Many people with loved ones who develop dementia are open to becoming their loved one’s caregiver. It’s a chance to care for them, show love for them, and be present in their lives before they pass. However, many family caregivers know taking care of someone with dementia, especially a parent or relative, can be exhausting and sometimes painful. If you’ve just started taking care of someone with dementia, here are a few rules of thumb for minimizing that exhaustion. KEEP QUESTIONS AND DIRECTIONS CLEAR AND SIMPLE. Seniors with dementia usually lose their short-term memory first. Long, complex directions oftentimes only confuse and frustrate them. If you’re trying to get them to take a shower or take their medication, use short directions with simple words. It also helps to cut out distracting sights and sounds by closing curtains, turning off the radio or moving to a quieter place in the house. BE PATIENT AND REASSURING. Even if you keep your directions simple and pointed, your loved ones might still resist your help. That’s not the time to lash out in frustration, however. Your loved ones are probably confused and anxious, and guiding them with reassurance and encouragement can go a long way. It also helps to look beyond their words to their body language and nonverbal cues for answers on how to best help them. ASK THEM ABOUT THEIR LIFE AND THEIR PAST. Even if they can’t remember if they brushed their teeth that morning, many seniors with dementia can still remember events in their life that happened decades ago. Recalling these events is often calming for people with dementia, so try asking them about different times in their lives. You might be surprised by what they remember. If your parents are just starting to show some early signs of dementia, or there’s a history of dementia in your family, it’s a good idea to get the power of attorney or durable medical power of attorney figured out. These agreements will designate the person who makes medical decisions on their behalf if they can’t make those decisions for themselves anymore. If you think you and your elderly loved ones need those documents, give us a call at (303) 741-2400 for a free consultation. ShortenedWords and Long-TermMemories Communicating With and Caring for Loved Ones With Dementia
KnowWhat’s Changing Social Security in 2020
If you’re in the appropriate age bracket, Social Security may play a major role in your finances. So, it’s important to know how Social Security will be changing in 2020. TRUST FUND Unless Congress takes some drastic actions in the coming months, the current excess trust fund revenue will be depleted by the year 2034. If that happens, Social Security will only be able to pay 79% of the promised benefits from ongoing payroll taxes. You may need to think about what your financial plan would be like with 21% less income. RETIREMENT AGE If you haven’t reached retirement yet, this one is important to consider. If you were born after 1959, the full retirement age is now 67 for you. You’ll still be able to start taking some benefits at age 62, but they’ll be at reduced monthly payments. COST OF LIVING Low inflation means that Social Security benefits will only see a minor cost of living increase. This year, it’s expected to be around 1.6%. It’s not major, but if you’re living off Social Security alone, every penny is important. MAXIMUM BENEFITS Those near the top of the Social Security income scale in 2019 will see an increase in their maximum payout in 2020. The maximum payout for an individual will be capped at $2,861 per month. That translates to $34,332 per year, so consider how that may impact your finances. TAXES How much your benefits are taxed depends on your household income levels. For example, 50% of your benefits will be taxed if you make between $25,000–$34,000 individually or $32,000–$44,000 for married couples. If you’re above that income bracket, then 85% of your benefits will be taxable.
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Trusts • Probate • Long Term Care Planning • Elder Law
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