News
A Guide to Becoming a Compassionate Caregiver for Elderly Loved Ones
As the global population ages, the demand for caregivers for the elderly is increasing. With advancements in healthcare and longer life expectancy, a significant demographic shift is occurring, leading to a growing population of seniors in need of specialized care and support. Becoming a compassion caregiver for elderly loved ones takes time, patience, and most importantly, love. KFF Health News and the NY Times recently did a series called “Dying Broke” that addresses the challenges that people are facing as they age or become caregivers for elderly loved ones. The health care system for the elderly is neglected, broken, and [...]
Understanding the Difference: Physical Activity vs. Exercise for Seniors
Physical activity vs. exercise - those words are often used interchangeably, but should they be? While it’s true that exercise is a form of physical activity, not all physical activity is considered exercise. For seniors specifically, both physical activity and exercise play an important role in healthy aging. Physical Activity vs. Exercise For Seniors To start, physical activity is any bodily movement produced by muscles that results in energy expenditure. Anytime you stand up from a chair, take a walk between rooms, climb the stairs, or reach down to pick something up off the floor you’re doing a form of [...]
Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Standards Finalized
On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published the final rule, implementing minimum staffing standards for nursing homes intended to increase staffing levels and improve patient care in nursing homes. The Biden Administration’s announcement is controversial. CMS has faced fierce opposition from the nursing home industry and Republicans in Congress who see these requirements as an unfunded mandate. It establishes, for the first time, national minimum staffing standards for nursing homes that collect taxpayer money through Medicare- and Medicaid-funded services. The staffing requirements will be phased in over the next two to five years, and CMS has made provisions to grant exemptions [...]
The Advantages and Disadvantages of AI in Elder Care
AI in elder care is poised to revolutionize healthcare facilities by delivering personalized and timely medical assistance. From monitoring vital signs to administering medication reminders, AI-powered systems ensure seniors receive the attention they need promptly, significantly reducing the risk of medical emergencies. Emerging AI models can even identify medical conditions before symptoms appear. However, there can be disadvantages, too. 1. Enhanced Healthcare Services AI in elder care can revolutionize healthcare facilities by providing personalized and timely medical assistance. From monitoring vital signs to administering medication reminders, AI-powered systems can ensure that seniors receive the attention they need promptly, reducing the [...]
Reflections of a Death Doula: Rethinking End of Life
National Death Doula Day holds so much excitement and anticipation for me this year. I look back on the past two years and, while it feels like a lifetime ago, I still remember every step of the journey to get to where we are today. Working as an Elder Care Coordinator with Rothkoff Law Group, we acknowledge there have always been challenges within the healthcare system, but the pandemic intensified these challenges, particularly for our clients, the healthcare community, and me. Too many of our clients were dying alone. Their families were scared and turned to us for answers that [...]
Alternatives to Nursing Homes
For many families, placing a loved one into a nursing home facility can be a daunting and emotional decision. Fortunately, the spectrum of care has expanded, offering several alternatives to nursing homes that better suit older adults' and their families' needs and preferences. From adult daycare to innovative AgeTech solutions, the landscape of elder care has evolved to provide personalized, quality care. Adult Daycare Adult daycare is an excellent option for families who need support but wish to keep their loved ones at home. These centers provide socialization, activities, meals, and sometimes health services during the day, allowing caregivers to [...]
Colombia Is Calling – Will We Answer?
Recently, Bryan Adler and I traveled to Colombia for a week-long trip as part of an elder law delegation from the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), learning about the delivery of legal and social services to older adults in Colombia. Colombia is a fascinating, beautiful place. The people are warm and welcoming. Nursing homes generally do not exist. Virtually all take care of their loved ones at home. Walking multiple dogs at a time in Bogota seems to be a thing. I have no idea how the dogs are so well-behaved. There are still serious issues with the [...]
Unlocking Veterans Pension Benefits for Long-Term Care Funding
Are you aware of Veterans Pension Benefits? In a nation that values the sacrifice and service of its veterans, it is crucial to explore avenues that provide support and care for those who have dedicated their lives to defending our freedoms. One such avenue is the often-overlooked Veterans Special Monthly Pension Benefit, a financial resource that can be instrumental in funding long-term care for our honored veterans. In this blog, we will delve into the details of these benefits, their eligibility criteria, and how they can be harnessed to ensure our veterans receive the care and support they deserve in [...]
The Importance of Crisis Planning for Seniors
Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Oftentimes, families contact our office for crisis planning for seniors in their lives, struggling to manage the needs of their loved ones, while caught up in the emotions and stress that comes along with navigating a challenging situation. When in this heightened state of desperation, crisis planning for seniors makes it difficult for families to find appropriate and reliable long-term care options for their loved ones. Our team of care coordinators, including social workers, support our clients through these trying times, helping them access the best care [...]
Elder Law and Digital Assets Planning for the Digital Afterlife
Estate planning has evolved beyond physical assets and financial accounts. Digital assets, including social media accounts, digital currencies, and online identities, have become integral parts of our lives. Yet, many overlook these assets in their estate plans, leading to complications and confusion for heirs. Understanding elder law and digital assets planning is important in ensuring that all aspects of your estate are managed according to your wishes after you pass away. Including Digital Assets in Your Estate Planning Digital assets encompass a range of online and digital accounts and properties, from email and social media accounts to digital music libraries, [...]
Smart Home Devices for Seniors Aging in Place
Smart home devices for seniors are changing how people age in place. Style, convenience, aesthetics, and comfort have long been the primary concerns of the home setup. However, for seniors, successful aging in place also requires a well-implemented plan for home safety. The good news is, with so many advances in smart home devices for seniors, implementing home safety for seniors no longer means compromising style, budget, or comfort. Furthermore, using technology to optimize home safety and function to age in place is often inexpensive and does not require permanent changes to the structure or aesthetics of the home. The [...]
Tax Deductions for Assisted Living Costs
Since it is tax season, many caregivers of our clients who are residents of an assisted living facility inquire about tax deductions for assisted living costs. The IRS provides rules for deducting certain qualified long-term care costs as medical expenses. Normally, the costs of nursing home care should be deductible, but the status of Assisted Living Facility (ALF) costs has not been as clear. For ALF residents, qualified long-term care costs are “necessary rehabilitative services, maintenance or personal care services that are (1) required by a chronically ill individual, and (2) provided pursuant to a plan of care by a [...]
Unsupported Seniors: Challenges and Solutions
With an aging population and changes in family structures, many seniors are finding themselves without the necessary support to navigate the complexities of senior living, called unsupported seniors or solo agers. The challenges unsupported seniors face include financial struggles, healthcare hurdles, emotional isolation, and more. Understanding the Challenges of Unsupported Seniors As people age, the support system they once relied upon might dwindle due to various reasons such as family relocation, the passing of a spouse, or changing social dynamics. Unsupported seniors often grapple with various challenges, from finance to healthcare and even isolation from living alone. Let’s go a [...]
Avoiding Caregiver Burnout: Recognizing the Risks
Avoiding caregiver burnout is a key consideration for those who work professionally or care for loved ones. In addition to advocating for the needs of our clients, the Care Coordination team at Rothkoff Law Group often turns focus to the caregivers with whom we communicate. A caregiver is often a spouse or adult child who assists with tasks ranging from meal preparation and medication management to physically assisting their loved one with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and grooming. Sometimes, caregiving involves concern over the aging loved one's well-being and checking to ensure this loved one is okay. [...]
Recognizing the Signs of Caregiver Stress
In the day-to-day, signs of caregiver stress can sometimes go unchecked. Ongoing stress can affect your physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. It's important to recognize the signs of caregiver stress, whether it's yourself or someone you love; you can help alleviate it in a timely manner, eliminate any potential lingering effects, and feel better overall. Six Signs of Caregiver Stress 1. Your Body Hurts Feeling stressed manifests not only emotionally but physically, too. This can lead to jaw or fist clenching or tightness in your neck and shoulder muscles. Being on high alert can also lead to your nerves being [...]
