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Understanding Long Term Care

Posted on August 28, 2023 | by CareAvailability | Leave a Comment

Awareness Campaign – What is Long-Term Care?

Long-term care is a variety of services and supports to meet health or personal care needs over an extended period of time. Most long-term care is non-skilled personal care assistance, such as help performing everyday Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which are:

Bathing

Dressing

Using the toilet

Transferring (to or from bed or chair)

Caring for incontinence and

Eating

The goal of long-term care services is to help you maximize your independence and functioning at a time when you are unable to be fully independent.

Who Needs Long-Term Care?

Long-term care is needed when you have a chronic illness or disability that causes you to need assistance with Activities of Daily Living. Your illness or disability could include a problem with memory loss, confusion, or disorientation. (This is called Cognitive Impairment and can result from conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.)

This year, about 9 million Americans over the age of 65 will need long-term care services. By 2020, that number will increase to 12 million. While most people who need long-term care are age 65 or older, a person can need long-term care services at any age. Forty (40) percent of people currently receiving long-term care are adults 18 to 64 years old.

What Are My Risks of Needing Long-Term Care?

About 60 percent of individuals over age 65 will require at least some type of long-term care services during their lifetime. Over 40 percent will need care in a nursing home for some period of time. Factors that increase your risk of needing long-term care are:

Age – The risk generally increases as you get older.
Marital Status – Single people are more likely to need care from a paid provider.
Gender – Women are at a higher risk than men, primarily because they tend to live longer.
Lifestyle – Poor diet and exercise habits can increase your risk.
Health and Family History – also impact your risk.

How Much Care Might I Need?

It is difficult to predict how much or what type of care any one person might need. On average, someone age 65 today will need some long-term care services for three years. Service and support needs vary from one person to the next and often change over time. Women need care for longer (on average 3.7 years) than do men (on average 2.2 years). While about one-third of today’s 65-year-olds may never need long-term care services, 20 percent of them will need care for more than five years.

If you need long-term care, you may need one or more of the following:

Services at your home from a nurse, home health/home care aide, therapist, or homemaker;
Care in the community; and/or
Care in any of a variety of long-term facilities.

Generally you pay a provider for these services. But most people receiving paid services in their home or community need to supplement these services with help from family and friends.

How Do Care Needs Change Over Time?

Many people who need long-term care develop the need for care gradually. They may begin needing care only a few times a week or one or two times a day, for example, help with bathing or dressing. Care needs often progress as you age or as your chronic illness or disability become more debilitating, causing you to need care on a more continual basis, for example help using the toilet or ongoing supervision because of a progressive condition such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Some people need long-term care in a facility for a relatively short period of time while they are recovering from a sudden illness or injury, and then may be able to be cared for at home. Others may need long-term care services on an on-going basis, for example someone who is disabled from a severe stroke. Some people may need to move to a nursing home or other type of facility-based setting for more extensive care or supervision if their needs can no longer be met at home.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information. www.LongTermCare.gov

Top 10 Practical Tips for Caregivers of Alzheimer’s Patients

Posted on July 11, 2023 | by CareAvailability | Leave a Comment

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at home is a difficult task and can become overwhelming at times. Each day brings new challenges as the caregiver copes with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior. Research has shown that caregivers themselves often are at increased risk for depression and illness, especially if they do not receive adequate support from family, friends, and the community.

One of the biggest struggles caregivers face is dealing with the difficult behaviors of the person they are caring for. Dressing, bathing, eating-basic activities of daily living-often become difficult to manage for both the person with AD and the caregiver. Having a plan for getting through the day can help caregivers cope. Many caregivers have found it helpful to use strategies for dealing with difficult behaviors and stressful situations. Through trial and error you will find that some of the following tips work, while others do not. Each person with AD is unique and will respond differently, and each person changes over the course of the disease. Do the best you can, and remind yourself to take breaks.

1. Dealing with the Diagnosis

Finding out that a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease can be stressful, frightening, and overwhelming. As you begin to take stock of the situation, here are some tips that may help:

* Ask the doctor any questions you have about AD. Find out what treatments might work best to alleviate symptoms or address behavior problems.
* Contact organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center for more information about the disease, treatment options, and caregiving resources. Some community groups may offer classes to teach caregiving, problem-solving, and management skills. See page 20 for information on contacting the ADEAR Center and a variety of other helpful organizations.
* Find a support group where you can share your feelings and concerns. Members of support groups often have helpful ideas or know of useful resources based on their own experiences. Online support groups make it possible for caregivers to receive support without having to leave home.
* Study your day to see if you can develop a routine that makes things go more smoothly. If there are times of day when the person with AD is less confused or more cooperative, plan your routine to make the most of those moments. Keep in mind that the way the person functions may change from day to day, so try to be flexible and adapt your routine as needed.
* Consider using adult day care or respite services to ease the day-to-day demands of caregiving. These services allow you to have a break while knowing that the person with AD is being well cared for.
* Begin to plan for the future. This may include getting financial and legal documents in order, investigating long-term care options, and determining what services are covered by health insurance and Medicare.

2. Communication

Trying to communicate with a person who has AD can be a challenge. Both understanding and being understood may be difficult.

* Choose simple words and short sentences and use a gentle, calm tone of voice.
* Avoid talking to the person with AD like a baby or talking about the person as if he or she weren’t there.
* Minimize distractions and noise-such as the television or radio-to help the person focus on what you are saying.
* Call the person by name, making sure you have his or her attention before speaking.
* Allow enough time for a response. Be careful not to interrupt.
* If the person with AD is struggling to find a word or communicate a thought, gently try to provide the word he or she is looking for.
* Try to frame questions and instructions in a positive way.

While some people with AD don’t mind bathing, for others it is a frightening, confusing experience. Advance planning can help make bath time better for both of you.

3. Bathing

* Plan the bath or shower for the time of day when the person is most calm and agreeable. Be consistent. Try to develop a routine.
* Respect the fact that bathing is scary and uncomfortable for some people with AD. Be gentle and respectful. Be patient and calm.
* Tell the person what you are going to do, step by step, and allow him or her to do as much as possible.
* Prepare in advance. Make sure you have everything you need ready and in the bathroom before beginning. Draw the bath ahead of time.
* Be sensitive to the temperature. Warm up the room beforehand if necessary and keep extra towels and a robe nearby. Test the water temperature before beginning the bath or shower.
* Minimize safety risks by using a handheld showerhead, shower bench, grab bars, and nonskid bath mats. Never leave the person alone in the bath or shower.
* Try a sponge bath. Bathing may not be necessary every day. A sponge bath can be effective between showers or baths.

4. Eating

Eating can be a challenge. Some people with AD want to eat all the time, while others have to be encouraged to maintain a good diet.

* View mealtimes as opportunities for social interaction and success for the person with AD. Try to be patient and avoid rushing, and be sensitive to confusion and anxiety.
* Aim for a quiet, calm, reassuring mealtime atmosphere by limiting noise and other distractions.
* Maintain familiar mealtime routines, but adapt to the person’s changing needs.
* Give the person food choices, but limit the number of choices. Try to offer appealing foods that have familiar flavors, varied textures, and different colors.
* Serve small portions or several small meals throughout the day. Make healthy snacks, finger foods, and shakes available. In the earlier stages of dementia, be aware of the possibility of overeating.
* Choose dishes and eating tools that promote independence. If the person has trouble using utensils, use a bowl instead of a plate, or offer utensils with large or built-up handles. Use straws or cups with lids to make drinking easier.
* Encourage the person to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
* As the disease progresses, be aware of the increased risk of choking because of chewing and swallowing problems.
* Maintain routine dental checkups and daily oral health care to keep the mouth and teeth healthy.

5. Activities

What to do all day? Finding activities that the person with AD can do and is interested in can be a challenge. Building on current skills generally works better than trying to teach something new.

* Don’t expect too much. Simple activities often are best, especially when they use current abilities.
* Help the person get started on an activity. Break the activity down into small steps and praise the person for each step he or she completes.
* Watch for signs of agitation or frustration with an activity. Gently help or distract the person to something else.
* Incorporate activities the person seems to enjoy into your daily routine and try to do them at a similar time each day.
* Try to include the person with AD in the entire activity process. For instance, at mealtimes, encourage the person to help prepare the food, set the table, pull out the chairs, or put away the dishes. This can help maintain functional skills, enhance feelings of personal control, and make good use of time.
* Take advantage of adult day services, which provide various activities for the person with AD, as well as an opportunity for caregivers to gain temporary relief from tasks associated with caregiving. Transportation and meals often are provided.

6. Hallucinations and Delusions

As the disease progresses, a person with AD may experience hallucinations and/or delusions. Hallucinations are when the person sees, hears, smells, tastes, or feels something that is not there. Delusions are false beliefs from which the person cannot be dissuaded.

* Sometimes hallucinations and delusions are a sign of a physical illness. Keep track of what the person is experiencing and discuss it with the doctor.
* Avoid arguing with the person about what he or she sees or hears. Try to respond to the feelings he or she is expressing, and provide reassurance and comfort.
* Try to distract the person to another topic or activity. Sometimes moving to another room or going outside for a walk may help.
* Turn off the television set when violent or disturbing programs are on. The person with AD may not be able to distinguish television programming from reality.
* Make sure the person is safe and does not have access to anything he or she could use to harm anyone.

7. Home Safety

Caregivers of people with AD often have to look at their homes through new eyes to identify and correct safety risks. Creating a safe environment can prevent many stressful and dangerous situations. The ADEAR Center offers the booklet, Home Safety for People with Alzheimer’s Disease, which lists many helpful tips.
Install secure locks on all outside windows and doors, especially if the person is prone to wandering. Remove the locks on bathroom doors to prevent the person from accidentally locking himself or herself in.

* Use childproof latches on kitchen cabinets and anyplace where cleaning supplies or other chemicals are kept.
* Label medications and keep them locked up. Also make sure knives, lighters and matches, and guns are secured and out of reach.
* Keep the house free from clutter. Remove scatter rugs and anything else that might contribute to a fall. Make sure lighting is good both inside and out.
* Be alert to and address kitchen-safety issues, such as the person forgetting to turn off the stove after cooking. Consider installing an automatic shut-off switch on the stove to prevent burns or fire.

8. Visiting the Doctor

It is important that the person with AD receive regular medical care. Advance planning can help the trip to the doctor’s office go more smoothly.

* Try to schedule the appointment for the person’s best time of day. Also, ask the office staff what time of day the office is least crowded.
* Let the office staff know in advance that this person is confused. If there is something they might be able to do to make the visit go more smoothly, ask.
* Don’t tell the person about the appointment until the day of the visit or even shortly before it is time to go. Be positive and matter-of-fact.
* Bring along something for the person to eat and drink and any activity that he or she may enjoy.
* Have a friend or another family member go with you on the trip, so that one of you can be with the person while the other speaks with the doctor.

9. Visiting a Person with AD

Visitors are important to people with AD. They may not always remember who the visitors are, but just the human connection has value. Here are some ideas to share with someone who is planning to visit a person with AD.

* Plan the visit at the time of the day when the person is at his or her best. Consider bringing along some kind of activity, such as something familiar to read or photo albums to look at, but be prepared to skip it if necessary.
* Be calm and quiet. Avoid using a loud tone of voice or talking to the person as if he or she were a child. Respect the person’s personal space and don’t get too close.
* Try to establish eye contact and call the person by name to get his or her attention. Remind the person who you are if he or she doesn’t seem to recognize you.
* If the person is confused, don’t argue. Respond to the feelings you hear being communicated, and distract the person to a different topic if necessary.

If the person doesn’t recognize you, is unkind, or responds angrily, remember not to take it personally. He or she is reacting out of confusion.

10. Choosing a Nursing Home

For many caregivers, there comes a point when they are no longer able to take care of their loved one at home. Choosing a residential care facility-a nursing home or an assisted living facility-is a big decision, and it can be hard to know where to start.

* It’s helpful to gather information about services and options before the need actually arises. This gives you time to explore fully all the possibilities before making a decision.
* Determine what facilities are in your area. Doctors, friends and relatives, hospital social workers, and religious organizations may be able to help you identify specific facilities.
* Make a list of questions you would like to ask the staff. Think about what is important to you, such as activity programs, transportation, or special units for people with AD.
* Contact the places that interest you and make an appointment to visit. Talk to the administration, nursing staff, and residents.
* Observe the way the facility runs and how residents are treated. You may want to drop by again unannounced to see if your impressions are the same.
* Find out what kinds of programs and services are offered for people with AD and their families. Ask about staff training in dementia care, and check to see what the policy is about family participation in planning patient care.
* Check on room availability, cost and method of payment, and participation in Medicare or Medicaid. You may want to place your name on a waiting list even if you are not ready to make an immediate decision about long-term care.
* Once you have made a decision, be sure you understand the terms of the contract and financial agreement. You may want to have a lawyer review the documents with you before signing.
* Moving is a big change for both the person with AD and the caregiver. A social worker may be able to help you plan for and adjust to the move. It is important to have support during this difficult transition.

For More Information

Several organizations offer information for caregivers about AD. To learn more about support groups, services, research, and additional publications, you may wish to contact the following:

Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral (ADEAR) Center
Web address: www.alzheimers.nia.nih.gov

Alzheimer’s Association
Web address: www.alz.org

Children of Aging Parents
Web address: www.caps4caregivers.org

Eldercare Locator
Web address: www.eldercare.gov

Family Caregiver Alliance
Web address: www.caregiver.org

The National Institute on Aging Information Center
Web address: www.nia.nih.gov

The Simon Foundation for Continence
Web address: www.simonfoundation.org

Well Spouse Association
Web address: www.wellspouse.org

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging – March 2007, Oct 26, 2007
http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/caregiverguide.htm#intro

The National Institute on Aging gratefully acknowledges the following Alzheimer’s Disease Centers for their valuable contributions: Duke University Joseph and Kathleen Bryan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and The Johns Hopkins University Alzheimer’s Disease Center.

For more information: www.nia.nih.gov

Social Wellness Month: July 2023

Posted on July 7, 2023 | by CareAvailability | Leave a Comment

Social Wellness and Why it Matters

July is Social Wellness month, and after living through a worldwide pandemic, let’s take advantage of opportunities for socializing! It is so important to recognize the need for Social Wellness, especially for Older Americans who experienced so much isolation during the Covid pandemic. Studies have found that people who stay social tend to live longer, have healthier cardiovascular systems, and respond better to stress. Ways to practice social wellness can include planting in your neighborhood garden, joining a gym or exercise group, or going out for coffee with a friend. Let us know how you practice Social Wellness!

Other notable celebrations in the month of July include…

-Independence Day, July 4

-Disability Pride Month

-Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

-Plastic Free July

“July was named in honor of Julius Caesar. Quintilis, which was his birth month, was renamed July when he died. Quintilis means “fifth month” in Latin, which represents where this month originally fell in the Roman calendar.”

Learn more about the history of previous months here.

Finding Quality Home Health Care

Posted on June 23, 2023 | by CareAvailability | Leave a Comment

As with any important purchase, it is always a good idea to talk with friends, neighbors, and your local area agency on aging to learn more about the home health care agencies in your community.

In looking for a home health care agency, the following 20 questions can be used to help guide your search:

1. How long has the agency been serving this community?

2. Does the agency have any printed brochures describing the services it offers and how much they cost? If so, get one.

3. Is the agency an approved Medicare provider?

4. Is the quality of care certified by a national accrediting body such as the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations?

5. Does the agency have a current license to practice (if required in the state where you live)?

6. Does the agency offer seniors a “Patients’ Bill of Rights” that describes the rights and responsibilities of both the agency and the senior being cared for?

7. Does the agency write a plan of care for the patient (with input from the patient, his or her doctor and family), and update the plan as necessary?

8. Does the care plan outline the patient’s course of treatment, describing the specific tasks to be performed by each caregiver?

9. How closely do supervisors oversee care to ensure quality?

10. Will agency caregivers keep family members informed about the kind of care their loved one is getting?

11. Are agency staff members available around the clock, seven days a week, if necessary?

12. Does the agency have a nursing supervisor available to provide on-call assistance 24 hours a day?

13. How does the agency ensure patient confidentiality?

14. How are agency caregivers hired and trained?

15. What is the procedure for resolving problems when they occur, and who can I call with questions or complaints?

16. How does the agency handle billing?

17. Is there a sliding fee schedule based on ability to pay, and is financial assistance available to pay for services?

18. Will the agency provide a list of references for its caregivers?

19. Who does the agency call if the home health care worker cannot come when scheduled?

20. What type of employee screening is done?

More About the Screening Process

When purchasing home health care directly from an individual provider (instead of through an agency), it is even more important to screen the person thoroughly. This should include an interview with the home health caregiver to make sure that he or she is qualified for the job. You should request references. Also, prepare for the interview by making a list if any special needs the senior might have.

For example, you would want to note whether the elderly patient needs help getting into or out of a wheelchair. Clearly, if this is the case, the home health caregiver must be able to provide that assistance. The screening process will go easier if you have a better idea of what you are looking for first. Another thing to remember is that it always helps to look ahead, anticipate changing needs, and have a backup plan for special situations. Since every employee occasionally needs time off (or a vacation), it is unrealistic to assume that one home health care worker will always be around to provide care. Seniors or family members who hire home health workers directly may want to consider interviewing a second part-time or on-call person who can be available when the primary caregiver cannot be. Calling an agency for temporary respite care also may help to solve this problem.

In any event, whether you arrange for home health care through an agency or hire an independent home health care aide on an individual basis, it helps to spend some time preparing for the person who will be doing the work. Ideally, you could spend a day with him or her, before the job formally begins, to discuss what will be involved in the daily routine. If nothing else, tell the home health care provider (both verbally and in writing) the following things that he or she should know about the senior:

* Illnesses/injuries, and signs of an emergency medical situation
* Likes and dislikes
* Medications, and how and when they should be taken
* Need for dentures, eyeglasses, canes, walkers, etc.
* Possible behavior problems and how best to deal with them
* Problems getting around (in or out of a wheelchair, for example, or trouble walking)
* Special diets or nutritional needs
* Therapeutic exercises
* In addition, you should give the home health care provider more information about:
* Clothing the senior may need (if/when it gets too hot or too cold)
* How you can be contacted (and who else should be contacted in an emergency)
* How to find and use medical supplies and medications
* When to lock up the apartment/house and where to find the keys
* Where to find food, cooking utensils, and serving items
* Where to find cleaning supplies
* Where to find light bulbs and flash lights, and where the fuse box is located (in case of a power failure)
* Where to find the washer, dryer, and other household appliances (as well as instructions for how to use them)

A Word of Caution …

Although most states require that home health care agencies perform criminal background checks on their workers and carefully screen job applicants for these positions, the actual regulations will vary depending on where you live. Therefore, before contacting a home health care agency, you may want to call your local area agency on aging or department of public health to learn what laws apply in your state.

How Can I Pay for Home Health Care?

The cost of home health care varies across states and within states. In addition, costs will fluctuate depending on the type of health care professional required. Home care services can be paid for directly by the patient and his or her family members, or through a variety of public and private sources. Sources for home health care funding include Medicare, Medicaid, the Older Americans Act, the Veterans’ Administration, and private insurance. Medicare is the largest single payer of home care services.

For More Information

AoA recognizes the importance of making information readily available to consumers, professionals, researchers, and students. Our website provides information for and about older persons, their families, and professionals involved in aging programs and services. For more information about AoA, please contact: US Dept of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging, Washington, DC 20201; phone (202) 619-0724; fax (202) 357-3523; Email: aoainfo@aoa.gov or contact our website at www.aoa.gov.

Medicare and Home Health Care

The Medicare program will pay for home health care if all of the following conditions are met:

1. The patient must be homebound and under a doctor’s care

2. The patient must need skilled nursing care, or occupational, physical, or speech therapy, on at least an intermittent basis (that is, regularly but not continuously)

3. The services provided must be under a doctor’s supervision and performed as part of a home health care plan written specifically for that patient

4. The patient must be eligible for the Medicare program and the services ordered must be “medically reasonable and necessary”

5. The home health care agency providing the services must be certified by the Medicare program.

6. To get help with your Medicare questions, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY/TDD: 1-877-486-2048 for the speech and hearing impaired) or look on the Internet at: http://www.medicare.gov/.

Learn more About Home Health Care

There are several national organizations that can provide additional consumer information about home health care services. These include the following:

The National Association for Home Care www.nahc.org

The Visiting Nurse Associations of America www.vnaa.org

The Eldercare Locator www.eldercare.gov

To find out more about home health care programs where you live, you will want to contact your local aging information and assistance provider or area agency on aging (AAA). The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging at 1-800-677-1116 to help connect you to these agencies.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging, www.aoa.gov

Alzheimer’s Rally for Access

Posted on June 16, 2023 | by CareAvailability | Leave a Comment

CMS… Fix this mess!

Today we’ve have made progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s with new FDA-approved treatments, but an unprecedented and unjust decision by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is blocking access to these treatments! CMS is denying access to all current and future FDA-approved treatments addressing the underlying cause of the disease. This coverage determination was the first time ever that CMS chose to not have Medicare cover an FDA-approved drug. Which is why CMS must reverse its decision! These treatments are proven to slow the progression of the disease. Leading Alzheimer’s researchers and clinicians overwhelmingly agree that patients should have access to these treatments. Access to these treatments means more time for the person living with early Alzheimer’s. They allow people more time with loved ones, more time to enjoy life, and remain independent longer.

On Friday June 16th, our local Retirement Connection team came out to share our support and our voices to reverse the devastating CMS decision denying Medicare coverage for Alzheimer’s treatment. The fight to treat Alzheimers has made progress but we need your support to make Alzheimers treatment barrier free. The event was led by our fearless leader Amy Schmidt along with Director of the Portland Alzheimers Association Tracey Morgan and, local Lake Oswego student advocate Joonseo Lee whom all spoke out about their direct involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association.

“We are officially in the era of treatment, but Medicare is treating Alzheimer’s differently than any other disease! This is disease discrimination, plain and simple. Every day without access to FDA-approved drugs, more than 2,000 people transition to a more advanced stage of Alzheimer’s where they are no longer eligible for treatment. We need CMS to step up, to listen to the community, to listen to the science and to stop blocking access to these treatments! Let’s tell them why we need Access NOW! ” says Amy Schmidt.

Together, let’s fight for more time, more memories, and a brighter future. We would like to give a big PURPLE thank you to the Portland Alzheimers Association for hosting the Rally For Access. #AccessNow #Rally4access

“The Alzheimer’s Association welcomes and celebrates this action by the FDA Advisory Committee to support traditional approval of Leqembi for people with early Alzheimer’s,” said Joanne Pike, DrPH, Alzheimer’s Association president and CEO. “With this action we are one step closer to more people living with Alzheimer’s having more time with more of their capabilities intact — to do the things they want to do and love to do best.”
Read more: https://www.alz.org/news/2023/fda-traditional-approval-lecanemab-leqembi

Pride Month: June 2023

Posted on June 9, 2023 | by CareAvailability | Leave a Comment

Celebrate Pride, Without Exception

The month of June is celebrated as LGBTQ Pride Month to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, an event that became essential to the Gay Liberation Movement in the U.S. Initially, the last Sunday in June was celebrated as “Gay Pride Day”, but the one day quickly grew into a month-long series of celebrations including parades, festivals, concerts, workshops, and other events that attract millions from around the world. The purpose of these events are to honor the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on history.

This year, the Human Rights Campaign is celebrating Pride, without exception. Together we can rise up and fight until we have freedom without exception, liberation without exception, joy without exception and pride without exception.

Other notable celebrations in the month of June include…

-Father’s Day, June 19

-Juneteenth, June 19

-The Longest Day, June 21

“June is named after the Roman goddess Juno – the god of marriage and childbirth, and the wife of Jupiter, king of the gods.“

Learn more about the history of previous months here.

Mental Health Awareness Month: May 2023

Posted on May 4, 2023 | by CareAvailability | Leave a Comment

Mental Health and Fighting the Stigma

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949. Every year during the month of May, NAMI joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Together, we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness. Visit nami.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

Other Notable Celebrations in May include…

-Asian American Pacific Islander Month

-Memorial Day

-Cinco de Mayo

“May is named for the Roman goddess Maia, who oversaw the growth of plants.“

Learn more about the history of previous months here.

Wills, Trusts, and Probate – Plan Ahead

Posted on April 6, 2023 | by CareAvailability | Leave a Comment

Navigating End of Life Planning – What happens when a loved one passes?

Although planning for death can be hard to face, you want to assure that you have all the necessary steps and documents in place as soon as possible. What happens logistically when someone passes? What happens to their stuff? Getting familiar with your state’s probate court process, and making a will or trust will help you cover all necessary outcomes for when the time comes. By having all bases covered, you can focus the remaining days cherishing time with your loved ones without worrying about the possible complications.

Table Of Contents

Navigating End of Life Planning – What happens when a loved one passes?
The State Probate Process – What happens if you don’t properly plan?
The Benefits of Having a Will – Save Time, Save Money
Trusts – Avoiding Probate and Simplifying the Planning Process
Why would you want to avoid probate?
- A Trust may solve this problem
Helpful Resources and Links

The State Probate Process – What happens if you don’t properly plan?

When someone passes, their belongings will go through state probate, which is the court process of moving property from the dead to the living. The probate process involves:

Petitioning to tell the court that someone has passed.
Letting the court know who the creditors are.
Establishing the people are that may or may not be getting anything out of an estate.
Letting the court know whether or not there is a will in place.

The Probate process only applies to things that are owned in a dead person’s name only. In general, probate involves looking at the default errors in the intestate succession rules, and to confirm the necessary beneficiaries of assets. If will is not in place, the standard occurrences of beneficiary designation will go to a spouse. At this point the court would then initiate the liquidating of assets to be distributed, and without a will this process can range from 9 months to 3 years.

The Benefits of Having a Will – Save Time, Save Money

A will names who should be in charge, who should get what, and how it should happen.

If you have a will, you are still going to have to go through the state probate process, however your court dealings will be much smoother. Establishing a will assures direct control of your assets that can then be ready to be distributed in a timely manner.

As mentioned, if a will is not in place, the state will deem the natural objects of your bounty, aka your stuff, only to the rightful heirs – a spouse and/or children. By having a will, you can legally designate other people as beneficiaries. Life gets complicated, and often the rightful heirs are not the people someone wants to leave assets to. A will gives you control over this outcome, and allows you to name beneficiaries that may not be immediate family, such as a deserving friend or caregiver who was a more significant part of your life.

Trusts – Avoiding Probate and Simplifying the Planning Process

Trusts are essentially wills that allow you to avoid the probate process, with a few other substantial benefits. Although trusts are often considered to be a more expensive route at first, you want to consider the potential headaches of the probate process.

Why would you want to avoid probate?

The main reasons to avoid probate are: 1) time, 2) cost, and 3) public record.
Going through the court process of assigning proper accreditation and assets can be a huge time suck, depending on available dates and the amount of arbitration. This process will only get more expensive as time goes by, and at the end you’ll have all your dealings on public record – and who doesn’t want to avoid that!

A Trust may solve this problem

A trust allows you to avoid probate all together, and to establish all your outcomes privately. Akin to a will, a trust names necessary beneficiaries of assets as you wish. Apart from avoiding the court process, a trust is uniquely beneficial for dealing with complicated situations of said assets. For instance, if you have beneficiaries that need money quickly, such as young children, a trust assures they can receive money directly and quickly within the first year.

A trust is also advised if you have multiple properties across different states, as without a trust you will have to go through the probate process of each state – NOT FUN. By having a trust, the named trustee can take care of all necessary tax paperwork while avoiding multiple court processes.

Are you a business owner? If you are the decision maker of a business and you pass way without a trust, you will of course have to go straight to probate with the kicker being that establishing a representative for your company’s business decisions can take months to years. This would mean there is no one left in charge to maintain the day to day operations of a business such a payroll, too often leading to the ending of the company you built.

A trust allows you to deal with complicated situations effectively. A little more thoughtful time in the beginning can avoid substantial complications of assets in the end.

Special Thanks to Elder Law Attorney, Christopher Hamilton of Willamette Elder Law for his interview with Amy Schmidt.

You are not alone. Establishing end of life plans can be emotionally tolling and exhausting, as trying to make sound decisions and getting caught up in legal jargon in the face of death can seem all too trivial and overwhelming. However, being sure you establish a will or trust, as well as understanding your state’s probate process, will leave you with no surprises. You can then necessarily focus on passing or grieving, and enjoying the final moments without worrying about what comes next. For any questions, always be sure to get in touch with an elder law attorney, as these processes can be cumbersome and different state by state.

Helpful Resources and Links

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) is dedicated to improving the quality of legal services provided to older adults and people with disabilities. Elder and special needs law includes helping such persons and their families with planning for incapacity and long-term care, Medicaid and Medicare coverage (including coverage of nursing home and home care), health and long-term care insurance, and health care decision-making.

Stress Awareness Month: April 2023

Posted on April 6, 2023 | by CareAvailability | Leave a Comment

Stress Awareness: How stress can affect your health

April is Stress Awareness Month, and we want to highlight the importance of recognizing when stress is affecting your physical and mental health. Stress can be debilitating, and can sometimes aggravate existing health problems. It is important to know when stress is taking over, and to learn what strategies work for you to help cope. Try a few of these techniques to help overcome the weight of the stress in your life.

-Meditation: Learning how to quiet the mind can help quiet the sounds of stressors in our head. Even taking a few minutes a day to disconnect and take a few deep breaths can be beneficial in managing stress

-Exercise: Walking, biking, hiking, or lifting weights can all help to release stress in the physical body. Adding exercise and fresh air to your daily routine may reduce the amount of stress you’re currently experiencing

-See Your Doctor: If you’re experiencing stress that has become too overwhelming for daily life, make an appointment with your doctor. They can offer medical advice in order to deal with an overwhelming amount of stress

Learn more about Stress Awareness month and find more techniques to cope here.

Other notable celebrations in the month of April include…

-Easter – April 9th

-World Parkinson’s Day – April 11th

-Earth Day – April 22nd

-Celebrate Diversity Month

-Parkinson’s Awareness Month

April takes its name from the Latin word “aperire”, meaning “to open”, just like flowers do in spring.

Learn more about the history of previous months here.

Women’s History Month: March 2023

Posted on March 7, 2023 | by CareAvailability | Leave a Comment

Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories

March is Women’s History Month, and celebrates the vital role of women in American history. Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed a bill which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields. Learn more about Women’s History Month and this year’s theme at nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org.

Other notable celebrations in the month of March include…

-Irish American Heritage Month

-National Nutrition Month

-National Kidney Month

-National Optimism Month

“March is named after Mars, the Roman god of war.”

Learn more about the history of previous months here.