Q – My mother is very ill, and I know that she has debt that was acquired by her and my father before he passed away. Will her children be responsible for paying off her debt when she passes away?

A – In your mother’s case, any shared debt with your father, would have been passed along to her in probate; especially if she was the sole beneficiary of his estate (or all assets were shared). Children are not directly responsible for the debts of their senior relatives, however, debts owing may first be deducted from the senior’s estate before distribution during probate, decreasing or eliminating completely the assets left to beneficiaries of the will or trust because when creditors are unable to collect debts during a senior’s life, seniors remain responsible even after they are deceased. If after your mother’s death, her estate demonstrates insufficient assets to pay off her debts, the creditors will be forced to take a loss; however, you and your siblings will not be responsible for paying her debts.

The only other situations where the survivors of a senior’s family may be responsible for the debts, are if they co-signed on a loan, or guaranteed payment to a creditor.

Sources:
1. Lawyers.com
2. Money Tips
3. Wikipedia

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Intergenerational living seems to generate positive feelings of care and accomplishment combined with stress.  That’s what recent Home Instead Senior Care research indicates.  Consider this:

1.  Those who live with their senior loved ones say the best thing about being a caregiver is providing the best care possible (30 percent), followed by a sense of accomplishment (27 percent) and staying connected/becoming closer (22 percent).  Seventy-two percent of these caregivers believe that caring for their relative has been rewarding.

2.  The worst thing about being a caregiver is finding no time for themselves (41 percent).  Seventy-two percent of those who said they lived too close to their loved ones rated their stress as a 5 on a scale of 5.

Matthew Kaplan Ph.D., Penn State Intergenerational Programs extension specialist, and Home Instead Senior Care, offer these tips:

• Take a family partnership perspective.  Everyone needs to be informed and to give input into household arrangements.
• Set expectations right away.  Avoid conflict by working to ensure upfront that family members see eye-to-eye about each person’s roles and responsibilities.
• Ask for help.  Engage children in responsibilities around the home and make it clear to adult siblings that you want them to be involved.  If extended family will not help with respite care, arrange for a professional caregiver service.
• Make family unity key.  Strive for routines, rituals and traditions that bring the family together including family movie night or a walk.
• Find threads of common interest and build on those to develop family activities that are conducive to building deeper relationships.  Focus on something very simple that seems to generate a common bond, such as ethnic cooking, family history, health or wellness.
• Keep lines of communication open.  Recognize the importance of private time and family time for every member of the household.  Visit www.4070talk.com for more information.
• Distinguish between private space and shared space.  Shared space should be stocked with material inviting for all ages and items that could stimulate discussion, such as a child’s project or “brag book” of photos.  Make clear rules regarding the private spaces set aside for each member of the household.

For more information go to - Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix providing elder care in the Phoenix area. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Let us help you keep mom and dad at home!

In the modern age of medical care, people’s views on how to treat the chronically ill are shifting based on the exorbitant costs of hospital care and a greater emphasis upon the family’s role in caregiving. According to a recent study, published in the Commonwealth Fund journal Health Affairs 82% of the chronically ill patients surveyed admitted to going without care recommended by medical institutions, simply because of the high costs involved. Many chronic illnesses, however, can be managed at home by family or professional caregivers at a portion of the cost; since these expenses only relate to in-home medical treatments, and assisting the senior with Activities of Daily Living they are much less expensive than at a skilled facility.

Management of chronic illnesses, including the administration of medications and other treatments, can be taught to family caregivers by a medical professional from a hospice program, who, if necessary, can stop by during the course of the illness to assess and monitor any changes in condition and make recommendations with regards to treatment methods. By keeping a senior who is chronically ill at home, instead of in a community care setting like a hospital or nursing home, seniors’ health care costs can be drastically reduced; while their comfort in the care of family allows them to battle their illness in the presence of those they love, without any unnecessary expense.

Sources:
1.    Chronic Illness – Family Caregiving
2.    The Washington Post  Steven Reinberg

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

With no known cure for Alzheimer’s, the senior healthcare profession is constantly searching for methods to improve the cognitive skills of senior Alzheimer’s patients. Research studies completed by the University of California and other Alzheimer’s experts have discovered not only that music therapy is an effective way to allow seniors to express themselves when verbal communication becomes impossible; music also stimulates the memory which can prevent further development of the cognitively crippling disease.

According to the study completed by the University of California, seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s can listen to music soundtracks of their past to evoke memories and emotions locked away. The pre-frontal cortex, the region of the brain which seems to be responsible for linking music to memories seems to be the least affected by Alzheimer’s, shows the positive affects that music has upon the disease. Senior healthcare professionals hope that by playing seniors music they are familiar with, they can stimulate the memories of seniors with Alzheimer’s and prevent development of the affects of the disease.

Music therapy is a common treatment used upon senior patients; music therapy can help seniors communicate, even eliciting physical responses in seniors with late stage Alzheimer’s. It can also reduce agitation, coordinate motor movements, and create positive interactions with others. There is no doubting the positive benefits of music on memory and senior well-being, and with these positive developments; home caregivers and medical professionals are using music therapy as a common treatment method for seniors with Alzheimer’s.

Sources:
1.    prnewswire.ca
2.    The Telegraph:  Richard Alleyne
3.    Music Therapy Association of BC

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Talking to your senior parents about estate planning can be an uncomfortable subject, because many adult children don’t want to feel like they’re interfering with their parents’ personal affairs. Estate planning typically includes a legal will that outlines distribution of assets; a financial power of attorney which dictates who will look after a senior’s finances when they become unable; a medical power of attorney, the person responsible for carrying out a senior’s medical wishes; and a living will, which establishes a senior’s healthcare wishes if they become unable to speak for themselves. Discussing your senior parents’ estate early on with them ensures that you understand the role that they expect you to play after their deaths or during a medical emergency so that their wishes are carried out.

Talking to your elderly parents about estate planning becomes more important if they have not completed the necessary steps to protect their assets and secure their wishes. When approaching the topic of family estate planning, make sure that your siblings and immediate family members are involved so they don’t perceive your interests in your parents’ estate as self-serving. Ensure your parents understand you do not need to have the division of assets explained; it doesn’t matter how much they are planning on leaving you. What’s important is that they put the legalities in place to ensure they control what happens to their assets, even once they loose the ability to represent themselves.

Sources:
1. SeniorJournal.com   Robert Valentine
2. FamilyEducation.com

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

As a family caregiver, one of the best ways to prepare for the safety and comfort of your aging family member is to think about caregiving proactively. Many in-home accidents occur when families and seniors exercise reactive versus proactive thinking. Instead of reacting to potential hazards after accidents have already happened, caregivers need to think proactively and anticipate potential dangers to seniors that are present in their home, by installing safety equipment, removing tripping hazards, and evaluating the day-to-day tasks that are difficult for a senior independently.

However, proactive thinking by a caregiver doesn’t have to stop at home safety; even before your elderly family member reaches a stage where home care, family caregiving or residence in a long-term care home is needed, family members can be proactive and begin to discuss the senior’s wishes with regards to care assistance. When involved with the care decisions of an elderly parent, you can learn what role they would like you to play in a crisis and you can assist them in preparing the necessary legal paperwork required for making senior medical decisions. As family caregivers and concerned family members, it is our job to help plan for our seniors’ futures; by arming ourselves with knowledge and thinking proactively, we can ensure that they receive quality caring throughout their elder years.

Sources:
1. StrengthforCaring.com

2. Answers4Families.com

3. AARP:   Olympia Dukakis

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Prescription costs for seniors without healthcare and prescription coverage may find that their medication costs make up a substantial part of their daily living expenses, and during the recession an increased number of seniors may be choosing to go without their required medication to keep money in the bank.

According to a study completed by The Society of General Internal Medicine in 2001, pre-recession 8% of seniors were not taking some or all of their prescribed medication, as a result of the costs, when paying out of pocket without prescription coverage. With the Commonwealth Fund projecting that healthcare costs for seniors will be as great as $5,000 by 2011; funding medical and senior prescription costs is becoming increasingly more unaffordable for seniors without benefits living on a fixed income. During these tough recessionary times, many elderly people may be more fearful that their retirement income will not last; so they might be hesitant about taking on even necessary medical costs like prescriptions. According to Kenneth Schafermeyer, Director of Graduate Studies at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy “for some [seniors], it’s either eating, or paying the mortgage, or paying for healthcare” and that is an unfortunate reality of the economic situation today. Seniors are forced to make tough decisions that impact both their health and their livelihood.

Sources:  CourierJournal.com

Self-Restriction of Medications Due to Costs in Seniors Without Prescription Coverage

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Most seniors and their families have heard of Meals on Wheels, but many don’t understand specifically what it does or exactly who is eligible to receive assistance from the program. As one of the original food delivery services for seniors, Meals on Wheels makes sure that all seniors receive nutritious healthy meals at home when their medical status prevents them from preparing their meals themselves.

The Meals on Wheels meal delivery program (please click on Meals on Wheels meal delivery program for local help in your area) for seniors is available in most major cities across the US and Canada. Many will deliver hot or cold meals to senior’s homes to ensure that their physical and medical limitations don’t prevent them from eating well. Many of these programs do accept suggested donation amounts for their meal services for seniors, but will continue to operate and provide meals whether or not seniors’ income levels enable them to contribute. For those who are not medically bound to their homes, Meals on Wheels also provides regular meals to seniors at a community setting, like community center, or community living facility for older adults.

Those seniors who live independently at home still struggle to manage the responsibilities of daily living, can continue to rely on meal delivery services like Meals on Wheels, but should also consider receiving assistance from a professional caregiving organization like Home Instead Senior Care, to help out with the non-medical responsibilities of home care.
Source:  Meals on Wheels (Wikipedia)

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Eating healthy on a budget at any age can be easily accomplished; a limited income doesn’t have to limit the variety of foods that you consume at any age. While junk foods many seem convenient, they are not budget friendly for seniors. Instead, seniors should work with their families or caregivers to plan their meals for the week, choosing ingredients which are rich in nutrients and vitamins like lean meats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

When the elderly go to the grocery store, they should ensure that a grocery list is in hand based on their healthy meal plans. Buying fresh fruits and vegetables in season is a great way to save money, while ensuring they maintain a well-balanced diet; when their favorite produce is more expensive and not in season, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are an economic way to get the nutrients needed in every senior diet.

Seniors and their caregivers can also shop for inexpensive non-perishable items that are convenient for quick meal preparation; including beans and lentils, brown rice, pasta, frozen or canned sources of proteins like lean meats and fish, and many condiments which can make even the most economic meal taste gourmet and flavorful.

When preparing meals, seniors can also make extra portions which can be frozen and heated up for fast and wallet-friendly meals. Older adults eating on a budget don’t need to sacrifice health or taste; by planning meals in advance, and making economic healthy food choices; seniors can have it all.

Eating Healthy on a Budget:

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Every year when March rolls around, so does National Nutrition Month which is sponsored by the American Dietetic Association. National Nutrition Month focuses on encouraging the media and ADA to inform the public about healthy living through nutrition education and the importance of fitness.  National Nutrition Month is meant to educate people of all ages about how making simple healthy food choices, according to the USDA Food Guide Pyramid, can improve health and well-being when combined with physical activity.

While National Nutrition Month doesn’t focus upon educating people about nutrition and fitness for any specific age group; seniors in particular need to pay attention to their diet and lifestyle in order to maintain a healthy weight, keep their immune system strong and help prevent the onset of illnesses and chronic diseases.

As spring approaches, there’s no better time than now to start incorporating healthy eating and regular physical activity. You may not be worried about getting back your bikini body to hit the beaches as you were in your 20’s; but health is about much more than just appearance; it’s about living. National Nutrition Month is just the beginning; aging doesn’t mean your life stops, so seniors get out there, get active and make healthy lifestyle changes that really will change your life.

Sources: http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/nutrition_4920_ENU_HTML.htm
http://www.dietitians.ca/public/content/eat_well_live_well/english/nutritionmonth/index.asp
http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=4&tax_level=2&tax_subject=256&topic_id=1348

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.