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What should I do if I think my loved one is the victim of elder abuse?

By Elder Law, Health, Long-Term Care

According to the National Council on Aging, approximately 1 in 10 Americans above the age of 60 have experienced some form of elder abuse. So what should you do if you suspect a senior citizen is the victim of elder abuse?

The first thing to do is to call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873 – all Florida citizens are mandatory reporters of elder abuse. You can also use the online form on the Florida Department of Children and Families website at https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us/Adult/AdultForm.aspx. While you may be able to keep the names anonymous, it is necessary to provide the county, state, and specific location where the victim is currently living. A description of the abuse is also required.

You can find more information about recognizing the signs of elder abuse on our blogs “Recognizing Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect” and “What to Do if Elder Exploitation Is Suspected.”

 

February 19, 2019
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How is a health care surrogate chosen for a minor?

By Estate Planning, Health

The relatively new Florida Statute §765.2038 aims to make the process of naming a health care surrogate for a minor easier. To do so, it provides a form for the legal custodians or legal guardians of the minor to designate a person to provide consent for his/her medical treatment and procedures. This action is taken so that, in the case where the legal custodians or guardians are unable or reasonably unavailable to make the health care decision, a trusted adult will be there to make the decision.

The designation of this health care surrogate does not expire unless revoked by the parties involved, and it can thus endure for the duration of the child’s minority. Even young families with minor children should have their estate plan documents in order, including a preneed guardian for minors declaration. Call Bach, Jacobs & Byrne, P.A. to schedule an appointment to set up your documents and provide you with peace of mind that your child will be protected.

 

 

December 31, 2018
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Drug Prices Vary Widely from Coast to Coast

By Health

A recent study by GoodRx (https://www.goodrx.com/blog/most-least-expensive-cities-prescription-medications/) shows how the costs of prescription drugs change based on where in the United States you live. Using costs for the 500 most popular drugs in 30 of the most populated American cities, the analysis determined each city’s percentage above or below the national average for medication costs.

The top five most expensive cities for drugs, in order of most to least expensive, are as follows:

  1. New York, New York (20.10% above the national average)
  2. San Francisco, California (12.60% above the national average)
  3. Los Angeles, California (9.80% above the national average)
  4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (7.90% above the national average)
  5. San Diego, California (6.40% above the national average)

The top five least expensive cities for drugs, in order of least to most expensive, are as follows:

  1. Columbus, Ohio (21.70% below the national average)
  2. Atlanta, Georgia (18.60% below the national average)
  3. Houston, Texas (17.40% below the national average)
  4. Dallas, Texas (16.90% below the national average)
  5. Denver, Colorado (16.30% below the national average)

Tampa, Florida was ranked as the 10th least expensive city for medication costs in the United States. The Florida government also offers a free drug price research and comparison service at http://myfloridarx.com/rx.nsf/finder/.

December 17, 2018
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Tips for Staying Busy During Retirement

By Health
  1. Find a Hobby.

By finding a hobby or activity that is interesting and personally fulfilling, you can keep busy while spending your retirement doing something that you enjoy. Additionally, it can help you engage socially and create relationships with other individuals who share the same interests as you.

  1. Make a Bucket List.

Making a bucket list is a great way to stay busy during retirement while accomplishing life-long goals. Create a bucket list of at least five things that you have always wanted to do and accomplish them. This will make you feel more at peace and give you a renewed sense of accomplishment each time you complete an item on your list.

  1. Exercise.

Not only does exercise benefit your health and fight against the negative effects of aging, but it also releases endorphins that boost your mood and make you feel good. If you have a substantial amount of free time on your hands, participating in regular physical activity at any level has the power to positively affect your health and well-being.

  1. Take a Class.

Whether it’s cooking, painting or picking up a new language, taking a class in a subject you are interested in will help you to expand your horizons. Learning a new skill will not only impress your friends and loved ones, but it will also expose you to something unique and different.

  1. Spend Time with Your Family.

Most agree that your family members are the most important people in your lives. While everyone in your family may have a busy schedule, make time to spend with your family members so that you don’t miss any pivotal moments or experiences with them.

  1. Volunteer.

Volunteering is a great way to help others and make a difference in your community while also instilling within you a greater sense of personal fulfillment. Additionally, volunteering is a productive way to spend your time and can promote greater levels of agility and activity in senior citizens.

July 17, 2018
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5 Foods That Fight Aging

By Health

While there are many benefits of growing older, there are also several drawbacks. Aging can take a toll on your skin, but a healthy diet is good for your body and has the power to prevent wrinkles as well as other signs of aging. Eating healthy can also keep you feeling strong and energized. Here’s a list of five anti-aging foods that have the power to keep you looking and feeling young:

Pomegranates 

Pomegranates contain a substantial amount of Vitamin C, which is good for your skin because it helps guard against wrinkles and sun damage. Additionally, the juice in pomegranate seeds contains compounds and super nutrients that increase your body’s ability to preserve collagen (the tissue that keeps your skin smooth) and fight against skin damage.

 

Almonds 

Almonds have the power to benefit your complexion, as they contain Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage and protect the skin against the sun’s rays. Vitamin E also has a positive effect on balance as well as speed and coordination, so eating them regularly will keep you feeling younger.

 

Kale 

Kale contains antioxidants that guard against sun-damage, which help keep your skin from developing too many age spots or wrinkles. Kale has also been known to strengthen the elasticity of skin and keep it healthier. Additionally, kale naturally detoxifies your system and helps to counteract the negative effects that everyday pollutants may have on your body.

 

Avocados 

Avocados are chock-full of healthy fats that keep your skin hydrated. Additionally, those same healthy fats have the power to aid your body in absorbing vitamins that your skin needs to stay looking and feeling fresh. Avocados also contain a wide variety of antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage and other negative effects of aging.

 

Salmon

Salmon is another food containing healthy fats, as its Omega-3 fatty acids help fortify the membranes of skin cells. These healthy fats also allow cells to better retain moisture and keep skin hydrated while reducing the formation of wrinkles. Additionally, salmon contains antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties.

July 3, 2018
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Tips for Handling Alzheimer’s-Related Aggression

By Health

Individuals who are afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease may experience aggression related to their condition. This aggression generally surfaces in the later stages of Alzheimer’s and, while the exact reason for it is unclear, researchers believe it may be symptomatic or due to the frustration and confusion Alzheimer’s patients feel. If a loved one has Alzheimer’s and is beginning to develop aggressive tendencies, it may be difficult to figure out how to handle the outbursts and agitation.

 

Here is a list of tips to help handle aggressive behaviors in an Alzheimer’s patient:

Remember that what is happening is not their fault and avoid becoming angry

An Alzheimer’s patient may not be able to control their aggression, so do your best not to get angry if they lash out at you. This will only make the situation worse and will likely increase their agitation. Try to remember that what they are experiencing is not in their control and that what they may say or do when angry has no relation to who they truly are.

 

Learn which situations bring about anger or aggression. 

If you are able to recognize which types of situations make your loved one angry or upset, it is easier to avoid them and to decrease these incidences of anger and aggression. If you are having trouble identifying which situations trigger their anger, keep a journal chronicling times that they become notably agitated or frustrated and look for patterns.

 

Help your loved one participate in a relaxing activity or a hobby they enjoy. 

By participating in a relaxing activity with your loved one or a familiar hobby that they enjoy, it will calm both of you down and help to reduce your loved one’s confusion. Additionally, it will increase the amount of time that you spend bonding with your loved one and create memories that you will be able to treasure for years to come.

 

Limit the amount of loud noises and distractions.

Alzheimer’s patients tend to become frustrated by loud noise as well as the occurrence of too many activities going on around them at once. By limiting loud noises and distractions, you can reduce their confusion and agitation while increasing their feelings of peacefulness and control.

 

Don’t challenge your loved one.

People who suffer from Alzheimer’s tend to become confused and forget or mix up certain information. If your loved one makes a statement that you believe to be incorrect, don’t feel the need to always challenge them on it. This will likely not accomplish much and may only upset them further. If you feel that they are getting information mixed up that isn’t of much importance, it’s not usually necessary to correct them. If the information they are confusing is important, try to notify them of this in a gentle and non-threatening manner.

June 19, 2018
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

By Elder Law, Health

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. In Florida, with the growing senior population, elder abuse is an extremely prevalent social issue. Elder abuse can manifest itself in many forms, including but not limited to: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation, negligence and abandonment. Approximately 1 out of every 10 Americans over 60 has experienced a form of elder abuse, while only 1 out of every 14 cases of elder abuse is reported. Elderly individuals who have been mistreated have a 300% higher risk of death compared to seniors who have not been abused. Elder abuse can be prevented by educating seniors, health professionals, caregivers and families across the nation about this issue.

 If you suspect or know of any elder abuse that is occurring, report it immediately to the Florida Abuse Hotline, which receives reports 24 hours a day. You can also call 1-800-962-2873 or visit https://reportabuse.com.dcf.state.fl.us and file a report online.

 

June 15, 2018
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How to Stay Safe in Hot Weather: 5 Tips for Seniors

By Health

In Florida, summers tend to get very hot and it is important to understand the health risks associated with excessive heat. Older adults are more susceptible to hyperthermia as well as other heat-related illnesses, especially if they have preexisting medical conditions. On that note, here are five tips for staying safe as it heats up this summer:

Stay Hydrated. 

  • While this tip seems like a no-brainer, it is easier to become dehydrated than you may think. To stay hydrated during the summer, especially if you have a busy schedule, carry around a refillable water bottle and continually drink from it throughout the day. To be on the safe side, set a goal of drinking 8 glasses of water each day. Not only does water have a myriad of health benefits, it also helps keep you from becoming overheated or otherwise ill due to the weather.

Check the Weather Before Going Outside . 

  • Remember to check the weather before you venture out for the day. If it is extremely hot, stay home and turn your air conditioning on or, if you don’t have air conditioning, go to a venue that does. Additionally, avoid participating in activities that involve being outside for extended periods of time. If you have to go to an outdoor event, take it easy, as physical exertion can cause dehydration and heat stroke.

Be Aware of Your Medications Possible Side Effects. 

  • Some medications can cause weakness, faintness, dizziness or reduced sweating. All of these factors can amplify the negative effects that heat has on an individual’s body, and may increase your risk of becoming afflicted with a dangerous heat-related condition.

Don’t overdress. 

  • Though your regular daily outfit may consist of a sweater and long pants, during summer it is important that you dress according to the weather. When possible, wear shorts or t-shirts and avoid bulky or thick clothing items. This will help keep your body temperature down and reduce the likelihood that heat will negatively affect you.

Participate in Activities That Keep You Cool.

  • During summertime, fun activities that can help you beat the heat include swimming, seeing a movie, visiting friends or family members at their homes, going out to eat at an indoor restaurant and shopping. Not only are these activities entertaining and give you something to do, but they can also keep you from becoming subjected to any heat related illnesses or ailments.
June 1, 2018
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Symptoms of a Heart Attack

By Health

Approximately 610,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. every year, making it the leading cause of death for both men and women. Additionally, about 735,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to a section of the heart becomes blocked and the heart is unable to receive oxygen. Most heart attacks occur due to Coronary Heart Disease, a condition in which plaque builds up inside an individual’s coronary arteries.

Here’s a list of common symptoms of a heart attack:

  • Pain or discomfort in the center or left side of the chest
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Unusual feelings of fatigue
  • Arm, back, shoulder, neck, jaw or upper stomach pain
  • Breaking out in a cold sweat
  • Vomiting

If you believe that someone may be having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately and get them to the nearest hospital.

May 29, 2018
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How to Tell Loved Ones that You are Terminally Ill

By Health

If you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, finding a way to tell your loved ones is very difficult and emotionally taxing. If you find yourself faced with this challenge, you may not know where to start. While the process of conveying a terminal illness to relatives is different for everyone, here are some tips to facilitate the conversation:

Be Direct.

  • When approaching a difficult topic, it is best to cut right to the chase. Getting the information out there will lift the burden off of you and allow your loved ones to get a clear view of what your illness entails and of what the future may hold.

 

Don’t be afraid to show emotion.

  • Though your natural inclination may be to appear strong for those that you love, don’t feel the need to hide your emotions. Dying is scary, and it is okay to express your fears to those who care about you. They will understand that you are dealing with complex emotions and will do everything in their power to make this process as easy on you as possible.

 

Be prepared to answer questions.

  • Though you are familiar with the terms of your illness and may already be prepared for your end-of-life process, your loved ones are not. Be prepared for them to ask difficult questions such as “How long do you have left?” or “Are you sure there aren’t any other treatment options available?” Though you may not be able to alleviate all of your loved ones concerns, allow them to ask questions and create an open dialogue with you, as it will help the acceptance process.

 

Write down what you want to say before you start the conversation.

  • As this conversation is difficult to have, it may be helpful to write down the key points that you wish to address in your discussion. That way, you won’t forget to say anything that you feel is important and you will have notes to reference if you need them. This is especially helpful if you feel that you or your loved ones will become highly emotional throughout the course of the talk.

 

Give your loved ones a chance to process the news.

  • Though you may have made peace with your illness, the revelation that you are dying will be shocking news for your loved ones. They may have trouble accepting what you are telling them right away; this is natural. Give them time to process this information, as they may not know how to react at first.
May 25, 2018
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