Jarvis Law Office

How to Approach a Parent About Alzheimer’s

You may have noticed some troubling behavior from your parent recently. Bouts of confusion, difficulty remembering simple details, or maybe car keys being put in a strange place, such as the refrigerator. Unfortunately, these are all early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. If you suspect your parent has Alzheimer’s, it’s imperative that you get them to a doctor as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment right away. While there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are several treatments available that can slow down the disease.

However, before you can begin, you’ll have to approach your parent with your concerns. This is not always easy, but it’s critical if they’re going to receive the care they need. The following are some steps you can take to approach your parent about the possibility of them having Alzheimer’s:

Decide Who Needs to Be Involved

When you’re planning to have a difficult conversation like this with your parent, you may not want to have it alone. Siblings or a spouse can offer support during this time, but there are some pitfalls you should be aware of. For instance, a sibling may be in denial about your parent’s condition and disagree with you, which could cause problems. You also do not want to overwhelm your parent by having too many loved ones confront them all at once about their condition. Use your best judgment when deciding who should broach this topic.

Speak with a Professional for Advice

This conversation may be one of the most difficult you’ll ever have to have, so it’s best that you don’t go in unprepared. There are a number of professionals you can speak with for advice and help. Physicians, social workers, and experienced elder law attorneys are all excellent resources to contact if you suspect your parent has Alzheimer’s disease. If you give them some context about your parent’s situation, they should be able to advise you on the best way to proceed.

Speak with Your Parent as Early as Possible

The earlier you can speak with your parent and start getting them the care they need, the better it will be for everyone involved. This is especially true before their cognitive functions start to decline as it may be much harder to convince them to seek treatment once the disease has fully set in.

If your parent has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and you have questions about your next steps, please contact our Elder Law office at 877-653-3450 to schedule an initial consultation.

PREVENTIVE HEALTH MEASURES THAT MAY DELAY DEMENTIA IN SENIOR CITIZENS

What is Dementia?

According to the Alzheimer Association, Dementia is not a specific disease. It's an overall term that describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Vascular dementia, which occurs after a stroke, is the second most common dementia type.

Dementia Statistics in the United States

According to statistics, it’s estimated that one out of every six women and one out of every ten men living past the age of 55 will develop dementia. With around 5 million individuals in the US affected by dementia, it is common to have a friend or relative diagnosed with dementia.

Although there are several forms of Dementia, in the US, around 70% of cases are as a result of Alzheimer’s. While these figures may rise in the near future, health scientists are beginning to discover several preventive health measures that may help delay dementia in elderly citizens.

Five (5) Preventive Health Measures That May Help Elderly Citizen Tackle Dementia

In a recent report by the National Academics of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, scientists have been able to postulate three key methods that may be able to slow down the impact of Dementia in older citizens. These strategies included: being physically active, high blood pressure control, and participating in cognitive training exercises.

Below are five (5) ways elderly citizens can reduce the effect of dementia and related cognitive conditions based on the NAS report.

1. It is confirmed that biological and lifestyle changes associated with the various forms of dementia (Alzheimer & Vascular Dementia) usually begin a decade earlier. It is advisable to implement a healthy diet, as well as physical and lifestyle changes before symptoms of dementia become evident.
2. Being able to manage your blood pressure is the only strategy thought to have the potential to prevent or delay the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Although, scientists are yet to ascertain its role on age-related cognitive decline.
3. Participating in physical activities is a great strategy that may delay dementia in senior citizens. While the report didn’t state the type or duration of the physical activity, walking briskly for 15-20 minutes daily is a great idea.
4. Reducing sugar intake may be all you need to reduce the impact of dementia. Several studies have regarded Alzheimer’s as one of the forms of dementia as a third type of diabetes. It is advisable to manage your sugar intake and blood sugar level especially when the individual is above 50 years of age.
5. When it comes to preventing dementia, one of the most common causes of the development of Alzheimer’s is stress. A lot of researches in the past have linked anxiety as one of the causes of dementia especially in elderly citizens who are already at risk of being affected by the disease.

Above all, visit your healthcare provider or a medical facility for proper diagnosis and medical check-ups regularly. If you would like to discuss these issues with an experienced Ohio Elder law attorney, please call our law firm at 877-653-3450 to schedule a consultation.

Long-Term Care Insurance and Alzheimer’s

We all know that long-term care is expensive, especially when specialized care for diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s is needed. On average, a person can expect to pay $8,00 - $10,000 a month for a stay in a typical care center, without adding any extra costs for specialized dementia care. This is why long-term care insurance was created, but unfortunately, in most cases, it will not cover all the care required.

One common misconception is that long-term care insurance protects against the high costs of skilled, dementia, and other long-term care centers. The reality is that long-term care insurance policies usually have many restrictions and requirements attached to them and typically only cover a small portion of long-term care costs. This protection may even come out to less than the cost of the long-term care insurance premiums that have been paid over the years.

Another fact that many people often miss is that most patients, even those with dementia, only stay at long-term care centers for six months or less. This is a much shorter amount of time than long-term care insurance companies would have you believe. In fact, the vast amount of care that Alzheimer’s patients receive is at assisted living care centers that are designed specifically for dementia patients, but most policies will not cover the costs of these assisted living care centers either. Perhaps the most troubling concern is that when seniors and dementia patients need coverage the most, they often cannot afford to continue making premium payments.

While it probably does not pay to get a long-term care insurance policy for a loved one showing signs of dementia, it may be a good idea in certain other situations. If there is a family history of dementia or Alzheimer’s, then getting a policy at an earlier age may be advisable as long as it makes financial sense. Most financial experts agree that long-term care insurance premiums should only amount to about 5% or less of your monthly income. But again, keep in mind that your income will drop and your premiums will rise as you age. A financial planner and experienced elder law attorney can work together with you to determine if a long-term care insurance policy is right for your situation.

If you want more information on the pros and cons of long-term care insurance, or if you currently have a long-term care insurance policy and want it reviewed for your situation, please contact our Ohio elder law office at 877-653-3450 to schedule an initial consultation.

How Alzheimer’s Patients Can Spend Down for Medicaid

Seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s require a significant amount of care as the disease progresses and will typically need to receive care at a specialized dementia facility. This type of care can quickly drain resources, but it can also be covered by Medicaid. However, since Medicaid is a needs-based program, qualifying for benefits can be difficult if applicants own too many assets. Additionally, applicants may be disqualified if they made any asset transfers during the 5-year look-back period. Luckily, there are ways to reduce assets through qualified spending to ensure your loved one receives Medicaid benefits and the care they need at a specialized dementia care center.

Non-Countable Assets

Certain assets are considered “non-countable” for Medicaid eligibility determinations. These assets include a home, one vehicle, various personal and household items, any real property that is valued up to $6,000 and currently in use, and some retirement accounts and insurance policies. If you think that purchasing non-countable assets is something you’d like to pursue as part of your spend-down strategy to get care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s, you should contact an elder law attorney experienced in Medicaid law to help determine what kinds of non-countable assets you should buy.

Annuities

Buying annuities is a good strategy for a husband or wife who is spending down to get their spouse with dementia qualified for Medicaid, but it should be done with the advice of an attorney who’s well-versed in the strategy. An annuity can be purchased by the spouse suffering from Alzheimer’s in one lump sum that guarantees the healthy, or community, spouse receives a fixed income for a certain amount of time. Since spousal income is not a countable asset in terms of Medicaid eligibility, this is a great strategy for safely spending down assets; however, it must meet the annuity requirements set by federal Medicaid law.

Pre-Paid Burial Plots

In Ohio, pre-paid burial costs are allowed as part of a qualified spend down. Ohio allows Medicaid applicants to pre-pay up to $1,500 in burial costs or hold the funds in a separate burial fund to cover other funeral expenses. Any interest accrued in the burial fund is also considered a non-countable asset for Medicaid purposes. Again, it is best to consult with an elder law attorney to determine if a pre-paid burial plot or fund is a good option to spend down for your loved one’s care.

If you’d like more information about spending down to help your loved one with Alzheimer’s qualify for Medicaid, or if you’d like to have your current situation reviewed to prepare for any future care needs, please contact our Ohio elder law office at 877-653-3450 to schedule an initial consultation.

5 Tips for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

Whether you’re a spouse, child, or loved one, caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is a daunting task that will impact both your professional and personal life. You’ll have to provide care for a loved one during this difficult time, while also making sure that you stay up to the task. Below are five tips to help you cope while giving care to a loved one with Alzheimer’s:

Join a Support Group

Many Alzheimer’s caregivers feel that they’re suffering alone, but the fact is that Alzheimer’s is a disease that impacts 15 million caregivers in the United States. Since the disease is so prevalent, there are numerous support groups out there to help caregivers cope with the stress they feel. You’ll connect with people who are going through the same experiences as you, and hopefully, you can help each other through this difficult time.

Accept Help from Family and Friends

Just because you’re a primary caregiver for an Alzheimer’s patient, it doesn’t mean that you can’t ask for and accept help from your family and friends. Sharing the burden can help you avoid burnout and give you a chance to seek respite care during those times when you must focus on your own life.

Stay Healthy

You won’t be any use to your loved one if you wear yourself down and become sick. Check in with your general practitioner regularly to make sure you’re staying healthy, and try to stay active with light exercise to ensure you stay in shape. You should also focus on your sleep habits as a lack of sleep can lead to some serious health consequences down the road.

Speak with a Therapist

Sometimes the stress of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is too much to bear and can lead to anxiety and depression. When this happens, you won’t be able to provide the best care possible for your loved one. That’s why it’s important that you seek out a therapist you feel comfortable speaking to, and if possible, has experience working with people in similar situations.

Consult with an Experienced Elder Law Attorney

Families and caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients often struggle to find the right care centers for their loved ones and ultimately how to pay for those care centers. An experienced elder law attorney can help you navigate the complex world of public benefits to make sure you can find and pay for the care your loved one requires.

If you have more questions about caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, or if you’d like to speak with an experienced elder law attorney regarding Alzheimer’s planning, please contact our Ohio elder law office at 877-653-3450 to schedule a complimentary initial consultation.

Tips for Choosing the Right Alzheimer's Care Center

Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease that impacts every family member, from the senior who suffers from its effects to the adult child that must coordinate care. The disease often leaves family members and caregivers feeling like they have no options. While many families want to keep their loved one at home to provide a sense of comfort and continuity, there is almost always a point at which staying in the home is no longer an option.

Choosing a care center that specializes in Alzheimer’s care is the best way for the loved one to receive the care they need while giving caregivers peace of mind, but it’s not always an easy task.  Alzheimer’s requires a specialized type of care that is not found at every care center, resulting in other important considerations such as cost and the proximity of the care center. Experienced elder law attorneys at Jarvis can help you through these concerns and guide you through the process of finding the right Alzheimer’s care center for your loved one.

When looking for an Alzheimer’s care center, you should consider any special needs your parent has and whether the facilities you’re looking at can address those needs. A common consideration is the type of space available, which is often a concern if the senior is still physically active. A Your loved one needs the ability to move around without feeling confined, while also being kept safe and secure.

Another consideration is the make-up of the other residents in the care center.  There are pros and cons to placing your loved one in an all-Alzheimer’s care center or a care center that caters to a mixed population. You’ll also need to consider the capabilities of the care center staff that will work with and care for your loved one. Can they care for the special needs of an Alzheimer patient while also tending to a mixed population?

There are many other considerations when choosing an Alzheimer’s care center. Jarvis Law Office can review your unique situation and offer solutions. Call us at 877-653-3450 to schedule an initial complimentary consultation.

Three Warning Signs of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia is one of the most devastating conditions that affect senior citizens. The loss of memory and cognitive functions leads to emotional distress and increased care expenses, made even worse by the fact that there is no known cure for dementia diseases, including the two leading diseases that cause dementia, Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia. There are treatments that can slow the effects and help make life more manageable, but the diseases must be detected early in order for the treatments to have any kind of effect. Here are three warning signs to look out for in your elderly loved ones who may have dementia or Alzheimer’s:

Memory Loss

Memory loss is the most well-known sign of dementia and is perhaps the most devastating to families. The lack of recognition of family members usually occurs towards the end stages of the disease, while a milder form of memory loss can serve as a key warning sign that there is something wrong. If you notice your loved one often forgets where they placed their keys or phone, or if they have difficulty remembering names or start repeating themselves, you may want to consult with a doctor about the possibility of early-stage dementia.

Confusion

Confusion usually goes along with memory loss since seniors with dementia often become confused or agitated if they cannot remember a family member’s name or other details they used to know. Constant repetition accompanies confusion and memory loss, as seniors suffering from dementia often repeat things they’ve said just minutes after they’ve already said them. Seniors confused with dementia may also put items such as keys or a purse in places where they don’t belong, like the refrigerator or the oven, and then forget they put them there.

Personality and Mood Shifts

Dementia can have a pronounced impact on a senior’s mood, manifesting either in depression or drastic personality shifts. Dementia is a cognitive impairment which affects one’s judgment, meaning it can cause a senior to act very differently than they have in the past. Monitoring mood and personality for shifts and changes is a good exercise if you suspect an elderly loved one to have dementia.

If you’d like more information about the warning stages of dementia, or if your loved one is suffering from dementia and you’d like to discuss financial and care plan options, please contact our office at 877-653-3450 to schedule an initial complimentary consultation.

Advance Health Care Directives and Mental Health Care in Ohio

Advance Healthcare Directives commonly known as a Living Will and Healthcare Power of Attorney, typically concerns all aspects of health care, including mental health care. However, if you’re concerned about your own or a loved one’s mental health for the future, it may make sense to list out special instructions regarding mental and psychiatric health care to help guide your chosen agent.

Mental health issues cover a large range of possibilities, including medication, commitment, and treatments received in a psychiatric facility. There can be side effects from certain psychiatric medicines that may sway you away from having them prescribed, so it’s important to gain as much information about these medications as you can when creating your advanced medical directives. Commitment and treatments such as electroshock therapy come into play for serious psychiatric disorders and would most likely be out of your control, but it may help to speak with a medical professional and an Ohio elder law attorney to learn about the options you have if these treatments are deemed necessary.

For seniors, the most common mental health care issue is dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body brought on by Parkinson’s. When creating an Advance Healthcare Directive that addresses mental health concerns, it’s important to discuss the options that may be available to you with a physician or mental health professional. In addition, you’ll want to include your agent – the person entrusted with making health care decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated – in discussions about your mental health care so they are aware of your wishes and can address any concerns with you before the time comes.

As noted above, most Advance Healthcare Directives cover mental health issues; however, having an overlapping document that specifically details your wishes for future mental health care would provide an extra layer of protection and possibly remove some questions and doubt for your agent. Keep in mind that any health care crisis is stressful for health care agents and that having advance directives that convey your wishes will help put their mind at ease. 

If you would like to get more information about mental health care and advance medical directives, or if you’d like to discuss a current situation concerning mental health issues and advance directives, please contact our Ohio elder law firm at 877-653-3450 to schedule a complimentary initial consultation.

Alzheimer’s Cost Threatens Medicare, Medicaid

If the current Alzheimer’s cost trend continues, one out of every three dollars spent by Medicaid and Medicare will go toward treating the disease, according to FOX News in "Could Alzheimer's really bankrupt Medicare and Medicaid."

If the costs are not brought down dramatically, the future of both programs could be in jeopardy. Why? Americans are living longer and longer, which means that more people are or will be in need of Alzheimer's treatment.

Both programs are already extremely expensive and face financial difficulties in the future. With their present funding, they will not be able to afford a large increase in Alzheimer's diagnoses and treatments.

What does this mean?

Research into preventing and curing the disease is more important than ever.  The development of new, less expensive treatment methods would also be helpful.

This is another of the many ways that an aging population could threaten the country's current institutions and practices, unless action is taken. Our programs were not designed with a substantial increase in longevity in mind.

Reference: FOX News (March 1, 2017) "Could Alzheimer's really bankrupt Medicare and Medicaid."

High Sugar Diet May Have Hidden Danger

New research has discovered a clue to the possible danger of excess glucose in blood as a link to Alzheimer’s, according to FOX News in “http://www.foxnews.com/health/2017/02/24/excess-sugar-linked-to-alzheimers-study-finds-tipping-point.html”.

The research has discovered that excess glucose in the blood causes damage to an important enzyme in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. It was already known that people with diabetes had a higher chance than others of getting Alzheimer's, but the exact link was not previously known.

The results of the study suggest another reason why people might want to avoid a diet that is high in sugar.

This study is not a definitive answer to what causes Alzheimer's disease and the results will need to be replicated by other studies. However, this does appear to be an important clue and a step in developing a means to prevent the disease.

Reference: FOX News (Feb. 24, 2017) “http://www.foxnews.com/health/2017/02/24/excess-sugar-linked-to-alzheimers-study-finds-tipping-point.html”.