Utah

I know we would not intentionally push our elderly loved ones down a flight of stairs. Nor would we knowingly put them in harm's way but some of the things we are doing can be the equivalent of the nudge down the staircase.Here are a few simple things to consider when keeping the elderly safe: Floors:Avoid loose carpeting or throw rugs Uneven surfaces need fixed If needed, rearrange and or remove furnitureKeep walkways clearElectrical: Electrical devices should be plugged into a properly grounded outlet Electrical cords should be taped down in a high traffic area to avoid tripping Extension cords should not be used Multiple plugs in a single outlet should not be utilized. Stairs/Entry ways: Solid handrails are a must Keep stairs clear Water or ice should be removed as soon as possible A ramp may be neededBathroom: Use equipment that reduces fall risks. Consider shower chairs, transfer benches and toilet risers Install grab bars if needed Install slip resistant strips in tubs and showersMedical equipment: Always use the safety features and devices provided on medical equipment Never reset, bypass, or cover alarms. Only properly trained, responsible adults should operate your medical equipmentOther things to consider:Use smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms and test themKeep a functional fire extinguisher on handPost important telephone numbers near the phone so they are handy in the event of an emergencyConsider a home medical alert system. If your loved one were to fall, they can call for help Remember, we may not consider a rug a pending threat to our independence. But a rug that causes a serious fall for our elderly loved one could steal their freedom. They may never be able to come home again. Take the time now to clear the way for them to stay in their home as long as they can.This Article was Submitted by Travis Hall, owner of MedStar Home Medical. He can be contacted via phone or email. 801-768-4464 or travis@medstarhomemedical.com

Cant remember why you walked downstairs to the kitchen? Forget where you last put your glasses? By age 60, more than half of adults have concerns about their memory. Advancing age means an elevated risk for various debilitating diseases and conditions like Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, but minor memory lapses can also be the result of normal age-related changes in the structure and function of the brain.Memory changes can be frustrating and for those with a form of dementia they can be life-altering. However, studies have shown that you can prevent age-related cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia by adopting healthy habits including:Eat a balanced diet. A general rule of thumb is that foods that are good for your heart are also good for your brain fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins like fish. Dehydration or drinking too much alcohol can cause confusion and memory loss.Stay physically active. Physical activity gets your blood pumping, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every other day.Maintain social connections. Social interaction helps reduce stress and depression, both of which can contribute to memory loss. Make time to get together with loved ones or consider joining a community group or club, especially if you live alone.Get organized. Take advantage of calendars, maps, planners and address books to record appointments, tasks and other routine information. Make sure to-do lists are current, checking off items as you complete them. Keep your wallet, keys, glasses and other important items you use often in a designated area.Get enough sleep. Scientists hypothesize that deep sleep and dreaming are necessary for learning and memory consolidation. Exercise your brain. Just as physical activity keeps your body fit, mental stimulation helps keep your brain in shape, strengthening communication pathways. Keep your mind sharp by engaging all five primary cognitive domains: memory, executive functioning, visual-spatial perception, attention and language. Pursue a hobby or learn a new skill.If memory loss is interfering with your ability to complete your usual daily activities, consult with your doctor. Though there is no cure for Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia there are lifestyle changes you can make to maximize quality of life, including many of the above. Cognitive stimulation, in particular, has emerged as a promising treatment for reducing the functional decline associated with dementia.Editor's Note: This article was submitted by Mark Bowman of Home Care Assistance of Utah For more information call 801-733-6100

What do you know about testamentary trusts?A trust protects your assets and determines where those assets will go once you are gone. Three common types of trusts are a revocable trust, an irrevocable trust, and a testamentary trust.Most trusts, like revocable and irrevocable trusts, are made and actively used while the trustor (or the creator of the trust) is still alive. In contrast, a testamentary trust only comes into being after the trustors passing. A testamentary trust is created based on explicit instructions written into a will. In it, a trustee, (or the person who manages the assets on behalf of beneficiaries of the trust) is appointed and given instructions on how to distribute the estate. The trustee can decline the position. If a trustee does decline the position, a court can appoint someone to act as trustee. It is best to select a trustee that is willing and able to administer your estate after you are gone in order to limit the courts involvement. Advantages of testamentary trusts:There are many advantages to creating a testamentary trust. The following are reasons that you may want to consider setting up a testamentary trust.1. A testamentary trust can establish that assets cannot be paid to beneficiaries until certain conditions are met. This is especially helpful for parents who wish to condition the receipt of funds for children. For example, you may condition the disbursement of assets on a child reaching a certain age, graduating from college, or marriage. 2. A will can have more than one testamentary trust, meaning that there is no limit to the number of beneficiaries one can have. This ensures that assets will get distributed according to your desires, depending on the conditions you set. 3. Creating a testamentary trust is inexpensive. A testamentary trust does not come with the same costs as establishing a living trust. This can be beneficial if you cannot afford to establish a trust because the cost of creating a testamentary trust comes out of the estate. 4. There are tax benefits in using a testamentary trust as opposed to another type of trust. Testamentary trusts only require payment of income taxes on the trust as a whole. This means that the beneficiaries are not required to pay taxes on their distributions from the trust.Disadvantages of testamentary trusts:There is one major downside to establishing a testamentary trust: a testamentary trust must go through probate. Probate is the court procedure by which assets are distributed after an individual has passed away. Probate can be extremely expensive and lengthy. Assets cannot be distributed until probate is complete and assets are then transferred into the trust.Knowing what type of trust is right for you can seem confusing and difficult. We are here to help you decide what plan is right for you based on your individual circumstances and needs. If you have any questions about how to plan for your future and the future of your loved ones, contact us today at 385.334.4030 or email@skvlegal.com.

Mealtime can be a challenge for caregivers. Eating well is basic to good health. When you provide a sensible diet, the person in your care will have more energy and interest in exercising, plus medications work better. Remember to check with the doctor before starting any special diets. Dementia Care at MealtimesAs with other activities of daily living, people with Alzheimer's disease need more help at mealtime. The ability to make appropriate food choices, use utensils correctly, chew and swallow food or simply sit at the table changes over the course of the illness. Mealtimes should be pleasant and offer a social opportunity. Allow plenty of time for each meal as people with dementia may take an hour or more to eat. So it is important for you to stay relaxed and offer encouragement when needed.To limit confusion, use a plain white plate and limit the number of items on the plate. Serve one course at time. People with dementia seem to have a sweet tooth. Ice cream and other treats can be used to encourage them to finish a meal.Mealtime Tips for Dementia: Keep the room as quiet as possible so she can concentrate on the meal. Provide finger foods. This allows her to eat more independently and improves nutrition. Cut foods into bite-size portions before serving. Watch use of utensils. Don't put a knife on the table if she can no longer use it properly. Watch for choking or problems swallowing. Consult a doctor or therapist if problems arise. In the late stage of Alzheimer's, you will need to cue her to chew and swallow. Give simple instructions, open your mouth, move your tongue, now swallow. If she refuses to eat, don't force it. Instead, provide a drink and return a little later to try again.Don't Forget the Water: Our natural sense of thirst diminishes with age. Also, some drugs dry out the body. Dehydration can cause extra confusion. It is important to drink water by the clock, not unlike you would schedule crucial medications. This allows better absorption of nutrients from foods and medications and reduces the risk of dehydration.Visit www.homewatchcaregivers.com or call 801-746-1080 or toll free 877-746-1080 to learn about Pathways to Memory, an Alzheimer's care program offered by Homewatch CareGivers. Kevin Whatcott is the owner/operator of Homewatch CareGivers of Utah.