Five Fun Out-of-the-Box Experiences to Enjoy with Your Older Parents

In health care settings, the body gets medical attention, but the mind and soul matter, too. Older adults in medical care face a battery of health questions, but too often the most consequential one goes unasked and unanswered: What does a good day look like for you today?Medicare requires people to receive a spiritual assessment within their first five days of admission into hospice. Many states allow a nurse to conduct the initial spiritual assessment, but I think it helps both the person and the health care provider for the assessment to be done with someone who has theological training. Many have been certified in clinical pastoral education, or CPE. Nurses can get so focused on the technical to-do lists of medical work  the measurements, the tests, the drug regimens that it can be hard to make time for the issues that matter most to the living human, namely, their happiness, peace and contentment.  As a spiritual care provider with 17 years in senior care facilities, and as a chaplain in the Army National Guard and Air Force National Guard, I have counseled hundreds of people in the final days of their lives.  For older adults and their families, one of the most valuable resources is also little-known a Medicare option that provides spiritual counseling for people in hospice. Longing for ConversationToo often older adults in care are being talked at, not listened to. Many times, I've found that people in the last chapter of life want to discuss their path to the end more than their medical professionals and, especially, more than their loved ones.  It often helps to have that discussion with a professional who is trained to hear them, and, if requested, to comfort and advise them.  RecommendedOpinion: Why I Went on Hospice Even Though I'm Not Dying | Personal PerspectivesThe code of ethics for the leading chaplain and spiritual care associations all prohibit proselytizing. A spiritual care provider should be able to work with someone on their own terms, no matter their beliefs. The United States may be turning more secular, but the fact remains that older adults are the most faith-affiliated of any demographic age group.This initial spiritual meeting is likely to be about the basics: Is the person religious? What is their support system? Will a certain faith-based ritual bring meaning or comfort? Do they have a preferred faith leader? Or is a secular discussion a better fit for the person's beliefs? 

Your home is one of your most significant investments, and taking care of it shouldnt be an afterthought. A Home Maintenance Plan is more than just a convenienceits a strategic way to protect your property, save money, and reduce stress.Heres why investing in a Home Ally Maintenance Plan is the smartest decision you can make for your home and peace of mind.1. Proactive Care Saves You MoneySmall problems left unchecked can turn into costly repairs.Examples of Preventable Costs:Dirty HVAC filters reducing system efficiency and increasing energy bills.Loose fixtures that cause further damage over time.Why It Matters: Regular maintenance catches these issues early, saving you money and avoiding bigger problems.2. Simplifies Your To-Do ListBetween work, family, and other commitments, finding time for home maintenance can be overwhelming.How a Maintenance Plan Helps:TruBlue handles routine tasks like smoke detector battery checks, lightbulb replacement, and seasonal checks.Youll never have to scramble for repairs or maintenance on your own.The Result: More time for the things you love and less stress about home care.3. Protects Your Homes ValueWell-maintained homes retain their value and even appreciate over time.Key Benefits:Regular maintenance keeps systems and fixtures in excellent condition.Keeps interior spaces fresh and functional for better appeal.Prepares your home for future resale, ensuring fewer issues during inspections.Fun Fact: Buyers often prioritize homes with a history of regular maintenance.4. Year-Round ComfortEvery season brings unique maintenance needs. TruBlues Home Maintenance Plan ensures your home is always prepared.Seasonal Services Include:Winter: Sealing drafts and heating systems filter changes.Spring: Preparing outdoor spaces and checking essential systems.Summer: Cooling system filter changes and deck maintenance.Fall: Ensuring seasonal adjustments for energy efficiency and comfort.Why It Matters: Your home remains safe and comfortable no matter the season.5. Customized to Your Homes NeedsNo two homes are alike, which is why our plans are tailored to your unique requirements.What We Offer:Flexible scheduling to suit your lifestyle.Services specific to your homes age, location, and features.Options for one-time fixes or ongoing care.TruBlue Advantage: A plan designed just for you ensures maximum value and efficiency.6. Peace of Mind for You and Your FamilyKnowing your home is in expert hands reduces anxiety and frees up mental energy.How We Provide Peace of Mind:Reliable service from experienced professionals.Transparent communication about whats done and whats next.Regular updates and reminders to keep everything on track.A TruBlue Home Maintenance Plan is more than just a serviceits a partnership that protects your home, simplifies your life, and ensures peace of mind. With proactive care, tailored solutions, and year-round support, its the best investment youll make in your home.Contact TruBlue today to set up your personalized Home Maintenance Plan and discover the joy of worry-free homeownership!

Guardianship is a serious legal process that serves as a last resort for caring for an elderly parent who can no longer make sound decisions for themselves. It requires a court hearing and confirmation of incapacity by medical providers.What is Guardianship?Guardianship means an individual is appointed by the court to make medical decisions and manage daily care for an elderly parent. This typically occurs when an elderly parent:Is diagnosed with cognitive impairments like dementia or Alzheimer's diseaseHas suffered brain injuriesExperiences serious health conditions that impair decision-making abilitiesKey Considerations in GuardianshipEmotional ChallengesDeciding to pursue guardianship often involves mixed emotions. Adult children may feel uncomfortable, especially if family members disagree about the necessity of guardianship.Legal RequirementsTo establish guardianship, documentation must be submitted to the court that:Substantiates the degree of cognitive impairmentProvides evidence of poor decision-makingIncludes a medical assessment, potentially a neuropsychological evaluationTypes of GuardianshipGuardian ResponsibilitiesMake medical decisionsManage daily careAdvocate for the elderly parent's best interestsFollow the principle of substituted judgment (making decisions the parent would make)ConservatorshipIn most situations, a conservator is also appointed to manage money and property. This can be the same person as the guardian or a separate individual.Challenges of GuardianshipAdvocacy and Medical InteractionsGuardians must:Navigate complex healthcare systemsCommunicate with medical professionalsUnderstand and research medical conditionsMake thorough, prudent decisionsFamily DynamicsGuardianship can create:Potential conflicts between family membersDisagreements about care and spendingEmotional stress that may damage relationshipsState-Specific ConsiderationsGuardianship laws and terminology vary by state. Some states have:Different definitions of guardianshipVarying availability of professional guardiansUnique legal frameworks for elder careImportance of PreparationRecommended StepsHave early discussions about care preferencesDocument the elderly parent's wishesUnderstand the full scope of guardianship responsibilitiesSeek support and resources for caregiversAs the population ages and chronic diseases become more prevalent, understanding guardianship becomes increasingly important for families caring for elderly parents.