A free publication brought to you by Caring Senior Service
FOCUS ON: Elder Law
Volume 2 Edition 2
Get Your Affairs in Order and Start Living
T
oo many of us believe that estate planning is something we only need to think about when we are older or more established in our careers and have a little money, have children or are faced with a serious illness. In reality, “estate planning” has as much, if not more, to do with living as it does with dying. Estate planning could more accurately be termed “life planning.” For instance, who will make medical decisions for you when you cannot make them for yourself? Who will handle your financial affairs, sell your property, pay your bills, or sign contracts on your behalf if you cannot handle these matters by yourself due to illness, dementia or unavailability? Well drafted powers of attorney can make sure that the people you want to serve for you may do so with a broad range of authority. Failure to have enforceable powers of attorney in place may mean that your loved ones will need to go through the expense and hassle of establishing court appointed guardianships or conservatorships. Estate planning documents benefit you while you are living. At a minimum, there are four documents that each of us ought to have as the foundation of our “estate” or “life” plan: 1. Last Will and Testament 2. Durable Financial Power of Attorney 3. Health Care Power of Attorney 4. Living Will A Last Will and Testament is important to have even if you don’t have a large estate because the will indicates the individual you want to handle your affairs when you are deceased. It provides clarity to your heirs. If you have minor children, the will may also be used to indicate the persons you want to serve as the guardians and conservators of your children. If you want to treat your heirs/children differently, a will enables you to dictate the division of your estate when you are gone. Passing away without a will in place may have unintended results particularly if spouses have children from different marriages.
A Durable Financial Power of Attorney allows you to appoint individuals to make financial decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make these decisions for yourself and is valid only while you are alive. You may be out of the country or suffering an illness. If bills need to be paid, contracts signed or property sold, an agent under a power of attorney can do this for you. Durable powers of attorney are of particular importance if you were afflicted with dementia and needed financial planning undertaken on your behalf. Without an enforceable power of attorney in place, spouses, other family members or friends may be forced to go to court to seek appointment as guardian and/or conservator of your estate. A Health Care Power of Attorney allows you to appoint individuals to make medical and mental health decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make them for yourself. You also may give direction to your agent with respect to organ donation, autopsy and mental health decisions. These directions will give clarity to your agent in times that will likely be stressful for them. A Living Will gives instructions to your friends, family and health care professionals about the level of care you do or do not want in the event you have a terminal health condition, are comatose or are in a permanent vegetative state. Again, these instructions offer clarity and are generally appreciated by family members.
Providing GreatCare
TM
Homecare solutions to live healthy, happy and at home.
One’s estate may be sufficiently large or complex enough to merit looking at estate planning using forms of trusts or other estate planning tools, but at a minimum, everyone should have a will, powers of attorney and living will. Estate planning has as much to do with living as it does with dying. The Elder law department at JacksonWhite provides a variety of elder legal services for the aging adult. For additional elder law information on these or other subjects visit www.jacksonwhitelaw.com
Athens, AL (256) 206-7002
Canton, OH (330) 754-0133
Dayton, OH (937) 886-4284
Corpus Christi, TX (361) 883-9494
McAllen, TX (956) 687-9494
Decatur, AL (256) 274-4201
Galesburg, IL (309) 228-4222
Chattanooga, TN (423) 826-0266
El Paso, TX (915) 843-1119
Midland, TX (432) 897-1432
Huntsville, AL (256) 278-4046
Park Ridge, NJ (201) 930-8888
Nashville, TN (615) 724-1488
Georgetown, TX (512) 686-0939
New Braunfels, TX (830) 629-0509
Phoenix, AZ (602) 944-0100
Raleigh, NC (919) 386-0522
Amarillo, TX (806) 223-0132
Houston, TX (281) 893-6699
Odessa, TX (432) 580-6523
Scottsdale, AZ (480) 342-9985
Mansfield, MA (508) 946-3306
Austin, TX (512) 310-2273
Kerrville, TX (830) 895-3111
San Antonio, TX (210) 227-9494
Victoria, TX (361) 575-1117
Toni
Schaar
One Woman’s Life Altering Journey
Owner of Caring Senior Service of Victoria, TX
Understanding Long-Term Care Insurance While long-term care at home can be costly, there are many options available to people. One great option is long-term care insurance (LTC). This insurance allows the consumer to choose their provider and has benefits based on the specifics of the policy. Often the benefit ranges from $100$200 per day. These policies, when taken out early in life, can be very affordable and cover most non-medical services or services not traditionally covered by insurance or Medicare. The longer a person waits to purchase LTC, then the monthly or yearly cost increases depending on the age and health of the individual. The benefit of LTC insurance is that the individual has more buying power and can receive the services necessary to remain at home. Services covered by most policies include bathing assistance, meal preparation, transferring, and light housekeeping. Prior to using the policy the individual may require an assessment by a professional (not necessarily a nurse or physician) and must show the inability to perform activities of daily living such as dressing, eating, toileting or transferring. These can be temporary following a surgery or other event, but they can also be long-term due to a chronic condition. Many companies accept LTC insurance as a form of payment but most require that the policy holder pay the original invoice and assist you with reimbursement with the carrier. Each situation is different and you should consult with a professional care provider. To learn more about long-term insurance, the costs of home care or options available visit our website at CaringSeniorService.com
“Every moment and every event of every man’s life on earth plants something in his soul.” Thomas Merton
2
Caring Options|Volume 2 Edition 2
caringhealth Fruits serve as great desserts.
Supplement the main dish with legumes and vegetables.
Focus on lean proteins such as chicken and fish
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Lifestyle Makeover Diaries “This has made it easier to be able to keep my family together.” Kristin Davis has not let the effects of Huntington’s Disease stop her from enjoying life. With the help of Caring Senor Service, Kristin has been able to maintain her independence by being able to prepare meals for her family, and take a safe shower with little or no supervision. Kristin loves the fact that she can participate in extended outside daily activites with family more than ever before. Kristin’s husband
shares, “This has made it easier to be able to keep my family together.” Although her disease makes even simple daily tasks challenging, Kristin has gained confidence through her care with Caring that she can continue with the lifestyle she is accustomed to with only slight modifications.
Volume 2 Edition 2|Caring Options 11
caringhealth
Healthy Living includes Proper Nutrition We’ve been told to eat well-balanced meals all our lives. As we age, our appetites may decrease, but our nutritional requirements don’t. Avoid filling up on low-
ask for help
nutrient meals. Focus on lean
Jeff Salter, CEO of Caring Senior Service
proteins such as chicken and fish.
One of the challenges of caregiving is asking for help. Often we help our parents or loved
Supplement the main dish with
ones out of duty or responsibility and always without question. While this selfless act is ad-
legumes and vegetables. Fruits
mirable, it can also be unnecessary. What is important is that your loved one receives the
serve as great desserts and the oc-
assistance they need to remain at home safely and comfortably, that doesn’t mean it has to
casional ice cream shouldn’t hurt most people. Finally, remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Many people benefit from pre-pouring
be you. Numerous studies show the impact of caregiving on the caregiver. These include increased stress, financial burdens, poor nutrition, isolation, poor physical health and depression. The effects can also carryover to the caregivers’ immediate family such as children or spouses. To make matters worse, no one wants to express that these issues exist out of fear that doing
drinks or setting aside water bot-
so will make the elderly person seem like a burden. Surprisingly, few ask the care recipient
tles early each day so tracking how
for their input, we just fall into our perceived roles and start doing.
much fluid has been consumed throughout the day is easier. As
There are countless resources available to families and it’s important to know you are not
always, seek the guidance of your
alone in this. Many families are dealing with this same issue and it’s ok to ask for help. In
physician for nutritional guidelines specific to certain medical conditions such as diabetes.
fact, asking for help is the best thing you can do. I hope you enjoy this edition of Caring Options and the information provided to assist you with your caregiving. Visit our website for links to support groups and other helpful tips on caregiving.
10
Caring Options|Volume 2 Edition 2
Volume 2 Edition 2|Caring Options
3
caringgardens
“
Change happens at all stages of life, and when an elderly person gets to the
point where remaining at home safely is in question, the options can become complex and challenging. It’s important to see the early warning signs - medication mistakes, changes in nutritional intake, or lost interest in housekeeping or personal hygiene. The good news is with a little information and assistance families can stay in control.
Don’t you
”
Salter, CEO of Caring Senior Service A- JeffGreat Escape Towards Health and Happiness
DESERVE
GreatCare ? TM
One of our goals is to help making the homecare decision more informative. Often families are so concerned with just getting help that they overlook the important questions to ask.
Gardening has many health and therapeutic benefits
Our GreatCare method has been developed over the past 19 years and addresses three important areas of concern for seniors and their families: Quality Caregivers, Care Solutions and Active Involvement. Since we started in homecare in 1991, these three areas have been cornerstones of our company. We have one of the most thorough caregiver screening and placement practices in the industry because we know quality service can only be delivered by quality staff. This also provides families and loved ones with peace-of-mind.
Caregivers benefit greatly from gardening as well. They spend most of their days focusing on the care of others so gardening provides a stress free escape. Because gardening is such a therapeutic activity, you and your caregiver can share the enjoyment together. Gardening can place you and your caregiver on a path together towards health and happiness. It is a special feeling to enjoy what you have created together and you will form a closer bond finding rejuvenation in garden-
You can find out more about our GreatCareTM method at CaringSeniorService.com. 4
Caring Options|Volume 2 Edition 2
ing. So start your fun and therapeutic gardening project today.
For more information on gardening, check out Caring Gardens online at CaringSeniorService.com. Every month we will feature a different potted plant with care instructions, indoor and patio gardening tips from Shades of Green Nursery, as well as suggested books on easy-to-maintain gardening you can share with your loved ones.
Volume 2 Edition 2|Caring Options
9
caringgardens
Our GreatCare™ method addresses the three most important areas of concern; quality caregivers, care solutions and active involvement.
we provide
GreatCare
A Great Escape Towards Health and Happiness
TM
QUALITY CAREGIVERS Skilled And Experienced Qualified And Verified References
Gardening provides many different benefits to each
Refined Interview Process
person that tends to one. The greatest benefit of all is gardening’s unique ability to bring health and happiness to all that enjoy it. Gardening has continually been praised as a therapeutic activity that provides a genuine escape. And escaping doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. It’s an activity that allows you to shift your focus from all of life’s little worries; like health, finances, or memories you may struggle to keep as you age. In many ways, tending to plants and gardens is very empowering. Growing flowers and plants provides something that only you, the gardener, have control over. This feeling is rare when sometimes you may feel each day reveals the unknown. As gardeners, supervision of plants with regard to sunshine and water, helps create focus towards a successful garden. This creative outlet allows you to use your imagination to shape your garden or the growth of your plants. Plus, plant and garden maintenance can produce a major feeling of accomplishment when they begin to bloom and prosper.
Nationwide Monthly Background Check We provide numerous care solutions by combining flexible schedules with the latest in safety care technologies and we are actively involved in our clients care. The combination of our care solutions and active involvement allow us to make professionally guided recommendations and ensures the appropriate level of care is received at all times.
Ongoing Training
CARE SOLUTIONS Client Care Consultation Individualized Service Plan Home Safety Survey Caregiver Personality And Skills Matching
There are numerous good companies providing care to seniors and I encourage anyone looking for care to investigate each option thoroughly. I know we put a lot of effort into our GreatCareTM as it helps us hire the right people and provide the right service. Learn more about your homecare options so you can prepare for life’s changes. Don’t you deserve GreatCareTM ?
Personal Caregiver Introduction
ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT 24/7 Availability Supervisory Visits Attend Physician Visits Regular Care Coordination Vendor Recommendations
To Learn more about our GreatCareTM method visit CaringSeniorService.com 8
Caring Options|Volume 2 Edition 2
Volume 2 Edition 2|Caring Options
5
“She came to me with experience caring for a terminally-ill husband and a load of experience working with the elderly. She had such a good reputation.” Shortly after opening, the office admitted their second client. An elderly woman that lived alone, save her 300 cats.
“The more I worked with Caring, the more I thought, Why do we not have this in Victoria?”
From Customer To Owner One Woman’s Experience With Elder Care Led Her To Help Others In 2001, Toni Schaar began a life-altering journey. Her story is not unique. Her mother, Mary Pawlik, suffered a stroke and spent time in a nursing home. Toni and her siblings wrestled with the same issues many Americans do when dealing with their elderly parents – “What does mom want? What is best for her? How can we help most when we do not live with her?” After experiencing a difficult stay and not recovering well in a nursing home, Mary came home to the family’s sprawling farm just across the Rio Grande River from Mexico near McAllen, Texas. Louis Pawlik still farmed large amounts of milo, corn and vegetables. He needed help taking care of his wife. “We were familiar with senior care,” Schaar said. “We found Caring Senior Service and we immediately loved the office staff. I went to the office to meet them, which is rare. The caregivers they brought to meet my mom were outstanding.” 6
Caring Options|Volume 2 Edition 2
It’s been nearly 10 years, and Mary Pawlik is still a Caring Senior Service client. The story is typical, except for one major component: Toni decided to bring the same care her mother received to the elderly where she lived – in Victoria, Texas. Toni never saw herself as a business owner. She was a pharmisist and had been for years. Her husband had always been a business owner but she never had a desire to enter that world. But the more she worked with Caring, the more she thought, “Why do we not have this in Victoria?” Wanting to give the seniors of Victoria the same level of service her mother received in The Valley, Toni took the plunge into business ownership. She came to training in San Antonio and launched her business at the end of 2003. With her from the start has been Laurie Koehl, her administrator.
Over time the cats had become too much for her to manage with no assistance. “When we started, there was a lot of cleaning up to do since she had no family nearby and had trouble cleaning out the litter boxes.” says Laurie Koehl. “Toni and her husband, Travis, personally spent hours getting the house livable.” Toni thought nothing of stepping in and helping out, she says it’s what she would have done it for any client. Clients don’t always have a direct health need, some just need help with meals, cleaning, companionship or care for pets. Though the cats were banned from the house, so the client could maintain a healthy environment, care for the client included helping feed and take care of her pets - regardless of the how many there were. As a testament to the great care and service Toni, Laurie and the Caring staff gave this very first client, she remained a client until her death in 2010 from a stroke.
Since 2001, Toni Schaar’s mother, Mary Pawlik has enjoyed care from Caring Senior Service of McAllen, TX. Toni Schaar now owns her own Caring Senior Service franchise in Victoria, TX.
Staying connected with the community allows for Toni to hear from healthcare professionals how Caring Senior Service of Victoria is impacting lives for the seniors of the area. The healthcare community has expressed genuine appreciation for the active involvement that Caring has accomplished. Toni’s father, Louis, passed away recently, but her brother now runs the farm. Her mother can still look across the river into Mexico as she has done for years, because of the dedication of a team of people who came together to make her life better. “People want to be home,” Toni says. “It’s not always possible, but there are a lot of resources out there for people to explore. I have a personal interest and story in how staying home has helped my mother tremendously.” “I wanted to give that opportunity to others.” Volume 2 Edition 2|Caring Options
7
“She came to me with experience caring for a terminally-ill husband and a load of experience working with the elderly. She had such a good reputation.” Shortly after opening, the office admitted their second client. An elderly woman that lived alone, save her 300 cats.
“The more I worked with Caring, the more I thought, Why do we not have this in Victoria?”
From Customer To Owner One Woman’s Experience With Elder Care Led Her To Help Others In 2001, Toni Schaar began a life-altering journey. Her story is not unique. Her mother, Mary Pawlik, suffered a stroke and spent time in a nursing home. Toni and her siblings wrestled with the same issues many Americans do when dealing with their elderly parents – “What does mom want? What is best for her? How can we help most when we do not live with her?” After experiencing a difficult stay and not recovering well in a nursing home, Mary came home to the family’s sprawling farm just across the Rio Grande River from Mexico near McAllen, Texas. Louis Pawlik still farmed large amounts of milo, corn and vegetables. He needed help taking care of his wife. “We were familiar with senior care,” Schaar said. “We found Caring Senior Service and we immediately loved the office staff. I went to the office to meet them, which is rare. The caregivers they brought to meet my mom were outstanding.” 6
Caring Options|Volume 2 Edition 2
It’s been nearly 10 years, and Mary Pawlik is still a Caring Senior Service client. The story is typical, except for one major component: Toni decided to bring the same care her mother received to the elderly where she lived – in Victoria, Texas. Toni never saw herself as a business owner. She was a pharmisist and had been for years. Her husband had always been a business owner but she never had a desire to enter that world. But the more she worked with Caring, the more she thought, “Why do we not have this in Victoria?” Wanting to give the seniors of Victoria the same level of service her mother received in The Valley, Toni took the plunge into business ownership. She came to training in San Antonio and launched her business at the end of 2003. With her from the start has been Laurie Koehl, her administrator.
Over time the cats had become too much for her to manage with no assistance. “When we started, there was a lot of cleaning up to do since she had no family nearby and had trouble cleaning out the litter boxes.” says Laurie Koehl. “Toni and her husband, Travis, personally spent hours getting the house livable.” Toni thought nothing of stepping in and helping out, she says it’s what she would have done it for any client. Clients don’t always have a direct health need, some just need help with meals, cleaning, companionship or care for pets. Though the cats were banned from the house, so the client could maintain a healthy environment, care for the client included helping feed and take care of her pets - regardless of the how many there were. As a testament to the great care and service Toni, Laurie and the Caring staff gave this very first client, she remained a client until her death in 2010 from a stroke.
Since 2001, Toni Schaar’s mother, Mary Pawlik has enjoyed care from Caring Senior Service of McAllen, TX. Toni Schaar now owns her own Caring Senior Service franchise in Victoria, TX.
Staying connected with the community allows for Toni to hear from healthcare professionals how Caring Senior Service of Victoria is impacting lives for the seniors of the area. The healthcare community has expressed genuine appreciation for the active involvement that Caring has accomplished. Toni’s father, Louis, passed away recently, but her brother now runs the farm. Her mother can still look across the river into Mexico as she has done for years, because of the dedication of a team of people who came together to make her life better. “People want to be home,” Toni says. “It’s not always possible, but there are a lot of resources out there for people to explore. I have a personal interest and story in how staying home has helped my mother tremendously.” “I wanted to give that opportunity to others.” Volume 2 Edition 2|Caring Options
7
caringgardens
Our GreatCare™ method addresses the three most important areas of concern; quality caregivers, care solutions and active involvement.
we provide
GreatCare
A Great Escape Towards Health and Happiness
TM
QUALITY CAREGIVERS Skilled And Experienced Qualified And Verified References
Gardening provides many different benefits to each
Refined Interview Process
person that tends to one. The greatest benefit of all is gardening’s unique ability to bring health and happiness to all that enjoy it. Gardening has continually been praised as a therapeutic activity that provides a genuine escape. And escaping doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. It’s an activity that allows you to shift your focus from all of life’s little worries; like health, finances, or memories you may struggle to keep as you age. In many ways, tending to plants and gardens is very empowering. Growing flowers and plants provides something that only you, the gardener, have control over. This feeling is rare when sometimes you may feel each day reveals the unknown. As gardeners, supervision of plants with regard to sunshine and water, helps create focus towards a successful garden. This creative outlet allows you to use your imagination to shape your garden or the growth of your plants. Plus, plant and garden maintenance can produce a major feeling of accomplishment when they begin to bloom and prosper.
Nationwide Monthly Background Check We provide numerous care solutions by combining flexible schedules with the latest in safety care technologies and we are actively involved in our clients care. The combination of our care solutions and active involvement allow us to make professionally guided recommendations and ensures the appropriate level of care is received at all times.
Ongoing Training
CARE SOLUTIONS Client Care Consultation Individualized Service Plan Home Safety Survey Caregiver Personality And Skills Matching
There are numerous good companies providing care to seniors and I encourage anyone looking for care to investigate each option thoroughly. I know we put a lot of effort into our GreatCareTM as it helps us hire the right people and provide the right service. Learn more about your homecare options so you can prepare for life’s changes. Don’t you deserve GreatCareTM ?
Personal Caregiver Introduction
ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT 24/7 Availability Supervisory Visits Attend Physician Visits Regular Care Coordination Vendor Recommendations
To Learn more about our GreatCareTM method visit CaringSeniorService.com 8
Caring Options|Volume 2 Edition 2
Volume 2 Edition 2|Caring Options
5
caringgardens
“
Change happens at all stages of life, and when an elderly person gets to the
point where remaining at home safely is in question, the options can become complex and challenging. It’s important to see the early warning signs - medication mistakes, changes in nutritional intake, or lost interest in housekeeping or personal hygiene. The good news is with a little information and assistance families can stay in control.
Don’t you
”
Salter, CEO of Caring Senior Service A- JeffGreat Escape Towards Health and Happiness
DESERVE
GreatCare ? TM
One of our goals is to help making the homecare decision more informative. Often families are so concerned with just getting help that they overlook the important questions to ask.
Gardening has many health and therapeutic benefits
Our GreatCare method has been developed over the past 19 years and addresses three important areas of concern for seniors and their families: Quality Caregivers, Care Solutions and Active Involvement. Since we started in homecare in 1991, these three areas have been cornerstones of our company. We have one of the most thorough caregiver screening and placement practices in the industry because we know quality service can only be delivered by quality staff. This also provides families and loved ones with peace-of-mind.
Caregivers benefit greatly from gardening as well. They spend most of their days focusing on the care of others so gardening provides a stress free escape. Because gardening is such a therapeutic activity, you and your caregiver can share the enjoyment together. Gardening can place you and your caregiver on a path together towards health and happiness. It is a special feeling to enjoy what you have created together and you will form a closer bond finding rejuvenation in garden-
You can find out more about our GreatCareTM method at CaringSeniorService.com. 4
Caring Options|Volume 2 Edition 2
ing. So start your fun and therapeutic gardening project today.
For more information on gardening, check out Caring Gardens online at CaringSeniorService.com. Every month we will feature a different potted plant with care instructions, indoor and patio gardening tips from Shades of Green Nursery, as well as suggested books on easy-to-maintain gardening you can share with your loved ones.
Volume 2 Edition 2|Caring Options
9
caringhealth
Healthy Living includes Proper Nutrition We’ve been told to eat well-balanced meals all our lives. As we age, our appetites may decrease, but our nutritional requirements don’t. Avoid filling up on low-
ask for help
nutrient meals. Focus on lean
Jeff Salter, CEO of Caring Senior Service
proteins such as chicken and fish.
One of the challenges of caregiving is asking for help. Often we help our parents or loved
Supplement the main dish with
ones out of duty or responsibility and always without question. While this selfless act is ad-
legumes and vegetables. Fruits
mirable, it can also be unnecessary. What is important is that your loved one receives the
serve as great desserts and the oc-
assistance they need to remain at home safely and comfortably, that doesn’t mean it has to
casional ice cream shouldn’t hurt most people. Finally, remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Many people benefit from pre-pouring
be you. Numerous studies show the impact of caregiving on the caregiver. These include increased stress, financial burdens, poor nutrition, isolation, poor physical health and depression. The effects can also carryover to the caregivers’ immediate family such as children or spouses. To make matters worse, no one wants to express that these issues exist out of fear that doing
drinks or setting aside water bot-
so will make the elderly person seem like a burden. Surprisingly, few ask the care recipient
tles early each day so tracking how
for their input, we just fall into our perceived roles and start doing.
much fluid has been consumed throughout the day is easier. As
There are countless resources available to families and it’s important to know you are not
always, seek the guidance of your
alone in this. Many families are dealing with this same issue and it’s ok to ask for help. In
physician for nutritional guidelines specific to certain medical conditions such as diabetes.
fact, asking for help is the best thing you can do. I hope you enjoy this edition of Caring Options and the information provided to assist you with your caregiving. Visit our website for links to support groups and other helpful tips on caregiving.
10
Caring Options|Volume 2 Edition 2
Volume 2 Edition 2|Caring Options
3
Understanding Long-Term Care Insurance While long-term care at home can be costly, there are many options available to people. One great option is long-term care insurance (LTC). This insurance allows the consumer to choose their provider and has benefits based on the specifics of the policy. Often the benefit ranges from $100$200 per day. These policies, when taken out early in life, can be very affordable and cover most non-medical services or services not traditionally covered by insurance or Medicare. The longer a person waits to purchase LTC, then the monthly or yearly cost increases depending on the age and health of the individual. The benefit of LTC insurance is that the individual has more buying power and can receive the services necessary to remain at home. Services covered by most policies include bathing assistance, meal preparation, transferring, and light housekeeping. Prior to using the policy the individual may require an assessment by a professional (not necessarily a nurse or physician) and must show the inability to perform activities of daily living such as dressing, eating, toileting or transferring. These can be temporary following a surgery or other event, but they can also be long-term due to a chronic condition. Many companies accept LTC insurance as a form of payment but most require that the policy holder pay the original invoice and assist you with reimbursement with the carrier. Each situation is different and you should consult with a professional care provider. To learn more about long-term insurance, the costs of home care or options available visit our website at CaringSeniorService.com
“Every moment and every event of every man’s life on earth plants something in his soul.” Thomas Merton
2
Caring Options|Volume 2 Edition 2
caringhealth Fruits serve as great desserts.
Supplement the main dish with legumes and vegetables.
Focus on lean proteins such as chicken and fish
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Lifestyle Makeover Diaries “This has made it easier to be able to keep my family together.” Kristin Davis has not let the effects of Huntington’s Disease stop her from enjoying life. With the help of Caring Senor Service, Kristin has been able to maintain her independence by being able to prepare meals for her family, and take a safe shower with little or no supervision. Kristin loves the fact that she can participate in extended outside daily activites with family more than ever before. Kristin’s husband
shares, “This has made it easier to be able to keep my family together.” Although her disease makes even simple daily tasks challenging, Kristin has gained confidence through her care with Caring that she can continue with the lifestyle she is accustomed to with only slight modifications.
Volume 2 Edition 2|Caring Options 11
A free publication brought to you by Caring Senior Service
FOCUS ON: Elder Law
Volume 2 Edition 2
Get Your Affairs in Order and Start Living
T
oo many of us believe that estate planning is something we only need to think about when we are older or more established in our careers and have a little money, have children or are faced with a serious illness. In reality, “estate planning” has as much, if not more, to do with living as it does with dying. Estate planning could more accurately be termed “life planning.” For instance, who will make medical decisions for you when you cannot make them for yourself? Who will handle your financial affairs, sell your property, pay your bills, or sign contracts on your behalf if you cannot handle these matters by yourself due to illness, dementia or unavailability? Well drafted powers of attorney can make sure that the people you want to serve for you may do so with a broad range of authority. Failure to have enforceable powers of attorney in place may mean that your loved ones will need to go through the expense and hassle of establishing court appointed guardianships or conservatorships. Estate planning documents benefit you while you are living. At a minimum, there are four documents that each of us ought to have as the foundation of our “estate” or “life” plan: 1. Last Will and Testament 2. Durable Financial Power of Attorney 3. Health Care Power of Attorney 4. Living Will A Last Will and Testament is important to have even if you don’t have a large estate because the will indicates the individual you want to handle your affairs when you are deceased. It provides clarity to your heirs. If you have minor children, the will may also be used to indicate the persons you want to serve as the guardians and conservators of your children. If you want to treat your heirs/children differently, a will enables you to dictate the division of your estate when you are gone. Passing away without a will in place may have unintended results particularly if spouses have children from different marriages.
A Durable Financial Power of Attorney allows you to appoint individuals to make financial decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make these decisions for yourself and is valid only while you are alive. You may be out of the country or suffering an illness. If bills need to be paid, contracts signed or property sold, an agent under a power of attorney can do this for you. Durable powers of attorney are of particular importance if you were afflicted with dementia and needed financial planning undertaken on your behalf. Without an enforceable power of attorney in place, spouses, other family members or friends may be forced to go to court to seek appointment as guardian and/or conservator of your estate. A Health Care Power of Attorney allows you to appoint individuals to make medical and mental health decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make them for yourself. You also may give direction to your agent with respect to organ donation, autopsy and mental health decisions. These directions will give clarity to your agent in times that will likely be stressful for them. A Living Will gives instructions to your friends, family and health care professionals about the level of care you do or do not want in the event you have a terminal health condition, are comatose or are in a permanent vegetative state. Again, these instructions offer clarity and are generally appreciated by family members.
Providing GreatCare
TM
Homecare solutions to live healthy, happy and at home.
One’s estate may be sufficiently large or complex enough to merit looking at estate planning using forms of trusts or other estate planning tools, but at a minimum, everyone should have a will, powers of attorney and living will. Estate planning has as much to do with living as it does with dying. The Elder law department at JacksonWhite provides a variety of elder legal services for the aging adult. For additional elder law information on these or other subjects visit www.jacksonwhitelaw.com
Athens, AL (256) 206-7002
Canton, OH (330) 754-0133
Dayton, OH (937) 886-4284
Corpus Christi, TX (361) 883-9494
McAllen, TX (956) 687-9494
Decatur, AL (256) 274-4201
Galesburg, IL (309) 228-4222
Chattanooga, TN (423) 826-0266
El Paso, TX (915) 843-1119
Midland, TX (432) 897-1432
Huntsville, AL (256) 278-4046
Park Ridge, NJ (201) 930-8888
Nashville, TN (615) 724-1488
Georgetown, TX (512) 686-0939
New Braunfels, TX (830) 629-0509
Phoenix, AZ (602) 944-0100
Raleigh, NC (919) 386-0522
Amarillo, TX (806) 223-0132
Houston, TX (281) 893-6699
Odessa, TX (432) 580-6523
Scottsdale, AZ (480) 342-9985
Mansfield, MA (508) 946-3306
Austin, TX (512) 310-2273
Kerrville, TX (830) 895-3111
San Antonio, TX (210) 227-9494
Victoria, TX (361) 575-1117
Toni
Schaar
One Woman’s Life Altering Journey
Owner of Caring Senior Service of Victoria, TX