Can My Aging Parent Still Handle Their Own Finances?
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 ]
How Mediators Can Help Family Caregivers
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 ]
Dealing With Guilt: A Family Caregiver’s Dilemma
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 ]
Watch Out For Holiday Scams That Target Seniors
The holidays should be a time for family, joy and togetherness. Unfortunately, criminals know that the holidays are also a prime time for fraud and scams that target seniors. That is because a lot of money changes hands during the season. Between charitable giving, buying gifts and travel, scammers find many opportunities to cross our paths. Here are a few common scams to watch for during the holidays: Fake charities. Unfortunately, there will always be people wanting to take advantage of the kindness of others. Don't let that ruin your charitable spirit around the holidays, but be on your guard. ... [ CONTINUE READING ARTICLE ]
How Siblings Can Avoid Fighting Over Caregiving Disagreements
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 ]
Why You Need To Review And Update Beneficiary Designations
A typical benefit at many jobs is a life insurance policy. On one of the first days on the job you might have completed a related beneficiary designation. Open a bank account, an investment account or buy a private life insurance policy and you have also completed these fields whether you remember who you listed or not. Beneficiary designations often go neglected. What many people do not realize is that these payable-on-death accounts pass outside of a will and probate. Because of this you need to review them for accuracy during the estate planning process. Washington State law related to ... [ CONTINUE READING ARTICLE ]