In 1987, President Reagan signed a ban on the use of drugs in nursing homes that were prescribed to chemically restrain patients, unless the medications are needed for that patient or other residents’ safety. However, in September 2021, the New York Times has reported that antipsychotic drugs were frequently used on dementia patients in the 2000s, notwithstanding the almost doubled…
As you and your loved ones age, you might wonder what are the available options for housing for seniors, and what is the right fit? The good news is that there are several broad options for senior housing and within each option is a spectrum of smaller options to best meet your needs. We will break each housing option down…
The Veteran’s Administration has two major financial programs for Veterans: Compensation and Pension. VA Compensation is a benefit paid on the basis of the kind and severity of a disability that occurred as a result of active duty military service. VA Pension is a benefit paid on the basis of a disability that was not a result of active service…
While there are a variety of senior living communities and assisted living options, a majority of older adults want to age in place for as long as possible. Many, however, need assistance to do so, but that doesn’t always mean hiring caregivers. For some, help with chores and simple daily tasks like grocery shopping or changing a lightbulb can make…
There are many great options these days when it comes to senior living communities and long-term care, but that’s just it. There are hundreds of options. Finding the best solution for yourself or a loved one is a project and can be a daunting task for families. How do you truly know what the best choice is for elderly parents?…
If you have minor children, nominating a guardian for them in case of your death or incapacity is one of the most important reasons to do an estate plan. For many families, the choice is not easy, and they end up procrastinating. Think of it this way, do you want a judge, who may know nothing about your children or…
Unfortunately, there comes the point in life when the family home becomes a burden, whether that is emotionally, physically, or financially. And, usually, downsizing might seem like the way to go, but it doesn’t come without complications. There is so much more to moving and downsizing in the aging journey. It’s not just about buying and selling a home, but…
Estate planning is not just for seniors. Ideally, as soon as you turn eighteen you should have some version of an estate plan because your parents are no longer automatically able to make decisions or act on your behalf. There are several reasons to create a power of attorney for finances once you turn eighteen. For example, the military helps…
It’s never too early to start planning for eldercare, whether for a relative, a spouse, or yourself. Generally, eldercare is separate and distinct from nursing home care. Nursing homes provide medical and personal care in a clinical setting. Eldercare offers personal care in a home-like or social setting. In California, there are three primary types of eldercare: Assisted living, home…
It’s no secret that our most vulnerable population during this COVID-19 pandemic has been our seniors and older adults. They need extra protection and closer oversight because of the isolation they have been put in. The questions that remain include things like, “Who is there to make sure necessary care doesn’t fall through the cracks?” “How can I stay in…