Caregiving is an admirable job, but over time the task can become daunting. Fortunately, there are private and public agencies you can reach out to for assistance, including: Home health care agencies that can provide part-time or 24-hour care Adult day care centers Respite services that can provide a caregivers much-needed periodic breaks Services delivered [...]
A medical directive, also referred to as an advance directive, is a directive that typically accompanies a health care proxy, but it may also be a separate document. A medical directive outlines specific instructions as to the type of medical care a person wants to receive, such as instructions to remove a patient from life [...]
The main forms of paying for care at an assisted living facility are private pay, long-term care insurance and veteran’s benefits. Medicare will help pay for brief rehabilitation periods in a skilled nursing home that follows a hospital stay, but does not pay for assisted living facilities. Medicaid may, depending on the state, provide some [...]
Assisted living communities are attractive options for many families facing the early stages of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Because of the varied care, and the length of the disease’s progression, these facilities allow for a transition from independent living to eventual skilled nursing care in a nursing home. However, it is important to note that [...]
Hospice care is often referred to as end of life care. It is one of the few exceptions where Medicare can help pay for care in the home. Typically, hospice is designed for patients that have terminal illness and a doctor’s assessment that the patient has less than six months to live. The main difference [...]
For many families, paid caregivers that come to the home are a great option. The freedom to hire someone who you feel comfortable with, and who has the nursing skills needed to care for your loved ones needs, can’t be found elsewhere. The downside to paid caregivers, is that Medicare does not pay for custodial [...]
Because both Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease are progressive diseases, the level of care your loved one will need will evolve over time. If the diagnosis was received early, it is possible that he or she can continue to live independently for a time, but as the disease progresses more care will be needed. Knowing [...]
Most often, the journey of caregiving begins after a loved one begins to show symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease, or following a diagnosis of either disease. Because these diseases are progressive in nature, the amount of care required changes over time. Most commonly, independent living is possible for a time, especially if there [...]
We have looked at what the roles and responsibilities of a durable power of attorney consist of, but what happens when no agent is named? Unfortunately, this happens quite a bit, and when it occurs the courts must get involved with the Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s patient’s care and finances by putting guardianships and conservatorships in [...]
Choosing who will be your power of attorney for healthcare and durable power of attorney for financial matters is often a tough choice. Ideally, you will choose the person who has your best interests at heart and can best manage your health and finances. These powers of attorney can be the same person, or two [...]