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One of my clients, Amy, sat in my office with her three kids: her 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old twin boys. Her daughter was glued to her cell phone, and the twins were immersed in a computer game. Amy squeezed in this appointment between her kids’ various activities — dance, piano lessons, soccer, and baseball. Amy’s mother, Ruth, just turned 82 and has mild dementia. Ruth needs help with daily tasks, so Amy has been assisting with grocery shopping and doctor’s appointments for months. Amy’s husband, John, has changed his work schedule to help out at Ruth’s house. Amy is part of the “sandwich generation,” middle-aged adults who care for their children and aging parents at the same time. This can be emotionally and financially overwhelming, but it’s not impossible. Here are five tips to help if you feel squeezed between these responsibilities. 1. HOLD A FAMILY MEETING Start by organizing and setting expectations. Hold a family meeting to discuss the various tasks — shopping, housework, doctor visits, kids’ activities, etc. Make a list, prioritize, and assign responsibilities. While you might handle most caregiving duties, you don’t have to do everything yourself. This meeting helps everyone feel included and responsible. Be specific about what help you need, so others know how to assist you. 2. GET PROFESSIONAL HELP You don’t need to be a financial advisor, lawyer, and social worker all in one. Work with professionals who understand the financial, legal, and emotional aspects affecting your family. Financial advisors can help with everything from college planning to retirement and long-term care. You can consolidate accounts to simplify asset tracking, income, and expenses. Start financial discussions early to avoid rushed, last-minute decisions. Know where your parents keep insurance policies, retirement plans, and bank accounts, and have a list of their doctors and other professionals. Legally, ensure your parents have an updated estate plan, especially their financial durable power of attorney — it’s the most important part of their plan. If they don’t, it is time to review and update it. 3. IT’S NOT YOUR MONEY! Just because you’re handling your parents’ finances doesn’t mean the money is yours. They worked hard for their savings. Keep track Welcome to the ‘Sandwich Generation’
of what you’re paying and why. Use checks or credit cards for easy tracking. Avoid using cash, as it’s harder to justify if questioned. 4. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF It’s easy to get lost in caring for everyone else and forget about yourself. Remember to recharge your physical and mental batteries. Exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep. Taking care of your health makes you better at caring for others. 5. LOSE THE GUILT Yes, let go of the guilt. You can’t be everywhere at once. Sometimes, taking care of your children and parents simultaneously is impossible, and that’s okay. You’re doing your best. Getting help from others can reduce your guilt. If volunteers aren’t available, consider hiring help. A senior care aide can assist your parents while you attend your son’s football game. A babysitter can watch your kids while you take your mom to the doctor. As difficult as it may seem, try to enjoy the moment. The people you’re caring for mean the most to you. Your parents won’t be here forever, and your children will grow up before you know it. Your care makes a big difference. And when things get especially frantic, it helps to remember these wise words from Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
CLEVELAND’S CATASTROPHIC BALLOON FEST THE GREAT DEFLATION
While you may have heard of Fyre Fest, the disastrous music festival that became the subject of documentaries on both Netflix and Hulu, you may not have heard of its record-setting older cousin, Cleveland’s BalloonFest ’86. The event was supposed to improve the city’s reputation. Instead, it became a notorious example of an event planned with good intentions that ended in disaster. MORE THAN JUST HOT AIR On Sept. 27, 1986, Cleveland held the 1986 BalloonFest as a fundraising event for United Way. This charitable organization works to provide access to health care, education, and economic mobility for underprivileged communities. The idea was simple: For every dollar donated to United Way by Cleveland schoolchildren, two balloons would be added to the celebration. At the end of fundraising, the tally was 1.4 million balloons: a world record. SHADOWS FROM ABOVE After volunteers spent a full night and morning preparing the balloons and the net meant to contain them, they were released in front of Terminal Tower in Cleveland’s Public Square. With more than 100,000 people filling downtown, events quickly went from majesty to misery. The launch
went well, but as a storm swept in, the cloud of multi-colored balloons turned into a giant plastic clump blocking air and street traffic and littering nearby Lake Erie.
WHAT THE HELIUM?! In addition to shutting down a local airport, helicopters could not operate over Lake Erie.
Tragically, a boat carrying two fishermen had been overturned that day, and the balloons made it impossible for the Coast Guard to mount rescue efforts in time to save them. The largest balloon-related disaster outside of the Hindenburg is also notable for setting a Guinness world record, as 1,429,643 balloons were released at once. Unfortunately, that record only makes the event more notorious rather than giving Cleveland the prestigious victory it sought. No wonder no one has attempted to break it since!
PACEMAKERS CAN ENHANCE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE
In 2007, Donna Lulay, a retired educator, underwent open-heart surgery to replace her aortic valve. Fast forward to 2023, she needed another surgery to replace the valve again. Despite the successful procedure, Donna faced a common complication: Her heartbeat was slower than usual, putting her at serious health risk. At 66 years old, she was informed that she needed a pacemaker to regulate her heartbeat. Nearly a year later, Donna could return to exercising and traveling, more confident in her heart’s ability to function. Anyone can benefit from a pacemaker like Donna did, but if you’re still nervous, here are facts to get you started. WHAT DOES A PACEMAKER DO? A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device implanted under the skin below the collarbone, with wires leading to the heart. It is used when the heart’s rhythm is abnormal — either too slow or disrupted. This device consists of a generator that provides electric impulses, sensors, and leads that deliver these impulses to the heart muscles. The pacemaker monitors the heart’s rhythm and corrects it when necessary. WHY MIGHT YOU NEED A PACEMAKER? People may need a pacemaker for various reasons, such as sinus node dysfunction, high-grade block, or damage from procedures like
open heart surgery. The procedure is relatively quick, only taking about one to two hours, and patients usually stay in the hospital overnight. Patients may have some restrictions on movement for a few weeks after the procedure.
Once implanted, the pacemaker is regularly monitored via a home system that sends data to the doctor’s office. This monitoring
helps manage issues, such as infections or complications with the tricuspid valve. Pacemaker batteries typically last five to seven years and are replaceable. Pacemakers are a life-changing
device that gives individuals with abnormal heart rhythms a chance to lead everyday and active lives. They effectively regulate the heartbeat, reducing the risk of severe heart complications and enhancing overall quality of life. If you have experienced these symptoms, a pacemaker will get you on the right track!
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
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Sudoku
An entire industry revolves around protecting our skin from the effects of aging. About 62% of Americans use products designed for mature skin every day. However, these individuals should be focused on taking critical steps to maintain healthy skin as they age instead of covering their skin in products that address the symptoms, not the cause, of their aging skin. Here are five common mistakes that can accelerate skin aging and even lead to serious health issues. NOT WEARING SUNSCREEN DAILY Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun cause cellular changes, leading to premature aging, known as photoaging, and increasing the risk of skin cancer. About 80 percent of facial aging is attributed to UV exposure. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and wearing sunglasses can protect against UV rays and potentially reverse photoaging. OVER-EXFOLIATING While exfoliating removes dead skin cells and debris, overdoing it can strip natural oils and damage the skin’s moisture barrier, making it look older. It is recommended to use gentle chemical exfoliation over physical exfoliants and not to exfoliate more than once a week or every two weeks for sensitive skin. USING IRRITATING SKIN CARE PRODUCTS Many people continue using products that irritate their skin. Older patients often resist changing long-standing routines, but using AGING GRACEFULLY Essential Skin Care Tips for Seniors
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Helpful Resources • Is your estate plan up to date? Ask us about our FREE Estate Planning Checkup. Call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. • Don’t miss Glenn on “Senior Law Radio,” WHMI FM 93.5 every Sunday at 8 a.m. You can also listen live (or to previous shows) on WHMI.com. • Questions about your money? Do you need help with your financial goals, investment management, or retirement planning? Glenn has partnered with his personal financial advisor, Brad Jerome, to bring expert financial services to our clients. Brad meets with you right in our office — no cost, no obligation, and no pressure — just an opportunity to discuss your goals with a top-notch financial advisor to see where your path might lead. You can reach Brad directly at 517.301.3070. • Let us be your trusted advisor for all your legal matters. We’ve grown with the referrals we receive from our clients. We want to return the favor by helping you find a great attorney outside of estate planning, elder law, and probate. Our clients often call us in need of an attorney who focuses on personal injury, auto accidents, elder and nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and many other areas. To get the best results, you need an experienced attorney to help. If you want a referral, call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. We are glad to help!
irritating products can cause more harm than good. INCORRECT USE OF HYALURONIC ACID
Hyaluronic acid is famous for its moisture-attracting properties. However, applying it to damp skin without sealing it with a moisturizer can dehydrate the skin by pulling water out.
Proper application is essential to reap its benefits. UNQUALIFIED SKIN CARE PROVIDERS Procedures like chemical peels, lasers, and
microdermabrasion can reduce signs of aging. However, if performed by unlicensed or inexperienced practitioners, they can cause redness, peeling, and worsening aging signs. Avoiding these mistakes and adopting proper skin care practices can significantly enhance skin health and slow aging.
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150 915 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 6 Howell, Michigan 48843
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
What’s Inside? 1
Balance Caring for Your Kids and Parents
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When Balloons Caused Chaos in Cleveland
The Role of Pacemakers in Modern Medicine
The Top 5 Skin Care Mistakes That Accelerate Aging
Helpful Resources
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Tips for Meditation Novices
Modern life is filled with distractions; while some may be harmless, others are negative and draining. Tuning out the noise and focusing on what’s important can be difficult. However, meditation can help focus your mind, combating stress while improving attention. If you want to improve your memory, attention span, and awareness, consider meditating. Meditation is easy to attempt and difficult to master, but the benefits are well worth the effort. Here is how to start your meditation journey. WHAT IS MEDITATION? Before you start, understand that meditation is an exercise for the mind. It has been used for millennia to relax, focus, and de- stress. There are many forms of meditation, from contemplation to mindfulness, each with different objectives. Unlike other workouts, there is no upfront investment. You don’t need dumbbells, ellipticals, or resistance bands — just time, a quiet space, and patience. GET STARTED WITH THE BASICS. First, take a seat somewhere quiet. Once settled in a stable position, close your eyes and focus on breathing in and out. While the goal is to stay focused on your breathing, it is natural START YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY
for your mind to wander — when it does, the key to successful meditation is to be kind to yourself, notice the thoughts, and then quickly refocus . After 5–10 minutes, you can open your eyes again and go about your day. The more you practice, the less your mind will wander, and the more effective the meditation will be. Like all forms of exercise, it is most effective when built into your daily routine. Best of all, it is easy to get started, and the benefits grow over time.
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