Category Archives: Helpful Articles

Improving Oral Health For Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease Or Related Disorders (ADRD)

In their 2016 report, the Alzheimer’s Association found that a staggering 5.4 million Americans are currently suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders (ADRD). This number is projected to skyrocket to 16 million by 2050, the most pressing epidemic for our aging population. READ MORE

Tips for Senior Care Financing

Life Insurance to Fund Long Term Care

Many seniors have funds invested in a life insurance policy but need ready money once there’s a change in a health status or a living situation. There are a number of options for using life insurance as a source of funds; choosing a method of accessing these funds requires careful consideration.

Policy holders can access the accumulated cash value using withdrawals, loans from the policy, or a cash surrender of the policy. In a cash surrender be aware of surrender fees, depending on how long you’ve owned the policy, and note that the gain on the policy is subject to income tax and it may be difficult or expensive to replace this coverage later.

Keep in mind that the cash from a death benefit may change a senior’s financial status, making him or her ineligible for other financial compensation. There are also tax implications to consider. Consult a tax professional to understand all tax implications of a settlement.

Check Your Benefits – Veterans Aid and Attendance

Did you know that the Veterans Administration will pay a monthly benefit to any active-duty veteran or their spouse who needs care? Any vet who has served even one day during a period of foreign war can apply for this Aid and Attendance Special Pension; beneficiaries need not have served overseas, retired from the military, or seen combat. Surprisingly, however, only a few of those who are eligible for these benefits take advantage of them.

The pension is “medically driven,” says Chris Merrill of the National Care Planning Council, an organization that helps families plan for long term care. The disability does not need to be service-related. Any vet who has difficulties with one or more activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing and dressing, as well as financial planning and medication management, may be eligible.

Other Sources of Help

For instance, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a $1000 grant to defray the cost of respite care. The money can be used to give families a break from daily caregiving responsibilities so they can provide better in-home care for loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Other programs include rebates from drug manufacturers on senior medications, assistance with paying utility bills, free or reduced dental care, and even free cell phone minutes. While many of these programs are for very low-income seniors, others are open to those with slightly higher incomes who are still having a hard time making ends meet.

Who is Eligible for VA Benefits?
•Any Veteran with 90 days of consecutive active duty services
•Any Veteran who served at least one day during active war time
•Veterans do not have to have served overseas or in combat
•A surviving spouse of a veteran is eligible if married to the Veteran at time of the Veteran’s death

Making the Most of Social Security

You can maximize benefits by taking advantage of delayed retirement credits. Also, a surviving spouse receives the entirety of that benefit upon the worker’s death, making those delayed retirement credits even more valuable.

If you are in ill health, if you have a family history of early mortality or if you simply need the money, delaying benefits may not be possible. But, with life expectancy at retirement currently standing at 17.2 years for males and 19.9 years for females, odds are that the larger monthly check will quickly pay off—and continue paying, with regular cost of living adjustments.

Married couples with similar incomes can also approach Social Security tactically. If one member of the couple decides to retire, the other can collect spousal benefits and delay receiving his or her own benefit in order to increase the size of the eventual monthly check.

Important Steps for Getting Your Affairs in Order:
•Gather everything you can about your income, investments, insurance and savings
•Put important papers and copies of legal documents in one place
•Tell a trusted family member or friend where you put all your important papers
•Give consent in advance for your doctor, lawyer and any financial advisors to talk with your caregivers as needed 

Bridge Loans
Most people, their most valuable asset is their home. But, with houses lingering on the market for months or even years, that capital may not be available when the time comes to make the move to a higher level of care.
With its rapid turnaround time, this loan can be especially useful when dealing with urgent needs that must be met before other longterm financial resources can be tapped.

The Reverse Mortgage

Reverse mortgages let homeowners stay in their own home while also tapping into the equity they’ve built up over the years. Mortgage holders get tax-free cash flow as a loan against that equity—a loan that doesn’t need to be repaid until the house is sold or the owner moves out or dies.
Though, reverse mortgages can be expensive, too; fees are higher than a conventional mortgage, and closing costs run high, you may be forced to sell your home if you need to leave it for an extended stay in a hospital. Remember that taking out a reverse mortgage is actually withdrawing the equity from a home, and as interest compounds on the reverse mortgage balance, the value of the estate declines at a progressive rate. Mortgage holders will also not be able to pass the family home down to their heirs after their death.

Making Use of All the Tools Available

Paying for senior care can be a daunting prospect in the current economy, but a little knowledge can go a long way in preparing for this time of life. No matter what financial route you choose, it’s important to do your research, read the fine print and consult professionals when needed. Get creative and combine as many resources as you can. Planning means peace of mind.

Remember When

Remember when . . .

Neighbours knew one another?

In many cases, today’s city dwellers don’t know the names of their neighbours. They may exchange a smile or a quick hello if they happen to be coming or going at the same time, but that’s about it.

How about you? Do you know the names of those on either side of you? And if you do, do you know the names of their children and grandchildren? Where they grew up? What they did for a living?

Of course, some people are reserved and would rather keep to themselves, and that’s fine, but maybe—just maybe—they are waiting for one of their “neighbours” to extend a hand in friendship. Will you be that neighbour?

Remember when . . .

One went out of his or her way to help those in need?

It’s not that everyone extended a helping hand in days gone by—or that no-one does so today, but it isn’t as common for many reasons.

If you’re able, why not be on the lookout for those in need? Something simple—retrieving a book that has fallen to the floor, getting the attention of a staff member for a fellow resident in distress, even offering a smile—can make the world of difference and brighten someone’s day.

Remember when . . .

One struck up a conversation with passersby?

It seems that the admonition “don’t talk to strangers” is no longer just for children. It appears that we’re reluctant to strike up a conversation or even “shoot the breeze” with those around us. But what’s the harm in saying hello to those who walk past.

You never know. They may stop to chat for a few minutes—or more. We may even find ourselves developing new friendships. And we’re never too old for that.

Remember when . . .

The evenings were spent playing games and chatting?

While there’s nothing wrong with retiring early or watching a television show or two, why not consider inviting a friend or two to the games room to play a friendly game of cards, checkers, or chess? It’s a great way to pass the evening and get to know some of the other residents. Plus, if the conversation lags, that’s fine. You can simply focus on the game. (Plus, playing games is a great way to help your mind stay sharp. Bonus!)

Remember when . . .

One looked forward to daily visits from the letter carrier (once called a mailman)?
With the advent of email and Facebook, it seems the art of letter writing has been retired to the history books. And if anyone gets something in the mailbox, it’s likely a flyer for the local eating establishment or some such thing.

We can bemoan the fact or . . .

We can take up pen and paper and send notes to family members and friends. Just think how much they’ll enjoy getting something rather than an advertisement in their mailbox. And if handwriting has become a chore, you can always keep a box of greeting cards on hand, write a line or two, and pop it in the mail. You might be surprised at how much it will mean to the recipient.

Remember when . . .

A ringing telephone meant a family member or friend wanted to chat?

Many people are getting rid of their home phones (landlines) because the vast majority of the calls are from telemarketers, someone trying to sell something—or worse, someone trying to scam those who answer out of money and/or information. It’s sad.
Home phones have been replaced by cell phones. Conversations have been replaced, to a great extent, by text messaging.

While we’re not likely going to see a resurgence of lengthy telephone calls, we may want to make a point of chatting with
family and friends who aren’t able to come and visit.

Telephone calls. Skype calls. Emails. Why, even text messages. Do your best to keep in touch. And as the old saying goes, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”

Each one of you likely has many I-remember-when stories.

Why not reminisce with your fellow residents, not for the purpose of lamenting what once was, but for the purpose of sharing a smile or two—maybe even the occasional laugh?

Why not see how these memories can inspire you to create similar memories for family and friends?

And then you will be able to smile and rejoice when you “remember when.”

Past, Present, and Future

Days Gone By

Your first bike. Your first day of school. Your first kiss. The list of fond remembrances likely stretches on and on. And whether you’re lonely or unwell or simply in a funk, it’s easy to develop a longing for those days, even though they, too, included difficulties to overcome—or, when necessary, learn to live with.

So, what are you to do when these memories fill you with sorrow and discontentment?
There are a number of ways to draw those memories to the surface in a way that will benefit you and others. Below are a few to use as a springboard for your own ideas.

Gather together old photos and write or record a few key memories each one brings to mind. (There are simple scrapbook kits that include all you need to create a keepsake that you can enjoy and pass along when the time is right.)

Think back over the years and the current technology that you did without. Write or record what life was like before cell phones and computers, before mp3 players and GPS navigation. Remember to include the challenges not just the perceived benefits.

Create a journal under the following headings: Life from 0-10; My Teen Years; Early Adulthood; Life from 30-65 (which can easily be separated into decades if you prefer); The Golden Years. This is a great exercise for your memory—and will make an incredible keepsake for those who love you.
When your present reality is challenging, it’s tempting to dwell on what once was. And while it’s great to ponder the joys of the past, it’s also important to look for the good things happening right now.
The Now
When thinking of the Now, it’s possible to narrow your focus to this very minute. Sometimes the days are difficult, but there is always good to be found and celebrated. It may take concentrated effort, however.

Here are a few ways to zero in on the good:

Create a list of things to be thankful for. Sure, you can look back and even look ahead, but start with what you have to be thankful for right this minute.

Think of half a dozen or more ways you can brighten someone else’s day. This week, seek to do so each day. If you’re feeling lonely and depressed, it’s a given that others are as well.

Plan a Thankfulness Party. Serve snacks and enjoy a time of sharing only the good things. Others’ positive contributions can spark even more ideas in their fellow partygoers.

Whether the present is challenging, overflowing with joy and laughter, or a mixture of both, it’s natural to look ahead to the days to come.

Days to Come

There once was a time when you likely couldn’t wait for the next big thing on the horizon. Purchasing your first car. Getting married. Buying your first home.

However, the older one gets, the more difficult it becomes to look to the future. You may not plan for 5, 10, 20 years down the road, but what about tomorrow, next week, next month?

Follow these steps to keep you anticipating the days to come:

Decide what realistic achievement you would like to accomplish by the end of the year (i.e. take up a new hobby, read a stack of books, create a scrapbook for your grandchildren).

Now, think of what you need to have accomplished by the end of the month to move you in that direction.
By the end of the week?

And now, what can you do today to start on your journey? Perhaps you want to make a detailed plan with target dates for each item. Perhaps you want to borrow a book from the library and take some time to read—or listen to an audiobook. Or may, you want to go on a shopping trip to purchase the needed supplies for your new project.

So, while you have a long-term goal in mind, you can enjoy a sense of accomplishment when you accomplish each step along the way, a classic win-win situation.

And so, whether they be many or few, seek to make the most of the days to come.

A Non-Traditional Scavenger Hunt

Do you remember the wonderful games you played at children’s birthday parties and summer camp? Perhaps, you had the opportunity to go on a scavenger hunt or two in your day.

While it likely isn’t practical to imagine doing so again in quite the same way, you might enjoy the following suggestions just the same.

And if you’re bold enough, why not invite others to go on this non-traditional scavenger hunt with you?

And what will you be looking for? There is a list below, but feel free to make your own additions.

1. Before you even get out of bed in the morning, think of three things you’re thankful for.

2. Make note of the name of the first person you see. If you don’t know his or her name, just ask.

3. When choosing your clothes for the day, see if you can select no two items of the same colour.

4. At breakfast, introduce yourself to two people you don’t know and make note of their names.

5. Select a book you’ve never read and write a synopsis of the first chapter.

6. Participate in an activity that hasn’t interested you previously and write a pro/con list to determine if you’ll participate again.

7. Find someone who was born in the same month.

8. Find a staff member with pink on his/her shoes and make note of his/her name.

9. Find a resident who has lived in the care centre for less than a month. Chat about his/her first impressions.

10. Spend some time outdoors—or looking out the window. Name as many plants, flowers, trees, and birds as you can.

11. Make a list of six people you haven’t been in touch with in a while and drop each of them a note just to say hello. (People still enjoy getting “snail mail,” but email is another good option if you have access to a computer.)

12. Make a list of four of your favourite songs. (If you have access to the Internet, you may want to listen to them on YouTube; you can find almost anything on YouTube.)

13. If you watch TV or listen to the radio, make note of people’s names that begin with A, B, and C; place names that begin with D, E, and F; and objects whose names begin with G, H, and I.

14. See how many of your teachers’ names you can remember. How about names of childhood friends?

15. Make a list of all the colours you see around you.

16. Make a list of things you would appreciate others doing for you and choose one of those things to do for someone else.

17. Think of five things you enjoy about being older. This is an especially good list to keep track of and add to. You can look it over when you’re having a rough day.

18. Before you drift off to sleep, think of three things that happened during the day that brought a smile to your face.

May you succeed on your hunt for happiness each day!