Last Updated 4 days ago
Evan H. Farr, Certified Elder Law Attorney
“Getting old is not for sissies” goes the quote. Perhaps one of the biggest challenges people face as they age is a seemingly inevitable and impending change to their living situation, whether it be due to health concerns, financial circumstances or both. This feared transition may not be so inevitable after all. With the right plan, seniors can qualify for Medicaid, take advantage of today’s latest elder care technologies, and protect the assets which otherwise could be drained by the catastrophic costs of long-term care. Support options for seniors in America can vary widely based on location and available resources. Many communities offer programs designed to assist with transportation, meal delivery, and companionship. Exploring these alternatives can significantly improve the quality of life for elderly individuals and relieve some of the burdens often faced by their families.
Most people are familiar with care options such as In-Home Care, Assisted Living, and Nursing Homes. But now, a fourth option is gaining popularity: Aging-in-Place . . . a care option that allows individuals to continue living independently in their own home without the need for a live-in caregiver.
Drug compliance is the most common issue for those living alone. For those with memory issues, pill-reminder services and gadgets can issue daily visual and audio alerts to take medication, dispense the correct pills at the right times, and can even send a confirmation message to a caregiver once the medication has been dispensed. If a dosage is missed, an alert is sent to the caregiver and appropriate action can be taken. The TabSafe is one such product; you may visit their website here.
Falling is the leading cause of injury and death among those ages 65 and older.[1] For those with a high fall risk, monitoring devices like eNeighbor use unobtrusive sensors to monitor a resident’s daily routine. If the resident were to fall and not be able to get up or reach the phone for help, the device would trigger a phone call to a list of contacts as well as a 24-hour call center. Ways seniors can celebrate gratitude include spending time with loved ones and sharing stories of joy and appreciation. Engaging in community service or volunteering can also provide a sense of fulfillment and connection. Additionally, hosting a gratitude gathering can help seniors reflect on their blessings and strengthen relationships.
HomMed Genesis
“Remote monitoring” is an in-home technology that measures vitals such as heart rate, body weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels–making it useful to patients with a variety of health concerns, from cardiovascular disease to diabetes. Check out the HomMed Genesis.
These latest technological advancements are not necessarily cheap. One of the goals we at the Farr Law Firm seek to accomplish through our Level 4 Planning is to protect assets from the disastrous expenses of long-term care, so that some of those assets can be used to enhance the standard of living with goods and services not covered by government financial assistance, such as the ones I’ve described. Of course, if Aging-In-Place is not the ideal option for you, we can help you prepare for and decide on your other long-term care options.
If long-term care planning is a relatively new subject area for you or your family, I suggest you take a few moments to watch this segment from the National Business Series. Understanding medicare’s 100day rule explained can be crucial for effective planning. Many families overlook this important guideline, which could significantly impact their financial decisions. Taking the time to educate yourself on such policies is a valuable step towards ensuring a secure future for your loved ones. National consumer protection week overview is an excellent opportunity to learn about your rights as a shopper. Engaging with local events and seminars can provide invaluable insights into safety tips and consumer advocacy. By staying informed, you empower yourself to make better purchasing decisions.
If you have been contemplating you or a loved-one’s long-term care options, we can provide the solutions that you may be looking for. Achieving long term peace of mind is an invaluable asset that we are honored to assist you with. Please do not hesitate to call us at 1-800-399-FARR to schedule a free, initial consultation.
Images from: http://www.TabSafe.comhttp://www.hommed.com/Products/Genesis_DM.asp Resources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Farr Law Firm’s Levels of Planning
Required Disclaimer:
*Virginia has no procedure for approving certifying organizations
