community resources

What is Hospice and Palliative care?

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There isn’t a single specific point in an illness when a person should ask about hospice and palliative care; it very much depends on the individual.

Hospice is traditionally an option for people whose life expectancy is six months or less, and involves palliative care (pain and symptom relief) rather than ongoing curative measures, enabling you to live your last days to the fullest, with purpose, dignity, grace, and support. While some hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities provide hospice care onsite, in most cases hospice is provided in the patient’s own home. This enables you to spend your final days in a familiar, comfortable environment, surrounded by your loved ones who can focus more fully on you with the support of hospice staff.

The term “palliative care” refers to any care that alleviates symptoms, even if there is hope of a cure by other means. It is an approach that focuses on the relief of pain, symptoms, and emotional stress brought on by serious illness. Your disease doesn’t have to be terminal for you to qualify for palliative care and, in the U.S., many palliative treatments are covered by Medicare. In some cases, palliative treatments may be used to alleviate the side effects of curative treatment, such as relieving the nausea associated with chemotherapy, which may help you tolerate more aggressive or longer-term treatment.

When is it time for hospice and palliative care?

It’s not time for hospice care and palliative instead of curative treatment if you are currently benefiting from treatments intended to cure your illness. For some terminally ill patients, though, there comes a point when treatment is no longer working. Continued attempts at treatment may even be harmful, or in some cases treatment might provide another few weeks or months of life, but will make you feel too ill to enjoy that time. While hope for a full recovery may be gone, there is still hope for as much quality time as possible to spend with loved ones, as well as hope for a dignified, pain-free death.

There isn’t a single specific point in an illness when a person should ask about hospice and palliative care; it very much depends on the individual.

The following are signs that you may want to explore options with hospice care:

  • You’ve made multiple trips to the emergency room, your condition has been stabilized, but your illness continues to progress significantly, affecting your quality of life.
  • You’ve been admitted to the hospital several times within the last year with the same or worsening symptoms.
  • You wish to remain at home, rather than spend time in the hospital.
  • You have decided to stop receiving treatments for your disease.

Article Resource: National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

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Tell your story – Funerals evolving into celebrations of life

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“The key to turning a service into a celebration of the life lived is through personalization,” said Bryan Michael

In recent years, funeral and graveside services have evolved from a formal or structured service with religious music, scripture, prayers and little or no information regarding the life of the deceased to a true celebration of a life remembered.

“The key to turning a service into a celebration of the life lived is through personalization,” said Bryan Michael, funeral home manager at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen and Belcrest Memorial Park in Salem. “This encourages family, friends and visitors to share memories of the decedent and how he or she relates to the personalized elements of the service or the items on display.”

Here’s just a small sampling of some recent services that were personalized to suit the life they celebrated:

  • At the suggestion of the funeral director a family brought in items related to the decedent’s work as a professional horseman for his visitation. Saddles, boots, numerous square bales of hay, partial fence structures and even a live horse in a make-shift temporary corral transformed much of the décor of the funeral home.
  • For the funeral of an avid hunter, the florist turned the funeral home chapel altar into a hunting blind, and the deceased’s hunting dogs were nearby in hunting position.
  • The funeral service for a cycling enthusiast displayed the decedent’s road bike and cycling medals next to the casket. At the cemetery, members from his cycling club escorted the hearse carrying his casket from the cemetery gates to the gravesite.
  • Photographs can easily personalize a service. Today, it is commonplace to feature not only photographs but also video tributes during the visitation.

Also, receptions at the funeral home, cemetery, or the family’s home after the service, are more the case today than the exception. Often, these receptions are personalized with food favorites of the decedent. “Shared meals have brought families together around funeral services since the beginning of time,” added Bryan Michael. “Traditional or contemporary, the funeral reception allows family and friends to continue spending time together sharing memories and comfort.”

For a further personalized approach, a certified funeral celebrant may be the more appropriate choice. Funeral celebrants specialize in creating a funeral ceremony experience that uniquely expresses the personality, lifestyle and interests of the person it honors. By working closely with you, the celebrant discovers your loved one through the stories you share. He or she can then design a fitting funeral service that incorporates your loved one’s interests or legacy through special and creative details. A personal eulogy, the perfect venue, thematic decorations, a special song or thoughtful keepsakes all may be part of a memorable funeral service planned and provided by a funeral celebrant.

Article provided by:
Bryan Michael, Funeral Director
Howell Edwards Doerksen with Rigdon Ransom Funeral Directors
503-581-3911
www.DignityMemorial.com

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The probate process – How it works and why it’s important

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The Probate process begins with the filing of a Petition for Probate and the court appointment of a personal representative (PR).

Probate is the process of collecting and distributing a deceased person’s assets under court supervision. The Probate process allows for an estate to be distributed to its heirs and creditors in an orderly and systematic manner, but unfortunately it is a process that many of us do not fully understand until someone we love has passed away.

What Happens During the Probate?

The Probate process begins with the filing of a Petition for Probate and the court appointment of a personal representative (PR). The PR is the person nominated by the decedent’s will or the Court to handle the legal affairs of the estate. During a Probate case the PR is responsible for:

  • Providing notice to all heirs and beneficiaries that a probate case is taking place.
  • Providing notice to creditors so they can file a claim for any debt owed to them.
  • Publishing a Notice in the local paper so anyone who has a claim against the estate can notify the PR.
  • Collecting estate assets and submitting an Inventory to the Court.
  • Submitting a list of creditor claims to the Court.
  • Paying the remaining taxes of the estate.
  • Providing a detailed accounting to the Court and to the beneficiaries.

When the Court provides the PR with permission to distribute the estate, the PR must pay all expenses and costs of administration and creditor claims first. The PR is also authorized to receive compensation for their duties. The remaining assets are then distributed among the estate beneficiaries.

Do I Need an Attorney?

Handling a Probate can often involve a number of complexities. Sometimes the Will is contested, there is estate property that must be sold, assets are owned in other estates or tax issues. The PR often becomes overwhelmed by the number of tasks they are responsible for and the high standards to which they are held by the Court. In order to make the process run smoother, it is highly recommended that the PR hire an attorney or law firm, such as McGinty and Belcher Attorneys, to assist them with the preparation and filing of court documents. By retaining an experienced attorney, you can avoid unnecessary delays and minimize any potential complications.
Article provided by: Kathy Belcher,
McGinty & Belcher Attorneys
503-371-9636

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The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center

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The Center is supported with funds from the Administration on Aging. NCCNHR, located in Washington, DC, also has many resources to assist residents and their families.

The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center

The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center, operated by the National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform (NCCNHR) in conjunction with the National Association of State Units on Aging, provides on-call technical assistance and intensive annual training to assist ombudsmen in their demanding work. The Center is supported with funds from the Administration on Aging. NCCNHR, located in Washington, DC, also has many resources to assist residents and their families. Contact NCCNHR at 202-332-2275, www.nursinghomeaction.org.

To contact a state or local long-term care ombudsman, visit the resource center’s website at www.ltcombudsman.org and click in the box “Who Are Ombudsmen?” You may also call AoA’s Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 and ask for the local ombudsman program or area agency on aging nearest the nursing home or similar facility where the resident lives. The area agency will either be the sponsor of the ombudsman program or know where the program is located. You may also locate the local ombudsman through the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, which is usually located in the State Office on Aging.

Source: Administration on Aging , The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center, www.AoA.gov, www.nursinghomeaction.org

Provided by: The Staff at www.RetirementConnection.com
Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

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Mature job seekers finding more opportunities

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Mature Americans who are seeking jobs are finding more opportunities available because of rising demand for employees

Mature Job Seekers Finding More Opportunities

Mature Americans who are seeking jobs are finding more opportunities available because of rising demand for employees, programs designed to assist them and a growing appreciation for workers from their generation. Also, more companies have open positions and are tailoring job opportunities for mature workers.

Demographic factors in America are one reason mature job seekers will continue to see increased opportunities to either stay in or join the work force. By 2010, almost one in three workers will be at least 50 years old. As Baby Boomers, the nation’s largest population segment, approach retirement, the pool of younger replacement workers in this country won’t be large enough to meet the labor demands of employers.

Because of the growing demand for employees, especially mature workers, more programs are being offered to match aging adults with the right job opportunity. One such national initiative is AARP’s Featured Employers program, in which AARP has partnered with 24 companies to help Americans aged 50 and over remain in the workforce as desired. Right at Home, a leader in in-home supportive care and assistance to aging adults, was selected for AARP’s Featured Employer program in November of 2005. One of the main components of the AARP Featured Employer program is that mature job seekers can learn more about local employers and employment opportunities by visiting www.aarp.org/featuredemployers.

The best advice for mature workers who are looking for opportunities is to do some research to learn more about companies who support their needs and value their experience. There are vast online resources that will provide information on companies and available positions so aging adults can match their interests and talents with local job openings.

Mature adults, especially those just entering the work force, should highlight the positive traits they will bring to a company when applying for a job. Mature workers have skills and experiences that benefit companies. In many cases, the experience of raising a family and running a household can be valuable.

Source: Right at Home, www.RAHcares.com, 503-574-3674

Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

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Money Managers help balance the checkbook and pay bills

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Today, almost all of us are drowning in official-looking solicitations for credit cards, insurance, fraud protection and financial assistance from every institution.

Money Managers to the rescue…

Can’t keep the checkbook balanced? Don’t like or forget to pay bills?

These professionals can help …

Many older Americans struggle with money management, specifically paying their monthly bills. For some, physical conditions such as poor eyesight or arthritis can make simple tasks of writing checks and opening the mail difficult. Others are confused, forgetful and/or disorganized all potentially leading to past due notices, late fees, services fees, canceled policies, and lost documents.

Today, almost all of us are drowning in official-looking solicitations for credit cards, insurance, fraud protection and financial assistance from every institution in which we have an account. In the past, having several bank accounts was once considered prudent, but now has turned into a junk-mail nightmare. Junk mail can look so official it begs rely often unknowingly opening another checking account. Charities of our world, even the ones near and dear to our hearts, continue to solicit contributions on a weekly basis. Selling mail lists has become a huge revenue generator for many companies including banks, credit cards companies, mortgage companies, telephone companies and others.

Now, we can hire a Daily Money Manager to provide assistance to people who have difficulty managing their personal monetary affairs. This service offers a cost-effective way for clients to get assistance with organizing, bill paying, balancing checkbooks, and reviewing statements, from a trusted source. A Daily Money Manager does not replace the services of other professionals, such as CPAs, banks, financial planners, and attorneys, but assists clients with daily affairs and helps maintain records and information that is essential for these professionals.

Services that may be provided:

* Bill paying, preparation of checks, deposits
* Balancing checkbooks and organizing bank records
* Organizing files for tax and other purposes; general organization
* Phone calls concerning incorrect bills, or to ascertain relevant information
* Deciphering insurance information and assistance with claims
* Setting up automated accounts or other means to efficiently handle household finances
* Referrals to needed professionals, such as CPAs, attorneys, financial professionals

A Daily Money Manager begins with an informational interview, so you can get to know us, and we can understand the client’s needs. Together, we determine an effective plan to meet the individual needs. Typically, the DMM will visit monthly or weekly to review bills, mail, insurance papers, and help the client write the checks, balance the check book, organize and file papers.

How do you find a daily money manager? Follow this advice:

* One of the best places to start your search is with the Web site of the American Association of Daily Money Managers, where you can find a list of money managers by state of residence.
* Before meeting face-to-face with someone, ask if they charge for the first session. Some money managers offer a free consultation, which lets you make a more informed choice about whether daily money management is for you.
* Ask for references from people who have used their services before, and check those references out. After all, you’re entrusting your financial health to that individual. Make sure that trust is warranted.
* Make certain the DMM you’re considering is insured and is willing to work with another individual such as a lawyer or an accountant on your behalf.
* Get a referral from someone in the financial services field, such as your tax adviser or accountant.
* Go with your gut – it may be the most important thing to do, Make sure you like and instinctively trust this individual. If it doesn’t feel right, it isn’t. It’s got to be a good fit.

Source: Laura Miller, Sapphire Daily Money Management, LLC, 503-654-9200, Visit www.sapphireDMM.com to download a brochure.

Posted April 2008. Markets: Oregon, Portland
Provided by: Laura Miller, Sapphire Daily Money Management, LLC
For more information: 503-654-9200, www.sapphireDMM.com
Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

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