Caring for You, the Caregiver

Author

Artis Senior Living of South Hills

Posted on

Aug 04, 2020

Book/Edition

Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area

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Its Not an Indulgence, Its a Necessity.
According to the National Institute on Aging, taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do as a caregiver.

If youve ever traveled by airplane, you know the flight attendants safety instructions always say to place your oxygen mask on yourself before placing one on your travel companion and theres a good reason for this: Its because, if you dont take care of yourself first, you significantly reduce your chances of being able to save either of you.
The same is true of caring for a loved one with dementia: If you dont allow yourself to stop and catch your breath, youll both be headed for a tailspin. Being a caregiver is a constant stressor. Stopping to take some me time isnt an indulgence, its a necessity.
Caregivers who provide substantial care to a loved one with memory care or assisted living needs involvement with health care activities, care coordination, and medication management are more likely to develop physical and emotional health problems themselves, according to a Na-tional Health and Aging Trends Study.
Caregiving is not easy for anyone not for the caregiver and not for the care recipient. There are sacrifices and adjustments for everyone. Whats more, as your loved one moves through the stages of Alzheimers disease, caregiving will likely become even harder. Make sure you are making time for yourself.
Remind yourself that its okay to ask for help. You may feel self-doubt or guilt that what youre doing isnt enough. You might also feel resentment that your free time has been consumed by providing care. These are all perfectly normal emotions in your situation. Consider joining a caregiver support group to relieve your sense of isolation.
You may come to the realization that you can no longer care for your loved one by yourself, and need to enlist respite or residential care. Open yourself up to the possibility that your loved one may actually benefit from being part of a memory care community, filled with professional caregivers and a lifestyle filled with stimulating, purposeful experiences.
Youre likely to discover that you each quickly feel relief from stress, reconnect with your past selves, and get second chances at fulfillment that you thought were lost forever.
Editors Note: This article was submitted by Mary Jo Greene of Artis Senior Living of South Hills and may be reached at 412-212-6221 or online at www.TheArtisWay.com/BlueBook

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Managing the financial aspects of long-term care for elderly loved ones can be a complex and challenging task for family caregivers. From planning for in-home support to exploring options like assisted living or nursing home care, the financial burden often adds to the already significant emotional and physical responsibilities they face. This article offers an overview of financial strategies and insurance options, providing valuable insights to help family caregivers navigate the complexities of long-term care planning and ensure their loved ones receive the care they need without undue financial strain.Understanding Long-Term Care NeedsLong-term care involves a variety of services designed to support seniors who need help with daily activities and medical care over an extended period. Whether its assistance with tasks like bathing, dressing, or managing medications, long-term care ensures that seniors are safe, comfortable, and well-cared for. The type of care can vary, from in-home support, where assistance is provided in a familiar environment, to more structured settings like assisted living facilities and nursing homes that offer continuous care and supervision. A study by Genworth Financial found that the average annual cost of a private room in a nursing home in 2023 was $108,600. Knowing the available options can help families make the best decisions for their senior loved ones.Cost Factors of Long-Term CareThe cost of long-term care is a significant consideration when planning for the future. Several factors affect these costs, including the level of care needed, where the services are provided, and how long the care will be required. For instance, in-home care may be more affordable than nursing home care but can still add up if ongoing daily assistance is necessary. Assisted living facilities offer different levels of support and amenities, while nursing homes typically provide the highest level of care at a higher cost. Nationally, costs can range from around $4,500 per month for assisted living to over $9,000 per month for nursing home care, depending on location and the level of care. Understanding these factors is key to ensuring that senior loved ones receive the best care within the familys financial means.Assessing Your Loved Ones Financial SituationFor family caregivers, understanding the financial situation of an elderly loved one is a critical step in planning for long-term care. Its essential to evaluate current assets such as savings, pensions, and Social Security income to determine how these resources align with future care needs. This process involves reviewing total assets, including any investments and retirement funds, and comparing them to the monthly income your loved one receives, such as Social Security benefits or pension payments. Recognizing potential gaps between current income and anticipated care expenses is key to making informed decisions about long-term care options and exploring any additional financial support that may be required.Tracking and Organizing Financial DocumentsMaintaining accurate and organized financial records is crucial for caregivers managing long-term care planning. Its important to collect all relevant documents, such as medical bills, insurance policies, and bank statements, and ensure they are easily accessible. Establishing an organized system, either digitally or through physical filing, can help caregivers keep track of essential items like wills, power of attorney forms, and healthcare directives. 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Its best for those wanting to protect savings, and purchasing early helps keep premiums lower. Eligibility is based on factors like age and health, making early consideration important.Medicare and Medicaid: Whats Covered:Medicare only covers short-term care, not long-term services like nursing homes or ongoing in-home care. Medicaid covers long-term care but has strict income and asset requirements. Understanding both programs helps caregivers plan effectively for care costs.Veteran Benefits:Veterans may qualify for benefits such as Aid and Attendance to assist with long-term care expenses. Exploring these options can ease financial strain for veterans and their families, so knowing eligibility and applying is crucial.Government Programs and AssistanceWhen caring for elderly loved ones, government programs can provide crucial financial support for long-term care. 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Senior Home Sweet Home: Making Your Space a Sanctuary of Comfort

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Local Services By This Author

Artis Senior Living of South Hills

Memory Care 1001 Higbee Drive, Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, 15102

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