Monthly Archives: June 2015

aging, elder care, inspiration

Living Life to the Fullest: Sometimes it Takes Help

At the 2015 Aging Life Care Association™ annual conference, members shared examples of the broad range of skills and services Aging Life Care Professionals™ employ when working with clients.

In this particular story from Aging Life Care Professional Connie McKenzie, RN, CMC, we hear the inspirational story of a 100 year-old lady, who with the help and coordination from Aging Life Care™ Managers, was able to continue traveling to Paris and Jamaica until the age of 105.

“She proved you can do anything at any age. You can live to the fullest. Sometimes it takes help, and in this case everything a care manager did for her helped her to meet that goal,” says Connie.

To continue living life to the fullest, consult with an Aging Life Care Professional to create a care plan that helps you live life on your terms.

Working with an Aging Life Care Professional

The Aging Life Care Professional assists clients in attaining their maximum functional potential.  The individual’s independence is encouraged while safety and security concerns are also addressed. Aging Life Care Professionals are able to address a broad range of issues related to the well-being of their client. They also have extensive knowledge about the costs, quality, and availability of resources in their communities.

Aging Life Care Professionals become the “coach” and families or clients the “team captain.” Search for an Aging Life Care Professional near you.

Aging Life Care Professionals are members of the Aging Life Care Association™ (ALCA) and differ from Patient Advocates, Senior Advisors, Senior Navigators, and Elder Advocates. ALCA members must meet stringent education, experience, and certification requirements of the organization, and all members are required to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. For more information on membership requirements, please click here.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

Woman counting coins on table

Three Signs of Financial Elder Abuse

by Mary Frances Mir, MSN, RNC, CMC – Aging Life Care Association™ Member

 

With Financial Elder Abuse on the Rise, It is Important to Know What to Look For

The phrase “elder abuse” often brings to mind images of physical or emotional abuse. For many elders, however, the abuse is financial. The most common form of financial elder abuse encountered is theft by family, friends, neighbors, and caregivers. Individuals that have a with a fiduciary or caregiving responsibility to an elderly person may take advantage of their finances when they are emotionally or physically vulnerable.

Families with older relatives need to know the warning signs of this all too common and often hidden form of elder abuse.  Here are three of the most common signs an elderly person may be experiencing financial abuse by someone who is caring for them:

1. Unusual Activity in Bank Accounts

A simple review of the monthly bank statement can reveal unusual activity. Be sure to watch for any withdrawals from ATMs – particularly if the senior is not mobile or doesn’t normally use an ATM. Watch for unusual use of a debit card. If purchases are being made at stores you know the senior does not shop, report the activity to the bank for verification.  Unexplained movement of funds from one account to another can be another indication that money is going to someone it shouldn’t.

2. Signatures That Don’t Match

Forging a signature on a check or other document is a crime, but older adults who have difficulty with vision or writing may ask others to sign for them. It is important to ensure that anyone who is signing checks or legal documents for an older adult has the legal authority to do so.  Let their bank know you are concerned about fraudulent activity, and ask them to verify all signatures. Bank employees are mandatory reporters of elder abuse.

Request a copy of the older adult’s credit history at least once a year. This will easily identify any accounts that have been opened in the senior’s name without their knowledge.

3. Changes in Behavior
financial elder abuse
Financial abuse of seniors is a growing problem. Families with older relatives need to know the warning signs of this all too common and often hidden form of elder abuse.

Changes in behavior are not necessarily related only to emotional abuse. An older adult who is suddenly missing personal items such as jewelry or electronics may be in a dangerous situation. If there is someone new in their life that they are suddenly giving these items to, it is important to understand why.

A lack of amenities can be another red flag. If they are giving  items away – such as televisions, expensive tools, or other valuable household items – it is important to find out why. If the older person is no longer eating out at favorite restaurants, visiting the salon routinely, or buying small gifts for family members like before and says it is because they can no longer afford it, take a closer look at the situation.

Isolation is another problem. If you are not being allowed to speak to the senior or told they don’t want to speak to you it is vital to keep trying. An isolated adult is at risk of undue influence and vulnerable to multiple types of abuse, including financial.

In 2014, members of the Aging Life Care Association were surveyed about their experiences with financial abuse in their work with seniors. 71 percent reported that financial abuse is a growing problem in their communities. The survey also identified the top five types of elder abuse most commonly encountered:

  • Theft of money or property by family/friend/neighbor
  • Theft of money or property by caretaker/ in-home care provider
  • Investment/securities schemes through the mail or phone
  • Home Repair scams
  • Getting senior to sign a deed, will, power of attorney through deception

Helping a senior loved one avoid financial abuse requires close oversight by family members or qualified professionals. Monthly reviews of statements, bills, and other financial information may prevent theft, fraud, or financial abuse before it happens.

To learn more about elder abuse and how to report it, visit the National Center on Elder Abuse. An experienced Aging Life Care Professional can also be a valuable resource and line of defense against financial abuse. To find an expert in your area, search this directory of members.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

Aging Life Care Managers Find Solutions to Challenging Aging Life Care Questions

Understanding the Costs of Aging

by Heather Imhoff, MSW, LMSW – Aging life Care Association™ Member

 

With Parents Living Longer, the Costs of Aging Can Be Devastating to Families. How Can You Prevent this for Your Family?

The costs of aging can be an unexpected source of frustration, heartache, and can limit the options available to families and their loved ones. As people live longer, more care is needed over a longer period of time – increasing expenses dramatically. What also comes as a surprise to many families is that some types of assistance an aging adult may require are not covered by Medicare, the primary insurance for the majority of people over age 65.

The best way to ensure that you and your family are prepared to handle the cost of elder care and avoid upsetting confusion is to become familiar with the financial landscape of senior care. Meet  with an Aging Life Care Professional™ to break down what services are available, the average cost of services, and how services can be paid for.

Types of Care Services and Average Costs

Non-Medical Home Care: Home Care Aides provide at-home, non-medical assistance to aging adults such as helping with personal hygiene, laundry, cooking, and transportation. Typically they visit a home several times a week for visits lasting from 2 to 8 hours. In 2014, the national average was $19 per hour with different state averages ranging from $14 to $25 per hour.

Home Health Care: Home Health Providers offer skilled care such as checking patients’ pulse, temperature, and respiration and assisting with medical equipment such as nebulizers. They will visit the home as much as medically necessary but typically for shorter periods of time than Home Care Aide visits. In 2014, the national average was $20  per hour with different state averages ranging from $15 to $25 per hour.

Adult Day Care: Adult day care centers provide aging adults with supervision and social activities in a structured setting during daytime hours. Adult Day Medical Care provides the supervisory and social aspects of Adult Day Care with more intensive health and therapeutic services for individuals with severe medical problems and those at risk of requiring nursing home care. In 2014, the national average was $65 per day with different state averages ranging from $35 to $135 per day.

Residential Care: There are several options available for care facilities, each with their own level of care and cost range. The location and size of the residence and the senior’s current health accounts for some the wide range in costs.

  • Assisted Living Residences provide help with activities of daily living including basic health services, recreational and social activities. In 2014, the national average amount paid was $3,500 per month and different state averages ranged from $2,500 to $6,890. Patients requiring Alzheimer’s or dementia care paid an additional $1,150 or approximately $4,650 per month.
  • Skilled Nursing Residences offer 24/7 care by licensed health professionals including all housekeeping, medical, and social needs. In 2014, the average amount paid for a shared room was $212 per day with different state averages ranging from $139 to $650 per day. A shared residence usually costs 80 to 90% of a private one.
  • Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) are residences that provide a continuum of care from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing. These are designed to enable seniors to remain in a single residential location. While CCRCs offer much for seniors, they are the most expensive long-term care solution available. There is a one-time entrance fee and monthly maintenance fees. Entrance fees range from $60,000 to $120,000 and monthly maintenance fees from $400 to $2,500.
Paying For Care
Understanding the costs of
An Aging Life Care Professional™ can help you understand the financial landscape of senior care. Image Copyright: Keith Bell, Shutterstock. 

Depending on the level of support needed and whether the care is provided in the home or at a care facility, the costs can vary dramatically. Today in the United States, nearly all money spent on home care, assisted living, and nursing home care comes from one of the following four sources.
Government Programs:  Medicaid, Veterans’ Benefits, and Social Security
Insurance Coverage:  Life, Long-Term Care, Medicare, and other Health Insurance
Private Assistance: Non-Profits, Foundations, and Pharmaceutical Companies
Personal Property:  A Family’s Resources, Private Loans, and Home Equity

Within these four categories, there are many hundreds of options. Some provide assistance, financial and otherwise, for any purpose and others are specifically designed to help with certain types of care such as home care or assisted living or for specific conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.

Care Planning and Managing Costs

Aging Life Care Professionals (also known as geriatric care managers) are professionals who manage the coordination of care for an individual in need. In addition to the convenience and security they provide, Aging Life Care Professionals can save families money by conducting a needs assessment and  aligning an individual’s present condition with only those services that are necessary at that time. This prevents unnecessary fees from home care providers and assisted living residences.

For information specific to your situation and geographical location, contact an Aging Life Care Professional for expert information on local resources and guidance with securing the appropriate help needed.  Visit aginglifecare.org for a directory of experts.

Additional source: For more information on the cost of long-term care, visit Paying for Senior Care – a website sponsored by the American Elder Care Research Organization.

About the author: About the author: Heather Imhoff, MSW, LMSW has eight years of experience as an Aging Life Care Professional in both publicly and privately funded sectors.  She is currently a care manager at EGIS Care & Support in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Follow Heather on Twitter at @egis_care or email her at heather.egisnm@aol.com.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

Aging Life Care Association® Members on Living Life to the Fullest

Aging Life Care Professional® Connie McKenzie, RN, CMC of Ft. Lauderdale, FL shares the inspirational story of a 100-year-old client, who with the help from care managers, continued trips to Paris and Jamaica until the age of 105. “She proved you can do anything at any age and live life to the fullest. Sometimes it just takes help.” #AgingWell

Aging Life Care Professionals can help save your reltionships

Is Dementia Hurting Your Relationships?

Caring for someone with a dementia can test even the strongest of relationships. The anxiety, agitation and erratic behavior often associated with dementia may be hard for a spouse or adult child to understand or manage.

Aging Life Care Professionals™ work with families to find solutions to these challenges and to help them understand their loved one’s dementia and associated behaviors. In this story, Aging Life Care Association™ member Gretchen Napier, BS, MS, CMC shares how her involvement saved a marriage and allowed the family to spend quality time together during the last year of their father’s life.

WHAT IS AN AGING LIFE CARE PROFESSIONAL?

An Aging Life Care Professional, also known as a geriatric care manager, is a health and human services specialist who acts as a guide and advocate for families who are caring for older relatives or disabled adults. The Aging Life Care Professional is educated and experienced in any of several fields related to aging life care / care management, including, but not limited to nursing, gerontology, social work, or psychology, with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care.

The Aging Life Care Professional assists clients in attaining their maximum functional potential. The individual’s independence is encouraged, while safety and security concerns are also addressed. Aging Life Care Professionals are able to address a broad range of issues related to the well-being of their client. They also have extensive knowledge about the costs, quality, and availability of resources in their communities.

Aging Life Care Professionals become the “coach” and families or clients the “team captain,” giving families the time to focus on relationships rather than the stress. Search for an Aging Life Care Professional near you.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

Geriatrician

What Every Geriatrician Needs to Know

By Suzanne Modigliani, LICSW, CMC – Aging Life Care Association™ Member and
Fellow of the Leadership Academy

 

Geriatricians have a special understanding of the aging process and chronic illness. Aging adults in the care of a geriatrician are fortunate to have that focused knowledge and skill set working for them. But once a patient walks out of the clinic or hospital, medical providers lose some control of the patient’s health outcomes. Below are ways geriatricians can support the success of their patients outside of their office door.

Nutrition

Shopping and cooking can be a challenge, and dietary needs change over time. A person may benefit from home delivery of prepared meals, or a helper to shop and assist with cooking. This may improve patient compliance with special diets

Medication Compliance

Every physician would like to know if patients are taking their medications as prescribed. In many areas there are pharmacies which deliver medications in bubble packs. There are automated medication delivery systems. Or, a patient may have a home helper who ensures medication is taken at the proper time and provides documentation that the doctor can review.

Personal Emergency Medical Response System

Many patients live alone and are at risk of falls. A Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) can help them summon help in the event of a fall or some other medical emergency

Home Safety Check

For those with limited mobility, sensory impairments, or cognitive issues, a review of the home for safety issues is essential. Simple changes such as adjustments in toilet seat height or the installation of grab bars or ramps may improve safety and mobility in the home. Clutter is another important safety hazard that frequently needs to be addressed.

Transportation

Getting to and from medical appointments is essential, but shopping and engagement in social and community life is as well. If a person no longer drives, alternatives such as paratransit, volunteer driving services, or the hiring of private drivers need to be explored.

Home Care for help with Activities of Daily Living

Decisions about what amount of home care may be needed, and determining how to obtain it is a large decision aimed at enhancing overall functioning.

Bill paying service

Patients may be overwhelmed by daily financial tasks and need bill payment or mail management assistance.

Cleaning

Change in functional ability may make keeping a living space clean more challenging.

Communication with family

Many geriatricians have the time and inclination to communicate with family members, but talking about the implications of their patients’ situations is frequently time-consuming. It is helpful for someone to be in touch with them on an ongoing basis, and to work with them to continually assess changing needs.

Consideration of Alternative Living Situations

If the time comes that a patient’s current living situation is not working, current knowledge of the local alternatives is important.

Legal and HealthCare Planning

Having Powers of Attorney and Health Care Proxies in place may preclude problems down the road if the patient is unable to express his or her wishes.

Long Term Care Insurance

More patients have long-term care insurance policies to cover services that are not covered by health insurance. They may need an advocate to help them access benefits and deal with claims paperwork.

Expecting a geriatrician or any other medical provider to offer this broad scope of care planning is impossible. That’s why geriatricians call on the support of Aging Life Care Professionals™ to work with their patients.  Aging Life Care Professionals are a perfect complement to a medical practice. They extend the reach of the office into the home. All domains listed above are ones they are familiar with in detail. A thorough evaluation lets the Aging Life Care Professional bring resources to bear on a particular patient’s situation, and support their maximum function.

To find an Aging Life Care Professional in your community, search our directory of experts.

 

About the author:  Suzanne Modigliani, LICSW, CMC is an Aging Life Care™ Specialist in Brookline, MA who works with families to find solutions to complicated elder care problems. She has been a leader in the Aging Life Care Association™ and quoted extensively in the media as seen on her website modiglianigeriatrics.com.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

Finding the Right Caregiver Makes a Difference

Caring for an aging loved one can be a stressful, emotional rollercoaster. Add to that the responsibility of honoring your dying mother’s wishes that your father not be placed in a living facility, and you may find yourself pulling out your hair.

That’s how Sally felt when she finally met Aging Life Care Professional™ Steve Barlam via her Elder Law attorney. Here Steve shares how his creative solutions to finding Sally’s father a caregiver made all the difference in keeping her father living safely at home.

HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU NEED AN AGING LIFE CARE PROFESSIONAL?

When caregiving for an aging family member becomes overwhelming, it may be time to contact an Aging Life Care Professional.

You may need an Aging Life Care Professional if:

  • The person you are caring for has limited or no family support.
  • Your family has just become involved with helping the individual and needs direction about available services.
  • The person you are caring for has multiple medical or psychological issues.
  • The person you are caring for is unable to live safely in his/her current environment.
  • Your family is either “burned out” or confused about care solutions.
  • Your family has a limited time and/or expertise in dealing with your loved ones’ chronic care needs.
  • Your family is at odds regarding care decisions.
  • The person you are caring for is not pleased with current care providers and requires advocacy.
  • The person you are caring for is confused about his/her own financial and/or legal situation.
  • Your family needs education and/or direction in dealing with behaviors associated with dementia.

If you are looking for an Aging Life Care Professional in your area this website includes a searchable directory of our members. These experts can do for you what Steve did for Sally and her father.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

elder law

When Elder Law Attorneys Need Aging Life Care Professionals™

by Phyllis Mensh Brostoff, CISW, CMC, Aging Life Care Association™ Member and
Fellow of the Leadership Academy

 

When planning for retirement and beyond, many aging adults turn to Elder Law attorneys for assistance to meet their goals and objectives. However, there are times when a client needs a broader scope of service than an Elder Law attorney alone can provide. That is why Elder Law attorneys often turn to Aging Life Care Professionals™ to help protect clients once they leave their office door.

When should an Elder Law attorney call an Aging Life Care Professional?

1. When a client calls the office frequently but forgets the answer to the question he/she had just asked.

2. When a client arrives for an appointment in dirty clothes or has a noticeable odor or just does not look groomed in the same way he/she has always been groomed.

3. When one of your clients sets up an appointment, doesn’t come, and then doesn’t remember that you had an appointment when called to find out why the appointment was missed.

4. When a client doesn’t return a document that was sent with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to make it easy to return; and then doesn’t remember he/she received the document when called to inquire.

5. When a client comes into the office with someone unrecognized by the attorney and wants to sit in on the meeting with the client, saying “I know what he/she wants to discuss with you.”

6. When a client calls, or comes into the office, wanting to significantly change his/her will or power of attorney documents from naming family members to naming a friend or companion.

7. When a client’s family calls to discuss concerns about someone they don’t know moving in with the client, as well as a concern that the person is not letting the family speak to the client.

Any of the above are signs of possible mental or health decline,  elder care exploitation, or financial abuse. An Aging Life Care Professional can assess the situation closely and help develop the best action plan to protect your client. Find an Aging Life Care Expert and begin working together today.

About the author: Phyllis Mensh Brostoff, CISW, CMC, is a social worker and co-founded Stowell Associates 31 years ago in Milwaukee, Wisconsin providing Aging Life Care management and home care services. She has written numerous articles and presented seminars across the country. Follow her on Twitter at @CareManagerMilw, Facebook at Stowell Associates Inc, or email her at phyllisb@caremanagedhomecare.com.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.