Author: Meghan Parsons

How to help a grieving friend

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While you can’t take away the pain of the loss, you can give much-needed comfort and support just by keeping in touch and listening when they want to talk.

What can I do to help the family/loved ones of the deceased? The first few months following a death are a time when grieving friends and relatives need you most. Let them know that your support did not end with the funeral. While talking to someone in a state of grief can be uncomfortable, don’t let discomfort prevent you from reaching out. You might not know exactly what to say or what to do, but that’s okay. You don’t need to have answers or give advice. While you can’t take away the pain of the loss, you can give much-needed comfort and support just by keeping in touch and listening when they want to talk.

It’s difficult for many grieving people to ask for help. They might feel guilty about receiving so much attention, or may be too depressed to ask for help. You can make it easier for them by making specific suggestions such as “I’m going shopping this afternoon. Do you need anything?” or “I’ve made stew for dinner. I’d like to drop by and bring you some. Would that be okay?”

There are many other practical ways you might be able to help, such as:

  • Filling out forms or making phone calls
  • Helping clean out their loved one’s closet
  • Running errands
  • Driving them to an appointment
  • Taking them for a walk
  • Inviting them to lunch or a movie
  • Spending time together doing a fun activity (card game, puzzle, art project)

You can also give an open invitation by saying, “Let me know what I can do,” which may make a grieving person feel more comfortable about asking for help. Be careful not to be pushy. Allow them to decide what’s best for them. Never pressure someone into an activity for which they don’t feel ready. In the weeks and months after the loss, you may feel you should avoid using the name of the deceased so you don’t cause any more sadness. This is not necessary, family and friends need to know their loved one is still remembered. By mentioning the name you’ll let them know they’re on your mind too and create an opening if they want to talk.

Be aware that certain events and days of the year like holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries, can be very difficult, so be sensitive to these times. Let the person know you are aware of the special day and that you’re thinking of them. Ask whether they’d like company or prefer to be alone. It’s thoughtful acts like this that let them know they’re not alone.

The pain of losing someone close never goes away, but the love and support of friends and family can make it more bearable and even help them move on.

Article Provided by:
Mountain View Funeral Home,
Memorial Park & Crematory
253-448-3994
www.MountainViewTacoma.com

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What seniors should know: Managing personal property

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Seniors who downsize, reorganize, move or sell personal property have a lot of decisions to make and any of these can quickly become a daunting prospect.

Seniors who downsize, reorganize, move or sell personal property have a lot of decisions to make and any of these activities can quickly become a daunting prospect. There are plenty of companies offering services to assist. Here are some insights into how to assess what is right for your needs.

Moving Property

It seems as we grow older moving gets more complicated as we have more “stuff” to move as the years go by. Move management services helps reduce stress and lower moving costs. These services typically include a move plan, packing, unpacking, decluttering, and the sale, donation or dispersal of unwanted property.

What to look for:

Look for companies that have a high standard of service, solid reputation and good referrals. Companies should have regular W-2 employees who are trained and fully background checked. Companies should also possess liability insurance, worker’s comp and offer reliable pricing and project estimating tools to protect your budget. Services should be hired under contractual agreement and fees and payments should be discussed prior to any work being done. Van lines, or those who actually transport your property, have their own set of regulations. You can find out how to avoid common moving scams through the government’s “Protect Your Move” program.

Organizing or Downsizing Property

Professional organizing is a growing industry. Certified Relocation and Transition Specialists have this training.

What to look for:

Similar to moving services above, families should look for companies with good reputations and referrals, as well as fully trained, insured and vetted employees.

Selling Property

Families are subject to the most risk when hiring companies to help with their liquidation services. The liquidation industry accounts for hundreds of thousands in annual revenues but remains largely unregulated.

What to look for:

Again, seek companies with employees who are trained, vetted and insured. Estate sale companies should be willing to disclose all fees up front and contract through formal, written agreement. Find out in advance which services will be included. All in all, you want a company who will provide project management, organizing, sorting, merchandising, fixtures, advertising, labor, security the day of the sale and who will  “broom sweep” the home after the sale. You should receive an invoice explaining profit and costs after the sale.

Plan Ahead In many cases, projects related to personal property start out small and then seem to increase in size and complexity.  Planning ahead and understanding your final objective may help families avoid being overwhelmed.

Article Provided by:
Caring Transitions
844-220-5427
www.CaringTransitions.com

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Power of Attorney or Guardianship: The power of choice

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Guardianship can be imposed when choices have not been made prior to disability or incapacity.

Guardianship can be imposed when choices have not been made prior to disability or incapacity. The Superior Court and a Court appointed Guardian take your power away. Your power to make choices is gone. To start the process toward making your own decisions, the first document you should sign is a Power of Attorney.

A “Durable Power of Attorney” is a powerful document.  By executing this document, you are granting another person the power to make decisions for you when you are no longer able to handle your medical or financial matters due to disability or incapacity. Individuals of all ages need a Power of Attorney since you never know when an accident or disability will occur. The power can be broad and cover many different areas such as “all medical needs” or “all financial matters” or it can be narrow and cover only “the sale of a home or car” or “making decisions for my minor child”. The power is usually without limitation, but you can choose to limit the powers you grant to someone else. One way to limit the powers is to limit when the Power of Attorney takes effect, either immediately or upon your disability. The powers you grant under a Power of Attorney last even if you become incapacitated.  This is expressed by the word “durable” in the title and in special wording in the document. As the person who signs the Power of Attorney, you can choose how much or how little power you want to give away. It is your choice.

Due to the increased HIPAA rules on medical privacy and the financial regulations, banks and hospitals want some type of document nominating or appointing someone to act in your behalf.   These could be a Power of Attorney or a Guardian. If you have chosen not to execute a Power of Attorney and you become disabled or incapacitated, the State of Washington, through their Superior Courts, will appoint a Guardian over you to manage your financial and medical needs. You may or may not have
a choice in the appointment. The costs
of a Guardianship are high and the person needing the Guardianship usually pays the costs.

If a Guardianship is ordered for you, you can lose some or all of these powers:  the power to vote; marry or divorce; to make or revoke a will; to enter into a contract, to buy, sell, own, mortgage, or lease property; to possess a license to drive;
to consent to or refuse medical treatment; to decide who shall provide care and assistance; and to make decisions regarding social aspects of your life.
You lose the power to control your life under a Guardianship. You lose your power of choice.

The choice is yours. Power of Attorney or Guardianship? You take charge of your life and execute a Power of Attorney so you can choose your attorney-in-fact and grant them the powers you think they will need. If you delay, the State chooses for you. The power is yours to choose.

Article Provided by:
Rehmke & Flynn PLLC
Tacoma: 253-460-3190
Seattle: 206-330-0608
www.RehmkeandFlynn.com

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Caregiving as an encore career

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Known as an encore career, this second vocation strives to combine a paycheck and a sense of purpose for adults after retirement.

Reaching retirement age has a whole new purpose for today’s growing number of baby boomers. They are embarking on second careers that are not only about making a living but making a difference.

Known as an encore career, this second vocation strives to combine a paycheck and a sense of purpose for adults after retirement who have a passion for working with public service. It turns out many who are starting their “second act” are doing so not necessarily because they want to do something new, but because they want to do something that matters. Encore careers are on the rise because:

  • Americans are living longer and thereby working longer
  • The employment picture for baby boomers is slowly improving
  • These jobs fulfill a passion with a social purpose and are not really a necessity
  • Boomers don’t want to outlive their retirement savings
  • Boomers are interested in volunteering or mentoring others
  • Boomers need the additional income
  • Boomers just want to continue working
  • Boomers want to make a difference in the lives of others

While encore careers are available in a variety of sectors, homecare is one of the more popular options among seniors because it’s rewarding and allows them to open up and work with people their own age. While family caregivers do their best to care for their loved ones, accepting help is easier when their caregiver or companion is someone to whom they can relate to and who understands the desire to remain independent.

Here are a few ways to tell if caregiving is right for you:

  • You enjoy working with people, especially older adults where you can interact one-on-one.
  • You’ve enjoyed taking care of members of your family and want to share this passion.
  • You have the potential of making a difference in someone’s life.
  • You don’t want a desk job and you are still physically and mentally able to work.
  • You know you would want the same type of care if you needed it.
  • You take pride in your work and pay attention to details.
  • In-home caregiving requires a variety of unique skills, but the benefits are plenty:
  • Hours are usually flexible, and you may work as few as 10 hours a week to as many as 40 hours.
  • You’ll develop personal, long-lasting relationships with your clients.
  • You can truly make a difference in the lives of others.

Article Provided by:
The Retirement Connection Staff
www.RetirementConnection.com

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What you need to know when you don’t know what you need!

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Having a family member move into a different stage in life that requires care can be a confusing and complicated process

Having a family member move into a different stage in life that requires care can be a confusing and complicated process.  How do you navigate the complex and overwhelming amount of information available and find out what is right for you? This can be one of the most stressful stages in the journey when care needs are changing. You are not alone!

When I experienced this with my own family I was numbed by how little I really knew, even though I was a practicing Registered Nurse at the time. Thankfully, elder care concerns are now much more important to many of us.  And it shows. The internet is full of countless websites providing free information to help you determine your course of action with realistic tips from people just like you all the way to experts on eldercare. Your head may be spinning and you may need to make a decision quickly, but first you need to know where you are!

Many people have an understandable desire to avoid this topic or try to paint a more optimistic picture about what they are experiencing based on misperceptions about the end result.  Many of us can empathize with the desire to avoid thinking about our needs until we or someone in our family is in crisis, but to help you avoid this pitfall I suggest that you begin by taking a moment to take care of yourself. As the airline flight attendant always says, “please place the oxygen mask on yourself first and then help
your…” you get the point!

Second, take a deep breath and find your sense of self-compassion and humor!
I found that these two things can go a long way in the process of deciding what is right or wrong for you and what is just plain absurd! The more objectivity you can bring to the situation the easier you will find it to enter into critical thinking instead of being pushed into the place of making simple reactive choices. Since these are major decisions that will affect the quality of your life, we want to make sure you are engaged with the process
and have the ability to choose wisely.

Now spend some time writing down what the problems are and what you would like to see happen. Keep that image! You may get bombarded by the many different labels and descriptions of different services and truth may be, you aren’t exactly clear what the difference between them is. I found it helpful to educate myself on the specialized language of elder care.

There are many options to consider as you explore community based options and/or long term care facilities. Do not be afraid of asking “stupid” questions. Remember that the only stupid question is the one you didn’t ask!

Article Provided by:
HomeWell Senior Care
253-333-1906
www.HomeWellSeniorCare.com/Federal-Way

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Emergency preparedness: Are you ready?

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Being prepared can reduce your anxiety and help you get the quick care you need during an emergency. Stay 100% ready.

Home safety and defensive living are concepts healthcare professionals take very seriously. With a few simple “just in case” precautions these preparations can provide the peace of mind that your family members will be prepared in the event of an emergency. When putting together emergency kits there are a few extra steps that can make all the difference in the world for seniors.

 Begin each year with a fresh start. Let the three R’s guide the process:

  1. Replenish: Stock up important items that are running low.Make sure your first aid kit and emergency supplies of nonperishable food and water are also replenished and ready for the New Year.
  2. Replace: Essential items that are broken or not working should be replaced or repaired.
  3. Remove: Dispose of items that are expired, giving special attention to anything you ingest like food or medications.

Common Items to check at home:

  • Batteries in all smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers should be serviced
  • Expired medications, pills or creams
  • Expired food throughout the home
  • Emergency Kit items that need replenishing

Prepare a Personal Health Record

Creating and updating a Personal Health Record can be crucial to save time during an emergency. Keep a hard copy of all documents in a plastic bag within your mobile emergency kit.

What to include:

  • Personal Information: Name/ address/ social security number/ date of birth/ phone numbers/ copy of driver’s license/ spouse’s contact
  • Emergency Contacts: Names & numbers for current professional care services
  • Paperwork: Advance directives such as durable power of attorney or a POLST form
  • Primary Care: Contact information for primary physician
  • Insurance: Copy of insurance card or policy number
  • Medications/ Allergies: Include brand and dosages of medications, vitamins, and supplements/ food and drug allergies/preferred pharmacy contacts.
  •   Chronic Illnesses:
  • Current or re-occurring
  • Passwords: Important passwords to access benefits, banking, medical records, email, etc.
  • An emergency kit for your car can be found at www.soundoptions.com/mobile-emergency-kit

Being prepared can reduce your anxiety and help you get the quick care you need during an emergency. Stay 100% ready.

Article Provided by:
Mary Lynn Pannen, RN, CCM
Sound Options, Inc
800-628-7649
www.SoundOptions.com

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What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

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Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) chambers work by surrounding the patient with 100% oxygen at higher than normal atmospheric pressure in sessions.

Breathing 100% oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure is a painless, proven way to help the body heal. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) chambers work by surrounding the patient with 100% oxygen at higher than normal atmospheric pressure in sessions, or dives, that last 90 minutes to two hours. This increases the amount of oxygen in the patient’s blood allowing red blood cells to pass more easily through the plasma into the wounds to heal them from the inside out.

Introduced in the mid-1960’s, HBO chambers have evolved to treat patients suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections, compromised skin grafts and flaps, and wounds that haven’t healed within 30 days.

Weighing more than one ton each, the HBO chambers resemble a reclining bed encased in a clear acrylic shell nearly a yard in diameter. Patients can listen to music or watch movies on televisions and VCR/DVD players mounted above the chamber while remaining in constant contact with those outside the chamber through an intercom and private handset. The only physical sensation resulting from the treatment is a slight pressure on the eardrum, such as that felt when a plane lands, as the air in the chamber is compressed.

This non-surgical, painless procedure, called hyperbaric oxygen therapy, allows oxygen molecules to pass through blood plasma more easily and speeds healing. HBO may be used for wounds that haven’t healed in 30 days despite multiple treatments, or for other medical conditions. These include:

  • Diabetic ulcers
  • Lower leg ulcers
  • Bone infections
  • Gangrene
  • Radiation skin irritations
  • Post-operative infected wounds
  • Wounds from brown recluse spider bites
  • Failing or compromised skin/muscle grafts or flaps
  • Vascular disorders resulting in poor blood circulation

The Wound Healing Center uses HBO to treat patients referred by a variety of medical specialists. In most instances, Medicare, Medicaid and the majority of insurance plans cover HBO.

Article Provided by:
PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center
360-514-4325
www.peacehealth.org/southwest/woundcenter.org

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Coping with Parkinson’s Disease

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If you or someone close to you has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), you probably have many questions and concerns and you may be on an emotional rollercoaster.


If you or someone close to you has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), you probably have many questions and concerns and you may be on an emotional rollercoaster.

Remember that you are not alone. As many as one million people in the US and an estimated seven to ten million worldwide live with Parkinson’s disease.

With a diagnosis now in hand and the freedom to learn at your own pace, you can begin to understand Parkinson’s and its treatments and the role they will play in your life. Your diagnosis can be the first step to taking charge of your life with Parkinson’s disease. What are some next steps?

Inform Yourself about PD:

You will need time to adjust to the new diagnosis, so educate yourself about PD – slowly. Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon provides individual counseling, educational workshops, a HelpLine, suggestions of local support groups and classes to help you and your loved ones become informed.

Assemble a HealthCare Team:

Managing PD and the varied symptoms that arise over time requires expertise and a team of health professionals. In addition to a neurologist you trust, you might seek connection with a social worker, physical therapist, speech therapist and of course your primary physician as well.

Make a Plan for Telling Friends and Family:

As Parkinson’s symptoms progress, friends and family may notice changes and become concerned – even though you are feeling fine! Remember, you control the information about your diagnosis and how you share with others. A simple explanation is typically sufficient. If you have concerns about disclosing at your workplace, ask your physician or seek advice.

Accept Support From Others:

You don’t have to cope with Parkinson’s alone. There is a community ready to accept you, share stories of success and bolster you on down days.

Get Moving!

There is no better time than today to take action to control your health and wellness. Find an exercise class, learn about nutrition and engage with your neurologist to optimize your treatment plan.

With Parkinson’s disease, situations will change. You will need to be prepared, flexible, and willing to seek information and support as needed.

If you have questions about Parkinson’s, resources in the community or would like to schedule a time to talk with one of our counselors, please call: 800-426.6806.

Article Provided by:
Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon
800-426-6806
www.ParkinsonsResources.org

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Home Health Services and Medicare

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Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers eligible home health services

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers eligible home health services like intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language pathology services, continued occupational services, and more. Usually, a home health care agency coordinates the services your doctor orders for you.

Medicare doesn’t pay for:

  •  24-hour-a-day care at home
  • Meals delivered to your home
  • Homemaker or Companion Services
  • Personal Care or In-Home licensed care

Who’s eligible?

All people with Medicare who meet all of these conditions are covered:

  • You must be under the care of a doctor, and you must be getting services under a plan of care established and reviewed regularly by a doctor.
  • You must need, and a doctor must certify that you need, one or more of these:
    • Intermittent skilled nursing care
      (other than just drawing blood)
    • Physical therapy, speech-language pathology, or continued occupational therapy services. These services are covered only when the services are specific, safe and an effective treatment for your condition. The amount, frequency and time period of the services needs to be reasonable, and they need to be complex or only qualified therapists can do them safely and effectively. To be eligible, either: 1) your condition must be expected to improve in a reasonable and generally-predictable period of time, 2) you need a skilled therapist to safely and effectively make a maintenance program for your condition, or 3) you need a skilled therapist to safely and effectively do maintenance therapy for your condition.
  • The home health agency caring for you must be Medicare-certified.
  • You must be homebound, and a doctor must certify that you’re homebound (you have trouble leaving your home, or leaving your home is not recommended).

You’re not eligible for the home health benefit if you need more than part-time or “intermittent” skilled nursing care.

You can still get home health care if you attend adult day care.

Note: Home health services may also include medical social services, part-time or intermittent home health aide services, medical supplies for use at home, durable medical equipment, or injectable osteoporosis drugs.

Your costs in Original Medicare

  •  $0 for home health care services.
  •  20% of the Medicare-approved amount for durable medical equipment.

Before you start getting your home health care, the home health agency should tell you how much Medicare will pay. The agency should also tell you if any items or services they give you aren’t covered by Medicare, and how much you’ll have to pay for them. This should be explained by both talking with you and in writing.

Article acquired from:
www.medicare.gov
Provided by Retirement Connection

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