Author: Meghan Parsons

Why it’s important to pre-plan your burial or cremation

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Pre-planning your burial wishes for the people you love is far more compassionate than leaving the overwhelming decisions associated with a death.

There can be no more personal and life changing experience than losing someone we love.  The loss of a loved one brings with it many unanswered questions, difficult decisions and unforeseen expenses.
Pre-planning your burial wishes for the people you love is far more compassionate than leaving the overwhelming decisions associated with a death to those left behind. The first steps to effective pre-planning include gathering your thoughts and ideas and  designing a plan which reflects those desires.
Your planning should address three areas of concern. One covers the practical issues survivors face in those first few days after a death such as “where is the will located” or “what insurance policies are in force?” The second concerns funeral/cremation issues such as “should your wedding ring be left on or removed”, “should we choose cremation or burial” or “what cemetery or funeral home should be contacted?”
The last area of concern addresses emotional comfort issues that help bind a family together rather than tear them apart. Combined, there are literally hundreds of questions that need to be answered. Most of these questions will be easy for you, but very difficult for those you love the most, particularly when they are saddled with heavy hearts, time restraints, and financial uncertainty.

Benefits of pre-planning for you and your family:

  • Ensures individual wishes are known
  • Personalizes your life event as a tribute to the life you lived
  • Spares your family from making decisions at a difficult time
  • Can remove financial and emotional burdens from those you love most
  • Can freeze costs at today’s prices eliminating inflation and providing significant savings
  • Eliminates indecision experienced by many grieving families
  • Allows families to focus on comforting one another
    Most of us prepare for the potential, misfortunes of life that seldom happen. Why not prepare for the inevitable? No one intends to compel their family to make decisions alone, confused, and in grief while faced with unusual expenditures and unfamiliar responsibilities.

Plan your arrangements now, calmly and sensibly, without the pressures of time, money or grief. You will ensure that someone you love will never have to make these decisions alone on one of the worst days of their life.

Article Provided by:
Dan White, Northern Territory Manager
Abbey View Memorial Park by Washelli
Kevin Smith, Manager
Lifetime Celebrations by Washelli
425-486-1281
www.Washelli.com

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Eldercare’s best kept secret!

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Many families think they can coordinate the care themselves, but what they find is that the eldercare world is complex.

Jane woke up and knew this was going to be a tough day. Her father was just admitted to the hospital with a stroke. She is the only adult child who could help him and was just promoted at her job. Her life’s stresses had already been piling up and now this. How could she possibly help her father perform well in her new job and still have her own family life with her husband and three children? After a couple weeks and many sleepless nights, Jane talked with her best friend who suggested that she hire a geriatric care manager. Jane made the call for eldercare the next day and it was the best thing she ever did.
A care manager or geriatric care manager is a professional who helps to establish stability in your chronically ill or older adult parent’s life. Usually the care manager is an RN or social worker knowledgeable in the field of long-term care services, diseases, living options, insurance and the best part – critical thinking. They encourage the adult child to consider many facets of care, creating solutions and a plan that matches the older adult’s needs and wishes.
Many families think they can coordinate the care themselves, but what they find is that the eldercare world is complex. With all the time it takes to coordinate all areas of care, hiring a care manager can actually be more cost effective. The benefits of this service to the adult child are invaluable.

What a Care Manager can do for you:  

  • Assess the level of care needed and develop a tailored care plan
  • Take steps to implement the care plan
  • Make sure care is received in a safe environment
  • Resolve family conflicts and other family issues relating to long-term care
  • Become an advocate for the care recipient and the family caregiver
  • Conduct ongoing assessments to monitor and implement changes in care
  • Oversee and direct care provided at home
  • Coordination of key support systems
  • Provide personal counseling
  • Arrange for services of legal and financial advisors
  • Provide assistance with placement in assisted living facilities or nursing homes
  • Assist with the monitoring of medications
  • Find appropriate solutions in times of a crisis
  • Coordinate medical appointments and consolidate medical information
  • Assist families in positive decision making
  • Develop long-range preventative planning

Article Provided by:
Mary Lynn Pannen, RN, CCM
Sound Options Care Management &
In-Home Care
800-628-7649
www.SoundOptions.com

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Alzheimer’s Advanced Care Directives

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The client is able to give instructions and treatment preferences regarding their mental health care treatment in advance of the need for treatment.

A new alternative to the more common Advanced Directive is the  Alzheimer’s Mental Health Advanced Care Directive, developed by Lisa Brodoff, a professor at Seattle University School of Law.

The common Advanced Directive usually takes effect at the end of life when a person is no longer able to express a preference as to what type of treatment is wanted including: mechanical intervention, artificially administered hydration, nutrition, or antibiotics.  Advanced Directives do not take effect unless the patient has been determined by physicians to be terminally ill or in a permanent unconscious state.

Alzheimer’s Mental Health Advanced Care Directives take their cue from Mental Health Advanced Care Directives which have been around for a number of years.  These directives take effect when an individual is unable to express their instructions and preferences regarding their mental health care.  The client is able to give instructions and treatment preferences regarding their mental health care treatment in advance of the need for treatment.  It encourages dialogue between family and physicians related to healthcare.
Alzheimer’s Mental Health Advanced Directives take the Mental Health Advanced Directive and focus the instructions and treatment preferences on quality of life issues for the Alzheimer’s or dementia client before the end of life.  The client executes this document while they have capacity which is most likely when they have just been diagnosed with a dementia illness.  They nominate someone (their agent) to carry out their instructions and preferences. The client expresses their desires in the Directive for how they want to be treated once they are determined to be incapacitated.

The Alzheimer’s Mental Health Advanced Care Directive allows you to make decisions in regards to:

  1.  Personal history and care value statements that explain the client’s reasons for executing the directive, their core values, important people and events in their life so their agent knows who they are and what is important to them.
  2. When the directive becomes effective and how long it will last. Maybe they want to have it effective when a physician states they no longer have capacity.  Maybe they want it effective in two years.  They can state that the directive is only effective for a certain period of time or until they die.
  3. The ability to revoke the directive. Can they do it when they only have capacity or when they are incapacitated?
  4. Preferences and instructions about care and treatment including: who they want to provide care, what medications they are comfortable with, care managers, or housing preferences.  They can include their preferences for visits by family and friends, driving, food, their environment, and other concerns.

Alzheimer’s Mental Health Advanced Care Directives provide a level of comfort and control about the end of life.  More importantly, they also give guidance to family or caregivers so that they know they are providing the care their loved one has chosen. What a blessing.
Article Provided by:
Rehmke Law, PS
253-460-3190
www.Rehmkelaw.com

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Questions to ask a home care agency

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Whether it’s a little help around the house or more involved care, you should look for a home care agency that can safely meet all of your needs.

It’s never too early to choose a home care agency that you can rely on when life doesn’t go as planned. Whether it’s a little help around the house or more involved care, you should look for a home care agency that can safely meet all of your needs every step of the way. Are you or a loved one resistant to the idea of receiving care? Chances are that you just haven’t found the right agency. Simply starting the conversation with a trusted home care agency and building trust can do wonders for melting away resistance. Follow the checklist below to find your perfect fit:

Agency Information

  • Is the agency RN operated?
  • Is the agency a franchise or locally owned and operated?
  • Is the agency licensed by WA State Department of Health?
  • Is the agency licensed for both home care and home health?
  • Does the agency have liability insurance?
  • Can the agency respond to you 24/7?

Caregiver Information

  • Are employees licensed, bonded & insured? Or are they independent contractors?
  • Does the agency test skills, conduct behavioral interviews and verify caregiver credentials?
  • Are caregivers required to have current certifications for First Aid, CPR, and TB?
  • Are caregivers provided continuing education/training?
  • Can authorized individuals monitor care and make requests online in real time?
  • Does the agency offer caregiver replacement when the “fit” may not be right?

Documentation and Supervision

  • Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager conduct a free home care assessment?
  • Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager create a home care plan?
  • Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager supervise the caregivers?
  • Do caregivers receive client orientation before arriving at a client’s home?

Policies and Cost

  • Can services be cancelled with a 4-hour notification?
  • Does the agency offer flexible scheduling, custom care plans, and  a continuum of care?
  • Does the agency have weekly or monthly minimums?
  • What is the hourly minimum per shift?
  • Does the agency offer home care discounts?
  • What is the required deposit?
  • Will the agency accept long-term care insurance?

Article Provided by:
Fedelta Home Care
206-362-2366, 800-466-3227
www.fedeltahomecare.com

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Broaching the dreaded senior care/ end of life talk

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So, let’s talk about the “icky”, and encourage all of you to broach the dreaded senior /end of life talk with an aging loved one.

You may be wondering what a Bonnie Raitt song, “Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About”, has to do with Mennonite Village, a continuing care retirement community offering all senior living and care options. In a meeting the other day the focus of the discussion was to constantly improve our services when the comment was made that we need to talk about the “icky” to improve and move forward. So, let’s talk about the “icky”, and encourage all of you to broach the dreaded senior /end of life talk with an aging loved one.

Care.com, a NYSE company, did a survey this year delving into the financial and emotional challenges today’s families face when it comes to senior care. “Fifty-four percent of those surveyed said they’d rather have the “sex talk” with their kids than discuss a senior’s ability to drive.”

“The majority of those surveyed (85%) believe they have a good grasp of their parent’s or aging loved one’s health, but 52% have not discussed senior care issues.” And more than half of those surveyed don’t plan to talk about senior care until there’s a need. Top reasons of avoidance included knowing their aging loved one would react defensively, and their own discomfort with the subject.

The problem with not proactively talking with an aging loved one about long-term care is many families are unprepared for quick decisions when a health issue or crisis strikes. Families are in a better place to make informed decisions for the care of a loved one by talking about preferences and expectations before the need arises. There are a myriad of resources to help broach this sensitive topic, such as information on line or consulting with a professional. Preparing and having the conversation about end of life care lets your loved one know that you will be there for them.

The Conversation Project was created and dedicated to help people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care. You can download starter kits of how to get the conversation started. As the site states, “Sharing your wishes for end of life care can bring you closer to the people you love. It is critically important. And you can do it.”

Furthermore, it is not easy to know when an aging family member or loved one might need more care or assisted living. The following are warning signs that may indicate it’s time for a talk:

  • The refrigerator is empty or filled with spoiled food, or your parent is losing weight. He or she may not be eating well because shopping or cooking is difficult.
  • You notice frequent bruises. This may be a sign of falling, mobility or balance problems.
  • Your loved one wears the same clothes over and over again, and neglects personal hygiene. This may be that laundry and bathing may be physically challenging.
  • The house and yard is not as clean and tidy as it used to be.
  • Your loved one forgets things like doctor’s appointments and medications. May be memory loss.
  • Your aging loved one seems depressed. Depression is common with seniors who are isolated and alone.
  • You notice strange or inappropriate behavior. For example, dressing inappropriately for the weather.

Try to be listening, probing and most of all, not imposing your personal end of life choices on your loved one. There are lots of resources available on-line, through organizations and contacting consultants.

The Sandwich Generation continues to grow and nearly 70% of households in the U.S. are dual-income households, so senior care responsibilities impact employees and employers. 36% have asked for time off or workplace flexibility to accommodate for senior care; 36% say worrying about aging loved ones has affected their performance at work; and 34% have made work adjustments as a result of caring for aging loved ones. Senior care responsibilities weigh so heavily on employees that nearly half (46%) say they would consider dropping out of the workforce to care for an ailing parent or loved one.

With today’s modern workforce of two working parents who are “sandwiched” caring for their children and aging loved ones, families, employers and companies must recognize the need for benefits that serve both ends of the caregiving pendulum.  These types of benefits and services not only support the well-being of families and employees, but also help employers increase loyalty, reduce turnover costs, and drive productivity. So, on many different levels we need to start the conversations today.

Article Provided By:
Mennonite Village
Linda Haralson, Community Relations Representative
Ctystal Well, Administrator of Quail Run
541- 704-4294
541-928-1122, ext. 304
www.mennonitevillage.org

 

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Adult foster home classifications

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There are three classifications of adult foster home licenses in Oregon. The classifications are based on the experience and/or training of the provider.

There are three classifications of adult foster home licenses in Oregon. The classifications are based on the experience and/or training of the provider. Each home has a license posted that indicates the classification of the home.

  1. A licensee with a Class 1 license may only admit residents who need assistance in no more than four activities of daily living (ADLs).
  2. A licensee with a Class 2 license may provide care for residents who require assistance in all activities of daily living, but require full assistance in no more
    than three activities of daily living.
  3. A licensee with a Class 3 license may provide care for residents who require
    full assistance in four or more activities
    of daily living.

In each classification, the provider can only admit residents with a certain number of impairments. These impairments are defined according to
six major activities of daily living (ADLs). These are eating/nutrition, dressing, personal hygiene, mobility, toileting and behavior management.

Adult Foster Home Lists:

You can find adult foster homes with vacancies matching criteria you specify  at www.HomecareChoices.org.

Senior Services in Jackson County
at 541-776-6222

Senior and Disability Services in
Josephine County 541-474-3110

Article Provided by:
Retirement Connection

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The Hidden Costs of Caregiving

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Many caregivers don’t stop to consider the personal, financial and emotional costs of caregiving for a loved one.

If you are taking responsibility for helping an aging relative get through the day, you may be shouldering a larger burden than you realize. Many caregivers don’t stop to consider the personal, financial and emotional costs of caring for a loved one. New research is bringing those  caregiving costs to light.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 44 million Americans provide unpaid care for a parent or other adult, and these caregivers report higher levels of stress, depression, heart disease and diabetes than the population at large. They are also at higher risk for catching the flu or a cold.

Caregiving also exacts a toll on the workplace. Fifty-seven percent of caretakers work outside the home, and studies show a majority of those workers take at least some time off, with many reducing hours at work or having to quit altogether in order to provide care for a loved one. One study estimated that working caregivers lose a lifetime average of $303,880 in lost wages, benefits and retirement contributions.

Other studies show that what matters most to caregivers is lost time. Time spent providing care is often time that can’t be spent with your spouse or children, with friends, volunteering, attending church
or relaxing.

If the hidden costs of caregiving are taking a toll on you and your family then you may reach a point when you should seek additional caregiver assistance. Remember, there are many options available ranging from in-home care to retirement and independent living, to assisted living, to skilled nursing homes.

The earlier you begin to explore your options, the easier it is to understand your choices and make the best-informed decisions. As you explore housing options, think about your loved one’s current and future needs. Is your parent healthy, or managing a chronic condition that could require special care?

Article Provided by:
Enlivant
www.Enlivant.com

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Making a difference at any age – move!

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It is never easy in life to make a transition and move from one home to another and making the decision to move to an active living or assisted living community can be even more challenging.

It is never easy in life to make a transition and move from one home to another and making the decision to move to an active living or assisted living community can be even more challenging. One of the primary concerns seniors have about moving into an active or assisted living community is that they’ll become disconnected from the community, activities, and causes they care about most. However, active and assisted living communities provide the perfect setting for building coalitions, forming outreach taskforces, and planning benefits for the communities and the causes that matter to you.

It is extremely important for all of us to remain connected to the people, communities, traditions, and causes that we each find most important to us. This could be anything from volunteering at your local church or food bank to organizing fundraisers for local causes, the options really are limitless. One of our favorite residents reads books to kindergarten children at a local school every week – fantastic intergenerational work! If you are someone who is heavily engaged in your local community and causes and if you’re also considering retirement or assisted living, we recommend looking into active living communities that encourage engagement and foster socially responsible outreach and activities. The right active lifestyle community for you should offer you plenty of opportunities to stay involved with your community and the causes that matter most to you. When individuals strive for something bigger than themselves it builds self-worth and creates senior leaders and advocates who make invaluable contributions to their surrounding communities.

All of us can deeply improve our quality of life by volunteering. Studies have shown that volunteerism can contribute to living longer and that it improves overall brain function. All ages benefit from this approach, not to mention active volunteering can be a great exercise too! So, it turns out that volunteering is not only the socially responsible thing to do, but it’s actually mentally and physically good for you, not to mention it’s great for your community as well.

So what’s stopping you now? Get out there and make a difference today!

Article Provided by:
Quail Park Memory Care Residences of Klamath Falls
541-622-3489
www.QuailParkMCKF.com/rc

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5 Key factors in finding the right senior living option

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There are lots of senior living options, here are 5 key factors to help narrow them down.

There comes a time for many seniors when they need or want more care  than they can receive at home. It can be overwhelming for many to know  “Where do I start?”  There are lots of senior living options, here are 5 key factors to help narrow them down.

Here Are 5 Factors To Consider:

  1. Needs: Independent Living may be the right option if your loved one needs assistance with meals, housekeeping, transportation and activities. If your loved one needs help with medications, bathing, dressing, transferring or toileting an Assisted Living Community provides 24/7 care. If your loved one’s dementia has progressed to the point of wandering or exit seeking a secured memory care community is safest.
  2. Preferences: This includes the style or aesthetics of a community–how does it look and feel? Would your loved one enjoy a newer or established community? Does your loved one desire a studio, one bedroom or, two-bedroom apartment? Also, would your loved one enjoy a more intimate community of 35-100 residents or would they prefer a larger setting of 100+ residents? Or perhaps a smaller Foster Care Home setting of 5 total residents might be a good fit if your loved one is not all that social and does not have any night- time care needs.
  3. Wants: Does your loved one like to attend or be a part of social events? If so, what hobbies, events, or shopping would they like to be a part of?
    Determining how someone would enjoy day to day engagement goes a long way towards a successful move. There are many communities that offer a variety of entertainment options. If your loved one is more reclusive, there will also be many communities willing to accommodate a quieter lifestyle.
  1. Finances: Based on what’s included in the rent, what is affordable with one’s income and assets? If I outlive my assets will I be able to remain in the community I move into? Do I qualify for VA or Medicaid and what do I need to do to apply?
  2. Location: Based on the 4 factors above, how far from my ideal location would I or my loved ones be willing to consider potential communities? Many times this becomes the most critical element in choosing an option.

Once these factors are determined, it would be helpful to have a Senior Living Advisor inform you of which options fit your criteria. A Senior Living Advisor will also be able to assist you with touring, paperwork and other resources surrounding a transition in addition to narrowing down the best options to consider.

Article Provided by:
Louis Johnson & Kelley Rogers,
Senior Living Advisors
541-414-4264
www.SeniorOneSource.net

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Retina Specialists and Diabetic Retinopathy

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These Retina Specialists manage medical and surgical diseases of the retina, a light-sensitive tissue lining the inner back wall of the eye.

An ophthalmologist is a physician and surgeon trained to manage diseases of the eye. Many of us are familiar with ophthalmologists as they perform cataract surgeries. There are also ophthalmologists who choose to subspecialize in the field of Retina. These Retina Specialists manage medical and surgical diseases of the retina, a light-sensitive tissue lining the inner back wall of the eye. They specialize in conditions such as Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, and retinal arterial occlusions. They also specialize in surgical repair of the retina such as in retinal detachments and macular holes.

In the U.S., Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults. About 40-45% of adults with diabetes over the age of 40 will have some level of Diabetic Retinopathy. With the current epidemic of Diabetes, it’s important to understand the potential impact on the retina and ultimately, a person’s sight.

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. It captures light entering the eye and transforms it into electrical signals. These signals travel through the optic nerve and are interpreted by the brain. Within the retina lies a rich supply of blood vessels that are susceptible to damage from high glucose levels. Over time, this damage may result in leaky blood vessels that cause retinal swelling and result in blurry vision. Sometimes the blood vessels close off completely, starving the retina of oxygen. The damaged retina will then release growth factors to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels. Unfortunately, these new vessels are fragile, leaky and often rupture, bleeding inside the eye. They may also result in scar tissue formation that contracts, pulling the retina off the back of the eye (retinal detachment). These changes constitute varying levels of Diabetic Retinopathy.

Today Retina Specialists use multiple methods to manage Diabetic Retinopathy. For many patients, eye injections of medications that stop the production of growth factors work well. Sometimes a laser is used to target leaky blood vessels
or destroy a dysfunctional retina. Patients with more advanced Diabetic Retinopathy may require surgery to remove blood or scar tissue inside the eye.

The key to avoiding these problems is maintaining regular visits with a physician to ensure adequate blood sugar and blood pressure control. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and weight management play crucial roles as well. Smoking should be avoided at all costs. Regular screening or follow-up visits with an ophthalmologist or Retina Specialist are important in preventing vision loss. With a direct view of the retina’s health, your eye care specialist and you can work together to preserve your vision.

Article Provided by:
Oregon Retina Center
541-770-2020
www.OregonRetina.com

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