Here is an article from USA Today regarding the future of Alzheimer's  Disease.  If you have questions, or need help for a senior in your life, visit us atwww.agingavenues.com. Global Alzheimer's cases expected to rise sharply "The number of people with Alzheimer's disease isn't creeping up, it's briskly rising, according to a new report." Continue reading HERE. ...read more

Advantages and Disadvantages of Prepaid Plans One way to plan in advance for the end of one's life is to sign a formal contract called a "preneed funeral plan." With this plan, money to pay for a funeral and/or burial is held in a trust, in an escrow account or paid through an insurance policy on the life of the person desiring the plan. Parts of or all of the funeral service and burial are designed in advance and pre-funded in advance and the family has little to do but show up. This type of planning has become very popular in recent years. A survey conducted by the AARP in 1999, found that two out of five people over age 50 had been approached to pre-purchase funerals and burial goods and services. An AARP survey in 1998 indicates that 32% of all Americans over age 50, roughly 21 million people, have prepaid some or all of their funeral and or burial expenses (but not necessarily through a formal preneed plan). Breaking that down; about 25% of the over age 50 population have prepaid for their burials (cemetery plot, mausoleum or niche), 18% have prepaid for headstones, urns, caskets , grave liners or vaults, opening and closing of graves and so on and 13% have prepaid for goods or services from a funeral home or funeral director. The same survey indicates that over $25 billion is being held in preneed trust funds. Roughly another $25 billion is waiting to be paid out in life insurance benefits. Prepaid or preneed funerals and burials are big business. Funerals and burials funded privately by the family, or paid from an individual life insurance policy and arranged informally through a funeral home or funeral director are generally not subject to state regulation. Any formal arrangement through a second party or involving a contract is subject to regulation in all states. Each state has adopted different rules as to who can sell these plans, what the plans can provide, what contract provisions must be, how the plan is to be funded and what recourse purchasers might have in the event of fraud or default. All states call these regulated plans "preneed" funeral and burial arrangements. Here are some advantages as to why one would want to buy a preneed plan for funeral and burial services and goods. It provides peace of mind knowing these arrangements have been made in advance. It avoids the burden on family members to make decisions when they are most vulnerable to manipulation. It allows one to virtually control from the grave by determining in advance the funeral products, funeral services, burial products and burial services that one would prefer having for final arrangements. It helps the family to avoid taking loans, arranging finance plans, raiding savings or selling assets to pay for a funeral and burial. It guarantees (for many contracts) that if products and services currently purchased are not available in the future, equivalent substitutes will be provided at no additional cost. It locks in guaranteed prices (available with some contracts) forever. It allows for inflation in future costs (for those contracts that do not guarantee prices) by investing money in an interest-bearing account or buying life insurance that increases in value over time. Depending on the contract, it may allow for transfer to another funeral home or for partial or full refund. Unfortunately, there are also problems with prepaid, preplanned final arrangements. With some trust fund and insurance funding options there may be no refund if someone wants to cancel the plan in the future. If a purchaser moves to another state there may be no transfer options or there may be different rules governing the funding option. In some contracts, interest earnings on investments resulting in excess money not needed for the plan may be retained by the funeral home or funeral director. On installment plans interest may be charged but not credited to the account. In certain insurance funded contracts, the ownership or death benefit may be irrevocably assigned to the contract holder (funeral home), preventing the purchaser from enjoying ownership rights in the policy. In certain insurance funded contracts, a growth in the death benefit over time that exceeds the cost of the preneed plan services and goods may be pocketed by the contract holder (funeral home) instead of being refunded. If the contract provider goes out of business or fails to secure 100% of the funds for future payment, there may be no recourse to get all of the money back that was put in. If certain services or goods that were purchased initially are not available in the future, but more expensive versions might be, the family may be forced to pay extra for those items. In certain insurance funded plans, if the insured dies too soon, there may have been a waiting period in which few or no benefits are paid at death, thus forcing the family to pay out of pocket for the funeral. Certain unscrupulous providers may have failed to provide an itemized list of services and goods or failed to identify properly, specific services and goods, thus allowing the provider in the future to substitute less expensive items or to leave out services and goods that were originally anticipated in the agreement. What Services and Goods Can Be Prepaid? All states allow for prepaid plans for funeral services and merchandise. This would include such things as picking up the body, embalming and restoration, rooms or chapel for viewing and funeral services, casket, vault or grave liner, transportation, permits, death certificates, obituaries and so forth. Almost all states allow for prepaid burial services and merchandise as well. Only about six states do not allow it. Burial services and merchandise might include opening and closing the grave, grave markers, vaults or grave liners, mausoleums or niches. Cemetery plots are excluded from prepaid plans in all states. The AARP has excellent information for consumers on planning for funerals. Quoting from the AARP: "Most states have a licensing board that regulates the funeral industry. You may contact the board in your state for information or help. If you want additional information about making funeral arrangements and the options available, you may want to contact interested business, professional and consumer groups." To find a planner in your area you may also contact the National Care Planning Council at inquiry@longtermcarelink.net or call 800-989-8137 Visit us at www.agingavenues.com if you need assistance for a senior loved one in the Indianapolis, IN area. ...read more

Feeling Sporty?  Popular Sports and Activities Among Seniors By Senior Daily Living If you feel like you need to get out more, you're not alone.  Senior citizens and non-seniors alike are in need of consistent physical exercise.  Sporty activities are an enjoyable way to get your body moving, but not all forms are best for senior citizens.  Seek out those sports that you enjoy and that exert your body to acomfortable degree.  Here are some of the top ranked sports for the active senior:  Continue reading HERE.  Visit us at www.agingavenues.com for senior resources available in the Indianapolis, IN area. ...read more

Here is a great article for those who are caring for aging parents from www.Agingcare.com.  If you need help for a loved one in the area, visitwww.agingavenues.com. Caring for Parents Versus Caring for Children: 10 Ways They Differ by Marlo Sollitto Nearly 10 million boomers are now raising kids while at the same time, caring for at least one aging parent, according to the Pew Research Center reports. The term "Sandwich Generation" is used to describe this demographic – and lots has been written on it. But what is not as frequently discussed, is that the strategies and techniques that are effective when caring for parents are very different from those that work well with children. Here are 10 ways that caring for parents differs from caring for children: Continue reading HERE. ...read more

Senior Fraud Prevention "Seniors can make easy targets for fraud, whether it's for unbelievable investment returns or fraudulent sweepstakes prizes. Fraud on seniors can happen by phone, mail, in person, or, less commonly, the Internet (because seniors are online in smaller numbers). It can happen to wealthy seniors, and those of limited means. According to the Federal Trade Commission, studies show con artists are more likely to target senior citizens than other age groups because they believe seniors are more susceptible to such scams. The FTC reports that fraudulent telemarketers direct from 56 to 80 percent of their calls at seniors. The need for senior fraud prevention has become greater than ever." Follow the link below to read the rest of this very informative article.  If you have any questions or need help in the Indianapolis IN area, visit www.agingavenues.com. Continue reading HERE. ...read more

Here is a great article for anyone who is facing that very difficult conversation with an aging loved one, that it may be time to stop driving.  If you need help for an aging loved one in the Indianapolis area, visit www.agingavenues.com.  Elderly Drivers: Stop or Go? By Phyllis Staff, Ph.D. Without so much as a tap on the brakes, my aunt whizzed through another stop sign. "What are you doing?" I shrieked. "That was a stop sign." "Oh," she replied rather offhandedly, "they just put those there so you'll look before you go into an intersection." That was the day I stopped riding with my aunt but not the day she stopped driving. From then on, I had visions of an enormous pink Chevy leading a parade of cascading accidents. And I wasn't far from wrong. She drove with what she knew to be the utmost caution. . . .never exceeding 30 miles per hour, even on I35! She expected, even demanded that traffic would give way to her like the seas parted for Moses. Sometimes, it did. But mostly, driving with her was a harrowing experience with no end in sight. So, when do the elderly become a menace on the roads? And, what can you do when they refuse to give up the keys? Here are a few suggestions I've found. Causes for Concern Poor Vision – Cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration can reduce visual acuity and limit visual fields, so a yearly eye exam is imperative for the elderly driver. Ask the doctor about driving, and don't take the word of the elderly driver on the results of her exam. Poor Hearing – Something as simple as a clogged ear passage can create a hearing loss. A doctor can identify the problem and offer solutions, so have elderly hearing checked yearly. Poor Flexibility and Limited Range of Motion – Good drivers rely on looking out rear and side windows as well as checking rearview mirrors. When a driver lacks the ability to turn his head and shoulders to look outside, he may not see oncoming vehicles or obstacles traveling in the car's blindspot. Reduced Reaction Time – As we age, we slow down, and reaction times diminish. Keeping extra space between the driver's and other cars can help reduce the likelihood of accidents, but there comes a time when reactions are too slow for road safety. Click here for a reaction time test that will show you graphically how far you travel after you see a red light! How to Get (and Keep) the Keys A few states, , require road tests for persons over 65 when their licenses are renewed. An additional sss states require vision tests with license renewals. Consider yourself fortunate if you live in one of these states because it may be that the state will refuse to renew the elder's license. If you live elsewhere, here are a few tricks to try. Talk with your Elder about the Convenience of Mass Transit – Many mass transit authorities have special services and special fares for the elderly and disabled. Check with your local transit authority. And talk with your elder about how nice it is to be able to enjoy the scenery while someone else does the driving. Give Your Elder a Refresher Course – Not only will a refresher course improve road awareness, it may help your elder earn a discount on his car insurance. Courses and informative pamphlets are available from the AARP, AAA, and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. You'll find links to these sites at the end of this article. Report unsafe driving to your local Department of Public Safety. They may have additional help to offer you. "Break" the Car – My teenagers unplugged a few vital wires when my father, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, refused to relinquish the keys. We knew his cognitive ability was far too impaired for him to recognize the problem, and he was always comforted when we said we'd have the car repaired "soon." Remove the Keys – Distract your elder from finding "lost" keys by offering an immediate alternative way to go somewhere. While this may be the most unpleasant way to stop your elder from driving, remember that you are not only protecting him but all the rest of us as well. And what happened to my aunt? She got a ticket from a wonderful traffic officer whom we all blessed on a daily basis! Fearing the loss of her auto insurance, she voluntarily gave up driving. Web Resources Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully is a free booklet you can read online. AARP offers a refresher course for elderly drivers as well as a number of other helpful resources. See their site at http://www.aarp.org/55alive/. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has a terrific new site,http://www.SeniorDrivers.org, that you shouldn't miss if you're a senior driver or have a senior driver in your family. Exercises, examples of perceptual loss due to aging, emergency tips, and much, much more – all free. Please don't miss it! For more in depth information on elderly drivers, see the OLR research report. Article Source: http://myeldercarearticles.com About The Author Phyllis Staff, Ph.D. – Phyllis Staff is an experimental psychologist and the CEO of The Best Is Yet.Net, an internet company that helps seniors and caregivers find trustworthy residential care. She is the author of How to Find Great Senior Housing: A Roadmap for Elders and Those Who Love Them. She is also the daughter of a victim of Alzheimer's disease. Visit the author's web site at http://www.AlzheimersFree.comwww.AlzheimersFree.com. ...read more

Stress and the Elderly Contrary to what we've been led to believe, senior living isn't always the way it's portrayed in glossy sales brochures and magazine advertisements. Rather than being a carefree period of life spent on the golf course and traveling around the world, for many of today's seniors those "golden years" are incredibly stressful times. What causes seniors so much stress? Change is a huge trigger for stress and seniors definitely experience plenty of change. It can be in the form of declining health, death of friends and loved ones, moving, a bad financial investment, and the list goes on. Here are some other reasons why senior living is stressful. Continue reading HERE.  Visit www.agingavenues.com if you need help for an aging loved one in the Indianapolis, IN area. ...read more

This is a great article for anyone who is affected, or newly affected by Alzheimer's Disease, and is trying to understand it's effects on our loved ones.  If you need help with an aging loved one in the Indianapolis IN area, visit www.agingavenues.com. Stay Alert on Alzheimer's Disease By: Barbara Rockwell The term dementia refers to a brain disorder that demonstrates itself in several ways. A person may easily become confused even in known settings, may ask questions repeatedly, or may neglect such basic things as their own hygiene or basic safety issues. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia linked with old age. The disease is named after German Doctor Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed variations in the brain tissue of a patient of his that died with unusual mental illnesses and dementia. His study guided him to discover anomalous clumps and tangles of fiber in the brains of those patients who were suffering from this same disease. Thus, whilst it was common for persons who were older and losing their mental faculties to be dismissed as "senile," Dr. Alzheimer was able to pinpoint the actual breakdown in the brain that led to the loss of their mental faculties. According to the National Institute on Aging varied test conclusions, there are actual brain changes in persons with Alzheimer's disease. They can find out how nerve cells die in areas of the brain that affect memory and basic abilities. It may seem strange, but everything that we do on a daily basis is because of memory. We remember that we need to take a shower on a regular basis that we need to shut the door behind us when we leave the house. We don't realize that we're doing these things because of memory, and assume that they just happen naturally. But when those memories break down because of Alzheimer's or any other mental disorder, even the most basic everyday functions begin to be confusing or neglected. In fact, the brain works by a series of connections between nerve endings, all of which are related. For example, the part of the brain that controls speech sends signals to the nerves that spark the muscles and parts of the mouth when we wish to talk. Of course, all of our mental and physical functions work this way. With Alzheimer's disease, these nerve signals are disrupted or broken. If the brain cannot continue to make connections in the nerve cells that control memory, all the basic functions are disrupted. The brain can't memorize that it just asked a question, so a person repeats it. They can't remember their own children, so they are now strangers. Alzheimer's can be a very frightening and debilitating disease for the patients and the families as well. Article Source: http://myeldercarearticles.com ...read more

I found this article at Agingcare.com and decided to share it with you.  If you need help for an aging loved one in the Indianapolis IN area, visit www.agingavenues.com. Is Dad Okay?  Or Is It Depression? by Mikol Davis, Psychologist You're visiting your elderly Dad, and notice that he just doesn't seem to have his old "spark." He speaks slowly. He doesn't want to go out. He spends his time watching TV or falling asleep during the day. He isn't eating much. You're worried. Is Dad okay? Recognizing the signs of depression in the elderly Depression is the most common of mental conditions, which can be treated, but among the elderly, it is one of the most overlooked.  Sometimes, it's because physicians don't recognize the signs and symptoms. Sometimes it's because of an overall attitude of society that perhaps feeling low is just part of getting old. The danger in overlooking depression is twofold. First, quality of life that could be improved isn't, and unnecessary suffering goes on. Second, the alarming fact of elder suicide looms. Depression is an emotional state with a physical component. The physical component is triggered by brain chemistry, and can be helped.  When it is, physical symptoms tend to lessen. Continue reading full article HERE. ...read more

The Evolution of Home CareIn the first century of our country's history there was no such thing as nursing homes or assisted living. Society was mostly rural and people lived in their own homes. Families cared for their loved ones at home till death took them. In the latter part of the 1800's because of an increasingly urban society, many urban families were often unable to care for loved ones because of lack of space or because all family members including children were employed six days a week for 12 hours a day. During this period many unfortunate people needing care were housed in County poor houses or in facilities for the mentally ill. Conditions were deplorable. In the early 1900's home visiting nurses started reversing this trend of institutionalizing and allowed many care recipients to remain in their homes. Nursing homes or so-called rest homes were also being built with public donations or government funds. With the advent of Social Security in 1936, a nursing home per diem stipend was included in the Social Security retirement income and this government subsidy spurred the construction of nursing homes all across the country. By the end of the 1950s it was apparent that Social Security beneficiaries were living longer and that the nursing home subsidy could eventually bankrupt Social Security. But in order to protect the thousands and thousands of existing nursing homes Congress had to find a way to provide a subsidy but remove it as an entitlement under Social Security. In 1965 Medicare and Medicaid were created through an amendment to the Social Security Act. Under Medicare, nursing homes were only reimbursed on behalf of Social Security beneficiaries for short-term rehabilitation. Under Medicaid, nursing homes were reimbursed for impoverished disabled Americans and impoverished aged Americans over the age of 65. It has never been the intent of Congress to pay for nursing home care for all Americans. The nursing home entitlement for all aged Americans was now gone. Over the last 40 years, there has been a gradual change away from the use of nursing homes for long-term care towards the use of home care and community living arrangements that also provide in-house care. With Proper Planning People Could Remain in Their Homes for the Rest of Their Lives We are seeing a trend towards working conditions like those in urban America in the early 1900's where both husband and wife are working and putting in longer hours. We are also seeing a return of the trend in the early part of the 20th century where outside visitor caregivers are becoming available to replace working caregiver's and allow the elderly to receive long-term care in their homes. In addition there is a significant trend in the past few years for Medicaid and Medicare to pay for long-term care in the home instead of in nursing homes. Given enough money for paid providers or government funding for the same, a person would never have to leave his home to receive long-term care. All services could be received in the home. Adequate long-term care planning or having substantial income can allow this to happen. We only need to look at wealthy celebrities to recognize this fact. Christopher Reeve, the movie star, was totally disabled but he had enough money to buy care services and remain in his home. President Ronald Reagan suffered from Alzheimer's for many years but received care at his California ranch. He was also wealthy enough to pay for care when needed. Or what about Annette Funicello or Richard Pryor? Income from their movie careers allowed them to receive care with their multiple sclerosis at home. We will be willing to bet that Mohammed Ali, who is severely disabled with Parkinson's disease, will probably never see the inside of a care facility, unless he chooses to go there to die. With the proper planning and the money it provides, most of us could remain in our homes to receive long-term care and we would never have to go to an institution or a hospital. The Popularity of Home Care Most of those receiving long-term care and most caregivers prefer a home environment. Out of an estimated 8 million older Americans receiving care, about 5.4 million or 67% are in their own home or the home of a family member or friend. Most older people prefer their home over the unfamiliar proposition of living in a care facility. Family or friends attempt to accommodate the wishes of loved ones even though caregiving needs might warrant a different environment. Those needing care feel comfortable and secure in familiar surroundings and a home is usually the best setting for that support. Often the decision to stay in the home is dictated by funds available. It is much cheaper for a wife to care for her husband at home than to pay out $2,000 to $4,000 a month for care in a facility. Likewise, it's much less costly and more loving for a daughter to have her widowed mother move in to the daughter's home than to liquidate mom's assets and put her in a nursing home. Besides, taking care of our parents or spouses is an obligation most of us feel very strongly about. For many long-term care recipients the home is an ideal environment. These people may be confined to the home but continue to lead active lives engaging in church service, entertaining grandchildren, writing histories, corresponding, pursuing hobbies or doing handwork activities. Their care needs might not be that demanding and might include occasional help with house cleaning and shopping as well as help with getting out of bed, dressing and bathing. Most of the time these people don't need the supervision of a 24/7 caregiver. There are, however, some care situations that make it difficult to provide long-term care in the home. Please note from the first graph below that a great amount of home care revolves around providing help with activities of daily living. Note from the second graph below that the average care recipient has need for help with multiple activities of daily living. Finally, it should be noted from the second graph that well over half of home care recipients are cognitively impaired. This typically means they need supervision to make sure they are not a danger to themselves or to others. In many cases, this supervision may be required on a 24-hour basis. (Graphs were derived from the 1999 national caregivers survey, courtesy www.longtermcarelink.net.) It is precisely the ongoing and escalating need for help with activities of daily living or the need for extended supervision that often makes it impossible for a caregiver to provide help in the home. Either the physical demands for help with activities of daily living or the time demand for supervision can overwhelm an informal caregiver. This untenable situation usually leads to finding another care setting for the loved one. On the other hand if there are funds to hire paid providers to come into the home, there would be no need for finding another care setting. Problems That May Prevent Home Care from Being an Option Caregivers face many challenges providing care at home. A wife caring for her husband may risk injury trying to move him or help him bathe or use the toilet. Another situation may be the challenge of keeping constant surveillance on a spouse with advanced dementia. Or a son may live 500 miles from his disabled parents and find himself constantly traveling to and from his home, trying to manage a job and his own family as well taking care of the parents. Some caregivers simply don't have the time to watch over loved ones and those needing care are sometimes neglected. The problems with maintaining home care are mainly due to the inadequacies or lack of resources with informal caregivers, but they may also be caused by incompetent formal caregivers. These problems center on five issues: Inadequate care provided to a loved one Lack of training for caregivers Lack of social stimulation for care recipients Informal caregivers unable to handle the challenge Depression and physical ailments from caregiver burnout In order to make sure home care is a feasible option and can be sustained for a period of time, caregivers must recognize these problems, deal with them and correct them. The responsibility for recognizing these problems and solving them is another function of the long-term care planning process and the team of specialists and advisers involved. Adequate Funding Solves Most Problems Associated with Providing Home Care None of the problems discussed in this article would be an obstacle if there were enough money to pay for professional service. s in the home. These services would be used to overcome the problems discussed in the previous section. If someone desires to remain in the home the rest of his or her life, adequate preplanning could provide the solution. This planning must occur prior to retirement. The most obvious way to provide sufficient funds for home care is to buy a long-term care insurance policy when someone is younger, healthy and able to afford the lower premiums. If insurance is not an option, then money must be put aside early in life to pay for care in the future. The only other option is to be rich. Unfortunately, very few people address the issue of needing long-term care when they are older. This leads to a lack of planning and in turn leads to few options for elder care when the time comes. Lack of planning means most people do not have the luxury of remaining in their homes and must rely on Medicaid support in a nursing home to finish out the rest of their lives. Visit www.agingavenues.com if you need help for an aging loved one in the Indianapolis, IN area. ...read more

This is a very informative article for anyone who has a loved one recovering from a stroke.  If you need help for an aging loved one in the Indianapolis IN area, visitwww.agingavenues.com. 15 Tips Caregivers Should Know After A Loved One Has Had A Stroke The following is being issued by American Stroke Association: It's better to find out than miss out. Be aware of the medications that have been prescribed to your loved one and their side effects. Ask if your home should be modified to meet the specific needs of the stroke survivor. Ask a doctor, nurse or therapist to clarify any unanswered questions or to provide written information that explains what occurs after the stroke and during recovery or rehabilitation. Continue reading this very important article here:http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/147785.php ...read more

Here is an interesting article about what the future holds for the senior population.  If you need help for an aging loved one in the Indianapolis IN area, visitwww.agingavenues.com. World's 65-and-older population to triple by 2050 The world's 65-and-older population will triple by mid-century to 1 in 6 people, leaving the U.S. and other nations struggling to support the elderly. The number of senior citizens has already jumped 23 percent since 2000 to 516 million, according to census estimates released on Tuesday. That's more than double the growth rate for the general population. Continue reading here: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2009372611_apusagingpopulation.html ...read more

Family Reunion–a Good Time for Family Planning Summertime brings a lot of family time. With family reunions, picnics, weddings and other events, long distant family members travel to gather together. It is also the perfect time to do some planning for the future. With parents aging and their health and lifestyles changing, children need to discuss some changes and decisions that will be needed in the near future. Parents should take the time to tell their children where important documents are kept and what their wishes are in the event of needing health care directives or experiencing long term care needs. For those children who live away, the change they see in their parent's health and mental capacity may be alarming — whereas siblings that have daily contact are working with these issues constantly. Here is the chance to compare notes and work together as a complete family in the long term care planning process. For you parents who are well and active, this is a good time to hold a family meeting and share with your children your plan for long term care. Tell them where financial and legal documents are located. Review health care directives, living wills and long term care alternatives. Experience has shown that even families that are close can quickly grow angry, jealous and hostile towards each other when an aging parent begins to need long term care. If a sibling moves into the parent's home, others can easily be suspicious of ulterior motives and fear losing their inheritance. On the other hand, the child providing the elder care becomes bitter and feels there is no support or help from siblings. Pre-need meetings for the purpose of making a plan, before eldercare becomes imminent, avoids these types of conflicts. In its book, "The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning," the National Care Planning Council provides guidelines and checklists for family planning meetings. Here's an excerpt from the book: "The first step to holding a meeting, and perhaps the most difficult one, is to get all interested persons together in one place at one time. If it's a family gathering, perhaps a birthday, an anniversary or another special event could be used as a way to get all to meet. Or maybe even a special dinner might be an incentive. The person conducting the meeting can be a parent or one person of a couple who are doing their planning, years before the need for care arises. A meeting on behalf of someone already receiving care or needing care in the immediate future could be conducted by that person or by a member of the family, by an adviser or a friend. The agenda could be formal or informal. If you want a formal agenda, we suggest using our care planning checklist as the agenda.  Copies of the care plan should be prepared prior to the meeting and  presented to those attending. Discussion is encouraged and we recommend that the person in charge not dictate but encourage input from everyone. After a thorough discussion of the issues and the presentation of the solutions to the problems that will be encountered, there should be a consensus of all attending to support the plan. If the plan needs to be altered to meet everyone's expectations then by all means do so if that can be done. But it is not always possible to please everyone so there must sometimes be compromise. The end of the meeting should consist of asking everyone present to make his or her commitment to support the plan. GET IT IN WRITING! All good intentions seem to be forgotten with time. It may be years after this meeting before the long term care plan begins. If there are vocal commitments to help with transportation to doctors, give respite to the caregiver or other commitments, write them down on the care agreement. You can even have each person put a signature to his or her commitment if you think that is important." "The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning ," by The National Care Planning Council The U.S Department of Health and Human Services states: "No one wants to think about a time when they might need long-term care. So planning ahead for this possibility often gets put off. Most people first learn about long-term care when they or a loved one need care. Then their options are often limited by lack of information, the immediate need for services, and insufficient resources to pay for preferred services. Planning ahead allows you to have more control over your future". http://www.longtermcare.gov "Whether you plan a formal meeting with an agenda or informally gather for a discussion, when the family is together make it a point to start the long term care planning process. There is a lot to learn and many decisions to make concerning finances, health issues and legal work. It may take research and a lot of time to put a plan together, but if everyone is involved it will work, and be worth it." National Care Planning Council, www.longtermcarelink.net Visit www.agingavenues.com if you need help with an aging loved one in the Indianapolis, IN area. ...read more

Elder care shifting away from nursing homes Here is a great article I found in USA Today that is helpful for anyone considering an adult day care center, assisted living facility or hiring a geriatric care manager in the Indianapolis IN area.  If you have any questions, visit www.agingavenues.com. http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/eldercare/2007-06-24-elder-care-costs_N.htm ...read more

Here is a helpful article for anyone considering a Retirement Community for an aging loved one.  Remember to visit www.agingavenues.com for help finding elder care services in the Indianapolis IN area. Ten Strategies For Helping Your Aging Parent Choose a Retirement Community By Sheri Samotin So, the day you've been dreading has come. You, and perhaps your siblings, have decided that Mom or Dad simply can't live in their home a moment longer. For whatever reason, moving in with one of the kids isn't an option. It's time to find the right place for the next chapter. If you are like many adult children of aging parents, your parent doesn't agree with your decision, and thinks he can stay at home just fine. She doesn't want to hear about moving into a "facility." And you feel, well, guilty. Sound familiar?  Here are my top ten strategies for choosing (or helping to choose) a retirement living option for or with your aging parent. 1.       Scout ahead of time – In most communities, there are many options for independent or assisted living. If you've gone to look at colleges with your teenager (or remember doing it yourself) you'll know exactly what I mean. It can be overwhelming to figure out what you need and what you want. If it's hard for you, imagine how it will be for your Mom or Dad. Spare everyone, by doing the leg work alone. 2.       Understand the math – Money does matter. Your parent's resources (and maybe yours) will determine the range of available options. For example, if your parent has a house or condo to sell that is worth more than its mortgage, or if there is long-term care insurance available and your parent meets the criteria for it to kick in, then you may be in a very different situation from another family where the only resource is a monthly social security check. You'll do everyone a favor by crunching the numbers ahead of time to figure out how much can be spent each month, and what has to be included in that number. Most communities provide a handy worksheet that will help you understand all of the factors that go into this calculation. Don't confuse the issue by bringing your parent to see a place that is outside of your family's means. 3.       Narrow the choices to no more than three or four using the Five S method – Once you have a list of possibilities that are within your budget and in the geographic area you desire, it's time to narrow the choices to a few where you think Mom or Dad will be happiest. I suggest you use the Five S method, considering size, sights, sounds, smells, and services. What you are really doing is looking for a good match based on a sixth "S" – similarities. You are looking for a place where the residents are as similar to your parent as possible in terms of age, activity level, mental acuity, hobbies and interests, and socio-economic factors. After all, we all feel most comfortable in an environment where we feel comfortable and accepted. 4.       Size – Will your Mom or Dad be more comfortable in a larger community with many residents or a smaller, more intimate setting? Can your parent still get around reasonably well, or will a large campus become frustrating? Is your parent likely to take advantage of the facilities that might be available in a larger community, or due to his or her physical or mental state will these amenities likely go unused?  Will the size of the living unit work for your parent? For example, for many women, having a full kitchen is very important, even if they will receive two meals each day as part of their living package. They think they will still be cooking, because they always have and this is one important way they feel as though they are still in control. On the other hand, many men are sure they need a "den" or "office" within their living unit and won't hear of moving into a space that doesn't. It is very important for you to understand this psychology as you are looking at alternative living units. 5.       Sights – The classic line I hear when an aging parent comes to visit an independent or assisted living community is, "Everyone here is old!" In fact, sometimes that's true. Some communities cater to an older crowd with more physical limitations, so you'll see lots of walkers and wheelchairs.   Other communities attract younger, more physically active residents where jackets and ties at dinner are expected. You'll also find that there are distinct differences in the "look and feel" from one residence to the next. Some have a homey feel, while others look like upscale hotels or even cruise ships! And still others give a more clinical or medical impression. Ask yourself whether you can "see" your parent in a particular community. Take the time to notice the details, especially in the public spaces. 6.       Sounds – When you first enter the community, is there a hush, or do you hear a loud television set? Or perhaps, you hear ringing phones and beepers, much like you would in a hospital. Do you get the impression that the residents are socializing, gathering, and participating in activities? 7.       Smells – Try to visit about a half hour before mealtime, and notice the smell. Is it appealing? When you are in the living areas, does it look and smell clean? Does there seem to be a strong "air freshener" odor everywhere that might be used to mask less than optimal cleaning? Our sense of smell is a fabulous clue to what's really going on. 8.       Services – Some communities offer a continuum of care, so that residents can come into an independent living situation and then move to assisted living, skilled nursing, or a memory unit if and when that care is needed. This can be ideal if your parents are both moving in and one needs more care than the other, or if your parent suffers from a condition that you know will progress over time. You'll also want to look at the service offerings that are available to help your parent with activities of daily living, transportation, physical therapy, etc. Finally, take a close look at the social calendar since one of the huge benefits of community living for seniors is the amount of interaction with others which helps to keep them active and alert. 9.       Ask for and check references – Before you decide that a particular community is on the short list, be sure to ask for and check a few references. Ask for permission to talk with the family members of two or three current or recent residents. When you have these conversations, don't be shy about asking some tough questions, especially if there is anything on your mind about what you have observed. 10.   Visit with your parent – Finally, it's time to bring your parent around on a tour of the three or four best options. Only have them visit communities that fit their needs and budget and that you feel good about. If at all possible, it's best to let your parent make the final decision about which community and which living unit will be their new home. Once you have arrived at a decision, it is important that you move ahead with it quickly. As the saying goes, "time kills all deals", and this one is no exception. You, or your parent, will always be able to come up with a reason why now isn't the right time for this move. But the truth is, if you have reached the point where you have even started visiting communities, you probably know in your heart that this move really is in your parent's best interest. ©2009 LifeBridge Solutions, LLC Sheri Samotin is a Certified Professional Coach and the founder of LifeBridge Solutions, LLC. Sheri brings more than 25 years of business and management experience to helping baby boomers and their aging parents navigate life's transitions. LifeBridge Solutions offers family transition coaching, daily money management, household transition services, and estate administration support. Sheri is a member of the International Coach Federation, the American Association of Daily Money Managers, and the National Association of Senior Move Managers. Please visit our website to register for our e-newsletter or sign up for our Family Transition blog. http://www.LifeBridgeSolutions.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheri_Samotin ...read more