Elder Care Archives » Northwest Elder Law Group

20 November, 2019

How Can You Help Protect Your Parents From Identity Theft?

2020-05-22T19:30:34-07:00November 20th, 2019|Categories: Elder Care, Identity Theft|

Identity theft is a growing problem in the U.S. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there were 371,061 cases of identity theft reported in 2017. The most common type of identity theft was credit card fraud, making up about one-third of the identity theft cases with 133,015 cases reported in the U.S. The elderly are frequently victims of these crimes. They are often viewed as the perfect victims because they usually have substantial money saved for retirement and good credit scores. In addition, some aging Americans may not have as much internet savvy, so they could fall victim to ...

[ CONTINUE READING ARTICLE ]

3 September, 2019

Caring For Aging Parents Can Strengthen Your Family Unit

2020-05-22T19:30:50-07:00September 3rd, 2019|Categories: Elder Care, Elder Mediation, Estate Planning|

Your parents have cared for you your entire life. As roles reverse, you likely want to do everything you can for them. While you try to make sure many of their needs are met, disagreements about your parents' care and financial situation could arise among family members. Your siblings probably want to do all they can for your parents as well. But you may have different concerns about how to address the needs of your aging parents. It is not uncommon for family members to have disputes - especially during trying times, and in some cases, mediation might be necessary ...

[ CONTINUE READING ARTICLE ]

25 July, 2019

The Epidemic of Loneliness

2020-05-22T19:31:05-07:00July 25th, 2019|Categories: Elder Care, Health & Wellness, Resources|

More and more research is coming out that shows that loneliness is becoming an epidemic. Aging adults aren't exempt from this epidemic. In fact, our aging loved ones may be suffering from loneliness at higher than expected rates. AARP put out a survey that indicates more than 42 million adults in the U.S. over the age 45 suffer from chronic loneliness, and that 17 percent of adults over 65 are isolated. While loneliness and isolation are different - the former being a subjective feeling and the latter being measurable - ultimately, the concerns of both are similar. What does loneliness ...

[ CONTINUE READING ARTICLE ]

14 May, 2019

Can My Aging Parent Still Handle Their Own Finances?

2020-05-22T19:31:25-07:00May 14th, 2019|Categories: Elder Care, Guardianship, Health & Wellness|

Your aging mother has stopped cleaning the house, your father forgets to eat unless he is reminded, or perhaps, someone took advantage of him in a financial scam. These are common symptoms of aging and you may be concerned that your loved one is developing dementia. How do you know when it is the right time to step in to take over the checkbook? Signs to look for People don't usually start having trouble with their memory all at once. The process is gradual. What matters to you is whether your parent can still take care of themselves without help. ...

[ CONTINUE READING ARTICLE ]

26 March, 2019

How Mediators Can Help Family Caregivers

2021-09-24T14:44:10-07:00March 26th, 2019|Categories: Elder Care, Elder Mediation|

As a caregiver for your elderly parent, you may find yourself at odds with your siblings on occasion. Your brothers or sisters sometimes dispute important aspects of your parent's care, including medical treatment, living arrangements and caregiving responsibilities. Sometimes, the conflicts become so contentious that nothing is accomplished except making everyone angry. When family members clash over the care of their senior parent, they may choose to work with a mediator. A mediator is a neutral professional who can help the parties in a dispute come to a mutually satisfactory arrangement. There are many ways that mediators can help ...

[ CONTINUE READING ARTICLE ]

27 January, 2019

Dealing With Guilt: A Family Caregiver’s Dilemma

2020-05-22T19:32:05-07:00January 27th, 2019|Categories: Elder Care, Health & Wellness|

As a parent or loved one ages, your role may slowly, or suddenly, change. It’s now the season of life where the care you were once provided is reciprocated. Whether your role as caregiver is in an official capacity, or you are simply assisting when needed, managing that on top of everything else can be overwhelming. From concerns about spending too much or too little time with your parent to where they will get the best care, the end result is often the same: guilt. Here are some common scenarios and tips for alleviating the guilt that often accompanies the ...

[ CONTINUE READING ARTICLE ]

22 September, 2018

How Siblings Can Avoid Fighting Over Caregiving Disagreements

2021-09-24T14:35:48-07:00September 22nd, 2018|Categories: Elder Care, Elder Mediation, Family Disputes, Planning For Your Loved Ones|

As your parents get older, it will become increasingly important for you and your siblings to come together and help your parents find the best caregiving options. Depending on the circumstances and the health of your parents, you may be able to hire in-home caregivers that allow your parents to stay in their own home. In other situations, an assisted living facility, adult family home, memory care community, or a skilled nursing facility may be more appropriate. No matter what decision you and your parents ultimately make, it is helpful when siblings can be on the same page. Having ...

[ CONTINUE READING ARTICLE ]

25 May, 2018

5 Tips To Help You Choose The Right Assisted Living Community

2020-05-22T19:33:00-07:00May 25th, 2018|Categories: Elder Care, Long Term Care, Planning For Your Loved Ones|

Making the decision to move your loved ones into an assisted living home or community can be tough, especially with the wide variety of options in facilities there is today. Deciding which facility will be the best fit can be overwhelming. In addition to considering the affordability of each community, there are also other key factors to consider. These few tips can help make the decision easier for all of you. 1. Pay attention to the staff. This is crucial in helping decide what the right place for your family or friend is. The staff play an important role and it's ...

[ CONTINUE READING ARTICLE ]

10 March, 2018

Can I Find A Guardian For My Elderly Neighbor?

2020-05-22T19:33:16-07:00March 10th, 2018|Categories: Elder Abuse, Elder Care, Guardianship|

Elder abuse, neglect or deteriorating health can be a difficult subject to broach, especially when speaking to a neighbor. What can you do as a non-family member? Can you legally get involved with their well-being? Is it even your place to get involved? If you're a concerned neighbor, you do have options for helping an elderly neighbor. Things to consider First and foremost, if you suspect elder abuse or neglect of a neighbor, then it is appropriate to call Adult Protective Services. You do not need proof of abuse or neglect, but can report the circumstances that are causing concern. ...

[ CONTINUE READING ARTICLE ]

8 January, 2018

VA Benefits Available To Aging Veterans

2020-05-22T19:35:23-07:00January 8th, 2018|Categories: Elder Care, Resources, Veterans|

The results from the 2015 national census estimate there are 9.3 million Veterans over the age of 65 living in the U.S. These veterans served in a range of wartime conflicts around the globe. Elderly Veterans served in World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. Aging Veterans often face additional challenges as a result of their time served. Veterans are confronted with disabilities, PTSD and homelessness. Along with the standard benefits offered to Veterans of all ages, elderly Veterans have access to additional benefits. Elderly Veteran's benefits The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers ...

[ CONTINUE READING ARTICLE ]