The importance of financial and estate planning

Every person who has earnings and properties should engage in financial planning to make sure that these earnings and properties are invested properly during and even after the lifetime of the owner. Proper financial planning would help a person live a comfortable life later on when he is no longer strong enough to fend for himself.

Financial planning is the process or method of knowing the total income and assets of a person and then planning for their utilizations, purchase or distribution in the future.

Financial planning can help in the preservation and income generation of earnings and properties. Thus, it is very important that every person is aware of the extent of his earnings and assets so he would know how to handle them after his retirement and even after death.

Every income earner should resort to financial planning especially for retirement purposes. People who are about to retire but who have not prepared for their retirement finances face a very big problem especially with regards to how they would take care of themselves. Of course, there are pension plans which can provide a monthly or annual income for retirees. But what about those who do not have a pension plan—how can they survive when they no longer have a regular income?

Some people plan for retirement at a time when they are still strong and are able to make wise financial decisions. Some of these people have invested their money into retirement plans which will enable them to visit places they have never been to and to do things they did not have the time to do when they were still working.

But financial planning is not just for retirement purposes only. Death is the only thing certain in this life and every person should prepare for such eventuality. If a person has dependents or beneficiaries then he should name them in a will so that when his time comes, everything would be in order. This can be made possible through proper financial planning.

A person should make sure that he has a will to avoid quarreling between his dependents and beneficiaries at the time of his death. Families usually forget blood relations when it comes to finances so it is better to leave something for everyone and to make this legal and documented through a will.

The law provides that the legal heirs of the deceased should get their legal shares first before the deceased can leave something for the other beneficiaries named in the will. The law has provided that a percentage of the estate of a person should go to the legal heirs. That portion of the estate that has not been appropriated by law for his legal heirs can be distributed to other people according to the wishes of the deceased.

The estate of a person refers to his entire property or assets including cash, pending income, real estate and other properties like appliances, vehicles, and household fixtures.

When a person plans for his estate, he apportions his properties to his beneficiaries. While the will is made during the lifetime of the deceased, it can only be passed on to the beneficiaries after his death. A provision which passes on the estate of the deceased to his beneficiaries while he is still alive can be questioned as it can be considered a donation inter vivo. This can be a good strategy as it can exempt the gift from estate taxes later on. However, some donations are prohibited so better check with the lawyers first.

People used to consider the act of making a will when they are still alive as something gruesome. However, practicality requires that a person should plan his estate by making a will while he is still capacitated and strong enough to decide as to which properties should go to this or that beneficiary.

Financial and estate planning should be considered an essential undertaking of every person who wants to plan ahead for his life. It may take some time to do this but there are lawyers and financial planners who offer their services for a flat fee. It may be time consuming for a busy person but the benefits he and his dependents derive from financial and estate planning makes the time well spent.

Acute confusion or delirium is temporary, have an unexpected onset and can be identifiable by numerous inappropriate behaviors.

The behaviors related with delirium can include sleep disturbances, inattentiveness, hallucinations, disjointed speech and other obvious changes in the central functioning of the nervous system.

Confusion and dementia

A confused elder does not essentially have dementia. Problems in clearly communicating as well as memory loss often are symptoms of dementia however one should not presume that somebody who is forgetful or confused has dementia.

Confusion is generally just one among the many signs of dementia. An elderly person with dementia most certainly will be confused sometimes, but not all the time.

There are many reasons why specifically the elderly may seem confused. In fact, nearly 20 percent of elders go through depression that may cause difficulty thinking and remembering.

Medications also can cause thinking problems. Dietary deficiencies, Drug mixes, excess consumption of alcohol as well as other factors may bring about signs similar that to dementia.

Causes

Delirium is usually brought about by depression, infection specifically urinary tract and respiratory infections and nutritional imbalances; decrease in blood pressure, dehydration, sensory overload or deprivation and drugs also can cause delirium.

Studies have established that approximately one in every three elderly persons undergoes some type of depression in their life.

1. Social isolation. Not having or lacking in social interaction as well as prolonged loneliness can bring on confusion or bizarre behavior.

2. Infections. Fever due to infections alone may be responsible for bringing about confusion.

Generally, confusion resulting from infection or fever is referred to as delirium. An elderly patient in a delirious state will appear sick and drowsy, while a frantic patient is "ready to go" and wide awake.

As elderly persons age, note that their brains can not tolerate fever well.

3. Stroke. Note that the single most notable sign that an elderly person is undergoing a stroke can be confusion, typically identified by concurrent weakness or neurological abnormality.

4. Diabetes. When the elderly person's blood sugar decreases to very low levels or in hypoglycemia they become confused.

5. Heart failure. In fact, as the heart condition worsens, the need of the elderly for oxygen also increases. Confusion happens when somebody requiring supplemental oxygen generally is not obtaining adequate amounts.

6. Drugs. A lot of drugs that are prescribed by physicians can lead or cause confusion. These medications are narcotics which are used primarily for pain, antipsylotics antidepressants used for psychiatric disorders treatment and also sleeping pills.

These medicines are often used at their recommended dosage for adults; however elderly individuals can acquire side effects even at recommended levels.

Here are some medications that may cause confusion:

* Mellaril-thioridazine

* Endep, Elavil-amitriptyline

* Elavil, Triavil, Etrafon, Endep-tricyclic antidepressants

* Sal Tropine-Limbitrol atropine

* Slo-Phyllin, Slo-Bid, Aerolate, Accurbron- theophylline

* Sleep-Eze, Benadryl, Unisom-diphenhydramine

* Actifed, Contac, Triaminic, Allerest, Tavist-containing pseudoephedrine HCL and phenylprop HCL

* Tagamet-cimetidine

* Demerol-merperidine

* Naproxen, Naprosyn- anti-inflammatory nonsterodoidal drugs

* Triazolam, Halcion- halcion

* Dalmane, Ativan, Librium, Diazepam, Restoril, Serax, Lorazepam, Valium, Tranxene, Xanax-benzidiazepines cardiovascular drugs

* Procardia, Adalat-nifedipine

* Qinaglute-quinidine

* Inderal, Betachron, Cardizem, Propranolol, Adalat, Cardene, Vasotec, Vascor, Lanoxin, Lopressor-beta blockers

7. Change in the elderly person's environment. Relocating from the elderly person's residence to a hospital or nursing home, from a nursing community to another may result in an episode of confusion.

The relocation can be considered by elderly people as a "life-threatening" event because their social group is destroyed or they struggle to adapt to their strange and new surroundings.

Note that there are various reasons for elderly persons to be confused. Some types of confusion are without difficulty curable, others are treatable while others are terminal. Therefore, there must be a careful search and assessment for a reason as soon as confusion is noticed.

You need to remember that you always show your love for them through your words and actions. No matter how hard you work to give them the best medical treatments that money can afford, all of these will be considered meaningless if your parents feel that you're doing them only out of obligation or pity and not out of love, and a genuine wish to see them happy.

Aging parents are also very vulnerable to depression because they find it hard to come to terms with their gradually increasing dependency on other people. Even if you've heard your parents' complaints for the hundredth time, never show that you're fed up listening. Think of it this way, if you will: what's an hour's worth of listening to your parents rant when it means they'll be able to sleep peacefully through the night, knowing that you care about what they think and feel?

Research Their Medical Condition

Whatever it is that's ailing your parents, you must make it your goal to know as much as possible about the condition. In this way, you'll be mentally, psychologically, and emotionally equipped to handle any medical emergency, if you happen to be alone when something happens.

Consider Hiring a Caregiver

If your aging parents still refuse to live in a nursing home or any other assisted-living facility where they'll be properly cared for, consider hiring a caregiver, if not full-time, then at least during those instances that you're not at home. When hiring a caregiver, consider giving them the authority to make decisions regarding your parents when you are not present and during emergencies.

Keep a Copy of Medical Records

Even though your parents are meticulous when it comes to their medical records and other related documents, there's no harm in keeping an extra copy. This will ensure that no matter what happens, the information about your parents' health is readily accessible.

Know the Schedule of Doctor and Hospital Appointments for Your Parents

Some parents can be very reluctant or even forgetful about keeping their appointments with their primary healthcare provider. The simple act of missing an appointment however can sometimes be the sole reason why your parent wasn't given proper medication or treatment. Whether your parents like it or not, make yourself heir personal event organizer. Keep a detailed list of their appointments and make sure they not only keep their appointments, but that they're also there on time.

Accompanying Parents to Medical Appointments

If you're unable to accompany your parents to a scheduled appointment, make sure that someone reliable will stand in your stead. Elderly individuals often have impaired vision and hearing, which may make them miss out on an important instruction or two. Having a companion with them will ensure that this won't happen.

Providing Emotional Support

Simple medical tests which we take in stride may be especially painful physically and emotionally for elderly individuals. A blood test, for instance, is more painful to administer because elderly people have thinner skins and more fragile veins. Such medical tests are also visible reminders that serve to emphasize what they're going through and what they've lost because of their condition. Your presence will no doubt alleviate the pain that your parents might be feeling at the moment.

Ensure Prompt Payment of Insurance Fees and Other Medical Bills

Make sure that your parents pay their insurance bills on time. Having a high balance of debt might cause delay in giving proper care to your parents, something none of you could afford to happen during instances of life and death.

Lastly, before trying anything new for your parents, always consult their primary healthcare provider.

Taking care of aging parents is a big task for baby boomers. Here are some ideas for ensuring that they get the best medical care available.

Mother has  been our rock all our lives, anytime there was a family crisis mom was there.  It never mattered where or when we knew if we called she would come.

Over the years she has endured open heart surgery, leaving her with a pacemaker,   a breast cancer survivor and suffers from Lupus.  Recently mom fell and broke a rib, since the fall she has been in and out of the hospital.

None the less this woman has endured hospital after hospital visit.  Each time she is pricked, pinched, poked and prodded trying to make her well. I remember reading or hearing when an elderly person falls and breaks a bone it can often be the beginning of the end, Pneumonia or infection which often set in.…She hasn't gotten pneumonia; however, she did get MRSA the new (or old) just recently brought to our attention, antibiotic resistant infection, in her urinary tract.  

Now when we visit her we wear gloves and sometimes the caregivers even wear robes…  This glove and robe thing has been going on for over three weeks and my mom who is very savvy to health care has never asked or mentioned the gloves?  I wonder is it because she is so sick she doesn't care or is she unaware of what's going on around her.

My mom rarely speaks; and is so weak we give her fluids with a spoon.  She has beautiful blue eyes and my heart feels sad as I give her tea or ginger ale trying to keep her hydrated…  She will eat for a day and then go for days with no intake what so ever, due to the nausea and not eating she has lost a significant amount of weight.

What is going on behind those blue eyes…..?  I talk to her, she listens… I tease her about our life as mother and daughter.  How I always thought I was right and she was always wrong. She never says much but I can see her smiling with those blue eyes and I know she's listening…and I hope enjoying my simple chatter.

I dare not ask God how much longer she should suffer as none of us are ready to let her go.   It seems she goes one step forward and another backwards.  My mom is fighting to live. We can feel it. We are not sure if she's winning or just suffering.

I was the one who spent the least time with mom.  Living the furthest away and never taking the time to visit as often as I could have.  The rest of my family kept my mom in their daily lives …If there was a decision to be made.  My mom's opinion counted, it did for me as well.

So, we go to the hospital…  Stay by her side and pray.  Each day brings a new challenge; we try as a family to decide the best options for mom.  Each decision is made with love and thoughtfulness to ensure her quality of life. We don't know what her future holds.  However, we stand united.  Just the way she wanted us too.  With the hope that things will get better and she will come home. 

Dorothy from grammology
call your grandma
http://grammology.com

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, getting from one place to another is very important. It is this increase of mobility that has helped the modern world get to where it is today. In the United States, it is hard to imagine not having an automobile for daily chores and work.

However, as one ages or acquires some disabilities, using an automobile can be dangerous not just for the driver but more importantly, the other drivers and pedestrians on the routes where Mom or Dad drives. Not being able to use an automobile seriously limits one's mobility and ability to get from one place to another. For some people, this is not even an option.

So how are those who suddenly find that driving is not an option finding increased mobility and transportation? It is important to know the facts regarding the situation before making an assessment to on what to do regarding it.

Dangers of driving for the elderly

First of all, it is important to note how dangerous it is for the elderly to drive beyond the age of 65. Studies have shown that drivers over the age of 75 have the second-highest accident rate of all drivers in United States – second only to those 25 and below.

Also, those of this age bracket, when encountering accidents have double the fatality rate as opposed to any age group. This means that aside from being prone to accidents, elderly people are in greater risk of death due to these accidents. This makes taking precautions for elderly people a must for people of all ages.

However, if the elderly are denied the ability to drive the will feel more isolated from society. This could also lead to depression and a sense of uselessness. The dilemma is how are we supposed to balance the dangers of elderly driving, and the dangers of alienating them from society?

Create a driving plan

There are some ways wherein the elderly can still be given mobility and transportation while reducing the dangers of vehicular accidents due to elderly driving. This involves creating a driving plan that allows for people to assist elderly people while driving or actually driving for the elderly people.

Here are a few tips to help you create a driving plan for your elderly.

1. Consider the elderly person's past driving record. You will want to look into the history of the driver in question. Specific things to look for are traffic citations, crashes, and other vehicular mishaps the person may have experienced in the past.

Their past record may hold the key to their driving habits and their tendencies. And if you are in knowledge of their habits and tendencies, it becomes easier to predict how it will drive and how to care for these people so that they do not encounter any of the previous mishaps they have experienced.

2. Look carefully at physical or mental disabilities that may impair driving skills. Take a good look at the person's medical record to find out whether he or she is capable of driving. Pay close attention to eyesight, seizures, heart conditions, and other factors that may prevent one from driving.

You may want to have a physician give his opinion on the physical ability of the driver. You should also, take a long hard look at the person's medication records. Look if there are any medications that may impair one's ability to comprehend or react to a traffic situation. Look for medications that cause drowsiness, decreased attention and focus, and other effects.

3. Create a driving plan. A driving plan means that you should schedule the traveling time among those caring for the elderly so that there is always someone who can take the person to wherever they need to go to. This could be done so that someone always accompanies the person, or someone drives for him or her instead.

If this is not possible, then it would be good to schedule trips to places where the elderly want to go so that it is convenient to all parties involved.

By creating a driving plan for the aging parent, make sure that they understand why this is being done for them. You should also make sure that they don't feel like he or she is a burden to the family, and that the only thing in your mind is concern for the safety of the person in question.

They were moving Virginia, who is in her late 80's into an assisted living facility. Art was in the hospital with heart problems and would probably join her when he got out of the hospital. Art is in mid 90's and has been active up until this last month.

We moved into the neighborhood over 18 years ago and we bought Art and Virginia's close friends house. They have been nothing but gracious and helpful to us since that day and we have always appreciated them. We got to know Doug as he is very outgoing and he would tell us about growing up in the neighborhood and how each family interacted with the others. Over the years as the original homeowners sold their houses, we have had new neighbors come and go but Art and Virginia were always there.

Dale and I stopped at the hospital and saw Art yesterday. Virginia was there by his side and it felt different as he had always taken care of Virginia during her health issues. He seemed in good cheer but it was sad as I may not see him at home again unless it is to show the "boys" what things to take with them and which things to leave.

My point in this tale is that I didn't have to go through what many of you are going through with your aging parents. My parents died relatively young with Mom having cancer and dying at 57 and Dad dying in a car wreck at 67. Watching Mom suffer for years and especially the last year was difficult and Dad went so quickly.

While you have your parents with you, cherish them, talk with them and as I watched the "boys" do with their parents, care for them. Planning seems to be the key as they had tried to address their concerns with Art and Virginia for several years. Now they are in a reaction mode by trying to find a good place for Virginia in an assisted living facility to wait for Art to come home.

Most seniors today live healthy, active lifestyles. In fact, many aging parents are able to continue living independently for much of their entire lives. It can become impractical and sometimes even unsafe for elderly parents to live alone, and this is when the adult children usually step in and take over the role of caring for those parents themselves.

When your parents are still fairly active and healthy but just need company and help with day-to-day living, you can provide adequate care, love and attention by having them live in your home, or very close by to you. If however, your parents develop a severe disease such as cancer, have chronic health problems that require round the clock care, or start having more severe problems with memory loss, you may find yourself overwhelmed with the amount of care they need. And when this happens, you may want to consider placing them into a nursing home.

Caring for elderly and aging parents can be quite stressful, particularly when you're holding down a job of your own, trying to keep a marriage alive, and maybe even raising children of your own all at the same time. When your parents are still healthy and somewhat independent though, even though the added burden of elderly care is more stressful, it is quite possible to do successfully.

And while most seniors are quite healthy even to very old ages, there are sometimes in which major health problems arise. Some parents for instance, may develop various diseases which require expert medical care. If a parent gets cancer, diabetes, or has a stroke, their care requirements can increase exponentially. And for some adult children, these care requirements and needs become too much for them to handle on their own.

Adult children who take care of their aging parents often have careers, job responsibilities, children, and other family concerns and responsibilities on top of taking care of their aging parents. So when those parents become old or ill enough to require more intensive care and specialized treatments, the adult child must either make the choice to set the other aspects of their own lives aside so they may care for their parent around the clock, or they must release their role of caregiver and put it into the hands of someone more prepared for the increased needs their parent has.

If your aging parent becomes sick enough that you are unable to handle the care either alone or with the help of elderly care specialists and professionals, you may need to consider whether your parent would be better off in a nursing home, because they can get better care there.

Nursing homes provide round the clock care by professionals. Your parent would have someone keeping a close eye on them at all times, making sure they received their medications and other medical care treatments regularly, and providing whatever assistance, treatment, therapies, and attention they need.

If possible though, it's best to try and start looking at nursing home options while your parents are still capable of making the decision with you. When the two of you decide together which nursing home would be the best one for them, you'll feel much more at ease when the time comes to place them into one.

Most adult children and elderly parents alike though, are not overly comfortable or happy with the idea of nursing homes. Aging parents who are still fairly healthy and active particularly dislike the idea of living in a nursing home, because they feel they're not yet that old or disabled. Their adult children also have fears of how well the nursing home will care for their parent, and they may see the nursing home option as a last resort only.

Thankfully there are many alternatives to nursing homes these days, and this opens up many more living arrangement options that both the aging parents and their children can be much happier with. Let's look at several alternatives to nursing homes:

Senior Retirement Communities
There are many communities available around the country now, which cater specifically to senior citizens who still want to live independently. A senior retirement village or community is designed to have emergency staff available twenty four hours a day, but the residents live independently in their own apartments or townhouses.

Senior retirement communities often have community recreation rooms and centers with planned events each day so that your aging parents can make friends, socialize, and have fun as often as they'd like. Some senior communities even organize day trips and events for those seniors who are more mobile and adventurous than others.

Senior retirement communities often have emergency services built into the entire design. Emergency pull cords are located in strategic areas of the home for example, so that if your parent were to fall while taking a bath for instance, they could pull the cord and get immediate assistance from the on premises staff.

Another popular type of living arrangement for aging parents which is often much more preferred over nursing homes, is when the parent lives on the property of a family member, but in separate and in dependant housing of their own. A manufactured home or RV can be placed on the property for your parents for instance, or you can build a small cottage, guesthouse or freestanding apartment for them instead. Aging parents would have a small home of their own, while still having family close at hand for company or emergencies.

Some adult children prefer to have their aging parents living under the same roof though, and this is easily done by turning a part of your home into a small apartment of it's own. You can turn one wing of your home into your parent's apartment space for instance, or convert a basement into their living area too.

As your parent becomes more elderly, you may want to consider getting them involved with some of the senior services around your own community. Elderly day cares for instance, can help families who must be away from home all day at work. If your parent is elderly enough for you to worry about their health and safety while you're at the office, you can take them to the daycare or senior services center in your area. These are usually staffed by professionals with medical and emergency training, and they can make sure your parent gets food and medication, plus it gives your parents people to talk to and spend time with throughout the day.

Home Care Services: For the right amount of money and with the right staff, there's no need for your parents to move away home just to benefit from the best of medical care. Although costly, this solution will enable you to personally care for your parents whenever you have the time, and for them to continue enjoying the comfort of familiar surroundings.

Nursing Homes – These facilities are primarily intended to provide care for elderly individuals who can no longer care for themselves due to chronic illness or mobility issues. Patients may either become depressed because of the distance separating them from their loved ones or feel better because of the company of fellow patients.

Helpful Reminders on Providing Long-Term Care

Power of Attorney – Make sure that your parents have this document prepared and with you duly authorized to make decisions in their behalf when they're incapable of taking care of themselves anymore. If you have employed a caregiver or nurse to take care of your parents, and you deem the person trustworthy, consider giving her the right to do the same thing as well in case of extreme emergencies.

Making Your Own Will – No one can predict when death would come for anyone. It's important that you also make a will for yourself to ensure that your parents will continued to be well-provided for, even in the event of your sudden death.

Visit Regularly – Once your parents have been settled in their new home, make sure you visit them regularly. If you don't, your parents might experience depression and question your motives for placing them in a nursing home.

Although providing long-term care for your parents is truly a demanding and challenging responsibility, remember that whatever you're feeling is nothing compared to the pain and anguished being felt by your parents.

It's better to plan early regarding long-term care for your parents while they're still healthy and able to express their wishes and concerns.

Explaining Will Prevent Parents from Getting Hurt

Broaching a topic as sensitive as alternative living arrangements and long-term care may cause your parents to wonder about the reasons why you're interested in talking about it. But, explain to them beforehand that it's because you care for them a lot that you want to prepare and ensure they'll still have a wonderful life once they've reached retirement age.

It's Important to Listen

A lot of people are convinced that they know what's better for their parents and their living arrangement when they don't. Since it's your parents future in question, it's logical to ask about their preferences. If you find yourself disagreeing with some of their decisions and suggestions, put yourself in their shoes to know where they're coming from.

Types of Alternative Living Arrangement

If both of you have decided that continuing to live at their home and hiring a full-time caregiver is out of the question, the following options are still available to you:

Adult Care Program – This type of program ensures that elderly individuals are still able to enjoy active lifestyles. Events, gatherings, and meals that offer social interaction are regularly scheduled for their pleasure. Transportation may also be provided to facilitate the journey to and fro the care center. Other activities such as exercise meetings, games, trips, and concerts are also provided. Several adult care programs may also provide medical assistance if preferred by the individual.

Senior Housing – If your parents are still physically able to sufficiently take care of themselves, and what they want is company and extra care during emergency situations, they may be more suited to living in a retirement or senior home. These facilities are specially designed to assist elderly individuals in their day-to-day activities. At times, meals, transportation and housekeeping can also be arranged, depending on the services offered by the facility.

Assisted Living – If your parents need less than the attention provided in long-term care programs, but more than what's being given in retirement homes, then they'll no doubt find assisted living the perfect balance. Here, elderly individuals are provided help or assistance only when they want – or need to.

Nursing Home – This type of living arrangement is optimal for elderly individuals suffering from chronic diseases. A nursing home ensures that all patients are under round the clock medical supervision to be able to provide instantaneous support.

Continuing-Care Retirement Community – Different types and levels of care are offered in this type of living arrangement. An individual may choose to live in one type of setting for the rest of his stay OR move on to another facility once he's confirmed to have more needs that the facility he's presently living in isn't able to afford.

Federally Subsidized Housing – These housing units are provided by the federal government for the benefit of aging parents from low-income families. While most of these facilities do not offer special care services, a service coordinator is usually left in charge, and may be contacted to for requests of additional services.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing an Alternative Arrangement –

Cost – Compare rates of each facility from each type and eliminate anything that doesn't fit your budget

Services – What services are offered by the facility? Is the facility accredited for providing quality service? How do they treat their patients, especially those who are troublesome?

Staff – Are all the staff members equipped with the necessary skills for caring for elderly individuals? Do they possess any certificate or degree that would prove their competency in this field?

Location – How far is the facility from your house? How far away do you want to live from your aging parents? What about your parents? What do they have to say about the location?

Obviously, choosing an alternative living arrangement for your parents is going to be a big decision. Take as much time as you want or need, because your choice can help your parents have a pleasant future.