For more information about the author, click to view their website: Dementia360
A new dementia diagnosis for a loved one is a shock. It means your life will be different than what you thought it would be. Now, in addition to being a wife, husband, son or daughter, you are a caregiver for someone with an unpredictable, progressive disease. Or maybe the diagnosis was made a while ago, but lately, it seems that they need more help from you than they did last year, or last week, or even yesterday.
Here are some strategies for managing the role of caregiver:
TAKE A BREAK FROM CAREGIVING
This isn’t selfish; it’s needed for your own well-being. You need to stay physically and mentally healthy to be an effective caregiver.
NOURISH YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
Take time to be the husband, the wife, the daughter, the son, the friend you always were. Maintain social connections for your well-being and the well-being of the person for whom you are caring. They still need you, they need emotional connections, they need to feel loved and know that they still matter.
CREATE A ROUTINE
As dementia progresses, the familiarity of a routine will help them to be as independent with care as possible for as long as possible.
JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP
Caregiving can be isolating, and being with others in similar situations is a great way to receive support and validation, and to realize you are not alone.
OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER
When you’re frustrated, step away for a moment, calm down and then try again. Let people in your life know what you need from them—don’t make them guess, tell them. Learn as much as you can about the disease, what to expect, and what your family member needs from you.
Life does not prepare anyone to be a dementia caregiver. Dementia360 can help.
By giving you the support, resources and connections you need to be an effective caregiver, you will be able to keep your family member at home, living comfortably and safely, for as long as possible.
You don’t have to face this alone—it’s never too early or too late to ask for help.
To connect with a Dementia360 consultant call 412.435.8950, email Dementia360@SrCare.org or visit PSCNDementia360.org.
Alzheimers is the most common type of dementia and occurs when plaques and bundles of proteins build up between nerve cells in the brain, ultimately causing brain cell death. Individuals often experience confusion, memory loss and inability to care for themselves. The disease is physically degenerative and is often mentally and emotionally draining on both the individual with the disease, as well as family members around them. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimers, you likely have a lot of questions. At BrightStar Care, our team has experience in working with clients and families dealing with Alzheimers and want to help you better understand the road ahead.Causes & Diagnosis of AlzheimersWhen caring for a loved one with dementia, knowledge and understanding of their condition can be invaluable. Although every case of Alzheimers disease is unique, there are some commonalities in terms of causes, symptoms and general prognoses.What causes Alzheimers?For people diagnosed with Alzheimers, the exact timeline, symptoms and primary causes will vary. There are many possible causes of Alzheimers disease that include genetic, environmental and/or lifestyle factors. Diet, sleep patterns and a lack of both cognitive and physical exercise may all play a role in the causes of Alzheimers.What is the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia?Dementia is not a disease itself, but rather a group of symptoms that impact brain functionality caused by various diseases and conditions. Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases.What is the 12-question test for Alzheimers? The 12-question test for dementia, also known as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), is a clinical tool used to evaluate cognitive impairment. It assesses several cognitive functions including memory, orientation to time and place, language abilities, and calculation skills. By asking a series of 12 questions, healthcare providers can gauge a person's cognitive status and help determine the likelihood of dementia.Alzheimers Symptoms & PrognosisThe earliest detectable signs of Alzheimers include memory trouble, apathy and depression. People in the early stages of Alzheimers might have problems completing familiar tasks or misplace things and be unable to retrace their steps. As the disease progresses, more severe symptomsincluding impaired communication, poor judgment and disorientationmay emerge. Each individuals experience with Alzheimers is unique. Your doctor and medical team can help you better understand your condition, symptoms and any treatment options as they relate to you. What are the symptoms of Alzheimers?Alzheimers is most commonly characterized by mental confusion and forgetfulness. Some common tell-tale behaviors are forgetting familiar names, getting lost in familiar places, and an inability to complete routine tasks.How can I tell the difference between Alzheimers and typical signs of aging?While forgetfulness and confusion are associated with Alzheimers, these symptoms also accompany normal aging. So, how can you tell the difference? The Alzheimers Association lists memory loss as a challenge that disrupts daily life, challenges in planning or solving problems, and difficulty completing familiar tasks. They also differentiate these symptoms from the milder signs of normal cognitive decline. For instance, while a normal older adult might occasionally struggle to balance their checkbook or forget an important name or date and then remember it later, these difficulties are more persistent or extreme for an Alzheimers sufferer.For example, occasionally losing your keys or forgetting what you had for breakfast that morning is common among older adults. However, a person with Alzheimers may show even more pronounced lapses in memory. For instance, they may not only lose their keys, but also completely forget what keys are for, showing a stark decline in cognitive connections. Whats the typical Alzheimers prognosis? For people diagnosed with Alzheimers, the exact timeline, symptoms, and severity of their disease can vary. However, the trajectory of the disease tends to flow through seven distinct phases, originally outlined by Dr. Barry Reisberg of New York University.The arc generally begins with symptoms similar to those of normal aging, proceeds through gradually worsening stages that can include difficulty with simple arithmetic and forgetting personal details, and ends with severe decline typified by the inability to swallow.Early stages: Early-stage Alzheimers typically includes mild decline, such as difficulty in finding the right word during conversation, losing personal possessions and having trouble remembering familiar names. At this stage, family members can typically manage care for their afflicted loved one. Middle stages: This period is marked by moderate decline in mental faculties, including poor short-term memory, inability to manage personal finances, difficulty dressing or grooming and significant confusion. In these stages, a person with Alzheimers may need occasional in-home care or nursing services.Late stages: In the final stages, severe decline is present, including inability to recognize familiar faces, inability to remember personal details, loss of bladder control and major personality changes. Individuals at this stage either relocate to a residential facility or have a full-time in-home caregiver.Is there a cure for Alzheimers? Theres no known cure for Alzheimers, only treatments that can ease symptoms. The FDA has approved two types of medications (cholinesterase inhibitors, such as Aricept, Exelon, and Razadyne, and memantine, found in Namenda) that diminish mental confusion, memory loss, and other cognitive symptoms, but these do not reverse the underlying causes.Recent research and clinical trials have made potential breakthroughs with immunotherapy treatments and monoclonal antibodies. Many also suggest herbal supplements like gingko biloba and coenzyme Q10, but these lack confirmation through clinical trials. Additionally, non-drug interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy as well as caregiver support programs can improve quality of life, especially in early stages. Alzheimers Prevention and Management Understanding the nature of Alzheimers and how to manage it can positively impact families affected by this disease. Having accurate information about risk factors, early warning signs and how to manage each stage of Alzheimers can help support family caregivers throughout the progression of the disease. How can I prevent Alzheimers? There are no proven ways to completely prevent Alzheimers. As with many degenerative illnesses, a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, balanced diet, and effective sleep habits, may help lower the risk of developing Alzheimers. Research has shown a correlation between high blood pressure and high cholesterol and the incidence of the disease. Doctors recommend getting these numbers to a healthy level, not only for Alzheimers prevention but for general good health.There are a variety of ways to maintain good brain health that can also work toward a lower likelihood of Alzheimers disease. Regular social interaction, brain stimulating activities such as puzzles and learning new skills, and managing stress levels can help maintain cognitive health. Certain forms of physical exercise can also support brain health such as walking, swimming and strength training. Is Alzheimer's hereditary?There are rare familial forms of dementia caused by genetic mutations such as familial Alzheimers disease, frontotemporal dementia and familial vascular dementia, which are more likely to occur in people under the age of 65. However, research shows that most cases of Alzheimers are not linked to genetics.How prevalent is Alzheimer's?Before the age of 65, only 1 out of every 1,000 people develop dementia. The chance of having the condition rises sharply with age to 1 person in 20 over the age of 65. Over the age of 80, this figure increases to 1 person in 5.How does Alzheimer's disease progress over time?Alzheimers is a degenerative disease that progresses in stages from mild to moderate to severe. The disease usually starts with mild symptoms such as increasing forgetfulness, then progresses to general confusion and disorientation. Finally, Alzheimers patients end up with severe symptoms, such as an inability to communicate or care for themselves.Caregiver Support for Alzheimers Disease Caring for a loved one with Alzheimers disease can be difficult from both a physical and emotional perspective. Family caregivers can benefit from trusted resources to help them more effectively communicate with their loved one with Alzheimers. Having the right resources and information can help them learn to manage difficult behaviors like agitation and wandering and ensure safety and fall prevention in the home. At BrightStar Care, we can help connect you with resources to support family caregivers, including support groups, education and training. For those with family members in the early stages of Alzheimers, we offer respite care to help give you a much-needed break. And as their condition progresses, our team can match you with compassionate, qualified memory care professionals. Reach out today and let us know how we can help.To learn more please contact us at 303-300-6666.
Many married couples share almost everything, including finances. This may be reflected in their estate plan by using one joint living trust instead of two separate trusts. Separate trusts can provide greater flexibility, but a joint trust can be structured so that when one spouse passes away, the trust is split into two sub-trusts: a survivors trust and a decedents trust. This arrangement provides the surviving spouse with the same versatility that separate trusts offer. The surviving spouse has full control over their survivors trust, but may have limited control over the deceased spouses accounts and property that make up the decedents trust. Decedents Trust and a Survivors Trust A survivors trust is a middle ground between a joint trust and separate trusts. If a couple chooses to combine their assets (accounts and property) into a joint revocable living trust, both spouses will usually be named as trustees and beneficiaries. The joint trust can further stipulate that when one spouse passes away, the trust divides into subtrusts. One of those subtrusts can be a survivors trust. A second subtrust, the decedents trust, will also be created to hold and manage assets owned by the decedent. How a Survivors Trust Works A typical joint trust arrangement lists four types of property, depending on the state in which you live: Joint assets Community property First spouses separate property Second spouses separate property When the first spouse dies, the survivors trust receives one-half of the community property, one-half of the joint property, and all property identified as the separate property of the surviving spouse. The deceased spouses half of the community property and joint property, along with their separate property, may be funded into the decedents trust with its own set of instructions. The trust agreement could also state that all of the deceased spouses property will go into the survivors trust instead of going into a separate subtrust. Reasons to Have a Survivors Trust Regardless of exactly how the joint trust assets are allocated, a crucial distinction is that a survivors trust is revocable, while the decedents sub-trust is irrevocable. This means that the surviving spouse retains full control over the survivors trust. They can alter the terms of the trust however they want. For example, they can add and remove assets, change beneficiaries, appoint new trustees, or terminate the trust. The surviving spouse can also completely change the terms of the survivors trust in its entirety. While the surviving spouse may be the beneficiary of the decedents trust, the surviving spouse will likely have less control over the management of assets in the decedents trust. This allows the deceased spouse to put protective measures in place while they are alive to make sure that their assets are managed the way they want and that someone cannot change the rules after they pass away. This can be helpful for clients who are worried about their spouse remarrying after their death and to ensure that assets that remain at the surviving spouses death go to a predetermined person. The purpose of any trust is to take care of loved ones and protect assets from costly probate and taxes. To discuss an estate plan that meets your goals, please schedule your appointment with our Estate Planning attorneys - 724-375-4005.
Becoming eligible for Medicare is a significant milestone in your life. Whether you are newly turning 65 or approaching eligibility due to disability, understanding your Medicare options can feel overwhelming. With multiple parts, plans, and enrollment periods, making the right choice is essential to protect your health and finances.Thats where Inman Medical Insurance Services steps in helping Medicare-eligible individuals and their families navigate the complex landscape of Medicare insurance with clarity, confidence, and care.Understanding Medicare: A Quick OverviewMedicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, younger individuals with certain disabilities, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). It consists of several parts: Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers outpatient services like doctor visits, preventive care, and some home health services. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare and include Part A and B benefits, often with added perks. Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) helps cover the cost of medications through private plans. Choosing the right combination of these parts depends on your health needs, budget, and preferences.Why Professional Guidance Matters When Choosing Medicare PlansMedicare is not a one-size-fits-all program. With dozens of Medicare Advantage and Part D plans available in many areas, it can be challenging to understand differences in coverage, premiums, deductibles, copays, and provider networks. Making an uninformed decision could mean paying more than necessary or missing coverage for services you need.Inman Medical Insurance Services offers personalized Medicare consulting to ensure you: Understand your Medicare benefits and options Identify plans that best fit your health needs and financial situation Avoid costly penalties by enrolling during the correct periods Navigate changes to your Medicare coverage over time This professional guidance saves time, reduces confusion, and empowers you to make decisions with peace of mind.Services Offered by Inman Medical Insurance ServicesAt Inman Medical Insurance Services, youll find a trusted partner with a deep knowledge of Medicare plans and regulations. Their services include:1. Medicare Eligibility CounselingIf youre turning 65 or recently became eligible due to disability, the team helps you understand when and how to enroll in Medicare, including your initial enrollment period and special circumstances.2. Medicare Plan Comparison and EnrollmentThey analyze available Medicare Advantage, Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance), and Part D prescription drug plans in your area. By comparing costs, coverage, and provider networks, they help you select a plan that fits your unique needs.3. Annual Medicare Review and Plan OptimizationMedicare plans can change year to year. Inman Medical Insurance Services offers yearly reviews during the open enrollment period (October 15 December 7) to ensure your plan remains the best option, or help you switch plans if needed.4. Assistance with Medicare Appeals and ClaimsIf you encounter coverage denials or billing issues, their experts assist with navigating appeals and resolving Medicare claims, reducing stress and ensuring your rights are protected.5. Education on Medicare Savings Programs and Financial AssistanceMany Medicare-eligible individuals qualify for programs that reduce costs, such as Medicaid, Extra Help, or state pharmaceutical assistance programs. The team helps you identify and apply for these valuable benefits.Who Can Benefit Most from Inman Medical Insurance Services? Newly Medicare-eligible individuals who want to start their coverage on the right foot. Current Medicare beneficiaries seeking to optimize their plan or save money. Caregivers or family members assisting loved ones with Medicare decisions. Anyone feeling overwhelmed by Medicare's complexity and needing personalized support. Why Choose Inman Medical Insurance Services? Experienced Medicare Specialists: Knowledgeable in local and national Medicare regulations. Personalized Service: Tailored recommendations based on your health, budget, and goals. Trusted Advisor: Committed to education, transparency, and ethical guidance. Local Presence: Familiar with regional plan options and resources in Pennsylvania. Ongoing Support: Available year-round for questions, enrollment, and plan changes. Medicare FAQs Answered by Inman Medical Insurance ServicesQ: When should I sign up for Medicare? A: Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after. Signing up during this window avoids late enrollment penalties.Q: Whats the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap? A: Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are all-in-one coverage offered by private companies and often include extra benefits like vision or dental. Medigap plans supplement Original Medicare by covering out-of-pocket costs.Q: Can I change my Medicare plan every year? A: Yes. During the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 Dec 7), you can switch Medicare Advantage plans or Part D prescription drug plans.Q: How can I reduce my Medicare costs? A: Programs like Medicaid, Extra Help for prescription drugs, and Medicare Savings Programs can lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Inman Medical Insurance Services helps you find and apply for these.Take the Next Step Toward Medicare ConfidenceNavigating Medicare can be complicated, but you dont have to do it alone. Let Inman Medical Insurance Services guide you through the process with clarity and confidence. Their expert support ensures you select the right plan for your needs and budget, now and in the years ahead. For personalized Medicare help and a no-obligation consultation, call us today at 724-306- 8802. 6-8802
Because Life Doesn't Prepare Anyone to be a Dementia Family CaregiverDiscover Peace of Mind: Dementia Caregiver Support Compassionate Help for Family CaregiversCaring for a loved one with Alzheimers disease or another form of dementia is one of the most profound and challenging roles a family member can undertake. The emotional, physical, and mental toll of dementia caregiving can be overwhelming, leaving many family caregivers feeling isolated, exhausted, and unsure of where to turn. Thats where the Dementia Caregiver Support Program from Presbyterian SeniorCare Network steps in offering family caregivers a reliable partner in care, education, and emotional support.Who Should EnrollNo matter where you are on the journey of caring for a family member with dementia, it's never too early or late to ask for help. Every person is impacted differently by dementia, ever caregiver faces different challenges. Finding answers and solutions is a very personal journey, a journey you do not have to go on alone. People typically join our program because they feel unprepared to properly support a loved one living with dementia, isolated or alone because of the challenges of providing care or getting through the day, increasingly stressed about the responsibility of providing care and know that the anxiety will grow as time passes, or scared because they are facing a new diagnosis and wanting to learn all they can so they can manage the disease as well as they can. Tailored Dementia Support for Pittsburgh Family CaregiversAt Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, we understand that caring for someone with dementia goes beyond providing meals and managing medications it is about learning how to better manage the day to day of living with dementia and continue to do the things that make life worth living. Our Dementia Caregiver Support Program is designed specifically for family caregivers who would like to keep their loved ones at home living comfortably and safely for as long as possible, and have a life that is better because they have the knowledge, confidence, and support to be successful.As a caregiver, you dont have to navigate this journey alone. Our program is built around real-world challenges family caregivers face, offering evidence-based dementia education, compassionate peer connections, and practical resources that help caregivers and their loved ones lead more fulfilling lives.What Makes Our Dementia Caregiver Support Program Unique?Family caregivers in Pittsburgh who partner with Presbyterian SeniorCare Network gain access to a community of experienced professionals and fellow caregivers who understand the complexities of dementia care. Heres what sets our program apart:Personalized Support: Dementia impacts every family differently. Our caregiver support specialists take the time to understand your specific situation and offer coaching and support thats meaningful and applicable to your situationEducational Resources: Caregiving often comes with uncertainty. We offer comprehensive dementia care training and resources, empowering caregivers with proven strategies to manage difficult behaviors, reduce confusion, and create safe, supportive environmentsEmotional Well-Being for CaregiversCaring for someone with dementia can be emotionally draining. Our support program gives caregivers the tools to manage stress, avoid burnout, and maintain a healthy balance between caregiving and self-carePeer Connection and CommunityFamily caregivers often feel like theyre facing the challenges of dementia alone. Our program connects caregivers with peer support groups in the Pittsburgh area, offering a safe space to share experiences, swap caregiving tips, and build lasting friendships.Access to Presbyterian SeniorCare Networks Trusted Services: As part of our mission, caregivers gain access to a full continuum of trusted senior living options, dementia care services, and long-term care planning resources all designed to ease the caregiving journey.Why Pittsburgh Families Trust Presbyterian SeniorCare NetworkAs one of Western Pennsylvanias most respected providers of senior living and dementia care solutions, Presbyterian SeniorCare Network is deeply rooted in the Pittsburgh community. Our Dementia Caregiver Support Program is not only built on years of compassionate service but also on research-backed best practices that prioritize the dignity and comfort of those living with Alzheimers and related dementias and their family caregivers.We know that quality dementia care starts with an empowered, supported caregiver. Whether youre providing care at home, considering senior living options, or facing tough decisions about long-term care, our program is here to help you make the best choices for your loved one.Join a Caregiving Community That Understands YouFamily caregivers of people with dementia face countless emotional and logistical decisions every day. With Presbyterian SeniorCare Network by your side, youll never have to walk that path alone. Our Dementia Caregiver Support Program is here to help you find strength, strategies, community, and peace of mind as you care for your loved one.Joining our support network means gaining a deeper understanding of dementia, improving your caregiving skills, and finding hope even in difficult moments. Whether your loved one is newly diagnosed or in the advanced stages of dementia, we meet you where you are and walk with you on the journey ahead.How to Get StartedIf youre a family caregiver in Pittsburgh looking for dementia caregiver resources, support groups, or senior living guidance, Presbyterian SeniorCare Network is your go-to partner for compassionate and informed help. We make it easy to start: Contact us directly to speak with a Caregiver Support Specialist. Explore our website for free resources and upcoming support events. Join a dementia caregiver support group and connect with others who understand your journey.Your Loved One Deserves the Best and So Do YouAt Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, we believe that supporting family caregivers is one of the most powerful ways to improve the lives of people living with dementia. You give so much of yourself to your loved one let us give you the resources, community, and support you need to thrive.Dont wait until burnout strikes. Start building your caregiver support system today by reaching out to the compassionate team at Presbyterian SeniorCare Network. Contact us to learn more about how our Dementia Caregiver Support Program can help your family.