Key End of Life Planning Issues to Tackle with Seniors

As your senior ages, it’s important to start to tackle end of life planning with them. While the topic may not be a pleasant one to discuss, you want to make sure that you have a strong idea about your elderly loved one’s wishes. In order to cover end of life planning thoroughly, consider approaching the following key issues:

A will

A will dictates how items that your elderly family member values will be distributed when they’re no longer around. This includes money, property, special keepsakes, and even pets. To have a will drawn up, consult with an attorney first. It should be a fairly easy process, but it’s highly important too. 

If you feel uncomfortable approaching the subject, elder care professionals suggest saying: “I don’t want to upset you, but I want to make sure that if something happened to you, your wishes are honored properly. Do you have an updated will?”

Power of attorney

This enables another individual to make legal and financial decisions on behalf of your senior in the event that they become unable to do so on their own. It’s important that this person knows that they’ll hold this responsibility, and that they’re aware of exactly how the elderly individual feels about certain issues. Senior health professionals suggest having a lawyer draw up the power of attorney paperwork. 

Advance healthcare directives

Senior care professionals explain that advance healthcare directives are made up of a living will, a health proxy, a HIPPA release, and other documentation. These items become crucial in the event that your loved one is incapacitated and unable to make decisions on their own. In order to broach this discussion topic, try saying, “If you were to be on life support, I would be devastated and not in the best frame of mind for decision making. I think it would be useful for both of us if you put some of your wishes in writing.”

While it’s not always easy to talk about end of life plans with your elderly parent, doing so ensures that their wishes are honored and that everyone can enjoy some peace of mind. 

Useful Strategies for Coping with the Loss of a Parent

Regardless of how old you are, the loss of a parent is a devastating and life-altering experience. For those with senior parents, the idea can actually seem completely overwhelming. While it is never easy to get over the loss of mom or dad, here are a few strategies a person can use to cope with their grief and begin to resume a normal life:

Rely on support

Many people begin to internalize their grief and emotions. They tell friends and family members that they’re fine, when they’re really going through an intense emotional crisis. Elder care professionals recommend avoiding this natural instinct, instead opting to share with family members and friends. These people are there to support you and help you get through this challenging time, so it’s important to let them know exactly how you’re feeling.  

Seek professional help

With a loss as dramatic as this one, it can often be useful to seek professional help. A trained therapist can help to equip you with the coping strategies necessary to recover and rebuild your life without your parent there. It’s also helpful to have someone who is there specifically to listen and provide support, particularly if you’re starting to feel like a burden on family members and friends.

Don’t abandon hobbies and passions

When you lose a parent, it’s tempting to sit at home and wallow. While this may seem like the best option, this actually can worsen feelings of sadness. Instead, it’s necessary to try to stick to a normal routine. Whether this means going to the gym, meeting friends for dinner, reading, or taking the dog for a walk, participating in favorite activities can help to alleviate feelings of grief. 

Attend a support group

It’s often helpful to spend time with people going through a similar situation. Locate a support group in your area, and make it a point to attend at least a few meetings. Knowing that you’re not alone in your pain is often a comforting fact. 

After you lose a parent, it’s important to remain focused on self-care. Get enough sleep, eat well, and don’t try to take on too many new additional responsibilities. This is a vulnerable time, and you shouldn’t try to overextend yourself as you heal.  It’s okay to say “no” to optional activities, and to spend time reflecting and relaxing. 

Essential Home Renovations for Aging in Place

Many seniors want to retain their independence and stay in their home, but struggle to live there comfortably as they age. In order to enable a senior to enjoy a happy and safe life in a place where they can feel at peace, it’s often necessary to make a few modifications to their living space. Elder care professionals explain that such modifications may include:

Adjusting the height of the dishwasher

In order to prevent strain when loading and unloading the dishwasher, try raising the height of the machine. This makes it easier to take care of this chore without feeling stiff as a result.

Adding in pull-out shelves

When your elderly loved one has to bend down to access lower cabinets, it can put a lot of stress on their back. To make it easier to access pots, pans, and other items, insert pull-out shelves into traditional cabinets. They prevent the need to reach into the depths of the cabinet to access cooking utensils. These cabinets are typically available at a local shelving company or can be installed by a contractor. 

Install grab bars in bathrooms

Grab bars are crucial for keeping your senior safe as they shower or take a bath, explain senior care professionals. Bathrooms can become a serious safety risk, as elderly individuals can slip or get off balance quickly, resulting in a devastating fall. Place grab bars in bathrooms, as well as in bedrooms and in hallways in order to keep your elderly loved one safely on their feet as they move about their home.

Keep the shower safe

To make sure your elderly loved one stays safe while bathing, consider covering the floor of the bathtub in a nonstick coating. You can also purchase a shower seat, which allows your senior to bathe without having to stand on their feet and maneuver around during their shower. This makes the process easier and much less risky. 

In order to make it easier to see in the evening hours, make sure that lightbulbs throughout the home are strong and haven’t burnt out. Also verify that there are no loose cords or other items lying on the floor that could create a tripping hazard. This includes area rugs and grandkids’ toys. 

A Safety Checklist for Your Senior

If your senior is still thriving while living independently inside their own home, you’ll want to make sure that this space is a safe place for them to reside. Even the most capable and mobile elderly people can encounter a problem due to seemingly innocuous safety hazards inside their own home. For proper senior health, elder care professionals recommend focusing on the following aspects:

• Put handrails into place on all steps, both inside of the home and on the outside
• Make sure carpets are laying down flat, as corners that stick up can become a tripping hazard. Consider taping rugs down with double-sided tape or carpet mesh
• Get rid of all unnecessary rugs
• Make sure that dresser drawers and cabinets are outfitted with handles that are easy to grasp
• Replace any burnt out light bulbs, making sure that the new bulbs don’t create a glare within the home
• Install night lights in the bathroom or kitchen, as well as in hallways that lead to these rooms
• Add reflective tape on non-carpeted stairs
• Place benches throughout the home to promote easy resting, while also making it effortless to quickly set down purchases
• Make sure closets are well lit
• Make sure the exterior of the home is well lit
• Double check that doors and windows have locks, and that these locks are in good working condition

It’s also important to make sure that your senior’s quality of life is high. To do this, ensure that the food in their refrigerator and pantry is healthy and has not gone bad. If your loved one struggles with meal preparation or clean up, consider having a home care professional come in several times per week to help with this. 

Purchase a pill sorter and divide the elderly individual’s medication out by day so that it is easy for them to know which pills to take. Write out instructions if necessary, or ask the home care professional to assist with this too. 

Your senior should also know how they would proceed in the event of a home emergency such as a fire. Create an emergency escape plan, and decide upon a meeting spot where you can find one another once they have exited the home. 

Learning About Financial Fraud Risks for Seniors

Unfortunately, many people prey on the elderly as they unleash their financial fraud schemes. This is often because older individuals are typically home during the day and may have more time on their hands. Additionally, they may be glad to talk with someone on the phone because it provides company. In order to keep your elderly loved one safe, you’ll want to know about some of the most common ways that seniors get scammed. They include:

Through healthcare or insurance fraud

There are dozens of permutations of healthcare fraud that can happen to your senior. In many instances, a person will call and claim to be from an insurance company. They will state that they need to update your senior’s records, and will ask them for their social security information. They may even try to get credit card details.

Fake prescription drugs

Senior care professionals note that scammers will lure their victims in with promises of discounted prescription drugs. They will then steal the person’s financial information, and may even sell them pills that can cause serious bodily harm. 

Sweepstakes scams

Many seniors fall victim to fake sweepstakes scams, where a person calls them and tells them that they have won a significant prize or amount of money, regardless of whether they actually entered a contest or not. They then say that they need to collect some financial information in order to award the prize. 

Investment schemes

Scammers know that many seniors are concerned about retirement and their savings; therefore, they prey on this weakness. They offer phony investment schemes that claim to offer a big payout. In reality, they just collect the individual’s money and private financial data. 

Fraudulent anti-aging products

Seniors are often concerned about the signs of aging, and may quickly fall victim to scammers who promise “miracle” products that take two decades off of their face. Though it may sound impossible, to a person who is truly concerned about the signs of aging, this is just the opportunity they need to fork over serious amounts of cash or their credit card information.

To help your senior stay safe from these schemes, elder care professionals advise talking to them about the signs of a scam. Warn them that they should never give out financial information or other personal details over the phone, and remind them that if it seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. 

The Best Way to Celebrate This Valentine’s Day With Your Senior

If your senior is in an assisted living facility or is mostly homebound, you may worry that they’re missing out on the love and joy that comes with Valentine’s Day. However, regardless of how mobile your elderly loved one is, you can help to bring them a special holiday at a relatively low price point this year. The following activities will get them into the Valentine’s Day spirit:

Encourage young family members to create homemade valentines

Your senior will delight over getting a few handmade valentines to celebrate the special day. Whether they’re store-bought or colored with markers at home, a reminder that they are loved will be important to your elderly loved one during this time.

Have them make valentines for others

Part of the fun in Valentine’s Day comes in spreading the love to others. Help your senior make some valentines for the people closest to them. Bring over plenty of construction paper, stickers, glitter, and other materials, and get to work creating notes of affection for family members, friends, and even in-home care professionals. They don’t have to be perfect, just full of love and appreciation.

Bake Valentine’s Day cookies

A sweet treat is the perfect way to commemorate the holiday. Professionals who care for the elderly explain that this project is easy to do regardless of where your elderly loved one is living. Bake sugar cookies and decorate them with pink and red icing. You can even buy plain cookies from the store and just get to work on personalizing them. 

Decorate

According to elder care services professionals, decorating your senior’s living space for the occasion can also get them into the spirit. Hang some streamers, paper hearts, and other festive items, or consider purchasing pink and red candles. These small touches will make a major difference. 

Remember that Valentine’s Day isn’t just about love for a partner. Even if your loved one’s significant other has since passed away, they can enjoy celebrating love for friends and family members. Help them to enjoy this day and remind them how loved they truly are. 

Safety Goals to Focus on in the New Year

While many people are committing themselves to an exercise regimen or an improved diet as 2014 rolls around, those who care for elderly individuals often have different priorities in mind. When it comes to home care, the professionals of Always Best Care Asheville-Hendersonville explain that safety should remain a priority. In fact, the new year is a great time to re-evaluate the safety of your loved one’s home, allowing you to make necessary changes to protect them.

Safety priorities

As you begin to analyze your elderly loved one’s home, home care professionals advise focusing on the following areas:

• Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they’re working properly
• Ensure that there is a fire extinguisher readily accessible
• Verify that your senior has a well established emergency escape plan in the event of a fire or other unexpected situation
• Make sure that fireplaces are outfitted with protective screens
• Verify that the home is properly lit, and check to make sure that bulbs haven’t burnt out near walkways, porches, and outside stairways

Taking care of hazards around the home

Senior care professionals explain that it is important for a caregiver to address any hazards that may exist in an elderly individual’s living space. To do this, attend to the following:

• Eliminate raised doorway thresholds
• Get rid of clutter, particularly if it is on the floor where your senior could trip on it
• Attend to loose carpet that could become a tripping hazard
• Use nonskid floor wax
• Shift furniture and electrical cords so that they are not lying where people are walking
• Add sturdy handrails to stairs
• Install nightlights in hallways and bathrooms
• Make sure that the property is cared for, and that snow and ice are taken care of regularly

Bathrooms are another common place where slips and falls occur. To make sure that your senior stays safe in the bathroom, focus on the following:

• Install shower chairs or bath benches for a safer bathing experience
• Put grab handles into place in bathrooms
• Make sure the tub is outfitted with nonskid mats
• Encourage your senior to get into the shower by putting their weaker leg in first, and suggest that they exit by placing their stronger leg first.

Regardless of your senior’s level of independence, it is always wise to put safety measures in place to prevent accidents from happening as they attend to daily tasks.

The Best Gifts for Your Senior this Holiday Season

As the holiday season rolls around, you’ll want to find a way to make sure that your senior feels loved and appreciated. There are many different gift options that an elderly individual would love to add to their collection. If you’re looking for a way to narrow down the list, keep these suggestions in mind:

• Fitness-focused gifts: Being sedentary is at the root of many major health problems among elderly individuals. Senior care professionals advise family members to invest in a fitness-focused gift that allows an elderly loved one to have fun while getting active. Though the Nintendo Wii is beloved by children, it can also benefit seniors as it presents a fun and manageable way to get moving. The system is affordable and provides a range of games that will fit your elderly loved one’s activity level and interests. Home care professionals explain that this is the perfect way to get your senior bowling or playing tennis, even if they’re not able to leave the house to pursue these activities anymore.
• Gifts that challenge the mind: The senior care professionals of Always Best Care of Asheville, Hendersonville, and Waynesville explain that keeping the mind sharp is another important aspect of helping a senior to age well. Numerous studies have illustrated that a person who regularly challenges their mind is less likely to experience Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. There are many different ways to go about doing this, from playing video games to doing crossword puzzles. If your elderly loved one adores numbers, buy them a book of Sudoku puzzles. If they’ve really embraced technology, invest in one of many different kinds of software that will allow them to enjoy a challenging round of game play on their computer.
• Tools that help a senior to keep safe: There are a number of attractive yet effective gifts for family members who are concerned about the safety of their elderly loved one. For instance, A Very Special Heart is a device that conceals a small USB device inside a beautiful charm. This USB tool holds information about your senior’s medical conditions, allergies, and daily medications. It’s an elegant piece of jewelry that serves a purpose.

Regardless of whether you want something practical or fun, there are plenty of options that will delight your senior as they unwrap their gifts during the holidays.

How to Navigate a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis with Your Senior

Prostate cancer is currently the most common form of cancer among elderly men, and has actually risen to become the second leading form of cancer in the Western world today.1  As seniors are living longer prostate cancer rates are rising, making it important for elderly individuals and their families to understand what this kind of cancer is and how it can be treated.

Eldercare professionals explain that prostate cancer is a slow-growing disease that begins in the prostate, though the cancer can end up spreading to other areas of the body. Unfortunately, in its very early stages, the condition typically does not show itself in easy-to-spot symptoms. Because it typically only displays when it has progressed, prostate cancer becomes especially dangerous. Some common signs of this kind of cancer to be on the lookout for include:

• The frequent urge to urinate
• Trouble stopping or starting when urinating
• The inability to urinate
• Pain during urination
• Blood in the urine

Senior care professionals note that these symptoms can also indicate other issues and may not necessarily be signs of cancer, but still require a visit to a doctor.

Though scientists are still researching the exact causes behind prostate cancer, there are several risk factors that may indicate whether a person is at risk for developing this disease. These risk factors are as follows:

• Family history
• Age (80 percent of cases occur after a person turns 60)
• Race (African Americans and Caucasians are most at risk)
• Obesity
• A high-fat diet
• A sedentary lifestyle

Should your elderly loved one receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, there are several different ways to proceed. A medical professional can offer insight on the most effective way to go about treating the disease. Such options include surgery, radiation, or hormonal therapy. Many people just assume that chemotherapy is the best course of action in order to preserve senior health, when in reality this strategy is typically only used once the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

Compassion and empathy are necessary if your senior is going through prostate cancer treatment, particularly if they were already in declining health. Your elderly loved one may feel frustrated, and may lack the energy they once enjoyed. Understand that this is often the case, and do your best to provide support and assistance for your senior.

Tips for Properly Honoring Veterans on Veterans Day

With Veterans Day quickly approaching, it’s important to take some time to think about how you’ll honor the veteran in your life. For seniors who served in the armed forces, this day is an important and poignant part of the year, and deserves proper recognition. If you’re looking for tips on paying your respects to the veterans in your community and in your home, think about using some of these strategies:

Display an American flag: This simple gesture won’t take much time, but helps to illustrate that your family supports those who have scarified for their country. You may even consider asking your senior who served to help you hang it.

Attend a Veterans Day parade: This is a fun way to celebrate your senior, as well as other veterans in your area.

Do something nice for a veteran: If you spot someone wearing an item that indicates that they have served in the Armed Forces, thank them for their service. A small gesture also has a meaningful impact on this special day. This could be as simple as buying a vet a cup of coffee when they’re in line behind you, or offering to pump their gas at the gas station. If you have more money to spend, consider picking up the tab for a veteran and their family.

Send a letter to troops overseas: Write a letter to a solider oversees thanking them for their service. For information on how to go about doing this, check out the U.S. Department of Defense website. You may also consider sending a care package with small personal items, sources of entertainment, and other items that may provide comfort to someone serving their country.

Visit with wounded veterans at a VA facility: Many veterans just want someone to talk to, so your presence can be extremely comforting, particularly on Veterans Day. Head to your local VA hospital and spend some time chatting with the men and women there.

There are plenty of other effective ways to honor someone who has served, too. You can spend time with the family of a person who’s currently overseas, or can bring flowers to a veterans’ cemetery in order to make it look more beautiful. These gestures may be small, but they’re much appreciated.

How Can Non-Medical In-Home Care Reduce Hospital Readmissions?

The professionals at Always Best Care Asheville have assisted numerous seniors with the transition from the hospital back into their homes. In most cases this is a joyous occasion, as elderly individuals are frequently ecstatic to finally return to the comfort of their own beds and familiar surroundings; however, hospital readmissions are high when seniors lack the support necessary to make this transition in a positive, healthy manner. You see, elderly individuals frequently need a bit of extra help with regard to home care when they leave the hospital. With the assistance of non-medical care professionals, tasks like grooming and dressing can change from daunting and potentially dangerous to simple activities.

Where Is the Danger in This Transition?
The first thought that comes to mind when seniors are told they are going home after a hospital stay is frequently, "Finally!" After days or even weeks in a medical facility, getting home is often the first priority of elderly individuals. But the truth is that this is not as simple a task as it may seem at first glance.

After a senior leaves the hospital they are often vulnerable. For instance, they may find it more difficult to navigate their home if they are using a wheelchair, walker, or cane. Additionally, they may face challenges when getting dressed or executing personal hygiene activities, such as bathing, if they are facing a reduction in their range of motion. As such, trying to jump into their old routine on their own can prove dangerous, and can lead to hospital readmissions if seniors fall, open their stitches, or have other types of accidents.

Elder Care: A Wonderful Solution
For seniors who are physically ready to leave the hospital but not yet strong enough to navigate life on their own, non-medical in-home care is a fantastic solution. Through this form of elder care, seniors can receive assistance with the activities of daily living while they continue to heal and regain their strength. Dressing, grooming, bathing, meal preparation, and even light housework are all activities that senior care professionals can perform to help your loved one ease into life at home rather than jump into their old habits.

Protecting Your Senior against Scams

Seniors are, unfortunately, targeted by con artists, thieves, and other criminals with scams on a regular basis. It seems as though there is always a new approach to trying to take advantage of elderly individuals—and it can be difficult to keep up with the latest methods employed by these dishonest fraudsters. To help you protect your senior, elder care professionals at the National Council on Aging have compiled the following list of scams for which you should be on the lookout.1

1. Fraud: Senior care professionals warn that fraud is among the most prevalent of these cons, as it can take many shapes and forms. Medicare and insurance fraud occur when individuals pretend to be associated with healthcare organizations and gather sensitive information from seniors. Additionally, con artists may try to get seniors to buy into fraudulent anti-aging products, such as fake Botox. Finally, Internet fraud occurs when software steals personal information, such as financial and other details. 
2. Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals: These scams normally take place online, where individuals are lured in by low prices and are provided pills that are not what they are said to be. 
3. Funeral Scams: This type of con can take place in two ways. The first is the scammer taking advantage of widows and widowers by claiming the deceased owed them money. The second is the unethical practice of adding to the bills of families who are unfamiliar with the funeral process. 
4. Telemarketing: There are several scams that occur over the phone, as seniors are more likely to conduct purchases this way than other generations. It is important to encourage your elderly loved one not to make a donation or purchase over the phone without researching the cause first. 
5. Investment Schemes: These scams take advantage of the need for seniors to save for retirement by encouraging them to invest in businesses and other initiatives, such as pyramid schemes.  
6. The Grandparent Scam: In this situation, individuals call seniors and ask something akin to, "Hello Grandpa, do you know who this is?" When the senior names a name, scammers adopt that identity and ask for money. 

Unfortunately, these are just a few of the many scams out there right now. It is a good idea to do a bit of research to keep your senior protected against con artists.
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1 http://www.ncoa.org/enhance-economic-security/economic-security-Initiative/savvy-saving-seniors/top-10-scams-targeting.html