Perhaps one of your senior relatives can no longer live completely independently. They might need assistance with basic domestic tasks. But you don’t live nearby enough to care for them full-time. Instead, you need to look out for them from afar, while finding services that can provide the support they need at home.
 
Working with a professional caregiver can help you make smart decisions about your loved one’s care. Furthermore, Chris Goodbaudy reminds you that there are plenty of tech tools and services today that make long-distance caregiving easier than ever! Here are a few services that long-distance caregivers can utilize in order to support their loved ones, even from hundreds of miles away.
 
Digitize Documents
 
Chances are, your loved one has lots of legal, financial, and medical documents that they need to get organized - but these files might be all over the place. Once you’ve tracked down the documents that they need to hold on to, you can go about digitizing them. This will ensure that you and your loved one will always be able to access these files. You can store them in a folder on their computer or with a cloud program.
 
To simplify things even further, you can combine their files into one document by using a tool to merge PDFs. This will reduce the time you need to spend searching for particular documents. Once you’ve finished combining the PDFs, you can rearrange them into the correct order within the document.
 
Invest in In-Home Care
 
Of course, as a long-distance caregiver, nothing will bring you more peace of mind than knowing that someone is physically with your loved one to provide for their needs. Hiring an in-home caregiver, even on a part-time basis, is crucial. But how can you choose the best caregiver for your loved one? You may want to go through an agency or hire an independent caregiver. Either way, you can ask local friends and family for referrals. Make sure to ask any potential hires about their experience, and double-check that they can provide the specific medical services that your loved one requires.
 
Choose a Medical Alert System
 
Do you want to be notified if your loved one’s vitals reveal something concerning, or if they are physically hurt? You can choose a medical alert system so that if anything goes wrong, you’ll get a notification right away - and if your loved one is unable to call for help, you’ll be able to do it for them. Caring recommends looking into monitored devices, which feature 24/7 monitoring - however, keep in mind that this requires an ongoing subscription.
 
Install In-Home Security
 
Are you concerned that your loved one will become prone to wandering? A home security system is the answer. Ideally, you’ll want to choose a security system that connects with their medical alert bracelet. If they do happen to leave the house alone, the system can alert you and their other caregivers.
 
Try Medication Management Tools
 
If your loved one takes medication, you might be worried that they’ll skip a dosage when you’re not around, or that they’ll take an improper dosage. Even if you can’t personally administer their medication, you can purchase a medication management tool to handle it for them, such as a convenient and safe electronic pill container that will give your loved one an alert when it’s time to take their medications.
 
Embrace Telehealth
 
Perhaps you can’t drive your loved one to their doctors’ appointments, and you wish that you could attend with them to help answer their questions and advocate for them. Today, telehealth makes it possible to do this from the comfort of your own home. Talk to their doctors about signing on for telehealth appointments together - with video conferencing software, you’ll feel like you’re all in the same room.
 
Hire a Driver
 
Many seniors reach a point when they have trouble driving. This can be very frustrating for seniors - they might want to keep driving so that they can run errands, see their friends, or simply get out of the house, but it can become dangerous for them to do so if they are in poor health.
 
If you don’t live close by enough to drive your loved one, you may want to budget for a driver. This can make a huge difference in their day-to-day life and allows them to maintain a sense of independence since they’ll still be able to get around. To choose the right driver, DailyCaring recommends asking about their driving record and history, as well as personally checking out their DMV record.
 
Take Advantage of Delivery Services
 
What if you don’t have the budget to hire a driver? You can still help your loved one take care of their needs without driving by using delivery services. For example, you may want to get your loved one set up with a local grocery delivery service. You might also want to look into other businesses in their area that offer delivery services - many places will offer this for senior customers, so it never hurts to ask! You can also have their medications delivered to their door so that they don’t have to go to the pharmacy to pick them up.
 
You can also use online directories to hire a reliable resource if something goes wrong around the house. For example, if the toilet overflows or the garbage disposal stops working, you can search online for plumbing companies in your loved one’s area, screen their reviews, make some calls, and arrange for a plumber to come out. This way, there won’t be misunderstandings between your aging loved one and the company, and you can call to check in on the service.
 
Use Online Banking
 
If your loved one needs your help managing their finances, but you’re not in town to meet with them or their financial advisor, you might feel like you’re at a loss for what to do. Thankfully, online banking makes things much easier. You can meet with your loved one and a financial advisor over video chat to discuss financial planning, and your loved one can authorize you to access and manage their accounts remotely.
 
Being a long-distance caregiver can be challenging. Sometimes, you might feel guilty that you can’t do more for your loved one. But today, new services make it possible for you to give your loved one a higher quality of life from states away. With these suggestions, you’ll be able to fulfill your loved one’s needs, no matter where you are.
 
If your aging loved one needs help applying for Medicare or other health insurance options, contact insurance agent Chris Goodbaudy. Visit his website to set up a consultation today!
 
Photo via Pexels
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If you’re like most other people, you have at least one loved one with a chronic health condition. Living with such a condition presents various challenges, depending on the specific condition. But suffice it to say it can make everyday life more difficult and impact a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health. 
​Helping your loved one, whether a close friend or family member, can be challenging on its own. Telling them to let you know if there’s anything you can do probably won’t provide the platform for helping them in meaningful ways. That’s why OregonHealthCare.us has listed these specific strategies for helping a loved one living with a chronic condition:

Bring them groceries.      

Picking a casserole and other comfort foods is a thoughtful way to reach out to a friend in need. But many people with chronic conditions must abide by restrictive diets, meaning that fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods would be better options. Offer to bring your loved ones some groceries, or learn about what kind of meals they can have so that you can prepare them and freeze them for later.

Help around the house.   

Take time to evaluate your loved one's home to see if there are any modifications or improvements that you can handle (or have handled). Is the lawn or landscaping a little worse for wear? Could the toilets and bathtubs use a scrub? Do the rugs or carpet have stains that need removing?

If you're loved one works from home, you could help them create a stress-free and positive atmosphere. For example, maybe you could research ergonomic furniture and equipment that will help mitigate your loved one's symptoms or install new lighting that reduces fatigue.

Another option is to help your loved one establish a solid planning system. Using a digital app or a paper planner, sit down and ask your loved one to list their priorities and workload. Then, helped him determine a schedule that maximizes productivity and brings balance to their personal life.

Create a fitness routine together. 

Regular exercise can do wonders for the overall health and well-being of someone with a chronic condition. Working out releases endorphins, mood-boosting chemicals that serve as the body's natural pain relievers. 

Carve out time four or five days a week to work out with your loved one, whether it's walking briskly or running through the neighborhood, moving to YouTube videos, or engaging in HIIT workouts in the backyard. To get the most from your exercise, pay attention to your nutrition and eat healthy together!

Watch the kids.        

If your loved one has children, consider offering to watch them for a bit to allow the parent to rest. Maybe you could take the kids to a special event for a few hours while your loved one reads or naps. Or perhaps you could watch them at home while their parent goes out for a fun activity.

Ask the spouse what you can do. 

One effective strategy to get valuable information about your loved one is to ask their spouse for specific ways you can help the family. For example, maybe your loved one would appreciate a gift card to a food delivery service so they can take a night off from cooking. Or maybe you could invest in a portable massager or other product that relieves their pain throughout the day.

People with chronic health conditions face unique challenges each day, and sometimes they may not want to "burden" their support system by asking for help. Consider the ideas above for helping your loved one maintain their quality of life as they tackle the obstacles ahead. And keep learning about their condition so that you can constantly lend a meaningful, helping hand when they need it most!

Are you trying to transition from Cover Oregon to the Federal Facilitated Marketplace? Visit OregonHealthCare.us for helpful resources!  

​Losing someone you love is heartwrenching. You have to learn how to live with your grief because it never goes away entirely. Learning how to manage grief takes time and energy, but it gets easier when you break the process down into small steps. Use these five tips to start the healing process.
 
1. Improve Sleeping Habits
Getting plenty of restful sleep is important for good health, but it is also crucial for healing when grief touches your life. Set a bedtime routine and get into the habit of going to sleep at the same time each night. Waking up at the same time each morning is important for adapting to a good sleep routine. If you have trouble falling asleep, try doing a calming activity before bed. Opt for reading a book or relaxing in a warm bath instead of watching TV or playing on your phone.
 
2. Start a New Tradition
Old traditions are comforting, but they may also be painful reminders of what you have lost. You do not have to continue the same traditions each year if they are too painful. However, it may be overwhelming to forego all of your old traditions at once in favor of new ones. Make a goal to set one new tradition to help you navigate the grieving process.
 
3. Spend Time on Hobbies
Make time to pursue your passions. Whether you enjoy writing, drawing, painting, dancing, or another hobby, schedule time to do the things you love each day. You may have neglected your hobbies in the past to complete everything on your to-do list, but it is important to make time for the things you enjoy while you are navigating grief. Pursuing your passions gives you time and space to work through your emotions while remembering that you are still alive. If you do not have a hobby, now is the perfect time to find one.
 
4. Visit Loved Ones
Surround yourself with the people you love. They may also be dealing with grief, and having people to share your burdens with can make it easier for you to navigate the loneliness you feel. Schedule time to visit with loved ones each week, whether you grab a quick lunch or spend a quiet evening at home reminiscing about the people you have lost. If the distance is a factor that prevents you from meeting in person, take advantage of technology and schedule regular video calls.
 
5. Make a Career Change
According to one survey, only 20% of people in the United States are passionate about their careers. Losing someone you love may be the push you need to make a career change so you can live your life to the fullest. Switching careers sometimes means that you have to go back to school, but there are several ways to earn a life-changing degree. An online program can be a good option if you don't have time to attend classes in person with your work and family schedule. Make sure you enroll in an accredited program with affordable tuition.
 
Learning how to live with grief is never easy, but making small goals helps you navigate the healing process. Use these tips to work towards healing and discover how to manage your grief instead of allowing it to consume you.

Image via ​Pexels

​If you’re an entrepreneur, there’s a good chance your work life is often hectic and demanding. Practicing self-care every day can help you manage work-related stress, stay healthy, and refocus your energies. Whether your business is headquartered in New York City or Newberg, Oregon, there are several reasons to make time for self-care – and several easy ways to do it.
 
Daily Self-Care Allows You to Bring Your Best Self to Work
Although you may need to pencil your self-care into your schedule, the extra effort is worth it. For many busy entrepreneurs, regular self-care can be an effective way to relieve stress, recenter, and enjoy some “me time” so you can feel your best.
 
Making room for self-care can allow you to clear your head so you can bounce back and bring your best self to your business. It can also help you avoid burnout and keep your mood and energy levels consistent.
 
Incorporate a Straightforward Fitness Routine Into Your Week
Some researchers say regular exercise is an important form of self-care that can help reduce stress, enhance mental acuity, improve sleep quality, and boost your mood. Whether you prefer hitting the gym or working out at home, the trick to establishing a fitness routine is getting motivated. One way to do that is by purchasing dedicated athletic wear. Some popular types of clothing include:

• Leggings, which can keep you warm, offer essential support, and help you feel comfortable before, during, and after your workout;
• Athletic shorts, which are often made with sweat-wicking materials that keep you cool during outdoor workouts in warm weather;
• Racerback shirts, which offer lightweight comfort and allow for easier movement throughout your workout.

 
Pick Up a Healthy Habit to Practice at the End of the Workday
If you don’t have time for self-care during the workday, you can unwind and reset after the day wraps up. Consider picking up a new hobby or healthy habit.
 
For example, if you need to let out your work frustrations, consider keeping a journal or enjoying a quick dance session. If you just want to kick back and relax, try reading a new book, gardening, taking a hot bubble bath, or cooking up your favorite foods.
 
Experiment With Different Relaxation Techniques 
To find activities that help you unwind in a pinch, you may need to experiment with a few different relaxation techniques. Consider trying:

• Meditation
• Yoga or Pilates
• Deep breathing
• Visualization and positive thinking
• Listening to slow music
• Progressive muscle relaxation

 
Cut Out Sources of Stress by Using Several Time-Saving Tips
The more time you can save while working on your business, the more you’ll be able to spend a little extra time pampering yourself. Cut out common time sucks by:

• Outsourcing certain services, such as accounting, recordkeeping, marketing, and cleaning, that are outside of your expertise or add to your stress
• Delegating small tasks so you can focus on big-picture items
• Making to-do lists at the start of your workday to help keep yourself on task
• Using scheduling software to keep track of important meetings and set reminders

 
As an entrepreneur, your busy schedule may leave you feeling stressed or even burned out, making everyday self-care a necessity. With these tips, you can squeeze effective self-care into your regular routine.

Self-care is an ongoing effort. Many of us neglect our own needs in favor of focusing on those around us. Yet by caring for yourself, you can look radiant, stay youthful, and be your best self for others. Investing in yourself is not only about looking great, but also about considering yourself worthwhile, as well. Buying into your well-being is the only investment with a guaranteed return, and self-care doesn’t have to cost much or absorb too much time. Read on for some of the best tips to help you become your best self.

Meditation 
Meditation is a great tool for promoting inner peace. The practice has been shown to foster several essential benefits for living your best life. By quieting your mind regularly, you’re able to react more appropriately and effectively, have more patience with loved ones, more focus at work, cultivate higher creativity, and more.
 
Many apps can guide you through daily meditations. These can be downloaded to your smartphone, making it simpler to tap into your inner peace. Talk Space and Insight Timer both offer extraordinary guided practices for relaxation, gratitude, and focus.

Exercise and Yoga 
Staying physically active regularly can help boost many health benefits. Not only does staying active increase our endorphins, but also it’s great for our skin, as well. Sweating can also help clear out toxins in our body, clear out pores, and rid ourselves of extra weight. If you’ve hit a plateau, it may be time to work with a personal trainer. Fitness training with an expert provides the opportunity for a workout regimen that’s customized for your body and needs. Plus, as you make progress, your trainer can coach you toward new plans.
 
To accent any workout routine, it’s wise to cross-train, or, better yet, to add a regular yoga practice. By incorporating yoga, you gain the benefits of flexibility, additional strength, enhanced breathing, glowing skin and even mindfulness. All of these benefits can further boost your self-confidence.

Career
​For many of us, our careers are a key element to feeling our best. If we get stuck in a dead-end job, can’t seem to land our dream job or have been passed over for a promotion, our self-esteem can take a serious hit. Rather than allowing feelings of inadequacy take over, turn to proactive steps. Have a sit-down with your supervisor to (politely) ask what you can do in order to make yourself more valuable to the company in order to move up the ranks.
 
On the other hand, maybe you’re trying to move on. If you’ve sent out tons of resumes and haven’t had any bites, maybe it’s time to revisit your resume style or cover letter approach. You may even come to realize that going back to school for an advanced degree is the best way to turn things around. For example, an MBA program can teach you management and leadership skills, and help raise your business acumen. All of which can lead to a higher salary and a more satisfying job.

Nature 
Nature has a calming effect on people. After a tiring day at work, listening to the sound of the waves by a body of water or being amongst trees can wash away your stress with ease. Occasionally detaching from your smartphone, laptop, or social circle can renew your sense of self and offer a needed boost.

Stay Hydrated 
An easy yet often forgotten habit is drinking sufficient amounts of water daily. Dehydration causes your skin to become flaky and dry, even leading to premature wrinkles. Not only does water keep your skin moisturized, but it also detoxes your body and rejuvenates your skin. Drinking at least 15 cups of water is one of the easiest and healthiest habits to build for yourself. Make it a point to keep a reusable bottle nearby and fill it regularly.
 
Taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do to live a richer, more fulfilled life. Putting the time aside to look after your skin, meditate, and get healthy can be a difficult habit to get into for many individuals, so if you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone. If you’re finding it hard to garner the effort, just remember that you’re worth it!

Many professionals who work in one job struggle with work-life balance. If you toss a side hustle into the mix, finding time for self-care might seem impossible. After all, most people prioritize their professional lives over their personal ones. Additionally, they usually put the needs of family and friends above their own, leaving little if any time for their own needs.

Luckily, balancing your side hustle with self-care doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here is a look at how  professionals like you are pulling it off.
 
Start With a Healthy Foundation
Sometimes, the reason self-care seems so hard to integrate is that the concept is too broad. All kinds of activities can qualify as self-care, making it difficult for professionals to figure out what’s most important.
If you want to achieve a level of balance, then your first step is to create a healthy foundation. Often, this means covering three main bases: sleep, nutrition, and exercise.

When it comes to sleep, most adults need 7 to 9 hours each night. Since it can take up to 20 minutes for the average adult to fall asleep, you may need to head to bed a little bit earlier than you would expect, ensuring you can actually get all of the rest you need.

Additionally, maintain a balanced diet. Focus your meals on vegetables, fruits, and lean protein. Add in some whole grains and healthy fats. Limit your consumption of added sugars and saturated fats. By doing that, you can make sure your body has what it needs to thrive.

Making time for exercise is also crucial. Usually, adults need about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise every week, all with two days of strength training. But you don’t have to work that into your schedule in large blocks. Doing it as fifteen 10-minute sessions can do the trick, so use that approach if you’re having trouble squeezing your workouts in.
 
Make Friends With Your Calendar App
Your calendar app is a powerful ally for maintaining work-life balance, but only if you use it right. By making it a habit to block out time for all of your activities – including self-care, personal, and professional tasks – you can make sure that you don’t overlook important tasks.

Creating formal appointments makes you more aware of how you spend your time, potentially causing you to become more efficient. Plus, by setting calendar alerts, you can make sure that you transition between activities at the proper moment.
 
Simplify Your Side Hustle Financials
While it may seem counterintuitive, turning your side hustle into a full-fledged business can actually help you achieve better work-life balance. By forming an LLC, you can reduce your administrative burden. Plus, with an EIN application for your LLC, you can streamline your taxes. The IRS has a separate identifier for your business operations and payroll, making tracking and filing time easier to navigate.
​
You’ll also be able to separate other financial aspects of your personal and professional life. With an LLC, you can set up a new business bank account or credit card, making it easier to track your income, budget, and spending. For insurance, reach out to Chris Goodbaudy for the best coverage options.
 
Consider Outsourcing
If you’re getting overwhelmed by your side hustle, outsourcing certain tasks could be a brilliant move. Whether you want to hire a freelancer to design and maintain your website, a third-party payroll service provider to handle employee wages, or something similar, you can significantly reduce your workload. Then, you’ll have more time to dedicate to self-care, making it easier to achieve and maintain a level of balance.

Image via Pexels

People of all ages and industries are working more and more from home these days, with new and different challenges and adjustments to make. While most conversations focus on work-life balance and the impact on mental health, this new way of working impacts our physical health — particularly our posture and spine health.
 
Are you experiencing more tension in your neck and shoulders? Does your spine ache after a long day in the home office? Let’s take a look at four ways you can improve your posture and spine health while working from home.
 
Need quality insurance info but don’t know where to turn? Chris Goodbaudy can show you the best insurance solution for your life or business! (800) 969-2851 or [email protected]
 
Take collagen supplements.
 
An abundant protein found throughout your body, taking collagen supplements can strengthen your bones, including your vertebrae, and improve joint health. Plus, since it stimulates cartilage growth, you will also experience reduced pain and inflammation in your spine.
 
As we age, bones and muscles atrophy, leading to weakness and pain. Collagen reverses all that, and there are many quality supplements available.
 
Exercise the right way for your age and body type.
 
As we grow and change over time, our bodies require different kinds of exercise for health and healing. If you overdo it, you could cause a life-long injury. On the other hand, if you underdo it you may never see the results you want.
 
For example, seniors may struggle with maintaining good posture and spine health. If you work from home, consider installing a walking treadmill under your desk. For people with joint pain, low-impact exercises like swimming and yoga will help you lose weight and protect bone health.
 
See a specialist for regular adjustments.
 
If your back pain is persistent, consider consulting with a chiropractic provider. Visiting a chiropractor for the first time can be intimidating, so it’s important you do your research before you go. Look for someone who specializes in people in your age range and with similar issues.
Also, be sure the chiropractor you choose is up-to-date on their continuing education credits and certifications.
 
Improve the ergonomics in your home office.
 
Working from home may not be a permanent way of life, but the COVID-19 global pandemic seems to be stretching well beyond 2020. If you experience tension in your neck and shoulders from working at your computer all day, it might be time to examine your home office ergonomics.
 
Make sure that your head is level when looking at your monitor and that your elbows are under your shoulders and in line with your wrists when typing. Wear a back brace or sit on a core-strengthening chair while working. Every 20 minutes, take a stretching break by getting up, moving around, and looking at something at least 20 feet away. Both your aching back and your strained eyes will thank you.
 
When it comes to spine health, you are never too young or too old to seek relief. There’s no magic pill that automatically leads to true and lasting spine health. You will have to make some lifestyle changes in addition to other pain management measures. Talk to your doctor, chiropractor, and fitness coach to discover new and cutting-edge ways to improve posture.
 
 

​Chances are, you use tech in your everyday life to stay in touch with your friends, access information and make your life easier. So why shouldn’t your aging family members be able to take advantage of these benefits as well? Tech can be so simple for just about any senior to use and there are endless tech tools that can help seniors feel comfortable, safe and perhaps even a little less lonely. Want to know more? Then you should read through these tech tips.
 
Safety Should Always Come First
 
Before you get your parents or grandparents connected to technology, you may want to spend some time going over a few basic tips on digital safety. Because while the internet is full of useful information and tools for seniors, it can also be full of some pretty serious hazards. From identity theft to virus infections, there are so many ways that cybercriminals are looking to prey on technology users these days. Unfortunately, CNBC notes older adults can be at an increased risk for being targeted by these would-be criminals. So it’s always best for your loved ones to play it safe.
 
Technology Can Boost Home Security
 
You can use the tools and tips above to protect your senior loved ones from threats online but what about threats to their safety at home? If you’re worried about criminals targeting your senior family members because they live alone, you can always look into home security tech that can deter break-ins. For example, a smart home security system can be pretty simple for you to set up and can be connected to your phone and your loved one’s phone to alert you both to suspicious activity. A video doorbell can also be a neat piece of tech to keep seniors safe.
 
Online Tools Can Provide Budget Help
 
If you can’t be near your loved ones, you may worry about whether they will be able to stick to their retirement budget. Thankfully, you can connect your older relatives to budgeting tools online and on their smartphone that can help them keep their spending on track. You can also help your seniors lower their expenses and secure their financial future by researching their health insurance options. Want to save even more time and hassle? Then have your loved ones reach out to an experienced agent like Chris Goodbaudy for their health insurance needs.
 
Tech Tools Can Keep Families Connected
 
Even if you live nearby, there may be times when you simply cannot visit with your senior loved ones in person. In 2020, ABC News points out that the COVID-19 pandemic has made this a fact of life for many seniors and their loved ones, with older adults struggling with loneliness as a result. This is why it’s important to find ways to stay connected to your older loved ones, even when you can’t be in the same state, city or even home. Tech apps like Skype, WhatsApp and FaceTime can all make maintaining this connection easy, with options for video calls, voice calls and texts.
 
Technology Can Keep Older Adults Company
 
Tech can help you stay in touch with older family members but you can’t necessarily stay connected all of the time. If you are concerned about your loved ones getting lonely when you can’t call or text, know that there are tech solutions that can help. One of the simplest steps you can take is to set up social media accounts for your loved ones, so that they feel connected to you and the outside world on a regular basis. Another fun way to keep your aging loved ones from feeling isolated is to gift them with a smartspeaker, which can provide other benefits too. 
 
Your aging relatives can get just as many benefits from tech as you do. In fact, they may be able to get even more. So think about picking up some new tech for your older loved ones. Then you can have the peace of mind knowing they are safe and can reach out to you when needed.
 
Thanks to Mary Shannon of seniorsmeet.org for sharing this article.

Photo Credit: Rawpixel
 

Emotionally and financially, it can be a lot to take in when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s or other memory issues. Shawn Plummer, director of advance annuity sales at The Annuity Expert, has experienced the emotional toll on his own family: his 89-year-old grandpa is healthy, but his grandma has late-stage Parkinson’s and the early stages of dementia. “From my point of view, it’s gut-wrenching, simply because they both worked hard their entire lives, retired and then have had to go through this difficult time through their golden years. Imagine being married for 60-plus years, to learn your spouse dies forgetting who you are. I can’t imagine,” he says. “My grandfather is exhausted and frustrated.”
 
Your options for care may seem mind-boggling — but remember, you don’t have to decide on the type of care your family member needs right away, particularly if your loved one is diagnosed with memory issues in the early stages. Down the road, you may have to make decisions about assisted living versus in-home care — or memory care.
 
Memory care is a specific type of long-term care geared toward those with dementia, Alzheimer’s or other memory issues. It employs specially trained specialized individuals who are skilled in assisting those with memory issues, which is the major difference between this type of care and assisted living.
 
Memory care isn’t cheap, and the high costs are prohibitive for some families. Our guide can help you learn responsible ways to pay for it, the best payment methods and what shouldn’t be used at all.
 
The cost of memory care
Memory care is typically more expensive than traditional assisted living because it’s more specialized and requires more highly-trained staff members.
 
“Residents of memory care facilities typically require more vigilant and consistent care than those without memory issues. There is a wide spectrum of the level of memory issues, but they range from being occasionally forgetful to potentially violent behavior,” says Neel Shah, elder law attorney at Shah & Associates and financial adviser/owner of Beacon Wealth Solutions in Monroe, N.J. “Patients with memory issues can be a hazard to themselves as well as to other residents, thereby requiring more resources to be devoted to their care. This naturally drives up the cost of care.”
 
Here are the average costs, which depend on the complexity of care available at a particular memory care location.
 
Private room
A private room at a memory care facility costs $5,745 per month on average, according to retirementliving.com.
 
One-bedroom apartment
Assisted living communities usually charge a base monthly rate, which covers room and board in addition to two or three meals per day. The average cost for a one-bedroom assisted living apartment is $3,300 per month, though that depends on the state you live in. “The prices for various levels of care can fluctuate dramatically. Factors include the geographical location, the quality of the facility and the services included in the apartment/assisted living facility. For example, in the Northeast, it’s common for a typical nursing home type setting to cost as high as $15,000 per month. In the Midwest and Southern states, where the cost of living can be lower, you can still expect the cost to be in the $8,000–$9,000 range,” says Shah.
 
Retirementliving.com highlights the stark cost differences in care costs: In Hawaii, the average cost of a private room in a memory care facility can be around $13,216 per month. The cost is significantly less in Arkansas — around $4,132 per month.
 
The most expensive states for memory care are Delaware, New Jersey, Alaska, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire — monthly costs are over $6,200 per month. The least expensive states for memory care are Missouri, Georgia, North Carolina, Utah, Louisiana, South Dakota and Arkansas — monthly costs run under $4,300 per month, according to retirementliving.com.
 
Some facilities cover housekeeping, laundry and other services in their base rate, while others charge extra, so it’s important to get a cost breakdown for each facility you might consider, according to aplaceformom.com.
 
Medications
Regardless of the location in which the care is provided, many individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia require prescription drugs. Consumer Reports says you’ll pay between $200 and $400 per month for Alzheimer’s medications for your loved ones.
 
How to pay for your loved one’s memory care facility
There are several ways you can tackle the costs of a memory care facility — and often, a combination of methods might be the best approach. Shah says there are typically only three major ways to pay for the bulk of long-term care: “Have long-term care insurance, pay for it yourself or have the government help you. Some families will opt for self-insurance. At its simplest form, what this means is they have enough money to pay for the care themselves and they don’t anticipate needing help,” says Shah.
 
Long-term care insurance and/or life insurance
Long-term care insurance and certain types of life insurance may help pay the costs of long-term care. Unfortunately, your loved one won’t qualify for long-term care insurance if he or she learns about Alzheimer’s or dementia and then immediately applies to get long-term care insurance. Most people with long-term care insurance buy it in their mid-50s to mid-60s — when they’re healthy.
 
Similarly, you may have already been paying an extra premium on your life insurance policy so you can get a tax-free advance on your policy, called accelerated death benefits (ABDs). In other words, you’ll be able to get money from your life insurance while you’re still alive to pay for memory care costs. Tapping into that benefit can be highly beneficial when your loved one needs to move to a memory care facility.
 
Personal loans
Personal loans are loans that you can use for just about anything you want — including a memory care facility. Personal loans are unsecured loans, which means that they’re not backed by something you own and could lose if you default on the loan.
 
Pros
Personal loans are a great option if you need to pay off the loan over a period of time.
Personal loans are not backed by collateral, which means the lender who gives you a personal loan can’t take your home or car if you stop making your payments.
You can pay back your debt in regular installments.

Cons
A personal loan sometimes has a higher interest rate compared to other types of loans.
A personal loan may not be enough to cover the length of time that someone will be in a memory care facility.

Medicare/Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal and state program that provides health coverage and offers help with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Your loved one may fall below the income and asset requirements for Medicaid and may be eligible for the government benefit to pay for a long-term care facility. “In the middle of the spectrum is where most of the country sits — they don’t have enough money to self-insure throughout their illness, yet they still have too much in income and/or assets to qualify for Medicaid,” says Shah.
 
Your loved one may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is cash assistance given to individuals who are either aged 65 or older, blind or disabled. This benefit can pay some or all of the costs.
 
Social Security can help supplement your income, too. Your loved one’s Social Security benefits will continue even if he or she has dementia. In fact, among those 80 and older, Social Security provides income for 76% of Social Security beneficiaries and compiles nearly all the income for 47% of them, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
 
Medicare is also an option, as it often pays for some portion of memory care for people 65 and older, but your loved one won’t qualify if he or she doesn’t meet the age requirement. “Medicare often pays for some portion of memory care for people age 65 and older, but they will typically still incur some out-of-pocket costs,” says Ryan Patterson, CEO of SeniorAdvice.com.
 
Note: Medicare does not cover the full cost of long-term care, but it does cover care planning with a medical professional, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Your loved one and his or her caregivers can learn about treatments, clinical trials and services available in the area. You and your loved one can access information and support that can contribute to a higher quality of life.
 
HSAs
Health savings accounts (HSAs) help you save money for future medical expenses and can be a great way to invest for future medical needs. HSAs are directly tied to high-deductible health plans — which means that deductibles, or the amount you pay before your insurance kicks in and pays the rest of the bill, are usually higher for these types of health plans. You can withdraw money for memory care and memory therapy using an HSA.
 
Sell or rent your home
You know that at some point, your loved one may no longer be able to live in his or her home — and selling or renting your home may be the best option. Get a good real estate agent on your side to help you navigate the process. The real estate agent can help you prep your home for sale, help you determine a price and selling strategy and also help you negotiate with buyers. He or she will be the best one to help you determine that you’re getting the best price for your home sale. You can use the proceeds from your home sale to pay for your memory care expenses.
 
Get a home equity loan
You might also opt for a home equity loan, which is like a second mortgage. You use your home as collateral for a home equity loan, so if you stop paying back your home equity loan, your home could be taken from you to pay your lender back. A home equity loan could offer the cash flow needed to pay for your loved one’s memory care expenses — but realize that it’s still a loan that must be paid back.
 
Reverse mortgage
You might be a spouse of an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient who is still healthy and living in your own home — but you might need to pay for your spouse’s memory care facility expenses at the same time. A reverse mortgage could be the answer. A reverse mortgage is a type of loan you can use to tap into the equity in your home — but you must be 62 or older. You’ll stop making monthly mortgage payments and can get monthly payments or a lump sum payment for the equity in your home. You may also choose to put your funds into a line of credit that you can access whenever you need it.
 
There are downsides to a reverse mortgage — and these should be seriously considered before you opt for a reverse mortgage:
 

• You’re decreasing the amount of equity you have in your home.
• Your loan balance will increase if you don’t pay down your interest over time.
• Your heirs may not benefit from the equity in your home after you die because you borrow on that equity.

Managing your loved one’s finances when they’re in memory care
As your loved one’s dementia progresses, you may need to take over all financial matters. Ensure that all bills are paid and accounts are taken care of prior to memory care. It’s important to manage the finances in a way that is consistent with the potential needs in the future. “For example, if there’s a certain amount of money which has been earmarked to help pay for care in the future, it may not make sense to subject it to wild market risks,” says Shah. “On the other hand, it is possible to be too conservative. The cost of health care is going up rapidly. Therefore, having the money an institution or an account that earns nothing and has no growth may not be the best way for long-term strategy. $200,000 in a checking account buys a certain amount of healthcare today, but it will not buy the same amount of healthcare in 10 years. At the bare minimum, you want to find a way to maintain pace with inflation.”
 
It’s important to get acquainted with all the legal documents you need, such as a will or trust, power of attorney, and advance directive early on in the Alzheimer’s and dementia stages, while your loved one still has the capacity to sign legal documents. What happens if you wait too long? You might have to file for guardianship with the courts on behalf of your disabled loved one.
 
Consider the following:

• A durable power of attorney: A durable power of attorney means that a trusted friend or relative will be able to handle legal, financial or medical decisions if you become incapacitated.
• Guardianship options: Guardianship is awarded by the courts to look after your personal, financial and physical well-being.

Organizations that help with memory care financing
One organization that most commonly pays for the costs of memory care or memory therapy (other than long-term care insurance companies) is the Veterans Administration. It’s for veterans and their spouses who were on active duty during designated periods of conflict. You and your loved one may also want to log some time with a social worker or a geriatric care manager to determine your loved one’s eligibility for state-specific benefits.
 
Don’t forget about yourself
Don’t neglect your own care. Plummer says that his grandpa has decided to “go down the Medicaid route to pay for the nursing home, but first, they would have to spend down all of the liquid assets — in a nursing home — before Medicaid kicks in.
 
Plummer says he’s advised his grandpa to purchase a Medicaid compliant annuity with a portion of his liquid assets. “The Medicaid compliant annuity will allow my grandpa to convert some of the liquid assets first into an irrevocable income stream based on his life expectancy. This lifelong income will cover his expenses now, and most importantly, after my grandmother dies,” he says. “After my grandfather purchases the annuity, my grandmother can then check into a nursing home, Medicaid kicks in, and my grandfather collects a paycheck,” says Plummer.
 
It can be a heart-wrenching road ahead, and there’s no one right answer to pay for all the costs. Sometimes you even have to make it up as you go along — but there are ways to make sure your loved one gets the best care possible — and be able to pay for it, too.


Thanks to TheSimpleDollar.com for inviting to share their article.

How to Prep for Long-Term Health Care
Planning and organizing your finances to pay for potential long-term care needs can feel daunting at best. But, not having a plan in place or a savings to pull from can cause undue stress for you or family members. Talking about it now can help for a smoother transition down the road.
 
Who Needs Long Term Care?
Planning ahead and talking about the different scenarios of at-home or long-term care facilities can help your family best prepare yourself should the need arise. What is the likelihood you or a loved one will require long-term care? Morningstar, an investment research company, reported in 2017 that 52.3 percent of the people turning 65 will have a long-term care need during their lifetime. If you’re able, reference your family medical history. Do you have a high likelihood of cancer? Do your elders live a long time? Are there hereditary illnesses and conditions that could impact you? Does your family have a history of dementia or Alzheimer’s? Finding the answers to most of these can help guide you during your planning.

Lifestyle Choices
What lifestyle choices are you making now, and how can you reduce the risk of injury or onset of illness? We’ve all heard the praises of diet and exercise. “New research shows that regular physical activity can reduce the inflammation in the body that comes with aging, which could also help decrease your risk of developing related diseases and conditions—like heart disease, depression, decreased mental function and loss of muscle mass,” reported Men’s Journal. Smoking has been linked to increased development of diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Taking steps now to help course correct your health may serve you well in the future.
 
How close are you to retirement? The Balance reports the average retirement age in the United States is 63, though it varies by state. States with a higher cost of living see people retiring at a later age, presumably in order to plan for those higher costs once income has been reduced. How does this factor into how and when you may need long-term care?
 
Using Your Home to Leverage Costs
How do you plan to pay for the costs of long-term care? The national average for a semi-private room in a nursing home costs over $6,800 a month, according to LongTermCare.gov, with assisted living facilities nearing $4,000 a month. Of course costs depend on which state you reside. Consider the possibility of refinancing, taking out a reverse mortgage, or selling your home as viable options to help you cover long-term care costs given the current average home listing prices in your area. For instance, the average cost of a home in Portland is $415,000. The profits from the sale could help to pay for long-term care costs.
 
Saving and Insurance Programs
What are the savings/insurance programs available now to help pay for long-term care? Many employers offer a 401(k) program, which is a government-backed retirement savings plan that allows eligible employees to save and invest for their retirement on a tax-deferred basis. If your company offers a 401(k) matching program, take advantage of it. You’re essentially leaving money on the table of you aren’t maximizing what your company will match.
 
Consider investing in an IRA, where you can grow money tax-free. Investigate the differences between a Simple, SEP or Roth IRA before deciding which would work best for you and your family. Look into a long-term health care insurance. Forbes reports, “About 25 percent of people need long-term care for more than two years.”
 
Planning for and anticipating long-term care needs doesn’t need to be a scary proposition. Talking with family members and gathering data about health histories, insurance options and home equity, are some of the ways to build a bigger picture about what’s right for your long-term care needs.  
 
Author
June Duncan is the co-creator of Rise Up for Caregivers, which offers support for family members and friends who have taken on the responsibility of caring for their loved ones. She is author of the upcoming book, The Complete Guide to Caregiving: A Daily Companion for New Senior Caregivers.

 
Photo by Unsplash
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