Advanced Directives, Fiduciaries, Guardianship, and Power of Attorney
October 15, 2014 | by Valerie Buck
We all love our aging parents. In certain situations, a portion of our love must be devoted to assisting parents who have lost their ability to think clearly and make rational decisions. It is common, as time goes along, for the elderly to become unable to make sound decisions about a variety of issues includes finances, health care and managing themselves at home. Dementia, blindness, or frailty can all play a part in this loss of independence. Below are a few options for you to consider as you ponder on ways to assist a loved one.
Power of Attorney
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The Beginning of the End-Of-Life Planning
December 6, 2013 - By the NCPC
Author: Valerie Michel Buck
There are so many moments when you think about what you want for your final years in life. It’s never too late and never too early to prepare yourself and those around you for your final wishes.
This article provides an outline of the documents you should gather and distribute amongst your trusted Care Advocates. This outline is also something to help you prepare for your final years to help ensure peace of mind.
What are Care Advocates?
Your Care Advocate represents your interests. This person could be a caregiver, a chi ...... Read More
Holiday Caregiver Burnout
December 30, 2013 - By the NCPC
Author: Valerie Michel Buck
Whether you're at the end of your tether, that tether has been cut years ago or you're just starting Caregiving for a loved one this time of year always seems to be the hardest. The season of joy is upon us, that is what the media, shopping centers and carolers want you to believe, but for many, the season of joy is really just more WORK! Organizing family from out of town, who is going to whose home when, shopping, cooking for an Army, wrapping gifts, shoveling snow, making that batch of cookies, decorating, the joy ...... Read More
Care Management Advice
January 17, 2014 - By the NCPC
Authors: Valerie Buck & Thomas Day
Getting older is scary to both the person getting older and their family. Many questions arise when we think about retirement and aging. Most of these questions start with, “how am I going to pay for…” All are legitimate questions. How are you going to pay for all of the possibilities of care, what are all our care options? Care management advice is an obvious need, not just for financial reasons but to get the best care possible for yourself or a family member. It’s never too early to get advice an ...... Read More
Preserving Assets and Transferring Assets to the Next Generation
February 17, 2014- By the NCPC
Author: Valerie Buck & Thomas Day
Older Americans control a large amount of the wealth in this country and have a continued interested in protecting that wealth from loss. Older Americans also want to stretch their assets out as long as possible in order to avoid running out of money well before they die.
As Americans age many look for ways to preserve, maintain or transfer their assets. Whether the assets are many or few, there are steps that can be taken to further secure and maintain a distinct lifestyle.
The National Care Planning Council (NCPC ...... Read More
What Your Family Needs To Know About Home Caregivers for Seniors
When families get together, they usually do so over a big meal, a lot of laughs, and a general sense that all is well with the world. Unfortunately, these get-togethers sometimes have to do with more serious matters, which can include deciding whether it is time to hire a home caregiver for senior family member. It’s not the kind of conversation any family wants to have, but as our loved ones get a little older, it becomes a necessary part of life.
That said, it is important to remember that just because a family member needs senior care in their home, it doesn’t mean that they are ...... Read More
Living Arrangements for Aging Seniors
March 25, 2014 - By the NCPC
Author: Thomas Day
Understanding the Various Living Arrangements
Senior housing options can be confusing to someone who has never approached the subject before. Often the definition of a particular senior housing term is dependent upon the person writing about the subject. The reason for the confusion is that most retirement care and senior housing arrangements provide overlapping services among the various categories. And depending on the state, a commonly accepted term for retirement living in one state might be licensed for somewhat different services in a ...... Read More
Speak Out Against Elder Abuse
October 9, 2013 - By the NCPC
Author: Elizabeth Leatham
October is National Residents' Rights Month, a national effort to celebrate, honor, educate, and protect those living in long-term care homes and their families. The goal is to help not only the residents themselves but their families and communities recognize the rights of long-term care residents and learn how to speak up if they or someone they love are not receiving these rights. Each year the Department on Agency releases a theme in connection with National Residents' Rights Month. This year's theme is "Speak Out Against Elder ...... Read More
The Accidental Caregiver
July 11, 2013 - By the NCPC
You've heard people say it and maybe you have even said it yourself. "Don’t worry Mom or Dad, I’ll take care of you in your old age."
This always seems to be a simple loving gesture on your part as you see them beginning to age and settle into retirement. The thought of their actually failing in health or mental capabilities seems absurd or at most, years down the road. Thus it catches most children and spouses unprepared and sometimes surprised when their loved one needs care and help with daily living activities.
A stroke, injury or sudden illn ...... Read More
Holiday Blues – Depression among the Elderly
November 11, 2013 - By the NCPC
Authors: Valerie Michel Buck & the National Care Planning Council
The holiday season offers many opportunities to spend quality time with family and friends. If you are a caregiver or family member of an aging loved one, you may observe a change in their mood or behavior during the holidays. You may notice unusual signs of fatigue or sadness or perhaps limited interest in the holiday season.
The winter holiday season (and the colder months which accompany it) can intensify feelings of sadness which aging seniors often experience. Most often it is n ...... Read More
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