Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
POA- Medical Decisions
Many older adults like to keep their important papers private. Including POA- or Power of Attorney. My own grandfather has done this. Now he and I have discussed it- and he shares information with me. The person who is POA- did not even know it though. He never knew he was power of attorney. He is grateful that he now knows this tid bit- but why couldn't grandpa tell his own son?
My grandad has said- they don't need to know until it is time- So I have talked with him- and so have other family members. Often the older adults- do not want to dwell on death, or issues relating to the idea of losing control. They also confuse money and medical issues. These elders- may be willing to address their POA- with professionals- but fear the family will attempt to take over all decisions. In my case- my grandad knows I work with geriatric patients- while he is 88- he does not see himself as one of those. He does trust me in taking care of his medical issues though. Fearing that my grandfather had left his step children in charge- the biological family did not want to address it unless we were in crisis. I boldly address this topic of medical care with him. He was not aware of the different options- but he did knowthat he wanted to have "everything done" to stay alive.
Do not be afraid to ask the needed questions and clarify the various kinds of POA and explain a living will. Get the paperwork in place while your loved one is able to make wishes clear to others.
My grandad has said- they don't need to know until it is time- So I have talked with him- and so have other family members. Often the older adults- do not want to dwell on death, or issues relating to the idea of losing control. They also confuse money and medical issues. These elders- may be willing to address their POA- with professionals- but fear the family will attempt to take over all decisions. In my case- my grandad knows I work with geriatric patients- while he is 88- he does not see himself as one of those. He does trust me in taking care of his medical issues though. Fearing that my grandfather had left his step children in charge- the biological family did not want to address it unless we were in crisis. I boldly address this topic of medical care with him. He was not aware of the different options- but he did knowthat he wanted to have "everything done" to stay alive.
Do not be afraid to ask the needed questions and clarify the various kinds of POA and explain a living will. Get the paperwork in place while your loved one is able to make wishes clear to others.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Aging and Skin Care
I think I over analyze blogging. Not sure though. I want to provide information that will help others; but is the real purpose of a blog to be more entertaining or educational?
I have recently begun to pay attention to the older females skin tone. I have several clients with incredible skin (especially for being over 85). They seem to share one common thread. Vaseline. Some of these ladies have dementia; some have had strokes. Most can't remember their address but they use that Vaseline every day. I wish I could post a few pictures. I have one client that is 93 and her skin looks radiant, now her neck- shows her age. She suggested that I use Vaseline on my neck now- because she did not and regrets it. This particular client is very wealthy- millionaire several times over. She discusses how wasteful skin care products are. She then points out that she should have invested in a skin care line- she would have even more money...
So I have taken up the vaseline challenge- and now have my duaghter using it on areas of dry skin. Save money save time; use vaseline to keep wrinkles away.
I have recently begun to pay attention to the older females skin tone. I have several clients with incredible skin (especially for being over 85). They seem to share one common thread. Vaseline. Some of these ladies have dementia; some have had strokes. Most can't remember their address but they use that Vaseline every day. I wish I could post a few pictures. I have one client that is 93 and her skin looks radiant, now her neck- shows her age. She suggested that I use Vaseline on my neck now- because she did not and regrets it. This particular client is very wealthy- millionaire several times over. She discusses how wasteful skin care products are. She then points out that she should have invested in a skin care line- she would have even more money...
So I have taken up the vaseline challenge- and now have my duaghter using it on areas of dry skin. Save money save time; use vaseline to keep wrinkles away.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Talking to Parents About Finances
Some parents guard their finances closely, even from their children. To them, it's a matter of privacy. Some fear that their children are only after their money.
But helping your parents organize their finances and seeing whether they've planned well so that their last wishes are carried out could open the door to examining your own finances.
In some instances, older adults are reluctant to share financial and legal information with adult children. In such cases, it might be advisable that they consult with a neutral third party, such as an attorney, a qualified financial adviser, social worker or trusted friend to address legal issues and then have an attorney prepare the proper documents so that they will be accessible to family members in an emergency.
When talking to parents about their finances, children must be sensitive to their parents' need to still feel in charge.
The key thing for your parents is a sense of independence and control. Try to help them offload some of the burden of handling the finances with someone they can trust. Be careful of trying to push that on your parents because independence and control are crucial to them.
It's a delicate dance and one that will lead many people to seek a financial adviser who can help them. There are specific things you need to look for in an adviser to help your parents. Pay close attention to the questions asked by a prospective adviser. Boomers and seniors can and will sense that the conversation is not about meeting their needs, but about selling something.
It's especially important for seniors, who are prime targets for unscrupulous salespeople.
But helping your parents organize their finances and seeing whether they've planned well so that their last wishes are carried out could open the door to examining your own finances.
In some instances, older adults are reluctant to share financial and legal information with adult children. In such cases, it might be advisable that they consult with a neutral third party, such as an attorney, a qualified financial adviser, social worker or trusted friend to address legal issues and then have an attorney prepare the proper documents so that they will be accessible to family members in an emergency.
When talking to parents about their finances, children must be sensitive to their parents' need to still feel in charge.
The key thing for your parents is a sense of independence and control. Try to help them offload some of the burden of handling the finances with someone they can trust. Be careful of trying to push that on your parents because independence and control are crucial to them.
It's a delicate dance and one that will lead many people to seek a financial adviser who can help them. There are specific things you need to look for in an adviser to help your parents. Pay close attention to the questions asked by a prospective adviser. Boomers and seniors can and will sense that the conversation is not about meeting their needs, but about selling something.
It's especially important for seniors, who are prime targets for unscrupulous salespeople.
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