Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Friday, April 24, 2009
Caregiving for Aging Parents Strains Baby Boomer Marriages
An article from Senior Living by Sharon O'Brien
Eighty percent of baby boomers who are caring for an aging parent say that it has put a strain on their marriage, according to an online survey conducted by Caring.com to measure the effects of caregiving on relationships between spouses or partners.
Nearly half of the boomers who completed the survey reported strains on their marriage or committed relationship due to the time, energy and money that they and/or their spouses spend caring for an aging parent. More than a third said caregiving had a negative impact on their sexual relationship, while 25 percent of the divorced boomers who responded to the survey said that caregiving had played a significant role in their divorce or separation.
Caregiving Can Be ExhaustingCaregiving can be both physically and emotionally exhausting, and often requires couples to invest more time and money than they can easily manage. In addition, many of the baby boomers who took the survey are members of the so-called "sandwich generation," who are trying to juggle the competing demands of work, children and aging parents.
According to the survey results, there are three factors that put caregivers at the highest risk for strained marriages or relationships:
Holding down a job in addition to caregiving
Providing financial assistance to an aging parent or relative
Caring for an aging parent or relative in their home
In other survey results:
89 percent of the respondents said that caring for an aging parent forced them to spend less time with their spouse
48 percent said caregiving was causing them to “drift apart” and to feel less connected and attached to their partnerThe News About Caregiving Isn’t All Bad If a couple makes special efforts to care for each other, caregiving doesn't have to be as much of a burden--and may even make their relationship stronger.
Many survey respondents said the support, understanding and inspiration they received from their spouse while caring for an aging parent helped them cope with the pressures and demands of caregiving. One important factor in a positive caregiving experience is maintaining hope--for caregivers and the people they care for.
Other respondents said that sharing the caregiving experience actually strengthened their marriage and helped them grow as a couple.
Eighty percent of baby boomers who are caring for an aging parent say that it has put a strain on their marriage, according to an online survey conducted by Caring.com to measure the effects of caregiving on relationships between spouses or partners.
Nearly half of the boomers who completed the survey reported strains on their marriage or committed relationship due to the time, energy and money that they and/or their spouses spend caring for an aging parent. More than a third said caregiving had a negative impact on their sexual relationship, while 25 percent of the divorced boomers who responded to the survey said that caregiving had played a significant role in their divorce or separation.
Caregiving Can Be ExhaustingCaregiving can be both physically and emotionally exhausting, and often requires couples to invest more time and money than they can easily manage. In addition, many of the baby boomers who took the survey are members of the so-called "sandwich generation," who are trying to juggle the competing demands of work, children and aging parents.
According to the survey results, there are three factors that put caregivers at the highest risk for strained marriages or relationships:
Holding down a job in addition to caregiving
Providing financial assistance to an aging parent or relative
Caring for an aging parent or relative in their home
In other survey results:
89 percent of the respondents said that caring for an aging parent forced them to spend less time with their spouse
48 percent said caregiving was causing them to “drift apart” and to feel less connected and attached to their partnerThe News About Caregiving Isn’t All Bad If a couple makes special efforts to care for each other, caregiving doesn't have to be as much of a burden--and may even make their relationship stronger.
Many survey respondents said the support, understanding and inspiration they received from their spouse while caring for an aging parent helped them cope with the pressures and demands of caregiving. One important factor in a positive caregiving experience is maintaining hope--for caregivers and the people they care for.
Other respondents said that sharing the caregiving experience actually strengthened their marriage and helped them grow as a couple.
Why Older Adults Are More Vulnerable to Scams
An article from Senior Living by Sharon O'Brien
Elderly people are often victims of scams and scam artists. Now we know why.
The link between memory problems and scamsA study reported by the American Psychological Association (APA) reveals that older adult are 10 times more likely to remember false information — and believe it’s true — than younger adults.
Researchers also learned that older adults who were tested did not remember test information correctly and did not know that their answers were incorrect.
How the scam test was doneThe study, which appears in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, compared 24 older adults (average age 75) with 24 younger adults (average age 19). In the test, the two groups were given a series of memory tests that were designed to mimic a scam situation:
1) Both groups were given a list of related word pairs, for example: “knee bone.”
2) Both groups were then given a new list of word pairs. Some of the pairs in the second list were the same as the first, some were completely different, and some pairs contained only one of the words in the previous pair, but the pair also made sense, such as “knee bend.”
3) Older adults in the study were 10 times more likely to report that the incorrect pair containing the same first word was the same as on the first list. Here's an example of how this might look in a real-life scam situation:
A salesperson perpetrating a scam might give an elderly customer a low price at first, raise the price during the discussion, and the elderly customer might “remember” and believe that the two prices were the same.
4) During testing, older adults consistently remembered the lists incorrectly, even when they were given more time to study them.
5) And when test subjects were given the option to “pass” when they weren’t sure of an answer, the older adults rarely took advantage of that option, which reduced the accuracy of their answers.
The combination of not remembering correctly and being unwilling to admit there’s a problem can make older adults especially vulnerable to scam artists.
Want to avoid scams? Get everything in writingThe researchers reported a high degree of variability among the older test subjects, indicating that some older adults are more vulnerable to memory problems than others. Adults with more severe memory problems are more vulnerable to scams.
Researchers stressed that the overall results of these tests illustrate the importance of getting everything in writing to avoid being the victim of a scam.
When getting an estimate for repair work, for example, don’t accept a verbal estimate. Get it in writing, including any warranties for labor and parts. After you have repairs done, keep written receipts in a file in case you encounter a problem later.
It’s also good to keep written records of your finances, including bank account numbers and safe deposit boxes. Give a trusted family member or friend access to your paperwork in case you become ill or injured.
Whether you have memory problems or not, it’s a good idea to protect yourself from scams by making sure you get important information in writing.
Elderly people are often victims of scams and scam artists. Now we know why.
The link between memory problems and scamsA study reported by the American Psychological Association (APA) reveals that older adult are 10 times more likely to remember false information — and believe it’s true — than younger adults.
Researchers also learned that older adults who were tested did not remember test information correctly and did not know that their answers were incorrect.
How the scam test was doneThe study, which appears in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, compared 24 older adults (average age 75) with 24 younger adults (average age 19). In the test, the two groups were given a series of memory tests that were designed to mimic a scam situation:
1) Both groups were given a list of related word pairs, for example: “knee bone.”
2) Both groups were then given a new list of word pairs. Some of the pairs in the second list were the same as the first, some were completely different, and some pairs contained only one of the words in the previous pair, but the pair also made sense, such as “knee bend.”
3) Older adults in the study were 10 times more likely to report that the incorrect pair containing the same first word was the same as on the first list. Here's an example of how this might look in a real-life scam situation:
A salesperson perpetrating a scam might give an elderly customer a low price at first, raise the price during the discussion, and the elderly customer might “remember” and believe that the two prices were the same.
4) During testing, older adults consistently remembered the lists incorrectly, even when they were given more time to study them.
5) And when test subjects were given the option to “pass” when they weren’t sure of an answer, the older adults rarely took advantage of that option, which reduced the accuracy of their answers.
The combination of not remembering correctly and being unwilling to admit there’s a problem can make older adults especially vulnerable to scam artists.
Want to avoid scams? Get everything in writingThe researchers reported a high degree of variability among the older test subjects, indicating that some older adults are more vulnerable to memory problems than others. Adults with more severe memory problems are more vulnerable to scams.
Researchers stressed that the overall results of these tests illustrate the importance of getting everything in writing to avoid being the victim of a scam.
When getting an estimate for repair work, for example, don’t accept a verbal estimate. Get it in writing, including any warranties for labor and parts. After you have repairs done, keep written receipts in a file in case you encounter a problem later.
It’s also good to keep written records of your finances, including bank account numbers and safe deposit boxes. Give a trusted family member or friend access to your paperwork in case you become ill or injured.
Whether you have memory problems or not, it’s a good idea to protect yourself from scams by making sure you get important information in writing.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Home Safety Tips for Low Vision: Live Independently and Avoid Falling
Article from Sharon O'Brian from SeniorLiving.com
Low vision or blindness affects approximately 1 in 28 Americans over the age of 40, and the risk of low vision and blindness increases significantly with age—especially among people over 65.
Low Vision is a Growing TrendToday, 6.5 million Americans over age 65 have a severe visual impairment, and experts predict that by 2030 the rate of severe vision loss will double along with the country's aging population.
Low vision can have profound and adverse effects on the overall health and well-being of older adults such as a greater risk of depression, drug-related errors caused by an inability to identify medications, and an increased risk of falls and fractures.
Low Vision Increases Risk of Falls and FracturesFalls are the leading cause of death among people 65 and older, and people with low vision are at even greater risk of falls or fractures, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control.
The CDC study found that 1.8 million elderly not living in nursing homes reported difficulty with bathing, dressing and walking around the house in part because of a visual impairment. However, fewer than 2 percent reported using assistive equipment such as telescopic lenses and canes, which could improve their safety.
Preventing Falls and Other Injuries Related to Low VisionIn 2003, falls among older adults accounted for 12,900 deaths, 1.8 million emergency department visits, and 421,000 hospitalizations—but many falls can be prevented. [For more information about preventing falls, see 4 Simple Steps to Prevent Falling.]
Safety Tips for People with Low VisionTo help people with low vision perform everyday tasks more easily while reducing their risk of falls and other injuries, the American Foundation for the Blind offers several useful tips:
1) Keep rooms well lit. Good overall lighting is a must for safety.
2) Use task lighting to make everyday activities easier.
3) Use night lights in bedrooms, hallways, bathrooms, and the kitchen to make it easier for people with low vision to navigate in the dark.
4) Make stairways safer by placing a brightly colored strip of tape along the edge of each step.
5) Make door frames and light switches easier to see by painting them a color that contrasts with the walls around them.
6) Cut light-colored items on a dark cutting board and dark items on a light cutting board. [Some companies now sell cutting boards that are white on one side and black on the other.]
7) Place plates and food service items on placemats that are a contrasting color.
8) Use pill organizers with raised markings or talking labels to help prevent serious medication mishaps.
9) Eliminate clutter—dispose of unnecessary items, put things away as soon as you have finished using them, and always return them to the same place.
10) Reposition television sets so that neither sunlight nor lamplight shines directly on the screen.
Low vision or blindness affects approximately 1 in 28 Americans over the age of 40, and the risk of low vision and blindness increases significantly with age—especially among people over 65.
Low Vision is a Growing TrendToday, 6.5 million Americans over age 65 have a severe visual impairment, and experts predict that by 2030 the rate of severe vision loss will double along with the country's aging population.
Low vision can have profound and adverse effects on the overall health and well-being of older adults such as a greater risk of depression, drug-related errors caused by an inability to identify medications, and an increased risk of falls and fractures.
Low Vision Increases Risk of Falls and FracturesFalls are the leading cause of death among people 65 and older, and people with low vision are at even greater risk of falls or fractures, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control.
The CDC study found that 1.8 million elderly not living in nursing homes reported difficulty with bathing, dressing and walking around the house in part because of a visual impairment. However, fewer than 2 percent reported using assistive equipment such as telescopic lenses and canes, which could improve their safety.
Preventing Falls and Other Injuries Related to Low VisionIn 2003, falls among older adults accounted for 12,900 deaths, 1.8 million emergency department visits, and 421,000 hospitalizations—but many falls can be prevented. [For more information about preventing falls, see 4 Simple Steps to Prevent Falling.]
Safety Tips for People with Low VisionTo help people with low vision perform everyday tasks more easily while reducing their risk of falls and other injuries, the American Foundation for the Blind offers several useful tips:
1) Keep rooms well lit. Good overall lighting is a must for safety.
2) Use task lighting to make everyday activities easier.
3) Use night lights in bedrooms, hallways, bathrooms, and the kitchen to make it easier for people with low vision to navigate in the dark.
4) Make stairways safer by placing a brightly colored strip of tape along the edge of each step.
5) Make door frames and light switches easier to see by painting them a color that contrasts with the walls around them.
6) Cut light-colored items on a dark cutting board and dark items on a light cutting board. [Some companies now sell cutting boards that are white on one side and black on the other.]
7) Place plates and food service items on placemats that are a contrasting color.
8) Use pill organizers with raised markings or talking labels to help prevent serious medication mishaps.
9) Eliminate clutter—dispose of unnecessary items, put things away as soon as you have finished using them, and always return them to the same place.
10) Reposition television sets so that neither sunlight nor lamplight shines directly on the screen.
10 Free Entertainment Activities for Seniors
Article by Sharon O'Brian From SeniorLiving.com
Whether you’re saving for retirement, living on a fixed income, or just looking for new ways to be smart about how you spend your money, consider the many ways that you can trim your entertainment budget and actually increase your fun. Here are 10 of the best ideas I’ve found.
Gallery openings and art walks – Attend art gallery openings, which usually include wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a chance to meet the artists and gallery owners. Many communities also host monthly “art walks,” which allow you to join other art lovers to tour a number of local galleries on the same evening.
Open mic nights – Check out local coffee houses and pubs that regularly provide an open microphone and performance venue to amateur and aspiring musicians. It’s a great way to support local artists and to hear some of the freshest sounds around—or maybe even sign up and join in the fun.
Free nights at museums – Many museums offer free admission at least one night each week. Same art, same exhibits, but no admission fee.
Volunteer to usher – Many professional theater, opera and dance companies use volunteer ushers to help stretch tight budgets. For passing out programs and helping the paying customers find their seats, you will receive free admission to the performance, an inside look at what happens before the curtain goes up, and the opportunity to provide hands-on support to a dynamic arts organization in your community.
Literary readings – When authors go on tour to promote their books, they may be heading to a bookstore near you. Check your local newspaper and public library for information about upcoming readings, where you’ll have a chance to meet the authors and sample their new work.
Free lectures and community events – Colleges and universities, especially those that receive public funding, are great community resources that offer a wide range of events and services at little or no cost. Community and nonprofit organizations also host many free events and activities. Check libraries, newspaper listings, and neighborhood bulletin boards for schedules.
Free lunchtime concerts – During nice weather, many communities offer free lunchtime concerts in pleasant locations where there is a high concentration of office workers and a lot of pedestrian traffic. Pack a picnic or a brown bag lunch, grab a friend, and tap your feet to some good music while you enjoy the sunshine and the energy of the city.
Join a book club or discussion group – Whether you organize your own with a small group of friends, discover an established group through your local library or bookstore, or plug into a national movement like the Socrates cafés (whose members use the Socratic method to discuss important life issues), book clubs and discussion groups offer a great way to exchange ideas and gain new insights.
Be a tourist at home – We all establish routines and patterns, get into ruts, and eventually see only a narrow slice of our own community. Make a conscious effort to step off your usual path, and take a day to explore a neighborhood or nearby attraction that you have never visited or haven’t seen lately.
Go to the library – Still the single greatest resource in almost any community, the public library offers a rich collection of books and magazines, research and reference materials, and free Internet access. Whether you just drop in to check out a book you can read on the bus, attend a public meeting about a critical local issue, or spend a rainy afternoon surfing the Web, your local library is a great place to find free entertainment.
Whether you’re saving for retirement, living on a fixed income, or just looking for new ways to be smart about how you spend your money, consider the many ways that you can trim your entertainment budget and actually increase your fun. Here are 10 of the best ideas I’ve found.
Gallery openings and art walks – Attend art gallery openings, which usually include wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a chance to meet the artists and gallery owners. Many communities also host monthly “art walks,” which allow you to join other art lovers to tour a number of local galleries on the same evening.
Open mic nights – Check out local coffee houses and pubs that regularly provide an open microphone and performance venue to amateur and aspiring musicians. It’s a great way to support local artists and to hear some of the freshest sounds around—or maybe even sign up and join in the fun.
Free nights at museums – Many museums offer free admission at least one night each week. Same art, same exhibits, but no admission fee.
Volunteer to usher – Many professional theater, opera and dance companies use volunteer ushers to help stretch tight budgets. For passing out programs and helping the paying customers find their seats, you will receive free admission to the performance, an inside look at what happens before the curtain goes up, and the opportunity to provide hands-on support to a dynamic arts organization in your community.
Literary readings – When authors go on tour to promote their books, they may be heading to a bookstore near you. Check your local newspaper and public library for information about upcoming readings, where you’ll have a chance to meet the authors and sample their new work.
Free lectures and community events – Colleges and universities, especially those that receive public funding, are great community resources that offer a wide range of events and services at little or no cost. Community and nonprofit organizations also host many free events and activities. Check libraries, newspaper listings, and neighborhood bulletin boards for schedules.
Free lunchtime concerts – During nice weather, many communities offer free lunchtime concerts in pleasant locations where there is a high concentration of office workers and a lot of pedestrian traffic. Pack a picnic or a brown bag lunch, grab a friend, and tap your feet to some good music while you enjoy the sunshine and the energy of the city.
Join a book club or discussion group – Whether you organize your own with a small group of friends, discover an established group through your local library or bookstore, or plug into a national movement like the Socrates cafés (whose members use the Socratic method to discuss important life issues), book clubs and discussion groups offer a great way to exchange ideas and gain new insights.
Be a tourist at home – We all establish routines and patterns, get into ruts, and eventually see only a narrow slice of our own community. Make a conscious effort to step off your usual path, and take a day to explore a neighborhood or nearby attraction that you have never visited or haven’t seen lately.
Go to the library – Still the single greatest resource in almost any community, the public library offers a rich collection of books and magazines, research and reference materials, and free Internet access. Whether you just drop in to check out a book you can read on the bus, attend a public meeting about a critical local issue, or spend a rainy afternoon surfing the Web, your local library is a great place to find free entertainment.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Kelli Becomes American Red Cross Certified
Kelli just became an American Red Cross Family Caregiving Instructor! The Family Caregiving Program provides education to caregivers so that they may ensure a safe environment and provide the best possible care for their family member.
Family Caregiving offers eight one-hour classes to help to gain a better understanding of safety, nutrition, personal care and legal and financial issues. The modular programs include:
Home Safety
General Caregiving Skills
Positioning and Helping Your Loved One Move
Assisting with Personal Care
Healthy Eating
Caring for the Caregiver
Legal and Financial Issues
Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia
Click here to visit the American Red Cross Family Caregiving website for more information.
What to Know If You Are The Boss of a Caregiver
Article by Victoria E. Knight in The Wall Street Journal
It's not just about the "nanny tax." When using a home health caregiver, it's crucial to know whether you are the caregiver's employer or someone else to avoid tax and legal snags.
With more baby boomers seeking help for aging parents, the in-home care industry is booming with a wide range of service providers, from geriatric-care managers to home-care agencies. Contractual arrangements and employment policies vary just as widely. So it's wise for consumers to ask questions up front about tax obligations and insurance coverage.
"Families need to be aware of all the ramifications," says Bernard A. Krooks, a certified elder-law attorney and founding partner of Littman Krooks LLP, a New York law firm.
Some families elect to privately hire a caregiver because they want to choose the person they think will be the best to provide the care. Others go to an outside party, such as a home health-care agency, to find the help they need. But that doesn't always mean they are off the legal hook.
Many nurse registries and employment agencies don't actually employ or supervise workers; they simply find them and place them in a home setting. Under such arrangements, the family may end up being the official employer, responsible for pay, taxes and other obligations. Employing a relative or friend can put a family in the same situation.
"Household help is anyone who does help in or around your home," says Jill Senso, education coordinator with the National Association of Tax Professionals, or NATP. "The worker becomes your employee if you control what work is done and how it is done."
If you dictate when the caregiver is on duty and supply the equipment to provide care, you're building an employer-employee relationship. Even a part-time caregiver can be considered an employee, especially if the caregiver doesn't provide the same type of service to others, according to Mr. Krooks.
If you pay a household caregiver who is your employee more than $1,700 in 2009, the tax code requires you to withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. (The Internal Revenue Service makes some exceptions, but they typically don't apply to situations in which adult children hire caregivers for aging parents.)
If you pay the caregiver wages of more than $1,000 in any quarter, federal unemployment taxes must also be paid. State and unemployment taxes must be withheld and paid as well. If the taxes are unpaid, the taxpayer must pay what's owed, and will face late filing penalties of between 5% and 25% of the underpayment plus interest, according to the NATP.
Consumers can avoid tax snags if they pay an agency directly, and if the agency is the caregiver's official employer. For instance, the National Private Duty Association requires its members to assume all responsibility for payroll and all related taxes, according to Executive Director Kim Stoneking. Another option is to hire a geriatric-care manager who screens, arranges, monitors and pays the caregiver on your behalf.
Employers are also responsible for verifying that workers are legally entitled to work in the U.S. An Employment Eligibility Verification form -- I-9 Form -- must be completed and kept on file by the employer.
Employee injuries pose one of the biggest financial risks. Federal and state laws require employers to take out workers' compensation insurance. If there is none, and a caregiver is hurt on the job, the family is responsible for medical expenses and disability payments. Consumers shouldn't assume homeowner's insurance will cover this, as policies may exclude household help. They may need to buy general liability insurance.
Discrimination or harassment suits from caregivers pose another risk. An umbrella policy with a discrimination rider can provide protection, but it's expensive, says Mr. Krooks.
It's not just about the "nanny tax." When using a home health caregiver, it's crucial to know whether you are the caregiver's employer or someone else to avoid tax and legal snags.
With more baby boomers seeking help for aging parents, the in-home care industry is booming with a wide range of service providers, from geriatric-care managers to home-care agencies. Contractual arrangements and employment policies vary just as widely. So it's wise for consumers to ask questions up front about tax obligations and insurance coverage.
"Families need to be aware of all the ramifications," says Bernard A. Krooks, a certified elder-law attorney and founding partner of Littman Krooks LLP, a New York law firm.
Some families elect to privately hire a caregiver because they want to choose the person they think will be the best to provide the care. Others go to an outside party, such as a home health-care agency, to find the help they need. But that doesn't always mean they are off the legal hook.
Many nurse registries and employment agencies don't actually employ or supervise workers; they simply find them and place them in a home setting. Under such arrangements, the family may end up being the official employer, responsible for pay, taxes and other obligations. Employing a relative or friend can put a family in the same situation.
"Household help is anyone who does help in or around your home," says Jill Senso, education coordinator with the National Association of Tax Professionals, or NATP. "The worker becomes your employee if you control what work is done and how it is done."
If you dictate when the caregiver is on duty and supply the equipment to provide care, you're building an employer-employee relationship. Even a part-time caregiver can be considered an employee, especially if the caregiver doesn't provide the same type of service to others, according to Mr. Krooks.
If you pay a household caregiver who is your employee more than $1,700 in 2009, the tax code requires you to withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. (The Internal Revenue Service makes some exceptions, but they typically don't apply to situations in which adult children hire caregivers for aging parents.)
If you pay the caregiver wages of more than $1,000 in any quarter, federal unemployment taxes must also be paid. State and unemployment taxes must be withheld and paid as well. If the taxes are unpaid, the taxpayer must pay what's owed, and will face late filing penalties of between 5% and 25% of the underpayment plus interest, according to the NATP.
Consumers can avoid tax snags if they pay an agency directly, and if the agency is the caregiver's official employer. For instance, the National Private Duty Association requires its members to assume all responsibility for payroll and all related taxes, according to Executive Director Kim Stoneking. Another option is to hire a geriatric-care manager who screens, arranges, monitors and pays the caregiver on your behalf.
Employers are also responsible for verifying that workers are legally entitled to work in the U.S. An Employment Eligibility Verification form -- I-9 Form -- must be completed and kept on file by the employer.
Employee injuries pose one of the biggest financial risks. Federal and state laws require employers to take out workers' compensation insurance. If there is none, and a caregiver is hurt on the job, the family is responsible for medical expenses and disability payments. Consumers shouldn't assume homeowner's insurance will cover this, as policies may exclude household help. They may need to buy general liability insurance.
Discrimination or harassment suits from caregivers pose another risk. An umbrella policy with a discrimination rider can provide protection, but it's expensive, says Mr. Krooks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
