4 Ways Dementia Caregivers Can Help Seniors Manage Their Money

Seniors with dementia usually find it challenging to manage their money. Caregivers often begin to suspect their loved one has some form of cognitive decline when he or she takes too long to count money. Eventually your loved one may forget to pay bills or even lose money. Prescott, AZ, senior care experts suggest the following tips to help caregivers organize their loved one’s finances as soon as possible.

1. Collect the Paperwork

Even people who do an excellent job of organizing their documents can easily lose a few files over the years, which is why it is important to start collecting paperwork as soon as possible so it can be kept in a safe place. Those who are caring for a loved one with a dementia-related condition should make copies of the paperwork and keep it in the bank or at the house of someone they trust. These documents include birth certificates, bank statements, mortgage papers, pink slips, insurance policies, wills, and tax statements.

2. Avoid Scams

Seniors with Alzheimer’s are especially susceptible to scams, and a single mistake could potentially cost them thousands of dollars. If your loved one receives a high volume of telemarketer calls on the landline, consider disconnecting the number and getting him or her a cell phone designed for seniors. Place a sign on your loved one’s door to keep solicitors away.

3. Double-Check the Benefits

Many seniors receive financial assistance from different organizations, and it can be challenging to keep track of all the benefits. If there is a local Alzheimer’s nonprofit organization in your loved one’s hometown, schedule an appointment to speak with one of their advisers. Organizations that focus on dementia-related disorders often have in-house financial specialists. They might even be able to connect you and your loved one with additional sources of income or low-cost treatments.

4. Consider Banking Options

Instead of completely merging your loved one’s bank account with your account, have a single joint account for emergencies. Depending on the type of financial assistance your loved one is receiving, he or she might have personal accounts audited to ensure they meet the qualifications. The joint account can be used by you or your loved one to pay for emergencies or the occasional everyday expense such as groceries.

If your aging loved one needs help managing the tasks of daily living and you’re searching for a reliable, expertly trained home caregiver, Prescott, AZ, Home Care Assistance is your top choice. At Home Care Assistance, our caregivers strive to make aging in place a safer and more comfortable experience for seniors so they can enjoy their golden years in better health.

For dementia care, Prescott, AZ families can count on, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our compassionate caregivers use revolutionary memory care programs to help seniors stave off the progression of dementia, and they can also assist with a wide variety of important everyday tasks, including bathing, grooming, exercise, and cooking. For more information on our high-quality dementia care and our other in-home care services, please call 928-771-0105 today.

Visit us online today@ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com

New Smell Test Might Predict Alzheimer's

As your loved one grows older, others may notice changes in his or her senses. Some seniors might start wearing glasses to read or using a hearing aid to block background noise. While this is completely normal, something could be amiss if a loved one experiences a sudden change in his or her sense of smell. Prescott in-home senior care experts share the findings of researchers from Columbia University Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, and New York-Presbyterian, who are researching the connection between loss of the sense of smell and developing Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s and the Sense of Smell

Dementia-related disorders like Alzheimer’s can impact a senior’s ability to differentiate between smells or smell strong odors altogether. The connection is unclear, but many doctors believe it has to do with the loss of key brain cells because of ribbons of plaque causing inflammation. While losing the sense of smell can be heartbreaking, it might be an excellent way to identify Alzheimer’s in its earliest stages.

The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT)

Most of the research around Alzheimer’s and olfactory senses is now utilizing the UPSIT or a variation of it. This simple and affordable test simply gauges a senior’s ability to smell common items such as peanut butter or a candle. Those who score lower on the test seem to develop dementia-related disorders at much higher rates.

Moving Beyond the UPSIT

Correctly diagnosing dementia is no easy task until the condition begins impacting a senior’s , which is one of the reasons why the UPSIT can be an exceptional tool for doctors helping high-risk elders. If any anomalies are detected during the UPSIT, your loved one’s doctor can schedule additional tests, including brain scans. With an early diagnosis, your loved one can have more treatment options for slowing the progression of the condition and managing the side effects.

If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and needs help managing the condition, reach out to Home Care Assistance. We provide comprehensive dementia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s care for Prescott seniors. To learn more about how an experienced caregiver can help your senior loved one, call a knowledgeable Care Manager at 928-771-0105 and schedule a free consultation.

Visit us online @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com

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Preventing Caregiver Anger

Being a family caregiver has its highs and lows, and caregivers may find themselves getting angry sometimes. While it may not be possible to always avoid difficult situations, the staff at Home Care Assistance suggests you use these strategies to prevent caregiver anger.

Practice Effective Communication

Working with other caregivers in Prescott can often generate feelings of anger, especially if you disagree with other family members about care strategies. Try to minimize disagreements by holding meetings with every decision maker whenever your loved one’s care plan needs to be changed. Use schedules and other communication tools to make sure everyone knows their responsibilities.

Understand Physical Causes for Difficult Behavior

As a person ages, certain health conditions cause symptoms that may not be easy to manage. Learning about your loved one’s health conditions can help you understand why he or she refuses assistance. For example, seniors with Alzheimer’s often become anxious about seeing unfamiliar people. When a caregiver knows this, it makes it easier to accept the senior is not purposely trying to make things harder.

Take Care of Your Health

Being tired or hungry can make anyone a little cranky. As a caregiver, it can be easy to overlook your own needs, which can cause stress. Make sure you get enough rest, eat a healthy diet, and stay on top of your health with regular medical checkups. Even if you have to recruit some help, taking time for yourself can help you remain calm and in control while you provide Prescott senior care for your loved one.

Create Defined Boundaries

When your loved one needs constant care, it is normal to want to try to do everything yourself. However, this can lead to negative emotions such as guilt and anger. You may need to establish boundaries regarding your time. Whether you need to attend a weekly support group for caregivers or just need a few hours to yourself each day, finding time to relax can prevent resentment and anger.

It is common for caregivers to experience anger and impatience while carrying out their duties. If you need help with your caregiving duties, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted name in senior in-home care. We provide respite and live-in caregivers Prescott seniors can rely on. Our trained caregivers can help your loved one with tasks around the house, provide companionship, and drive him or her to medical appointments. For more information about our in-home care services, call 928-771-0105 to speak with a qualified Care Manager.

Visit us online @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com