Take a look at our latest newsletter!
VanDyckLawGroup
QUARTER 4, 2024
VANDYCKFIRM.COM
High Stakes, Higher Costs THE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING AHEAD FOR MEMORY CARE
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can touch off a flood of difficult emotions, from shock and anger to fear and disbelief. A natural reaction may be to try to live in the moment and avoid thinking too much about the future. As difficult as it may be to move ahead, receiving a dementia diagnosis marks the beginning of a period when the need to engage in financial planning is the greatest. Making arrangements to safeguard assets from potentially devastating long-term care costs is critically important. In recognition of October as National Financial Planning Month, this is a good time to take essential steps to protect the financial futures of a dementia patient and their loved ones. The stakes are very high. Memory care in an assisted living facility costs $10,000–$12,000 a month in our area, and nursing home care can cost $14,000–$15,000 a month or more. Few people can afford those costs for very long. One couple who failed to plan ahead to protect their assets from long-term care costs saw their $500,000 nest egg almost completely consumed and a Medicaid recovery lien placed on their house to cover one spouse’s extended stay in a memory care facility. In New Jersey, Medicaid, or NJ FamilyCare, will cover skilled nursing care and memory care in an assisted living facility. Generally, a senior who is single must have assets under $2,000 and income under $2,829 a month to qualify for Medicaid-funded long- term care. If the patient is married, the assets of the patient’s spouse must be below $154,140 before the patient can receive Medicaid support. One of the first steps after receiving a diagnosis should be to make an appointment with an elder law attorney to create some essential estate-planning documents. We understand that this type of planning is often fraught with emotion. After all, it requires thinking about potential incapacity or death. It can be almost like seeing the
dentist! However, we understand how difficult these issues can be, and we approach the planning process with the greatest respect and care for our clients. The most important estate-planning document is a financial power of attorney. This allows a designated representative, usually an attorney or trusted family member, to step in if the patient becomes incapacitated and handle all business matters, including signing contracts, filing tax returns, accessing bank and investment accounts, and so on. The financial power of attorney also should give the patient’s representative the authority needed to protect assets from long-term care costs. A principal way to do this is to gift assets from the patient’s estate to chosen beneficiaries. The financial power of attorney should specifically authorize unlimited gifting of assets, beyond the $18,000 per person per year that can be excluded from reporting to the IRS. It also should empower the representative to establish an irrevocable trust, if needed. New Jersey has a five-year look-back period that renders patients ineligible for Medicaid long-term care help if they have gifted any amount of assets, or sold assets for less than their fair market value, at any time during the five years preceding the patient’s date of application. This makes planning ahead especially important. Other strategies can be used within that five-year period, based on individual clients’ circumstances. Once the process is complete, our clients gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing their loved ones are protected and their needs will be covered. As always, feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions, concerns, or would like to arrange a personal meeting. -Fiona Van Dyck
1
609-580-1044
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
Podcast Wisdom
EYES TO THE SKY A Family Guide to Birdwatching
The great outdoors is full of incredible wildlife and nature, just waiting for us to get out and explore. Whether you’re going to your local arboretum, a national park, or even your own backyard, you can always find something unique to look at. Sometimes, turning toward the sky will provide an amazing opportunity to see something special. We can find birds almost anywhere. If you’re looking for a new way to keep your kids entertained while educating them, looking for birds can be a great family bonding activity. Start by researching the birds in your area, both permanent residents and those migrating. You’ll likely see common birds in your backyard or around the neighborhood, but you may need to travel to a local park to see some of the more unique species.
At first, your kids may need some help finding different birds. Binoculars might be too difficult to use, so it’s up to you to point them in the right direction. Look out for nests, cracked seeds, and other signs indicating birds are nearby. You don’t have to use only your eyes when searching the skies and trees for birds; listen intently, too! Tracking birds through their calls will help alert you to the species you’re searching for and where to look. To keep your kids’ attention as you bird watch, you may need to make a game out of it. Create a scavenger hunt to find five birds in your hometown or the area you’re visiting. You can get specific with unique species or keep it broad by having them look for hawks, ducks, etc. Let your child take the lead, encouraging them to point out birds they see or hear instead of relying on you to tell them. You can even encourage your kids to mimic the different birdcalls they hear.
Birdwatching is a great way to get your kids outdoors exploring nature. It could even lead to a full-time passion or career in the future.
Caring for a loved one with dementia brings many challenges, including dealing with the aggressive or angry behavior that often marks the middle stages of the disease. A caregiver may find it hard not to take these outbursts personally. Understanding the triggers for challenging behavior and having coping strategies in mind can help in defusing these situations. Manage a Loved One’s Challenging Behavior Calm the Storm If the behavior marks an abrupt change from the person’s usual conduct, consider whether it reflects medical issues that need attention. A medication may be causing side effects or the person may be in pain from a treatable condition, such as a urinary tract infection. In other cases, they may be acting out because they are tired, hungry, thirsty, or overstimulated by noise or the presence of strangers. If the person’s behavior is endangering their own or others’ safety, always call 911. Make sure that knives, scissors, and other dangerous items are out of reach. Meanwhile, remember that they are not acting this way on purpose. If needed, step away for a moment if you are able to do so without jeopardizing anyone’s safety.
Try through your own behavior to create an atmosphere of calm. Ask yourself whether your instructions might be confusing the person or whether you are transmitting your own stress or irritability to them. Speak in a soothing voice and reassure the person that you are supporting them. Reducing distractions in the environment, such as loud music or clutter, may help them relax. Consider whether the person might be feeling lost or confused, and direct their attention to familiar landmarks or signs if possible. Shifting their focus to a different activity can be helpful. Try turning on the person’s favorite music or suggesting enjoyable exercise. Distract them by finding outlets for their energy, such as preparing a snack or completing a chore. In general, sticking to a routine, including a set pattern of bathing, dressing, and eating, and making the person’s environment as stable and understandable as possible, can help keep distressing behavioral outbursts to a minimum.
2
VANDYCKFIRM.COM
Published by Newsletter P
Useful Tasks Aid Adults With Dementia
FURRY FRIENDS HOW PETS BOOST WELL-BEING FOR ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA
dementia who owned or cared for a dog or cat were more likely to have spent more than three hours walking in any given week and were less likely to be lonely, according to a 2021 study of 1,542 people. Contact with animals appears to calm antisocial behavior among patients in more advanced stages of the disease. Nursing home patients with dementia who had regular contact with a therapy dog during treatment exhibited less aggression, anxiety, and depression after 10 weeks, compared with those who experienced treatment without a dog, according to a controlled study of 65 patients. The benefits extend beyond contact with dogs or cats. Simply eating meals in front of a fish tank for eight weeks was linked to better nutrition and weight gain in dementia patients,
according to a review of nearly three decades of past research. And when researchers compared the effects of having a plant nearby with the impact of introducing a companion canary, patients with the canary nearby showed improvement in psychiatric symptoms and satisfaction with life. The research holds hope for caregivers, too, who benefit from the support a beloved pet or cuddly therapeutic animal can provide. Some researchers have proposed using social robots as pets for elderly patients. This is a hot-button issue for critics who resist the idea of inviting a patient to become emotionally attached to a robot. Nevertheless, a survey of nine peer-reviewed studies linked the use of low-cost robotic pets with improved mood, better social interaction, and increased well- being in patients with dementia.
Adults struggling with dementia face complex emotional losses, from a sense of isolation to frustration over unmet needs. The mutual affection and ready acceptance offered by a dog, cat, or other pet or therapy animal can have a powerful healing effect. The 55% of adults ages 50–80 who have a dog, cat, or other pet report numerous benefits, including reduced stress, a sense of purpose, and a feeling of being loved, according to a survey of 2,000 older adults. Research shows the benefits for older adults with dementia can be especially meaningful. People living at home with mild to moderate
TAKE A BREAK
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Cut tofu into small nugget-size pieces. 3. In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to combine. 4. Add tofu nuggets to the bowl and toss to coat. 5. Arrange tofu nuggets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. 6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. INGREDIENTS • 1 block (14 oz) extra firm tofu, drained and pressed • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp dried oregano • Salt and pepper, to taste Baked Tofu Nuggets
AUTUMN BOO CANDY COFFEE FOLIAGE GHOST
GOURD MOON SPOOKY SOUP TAILGATE TOUCHDOWN
3
609-580-1044
Pro • NewsletterPro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
707 State Road, Suite 102 Princeton, NJ 08540 VANDYCKFIRM.COM | 609-580-1044
Inside 1
Take Time to Plan for Dementia Care
2 Discover the World of Birds
Tips on Calming Challenging Dementia Behaviors
3 Pets’ Heartwarming Impact on Dementia Patients Baked Tofu Nuggets
Take a Break
4 Neuroscience-Inspired Strategies for a Sharper Mind
SUPERCHARGE YOUR MEMORY Neuroscience-Backed Tips for a Sharper Mind
NOURISH YOUR BRAIN WITH THE RIGHT FUEL. The saying “you are what you eat” is true for brain health. A diet rich in low-sugar, low-refined carbs and healthy protein and fat sources can support optimal
In today’s fast-paced world, having a sharp and reliable memory has become more critical than ever. Fortunately, recent advancements in neuroscience have revealed new techniques to help us improve our cognitive abilities and retain information more effectively. Here are four scientifically backed tips to transform your memory and unlock your full potential. EXERCISE YOUR BRAIN AND BODY. Numerous studies have shown that regular physical exercise can profoundly impact cognitive function. When you engage in aerobic activities such as running, cycling, or swimming, you improve your cardiovascular health and stimulate the growth of the hippocampus — the area of the brain responsible for learning and memory formation. MEDITATE FOR A SHARPER MIND. Did you know mindfulness and meditation can improve your memory? Researchers have discovered that individuals who practice meditation regularly, even just a few minutes a day, exhibit increased brain volume in the hippocampus, resulting in enhanced memory performance.
cognitive function. These foods provide the building blocks your brain needs to keep your memory sharp and thinking clear.
PRACTICE IMPROVES MEMORY. Practicing regularly is one of the most effective ways to improve your memory. Whether memorizing song lyrics, reciting poetry, or even just trying to recall your daily tasks, the more you challenge your brain to store and retrieve information, the better it will become.
So, what are you waiting for? Start exercising, meditating, fueling your brain, and practicing today — your future self will thank you.
4
VANDYCKFIRM.COM
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator