Top Ten 2009 EldercareABC Posts by Kim Thies

by Kim Thies

1. Why do I Need an Elder Law Attorney?
   Attorney. Unless you are one, chances are your skin creeps when you consider hiring one, or yet another, legal professional to represent your interests. After all, you have drafted a will.
2. Caregiving to the Worlds Worst Patient
   You know who he is. That old man in your guest bedroom who refuses to go to his monthly check up. The elderly woman who complains about every meal you make after putting in a full day at work. He or she is your parent, the world’s worst patient.
3. Five Senior Finance Scams
   Recently, I was at my father-in-law’s house when he answered the phone. I listened in the background as he listened, and then gave his address. scamsThen he started to give his social security number… I clicked the receiver before he could finish.
4. How Caregivers Can Help Prevent Delirium
   Studies have shown that hospitalized elder care patients have a 50% greater risk for delirium, an acute and sudden decline in the ability to focus, perception and cognition.
5. Five Ways to Ensure Good Inpatient Eldercare
   Recently, my aging uncle was hospitalized after a fall that resulted in a broken hip. During his surgery, he was incorrectly intubated, causing damage to his throat, resulting in a loss of the ability to swallow.
6. Taking Time for You While Caring for the Elderly
   We’re all care providers here. Whether we’re parents, children caring for parents or lucky enough to be the “sandwich” generation (caring for both parents and children simultaneously) it’s often hard to find a moment to breathe, let alone relax.
7. Cutting the Costs of Eldercare
   We’ve all seen it over the past months. Whether it was our parents’ investments tanking or a huge loss in your family’s budget due to job losses, we’re all feeling the pinch of the economic times. Yet home health care costs continue to rise.
8. 10 Hot Trends in Senior Care Services
   Entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations alike are jumping on the opportunity to develop senior services and products. Over 1.4 million seniors are currently receive in-home care, and those numbers will double by 2030.
9. Eldercare Money Management Woes: Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore
   The transition of responsibility for money management is rarely a smooth transition. During the process you will likely discover your parent has a very different way of managing finances and records than you do. When possible, work together through the transition.
10. Senior Help: The Impact of Vision Loss
    Everyone experiences some type of decline in vision as we age. If your loved one is experiencing vision loss, you are both likely going through some strong emotions.