February, 2012 Newsletter
Published February 2, 2012 | 
Chronicles of a Professional Guardian
Serving the community as a Professional Guardian for over 20 years, I’ve had to discover unique solutions to many difficult problems. I’ve decided it is time to give back, and share some of my knowledge. It is my hope that this information can help others provide better services and care to our elderly and disabled population.
Aging Gracefully – Planning for Life’s Changes as we Age
Image Source: Flickr.com / garryknight
Life is supposed to get simpler as we age, but many times this isn’t the case, especially when faced with challenges surrounding physical and mental deteriorations and illness.
One large challenge looming in the distance for many is Alzheimer’s disease. It is currently estimated that as many as one in eight adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s; what’s more that projection is estimated to increase drastically in coming years.
The Alzheimer’s Association predicts that when the first wave of the baby boomers reach 85 years old (2031), an estimated 3.5 million people aged 85 and older will have Alzheimer’s. The rate of increase of Alzheimer’s in Florida alone is projected to increase to 65% by 2025 (Florida was at a rate of 25% in 2010).
With projected rates such as these, there is a high likelihood that you, or someone you know and love, will be affected Alzheimer’s or some other age related disease. Taking the time to put a plan in place now, before these challenges occur, can help alleviate family stress, preserve funds, and can ensure continuity of care for ever changing care needs.
When faced with the challenges of cognitive loss, creating a plan of action early, while the individual can still voice their concerns, needs and wishes, can be an important and powerful ally.
Here are just a few of the many things which need to be considered.
Health Care & Financial Decisions
Who will make health care and/or financial decisions when the individual is no longer able to do so?
Get the individual’s wishes on paper as early as possible. This information will be invaluable when the time comes and the person can no longer voice these wishes themselves.
Consider meeting with an elder law attorney to make sure that affairs are in order. An elder law professional can help you understand your various options. While you’re there, discuss having a will, living will, health care surrogate designation, and power of attorney drawn up.
If the individual loses capacity completely, is there anyone in the family / support circle that is willing to become the Guardian for that person?
Care Needs
What is the plan when the individual cannot provide adequate care to themselves? Is there a spouse capable of providing care? If not, are there family and friends who can help provide care?
It is important to realize that taking on the care of someone with ever changing mental and physical needs is a huge responsibility and a complicated full time job. If possible, no one person should be burdened with this responsibility.
If there are not enough people to provide adequate care coverage, then a plan needs to be put in place. Hiring a caregiver to provide care can be a good solution, but is costly.
Living Environment
Is the current living environment suitable if a decline occurs? Are there stairs or other obstacles which may be impossible to navigate with a wheelchair or walker? Are the doorways of the home wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair or walker?
Does the individual live at home? Is the home the most appropriate care environment? Will this be a safe, long term solution? Is the home the most cost effective care environment (remember to factor in the extra costs of caregivers, transportation to appointments, and other services)?
While often preferred, remaining at home is not always the safest and best alternative for someone with mental or physical limitations. When evaluating whether it is a better plan for the individual to stay at home, or move into a facility, remember to consider the complete costs of staying at home, including the cost of increased care through caregivers, transportation costs for doctors’ appointments, and more, along with the base amount it costs to keep the house running (mortgage / rent, bills, etc.).
Depending on the individual and their needs, it may be far more cost effective to consider a move to a facility where care is provided in house. Facility living often includes the value of increased socialization, too.
These are just some of the many things to consider when planning for an elderly and/or disabled loved one. And while you may not have a crystal ball that shows you the future, planning for drastic changes now, while the individual is still able to voice their needs and concerns, is one of the most important things you can do now (and it has the added bonus of preserving your sanity later).
Tip of the Month
The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles has an Emergency Contact Information system where you can add emergency contact information to a person’s driver’s license or state ID.
Once setup, law enforcement will use this information if there is ever an accident or emergency involving that person. This is great for all drivers, but is particularly helpful to setup for elderly or teenage drivers.
To setup your emergency contact information, or for more information, please visit https://www8.flhsmv.gov/eci/
Did You Know?
You can use a found credit card to request a copy of the client’s credit report.
Upcoming Events
As active members of the community, you can often find us around town speaking and educating professionals and the public on Guardianship, and caring for the elderly and disabled. Here’s where we’ll be next.
- 2/02/12 Presentation for Chai Steppers at the JCC Rosen Campus
If you would like Theresa Barton to speak at one of your events, contact us at 407.786.6033. Don’t delay, call today as her schedule fills up quickly!
Do What You’re Great At and Love — Let Us Handle the Rest!
Guardian Care Management & Benefits Services, Inc. provides:
- Professional Guardianship Services
- Private Case Management
- Benefits Consulting & Medicaid Applications
- Full Guardianship Support Services
