6 Money Management Tips For Your Elderly Parents

Generally, when financial experts and money management advisors speak of financial planning and money management, their statements are generally directed at people in their 20s and 30s. The general mindset is that younger people lack an astute level of financial literacy, and there is a general misconception that the elderly are more financially literate. However, we are learning that we need to refocus some of our efforts to build financial literacy toward the part of our population over the age of 50.

While the efforts to increase financial literacy among youth are on the rise, some experts believe that we are not focusing enough improving the financial literacy level of our seniors, especially those who have low to moderate income levels. Fortunately, there are some steps that people over the age of 50, or the loved ones responsible for caring for them, can do.

1. Develop a Line of Communication

Attempting to take on the responsibility of caring for an elderly parent can be a challenge, for a number of different reasons. In addition to any financial challenges, there is also the emotional and psychological issue associated with your parent losing their sense of independence and autonomy. So, the first step that should be taken in the process of assuming the financial responsibility for your parents is to have a respectful, face-to-face talk with them to discuss what will be taking place. It is important that they understand that you are not attempting to control them or take over their finances, just attempting to be of help.

In the case of siblings, it's probably a good idea to get them involved as well. Involving your siblings may help to reduce the possibility of the development of animosity, and it could ensure your parent that the family has their best interest in mind.

2. Get Things Organized

Once you and your parents reach an agreement to allow you to help them manage their finances, your first responsibility will be to get the finances organized so that you will become aware of their debt, utilities and due dates. Make a list of all of the financial accounts, so that you will be able to have a complete understanding of the cash flow and cash demand. You should also gather all legal documents that are associated with their finances, such as a will, insurance policies, etc.

It may also be a good idea to enroll them in the AARP/Schwab Program, which are workshops developed through a partnership between the AARP and Charles Schwab aimed at helping people over 50 improve their financial literacy. This program has an extremely high success rate.

You should also develop a plan to lower any debt that your parents currently have. If possible, eliminate all but one credit card, and that card will be used for purchase convenience and paid off completely at the end or the beginning of the month.

3. Set Up Automatic Bill Payment with Your Parent's Financial Institution

Whenever possible, it is a good idea to set up automatic bill pay, which will be helpful to ensure that all of the essentials, such as utilities, rent and insurance payments are taken care of. If your parent is on a fixed income, you will be able to look at the list of their finances that you created to determine which payments must be at the top of the priority list. Those bills that can be placed on automatic bill pay, should be. This will ensure that when you are away, nothing important will be missed. In order to simplify the automatic bill paying process, you could opt to use a third-party bill paying service such as Quicken Bill Pay. There also companies that specialize in paying bills for the elderly; however, some of these companies can have services that are exorbitantly priced, so be careful.

4. Mitigate the Potential for Scams

As people age, they become more at risk to be a target of criminals who prey on the week, like con and scam artist, as well as criminals that specialize in identity theft. While your parent's sensitive information, such as birthdate and social security number will not be on their mail, criminals have become very astute and using pieces of information to build a large enough portrait of who your parents are in order to take advantage of them. While women are generally targeted more than men, men are normally taken for more. One way that the risk of potential trouble can be mitigated is to have all mail routed to a safe place like a post office box.

5. Add a Safeguard

Depending on the mental condition of your parents, you may need to add a safeguard to minimize the chance of her being taken advantage of. Elderly people are usually more generous, and people take advantage of that. If your parents want to have a pet charity that they donate to on a regular basis, it is okay; this type of giving activity continues to give their life purpose; however, you should convince them to let you set up an automatic payment or draft to make the donation. Second, it may be necessary to visit their financial institution and have it set up where every check will have to have two signatures, and you will have to determine who the authorized signers will be. Requiring two signatures means that no door-to-door, telemarketing or mail scammers will be able to convince your loved one to write a check for a charity that does not exist.

At this point in the game, this might also be a good time to convince your parents to visit an attorney to set up a power of attorney, which will make it much easier to manage their financial affairs. The power of attorney can be drawn up to give you as much latitude with your parent's finances as they are comfortable with.

6. Keep Your Parents Actively Involved in the Budgeting Process

Although it may be more expeditious for you to do everything on your own, including your parents in the process will help to keep their morale up. Having the ability to be involved in the decision making assures them they still have a level of independence and purpose.

Finally, there may be a need to bring in a financial advisor, depending on the age of your parent. The younger they are when you take over, the more money they will need in order to live. If there is any discretionary income, it may be a good idea to invest in a low-risk product that will have a solid yield in 10 to 15 years — a time in which your parents may need more money for uncovered medical expenses and other needs.

16 Spring Cleaning Tips For Seniors

Having a clean and organized home makes everyone feel good, but for seniors it is also a matter of health and safety as dust, mold, mildew and clutter can all too frequently create dangerous conditions. Whether your home needs a thorough cleaning or just a light sprucing up, here are some tips for seniors and their caregivers to help you tackle your spring-cleaning chores:

1) Focus on the Big Picture

Instead of giving one part of the house a deep cleaning, first focus on the big picture and make sure the home is safe. Home-safety experts agree that removing clutter should be at the top of the list of spring-cleaning chores for the elderly. Many older people who have collected a lifetime of property will often have so may belongings that a house may be difficult to clean. So before you just start dusting around the problem it is best to tackle the issue itself. If you are helping a senior with cleaning, don’t just start tossing out their belongings, but handle the situation with respect.

2) Tripping Hazards

Remove any tripping hazards, like piles of magazines and newspapers, and repair any tears in carpets or vinyl flooring. Remove or rearrange furniture that obstructs primary traffic pathway. If you are considering downsizing, ask family members if there are items they would like.

3) Wardrobe and Bedding

Box up winter clothes and place in storage until next fall to make room for summer attire. After swapping out the wardrobe, change out heavy quilts for lighter-weight blankets. Pillows should be replaced, or at least washed, to get rid of any odors causing bacteria and mold.

4) Window Treatments

Clean curtains, drapes and blinds by vacuuming to remove dust. Badly soiled drapes and curtains should be washed or dry cleaned and blinds can be washed with a sponge and mild soapy water.

5) The Kitchen

The refrigerator is an often overlooked part of spring cleaning. Clean the inside of the fridge by throwing away anything that is out of date, or that looks like a science experiment. Check the freezer for long forgotten items and defrost, if necessary. Clean underneath, around the back and especially the coils with a vacuum-brush attachment to remove built up dust and dirt. Organize the cabinets and pantry so more frequently-used item are easily accessible. Clean the stove top and range, and don't forget under the sink.

6) Appliances

For other household appliances, like the washer and dryer, HVAC unit and hot-water heater, clean around the outside of the units with the vacuum. It is also not a bad idea to have the HVAC unit and water heater professionally serviced.

7) Miscellaneous Indoor Chores

Clean and check the smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. Check lighting fixtures and replace burned-out bulbs. Dust ceiling fans and wash windows.

8) Emergency Preparation

The emergency kit should be assessed and restocked in the spring, checking that there is a working flashlight with spare batteries, bandages, tape, scissors, antibiotic ointment, bottled water, energy bars and allergy medications. An up-to-date medication list with emergency contact names and number, including family members and friends, should be included in the kit.

9) The Garage

Spring is always a good time to clear out the garage and get rid of any items that have gone unused for too long. As a rule of thumb, if you haven't used something for over a year, it is just taking up space. Donate any still usable items and put the rest out for the recycle or trash man. Once the garage is cleaned and organized you may find you have room to store some of those things you just can't bear to part with, but don't have room for in the house.

10) Outdoor Furniture

Seniors with outdoor living areas, such as patios, should be sure their outdoor furniture gets a good spring cleaning with mild soap and water. A car washing wand with a soap dispenser it a made-to-order tool for this job. While you are at it, give the patio area a good once over also.

11) Clean the Grill

While not the most glamorous job, giving the barbecue grill a spring spit shine will have it ready and waiting for those summer cookouts. As a quick tip, non-toxic “cool” oven cleaners works like a charm on grills.

12) Walkways and Driveways

Sweep and rake the walk and drive and use the car-washing wand to clean concrete and asphalt. A pressure washer can be rented for a few dollars an hour to remove stubborn stains.

13) Yard Work

Dead foliage that has accumulated in the yard during the fall and winter should be removed as it can cause new growth to become diseased.

14) Roofs and Gutters

Cleaning the roofs and gutters are a very important tasks after a long winter. Leaves and storm debris should be removed and the roof surface and gutter should get a thorough cleaning to remove mold, mildew and caked on dirt and grime. However, unless the senior is the Jack LaLanne type, this is probably a job you should let someone else take care of.

15) Make Your Senior Feel Useful

Not all spring-cleaning jobs, like climbing and lifting, can be done by all elderly individuals. To keep yourself, or your senior if you are a caregiver, engaged stick to tasks that are suited to your personal fitness and comfort level, and get help with the rest. If you are a caregiver, remember it is your senior’s home, so always keep their wishes in mind.

16) Call in the Reserves

If all this spring-cleaning stuff seems like a lot of work, try to organize a group of family and friends to help out with a cleanup day, and reward them with a cookout. If, on the other hand, you would just rather not deal with all the hassles of spring cleaning yourself, you can hire professionals to do the work for you. Visiting Angels is a great resource for help with light housekeeping and organizational tasks.

Once your spring cleaning is complete, go out and reward yourself, or watch a baseball game, or just enjoy the spring weather.

The Danger of Elderly Falls

Every year, approximately one third of senior citizens suffer a fall, often leading to serious injury and costly medical bills. Not only do falls cause injuries that often lead to the need for long-term care, but falls are actually one of the leading causes for death in both men and women over the age of 65.

Why are Falls Especially Devastating to the Elderly?

While falls are certainly never a joy for younger individuals, their impact on seniors is certainly made worse by a number of different factors. Everything from muscle weakness, osteoporosis, loss of vision, and other common changes associated with the aging process not only makes falls more likely, but also increases the instance of injury and other damaging effects following the fall itself.

Medications are another common culprit that often leads to falls, as are common behaviors of elderly individuals. Unfortunately, many seniors attempt to do some of the same tasks that they once performed with ease. Things like climbing ladders, mowing the lawn, gardening, lifting heavy objects, and the like can easily cause a fall and subsequent injury. Other contributing factors to falls by seniors can include alcoholism, poor diet, and environmental issues such as poor lighting and uneven flooring.

How Can Falls be Prevented?

Knowing what factors increase the risk of falls is the first step to facilitating their prevention. Most falls can happily be prevented by being aware of the behavioral, environmental, and biological changes most seniors might be experiencing. Recognizing their limitations is incredibly important, as is asking for help when the situation warrants it. The need to feel independent is certainly understandable, so it can often be difficult to ask for assistance, which is why family and friends should take the initiative and offer to help when it's needed.

Seniors who are looking to avoid falls can also make certain changes in their lifestyle. Examples include:

• Exercising more frequently
• Eating a wholesome, healthy diet
• Reducing their alcohol consumption
• Going to the doctor for regular checkups
• Discussing the side effects of any and all medications with their physician
• Eliminating hazards in the home
• Using canes, walkers, and other devices when needed

When the occasional assistance by family and friends is no longer sufficient, hiring an in-home caregiver can be a good option. With in-home care, the senior receives the care they need while still retaining the independence and confidence of remaining within the home and community they know and love. An in-home caregiver can provide assistance with a number of non-medical tasks including housekeeping, meal planning, cooking, errand running, and other chores. Caregivers can also monitor the individual's home environment to make sure that the area is as conducive to safe living as possible. To learn more about the many benefits an in-home caregiver can provide, contact Visiting Angels today.

The Importance of Senior Vaccinations

Vaccinations are a lifelong responsibility; a senior may need to retake some immunizations that were already taken as a child or in earlier adult years. Certain senior citizens may have medical conditions or lifestyles that make it even more important to have certain vaccinations. Immune systems naturally weaken with age, so it is not uncommon to pay attention to vaccinations.

Flu Vaccinations for Seniors
It is recommended that seniors receive a flu vaccination every year. More than half of flu-related hospitalizations and 90 percent hospitalizations happen in adults over the age of 65. The earlier in the flu season the better; it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become effective. Flu vaccinations are very important as an individual progresses in age; the flu can severely weaken a senior and even become life-threatening. Side effects such as headache, hoarse and fever are common, but they typically only last for no longer than 2 days.

Shingles Vaccinations
The risk of contracting shingles increases as an individual grows older. Seniors should check with a physician first to determine if their immune system is able to withstand a shingles vaccination. Shingles can cause general pain lasting from days to years, and can cause brain swelling, hearing and vision loss and even death in extreme cases. Common side effects such as soreness, headache and itching where the shot was administered are mild and only last for a few days.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Infants are first given this one-shot immunization composed of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, but a booster shoot should be given after the age of 65 to prevent death. Whooping cough can lead to broken ribs and pneumonia in a senior citizen, and it is especially important for a senior to receive this vaccine if they are around children. Side effects such as headache, mild fever, vomiting and tiredness may occur after injection, but it is typically not enough to interfere with everyday activities.

Chickenpox Vaccination (Varicella)
The chickenpox vaccination began to be administered in 1995, so many seniors may have missed the opportunity to receive it beforehand. A recommendation from a physician should be acquired before getting the varicella shot, and one dose from years before may be enough. Chickenpox can cause serious complications with other medical conditions that a child may not have, and it could even result in death. Common side effects such as a mild rash, low fever, nausea, trouble sleeping and stomach issues may occur for a few days after receiving the varicella vaccine.

Why Your Elderly Loved Ones Should Stay At Home

When a loved one begins to age, it can be tempting to shove the responsibility onto someone else. It can be tempting to put them in a nursing home. However, there are so many costs. Isn't it better for seniors to stay at home?

There are many reasons that a loved one would be put into a nursing home. They may not be able to go up and down the stairs easily anymore, or may not be able to stand for the time required to cook or clean. However, the needs of elderly people that would require modifications are not included in a nursing home's basic package.

Modifications can be made to the home they already live in, but many do not realize the added costs mentioned above. Staying at home in 2009 as an elderly person cost the family $554, versus $1065 out of pocket for a nursing home. Those out of pocket expenses jumped to $3500 in 2013. This means cooking, cleaning, and other problems that need to be addressed in their life might simply cost more in the nursing home. In addition, when an elderly person stays in their home, it is quite possible that they already own the home or are paying very low home mortgages. The options at a nursing home could instead become parts of the family's life as requirements, instead of options to be paid for.

The changes that could be made to the home include:

• Making it easier to get up and down the stairs.
• Keeping pots and pans within arms reach.
• Getting cleaning supplies with longer handles so they don't have to bend down. 

With some help from the neighbors or from family, the modifications could be easily finished within a few hours or within a weekend.

If that's not convincing enough, many elderly will already know people in the community that they currently live in. If they get into a situation where they need help, but family is unavailable, they will most likely have at least one person they know they can call in their neighborhood. If new people move in, there are more hands to help out when needed.

Even better, when your elderly loved one stays at home, they are able to enjoy much more independence. Quality of life in that age is as important as it is when they're younger, and putting them in a nursing home could only hamper the quality of their life.

Whether you need to find suitable care now, or will need it sometime in the future, Visiting Angels in Las Vegas might be one viable way to get the help you need in caring for your elderly loved one at home.

Keeping Seniors Safe During Unexpected Weather

Regardless of the place one lives, bad weather is bound to occur at some point. The good news is that there are many things you can do to deal with unexpected weather. Below is a list of tips that will help seniors stay safe when the weather is inclement:

What Seniors Can Do To Prepare For A Power Outage

Power outages can occur due to a hurricane, flood or winter storm. Here is a list of tips you can do to prepare for a possible power outage:

Supply The Phone Numbers
Seniors should have all of the phone numbers to utility companies, including gas, power and water. You should also supply seniors with the numbers to the fire department, doctor and home health care provider. It is important that seniors be able to access these numbers quickly.

Give Seniors The Necessary Supplies
There are a number of things seniors will need in the event of a power outage. This includes things such as flashlights, batteries, battery-powered flashlights, non-perishable food items, warm blankets, several layers of clothing and a hat. Additionally, if your loved one has an essential medical device, then you should let your utility company know. This can put your loved one on the priority list in the event of a power outage.

Safe Driving Tips For Seniors To Prepare For In Bad Weather

People who are over the age of 65 are already more likely to be involved in an accident. Inclement weather increases the risk of an accident. Below is a list of tips for safely driving when the weather is inclement:

Have Your Car Winterized
It will be a lot easier and safer to drive in inclement weather if the car is in good shape. The tires, windshield wipers and an antifreeze should be checked.

Stock The Car With The Necessary Supplies
Seniors should have a cell phone with them when they are driving. Other supplies seniors need include include blankets, first aid kit, booster cables, warm blankets, containers of water, dried food, shovel and flashlight. It is best to avoid wet and icy roads if possible.

Slippery Surface Safety
Falls are one of the top causes of injuries in senior citizens. A fall can lead to head trauma, broken bones and death. Slippery surfaces caused by inclement weather can increase the risk of a fall. Wearing boots with non-skid soles can decrease the risk of a fall. Additionally, if it has snowed outside, then the walkways will need to be shoveled.

Taking the proper precautions can prevent a serious injury from occurring. If you worry about your senior loved one when those nasty wind or thunderstorm are in the Las Vegas area. Our staff at Visiting Angels can help with our home care service. Contact us today!

How Seniors Can Remain Active And Social

Staying active has many benefits for seniors. It helps keep joints limber, prevent depression and promote general overall health. Social activity is just as important. It helps cultivate a sense of well-being and stave off loneliness. Of course, it isn't always easy for seniors to stay active and socially connected. Here are some ideas from our Las Vegas caregivers to help keep active in your golden years.

Adopt a Hobby

Hobbies are not only a great way to stay active in the home, but they allow people to connect with like-minded individuals. Hobbies can be anything from quilting to flying radio control helicopters. The idea is to find something enjoyable and find other people who like it. These days, it is easy to go online and find local hobby groups for seniors.

Find a Community Center

There are lots of great organizations that offer activities for seniors. These include senior centers, the Y and even local universities. Individuals can use these community centers to take classes, meet new people and get safe access to fitness equipment.

Visit a Museum

Museums are perfect for seniors of varying mobility. They tend to have wheelchair accessibility, are quiet and offer many subjects to appreciate. Art museums will also often have events like cocktail parties, art classes and musical performances that seniors can enjoy.

Join a Faith-Based Group or Organization

Religious faith brings people together, which makes it a wonderful way for seniors to connect socially. Churches, synagogues, temples and even community centers have opportunities for faith-based socializing, praying, volunteering and much more. Seniors of all faiths can find a spiritual group to occupy time and make new friends.

Get Outside

The outdoors provides myriad opportunities for seniors to stay active. They don't have to hike the Appalachian Trail to get a little exercise. They can go to a local park, take up bird watching, walk around the neighborhood, enjoy a nice swim or keep a small garden in their own backyards.

Unfortunately, many seniors do not enjoy the independence it takes to do things on their own. However, they can get the help they need to stay active, healthy and social right in their own homes. Senior care services like Las Vegas' Visiting Angels provide help with hygiene, cleaning, meal preparation and dressing. Go to Visiting Angels today to learn more about how seniors can get help at home.