Caregiving - Elder & Estate Planning Attorneys

Can Medication Management Issues for Aging Parents Signify a Bigger Issue?

As we step into April, our attention turns not only to the fresh blooms of spring but also to an important aspect of healthcare management for our aging loved ones. National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of medication management. Yet, this observance does more than prompt us to declutter our medicine cabinets; it highlights a critical concern that may signify deeper issues in the care and well-being of aging parents.

As an experienced Florida estate planning and elder law firm, we have come to recognize that difficulties with medication management often unveil broader challenges that necessitate comprehensive planning and foresight. We have found that when aging parents start facing challenges with managing their medications, from keeping track of dosages to understanding the purpose of each prescription, it is typically one of the first visible signs that they may require additional support. These struggles can reflect changes in cognitive abilities or physical health that, if not addressed promptly, could compromise their safety and overall quality of life. Recognizing these medication management issues as indicators of a larger concern, however, is crucial. They serve as a wake-up call, urging us to consider the full spectrum of our loved ones’ needs and the planning required to address them effectively.

National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day transcends its surface-level call to action. It is an annual marker that encourages us to delve deeper into our aging loved ones’ ability to manage their health care independently. This day should be a springboard for families to initiate conversations about broader long-term care strategies. It is an opportune time to assess not only medication management but also living arrangements, daily assistance needs, and the overarching support system in place for aging individuals.

Acknowledging medication management difficulties as a symptom of larger issues is just the first step. The journey ahead involves creating a robust plan that ensures the well-being and dignity of aging parents as their needs evolve. Collaborating with an experienced estate planning and elder law attorney can guide you through crucial steps to create a comprehensive long-term care plan:

Identifying care needs. Assessing the level and type of care required, considering both current struggles with medication management and potential future health challenges.
Selecting the right care environment. Finding care providers and living arrangements that offer the necessary support, focusing on environments that can adapt to the increasing needs of your loved one.
Navigating financial planning for care. Strategizing on how to finance long-term care, including understanding insurance benefits, asset management, and eligibility for government aid, to ensure that care needs do not become a financial burden.

Effective medication management is just one piece of the puzzle. A comprehensive estate plan is essential to safeguard the future of aging parents. Together, we can create a plan that addresses critical elements including, but not limited to, the following:

Asset preservation. Protecting your loved one’s estate from the potential financial strain of long-term care costs.
Advance directives. Ensuring that healthcare wishes are clearly documented, understood, and respected, even if verbal communication becomes challenging.
Legacy considerations. Planning for the seamless transfer of assets, reflecting the personal wishes and legacy of your loved one.

As we honor National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day, let’s use it as a catalyst to reflect on the broader implications of medication management issues. These challenges not only call for a reassessment of how we manage and organize medications but also highlight the need for a deeper dive into comprehensive care planning for our aging loved ones. It is a compelling invitation for families to engage with skilled professionals who can navigate the complexities of estate and elder law planning. Together, we can ensure that our aging parents receive the care, respect, and dignity they deserve throughout their golden years.

We know this article raises more questions than it answers. Elder and Estate Planning Attorneys, PA, is a law office small enough to provide personal service but large enough to provide service in Jupiter, as well as Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties in Florida. Our law firm will guide you through legal challenges involving elder law, estate planning, trusts, veterans benefits, real estate, and more. We encourage you to contact us and schedule a meeting with our attorneys.

Learning the Difference Between Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing for Your Loved One

Are you wondering where your loved one may spend their later years? Have you noticed both cognitive and physical challenges beginning to emerge? Then finding a place that can meet your loved one’s long-term care needs, as well as being able to afford it, can be a challenge. Be aware that two of the most common options for senior living when a person needs care are nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Therefore, learning the difference between assisted living and skilled nursing for your loved one can help ensure that your loved one will receive the right care while also safeguarding a lifetime of savings. Now be mindful that this is where the expertise of a Florida elder law attorney becomes invaluable. Your experienced Florida elder law attorney can not only help you find the care facility you need for your loved one but also be sure that there are ways to afford it without fully impoverishing your family. We want to give you more important information right here in our blog.

Let’s start with ALFs, Assisted Living Facilities. ALFs are designed for individuals who need some assistance with daily activities but wish to live as independently as possible. ALFs offer a combination of housing, personalized supportive services, and health care designed to meet the needs of people who need help with the activities of daily living. Typically services include:

Meals and housekeeping
Assistance with personal care
Medication management
Social and recreational activities

Usually residents live in their own apartments or rooms and share common areas. The environment is often less medically oriented than a nursing home and focuses more on providing a community feel.

However, in contrast, a nursing home, also known as a skilled nursing facility, is designed for individuals who require 24-hour supervision and medical assistance. Most often residents share rooms and are served meals in a central dining area unless they are too ill to participate. Nursing homes provide a wide range of health and personal care services, including:

Full-time nursing care
Physical, speech, and occupational therapy
Care for chronic conditions or for short-term convalescent or rehabilitative care

The care is generally more intensive and medical in nature than that provided in an assisted living facility.

So what are the primary differences between these two types of facilities which may also include a combination of the following factors:

Care level. While nursing homes provide medical and personal care in a clinical setting, assisted living offers personal care in a more home-like, community setting.
Independence level. Residents in assisted living can maintain a more independent lifestyle, while nursing homes are better suited for those who require constant medical attention.
Expense level. Generally, nursing homes are more expensive due to the higher level of care and medical attention provided.

We know that navigating the complex landscape of elder care options can be challenging. A Florida elder law attorney can provide invaluable guidance in understanding the various care options and the associated legal and financial implications. They can assist with:

Long-term care planning, including the selection of the right facility
Preserving your assets while ensuring quality care
Understanding and organizing the necessary legal documents
Medicaid planning and applications

You will be able to find the care your loved one needs while protecting their lifetime of savings when you work with a Florida elder law attorney. They can take a crucial role in being sure that the later years of your loved one are spent with the best possible care and peace of mind

Finally, the decision between a nursing home and an assisted living facility will depend on the needs and preferences of your loved one. Understanding the differences between these options is crucial in making an informed choice that is in keeping with your loved one’s care needs and financial situation. A Florida elder law attorney can be your ally in navigating these choices, ensuring that your loved one makes the best decision for their unique circumstances. With the right help and information, your loved one can find a supportive and comfortable environment for their golden years.

We know this article raises more questions than it answers. We know this article raises more questions than it answers. Elder and Estate Planning Attorneys, PA, is a law office small enough to provide personal service but large enough to provide service in Jupiter, as well as Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties in Florida. Our law firm will guide you through legal challenges involving elder law, estate planning, trusts, veterans benefits, real estate, and more. We encourage you to contact us and schedule a meeting with our attorneys.

Ways You Can Help an Elder Cope with Loss and Ensure They Are Protected

When helping an elder cope with loss, especially around emotionally charged times such as Valentine’s Day, it is crucial to approach with sensitivity, understanding, and practical support. The period around Valentine’s Day can magnify feelings of loneliness and grief for elders who have lost a spouse or loved ones, making it a particularly poignant time to offer support and compassion.

We know you may have questions about how to help a loved one dealing with these challenges, especially around special holidays. Let us share several ways you can both help an elder cope with loss and protect them well into the future.

Acknowledge the grief. It is important to recognize the pain and the increased sense of loss that Valentine’s Day might bring. Encourage them to share memories and express their feelings. A listening ear and understanding are invaluable during these times.
Create new traditions. While Valentine’s Day can bring up memories of past loved ones, it can also be an opportunity to create new traditions. This might involve celebrating friendships, attending community events, or volunteering, which can help bring a sense of purpose and connection.
Engage professional support. Sometimes, coping with loss requires professional help. Encourage them to seek support groups or counseling, especially around challenging times like Valentine’s Day. It is important they know that there is no shame in seeking help.
Stay connected. Isolation can worsen feelings of grief and loneliness. Regular visits, phone calls, or even teaching them to use technology to connect with family and friends can make a significant difference.
Encourage physical activity. Gentle physical activities like walking can help improve mood and overall well-being. If possible, join them in these activities to keep them motivated and company.
Mind their health. Ensure they are eating well, taking medications as prescribed, and attending regular check-ups. Grief can often lead to neglecting personal health, so it is important to monitor this closely.
Review their Florida estate planning. It is critical for elders to have their Florida estate planning up to date, reflecting their current wishes. This includes wills, trusts, power of attorney, and health care directives. The loss of a loved one can significantly alter their previous plans or bring to light the need for changes. Ensure they understand the importance of reviewing these documents regularly, especially after major life events like the loss of a spouse.
Educate them about scams. Unfortunately, elders are often targets for scams, particularly those who have recently lost a spouse and might not be as vigilant. Educate them about common scams and remind them never to give out personal information.
Memorialize the loved one. Encourage them to honor the memory of their lost loved one in a way that feels right to them. This could be through a donation to a charity, planting a tree, or any other meaningful gesture.
Encourage them to plan early for long-term care. Lastly, recommend that they consult with a Florida estate planning and elder law firm to ensure their affairs are in order when it comes to long-term care. Especially if they are now single, there may be steps that need to be taken to ensure they will continue to thrive well into the future.

During times of loss, especially around sentimental periods like Valentine’s Day, elders deserve compassion, presence, and practical support. By combining emotional support with the encouragement to keep estate plans, and even elder law plans, updated, you provide a holistic approach to helping them navigate their grief and ensuring their peace of mind.

We know this article raises more questions than it answers. We know this article raises more questions than it answers. Elder and Estate Planning Attorneys, PA, is a law office small enough to provide personal service but large enough to provide service in Jupiter, as well as Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties in Florida. Our law firm will guide you through legal challenges involving elder law, estate planning, trusts, veterans benefits, real estate, and more. We encourage you to contact us and schedule a meeting with our attorneys.

Helping Our Family Caregivers During National Family Caregiver Month

Did you know that November is National Family Caregivers Month? Do you know what family caregivers do? Are you a family caregiver or know someone who is? Family caregivers are unsung heroes, working tirelessly to help elderly or disabled family members. Many family caregivers are juggling their caregiving responsibilities alongside paid work outside the home and caring for their own children. As we celebrate family caregivers this month let us share several ways you can take time to honor family caregivers.

One way to honor your family caregiver would be to think about giving your family caregiver an afternoon off once a week. Perhaps you and other family members could volunteer to give a family caregiver an afternoon off by stepping in to take over the caregiving responsibilities. If you or other members of your family are unable to cover one afternoon a week a professional caregiver could be hired. It can mean a lot to family caregivers to know they do not have to shoulder the caregiving responsibility alone.

In addition, other family members should be aware of what responsibilities a family caregiver has at home and at work. Family members could offer to pick up the caregiver’s kids after school, provide a meal once a week or take the kids out to the park or to a movie. These offers of help let the family caregiver know that the rest of the family understands the overwhelming responsibility of caring for a family member while maintaining a full time job and taking care of kids.

Finally, just as parents take care of their children and make sure their kids are safe, clean, fed and well rested, even if they are tired, hungry or need a shower, the same goes for the family caregiver. The family caregiver is first tasked with keeping his or her elderly or disabled family member clean, fed, well rested and living in a clean and healthy home, no matter how the caregiver feels. Just as parents must work to keep well rested and healthy, so must the family caregiver. To help a caregiver stay healthy, encourage them to take care of themselves by eating right, getting a good night sleep and exercising.

Do you have questions? Please contact our law practice to learn more. We are here for you. Elder and Estate Planning Attorneys PA is a law office small enough to provide personal service but large enough to provide service in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties.

Helping Loved Ones Understand on World Alzheimer’s Day

On September 21, we celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day to raise awareness of the impact of Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia on loved ones afflicted and on family members and friends impacted by their diagnoses. Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia are often called a “family” disease because of the difficult impacts it can have on the afflicted person’s family members and friends. Supporting those with Alzheimer’s can also mean supporting their loved ones who help them to cope over time.

There can be many ways to promote understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease among family and friends. The first step may be to tell your loved ones, as soon as you feel comfortable doing so, after receiving a diagnosis. When you decide to have the conversation, it may be helpful to bring some articles that explain what Alzheimer’s means, and discuss the typical prognosis.

You can also encourage loved ones to go online and visit the Alzheimer’s Association website to learn more. This way, instead of having to be the scientific resource yourself, you can give them the tools to learn more and make yourself available for more practical and emotional discussions about the specific situation and changes for your family.

If your spouse or parent has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you may want to take some time to discuss future caregiving plans with extended family members who want to be included in the process. It may also be advisable to complete any estate planning needs that remain unfinished before your loved one becomes incapacitated by Alzheimer’s, so that they can take an active role in the planning.

It can be difficult for friends and family to explain Alzheimer’s when their loved one struggles in public. Sometimes, giving visitors a helpful speaking prompt and asking them to say their name and explain who they are, rather than expecting your loved one to recognize them immediately, can be helpful. Speaking to them naturally, and not treating them like a child, can help preserve their dignity. You can also explain that correcting your loved one when they make a mistake may be embarrassing to them, so letting the little things go can be the smoothest path for everyone.

If you are out in a very public setting, like the grocery store or a park, you may want to carry some literature from the Alzheimer’s Association with you. If someone asks you questions, it can be an opportunity to educate and raise awareness of the disease. You never know, the person asking you might have a loved one who was recently diagnosed. Having information on hand could help him or her on his or her own journey.

For more information about legal issues associated with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, please reach out to our office to schedule an appointment.

Family Caregivers Can Help Senior Adults During Older Americans Month

Senior adults have not only made a lifetime of contributions to society, but according to the U.S. Census Bureau seniors are on track to outnumber young people for the first time ever. Thus, older adults deserve both recognition and support for senior-specific issues that are only going to increase in the years to come, and that is what Older Americans Month is all about.

Since 1963, every U.S. president has declared the month of May, Older Americans Month. This involves ceremonies, events, fairs and similar activities, as well as connecting seniors to resources that provide valuable support services. Older Americans Month also coincides with National Elder Law Month, which provides outreach, education and legal services to seniors across the country.

Adult children of aging seniors and family caregivers can play a critical role in facilitating these resources by assisting their elder loved ones. Let us share a few of these important resources for you to consider.

Eldercare Support: The national Eldercare Locator helps connect older adults and their family caregivers with trustworthy elder care organizations across the country.
Health Care: State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, or SHIPs, provide free support to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers.
Long-Term Care: The U.S. Administration on Aging assists seniors in understanding what is involved in long-term care, such as nursing homes and assisted living. The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care helps older adults and their family caregivers understand their rights. It can also assist in obtaining help if they need it.
Elder Abuse: The National Center on Elder Abuse helps combat elder abuse. Learning more about this critical issue can help identify warning signs, protect vulnerable seniors and take necessary actions.
Pensions: Millions of senior adults depend on their pensions to survive. Family caregivers can help resolve pension-related problems by connecting with groups like PensionHelp America.
Legal: The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, which our own attorney is a member of, is a nonprofit association that provides legal services for senior adults and people with special needs. NAELA established National Elder Law Month as a way to acknowledge the elder law profession and provide legal support for the nation’s senior community.

We know that you and your loved ones may need estate planning or elder law help right now. If you or someone you know would like more information or specific guidance on legal matters, do not hesitate to contact us now, or anytime throughout the year.

Should Family Caregivers Have Their Dependent Parents Move In?

Family caregivers provide unpaid care for millions of dependent Americans, many of whom are elder adults. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, the average age of a dependent care recipient is 69.4 years old, and nearly half of all informal care recipients are over age 75. A key question for loving family members, this National Family Caregiver Month, is whether to have aging dependents move in with them.

Safety concerns and cost efficiencies might make such moves seem appealing, but adult children should first determine if they are capable of meeting their elder parent’s needs. If they require only minimal care, such as assistance with meal preparation, dressing and transportation, then moving in might make sense.

If an elder relative is ill or disabled, however, perhaps with dementia or a medical condition requiring nursing care, then well-meaning adult children may be unqualified to help. This may only invite problems to an already demanding situation. Make sure to ask an aging relative’s doctor about his or her needs, while keeping in mind that any existing concerns are likely to increase over time.

Another consideration is the nature of your relationship. In other words, do you get along and is it emotionally feasible to live together under the same roof? You may want to care for an elder adult, you may feel obligated to do so, but it is more important to ensure the best quality of life for everyone involved, including members of your own family.

Practical considerations are also important. For example, can your home accommodate another person. To dive into this further, can your home accommodate a person with specific needs? Will the existing layout need adjustments? Renovations? Can your home support certain medical equipment?

Mounting expenses might require reimbursements or an allowance from the elder parent’s financial resources. Assuming other family members are in agreement, an estate plan could be crafted or updated to reflect the new caregiving dynamic. For instance, a power of attorney document could be created to allow for bill payments, groceries, and other items to be paid on the dependent parent’s behalf.

Other financial and health care arrangements could also apply and you may want to discuss your situation with an elder law attorney before moving forward. We encourage you not to wait to get the answers you need to your questions. You may contact our law practice to schedule a meeting with attorney Anné Desormier-Cartwright to obtain the guidance you need for yourself and your loved ones.

The Two Main Medical Alert Options For Seniors

Did you know that older adults are at elevated risk of falls, accidents, and dangerous health situations? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 3 million seniors are treated in emergency rooms every year just for falls, with one out of five causing serious injuries such as broken bones or head trauma. One of the best ways to combat these emergency scenarios is by using a medical alert system.

These life-saving devices connect users to emergency responders with the press of a button. Typical systems come with wireless bracelets, pendants, or lanyards that are worn by senior adults or disabled persons. When pressed, the devices transmit signals to an alarm monitoring company or emergency health department. Medical personnel are then dispatched to the location where the alert signal was triggered.

Medical alert companies offer different services, equipment, and price points. The most basic difference, however, is whether a system is home-based or mobile. Deciding which type of device is best will depend entirely on your senior loved one’s needs. To help better guide your decision, let us share with you some information about the two main medical alert options for seniors.

Home-Based Medical Alert

Home-based or in-home systems are sometimes called “traditional medical alert systems,” because they have functioned essentially the same for decades. The systems come with a wearable wireless device that connects to a base unit within the senior’s home. They are perfect for seniors who spend a lot of time alone in their homes. These devices are also cheaper than mobile systems, but have a limited range of connectivity, similar to a home wireless internet system, or WiFi.

Mobile Medical Alert Systems

Mobile medical alert systems have developed amid the technology upswing of recent years. They do not require a home base unit for connectivity, but have a wide-ranging capacity to connect with emergency services similar to smart phones. Mobile alert devices allow the user to speak directly to 911 dispatch or another pre-programmed entity in most locations. They are ideal for active seniors, but are typically more expensive than home-based systems and rely on batteries.

These are just a few of the benefits of the different types of medical alert systems. If you or a senior loved one are unsure about which option may best apply, we encourage you to reach out to our office to ask us your questions.

3 Ways You Can Prepare for a Transition Away from Family Care This National Elder Law Month

As older adults advance in age, it is not uncommon for family members to step-in and provide assistance with day-to-day activities. As health and other concerns arise, family members often begin to play a more active caregiving role. There comes a point, however, when even the most dedicated family members can no longer manage the care needs of an aging loved one.

This is often the time when the family needs to transition to outside care. Our goal, during National Elder Law Month, is to help you understand the steps you need to take, both before and when, this happens. Unfortunately, it is a potential reality that many adult children and their aging parents, or grandparents, do not want to face.

We encourage you to address this potential long-term care issue head on and plan forward. Together, we can develop an elder care plan that will help you be prepared and can help set up your family for success. To this end, let us share three key considerations with you.

Plan Early. It is never too early to help aging family members prepare for their elder years. Among other benefits, planning ahead can provide an opportunity to explore a range of options best suited for an elder loved one’s specific situation. Further, options change with time. This means that what may have been available if you planned years in advance, may no longer be there in a crisis.

When possible, do not wait until there is a major health concern, such as dementia or a fall, that may render your parent or grandparent unable to participate in the process. Instead, plan forward. Proactive planning with your Florida elder law attorney can help take advantage of available treatments, long-term care solutions and eligibility for public benefits programs that can help you pay for care.

Select housing together. When family caregiving is no longer enough, determining appropriate housing for the elder adult becomes critical. Will he or she receive professional care in the family home? For how long? Would a nursing home better suit their long-term care needs? Will they need round-the-clock care? These are all questions to consider now.

It is also important to talk with the aging adult to determine what they would ideally like to do, what may happen in reality, and begin planning for the costs of care in both scenarios. There are a number of financial avenues to explore in Florida with your elder law attorney.

Solidify estate planning. One of the best ways to prepare for an aging loved one’s elder years is to create, and frequently update, their estate plan. Who is their decision maker? Who is the back-up decision maker? May we work to create a legacy early and protect hard earned savings from being used on long-term care? These are all questions that your estate planning and elder law attorney will be able to answer and verify that your legal documents support your goals.

We know that this topic may raise more questions than it answers. We encourage you and your loved ones not to wait to find the answers you need. Whether you schedule a meeting with attorney Anne’ Desormier-Cartwright this National Elder Law Month now or anytime throughout the year, we look forward to supporting you and your loved ones.

Don’t Miss These Benefits for Seniors During National Nutrition Month

This March we celebrate National Nutrition Month. Nutrition is an important facet of all of our lives but this holds especially true when we are considering how we will care for the Older Americans in our lives. “Older” Americans is a term that refers to individuals who are over sixty years of age in America and are the individuals and their loved ones that we focus on helping in our law practice.

When it comes to elder care, it is never too early to plan forward. Our goal is to ensure that you are protected both now and well into the future, whether you are a Florida senior or caring for one. We know that this type of planning can raise significant questions, especially as you start to think about your potential long-term care needs and who can make decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself.

One of the keys to success for you and your loved ones is to be armed with the information you need. Whether you are an Older American, or caring for one, let us share a few fun facts and tips that can benefit you this March and throughout the year!

1- Get informed about your options. When we think about nutrition, most of us think about improving our health overall. Whether you are starting with improving your eating habits, exercise or something else entirely, do your research. Learning what is best for you and your loved ones, as well as being knowledgeable about what is available in your local community, can be a great step in the right direction.

2- Learn to prepare healthy alternatives. It can be hard to determine how to cook healthier options, especially as you age. For most seniors, there are more robust options available for healthy eating than there were fifty to sixty years ago. The goal now, is to learn how to prepare these foods so they can be enjoyed. Luckily, there are more and more tools on the internet you can use to teach you how to prepare healthy food. For example, just click this link to watch the Next Steps to Better Nutrition video developed for seniors by the National Council on Aging.

3- Eat your veggies. It is not just a catchy saying, it is the truth! There are incredible benefits for seniors that come directly from eating vegetables. For example, green, leafy vegetables have strong health care benefits and research shows that they can assist with health care conditions, such as macular degeneration or cataracts.

4- Remember physical activity. While it may be harder to get outdoors during the winter months, there is never an excuse for failing to exercise. Most health professionals recommend a minimum of thirty minutes a day. Remember, especially if this is a new routine for you, that this can be broken up into smaller increments. In fact, the American Academy of Family Physicians shares that you can add exercise into your daily routine by parking farther away from your destination or taking the stairs instead of an elevator.

We know this can be a confusing topic. We encourage you, however, to step outside your comfort zone and learn more about ways you can improve your life or the life of an Older American you care about. Do not hesitate to ask us your questions about this or any other elder care issue you are facing. We are your local community law firm here to help you both now and in the future as you face challenges associated with the aging process.

Category: Caregiving

Home-Based Medical Alert

Mobile Medical Alert Systems