What Legal Documents Should your Aging Parent Consider?

Having the right documents in place as you age is important to ensure that your wishes are carried out and decisions are made in your best interest. Unfortunately some people don’t realize the need for these forms until it’s too late. Right now they are able to think clearly and make sound decisions, but a few years down the road, things may change. You want to be prepared in the event that you are unable to make decisions, be they medical or financial.

There are several documents that you should discuss with your aging parent while they are capable of making their own decisions. The professionals at Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville recognize the importance of advanced planning and encourage seniors to work with their family to have the proper forms and plans in place.

·         Durable Power of Attorney: While a power of attorney appoints another person to make decisions on your behalf while you are mentally and physically able, should you become incapacitated in some way, their power becomes void. A durable power of attorney grants them the ability to make decisions on your behalf should you become unable to. Some people use the durable power of attorney for both financial and healthcare matters, while other people separate these roles and assign them to different people. You can clearly outline the details of what decisions they are able to make and when.

·         Living Will: This is also known as an advanced directive. It a document that outlines your healthcare wishes should you become incapacitated. You can determine what steps you want to be taken and what steps you do not want when it comes to saving or prolonging your live. A durable power of attorney for health care should be filed as well to appoint an agent to make decisions. This agent could be a family member or trusted friend.

·         Living Trust: You may also want to consider a living trust. This document transfers your assets into a trust and then you can designate someone to be in charge of it. Should you become incapacitated or pass away, they are able to make decisions regarding your assets. A last will can be helpful as well as it specifies how you want your assets to be handled should you pass away. If no trust or will is in place, the state takes charge of your assets.

These are just a few documents to consider. Taking the time to talk to your lawyer can help you to be better prepared and make sure that everything is in place ahead of time. Don’t put off planning until the last minute when you are under pressure. Do it while you are thinking clearly and able to decide how you want things to be handled and by whom. Always Best Care of Asheville respects seniors’ wishes and supports them in leading a full and quality life. For more information, contact Always Best Care online or at (828) 989-7263.

Important Health Screenings for Seniors

As a senior, paying attention to your health is important. There are certain conditions that are more prevalent in older adults and may develop as a result of aging. Keeping on top of your health can help you live a longer, healthier life and maintain your independence. There are a variety of screenings that seniors should consider to remain proactive and catch problems early on.

·         Vision Screenings

Over time you may notice that your vision has deteriorated. It may have become more difficult to read fine print, focus on things that are further away, or see things clearly. Colors may not be as bright and images aren’t as focused. Regular vision screenings can identify issues such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, or just changes in your eyesight. There are many ways to treat these conditions and support better vision.

·         Hearing Screenings

Poor hearing can impact your safety and quality of life. It can make it more difficult to participate in conversations and hear alerts and other noises. Having your hearing checked can mean getting hearing aids or other devices to help you stay more engaged and not miss out.

·         Blood Pressure  and Cholesterol

Both of these factors can increase your risk of a stroke or heart attack if they are not properly managed and become too high. Simple blood tests can measure levels of “good” and “bad” cholesterol as well as lipids. Changes in diet and exercise as well as medication can help to keep these conditions under control.

·         Breast Cancer

Women should continue to get annual mammograms even as seniors because breast cancer risk can increase as they get older. Mammograms can detect problems early on and lead to more effective treatment. This is especially important if you have a family history of breast cancer.

·         Colorectal Cancer

Both men and women should have colorectal screenings done. Frequency will depend on the individual, but testing can support early detection and treatment of both colon and rectal cancers as well as polyps.

·         Osteoporosis

As you age, your bones can become more fragile as bone density decreases. Strong bones are important to reduce the risk of fractures and promote healing should an injury occur. General recommendations are to start testing at age 65, but you may get screenings even earlier if you have other factors that increase your risk of osteoporosis.

Other tests that seniors may want to consider include memory, depression, diabetes, prostate cancers, and cervical cancer. In addition, vaccinations against the flu and pneumonia can support better health as well. Talk to your doctor about what screenings you should be receiving and how often.

An in-home caregiver can help you stay on top of scheduling and attending appointments, taking medication, and increasing safety and wellbeing. They can alert family members to any changes they notice or concerns they may have. To learn more about the benefits of senior care, contact Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville online or by calling (828) 989-7263. Your health and safety should be a top priority.

Hard Conversations: Talking to your Loved One about Senior Care

For many people, one of the most challenging things about getting older is losing their independence. Seniors are hesitant to ask for or admit they need help because they want to remain in their own home rather than going to assisted living or a nursing home. Fortunately for seniors in the Asheville-Hendersonville area, they can stay in their home and get the help they need through senior care services. In-home care can provide them with a wide range of assistance as well as offer companionship.

Bringing up the idea of in-home care can be a sensitive subject. It’s important to set the right tone and not make your aging parent feel like they are being forced into anything or losing control. Here are some tips for making the conversation a little easier:

Focus on you: Rather than making the conversation all about why your parent needs help, emphasize how it would make you feel better. By having someone checking in on and assisting them, you can have more peace of mind about their safety and wellbeing. They’ll have someone to help with daily tasks, provide transportation, and give reminders. Elderly parents don’t want their children worrying about them, so they may be more apt to accept help.

Keep things positive: As you casually bring up the topic, focus on the positives of how it can improve their quality of life. Someone can help them prepare meals and grocery shop, get to events they want to attend, spend time talking about their favorite things, and help them stay organized. An in-home caregiver can ensure they’re taking their medication and that their home doesn’t have any safety concerns.

Address their fears: It can take some time to get used to having a stranger in their home helping them with things they’re used to doing on their own. Empathize with their emotions and reassure them that the caregiver has their best interests in mind. If you can, go over the first few times to help them feel more comfortable and get more adjusted. Keep communication open and check in to see how things are going.

Do a trial run: Ask your aging parent if they will give in-home care a try for a few weeks. Perhaps you can start off with a day or two a week and see how things go. If more help is necessary and your senior warms up to the idea, then you can make adjustments to services to increase the frequency. Let your loved one know that they can still be independent and just accept help with certain tasks or aspects of their day. It is very flexible and customizable to their individual needs.

As you re-evaluate your loved ones safety and abilities, consider how senior services can help. If you know of others who get assistance, they may be able to speak to the benefits as well. If you’re looking for high quality, in-home care in the Asheville-Hendersonville area, contact Always Best Care today to learn more. Call (828) 989-7263 or visit us online and rest assured that your loved one is in good hands.

Celebrating the 4th of July with your Senior

Summer brings with it several different holidays and the chance to enjoy the festivities with your aging parent. The 4^th of July is a wonderful time to get together and have a picnic, watch fireworks, and celebrate with friends and family. But as you plan for these events, there are certain considerations to keep in mind when bringing your senior along to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable time.

• Make sure they stay hydrated. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can be dangerous, so bring plenty of water and make sure they are drinking it throughout the day. Spruce up beverages a bit with fresh fruit to add a hint of flavor.
• Pack sunscreen and don’t forget to reapply to protect your senior’s skin from painful sunburn. Try to find a place to sit that is shaded and offers relief from the sun’s rays. If you can’t find a shaded area, have large umbrella handy to provide some shelter.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing that provides protection from the sun but also allows air to get through and can breathe. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are also beneficial.
• If going to a party or picnic, make sure your senior is able to navigate the terrain and there aren’t too many obstacles such as stairs or uneven ground that could impact their balance. Bring a comfortable chair that will provide adequate support and allow them to get up and down.
• Situate yourselves close to restrooms for easy access and away from noisy crowds, small children, and smoky grills. This can allow your loved one to relax more comfortably without so many distractions and interruptions. However, make sure they are still close enough to be part of the celebration and socialize.
• Consider any dietary restrictions your loved one may have and pack foods that they can enjoy. You may have to prepare some dishes ahead of time or help them to select the best choices from available options.

With a little advanced planning, your senior can participate in the fun while staying safe and receiving the assistance they need. An in-home caregiver can help them prepare for the day or accompany them to the festivities if needed. Make the most of the Fourth of the July by ensuring your activities are senior-friendly and enjoying the time you get to spend together. For more information about senior services and personalized care, contact Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville at (828) 989-7263 or visit us online.