The answer is…Maybe.
In a recent article in the Wall Street Journal writer, Anne Tergesen, wrote that if you are providing financial support to a relative including an aging parent you may be entitled to a tax break. There are of course certain qualifications to meet and we suggest you meet with your accountant, but here is some information to get you started.
Today, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving, 43.5 million Americans care for someone age 50 or older. On average each family caregiver spends about $5,534 a year providing that care. If you provide significant financial support, then you may be able to claim your elderly loved one as a dependent. To claim an elderly family member as a dependent on your tax return a specific set of requirements must be met.
- Do you provide more than half of the elderly family member’s financial support for the year? Under this requirement your relative’s gross income for the year, excluding Social Security benefits and tax-exempt income, must be less than $3700.
- Is your elderly relative a US citizen or a legal resident of the US, Canada or Mexico? And, as a side note, this elderly family member does not need to be living with you at your home.
- Has your relative filed a joint return or claimed himself or herself on a tax return? If so, then your relative may not be claimed as a dependent on your tax return.
Now, here is where it gets interesting. Say for example you and your siblings provide more than 50% of the financial support for your elderly loved one – but no single person meets the first requirement – the family can file a ‘multiple support declaration‘ on Form 2120 form the IRS and designate one person to claim the dependent exemption each year. That individual must cover at least 10% of the care recipient’s annual expenses.
Confused? Don’t be. Talk with your accountant. He/she may be able to offer even more suggestions for you.
And, of course, we welcome your thoughts.
In America we know that a healthy life is dependent on good nutrition. Yet in a nation where people die from complications of too much food, some die from too little. Most of us think of malnutrition as a killer in developing countries. But today it is a real problem among our elderly population.
A recent study found that 16% of our elderly population is malnourished. And according to the CDC between 2,000 and 3,000 older adults die from malnutrition each year.
The contributing factors of malnourishment among the elderly are a combination of physical, social and psychological issues. Physically speaking, as we age our sense of taste and smell diminishes. Combine that with dietary restrictions, then food really becomes unappetizing.
Also physical pain and poor strength can make even the simplest tasks difficult—opening a can, peeling fruit, washing veggies, even standing for a long period of time. Other health issues that can lead to decreased appetite are dental problems, the use of some medications, or chronic illness.
Depression plays a role in malnutrition. Losing a loved one, failing health, lack of mobility can cause depression, making mealtime less enjoyable.
A limited income also contributes to malnutrition among the elderly especially if they are required to take expensive medications.
So, what can you do to ensure that your elderly loved one receives the proper nutrition? First, if your loved one is losing weight, then immediately talk with the doctor to identify the contributing factors. Is it the medication, the diet restriction, the illness?
Encourage your loved one to eat foods rich in nutrients like peanut butter, fresh fruits, and raw vegetables. And if your loved one is on a bland diet use lemon juice, herbs and spices to adjust the flavor of the food.
Visit during mealtimes or invite your loved one to your house on occasion. Making meals a social event may make eating enjoyable again.
Provide food saving tips like coupons, store fliers or splitting bulk foods with a neighbor. Early bird specials with a friend can also be an uplifting outing.
Lastly, consider outside help like Stay At Home. We can help your loved one shop for groceries, prepare meals, and provide that one-on-one companionship that is so very important.
Compassionately yours,
The Stay At Home family
Winter for the young at heart means…hot chocolate, cookies, new fallen snow glistening in the sunlight, family gatherings, sled riding, and building snowmen. But to some, winter raises signs of caution. 
The most obvious dangers during the winter months are slips and falls on icy pathways. Another is treacherous driving on the snowy roads. But the real dangers of winter for older adults are hypothermia and frostbite.
Older adults lose body heat fast—faster than when they were young. Hypothermia sets-in when someone’s body temperature turns very low. For an older person, a body temperature colder than 95 degrees can cause many health problems, such as a heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage, or worse. Even being in a cold house can cause hypothermia.
Enjoy the winter months with your grandkids but be safe. Stay on the lookout for signs of hypothermia. These signs can include:
- Shivering
- Loss of motor control
- Cold skin
- Discoloration of ears, fingers, nose, or toes
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Speech difficulties
And please remember to avoid going out during storms or when the temperature is very low. When you do eventually go out, keep your house warm while you are away. Coming home to a warm home is an easy way to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
Most importantly, if you think your loved one or someone you know is suffering from hypothermia, call 911 immediately.
Enjoy your winter, but please be safe. Feel free to call us for a free booklet published by the National Institute on Aging entitled, “Stay Safe in Cold Weather.” Our toll free number is 888-791-8449.
Adventure… A State of Mind
Adventure is a term that we normally associate with the young. The truth is that you can lead an adventurous life at any age; it is a state of mind, not just a state of age.
Need some proof that adventure doesn’t stop at 50:
- Grandma Moses started painting when she was 64.
- Michelangelo designed the dome in St. Peter’s Basilica between the ages of 72-88.
- Stradivarius fashioned his two most famous violins when he was in his early 90′s.
- Mary Baker Eddy established the Christian Science Monitor when she was 87.
- Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Guggenheim Museum when he was 91.
- Peter Drucker wrote “Management Changes for Turbulent Times” when he was 89.
- Noah Webster published “An America Dictionary of the English Language” at the age of 70.
- Pablo Picasso produced a remarkable series of 347 etchings at the age of 86.
To be adventurous you don’t have to look very far. Whether it is taking an online course, learning a new skill, volunteering, or any new challenge can be an adventure. If you are looking for a new adventure try contacting your local community college or the Institute for Learning in Retirement, 1-800-220-0458. Through the AARP website you can participate in lectures from the top universities around the world and even take a course from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in Robotics. And, if you are looking for self-fulfillment, then why not provide meaningful work through volunteering. Volunteermatch.org is a great resource where your skills and interests are matched with opportunities in your community.
We have seen that the adventurous life is not just for the young. Adventure is about creativity, personal growth, purpose, and accomplishment. Adventure allows us to thrive. What will be your next adventure?
As the summer months begin to heat up, it is worth mentioning one of the most common health topics of the season, proper hydration. I know you probably hear it all the time, but proper hydration is important especially for those aged 55 and above. And, here is why.
At the age of 55 and above:
- The body’s ability to conserve water is reduced;
- The sense of thirst is less acute; and
- Adults tend to eat less and may sometimes forget to eat or drink especially when living alone
All the above problems become compounded by illnesses such as diabetes, by hormonal changes associated with menopause, and by the use of certain medications. So, it is very important to make sure you are drinking plenty of water.
So now you ask, “How much water should I be drinking?” The typical response to that question is at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Why 8 to 10 glasses? Well, if the body consists of anywhere from 50 to 70% water, then at least 50% of your body weight needs to remain water. To calculate the amount of water your body will need on a daily basis use the below formula.
0.5 ounces x Body Weight in Pounds = Daily Fluid Requirement in ounces (divide by 8 oz. for the number of glasses)
Example: An individual who weighs 140 lbs will need…
.5×140=70 ounces of water or 8.75 glasses
Remember, thirst is not always a reliable gauge for older adults. A better indicator is the color of urine. Clear or light-colored urine means you’re well hydrated; whereas, a dark yellow or amber color usually signals dehydration.
If you’re a healthy adult, you can usually treat mild to moderate dehydration by drinking more fluids, such as water or a sports drink (e.g., Gatorade, PowerAde). Seek immediate medical care if you develop severe signs and symptoms such as extreme thirst, a lack of urination, shriveled skin, dizziness and confusion.
So, a toast (with water) to you for a happy and healthy summer…
Has your loved one been discharged from the hospital only to bounce back some thirty days later? In today’s medical environment this is a common trend. 
Some blame the bounce back on the short length of time patients are in the hospital which leaves little time for healing. Others claim that it is a lack of communication between the medical team and the patients. Still others say it is a mix of both. The reality is 20% of discharged Medicare patients are re-hospitalized within 30 days. 34% bounce back to the hospital within 90 days (Fredrick T Sherman.Geriatrics.Duluth:May 2009. Vol.64,Iss.5;pg. 8). These statistics are astounding. But the most interesting fact is that 50% of re-admissions are preventable (Journal of American Geriatric Society 1900 Dec;38(12):1290-5). How are the readmissions preventable? Well first let’s look at the top four reasons for hospital readmissions.
- Dehydration
- Improper use of medications
- Lack of nutrition
- Falls
It is interesting to note that falls can be the result of the first three. And, falls represent 70% of the accidental deaths among those age 75 years or older.
So what can you do to safeguard your loved one for a successful transition from the hospital to home? Here are some tips:
- If someone else will be involved with your care after you leave the hospital, then involve them in the discharge process. Have them intently listen to the discharge instructions and ask questions.
- Work directly with the hospital’s discharge planner. Every hospital has one.
- Make sure you understand all of the instructions given to you. Do not be afraid to ask questions.
- Pick up all medications prescribed to you and carefully read the instructions. Take them according to the prescription.
- Learn how to properly change bandages and clean wounds, if necessary.
- If you need medical equipment, home health care, or home care work with the discharge planner or social worker to make arrangements.
- Make sure your primary care physician receives a copy of the discharge summary and all test results from the hospital. The discharge planner can help arrange this.
- Be sure you leave the hospital with full written instructions about your condition, medications, dietary restrictions, recommended activity and rest levels, which symptoms you should expect, what to do if you feel worse after you leave, follow up doctor visits and tests, etc.
At Stay At Home we have found that the more support you have during a recuperation period the better the outcome with a decreased chance of a hospital readmission. Whether it is for a short period of time or twenty-four hours, we want you to increase your opportunity to recover faster and better.
You misplaced your keys and found them on your night stand. You ask yourself, “Is this just a senior moment or do I have something seriously wrong with my memory? I seem to be misplacing my things all too often these days.” 
The statistical odds are that you are probably fine. Not that we are downplaying the seriousness of Alzheimer’s disease, after all, it is a devastating illness. National statistics state that 1 out of 8 people age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, which equates to roughly 5.1 million people in the U.S. If you are worried because your forgetfulness disrupts your day, you feel confused, or you can’t plan and keep your daily schedule as before, then we recommend that you see your physician to discuss these issues. But for those who are in midlife, coping with working full or part-time, raising teens, and caring for elderly relatives, everyday forgetfulness is common.
Here are some relief signs that you DO NOT have Alzheimer’s disease.
- You forget a new acquaintance’s name. Not to worry, everybody does that.
- You forget the name of your high school buddy whom you haven’t seen in years. Embarrassing, but common.
- Remembering in the middle of the night that you forgot to call your accountant. The good news is that you remembered.
- You forget where you parked your car. Especially in large mall parking lots, this is quite common. If you forgot, however, how you got there, then that is not a good sign.
- You feel old because you can’t figure out how to text from your new phone. Or the new remote for your TV is complicated and you just can’t get used to it. Technology moves at a faster pace than most of our middle-aged brains. Recruit your grandchild or the teen next door. This will save many hours of frustration.
- You don’t feel like playing bridge today and you just want to stay home. Everybody needs alone time, just don’t make it a habit.
- Your grandkids roll their eyes and tell you, “We heard that story twenty times, Grandpa.” Retelling stories, especially funny ones, are normal and sharable moments. However, if you just told the story five minutes ago and you don’t remember doing so, then that is different story.
The Alzheimer’s Association has published the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s and we encourage you to know these signs, particularly if you are the primary caregiver of an elderly relative. (Click Here to download a copy.) As always, we welcome your comments and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Home Care Saving Tips
Dorothy said it best, “There’s no place like home,” and according to an AARP poll seniors agree. When asked where respondents would prefer to live as they age, an overwhelming percentage (82%) responded that they would prefer to remain living independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Another AARP poll noted that almost one in four seniors predict that either they or someone they live with will have difficulty getting around the home within the next five years. Home care services can benefit families and their loved ones by providing the care needed to remain independent at home. The question though becomes, “How can I get the best value of service for my money?”
Here are some tips that may help you and your family save money when it comes to home care services.
Tip #1 – Pull Family Members Together
Make informed decisions along with other family members and your loved ones. If home care is an option, have an expert perform a home care needs assessment. Our Stay At Home professionals provide this service free of charge. You may find that it is less expensive to remain in the comfort of home versus moving to a residential facility. No matter the decision, pull other family members in to help spread the cost. Determine your budget and then turn to your church, community, neighbors, and other resources to assist where your budget cannot. You may just find that a organized mix of home care, neighbors, relatives, and friends may provide all the help your loved one needs.
Tip #2 – Use Home Care that Produces Results
Those old tennis or golf injuries can hinder daily activities. For example, changing and washing bed linens require a lot of shoulder movement. For some, this is very difficult. Stay At Home has packaged services to help families save money. Our Wake Up Call package includes a homemade breakfast, changing bed linens, and assisting in getting-ready for the day. Another package we offer is “Driving to the Doc.” Busy families benefit from this package the most. We’ll drive your mom and dad to their doctors’ appointment when you cannot. All our packages are based on producing some form of result and are the most affordable options.
Tip #3—Live-In Care
Some folks prefer to have someone with them 24/7 for safety, security and peace of mind. If this is your situation, then you might want to consider Live-In care. Hiring home care services by the hour for a twenty-four hour time period could be quite costly. Live-in care is less expensive and in some cases on par or even more affordable than assisted living.
The best home care service includes a customized plan based on your family’s needs. Call us for your free, no obligation home care needs assessment by a licensed Stay At Home professional.
Senior Safety Behind the Wheel
Senior drivers are among the best drivers on the road. They have more experience and are able to think through situations 
with more clarity. Younger drivers, on the other hand, tend to act impulsively when behind the wheel and they are three times more likely to tailgate and run through red lights. Unfortunately, the natural aging process can slow down reaction time and impair vision. The purpose of this article is to provide some safety tips, to enable seniors to drive safely for as long as they are able.
- Avoid left turns—28% of accidents involving seniors happen when they are attempting to turn left. This could be attributed to diminished perception to judge distance and/or the speed of oncoming traffic. The statistic is high, so routing your way to the grocery using only right turns may just save your life.
- Avoid the left lane — “Slow and steady wins the race”, concluded Aesop. In this case slow and steady allows you to arrive to your destination safely. Leave the left lane to the speeders. Also, the right lane allows you to plan your exit ahead of time.
- Avoid the highway – If possible try to steer clear from highway travel. You are guaranteed better scenery on the smaller, less traveled roads, too.
- Avoid nighttime travel – Traffic signs are more difficult to read at night, distance is harder to judge, and the glare from oncoming headlights can cause temporary loss of sight. Add that to dangerous drivers on the road, it is best just to avoid driving in the evening.
- Utilize valet services – You’ve earned the right, so enjoy valet parking. Parking lots are dangerous, not just for accidents but also thefts. It’s a small price to pay for your safety and protection, so choose to valet your car whenever possible.
The most important aspect for keeping senior drivers safe behind the wheel is to know when not to drive. If you are recuperating from an illness, injury, or are suffering from an ailment like arthritis, then it is probably best to ask for assistance. Your family and friends may be more than happy to be your temporary personal driver.
We hope these tips keep you safe behind the wheel. Whether you are ready to hang up your keys for a day or permanently, call us and our professional caregivers would be delighted to provide transportation to the grocery store, social events, medical appointments, or wherever you choose. Feel free to give us your input.
