Aging with Dementia and Housing Considerations

A diagnosis of cognitive impairment can be overwhelming at first. Taking the time to review your long-term care plan can help improve your sense of control and be better prepared for your future. One area needing consideration is housing.  A thorough review of the current living situation should be completed with emphasis on accessibility and safety. Learn more by clicking here:
Aging with Dementia: Housing Considerations

Wearable Gadgets to Track Your Every Move: Monitoring the Older American with Technology

The latest tech products targeted at Older Americans include several wearable gadgets. These gadgets are similar to wrist watches and track movements, hoping to capture a person's activity level and send alerts when there are sudden changes in routines. There's even a device to monitor small appliances, sending notice to a long-distance caregiver when their loved one does not turn on the television in the evening or use the microwave at lunchtime as they do every day. Are these tech products improving the lives of seniors? While older "basic" technology for aging has shown to improve safety, such as the wearable medical alarm pendant, the newer technology has yet to win any massive acceptance. Only when there is meaningful data to support the benefits of using technology for aging will there be improved acceptance and inclusion as  standard of care.The new technology may be more stimulating and envious to younger generations who are considered tech-savvy and arduous to those who have failed to make the digital world part of their life. Monitoring the Older American using technology will require learning the device, putting it to use, troubleshooting, and using the data effectively.  Nothing changes the fact a primary caregiver or hired professional must be actively involved to handle the implementation and ensure appropriate actions are taken when needed. 

Five new Technologies for Aging in Place: July-August, 2014

At what age can an adult expect to need long-term care services?

An estimated 90 percent of adults over 65 have one or more chronic condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, depression, and  hypertension.
About one-fourth of people with chronic conditions have one or more daily activity limitations that require help. Chronic Condition? You are likely to need routine help. Learn more.
Among persons who need long-term care services, adults aged 65 and over are more likely than younger adults to receive paid help Click here to learn more from the National Center for Health Statistics.
Preparing for the probability of needing long-term care services is just as important as setting aside money for food and lodging when planning for retirement and older adulthood. With limited funding for care needs, savings get wiped out and choices diminish. Learn more about Long-Term Care Costs using MetLife Survey Data. Understanding your needs and desires for older adulthood requires taking a closer look and using a tool for discussion and decision-making. Eagleview West uses a 7-Step process which simplifies the process of long-term care planning. Contact info@EagleviewWest.com for more information.

The ignored and undervalued concept of advanced care planning

Last week there was a celebration in my living room. A commercial by a national investment & financial planning company was trying to persuade the viewer to plan for a retirement that lasts as long as 30 years or more. This was the second round of a campaign by this company to encourage Americans to prepare for a long journey through old age.  Hoorah for the healthcare delivery networks & providers who lay witness to the struggles within our communities in assisting older adults to obtain the needed care; whether it be due to financial woes, complex health issues or difficult social issues. Advanced care planning can help alleviate the stress and provide a framework for carrying out a person's wishes and identifying important factors such as caregivers, allocation of funds, end-of-life wishes, accessibility concerns for aging in place and community resources. With the average cost of home health care exceeding $50,000 per year and facility care ranging from $45,000-$90,000 per year, advanced care planning settles into a number one position when discussing retirement plans (Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2013). Professionals specializing in long-term care planning can assist by using a step-by-step method, establishing goals, and guiding a person through decision-making. Eagleview West specializes in long-term care planning. Learn More or Request a Care Planning Session.

Oppportunity knocks this holiday season for reaching a First Goal for Long-Term Care Planning

This time of year offers ample opportunities to gather with loved ones and celebrate the holiday season and initiate conversations of a deeper thought. Sometimes taking the first step is the hardest part. How do you initiate a conversation about long-term care planning with your parents or other loved ones? Start with taking advantage of time sitting around the table or relaxing on the sofa and open the conversation with letting your loved ones know how important they are to you. Next, be honest, you are doing this not only because you care for them but you also see your future and how it relates to your aging parent. Besides, long-term care planning is more than planning for when you are sick. It's about paying it forward, protecting your future and being prepared. It's also about money. Long-term care is expensive. Individuals are often ill-prepared for the hefty price tag,  which exceeds $40,000 per year for the most basic personal care assistance less than an 8 hours per day. Families are often in a pinch, having to find ways to liquidate assets, borrow money, or use their own savings to pay for the care needs of a loved one. Don't let yourself get bogged down with the process. Start with the first step in beginning the conversation and making an appointment to have an hour visit at a later date. Setting a measurable goal will help you achieve this first step. An example of a  way to direct the conversation is to state "I would like to set-up some time to sit down with you and discuss long-term care planning. I would like to set this time up for sometime in the next 30 days." Set the date and time, mark it on your calendars. You have just achieved the First Goal for Long-Term Care Planning. Taking the first step is the hardest part.
Eagleview West specializes in long-term care planning and has a unique 7-Step process for decision-making and conversation guidance. To learn more or get help Call 406-752-LTC1.