My Care Advisors

Getting Your Legal ”House” in Order

Aging can often present difficult challenges, including complex health issues, declining physical and/or mental capacity, care-related expenses and other financial concerns. It is important to have one’s legal “house” in order to navigate these challenges. Listen in to learn more about the specialized area of Elder Law and top considerations to support a loved one’s wishes before an urgent or unplanned life change occurs. 
Listen in to learn more about the following:
What Elder Law is and the typical areas of focus
Services provided by Elder Law attorneys to support older adults and caregivers
Information for older adults and caregivers to consider to ensure their “legal house is in order (e.g., Advance Directives, Living Wills, Power of Attorney, Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Financial Administration, etc.)
The top five questions one should ask when selecting an Elder Law attorney
Helpful resources for older adults and caregivers to learn more about how to be prepared for urgent or unplanned life changes.
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com.  We are grateful to be your guide.

Independent Living vs. Assisted Living

Did you know that the number of adults aged 65 years of age or older is expected to double from 49 million to nearly 100 million by 2060 in the U.S.? Currently, more than 800,000 older adults reside in 30,000 assisted living communities, and that number is expected to continue to increase over the next decade. Knowing the differences between senior living options is important when determining the best setting to support independence and living one’s best life.
Listen in to learn more about the following:
Differences between independent living and assisted living
Types of independent living communities (e.g., Senior Apartments, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)) and the typical services and amenities offered
Average costs for independent living and ways to pay for housing costs and services
Typical services offered to older adults residing in an assisted living community  
The average cost to reside in an assisted living community, and what are the ways to pay for care 
Tips for caregivers start the conversation if additional support is needed to meet the care needs of their loved one
Questions that older adults and caregivers ask their doctor or healthcare professional to better understand whether assisted living is an appropriate option to meet care needs
Helpful resources for older adults and caregivers to access when selecting a community, whether it is an independent living or an assisted living community
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com.  We are grateful to be your guide.

Home Care vs. Skilled Home Health

Did you know that every day, millions of people are providing care for their spouse, aging parents, or elderly family members, all while keeping up with other responsibilities? Oftentimes, these caregivers may require outside support to ensure their loved ones can have the best quality of life but don’t know where to find such help, and understanding the different services that can be delivered in the home can be overwhelming. 
Listen in to learn more about the following:
Signs that an older adult may need home care support
The difference between home care and skilled home health care
Typical services provided by home care professionals
The average cost for home care services and ways to pay for care
Typical services provided by skilled home health care professionals
The average cost for skilled home health care services and ways to pay for care
Ways for caregivers to start the conversation about home care support to meet care needs
Helpful resources for older adults and caregivers to access when selecting home care services
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com.  We are grateful to be your guide.

Suicide Prevention & Older Adults

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., affecting men and women of all ages. Older adults are especially vulnerable due to factors that range from grief over the passing of loved ones to chronic illness and much more. In fact, in 2020, suicide rates were highest among adults ages 85 years or older (20.86 per 100,000). Understanding the causes and risk factors of suicide can make a great difference in saving lives. Listen in to learn more about the following:
Common myths about suicide, especially when thinking about older adults
Facts about suicide in older adults
Important risk factors for suicide in older adults
Warning signs of suicide in older adults caregivers should watch for
How can caregivers and others support an older adult with suicidal thoughts
Steps should someone take if they believe their loved one is considering suicide
Information on the new national suicide prevention hotline
Helpful resources for older adults and caregivers to learn more about suicide prevention
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com.  We are grateful to be your guide.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis or emotional distress, reach out 24/7 to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at suicidepreventionlifeline.org to connect to a trained crisis counselor. You can also get crisis text support via the Crisis Text Line by texting NAMI to 741741.
 

Addressing Caregiver Burnout

Always approaching their responsibilities with care and compassion, caregivers make a difference in the lives of patients, residents, and their families every single day by providing vital services and support. Oftentimes, caregivers find themselves juggling too many responsibilities. When they least expect it, caregiver burnout starts to take over, affecting their mental health and well-being. Tune in for helpful tips and resources about caregiving burnout and strategies to ensure your caregiving journey stays on the right track. Listen in to learn more about the following:
Learn what caregiver burnout is
Gain information about the signs of caregiver burnout
Hear about tips for managing caregiver burnout
Gain information on where to find support and resources throughout your caregiving journey
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com.  We are grateful to be your guide.

Reactions to Caregiving

Caregiving can trigger a host of difficult emotions, including anger, fear, resentment, guilt, helplessness and grief. It’s important to acknowledge and accept what you’re feeling, both good and bad. Don’t beat yourself up over your doubts and frustrations. These feelings don’t mean that you resent your family member—they simply mean you’re human. Listen in to learn more about the following:
Emotions individuals may feel when they enter the role of caregiver
Learn what is caregiver stress
Learn tips for managing caregiver stress
Hear about helpful resources to manage caregiver stress
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com.  We are grateful to be your guide.

Mental Health & the Older Adult

Mental health is important at every stage of life, including as we age. Many older adults are at risk of developing mental health conditions. But this does not mean that mental health issues are a normal part of aging.  It's important to recognize and treat mental health disorders in older adults. These disorders don't just cause mental suffering. They can also make it harder for you to manage other health problems. This is especially true if those health conditions are chronic. 
This episode provides resources and information about common mental health disorders in older adults, top risk factors and how caregivers can support positive mental well-being.
Listen in to learn more about the following:
The most common mental health disorders in older adults
The warning signs of mental health disorders in older adults
The top risk factors for mental health disorders in older adults
Information caregivers should be aware of most when a loved one is living with a mental health condition
Resources to support one’s positive mental well-being
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com.  We are grateful to be your guide.

The Importance of Financial Planning for Older Adults

Navigating the costs of care and asset management, especially as one ages, can be complex. The topic of finances and paying for care can be a sensitive topic. However, for older adults and their families, it is an important conversation to have to plan for the future.
This episode provides resources and information to support a loved one’s wishes before an urgent or unplanned life change occurs. 
Listen in to learn more about the following:
Important financial considerations for older adults and caregivers.
How older adults and caregivers can financially prepare to pay for care and living expenses.
Average monthly costs to live in an assisted living community and ways to pay for care.
How to start the conversation about financial resources to meet care needs and wishes.
Helpful tips and resources for older adults and caregivers.
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com.  We are grateful to be your guide.

ADLs vs. IADLs. Why are they important?

When thinking about care options, especially as one ages or for those living with a chronic condition, it is important to consider the support needed to complete activities of daily living (ADLs) to safely live at home. The inability to accomplish essential activities of daily living may lead to unsafe conditions and a poor quality of life. This episode provides information about the importance of activities of daily living and how caregivers can identify when more support is needed.
Listen in to learn more about the following:
What are activities of daily living or ADLs.
The difference between Basic ADLs and Instrumental ADLs and why is this important for older adults.
Conditions that can affect the ability to perform Basic and Instrumental activities of daily living, especially as one ages or is living with a chronic condition.
How caregivers can provide support and help their loved one maintain as much independence as possible to accomplish Basic and Instrumental ADLs.
How caregivers can assess when more help is needed.
Helpful tips / resources for older adults and caregivers.
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com.  We are grateful to be your guide.

Navigating the Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer's is never easy—it is a life-changing event that may lead to a range of emotions and questions. According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, and this figure is steadily growing. Understanding the disease and where to find resources can be the first step to navigating the challenges ahead. 
Listen in as Kinsey McManus, Programs Director for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Desert Southwest Chapter, shares insight into the following: 
What is Alzheimer’s disease
The signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
An overview of some of the available treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease
The caregiver’s role and how does it change as Alzheimer’s progresses
Helpful resources for families and caregivers navigating an Alzheimer’s diagnosis
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com.  We are grateful to be your guide.