Posts Tagged ‘Incapacity’
Posted: November 28th, 2011 | Author: mwight | Filed under: Estate Planning, Financial Planning, Health, Retirement | Tags: Disability Panel, Estate Planning, Incapacity, Living Trusts, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security | No Comments »
Why do many of the most difficult decisions we face come later in life? I guess it’s just fact of life. Unfortunately, we’re not always at the top of our game when those decisions must be made. Therefore, it’s essential to make proper plans earlier, rather than later.
According to a recent study, reported on here by the Wall Street Journal, the decline starts around age 60. The scores on a test measuring knowledge of investments, insurance, credit and money basics fell about 2% each year starting after age 60. In fact, they fell from about 59% correct for those in their 60s to a dismal 30% for those 80 and older. What’s almost as bad is that these very people actually grew more confident in their decisions and knowledge.
Problem: These are the very same people who are attempting to sift through the messy and confusing programs like Medicare and Social Security, at the very same time they are undergoing this dramatic change in their mental agility. These also are the people who will want to take care of their loved ones in their estate plans in an era of constantly changing laws and regulations.
If you are the adult child of older parents, this is something to bear in mind when seeking to help them, perhaps especially when your assistance is unwanted. Likewise, as a parent, fact of life will necessitate a bit of self-understanding. And for everyone, this means that proper estate planning should be done earlier, rather than later. Many estate plans fail when it comes to planning for incapacity and/or disability, call us today at 208-939-7658 and we will work together to build the estate plan you and your family need and deserve. Remember, good planning is no accident.

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Posted: August 19th, 2011 | Author: mwight | Filed under: Estate Planning, Financial Planning, Retirement | Tags: Bank of America, Caregiver, Dementia, Elder Law, Incapacity, Online Banking, Power of Attorney | No Comments »
Some people who thought they had covered all their bases and acted responsibly to care for loved ones in the event of a debilitating illness or incapacity are finding their plans un-done by strict banking policies. Bank of America recently updated their online security procedures, and no longer accepts a power of attorney for online banking.
As Bernard Krooks wrote last week for Forbes, this strict policy came to light when Chicago resident Eva Kripke was blocked from accessing her husband’s Bank of America account. According to Krooks, Mrs. Kripke had been handling her husband Sidney’s bank accounts as agent under a power of attorney ever since he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia four years ago. Suddenly now, however, she is denied access under the bank’s updated security procedures.
The bank suggested she go to her local branch and get a printout of her husband’s account information. Unfortunately, Mrs. Kripke felt this was unacceptable because her husband’s health status requires close financial oversight. Kripke’s options in this situation are limited because her husband’s illness has rendered him incompetent. Opening a new bank account for her husband elsewhere would require executing a new document, a near impossible task when the grantor is incompetent.
Rules such as these are becoming increasingly prevalent and significant as more people are called upon to care for an aging population and their attendant disabilities.
Understanding Powers of Attorney is just a part of successful estate planning. To ensure a successful plan, we at Idaho Estate Planning will: 1) educate you and your helpers; 2) take the time to get to know you, your family, your desires, your concerns, your goals, and your potential problems; 3) gladly and patiently answer questions until you understand the concept or issue; and, 4) based on experience with the problems and results caused by poor planning, help you design and implement the plan that fits your concerns and goals. Remember, good planning is no accident.

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Posted: May 10th, 2011 | Author: mwight | Filed under: Estate Planning, Financial Planning, Health, Retirement, Stress Relief | Tags: Alzheimer's, Care Planning, Dementia, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Incapacity, Living Will, Long Term Care, Medicaid Planning, Veteran's Benefits | No Comments »
With our current economic conditions and a host of other pressures an increasing number of American’s are considering staying in the workforce beyond their planned retirement age. Many will have no choice after the great losses to their retirement accounts. As the average age of the workforce increases so too does the concern for their well-being, especially in reference to dementia and more specifically Alzheimer’s. Right now there are more than 5 million American’s with Alzheimer’s and that is expected to quadruple by 2050. That could be very problematic for businesses, those affected by the disease as well as their co-workers.
If we have a family history of dementia we would be well served to know the early warning signs of the disease. The warnings can be hard to notice as they are revealed rather slowly.
Another way to combat dementia is to be proactive throughout our lives. In the article “How to Age-Proof Your Memory” health.com lists some interesting ideas.
In Our 30’s
Avoid stress, “Stress is toxic to the brain,” says Denise Park, PhD, a cognitive neuroscientist at the Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas at Dallas. The body’s stress response floods the brain with powerful hormones. In the short-term, that helps you focus and cram to meet a deadline, but over time it kills neurons and damages memory centers.
In Our 40’s
Try to maintain focus. “The first step to remembering is paying attention in the first place,” says Gary Small, MD, director of the University of California, Los Angeles, Center on Aging and author of The Memory Bible: An Innovative Strategy for Keeping Your Brain Young. At work, set aside daily chunks of time to unplug from email, instant messages, and workplace chatter. When parking in a big lot, check and recheck landmarks.
In Our 50’s
Maintain close relationships. Ten minutes of talking actually boosts memory and thinking speed afterward, according to new research. “It takes a lot of mental work—you’re paying attention, trying to figure out where somebody is coming from, and sometimes biting your tongue,” says study author Oscar Ybarra, PhD, a psychologist and researcher at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research. This kind of interaction may be as useful as doing crossword puzzles or taking reading-comprehension tests. “Socializing,” Ybarra says, “helps you navigate the real world.”
Plan and Act Now
Taking the right steps now can affect our future well-being. Similarly planning now for the future can positively affect our financial well being. We all want to stay in control of our lives as long as possible and for that we must plan. When it comes to planning for the future, the sad fact is that every year we fail to plan we lose options. Wait long enough and the only options left are those made for us out of desperation. Remember, timing is everything. In order to maintain control as long as possible and have an effect on your own quality of life decisions you must choose to act now. Your decisions need to be made known and documented correctly. Good planning is no accident!

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Posted: February 11th, 2011 | Author: mwight | Filed under: Estate Planning, Financial Planning, Health, Insurance, Retirement | Tags: Alzheimer's, Assisted Living, Care Planning, Caregiver, Dementia, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Home Care, Incapacity, Living Trust, Long Term Care, Medicaid Planning, Revocable Living Trust, VA Pension, Veteran's Benefits, Veterans | No Comments »
Looking for a way to help Mom and Dad pay for home care or assisted living? Perhaps you are their caregiver. Wouldn’t it be nice to receive some compensation to help you provide their care? There is financial help available for senior veterans and their spouses.
For veterans who served during a time of war or for their surviving spouses, veterans benefits such as the Veterans Aid & Attendance Pension will pay additional income to cover long term care costs. The great news about this program is that VA will allow veterans’ households to include the annual cost of paying any person such as family members, friends or hired help for care when calculating the Pension benefit.
Pension can provide an additional monthly income of up to $1,949 a month for a couple, $1,644 a month for a single veteran or $1,056 a month for a single surviving spouse of a veteran. This money can be used to help pay the cost of home care, adult day services, assisted living or nursing home services.
A family member can be considered an in-home attendant, but that family member has to be paid for services duly rendered. There is potential for fraud here where a family member may move into the home and ostensibly receive payment as a caregiver but not actually provide the level of care paid for. Documentation for this care must be provided to VA, and it is reasonable for VA to question whether the services being purchased from a family member living in the household are legitimate. Such arrangements should be extensively documented and completely arm’s-length.
The care arrangements and payment for home care must be made prior to application and there must be evidence that this care is needed on an ongoing and regular basis. We recommend a formal care contract and monthly invoice billing for services. Money must exchange hands and there must be evidence of this. All of this documentation must be provided as proof to VA when making application for the pension benefit. Costs for these services must be unreimbursed; meaning these costs are not paid by insurance, by contributions from the family or from other sources. Even though the family member being paid for services cannot reimburse the veteran household directly, the family may pay the bills for the veteran household. This indirect form of support is allowed.
In 2007 the AARP released a study on Caregivers in America in which they reported, “Many caregivers make direct out-of pocket expenditures to help support a family member or friend with a disability. Non-spousal caregivers were asked how much money they spend in a typical month for groceries, medicines, or other kinds of cash support for the care recipient. About half of caregivers contributed financially, spending an average of $200 per month ($2,400 per year). Caregivers who had the greatest level of caregiving burden reported spending $324 per month ($3,888per year) out of pocket.”
The study went on to say, “In addition to direct out-of-pocket expenditures made by caregivers, many caregivers experience other significant economic losses. The majority of caregivers in the United States (59 percent) are employed either full or part time. The financial impact of caregiving on caregivers in the workforce can involve multiple aspects of their income security, including their wages, job security and career paths, and employment benefits such as health insurance and retirement savings.
Those family members acting as caregivers for America’s veterans and/or their spouses can help reduce the stress on their own and their families emotional, social and financial well being by making use of the VA Pension Benefit.
The secret for receiving a successful award from the VA is not in filling out the form but in knowing what documents and evidence must be submitted with the application. Knowing the secrets for a successful award – with the special case of long term care recipients – is 95% of the battle. A knowledgeable, accredited consultant can provide information to shorten the VA’s decision window of 6 to 12 months to possibly 3 or 4 months.
At Idaho Estate Planning we understand how to maximize the benefit or avoid a denial. We can also provide guidance for meeting the asset test. We provide the best strategies for reallocating assets through trusts or income conversions to allow for the best possible accommodation of assets for beneficiaries thus avoiding or reducing taxes, family disputes and Medicaid penalties.
We are VA Accredited and we know how to help veterans get the benefits they have earned through their greatly appreciated service to our country. Remember, good planning in no accident.

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Posted: February 7th, 2011 | Author: mwight | Filed under: Estate Planning, Financial Planning, Health, Insurance, Retirement | Tags: Assisted Living, Care Planning, Caregiver, Dementia, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Home Care, Incapacity, Living Trust, Living Will, Long Term Care, Medicaid Planning, Revocable Living Trust, VA Pension, Veteran's Benefits | No Comments »
There is a very good chance that you or someone you know is taking care of elderly parents now or looking at that possibility in the near future. In 2008 a USA TODAY/ABC News/Gallup Poll of baby boomers found that 41% who had a living parent were providing care for them — either financial help, personal care or both — and 8% of boomers said their parents had moved in with them.
Of those who were not caring for an aging parent, 37% said they expected to do so in the future. About half said they were concerned about being able to provide such care.
If financial planning and long term care planning have not been done previous to the need for care, the burden falls on the caregiving family member. Decisions about how care will be paid for, who will be responsible for managing the estate as well as how the long term care will be given can cause stress and contention among family members.
It is best for parents and all family members to be involved in planning for future financial needs. The financial resources being used today could change drastically with the occurrence of a stroke, illness or onset of dementia. In order to plan financially for long term care, you need to know what the costs are now and what they will be in the future.
Every year MetLife does a survey of long term care costs. Their 2010 survey shows that the average daily rate for private nursing home is $229 which is up from $219 in 2009. Assisted living monthly base rate cost rose to $3,293 in 2010 from $3131 in 2009. Home health aides average $21 an hour.
Planning financial needs can be very difficult, considering you do not know when long term care will be required or how long it will be needed. Staying in the home for care will require professional home care assistance, travel accommodations to doctor appointments, help with shopping, meals, medical supplies and medication and possibly a 24-hour attendant. Even if a family member is doing most of the care, in most cases professional care will eventually be required or a move to a nursing home facility will be necessary.
When evaluating present income and assets consider how they would work for future needs. Consider the following:
- Care options
- Long Term Care Costs
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Home Care Costs
- Medicaid Planning
- VA Benefits & Planning
- Legal Documents – Estate Planning
Idaho Estate Planning is part of the Treasure Valley Care Planning Council, a non-profit network of elder care professionals available to provide information for and beyond the items discussed above. Let us know your concerns and we will help you find the resources you need.
In addition to caring for your parents or other family members, it is also important to consider your own concerns for the future. How will you maintain your independence as you grow older? What effect would a costly health issue have on your quality of life? The more planning you do now the less difficulty there will be later. Better planning now will reduce the stress placed on you and your future caregivers. Good planning is no accident.

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Posted: January 18th, 2011 | Author: mwight | Filed under: Estate Planning, Financial Planning, Health, Insurance, Retirement | Tags: Alzheimer's, Assisted Living, Care Planning, Caregiver, Dementia, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Home Care, Incapacity, Living Trust, Living Will, Long Term Care, Medicaid Planning, Power of Attorney, Revocable Living Trust, VA Pension, Veteran's Benefits | No Comments »
Recently I had someone in my office wanting to know what his options were for taking care of his In-laws. In 2004, when the first signs of medical troubles appeared, he had, with his wife and her siblings, tried to convince the parents that they needed to get their affairs in order. They needed to do some planning, but as is all too common, no planning was done. Where there could have been many choices and options, now there are few. Where there could have been comfort in their final years, now hard choices must be made that would never have been considered before.
The National Institute on Aging gives three simple, but important steps to putting your affairs in order:
- “Put your important papers and copies of legal documents in one place. You could set up a file, put everything in a desk or dresser drawer, or just list the information and location of papers in a notebook. If your papers are in a bank safe deposit box, keep copies in a file at home. Check each year to see if there’s anything new to add.
- Tell a trusted family member or friend where you put all your important papers. You don’t need to tell this friend or family member about your personal affairs, but someone should know where you keep your papers in case of emergency. If you don’t have a relative or friend you trust, ask a lawyer to help.
- Give consent in advance for your doctor or lawyer to talk with your caregiver as needed. There may be questions about your care, a bill, or a health insurance claim. Without your consent, your caregiver may not be able to get needed information. You can give your okay in advance to Medicare, a credit card company, your bank, or your doctor. You may need to sign and return a form.”
When it comes to planning for the future, the sad fact is that every year we fail to plan we lose options. Wait long enough and the only options left are those made for us out of desperation. Remember, timing is everything. In order to maintain control as long as possible and have an effect on your own quality of life decisions you must choose to act now. Your decisions need to be made known and documented correctly. Good planning is no accident!
Call us today and let us help.

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Posted: January 6th, 2011 | Author: mwight | Filed under: Estate Planning, Financial Planning, Retirement | Tags: Alzheimer's, Assisted Living, Care Planning, Caregiver, Dementia, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Home Care, Incapacity, Living Trust, Long Term Care, Medicaid Planning, Revocable Living Trust, VA Pension, Veteran's Benefits, Veterans, Without accreditation no one may help a veteran with a claim more than one time. | No Comments »
Accreditation
The VA Pension Benefit helps veterans and surviving spouses pay for assisted living care in the home, nursing home, or assisted living facility. It pays up to $1,949 per month to provide care for single or married veterans, or their surviving spouses. Applicants must meet certain medical and financial thresholds. Many find the application process complicated and seek help preparing the forms. It is important to understand federal law dictates that no one may help a veteran in the preparation, presentation and prosecution of an initial claim for VA benefits unless that person is accredited by the VA. The only exception to this law is that any one person can help any veteran – one-time only – with a claim. To help any veteran a second time requires accreditation.
VA recognizes 3 types of individuals for purposes of accreditation.
- Accredited attorneys
- Accredited agents and
- Accredited representatives of service organizations. (Veterans Service Officers)
In order to be accredited to help veterans with new claims, an individual desiring this certification from VA must submit a formal application, must meet certain character requirements and work history requirements and – except for attorneys – must pass a comprehensive test relating to veterans claims and benefits. There are also requirements for ongoing continuing education.
What Does It Mean to Help a Veteran with a Claim?
VA interprets its prohibition on preparing, presenting and prosecuting a claim to mean that talking to a veteran or a veteran’s qualifying spouse or dependent after that person has indicated an intent to file a specific claim for benefits requires accreditation. Anyone can talk about veterans benefits in general with any veteran and need not be accredited. The point at which discussion narrows down to specific information about the veteran’s service record, medical conditions, financial situation including income and assets and other issues relating to a claim specific to a veteran or dependent triggers accreditation. According to VA, discussing the specifics of the claim means that the veteran has expressed an intent to file an application for veterans benefits, and at this point, the consultant helping the veteran must be accredited.
This bears repeating: An individual cannot advise a veteran or other eligible beneficiary about that person’s specific claim for VA benefits unless that individual is accredited.
Using an Accredited Agent
The secret for receiving a successful award from the VA is not in filling out the form but in knowing what documents and evidence must be submitted with the application. Knowing the secrets for a successful award – with the special case of long term care recipients – is 95% of the battle. A knowledgeable, accredited consultant can provide information to shorten the VA’s decision window of 6 to 12 months to possibly 3 or 4 months.
At Idaho Estate Planning we understand how to maximize the benefit or avoid a denial. We can also provide guidance for meeting the asset test. We provide the best strategies for reallocating assets through trusts or income conversions to allow for the best possible accommodation of assets for beneficiaries thus avoiding or reducing taxes, family disputes and Medicaid penalties.
We are VA Accredited and we know how to help you get the benefits you earned through your greatly appreciated service to our country. Remember, good planning in no accident.

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Posted: December 1st, 2010 | Author: mwight | Filed under: Estate Planning, Financial Planning, Health, Retirement | Tags: Alzheimer's, Assisted Living, Care Planning, Caregiver, Dementia, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Home Care, Incapacity, Long Term Care, Medicaid Planning | 5 Comments »
Holiday Blues – Depression in the Elderly
The holiday season is upon us. If you are a caregiver for an elderly loved one, you may notice a change in your loved one’s mood as the holiday season progresses. Perhaps you are one of many who live a distance away and visit elderly parents and family during the holidays. When you visit you may notice that loved ones are not as physically active, or they show symptoms of fatigue or sadness and have no interest in the holiday or in their surroundings.
According to the National Institutes of Health, of the 35 million Americans age 65 or older, about 2 million suffer from full-blown depression. Another 5 million suffer from less severe forms of the illness. This represents about 20% of the senior population — a significant proportion.
Depression in the elderly is difficult to diagnose and is frequently untreated. The symptoms may be confused with a medical illness, dementia, or malnutrition due to a poor diet. Many older people will not accept the idea that they have depression and refuse to seek treatment.
Causes
It is not the actual holiday that causes depression, but the fact that holidays tend to bring memories of earlier, perhaps happier times. Additional contributing factors that bring on depression may be the loss of a spouse or close friend, or a move from a home to assisted living, or a change with an older person’s routine.
Depression may also be a sign of a medical problem. Chronic pain or complications of an illness or memory loss can also cause depression. In addition, diet can also be a factor when proper nutrition and vitamins are lacking.
Symptoms to look for in depression might include:
- Depressed or irritable mood
- Feelings of worthlessness or sadness
- Expressions of helplessness
- Anxiety
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Lack of attending to personal care and hygiene
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irresponsible behavior
- Obsessive thoughts about death
- Talk about suicide
Depression or Dementia?
Depression and dementia share similar symptoms. A recent article on Helpguide.org gives some specific differences:
In depression there is a rapid mental decline, but memory of time, date and awareness of the environment remains. Motor skills are slow, but normal in depression. Concern with concentrating and worry about impaired memory may occur.
On the other hand, dementia symptoms reveal a slow mental decline with confusion and loss of recognizing familiar locations. Writing, speaking and motor skills are impaired and memory loss is not acknowledged as a being problem by the person suffering dementia.
Whether it is depression or dementia, prompt treatment is recommended. A physical exam will help determine if there is a medical cause for depression. A geriatric medical practitioner is skilled in diagnosing depression and illnesses in the elderly. If you are a caretaker of an elderly person it may be beneficial for you to seek out a geriatric health care specialist.
Idaho Estate Planning is part of the Treasure Valley Care Planning Council, a non-profit network of elder care professionals available to provide information beyond the items discussed above. Let us know your concerns and we will help you find the resources you need.

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Posted: October 29th, 2010 | Author: mwight | Filed under: Estate Planning, Financial Planning, Health, Retirement, Stress Relief | Tags: Alzheimer's, Assisted Living, Care Planning, Caregiver, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Home Care, Incapacity, Living Trust, Medicaid Planning, Revocable Living Trust | No Comments »
Understanding Caregiver Stress
A 2003 study of caregivers by a research team at Ohio State University has proven the off-repeated adage “stress can kill you” is true. The focus of the investigation was the effect the stress of caregiving had on caregivers. The team, led by Dr. Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, reports on a 6-year study of elderly people caring for spouses with Alzheimer’s Disease. The study not only found a significant deterioration in the health of caregivers when compared to a similar group of non-caregivers but also found the caregivers had a 63% higher death rate than the control group.
Controlling Stress with Calming Techniques
Music Therapy
Listening to music is a wonderful way to alleviate stress. In doing extensive research on what any given piece of music produces as a physiological response, many unexpected things were found. Many of the so-called Meditation and Relaxation recordings actually produce adverse EEG patterns in the brain–just as bad as Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. A British study involving stress and surgery found “music of a style selected by the patient appeared to be more effective overall in reducing stress.” Another study found that any music performed live and even at moderately loud volumes even if it is somewhat discordant can have a very a beneficial response. Basically, listen to music that makes you feel good, and if you can go listen to it live – all the better.
Pet Therapy
There is a saying that “dog is man’s best friend.” This is certainly true when it comes to dealing with your body’s stress response. Many people feel more relaxed when companion animals are present. Several studies have shown that pets are good for us in numerous ways. For example, petting an animal is known to lower your heart rate, lower your blood pressure and brighten your mood. Another study found that simply watching fish in an aquarium made patients waiting to undergo medical procedures less anxious. In fact, “pet therapy” is frequently used in hospitals and nursing homes to increase socialization and to reduce depression, loneliness, anger, and stress
Secondly, having tender physical contact with your pet is also good for you. Having an animal to hold, cuddle and caress has positive effects on people. Especially those who might have limited means to give or receive physical expressions of affection. Most of us have felt a warm fuzzy feeling inside just by getting your face licked by a puppy. After a hard day at work, this kind of attention can really help you to calm down and relax.
Next, simply talking to your pet can be very therapeutic. People often talk to their pets to share their thoughts, feelings, troubles and worries. Although your pet won’t give you any solutions for your problems, the very act of talking about your concerns with a good listener may help you find your own solutions. And you must admit pets are great listeners.
Finally, if you have a dog for a pet, you get to go for a walk at least 3 or four times a day. This affords you the perfect excuse to take time to yourself away from your stressors. These walks give you time to breathe fresh air, join with nature, collect your thoughts, make plans for the day, or just daydream. The light exercise you get from walking your pet helps you to deal with the physical stress reactions you have acquired in the course of your day. Specifically, walking with your dog helps you to burn up the pent up energy your stressors have caused.
Gardening
Gardening has an important impact on the health of individuals through direct interaction with plants and the natural environment. Horticulture promotes individual health through exercise, stress reduction, social interaction and mental stimulation. Gardening is recommended by such groups as the American Heart Association as a technique to improve general physical health and thus prevent many diseases. In addition, urban agriculture can plan a role in improved health through access to high quality fresh produce either locally produced or self-produced.
Prepare Now to Reduce Stress Later
Idaho Estate Planning is part of the Treasure Valley Care Planning Council, a non-profit network of elder care professionals available to provide information beyond the items discussed above. Let us know your concerns and we will help you find the resources you need.
In addition to caring for your parents or other family members, it is also important to consider your own concerns for the future. How will you maintain your independence as you grow older? What effect would a costly health issue have on your quality of life? The more planning you do now the less difficulty there will be later. Better planning now will reduce the stress placed on you and your future caregivers. Good planning is no accident.

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Posted: October 15th, 2010 | Author: mwight | Filed under: Estate Planning, Health, Retirement, Stress Relief | Tags: Alzheimer's, Assisted Living, Care Planning, Caregiver, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Home Care, Incapacity, Living Trust, Living Will, Long Term Care, Medicaid Planning, VA Pension, Veteran's Benefits | No Comments »
Understanding Caregiver Stress
A 2003 study of caregivers by a research team at Ohio State University has proven the off-repeated adage “stress can kill you” is true. The focus of the investigation was the effect the stress of caregiving had on caregivers. The team, led by Dr. Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, reports on a 6-year study of elderly people caring for spouses with Alzheimer’s Disease. The study not only found a significant deterioration in the health of caregivers when compared to a similar group of non-caregivers but also found the caregivers had a 63% higher death rate than the control group.
Reduce Stress Through Proper Nutrition
Avoid Over Eating
Many people react to stress by eating. Eating too much for a long period causes obesity. This causes your heart and lungs to work harder, overloads your organs and reduces stamina. Studies show that fat cells excrete IL-6 and that overweight people have high levels of IL-6 in their blood. This in turn leads to the IL-6-associated illnesses such as heart disease, immune disorders and diabetes.
Good Eating Habits
Some people react to stress and stress-induced depression by not eating or eating poorly. If you eat a good, well-balanced diet, your body will be receiving all the nutrients it requires to function properly. On the other hand, if you are eating an unbalanced diet or not eating enough you may be stressing your body and contributing to stress-related complications by depriving yourself of essential nutrients.
Coffee, Tea, Caffeine Soft-Drinks & Chocolate
Caffeine is a stimulant. One of the reasons you probably use it is to raise your level of activity. This chemical actually enhances the stress response and thus increases your existing stress. Small quantities probably do little harm but large quantities over a long period produce excessive stress and lead to many of the physical ailments attributed to chronic stress. Too much caffeine can be dangerous. If you are drinking many cups of caffeine products a day, then you may find you can reduce a lot of stress and save your health by switching to caffeine-free products for a portion of your daily intake.
Alcohol
Some people react to stress by imbibing in alcohol. In small amounts, spirits may help you relax. In larger amounts alcohol may increase stress as it disrupts sleep. Over the long-term, alcohol will damage your body. Alcohol is also a depressant. If you’re prone to depression, alcohol will only make it worse. Studies show that depressed people have eight times the level of IL-6 as compared to the general population. As we have seen, high, prolonged levels of IL-6 are a marker for debilitating illness and early death.
Tobacco
In the short-term tobacco use seems to relax people but the toxic effects of nicotine raise the heart rate and enhance the stress response. If you smoke, try taking your pulse before and after a cigarette, and notice the difference. After the initial period of giving up smoking, most ex-smokers report feeling much more calm.
Sugar and Refined Flour
Sugar can be a stimulant for people experiencing stress and stress-induced depression. Sugar-rich foods (the starch in refined flour is also a form of sugar) can raise your energy level in the short-term. The problem is your body copes with high levels of sugar by secreting large amounts of insulin, which in turn, quickly reduces the excess amount of sugar in your blood stream often causing blood sugar levels to swing too low.
These up and down spikes in blood sugar can cause agitation, mood swings, irritability and fatigue, which in turn can contribute to the creation of additional stress. The ups and downs of sugar spikes also contribute to depression. And of course, excess sugar is readily converted to body fat thus causing obesity. Consuming sugar in the form of complex carbohydrates–whole grains, fruits, vegetables and tubers–forces the digestive tract to release blood sugar more slowly and keeps insulin and blood sugar levels more normal. Avoid fruit drinks, sugar drinks, candy, pastas, white bread and pastries.
Prepare Now to Reduce Stress Later
Idaho Estate Planning is part of the Treasure Valley Care Planning Council, a non-profit network of elder care professionals available to provide information beyond the items discussed above. Let us know your concerns and we will help you find the resources you need.
In addition to caring for your parents or other family members, it is also important to consider your own concerns for the future. How will you maintain your independence as you grow older? What effect would a costly health issue have on your quality of life? The more planning you do now the less difficulty there will be later. Better planning now will reduce the stress placed on you and your future caregivers. Good planning is no accident.

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