Craig Cares

According to a Swedish study cited in the Wall Street Journal, environmental factors more than genetics, contribute to late-life onset of Alzheimer’s disease. By studying sets of twins over the age of 80, it was reported that factors such as diet, educational achievement, viruses and cardiovascular health account for more than 50% of the risk factors for late on-set Alzheimer’s.

Early on-set Alzheimer’s, defined by a diagnosis before the age of 65, is much more strongly influenced by genetics. Fortunately, early on-set Alzheimer’s represents only 10% of all cases. Dr. Henry Rusinek, of the New York University School of Medicine said the study validated previous research and “gives us more hope in treatment and prevention of the disease.” Another study found that people who become more upset by life events have a greater tendency to develop Alzheimer’s.

Researchers are learning more all the time about what causes Alzheimer’s. This research is leading to new drug therapies and other treatments. One thing seems clear, maintaining good mental and physical health, especially cardiovascular health, is a good way to increase your chances of avoiding this disease. To learn more, call the Alzheimer’s Association, (800) 660-1993, or visit their website at www.alznorcal.org.

Research is now proving what most caregivers already know – providing care for a loved one is very stressful. Researchers have found that care giving over a long term for elderly relatives or spouses, especially those with dementia, causes harmful levels of the protein interleukin- 6. High levels of interleukin-6 can possibly lead to greater risk for heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, certain cancers, and other age-related illnesses.

“Care giving is a risky business,” according to Professor Ronald Glasser of the Ohio State University Medical School. “Stress of caregivers is psychologically and physically aging them more than their non-care giving counterparts.” Other studies have shown that elderly caregivers for severely ill spouses had a higher risk of dying over a four year period than non-caregivers. Likewise, adult children experience more depression as they increase their level of help for their elderly parents.

What can be done to ease stress levels for caregivers? Support groups are helpful, as they give caregivers an opportunity to share their experiences with others facing similar challenges. Del Oro Caregivers Resource Center is a non-profit agency that can help family caregivers find a support group, provide education, and even respite care. Their phone number is (916) 971-0893.

What would you do if you were suddenly faced with long term care decision? Most people don’t think about their options in advance and when the time comes a decision must be made quickly and during an already stressful time - for example, after a sudden hospitalization or the death of a spouse. A little planning in advance can save you and your family a lot of stress and money.

Long Term Care Planning considerations include:

• Medi-Cal planning – Medi-Cal is a government program that pays for long term care in Skilled Nursing Facilities for people with low income and assets. By planning in advance, you can preserve some assets and still qualify for Medi-Cal.
• Assisted Living Placement Planning – If you would consider moving to an Assisted Living Facility, there are many factors to think about such as which facility (there are many!) do you prefer and how will you pay for it.
• Long Term Care Insurance – Does it make sense for you or should you be self-insured?
• Financial Management – Protecting your assets and generating income takes planning, so it’s important to work with a professional who can advise you.

There are many professionals, such as attorneys, accountants, financial advisers, long term care insurance agents, and Medi-Cal planners who can assist you. However, knowing who to call for each aspect of your Long Term Care Planning is daunting. One option is to work with a company that has relationships with all the various professionals you will need and can provide overall advice regarding your Long Term Care Planning. For more information call Diverse Senior Resource in Sacramento at 916.929.9191.

Law is important to us at every stage in our lives. When we are born a Birth Certificate is the first legal document and likewise a Certificate of Death documents the end of our lives. For seniors, there are many important legal matters. For example, when are you eligible for Social Security, do you qualify for Medi- Cal, what is a Durable Power of Attorney, and should you have a Will or a Living Trust. Additionally, there are several important tax breaks available to seniors. For example, Homeowner or Renter Assistance, Property Tax Postponement, and a significant tax break if you downsize to a smaller home.

These and many other important legal issues affecting seniors are covered in an outstanding free publication sponsored by the State Bar of California, “Seniors and the Law, a Guide for Maturing Californians”. You can receive your free copy by sending an email to barcomm@calbar.ca.gov or by regular mail to “Seniors and the Law”, Office of Media and Information Services, The State Bar of California, 180 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94105-1639 or call (415) 538-2280.

If you are over 60 and need legal assistance, you can contact Senior Legal Hotline for a free telephone consultation. If you need additional help, Senior Legal Hotline can provide referrals to attorneys specializing in your area of need. Senior Legal Hotline can be reached at (916) 551-2140, or on the Internet at www.seniorlegalhotline.org.

If you want to contact an attorney directly, William Walker, (916) 535-7526, specializes in Estate Planning and Elder Law, while Lu T. Nguyen, (916) 791-2572, specializes in tax issues affecting seniors.

When facing the challenges of long term care giving and disease management it is vital to have outside support. Fortunately there are many local organizations that can be very helpful. These organizations provide education, counseling, support groups, and information and referrals. Support groups are especially important as they provide an opportunity for you to meet with others who are facing similar challenges. You will learn from others and be comforted by the fact that you are not alone.

For more information, contact the following organizations:

Alzheimer’s Association – An excellent national organization that has a very active local office where you can find educational materials and classes as well as support groups. (916) 482-8290, www.sacalz.org

Arthritis Foundation – Resources for sufferers of arthritis as well as family members and caregivers. Services include exercise, support groups, information and referrals. (916)368- 5599, www.arthritis.org

Maidu Community Center, Roseville – Support groups meet once a month for the following issues; Caregiving, Alzheimer’s, Cancer, Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s, and Widowed persons. Call (916) 774-5960 for meeting dates and times.

Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center – Del Oro’s mission is to “improve the well being of caregivers and provide support throughout the care giving process.” Their services include referrals to community services, counseling, respite care, legal and financial consultation, education and training, and support groups. (916) 728-9333, www.deloro.org.

Parkinson’s Disease Association – This group provides information and education for patients and caregivers including seminars and support groups. (916) 489-0226.

Asking for help is an important step in learning to cope with long term caregiving and disease management. These support organizations are staffed with caring and helpful people who will be happy to point you in the right direction for information and support. You are not alone!

Do you know someone who needs help in order to live independently in their own home? Many seniors cannot deal with their needs of everyday living: getting up and getting dressed, fixing a nutritious meal, remembering to take their medications. They don't need a nursing home, but they cannot fully meet their own care needs either. After age 65, about 17% of the population needs help with these everyday activities of living. By age 85, 45% need this help. The vast majority of home care is provided by family members such as spouses, children, or grandchildren. However, with the increase in dual income families and our mobile society, family members increasingly don’t have the time to provide in-home care or are geographically separated from their aging parents. Where can you turn for help?

Adult Day Care Centers – These facilities provide care to seniors during the day and many include transportation from and to your home. Fair Oaks Estates in Carmichael (916-944- 2077) and Somerford Place in Roseville (916-772-6500) both offer adult day care programs.

Government Funded Respite Care – Several local organizations provide in home respite care for family caregivers including Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center (916-971-0893).

Hire a caregiver directly – Caregivers and Personal Assistants is an excellent book by Alfred H. DeGraff that explains in detail how to hire and manage caregivers directly. It covers advertising, interviewing, scheduling, training, payroll, taxes, and accounting.

Employ the services of a Home Care agency – You pay the home care agency an hourly rate to provide a caregiver to your home. The agency is responsible for hiring and managing the caregiver. This includes background checks, payroll taxes, liability insurance, and bonding. There are many reputable home care agencies in the Sacramento area.