Alzheimer's training programs for One Dollar

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here are more interesting dementia articles and activities,

Paying for Alzheimer's Care
Brian Willie

FACT: Training #1 alone was part of my Ultimate Alzheimer's Care
Rescue Program which sold for up to $497 (and is not even available
at the moment because it's sold out).

FACT: When I released this course, it
sold out in 6 days.

FACT: Training #2 features the top expert in the country on how to
find the best nursing homes and assisted living facilities-even on
a budget and even with Medicaid.

You pay just $1 for these two training programs (plus 2 other great training programs)
and you get instant access to:

-The entire first module of my Ultimate Alzheimer's Care Rescue
Program (full audio, written transcripts and all!) Value: $197

-"Secrets of Finding the Best Nursing Homes and Assisted Living
Facilities." (full audio and written transcripts) Value: $49

- My "Coping Caregiver Video Series" Value: $49

- "Powerful Ways To Sharpen Your Memory" Value: $27

PLUS

-An entire month Free in my Alzheimer's Care Rescue Club

I'm basically giving it away. (Yeah - my
jaw dropped, too.)

Get yours here before I run out or come to my senses and pull the
page down:

Warmly,

-Brian Willie
Elder Law Attorney and Founder of Paying For Alzheimer's Care
P.S. - I'll be taking this page down soon so
get yours NOW while you still can! It's just $1.

P.P.S. How often are you able to get $322 worth of training for
only $1?

Independence Day Sale: Ultimate Alzheimer's Care Rescue Program Open

Brian Willie
Elder Law Attorney

Here we are on July 4th (is th...and
all around the U.S. we get to enjoy our
Independence Day with hotdogs, apple pie & fireworks!

This is the perfect chance to think
about your independence.


It's also the perfect chance to celebrate the re-release of my "Ultimate Alzheimer's
Care Rescue Program."

http://www.ultimatealzheimersrescue.com/mainsite.html

You may remember that I released this a few months back, and it literally sold
out in less than a week.

Well, I've decided to open up the doors, and as a special Independence Day
incentive, you can pick up a copy of my program at its OLD introductory price.

But, this will not last. Starting next week, the price is going up significantly
and I'm releasing it to the general public.

So claim a copy of this 6 set audio program with full transcripts for
yourself.

ultimate alzheimers rescue program

This program is life-changing. It's comprehensive, factual and easy
to understand. And, it will finally give you that "ah ha" moment
where it all comes together.

And, the information is delivered using audio recordings that you
can easily listen to right on your computer, (just push play)
or even put it onto a cd or ipod if you like.

You'll also be able to just click on the transcripts that go along
with each module and follow right along.

So all you'll have to do is relax and listen as I walk you through
each part in hand-holding style.

But-a quick word to the wise: I have to limit the number I release,
so that I can focus on you and your individual needs.

And, the price is heading up next week.

Since I have ALOT of people who receive my emails and newsletter and an
almost frenzy of people on my priority notice list that have
already received this, you do have to act fast.

The decision to move forward, or not, will have a big impact on
your family's life. It may mean the difference between running out
of money after less than 26 weeks of long-term care or having a
nice nest egg for your family.

All the best!

Brian Willie
Elder Law Attorney

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here are more interesting dementia articles and activities,


They are happy they used the program

Elder Law: Plan needed to help deal with Alzheimer's

William Edy • Special to news-press.com • July 13, 2008

Clients, and often their spouses and children, raise two issues that affect elder law and the preservation of their assets. First, they ask if those with diminished capacity can still sign a last will or trust, power of attorney and health care surrogate designation. Second, they ask if they should plan for a nursing home placement and depending on their assets and income, whether they should begin to think about Medicaid for nursing home placement. Elder law attorneys can help clients and their families with these concerns.

Generally, when a person is in the early stages of Alzheimer's, or other dementia type illness, they do not realize their problem and are the worst assessor of their condition. Often those who live close to the person suffering from dementia are also not good assessors. Fortunately, there are doctors who specialize in memory problems and there are 13 Memory Clinics throughout Florida, one of which is at Lee Memorial Health System.

Care-partners (a better term than care giver) may make an appointment at one of these clinics if they suspect a memory problem. They do not need a referral from a physician. Costs should be covered by Medicare.

click here to read the whole story

For legal assistance click here

Caring For A Loved One With Late Stage Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer's Association has some excellent suggestions for caring for a loved one or client with late stage Alzheimers or a related dementia.

Here is some additional information courtesy of Brian Willie
click here for legal issues and Alzheimers

The late stages of Alzheimer's can last anywhere from several weeks
to several years. This period, which can be incredibly hard on
both the patient and their caregiver, usually requires
around-the-clock supervision and assistance. It's important to
focus on preserving the quality of life and dignity of a person
with Alzheimer's, even if he or she is unable to communicate with
others and tell them what they need.

People with late-stage Alzheimer's often become bedridden or
chair-bound. This inability to move can cause skin breakdown,
pressure sores and joint freezing. To relieve the body pressure
and improve skin moisture, change your loved ones position at least
every two hours. Make sure they're comfortable and use pillows and
soft blankets to support them. To make sure his or her joints to
freeze, move the arms and legs two or three times a day and ask
their doctor about different exercises that may be useful in
keeping their bodies as active as possible.

It is often difficult for people with late-stage Alzheimer's to
eat, mainly because they've forgotten how to chew and swallow and
could end up choking. Choose soft foods that can be swallowed
easily and make liquids a little thicker, by adding cornstarch or
unflavored gelatin, so they're easier to drink. If your loved one
only eats certain foods and is not getting necessary nutrition, add
supplements to his or her beverages. Allow plenty of time for
eating and make sure they remain in an upright position for at
least 30 minutes after mealtimes to ensure proper digestion.

To prevent infections, keep your loved ones teeth and mouth clean
and tend to cuts and scrapes immediately. Since they're already
sick, people with late-stage Alzheimer's can get infections or
viruses incredibly easily and are often too weak to find it off.
Make sure they get their flu shots every year and take all
necessary medications on a daily basis.

Since your loved one may be unable to communicate pains or illness
they're feeling, learn to recognize their signs so you can keep
them as comfortable as possible. Look for physical signs of pain,
such as pale or flushed skin tones, dry gums, mouth sores or
swelling in any part of the body. Keep track of any gestures that
your loved one may make to indicate discomfort and watch for
changes in behavior. Though it may be difficult to communicate
with your loved one, it's important to remain diligent in your care
so they maintain a high quality of comfort.

Here are some more informative links

Alzheimer's Association

Dementia Care Central

Here is a link to hospice

More information on hospice care or referrals for those with Alzheimer's disease or dementia in an upcoming post.

Certainly it is something to consider if your loved one or client has late stage Alzheimers or another dementia

Top Medicaid Myths

Medicaid was considered a complicated program when President Lyndon B. Johnson first signed it into law at the Truman Library inIndependence, Missouri, and it has grown even more complex duringeach of the thirty years since.

Although it is a national program, it is administered by each state. The rules and regulations are constantly changing and canvary widely from state to state. So, it's no wonder there are many myths and inaccuracies surrounding the program.

This month, we are taking a look at the common misconceptions we hear frequently about Medicaid.

"My mother heard about someone who..."

All too often, we meet people who have heard horror stories about Medicaid from well-meaning friends or family members. These stories are often filled with inaccuracies and half-truths that frighten people into spending every last dime on nursing home carefor themselves or a loved one before turning to Medicaid for help.

Similar stories have also prompted people to assume that what worked for a friend will work for them as well. So, they may give their house or all of their assets to a child in hopes that impoverishing themselves will immediately qualify them for benefits. Unfortunately, they soon find out that these transfers mean they are unable to receive benefits for several months or even years after the money is gone.

That's why it is important to contact an attorney who concentrates his or her practice in elder law. With a clear picture of your specific situation, an elder law attorney can explain those laws that should allow an individual or married couple to preserve their house and enough of their assets to live comfortably for the rest of their lives.

"My father is already in the nursing home so there's nothing we can do now."

It's true that a family can wait longer than they should to contact an elder law attorney but it's rarely ever too late to establish a good plan. A good rule of thumb is that the earlier a plan is put in place, the more assets can be preserved.

So, when is the right time to call an elder law attorney? You should pick up the phone right now if you or a loved one does not have a Power of Attorney in place for financial and health care decisions. It's important these documents are put in place before a gradual or sudden decline in mental competency occurs. It's also important to make sure the financial Power of Attorney contains the right language so Medicaid planning is possible.

You should also call right now if you think that nursing home care will be needed by a loved one. This may be due to a diagnosis of a terminal or debilitating illness, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or ALS. It may also be that your loved one is being discharged from the hospital and told he or she will be unable tocare for themselves at home. All of these situations should be reviewed by an elder law attorney to determine what type of planning can be done.

"The Medicaid office can just give me the paperwork."

Those who work in the Medicaid office cannot offer you legal advice. You may not learn about laws that may allow you to receive Medicaid and still keep part or all of your spouse's income as wellas your own. Nor can they represent you or give you advice on the laws that, depending on your specific situation, may allow you tokeep all of your assets without spending down a single penny. Medicaid has rules and regulations in place to ensure families don't lose everything to nursing home costs. An elder law attorney can explain how those laws may benefit you and your family.

Brian Willie is an Elder Law Attorney in California and Texas, and is a frequent author and speaker on the topic. He is the founder of the Alzheimer's Legal Resource Center. For more information visit: http://www.alrconline.com

Dementia and eating difficulties

As Alzheimer's progresses, simple, day-to-day functions become
increasingly difficult and mealtimes could present significant
challenges for your loved one. They may experience a loss of
appetite or interest in food or could forget that they have already
eaten. If you notice that your loved one is having difficulty
maintaining a healthy, regular diet, there are several things you
can do to encourage independence and make mealtimes easier

then Click here for some tips if the Alzheimer's or dementia person is in the early to midstage of these diseases

Begin by setting up a regular mealtime and sticking to it so that
your loved one always knows when he or she will be eating. They
will be less likely to overeat or forget that they're supposed to
be eating if they're used to a schedule. You man need to begin
preparing each meal for your loved one as it may be unsafe for them
to use a stove or dangerous kitchen utensils. Limit distractions
during mealtimes and keep the table settings simple so that your
loved one can focus on their food and eating rather than the
television, a table setting or the telephone.

click here for more
solutions to common Alzheimer's and dementia eating problems

Keep in mind that your loved ones food preferences may change and
be prepared to adapt to their new tastes. Avoid choking hazards,
such as raw vegetables, popcorn, and nuts, and educate yourself on
how to perform the Heimlich maneuver and CPR in case there is an
accident. Alzheimer's patients can become overwhelmed and confused
easily, so serve one food at a time, rather than an entire
plateful, so they can concentrate on eating. Encourage your loved
one to take his or her time chewing and swallow carefully and check
the temperature of their food to be sure it's neither too hot or
too cold, as they may no longer be able to distinguish the
difference.

Though there may come a point when your loved one is unable to feed
themselves, it's important to encourage independence and allow them
to eat as much on their own. Offer finger foods, such as chicken
fingers, cheese cubes, cherry tomatoes and cheese slices, if
they're having difficulty using utensils and don't worry about
neatness. If your loved one has a habit of pushing his or her
plate or glass around the table, invest in spill proof cups and
plates with suction cups so they are easier to manage. Demonstrate
how they should be using their utensils and remind them how to chew
so that they are less likely to choke. Most importantly, make a
point to eat every meal together so that you not only get to spend
quality time with one another, but so you can keep a watchful eye
and make sure they're actually eating their food and doing so in a
safe way.
See what Pallimed had to say

For more information contact us

Link to more items of interest in Alzheimer's and dementia eating difficulties

Interested in an eating disorder study? click here
Until next time
Brian Willie

Alzheimer's disease,other dementias, and personal care contracts

Millions of Americans are currently caring for a loved one or friend with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia without receiving compensation. Depending on the circumstances, however, it may actually be beneficial for both parties to enter into a care contract wherein the caregiver accepts payment for the care they are providing their loved one. They also formally assume responsibility for that care of an elderly family member or friend with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.

If the loved one you are caring for reaches a point where nursing home placement is the only option, all of their money will be considered available to pay for their care at the nursing home and they will not be eligible for Medicaid assistance until all of their assets have been depleted. Certainly the care they were provided by you, while they remained in the community, is just as valuable to them and worthy of payment as that they will be provided in the nursing home. With a care contract in place, they can pay their caregiver, and every penny spent will count towards their "Medicaid spend down" should they apply for benefits.

It is important to note that without a proper contract in place, Medicaid will assume the money paid is a "gift" or a "transfer of assets" and will impose penalties resulting in ineligibility for Medicaid benefits.
While most of you may already be aware that Medicaid allows care contract payments for caring for loved ones living at home, you may not be aware that payments made via personal care contracts for providing care services for nursing home residents are also an allowable spend down.

Support group with some answers click here

Let's give an example: Imagine that daughter agrees to perform a number of services for her mother, including but not limited to preparing meals, cleaning, laundry, assistance with grooming, bathing, personal shopping; monitoring her mother's physical and mental conditional and nutritional needs in cooperation with health care providers; arranging for transporting; visiting weekly and encouraging social interaction; interacting with and/or assisting in interacting with health care professionals, etc. for her mother's lifetime, in exchange for a lump sum of $30,000 via a care contract.

Now, whether this will be allowed will be dependent upon the state determining that the Contract in place had fair and valuable consideration. While a personal care contract may not be appropriate in everyone's situation, if you are caring for your loved one at home or in a nursing home, it is something that you may want to discuss with a knowledgeable Elder Law Attorney who can advise on possible tax consequences and/or Medicaid and estate planning issues.

visit the Alzheimer's Legal Resource Center by clicking here

click here for more information about this policy

forms for legal contracts click here

click here for a practical guide for caregivers

Knowing when dementia and driving do not mix

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and the MIT AgeLab have developed this guide to help people with dementia and their families prolong independence while encouraging safe driving. This guide provides suggestions for monitoring, limiting, and stopping driving. The information incorporates the experiences of family caregivers and people with dementia, as well as suggestions from experts in medicine, gerontology and transportation.

Click here to a link to it

Driving requires good judgment, quick reaction times and
split-second decision making, all qualities that are affected by
Alzheimer's. Families often struggle with the decision to limit or
stop the driving of a loved one suffering from the illness, but the
reality is that, for a person with Alzheimer's, driving becomes
difficult and unsafe.

click here to read more

Allowing a loved one to drive in this confused state
could leave them lost and in a bad situation they may not be able
to get themselves out of.

Click here to see what might happen to your loved one
If your loved one is not obeying traffic signals, driving an
inappropriate speeds, hitting curbs, confusing the brake and gas
pedals or swerving back and forth between lanes, they are a danger
not only to themselves, but to others on the road and should not
continue to drive. It's likely that your loved one will become
angry and upset when you approach them about not continuing to
drive. They'll feel as though their independence and dignity is
being taken away and will be reluctant to rely on others for
transportation. It's essential that you remain sensitive but firm,
hearing your loved one out but insisting that they no longer
operate an automobile.

In some cases, you'll discover that your loved one is continuing to
drive even though they promised they would not. To prevent them
from injury themselves or others, there are several ways in which
you can limit their driving. First of all, speak to your loved
ones doctor and ask them to write a "do not drive" prescription and
send it to the Department of Motor Vehicles and show it to your
loved one.

Control access to their car by holding on to their keys, parking it
on another block or in the driveway of someone you know. If your
loved one continues to drive, despite the fact that they no longer
have a legal license, you may need to disable the vehicle by
removing the battery or distributor cap.

Taking away the driving privileges of an Alzheimer's patient is an
exhausting process that could leave your loved one feeling like
they've lost their freedom and family members feeling guilty for
taking that freedom away. It's important to be sensitive to your
loved ones needs and arrange for other modes of transportation so
they can continue to go about their daily routines.

Above all, Alzheimer's patients tend to mourn for their
independence and feel useless relying on others to do the things
that they used to do for themselves. Maintaining a relatively
normal schedule can offer stability and a strong sense of
self-satisfaction, for both you and your loved one.

Until next tme

Brian Willie

Elderlaw attorney

Medicaid myths and dementia

Medicaid was considered a complicated program when President
Lyndon B. Johnson first signed it into law at the Truman Library in
Independence, Missouri, and it has grown even more complex during
each of the thirty years since.

Although it is a national program, it is administered by each
state. The rules and regulations are constantly changing and can
vary widely from state to state. So, it's no wonder there are many
myths and inaccuracies surrounding the program.

"My mother heard about someone who..."

All too often, we meet people who have heard horror stories
about Medicaid from well-meaning friends or family members. These
stories are often filled with inaccuracies and half-truths that
frighten people into spending every last dime on nursing home care
for themselves or a loved one before turning to Medicaid for help.

That's why it is important to contact an attorney who
concentrates his or her practice in elder law. With a clear picture
of your specific situation, an elder law attorney can explain those
laws that should allow an individual or married couple to preserve
their house and enough of their assets to live comfortably for the
rest of their lives

Those who work in the Medicaid office cannot offer you legal
advice. You may not learn about laws that may allow you to receive
Medicaid and still keep part or all of your spouse's income as well
as your own. Nor can they represent you or give you advice on the
laws that, depending on your specific situation, may allow you to
keep all of your assets without spending down a single penny.
Medicaid has rules and regulations in place to ensure families
don't lose everything to nursing home costs. An elder law attorney
can explain how those laws may benefit you and your family.

...More on this later. Until then...

Warmly,


Brian Willie
Elder Law Attorney