Monthly Archives: October 2015

Planning for End-of-Life

Dying Well is Part of Aging Well

Aging Life Care Professionals™ on End-of-Life Planning

Aging Life Care Professionals not only work to ensure quality of care and an optimal life for their clients, but they also help clients plan for the end of life.

During the 2015 Aging Life Care Association™ (ALCA) Annual Conference, Member Lisa Laney, MSW, CMC of Asheville, NC shared how she worked closely with and advocated for her client’s specific death wishes. Laney helped her client navigate a complex legal, ethical, and emotional journey so that he could realize his desire to have a dignified death.

Dying well and planning for end-of-life care is an important piece of aging well. As Laney describes in her story, helping a client realize their wishes and desires from health to death is a beautiful experience.

To find an Aging Life Care Professional to help you or a loved one with the sometimes difficult discussions of end-of-life care, visit aginglifecare.org and search for an expert in your area.


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.

ways to avoid caregiver burnout

Options for Overwhelmed Caregivers

Caregiving can be physically and emotionally draining, so as a caregiver it is crucial that you care for yourself first in order to prevent burnout. Read on to learn ways to access help so that you can avoid feeling overwhelmed or burned-out. 

Help! I’m An Overwhelmed Caregiver. What Are My Options?

By Claudia Fine, LCSW, MPH, CMC, CCM – Aging Life Care Association™ Member and Fellow of the Leadership Academy

 

Do you provide care for an aging parent, spouse, or loved one?

Caregivers are family members, friends, or neighbors who provide unpaid assistance to someone with a chronic illness or debilitating condition. The average caregiver spends over 20 hours a week providing care to their loved one, often in addition to working outside the home and caring for children at home.

Caregiving can be physically and emotionally draining, so as a caregiver it is crucial that you care for yourself first in order to prevent burnout. Here are a few things you can do to prevent feeling overwhelmed:

Put your physical needs first – In order to care for others, you must make sure your needs are met so you can be at your best. Eat three well-balanced meals a day whenever possible, find the time to exercise, and nap during the day if you’re not getting enough sleep at night.

Call on community resources – Research community resources available in your area such as home health aides, homemakers, and other service providers. Perhaps the individual’s insurance company has a care management program, or there may be volunteers or staff available from church or civic groups who could visit, cook, or help with driving. Consider hiring an Aging Life Care Professional™ (also known as a geriatric care manager) to identify resources to which you’re entitled.

Say yes to offers for help – It’s okay to acknowledge that you may need additional help. Utilize far-away relatives by making a list of what needs to be done and delegating.

Don’t be afraid to say no – Remember you are only one person; you can’t do everything. It benefits everyone if you first ask yourself “Can I handle this?” and “How long can I sustain this level of care?”

Connect with friends – Get together regularly with friends and relatives. Being with those you care about can help you keep a positive attitude.

Acknowledge your feelings – Connect with others who are in your same situation by joining a support group (online or in-person) or seek counseling to help manage stress.

Take a break – Make sure you’re finding time for activities you enjoy, such as reading, walking, or going to the gym to recharge your batteries. Think about arranging respite care with friends, relatives, or volunteers. Take a weekend or longer vacation. Home health agencies, nursing homes, assisted living residences, or board-and-care homes may be able to help you.

Talk with your employer – If this is an option, talk about making adjustments with your work schedule to help manage your caregiving responsibilities.

Take it one day at a time – Keep perspective by remembering that there will be both good and bad days.

Alternatives to Caregiving in the Home

When bad days are happening more frequently and you’re feeling drained and worried about your loved one’s safety, it may be time to discuss if your current situation continues to be sustainable. Is your loved one safe? You might consider a move closer to family, hiring in-home help, or placement in an assisted living facility or nursing home.

Remember, you are not alone in making these decisions. You can turn to the individual’s doctor or other medical professionals for guidance. If you feel overwhelmed with the prospect of caregiving on your own, you may want to seek out home caregiving assistance from outside sources. The following information will help you determine the type of services needed and how to choose the best agency for your loved one.

Selecting Quality Home Care
Home care services vary from helping with chores around the house to skilled nursing visits. The main goal of in-home care is to promote independence and delay or prevent stays in skilled nursing facilities. With home care, many older adults are able to stay at home instead of moving into a skilled nursing facility. The type of care received will depend on the medical conditions and limitations of the older adult.

How do I find a caregiver?
The most common approaches to finding private-pay caregiving in the home are:

  • Pay an agency to provide you with a caregiver
  • Get a referral from a friend or registry

Here are some considerations.

1. Time invested in screening and supervising
Bringing a stranger into the home of a vulnerable older person poses emotional, financial, and physical risks. When working without an agency, the responsibility of limiting exposure to an unfit caregiver falls on the family. Make sure you’re equipped and willing to carry out important functions such as proof of training credentials, citizenship, and criminal background.

2. Hidden costs and legal obligations
The IRS has clear guidelines for determining the status of a caregiver as an employee or an independent contractor. If you determine a caregiver’s schedule and tasks or pay the worker more than $1,500 per year, you most likely have all the responsibilities of an employer unless you contract with an agency. As an employer, you’re responsible for paying Social Security, Medicare and unemployment (FUTA) taxes, meeting state and local regulations such as workers’ compensation coverage and local taxes and more. Usually, an agency whose caregivers are on staff will take on the obligations of an employer. If you decide to hire privately, be sure to check with your insurance about liabilities.

3. Management and supervisory responsibilities
If you are considering hiring a homecare aide privately, consider whether you are prepared to assume the primary responsibility of overseeing caregiving. Ask yourself: who will manage and oversee the care on a daily basis so you’re confident the care is safe, appropriate, and consistent with professional recommendations? Who will provide coverage when he or she gets sick, needs a vacation, has a personal emergency, or otherwise needs time off? How will you manage medical emergencies and other healthcare crises that may arise? Recognizing that caregiving often is required for long periods, how will you avoid burnout of the primary caregiver? If you work with an agency or a private Care Manager, many of these responsibilities can be handled by them.

Selecting a home care agency

Homecare agencies vary in scope and culture. When considering home care services, here are some things to investigate and ask:

  • What is included in your caregiver screening process?
  • Do you provide documents about financial arrangements before service begins so there’s no misunderstanding about the service and cost to be provided?
  • Do you handle payroll, taxes, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation and general liability insurance?
  • Are the providers of care insured and bonded?
  • Do you guarantee coverage when a caregiver takes vacation, gets ill, has a personal emergency or otherwise needs a day off?
  • How often do you supervise your caregivers in the home?
  • What procedures does the agency have for client emergencies? Is there a nurse supervisor on call and available to intervene on the phone or in-person even during off hours and weekends?
  • Are you accredited by an independent accreditation body such as Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP) or Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)?
  • Is it possible to interview several potential aides and make a selection after those interviews?
  • Will you develop a written plan of care?
  • How do you take into account my needs and preferences?

A great way to find quality care is to talk with an Aging Life Care™ Manager by browsing ALCA’s Find An Aging Lifecare Expert directory. An Aging Life Care Manager help you identify your needs and hire and supervise care. You can also contact the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) and your local Area Agency on Aging, or use the Eldercare Locator, which is a service of the Administration on Aging.

About the author:  Claudia Fine, LCSW, MPH, CMC is a pioneer in the field of  Aging Life Care™ / geriatric care management and has served in industry and community leadership roles throughout her 30-year career in elder care. She is the Chief of Professional Services at SeniorBridge, a national health care company offering individually tailored care management and home care services, and a past president of the Aging Life Care Association. Email Claudia at cfine@seniorbridge.com or follow SeniorBridge on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.


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 End of Life

Aging Life Care Professionals® not only ensure quality of care and an optimal life for their clients but also help clients plan for the end of life. ALCA Member Lisa Laney, MSW, CMC of Asheville, NC shares how she worked closely with and advocated for her client’s specific death wishes. Laney helped her client navigate a complex legal, ethical, and emotional journey.

choosing the right in-home care agency for your loved one

What to Look for When Hiring an In-Home Care Agency

Not all in-home care agencies provide the same services. Here are some important questions to ask before you hire an agency to care for you or your loved one. 

Danger Signs When Choosing a Caregiver

by  Richard Bitner – Aging Life Care Assoication™ Corporate Partner

 

Investigating in-home care agencies can be nerve racking. You want the best possible care for your loved one, but how do you know if the agency you choose is best? What should you be looking for in a senior home care agency? If you are concerned about making the right decision, here are some important things to consider when hiring an in-home care agency:

Caregiver Assignments. Some senior home care agencies assign caregivers without input from the client or their family. The caregiver working with your loved one has an extremely important job. Shouldn’t you have input into who is visiting your loved one’s home?

Caregivers In Training. The in-home care agency you choose should staff only experienced caregivers. Don’t trust the health and safety of your loved one to someone who is learning on the job.

You’re Hired! Has your caregiver been fully vetted? Did the in-home care agency conduct multiple interviews? Check professional references from other agencies, health care providers or previous clients? Were background checks conducted? If the in-home care agency you choose hasn’t made the effort to ensure they have the highest quality caregivers on staff, will they pay close attention to your loved one’s needs?

Neglects Safety. The senior home care agency you choose should be bonded, licensed and insured for your safety and the safety of your loved one.

No Caregiver Monitoring. The best senior home care agencies continuously monitor their caregivers. Many agencies perform surprise drop in visits and call clients regularly to ensure their caregivers are providing a superior level of care.

No Flexibility. Nothing about providing in-home care services is rigid. Your senior home care agency should be able to adjust the caregiver’s schedule or modify services with minimal notice. Your caregiver should be available when you need them, not just when it’s convenient for the caregiver.

Limited Services. The fluid nature of in-home care services makes it essential the agency you choose offers a wide range of services. For example, your loved one might not need overnight care today, but in the future it may be necessary. “If your agency doesn’t offer a full range of services, you may be forced to change in-home care providers with little notice. This can be stressful for both you and your loved one,” explains Larry Meigs, President and CEO of Visiting Angels.

Choosing an in-home care agency is no small task. The health and safety of your loved one is your primary concern and the agency you choose should be focused on the same concerns. Take the time to ask questions and get a complete picture of the in-home care agency’s procedures when interviewing senior home care providers. You won’t regret spending a bit more time getting to know the senior home care provider you choose and you may be able to avoid unexpected surprises down the line

Ask an Aging Life Care Professional™ to help you choose the right caregiver. Aging Life Care Professionals know the agencies in their area and can help match the best agency for your loved one’s needs. Aging Life Care Professionals can also help monitor or manage the care and care team. Click here to find an expert in your area.

About the author: Richard Bitner is Vice President of Marketing for Visiting Angels. As Vice President of Marketing at Visiting Angels, Rich Bitner implements successful marketing strategies for home care clients, prospective franchisees, and the national media; while also providing national, regional and one-on-one marketing training consultations to franchisees. Rich has 30 years of background in media, marketing, advertising and public relations.


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.

Six Hidden Costs to Caring for an Aging Parent

Caregiving for an aging loved one isn’t all doom and gloom. The rewards of caregiving are real, but so are the hidden costs. 

by Jullie Gray, MSW, LICSW, CMC – Aging Life Care Association™ Member and Fellow of the Leadership Academy

 

Over the weekend, U.S.News & World Report ran a story – How to Help Your Aging Parents When Money is Tight – offering strategies to help those caught in the sandwich generation care for their  children and aging parents simultaneously. In the story, the reporter uses an example of how a Chicago-based marketing consultant outsourced the help of an Aging Life Care Professional™ to manage the care of an aging aunt in Scottsdale, AZ:

“The expense was less than the cost of a plane ticket and, as the commercial says, priceless for the peace of mind the care manager was able to provide,” she says.

When money is tight, you may think hiring an Aging Life Care Professional is an out-of-reach expense. While the initial cost may seem high, the appropriate planning and resources offered by a care manager will save money for you or your aging loved one in the long-run. Here the Aging Life Care Association offers more strategies to handling the financial concerns of caring for an aging parent or loved one.

Learn how to avoid the hidden costs to caring for an aging parent.
Learn how to avoid the hidden costs of caring for an aging parent. Download and share this article.
Six Hidden Costs to Caring for an Aging Parent

Adult children across the country belong to the sandwich generation. Like salami and the cheese, they feel squished between the responsibilities of their careers, elder care and raising their kids. Often, family caregivers sacrifice their own well-being and financial security to help their parents grow old gracefully.

The situation isn’t easing anytime soon. The Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about trends, estimates that ten thousand people are now turning 65 every day. This so-called “silver tsunami” will continue for the next three decades. At the same time, the Center on an Aging Society at Georgetown University reports that boomers age 65 and older are expected to increase at a 2.3% rate while the number of family members available to care for them will increase at less than 1%. The pressure on families now and in the future, particularly women, is immense.

Caregiving for an aging loved one isn’t all doom and gloom. The rewards of caregiving are real but so are the hidden costs.

On the plus side, adult children see their role as “giving back” to someone special. The payoff is not monetary, but it is an opportunity to care for a person who has been an important figure in their life – a mom who raised them alone or a dad who never let them down. Finding purpose and meaning through this labor of love makes all the work worth the time and effort.

But being a family caregiver is hard work. It demands a lot of time, patience, and persistence. Those who start with realistic expectations reach out for help and plan ahead.  They fare much better through the ups and downs than those who don’t. The hidden costs of caring for a family member should be considered and planned for carefully.

What are the Six Hidden Costs?

1. Dead-end career

The demands of taking care of a parent can impact productivity and increase absenteeism for the caregiver. Losing focus at work and taking time off to run Mom to medical appointments, manage home care schedules and address the inevitable crises that appear out of the blue seriously impacts opportunities for advancement. It’s hard to shine at work when you are constantly leaving early, texting a homecare aide about daily routines or negotiating with your siblings about who is responsible for what.

2. Financial safety net vanishes

A 2011 study by Met Life estimated that men who reduced work hours to provide care for parents lost almost $127,000 in wages and earned $38,000 less in Social Security lifetime benefits. If they stopped working altogether, men gave up about $284,000 in wages, pension, and Social Security benefits over their lifetime.

Women, on the other hand, fare even worse financially and are more at risk for poverty as a result of their efforts. Women typically need to cut back at work or stop working altogether. The Met Life study estimated that women who reduce their hours lose more than $121, 000 in lifetime wages and earn $64,000 less in Social Security benefits over their lifetime. Leaving the workforce to care for a parent hits woman’s pocketbook even harder than a man’s. A whopping shortfall of $324,000 includes wages, pension and social security benefits over her lifetime.

 3. The world gets smaller

As adult children become laser-focused on the needs of frail parents, it stands to reason that their social support network shrinks. Ironically, this is when friendships matter most. It may be all a daughter can do to get home in time to throw together a quick microwaved meal, pay the bills so the lights stay on and help her kids get their homework done. For now, she reasons, friendships must take a back seat. Forget about the family summer cabin frequented each year, the annual girls’ weekend away or a short ski trip. A common caregiver refrain is, “there just isn’t enough time to take a break.”

4. Stress overload

It’s a domino effect. The more time family caregivers spend putting the needs of others first, the more their resilience slips away. It doesn’t help that most stumble into their role with little preparation, knowledge or support about how to manage all of the complex issues. This can set up well-meaning family members to feel like failures. Many quickly experience frustration, feel drained, guilty, helpless or completely burned out.  Ayala Pines, a researcher on the subject of burnout, defines it at “a state where highly committed individuals lose their spirit.”  We’re not talking about just a little stress here—burnout occurs when caregiving no longer feels meaningful because of the emotional overload and numbing exhaustion!

5. Illness strikes

Failing to take time off to recharge and refocus triggers a deep stress reaction. Physical health begins to suffer. Many caregivers neglect their annual screening exams and simply ignore their own medical problems allowing them to fester for far too long. The Family Caregiver Alliance warns that chronic conditions including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis occur at nearly twice the rate compared to non-caregivers. Studies show that caregivers are also at higher risk for premature death; as much as 63% higher if they are experiencing “caregiver strain.”

6. Emotional well-being suffers

Melancholy can set in and overwhelm even those who, under normal circumstances, project a sunny attitude. Sadness, loneliness, and anger are common feelings everyone experiences now and then. But it’s a problem when these negative feelings persist relentlessly day after day. Tending to someone with heavy care needs or a parent suffering from dementia tests even the most patient person. Those who perceive they are all alone on their caregiving journey are at highest risk for experiencing full-blown depression and anxiety.

Help Is Just a Phone Call Away

Marshaling help is possible and necessary. Ideally, families should meet with an expert to plan ahead before starting down the caregiving path. An assessment of needs, available resources and creating an action plan to address challenges can help family members assume control of the situation.

But if this step is missed, it’s never too late. When exhaustion takes a foothold, a consultation with an expert should be the first order of business.

What are the options for help? Aging Life Care™ managers offer a holistic perspective and can forge a positive path forward. For some families, meeting one or two times with an Aging Life Care™ manager is enough to get things moving back on track. If desired, they can also coordinate day to day tasks, allowing adult daughters and sons to focus on their careers and the responsibilities of parenting their own children. Skillful problem solvers, these professionals take charge of those inevitable crises just as easily as routine needs. To find one go to aginglifecare.org and search for an expert in your area.

Other options include reaching out to a social worker at the Alzheimer’s Association, a Senior Center or your local Area Agency on Aging.

About the author: Jullie Gray has over 30 years of experience in healthcare and aging. She is a Principal at Aging Wisdom in Seattle, WA. Jullie is the President of the National Academy of Certified Care Managers and the Past President of the Aging Life Care Association. Follow her on LinkedIn and Twitter @JullieGray, or email her at jgray@agingwisdom.com. Aging Wisdom has a presence on Facebook – we invite you to like our page.


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 Overcoming Challenges and Resistance

A fiercely independent aging adult resisting help is challenging in itself. But combined with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, safety concerns, and family at a distance, this Aging Life Care Professional® had to be persistent and creative in her approach. Here, Aging Life Care Professional Amy Natt, MS, CSA, CMC describes how over time she was able to calm her client’s anger, fear, and mistrust and build a relationship of trust, comfort, and compassion.

Mental Illness Awareness Week

How to Recognize Suicide Risk in Older Adults

During the first full week of October, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and participants across the country are bringing awareness to mental illness. 

Mental Illness Awareness Week: October 4 – 10, 2015

By Deborah Liss Fins, MSSW, LICSW, CMC, Aging Life Care Association™ Member and Fellow of the Leadership Academy

It’s a sobering fact: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more Americans die from suicide than homicide. Even more sobering: Older Americans are much more likely to take their lives by suicide than teens or young adults, the two age groups that receive the most attention for being at risk.

In a 2012 study using 2009 data, the CDC found that the national suicide rate, when adjusted for age, is 11.8 deaths per 100,000 population—about twice as high as the national homicide rate (5.5). At greatest risk are adults 45 and older, with suicide rates in the high teens.

The U.S. Administration on Aging reports that older, white males are at the highest risk, with 30.3 suicides per 100,000.

It is difficult to imagine that your aging loved one may be contemplating suicide. But the aging process can lead to isolation, painful disease or physical ailments, loss of a beloved partner and friends, loss of a home and independence—all stressful changes that can bring on depression and a sense of hopelessness that may prompt a person to want to end it all.

Of course, not every older adult who feels sad or depressed is considering suicide. Those feelings can certainly be part of the normal process of grieving when a loved one dies or the individual experiences other significant losses.

But it’s important to recognize warning signs of an older adult who is at risk of taking his or her own life.

Social Isolation and Depression Increase Suicide Risk in Older Adults

According to the Samaritans of Merrimack Valley, older adults are not only at greater risk of attempting suicide, but also more likely to succeed, due to social isolation and a resistance to talking about depression:

  • Fewer warning signs or explicit cues—Older adults may not be very communicative about how they are feeling or what they are considering. Depression is common with painful illness and aging, although older adults often have less contact with mental health professionals.
  • Higher likelihood that a suicide attempt will succeed—The elderly are more likely to die from suicide attempts than younger people because they are frailer. They may be quite focused on planning, be secretive, avoid interventions and take precautions against anyone finding out what they have in mind.
  • Lower likelihood of discovery—Social isolation can leave older adults to their own devices, without emotional support or reality checks to help them see alternatives to suicide.
  • Stigma associated with mental health issues—Older adults may feel ashamed to contact a mental health professional, acknowledge depression or seek help for emotional issues and concerns.
  • Past history not necessarily predictive—An older individual may not have a history of past suicide attempts—one of the main predictors of suicide—but still turn to suicide when depression and hopelessness become overwhelming.
Other risk factors for suicide, for people of all ages, include:

Being male. Although women attempt suicide three times more often than men, four times more men than women die by suicide. Risk of suicide declines among women as they age, but increases for men.

  • Family history of suicide or mental health challenges
  • History of physical, alcohol, drug or other forms of abuse
  • Loss of significant other, family member or other close relationship
  • Major life changes, such as divorce, retirement, moving, financial problems
  • Previous suicide attempts
  • Lack of support systems, poor help-seeking skills
  •  Access to means of taking one’s own life
 How to Recognize Suicidal Warning Signs in Older Adults

There is no obvious profile for an older adult who is contemplating suicide. Probably the most important warning sign is a significant change in behavior. If your loved one was once social and outgoing, but has become withdrawn and reluctant to communicate, you may have cause for concern. Here are some more warning signs:

  • Depression in older adults can manifest in a variety of ways. Has your loved one become withdrawn or, possibly, angry, irritable or hostile?
  • Does she express feelings of hopelessness, that she no longer has a reason for living?
  • Is he angry to the point of raging or seeking revenge?
  • Does she seem reckless or impulsive, engaging in risky activities without thinking?
  • Does he express a feeling of being trapped, having no way out of his current circumstances?
  • Has she lost interest in hobbies or other favorite activities?
  • Has he suddenly updated his will or given away prized possessions?
  • Has she lost interest in keeping up her appearance?
  • Does he refuse to connect with others who might be of help?
  • Do you see any increase in drug or alcohol use?
What You Can Do to Help

Keeping the lines of communication open with your aging loved one is the best way to address issues before he or she becomes so desperate as to seriously consider or attempt suicide. The more your loved one can maintain good health habits—including proper sleep, nutrition, exercise and interaction with supportive family, friends and other valued social connections—the better his or her chances of managing the inevitable sense of loss and sadness that can accompany the aging process.

Consider hiring an Aging Life Care Professional™to help monitor your loved one’s physical and mental health. An Aging Life Care Professional can assess the situation and make appropriate recommendations to specialists or to other resources  such as housing, home care, medical providers, and social activities. The Aging Life Care Professional can keep lines of communication open and inform you of any changing needs.

If you suspect that your loved one is sliding into depression and you observe any of the warning signs listed above, don’t be afraid to ask if he or she is contemplating suicide. Bringing up the topic for an honest discussion does not increase the risk of suicide; in fact, it can be a relief for your loved one to have you notice that she or he is in emotional pain.

However, you should seek immediate help from a mental health professional—or, in case of extreme risk, call 9-1-1—if you observe any of the following:

  • Your loved one threatens to hurt or kill himself, or talks about wanting to hurt or kill himself.
  • Your loved one seeks ways to kill herself by seeking access to pills, firearms or other means.
  • Your loved one talks or writes about suicide, death and dying.

For more information about suicide prevention and older adults, see Older Americans Behavioral Health Issue Brief 4: Preventing Suicide in Older Adults, a publication of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Administration on Aging.

NAMI offers information through its website www.nami.org and HelpLine 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). With affiliates in hundreds of communities nationwide, NAMI also offers free education classes and support groups.

To find an Aging Life Care Professional near you, search this directory of experts.

About the author: Deborah Liss Fins has over 35 years of experience in aging life care issues. She is the President of Deborah Fins Associates, PC in Worcester, MA.  Debbie is a member of the Board of Directors of the Aging Life Care Association™  and co-chair of the Education Committee.  Follow her on LinkedIn and Twitter @DeborahFinsALCM or email her at DLFins@finseldercare.com.  Deborah Fins Associates has a presence on Facebook – we invite you to like our page.


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

Aging and Money: Having the Tough Conversations

Aging Life Care Professionals™ Offer Guidance to Aging Adults and Families on Handling Financial Issues

A recent article on financial-planning.com focused on the need for financial advisors to have plans to address the challenges they face when clients have diminishing mental capacity. With the rising aging population and the increasing rates of dementia, financial advisors are being encouraged to look for signs of diminished capacity and to build relationships with other outside professionals such as Aging Life Care™ managers and Elder Law Attorneys.

But the article “Protecting Clients When Their Mental Capacity Diminishes” is not only a message to financial advisors, but to aging adults and their families as well.  Having the tough financial discussions early in the aging process ensures that a person’s wishes and preferences are known and that proper paperwork and legal documents are in order. This helps eliminate stressful “what ifs” and “what would mom want” guessing games.

Aging Life Care Professional Linda Fodrini-Johnson recently shared tips on how to talk to aging parents about money with Next Avenue and GoBankingRates.com. In her interview, Fodrini-Johnson lays out seven strategies for starting the “money talk.”  No matter what approach taken, the article says, outside professional help – from attorneys, financial advisors, or Aging Life Care™ managers – can ensure that the conversations are respectful and productive.

For more advice and help with handling financial issues, check out these articles from other Aging Life Care Professionals:

To find an Aging Life Care Professional to work with, visit aginglifecare.org for a directory of experts. For more information on how to choose an Aging Life Care Professional, here are 5 Tips on Choosing a Geriatric Care Manager from bankrate.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.