Three Reasons to Consider a Family Caregiver Contract

Contributed by: Sandra Adams, CFP®

Many family members are drawn into caregiving out of love. Most times, it is the female child that is pulled into the role of caregiver as a parent ages and has increasing needs. The statistics are overwhelming…

• 66 million people in the U.S. provide unpaid care to a relative or friend.*

• 70% of caregivers report making adjustments to work schedules, or quit work altogether, to accommodate caregiving responsibilities.  Caregivers may reduce their hours at work or forfeit promotions and benefits.**

• A 2011 study showed that caregivers lost $303,880 in wages, Social Security benefits, and private pensions over their lifetime as a result of caregiving responsibilities.**

It is important to understand that caregiving and care needs can have serious consequences for the entire family, and that careful planning is important to ensure financial stability for all parties involved. 

When to Officially Hire a Family Member

In many cases, skilled care is needed, and that care needs to be provided by trained and licensed medical professionals.  However, there are other needs (i.e. transportation, housekeeping, etc.) that can be provided by a family member.  In these cases, you can consider officially hiring a family member under a paid family caregiver contract.  A family caregiver contract is a legal employment contract that defines the care and compensation expectations between the aging parent and the family member providing the care.  Here are three reasons for a family to consider using a family caregiver contract:

1. The family member providing the care (the caregiver) can be receiving financial compensation for providing care, especially when they may have had to reduce or give up entirely their paid employment. The caregiver is provided a chance for continued financial stability.

2. It can help avoid misunderstandings and bad feelings with other family members about who is providing care and how much money is changing hands.  The agreement can be very specific and can be tied to the aging parent’s overall estate planning.

3. If the aging parent ever needs to enter a nursing home or needs Medicaid to pay for long term care needs, the agreement can show that payments for the care to the family member were legitimate and were not made in an attempt to “hide” or “gift” funds in order to qualify for Medicaid.

When it comes to planning for aging parents and coordinating the caregiving roles amongst family members, things can get complicated very quickly.  It often comes down to the one who is nearest, not who has the time or the money, that becomes the caregiver.  Making things fair and giving your parent and the sibling(s) who provide care the best chance for financial stability along the way is the best course of action.  Work with your financial planner and a team of experts to come up with a plan for your family that may include an elder law attorney to consider tools like a family caregiver contract.

Sandra Adams, CFP® is a Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Sandy specializes in Elder Care Financial Planning and is a frequent speaker on related topics. In 2012-2014 Sandy has been named to the Five Star Wealth Managers list in Detroit Hour magazine. In addition to her frequent contributions to Money Centered, she is regularly quoted in national media publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Research Magazine and Journal of Financial Planning.

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Five Star Award is based on advisor being credentialed as an investment advisory representative (IAR), a FINRA registered representative, a CPA or a licensed attorney, including education and professional designations, actively employed in the industry for five years, favorable regulatory and complaint history review, fulfillment of firm review based on internal firm standards, accepting new clients, one- and five-year client retention rates, non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered, number of client households served.

*National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. Caregiving in the U.S., 2009.

**The MetLife Mature Market Institute, MetLife Study of Caregiving Costs to Working Caregivers, June 2011.

The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Sandra Adams and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users and/or members.

Three Keys to Successful Aging

 Most clients look forward to retirement as a time of freedom -- a time of fulfilling lifelong dreams of travel, pursuing passions, and spending quality time with family and friends. They work with professional advisors to make sure that they have the financial resources available to fund their retirement goals. Retirement income planning, Social Security planning, and investment planning are all part of the mix. Early in retirement, many of our clients don't pay as much consideration to the aging process.  What can be done to insure that with successful retirement comes successful aging?

At The Center, we work with hundreds of clients at various stages of retirement and aging.

Observing the success stories, we’ve observed these three keys to successful aging.

1. Positive Mindset/Attitude: Those that age successfully don't see themselves as "old" or "elderly". They don't dwell on the fact that they may begin to slow down or develop health issues. They focus on what they can do, not on what they might not be able to do.
2. Plan Ahead: Those that age successfully plan ahead for their future retirement and aging. They make sure that legal and financial plans are in place in the case aging slows them down. They think about alternatives for housing, health care and long term care and they talk to their families about their preferences so when/if the time arises, plans are in place. This allows these clients to live in the now, knowing that they have things covered when/if needed.
3. Take Action: Having a positive attitude and putting together a plan get you a large part of the way towards successful aging. The critical third step is to take action. Clients who age successfully take their positive attitude and use it to stay active, stay healthy and stay engaged. They make plans and put the important pieces in place so that they are ready to go as soon as the need arises -- they work with their financial planner to put together a team (including financial, legal and health care) for their successful aging. AND they make sure that the professional team is engaged with the family members and friends.

While we have often heard from clients that "getting older is no walk in the park," with a positive attitude, proper planning and appropriate actions, aging successfully is possible. Talk to your financial planner about what additional planning you can do to make sure you are one of the success stories.

Sandra Adams, CFP® is a Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Sandy specializes in Elder Care Financial Planning and is a frequent speaker on related topics. In 2012-2014 Sandy has been named to the Five Star Wealth Managers list in Detroit Hour magazine. In addition to her frequent contributions to Money Centered, she is regularly quoted in national media publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Research Magazine and Journal of Financial Planning.

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Five Star Award is based on advisor being credentialed as an investment advisory representative (IAR), a FINRA registered representative, a CPA or a licensed attorney, including education and professional designations, actively employed in the industry for five years, favorable regulatory and complaint history review, fulfillment of firm review based on internal firm standards, accepting new clients, one- and five-year client retention rates, non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered, number of client households served.

Any opinions are those of Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. C14-043035

"The Other Talk"—Expressing Your Plans for Aging

 Remember that all-important rite of passage? Having "the talk" with your kids about the birds and the bees? You thought for weeks...maybe months...about the words you would choose, how you would answer the challenging questions and handle the emotions involved. Now might be the time to experience another rite of passage, and have “the other talk" with your children about your plans for your life as you age.

A Helpful Conversation Starter

Holidays are a time when families gather together from near and far; a rare time when parents and siblings are gathered together to catch up on developments of the past year. Before your holiday gathering, take the time to think about how you might bring up the topic of your life as you get older, and how your family can help to support you. A book recently released by the AARP, titled "The Other Talk: A Guide to Talking with Your Adult Children About the Rest of Your Life," might help you to prepare you for this conversation. When you have “the other talk” you’ll want to communicate your current situation, as well as express your wishes for your future living situation and care.

Steps to Prepare for the Talk

In addition to reading the book, here are a few action steps to take to prepare for "the other talk":

Get your records in order: Click hereto use our Personal Financial Record Keeping Document to document things like your insurance policies, your investment accounts, your estate planning documents, the professionals your work with, etc. In addition, gather information about your doctors, medical conditions and medications.

Prepare the paperwork: Gather copies of your current estate planning documents, and consider providing copies to your children.

Cover the bases: Use our Future Care Checklist to determine what topics you might need to discuss and plan for that your haven't already thought of.

If you feel that it might be easier or more productive to hold a family meeting with a facilitator, contact your financial planner to schedule this meeting. Having "the other talk," whether on your own at holiday time or facilitated by your financial planner, will help you address the important issues about your aging in advance of a crisis, allowing you the time and the space to enjoy your life and your family.

Sandra Adams, CFP® is a Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Sandy specializes in Elder Care Financial Planning and is a frequent speaker on related topics. In 2012-2014 Sandy has been named to the Five Star Wealth Managers list in Detroit Hour magazine. In addition to her frequent contributions to Money Centered, she is regularly quoted in national media publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Research Magazine and Journal of Financial Planning.

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Five Star Award is based on advisor being credentialed as an investment advisory representative (IAR), a FINRA registered representative, a CPA or a licensed attorney, including education and professional designations, actively employed in the industry for five years, favorable regulatory and complaint history review, fulfillment of firm review based on internal firm standards, accepting new clients, one- and five-year client retention rates, non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered, number of client households served. C14-040146

The 3 Biggest Risks to Caregivers

 November is National Caregiver’s Month.  According to the Caregiver Action Network (CAN), there are over 90 million family caregivers in the United States; that is about 39% of all adult Americans that are caring for a loved one who is sick or disabled.  Being a caregiver is a difficult job – one that carries many risks.

Caregivers sacrifice of themselves on every level in an effort to care for those they love, but often at a great cost to their health, well-being and financial situation. 

Biggest Risks to Caregivers:

(1)   Risk to Health:  According to a 1999 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, highly strained family caregivers are at risk for premature mortality (Schulz & Beach, 1999). Other studies indicate that caregivers are at risk for increased mortality, coronary heart disease and stroke, particularly under conditions of high strain.  Take Action:  Make sure you are eating right, exercising and addressing your own medical conditions.  This may mean asking other friends, family or professional caregivers for assistance.

(2)   Risk to Well-Being:  Mental health and balanced life are at risk when caregivers focus more upon their loved ones than themselves.  Unfortunately, not taking the time to rest and rejuvenate – to take a mental break and enjoy one’s own interests – can cause major mental, emotional and medical stress to the caregiver, making them unavailable to care for their loved ones.  Take Action:  Seek out caregiver support groups in your local community and/or with condition-specific organizations, talk to friends and family to seek support, and make sure you take time to do things to care for you (seek spiritual support, write/blog about your journey, etc.).

(3)   Risk to Finances:  According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and Evercare, nearly half of working caregivers report that caregiving expenses have depleted most – or even all – of their savings.  Individuals are sacrificing their own financial security and future retirement in their caregiving role.  Take Action:  Seek the services of professionals to form a strategy for paying for your loved one’s care, as well as planning your own current and future financial needs.  Your professional team should include a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, a CPA and an Estate Planning Attorney (possibly one who specializes in Elder Law). 

If you or someone you know is a caregiver, taking action to address these 3 risks is necessary to maintain health, sanity and well-being.  If you have questions regarding resources for caregivers or professional resources for elder care planning, please contact me.

Sandra Adams, CFP® is a Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Sandy specializes in Elder Care Financial Planning and is a frequent speaker on related topics. In 2012-2014 Sandy has been named to the Five Star Wealth Managers list in Detroit Hour magazine. In addition to her frequent contributions to Money Centered, she is regularly quoted in national media publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Research Magazine and Journal of Financial Planning.

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Five Star Award is based on advisor being credentialed as an investment advisory representative (IAR), a FINRA registered representative, a CPA or a licensed attorney, including education and professional designations, actively employed in the industry for five years, favorable regulatory and complaint history review, fulfillment of firm review based on internal firm standards, accepting new clients, one- and five-year client retention rates, non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered, number of client households served.

This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and not necessarily those of Raymond James. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Consult a legal professional for any legal matters. C14-038184

Elder Care Planning: Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

 In last month's post, we talked about Assisted Living as a housing option for older adults.  But do you know about CCRCs or Continuing Care Retirement Communities? CCRCs are an option for those older adults who have the financial means to support this type of housing. 

What is a CCRC?

In general terms, a CCRC is the most comprehensive of all housing options that can satisfy the needs/wants of those older adults who are healthy and active, as well as those who need assistance and those who need skilled nursing care.  The structure of these communities provides individual residences (usually in the form of an apartment or condo) for independent living, but provide options within the community for assisted living or nursing care. Once you move to the CCRC, you never have to move again!  CCRCs are not for the financially faint of heart – they generally require a buy-in/entrance fee and a monthly service fee.  However, most communities guarantee that once your are approved and have moved in, you will never have to leave, regardless of your future financial position,.

How, might you ask, do CCRCs look when we view them in the context of our 4 “C’s”(Comfort, Convenience, Companionship and Care)?

Peace of Mind and Comfort Knowing You Never Need to Move

As an older adult, making the decision to move from your home is a big one – one that you likely don’t want to make more than once.  Moving to a CCRC allows you to make that decision only once. No matter what needs you have as you age, they will be provided for in the CCRC.  You should make sure that you are aware of how possible transitions will work within the specific communities that you look at and the financial impact of each. Especially for married couples, there may be significant additional financial costs if one needs assisted or nursing care and the other remains independent.

Convenience of…everything!

CCRCs provide most conveniences of everyday living:

• Transportation if you can’t or don’t want to drive on your own.
• Activities – usually a full gym, clubs, social activities, classes and entertainment on community grounds, as well as organized trips off campus.
• Restaurants, banks and visits from dentist, eye doctors, etc. are generally available on campus.
• Services of all kinds are usually available (maintenance and cleaning for your residence; food plans so you don’t have to cook, etc.)

Companionship of All Kinds

In working with clients who live in CCRCs, I have found that they can always be around people and be busy…if they want to be.  The options available to interact with others that have similar interests are many…usually more than you have time for.  I have found that moving to these communities, for many, has resulted in an improvement in quality of life.

Care at Every Level

Ideally, you consider moving to a CCRC when you are completely independent and have no need for assistance, so that you can engage in all that these communities have to offer.  However, if and when assistance is needed, you can be certain that it will be available.  Assistance can be provided within the independent living units or within the community at a different location – every level of care can be provided for without another move being required.

If you or someone you know thinks they may need to look at the possibility of moving to a CCRC, I recommend (as always) to plan ahead AND to consult your financial planner to make sure that your finances are sufficient.   Please contact me if you need additional resources or have additional questions about this or other housing options.

Sandra Adams, CFP® is a Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Sandy specializes in Elder Care Financial Planning and is a frequent speaker on related topics. In 2012-2014 Sandy has been named to the Five Star Wealth Managers list in Detroit Hour magazine. In addition to her frequent contributions to Money Centered, she is regularly quoted in national media publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Research Magazine and Journal of Financial Planning.

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Five Star Award is based on advisor being credentialed as an investment advisory representative (IAR), a FINRA registered representative, a CPA or a licensed attorney, including education and professional designations, actively employed in the industry for five years, favorable regulatory and complaint history review, fulfillment of firm review based on internal firm standards, accepting new clients, one- and five-year client retention rates, non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered, number of client households served.

Any opinions are those of Sandra Adams and not necessarily those of Raymond James. C14-028648

Elder Care Planning: Assisted Living

 In last month's post we talked about how most older adults would prefer to age in their own homes (age in place). This is often possible for a lifetime, but for some, physical and/or cognitive decline makes it necessary to look at housing options that provide care on-site. According to the recent Legg Mason study on Aging Clients, the national average cost to live in an assisted living community is $3,500 to $5,000 a month.

As we meet with our clients, we find that there are several reasons why looking for an assisted living community makes more sense than trying to age in place. These reasons can be reviewed looking at the 4 "C's": Comfort, Convenience, Companionship and Care.

Comfort in Knowing Care is Available

An older couple may find that they can no longer safely assist each other.  One person may require more assistance than the other, but caregiving can be extremely difficult and can often put the healthier spouse at risk for harm.  Or a widowed client, without family able to help, may find that bringing care into the home becomes too cost-prohibitive as the need for more hours of assistance escalates.  Just knowing that a qualified care provider is available within the community at all times can provide comfort in the way of peace of mind.

Convenience of Resources

Assisted Living communities, while they are not "home," can provide conveniences not available to those who choose to age in place.  Meals are provided, so it is no longer necessary to cook.  Care providers are available on-site.  And things like transportation and organized trips are readily available.

Companionship Right Outside the Door

One of the biggest challenges for older adults can be socialization and companionship.  An assisted living community allows individuals the space to be by themselves, when and if they desire. But when having a conversation with someone is desired, it is literally right outside the door. Community rooms, small gathering areas, and organized social activities are readily available, providing a way to stay engaged and connected.

Care is Always There

The ability to make a call and have a care provider available in a moment's notice can be invaluable for older adults, especially those who are alone.  Knowing that help is near can also ease the burden of worry.

If you or someone you know thinks they may need to look at an assisted living community in the future, I recommend (as always) planning ahead.  Begin by researching assisted living communities that will fit your specific needs:

• Vicinity to your home community and/or to family members
• Services provided by the community fit your needs
• Comfort level with the community and the types of residents

Include your family members in the discussion – consider potential challenges, resources and options. And last, but not least, take a look at cost.  Discussing the financial impact of future housing decisions with your financial planner is important and can help ensure financial independence for a lifetime.

Sandra Adams, CFP® is a Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Sandy specializes in Elder Care Financial Planning and is a frequent speaker on related topics. In 2012-2014 Sandy has been named to the Five Star Wealth Managers list in Detroit Hour magazine. In addition to her frequent contributions to Money Centered, she is regularly quoted in national media publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Research Magazine and Journal of Financial Planning.

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Five Star Award is based on advisor being credentialed as an investment advisory representative (IAR), a FINRA registered representative, a CPA or a licensed attorney, including education and professional designations, actively employed in the industry for five years, favorable regulatory and complaint history review, fulfillment of firm review based on internal firm standards, accepting new clients, one- and five-year client retention rates, non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered, number of client households served.

Any opinions are those of Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and not necessarily those of Raymond James. C14-028648

Elder Care Planning: Aging in Place

 In last month’s Elder Care Planning post, we looked at the 4 “C’s” when it comes to housing decisions for older adults; Comfort, Convenience, Companionship and Care. For many, those factors add up to a desire to “age in place.” According to a recent AARP survey, nearly 90 percent of those over age 65 want to stay in their residence for as long as possible and over 80 percent believe that their current home is where they will always live.  The MIT AgeLab reports that close to 90% of all Americans do, indeed, age in their own homes.  So, when it comes to aging in place, what challenges and opportunities come into play when we look at the 4 “C’s”?

Modifying for Comfort

Many people are most comfortable in their own homes.  However, comfort also includes “safety” and this can be a challenge as an individual ages.  Choosing to age in place means planning ahead to make sure that the current living situation is safe as health and mobility changes occur.  There may be a need to have the home modified or remodeled to make aging in place possible.  This can include things like widening doors, adding grab bars, adding a walk-in shower, moving the laundry room to the first floor and adding a chair lift or elevator to a two story home.  These changes can be expensive.

When Convenience Vanishes

The ability for individuals to stay in their own communities and be near people and places they know is of great value.  Depending on the location of the home, it may become a challenge to get to those places that once seemed so handy.  Mobility and transportation may become an issue, which means that it’s important to plan ahead and find resources to help.  Finding a friend, family member, or hired caregiver to assist with mobility and/or transportation can be a solution.  Also, try researching local Area Agency on Aging and Senior Centers that offer transportation services.

Finding Companionship

Once an older adult is on their own in their own home, one of the biggest challenges can be companionship.  Staying social and engaged is vital to successful aging, so for those who live alone, it is important to stay connected.  For some, that means engaging often with family members, friends, and neighbors.  For others, that means finding ways to get to social events, church services, classes, or other activities out of the home.  This may mean hiring a companion or caregiver who can visit several times a week. 

Care at a High Cost

The care component can be the most costly from a financial perspective for those who choose to age in place.  As individuals age, particularly those with chronic health conditions, care needs can be significant.  For some, there are family members and friends who can assist.  However, many people must hire caregivers to provide medical and non-medical assistance.  For those who need full-time care and assistance, the cost to age in place can be high … $10k  - $15k a month*! This is an expense many cannot afford. 

Working with a planning team, including a financial planner, can help older adults plan for what might lie ahead. By identifying future challenges, you can put resources in place.  Planning ahead provides the best opportunity to live the life you wish – at home or elsewhere.

In future posts, we will look at additional housing options for older adults.

This is one post in a running series that addresses Elder Care planning topics.  If you have a specific question or issue you’d like addressed, please contact me at Sandy.Adams@CenterFinPlan.com.

Sandra Adams, CFP® is a Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Sandy specializes in Elder Care Financial Planning and is a frequent speaker on related topics. In 2012-2014 Sandy has been named to the Five Star Wealth Managers list in Detroit Hour magazine. In addition to her frequent contributions to Money Centered, she is regularly quoted in national media publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Research Magazine and Journal of Financial Planning.

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Five Star Award is based on advisor being credentialed as an investment advisory representative (IAR), a FINRA registered representative, a CPA or a licensed attorney, including education and professional designations, actively employed in the industry for five years, favorable regulatory and complaint history review, fulfillment of firm review based on internal firm standards, accepting new clients, one- and five-year client retention rates, non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered, number of client households served.

*Source: The 2012 MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home, Assisted Living, Adult Day Services, and Home Care Costs

This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and not necessarily those of Raymond James. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. C14-025162

Elder Care Planning: Housing

 Who will change my light bulbs? How will I get an ice cream cone? Who will I have lunch with? These three questions have been the crux of intense research at the MIT AgeLab. Researchers there believe answers to those questions will provide invaluable insight when addressing issues of housing and quality of life for older adults.  The questions can also serve as great conversation starters to address the all-important question, “Where will I live as I age?” This question is often avoided until a crisis occurs.

I am finding the housing issue is coming up more and more often as I meet with older adult clients and their families.  For most, the decisions are less about the money (although the financial component is an important one) and more about the 4 “C’s”:  Comfort, Convenience, Companionship and Care.  Think about MIT AgeLab’s 3 questions with the 4 “C’s” in mind:

Who will change my light bulbs?

Consider who will do the day-to-day maintenance tasks and make sure that the living environment is safe and comfortable. If the older adult cannot do this on his or her own, bring in help to the home or move somewhere that provides these services.

How will I get an ice cream cone?

More than just ice cream, consider how the older adult will be able to access the big and small things that make them happy.  Answers to these questions may help determine where it might be feasible to live based on transportation challenges/needs, proximity and availability of shopping, worship and entertainment.

Who will I have lunch with?

Many older adults face a decline in the number of friends and relatives in their social network; socialization is vital to happy and healthy aging.  Consider availability and access to other people in the older adult’s social network when reviewing housing options.

The options for housing are many – age in place (may require home modifications), independent living retirement communities, assisted living, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities, and many other variations.  It’s important to fully consider the challenges, preferences and current and future needs when making the decision. And a team of advisors, including your financial planner, can help you consider the options.

In future posts, we will look more closely at each of the most common housing options in more detail.

This blog is part of an ongoing series that addresses Elder Care planning topics.  If you have a specific question or issues you’d like addressed, please contact me at Sandy.Adams@CenterFinPlan.com.

Sandra Adams, CFP® is a Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Sandy specializes in Elder Care Financial Planning and is a frequent speaker on related topics. In 2012-2014 Sandy has been named to the Five Star Wealth Managers list in Detroit Hour magazine. In addition to her frequent contributions to Money Centered, she is regularly quoted in national media publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Research Magazine and Journal of Financial Planning.

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Five Star Award is based on advisor being credentialed as an investment advisory representative (IAR), a FINRA registered representative, a CPA or a licensed attorney, including education and professional designations, actively employed in the industry for five years, favorable regulatory and complaint history review, fulfillment of firm review based on internal firm standards, accepting new clients, one- and five-year client retention rates, non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered, number of client households served.

Any opinions are those of Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and not necessarily those of Raymond James. C14-020079

Eldercare: Roadmap for Aging Parents encourages Team Approach

From financial strain to the emotional effects, there are many layers to the issues a family faces as a parent ages. At a recent Center-sponsored event, Eldercare: A Roadmap for Aging Parents, our expert on eldercare issues Sandra D. Adams, CFP® teamed up with Peter Lichtenberg, Director for Wayne State University’s Institute Of Gerontology program and Becky Eizen of Feinberg Consulting.

Eldercare Topics of Conflict

When it comes to the most common “topics of conflict” between aging parents and their caregiving adult children, Lichtenberg recommends developing new and more positive communication strategies. One such strategy includes:

1. Learning your older adult’s story

2. Expressing your views and feelings to them

3. Problem-solving together

When a parent and adult child take a team approach with open lines of communication, the important decisions that come with eldercare can be much easier to make.

Caregivers Finding Balance

Caregivers often get lost in the mix and finding time to take care of your own needs can be difficult. There are emotional, physical, and financial effects of being a caregiver and Becky Eizen says you need to know when it’s time to ask for help. That includes knowing how to ask for help, finding the right resources, considering your options, and putting together the right team. It’s important to look at short- and long-term needs and identify different housing options, such as living at home vs. assisted living facilities. Eizen says one question that can be overlooked is: Do you qualify for VA benefits?

Eldercare Resources for You

The Center has a list of resources that available from both speakers.  If you would like more information, call or email Gerri at Gerri.Harmer@Centerfinplan.com. We have a wealth of information on the subject and would love to share it with you. Contact Sandy if you want to know how we can help you build your eldercare team.

Any opinions are those of Sandy Adams and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The opinions and services of Peter Lichtenberg, Becky Eizen, WSU Institute of Gerontology, and Feinberg Consulting are independent of Raymond James. C14-018035

Elder Care Planning: Dementia Rates and What They Mean to You

 Getting out of bed, getting dressed, feeding, and bathing … they are all simple acts that can become daunting, even impossible for millions of Americans struggling with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. As the population of those 65 and older continues to expand, so do the dementia rates.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2014 report, by 2050 half of the population 65 and older could have Alzheimer’s disease. The current statistics aren’t quite so startling, but they do shed light on the scope of the issue:

• One in nine people age 65 and older (11%) has Alzheimer’s disease
• About one-third of people 85 and older (32%) have Alzheimer’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease is officially listed as the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States

Alzheimer’s disease takes a heavy toll on women in two significant ways. First, almost two-thirds of Alzheimer’s cases in the country are women. The report attributes this to women living longer, on average, than men, and older age being the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Also, the burden of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease often falls on women. These unpaid caregivers are often immediate family members, but can be relatives or friends.

In 2013, these individuals provided an estimated 17.7 billion hours of informal (that is, unpaid) care, a contribution to the nation valued at over $220.2 billion. This is approximately half of the net value of Wal-Mart sales in 2012 ($443.9 billion) and nearly eight times the total revenue of McDonald’s in 2012 ($27.6 billion).” -Alzheimer’s Association 2014 report

Given the statistics, doesn’t it make sense to plan ahead for the possibility that your family might be affected?  The time is now to make sure that you have all of the important pieces of a plan in place:

1. Make sure that there is a plan for financing future long term care costs
2. Make sure all appropriate legal documents are in place
3. Make sure that your family has discussed and intentionally planned for the kind of care and living arrangements that are preferred
4. Make sure that you know and understand the resources that might be available

If your family doesn’t have those 4 bases covered, contact your financial planner to schedule a family meeting to discuss these and other important issues. 

Sandra Adams, CFP® is a Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Sandy specializes in Elder Care Financial Planning and is a frequent speaker on related topics. In 2012-2014 Sandy has been named to the Five Star Wealth Managers list in Detroit Hour magazine. In addition to her frequent contributions to Money Centered, she is regularly quoted in national media publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Research Magazine and Journal of Financial Planning.

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Five Star Award is based on advisor being credentialed as an investment advisory representative (IAR), a FINRA registered representative, a CPA or a licensed attorney, including education and professional designations, actively employed in the industry for five years, favorable regulatory and complaint history review, fulfillment of firm review based on internal firm standards, accepting new clients, one- and five-year client retention rates, non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered, number of client households served.

The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. C14-013764