Rehab Select Blog

For those with loved ones who are getting older, healthcare needs tend to increase later in life. With that shift, it can also be difficult to understand and navigate the healthcare system when the time comes.

If you need help caring for elderly parents, getting a handle on all the different care options available for obtaining that help can be a confusing experience.

Many organizations, both public and private, offer services that can be of assistance to adult children in obtaining needed care, but knowing where to look for that help is key to making the most of those opportunities.

Alzheimer's disease, while most difficult for the person who has the disease, is very hard on their family as well. It is often referred to as a family disease, due to the affects it has on an Alzheimer’s patient’s loved ones as they witness and manage the long, slow process of decline that is the hallmark of this disease.

If your family is caring for elderly parents or other loved ones affected by the disease, here are some tips on coping with Alzheimer’s in your family.

Becoming a caregiver for an elderly relative can be a long and gradual process as that person slowly loses function and independence, or it can be a sudden change after an injury or medical event, such as a fall, stroke, heart attack, or illness.

However, if it is happening for you, chances are good that you have entered uncharted territory by taking on this new role in your loved one’s life.

Whether you are a primary caregiver or part of a group of family members working together to provide their care, when caring for elderly parents, stress is part of the package.

Often, there is conflict in the family, as various members struggle to find their place in the care/support structure for elderly parents. Disagreements can happen surrounding care decisions, causing conflict among family members, and financial stress is often a factor.

Caring for your parents as they age can be a very complicated and emotionally fraught task for all involved. Managing things like healthcare, finances and safety for the Mom and Dad who once took care of such things for you can be difficult on a variety of levels.

As difficult as it may be for you, it is important to be aware that it may be much more so on your aging parents as your roles in the family dynamic essentially become reversed.

If you have taken on the role of caregiver for one or both of your parents, chances are that tax deductions for that care are not on your radar.

However, the role you have taken on can take quite a bite out of your budget, so taking advantage of whatever sort of help you are entitled to as a taxpayer is wise. So how can you use tax deductions for elderly parent care?

Becoming a caretaker for your aging parents can be a quite an adjustment. It is emotionally difficult to see and accept that your parents have come to the point of needing care, and delivering that care can be physically difficult and stressful. However, being well-prepared for that role can make things a little easier than they might otherwise be. To help you do that, here are 5 things you should know as you embark on this journey, in the form of a handy caring for aging parents checklist.

You are in a phase of life when you may be wondering, "What are the benefits of long term care insurance?"

Simply put, like car, home, or health insurance, long term care insurance is an important tool that you can use to protect yourself and your family against risk. These insurance policies work to ensure that policy holders will have financial help should they require long term care, such as home care services or a stay in an assisted living center or skilled nursing facility.

Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that can be caused by a variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These infections are characterized by inflammation and/or a buildup of fluid and pus in the alveoli – the tiny air sacs of the lungs. Pneumonia can, in many cases, become very serious, resulting in extreme sickness or even death. While anyone can be affected by pneumonia, the condition is most dangerous in people over age 65, children under the age of 5, and individuals who are affected by underlying health problems or have weakened immune systems.