stay on-top-of your medical concerns and to ask questions about your fall prevention plan. The National Council on Aging has a nice resource here, that shows you what preventative services are covered with Medicare.

Step 5: Make Your Home Safer

Here are the top safety concerns to address in your home:

• Stairs – the NOA suggests making sure you have plenty of light on your stairs. This is especially important at the top and the bottom of the stairs. Also, make sure your hand rails are sturdy and accessible.
• Bathrooms – Handrails are useful around toilets, tubs and showers. For additional support, look into shower chairs and aids.
• Sharp Edges – Take a good look around the home to see where you can remove or secure sharp or hard objects.
• Pets – dogs, cats and other pets have a way of getting under-foot. Make sure the pet is not a safety hazard.
• Other People – Alert all other friends and family members to be careful of where they are putting their possessions. Kids especially have been known to leave toys all over and in walkways.

In addition, we recommend this article from the NOA on how to safety proof your house.

Where to Turn When you Need Extra Help Preventing Falls

Even with the best prevention methods, there is always still a chance of a fall. As a result, part of your prevention plan should include what to do in the case of a fall.

Family, friends and neighbors are a good source of support. However, they are not always available. As a result, you may want to consider an outside source of support. There are many options these days for fall monitoring services, and for a good reason – they help save lives.

I believe that fall monitoring services offer peace of mind both seniors and their loved ones. Moreover, this sense of peace can create a less anxious atmosphere and prevent falls just by knowing help is always available. Knowing how common falls are, it is a good idea to keep assessing at what point you might be ready for a fall monitoring service.

For More Information on Caring for Elderly Parents & How to Prevent Falls

If you are looking for more information on caring for elderly parents, or if you are making a plan for you older years, please visit this article where we cover:

• Where can my aging parents/grandparents safely live?
• What services and products can keep them safe and happy?
• How can I help them with health care and insurance?
• Who should be in charge of their finances?
• Where can I go for support?
• Plus, this article will help relive caregiver stress and prevent burnout.

Conclusions on How to Prevent Falls

In summary, preventing falls in yourself and in your 65+ seniors, is a number one safety concern. As a result, you need to have a plan in place to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Finally, get outside help when needed, and know when you need to turn to a professional safety service. Falls do not have to be inevitable! We can all work together to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and independent as long as possible.

The post How to Prevent Falls: 5 Ways to Protect the Elderly appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

Does it sometimes seem like Medicare and Insurance companies are trying to make things as complicated as they possibly can? Just when you think you have Medicare Advantage down, something else comes up! For example: Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers.

Not so very long ago, there was one main senior fitness program when you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan: SilverSneakers®. Then, in January 2019, one carrier dropped SilverSneakers and replaced it with Renew Active. Many people were concerned when this first happened. However, it now seems like Renew Active is a reasonable replacement.

Who is Affected?

The people affected by the change to Renew Active are those that are a part of a Medicare Advantage Plan that has the program as a benefit. (In addition to those people considering whether or not to join their plan.) The majority of the other Medicare Advantage plans still use Silver Sneakers as their main plan.

How to Make a Decision?

If you are trying to decide on a Medicare Advantage Plan in your area, Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers may play a part in your decision. Exercise is very important for staying healthy and reliving stress during your Medicare years.

Let’s take a quick look at the two programs, how they are similar or different, and whether or not there are advantages to either one.

What is Silver Sneakers?

SilverSneakers® is a fitness and wellness program for seniors age 65 and up. It includes free gym memberships across the country, and it is included with many Medicare Advantage Plans.

Click here to read our article: What is Silver Sneakers?

What does a SilverSneakers Membership Include?

• LOCAL GYM MEMBERSHIPS: Silver Sneakers has an extensive list of gyms that participate in their program that offers free gym memberships to seniors. Their website boasts having more gym facilities than there are Starbucks locations in the U.S. (at over 16,000).
  • If you are a part of a Medicare Advantage (MA) program that uses Silver Sneakers, then you can access the gyms in their network at no cost. You can use as many of these facilities as you like while you are a part of your MA plan.

• ONLINE FITNESS CLASSES: If you prefer to workout at home, or do not have a physical location close to you, SilverSneakers offers online fitness classes.

• APP: They also have an app to help you track your fitness goals and schedule your fitness plans. The app can also help you locate participating locations.

What is Renew Active?

Renew Active is another program offered by a carrier with select Medicare Advantage plans. It also offers access to gyms and fitness places across the country.

What does a Renew Active Membership Include?

• GYM ACCESS: When we looked into all the benefits offered by Renew Active, we found the standard access to local gyms.

• BRAIN TRAINING: Interestingly, they also offered a unique feature of online brain training. The company partnered with BrainHQ to offer an app to keep your brain sharp with games and tools available on a PC or mobile device.
  • The BrainHQ service is available for purchase from $8-$14 a month, so getting this included with your Renew membership does seem like a good deal.

Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers: How are they Similar?

When comparing Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers, you will find they are very similar in their main functions.

• To start, both programs offer free gym memberships at local fitness facilities.
• In addition, you can sign-up for multiple fitness locations with both memberships.
• Both plans offer at-home options for people that are too far away from any participating facilities.
  • For at home options with Renew Active you must call their customer service phone number. Apparently, you can find this on the back of your health plan member ID.
  • You can find SiliverSneakers at home programming information online here.
• Finally, Medicare Advantage Plans include one of these programs at no additional cost to plan members.
  • (Some Medigap plans in certain states may have access to some sort of fitness benefit, but that is all dependent on the insurance company and the service area. This is not near as common. Mostly fitness plans are an extra benefit of Medicare Advantage plans.)

How They are Different: Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers

• The first difference we see at this time is Silver Sneakers seems to be in more facilities.
  • SilverSneakers boasts over 16,000 locations.
  • At the start of 2019, Renew Active mentioned over 7,000. However, it seems like their program has grown since that mention.
  • Check the location searches for both programs to make sure your gym preference is covered.

• The second difference is that Renew Active has an online brain training application included, and Silver Sneakers does not (at the time I am writing this article).
  • The BrainHQ app seems to retail at $8-$14 a month if you wanted to buy it separately, so that does suggest added value.
  • We have not tried this app, and could not find a lot of research or reviews on the platform at the moment. Please leave a comment if you find something useful!

• In our Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers comparison, the third difference we see is that Silver Sneakers has an good list of online classes.

What’s Better About Silver Sneakers?

To start, if you are someone who likes to do workouts at home, and likes to stream different workouts online, Silver Sneakers has more to offer you in this area. Their online “on-demand” workout section boasts hundreds of online workouts available.

Also, Silver Sneakers seems to have the larger network of physical fitness facilities at this time.

Finally, multiple Medicare insurance company plans use SilverSneakers. This means your coverage might not change if you change Medicare plans.

What’s Better About Renew Active?

Renew Active is only associated with one carrier’s Medicare Advantage Plans. It’s major advantage over SilverSneakers seems to be the access to BrainHQ training games. It’s network might be a bit smaller than SilverSneakers, but it is still impressive and very useful.

Should Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers be a Deciding Factor on Your MA Plan?

In my opinion, there are much more important factors to consider when choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan than Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers. Your network access to doctors and medical providers should be your first consideration. Your drug plan and hospital facilities and costs should also be more important.

However, if all your plans seem comparable, your decision might include the convenience of using a local wellness facility, streaming exercises at home, or participating in brain health activities.

In this case, it is a great idea to hop onto the facility location tools and online resources for both Renew Active and Silver Sneakers. You can then make sure the program you choose covers your gym or desired services.

Further Reading:

• How Much Does Medicare Cost?

• Getting Healthy! How to Stop Eating Sugar

The post Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

Maybe you just overhead your neighbor talking about his free gym membership, or maybe your doctor asked you if you are a SilverSneakers user. You might then be wondering, just what it Silver Sneakers?

SilverSneakers(r) is a fitness and wellness program for seniors age 65 and up. It includes free gym memberships across the country, and it is included with many Medicare Advantage Plans.

NOTE: If you are a part of AARP’s Unitedhealthcare’s Medicare Advantage Plans, then you will be a part of Renew Active. This is a similar program, but has several differences you can read about here.

What is Included in a Silver Sneakers Membership?

• LOCAL GYM MEMBERSHIPS: Silver Sneakers has an extensive list of gyms that participate in their program that offers free gym memberships to seniors. Their website boasts having more gym facilities than there are Starbucks locations in the U.S. (at over 16,000).
  • If you are a part of a Medicare Advantage (MA) program that uses Silver Sneakers, then you can access the gyms in their network at no cost. You can use as many of these facilities as you like while you are a part of your MA plan.

• ONLINE FITNESS CLASSES: If you prefer to workout at home, or do not have a physical location close to you, SilverSneakers offers online fitness classes.

• APP: They also have an app to help you track your fitness goals and schedule your fitness plans. The app can also help you locate participating locations.

What you Need to Know About Silver Sneakers

First, there are a few things you need to know to get started. Here is an overview and some frequently asked questions about the program.

How do I know if I am a member of SilverSneakers?

Well, if you are part of a Medicare Advantage Plan, then there is a very good chance you are already a part of the program.

To check on your eligibility, click here.

Where can I find participating gyms and wellness facilities?

As an overview, SilverSneakers tries to be in as many convenient fitness facilities as possible. Moreover, they are doing an excellent job of reaching this goal! Right now, they are in over 16,000 fitness facilities.

Here is the official link to search for a participating fitness facility near you.

What if there are no facilities close to me?

If you are in a smaller town or rural area, there might not be a class or gym close to you. However, even if there is not a Silver Sneakers contracted location close to you, you can still participate. The program features online classes and workout kits.

Do I have to take the Silver Sneakers Classes?

Often, people will ask me if they have to attend the SilverSneakers branded classes at the gym. The answer is no. The program gives you access to the whole facility. This includes Silver Sneakers classes, but also all the other classes at the gym. You can also just go walk on the treadmill or lift weights.

The post What is Silver Sneakers? appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to caring for elderly parents and/or grandparents. Aging is a natural part of life, and everyone should have a care plan for themselves and their aging loved ones. This guide helps you make the tough decisions to keep your loved ones safe and happy.

I personally know what it is like to live with elderly loved ones and care for them. I lived with my grandparents right before their health declined enough to move them to assisted living. It was the hardest year of my life. However, it was also rewarding to care for them after all of the years they cared for me.

Where can my loved ones safely live?

Helping your elderly parents or grandparents decide where they should live can be very emotional. This is true for all the people involved. The options range from staying at home to full-time care, and everything in between.

Senior Living Options

• Living at Home – Options exist for helping your seniors live at home as long as possible.
  • There are non-medical care-giving services such as Home Instead and Right at Home. They provide help around the house and companionship, but not medical care.
  • The medical alert devices listed in the services in the next section also help give seniors and you peace of mind in regards to their safety. These are good for the home environment, as well as running around town.
• Retirement Community / Apartment or Condo – Often times seniors will want to move to a retirement community or 55+ apartment or condo building. Seniors like the social aspects of these communities. In addition, there are add conveniences and informal safety networks in place to give everyone peace of mind.
• Assisted Living – For seniors that need a level of care below the nursing home, assisted living is a great option. However, these homes can be expensive. There are not always spots open for low income or Medicaid beneficiaries.
• Memory Care Centers – Dementia and Alzheimer’s is a growing disease in America. As a result, we see more centers and homes dedicated to residents with memory issues.
• Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care – The last stop on the list is the nursing home / long-term care facilities. There are both private and public options in most cities, but it takes a lot of research to make sure you are finding the best fit for your loved one.
  • The government has a web-page to help you in comparing nursing home quality here.

What services / products can keep elderly loved ones safe and happy?

Especially if your loved ones are living at home, there are different products and services that can give everyone peace of mind. These include aides to help with daily activities, as well as alert / check-in services.

Products to Keep Your Loved Ones Safe & Happy

We love products that keep seniors happy, independent and safe. Happily, more creative and innovative options exist that ever to make life easier. We are constantly on the hunt for life-improving and safety-enhancing innovations.

For now, you can start by looking at our senior gift lists.

• The Best Gifts for Seniors
• The Best Gifts for the Elderly in Nursing Homes

We love the idea of thoughtful and helpful house warming gifts for seniors that are making a move. Especially if this move was out of necessity. A little love and thought goes a long way with these big transitions.

Services to Keep Your Elderly Parents Safe

We all worry about falls and accidents. The elderly often experience a decline in balance and strength with each passing year. There are a few options out there of companies that will monitor your loved ones and give them the help they need in case of a fall. When we look at companies to refer you to, we look for ones with good customer service, customization options and no long-term contracts.

How can I help elderly parents with health care and insurance?

If your loved one is either older than 65 or disabled, they probably qualify for the Medicare program. In addition, if they are living on a very small income, they could also qualify for Medicaid.

From a high level view, your loved one will need to choose if they want their Medicare coverage to be bundled with a Medicare Advantage Plan or to be put together with Original Medicare, a Supplement and a Drug Plan. These are the two paths to choose from.

Let’s back up now, and break down the parts of Medicare. We want you, the caregiver, to feel as comfortable and knowledgeable as possible when helping your seniors make their decisions.

Helpful Medicare Articles for Caregivers

MedicareLifeHealth.com is a great resource for learning about Medicare. We have articles to show you how to set-up your loved one’s health care. We understand it is so important to make sure they get the coverage and care they need.

Here is where to go for more information:

• What is Medicare? (If you need to start with the basics!)
  
• What is Medicare Advantage? (The bundled option, aka Part C.)
  
• What is a Medicare Supplement Plan? (Aka Medigap or Gap Plan.)
  
• How does my loved one get a Prescription Drug Plan? (Part D as either a stand alone plan or part of a Medicare Advantage Bundled Plan.)
  
• What option is best for my loved one – Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare with a Supplement?
  
• If you have more specific Medicare Questions, we suggest reading our Medicare and You User Guide. The US government publishes a Medicare and You Book each year that goes into detail about Medicare. It is usually over 120 pages. Thus, many people are overwhelmed by it. However, it is a good resources. So we created a User Guide to help you understand Medicare better and locate the answers you need for very specific questions.

Who can I call or email for help with Medicare/Medicaid/Health Care Insurance?

MedicareLifeHealth is a national community, but health care questions and registrations are often different state to state. So, we have a couple different resources for you to work with.

If you live in Nebraska or Iowa: Your fearless leader of Medicare Life Health Co. (Carly Cummings – that’s me!) is a licensed life/health agent in NE and IA. I would be glad to help you with your questions and enrollment needs.

Please contact me here.

If you live in all other 48 States: We are building our directory of national insurance agents. Find one now:

Who should be in charge of caring for elderly parents’ finances?

There might come a time when you realize your seniors need help with their finances. As a result, you will discover two phases of caring for your elderly parents’ or grandparents’ finances:

1. Assisting with their decisions.
2. Taking over the decisions.

This same process translates to Medical decisions, so we will include information on both.

Durable Power of Attorney

When working with seniors to help them in making financial and medical decisions, you will want to set up “Durable” Power of Attorney (POA). This is a document that will give you (or someone else they trust) power to act in their place if they become mentally incapacitated.

The “Durable” part is important. Regular power of attorney documents end when a person becomes mentally incapacitated. Durable powers of attorney contracts do not. With this document, you will be able to help your elderly parent with important decisions when they cannot.

In addition, you will want to have two separate Durable Power of Attorney Documents:

1. One for Medical
2. And one for Financial.

Medical Power of Attorney (POA)

Commonly called the durable power of attorney for health care, this document names the person who will be making health care decisions for your elderly parent.

The named person will be able to enroll the elderly parent in medical plans, speak to doctors on their behalf, and represent their wishes in regards to medical care.

You will also want to make sure your loved ones have a living will and a regular will. Knowing your loved one’s desires for how end of life care and services will go is very important. Please see our full article on “Caring for Dying Parents” here.

Financial Power of Attorney (POA)

Your elderly family member will also need to name someone to carry out their financial wishes when they cannot. This is where a comprehensive durable financial power of attorney is important.

Note, this should be a separate document from the medical POA. The financial POA allows someone take over your elder’s retirement accounts, taxes, and bills. For this reason, it needs to be someone they trust, and should be done as soon as possible to make sure they are represented in the ways they wish.

Working Together

Finally, although these are two separate documents, you certainly can name the same person on both. In fact, having the same person do both will make life much easier and simpler. If you do have different people named on each document, you will want to ensure they communicate well and can work together effectively.

Where can I get support for caring for elderly parents?

I remember pulling over to the side of the road, one very stressful day, because I couldn’t see through my tears to drive. At the time, I was living with my grandparents and trying to care for them while their health continued to decline.

I was overwhelmed by the amount of work it took to keep them safe in their own home (even with the help of a home care company). Consequently, we were reaching the tipping point of needing to move them to assisted living. However, the thoughts about and process of this change were also just sad. It was a lot for me to handle.

Luckily, I had a very strong support system and access to help. You need this too. You can start by reading this article on managing caregiver stress and preventing burnout.

Find Someone to Talk to Regularly

The first step is to reach out to someone to talk to and confide in. Care-giving takes a lot out of you. As a result, you need someone to listen to you and give back to you. Whether this is a professional counselor, or just a friend, you need to make “talking it out” a priority. Better yet, make your conversations a habit or a standing date.

Seek Outside Help

The second step is to get outside help. If your parent is still at home, see what is in the budget for hiring a care service. Even if just for a few hours a week. These companies help with daily living activities for seniors wanting to still live by themselves. (This is non-medical help.)

Alternatively, you can see what social network your seniors are a part of that might want to help. My mom was excellent at getting visitors for her elderly parents from not only their friends, church member, etc. but also from her own social network. You would be amazed at how many people are willing to swing by a nursing home and say hello during the week. You just have to ask!

Set-up Self-Care

Care-giving makes you busy, tired and often plain run-down. The only way self-care happens is when you make it a priority. Moreover, you need to set it in your schedule as an important appointment.

First, create and stick to a weekly workout schedule. Then, create a routine for getting healthy meals onto your table. Finally, make sure you keep your hair appointments, massages or other healthy ways to relax and stay on top of your health.

I know it is all easier said than done, but you will be much more efficient and helpful if you are well rested and cared for first.

Action Steps for Caring for Elderly Parents

In summary, caring for elderly parents, grandparent and loved ones is a long, hard journey. However, you are not alone! In addition to all the helpful organizations, services and innovations out there, there are also real people that want to love and support you. You cannot, and should not, do this alone.

Here are a few good steps to get you started or move you forward with your loved one’s journey.

• First, if you are considering housing options, reach out to a home care service. If a move is a necessity sooner or later, start by touring one assisted living center or nursing home.
  
• Second, for seniors living at home or even in assisted living, look into a couple of medical alert systems. Falls are all too common, and you need to be prepared.
  
• Third, in regards to health care, reach out to a professional to make sure your loved one has the best coverage in their area. Plans change all the time, so a review is always a good idea.
  
• Fourth, legally, make sure you understand what your loved one needs and wants in regards to making financial decisions. Get together all the proper documents needed to secure current or future Power of Attorney options.
  
• See in your loved one has any Long-Term Care Insurance in place. Additionally, they could have a life insurance policy with a Long-Term Care Rider or a Critical Illness Rider.
  
• Finally, create a plan now for taking care of yourself and start implementing it right away. You deserve it. Thank you for taking care of your elderly parents and loved ones.
  

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