Maria Lopez, Administrator of All Valley Senior Home Care in Brawley, California shares some tips about speaking to your senior loved one about understanding when its time for them to stop driving.

Has your senior loved one gone out for a drive not saying where they were going leaving you worrying their safety? Have you noticed damage or dents on your senior loved one’s car and they can’t explain the damage or say it must have been someone else? Has your loved one come home late stating they had gotten lost?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes then you may have come to a point were you must ask your senior loved one if it safe for them to drive.

Affects of Aging on Driving

As we get older, our bodies change in ways that make it harder to drive.

• Vision gets weaker. Your eyes become sensitive to glare from headlights or the sun.
• Side vision decreases and it becomes harder to see at night.
• Reflexes gets slower. You may not turn the wheel quickly enough or brake fast enough in an emergency.
• Weaker muscles and stiff joints can make it hard to look behind you when backing up.
• Health problems like Diabetes, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson can also reduce your driving skills.

At some point you may have to encourage your senior loved one to stop driving. This can be difficult because it can be hard to think about giving up the freedom driving gives them. It is important to be honest with them and ask them to be honest with themselves about their abilities.

Questions to Ask

• Do they feel nervous or scared when they drive?
• Has family or loved ones expressed concern about their driving or even refused to ride with them?
• Have they put a lot of dents in their car?
• Do they have a lot of close calls where they almost have an accident?
• Do other drivers honk or yell at them?
• Do they have trouble staying in their lane?
• Do they often get lost?
• When driving does their mind wander?
• Have they received warnings or tickets for their driving?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may need to have your loved one’s driving checked by a professional.

If you would like assistance or more information you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

As the baby boomers age many Americans are finding themselves caring for their aging parents.  This can be a demanding and exhausting experience and it is important to remember to be aware of your own well-being.

The demands of family caregiving may not only effect the caregivers mental and physical health but also impact their ability to be effective in the rest of their lives.

It is important to take time for yourself. Talk with friends and family members for support and assistance caring for your loved one.

Senior Home Care Services

A  senior home care agency is another great source of support and respite care for your loved one.  Senior home care services include companionship, bathing, grooming, meal preparation and much more.  Most senior home care agencies will provide caregivers both as needed for special circumstances and on an on going basis up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you would like more information about support for family caregivers or need help with a loved one or friend you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

The Nevada Medicaid Program provides qualifying Nevada residents assistance paying for long term care costs such as senior home care services, home nursing services, doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions.* Specific Nevada Medicaid coverage is determined by age, income and qualifying disability.

*Pending Providers

Eligibility for Medicaid Coverage in Nevada

• Income must be less than $800 a month if single.
• Income must be less than $1200 a month for a couple.
• Less than $2000 in liquid assets.
• You can own a house and a car.

If you would like more information about Medicaid coverage and eligibility for the state of Nevada or need help with a loved one or friend you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

Nansi Kiwanuka, Client Care Manager for All Valley Senior Home Care in San Diego, California shares some information about Alzheimer’s Disease. As a senior home care provider Nansi helps families with loved one’s suffering from Alzheimer’s everyday.

*The following content is being provided for your information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Over 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease today making it the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer’s is characterized by the loss of mental ability severe enough to interfere with normal daily activities. It usually occurs in old age, and is marked by a decline in the individual’s ability to remember, reason and plan.

Stages

Early stage Alzheimer’s usually lasts for 2 to 4 years. Many families may not notice that their loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s, as many of the changes have to do with them forgetting things, which happens to many of us.

Early Stage Alzheimer’s Signs

• Misplace items.
• Start something and forget to finish.
• Have a hard time doing things that they were able to before.
• Forgetting to pay bills.
• Stopping to go out and do things that they love or be around people.

Middle Stage Alzheimer’s usually lasts for 2 to 10 years. During this stage it may be easier for you to notice the changes in your loved one.

Middle Stage Alzheimer’s Signs

• Asking the same questions repeatedly.
• Walking around the house.
• Trying to leave the house to go home.
• Talking but the words do not make sense.

Late Stage Alzheimer’s usually lasts for 1 to 3 years.

Late Stage Alzheimer’s Symptoms

• Don’t know who you are.
• Don’t know who they are.
• Can’t walk or sit up with out help.
• Can’t eat without help.
• Can’t control their bowels or bladder.

There is not currently a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. If you think that you or your loved one may have Alzheimer’s it is imperative that they visit their doctor. If your loved one is still in the earlier stages their doctor may be able to order medication that will slow down the progression of the disease.

Family Caregiver Support

• Joining a support group can help you meet with others who understand what you are going through.
• Contact your local Alzheimer’s Association.
• Take care of yourself by reaching out and asking for help from your family and friends. Contact a senior home care agency for respite care.

If you would like assistance or more information you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

Maria Lopez, Administrator of All Valley Senior Home Care in Brawley, California shares some helpful information about protecting your senior loved one from hypothermia. As a home care agency manager Maria ensures the safety of her clients from many hazards including hypothermia.

*The following content is being provided for your information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Hypothermia is below-normal body temperature which occurs when the body losses heat faster than it can produce heat. It is an emergency that can quickly lead to death.

Hypothermia can occur in temperatures in the range of 50° F depending on weather conditions. It can also occur if your loved one is exposed to water between 60° F and 70° F.

Chronic health problems like diabetes or heart disease, some medicines, and normal aging can cause your loved one to be less likely to notice that they’re cold and may affect their body’s ability to stay warm.

By understanding the warning signs of hypothermia you can protect your loved one from the risks of exposure to cold weather.

Hypothermia Warning Signs

• Shivering.
• Cold and pale skin.
• Lack of interest or concern.
• Poor judgment.
• Clumsy movement and speech.

When Outdoors in Cold Weather

• Dress warmly
• Wear a warm hat
• Keep hands and feet dry.
• Head for shelter if you get wet or cold.
• Eat a good meal before going out and carry extra food.
• Don’t drink alcohol while out in the cold as it makes your body lose heat faster.

Staying Warm Indoors

• Keep the thermostat above 65° F;  If it is a problem to heat the whole house, keep a few rooms heated and close off the others.
• Eat regularly; the body needs food to make heat.
• Move around often. If you can’t move around very well, do chair exercises or something to get your blood circulating.
• Dress warmly and wear warm clothes to bed and use warm bedding.

Most often a person will lose a lot of heat before they are aware anything is wrong. If your loved one lives alone it is important for someone to check in with them everyday when the weather is cold. Senior home care is also a great option to help protect your aging loved one.

If you would like assistance or information you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

A new Washington State consumer law has passed that requires life insurance companies to inform their policy holders that they have a legal right to a life insurance settlement. This new law applies to all Washington State residents who hold life insurance policies. The law states that policy holders have the legal right to sell thier policy through what is called a “life insurance settlement”.

The reason for the new law is that research shows that 90 percent of life insurance policies are allowed to lapse or are surrendered for little to no cash value (this means that the insurance companies are cancelling the policies and giving nothing to the holder who has done all of the paying). As a policy holder you may sell your policy through a life settlement and can recieve up to 500% more than the cash value!

The law also forbids the Insurance company from interfering with the settlement. Currently the law has only been passed in Maine and Washington but is being looked at closely by other states.

Life settlements are a great option for seniors and baby boomers who are facing financial challenges because of our economy. Selling a policy can help pay for things such as senior home care, assisted living facility care, and senior housing.

If you would like to learn more about life insurance settlements you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

Article by Michael Drake of All Valley Home Care. All Valley provides senior home care services in Spokane, Washington.

Working in senior home care in Boise, Idaho with the elderly I have noticed that one of the most important things for seniors to maintain good health is staying active within the community.  One of the benefits of using senior home care services is the ability to stay in the comfort of your own home while receiving care. For some, this might be difficult because they find that they are home alone often. Finding a senior activity center near you will help cure the lonely bug. Senior centers are offered throughout many different areas and provide a variety of activities.

Senior Center Activities

• Dancing
• Exercise classes
• After noon meals
• Legal counsel
• Health screening
• Games

If you would like assistance finding a center or more information you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

Article by Nicole Ashford of TLC Home Health Care & Nursing. TLC provides senior home care services in Boise, Idaho.

Maria Lopez, Administrator for All Valley Senior Home Care in El Centro, California, shares valuable information about paying for home care for veterans.

Are you a disabled veteran who is looking for funding to help afford senior home care? If so you may qualify for the Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit.

V.A. Aid & Attendance Program

The V.A. Aid and Attendance Pension provides funding for in home senior care to veterans and their surviving spouse who require the help of another person for assistance with bathing, dressing, transferring, toileting, food preparation and other personal activities required in everyday living. The benefit also covers assisted living facility care, care for individuals who are blind, and nursing home care because of a mental or physical incapacity.

The Aid & Attendance pension can provide up to $1,632 per month to a veteran, $1,055 per month to a surviving spouse, or $1,949 per month to a couple.

The Veterans Administration has deemed the Aid & Attendance program an under-used benefit. Although this benefit has in fact been an entitlement for over 58 years it remains widely unused; Millions of veterans have and are still are missing out on assistance with home care services.

Qualifying for Veterans Care Benefits

• You served at least 90 days of active military services, 1 day of which was during a wartime period. If you entered active duty after September 7, 1980, generally you must have served at lease 24 months or the full period for which called or order to active duty.
• You were discharged from service under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Your countable family income is below a yearly limit set by congress.
• Your assets should not exceed $80,000 excluding your home and your vehicle.
• If younger than 65, the veteran must be totally disabled. If age 65 and older, there is no requirement for disability. There is no disability requirement for a single surviving spouse.

V.A. Income Thresholds

The Aid & Attendance income threshold for a veteran without dependents is now $19,736 annually. The threshold increases to $23,396 with the first dependent and by $2.020 for each additional dependent. The annual Aid & Attendance income threshold for a surviving spouse alone is $12,681. The threshold increases to $15,128 if the spouse has one dependent and by $2,020 for each additional dependent. Remember the V.A. will adjust your countable income by adjusting for medical expenses that have not been reimbursed

Many elderly veterans and surviving spouses whose incomes are above the congressionally mandated legal limit for pension may still be eligible for the special monthly Aid & Attendance benefit if they have large medical expenses (including nursing home care) for which they do not receive reimbursement.

If you are unsure if you meet all the criteria, would like assistance or more information about veterans care benefits you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

Maria Lopez, Administrator for All Valley Home Care in Brawley, California, shares some helpful information about planning for the future. As a senior home care provider Maria advises and educates her clients about senior care options, including planning for future health care needs.

Even if you are doing well now, it is a good idea to prepare for a time when you might not be able to care for yourself on your own. It is best not to wait until you are in a crisis and assume your health care provider and family will know what you want. Having a plan in place will save your loved ones the stress of making those hard decisions for you; The plan will ensure your wishes are respected when the time comes.

In some states, hospital staff must keep you alive as long as possible if they don’t know your wishes. This may or may not be what you want. Without a written plan, choices about your care may be made by a health care provider or even by the courts.

The best way to make sure your health care wishes are followed is by putting them in writing. A written plan for your health care is called an Advance Directive. This is only used when you become so sick that you can’t make choices yourself.

Types of Advance Directives

• Living will: tells what treatment you want at the end of your life.
• Durable power of attorney for healthcare: lets you choose someone who can make choices for you if the time comes when you can’t make them yourself.

How to Write an Advance Directive

Get a copy of your state’s forms for a living will and a durable power of attorney. You can usually get them from a hospital, law office, or senior center or even online at www.CaringInfo.org.

Choose someone to be your health care agent, which is the person you want to speak for you when you can’t speak for yourself. Make sure the person you choose is someone you can trust and is willing and able to take on this responsibility.

When filling out the forms it is important that you ask a family member or lawyer to help if you don’t understand them. Make sure to check if your state requires the forms to be notarized or witnessed.

Make sure to provide copies to your health care providers, your family and your health care agent.

Considerations About Life Support Treatment

• Do you want CPR if your heart stops?
• Do you want liquids or food given to you through a vein or stomach tube if you can no longer eat or drink?
• Do you want a tube in your windpipe and the use of a breathing machine if you cannot breathe on your own?
• Do you want kidney dialysis if your kidneys stop working?

Also think about what you want depending on how sick or hurt you are, what the chances of your recovery are, and what your life would be like if you choose the treatment to keep you alive. Sometimes, using treatment to keep a dying person alive can cause unnecessary suffering. These may be difficult choices, but planning for the future is something you need to consider.

If you would like assistance or information you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

Are you wondering if hospice care is the right choice for you or your family? To be eligible for hospice services the patient must agree to comfort measures to ease pain, rather than seeking a cure for the actual disease. Hospice home care provides comprehensive services for patients and their families.

Hospice Services

• Pain control and symptom management
• Spiritual support and care
• Oxygen and medical equipment
• Medical supplies
• Medical and nursing services
• Comfort such as massage, music, and aromatherapy

You can receive hospice home care in conjunction with senior home care services such as: bath aids, light housekeeping, shopping and companionship. Care from a hospice agency and home care agency can be given simultaneously. Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances.

If you would like assistance or information finding hospice care you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

Article by Nicole Ashford of TLC Home Health Care & Nursing. TLC provides senior home care services in Boise, Idaho.