Aside from our direct services, our free downloads, and educational DVD’s, the online newsletter may be just what you are looking for. If you find something of value at one of the pages, let us know. We really care. Call us (1-866-770-1770) or email us (sencare@bellsouth.net). We respond quickly.

Most people breathe a big sigh of relief when they find our website. You don’t have to keep searching. SCC will design a premium care plan that fits you and the older adults in your life.

Ready when you are,
Connie

I am proud to say my own mother still keeps her own checkbook and balances it to the penny every month. Still, there are times when she gets mail related to some aspect of her finances that she just isn’t sure she completely understands, or occasions when the bank statement doesn’t balance, or she forgets to send in a payment on time. I get the call and am very grateful that I am close enough to be able to help and am especially grateful that she asks. Many older adults don’t have a family member or trusted friend close enough to give them that sort of support. Many don’t want anyone to know they might actually need that sort of support. And yet keeping all the day-to-day financial stuff straight is key to independent living.

A sure threat to independent living is when the utilities, property taxes, quarterly taxes, or credit card statements don’t get paid timely. Daily money management is just one of the ways that an elder care coordinator can help seniors maintain their independence and give them peace of mind. Elder care coordinators who engage in daily money management services carry appropriate insurance and should be able to provide references to ease any concerns regarding their trustworthiness. The care coordinator will work with the older adult to develop a plan to review statements for accuracy, make sure financial obligations are disbursed appropriately, and that accounts are kept in balance. Mail can be reviewed, explained, and then acted on appropriately.

When I wear the Daily Money Manager hat, it truly isn’t just about the money. Underneath, my Care Coordinator hat is firmly in place. I can’t help but be attuned to other aspects of how the older adult is functioning. Having an elder care coordinator in the home on a routine basis can be a great asset in monitoring for when other support services might be needed too. What do you think? Take a moment to share your two cents worth. How do you think the services of a daily money manager would play out with the older adults in your life?

Watching the accounts,
Connie

So, what’s up with all the feelings? It depends. If you are the adult child who is concerned about your parents’ well-being you may be feeling:                                                                                                                                                                    –hesitant because you’ve never had to take a leadership role in your family,
–fearful that your parents will be hurt or offended if you bring up the subject,
–anxious because you believe the situation isn’t far from a crisis, or
–resentful thatyou could end up being burdened by care responsibilities or decisions.
Take a little time to let the feelings surface enough to recognize and name them. Don’t shove them to the back of your mind. Realize that timing can be important. Let your parents know ahead of time that there is something of importance on your mind that you would like to discuss with them. Let them pick the time of day that suits them best. Be up-front about your feelings. “Mom/dad, I want you to know that I am hesitant to talk to you about the future and how you might want your care managed. I’ve never been much of a ‘leader,’ but I care too much about you to put this off. I hope you’ll help me—I hope we can help each other.”

If you need more coaching, give me a call. If your own best efforts don’t work, give me a call. Sometimes someone outside the family can make more headway. As always, sharing comments here with other readers is encouraged. Whatever you do, don’t let your own feelings stand in the way of getting a plan in place for the older adults in your life.

Feeling hopeful,
Connie

Susan Millard, an Elder Care Coordinator with SCC,  is also a Disaster Mental Health Manager with the American Red Cross. She has responded to local events such as the aftermath of the 2002 tornados in Morgan and Cumberland Counties, a railway chemical spill in Knoxville, numerous hurricanes in Florida (2004 & 2005), and even to New York City following 9-11.

Susan has first-hand knowledge about the physical and emotional impact seniors can face when a disaster strikes. “As a general rule, seniors are our vulnerable population. Children under six and adults over sixty or more likely to be injured or killed in a disaster.” Thinking ahead, being realistic, and developing a plan is key. Susan advises seniors “to have enough food, water, and medications to survive for a minimum of three days. If the disaster were to result in prolonged displacement, have a plan for relocation. Who could help transport the senior and take care of them once they arrive?”

In a disaster, three days can pass quickly without much improvement or access to help. All Things First Aid, the American Red Cross, and FEMA have comprehensive suggestions that will help ensure seniors are as prepared as possible for any untoward event. All these sources emphasize the need for preplanning with a heavy emphasis on communicating the plan to others. From Susan’s experience, “One of the major hurdles during a disaster is family members trying to locate their loved one(s). It may take days or weeks to determine if everyone is okay. Both parties – the senior and their family members – should have an advance plan to contact each other in the event of an emergency.”

But what about the emotional aspect of coping with a disaster? “It may depend on the senior’s history of coping in past situations,” says Millard. “Seniors have a lot of life experience and may be quite resilient. On the other hand, if the senior has dementia, anxiety, or depression their symptoms may exacerbate. Having to relocate creates additional stress. Being prepared, realizing that change is a part of life, and having a support system is key to survival in any situation.” Good words to take to heart. No need to play the odds—be prepared.

Aid and Attendance is a cash benefit programs for veterans needing extra care at home or in an assisted living facility. Even spouses of veterans may be eligible. Not surprisingly, there are forms to complete, but don’t despair. The folks at local Veteran Affairs offices are more than happy to help those who have served our county make sure all the i’s are dotted and all the t’s are crossed correctly.

Another option for ready cash may be a Reverse Mortgage. Don’t discount it without some serious fact finding. I can point you toward folks that can help. Many seniors have discovered that a Reverse Mortgage is not something to be feared, doesn’t threaten home ownership, and can cover services that will make life far more satisfying.

I’ve observed older adults to be mostly practical and prudent. Besides, it is just plain smart to tap into well-earned resources to cover the cost of help at home or for assisted living. If you haven’t investigated these veteran’s benefits or gotten the facts about reverse mortgages, don’t wait. It can’t hurt to inquire. Life is too short to put off something that could make such a big difference today.

Resourcefully,
Connie

My Professional Geriatric Care Manager hat really gets knocked askew when a product I’ve suggested or solution I’ve offered only becomes valid after one of my mom’s friends or someone at her beauty shop tells her the same thing I’ve told her. It’s enough to make me pull off my big fat PGCM hat and stomp it into the ground right in front of my dear sweet mother. Alas, the reason for the stomping would be entirely lost on her. I would rise from picking up my crushed and dirty hat to meet with that oh so familiar disapproving crossed-arms posture and that “do-we-need-a-time-out” look. Sigh….

Whatever your profession is, and regardless of how well you are respected in it, in the eyes of your parents you may forever be “the baby.” Save yourself a lot of grief by bringing in another professional to work with your parents. Be sure a reference list is provided on the off-chance that friends of your parents have never heard of them. An outside professional may prove to be better at finding creative and palatable solutions for all involved simply because they are free of emotional bias. Basically, get over your own feelings in favor of getting something accomplished for the sake of those you love.

Club members are encouraged to share expressions of solidarity here. Email me for info. about the next support group meeting.

Connie

At SCC our care managers are taking extra care to check in with all our clients, especially the ones we don’t visit frequently. We are double checking supplies of food and other household essentials. We suggest having some items on hand that don’t require heating or refrigeration as well as some bottled water. Having a battery powered source of light, with fresh batteries, handily located is another must. If you are monitoring someone’s care, remember to monitor the on-hand supply of medications and the refill dates. Contact a neighbor to bring in mail or the newspaper if outside surfaces become hazardous. I know that even the threat of snow may cause folks to cancel important health care appointments. Be sure those appointments get rescheduled.

If you live outside the East Tennessee area and have senior loved ones living alone here, call them frequently and don’t hesitate to contact SCC if you think someone located closer to them needs to make a check-in visit. If nothing else, we can relieve your worries and pass along a warm hug to them in the process.

Sending everyone warm wishes,
Connie

Census workers may contact you by knocking on your door, by mail, or by phone. Census workers will not contact you by email.

Census workers will have badges, will carry a handheld device to record information, will be carrying a Census Bureau bag and will provide you with a confidentiality notice. Although legitimate Census Bureau questions may include questions regarding income range or other basic information, the only information you are required to provide is how many people live at the address in question. Families might equip their older loved ones with an index card with the required information so that the senior could hold it up on the inside of a locked door for the census worker to read.

As is true for any type of survey or solicitation, seniors should not invite census takers into their home, should not give out their Social Security number, credit card number, or any banking information.

Periodically remind the seniors in your of these safeguards. It is easy to forget or become complacent. Let’s remove the fear of standing up and being counted by being alert and aware. It is our best tool for staying as safe as possible.

Waiting to be counted,
Connie

Let us know how much you saved!

Seniors already enjoy the “public option” in the form of Medicare. Some seniors I talk to are willing to entertain the idea of extending similar benefits to other age groups. Some seniors are not so generous. Many are just plain scared because it is difficult to ferret out the facts amid so much political hype and fear mongering. I haven’t met any senior yet who thinks they would give up Medicare for some other option so I am concluding that for any shortcomings it has, Medicare is a pretty satisfactory program.

If Medicare became Americare there wouldn’t be a new wheel to invent. The old one would just get much bigger. Wouldn’t we all be better off? Who or what would be harmed? Wouldn’t health care in general be astoundingly more predictable, more equitable? I would love to have some comments from actual Medicare beneficiaries—would what is good for Seniors also be good for all Americans?

Hoping for a healthy discussion,
Connie