If you are a Caregiver, you are one of the 1.8 million Caregivers in Alabama. One in four Baby Boomers (ages 57-75) are caregivers, providing regular assistance to friends or family who have a disability or health problem. The burden of caring for a loved one can be time-consuming, expensive and can cause Caregivers to become depressed and feel guilty about their decisions. Caring for the Caregiver is Relatively NewUntil the late 70s, Caregivers were an unseen, unheard and unrecognized part of the healthcare team. These families and friends were caring primarily at home - for loved ones with cognitive disorders like Alzheimers disease, strokes and other age-related diseases.  The first national caregiving organization was founded in 1977 the National Caregiving Alliance to raise awareness. This was followed by a 2016 reauthorization of the Older American Act of 1965 to assist Caregivers, the RAISE Family Caregivers Act of 2018 and the National Family Caregivers Support Act in 2000. Recently, the national CARES Act (Coronavirus legislation) also includes caregiving support provisions. I Cant Take Care of You, If I Dont Take Care of MeBoth the Caregivers and the cared for can experience similar emotions. As days, weeks and months continue with mounting responsibilities, Caregivers can become overwhelmed physically, emotionally, spiritually and develop significant health problems. They worry their compassion is faltering (compassion fatigue) and experience guilt (Caregiver Guilt Syndrome) they are not doing enough for their loved one. Caregiver assessments reports that 20% of family caregivers suffer from depression, twice the rate of the general population. Meanwhile, those in their charge also can experience anxiety, frustration and depression.  Options for Caregivers and Their ChargesAs many Caregivers need to work or be away from home for most of the day, AARP recommends adult daycare as a more affordable option (ranging from $50 - $70 per day) for Caregivers respite. When older loved ones are unable to structure ones activities, feel isolated and lonely, have difficulty starting and focusing on activities and no longer seem safe on their own, adult daycare provides watchful care and socialization. An adult daycare is typically a non-residential facility that supports the health, nutritional, social and daily living needs of older adults.Caregiver support is built into the program, with counselling and other support services. Caregivers are provided daily respite to continue to live their own lives, work and take care of other family members and obligations. Other options for Caregiving respite include home health care, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The best advice is to know your healthcare plan and options: Medicare now offers long-term home and community-based services, like adult day care, in-home personal care assistance, and respite care in certain conditions; Medicaid can pay 100% of nursing home care costs if you meet eligibility requirements; and private health insurance companies typically offer some respite care assistance.  Local resources for Caregivers can be found on the Area Agency on Aging website listed under programs: Alabama Cares Caregiver Program. Article courtesy of the Via Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center Community Outreach Division. The Via Center provides health, fitness and enrichment programs for older adults and Community Outreach services to Seniors and their families. For information onthe Via Center GrandFriends Adult Day Services program, contact 251.478.3311.

Guardianship Versus Powers of AttorneyOne of the most common questions I get as a practicing elder law attorney is, what is the difference between guardianship and a power of attorney? A power of attorney is a document that a person executes when they are competent to appoint someone to be their agent for either healthcare matters, financial matters or both. The defining characteristics of powers of attorney is that it is a voluntary action by the person, and it can be revoked at any time so a power of attorney cannot be used to trump someones free will in order to place them in a facility for example, against their wishes.A guardianship is a process where one typically files a pleading, requesting to be appointed as a persons guardian.  In this case, we must demonstrate that the person we seek to protect is incompetent to manage either their healthcare, or their finances, or both.The guardianship typically comes about in two primary ways. First, if the person we seek to protect never executed a power of attorney, and now is incapable, a guardianship would be necessary in order to handle things like an admission to a hospital or long-term care facility because no one has been appointed to consent to treatment for them.  Second is a situation where the person we seek to protect is actively combative to the plan in place to handle their health matters. In this case, we must seek guardianship in order to overcome their wishes, particularly if they are unwise. For example, if your parent develops dementia, but insists that there is nothing wrong with them, that they should continue to drive and live independently and manage their medication, despite evidence that those things are dangerous in their current condition, guardianship is typically necessary in order to restrict their freedom.In some states, like Florida, the guardianship will also cover financial matters.  in Alabama, the conservatorship is established at the same time as a guardianship in order to handle healthcare matters for those cases where there is no power of attorney, and the conservatorship is necessary in order pay their bills, access finances, and so forth.To establish financial guardianship, no matter what its called, we typically must be bonded so the person who is applying must be credit worthy and able to obtain a bond from a surety company. This ensures that the persons financial well-being is well taken care of.  If there is no one available, or if no one wishes to handle finances, every county typically has, or can appoint someone, as a county conservator to serve as that persons conservator.  This is helpful in cases where its a very difficult or complex financial situation.  Then it may be preferable to have a professional appointed and giving a relatively small fee for doing so.  This leaves the guardian to care for the healthcare of the individual without the added stress of complicated financial matters. Contact an elder attorney for more information about what your needs are and please dont put off executing a power of attorney in favor of those people that you trust as soon as you can to avoid what could be difficult and unnecessary proceedings in Probate Court down the road.This article was contributed by Kyla Kelim with Aging in Alabama.  Kyla is an experienced Elder Law attorney.  Contact Kyla at 251-281-8120.

4 Signs It May be Time to Consider Assisted Senior LivingIndependence is something we all crave and strive to maintain, making it challenging for us to ask for or accept help from time to time. As we get older, our desire for independence can also make it difficult to know or accept when it may be time to consider additional options like an assisted senior living community.A common misconception is that you will lose your independence by living in a senior living community, which is simply not true. These communities offer a lifestyle that can help you maintain or enhance your independence. With team members at the community taking care of the time-consuming, everyday tasks like maintenance and upkeep, you are free to live your life exactly the way you want. Leaving you more time to visit with friends and family and pursue your interests.Throughout Alabama, Community Senior Life (CSL) communities offer senior living options ranging from independent living to Alzheimers and dementia care. Our goal is to promote an environment that fosters independence while providing support and assistance in the areas that each resident needs.How do you know when it is time for assisted living? We realize this question is hard to answer, and transitioning into senior living is a significant decision. Below, we are sharing signs to help you recognize when it may be time to start the process.1. You Have a Chronic Health ConditionAccording to the National Council on Aging, approximately 80% of older adults have at least one chronic disease, and 77% have at least two. Chronic diseases and other medical conditions can impact an individuals ability to not only care for themselves but also maintain their home and handle other responsibilities.If you have one or more medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it may be beneficial to consider an assisted senior living community. A senior living community can offer a maintenance-free lifestyle so that you have more time to focus on your health and wellness, as well as provide you with a team of caregivers who can help you manage your conditions, medications, and more.2. Your Socialization Opportunities are LimitedWe often take for granted the positive impact social interactions can have on our mental wellness. Offering benefits such as reduced stress levels, improved cognitive functioning, and boosted self-esteem, connecting with others is crucial to our well-being and can provide us with a sense of purpose.As Joyce Carol Oates once said, loneliness is like starvation: you dont realize how hungry you are until you begin to eat. Unfortunately, as we age, our socialization opportunities can become limited we leave the workforce, children grow up and move away, etc.Assisted senior living could be the ideal solution if you live on your own and feel yourself craving more social interaction. Our CSL communities offer activities and encourage individuals to interact with one another, forming a true sense of community. Beyond scheduled events and programs that cater to a variety of interests, residents can connect during meals, as neighbors, and more.3. You Could Use Support with Everyday TasksThis is a major how do you know when it is time for assisted living sign.We all have days when we choose to stay in our pajamas but choosing to stay in our pajamas all day is different than not getting dressed because it is too difficult. If you find yourself needing assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs) like personal hygiene tasks, mobility, or general home maintenance, transitioning into an assisted senior living community could be the best option to maintain your independence and improve your overall quality of life.What Are Considered Activities of Daily Living?According to an article published in the National Library of Medicine, the activities of daily living (ADLs) is a term used to collectively describe fundamental skills required to independently care for oneself.ADLs are the physical skills we need to complete every day to lead a safe and healthy lifestyle. Broken down into five main areas, the American Council on Aging defines the basic ADLs as:Mobility  Also referred to as ambulating or transferring, this means being able to move around or walk both inside and outside their home.Dressing  Choosing and putting on appropriate clothing.Eating  The physical act of eating, including the proper use of utensils.Personal hygiene  Includes all personal grooming activities such as shaving, nail care, brushing teeth, and safely showering or bathing.Toileting  Sometimes called continence, this refers to having control over the bladder/bowels as well as getting on and off the toilet safely.In addition to basic ADLs, there are also instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). These require more complex thinking, organization, and tactical skills. However, most do not have to be performed every day. While they are not considered a part of fundamental living, IADLs are still necessary for a healthy and safe independent lifestyle.The instrumental activities of daily living include:Transportation  Either driving, using public transportation, or arranging other means of transportation such as rides with family members.Meal preparation  The ability to plan and prepare meals.Managing finances  Paying bills, managing bank accounts, etc.Shopping  Buying essentials such as groceries, clothing, prescriptions, and household supplies.Home maintenance  Cleaning and maintaining the home, doing the laundry, etc.Communication  Staying in contact with friends, family, and loved ones.Medication management  The ability to obtain medications and take them properly.If you find yourself taking more time to get dressed in the morning or are unable to coordinate transportation to doctors appointments and errands, you may benefit from transitioning into an assisted senior living community.4. Your Eating Habits Have ChangedHealthy aging means healthy eating. If what you eat becomes more about convenience and less about nutrition, it can impact the way your body functions. Assisted senior living communities can help you maintain a balanced, nutrient-dense diet. At our CSL communities, we provide delicious meals and snacks that focus on nutrition. The best part is that you do not have to worry about preparing these meals or doing the dishes afterward!Assisted Senior Living at Community Senior LifeEach of our assisted living communities provides an atmosphere akin to home with engaging activities and personalized services tailored to meet every residents unique needs. We work with individuals daily to improve or maintain their independence while always making ourselves available to provide a helping hand and assistance when needed.We believe that healing happens when an individual feels comfortable and at home. This is why providing our residents with comfort is so important to us. Our team members strive to do everything they can to ensure residents in our assisted senior living communities receive the personalized attention and care that makes them feel welcome and part of our family.Our assisted living features and amenities include:24/7 staffingPersonal emergency call systemsMedication assistanceHousekeepingTransportationDaily meals and snacksDressing assistancePersonal appearance and hygiene assistanceMobility assistanceThe decision to move into an assisted senior living community is significant, but it could improve your overall quality of life. So, how do you know when it is time for assisted living? If you are showing any of the mentioned signs, the time may be now.This article was submitted by Community Senior Life with senior living communities throughout Alabama.  Contact Community Senior Life with any questions at 251-981-0200.

Understanding Your Options: Ways to Pay for Senior LivingPerhaps you have come to the decision that you or a family member would benefit from senior living and have already begun looking into your options. You know what level of care is needed and have found the community that offers these services with the right amenities in the perfect location.The only thing left to figure out now is how to actually pay for these senior living services. As a senior living provider in Alabama, Community Senior Lifes goal is to help individuals navigate their senior living journey every step of the way. We commit to meeting our residents social, spiritual, physical, and financial needs, so we are sharing some ways to pay for senior living care and services. We have Home Ownership, Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care options. Private PayThe simplest and most widely accepted way to pay for senior living is through private pay or paying through personal finances. Any savings, income, or retirement funds can be used to cover the costs of senior living, but its important to be realistic and budget-conscious if you are relying solely on this source.If you have been preparing and saving for retirement or still receive a regular income, private pay options may be enough to cover your senior living costs. However, this is not the case for many individuals, and the cost of senior living quickly uses up what they have saved. Because of this, below are some alternative options that can be used separately or in conjunction with your retirement savings.Home EquityWhile it may be difficult, selling your home is a great way to cover the costs of senior living. The equity that your home has accrued over the years can be used in addition to your other private pay options and make your savings last longer.Bridge LoansAccording to Forbes Advisor, a bridge loan is a form of short-term financing that gives individuals and businesses the flexibility to borrow money for up to a year.Even though a bridge loan can be a somewhat risky option since financing is only up to a year, this is a good option if you or a loved one needs to quickly move into a senior living community, but the sale of a house is still pending.Renting Your HomeFor some individuals, selling their homes is simply out of the question. Maybe they arent ready to part with their house, or they want to leave it to a child or grandchild. If this is you, that is okay, but you might as well make some money off of it.To help cover the costs of senior living, renting out your home may be an option. By doing so, you will get to hold onto your house and the memories it has while also receiving a regular monthly income. This option requires more planning, though, since rental properties require upkeep and maintenance. If you do not have someone who can help with these tasks, a rental management company can help oversee the logistics, finances, and maintenance of a property.Veteran BenefitsIndividuals who served in the United States military and their spouses may be entitled to benefits that can help cover the costs of senior living services. The United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) provides care resources to active-duty soldiers and veterans.Visit their website to view a series of links to resources and information that can assist you and your family on your senior living journey.Make Sure You Know Whats Included in the CostEvery senior living community is different, but many people do not consider that the monthly rate for a senior living community includes more than just a place to live. This price often includes meals, a certain level of support and care services, community amenities, and home maintenance. Make sure to check with the community you are considering prior to moving in to verify everything that is included in the monthly rate.For a more in-depth look at what is included in the price at all of our Community Senior Life communities in Alabama, download our free Cost Comparison Worksheet.This article was submitted by Community Senior Life. To learn more about our senior living communities throughout Alabama or how to pay for senior living, call 251-981-0200, or visit communityseniorlife.org.