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Alzheimer’s Care : 4 Ways to Save Big as Caregiver

03/17Leave a Comment

Alzheimer’s Care: 4 Effective Ways to Save Big Bucks

Medical treatments, prescription pills, personal care supplies—these are just some of the common expenses that make up the cost of Alzheimer’s disease. However, it does not stop there. Family members and loved ones also have to contend with home modification costs, facility care fees, and insurance claims.

Understandably, many family caregivers get overwhelmed and frustrated with the situation. After all, so many of them are struggling to build a stable retirement fund for themselves. And on top of that, the rise in the costs of living has already overtaken income growth. It is a difficult circumstance to be in, and yet it is impossible to say no to Mom or Dad when one of them needs help.

On a bigger scale, the cost of Alzheimer’s also delivers a significant blow to the nation’s finances. In fact, Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia are expected to cost the nation $259 billion in this year alone.

With this in mind, family caregivers can surely benefit from all the budgeting tips they can get their hands on (we certainly would). saving-money

Long Term Care Tax Deductions

Family caregivers are no stranger to the financial weight that comes with caring for a parent. This is why they can certainly gain from tax breaks. In order to do so, adult children must be able to claim their parents as their dependents. Qualifications are detailed on the IRS website, but here are the preliminary criteria:

• Family caregiver must not be a dependent of another tax payer
• The dependent must be a resident of the US, Canada, or Mexico
• The dependent cannot file a tax return with his or her spouse

Take Advantage of Apps and Devices

Assistive technology can improve both the person with Alzheimer’s and the family caregiver’s the quality of life. Not only does it help maintain independence and autonomy, it can also help reduce the risk of accidents and falls.

Instead of paying for an extra pair of hands or adult day care services, you can make use of devices and apps that monitor the activities at home. Some are designed to track medications and detect falls. Having these gadgets installed in your home not only feels like you have an extra pair of eyes but they can also help you save more money in the long run.

Track All Costs of Alzheimer’s

Setting a budget and sticking to it can save household substantial money. However, you must have a good overview of all your expenses and income to make the budget you set realistic.
Remember never to underestimate the importance of a well-organized overview of all your expenses.

Equip Yourself for the Aftermath

Often, the cost of Alzheimer’s is not just financial. Family caregivers sacrifice their emotional, physical, and social well-being to meet the demands of care. Studies show that caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementias are 3.5 times more likely to say that the greatest challenge of their task is that it creates or aggravates their own health problems.

Once the dust settles, family caregivers can end up needing long term care services themselves. However, those who have provided financial support to their loved ones with Alzheimer’s are likely to have depleted nest eggs. This makes covering the high costs of long term care close to impossible.

This situation is why family caregivers are called to invest in long term care coverage as early as possible. After all, the aftermath of caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be devastating.

Author: Samantha Stein is an online content manager for ALTCP.org. Her works focus on key information on long term care insurance, financial planning, elder care, and retirement. In line with the organization’s goal, Samantha’s work highlights the importance of having a good long term care plan, which includes requesting a long term care insurance quote online to securing comprehensive coverage.


Filed Under: Care Tips, Common Questions, Faces of Alzheimer's, Guest Post Tagged With: Financial Planning, healthy aging, Prepare for future

Some Favorite Authors Write about Alzheimer’s

11/146 Comments

Authors Write about Alzheimer’s

Some of our favorite authors, including Five Authors who write about Alzheimer’s have banned together and determined to inform others about Alzheimer’s. They are discussing what keeps folks silent when they need help and how to raise the awareness about the plight of so many Caregivers.

Since November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Caregiver Appreciation Month, these Five authors have taken the challenge to raise awareness about the disease and the Caregivers who help our loved ones.

They each want others to know the importance of memory checks and awareness about Alzheimer’s. Most of all they want others to understand and know the contribution that the Caregiver makes in the lives of those who have Alzheimer’s.

Each of the Authors, including: Marianne Sciucco, Jean Lee, Vicki Tapia, Shannon Wierzbitsky  present Five Stories about Alzheimer’s and offer the opportunity for others to Enter a giveaway to win a paperback copy of each of their books: Alzheimer’s Authors Giveaway

Meet the authors on Facebook: Alzheimer’s Authors Ending the Isolation of Alzheimer’s

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12 Ways to Reach Out to Caregivers During National Caregivers Appreciation Month

Reach-Caregiversby Marianne Sciucco, author of Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story

Chances are you know someone caring for an ill or disabled loved one.

This could be due to an illness such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, stroke, or a variety of other conditions. Some provide live-in care, others visit daily or weekly, and some oversee care from a distance or care provided by hired aides or a nursing facility.

No matter how the caregiver performs his or her role, caregiving is a tough job, requiring resources that are often scarce: time, money, support, and assistance.

The CDC tells us that more than 34 million unpaid caregivers provide care to someone age 18 and older who is ill or has a disability, and an estimated 21 percent of US households are impacted by caregiving responsibilities.

Almost all of this work is unpaid, typically provided by family members, and often performed around the clock with no breaks. In addition, many caregivers juggle other responsibilities such as jobs, raising children, and managing their own households.

November is National Caregivers Appreciation Month, and a great time to reach out to those providing care and help lighten their load.

In recognition of those who work tirelessly and selflessly to care for a loved one, here are 12 ways to reach out to caregivers, to offer assistance and let them know you care. These people need support, and often that support doesn’t cost much, if anything, and takes little time.

  1. Ask if you can sit for them a little while so they can run errands, take a break, see the doctor, or attend church or a caregiver’s support group, whatever they need to do to take care of themselves.
  2. Going to the grocery store? Call and ask if there’s anything you can pick up for them.
  3. If your employer allows, donate paid sick time, vacation days, or personal time to a coworker caring for a relative who is hospitalized or needs post-hospital care.
  4. Volunteer to mow the lawn, weed the garden, rake the leaves, or shovel the snow.
  5. Share the bounty, whether from your vegetable or your flower garden. Fresh produce and fresh flowers are cheerful.
  6. If you have the skills and tools, offer to change the oil in their car and rotate the tires.
  7. Again, if you have the skills and tools, offer a free haircut to the caregiver and/or their loved one.
  8. Walk their dog.
  9. Ask if they’d like you to wash and clean out their car.
  10. Volunteer to take out the trash and bring the barrels out to the curb on trash day.
  11. Double cook a meal, preferably one of their favorites, and send over a dinner.
  12. Include them in your prayers.

For more information about caregiving and caregivers please follow #AlzAuthors during National Caregivers Appreciation Month, November 2015, or find us on Facebook.

 

About the Author

Marianne SciuccoMarianne Sciucco is not a nurse who writes but a writer who happens to be a nurse. A lover of words and books, she dreamed of becoming an author when she grew up, but became a nurse to avoid poverty. She later brought her two passions together and writes about the intricate lives of people struggling with health and family issues. Her debut novel, Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story, is a Kindle bestseller, IndieReader Approved, a BookWorks featured book, and winner of IndieReCon’s Best Indie Novel Award, 2014. A native Bostonian, she lives in New York’s Hudson Valley, and when not writing works as a campus nurse at a community college. She can be reached via her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Filed Under: Faces of Alzheimer's, Guest Post, Recommended Reading Tagged With: Alzheimeir's Authors Giveaway, Alzheimer's Authors, Ending Isolation of Alzheimer's

Memory Support System KalendarKards

10/277 Comments

Memory Support System KalendarKards

This New Memory Support System offers the tools needed for those with Alzheimer’s to remain at home longer. Recently introduced to this new product, I am very excited. Most of you know I cared for my Mom at home before she passed away 7 years ago with Alzheimer’s.

For several years, my Mom was still physically healthy but appeared lost most of the day. I couldn’t keep her occupied. She could read and watch Television, yet she could not occupy her time alone, without assistance.

When I heard about this new product I thought of Mom and how this would have helped her remain active longer. She enjoyed having activities, she just couldn’t think of things to keep herself busy. In the early stages, this would have been perfect for my Mom. We know now that as the person with Alzheimer’s stays more active, symptoms of dementia are postponed.

I’m so glad I can share this Memory System with you.

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Introducing KalendarKards Memory Support System
by David Wiederrich, the CEO and Co-founder

Aging in place is an important option for many of us. It allows us to remain independent, safe, and comfortable – all while enjoying the familiar environment of our own homes. However, whether we are alone or have family around us, we can at times start to need some additional support remembering those important activities in our lives.

Products that can support our continued stay in our own homes are not only valuable to our daily quality of life, but a relatively inexpensive option to the various assisted living environments. KalendarKards is a system that fits the bill and could be the perfect gift that will get used every day.

The KalendarKards Story

mother-in-lawThe KalendarKards Memory Support System was developed to assist a family member who was having trouble remembering important tasks around her home.

Over the course of a year, and through a number of prototypes and revisions, with direct input from that family member, KalendarKards was born. It is based on a nearly 200-card deck of regulation (but highly customized) playing cards. That medium was chosen for its familiar tactile feel, and for ease of handling.

Once the product was fully refined, she became quite comfortable and enjoyed using the system. She contacted a friend and explained that she was very pleased with it and was using it daily.

Cards are provided in a number of color-coded categories ranging from Health (blue) to Important (red.) To customize the individual’s experience further, a generous supply of blank cards and a permanent marker are included.

Simple, single, discreet cues are critical. KalendarKards organizes the week, but only one task at a time is shown – and only the next one up. Each card allows a simple “Play Your Day” peace of mind.

Remember to Remember

KalendarKards2Early in the development, the KalendarKards founders recognized the irony of creating a memory support system for those who might not remember to check their memory support system. In addition to the KalendarKards Stadium design intended to be on display and make the cards visible throughout the day, they have incorporated a clever way of providing a subtle, yet persistent reminder.

A very familiar silicone wrist band is provided as a wearable reminder that says “Check Your KalendarKards.” By wearing it on the user’s wrist at all times, it gently reminds them to stay aware of their next KalendarKard event. More products are planned that will surround your loved one with gentle reminders.

Karegiver is Key

KalendarKards is intended to work in conjunction with a caregiver to assist in building the seven daily decks for weekly support. They are built based on the user’s (fondly called “Karder’s”) routine day. When the decks are placed in the Stadium, they show the entire week at a glance – but with only the next task or event details visible.

Throughout the day, the Karder simply takes the next card, acts on it, and moves it to the slot to the right – the “discaKalendarKards3rd” slot. One at a time throughout the day, and throughout the week, they “play their day.” This addresses the need for memory challenged individuals to have only one area of focus at a time.

At the end of the week, the caregiver resets the decks and makes any adjustments for the coming week. This provides a proactive structure for the caregiver to assist the Karder, rather than trying to react to a day where it’s not quite clear what comes next.

Making a Difference

The KalendarKards founders get rewarding feedback frequently on how KalendarKards Memory Support System is supporting Karders in their everyday activities. But it is the feedback from someone who actually doesn’t need it (yet) that is their favorite.

A gentleman who is an early user shared with them he has some early memory challenges. Since he and his wife live together and he receives all the support he needs on a daily basis, both he and she agree he doesn’t “really” need it. They also agree though, it’s a great tool to help him stay on track throughout the day.

However, the Karder also stresses, and his wife agrees: “If I was alone, I couldn’t live without it!”

That is a very powerful testimonial.

For More Information

To see photos and read more about what’s included in the KalendarKards Memory Support System, please visit their web site at: www.KalendarKards.com.

Holiday Shopping Special For Free-Alzheimers-Support Readers!

From now through the end of 2015, use the Discount Code 2015FAS at checkout to earn a 15% discount on all items purchased. This includes the KalendarKards Memory Support System, extra Activity Journals, markers, and the fun “Check Your KalendarKards” wrist bands.

Visit them today and take advantage of this Discount from Alzheimer’s Support – (2015FAS)

You will not find a better Holiday Gift for your family member with Alzheimer’s, dementia

Author: David Wiederrich is the CEO and Co-Founder of KalendarKards LLC. He is a retired executive with past experience in corporate communications, sales, marketing, operations, and IT. Mr. Wiederrich is also the founder of Click. Buy. Help. (www.ClickBuyHelp.org) which helps schools and non-profits earn donations when their supporters shop online. You can connect with him on LinkedIn at www.LinkedIn.com/DavidWiederrich.

Filed Under: communication, Guest Post, Holidays Tagged With: Memory Support, Memory Support Products, Memory Support System

World Alzheimer’s Day

10/14Leave a Comment

World Alzheimer’s Day: September 21

How Close Are We to Finding a Cure?

World Alzheimer’s Day is an annual, international event held yearly on September 21. On this day, different Alzheimer’s organizations around the globe concentrate their efforts on both educating and raising awareness of this disease – which affects approximately 5.3 million Americans. Because family members provide a whopping 80% of the care and supervision required (the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that friends and relatives of Alzheimer’s patients provided 17.9 billion hours of unpaid care last year alone) it is often referred to as a “family disease.”

talk-to-parents

Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and today we continue to lack a comprehensive cure.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s include memory loss, confusion, and a declining ability to perform daily tasks.

In its early stages, it is often mistaken for other conditions like depression or Parkinson ’s disease. As a result, only 10% of Alzheimer’s patients typically receive an early diagnosis – an unfortunate statistic, because treatments are most effective when implemented as soon as possible.

New imaging technologies, which are now able to identify deposits amyloid beta – a substance that has been linked to the progression of the disease – do provide a glimpse of hope for improved diagnosis and prognosis of Alzheimer’s, but there is still a long way to go.

While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown, doctors and researchers do know it is associated with two types of nerve damage: amyloid plaques that build up in the brain and tangled nerve cells called neurofibrillary tangles (tau). When neurons die off and can no longer communicate, brain tissue begins to atrophy, further impairing various mental functions. Research has also found that people with certain conditions like high blood pressure and stress are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. In fact, cardiovascular problems in general tend to increase the risk of developing dementias in general, simply because the brain needs the nourishment provided by blood.

It’s important to remember that Alzheimer’s is an international problem – as such, research is being carried out all over the world to help influence the success of future treatments. Many scientists look for treatments to improve vascular health in order to stop the degeneration of the nervous system. Australian scientists, for example, have been working with an ultrasound technology that can clear away the amyloid plaques. They have tested it on mice, and it has so far completely restored the memory function in 75% of them. After more animal trials, they plan to test it on humans in 2017.

loving-handsEnglish scientists have been working on a drug called “solanezumab”, which has delivered some success in slowing Alzheimer’s symptoms. However, recent announcements around the medication have stated that this drug will may truly assist those who receive an early diagnosis. Like the Australian ultrasound, it targets the amyloid plaques in the brain. Current Alzheimer’s treatments help nerve cells communicate more efficiently, but they lose their effectiveness as the nervous system continues to deteriorate. Treatments that slow or halt the degeneration itself could keep the patient healthy and independent for a longer time – but we are still working our way towards such discoveries.

A team of American researchers attempted to make a vaccine that would stimulate the patient’s immune system into attacking the plaques, Scientists stopped, however, when some participants developed acute brain inflammation. Today, most immunization studies focus on administering antibodies against beta-amyloid from outside sources instead of via an individual’s own immune system.

This year in May, the American government announced that the National Alzheimer’s Project Act intends to find a cure for Alzheimer’s by 2025. This is all well and good of course, but most families are eager to learn what they can do to help their family member right now. Looking on the bright side, there are numerous developing technologies that help Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers stay on top of the debilitating effects of this disease. Location services, provided by wearable tech with GPS functions, can help caregivers find family members who are lost and disoriented. Companies like Bay Alarm and ADT have made home alert systems tailored to seniors, which provide security, smoke and fall detectors — and they can call a doctor in the event of an emergency. These systems, in and of themselves, cannot provide medical treatment or prevent the disease from worsening, but the can help cut back on the cost of a full-time care home while keeping an Alzheimer’s patient comfortable in their familiar surroundings.

As more baby boomers enter their “golden years”, experts expect the number of Alzheimer’s patients to triple to 13.8 million by 2050. These individuals will need daily assistance, and their caregivers will need all the help they can get. For those whom Alzheimer’s “Day” is a year-round endeavor, finding a cure will change everything.

Author: Beth Kelly is a technology and security blogger, who primarily covers topics pertaining to healthcare tech, energy efficiency, and home security. You can follow her on Twitter at @bkelly_88


Filed Under: Common Questions, Faces of Alzheimer's, News Tagged With: World Alzheimer's Day

Is Cure for Alzheimer’s a Computer for the Brain

10/062 Comments

Is Cure for Alzheimer’s a Computer for the Brain

brain-pacemakerA computer for the brain! Really? 

Surprisingly, it may not be that far away.  In studies, Scientists have learned that the Hippocampus is the center of operation for memories.

“The hippocampus, Latin for seahorse, is named for its shape. It is part of a system that directs many bodily functions: the limbic system. This system is located in the brain’s medial temporal lobe, near the center of the brain.” Healthline

The Hippocampus is aware of all you see, hear, feel and do. It remembers and recalls memories that are needed later, long term memory, though it is not involved in short term memory.

Scientists recognize that the Hippocampus is the center of operation for memories. Information goes in and is stored and rerouted when needed later. The Hippocampus behaves similar to a small computer. It remembers what you do and think and stores that information until it’s needed.

If the hippocampus becomes damaged then it’s importance to memory is clear because information no longer arrives in the long-term memory and everything that happened longer than a few minutes ago is forgotten.

==> With this knowledge, Neuroscientists have replicated this process with the aid of computer simulations. <==

“Since most memories occur in chains, the Hippocampus keeps memories and thoughts flowing continuously in order to keep us functioning. When there’s amyloid backed up in the Hippocampus it hinders or stops this process. “The Science daily.”

“The hippocampus plays a crucial role in memory formation. However, it is not yet fully understood in what way that brain structure’s individual regions are involved in the formation of memories. Neuroscientists have recreated this process with the aid of computer simulations. Their findings challenge the model of memory forming in the Hippocampus established to date.”

We know it’s a challenge, but it does sound promising. Perhaps someday  computers for the elderly with Alzheimer’s will be as common as those with “Pacemakers.”

Maybe the brain computer could be called a “Memory Maker,” as it would certainly bring life back to all those missing their precious memories.

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A computer as a Memory Maker would surely be a blessing

 Fire HD Fire HD Fire HDX

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Filed Under: Common Questions, News Tagged With: Brain Implant, Computer brain implant, Pacemaker for Brain

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