Oakland

Preventing Bad Habits of Caregivers

Carebuzz — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:38:41 +0000

Elder caregivers in Oakland who are experiencing high levels of stress may develop a series of bad habits which can lead to caregiver burnout, and in extreme cases, even elder abuse. In 15 simple steps caregivers can reclaim time to themselves and prevent the onset of stress and development of bad habits.

1.   Be honest about your bad habits and the amount of stress you’re experiencing so they can be addressed.
2.   Let your care recipient know daily how much you love and appreciate them.
3.   Do something just for you on a weekly basis.
4.   Take a deep breath when things become overwhelming.
5.   Take a few minutes each morning to repeat an affirmation or focus on calmness.
6.   Make time for exercise daily, even a brief, brisk walk.
7.   Find someone who you can listen and vent to.
8.   Allow yourself to be happy.
9.   Acknowledge the bad parts of your day and let them go
10. Relax with a cup of tea, glass of wine or a hot bath
11. Allow yourself to enjoy your favorite music or TV show
12. Look at the positive points in your life
13. Keep smiling.
14. Keep a journal.
15 Try aromatherapy.

For caregivers who require additional help, or are overburdened by their care duties, businesses like Home Instead Senior Care in Oakland can help.

Sources:
1. Eldercare ABC Blog

Why Choose Identity Theft Insurance?

Carebuzz — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:10:00 +0000

When my mother was in her 70’s, we talked her into adding identity theft insurance to her home insurance policy, knowing that the chances she might be a victim of fraud were fairly high in the senior demographic. The policy offered by her insurance policy for identity theft coverage cost nearly $30 extra per month, but after careful research we decided the benefits were worth it. While fraud insurance doesn’t actually cover any financial losses at the result of identity theft, it does provide coverage relating to the recovery process that occurs after such a fraud has occurred, including lost wages and legal bills up to $15,000 per claim.

When choosing to get the identity theft insurance for my mother, I ensured that the whole family understood that we still can’t let our guard down when it comes to managing my mom’s affairs. The same precautions still need to be taken when reviewing her finances and handling important documentation to prevent identity theft and fraud; the policy is only an additional safeguard, but it doesn’t decrease her chances of becoming a victim.

I would recommend fraud insurance to all seniors provided the policy is affordable for their lifestyle and income level, and that appropriate coverage is available. Fortunately, while my aging mom has not yet been impacted by fraud, we know with the insurance, if it occurs, she will manage to recover from it.

Sources:
1. Spam Laws
2. Globe and Mail Joanna Pachner

To Sell or Not to Sell a Senior’s Home?

Carebuzz — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:46:22 +0000

Q – My mom’s been thinking about selling her home, which she has maintained even though she is currently living with a relative. After doing some research online, I realized there are some significant tax implications of selling a home, especially when it is mortgage free. Is there a better option to allow her to minimize the tax costs and maximize her assets?

A – The best bet is to have an estate planner review your mother’s specific circumstance and those assets that can be found in her property. However, there are a few options available such as reverse mortgages, trusts, and transfer of assets. Otherwise, at the time of her death, the property will be transferred to the named recipient as outlined on her will. An inheritance and/or estate tax will apply, which can be substantially less than the taxes your mother could pay if selling her home. At that stage, the person responsible for the estate under the will can sell the property to pay for funeral costs, can distribute profits to named family members, rent the home, or live in it themselves. Talk to an estate planner before making any definite decisions about how to handle your mother’s estate!

Sources:
1. ThinkGlink
2. Wikipedia

Can an Adult Child be an Estate Executor?

Carebuzz — Mon, 18 May 2009 19:37:43 +0000

Q – My mother recently decided to formalize her will and get her estate in order and has asked me if she can name me as estate executor on her will. I’m open to taking responsibility for her affairs after her death, but I don’t know much about the process. What are the responsibilities of an estate executor in Oakland?

A – While it’s not uncommon for adult children to be appointed estate executors for their aging parents because there is already a strong element of trust in the relationship; you should first know that it won’t be an easy job. If your mother’s affairs are in good order, the estate executor process itself could go smoothly, but dealing with the emotional repercussions of losing a parent while managing all the responsibility can be a challenge. But, if you are sure you’re up to the job, here is a lists of tasks you may be responsible for carrying out:

• Beginning the probate process – filing the will and petition for probate. Specific probate laws apply for the process in Oakland and may vary between states.

• Notifying the family – close family members can be notified that their loved one has deceased.

• Obtaining death certificates and EIN (Federal tax number for the estate)

• Determining and collecting the deceased assets (locating documents that verify value of the estate and make an inventory list)

• Letting people know who the executor is – family members and friends with claims will need to get in touch with the estate executor

• Managing the property of the estate – paying bills, taxes and other legalities

• Settle Finances – filing income tax returns on behalf of the deceased

• Distributing assets – distribute assets to those named on the will

• Be removed as executor – once the estate is settled, petition the courts to be removed as executor

Sources:

1. Third Age Alan S. Novik
2. AFSP

Image: Toronto Lawyers

Healthy Summertime Meals for Seniors

Carebuzz — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:01:39 +0000

This summer in Oakland, take advantage of the availability of fresh produce from farmer’s markets in the area, and even in your local grocery store. With so many delicious and healthy fruits and vegetables in season, summer is a great time to ensure that you receive a nutritious diet often at their lowest price. Summer is also the ideal time for seniors to prepare for themselves healthy meals, because with so many fresh delicious herbs available and the option of barbequing outside, meal preparation and cooking time during the summer months can be done quickly and easily.

Another reason for seniors to stock up on the fresh produce available during the summer in Oakland is to ensure that they remain hydrated once the weather turns hot. Fresh fruits and vegetables, which are crisp and juicy, not only taste great when you’ve been outside in the warmer temperatures, but they’ll help prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration. Elderly people that have a sweet tooth will also be able to satisfy their cravings throughout the summer with all of the rich, sweet and nutritious berries that are in season and make great morning or afternoon snacks!

Sources:
1. Senior Advocate
2. eHow

Home Inheritance and Seniors

Carebuzz — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:04:38 +0000

Setting up a home inheritance is a great way for seniors to avoid paying expensive taxes should they decide they no longer want the responsibility of home ownership while they’re still alive or to avoid having to “spend-down” their assets to qualify for programs. Arranging the home inheritance is an important part of estate planning which can help ensure that a senior’s home is handled according to their wishes after their death. By including home inheritance on a living will or allocating it to someone on a will, seniors can ensure that the appropriate family member receives the home, which they can then rent, sell, or choose to live in themselves.

It’s important for recipients of a will to understand that there is an inheritance tax which applies to homes left to them in a will which depends upon the total cost of the home. Percentages of inheritance tax vary state to state, and the best way for a senior to determine how to best manage the assets in their home while they’re still alive is to speak with an estate planner who can help to make the most out of the financial aspects that go with it.

Sources:
1. ThinkGlink.com
2. Wikipedia

Understanding Home Care Negligence

Carebuzz — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:51:26 +0000

Home care negligence is unfortunately a sad reality that exists in the Oakland elder care industry. While negligence and elder abuse often occur at the hands of senior care providers in nursing homes and assisted living facilities; these problems can occur in a senior’s home just as easily. As family members of seniors, it’s important that we spot the signs when a loved one is being abused or neglected so that appropriate action can be taken and further issues can be prevented.

To determine if a senior in Oakland might be suffering from elder abuse or neglect, be aware of the following signs:

•   Sudden changes in the senior’s behavior
•   Physical injuries like bruises, scrapes, cuts, or even broken bones
•   A nursing home not allowing family members to see patients alone
•   Pressure sores or signs that restraints have been used
•   Sudden, inexplicable weight loss in the senior

Home care negligence can include a number of scenarios that range from less severe to more extreme, but all are serious issues that should be addressed.

•   Failure to provide food or water, even when a senior complains of hunger or thirst
•   Failure to assist with personal hygiene needs
•   Failure to provide clean, safe living conditions
•   Failure to provide supervision in situations where accidents may occur
•   Failure to provide appropriate prescription medicals on time or at all

Sources:
1. Care Home Negligence
2. EZine Articles

Will Seniors Outlive their Retirement Funds?

Carebuzz — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:08:06 +0000

“Longevity risk” is the term used to describe the increased lifespan of baby boomers which can ultimately result in them outliving their assets and funding for retirement. Not only are baby boomers living longer into their senior years than previous generations, but unlike their parents who had pensions to support them into old age; only 70% of baby boomers will retire with pensions today. Is it possible for seniors to live longer with fewer assets and income available to them?

According to a recent study by Ernst & Young, there is a very real risk that baby boomers and future generations who live longer will outlive their retirement funds. The study showed that 3 in 5 senior middle-class retirees who maintain the lifestyle they have prior to retirement will run out of money before they die. While many seniors may dream of vacationing during the winter months and living extravagantly to celebrate their senior years; they may in reality have to sacrifice these dreams in lieu of a more modest lifestyle, saving the hard-earned money they made during their working years to provide for the regular costs of living both before and during retirement.

Younger generations should start planning today to provide for their senior years by saving a percentage of their earned income in a retirement plan to provide for retirement living; and some baby boomers who have yet to save need to act fast and adjust their lifestyles so they have the money to fund their futures.

ConsumerAffairs Fred Yager

Vacations for Seniors: Older Generation Cruises

Carebuzz — Fri, 01 May 2009 16:20:47 +0000

For many seniors from Oakland, cruise vacations for their demographic are the ideal way to get away from home without the stresses of more traditional vacations that cater to people of all ages. Many of the big names in cruising offer cruises just for seniors that fall into the 55+ age group at retirement age so that they can cater to the specific vacation needs of the demographic. Cruise ships for seniors offer entertainment that would appeal to the age group, have additional accommodation for those with disabilities and mobility problems, and have the ability to cater to specific senior dietary needs.

Senior cruises may also have increased capacity to provide for medical needs, with both doctors and nurses on board; and can even ensure they have provisions in stock to meet a senior’s specific medical needs should the situation arise (for example, a supply of insulin for diabetic emergencies). While on most cruise ships, shore excursions are optional, outings off the ship are designed to meet a senior’s mobility needs through the selection of wheelchair accessible destinations.

To promote senior bonding with younger generations, some cruise lines also offer cruises for grandparents and grandchildren alike; with activities to suit the needs of both generations independently or together when traveling from Oakland.

Sources:
1. Expedia Cruise Ship Centers
2. About
Images: mustcruise.com

Superfoods Might Prevent Osteoporosis

Carebuzz — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:49:46 +0000

Q – I am a professional caregiver in Oakland who prepares meals for a senior. I know that a history of osteoporosis runs in her family. Are there any foods that will help to prevent osteoporosis and promote bone strength and health?
A – There are foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals that promote good bone health. Many of these superfoods are readily available at any supermarket, although most people aren’t aware of their benefits to bones so they are overlooked. Next time you go shopping and need meal ideas for your senior care recipient, consider incorporating the following foods into your cooking, because bone health requires more than just calcium!

•   Black pepper - contains 4 anti-osteoporosis compounds)
•   Cabbage - source of boron
•   Cod liver oil - source of vitamins A and D
•   Dandelion - source of boron
•   Garlic - source of sulphur
•   Onions - source of sulphur
•   Parsley - source of boron
•   Pigweed (source of calcium)
•   Arugula - source of vitamin K
•   Broccoli - source of vitamin K
•   Collards - source of vitamin K
•   Kale - source of vitamins K and C
•   Swiss chard - source of vitamins K and C, magnesium, and calcium
•   Spinach - source of vitamins K and C and magnesium

Sources:
1. Dole Superfoods
2. Project-Aware

Image:iofbonehealth.org