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If youre considering moving elderly parents into your home, assuredly youll have many questions. Oftentimes caring for just ourselves can feel like a lot. Adding the care of your parents on top of all of your other responsibilities? Is it something youll be able to manage?At Grace Pointe, our main concern is the well-being of your aging parents. We want to be sure you have the information necessary to make the best call. Lets have a look at some considerations that will need to be made before moving elderly parents into your home, followed by a couple of quality options for alternative forms of care.Considering Care for Your Parents?It can be shocking to find yourself as the grown child of parents who now need to be cared for. Even more, their need for care is sure to increase with time. Providing the care your parents require on your own is one option, and many grown children choose this route. There are other options like assisted and independent living that you can consider as well. With all the options, first things first, understand what your parents would prefer.Understanding Your Parents DesiresFor many aging adults, growing old in their own homes is the most preferred option. If and when it becomes clear that they are no longer able to safely live on their own, youll most likely need to have a conversation about what aging safely can look like.The goal of this conversation should be to prepare your parents for change. Ask them about their expectations regarding growing old. Find out what sorts of activities they feel they are beginning to need help accomplishing. This is also a good time to discuss your concerns and paint them a picture of your hope for their care. Here are some helpful tips to remember when preparing for this conversation.Be gentle. Youre suggesting some big changes that may be hard to receive. Deliver them gently.Be patient. Your parents may not receive these changes well. Be patient and willing to help them work through it.Be humble. Your parents are your parents, and theyve lived a lot of life. Be humble and acknowledge your parents input.Be informed. Your greatest tool for this conversation is information. Do your research on what these changes will entail.Considering Providing Care for Your Parents Yourself?Perhaps youre contemplating taking on that burden of care yourself. Its not unheard of. If you do decide to go forward with moving elderly parents into your home, youll need to understand the scope of care they will need. Planning for your parents safety, their quality of life, and your self-care is a good place to start.Planning for Your Parents SafetyDepending on the level of care your parents require, there will be preparations youll need to make before they come to live in your home. Many of these preparations can be accomplished on your own, others may require some assistance. Take a look at this helpful article for a fuller understanding of these preparations, but here are a few you can start with.Are there concerns about falling? Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs and free areas of any extra clutter.Will they need help standing up? Grab bars in the bathroom may be a wise addition to your home. Do you live in a multi-story home? Make living arrangements where your parents can live independently on one level.Planning to Maintain Your Parents Quality of LifeHaving to make peace with fleeting independence is a tall order. While youre providing care for your parents, taking an honest look at where they need support is the first step, followed by an assessment of all the possible solutions available to provide them the help they need. (AgingInPlace)The aim is to provide an environment for your parents that allows them as much independence as theyre capable of. That independence is accomplished via an assortment of daily activities. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are the essential activities that must be maintained to allow your parents to continue the independent life theyre accustomed to. An inability to maintain these activities on their own will inform the level of care they may require. Some basic ADLs include personal hygiene, self-feeding, bathing, and mobilityInstrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are non-essential activities that play a role in independent living. Some basic IADLs include cooking and cleaning, running errands, managing finances, and taking necessary medications.Planning for Self-CareProviding care for an elderly parent can be difficult. With all of your focus on them, you may experience a decline in energy and enthusiasm, notice a neglect for and withdrawal from normal patterns of life, and even grow in feelings of hopelessness. Its important to be realistic about how much care youre able to provide on your own without sacrificing your self-care, your relationships, and other responsibilities like work and family. (CommonWiseCare) If the level of care your parents require is outside of your capacity to provide, it may be time to consider alternative forms of care.Considering Alternative Forms of Care for Your Parents?There are many alternative options available for providing care for your aging parents. Depending on your parents care needs, assisted and independent living may be great options to consider. Both will allow them space to maintain a safe level of independence while providing them the care they require.Understanding Assisted LivingAssisted living is designed to provide as much autonomy as your parents are capable of, ranging from the highest level of care to only needing assistance with activities such as walking to meals. This alternative form of care is a good fit for aging parents who require higher levels of assistance and promotes a balanced lifestyle as well as social interaction.Understanding Independent LivingIndependent Living is the perfect alternative for aging parents who wish to enjoy an active, fulfilling life without the worries of household maintenance. With independent living your parents can age in place, leaving you assured they will receive the care they need when they need it.At Grace Pointe, Your Parents Can Age In PlaceAs your parents age, their needs will change. Its important to provide them with an environment where they can safely and comfortably age in place. At Grace Pointe, we can provide that environment, and with our customized approach to care, you can be sure your parents specific needs are our priority. Explore which level of care your parents need, and let Grace Pointe be the support your parents need.

Maintaining independence is fundamental for people living with disabilities. Having mobility options allows people with certain disabilities to go to doctors appointments, grocery shop, visits friends, and keep a sense of autonomy.Purchasing a vehicle can be expensive. However, grants and other resources can help meet diverse needs, including for those who need an accessible vehicle of their own.Federal Funding for Mobility Vans, Adaptive Equipment, and Accessible TransportationVarious federal funding sources can help cover the cost of wheelchair vans or adaptive equipment for your existing vehicle. Different programs may focus specifically on accessible transportation options for older adults, veterans, or people living with disabilities.Examples of these resources include the following:Veterans Affairs BenefitsThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs invites eligible veterans to seek out its automobile allowance benefits. Vets can also apply for its grants for accessible vehicles and adaptive equipment.Adaptations may include such vehicle adaptations as changes to seats, brakes, steering wheels, and assistive equipment. Note that each states VA office may likely have available grants specific to state residents as well.The Transportation for Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities ProgramThis program is headed up by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Transportation for Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities Program grants money to states. The states then coordinate transportation services with nonprofits that address the mobility needs of seniors and people with disabilities.These types of grant-funded services generally do not provide accessible vehicles for individual use. However, they offer transportation services that are often free or discounted.Such public transit programs are in place in these and other states:Northwest Valley Connect in ArizonaCrossTownConnect in MassachusettsVolunteer Care Giving in North Carolinas Raleigh areaThe Rusk County Transit Commissions volunteer transportation services in WisconsinPlan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) ProgramIf you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), have a disability, and want to work, the PASS program may be of interest to you. Participants receive a monthly stipend that can go toward paying for an accessible vehicle if required to achieve your work goals. Learn more on the Social Security Administration website.State and Regional Financial Assistance Programs for Accessible VehiclesAcross each state, grants for mobility vans vary widely. Be sure to consult The Mobility Resources list of state disability grants available specifically for wheelchair vans.Other state programs exist that assist people with disabilities in modifying their vehicles to make traveling with a mobility impairment easier. Unfortunately, these programs are not consistent throughout the country. Some states that provide their residents with grant opportunities for vehicle updates include:Kentucky The Spina Bifida Foundation of Kentucky makes funding for adapting vehicles available through an application process.New York The Motion Project Foundation offers qualifying residents grants that can be used for vehicle modifications and other adaptive equipment.Oregon The Blanche Fischer Foundation gives grants of up to $1,500 to residents with physical disabilities and financial need.Texas The Houston Childrens Charity Chariots for Children program awards accessible vehicles to families of children with special needs .In addition, numerous states have low-interest loan programs that can help individuals pay for modifying or purchasing a vehicle. These include:Arizona Technology Access ProgramAssistive Technology Loan Program at the Connecticut Tech Act ProjectAble Up in IowaMontana Assistive Technology Loan ProgramAccess Loan New Mexico ProgramOklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation loansMobility Rebate ProgramsCertain car manufacturers also offer rebates for approved devices, equipment, and controls that have been installed in a new vehicle.Learn more about programs available through such companies as Audi, Honda, and Subaru, among many others. (Other car companies are even launching vehicles specially designed for families with certain disabilities, such as autism.)Disability Grants for Vehicles or Equipment Through Other OrganizationsGrants for individuals may be available through foundations, nonprofits, and other types of organizations. Depending on the size of the program, some participants may receive enough money to cover the entire cost of assistive equipment and vehicle modifications. Smaller programs may be focused on supporting families with demonstrated financial need.The following are examples of organizations that provide grants to individuals and families with certain disabilities:Alyssa V Phillips Foundation. This foundation provides people with cerebral palsy financial aid that can support adaptations to qualifying vehicles.Chive Charities. This nonprofit helps veterans, first responders, and others with rare medical conditions through grants.Special Kids Fund. This fund invites families with special needs children to apply for adapted wheelchair vans that are secured through donations.Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation. This foundation offers applicants with certain diseases financial assistance for such transportation adaptations as van conversions, transfer seats, and vehicle liftsHelp HOPE Live. Through this nonprofit fundraising website, families with special needs can coordinate crowdfunding campaigns to support their needsMultiple Sclerosis Foundation. This national foundation funds the Brighter Tomorrow Grant. This grant awards up to $1,000 for goods, services, or equipment that will improve the lives of individuals with MS. Its local chapters also often have grants specific to each state.Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation. This foundation awards grants to people with spinal cord injuries and disorders for specific equipment or modifications.National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. This resource offers robust information on accessible driving solutions, funding sources, advice when purchasing accessible vehicles online, and more.Additional ResourcesNote that grant application criteria and deadlines will vary from one organization to another. Finding and applying for grants for those who need a wheelchair van or adaptive vehicle modifications can take time. Contact our law firm today for help.Note that grant application criteria and deadlines will vary from one organization to another. Finding and applying for grants for those who need a wheelchair van or adaptive vehicle modifications can take time. Contact our law firm today for help. This article is a service of Sharek Law Office, LLC. We dont just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life and Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than youve ever been before, and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge. Please note this is educational content only and is not intended to act as legal advice.

In helping clients prepare for their future, estate planning and elder law attorneys use many acronyms. Understanding some of the common medical and legal terms in this field can give you added confidence in your approach to planning for your own future or that of your loved ones.1. AEP (Accredited Estate Planner)An AEP is an estate planning professional who has attained a graduate-level designation in estate planning. Attorneys and other estate planning experts, including accountants, financial advisors, and financial planners, can seek this accreditation. Although accreditation isn't necessary for a lawyer to do estate planning, accredited estate planners have gone through additional education in estate planning. They're recognized by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils.2. CCRCs (Continuing Care Retirement Communities)Older adults who want to stay in one place as their care needs progress can reside in continuing care retirement communities, which provide different levels of care as their medical and care needs change. Residents can start out living independently and then receive assisted living or nursing home care when required.3. CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service)CMS is the federal agency that regulates Medicare, Medicaid, and Childrens Health Insurance Programs, as well as the Federally Facilitated Marketplace, an online health insurance marketplace.4. DNR (Do Not Resuscitate Order)A DNR allows individuals to choose not to have physicians prolong their lives with CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The person as well as their physician must sign the order. DNRs differ from living wills. Whereas DNRs are specific to CPR, living wills allow individuals to state whether or not they want general medical care to prolong their lives.5. DPA (Durable Power of Attorney)Using a DPA, you can appoint a trusted individual to manage your health care decisions or financial decisions in the event that you cannot make choices for yourself. A health care agent can make decisions about what kind of care you receive, whereas a financial agent can help manage your finances and pay your bills. Having a durable power of attorney in place can help you avoid needing a guardian in the future if you become incapacitated.6. GAL (Guardian ad Litem)When the court has concerns about a persons ability to handle their personal or financial affairs, it can appoint a guardian ad litem to advocate for the individuals best interests.7. IRA (Individual Retirement Account)Individual Retirement Accounts are accounts that allow individuals to save money for retirement on a tax-free or tax-deferred basis. Traditional IRAs use tax-deductible income and are tax-deferred, whereas Roth IRAs use post-tax income and aren't taxed upon withdrawal.8. MMNA (Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance)When one spouse goes on Medicaid and enters a nursing home and the other remains at home, federal spousal impoverishment rules provide that the spouse remaining in the community can retain a certain amount of the couples income.The Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance is the minimum amount of the couples income the spouse who remains at home must receive. When the healthy spouses income falls below the minimum, the spouse receiving Medicaid can give a portion of their income to the community spouse.9. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility)Individuals with acute illnesses and injuries can recover in skilled nursing facilities, which are short-term rehabilitation centers. Skilled nursing facilities provide skilled nursing that meets residents unique needs and are distinct from nursing homes, which provide long-term care.10. SSA (The United States Social Security Administration)The Social Security Administration regulates Social Security retirement, survivor, and disability insurance benefits programs. It's the agency responsible for allocating the Supplemental Security Income program for individuals with disabilities and assigning Social Security numbers.11. UAGPPJA (The Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act)The majority of states have adopted the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act, which was drafted in 2007. The Act covers guardianship transfers, making moving between states easier and more efficient.This article is a service of Sharek Law Office, LLC. We dont just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life and Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than youve ever been before, and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge. Please note this is educational content only and is not intended to act as legal advice.