Managing Alzheimer's and Dementia: Caregiver Tips and Resources

As our senior loved ones age, we may start seeing physical and mental signs of decline. While some signs are not worrisome, others may be more concerning: anxiety, depression, forgetfulness, and mishandling money. These could indicate more serious issues and are risky behaviors. So here are four things you can do to help your aging loved one manage their finances. Four Ways to Help Your Aging Loved One Manage Finances:1. Stepping Up to Help With Daily TasksAs they age, your loved one may start having difficulty remembering important things such as taking their medications and getting refills on time. If you notice your loved one is no longer able to keep track of due dates for their bills or forgets to pick up their mail and leaves letters unopened, it is time for a conversation. Ask them if you can take charge of their finances in order to avoid overdraft fees, missed due dates, and other potential problems.If you live far away or if you cannot visit regularly, consider hiring an Aging Life Care Manager to check on your loved one, assess their needs, and recommend on-going services. Share a calendar with their care team to let them know about appointments, and make a readily-accessible list of phone numbers that include doctors, pharmacies, banking institutions, and emergency numbers. 2. Finding a Suitable RentalAnother consideration is your loved ones living arrangement. A popular option is finding a new, accessible, rental home or apartment, which means less maintenance than owning a home. When scouting rentals, look in neighborhoods with the amenities they need. View online listings to find properties in their price range to locate the perfect place. 3. Getting Power of AttorneyAsk your senior loved one if theyre willing to grant you power of attorney, which will allow you to make medical and/or financial decisions for them when theyre no longer able to do so. A power of attorney is a flexible document that lets your loved one (the principal) specify what decisions can be made on their behalf by another person (the agent). The principal can amend or make changes to that document at any time, provided they are of sound mind.Once you fill out the required forms and have them notarized, print extra copies for your records and put them in a safe place. Being legally prepared before your loved one becomes ill or incapacitated will give both of you peace of mind taking the guesswork out of what should happen and knowing that your loved ones wishes will be respected in the event theyre no longer able to clearly communicate. 4. Closing or Selling Your Loved Ones BusinessWhen your loved one owns a business but can no longer manage it, it is time to close or sell it. There are many steps involved in dissolving an LLC or corporation, so consult with an accountant or attorney in order to avoid penalties. You will have to gather all documents pertaining to the company such as articles of incorporation and operating agreement and be able to provide a potential buyer with several years of tax returns, profit and loss statements, and client/vendor contracts, etc.Get a professional business valuation in order to properly and objectively determine its value. A good business broker will help you come up with a number by analyzing the companys management, capital structure, future earnings, and market value of its assets, and will facilitate and streamline the selling process.It can be a difficult conversation, but it is important. Take time to discuss your loved ones financial situation. Together, come up with a plan that will keep them financially secure. Youll have greater peace of mind knowing that everything is in order.5. EfficiencyAging Life Care Managers streamline care processes, reducing redundancies and ensuring efficient use of resources. They help avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and inappropriate placements, which can save significant costs. For example, an Aging Life Care Manager might identify that a clients frequent hospital visits are due to medication mismanagement and work to set up a system where medications are properly administered at home, thus reducing the need for hospital care (Yang). What Distinguishes an Aging Life Care Manager from Other Geriatric Care Managers?Aging Life Care Professionals are distinguished by their membership in ALCA, which sets them apart through rigorous education, experience, and certification standards. Aging Life Care Professionals must meet stringent education and certification requirements, which include formal higher education in related fields such as gerontology, nursing, or social work, and professional certifications like Care Manager Certified (CMC), Certified Case Manager (CCM) . Additionally, they adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, ensuring a high level of professionalism and quality care.When to Engage the Services of an Aging Life Care Professional for Yourself or Your Loved OneKnowing when to engage the services of an Aging Life Care Professional can be challenging. Here are some indicators that it might be time to seek help: The person you are caring for has multiple medical or psychological issues. They are unable to live safely in their current environment. They are not pleased with current care providers and require advocacy. They are confused about their own financial and/or legal situation. They have limited or no family support. Your family is burned out or confused about care solutions. You have limited time and/or expertise in dealing with the individuals chronic care needs and/or do not live close by. Your family is at odds regarding care decisions. You need education and/or direction in dealing with behaviors associated with dementia.  Evaluating Aging Life Care Professionals for Yourself or Your Loved OneWhen evaluating Aging Life Care Professionals, consider the following: Credentials and Certification: Ensure the Aging Life Care Professional is certified and a member of ALCA. Experience: Look for professionals with substantial experience in geriatric care management. References and Reviews: Seek references from previous clients and read reviews to gauge their reputation and effectiveness. Compatibility: Choose someone who is compatible with your family and understands your specific needs and preferences. Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial; the Aging Life Care Professional should be able to clearly explain care plans and updates.  Understanding Aging Life Care ManagementAging Life Care Management is not just about addressing immediate health concerns but also about providing a holistic and proactive approach to care. This includes planning for future needs, advocating for the client within the healthcare system, and supporting the family through emotional and logistical challenges.Its about enhancing the overall quality of life for both the older adult and their family.Advice for Planning for Healthy AgingPlanning for healthy aging involves being proactive about your health, finances, and lifestyle choices. Here are some key pieces of advice from ALCA: Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Prioritize regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental health to stay physically and mentally fit. Plan Financially: Save and invest wisely to ensure financial stability in your later years. Consider long-term care insurance and other financial products that can help cover future care needs. Stay Informed: Educate yourself about aging and the resources available to support you. Stay connected with community services and support networks. Be Proactive About Healthcare: Regular health check-ups and screenings can help detect and manage potential health issues early. Build a Support Network: Cultivate strong relationships with family, friends, and community members who can provide support as you age.   Aging Life Care Management is an invaluable resource for families navigating the complexities of elder care. These professionals play a pivotal role in ensuring that older adults receive comprehensive, compassionate care while supporting and relieving the burdens on their families. By understanding and utilizing the services provided by these professionals, families can enhance the quality of life for their loved ones and themselves. For more detailed information and resources, the Aging Life Care Association website is an excellent place to start.

Alzheimers Rummaging: Everything You Need to Know - AIHCEverything You Need to Know About Alzheimers RummagingSee our latest Blog post:https://www.americaninhomecare.com/blog/2024/09/16/alzheimers-rummaging-everything-you-need-to-know/Rummaging behavior in individuals with Alzheimer's stems from several factors, including memory loss, confusion, and anxiety. As cognitive function declines, the need to search for something familiar or the desire to feel a sense of control can lead to rummaging. This activity may provide them comfort or a sense of purpose, even if the items they seek are no longer relevant or useful (See post for more - link is up above)If you, a family member or friend need a little extra care, and still want to live at home -- We can help with Home Health Care Services --We refer qualified and compassionate home health care providers that have been thoroughly screened to support our goal of making living and aging at home safe, comfortable and affordable. Referred Care Providers are available on an hourly, daily, weekly, or live-in basis.Care Providers: Register and take an important step towards taking control of your career! Case opportunities include days, evenings, nights and extended care shifts. We register companions, Home Health Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, Nurses and LPN's.https://www.americaninhomecare.com

For women, eldercare should not mean sacrificing your careerMany women, especially those in mid-career, find themselves facing the difficult decision of whether to leave the workforce to care for aging parents. The demands of eldercare can pile up with little warning or predictability and quickly become overwhelming. The "easiest" solution for many women in this position may seem like stepping away from their professional lives altogether.However, leaving the workforce can have long-term, unseen consequencesfinancially, emotionally, and professionally. Before women make this decision, we want to bring to light to some of the costs of stepping away, as well as share options that are available to help women care for aging parents or loved ones without sacrificing their career.The elephant in the room - what about men?It's a systemic problem that the large majority of caregiving responsibilities fall on women. We believe fully this should not be the case - and will continue to advocate for a future where men and women are expected to share, and do share, these responsibilities more equally. That said, this article is going to focus on the impact of eldercare on women, and options available, because the data shows the women are the ones who are much more likely to pay the price of eldercare.Female caregivers are more likely than males to ask for a less demanding job, take unpaid leave, or give up work entirely to support caregivingWomen lose an estimated $325K over their lifetime due to caregivingThe Unseen Costs of Leaving the WorkforceWomen who exit the workforce early face immediate income loss, diminished retirement savings, and a reduction in Social Security benefits. AARP reports that caregivers can expect to spend an average of $7K annually on out-of-pocket expenses.Additionally, exiting the workforce comes with professional setbacks that may be hard to recover from. Studies show that women who take time off for caregiving often find it difficult to re-enter their fields, and when they do, they may face lower wages, fewer opportunities for advancement, or the need to start in less demanding roles.The Unseen Costs of "Daughterhood"A less recognized aspect of womens caregiving burden is eldercare (i.e. daughterhood), which is frequently overshadowed by the attention given to childcare (i.e. motherhood). While businesses have made strides in supporting working mothers, they have largely ignored the unique challenges posed by eldercare. The emotional and physical toll of eldercare, which often includes managing chronic illnesses, dementia, and end-of-life care, cannot be underestimated.According to the Federal Reserve, four times as many people have left the workforce due to adult caregiving compared to childcare, yet corporate policies and benefits packages rarely address these realities.Why You Shouldn't Quit: There Are OptionsBalancing work, children, aging parents, mental and physical health, a "clean" home, and the semblance of a social life - it's simply not sustainable. It would make Superwoman run for the exit. It's no wonder that women leave their jobs in order to quickly take something off their plate. But before putting in your notice, let's talk about resources and options that may be available.Workplace Benefits: Find out what your company offers. Some offer paid caregiver leave, flexible work schedules, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide counseling and eldercare resources.Even if your employer is moving away from remote work post-pandemic, you can advocate for more flexibility, such as flexible hours or a partial work-from-home arrangement.According to experts, a flexible workplace arrangement is often the most important factor for caregivers trying to juggle their professional and personal lives.External Support Systems: there are local and national organizations that can provide assistance. Naborforce is one of these organizations - our founder Paige Wilson lived all of the stark truths discussed in this article, and that is why she decided to do something about it! And if Naborforce isn't in your area or isn't an option for you - there are other resources to check out: care.com, Bright Horizons, home care agencies, caregiving forums, etc.Note: Naborforce partners with employers to provide discounted hourly rates. If your employer doesn't have Naborforce as an option, reach out to us and we will see if there is an opportunity to collaborate!Talk to your people: Many organizations are beginning to create employee resource groups for caregivers, offering a safe space to share experiences and tips for managing eldercare. These groups can be a lifeline for employees who feel isolated in their caregiving roles.Making Eldercare an Employee BenefitEmployers play a crucial role in supporting women who are caregivers. Unfortunately, 79% of caregivers do not have access to benefits that support them in this role.Supporting working women is not just about helping parents; its about addressing the needs of adult daughters (and sons) who are balancing caregiving with their professional lives. As 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S., this challenge is only going to grow. Employers must adapt to this reality if they want to retain top female talent.The Bottom Line: You Have OptionsWhile caregiving can feel like an all-consuming role, women should not have to choose between their careers and their families. By tapping into workplace benefits, seeking flexible arrangements, and exploring external resources, women can navigate the challenges of eldercare without sacrificing their professional futures.