Alzheimer's Care Asheville: Living Trusts and Living Wills - Which One?

By Jim Smeaton
Planning for the future is a major activity at every stage of life - especially before the onset of a debilitating disease such as Alzheimer's. When individuals are younger, they may save for a car, for the birth of their children, or for yearly vacations. As they age, they may focus more intently on planning ahead for retirement, medical costs, and the educational expenses that their kids incur. When individuals reach a certain age, it is important to consider not only financial preparation, but also medical preparation as well. The home care providers at Always Best Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, understand the value that lies in making crucial decisions regarding healthcare and financial assets. For many seniors, making and legally stating these decisions is one way to help their families through the difficulties they will experience when their elderly individuals pass on or suffer from devastating medical complications. 

Living wills and living trusts are two of the most popular preparatory devices that seniors utilize. These legal documents are similar in that they allow individuals to specify their wishes; however, they are different in virtually every other way. 

Here are some highlights regarding these two legal documents. When helping your senior plan for the future, encourage them to speak to their attorney about how a living will or living trust will benefit both them and their family together. 

Living Wills

• his document outlines a senior's wishes regarding their medical care.
• Commonly, living wills address medical decisions that are controversial or would prove difficult for a family member to make. 
• By listing their wishes ahead of time, seniors can ensure that their desires are met and that their family members are not placed into an uncomfortable decision-making situation.
• Most often, a living will details the desire of an individual regarding life support, organ donation, and a variety of other healthcare issues. 

Living Trusts

• Living trusts are actually a wonderful way to manage assets at any stage of life.
• This particular legal vehicle is also called a revocable living trust, declaration of trust, inter vivos trust, and revocable trust. 
• Trusts allow individuals to manage assets, such as property and other investments. 

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC understand that planning ahead is often difficult. Not only is it impossible to know exactly what decisions will need to be made, it can be emotionally challenging to make such decisions. But elder care providers also know the immense value that wills and trusts hold for families. As such, they encourage you to talk to your senior about their wishes and how it is best to ensure that your family is able to legally fulfill them. 

We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.

We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton  and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.

Avoiding Isolation: Helping Your Senior Feel Involved During the Holiday Season

By Jim Smeaton
Seniors, particularly those who live alone or reside far away from their families, often tend to feel lonely. This is very true during the holidays, when families are expected to spend time with one another and reminisce on all of the great memories they have shared. Even if they live near their families, and get to see their loved ones often, elderly individuals may feel nostalgic during the holidays and, as a result of mourning the passage of so many years, tend to become isolated. The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, know that nostalgia and loneliness are natural feelings; however, they are also aware of the importance of including your senior in your holiday plans. 

In some situations, it may be easy to ensure that your elderly loved one is involved in holiday celebrations; in others, though, it may prove a challenge to plan festivities in which your senior can participate. Here are some ways to help you ensure that your loved one is engaged in the season. 

• Coordinate transportation for your senior with other family members. In so doing, you can make certain that your loved one has a way to attend family get togethers.
• Make sure that your senior has a comfortable place to rest during holiday parties. For instance, if you are hosting a party that will take place in the living room, have your senior sit on a comfortable couch or chair so they can be part of the festivities. 
• If your loved one owns a home and cannot attend family celebrations, bring the party to them. For instance, have family members meet at your senior's home on Thanksgiving morning. Have the adults do the cooking while your elderly loved one is able to spend time with their grandchildren and other family members. After dinner, be sure to clean up and leave the house as you found it. This way, your loved one is involved in the festivities but does not have to strain themselves to host a party. 

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC know that the holidays can become a bit lonely for seniors, who may feel isolated from their loved ones. By putting in a bit of extra effort, you can plan holiday celebrations that your entire family will enjoy.

We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton  and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.