All insurance rates are derived from a number of factors associated with risk and benefit. The company wants to make money and clients want to get paid when they need it. So what specific things influence LTCI?  According to Wikipedia, it is “determined by six main factors: the person’s age, the daily (or monthly) benefit, how long the benefits pay, the elimination period, inflation protection, and the health rating (preferred, standard, sub-standard). (Source) Let’s take a look at these:

1. Age: As a person ages, the risk to the insurer is greater, so in general, the older a person is when he or she starts the monthly premiums increase.
2. Benefit: Researching various options for what you or a family member might need as they age will help you get an idea of what you might need as a benefit. The higher the benefit, the higher the fees.
3. Benefit Duration: Pay close attention to the length of time that the insurance will pay out. Look at family history to see what might be needed. The longer the policy pays, the more you’ll pay now.
4. Elimination Period: Elimination Period is often misunderstood. In short it is best described as deductible or waiting period from the beginning of assistance until the day premiums start. Differences in the elimination periods will have different fee structures.
5. Inflation Protection: As inflation happens, the value of your premiums will feel as if they are going down. Some policies charge the holder a certain amount, to soften the blog of regular inflations. For more information, check here.
6. Health: Your current health will determine your risk as an insured individual which will affect your fees.

It sounds complicated but by breaking LTCI down into several components, it becomes clearer. But what about the bottom line of premiums? To help you estimate the costs, check out the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). Click here for their Premium Calculator.

Let’s say Dad is currently living at home alone. He’s been doing so since Mother died a few years ago.  As a family, we’ve begun to notice some health issues and we think it is unsafe for him to remain alone. He needs some kind of care to help with his daily tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, etc. So what should our family do?

Family members can coordinate many possibilities and LTCI can help make some of it happen:

1. Have a family member help him at home.
2. Coordinate adult day care.
3. Hire a professional to help him at home.
4. Move him in with a family member.
5. Move him into an assisted living residence.

We love Dad so our priority is that he has his needs taken care of and that he is safe in his environment. The options to ensure his quality of life and safety need to be researched and considered and depending on our availability as family members, we’ll make a choice that we feel is best for everyone.

This is when Long Term Care Insurance becomes active. Depending on the specific policy, it can  apply to such services as “help with activities of daily living, home health care, respite care, adult day care, care in a nursing home or care in an assisted living facility.” source

One of the major benefits to this insurance, is that it can protect his retirement savings from being consumed too quickly. It can also help him remain at home and have the assistance he needs to be safe.

Now that we have determined that Dad needs assistance with his personal care and safety, we decide it’s time to look into the Long Term Care Insurance policy that Grandpa has been paying on for a number of years. It can be a long and confusing process so next time we’ll look at that process.

So let’s be aware…

According to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, Parkinson’s Disease is a slowly progressive, degenerative neurological disease. The disease presents itself in a sufferers body with stiffness and slow reaction times while it manifests the effects as small tremors, falling and sometimes memory challenges. Symptoms occur when the production of dopamine is compromised. “Dopamine helps humans to have smooth coordinated muscle movements.” When too many of these cells are damaged, the symptoms of the disease show up. Although there is currently no way to definitively diagnose Parkinson’s, the progressing symptoms eventually make it apparent. (Source)

At this time, there is no cure for the disease. A treatment plan may be recommended to help a patient with symptoms. “Treatment approaches include medication and surgical therapy.  Others … include general lifestyle modifications (rest and exercise), physical therapy, support groups, occupational therapy and speech therapy.” (Source)

Scientists have recently discovered how other symptoms, not associated with motor movements, are at times revealed in the early stages of the disease. A loss of the sense of smell, sleep disorders and constipation, for example, may show up several years before tremors. As science progresses, researchers hope to be able to use these factors to diagnose Parkinson’s earlier and to be able to slow or stop the progression of the disease.

In the meantime, the best thing a sufferer can do is live well! Eating a healthy diet, along with getting exercise, drinking plenty of water can help with a variety of symptom. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco use, dopamine inhibitors, is highly recommended. Doing these things consistently will help:

• keep bones and muscles strong, decreasing the chance of injury in the case of a fall
• relieve uncomfortable constipation
• promote more consistent sleeping
• hedge the symptoms of depression associated with the chronic nature of the disease and how it affects the body

Parkinson’s Disease is complex but living with it is possible with some lifestyle modifications, following a doctor’s plan and getting help when needed. For more information on Parkinson’s Disease and the treatments, check out here and here.

As we age, our bodies tend to weaken while our eyesight and reaction times slows. These factors can lead to falls or other accidents. In light of this, it may be time to assess your living space to determine what is needed.  Don’t wait until an accident has happened to do it. According to SafeHomeModificasion.com “It is highly recommended that a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) . . . be brought in to assess what changes may need to be made to the home.” In partnership with AARP, 50+ Housing Council and National Association of Home Builders, CAPS provides “reliable means of identifying the professionals [seniors] can trust to remodel their homes.”

Even before hiring a professional, however, take a walk around your home while using your best logic and imagine what could become a challenge in the future if your abilities become compromised. Click here for a great list of things you might want to assess at home.

Here are a few thoughts to get you started. One of the easiest rooms to quickly make a difference is the bathroom. Wet tubs and showers can pose a slipping hazard. Cover the surface with non-slip mats or sticker appliqués to provide traction.

Next, consider putting in grab bars around the commode and bath to assist with mobility. You can find information about installing grab bars here but you may want to hire a professional for the safest and best placement.

These inexpensive treatments can save a lot of money over costly medical bills if an accident should occur. Begin with them but continue looking into whether other renovations are needed.  If you need financial assistance for more complicated or costly renovations, click here for help.

The National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC) is often found at the center of this kind of village. It was created to support and assist the growing number of American adults who want to stay home as they age. The challenge, according to NAIPC’s research, is often “a lack of awareness of home and community-based services, which help make independent living possible,” (source)

If you hope to stay at home, or want to help a relative to, then it is time to do your own research and make plans. Check out the village option that is popping up around the country. According to AgingWell.com, “Older adults have found that the village living concept offers an alternative” to moving to an assisted living facility when everyday tasks become a burden.

Most often, villages are lead by a board of directors who use resident’s dues to pay a small staff to run programs and arrange services. Staff works to coordinate volunteers, screen vendors for good business practices and negotiate discounted fees for anyone in the Village.

Many villages offer programs to improve strength and balance for aging members. These programs are critical in helping prevent falls and other accidents which can dramatically reduce a resident’s chances of staying home.

Much of the assistance requested through a village network is for technology and for transportation. Volunteers are scheduled to help residents with such tasks as figuring out their computer, programming their DVD player, setting their digital watch and getting places they need like the bank, doctor’s office or grocery store.

Could this be something for you? Take some time to check out what options might be available in your area or coordinate your own village. To read more about this, click here.

So why do people tend to fall as age increases? This short list explains some of the basics.

• Eyesight diminishes and falls can occur simply by not seeing something in the path.
• Reaction time tends to slow as individuals age so we’re less able to “catch” ourselves.
• Weakness in hips, knees and ankles along with a tendency to shuffle instead of lifting can cause stumbling.

In order to counteract these tendencies, a little training and attention to just one simple exercise can help. Done daily, this can help ensure your balance will stay strong for a long time.

If it is a nice day, go enjoy the fresh air while doing it. Otherwise, inside will do just fine. If you are unsure about any of these exercises, consult your physician.

Single leg balance

This exercise is simple to understand but may take some practice to master. It is one of the most basic and can do a lot to assist with any balance issues you or a loved one may be having.

1. Using two hands, hold onto a chair back or fence, and stand on both feet. Lift one leg and find your center of balance over your ankle. Balance for a few seconds and then change the lifted leg. Repeat several times.
2. To increase the difficulty, increase the time balancing on each leg, working up to a minute on each side.
3. Another way to increase difficulty is to lessen that assistance your hands give. Begin with two hands, progress to one hand, then to a few fingers until you feel safe without using your hands for balance.
4. Remember to stay near the support source just in case.

Simply doing this exercise daily will help keep limbs strong and remind the body not to shuffle while walking. For more info on balance and age, click here.

Look ahead: As hard as it may be, now is a great time to think about life with ailing family members. “Many people have to choose an assisted living residence in the midst of a crisis, so they don’t have time to weigh their options. But it’s best if you can prepare before any health crisis forces you to make a quick decision.” (HelpStartsHere.org)

If you are anticipating the need to help a parent or other older family member, you’ll want to envision several scenarios: at home care with family volunteers, at home care with paid assistance and residential facility care. Converse with the family members about such issues can be stressful but doing so before an illness will give you more time to research and plan. Write down what they want and might need, what budgetary boundaries exist, what resources you can lend and what issues you need help providing is an important step in planning.

Next, do your research: Search online, make visitations, ask for referrals from friends and neighbors and if you have access to their primary care physician, chat with him or her about options. If there is Long Term Care insurance, read the policy carefully and ask the insurance company questions. Administration varies tremendously from policy to policy and may dictate some of what you are able to do for your loved one.

Plan: Make decisions on how you want to care for your loved one combining all the information gathered and what seems to be the best way forward but be ready to make modifications to the plan if needs change over time.

Finally, revisit the plan every year or so to make sure you are still on the track you want to be.

Many families presented with a dementia diagnosis decide having their loved at home and becoming their caregiver is the best way to help them. It is comforting to a patient, keeping someone at home in a familiar environment, with established routines. It may seem more economical and safer. But as an Alzheimer patient’s condition progresses, accidents can happen. The consequences can be dramatic.

If a fall occurs, for example, an injury can lead to large bills and more complicated care than before. This may require trips to the physician’s or therapist’s office or even a stay at a rehabilitation facility, increasing costs dramatically. If a kitchen accident happens, there may be needed repairs, further disrupting the home environment and the family routines.

These risks need not change a family’s decision to remain at home but it is important to consider getting assistance. It’s never too early, or too late, to get help. In-home help refers to paid caregivers who provide assistance for a loved one who is infirm. Dementia is the leading reason for this kind of help. Depending on the needs of the individual, companion care can come in for a few a week or if the need is great, live-in skilled nursing care.

When investigating in-home care, consider what tasks are needed, what budget is available and what time is most critical. Remember, by getting some help around the house, you’ll be freed up to focus on your loved ones and on things only you can do for the family.

Other options to ponder are adult day programs and respite care. Adult day care offers a variety of activities, some including a meal, in a safe social environment. Respite care provides a temporary living arrangement for your loved one, giving you time to rest, relax and restore your own energy.

For many, Alzheimer’s is a long process that brings daily challenges, seeking help may just be the best thing you can do for the whole family.

A caregiver assists a person who is unable to perform certain tasks due to illness, frailty or possibly a disability. A caregiver may offer help with simple tasks like bringing in the mail or doing laundry or one might manage a more complex system such as keeping a house running smoothly: paying bills, cooking meals, driving, shopping, scheduling and administering medication

Due to the progressive nature of many health issues, a caregiver’s job usually gets more complex and time consuming, placing more demands on their own health and welfare. Well-meaning caregivers often work themselves to a frazzle putting all their energy into their beloved family member. This seems commendable but at what cost? Enter caregiver burnout.

Caregiver burnout is common and the effects often manifest in unhealthy ways such as sleep disruption, mood changes, eating irregularities, etc.

First, caregivers must care for themselves and not be afraid to ask for, or even hire, help. In the long run, it’s critical for everyone involved. Here is a quick list of ways a caregiver can insure that he or she is giving the best by caring for themselves first.

• Eat well and snack well. Eating a balanced diet with lean proteins, whole grains, colorful fruits and vegetables, while drinking plenty of water is important for fueling your body and min. Don’t skip this important step because you think you don’t have time.
• Get some exercise each day. Just taking a 10-20 minute walk each day can help you recharge and refocus. Spend the time breathing deeply and shedding some worries while setting a pace around the house or around the block.
• Sleep well. Although not always easy when life is stressful, sleeping is nature’s way of restoring what was lost during the day. Eating well and exercising will help with this as well.
• Don’t go it alone. Find a support group. It’s important to know you are not alone and support group facilitators can offer tools for taking some stress out of long-term care.

Remember, “Take time for yourself. Recreation is not a luxury, it is a necessary time to re-create—to renew yourself.” www.caregiver.org

Growing old takes practice too. At this stage, family members have many responsibilities and may be raising their own young ones. They may or may not be able to assist when life gets challenging. So it is an important time to take responsibility for learning how to best care for ourselves—physically, socially, intellectually, etc. With this knowledge, we hope to remain active, healthy and vibrant.

But how do we do that?

Resources abound. There are many research communities, support agencies and specialized fields that focus their work on aging. Plenty of professional organizations exist that inspire many in the field to continue researching, planning and creating support networks. But where should the average Joe or Jane go to find out more? Here are just a few possibilities.

Administration on Aging (AoA)  A government organization that works to alleviate challenges through health and well-being for older adults.

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) The Nation’s leading organization concerned with aging. They offer membership in the organizations that offers information, resources and news on myriad subjects pertaining to men and women over fifty.

Eon.com (here) An online community for those over 50, complete with all the things you might imagine in a social site: friends, groups, photos, games, trivia and more.

Medicare Rights Center (MRC) A national, non-profit organization formed to assist older adults in having access to affordable health care. Their work centers on education, advocacy and public policy.

National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC) Inspired by the need to assist an aging population, this organization provides resources to help individuals remain at home as long as possible. It is a resource for experts in elder law, health and financial services as well as home design and remodeling.

If you or someone you love is approaching (or surpassing) the great Five-oh, take a look at these links to learn more about how to take good care of yourself or your loved ones. Also check back here to find more great info.

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Word for this week: gerontology and geriatrics: “scientific and medical disciplines, respectively, that are concerned with all aspects of health and disease in the elderly, and with the normal aging process.” Encyclopedia Britannica Online