Month: January 2024

Daily movement is necessary to maintain good health as you age. If you struggle with pain, stiffness, or mobility challenges, making physical movement a part of your routine can feel intimidating. The good news is that you don’t have to run a 5K or swim hundreds of laps to stay active; you can benefit from doing simple, enjoyable exercises. We’ve put together some low-impact exercises for seniors that you can use and adjust to suit your needs and abilities.

Benefits of low-impact exercises for seniors

Regular exercise through movement benefits the body through increased circulation, better skin health, decreased risk of pressure injuries, increased range of motion, improved mental health, and enhanced independence and quality of life. But it can be harder to get into a routine if you have sensitive joints or low mobility. Low-impact exercises can help seniors greatly because they enable physical movement without the harsh impact on the body that some exercises and activities create.

Of course, before you begin any new exercise program, consult with your physician. They can prescribe certain exercises and guide you on which exercises will best suit your current and future needs and abilities. They will also ensure you know how to perform the exercises safely and effectively.

Walking with or without assistive devices

Walking is one of the best low-impact exercises. Even if you use a mobility device or can walk only for short distances, getting up and walking throughout the day is important. Remaining sedentary can compromise your skin and lead to decreased strength and endurance. Maintaining your ability to walk will improve your health and preserve your independence.

If you’re just starting, you don’t have to hit your neighborhood sidewalks right away. Instead, start with walking in your home. Just be sure your pathways are clear and that you use your mobility device as needed. Try to walk a few laps around your home at the top of every hour.

Range-of-motion movements

Range-of-motion exercises reduce joint pain, stiffness, and swelling while improving circulation, strength, and flexibility. Perform each exercise at least five times, though you might find that working for half of a song before switching to a new movement keeps it more interesting. Be sure to listen to your body and stop the exercise if you feel acute pain.

Here are a few options for range-of-motion exercises:

• •Shoulder shrugs and rolls: Roll your shoulders to the front and then to the back. Focus on sitting up straight with your feet firmly planted on the floor and your chest open. If possible, keep your back from resting on the seat.
• •Hand work: Make fists with your hands and then release. After you do the fist exercise at least five times, twirl your wrists clockwise and then counterclockwise.
• •Bicep curls: These can be done with or without light weights. You can use household items like soup cans if you don’t have hand weights. Sit with your feet on the floor and your arms at your sides. Bend at the elbow to bring your hands up to your shoulders, and then slowly return your arms to your sides. Focus on completing the full range of motion of your elbow joint.
• •Marching: While seated or standing and holding on to a stable chair or a wall, march in place, bringing your knees up as high as possible. This exercise aims to work the hip hinge motion, so focus on raising your leg using your hip flexors. 
• •Toe taps: You can do this exercise while seated or standing and holding on to a stable chair or wall. Start with both feet together on the ground, then tap your left toe to the front, to the left, and return it to the center. Do this five times before switching to your right foot.
• •Toe work: Like the hand work exercise above, scrunch your toes in your shoes or socks and release them. Do this at least five times before lifting your feet and rolling your ankles clockwise and counterclockwise.

There are many other range-of-motion exercises. If you work with a physical therapist, they can prescribe exercises specifically suited to your abilities and challenges. You can also find a variety of exercises for those living with arthritis through the Arthritis Foundation.

Chair yoga

If the traditional range-of-motion exercises are a little boring for you, or if you want to incorporate movement with a bit of meditation, consider gentle chair yoga. All you need is a sturdy chair on a stable surface, a good YouTube instructor to guide you through it, and an open mind. These exercises can alleviate pain and increase flexibility while calming your mind. You can find gentle chair yoga videos for seniors on YouTube, including here, here, and here.

Chair workouts

Consider chair exercises if you’re looking for something more lively than chair yoga. Specially designed for someone who cannot stand for long periods, chair exercises include a full-body workout while sitting on a stable chair. Make sure to take breaks and modify as needed. Find YouTube videos of chair workouts here and here.

Swimming or water walking

If you can get to your local indoor pool, consider adding swimming or water walking to your regular movement routine. Water exercises have a low impact on joints but can help you build strength and endurance. If you aren’t a seasoned swimmer, simply walking laps in water up to your waist or chest can be quite invigorating and effective. 

Household chores

Believe it or not, every time you get up to prepare a meal, move the laundry to the dryer, or dust your shelves, you are getting in a lot of movement. Keep up with your daily and weekly household chores as much as possible. Take it slow and modify as needed to stay safe.

Even if you’re uncomfortable with rigorous, typical exercises for seniors, people at all levels of mobility can do low-impact exercises to maintain health and vitality. You’ll want to experiment with a few different daily movement exercises until you find ones you enjoy and look forward to. This will ensure your movement habit sticks and that you find joy in exercising during your day. Remember, movement is crucial to maintaining independence, so make a conscious effort to get up and move each day.

An assisted living facility is a residential senior living solution for older adults to get help with everyday tasks like bathing or cooking as they age. But how do you pay for it? Whether you are a senior or a family member exploring the idea of assisted living, knowing how to pay for long-term residential care is a major part of moving to senior living. Will your insurance cover assisted living? Some types of insurance do and others don’t. In this article, we explain how different types of insurance pay cover assisted living and which ones do not.

Assisted living facilities are senior living communities that assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, while allowing the senior to be largely independent. They also may assist with housekeeping tasks and meal preparation, simplifying older adults’ lives. These communities offer lively, social atmospheres and activities so you can avoid the isolation that often comes with aging. The dependable staff and services and chances to meet new friends make assisted living facilities a good place for seniors to live. The support mentioned above that residents receive in assisted living is nonmedical, also called personal or custodial care. This is an important concept to understand as we explain whether different types of insurance cover assisted living costs.

Does Medicare cover assisted living?

The short answer is that Medicare does not cover assisted living. Medicare is designed to cover medical services, and because assisted living services help with custodial or personal care (not medical care, like a doctor’s appointment or procedure), Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) do not pay for room and board or personal care at an assisted living facility. 

Medicare will continue to cover certain approved medical costs while you are living in an assisted living facility, just as it does for individuals who live at home. For example, Medicare Part D covers many prescription medications, and Part B covers durable medical equipment, including walkers and other assistive devices. An assisted living resident could still use Medicare benefits to help pay for approved expenses. Medicare may also cover medical services your doctor recommends after a medical event, like short-term physical therapy to recover from an injury. So, while Medicare is an insurance that doesn’t cover assisted living rent, you may still use it to pay for approved medical expenses while living at a facility.

Does Medicaid cover assisted living?

Medicaid might cover assisted living, depending on your state and your facility. For example, as of January 2024, assisted living communities in Alabama do not accept Medicaid as payment. On the other hand, New Jersey allows its assisted living communities to accept Medicaid — though not all facilities choose to. You need to check with the facility to learn if it accepts Medicaid.

If you live in a state that allows assisted living facilities to accept Medicaid and you want to be able to use Medicaid to pay for that facility, you’ll need to plan in a few ways:

• •Find the facility you want to live in and ask if they accept Medicaid, or find a list of facilities in your area that accept Medicaid and choose from that list.
• •If the facility accepts Medicaid as a form of payment, you typically cannot move in while on Medicaid. Most facilities that accept Medicaid require a resident to guarantee they can pay for 24 months of rent and services with their personal funds before they apply for Medicaid. This means you must have enough money to pay for two years at the assisted living facility and apply for Medicaid when you spend your assets down enough to qualify for the program.  

While Medicaid and state rules are complicated, it’s possible that this type of insurance covers assisted living in some cases.

Does long-term care insurance cover assisted living?

A helpful choice for families searching for ways to pay for assisted living care is long-term care insurance. This is a financial product you must have purchased before needing to pay for long-term care, but those who have paid premiums for this kind of insurance can benefit in the long run. 

Long-term care insurance (LTCi) is a type of insurance product that helps cover costs your health insurance, such as Medicare, doesn’t cover. As an example, an adult gets Medicare health insurance when they turn 65 and can get coverage for many medical services. But when they need to move to assisted living because they need help with activities of daily living and other personal care tasks, Medicare won’t pay for those services because services that help with activities of daily living are personal or custodial care, not medical care. 

That’s where long-term care insurance helps. When a policyholder qualifies to make a claim on their insurance policy, they can be reimbursed for a certain amount of money per day — and over the course of a month, this can add up to help pay for rent at an assisted living facility.

Most insurance companies offer long-term care insurance. If yours doesn’t, a number of reputable insurance providers offer long-term care insurance policies that can suit your needs. 

Does life insurance cover assisted living?

Believe it or not, there are a few different ways that people with life insurance may leverage their policies to help pay for assisted living. Some only see life insurance as a financial product that guarantees your surviving family members money when you pass away, but there are other ways to use the policy during your lifetime if you need those funds. 

Accelerated death benefits or viatical settlements can be used in certain circumstances, allowing the policyholder to access the funds during their lifetime. If the policy has a cash value, you may be able to opt for a life settlement. This is when the policyholder sells their policy to a third-party company, who becomes the beneficiary of the policy. Though the individual no longer has the policy and their beneficiaries no longer receive death benefits, the individual receives a sum of money and can use the funds how they choose.

There are benefits and drawbacks to using your life insurance policy during your lifetime. In circumstances where you need funds now to help pay for assisted living, it could be a great option to cover the care you need. Talk to your life insurance provider about the considerations to keep in mind when using your life insurance policy for assisted living fees. These considerations include the following:

• •Your family will not get any money from the policy if you withdraw the entire cash value.
• •You could owe taxes and fees. 
• •Your insurance company will deduct interest payments from your cash value if you borrow money from your policy.

Although using your life insurance policy is a major financial decision, it can help you cover the cost of an assisted living facility.

Concerns about the cost of assisted living care

Try to be as prepared as possible. Creating an estate plan is the best way to ensure you have the money to cover long-term care needs like custodial care in an assisted living facility. An elder law attorney can ensure your estate plan is on track to pay for your long-term care needs. Being aware of your options and having an insurance policy in place that covers assisted living can help ease your concerns about how to pay for any long-term care you may need in the future.

Getting proper nutrition is a daily concern, as a healthy diet is key to maintaining a happy, healthy lifestyle. Older adults might have trouble accessing the food they need if they struggle getting to the grocery store or preparing meals. The services listed here help seniors get the food, supplies, and meals they need to maintain a healthy diet so they can continue to live safely at home.

Meals on Wheels meal delivery for seniors

Meals on Wheels is a national network of local programs that deliver food to older adults who cannot buy or prepare food due to financial or mobility problems. The program enables older adults to remain in their homes rather than move to an institutional setting to receive the nutrition they need. If you live with these challenges, Meals on Wheels might be the program for you.

Although eligibility for Meals on Wheels varies by local program, typically, you must be over 60 and demonstrate physical or financial need. The service is priced on a sliding scale or can be free of charge, depending on your situation. Meals on Wheels relies on donations, so the program might ask you for a donation for your meal if you can spare the money.

Meals on Wheels also gives much-needed social interaction and basic safety checks. Programs in some areas supply services beyond food delivery, like home repair, phone services, transportation to doctor appointments, and pet food delivery for furry companions.

If you are looking for an area program, check the Meals on Wheels website. A social worker can also help you apply, get assessed, and start receiving benefits.

Mom’s Meals delivery for seniors

Mom’s Meals is a unique food delivery service: Their meals are tailored to meet your medical needs. For example, if you have diabetes, you can request a low-carb meal plan to avoid insulin spikes. This program might be a good choice if you have dietary requirements such as gluten-free, vegetarian, heart-friendly, or pureed foods, among other options.

Some customers may be eligible to receive reduced- or no-cost meal deliveries. Some Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans may cover the cost of meals if you qualify. Typically, Medicare does not cover nonmedical care, but Medicare Part C plans sometimes expand coverage to include payment for wellness programs, which may include meal delivery services. Check your plan’s coverage for details. Some Medicaid programs also offer coverage for meal delivery. Medicaid programs vary from state to state, so you should check with your Medicaid provider to see if you qualify for this benefit.

Even if you do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, you can still get Mom’s Meals delivered. The price of their meals is just under $10.00.

Silver Cuisine meal delivery for seniors

Silver Cuisine is a meal delivery company that aims to increase seniors’ overall quality of life by improving what they eat and addressing their unique nutritional needs. The company offers meals that adhere to different diets and restrictions. Examples of the specialty diets Silver Cuisine can accommodate include: 

• •Heart healthy.
• •Diabetic.
• •Menopause. 
• •Low sodium.
• •Low carb.
• •Gluten-free. 
• •Dairy-free.
• •Vegetarian. 

All you do is place an order, and Silver Cuisine plans your meals, shops, and delivers frozen home-cooked meals to your home with your health in mind. Then, you heat and enjoy.

Silver Cuisine charges a one-time fee for your order, plus shipping. Shipping costs are usually under $20.00. Although not a subscription service, you can discuss an arrangement with a customer service representative if you want to set up an automatic weekly delivery. There is no minimum number of meals per order. You select and pay for what you like.

You must be at least 50 years old to qualify for Silver Cuisine’s service. Since this is a paid service, there is no application to decide eligibility. Simply sign up for the service online.

Magic Kitchen meal delivery for seniors

Magic Kitchen is a food delivery service that offers meal plan programs, individual meals, and a la carte options. The company’s mission is to increase consumers’ access to nutritious meals. There is no contract or subscription, so you can order what you want when you want it. These options allow for some freedom in what you can have delivered to you. They also have meals that accommodate special diets, such as diabetic, dialysis-friendly, and dairy-free meals.

Magic Kitchen is a paid service. Meals range in cost from $10.00 to $15.00. You can buy an a la carte meal for under $10.00. 

Some seniors may be eligible to receive meals from Magic Kitchen through their Medicare plan or their state’s Medicaid program. Check with your plan or local program to see if this benefit is available. Depending on your insurance policy, you might qualify for free meals. You can check if your insurance policy will pay for Magic Kitchen here.

Instacart grocery delivery with senior perks

Though this option delivers groceries and not fully prepared meals, Instacart is a popular grocery delivery service that has changed how many people stock their kitchens. You can shop for groceries from your local supermarket from your home computer, saving you time and trouble. Older adults can get their groceries, medication, and other household goods delivered, saving them from having to get themselves to the store and shop for their needed items, putting them at risk of contracting the flu, COVID-19, or another illness, among other inconveniences and safety issues.

The company is stepping up its offerings for seniors: The Instacart Senior Support Service is a program dedicated to helping older adults set up their accounts and place online orders. If you are uncomfortable using technology, this support service is dedicated to helping seniors get their orders delivered. Over 60,000 older adults have already started using this helpful new program. 

Instacart allows seniors to use their supplemental health benefits to pay for the service. If you are enrolled in Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), your coverage may contain supplemental benefits beyond medically necessary care. Some Medicare Part C plans cover health and wellness programs. Medicare Advantage beneficiaries with these plans can use their health benefits cards on Instacart’s website to pay for groceries and other essentials. Seniors can also now use SNAP benefits to pay for groceries through Instacart. This is a promising trend: Other delivery companies, like Uber Eats, are allowing customers on public assistance to use their benefits to cover the cost of food. 

There is no better feeling than having everything you need to make a delicious meal or having one show up at your door. The convenience of meal delivery services can benefit older adults who cannot leave their homes, no longer drive, have mobility limitations, or struggle to prepare meals independently. When choosing the right meal delivery service, they can remain in their homes and maintain independence while staying healthy and happy.

Knowing when to hire a legal professional can be a difficult choice, but it’s especially tough to know when to hire an elder law attorney. Their specialized knowledge makes them helpful in many situations, but not everyone knows how they can help. Some people even avoid hiring an elder law attorney because they’re still young, don’t think they need an estate plan, or don’t think it’s worth the hassle. Still, an elder law attorney could be the right choice for you.

Elder law attorneys offer legal advice you cannot get from any other professional. Hiring an elder law attorney now to help guide you down the right track can help you avoid mistakes down the road. So, when is the best time to hire an elder law attorney? Here, we review examples of when to hire an elder law attorney and explain how they can help.

Before making an estate plan

Elder law planning is a massive legal challenge. Will and estate law are some of the most complicated legal areas to navigate. Setting out to create an estate plan on your own, especially if you have no legal experience, is not a good idea. If you don’t have legal expertise, you’re bound to make mistakes, which can be costly or cause problems down the road. Some of the most common estate planning mistakes seniors make include: 

• •Not naming a power of attorney. 
• •Forgetting or not knowing about tax implications. 
• •Not updating an estate plan frequently. 
• •Not taking advantage of trusts and other documents that can help protect your assets. 

There are many other ways to make errors in your estate planning. An elder law attorney can help you avoid these mistakes. They help you plot a course of action and guide you through the process, ensuring that you have everything in order so you can have peace of mind and secure the outcomes you wish for. 

When you have a legal issue specific to seniors

Having an attorney is valuable whenever you have a legal issue, but there are some problems that seniors run into that other people do not. All lawyers can be helpful in these situations, but an elder law attorney’s experience and specialized knowledge could make all the difference in your family’s lives. They have studied these scenarios and know how to get the best outcome for you.

An elder law attorney can help if you encounter any of the most common issues facing seniors, including: 

• •Nursing home neglect. 
• •Elder abuse. 
• •Housing insecurity. 
• •Income insecurity. 
• •Age discrimination if you are still in the workforce.

There are scenarios in which an elder law attorney can help, even if you aren’t a senior yourself. If there is a dispute about the terms of a loved one’s last will and testament, you might face a will-contest lawsuit from another beneficiary. An elder law attorney can stand for you in a will-contest hearing.

Before a downturn in health

The best time to get legal advice from an elder law attorney is before your health declines, especially if you are experiencing cognitive decline due to an illness like Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. If you want to advocate for yourself and express your desires about long-term care and end-of-life decisions, you must do so while you can.

An elder law attorney will help you prepare. They can make sure that your wishes for medical care and end of life are clear. They might suggest that you write down your desires in a living will or advance health care directive, in addition to taking other essential planning steps. It is crucial that you make these serious decisions before a downturn in health. An elder law attorney will recommend all the most important planning tools so that your loved ones will know what to do should you become unable to express your wishes.

If you receive Medicaid benefits

Medicaid is a federal- and state-funded program that provides health insurance for low-income, disabled, and older adults. If you or a family member you care for has Medicaid insurance, you could benefit from hiring an elder law attorney. 

Medicaid’s estate recovery program can be a serious hurdle. After an enrollee’s death or permanent institutionalization, Medicaid requires states to collect specific benefits that the program paid for the enrollee. If the Medicaid enrollee is 55 or older, states require that their estate repay these services: 

• •Hospital and prescription drug services. 
• •Home- and community-based services. 
• •Residential stays at nursing home facilities.

Understanding the effects of the estate recovery program is crucial for seniors and their families. Many families don’t know that their state requires repayment for certain services. Failing to repay the cost of these services can mean a lien against your real property, including your family home. Not planning for repayment can mean losing everything that you have worked for during your lifetime. 

An elder law attorney can help you effectively plan to repay what is required by your state after your or your loved one’s death or during their lifetime. An elder law attorney can also help you respond if the state sues your family to recover Medicaid benefits. Families responding to a property lien could face a lengthy legal battle. Losing your case can mean losing your property, including your family home. An elder law attorney can help your family protect its property and legacy. 

If you are age 55 or older

Most people associate elder law attorneys with seniors, but you should consider hiring an elder law attorney once you’ve reached age 55. Although you might still have a long time before retirement, that time moves quickly, and you should be prepared.

The older you get, the more vital it is that you consider your long-term care plan. An elder law attorney can help you prepare for a time in your life when you might need help caring for yourself.  

At this age, you should begin considering what you want retirement to look like. Start asking yourself some important questions like:

• •Do I want to keep living at home?
• •Will my health make it dangerous to live alone?
• •Will I need in-home care or to live in a senior care facility?

Whatever your goals are, you will need a solid financial plan to ensure you can carry them out. An elder law attorney can help you create a plan to achieve each of your goals. They can help you decide what assets to put away now so you can live the life you envision later.

It’s tempting to delay hiring a lawyer. There is always a reason to put it off, whether it’s to avoid the expense or it just feels overwhelming. Hiring an attorney is never at the top of anyone’s to-do list. However, getting legal help now can save you a lot of trouble. Finding the right elder law attorney will protect you and your family now and in the future.

Bringing up your concerns about care to an aging parent can be tricky, especially if they are living with cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. Thanks to better awareness and early diagnosis, older adults are receiving dementia diagnoses years earlier than in the past, allowing them to participate in decisions about their care and planning for the future. Still, it can be quite difficult to talk with your parent about moving to memory care. If you’re approaching this conversation, these tips might help you to talk with your loved one while honoring their opinions.

What is memory care?

Memory care in a facility provides a safe environment for people living with cognitive decline who can no longer safely live at home or care for themselves. Facilities have specially trained staff and specialized memory-related programming to give your loved one a safe, engaging, and social living environment. The details of your loved one’s condition and the memory care facility’s offerings can help you decide if memory care is right for your loved one.

Dementia symptoms and progression

Although symptoms vary by person and by the cause of dementia, memory loss and trouble with thinking are the main ones. In the early stages, your loved one may be forgetful or misplace items. You may also notice minor behavioral changes. Still, they can be largely independent. As the disease progresses, though, symptoms will worsen. Your loved one will have greater issues with memory and cognition, eventually leading to an inability to communicate.

Knowing the benefits of memory care and how it might help your parent doesn’t make it easier to have the conversation about moving them to a memory care facility, especially when you factor in the level of your loved one’s cognitive decline. Their cognitive ability will affect the conversation you have. Here are some tips for having a conversation about memory care.

Starting the conversation about moving to a memory care facility

Ideally, your conversation about memory care should begin when your senior loved one can participate in the discussion. Today’s older adults are being diagnosed with dementia earlier than in decades past. This early diagnosis can mean earlier interventions to enhance their quality of life and give the person the opportunity to get their affairs in order and advocate for their future plans. An earlier diagnosis can also offer both the person and their family members the opportunity to work through their new reality individually and together emotionally. 

Think of this as a planning conversation. Your loved one will not likely need to move immediately if they can function safely at home. However, since they are still in the early stages of the disease, they can participate in plans for their future care, from where they’d like to receive care to how they want to pay for it. 

Ask open-ended questions about moving to memory care

Here are some open-ended prompts and questions you can discuss with your parent if they are in the early stages of dementia that will help you talk about how a memory care community can support the life they want:

• •Describe how having assistance with bathing a few times per week might help your comfort and safety, along with knowing you will always feel clean and groomed.
• •Would it be convenient for you to have your laundry done each week?
• •What kinds of meals and snacks would you like to have that you might not be able to prepare yourself?
• •What types of activities and social opportunities would you like to have available to you that you might not otherwise do on your own?
• •How might it help you to have 24/7 access to professionals and caregivers specially trained in helping people with dementia?

You should recognize that your parent has authority over their life at this point and respect their opinions. It’s also helpful to acknowledge that your parent may be reluctant to discuss the situation due to anxiety or depression over their diagnosis. Be sure to approach them with grace, and choose a time when they are in the right frame of mind for the conversation. Be clear and honest about your concerns, and reassure them that you want only to keep them safe and cared for.

Consider your shared concerns to create solutions

Here are some aspects of life that become more challenging to address safely as dementia progresses. When your parent is open to the discussion, you can discuss your shared concerns and hopes for handling these parts of life through moving to memory care. Safe and helpful solutions may appear through memory care services.

• •Maintaining personal hygiene through bathing, brushing your teeth, and changing into new, climate-appropriate clothes daily.
• •Cooking nutritious yet tasty meals.
• •Eating food safely.
• •Staying hydrated.
• •Taking medications as prescribed in the right quantities and at the right frequencies.
• •Keeping the living environment tidy and free of trip hazards.
• •Taking out the trash and recycling.
• •Maintaining the lawn and structure of the home.
• •Getting enough social interaction and mental stimulation.
• •Remembering to attend doctor appointments.
• •Getting to and from doctor appointments.

When you discuss the topics and questions above, you may be unable to consider them all at once. This might be a difficult conversation if your parent becomes distressed or saddened when thinking about how typical tasks will become challenging and impossible to do independently. Take your time with this discussion, and remind your parent that senior living communities that offer memory care exist to help people living with dementia tackle all these tasks. In fact, memory care communities often cover all these responsibilities and more. A memory care community may be the all-in-one solution they will come to love.

It can be helpful to take them on tours of communities. This way, they can tell you what they like and do not like so that you can remember their preferences when you begin searching for memory care options when they eventually need a higher level of care.

Include memory care professionals in the discussion

If your loved one was diagnosed with dementia later in the disease’s progression, they might not be able to actively participate in their future planning due to confusion, poor judgment, and disorientation. This can make having a conversation about moving to a memory care community more uncomfortable and difficult.

If your loved one currently lives in a senior living community, like an independent living or assisted living community, you can enlist the support of the team members who work there to help you during the conversation about moving. They are experts who can offer encouragement and guidance as you begin to search for a community that can better suit your loved one’s ever-changing needs.

If your loved one will be moving to a memory care community from home, you can work with the team members of the community where they will move. Memory care communities often coordinate with family members to ensure a smooth transition for the senior.

It is important to note that if your loved one has impaired short-term memory, as many living in the later-early and mid-stage of dementia do, having a conversation about your concerns and the prospect of moving to memory care will not always be productive. You might start the conversation, your loved one might be upset or confused, and then after you comfort them, they may have forgotten about it. Revisiting it over and over can be traumatic for you and for them. Instead, you can focus on the transition to their new home and do your best to make it as seamless as possible.

Moving to memory care is a tough transition no matter if your loved one was a part of the decision-making process or not. Give yourself and your loved one lots of grace as you both learn this new rhythm together. With tips for how to talk about memory care for your parent and how to smooth the transition, you can have peace of mind in knowing that you have made the best decision for everyone.

Hospice care at home is an invaluable service for individuals facing terminal illnesses, offering comfort, dignity, and quality of life in addition to assistance with activities of daily living in their final days. However, navigating the financial aspects of hospice care can be challenging for patients and their families. This article explains how to pay for hospice care at home, focusing primarily on Medicare’s hospice benefit while also exploring other financial options.

Medicare’s hospice benefit covers most hospice care costs

Medicare’s hospice benefit is a cornerstone of funding for those seeking hospice care. This benefit covers most costs associated with hospice care for eligible patients. To qualify, a patient must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and have a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less to live, as certified by a physician. The key here is that the focus shifts from curative treatment to palliative care, aimed at relieving symptoms and ensuring patient comfort rather than curing the illness.

Medicare’s benefit enables patients to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes while receiving high-quality hospice care. The benefit covers various services and supplies that maximize quality of life for the patient while they live in their home. It’s important to note that the duration of coverage under Medicare is not fixed at six months. If the patient outlives this time frame, the hospice benefit can be extended if a doctor recertifies that they are still terminally ill.

What services does Medicare’s hospice benefit cover?

Medicare’s hospice benefit comprehensively covers services such as skilled nursing care, medical equipment, supplies, prescription drugs for symptom control or pain relief, physical and occupational therapy, aide and homemaker services, dietary counseling, grief counseling for the patient and family, and short-term inpatient care for pain and symptom management. 

Does Medicare Advantage cover hospice care?

For those enrolled in Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans, it’s essential to understand how hospice care is managed. While Medicare Advantage (MA) plans generally offer the same benefits as original Medicare, there are nuances in how services are accessed and covered. Typically, when a Medicare Advantage enrollee elects to seek hospice care, they continue to receive their non-hospice coverage through their MA plan, but hospice services are covered under original Medicare. While the hospice care itself is covered under Medicare Part A, any additional health needs not related to the terminal illness may still be covered by the Medicare Advantage plan.

Services the Medicare hospice benefit does not cover

While Medicare’s hospice benefit is comprehensive, there are limitations. It does not cover room and board in a patient’s home or long-term care facility. Any hospice care you receive that isn’t provided by your chosen hospice team will not be covered. Also, treatments and drugs intended to cure the terminal illness rather than manage symptoms are outside the scope of this benefit. Understanding these limitations is crucial for patients and families to plan adequately for any additional care needs and associated costs.

Other options to pay for hospice care at home

While Medicare provides substantial assistance, some aspects of hospice care, especially those not covered under the Medicare hospice benefit, require alternative financing options. These options can help bridge the gap, ensuring comprehensive care for the patient at home.

Life insurance solutions

Life insurance policies can be an effective means of paying for hospice care at home. Options like viatical settlements allow a terminally ill person to sell their life insurance policy to a third party for a lump sum. This option can provide immediate funds to pay for hospice care. Similarly, accelerated death benefits enable policyholders to receive a portion of their death benefit in advance under certain conditions, including terminal illness. Some policies also include riders or features specifically designed to assist with end-of-life care costs. Understanding the terms and potential impact on beneficiaries is vital before pursuing these options.

Long-term care insurance

Long-term care insurance can complement Medicare’s coverage, especially for services that fall outside the hospice benefit. These policies typically cover a range of services, including in-home care, which can be critical for hospice patients. The specifics of what is covered can vary significantly from one policy to another, so it is essential to review your policy details or consult with an insurance expert to understand the coverage.

Aid and Attendance

In addition to Medicare and private insurance options, U.S. Veterans and their surviving spouses may be able to access the Aid and Attendance benefit provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This benefit offers financial assistance to those who require in-home care due to the need for help with daily activities or being housebound. Eligibility depends on wartime service, financial need, and medical certification of the necessity for aid. Although the application process can be intricate, requiring detailed documentation, this benefit is invaluable for Veterans and their families, as it helps cover costs of in-home hospice care services, including those not covered under Medicare’s hospice benefit. Starting the application process early and seeking assistance from a VA-accredited representative is recommended to navigate this opportunity effectively.

Reverse mortgage

For homeowners, a reverse mortgage offers a way to convert part of the equity in their home into cash, which can then be used to pay for hospice care at home. This option is particularly relevant as it aligns with the desire of many patients to remain in their homes. However, it’s crucial to understand the implications, including the fact that the loan must be repaid, usually from the estate, after the homeowner’s death. This can have significant impacts on estate planning and should be considered carefully.

Medicaid and home hospice care

Medicaid can be another funding source for hospice care at home, especially for individuals who have exhausted their Medicare benefits or do not qualify for Medicare. Medicaid coverage for hospice care can vary by state but typically includes services similar to those covered by Medicare. It’s important to note that Medicaid may pursue estate recovery for some costs after the patient’s death, which can affect the patient’s estate and heirs. Consulting with a Medicaid planner or attorney can provide clarity on these issues.

[Learn about Medicare vs. Medicaid here]

Navigating the financial aspects of paying for hospice care at home can be complex, but understanding the available options is crucial. Medicare’s hospice benefit covers a wide range of services, but for those it doesn’t cover, or when additional resources are needed, options such as life insurance settlements, long-term care insurance, reverse mortgages, and Medicaid can provide extra support. Patients and their families should discuss these options with health care professionals, financial advisers, and insurance experts to make informed decisions that align with their care needs and financial circumstances. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that patients receive the compassionate care they need in the comfort of their own homes without the added stress of financial burden.

Cooking three meals a day can be quite a chore, but finding the right meal delivery service can seem equally challenging with all the choices out there. Using a food delivery service can drastically improve the quality of life of seniors who live at home and need to conceive, plan, and prepare meals. How do you choose which service suits you or your senior loved one? Here, we break down key factors and what to look for in a food delivery service so you can pick the service that best suits your needs.

A major benefit of using food delivery services is that it helps preserve older adults’ independence. Getting to the supermarket might be harder than it used to be, or a medical condition may prevent them from cooking their meals. If older adults don’t maintain proper nutrition, they can face many health problems. Using a meal or food delivery service as a tool to get nutritious, delicious meals can make a big difference in the life of an independent senior.

Some services deliver prepared meals that are ready to heat and eat. Others send you ingredients to cook the meals you’ve selected. Regardless of the path you choose, here are the major factors to consider when selecting the right food delivery service.

Find out whether the service delivers ingredients or prepared meals

Part of choosing a food delivery service depends on your ability and desire to prepare the meals. Some people choose a delivery service because they don’t want the hassle of meal planning and grocery shopping. For those individuals, services that deliver ingredients customers use to prepare meals at home are great options. Other people don’t have an interest in cooking or find it difficult. For them, delivery services that send fully prepared meals, whether refrigerated or frozen, will be a better fit. 

If you happen to hire a home care agency to schedule a caregiver to cook your meals, you may not need to worry about whether the food arrives prepared or not. If the delivery service fits your budget and dietary needs, having fresh ingredients arrive on your doorstep might appeal to you. These services often provide the exact amount of the ingredients the recipes need, which can cut down on food waste. Consider your preferences and abilities when you choose a service. Make sure you clarify that the service delivers food in the form you want.

Determine if the service is local or available in your area

Using a local food delivery service can save you some money on the cost of shipping or delivery. Many companies ship their products across the country, but they have one headquarters where the business is run. Suppose you find a great food delivery service based in Sacramento, but you live in Albany. You could be charged more money for shipping than a customer who lives in Sacramento. Paying close attention to where companies are located can protect your budget.

Check to ensure the service is available in your area. Many services deliver to just about anywhere in the contiguous 48 states. If you live in a rural area, Alaska, or Hawaii, you’ll want to check if the service you’re interested in can deliver to your home. 

Find out how often you can get deliveries

Some delivery services give you options of how often you want to receive your food, usually weekly or biweekly. You may also have options to receive meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Think about which meals you’ll want and the number of meals you’ll want per day and week, and compare that to the company’s mealtime options and delivery frequency.

If you follow a special diet, see if the service caters to it

Treating chronic illnesses is a large part of life as people age. If your doctor or nutritionist has mentioned a specific diet to follow or metric to track, consider their advice when choosing a service that’s right for you. Many services offer meals that adhere to certain diets, such as low-sodium, heart-healthy, or low-sugar diets.

As you research food delivery services, note the foods and meals they offer. Some companies allow you to choose meal plans based on dietary restrictions, like low-sodium foods, vegetarian options, gluten-free recipes, and more. Look at the service’s website to determine if they provide nutritional information for the specific meals. If you can’t readily find this information, you should be able to contact the company to ask for it.

Though you’re looking for convenience in a delivery service, you’re also calling upon a service to deliver healthy, nutritious meals to your door. Don’t settle for foods that negate your nutritional needs or go against your health care provider’s advice. With the many choices of food delivery services out there, you’re bound to find one that meets your dietary needs.

Determine the cost per meal

Look closely at how much the food delivery service costs. Choosing a program that is affordable and within your budget will help you continue using the service in the long run. Budgets and routines are important to your quality of life as an older person. Checking the price on the front end can help you decide if you can afford the service and help you avoid going over your budget.

When you look at the cost of each delivery or meal, consider the number of meals and the frequency of your deliveries. Determine the average cost per meal to see which service will give you the most value or the lowest cost if budget is a concern.

Meal and food delivery services can be an excellent way for seniors to fuel their bodies and maintain good health properly. With the many options today, you’re sure to find a company that delivers the food you want for a price that fits your budget.

Caring for a parent with memory loss is a significant challenge for several reasons. Most memory loss is due to some form of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, both of which are progressive. Just when you have a structure and a stable care plan, your parent might worsen and change, requiring a pivot to a new plan. If you are just starting to help a parent with memory loss, various strategies and plans can provide a foundation for now and for accommodating future changes. While each person’s memory loss will manifest differently, these tips for helping a parent with memory loss can guide you in planning to improve their safety and well-being.

Give your parent memory aids

Memory aids are simple reminders of important things for your parent, such as schedules and phone numbers. The memory aids you use will depend on your parent’s level of cognitive impairment. If their memory loss is mild and they have some technological ability, setting phone reminders is a great way to keep track of such things as bills, medication schedules, and appointments. If using devices is too complicated for your loved one, consider sticky notes, a bulletin board, a whiteboard, and written lists. 

Help your parent create a daily routine

Routine provides a sense of security for people with memory loss. For example, the same bedtime each night can improve sleep and reduce the risk of sundowning, a phenomenon during which people with dementia experience heightened confusion and agitation later in the day. People with memory loss also often have appetite difficulties. Maintain regular mealtimes, but if your parent is hungry outside those times, allow them to eat. If disruption of routine is unavoidable, reassure them that things will return to normal.

Create a medication management plan or get help

Medication management for people with memory loss can be challenging and even dangerous if doses are missed, doubled, or misused. Ensure you know your parent’s current medications, and track any changes. Keep a master list. You can take some of the worry out of managing medications by using a medication dispenser or med box or by hiring a nurse to set up the medications, if possible. A home care provider might also be helpful, as they can give your parent medication reminders. 

Focus on clear communication

Simple, concise communication is most effective for someone with memory loss. Speak slowly and in small chunks to improve comprehension. Talking with someone with memory loss can be frustrating since they often repeat themselves. Stay calm and understanding of your parent. It can be helpful to try a distracting activity if communicating is challenging in the moment.

Ensure your parent’s home is safe

Home safety is a good place to start because managing your parent’s care will be difficult without a safe living environment. There are numerous safety measures you can take. Keep in mind that as your parent’s memory loss progresses, you may need to make further adjustments to their home. Here are some essential home safety tips:

• •Reduce the risk of falls. Falls are a serious concern for older adults, especially those with dementia. You can’t prevent falls entirely, but you can reduce the risk by removing throw rugs, clearing clutter, and arranging furniture so there are clear pathways. Add adequate lighting to all areas of the home. Poor eyesight and hearing impairment are both linked to an increase in falls. Make sure your loved one has their eyesight and hearing checked yearly.
• •Use technology to ensure your parent’s safety. A medical alert system is essential in case of a fall, medical event, or wandering. Choose one with fall detection and GPS. Also, consider installing a bed alarm to alert you or a caregiver when your parent gets out of bed at night. 
• •Install handrails and grab bars. Install handrails outside and inside the home and along interior stairways. The bathroom should have grab bars near the toilet and in the shower. Consider purchasing a shower chair and a handheld showerhead. Consult with an occupational therapist or a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) for a home evaluation and recommendations.
• •Assess kitchen safety. Consider installing automatic shutoff switches for the stove, and supervise your parent in the kitchen when possible. Lock away any hazardous cleaning items. If necessary, put locks on cabinets and drawers.
• •Secure doors and windows. If your parent wanders, securing the home is essential to prevent getting lost. There are numerous door and window locks to choose from that can keep your parent safe. 

Have activities ready

Physical and mental activity can improve mood, reduce agitation, and provide a sense of purpose. Activity selection depends on what your loved one can do, but here are some activity suggestions to get you started:

• •Puzzles.
• •Folding laundry.
• •Sorting silverware.
• •Looking through photo albums.
• •Listening to music.
• •Crafts.
• •Walking.
• •Stretching. 
• •Gardening.

You might also consider adult day care, which can give you some respite and provide your loved one with a stimulating environment of activities and socializing.

Support your parent’s physical and emotional well-being

Supporting the well-being of someone with memory loss is not that different from supporting anyone else’s. Emotional and physical support for someone with memory loss can include:

• •Scheduling regular medical checkups for your parent and adjusting their medications as needed.
• •Ensuring your parent receives sound nutrition. Eating a wholesome and balanced diet can help them maintain their physical health, which is critical for older adults. If they are picky about the foods they like, you can try adding tasty nutritional supplement drinks that provide essential vitamins and minerals.
• •Keeping your loved one active with exercise.
• •Maintaining social interaction as tolerated by your parent, especially with family.
• •Keeping an empathetic and supportive attitude.
• •Involving your loved one in daily decisions when possible.

Consider getting memory care services

Despite all of your efforts to help a parent with memory loss, there may come a time when it isn’t feasible to keep them at home due to safety, care concerns, or the expense of professional help. Recognizing the signs that it is time for memory care can help you make the difficult but sometimes necessary decision to place your parent in memory care. 

Coping with your parent’s memory loss

Coping with memory loss is hard on your loved one and you. Periods of stability can be brief and may become less frequent as the disease progresses. Safety is your top priority, but once you have these helpful strategies in place, you can focus on your parent’s health, well-being, and emotional support. Reach out to others for help, and use community resources to give yourself a break and keep your loved one engaged and cared for.

As a caregiver, you may be grateful for the help of your siblings or other family members. Helping your parent as they age will likely become more complex over time, and keeping everyone organized and on track with caregiving duties can be challenging. Texting and emailing one another is sufficient up to a point, but a time management system is more efficient and effective. A system that keeps everyone involved and organized can ensure that you, as the primary caregiver, have the help you need for the long term. We have some tips and apps to help you keep everyone organized as you manage caregiver duties for your loved one.

Identify care tasks

When there is one primary caregiver, other family members often don’t know about the scope of care. Identifying tasks ensures that family members understand what care your loved one needs. Also, you can more easily match tasks with family members by identifying what needs to be taken care of. However, remember that caregiving needs fluctuate, so you may have to reassess in the future. As you evaluate tasks, consider these areas of care:

• •Medication management.
• •Activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing.
• •Shopping.
• •Cooking.
• •Cleaning.
• •Transportation.
• •Home maintenance.
• •Health care coordination.

Assess the availability of family caregivers

Family caregivers have other responsibilities, such as jobs, children, and their own health concerns. Not every person will have the same level of commitment or amount of time to devote to helping with caregiving tasks. Talk with your family members to understand their availability and interest in doing specific tasks. Remember people who don’t live nearby; even a long-distance family member can help from afar in different ways, such as making phone calls, finding local resources, and setting up services.

If you find a certain type of task that no one can help with properly, or there is a gap in the family members’ availability, consider hiring the help of a home care or home health care provider. You’ll likely find the type of caregiver you need. And it’s likely that the cost will be more manageable if the family only needs to hire help for a few hours per week. There are many options for paying for home care services, so it can be worth looking into hiring the help you need after assessing everyone’s availability and skillset.

Delegate tasks to family caregivers

Delegating tasks to family caregivers can sometimes feel like herding cats. Designating who will do what and when can get complicated, and you may be tempted to give up and assume those duties yourself. However, adding more to your load will only increase your caregiver stress. Managing family caregivers is work, takes time, and is constantly fluctuating, but you will be grateful for the help in the long run. Here are some ideas on how to keep family caregivers committed:

• •Accommodate people’s schedules. Take what you can get, especially in the beginning. Even small offers of help can lead to some relief and greater responsibilities later. 
• •Play to people’s strengths. Capitalizing on what someone is good at ensures that tasks are done well. It is also reinforcing to the person helping: If you ask someone to do a task they aren’t comfortable with, they are less likely to continue.
• •Be flexible. Circumstances change. If someone cannot continue their caregiver duties due to personal factors, accept it. 
• •Express your gratitude. Thank your family for their help. Just because they are your family and you may feel it is everyone’s responsibility to pitch in doesn’t mean you shouldn’t show your appreciation.

Apps to help manage caregiver duties

There are several caregiving apps that help organize tasks and helpers. A careful review of the features and costs for each will help you choose the best one. Here are a few options:

Caring Village is a comprehensive app that offers document storage, medication lists, scheduling, care plan development, narrative features, communication with other family members, and Veteran resources. The Caring Village app is free for Apple and Android.

Lotsa Helping Hands is another app to help manage care by bringing together a community of people (friends, family, neighbors) to help with caregiving. You can schedule meals, rides, and visits, communicate appointment information, and ask for help by posting requests. There is a feature for making announcements, providing updates, and sharing photos as well. 

Carely is a social network app that allows families to communicate and coordinate caregiver responsibilities. You can track activities, schedule appointments via a shared calendar, and send direct messages or post general requests. Carely also allows you to find community resources. Carely is a free download on Apple or Android.

Old-school options to manage caregiver duties

For families that don’t want to purchase or use caregiver apps on their phones, there are ways to communicate and schedule tasks without them. 

• •WhatsApp: WhatsApp is a simple, free messaging program. The advantage of WhatsApp is that the communication is only among the people you invite, so you can keep the caregiving conversation separate from your regular emails or text messages.
• •Cloud-based storage: It is essential to have a centralized place to store documents such as advance directives and living wills. Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive are all good options.
• •Google Calendar: Google Calendar is a simple but effective way for all caregivers to see the caregiving schedule and make notes.

When choosing an app or other organizational tool, you may need to sacrifice features for usability. Keep in mind that some family members may not be comfortable using complicated programs, and choose a tool that everyone can use.

Effective management of caregiver duties

Caregiving can be a long journey, and doing it alone can cause caregiver stress and burnout. Learn to ask for help and then maximize that help by staying organized and grateful. The support you receive will benefit you and your loved one, strengthen your connections to your family, and help you feel less isolated so you can give your loved one the care they deserve.

In an era where the aging population is steadily rising, the role of family caregivers has become increasingly vital. Many find themselves in the position of being the primary caregiver for an older adult family member, often without any formal compensation. This article explores the avenues through which these dedicated caregivers can get paid to take care of a family member. From government assistance to other innovative options, we delve into the various ways family caregivers can be compensated while also touching on important financial, legal, and compliance considerations.

Government assistance for family caregivers

Some primary sources of support for family caregivers come from government programs. These programs are designed to acknowledge caregivers’ crucial role and provide them with the necessary financial assistance.

Medicaid options: Self-directed care

If your senior loved one qualifies to receive Medicaid benefits, you may be able to get paid to take care of them. A significant option for compensation is through Medicaid waivers, specifically the self-directed care programs. These programs allow individuals receiving Medicaid to manage their own health care services, including the choice of hiring family members as caregivers. To access this payment option, caregivers need to understand the specific process involved, which typically includes becoming an approved provider and fulfilling Medicaid’s caregiver requirements. It is essential to note that these programs vary by state, making it imperative that caregivers contact their state’s Medicaid office to learn more about the available options and eligibility criteria.

VA Caregiver Support Program

For family members caring for Veterans, the VA Caregiver Support Program offers substantial assistance. Certain programs under this initiative provide a caregiver stipend, which is financial compensation for the care provided to the Veteran. To qualify for this stipend, caregivers must take care of a Veteran who requires assistance with activities of daily living or is housebound. The application process involves an assessment of the Veteran’s needs and the caregiver’s role, ensuring that the support provided aligns with the Veteran’s medical requirements. You may also be able to get a stipend to take care of your senior Veteran loved one through the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.

VA Aid and Attendance benefit

Another valuable resource is the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, which, while not directly paying caregivers, increases the monthly pension amount of eligible Veterans and surviving spouses. This additional pension can indirectly support the costs associated with caregiving. Caregivers of Veterans who require assistance with daily activities or are housebound should explore this benefit. If they meet military service, net worth, income, and health criteria, a Veteran or their surviving spouse may be able to receive over $2,000 per month in additional income. This benefit can be an invaluable resource for offsetting caregiving expenses, including paying a family member to help provide that care.

Other options for getting paid as a family caregiver

There are other avenues apart from government programs for caregivers to receive financial compensation. These options often require careful consideration of financial and legal aspects but can support caregivers significantly.

Paid family leave

Many regions and employers offer paid family leave policies that family caregivers can utilize. This type of leave allows caregivers to take time off work while receiving partial or full pay. Caregivers should investigate their local laws and employer’s policies regarding paid family leave to understand their eligibility and the benefits available.

Utilizing financial products

In some cases, seniors may have financial assets that can be utilized to compensate their family caregivers. This can include tapping into life insurance settlements, using long-term care insurance policies, or leveraging other financial products. Each of these options has distinct financial implications and legal requirements. For instance, a life insurance settlement involves selling the policy for a lump sum, which can then be used to pay for caregiving services. Similarly, long-term care insurance policies may cover certain types of caregiving expenses. Caregivers should work with financial advisers to fully understand these options and their ramifications.

Tax credits and deductions

While not a direct form of payment, tax credits and deductions can help family caregivers recover some of the costs associated with caregiving. These financial benefits allow caregivers to deduct eligible expenses from their taxable income or receive a credit for money spent on caregiving. Understanding the specific tax benefits available and how to claim them can provide significant financial relief to caregivers.

Legal, compliance, and tax considerations

When navigating the realm of financial compensation for caregiving, caregivers must be aware of legal and compliance issues. This includes understanding the contractual obligations if they are being paid through programs like Medicaid or a VA benefit. It’s important to consult a legal or financial adviser to understand these nuances. 

For those using financial products or insurance policies to fund caregiving, it’s important to know the terms and conditions as well as any impact on the senior’s estate or benefits.

Taxation is a significant aspect of receiving payment as a caregiver. Income received as a caregiver is generally taxable, and caregivers should report it accurately. On the flip side, tax credits and deductions for caregiving expenses can offer some relief. The IRS provides specific guidelines on what expenses can be deducted and the qualifications for claiming a dependent. Understanding these rules can help caregivers make informed decisions and potentially reduce their tax burden.

Being the caregiver of a family member can pay, but know the rules

The journey of a family caregiver is often filled with challenges and sacrifices, but it’s heartening to know that there are various ways to get paid to take care of a family member. Government programs like Medicaid and VA benefits provide structured pathways for compensation. Other options, such as utilizing financial products and tapping into tax credits, offer alternative means to manage the financial aspects of caregiving.

With these financial supports comes the responsibility of understanding and adhering to the legal and tax implications. It’s crucial for caregivers to seek advice from financial and legal professionals to navigate these waters effectively. By doing so, caregivers can ensure they are compensated fairly while also complying with legal and financial requirements.

Exercise and intentional movement are important for people of any age. For seniors especially, movement can improve their quality of life, enhance independence, improve mobility, and even boost confidence and self-esteem. However, it can feel more challenging to keep up with movement goals as we age due in part to chronic conditions and joint stiffness, pain, or decreased mobility that can come naturally with age. Whether you’ve been active most of your life or are committing to scheduling more exercise into your routine, you can immediately notice the benefits of movement. You don’t have to be an expert or set lofty training goals to get those benefits. Here are a few ideas for exercises for seniors that might inspire you to move more.

Walking (with or without an assistive device)

Perhaps the most perfect exercise for seniors is walking. Not only is it less intimidating to start than jogging or running, but walking also comes with many benefits, including improved strength, balance, and joint flexibility. It can also decrease blood pressure and the risk of depression and anxiety.

All you need to get started with a walking plan is a sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes and a safe place to walk. You can use a treadmill if you have one. You can also use your walker or cane if you have one and your doctor says that walking (even just around the house, to start) is safe.

Outdoor walking improves on benefits as you also get the advantages of being in nature and breathing fresh air. Try heading out for a walk outside at least once per day, starting with a stroll around the block before slowly increasing your distance.

Balance exercises for seniors

Working on your balance is a wonderful way to meet your movement goals and decrease your risk of falling at home. Before you begin any balance exercise program, ensure you’ve spoken to your physician to get clearance and ask for a referral for physical therapy. A physical therapist can evaluate your challenges and needs and give you specific balance exercises you can complete at home to enhance your stability. 

A typical balance exercise regimen takes less than 30 minutes to complete, and you can do it daily. You just need sturdy shoes, something to hold on to, and an open mind. Remember, if you have to step out of an exercise to regain your balance, that is entirely normal. Just be sure that you are safe as you perform the exercises. You can also find balance exercise videos on streaming platforms like YouTube.

Strength training exercises for seniors

It is never too late to reap the benefits of strength training, which can include movements with weights or only your body weight. The National Institute on Aging reports that older adults can maintain and increase their muscle strength by incorporating strength and resistance training once or twice weekly. Strength training builds bone density, manages weight, improves joint health, and boosts confidence.

You don’t need to lift big weights in a gym or purchase a squat rack to keep in your spare bedroom. You can benefit from body-weight exercises as well as lifting dumbbells, kettlebells, or household objects like water bottles or soup cans. Resistance bands are another option. Before you purchase any equipment, ensure that you have sturdy shoes, and focus on body-weight exercises.

SilverSneakers offers live and on-demand videos online with excellent strength training components. Some health insurance policies will even offset the cost of membership.

Activities you wouldn’t expect to be considered exercise

You don’t have to attend a workout class or go for a job to consider movement exercise. Everyday activities and hobbies can also count as physical activity. Here are a few of our favorite common movements you can do that can count toward your daily movement goal.

Household tasks

Though chores aren’t everyone’s favorite activities, they can be a great way to work in physical movement to your everyday life. Doing the dishes requires you to stand for at least a few minutes at a time; Sweeping engages upper body muscles; Doing the laundry requires you to squat to pick up the laundry basket and your core and upper body muscles to carry it from the bedroom to the washing machine. As long as you can do these functional movements safely, you can get more enjoyment out of completing household chores because they serve two purposes: You can maintain your home and get your body moving.

Dancing

Body movement can be fun and freeing, as when you turn on your favorite music and dance around your home. Whether you consider yourself to have rhythm or not, you can experience the joy of dancing to your favorite song anytime.

Try to dance while cooking in the kitchen to boost your energy during an afternoon slump or while brushing your teeth and getting ready for the day. You’ll notice a difference in your joints as well as your mood. Of course, if you’d like a more structured program involving dance, check out a Zumba Gold class online or other in-person dance-focused exercise classes at your local senior center or recreation center. 

Gardening

Not all movement needs to be rooted in exercise. Many chores you do around the house or hobbies you love can help you reach your daily movement goals. Gardening is an excellent example. Whether walking around the house carrying a watering can or bending at the hip to deadhead your plants, you are moving and working on your mobility.

If you’re already an avid gardener, consider intentionally noticing how much movement the hobby brings you. Then, find ways to increase that movement. Can you walk to the hose that is farther away from the garden to fill up your watering cans? Can you try to get up from kneeling in your garden bed without using your hands?

If you’re not a gardener, why not try to pick up the hobby? It’s a great way to get outside and keep moving throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Start small with container gardening before moving up to a full bed of vegetables or flowers. 

Remember to ease into your daily routine as you start incorporating more movement. Set a small goal and work on that for a month before adding something new. Always keep an eye out for movement opportunities that you look forward to, as you’ll be more likely to keep up with an exercise plan if you enjoy it. We hope these ideas for exercises for seniors inspire you as you set out to move more and keep yourself healthy and happy.

Talking to a parent about accepting help may be one of the more challenging tasks in your caregiving journey. You might recognize signs that it is time for care and suggest they get help through a home care agency, move to assisted living, or accept more help at home from you. A parent who refuses help may be resistant because they feel like they’re losing control and their independence. After the initial refusal, it’s time to regroup and strategize for continued talks about getting your parent the help they need. Here we break down tips for talking with your parent who is refusing help. 

Prepare yourself emotionally

You have noticed a change in your parent’s capabilities or ability to be safely independent. That in itself can create tough emotions to handle. Then, talking to them about getting help didn’t go as planned, bringing another set of difficult feelings. Before you strike up the conversation again, emotional preparation may be the most important step you take. If you don’t regulate your emotions, your message is unlikely to have a positive effect, no matter how convincing. Here are some tips on how to prepare:

• •Undoubtedly, during discussions, you will feel your pulse quicken, your blood pressure rise, and your breathing become shallow. You can control all of these responses: Try to stay calm before and during the conversation by taking deep breaths, relaxing your body, and thinking calm thoughts.
• •Don’t be attached to the outcome. If you go into discussions expecting to convince your parent to accept help, you may close the possibility of reaching a different agreement or compromise. You will likely become angry and frustrated all over again, which is unhelpful in reaching a solution.
• •Consider having another family member or respected professional intervene if you are not the best person to continue these discussions. You can also ask another family member to be present during conversations with your parent for additional emotional support and perspective.

Always show respect

This is an emotional time for everyone, and it’s important to remain respectful. The parent-child dynamic is in flux at these points of life: Though the parent and adult child biologically hold the same roles, the responsibilities and abilities shift, and the child begins to care for the parent more than the parent for the child. This is natural, but it isn’t an easy adjustment — for the adult child or the parent. Also, coping with changes in health and ability can be depressing and overwhelming. Remaining respectful of your parent at this juncture is key. If it’s not easy for you, it isn’t easy for them.

Here are some ways you can show respect:

• •Let your parent speak without interrupting. As hard as this can be, this shows you respect their time to speak. Resist the urge to jump in and make corrections regardless of how outlandish you may feel their reasoning is. 
• •Really listen to what your parent says when they speak. Sometimes, people say more than just the words that they speak. If a parent says, “I don’t want help taking a shower. I barely break a sweat anymore, so I don’t need a shower every day,” they may be telling their child more than just that: They may feel shame about needing help with a task that was easy for many years, or they may be embarrassed that someone will see them in the shower. But this statement has more messages: They aren’t very active, which is important in late adulthood. And they’re ignoring basic hygiene because of embarrassment. This could lead to self-neglect and worsen their situation. If you can get to the root of why they’re resistant, in this case, their shame and embarrassment, you can more easily solve the issue: They can turn shame of decreased independence into pride in getting assistance for proper hygiene. They can also learn that shower assistance from a home care provider can preserve privacy and dignity because of the professional caregiver’s training.
• •Avoid making demands. Try not to tell your parent what they “need” to do. Take a collaborative approach by making suggestions or asking how they would solve a particular problem or concern. Work together as a team to reach an agreement.
• •Use your words wisely. Use language that expresses empathy while acknowledging your parent’s need for independence. Avoid condescending and demeaning language. 

Be honest about your concerns

It can be tricky to talk about your concerns, especially if your parent refuses help or doesn’t accept that there is a problem. However, it is important to gently describe what you notice, such as if your parent isn’t keeping up with household duties, has mobility problems, or can’t dress, bathe, take medications correctly, or comply with medical directives. Here are a few other tips for discussing concerns:

• •Stick to facts as much as possible. Facts are hard to argue with and can keep the conversation on track and away from grayer areas of emotions and opinions. 
• •Focus on safety. Talk about your concerns regarding safety and your desire to help your parent remain at home if possible.
• •Make suggestions that solve current issues. Consider solutions to specific problems and express those if the time seems right. For example, bringing in help with some light housekeeping may show your parent that accepting more help could make their life easier.
• •Help your parent understand the possible consequences of avoiding help. Be honest that you and the rest of your family are worried about their safety and well-being and that you want the best for them.

Offer choices and negotiate

If you go into a discussion expecting to get your way, you may make no progress and worsen the situation. Here are some ideas on how to make progress, regardless of how small:

• •Be willing to compromise. By agreeing to something you may not view as having much value, you open the door to future progress. Make a list of nonnegotiables that you need. If you can agree upon those, you can compromise on how to get there. If “Mom needs to eat enough” is one nonnegotiable, you can figure out whether the best solution is to get a meal delivery service or meal preparation through a home care agency, to stock her fridge with heat-and-eat meals, or to have her move to assisted living to get enough nutritional support. Remember that when you compromise, you may be asked to take on some of the common family caregiver duties if you haven’t already. Talk with your parent about what this means for your schedule so you can create a solution that is fair for everyone.
• •Make some suggestions, but always frame them as choices. People who have choices feel respected and empowered to make better decisions.
• •Start with suggesting help at home. Most seniors want to age in place, so home care can be a good starting point to keep them safe and healthy. Explain how home care can be a step toward more independence by allowing them to stay where they are and ensuring they are safe.
• •Discuss the other options beyond home care. Discussing assisted living can also be challenging, but if the conversation has come to that point, it likely means that home care may be insufficient. Many older adults have a distorted view of assisted living and equate it with nursing home care, but they are quite different. If possible, schedule lunch at an assisted living so they can better understand how an assisted living community works and learn the benefits of this type of senior care community. 
• •Suggest a trial period of home care. Give your parent the right to refuse more help after the trial period. This offer can be risky, so you must consider whether it is worth your parent refusing help after the trial period. It’s possible, however, that your parent will see the benefits of home care after receiving the assistance.

Accept your parent’s decision

Accepting bad or unsafe decisions is extremely hard, but when you have tried everything, it may be time to step back. People have the right to make their own decisions, even if you can see the risks of refusing help with personal or household tasks.

The reality of your parent refusing help may mean a medical event or emergency that will dictate care in the future. However, there is also another option besides that worst-case scenario, which is that over time, your parent may understand that it is in their best interest to accept help.

When your parent refuses help

When your parent refuses help, it puts pressure on you and your siblings to do what you can to keep them safe without the support you need. Keeping the lines of communication open and being empathetic will lay the groundwork for eventual progress. With the right frame of mind and by following these tips to stay civil and honest, you can ensure that the conversation is as productive as possible and keep the door open for the best outcome for everyone involved.

You’d love to take a trip with your senior loved one, but you might be unsure how to plan it if they have decreased mobility, strength, or endurance. Making memories and traveling with your loved one is still possible, and they can still get a lot out of the experience even if they use a mobility device or can’t walk long distances. You just need to know a few destinations that can make your trip successful for everyone. Here’s a roundup of trip ideas for seniors to consider as you plan your next vacation.

Disney

Disney World and Disneyland are magical places where families gather to create memories. If your loved one has limited mobility, they can still get in on the fun. Disney offers a variety of accommodations in their parks and resorts for visitors who use mobility devices or need to rent one.

In addition to plenty of accessible bathrooms, entrances, and walkways, Disney also offers clear guidance on attractions so that guests know if they need to transfer to go on the ride or can remain in their wheelchair. Transportation options from resorts to parks are also accessible, as are the resorts. If you choose to stay off-property for your hotel accommodations, you can rest assured that there is plenty of accessible parking at the parks that provides a quicker route to the attractions. 

If you aren’t into rides, there are still many fun things to do throughout Disney. There are restaurants, shows, parades, and other experiences that you can do while younger grandkids ride the attractions.

Disney is pricey but a trip idea worth the investment for families who want to create this core memory. One-day single-park tickets are around $100 to $110.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

If you’re looking for a vacation with a mix of nature, fun attractions, and more, head to the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. While you can’t tackle all the trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in a wheelchair or scooter, there are accessible trails at the Sugarland Visitor Center as well as throughout other ranger stations in the park. 

You can also enjoy the mountains from your car. Drive through the park and pull off at the various viewing stations, or drive through Cades Cove, where you can cross your fingers that you’ll see a bear. If riding in a car can be uncomfortable for your senior loved one, consider taking a few simple steps to make car rides easier for them. Having a supportive pillow or knowledge of how to transfer in and out of the car correctly can make a big difference.

When you’re looking for a bit more excitement, head to Dollywood. The park features accessible parking, bathrooms, paths, attractions, theater seating, and more. Even if you don’t like thrill rides, fun programs and concerts happen throughout the day. Tickets for one day are less than $100 and are easily worth the money based on entertainment alone.

For accommodations, consider getting a hotel or renting a cabin. There are accessible cabins in the area, including at Little Valley Mountain Resort, which also features a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk and fishing pond.

Niagara Falls, Canada

Experience Niagara Falls from the Canadian side, and don’t stress about accessibility. Niagara Parks offers many accessible attractions and locations, including the Journey Behind the Falls attraction (the lower observation deck can only be reached by stairs, but the rest of the attraction is wheelchair accessible, and you will receive a 10% discount off the price). 

You can easily spend a few days exploring the area around the falls, including taking an accessible boat ride, visiting the butterfly garden, and eating at any of the restaurants. You can even bundle more than one attraction for a lower price, about CAD 50 (around $37). Round off your trip by taking a scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway.

Las Vegas, Nevada

You don’t have to be a big gambler to enjoy Vegas. The city is well known for its accessibility. Take advantage of accessible transportation options, such as taxis, buses, and the Las Vegas Monorail, as well as accessible casinos, restaurants, and sidewalks that are easy to navigate.

There’s plenty to do in Vegas, including catching a show at a wheelchair-accessible theater, eating at restaurants, and strolling through the casinos. Of course, you don’t have to spend money to enjoy the area. Vegas is full of free options. Take in the fountain show at the Bellagio or the Fremont Street Experience, a pedestrian mall with many events and attractions.

Don’t worry about hotels. The majority of the resorts in Vegas offer many accessible rooms that are located closer to the action.

Siesta Key, Florida

If you’re looking for a beach getaway but worry about navigating the sand, consider heading to Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, Florida. The beach is quite accessible, featuring accessible bathrooms and parking, as well as a Mobi-mat, which rolls out on the sand, allowing wheelchairs to get from the parking lot to the water. They also rent out beach wheelchairs for the day.

Hotels in the area offer accessible rooms, and some condos also offer accessibility.

Stay local

Of course, you don’t have to jet away or drive for days to have an enjoyable vacation. Consider a staycation where you and your loved one explore your city or area like tourists. Try new restaurants, shop in a new area, take in a show, or visit a museum. Check accessibility before you go so that you are prepared, and always feel free to call the destination to speak to someone directly about your loved one’s needs.

If you or your loved one has trouble walking distances outside the home but doesn’t have a mobility device, it could be time to get one. These items are types of durable medical equipment (DME), which are devices meant to be used on a long-term basis that support your medical needs. Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and other mobility devices can be considered DME. If your doctor prescribes the use of a certain device, Medicare may cover at least part of the cost. 

There are so many trip ideas for seniors and accessible vacation spots so everyone can enjoy new experiences and visit beautiful places. Don’t let your mobility issues keep you from getting out and enjoying your world and family. Have fun!

Respite care is a term that refers to hiring help to relieve a family member from caregiving duties temporarily. This long-term care service involves professional caregivers helping with various tasks and daily activities in order to relieve the primary family caregiver of these responsibilities for a few hours at a time. It gives the family caregiver time to rest or take care of other life obligations while ensuring the individual receives needed care. Hiring respite care services can be a tough decision, as caregivers might be reluctant to take time for themselves or worry that others can’t care for their loved ones the way they do. Once a family caregiver chooses the right respite care provider, though, the benefits are clear — for both them and their loved one. Let’s take a look at the benefits of respite care.

Respite care reduces caregiver stress

Mental, emotional, and physical stress from caregiving are well documented. The stress occurs largely due to the unrelenting pressure and time demands of caregiving. Respite care improves well-being in several ways:

• •Depression and anxiety are associated with caregiving stress. Occasional respite allows time to reenergize, connect with others, engage in pleasurable activities, and practice self-care, which can alleviate stress’s adverse mental and emotional effects.
• •Caregiving can be physically demanding, negatively affecting caregivers in significant ways. Caregivers suffer from chronic conditions such as heart issues, arthritis, diabetes, higher levels of obesity, and body pain. Studies show that caregivers have a diminished immune response and higher levels of stress hormones. Respite allows them to manage medical appointments and comply with health care directives, including preventive care. The reduction of stress through respite care is beneficial to physical health.
• •Caregiver stress can lead to unhealthy habits, such as excessive drinking, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise. Respite gives caregivers the time to reorient their thinking and commitment toward healthy habits.

Respite care improves caregiver effectiveness 

A tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed caregiver is less effective. You may think you are providing good care, but stress can cause increased frustration and even anger, which can compromise your relationship with your loved one and cause the quality of care to dip. Your loved one may also become more demanding or unreasonable. Respite allows both of you to reset by giving you some perspective, not to mention that your loved one will likely be on better behavior with other caregivers. Respite provides much-needed rejuvenation so you can return to caregiving duties with a fresh perspective and enough energy to continue. 

Respite service help caregivers maintain relationships

Caregiving can make you feel there is never enough time in the day for “you time.” However, feeling like you have a normal life can reduce your stress. The demands of caregiving can make it hard to stay connected with friends and other family members, but doing so will help improve your mental outlook and keep those relationships strong. Respite care gives you the space and time to foster and grow these relationships.

Caring for a loved one also changes the dynamic of your relationship with the person you care for. It is not unusual for caregivers to become frustrated and angry with their loved one. Caregiving can start to erode the adult child/parent relationship. If you are rested and can spend some time apart, you are more likely to sustain a positive relationship based on mutual respect.

Respite care supports your loved one’s mental health

When someone else, whether a family member or a professional home care staff member, provides care, your loved one will likely benefit in a few ways. Engagement with different people provides stimulation, variation of activities, socialization, and the opportunity to improve self-esteem. Isolation and depression are significant concerns for older adults. Interacting with a variety of people can prevent loneliness and alleviate some symptoms of depression. 

The senior has more than one caregiver

Respite care, by definition, offers caregiver backup when you need it. The benefit of having a reliable and dependable person to care for your loved one when you cannot is invaluable. If you don’t have a backup, you are more likely to care for someone when you are sick or mentally and emotionally exhausted. You are also unlikely to prioritize your own physical and emotional health needs if you feel there is no time to do so. Knowing you have backup can help you learn to better care for yourself, which will also benefit your loved one.

Respite care helps caregivers maintain employment

One of the devastating possible consequences of family caregiving is a reduction or loss of employment. The financial impact of decreased or lost employment can be difficult to manage, and reentering the workforce after taking an extended break for caregiving can be challenging. Establishing structured and routine respite care can allow you to maintain your career and professional relationships. There is a cost to respite care, but the benefits may outweigh the loss of income and valuable work connections.  

Benefits of respite care for caregivers and their loved ones

Though hiring respite care will involve costs, you will do both yourself and your loved one a favor. For all the moments you care for and support your parent or loved one, you deserve to take time for yourself and your other life commitments. When you choose respite care, you also make the times that you care for your parent more fulfilling and special. The benefits of respite care are undeniable.

Whether your senior loved one needs to ride long distances or goes only to nearby doctor’s appointments, traveling by car may be uncomfortable for them. Getting in and out of the car, sitting for long periods of time, and having frequent urges to go to the bathroom can make riding in a car feel like a chore. Seniors may not be able to avoid car rides altogether, but they can make some adjustments and use mobility aids to make car travel more comfortable. Here, we go over tips to help make riding in a car more comfortable for seniors. 

Get in and out of the car correctly

If your loved one needs extra time or some hands-on assistance to transfer in and out of the car, make sure you know how to safely support them. For example, if your loved one uses a mobility aid like a walker, they should use it all the way up to the point of getting in the car. They should lock it and use it to support them as they turn to sit down on the seat. Similarly, wheelchair users should position the wheelchair to make the transfer easy and lock the wheels before standing up.

Transferring is considered an activity of daily living, which means your loved one’s physician can order physical and occupational therapy to help them with the skill. A few outpatient visits can do wonders for their confidence in traveling by car because the therapist will teach them the proper way to transfer, and the practice will help strengthen the necessary muscles for the action. When possible, attend sessions with your loved one and get professional advice on how you can best support them during transfers. You’ll likely find relief in learning how to best help them, as helping with transfers appears in many caregiver duties you take on when helping your parent.

Use a gait belt (transfer belt)

A gait belt, also known as a transfer belt, is a helpful tool for helping someone stand and sit. The belt wraps around your loved one’s waist and gives you something to hold on to as you help them stand up and sit back down without straining their spine. If your loved one needs stand-by or hands-on assistance for transferring, consider purchasing one to keep in your car so you’ll always have it available.

Transfer boards can also help with getting in and out of the car. These are flat boards that allow the user to slide from one seat to another. Using them properly requires some training, so only use one if your loved one’s therapist or physician recommends it and you both have been trained on how to use it safely. 

Bring their walker, cane, or mobility aid with you

Now that your loved one is safely in the car, it’s time to bring their mobility device with you to your destination. Before you pick up your loved one for your ride, make sure you have room in the trunk or back seat for their device and that you know how to fold it to store for the trip. Depending on the device your loved one uses, you might need a lot of room (for a wheelchair or scooter) or less room (for a cane or traditional walker).

If you are unsure how to fold the mobility device, you can quickly look up instructional videos online or learn how to do it from your loved one’s physician. Regardless, always remember to bring their mobility devices with you during car travel.

Use supportive pillows and cushions

Depending on your loved one’s needs and your vehicle, they might be uncomfortable while sitting in the seat. This can lead to stiffness, joint pain, and decreased mobility. You can remedy this concern by trying out different supportive pillows and cushions. Your loved one might benefit from a car seat cushion to boost them up or a lumbar pillow to support their lower back.

You might not get the perfect combination of pillows and support your first time trying, and that’s okay. Work with your loved one and experiment with different combinations until they feel their best.

Pack a toiletry kit and extra clothes

While your loved one is riding in a car for even a short distance, there is a chance they might need supplies you don’t regularly keep in your car. Pack a bag with extra clothes, incontinence briefs (if they wear them), gloves, wipes, tissues, and a bottle of water to keep in your car. You might not need these supplies every time, but it sure is handy to have them ready to go in case they have to make a stop to use the bathroom or have continence issues while on the road. 

Medications and first aid

Review your loved one’s prescription and commonly used over-the-counter medications before hitting the road, and pack what you’ll need while they’re out of the house. Depending on their medication schedule, you might need to fill the pouch each time before you go out.

Don’t forget a bottle of water so they can swallow the medications easily. Consider any other medical supplies your loved one might need while you are out of the house, and pack those as well. 

This pouch is also a great place to store some snacks, especially if your loved one has diabetes and might need to regulate blood sugar. If you’re packing something perishable, be sure it is taken out of the pouch before you leave the car for the day.

If you’re taking a longer trip with your loved one, perhaps for a few days or more, consider preparing a more comprehensive travel kit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends working with a health care provider or travel health specialist to ensure you are prepared for everything, including what to do with medications that need to be refrigerated.

Prepare something to talk about

The car is an excellent place to have a meaningful conversation with your loved one. If you sometimes struggle to strike up a productive chat with them, you might want to bring conversation starter cards or have a list of reminiscing questions to ask as you drive. If talking isn’t your thing or theirs, play their favorite music, listen to an audiobook together, or try out a podcast you both will enjoy. Having something ready beforehand can ensure that the trip with your loved one is enjoyable for you both.

Ensuring your loved one’s safety and comfort is a priority, but anticipating how to prepare and what to bring on car rides can be difficult. If you prepare for long and short car rides in advance, you can ensure that your loved one arrives feeling confident and comfortable. Wishing you many safe and comfortable car rides with your loved one this year!

As your parent ages, they might need extra help completing tasks around the house and in their life. Depending on their mobility, independence, and confidence, they might need assistance with home and personal care tasks so that they stay healthy and comfortable living at home. You might feel overwhelmed if you find yourself taking on caregiver duties, and if you live far away from your aging loved one, you might feel confused about where to start.

In either case, we’ve compiled a list of the most common caregiver support that older adults living at home might need. Use this list to manage your time and to-do list and know what you might need to outsource through senior services agencies or home care support.

Helping with personal care tasks

Completing activities of daily living, or the tasks we all do to care for ourselves each day, can become challenging for older adults. Activities of daily living include dressing, bathing or showering, grooming (brushing hair, putting on makeup, shaving, brushing teeth, etc.), eating, mobility, and toileting (or managing incontinence). Your loved one might need varying levels of support to complete one or more of these tasks.

If you live nearby and can assist with these activities of daily living, keep in mind that you should always let your loved one do as much as possible on their own, even if it might take them longer than it would take you. Maintaining independence is crucial, so if they can button their own blouse, even slowly, let them. You can determine if your loved one needs simple verbal cueing throughout the tasks (“Mom, it’s time to brush your teeth”) or if they need more hands-on assistance by observing what they can do independently and with your encouragement. If you’re unsure how best to assist them, make an appointment with their physician to discuss it.

If you live far away, you won’t be able to provide hands-on support with activities of daily living. However, if your loved one needs only verbal cues, you can call them each morning to walk them through their hygiene routine. If they need more assistance, you can coordinate care with a home care agency or licensed caregiver.

Grocery shopping and other errands

Running to the grocery store might be normal for you, but this common and necessary errand can often go by the wayside as mobility decreases. Your loved one might need help with grocery shopping and other errands if they can no longer safely drive or complete the task independently.

If you’re helping out, you can add your loved one’s groceries to your weekly trip, dropping the bags off on your way home. If you’re coordinating care from far away, you can shop for them and have the groceries delivered via services like Instacart or Amazon.

Meal preparation and cooking

Planning and preparing three meals a day can be quite difficult for adults over 65. Add in fine motor challenges, mobility issues, or cognitive decline, and making healthy meals can seem nearly impossible. This is why many older adults turn to ultra-processed foods like frozen meals and fast food. While moderation is key, unfortunately, studies have shown that older adults eat too much of this ultra-processed food, which can contribute to cognitive decline and other physical health conditions.

If you are nearby, you can help your loved one by planning and preparing their meals. For example, if you make a pot of chili for your family, increase the recipe and make a few extra servings to take to your loved one. Be sure to bring meals in single servings, putting a few in the fridge and more in the freezer, along with quick instructions for rewarming them in the microwave or on the stove. You can also bring easy meal staples like yogurt and fruit for breakfast, salads or soups for lunches, and healthy, individually portioned snacks. Restock and clear out any expired leftovers once a week.

If you are coordinating care from far away, consider meal delivery subscriptions or using a site like Meal Train to rally and schedule neighbors and nearby family members to ensure your loved one has healthy meals at the ready.

Laundry and linen changes

Laundry can be difficult for older adults to keep up with, especially in the face of cognitive decline or mobility challenges. In addition to their clothing, they may struggle with staying on top of changing bed linens and towels. These tasks are crucial for personal hygiene, skin integrity, and self-esteem.

If you live nearby, schedule a weekly time to stop by your loved one’s home and take care of the laundry. You can throw in a load and then spend some quality time visiting with your loved one. If you live far away and are coordinating care from a distance, you might be able to find homemaker or laundry services that will pick up and drop off laundry a few times per month. Your loved one will just need to put the bags on the porch on pickup day, and you can call to remind them to do so.

Scheduling and attending physician appointments

Keeping up with preventive care as well as follow-up appointments can become difficult for seniors who no longer drive, have mobility issues, or are living with cognitive decline. They may need help with scheduling their appointments as well as getting to those appointments. Many seniors also need support during appointments.

If you are helping out and are nearby, you can schedule appointments on behalf of your loved one and keep them in your family calendar. You can drive your loved one to appointments and stay with them during the visit. If you are coordinating care from far away, you might need to schedule transportation via their local senior services agency or a service like Uber Health. You can stay in the loop with the details of the appointment as well as any follow-up instructions by checking your loved one’s patient portal for physician notes or by video calling into the appointment.

Maintaining social connections

Social health for older adults is an important part of their emotional wellness plan. However, it can become difficult to put friendships and social connections at the forefront when it requires scheduling coffee dates, attending social events, and figuring out how to get to them. 

If you live nearby, work with your loved one to make special social dates on their calendar. You can help by inviting their friends, finding a place to meet up, and providing transportation for your loved one if they need it. You can still help with this planning process and coordinate transportation with local services if you live far away. Social connection ideas include inviting a few friends over for coffee, staying an hour after church service for fellowship, or attending a senior-friendly group exercise class at the local YMCA.

Caregiving looks different for every family, and you can be involved and supportive whether you live a few blocks or a few states away. The key is finding gaps in your loved one’s wellness plan and filling them without taking away independence. Knowing what types of caregiver duties to expect will ensure your loved one receives the care they need to stay happy, safe, and healthy.

Caring for a family member with dementia is a challenge, but we have tips to help you manage this difficult yet rewarding responsibility. Knowing how to care for a dementia patient isn’t easy because the disease progresses over time, and caregivers must adapt. Having dementia caregiver tips at your disposal can help you and also increase your loved one’s quality of life. Establishing a routine, having activities ready, maintaining contact with doctors, and other strategies can help you along the caregiving journey. Here, we’ll explain those dementia caregiver tips and more — including how to care for yourself — so you can care for your loved one with dementia while reducing your daily stress.

Have activities ready

Activity is essential for us all. It fosters connection, engagement, and a sense of purpose and accomplishment. People with dementia may have forgotten how to engage in activities or find preferred pastimes too complicated and stressful now. The solution is to find activities that match someone’s current skill level so that they can find enjoyment. 

Activities don’t need to be extravagant. Depending on your loved one’s abilities, you can even create activities they can do independently. Remember that preferences will change as the person’s cognitive abilities decline. Here are some physical, mental, and social activity suggestions to get you started.

Physical activities

Physical activity has numerous benefits. Movement improves mood, increases flexibility, builds muscle and endurance, and helps with sleep and appetite. Walking, stretching, tai chi, yoga, gardening, chair exercises, yard work, bocce ball, and croquet are possible activities. Remember that mobility and balance issues may require close monitoring and adaptation.

Mental activities

Boredom can contribute to agitation, frustration, and wandering in dementia patients, but keeping your loved one mentally engaged can help with these behaviors. The best types of activities for your loved one will depend on the severity of the disease. There could be some trial and error in finding achievable mental activities. Try to choose a simple activity to increase the chances of success. Some ideas include playing games such as checkers or dominoes, looking at photos, listening to music, helping in the kitchen, folding laundry, and crafting.

Social activities

Social activity can be tricky since some people with dementia can become overstimulated by too many people or conversations they can’t understand. However, social connection is valuable and can promote mental well-being and engagement. Scheduling and structuring visits from friends and family can be beneficial as long as they know the limits of engagement. If you notice fatigue or agitation in your loved one, move them to a quieter space or end the social visit.

Establish and maintain daily routine

People with dementia may struggle with familiar tasks, planning, and initiating activities, so maintaining a routine is important. Daily structure can reassure someone with dementia by reducing stress and anxiety. Within the structure of a routine, it is still essential to provide stimulating activities that foster a feeling of control and independence. 

An added benefit is that when you create a routine for your loved one, you’re also making one for yourself: Knowing what tasks to expect at certain times of the day or week can help relieve your stress. With the organization of a routine, you may also be able to delegate tasks to other family members more easily, allowing you to take much-needed breaks to see to other responsibilities or to recharge.

Maximize their independence with safety in mind

Safety is an ongoing concern when caring for a loved one with dementia. It is possible to keep your loved one safe without overcontrolling the situation at the expense of their independence. One way to achieve both is to ensure each room in the home is as safe as possible. Clear away clutter, keep doors locked to discourage wandering, and allow for outdoor time by maintaining a safe and secure perimeter. If your loved one enjoys going out, take them with you to the grocery store, the park, or even a shopping mall for indoor walking.

Stay connected with health care providers

It is easy to overlook the importance of staying connected with your loved one’s health care providers, but focusing on general health care needs grows more critical as dementia progresses. Accompany your loved one to doctor’s visits to learn how to manage health issues and medications and stay on top of any changes. Seek advice on holistic, healthy interventions, including nutritional and dietary management, that can assist your loved one with feeling better physically and mentally. 

When you keep a regular appointment schedule with health care providers and specialists, you invite the experts into your loved one’s life to help maintain their quality of life. At certain points, various services like home health care might be necessary. Keeping in touch with doctors can help you access the care you need at home. If their doctor prescribes it, these services can be covered for a limited time, depending on your loved one’s insurance. 

Take breaks to care for yourself

Caregiving is stressful and time-consuming work. Committing to your own health and well-being is essential to being a caregiver. This concept made it to our dementia caregiver tips list because without self-care, you risk burning out, which is common among family caregivers. Finding time for yourself, seeking support from others, relaxing, and keeping active with your favorite hobbies will ensure you can provide the best care for your loved one.

• •Reduce your caregiving load by seeking help from others, including hiring services. Being the sole caregiver for someone with dementia is difficult, but asking others for help can make it easier. Using a home care agency for occasional caregiving help, even for just a few hours a week, will provide you with some relief.
• •Consider adult day care. Adult day care for people with dementia can offer alternative activities and socialization to your loved one while giving you some respite from caregiving.
• •Seek support and connect with others. Share your experiences with other caregivers or support groups. There might be in-person support groups in your community or online options. 
• •Prioritize activities you enjoy. Schedule time for relaxation, hobbies, and activities. Stay connected with friends. Making the time won’t be easy, but taking care of yourself allows you to better care for your loved one.
• •Learn and adapt. Stay informed about dementia and explore different caregiving strategies. Be open to adjusting your approach as the disease progresses. Turn to the advice of people who have been through similar experiences.

Using these dementia caregiver tips

Caring for someone with dementia is a full-time job that may seem overwhelming at times. However, with knowledge and these dementia caregiver tips, you can navigate each day with the strength you need. Support, caregiver resources, and a devotion to self-care will ensure you can give your loved one the care they need to stay safe and healthy.

When your mom, dad, or other loved one moves to assisted living, you’ll want to find ways to connect and maintain your relationship with them in this environment, whether they moved in last week, last month, or five years ago. Getting creative with your next visit, phone call, or video chat can help them feel loved and appreciated. Here are a few ideas to help you connect with mom or dad and brighten your interactions.

Start a new hobby together

Experiences create connections; whether you pick up pickleball with your teenage son or start watching Marvel movies with your best friend, you bond over a shared experience. During your next visit or phone call with your loved one, start a new hobby together so that your time together is more than just a catch-up session and becomes a shared experience.

Here are a few ideas:

• •For the word lover, consider doing Wordle, Connections, or any of the free games the New York Times offers. Depending on your loved one’s abilities, you might create a text thread to share your results or wait to play a few games together during your next in-person visit or phone or video call. The ongoing conversation will help both of you feel connected to one another.
• •Create your own book club. Decide what genre you’d like to try (novels, biographies, poetry, short stories) and purchase a book (or borrow from the local library for free) for both of you. You can read separately and then discuss it during your visits or read aloud during your time together. Reading aloud can be especially helpful when visiting and connecting with someone living with cognitive decline.
• •Listen to a podcast. Podcasts are excellent options for shared experiences, as you can listen easily, no matter where you are. Pick a few interesting podcasts to both of you and talk about the latest episode, or listen to an episode together when you’re visiting.
• •Get crafty. Bring a few vases and bundles of flowers and ribbons to your next visit. Spend time arranging them to put around your loved one’s room. Send flowers and vases to them for a video chat option and work on the project together from your phone, computer, or tablet.

Return to snail mail

Getting mail is exciting, no matter your age. Even better, letter writing is creatively engaging, which makes becoming pen pals a win-win situation. Kick off your pen pal campaign by purchasing pretty stationery, envelopes, stamps, and writing utensils for you and your loved one. Then, mark on your calendar to write to your loved one for 30 minutes once per week. You’ll find that you look forward to it, and they will love receiving your weekly notes. If they are able and interested, they can also reply to you.

Writing letters is a great option for intergenerational connections. Try involving your children or younger family members by having them write to a grandparent once a week as a part of their routine. It doesn’t have to be a long note to be meaningful — it can be a simple card with a quick recap of their week.

Create a connection calendar

Having a special event to look forward to can do wonders for happiness. Why not make one day a week extra special for your loved one? Enlist the help of family members and friends to create a connection calendar, where someone in the family signs up to call or visit your loved one on a designated day of the week. Long-distance relatives or friends can also easily participate in a video call visit. For example, your family connection day might be Sunday. That way, your loved one knows they can look forward to a call or visit from a loved one on Sundays.

Create a shared Google calendar so family members can easily sign up for days throughout the year, and everyone can ensure your loved one always has a special visitor to look forward to.

Attend family events

Most assisted living communities host special events for family members to attend. If you are local or in town for a few days, consider attending one of these special events with your loved one. You’ll create memories with your loved one and learn more about the residents they spend time with. 

If you can’t attend an event planned specifically for family, that’s okay! Most assisted living communities welcome family members to events hosted at the community. For example, if you’re visiting during a planned community happy hour, head down with your loved one to enjoy refreshments and entertainment. 

Send a little gift

You don’t have to spend money to show your loved one you are thinking about them, but it can be a fun idea to incorporate. Consider sending a collection of cards from loved ones to hang up in their apartment, a box of their favorite teas or candy, or even a bouquet of flowers. These are easy ways to add extra joy to their home and day. Be sure you follow up with a visit or phone call to see how they display their cards or flowers or how they are enjoying their care package.

Get creative with your visits and phone calls this year as you find new ways to share experiences and create connections with your loved one in assisted living. You will both benefit from something a little different from what you’ve done in the past. Feel free to try these ideas, pass them along to other family members, or use them as a jumping-off point to create new traditions. Here’s to finding new ways to connect with your mom, dad, or other loved one and ensuring they feel the love no matter if you live a few blocks away or across the country.

Caring for someone with dementia can be a challenge, whether you are caring for them at home or have the help of a senior living community. If your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, they may display common challenging behaviors as the disease progresses. These behaviors can pose safety risks and be challenging for family members to handle. Here, we’ll explain some of the common dementia behaviors and go over some tips to help manage them.

Agitation or aggression 

It can be very distressing when the personality of someone you may have known your entire life changes in dramatic and disturbing ways. It is not unusual for someone who has always been calm and appropriate to become agitated or even aggressive with the progression of dementia. It can sometimes seem as if you are dealing with a different person.

Tips for managing this dementia behavior

• •Monitor your emotions. The situation can worsen if you get frustrated or angry in response to your loved one’s agitation. Stay calm, take deep breaths, and move on to effective interventions.
• •Try to find the cause. Agitation and aggression often result from unmet needs such as hunger, thirst, pain, discomfort, or boredom. Try to find the cause and solve that problem.
• •Keep the person engaged. Structured activity can solve a host of problems. Physical activity is especially helpful. Try walking, gentle stretching, or folding laundry. Listening to music, watching movies, and looking at photographs can keep your loved one calm and mentally engaged. There are many activities people with dementia can do independently while at various stages of the disease.
• •Maintain a routine. Disruption in daily routine can lead to increased agitation. A routine provides a comforting and calming structure. Try to stick to a schedule that works best for your loved one.

Wandering

People with dementia may wander due to searching for something, getting disoriented in familiar surroundings, or trying to leave their environment out of fear or discomfort. It poses a significant safety risk. Adults with wandering behavior sometimes go outdoors in freezing weather without appropriate clothing. Wandering increases the risk of falls, weather-related injury, and even death.

Tips for managing this dementia behavior

• •Lock doors and windows. Secure all possible exits, and consider using locks to keep your loved one in a certain area of the home. If the wandering behavior includes repetitive attempts to leave, try disguising doors to look like the walls.
• •Use alarms and motion-sensing devices. Bed alarms and other motion-sensing devices can cover a room or area of the house so you can be aware of and monitor your loved one’s movements.
• •Provide supervision. Consider hiring a caregiver to supervise your loved one if you can’t always be around. Caregivers can also relieve you of your duties during the week so you can take care of personal responsibilities and find time to recharge.
• •Plan activities. Someone who is physically and mentally engaged is less likely to wander. Doing activities, like going for walks, listening to music, and looking through family photos can help keep your loved one engaged.

Sleep problems

Unfortunately, sleep problems affect 25 to 50% of people with dementia. As nightfall approaches, people with dementia can become agitated or anxious, wander, have an increase in delusions and hallucinations, and experience a surge in energy. This phenomenon is known as sundowning. Most sleep problems associated with dementia fall under this term.

Tips for managing this dementia behavior

• •Minimize daytime sleeping. Without causing fatigue, try to limit napping during the day so they can rest more easily at nighttime.
• •Turn on interior lights before the sun sets. Having the lights on will minimize shadows, which can confuse and disorient some people with dementia. 
• •Maximize the bedroom environment. Ensure the bedroom is calm, clear of clutter, and cool and dark at night to promote a peaceful environment and improve sleep.
• •Adhere to a schedule. A change in routine can easily disrupt a person with dementia. Try to keep meal, activity, and sleep times consistent.

Changes in appetite

Decreased appetite and refusal to eat can have several causes in older adults and those with dementia, including fatigue, pain, difficulty communicating, constipation, depression, diminished smell, difficulty swallowing, and lack of physical exercise. This behavior is challenging because maintaining a healthy diet is critical for older adults. Taking in fewer calories can cause muscle loss and a decline in strength and endurance, which can lead to balance and safety concerns.

Tips for managing this dementia behavior

• •Use smaller portions. Smaller portions may be more appealing and easier to eat. 
• •Minimize distractions. The eating environment should be calm and simple, with no TV or electronics.
• •Consider tableware specifically for people with dementia. Tableware for people with dementia is breakproof and easy to grip. It is also often red, providing a high contrast between the food’s color and the plate’s color, which has been shown to stimulate appetite. 
• •Be flexible with eating times. For people who struggle with their appetite, be prepared to offer them food whenever they are hungry.
• •Consider spices and salt. As people age, their taste buds dull. Added salt and spices can make food more flavorful and appealing and encourage an increase in food intake.

Hallucinations and delusions

Seeing things that aren’t there and having strong beliefs with no basis in reality is a behavior a person with dementia may experience. The experience can be highly stressful and disturbing. Often, delusions can take the form of believing that family members mean harm or that someone is stealing things.

Tips for managing this dementia behavior

• •Offer reassurance. Stay calm and supportive. Don’t confirm the hallucination or delusion, but don’t be demeaning or disrespectful.
• •Distract. Try distraction activities: Engage the person in a game, music, simple tasks, or walking.
• •Consider a medical appointment. If you have tried several strategies to minimize hallucinations and delusions with little effect, consider an appointment with your loved one’s physician. Sometimes, medication is necessary to manage troubling behaviors.

Memory loss

Memory loss is a defining characteristic of dementia. It can take several forms and worsen over time due to brain cell damage. Examples of memory loss are difficulty retrieving information, forgetting events, getting lost in familiar places, difficulty finding words, forgetting the names of objects, and inability to store recent memories. Memory loss is distressing for the person living with dementia and their caregiver and can cause frustration, anger, and confusion. 

Tips for managing this dementia behavior

• •Avoid correcting. Correcting someone with memory loss will likely lead to more distress. 
• •Be patient. Having patience can be challenging when someone repeats the same question over and over. Try changing the subject or distracting them with a different activity. Don’t get angry; be accepting and nonjudgmental.
• •Write things down and keep it simple. Writing down the names of objects and instructions on using technology and appliances can be helpful, especially in the early phase of dementia. Keep instructions simple and clear.

Confusion

People with dementia can feel lost, disoriented, and unable to carry out simple tasks like bathing, dressing, or cooking. This confusion can lead to frustration and agitation. We can’t know exactly what a person with dementia is feeling, but when you focus on their emotions, it is easier to intervene successfully. 

Tips

• •Don’t leave your loved one alone. Be sure to be near your loved one or to arrange for supervision. While it may be impossible to supervise your loved one at all times, if you must leave them alone briefly, make sure they have a task or some other activity, such as listening to music, to occupy them. 
• •Calm the environment. Overstimulation in the form of too many people or lots of noise can lead to or increase confusion. If necessary, move the person to a quieter area.
• •Keep it simple (again!). Try to keep instructions simple and to the point. When offering options for things such as food or clothing, don’t give too many choices, which can provoke anxiety.

Managing difficult dementia behaviors

Navigating the challenging and sometimes heartbreaking journey of dementia requires patience and flexibility. Dementia and Alzheimer’s are progressive diseases, and when you find a strategy that works, you may eventually need to try something else. There are many options, such as in-home memory care or memory care senior living communities, that can help meet your loved one’s needs. Take care of yourself and call upon the support of friends, family, and community resources to sustain you. These tips can help you successfully and effectively care for your loved one.