Caregiver

The holiday season, a time for joy and family gatherings, can be suddenly overshadowed when an elderly loved one experiences a fall. Such incidents are not only alarming but can also signify underlying health issues or the need for long-term care. As an Alabama elder law firm, we understand the complexities this situation presents, and we are here to guide you through the essential steps you should take if your loved one falls during the holidays. We have 5 steps for you to take right now if a loved one falls during the holidays.

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Alzheimer's Disease is a formidable adversary, characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and various behavioral changes. As the disease progresses, individuals may reach a point where living alone is no longer safe or feasible. Recognizing the warning signs early can lead to more proactive care and reduce the risk of accidents or significant health issues. 

Alongside assessing these signs, consulting an Alabama elder law attorney can be invaluable in helping families navigate the complexities of finding and funding suitable care. During November, when Alzheimer’s Disease is recognized nationally with National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, we want to help you better understand what you are facing.
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Are you a senior living in your own home in Alabama? Should you consider a medical alert system? As a senior are you concerned about health-related emergencies, especially a fall? Then a medical alert system could play a crucial role in providing emergency assistance and perhaps even save your life. Be aware that these life-saving technologies usually involve tools such as a wearable pendant, lanyard, bracelet, or phone app and include an emergency call button. 

So how do these medical alert systems protect Alabama seniors who choose to use them?  The alert device that the medical alert system provides can, when activated during a health crisis, send a signal for immediate medical assistance. Depending on the system, it can:

• Automatically contact 911,

• Connect the senior with a live agent from a care control center through a two-way intercom, and 

• Respond with a swift and appropriate response.

Is there anything more that can be included? In most circumstances, the answer is “yes.

Do you currently have an Alabama estate plan? When was it created? Has it been updated recently? What planning tools are included within it? And, perhaps even more importantly, does your Alabama estate plan reflect your current needs, values, family, and the legacy you want to leave at the time of your passing?

In our years of experience, the majority of the clients we work with understand the importance of creating an Alabama estate plan. Our clients want to proactively decide what should happen in a time of sudden crisis or death, and they do not want to leave their wishes either to chance or the Alabama state mandated process. Unfortunately, though, they do not keep in mind the upkeep a comprehensive Alabama estate plan requires. Your Alabama estate plan is a critical part of not only your estate, but your overall health and well being. With that said, your Alabama estate plan should not be left unattended and, instead, be reviewed at least every three years, if not every year, to make sure it will still work the way you need it to.
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Are you looking for ways to help the seniors in your family, neighborhood and community? Did you know that May is National Older Americans Month?  In fact, this celebration of our Older Americans is to encourage communities, families and loved ones to get involved in learning about the issues that our Older Americans face as they age. Do you have senior loved ones in your family? Do you have neighbors who are seniors? This month think about how you could help the Older Americans in your life by using the ideas below.

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Did you know that across the nation November is celebrated as National Family Caregivers Awareness Month? Are you the caregiver for a family member? Do you know someone who is a family caregiver? During the month of November, everyone across the nation is invited to celebrate the importance of all family caregivers.  Family caregivers provide a tremendous amount of both paid and unpaid care to aging loved ones in Alabama. In fact, across the nation there are over 53 million family caregivers hard at work. We know these family caregivers because they are our family, our friends, and our neighbors.

The holidays are over, the New Year is here, and for most of us the time spent with family has ended. During your time with family, we hope you were able to speak to and spend time with your aging parents.

While speaking with your parents, did you discuss the future?  Did you notice if they had any substantial issues or impairments that were not there last year? Did they talk to you about any new diagnoses or changes to medications?  Finally, were you able to address concerns you, or they, may have about long-term care planning?

Have you completed your Alabama estate planning for your loved one with special needs? We know this is a difficult topic to discuss as well as how hard it may be to contemplate a time when you are no longer here to provide for and protect your loved one. With as  many challenges as you and your loved one may face, however, you cannot wait to complete your Alabama estate planning. 

It is important to plan ahead for the long-term future of your loved one with special needs. Whether it is during this month of October, when there is national awareness on Special Needs Planning, or any time throughout the year, creating the estate plan you need is of critical importance.