Reverse Mortgage Loans
For many seniors the equity in their home is their largest single asset, yet it is unavailable to use unless they use a conventional home-equity loan. But a conventional loan really doesn't free up the equity because the money has to be paid back with interest.
A reverse mortgage is a risk-free way of tapping into home equity without creating monthly payments and without requiring the money to be paid back during a person's lifetime. Instead of making payments the cash flow is reversed and the senior receives payments from the bank. Thus the title "reverse mortgage".
Many seniors are finding they can use a reverse mortgage to pay off an existing conventional mortgage, to create money for a down payment for a second home or to pay off debt. Popularity is skyrocketing. Over the last five years the number of reverse mortgages nationwide has tripled. The uses of this untapped wealth are only limited by a person's imagination.
For those seniors who earn low incomes but own a home, a reverse mortgage can allow them to remain in the home by creating extra income. It can also allow for remodeling or repairs and when the time comes to sell, the investment in the home can make it more valuable.
False Beliefs about Reverse Mortgages
“The lender could take my house.” The homeowner retains full ownership. The Reverse Mortgage is just like any other mortgage; you own the title and the bank holds a lien. You can pay it off anytime you like.
“I can be thrown out of my own home.” Homeowners can stay in the home as long as they live, with no payment requirement.
“I could end up owing more than my house is worth.” The homeowner can never owe more than the value of the home at the time the loan is due.
“My heirs will be against it.” Experience demonstrates heirs are in favor of Reverse Mortgages.
Virtually anyone can qualify. You must be at least 62, own and live in, as a primary residence, a home [1-4 family residence, condominium, co-op, permanent mobile home, or manufactured home] in order to qualify for a reverse mortgage.
There are no income, asset or credit requirements. It is the easiest loan to qualify for.
A reverse mortgage is similar to a conventional mortgage. As an example:
The bank does not own the home but owns a lien on the property just as with any other mortgage
You continue to hold title to the property as with any other mortgage
The bank has no recourse to demand payment from any family member if there is not enough equity to cover paying off the loan
There is no penalty to pay off the mortgage early
When the loan becomes due, you can refinance and keep the house.
The proceeds from a reverse mortgage are tax-free and can be used for any legal purpose you wish:
daily living expenses
home repairs and improvements
medical bills and prescription drugs
pay-off of existing debts
education, travel
long-term care and/or long-term care insurance
financial and estate tax plans
gifts and trusts
to purchase life insurance
or any other needs you may have.
The amount of reverse mortgage benefit for which you may qualify, will depend on
your age at the time you apply for the loan,
the reverse mortgage program you choose,
the value of your home, current interest rates,
and for some products, where you live.
As a general rule, the older you are and the greater your equity, the larger the reverse mortgage benefit will be (up to certain limits, in some cases). The reverse mortgage must pay off any outstanding liens against your property before you can withdraw additional funds.
The loan is not due and payable until the borrower no longer occupies the home as a principal residence (i.e. the borrower sells, moves out permanently or passes away). At that time, the balance of borrowed funds is due and payable, all additional equity in the property belongs to the owners or their beneficiaries. If the heirs want to keep the home with the additional equity, they can refinance with a conventional loan.
There are three reverse mortgage loan products available, the FHA - HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage), Fannie Mae - HomeKeeper®, and the Cash Account programs. Over 90% of all reverse mortgages are HECM contracts.
The costs associated with getting a reverse mortgage are similar to those with a conventional mortgage, such as the origination fee, appraisal and inspection fees, title policy, mortgage insurance and other normal closing costs. With a reverse mortgage, all of these costs will be financed as part of the mortgage prior to your withdrawal of additional funds.
You must participate in an independent Credit Counseling session with an FHA-approved counselor early in the application process for a reverse mortgage. The counselor's job is to educate you about all of your mortgage options. This counseling session is at no cost to the borrower and can be done in person or, more typically, over the telephone. After completing this counseling, you will receive a Counseling Certificate in the mail which must be included as part of the reverse mortgage application.
You can choose 3 options to receive the money from a reverse mortgage:
1) all at once (lump sum);
2) fixed monthly payments (for up to life);
3) a line of credit; or a combination of a line of credit and monthly payments.
The most popular option, chosen by more than 60 percent of borrowers, is the line of credit, which allows you to draw on the loan proceeds at any time. The line of credit also earns interest which in essence is allowing the equity in the home to grow. For example $120,000 in a line of credit earning 5% would be worth almost 200,$000 10 years from now.
Keeping money in a reverse mortgage line of credit in most states will not count as an asset for Medicaid eligibility as this would be considered a loan and not a resource for Medicaid spend down. In other words, keeping the money in the line of credit will not disqualify you from becoming Medicaid eligible.
However, transferring the money to an investment or to a bank account would represent an asset and would trigger a spend down requirement and delay eligibility. Please note however that distinguishing between what portion of reverse mortgage proceeds might be counted as a loan and what portion as an asset is not a simple black and white decision. It is best to get an opinion from an elder attorney in your state.
If a senior homeowner chooses to repay any portion of the interest accruing against his borrowed funds, the payment of this interest may be deductible (just as any mortgage interest may be). A reverse mortgage loan will be available to a senior homeowner to draw upon for as long as that person lives in the home. And, in some cases, the lender increases the total amount of the line of credit over time (unlike a traditional Home Equity Line where the credit limit is established at origination). If a senior homeowner stays in the property until he or she dies, his or her estate valuation will be reduced by the amount of the debt.
At the death of the last borrower or the sale of the home, the loan is repaid from equity in the home. Any remaining equity (which is often the case) goes to the heirs.
Almost all reverse mortgages are the HECM loan which is guaranteed by FHA mortgage insurance. If there is not enough equity to cover the loan, the insurance satisfies the loan by paying the deficit. With a HECM loan, the bank will never come after the heirs to satisfy the mortgage obligation.
For more information or questions regarding a Reverse Mortgage, community resources, referrals or senior home care support services in Lake County IL please visit us at http://www.heartsofgoldhomecare.com
Showing posts with label Home Health Care Grayslake IL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home Health Care Grayslake IL. Show all posts
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Long Term Care-First Step in Care For Seniors-Lake County IL
Long Term Care -- An Impending Crisis for the Elderly
by The National Care Planning Council
If we were to ask an older person what his or her most important concerns or wishes for the future are, we would probably get a variety of different answers. But according to surveys frequently conducted among the elderly, the most likely answers we would receive would include the following three principal concerns or wishes.
Remaining independent in the home without intervention from others.
Maintaining good health and receiving adequate health care.
Having enough money for everyday needs and not outliving assets and income
Although the elderly are definitely concerned about the need for long term care it is not high on the list of concerns. To address these concerns or wishes and maintain the quality of life wanted in the elder years, it simply takes a little preplanning. Unfortunately, as a rule, that is not happening.
For seniors the need for eldercare is probably the most catastrophic unexpected event that could happen to them. This is because the need for care typically removes any level of security an older person may have with the three major lifestyle concerns mentioned above.
With the need for long term care the older person:
Loses independence
Has experienced a loss of good health
Uses up remaining assets and income
No other late-life event can be as devastating to the lifestyle the elderly are so concerned about maintaining. No wonder many seniors, who are receiving eldercare, withdraw, become angry and suffer from severe depression.
Ironically, older people painstakingly scrape together $100-$200 a month to buy Medicare supplement insurance to cover a risk about equal to their yearly premiums. Or they will go without and sacrifice food, recreation and activities in order to hold on to the last few dollars in their savings accounts.
Yet very few elderly spend money or time to plan for the event of long term care. It seems a paradox that someone would be more concerned about buying insurance for a home fire when the risk of needing eldercare is 600 times more likely. Or what about the cost of insuring for an auto accident when the risk of long term care is 120 times more likely and is potentially 20 times more expense? Or why the overwhelming concern to buy Medicare supplement insurance when without it Medicare would still cover the bulk of their health needs after deductibles and co-pays? We're not recommending going without insurance coverage we're simply using it as an example of how people refuse to deal with the issue of long term care.
No one knows why people beyond age 65 are not more concerned about preparing for long term care. Perhaps they have seen it in their family or among friends and seen the effect that it has. Or because of the unsavory aspect of receiving long term care, perhaps the elderly prefer to ignore it rather than embrace the need for it. Perhaps they mistakenly think the government will take care of them. Or they are assured that family and friends will provide the care when needed, but don't know how difficult it really is for loved ones to provide that care when the time actually comes. Whatever the case, without proper planning, the need for eldercare can result in the single greatest crisis in any elderly person's life.
In addition, this lack of planning will always have an adverse effect on the older person's family. It usually results in great sacrifice or financial cost on the part of the spouse or children. Or for those with no immediate family, long term care can be a burden to extended family members.
We urge our readers who are planning for retirement or in their retirement years and who have not prepared for long term care to do so. As Benjamin Franklin so aptly put it "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
The National Care Planning Council is an organization dedicated to helping the American public plan for long term care.
For questions or information on Long Term Care, senior home care in Lake County IL, community resources, community referrals contact our Home Care Consultant by visiting us at: http://www.heartsofgoldhomecare.com/
by The National Care Planning Council
If we were to ask an older person what his or her most important concerns or wishes for the future are, we would probably get a variety of different answers. But according to surveys frequently conducted among the elderly, the most likely answers we would receive would include the following three principal concerns or wishes.
Remaining independent in the home without intervention from others.
Maintaining good health and receiving adequate health care.
Having enough money for everyday needs and not outliving assets and income
Although the elderly are definitely concerned about the need for long term care it is not high on the list of concerns. To address these concerns or wishes and maintain the quality of life wanted in the elder years, it simply takes a little preplanning. Unfortunately, as a rule, that is not happening.
For seniors the need for eldercare is probably the most catastrophic unexpected event that could happen to them. This is because the need for care typically removes any level of security an older person may have with the three major lifestyle concerns mentioned above.
With the need for long term care the older person:
Loses independence
Has experienced a loss of good health
Uses up remaining assets and income
No other late-life event can be as devastating to the lifestyle the elderly are so concerned about maintaining. No wonder many seniors, who are receiving eldercare, withdraw, become angry and suffer from severe depression.
Ironically, older people painstakingly scrape together $100-$200 a month to buy Medicare supplement insurance to cover a risk about equal to their yearly premiums. Or they will go without and sacrifice food, recreation and activities in order to hold on to the last few dollars in their savings accounts.
Yet very few elderly spend money or time to plan for the event of long term care. It seems a paradox that someone would be more concerned about buying insurance for a home fire when the risk of needing eldercare is 600 times more likely. Or what about the cost of insuring for an auto accident when the risk of long term care is 120 times more likely and is potentially 20 times more expense? Or why the overwhelming concern to buy Medicare supplement insurance when without it Medicare would still cover the bulk of their health needs after deductibles and co-pays? We're not recommending going without insurance coverage we're simply using it as an example of how people refuse to deal with the issue of long term care.
No one knows why people beyond age 65 are not more concerned about preparing for long term care. Perhaps they have seen it in their family or among friends and seen the effect that it has. Or because of the unsavory aspect of receiving long term care, perhaps the elderly prefer to ignore it rather than embrace the need for it. Perhaps they mistakenly think the government will take care of them. Or they are assured that family and friends will provide the care when needed, but don't know how difficult it really is for loved ones to provide that care when the time actually comes. Whatever the case, without proper planning, the need for eldercare can result in the single greatest crisis in any elderly person's life.
In addition, this lack of planning will always have an adverse effect on the older person's family. It usually results in great sacrifice or financial cost on the part of the spouse or children. Or for those with no immediate family, long term care can be a burden to extended family members.
We urge our readers who are planning for retirement or in their retirement years and who have not prepared for long term care to do so. As Benjamin Franklin so aptly put it "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
The National Care Planning Council is an organization dedicated to helping the American public plan for long term care.
For questions or information on Long Term Care, senior home care in Lake County IL, community resources, community referrals contact our Home Care Consultant by visiting us at: http://www.heartsofgoldhomecare.com/
Long Term Senior Care- Are You Prepared?- Lake County IL
PLANNING FOR YOUR ELDER YEARS
by The National Care Planning Council
If we were to ask an older person what his or her most important concerns for aging are, we would probably get a variety of different answers. According to surveys frequently conducted among the elderly, the most likely answers we would receive would include the following three principal concerns or life wishes:
1. Remaining independent in the home without interventionfrom others
2. Maintaining good health and receiving adequate health care
3. Having enough money for everyday needs and not outlivingassets and income
To address these concerns or wishes and maintain the quality of life wanted in the elder years, it simply takes a little preplanning.
Few people do this kind of planning.
It is human nature not to worry about an event until it happens. We may prepare financially for unexpected financial disasters by covering our homes, automobiles and health with insurance policies.
However, no other life event can be as devastating to an elderly person’s lifestyle, finances and security as needing long term care. It drastically alters or completely eliminates the three principal lifestyle wishes listed above.
The majority of the American public does not plan for this crisis of needing eldercare. The lack of planning also has an adverse effect on the older person's family, with sacrifices made in time, money, and family lifestyles.
Because of changing demographics and potential changes in government funding, the current generation needs to plan for long term care before the elder years are upon them.
Let us look at some facts.
The population of the "very old,"--older than age 85--is thefastest growing group in America. This population is athighest risk for needing care. (Statistical abstract of the United States,2008, population)
Medical science is preventing early sudden deaths, whichmeans living longer with impaired health and greater risk ofneeding long term care.
The Alzheimer's Association estimates the risk ofAlzheimer's or dementia beyond age 85 to be about 46% ofthat population.
It is estimated that 6 out of 10 people will need long termcare sometime during their lifetime.
Children are moving far away from parents or parents moveaway during retirement making long distance care givingdifficult or impossible.
Government programs--already stretched thin for long termcare services--will experience even greater stress onavailable funds in the future.
One of the important things for planning is how to maintain your lifestyle as you age. You may be healthy enough to stay in your own home with help provided for the following activities of daily living:
maintaining a home, providing meals, supervision, companionship, transportation and shopping services.
This type of care at home is non-medical and must be provided free of charge by family, friends, or volunteers or the care must be paid for out-of-pocket by the family.
Government programs, in most cases, will not pay for this kind of care. It is estimated that 80% of all long term care is non-medical, with 90% of that care provided in the home. It is most likely that your long term care will begin with home care.
It is wise to plan now how you will pay for care when it is needed. In evaluating your future income you may find it necessary to add some resources such as long term care Insurance to pay for assisted living or nursing home costs. Long term care insurance must be purchased while you are younger and healthy. Failing health, stroke or other aging issues will not allow you to qualify for this insurance.
A reverse mortgage will also help pay for home care if staying in your home is an option.
Consider where you may want to live in your elder years. Many assisted living facilities offer complete care alternatives with a nursing home wing if needed. Senior retirement communities also offer many amenities with some including home care options.
Now is the time to do estate planning. A professional estate planner will give you direction on how best to protect your assets for future needs and for Medicaid planning.
Do your paper work. Now is the time to create your trusts, will, medical directives in a living will and any other documents you want noted for future use. Gather Insurance policies and bank records where they can be found by family members in case you are not able to get them yourself.
We don’t like to think of our elder years in terms of health problems, but a sudden stroke, heart failure or onset of dementia could make it impossible to carry out our own wishes if preparation was not made ahead of time.
The process of long term care planning involves the following fourprinciples:
1. Knowledge and preparation are the keys to success.2. Having funds to pay for care expands the choices for caresettings and providers.3. Using professional help relieves stress, reduces conflict, andsaves time and money.4. Success is assured through a written plan accepted by allparties involved.
(The above excerpt is quoted from "The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning," National Care Planning Council)
The National Care Planning Council' s website -- www.longtermcarelink.net -- provides over 700 pages of information for long term care planning and lists services of professional care providers in estate planning, long term care insurance, reverse mortgage, home care and many other important long term care services.
The National Care Planning Council' s book, “The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning,” provides information on what Medicaid and Medicare will cover as well as an overview of professional long term care service providers and how their services can help you create and execute your long term care plan. A check list of what to do to create a plan and forms for creating necessary paperwork are also included in the book.
For any information on supportive senior home care services in Lake County IL, qualifying for home health care services in Lake County IL, community resources in Lake County IL , referrals for senior resources in Lake County IL. Free assistance with researching, finding a new residence for you or a loved one or transitioning to a new facility. Our Home Care Specialist provides you with a FREE PHONE CONSULTATION to address your concerns personally and help you with your needs at anytime. Visit us at http://www.heartsofgoldhomecare.com
by The National Care Planning Council
If we were to ask an older person what his or her most important concerns for aging are, we would probably get a variety of different answers. According to surveys frequently conducted among the elderly, the most likely answers we would receive would include the following three principal concerns or life wishes:
1. Remaining independent in the home without interventionfrom others
2. Maintaining good health and receiving adequate health care
3. Having enough money for everyday needs and not outlivingassets and income
To address these concerns or wishes and maintain the quality of life wanted in the elder years, it simply takes a little preplanning.
Few people do this kind of planning.
It is human nature not to worry about an event until it happens. We may prepare financially for unexpected financial disasters by covering our homes, automobiles and health with insurance policies.
However, no other life event can be as devastating to an elderly person’s lifestyle, finances and security as needing long term care. It drastically alters or completely eliminates the three principal lifestyle wishes listed above.
The majority of the American public does not plan for this crisis of needing eldercare. The lack of planning also has an adverse effect on the older person's family, with sacrifices made in time, money, and family lifestyles.
Because of changing demographics and potential changes in government funding, the current generation needs to plan for long term care before the elder years are upon them.
Let us look at some facts.
The population of the "very old,"--older than age 85--is thefastest growing group in America. This population is athighest risk for needing care. (Statistical abstract of the United States,2008, population)
Medical science is preventing early sudden deaths, whichmeans living longer with impaired health and greater risk ofneeding long term care.
The Alzheimer's Association estimates the risk ofAlzheimer's or dementia beyond age 85 to be about 46% ofthat population.
It is estimated that 6 out of 10 people will need long termcare sometime during their lifetime.
Children are moving far away from parents or parents moveaway during retirement making long distance care givingdifficult or impossible.
Government programs--already stretched thin for long termcare services--will experience even greater stress onavailable funds in the future.
One of the important things for planning is how to maintain your lifestyle as you age. You may be healthy enough to stay in your own home with help provided for the following activities of daily living:
maintaining a home, providing meals, supervision, companionship, transportation and shopping services.
This type of care at home is non-medical and must be provided free of charge by family, friends, or volunteers or the care must be paid for out-of-pocket by the family.
Government programs, in most cases, will not pay for this kind of care. It is estimated that 80% of all long term care is non-medical, with 90% of that care provided in the home. It is most likely that your long term care will begin with home care.
It is wise to plan now how you will pay for care when it is needed. In evaluating your future income you may find it necessary to add some resources such as long term care Insurance to pay for assisted living or nursing home costs. Long term care insurance must be purchased while you are younger and healthy. Failing health, stroke or other aging issues will not allow you to qualify for this insurance.
A reverse mortgage will also help pay for home care if staying in your home is an option.
Consider where you may want to live in your elder years. Many assisted living facilities offer complete care alternatives with a nursing home wing if needed. Senior retirement communities also offer many amenities with some including home care options.
Now is the time to do estate planning. A professional estate planner will give you direction on how best to protect your assets for future needs and for Medicaid planning.
Do your paper work. Now is the time to create your trusts, will, medical directives in a living will and any other documents you want noted for future use. Gather Insurance policies and bank records where they can be found by family members in case you are not able to get them yourself.
We don’t like to think of our elder years in terms of health problems, but a sudden stroke, heart failure or onset of dementia could make it impossible to carry out our own wishes if preparation was not made ahead of time.
The process of long term care planning involves the following fourprinciples:
1. Knowledge and preparation are the keys to success.2. Having funds to pay for care expands the choices for caresettings and providers.3. Using professional help relieves stress, reduces conflict, andsaves time and money.4. Success is assured through a written plan accepted by allparties involved.
(The above excerpt is quoted from "The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning," National Care Planning Council)
The National Care Planning Council' s website -- www.longtermcarelink.net -- provides over 700 pages of information for long term care planning and lists services of professional care providers in estate planning, long term care insurance, reverse mortgage, home care and many other important long term care services.
The National Care Planning Council' s book, “The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning,” provides information on what Medicaid and Medicare will cover as well as an overview of professional long term care service providers and how their services can help you create and execute your long term care plan. A check list of what to do to create a plan and forms for creating necessary paperwork are also included in the book.
For any information on supportive senior home care services in Lake County IL, qualifying for home health care services in Lake County IL, community resources in Lake County IL , referrals for senior resources in Lake County IL. Free assistance with researching, finding a new residence for you or a loved one or transitioning to a new facility. Our Home Care Specialist provides you with a FREE PHONE CONSULTATION to address your concerns personally and help you with your needs at anytime. Visit us at http://www.heartsofgoldhomecare.com
Friday, January 1, 2010
Senior Care-Helping Your Older Parents-Lake County IL
Helping Your Older Parents Stay Happy and Healthy
by Robert Stall MD, Geriatrician
If you're fortunate enough to have one or both parents still living, you may have noticed a role reversal taking place in your relationship. Remember the days when Mom shuttled you to the doctor whenever you were sick? Now, it may be you who's driving her to her medical appointments. Perhaps you've become even more involved in managing her healthcare needs – serving as her healthcare proxy, moving her into your home to care for her, or even having to select a nursing home for her to live in.
Whatever the case, it's natural to feel challenged – and, yes, intimidated – in the role you've undertaken. But if you stay positive and proactive, you'll be in a great position to advocate for your parents' optimal care. And, really, what better way is there to say "Thank You" for all they've done for you over the years?
The following six recommendations will help you understand what may be happening to your parents as they age – and what you can do to help.
1. Stay vigilant to sudden changes. Typically, sudden changes arise from sudden problems. Your elderly father who becomes confused one week but was alert and oriented the week before, or becomes unsteady walking and starts falling, is likely experiencing an acute problem – an infection, medication side effect, or perhaps, a heart attack or stroke.
If you pay attention to your parent's baseline health and behavior, you'll be alert to sudden, and subtle, fluctuations. Being attuned to what's “normal” for your parent is critical in advocating for his care. By informing his physician of these changes, you help ensure that he receives a proper diagnosis and timely treatment – especially important in acute conditions.
2. Investigate the source of gradual decline. Several years ago, I met an elderly woman living in a nursing home. Her family, assuming she had dementia, had moved her there after she had gradually stopped speaking.
After performing a brief procedure on her, I asked how she was doing. “I'm OK,” she replied.
A miracle? Not exactly. I'd removed bullet-sized pieces of wax from her ears. She'd stopped speaking because her ears were too plugged to hear.
A host of conditions can cause gradual decline. Before jumping to the conclusion – as many people do – that Alzheimer's disease is the culprit, recognize that your parent may be experiencing an altogether different problem: a vitamin B12 deficiency, an underactive thyroid, Parkinson's disease or depression, to name a few.
When discussing your parent's decline with her physician, make sure the two of you consider all the possibilities. To prepare for the appointment, make notes detailing how her decline has manifested itself – loss of appetite, a failing short-term memory and so forth – and how long you've noticed these changes. That way, you won't leave anything out. To help you, I've created a free checklist that either you or your parent can complete at seniorselfassessment.com – make sure you print or email the “Test Result Details” at the bottom of the page to analyze your responses and give you advice based on your answers.
3. Know thy parent's medicine cabinet. Familiarize yourself with the medications your parent takes: what each one is for and how often he takes them. Make sure you notify each doctor your parent visits of all the medicine he takes, including over-the-counter products. Ask what side effects you might observe from each medication and whether it's potentially dangerous if your parent takes them together. You also want to tell the doctor whether your parent drinks alcohol or caffeinated drinks and whether he smokes, as these substances can affect some medications' efficacy and safety. To recognize which medications might cause the symptoms your parent experiences, check out drugscanmakeyousick.com .
4. Discourage ageist attitudes. Simply put, ageism is prejudice against the elderly. It exists in many forms but can be particularly damaging to an older person's self-esteem when it assumes that all of her woes are age-related. Here are a couple of ways of expressing ageism to an elderly parent:
“What do you expect at your age?” “You're not getting any younger.”
If you're ever tempted to utter something similar, remind yourself that by chalking up everything that ails her to her age, you sell your parent short. If she's depressed, it may have nothing to do with the fact that she's 80 and everything to do with a biological predisposition to depression. And remember that right-knee pain in a 90 year-old can't be just from age if there's no problem with her left knee.
5. Address not just symptoms—but emotions, too. There is disease and then there is “dis-ease” – that is, a lack of ease, security or well-being. “Dis-ease” can manifest itself as myriad emotions in an elderly person: fear, grief, boredom, embarrassment and sadness among them. The fact is, these emotions can be every bit as debilitating as disease.
Take the case of a parent who's incontinent. Too embarrassed to socialize, she cuts herself off from friends. Without companionship, she becomes lonely. Instead of allowing her to become a hermit, discuss with her doctor how to address the incontinence. Together, you can consider different solutions that will ease her embarrassment and reinvigorate her social life.
6. Strive to maximize your parent's quality of life. No matter our age, we all want to enjoy life to the fullest and have the capability to do the things we want to. Improving the enjoyment of life and a patient's functional ability are the cardinal goals of geriatric care. But you don't need a medical diploma on your wall to help your parent achieve either of those goals.
Being there to solve a problem or provide company are tremendously worthwhile services you can provide – no expertise required. Remember, as your parent gets older, his quality of life becomes more important to him than how much longer he lives. And he doesn't necessarily need medications or surgery to ensure that he's living the latter part of his life to the fullest.
If he enjoys books but has difficulty reading regular-sized type, check out sight-saving titles at the library. If he's grieving the loss of his best buddy, introduce him to new acquaintances at the senior center. If he's living in a nursing home, bring your kids there to share a meal with him.
Sometimes, it's the small gestures that have the most profound impact. As the child of an elderly parent, you are uniquely positioned to deliver these life-changing gifts.
Dr. Robert Stall is a geriatrician practicing in Tonawanda, New York and a clinical associate professor at the University of Buffalo's School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He serves as medical director and attending physician at Beechwood Homes in Getzville and Blocher Homes in Williamsville.
For Free referral or information on community resources to help you or your loved one you can contact our Home Care Consultant at http://www.heartsofgoldhomecare.com
by Robert Stall MD, Geriatrician
If you're fortunate enough to have one or both parents still living, you may have noticed a role reversal taking place in your relationship. Remember the days when Mom shuttled you to the doctor whenever you were sick? Now, it may be you who's driving her to her medical appointments. Perhaps you've become even more involved in managing her healthcare needs – serving as her healthcare proxy, moving her into your home to care for her, or even having to select a nursing home for her to live in.
Whatever the case, it's natural to feel challenged – and, yes, intimidated – in the role you've undertaken. But if you stay positive and proactive, you'll be in a great position to advocate for your parents' optimal care. And, really, what better way is there to say "Thank You" for all they've done for you over the years?
The following six recommendations will help you understand what may be happening to your parents as they age – and what you can do to help.
1. Stay vigilant to sudden changes. Typically, sudden changes arise from sudden problems. Your elderly father who becomes confused one week but was alert and oriented the week before, or becomes unsteady walking and starts falling, is likely experiencing an acute problem – an infection, medication side effect, or perhaps, a heart attack or stroke.
If you pay attention to your parent's baseline health and behavior, you'll be alert to sudden, and subtle, fluctuations. Being attuned to what's “normal” for your parent is critical in advocating for his care. By informing his physician of these changes, you help ensure that he receives a proper diagnosis and timely treatment – especially important in acute conditions.
2. Investigate the source of gradual decline. Several years ago, I met an elderly woman living in a nursing home. Her family, assuming she had dementia, had moved her there after she had gradually stopped speaking.
After performing a brief procedure on her, I asked how she was doing. “I'm OK,” she replied.
A miracle? Not exactly. I'd removed bullet-sized pieces of wax from her ears. She'd stopped speaking because her ears were too plugged to hear.
A host of conditions can cause gradual decline. Before jumping to the conclusion – as many people do – that Alzheimer's disease is the culprit, recognize that your parent may be experiencing an altogether different problem: a vitamin B12 deficiency, an underactive thyroid, Parkinson's disease or depression, to name a few.
When discussing your parent's decline with her physician, make sure the two of you consider all the possibilities. To prepare for the appointment, make notes detailing how her decline has manifested itself – loss of appetite, a failing short-term memory and so forth – and how long you've noticed these changes. That way, you won't leave anything out. To help you, I've created a free checklist that either you or your parent can complete at seniorselfassessment.com – make sure you print or email the “Test Result Details” at the bottom of the page to analyze your responses and give you advice based on your answers.
3. Know thy parent's medicine cabinet. Familiarize yourself with the medications your parent takes: what each one is for and how often he takes them. Make sure you notify each doctor your parent visits of all the medicine he takes, including over-the-counter products. Ask what side effects you might observe from each medication and whether it's potentially dangerous if your parent takes them together. You also want to tell the doctor whether your parent drinks alcohol or caffeinated drinks and whether he smokes, as these substances can affect some medications' efficacy and safety. To recognize which medications might cause the symptoms your parent experiences, check out drugscanmakeyousick.com .
4. Discourage ageist attitudes. Simply put, ageism is prejudice against the elderly. It exists in many forms but can be particularly damaging to an older person's self-esteem when it assumes that all of her woes are age-related. Here are a couple of ways of expressing ageism to an elderly parent:
“What do you expect at your age?” “You're not getting any younger.”
If you're ever tempted to utter something similar, remind yourself that by chalking up everything that ails her to her age, you sell your parent short. If she's depressed, it may have nothing to do with the fact that she's 80 and everything to do with a biological predisposition to depression. And remember that right-knee pain in a 90 year-old can't be just from age if there's no problem with her left knee.
5. Address not just symptoms—but emotions, too. There is disease and then there is “dis-ease” – that is, a lack of ease, security or well-being. “Dis-ease” can manifest itself as myriad emotions in an elderly person: fear, grief, boredom, embarrassment and sadness among them. The fact is, these emotions can be every bit as debilitating as disease.
Take the case of a parent who's incontinent. Too embarrassed to socialize, she cuts herself off from friends. Without companionship, she becomes lonely. Instead of allowing her to become a hermit, discuss with her doctor how to address the incontinence. Together, you can consider different solutions that will ease her embarrassment and reinvigorate her social life.
6. Strive to maximize your parent's quality of life. No matter our age, we all want to enjoy life to the fullest and have the capability to do the things we want to. Improving the enjoyment of life and a patient's functional ability are the cardinal goals of geriatric care. But you don't need a medical diploma on your wall to help your parent achieve either of those goals.
Being there to solve a problem or provide company are tremendously worthwhile services you can provide – no expertise required. Remember, as your parent gets older, his quality of life becomes more important to him than how much longer he lives. And he doesn't necessarily need medications or surgery to ensure that he's living the latter part of his life to the fullest.
If he enjoys books but has difficulty reading regular-sized type, check out sight-saving titles at the library. If he's grieving the loss of his best buddy, introduce him to new acquaintances at the senior center. If he's living in a nursing home, bring your kids there to share a meal with him.
Sometimes, it's the small gestures that have the most profound impact. As the child of an elderly parent, you are uniquely positioned to deliver these life-changing gifts.
Dr. Robert Stall is a geriatrician practicing in Tonawanda, New York and a clinical associate professor at the University of Buffalo's School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He serves as medical director and attending physician at Beechwood Homes in Getzville and Blocher Homes in Williamsville.
For Free referral or information on community resources to help you or your loved one you can contact our Home Care Consultant at http://www.heartsofgoldhomecare.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Staying Proactive In The Lives Of Our Elderly Parents-Hearts of Gold Senior Home Care
Aging is a natural process. We cannot reverse it or prevent it. It's another stage in our lives. Our retirement years are just another stage in our lives.
During our retirement years we undergo physical, mental and emotional changes. As your parents age you may notice these changes. This is the time to get involved in your parents lives. Taking a little bit of time to stay connected with our parents can ensure that they continue to live healthy happy lives.
When your mom or dad has a medical appointment, take the time to accompany your parent to the office visit. With your parent's permission ask questions regarding their health and any changes that you may start to notice. It maybe best to see a physician that specializes in geriatric issues.
Elderly people can at times become confused. When it comes to mom or dad's health, be proactive. This will help your parent cope better and feel that someone really cares about their situation.
As they age, often our parents tend to sit around more. If you notice mom or dad is less active find out why. Staying active is a vital key to remain in good health. Any form of exercise helps maintain bone mass, improves balance and strengthens muscles. Even small amount of exercise can make a world of difference in the way we feel. Exercise can help prevent falls that may cause injuries. Falls are the number one reason that elderly people lose their ability to live independently.
During a medical visit with your parent, address the issue of exercise. Have the doctor suggest simple exercise that your parent can partake in with the physicians permission. Encourage your parents to be more mobile if possible. A simple walk can be an enjoyment for both of you.
Staying in good health means eating a nutritious diet. Make sure that mom or dad is eating well-balanced meals. Assist them in preparing their grocery list. Help them prepare meals if they live alone. Help them purchase items that are nutritious and easy to prepare. Check their refrigerator and pantry for items that may be expired. Small things can make a world of difference.
Sometimes elderly individuals do not keep up with personal hygiene. Personal hygiene is very important. Maintaining personal hygiene makes you look and feel better. But most important, with the aging process our skin becomes much thinner leaving us open to cuts and ulcers. This is one of the reasons that in elderly people there is a greater need for good daily skin care.
Our sleeping habits also change as we age. We find that we need less sleep. If mom or dad has problems with sleeping you can discuss this with their physician. There are simple thing you can do to help them get a good night sleep. Encourage them to develop a routine at bedtime. Activity during the day can help a person sleep better. Make sure mom or dad is not sitting around all day. Have them avoid afternoon naps or caffeine. Reading or browsing through a magazine before bed can also help. Your parent's physician may have other suggestions for a good nights sleep.
As we age, staying mentally stimulated is very important. Books, crafts, gardening and other activities that your parents used to enjoy and can still do should be highly encouraged. Invite family member, friends and neighbors to stop by and visit. Remaining social can help mom or dad keep a positive attitude as well as stay in touch with the world around them. Elderly people seem to get more depressed. Staying social can cut down on depression.
As our parents guided us and supported us when we were growing up. Let us guide and support them through their retirement years. Always let them know though, that they are still in control of their decisions and their lives. Treat them with the respect that they deserve. After all, they did a good job of raising you. Who did we turn to in time of need? Our parents, of course. Let them feel now that they can always turn to us. Becoming proactive in the care of our parents can be at times very stressful and emotional. But it can be very rewarding as well. It is a time when we find that we can bond with mom or dad all over again. And really get to know them adult to adult.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Caregivers- More Than Assistance- Senior Home Care Lake County IL
Many of us have aging parents that may be living alone. In today's society, families are often very busy with their own lives. At times, it may be difficult for families to understand how their aging parent may be feeling. Elderly people are often not encouraged to discuss their feeling, or may be reluctant to ask for emotional support or any assistance.
Today, more and more seniors are choosing to remain in their homes instead of
placement in assisted living or nursing facilities. It is important then to make sure that they are still living healthy social lives. Caregivers can ensure that mom or dad still can play a vital role in the society. feeling useful and important can alliviate feelings of sadness.
placement in assisted living or nursing facilities. It is important then to make sure that they are still living healthy social lives. Caregivers can ensure that mom or dad still can play a vital role in the society. feeling useful and important can alliviate feelings of sadness. Many elderly people may live alone, with no family support system whatsoever. Feeling isolated, many elderly people may become depressed. Often, even doctors may misdiagnose the signs of depression. Doctors, in my opinion should often take the time to encourage seniors to talk about their feelings as well as check their health. I feel that a doctor is the first and most important link to families in being able to notice any changes in a seniors mood or behavior. Especially if the doctor has been the primary health provider for a long time. Preventing depression should be very important to health providers when it comes to the elderly. Everybody seems more concerned with an elderly person staying physically healthy. But mental health is crucial to physical health.
A family member should take the time to speak to the doctor on behalf of their aging parent. Ask the doctor to take a few extra minutes to discuss mom or dads mental well-being and encourage them to express their feeling.
Many circumstances may play a role in an elderly person feeling depressed. Sudden loss of independence. Mobility issues. Sudden illness. On-going health issues. Worry over financial problems. Death of a spouse or isolation can all contribute to feelings of depression.
Sometimes we may just not realize or take into consideration how mom or dad may be feeling. We assume that everything is fine. Here are some signs of depression or changes to look for:
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Loss of interest in daily activities
Loss of interest in family and friends
Loss of interest in going out
Sadness
Irritability
Increased sleeping habits
Difficulty sleeping
Poor Hygiene
Some elderly people may become depressed because they physically cannot do regular household tasks anymore and are reluctant to ask for help. Doctors should also discuss these issues with their aging adult patient and their family to help provide assistance and make life easier for their patient. Elderly people seem to listen to their doctors better than anyone else.
Providing a caregiver or assistance early on can be very important for elderly people to maintain their independence and continue to live a better quality of live. A caregiver can provide the assistance an individual may require as far as housekeeping goes. But retaining a qualified caregiver for mom or dad provides many important factors and plays a major role in an elderly persons live.
Today, caregivers are not just for assistance. A caregiver can help stimulate and keep mom or dad's mind and body to remain active. Having someone to participate in simple conversation and current events helps prevent the isolation that many elderly people feel. All of us, at any age want to feel important. We all want to know that we matter to someone. Eating alone is not as appetising as eating with someone. A caregiver can prepare nutritious meals and may sit and enjoy the meal with th
e elderly person. This ensures that the senior is eating healthy and eating. caregivers provide encouragement. They show an interest in the elderly persons life. Making sure that mom or dad keeps their medical appointments is an important part of a caregivers role. Caregivers are an important link between physicians, seniors and their families. They can encourage the elderly person to let their physician know how they are feeling or help explain their feelings or issues to their doctor. A caregiver provides moral support, a better sense of well-being and encouragement through any difficult times. Caregivers can help maintain mom or dads favorite interest, outings, acivities and keep them socialized. Statistics show that when assistance is provided to elderly people recuperating from a hospital stay, the rate of recuperation is quicker. The most important thing that families can do for their loved one in difficult times is to give the gift of a caregiver.
e elderly person. This ensures that the senior is eating healthy and eating. caregivers provide encouragement. They show an interest in the elderly persons life. Making sure that mom or dad keeps their medical appointments is an important part of a caregivers role. Caregivers are an important link between physicians, seniors and their families. They can encourage the elderly person to let their physician know how they are feeling or help explain their feelings or issues to their doctor. A caregiver provides moral support, a better sense of well-being and encouragement through any difficult times. Caregivers can help maintain mom or dads favorite interest, outings, acivities and keep them socialized. Statistics show that when assistance is provided to elderly people recuperating from a hospital stay, the rate of recuperation is quicker. The most important thing that families can do for their loved one in difficult times is to give the gift of a caregiver.Thursday, June 11, 2009
Cell Phones-Peace of Mind & Safety- Hearts of Gold Senior Home Care Lake County IL
Technology has certainly come a long way. For most of us it is very easy to adapt to new gadgets. But for seniors it may be very difficult. Cell phones are one of the new gadgets that every senior should have. Since a lot of seniors live alone, a cell phone can provide a sense of security, help them stay connected to family in friends, but most of all can be important in case of an emergency.
My mother just turned eighty. She is still active and independent, but not very fond of technology. She is set in her own ways. She never thought that a cell phone was necessary. In her opinion, her generation grew up without a cell phone and did just fine. She loves gardening and long walks. But her enjoyments make our family very nervous when we cannot get a hold of her. So I decided it was time that mom had a cell phone.
I felt that it was important for us to be able to stay in touch with her at all times. It was more for my peace of mind, not hers. She understands that even when she is gardening I can get a hold of her at anytime and not worry. She now understands that not only in emergencies is her cell phone important but it provides a feeling of safety and security so that she can maintain her independence.
Buying my mother a cell phone was the easy part. getting her to use it was another story. But once I encouraged her to become familiar with the phone, took the time to make sure she knew how to use it and understood how to use it, she cannot be without it now. She loves chatting with her friends all the time.
For many seniors it is difficult to convince them about the benefits a cell phone can provide. But once seniors realize a cell phone is not difficult to use, they are more accepting of this technology that is new to them. I deal with seniors everyday, providing senior home care in Lake County IL. (http://www.heartsofgoldhomecare.com) I realize a lot of seniors feel isolated and alone. A cell phone can help with socialization and independence for aging adults in their retirement years. My mother loves her cell phone so much, she suggested that for each new client that retains their senior home care services in Lake County IL with us, we should give them a free cell phone so they too can stay connected with their family and friends. She suggested that each caregiver can also help the senior understand and teach them how to use their cell phone. So that is what we are doing. An added value and benefit to the senior home care services that we provide. Stay connected to mom or dad at all times and have peace of mind. For more information on obtaining a free cell phone for your loved one to help you stay connected you can give us a call.
My mother just turned eighty. She is still active and independent, but not very fond of technology. She is set in her own ways. She never thought that a cell phone was necessary. In her opinion, her generation grew up without a cell phone and did just fine. She loves gardening and long walks. But her enjoyments make our family very nervous when we cannot get a hold of her. So I decided it was time that mom had a cell phone.
I felt that it was important for us to be able to stay in touch with her at all times. It was more for my peace of mind, not hers. She understands that even when she is gardening I can get a hold of her at anytime and not worry. She now understands that not only in emergencies is her cell phone important but it provides a feeling of safety and security so that she can maintain her independence.
Buying my mother a cell phone was the easy part. getting her to use it was another story. But once I encouraged her to become familiar with the phone, took the time to make sure she knew how to use it and understood how to use it, she cannot be without it now. She loves chatting with her friends all the time.
For many seniors it is difficult to convince them about the benefits a cell phone can provide. But once seniors realize a cell phone is not difficult to use, they are more accepting of this technology that is new to them. I deal with seniors everyday, providing senior home care in Lake County IL. (http://www.heartsofgoldhomecare.com) I realize a lot of seniors feel isolated and alone. A cell phone can help with socialization and independence for aging adults in their retirement years. My mother loves her cell phone so much, she suggested that for each new client that retains their senior home care services in Lake County IL with us, we should give them a free cell phone so they too can stay connected with their family and friends. She suggested that each caregiver can also help the senior understand and teach them how to use their cell phone. So that is what we are doing. An added value and benefit to the senior home care services that we provide. Stay connected to mom or dad at all times and have peace of mind. For more information on obtaining a free cell phone for your loved one to help you stay connected you can give us a call.
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