Caregiving and the Holidays

It is always interesting this time of year in the "caregiving" business. We will usually get more phone calls after Thanksgiving and Christmas from the adult children who just visited their parents. They are often surprised by how their parents have changed since the last visit. They are often concerned for their parents safety. If you or someone you know is in this type of situation, it is a good idea to bring the matter up while you are together and face to face. Make sure your loved one knows that you want to work together to solve what issues you are concerned about. It also makes sense to ease into a solution rather than jump in with both feet. If you feel in home care may be needed but the senior is a little reluctant, propose 3-4 hours 3 times a week. They not only get comfortable with the help but actually look forward to it! Then if you feel the need to increase the care, it will be a lot easier.
Perhaps meals are an issue. Work together for a solution. Throw out several options and let your parent decide. Offer an in home personal chef, ready made meals delivered from a grocery store or meals on wheels, if they qualify. Always include your loved one as much as possible in finding an answer to a problem. Have them take "ownership". The last thing you want to do is for them to feel that you are taking away their independence.
We have found that the more you include your parents in the decision making, the easier the situation becomes! Always ask questions and work things through out loud. You may think you have the perfect solution but you may be unaware of a concern because you didn't ask a specific question. Ask, ask and ask again.
And of course, relax and enjoy the family time!

Met Life AiP2.0 Report

Please take a moment and read this fantastic report from Met Life and Louis Tenenbaum. It is quite the interesting report for ALL Baby Boomers!


http://www.metlife.com/mmi/research/aging-in-place.html#methodology




(You may need to copy and paste the above link)

Click "download report"

Medicare Watch Newsletter

Here is some interesting advise from the Medicare Watch Newsletter regarding a person's rights upon admission when a skilled nursing facility says that Original Medicare will not pay for your care will depend on whether the facility will agree to admit you anyway.

If the facility will NOT admit you because it believes that Medicare will NOT pay, you MUST find another facility.

If the facility will admit you but believes that you do not qualify for Medicare coverage, you do have the right to ask the facility to bill Medicare anyway. This is called DEMAND BILLING.

When the facility believes that Medicare will not cover your care because your health doesn't require the need for the skilled facility or you only need custodial care or non medical care, the facility must give you either a "Skilled Nursing Facility Advance Beneficiary Notice" or a form attached to a denial letter.

For more useful info go to
www.medicareinteractive.com

Medicare Counselor

The current Medicare Counselor is available at
http://www.medicarerights.org/pdf/thecounselor.pdf

This is a great newsletter filled with usable information. One of the issues discussed in this issue is regarding Home Health Care. The newsletter details what is covered and when.

Take a look!

Fall Prevention Tips

Tips from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

1. Make sure your home has good lighting and that light switches are easily accessible. Motion sensor lights are also a good idea.
2. Install grip bars. For example, put handrails in the bathtub and toilet areas.
3. Repair any loose carpet or boards in your home and secure any rugs.
4. Keep your furniture at a height that is not too low or too high. For example, make sure your bed is high enough so that you don’t have trouble getting in and out.
5. Always buy chairs and sofas that are easy to get up from.
6. Make sure your floors aren’t slippery. Use nonskid floor wax, slip-resistant rugs and nonskid adhesive textured strips. Clean up any spills right away.
7. Try to keep your home clutter-free

Foe more tips go to: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00123

Coping With Caregiving Radio Show

Please check out this internet radio show...Coping With Caregiving. Listen to the archived programs. It offers great advise and you can hear about some very interesting companies that are in business to help caregivers and seniors!
Of course, please listen to my archived interview from May 16th:

http://www.wsradio.com/internet-talk-radio.cfm/shows/Coping-with-Caregiving/archives/date/selected/05-16-2009.html

(You may need to copy and paste the above link)

Sleep Position To help Stiff Joints

Do you or your parents wake up with stiff and achy joints? Here are a couple of quick tips from RealAge.com to do before you fall asleep to help prevent that morning pain:

1. If you sleep on your back, place a small pillow under your knees.
2. If you sleep on your side, avoid tucking your neck and chin in the fetal position.
3. If you sleep on your stomach, put a pillow under one side of your body so your head and neck aren't strained.