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Millions Managing Aging Parents’ Care From Afar

7 February 2012, 4:43 pm

An except from the article by MATT SEDENSKY of the Associated Press

As lifespans lengthen and the number of seniors rapidly grows, more Americans find themselves in [a] perilous position, struggling to care for an ailing loved one from hundreds or thousands of miles away.

The National Institute on Aging estimates around 7 million Americans are long-distance caregivers. Aside from economic factors that often drive people far from their hometowns, shifting demographics in the country could exacerbate the issue: Over the next four decades, the share of people 65 and older is expected to rapidly expand while the number of people under 20 will roughly hold steady. That means there will be a far smaller share of people between 20 and 64, the age group that most often is faced with caregiving.

“You just want to be in two places at once,” said Kay Branch, who lives in Anchorage, Alaska, but helps coordinate care for her parents in Lakeland, Fla., about 3,800 miles away.

There are no easy answers.

To read the full piece on MSN click here.

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IPad Helps Special Needs Children Communicate

24 October 2011, 4:52 pm

In this 60 Minutes special report from October 23, reporter Leslie Stahl discusses the communication advances in autistic children who use tablet computers.  This technology has become paramount for many Special Needs Trust clients who find communicating in a regular manner difficult or impossible.

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Seniors Need More Safe Havens from Abuse

4 October 2011, 4:52 pm

Excerpt from Mike King
President/CEO, Volunteers of America
Published: 10/4/11 | Huffington Post

At one point, “Emma” considered living on the streets rather than remaining in a family environment she found threatening. The 70-year-old spent her life caring for others, including a husband who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and became increasingly abusive. Her home life became even more stressful when her daughter experienced financial difficulties and moved in. Emma found herself being treated as the child by her daughter, with threats of conservatorship frequently voiced…

While we all would agree that elder abuse is dreadful and should be stopped, we have failed to dedicate the necessary resources to actually combat it in an effective way. In March 2010, Congress passed the first comprehensive federal elder abuse prevention law. This was an important victory for those of us advocating on behalf of seniors, but more than a year later, the law is now pointless because no money has been dedicated to enforce it.

To this day, elder abuse remains the only form of family violence for which the federal government provides virtually no resources. What resources are dedicated come from cash-strapped cities and states. Abused dogs and cats in our society receive more attention and money.

Read Mike King’s full article here.

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Santa Rosa man accused of stealing $100,000 from wife’s grandfather

20 September 2011, 2:36 pm

UPDATE:  Sept 30, 2011

The Santa Rosa man charged with defrauding his 97 year-old grandfather-in-law rejected a plea bargain that would have offered him five years in county jail and a single count of elder financial abuse. He is also charged with impersonating a Marine Corps combat veteran.

Paul Tart, 29, did not accept the prosecution’s deal and will be heading to trail.  His charges consist of five felonies including forgery and a misdemeanor for falsely representing a military veteran.

Tart will appear for his next hearing on Monday.  If convicted he could face six years in state prison.

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The Press Democrat reports today that Santa Rosa resident Paul Tart, 29, has been arrested for stealing more than $100,000 from his wife’s 97 year-old grandfather.  Presumably an act of fraud, the grandfather reported two weeks ago to the Sheriff’s Office that his checking account had been mysteriously overdrawn.

After an initial investigation, detectives served Tart with a warrant, then arrested him at his home after finding forged documents and canceled checks. Apparently, Tart had secured a Power of Attorney over the grandfather’s assets and emptied the elderly man’s bank account to support his prescription drug habit.

In today’s digital age it is imperative the elderly take great caution in securing their finances with trusted individuals.  Working with a professional fiduciary, by setting up a trust or asset management agreement, can save families the burden of dealing with senior fraud by professional scammers or,  heaven forbid, nefarious family members.

See the full article here.

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JITTERBUG J: Best cell phone for seniors

20 September 2011, 1:51 pm

Jitterbug J Cell Phone

Digital media dominates all levels of  communication today.  Cell phones along with televisions, stereos, and computers have gotten smaller and smaller with many complicated features that make even the most simplistic devices difficult to use.  In terms of cell phones, the most important features are often lost amongst options for text messaging, ring tones and downloads from the internet.

What most seniors need is an inexpensive cell phone that is easy to use and offers only the necessary features to connect with friends and family.

Good news though from the company that brought consumers the easy-to-use Jitterbug J cell phone. Greatcall.com recently announced their win for the 2011 Best Cell Phone from About.com Reader’s Choice Awards.  The Jitterbug J phone is simple to use with bigger buttons and a more powerful speakerphone, both features that make using a mobile phone easier for elderly people. Additional features include easy menu navigation, access to options with simple “YES” and “NO” questions, and the assurance of a live operator by dailing “0″ anytime, day or night.

When working with elderly clients, especially those with a need for fiduciary services such as power of attorney and conservatorship, Jitterbug phones make communication safe and easy for both the you and your clients.

Visit their site for plans and more details.

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