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

New smartphone App shares your last wishes

A new smart phone app is available which focuses on advance directives, or decisions focusing on end-of-life wishes. Developed by the Commission on Law & Aging for the American Bar Association, the app shares important information which can be crucial during a medical emergency or other unforeseen crisis. The App covers just about everything including contacts and insurance information. Legal documents are easily stored with improved access, from anywhere. While the App is not free-it currently is available for purchase for $3.99-it can be a valuable part of ensuring you or your loved one's wishes are respected. 

Check out the Health Care Wishes App by Clicking here!

Helena Capital Rotunda Turns Purple

Montana Capital Rotunda will turn purple February 13th 2015! Introducing the most expensive disease in the world and the 6th leading cause of death: Alzheimer's Disease. If you haven't already heard, Montana has something in common with the rest of America. In fact, Montana is a leader when compared to other states. By the year 2025, the projected number of people who will be living with Alzheimer's Disease or a Related Dementia in Montana alone is 27,000. Hands-down the burden will be huge.  Each community is already challenged to do things differently due to the demand for safe, affordable solutions. Employers  will be challenged to be more flexible and add benefits in support of caregivers. More Americans will become caregivers by necessity and have reduction in work hours or total work loss due to caregiving responsibilities. Life-savings, if any, disappear at astonishing rates with 24 hour care needs creating annual expenses which exceed $50,000.
There is a lot of work going on in the state of Montana but there is so much more to do.
Learn more about the Montana's state plan for ADRD by clicking here
I am working hard, along with so many others, to make Montana a Dementia-friendly state.
Join us, provide whatever support you may, or pass this message along to help advocate for those living with Alzheimer's Disease and their families, health care providers, caregivers and community.
Check out what is happening in Helena on February 13, 2015

Social Security amendment proposes a caregiver credit

A proposed amendment to the Title II program (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act has been introduced. This amendment would provide caregivers credit for their role in providing care to a qualified dependent. There are certain stipulations, such as the caregiving must be 80 hours/month.
Learn more by clicking here.

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.

Changes to Itemized Deduction for 2013 Medical Expenses

Keep all receipts for medical expenses, including travel to and from appointments. Any unreimbursed medical and dental expenses you paid for yourself, your spouse, and/or your dependents qualify. Important information, especially if you are 65 and older. Read more:




Changes to Itemized Deduction for 2013 Medical Expenses