Check out our August newsletter!
Peace of Mind Post
AUGUST 2022
NOW IT’S TIME TO PLAN FOR THEM! YOUR PETS ARE FAMILY
what happens to your pet when you die. But what happens if you become sick or injured and unable to care for your animal? Not many people think about what happens to pets if you’re still alive and something happens to you. This is why I created the Four-Legged Family Member plan to assist my clients with the “what-ifs” of pet ownership. Planning for your pets is similar to planning the rest of your estate. You can leave directions about how you want your pet to be cared for and who will care for them as well as money to cover expenses and emergencies. Establishing your wishes will give you peace of mind if you get sick and are unable to care for them. The Four-Legged Family Member plan is the newest edition at Trinity Elder Law & Estate Plan. I created this service last June and received great feedback from my clients. However, my clients have one question when planning for their pets: Why should the person caring for my pet be different than the one handling my finances? I can understand why you would want the same person to control both, but it’s not the best idea. It can be challenging to juggle caring for a pet and managing finances. I
I always said I would never become one of those people who consider their pets as children. But I must confess, I do think of my furry friends as my kids. I enjoy spending time with my animals, and I’m honored I’m the one who gets to take care of them. As you know, I have a horse named Sassy, who I’ve talked about in a previous newsletter. But since we are in the “dog days” of summer, I wanted to introduce you to my cute but slightly wild dog named Mo, whom I call Puppy Mo. I got Puppy Mo in January 2021, and he was given to me by a good friend who unfortunately recently passed away. My previous dog passed during the pandemic, which was a heartbreaking experience. It’s always difficult to lose a pet, but the journey of caring and loving for them is worthwhile. I’m excited to take this journey with Puppy Mo and create lifelong memories with him. One of the ways I care for my animals is planning for them in my estate plan. Unfortunately, planning for your pet is mainly an afterthought for most people. If a pet owner’s animals are addressed at all, the main focus is who will care for the pet once the owner passes away. Some pet owners will create pet trusts, but those only address
recommend having two different people because you want to establish a system of checks and balances. If the same person is in charge of both, it can be easy to blur the lines of their responsibilities. For example, they could use the finances you left for your pet to pay for their pet or personal needs. If the same person is the financial power of attorney and pet caregiver, no one will ensure your wishes are being followed. This is why we recommend separate individuals for each responsibility — it helps keep others accountable and divides the tasks. My animals bring so much love and joy into my life, and I want to ensure they are protected and cared for if I can’t offer that to them. This is why I plan for my four-legged family members. If you’re interested in doing the same, please visit FourLeggedFamilyMembers.com to learn more and get started. Together, we can protect all of your loved ones — both two- legged and four-legged.
724.256.8850
1
Caring for Someon
3 TIPS FOR SENIORS BEFORE BUYING AN RV EMBARKING ON AN RV JOURNEY You can tour the country without ever having to leave your home — motor home, that is! Seniors around the country are all hopping aboard the RV train because it’s a great way to get up close and personal with nature while being free to go where you want. One morning, your backyard can be Yellowstone National Park, and the next, you’re in the Mojave Desert! If you’re looking to purchase an RV in your golden years, here are some tips. Rent one first. Renting an RV before you make the commitment to buy one is the way to go, especially if you’ve never taken a trip in one before! This way, you can take it for a nice long test drive and determine which features are must-haves and which you can do without. It’s also a great way to make sure you’re okay being in such a small space with your family, partner, or travel buddy! Don’t rule out pre-owned RVs. RVs can be expensive, depending on which model you are looking into. In some cases, opting to purchase a pre-owned RV can save you a great deal of money. And, if you get a great deal on a pre-owned one, you can repair, renovate, and redecorate it to your liking with the money you saved. An additional perk is that insurance is usually cheaper on pre-owned RVs! Do your research. There is much more to buying an RV beyond the actual shopping experience. You have to also learn to drive and/or tow it! Before making a purchase, be sure to research and look up reviews on the driving experiences of other owners of the same make and model. An RV can be a second home, so take your time and make sure you’re getting exactly what you want. Before making your decision and pulling the trigger on your brand- new RV, make sure you’ve done your homework and are prepared for life on the road! A huge adventure awaits — the best thing you can be is prepared!
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be a difficult and confusing time for you and your loved one who is suffering from this disease. As the primary caregiver, your responsibility is to manage and assist your loved one with
their everyday tasks and routine, but it can be challenging. Here are a few tips to help you on your caregiver journey.
For Everyday Care • Create a daily routine and stick to it! Following a routine will allow your loved one to expect what their day will consist of. This repetitive action will help them know how their day begins and ends. Likewise, if there is an activity they want to do, try to schedule it at the same time each day for consistency.
• Provide choices for your loved one. They don’t have to be anything significant; even
small choices such as asking them what they want to eat, wear, or do will work. Allowing them to choose will give them a sense of control and independence. It also involves them in the daily routine, which can help them feel accomplished.
Puzzle Time!
Answers:
www.TrinityElderLaw.com
2
ne With Alzheimer’s?
ENJOY THE FRESH AIR! 3 Restaurants With Outdoor Dining National Eat Outside Day is Aug. 31. This day encourages everyone to get some fresh air and enjoy an outdoor meal with their loved ones. So let’s enjoy the little bit of summer we have left by soaking up the sun one last time! Here are some of our favorite restaurants that have outdoor seating. Hotel Saxonburg 220 W Main St. HotelSaxonburg.com If you’re looking for amazing cuisines, casual elegance, and a team that treats you like family, look no further!
For Everyday Communication • Limit distractions when conversing with them. It may be hard for your loved ones to communicate with you if a lot is happening. Noises from the radio or TV can overwhelm and overstimulate them, making it difficult to voice their concerns or requests.
•
When they are talking to you, listen carefully to their needs. Dealing with this diagnosis is a confusing time for them, so show them that you understand their difficulties and offer solutions to help them feel as comfortable as possible. • Avoid saying, “Don’t you remember?” This can cause them stress and anxiety, which you want to avoid. They don’t mean to forget these facts about their lives, and using this phrase could make them feel bad about themselves.
Hotel Saxonburg will provide you with a dining experience like no other. The cozy, old-American feel of the hotel will make you feel like you went back in time. In addition, the outdoor patio is quite refreshing for enjoying the fresh air. And best of all, you’ll get to try mouth-watering dishes from award- winning chef Alan Green.
If you need more information about caregiving, Julie Anderson wrote a book titled “You’re Not Alone: Living as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver,” which provides more details on how to be the best caregiver to your loved one. If you want a FREE copy of this book, call us today, or go to TrinityElderLaw.com/470-2 for more information.
The Brick House
118 N Main St. BrickHouseButler.com/Page/
Page/4912480.htm The Brick House is a family-owned and family-friendly restaurant that has proudly served Butler, Pennsylvania, since 2000. But this restaurant is way more than meets the eye. On top of its game room, bars, and outdoor seating, The Brick House spans three buildings, which provides plenty of room to host events. From a 300-plus person wedding reception to a 20-person birthday party, The Brick House is your go-to place for all of your party needs. Anna Marie’s Winery & Cafe 790 E Butler Rd. AnnaMariesWineryAndCafe.com Do you need a taste of Italy? Anna Marie’s Winery & Cafe is the perfect spot for delicious
TASTY BRUSCHETTA CHICKEN
Ingredients
•
4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
• • • • • •
3 tomatoes, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped Salt and pepper, to taste 4 slices mozzarella cheese Parmesan cheese, grated
• • • •
4 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice, divided
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Directions
1. Add chicken to a large resealable bag. 2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour over chicken and seal. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 3. Turn a grill to medium-high heat and add the chicken. Discard the marinade. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. 4. Combine the remaining lemon juice, tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Add salt and pepper, to taste. 5. Before taking the chicken off the grill, top each breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook 2–3 minutes, then serve topped with the tomato mixture and grated Parmesan cheese. Inspired by Delish.com
Italian cuisine. The intimate atmosphere inside or outside will allow you to spend quality, uninterrupted time with your loved ones. During your visit, try some of their handcrafted white or red wine. If you’re looking for a location to hold your wedding ceremony and reception, this place will be at the top of your list. So visit today and have a little taste of Italy!
724.256.8850
3
340 N. Main St., Suite 103 Butler, PA 16001 724.256.8850 www.TrinityElderLaw.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE This Issue
1
Get Started With the Four-Legged Family Member Plan!
2
What to Consider Before Buying an RV Tips for Caring for a Loved One With Alzheimer’s
3
Tasty Bruschetta Chicken Take Your Meals Outside on Aug. 31
4
Pigs Are Brave and Loyal Pets, Too!
BY DIALING 911 LULU THE PIG IS A HERO! SHE SAVED HER OWNER FROM A HEART ATTACK
After 45 minutes, a gentleman on a motorcycle pulled over to check on Lulu. She immediately perked up and began walking toward the house, leaving a trail of blood behind her as she walked. The man followed Lulu and found Altsman unconscious on the ground. He quickly dialed 911 and asked for assistance. When the medics put her owner in the ambulance, Lulu attempted to get in with them. Of course, she couldn’t come, so she began to squeal as she watched the medics take her mom away. Thankfully, Lulu’s wounds were attended to, and Altsman received life-saving open-heart surgery at the Beaver Medical Center.
Lulu captured the hearts of the Altsmans when their daughter asked them to pet-sit her overweight pot-bellied pig. The pair quickly fell in love with Lulu, and their bond got stronger each day. This relationship was literally life-saving when the wife suffered a heart attack one August afternoon. Jo Ann Altsman was home alone with Lulu and their dog, Bear, when the incident occurred. Her husband was off on a fishing trip, and the pair didn’t have any neighbors nearby. Bear began to bark to try and get someone’s attention, but Lulu knew she had to do something before it was too late. So, she made her way out of the doggie door, which badly scraped her belly as she exited. Lulu had never left the yard, but today was different. To get some attention, she decided to lie down in the middle of the road and play dead until a car stopped to check on her. After several minutes of lying on the street, several cars passed by but didn’t stop. So, she checked on her owner, then squeezed through the doggie door and lay down on the road again.
Because of her loyalty and creative thinking, this pot-bellied pig became a celebrity overnight! She was a guest on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and the “Late Show With David Letterman.” Everyone fell in love with Lulu and her heroism.
Thank you, Lulu, for being a loyal and brave pet!
www.TrinityElderLaw.com
4
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator