Taking Care of Business Affairs

There are a great many seniors living alone or in facilities who need some sort of help taking care of their business affairs. Not all will admit the need for help, but for those who do, there is help available.

The obvious choices for check writing and keeping track of financial obligations for most people would be a relative or trusted advisor. For those who are truly alone, talking with health care agents, or calling the local area on aging may get the names of recommended individuals who specialize in taking care of business affairs and charge according ability to pay. Geriatric care managers may be able to provide this type of service or recommend someone who can.

For the person with funds available to pay, the options are more plentiful. Your accountant or attorney (if you have one) may perform this service for you or recommend a known, independent bookkeeper to take charge. Your banker as well, would be someone who may assist in this area.

Testing For Memory Problems

I came across some not-so-new information (2005) that has enforced my determination to see if my mother can be helped by testing for memory problems she is having.

In an article on rxpgnews.com, research decribes testing for the difference in alzheimer's and the second most common dementia, frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Anything that can determine the possible type and intervention available is all I'm looking for!

The MRI test is not invasive and less expensive than other scans. Now to get the doctor on board.

I Should Be Posting

Just when I should be posting, events in my life seem to take over. My father-in-law had a stroke several weeks ago. Just when I should be posting about it, relatives arrived, I started a new job (that didn't last), and I took a planned trip to care for the grandkids once I knew my father-in-law was stable.

Under the circumstances, posting took a back seat as is the case so many times when "life happens". Responsibilities have a way of overwhelming us. I'm a prime example of putting my health last. I'll be working on relaxation (exercise), stress relief (exercise) and just plain exercise in the weeks to come. At least it's a good excuse when I should be posting!

God's Time

I just came home from visiting my 87 year old father-in-law at a local nursing home. He had a stroke and has been sent to the facility for rehabilitative services. His left side has been affected and he must have therapy on his speech as well as the use of his left arm and leg.

He's only been there a couple days so there is no improvement to note. One thing he knows for sure is that he does NOT like the food! It's not that the food is foul tasting. No, it's just that he is to have everything pureed and liquids must be "thickened" before he can drink it. Ever heard of thickened water or coffee the consistancy of partially set jello? He tends to aspirate his food and it gets into the lungs causing pneumonia. In spite of the seriousness of the damage he suffered, his mind is still good. He is slower with most answers but still has a quick comeback every so often. Time can do amazing things. We'll just have to see if it's in God's plan to give him more time.

Prevent Medicare Fraud

Keeping up with Medicare changes can be a tedious but necessary chore when you have elderly parents to watch out for. Currently, Medicare is cracking down on issues for which seniors are treated in the hospital. Billings from healthcare providers and treatment centers should always be scrutinized for errors and discrepancies. We all need to do our part to prevent Medicare fraud and keep costs down.

Free Family Caregiver Teleclass

November is National Family Caregivers Month. I know I'm a bit premature, but they are sponsoring a FREE Family Caregiver Teleclass in two parts to teach family caregivers better communication with healthcare professionals. This in turn, will help the caregiver to become better healthcare advocates.

To participate by phone you will call a toll free number, and by internet, a corresponding powerpoint presentation will be available. Classes are one hour and held November 6th and November 13th. For registration information for the FREE Communicating Effectively TeleClass, send an e-mail that includes your name, phone number, and e-mail address to: teleclass@thefamilycaregiver.org or call 800/896-3650.

Weather Update

As we watch the weather updates, it looks like we'll soon be hunkered down for another storm in about a week. It's hard on us but harder still on our parents. Health problems prohibit much of the actual getting ready by the in-laws. I take care of preparations for my mother, and hopefully, we won't need to move everyone in together for long. The only time that happens is if the power goes out.

Keep track of the storm with us at Weather.com. And keep us in your prayers.