July 19, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
Solo agers. It’s the new term being passed around to describe the baby boomer without children. This strong and self-reliant genre faces some unique issues in aging, particularly who to designate as guardian and decision-maker if they become unable to do so themselves. In her book, Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers, author Sara Zeff Geber, Ph.D. outlines several options to consider:
- Sift through your support system. Usually, a solo ager’s spouse would be the natural option for guardianship and also to make critical decisions related to medical care; however, it’s worthwhile to have at least one and preferably two younger alternative options. Give some thought to siblings and their children, good friends, and neighbors, taking into account whether or not each person holds matching values and is also someone you are able to fully trust to help make decisions according to your wishes.
- Hire a qualified professional guardian. Professional guardians, also called private guardians or professional fiduciaries, are becoming increasingly popular for solo agers. If interested in this option, it’s crucial that you interview several candidates to make certain they’ve got the required experience and knowledge, and don’t forget to request references. Check with your attorney for recommendations, or the National Guardianship Association or Professional Fiduciary Association in your state.
- Accept a court-appointed guardian. If a solo ager hasn’t already selected a guardian and is suddenly not able to make care-related and/or financial decisions, a probate court will designate a guardian to handle his or her affairs.
If you are checking out potential guardians, collect answers to questions such as:
- How long have you been in practice?
- Have you been certified by the National Guardian Association?
- Are you bonded and insured?
- What is the succession plan if you predecease me?
- Are background checks performed on all of your employees?
- What is your understanding of the specific health conditions I’m facing?
- What are your fees, and just how often will I be billed?
Once your guardian option is determined, ensure that your attorney updates your existing (or creates a fresh) durable power of attorney or advance medical care directive, will, and durable power of attorney for finances.
For more assistance in planning for long-term care needs, including home care in Syracuse NY, get in touch with the elder care professionals from At Home Independent Living. We are able to partner with seniors to produce a plan of care to ensure that needs are fully met now and can continue to be met effectively as needs change in the future, always in accordance with each individual’s wishes. Contact us at (315) 579-HOME (4663) to find out more.
June 11, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
Perhaps you’ve been by a senior loved one’s side at the hospital or doctor’s office and witnessed the medical personnel attaching a brightly colored “FALL RISK” band to his or her wrist. Alerting those providing care to this risk allows extra safety precautions to be taken during medical procedures. But did you know that routine, daily life can pose a fall risk threat to those diagnosed with the following conditions? (more…)
May 16, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
Telephone cons targeted at older adults aren’t anything new, with an astounding $36 billion lost every year to financial abuse. And the most recent senior fraud scheme circulating is hard for most older adults to detect until it is too late. Center for Elder Law and Justice attorney Nicole K. Parshall explains, “There is always a new variation of a phone scam. Scammers are very good at developing new tactics in order to engage with specific types of individuals.” (more…)
May 11, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
Very early on in life, we learn the story of George Washington’s misadventure with the cherry tree and his bold admittance to his parents, “I cannot tell a lie; I chopped down the cherry tree!” Honesty is integrated within our character, and in many cases telling a tiny white lie can wrack us with guilt. But could it actually be beneficial to fib when we want to communicate and provide dementia support to a loved one with Alzheimer’s? (more…)
May 7, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
The most commendable and admirable choice adult children can make is to open up their home to their aging parents. Our parents raised and took care of us when we needed assistance, so it seems like a no-brainer to reciprocate when it becomes unsafe for Mom or Dad to live alone. But there are a number of considerations to think about before becoming a family caregiver in your own home. At Home Independent Living outlines some of the key questions to think about: (more…)
March 21, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
For older adults, maintaining independence is a vital aspect of living life on their terms. While the physical limitations of age can make the ability to maintain independence seem challenging, in today’s digital era, it’s actually easier than ever. Technology has changed the ways in which we communicate and take care of the daily tasks of living. Additionally, technology helps seniors by allowing for innovation in home care for those who ordinarily might not have been able to manage life on their own. With the multitude of technology, apps and interactive devices available today, maintaining independence is easier than ever, allowing for more enhanced levels of connection, comfort and engagement than ever before. (more…)
March 8, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
Dorothy had it right when she said, “There’s no place like home,” and 90 percent of seniors agree, according to AARP. The vast majority of older adults prefer to age in place in their own homes as opposed to moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility. But as increased care is needed, how can senior independence be maintained at home? (more…)
January 6, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
It is among the more tricky decisions we must confront in later years, and a remarkably delicate subject for adult children to initiate with their elder parents: surrendering the car keys. Driving a vehicle, while supplying an inherent sense of freedom and independence, can become significantly unsafe due to a number of conditions linked to growing older. And giving up that independence for safety’s sake can feel defeating. (more…)
December 14, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille
Living across the country from family makes it complicated to pay a visit to our older loved ones as often as we would like, but when the holiday season is here, families make an extra effort for time together – making it the perfect time to review a senior’s safety and wellbeing. There are many warning signs about senior safety that aren’t observed in weekly telephone conversations, emails, or even through Skype, but which often become very clear when the family gathers together for the holidays. (more…)
