Assisting Hands Houston – In Home Health Care – Assisted Living Alternative All of Houston!
Call: 281-540-7400

In Home Care

Get Ready Financially For Assisted Living

This entry was posted in Assisted Living, Elder In Home Care, In Home Care and tagged , , , , , , on by .

Making Financial Arrangements For Assisted Living

Seniors in need of assisted living services and the families that take care of them face challenges in finding the resources they need. Meeting the financial obligations of good assisted living care can be particularly daunting. Fortunately, there is plenty of information and assistance available for seniors and families facing this prospect. When it comes to finding information on home health Houston Texas has no shortage of places to turn.

Planning Ahead

Assisted living community/facility selection can take months, and moving a senior is a complex task in its own right. Getting the family’s financial resources sorted out is also a lengthy process. This is why seniors and their families need to start discussing the shift to assisted living well in advance. Planning the move out well ahead of time gives families a chance to address concerns that might well get overlooked, like insurance options for seniors in assisted living.

When In Doubt, Always Ask Questions

There’s no such thing as being too well informed. This is especially true when it comes to considering the merits of a specific assisted living community. Besides gaining a full understanding of the level of care a facility has to offer, thorough questioning is required to fully explore all of the payment options and financial angles. It may be possible to reduce initial move-in costs or even month-to-month expenses by asking the right questions. Any assisted living contract needs to be scrupulously examined prior to signing to confirm that all of the financial arrangements are acceptable.

Consider Bridge Loans

Sometimes a senior needs to transition into an assisted living facility quickly, and the financial resources tied up in their home are not available to ease the changeover. Bridge loans are ideal for relieving financial hardships in situations like this. A good loan gives families the breathing space they need to ensure that they get maximum value for assets like homes. Bridge loans are intended to meet all of the expenses of assisted living prior to the successful closure of a home sale.

Don’t Overlook Veterans’ Benefits

Both veterans and veterans’ spouses may be entitled to financial assistance that can help meet the cost of assisted living services. Senior veterans can get especially useful support through the Aid and Attendance Program. To get started, go online or call 1-800-827-1000 to get in touch with a Veterans Regional Office.

Alternative Living Arrangements

It’s a good idea to maintain flexibility when planning for assisted living arrangements. Shared suites in a community designed for companion living can economize while simultaneously giving seniors much-needed companionship. This is an excellent compromise that reduces costs without bringing down the level of care seniors will enjoy in an assisted living community.

Get Expert Financial Advice

Assisting Hands Houston | Affordable In Home Care in HoustonA financial professional with senior finance experience can help unlock the full range of opportunities available to seniors going into an assisted living community. Referred to as financial concierges or financial advisors, these experts have all of the knowledge and experience necessary to navigate home sales, lending, and credit options.

Certain seniors and families may find themselves in a position to benefit from tax deductions for money spent on senior care. Seniors who require advanced medical support are particularly likely to be eligible for tax relief. Speak with an accountant or tax advisor to learn more.

Another potential financial resource that can cover at least some of the cost of assisted living services is Medicaid. Similar to the tax deductions described above, this is more likely to be a partial support rather than a comprehensive solution. Some seniors may also be in a position to convert a life insurance policy into an asset that can help to pay for long-term care.

The assistance of a professional streamlines and simplifies the process of moving a senior into assisted living without letting anything important get overlooked. Consult a trusted advisor to verify that all of the useful options are fully explored. Expert assistance makes the process of paying for assisted living much less complicated and challenging.

By contacting Assisting Hands Houston or calling today you will not only help yourself but also your loved ones! We are here to help every step of the way and answer any questions you may have regarding the services we provide and how we benefit both you and your loves ones!

The Important Questions To Ask Regarding Elder In Home Care

This entry was posted in Assisted Living, Elder In Home Care, In Home Care and tagged , , , , , , on by .

Questions to Ask an In-Home Care Company

If you are considering hiring an in-home care company to care for your loved one, your primary concern will be ensuring your loved one is receiving the best care possible. It can be challenging to find the right outside party to care for these very personal responsibilities. Most families decide to vet care providers themselves; however, it can be quite difficult to know what questions that you should ask and what red flags to be aware of.

The following list of questions will help you determine the services that a company offers and determine the quality of care your family member will be receiving. A reputable home care company will offer amazing customer service and will be willing to answer all of your questions.

Remember that companies may do the initial intake either on the phone or in-person. There may be fees associated with this process, especially if it is a face to face meeting. During this process, you will discuss your loved one’s needs and gain an understanding of the services that the company offers. Use the following list of questions to ensure that you have the information that you need to make an informed decision.

Questions about the Business

  • How long has the company been in business?
  • What are the state licensing requirements for in-home care companies?
  • Is the company insured? (Get a copy of the company’s insurance declaration)
  • Are the caregivers bonded?
  • Does the company offer workers’ compensation for their employees?
  • Ask for a list of references from their past clients.

Questions about Care

  • Does the company offer a personalized care plan for each of their clients? What is included in a care plan?
  • Is the care plan updated regularly?
  • How are caregivers matched with clients?
  • Does the company have a policy for communicating with family members and the client?

Assisting Hands Houston | Elder Care Services in Houston TXQuestions about Caregiver Training and Selection Process

  • What is the process used for hiring caregivers?
  • Does the company conduct background checks on caregivers?
  • Is drug tests done? How often?
  • What type of training do caregivers receive?
  • Does the company require continuing education and training?
  • Will you be able to interview potential caregivers? Is there a fee associated with interviewing caregivers?

Questions about Company Policies

  • How are request or complaints handled?
  • Is it possible to replace a caregiver before the caregiver’s next shift?
  • What is the company policy for no-show or late caregivers?
  • Is there time minimums per shift or per work for caregivers?
  • Does the company specialize in certain types of care?
  • What services are not covered?
  • How are emergencies handled?
  • Are after hours phone calls answered by a staff member or an answering service?

Questions about Payment Methods

  • What are the forms of payment accepted?
  • Are there different rates for holidays, weekends or nights?
  • How often will you be billed?
  • Is there a deposit required for services?
  • Does the company accept long-term care insurance? If so, does the company bill the insurance company directly or will you need to pay the client and then file a reimbursement claim?

For more answer to your questions regarding senior in home care Houston contact Assisting Hands Houston today or call now for immediate assistance!

How To Save For Long Term Elder Care

This entry was posted in Assisted Living, Elder In Home Care, In Home Care and tagged , , , , , , , , on by .

Money-Saving Strategies to Help Plan for Long-Term Care

Budgeting for a loved one’s long-term care can be a daunting task.

Assisting Hands Houston | Assisted Living Services in Houston TexasWhile many seniors have financial plans in place for retirement, through a personal savings account, 401(k), or pension plan, the cost of long-term care is often left out of these plans or the costs exceed their budget. As a result, many seniors end up needing specialized care when they don’t have the fund to cover the costs.

If a senior doesn’t have money saved away and they require long-term care, their loved ones might be left in a tight spot financially. Genworth Financial and CareScout conducted a survey finding that the national average cost for long-term care can range from $1,400 per month for adult day care services to almost $7,700 per month for a nursing home’s private room.

The odds that a family would not need to turn to some type of care assistance is not rare. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, almost 70% of adults over 65 years old will eventually need some type of long-term care.

Rather than taking risks, caregivers should begin working to save money for these long-term health care needs before it is needed.

What is Long-Term Care Insurance?

One of the best ways for you to plan ahead for your older loved one’s health support is to shop around for the best insurance plan. While Medicaid, Medicare, and private health insurance may cover some of the related costs, they typically don’t offer comprehensive medical coverage.

Long-term care insurance supplements these programs. When you need to use it, you will pay less money out of pocket. AARP explained that long-term care is not a medical expense which is why this care may lead to coverage gaps.

Some of these plans may also be pricey. There are many financial institutions that offer these programs, take the time to research several companies and the type of plans available, along with the pricing. This will ensure you can afford to comfortably pay the premiums each month and still receive the coverage your loved one needs.

It’s important to remember that the policy’s prices tend to increase as your loved one ages. If you’re interested in long-term care insurance, don’t several more years, while your loved one ages or develops serious health concerns. If a person is young and healthy person takes out this type of policy, the policy premiums will be significantly lower.

Tips for Saving Money for Long-Term Care

While a supplemental insurance policy may be helpful to some families, others find that it’s more cost effective than just paying for a long-term care plan themselves. If that’s the case in your family, you need to begin saving. That will help you have a safety net on standby.

There are various ways to start saving up for your loved one’s health care cost. Here are some that can get you started:

Create a dedicated account for long-term care

Set up a new account to cover potential health care costs. Whether you opt to open a personal savings account at the bank or invest, this fund should be set aside to cover the needs of your loved ones. This account should not be used for other purposes, you can’t be tempted to pull the funds out to use for other expenses. Because these funds are limited, you may need to have an accurate understanding of which services you can afford when you need it.

Stick to a contribution schedule

U.S. News & World Report states that you would be likely to save money if you start small, this makes the process easier. Create a schedule for adding money to the savings account that will help you achieve your goals. Whether you start by adding 5 percent of your paycheck or $10 per week, pick an amount that’s affordable. Add these funds to the long-term care fund and a timeline for when you add these contributions.

Many financial organizations allow you to use auto debit to take money from your checking account and deposit it directly into a savings account on schedule. After you feel comfortable with your ability to save, you can increase how much money you add each time.

You must be conscious of your spending

The more cautious you are on your spending, the more funds you’ll have available to save. Time.com says you don’t have to deprive yourself of luxuries when trying to save. However, you need to be careful of the purchases you make.

You should use coupons, discounts, compare various brands, and consider which products and upgrades are truly needed when shopping. By being cautious, you won’t end up spending more money than necessary. You should examine the type of purchases you make and decide which are perks and which are necessities. You may find that there are routine expenditures you follow out of habit and not out of a regular, actual need.

If you need help deciding on the type of account you need to set up long-term care or the best way to save money, reach out to a financial advisor. A financial advisor can help create a system that works for you. Whichever way you decide to save, planning can take the stress out of long-term care that offers the best benefit to you and your loved one.

Call or contact Assisting Hands Houston with any of the questions you may have about home healthcare agencies in Houston. If you are interested in learning about the services we provide visit here.

Fascinating Facts About Aging

This entry was posted in Assisted Living, Elder In Home Care, In Home Care and tagged , , , , , on by .

Facts About Aging

Assisting Hands Houston | Elder Care Services in Houston TexasThere are a number of pervasive myths about the elderly. Assisting Hands Houston works to dismiss those falsehoods. Our experiences with in=home care in Houston Texas have taught us a great deal. Our residents are teaching us new things every single day.

We’ve assembled a list that dispels many common assumptions about the aging population. The residents that we work with have plenty of energy, and they have a lot to contribute to society. They still work very hard, and they have a lot of fun too. Read over some of these facts and see what you can learn.

One in every eight American adults is over the age of 65.

In fact, one in every three Americans is over the age of 50. According to the data gathered by the 2010 Census, the senior population is actually growing at a faster rate than the youth population is. Because of this, the median age in the United States has risen from 35 up to 37. By 2030, it is expected that 1 in 5 American adults will be over the age of 65.

Elderly brains are still developing.

A lot of people assume that our brains stop growing and developing after a certain age. However, research has found that the brain can develop new neurons regardless of a person’s age. One study, which was published in the Journal of Neuroscience, looked at a group of 60-year-olds that took juggling lessons. The results of the study were impressive. The majority of patients saw growth in the portion of the brain that was responsible for visual perception. Our brains change when they take in new information, regardless of our age.

Your environment can impact health conditions.

A number of the health conditions that elderly individuals struggle with exist because of the environment that they grew up in. For example, people that are poor are more likely to eat poor diets or live in unsafe conditions. This can increase the risk of heart disease, and can even impact a person’s eyesight. It is more difficult to treat these conditions later on. That’s why it’s important to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise now.

Falls can be caused by a negative mindset.

Many elderly individuals are injured in falls. Surprisingly, these falls have been linked to a negative mindset. In a study that was conducted by the University of New South Wales, it was found that people that have anxieties about falling were more likely to fall than those that didn’t. When people are anxious, it can actually cause them to slip up and injure themselves.

Are there any compelling aging facts we’ve missed?

If you have some great information about aging, let us know by calling or contacting Assisting Hands Houston! We’re passionate about in-home care in Houston Texas, and we’d love to share the fact that you send.

Activities Of Daily Living (ADLs)

This entry was posted in Activities of Daily Living, Assisted Living, Elder In Home Care, In Home Care and tagged , , , , , on by .

Seniors and  Their Activities Of Daily Living (ADLs)

Activities of daily living (ADL) refer to the standard daily tasks that individuals do throughout the course of their day. Knowing if an individual is capable or not of performing daily living activities can help a medical professional know whether or not people are able to successfully live without any assistance. If a person is unable to perform daily tasks, then the individual may need assistance with their daily life activities, such as receiving elder care in Houston.

What determines an ADL?

Although there are some common events that are widely accepted to be daily tasks, usually ADLs are determined by various factors, including the following:

  • Environmental variables
  • What are specific circumstances of the individual being tracked for?
  • What organization or person is tracking the ADL?

ADLs are ultimately decided on by organizations like insurance companies and assisted living centers that monitor geriatric and senior citizen activity patterns. Those individuals collect a great deal of data that pertains to daily activity and are able to determine the most common ones.

There are three main categories of ADLs.

Basic ADLs

Assisting Hands Houston | Houston Assisted Living ServicesBADLs – are those fundamental tasks that individuals do on a daily basis. These activities are ones that we learn during our early childhoods and are performed continuously throughout an adult’s lifetime. They include the following:

  • Maintaining mobility
  • Walking
  • Bathing
  • Grooming
  • Dressing
  • Using the bathroom
  • Eating

One really good way to tell if you are doing something that is a BADL is if it occurs are part of your evening or morning routine. If it is, there is a good chance that it is a BADL that you are doing.

Instrumental ADLs

IADLs – Instrumental activities of daily living are often tasks that can improve your odds of surviving. These tasks are ones you learn in your transitional years going from childhood into adulthood. These are higher functioning activities. However, not everyone performs them. They include the following:

  • Telephone operation
  • Transportation
  • Food preparation
  • Accounting
  • Housekeeping
  • Shopping

Cooperative IADLs

In addition to regular IADLs, there are also certain tasks that adults do with some assistance from another individual, including the following:

  • Responding to emergencies
  • Raising children
  • Observing holidays
  • Managing medicine
  • Managing finances
  • Taking care of other living things

What happens if somebody I know is unable to perform an ADL?

When somebody you know or you are unable to perform two ADLs, find out what your options are by consulting with a medical professional.

Insurance companies created the ADL label to help them with knowing what type of long-term care an individual might qualify for. If somebody cannot perform an ADL, then the person might need assistance from an assisted living facility, live-in nurse or stay in the hospital temporarily in order to heal.

Insurance starts covering conditions whenever an individual is unable to perform two ADLs. Although ADLs may be used for covering specific conditions, but are used for senior care mainly.

What can I do to assist individuals who are unable to perform certain ADLs?

It can be difficult to take care of a person who has ADL issues. Usually, ADL care is left to individuals who are professional caretakers or medical professionals. It is possible to do, but you need to understand that it can put a great strain on the relationships that you have with your loved ones and in your life.

Eating

Make sure your loved ones are kept as much involved as you can. Although they might not be able to feed themselves, of course, they are still human. Assist them with maintaining as much independence as they possibly can have with their eating process.

Have them tell you what order they want to eat their food in. Then either cut up, liquefy or dice up all of their foods before they are eaten.

If an individual has problems swallowing, be sure they rest for 30 minutes at least before they eat. That will provide them with the energy they need for working the necessary muscles to be able to swallow their food. To help make their swallowing easier, alternate solids and liquids.

Using the Bathroom

Use a bedpan if there are any mobility issues when it comes to using the bathroom. There are two kinds of bedpans that can be used: the “fractured” bedpan and the classic bedpan. The fractured bedpan has been designed for patients with hip or back issues and who can’t use a bedpan if it is too high.

Be sure your loved one is able to roll on one side and the other. If they are unable to do this, ask if you can help them with that, and then roll the person over. Before you use the bedpan, place disposable towels done in the area where you are going to place the bedpan.

Push down on the bed and then slide the bedpan under the waste area. Once it is under the person, have them rock over onto the bedpan. Help prop them up some for added comfort. In addition, after they start to go, be sure there is some toilet paper available for them to clean themselves with.

After the person is done, the steps should be repeated in reverse. Your love one will roll back onto their side, and then you need to hold onto the bedpan so that it doesn’t move around too much. Use wipes or toilet paper to make sure that the waste area is sanitized if they are unable to do it on their own. Take away the bedpan and then pour the contents down the toilet.

Maintaining Mobility

If you have a bedridden loved one, be sure they are turned over every two hours. Bedsores might develop on their body is they aren’t turned. Once they are turned, be sure to prop up their backs using pillows.

If your loved one needs to be moved up in bed, you should try maneuvering the whole bed so that the foot of the bed is higher than the head of the better (it is easier to do this with an automatic bed). Ask the individual in bed to bend their knees and then push down toward the head of the bed.

If you love one is having a hard time pushing up in bed there are reduced friction sheets that are available to make this process easier.
Other activities like walking, bathing, grooming, and dressing required you to help you loved one and be there in person to help them. You will need to catch them when they fall.

Other ADL Tips

If you have any other ADL tips just call or contact us to let us know. Assisting Hands Houston is eager to assist with elder care in Houston and make sure all of our clients get the information and help they require for their loved ones.

6 Essential Medication Safety Tips For Seniors

This entry was posted in Assisted Living, Elder In Home Care, In Home Care and tagged , , , , , on by .

Assisting Seniors With Their Daily Medication Procedures

Over 700,000 visits to emergency rooms can be attributed to medication and drug errors every year. These errors commonly include accidental overdose or consumption but may be related to other reasons. The goal of Assisting Hands Houston is to reduce this error rate related hospital visits.

Follow these health and safety tips to prevent medication and drug errors:

1. List It

Make a list of all the medication that is currently being taken by yourself or a loved one. Present this list to a healthcare provider at every visit or appointment. It will help them determine your current medical conditions, eliminate the need to prescribe more medication of the same type and prevent drug interactions.

2. Storage Instructions

Read the storage instructions on the medication or ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Most medications should be stored in a cool dry place but some may need to refrigerated or have additional storage instructions. Keep in mind that moisture and heat could change the chemistry of a drug affecting its efficacy or make it hazardous to your health. It is essential to keep all medication out of reach of children and pets and preferable to lock them away safely.

3. A Weekly Medicine Box

A medicine box provides separate compartments that medications can be placed in for each day of the week. Using a medication box greatly reduces the risk of drug errors occurring. It also simplifies the delivery process for caregivers as well as allows them to determine the safety of each medication taken within the whole.

Should there be any concern whether a dosage has been missed or taken twice, it is a simple matter of checking which compartment is still full? If an error has occurred, the dosage will need to be adjusted according to the instructions or advice from a healthcare provider.

4. Dosage Instructions

Assisting Hands Houston | In Home Care Services in Houston TexasNever stop taking a medication just because you feel you or your loved one no longer needs it. Also never adjust the dosage because you think the drug may be ineffective or the side effects are too severe. Always consult with a healthcare professional to voice your concerns and ask them to adjust your dosage if necessary.

Keep in mind that dosages are carefully calculated to meet the specific treatment requirements of different health conditions as well as the individual patient. Adjusting your medication could have severe consequences such as ending up in the hospital.

5. Knowledge Is Power

Ask your health care professional pertinent questions regarding the medication that they prescribe like what is for, how it works and how long you can expect to take it. If you are unsure about anything, get a second opinion.

Create a dialogue with your primary healthcare provider so that they can better understand your needs and concerns and to provide you with a better understanding of your health conditions and treatment plan.

6. More Hints And Tips

If you have any additional drug and medication health and safety tips, please feel free to call or contact Assisting Hands Houston and help us reduce the rate of errors and related hospital visits. Should you simply require more information regarding our services, our staff will be happy to assist.

Assisting Hands Helps You Understand Differences Between Nursing Homes and Assisted Living

This entry was posted in In Home Care and tagged , , , , , on by .

Understanding The Differences In Assisted Living Or A Nursing Home

Assisting Hands Houston | Nursing Homes in Houston TexasThere is a common misconception that both assisted living and a nursing home are the same. Even though both of them offer homes for seniors, the purposes are very different. The assisted living facilities will help seniors work on maintaining an independent lifestyle while providing basic aid. Nursing homes in Houston are there to help people that are in need of constant and active medical supervision.

Both of these avenues have their merit, however, you need to understand the differences before you sign a contract with either one. Without the right information, you could be hurting a loved one without even realizing it.

Extracurricular Activities

Nursing Home – The individual has to be signed out by a family member or close friend before being able to leave the home. Any of the interactions will also be highly regimented.

Assisted Living – The individual will be free to leave as they please and there are a number of social activities that are put together with the enjoyment of the residents in mind.

Health Care

Nursing Home – There is constant medical monitoring, as the function of a nursing home is to provide round the clock medical care to senior residents that need it. While the social activities for your loved one may be sparse, they will be getting extensive medical care. If your loved one is not able to go to the bathroom on their home, an attendant from the nursing home will be there to assist.

Assisted Living – You will find medical monitoring along with amenities. The assisted living will offer care, yet there will not be round the clock attention. The residents are expected to be much more independent and take care of basic needs themselves, including using the bathroom.

Living Space

Nursing Home – The living space is sparse, yet functional. There are decorations allowed, but the seniors might have to clear their personal items with the staff prior to putting them out.

Assisted Living – There are a lot of living space selections, including studio apartments, one bedroom apartments, and some locations may have cottages that your loved one can move into. Assisted living will also engage residents in various activities and take them off to run errands or to local events.

Personal Care

Nursing Home – There is frequent attention, including eating and dressing, bathing and more. The nursing homes are crafted with custodial care and needs in mind. Independence is never expected.

Assisted Living – You will find independent options when you deal with activities each day, including cooking, eating, bathing, dressing, using the bathroom and more.

Privacy

Nursing Home – Individuals are closed watched by the staff and there are either private or shared spaces. There will be a higher chance of sharing a room with someone else in a nursing home. This is something that may be ideal for someone who needs special medical supervision.

Assisted Living – This is designed with privacy in mind, as the rooms are made for seniors who are able to get around while needing minimal aid. The living space will also be private unless it is otherwise noted.

Cost

Nursing Home – Being that this is a healthcare facility, there are many kinds of insurances and services that can help cover the cost.

Assisted Living – Long term insurance may cover many of the assisted living spaces. You could encounter some billing issues, but there will be a facility advisor that will be able to work with you.

If you are looking at comparing the costs of nursing homes in Houston, you will find assisted living calculators available online.

At Assisting Hands Houston we pride ourselves on bringing our clients and your loved ones with the need-to-know information you are searching for. Visit our blog for more information. We invite you to call or contact us to get in touch with one of our representatives if you have any unanswered questions!

What To Consider When Looking To Cosign A Loan For Your Loved One

This entry was posted in Assisted Living, Elder In Home Care, In Home Care and tagged , , , , , on by .

Co-Signing A Loan

Someone just asked if you would cosign on a loan. So should you do this or not? At times some elderly advocates may consider doing this for relatives or friends. If you do decide to cosign, how can you protect yourself? You might be asked at some point in time to cosign a loan for somebody else. At least theoretically “cosigning” basically means “co-borrowing.” It means that you are agreeing to be 100 percent – or completely – liable to repay the loan as well as all of its related costs, which includes the loan principle, penalties, interest, cost of suit and attorney’s fees, if the other signer doesn’t comply with the loan terms. In addition, even if the loan is paid by the other signer, but they skip payments or pay late, those lapses are going to show up on your personal credit report. Given that there are so many burdens involved with cosigning, you should consider taking the following steps before, during and after you cosign.

There are several questions you should answer before cosigning a loan. Since prospective creditors providing the loan are going to be a debt of yours, will cosign on the loan affect your ability to be able to borrow in some way? Since you will be completely responsible for the loan should the borrower default, will you be able to repay the loan as well as all of its associated costs? Sometimes indebtedness will affect tax exemptions and have other tax consequences as well, will your taxes be affected by cosigning the law? Since sometimes loans are secured by other types of property like jewelry, homes, cars, etc., are you going to be asked to pledge some of your valuable property for this loan and will you be willing to risk actually losing this property?

Assisting Hands Houston | Elder In Home Care Provider in Houston TexasSupposing that you answer all of the questions above in favor of cosigning for the individual; you will then move to the considerations and steps to take while cosigning. For example, there are some states that do allow you to ask for a certain limitation to be instituted in terms of what responsibilities you have for the loan. In these cases, you are ability limit what your liability is on the loan principle and associated charge. Ask the lender to put it in writing. The limitations may state that the co-signer is only responsible for the principle balance on the loan and/or any other specified things. In addition, you can ask that the written agreement from the lender provide you with a written notice if the other signer has any misstep, like missing a payment or being late on any payments, or if any changes are made to the loan. That will allow to you react to any problems there are with the loan before they come critical and an attorney or collections department pursues you for payment. A cosigner can also take an addition proactive step to ensure that they are designed as the receiver of payment requests so that you can stay on top of all of the payments. Another request that you can make is to ask that you be provided with the exact dollar amounts by the lender of what you will owe and what the monthly payments are if the other signer defaults. Given that you are considered to be a borrower, along with the other cosigner, you are entitled to receive copies of documents like the Truth-In-Lending Disclosure Statement, the loan contract, and warranties, definitely from the other borrower or the lender. In addition, in some states like California, a lender is required to provide you with a written statements of what your obligations and rights are as a cosigner. It is a good idea to collect all of these documents and keep copies of them, which can help you in the event that something goes wrong with the loan.

After the loan has been cosigned, get the other signer to make the loan payment to you instead of the lender, and then you make the loan payments. That way you can make sure that all payments are made on time and in full. Then make sure to keep records of all of the payments that the other signer makes to you and payments that you make to the lender. If you don’t make this kind of arrangement where you are paid and then you pay the lender, then you will leave yourself open to a potential default by the other signer. In this situation, check on the status of the loan repayment periodically so that you can take action to remedy any problems if they arise. Either way, you should make sure to keep all of the documents that you receive that are associated with the loan payments. In the event that the other individual faults and you cannot handle issues as they occur, then you will be subject to collection/credit problems in the same way that you would if you were the original borrow. If this occurs, you will want to consult with an attorney who specializes in collections/credit in order to safeguard your cosigner rights.

The Do’s And Don’ts Of Co-signing A Loan

Co-signing a loan is a great way to help out a friend or family member in a time of need. The action can also put you in some serious financial trouble if handled incorrectly though, so make sure you consider the following do’s and don’ts before signing for anything:

The Do’s Of Co-signing A Loan

  • Think of your own financial future. Is signing this loan going to make it harder for you to borrow as well?
  • Prepare for the worst. If you’re going to co-sign for a loan, then you need to prepare as if you’ll have to pay the whole loan back yourself.
  • Understand the tax implications of signing for this loan. Your attorney or a licensed tax professional will be happy to consult you on the matter.
  • Figure out the collateral needed for this loan. You may be putting up property or assets that you aren’t willing to part with.
  • Attempt to get a limited liability clause, in writing, from the lender.
  • Ensure that you’re communicated with if any changes or problems occur.
  • Work with the lender to receive consistent payment updates.
  • Get copies of all documents, and keep them with your personal attorney.
  • Consider having the borrower pay you each month, and then you pay the loan payment.
  • Learn the collections process, just in case.

The Don’ts Of Co-Signing A Loan

  • Don’t let others dictate the process. You have the leverage here.
  • Don’t let emotion rule your decisions. Finances always need to be handled in a logical way.
  • Don’t work off of the honor system. You need to do everything legally possible to protect yourself in the case of default.

It’s a very good thing that you’re doing by considering being there for friends or family in a time of need. You can’t martyr yourself for their short-term financial gain though, so you need to approach a situation like this with a clear head. Make them give you reasons to say “yes” instead of you trying to find reasons to say “no”. Emotion can make that process to hard for you. In the end, you have to be prepared to say no if the risk is going to be more than you can stomach. This’ll be hard, as no one wants to say “no” to their loved ones if they can avoid it. Financial situations are hard to deal with, and it isn’t fair for you to ruin your personal situation to bail out someone who may not be doing their best to be responsible. The best thing you can do is to remove the emotion from the situation. You have the information that you need now to go through the process. Stay logical, be fair, and you can’t go wrong.

Growing up isn’t always the easiest. If you happen to be struggling with your decisions Assisting Hands Houston is here to help you with the process. Please call or contact us today for information regarding the services we provide, and the benefits of elder in-home care for your loved one.

Preventing Identity Theft For Your Loved Ones

This entry was posted in Assisted Living, Elder In Home Care, In Home Care and tagged , , , , , , on by .

How to Protect Your Senior Parent’s From Identity Theft

In today’s world, anybody can become a victim of identity theft. Elderly people are no exception. Unfortunately, many elderly people do not know they are a victim of identity theft until unexplained charges show up on their credit cards or after their bank accounts are empty.

Identity theft occurs when a person steals another person’s back account number, social security number or other personal or financial information. This information is often used to apply for loans, obtain new credit card accounts, access and drain the victim’s bank accounts or obtain professional licenses, birth certificates, and driver’s licenses illegally.

Why Do They Target Seniors?

Many identity thieves see seniors as an easy target. Older people are often more vulnerable because many are trusting, lonely, and socially isolated. Others may be suffering from memory loss or dementia. This creates the perfect victim profile for an identity thief. Often, seniors are sitting ducks for these scammers.

How Do These Criminals Steal the Senior’s Identity?

The identity thieves are always creating new ways to gather information from their victims. There are several common ways these criminals steal identities.

Stealing Mail

Identity thieves will steal the senior’s mail. They are looking for tax information, checks, bank statements and credit card statements. They don’t just take these documents from the mail. Some thieves steal the senior’s garbage, to gain access to carelessly discarded personal and financial information.

Sending Mail

Instead of stealing mail, some thieves send mail to the senior. This mail appears to be from a trusted source, such as a well-known company, charitable organization, or the victim’s bank. The mail uses “official” letterhead to make the senior believe it is from the actual company.

Calling the Victim on the Phone

Some identity thieves call seniors, pretending to represent the senior’s financial institution or a charitable organization. Unfortunately, many seniors trust that the phone call is actually coming from the trusted source.

“Phishing” Online

Phishing is a common practice online. Identity thieves pretend to be a well=known company, like eBay, or a financial institution. They send spam messages to seniors asking them to “verify” their social security number or account information.

Swiping Credit Cards

Wait staff at restaurants and sales clerks can gain access to a person’s financial records every time a credit card is swiped for a purchase. They use a tiny scanning device that steals the card numbers, then they are able to use the cards. They can run up an exorbitant bill before the senior is even aware that their credit card information was stolen.

Assisting Hands Houston | Elder In Home Care ServicesHow to Prevent Identity Theft

It’s important to remember that identity theft can happen on the phone, in a store or restaurant, online or in person. Do not share your personal information through the mail, on the phone, or on the internet unless you know who the receiver is and have initiated the contact where the information is to be provided.

Buy a Cross Cut Shredder

You or your senior parent should shred all sensitive mail and documents, including credit card offers, bank statements, credit card statements, and tax documents. Don’t just throw these papers in the trash. A thief can go through the trash and steal any information they find.

Guard Credit Cards

When your parent’s hand wait staff, salespeople, or anyone who needs to complete a sale, tell them to watch those people closely. Thieves use a tiny scanner called a skimmer to steal numbers. If they have unused or rarely used cards, get rid of them. The fewer cards your parents have the easier it is to monitor their use. Only provide your credit card information if you absolutely must.

Don’t Let Anyone Copy Your Parent’s Driver’s License

If a person has a copy of your parent’s license, they can gain access to their personal data, bank accounts and other things you want to protect. The exception is using a license to verify a check. However, you should not let someone take the entire license to use the other information on it, which is never necessary.

Mail Letters at the Post Office or a Postal Box

Your parents should try to avoid leaving outgoing mail in their home mailbox. Identity thieves can steal payment slips and checks from your parent’s mail, take the information and use it to steal their identity. The scammers can use the information to get new credit cards in your parent’s name and rob them of all they can get.

Never Provide Personal Information On The Phone

Phone solicitors often offer rewards and prizes as a way to trick people into providing their social security number, bank account information, or mother’s maiden name. With this information, a scammer can wipe out a person’s bank account in minutes.

If your parents order checks, have them delivered to a post office box or to the bank, do not have them shipped to your home address.

How Common Is Identity Theft Among Seniors?

No one can say how many seniors are scammed each year, or even tell the percentage of fraud that targets seniors. According to the Federal Trade Commission that compiles lists of identity theft complaints, nine million Americans have their identities stolen annually. However, this list is made up of victims who voluntarily registered by e-mail or over the phone.

How can you help your senior parents protect themselves? According to the Federal Trade Commission’s 2014 report, about 19 people become a victim of theft each minute.

We need to start by educating our aging parents that it’s dangerous to trust people on the phone. We also need to warn them that even their own children can steal their identity if they’re desperate enough. Mental illness, serious financial trouble, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse are all factors that can lead an adult child to steal their parent’s bank account numbers during a visit and raid their parent’s back accounts later. Adult children have been caught taking from the people most likely to trust them, their aging parents.

Seniors must be educated to stay alert for these dangers in their family and among their friends. If there is a ” black sheep” in the family with substance abuse issues or serious financial trouble, they should be considered a risk.

Is it possible to thwart an attempt to steal your aging parent’s identities? Even if it’s difficult, we should at least take protective measures. Often the simple solutions are the best.

Assisting Hands Houston is Houston’s #1 provider for elder in home care and assisted living. Visit here to review the other services we offer. Contact us or call today with any further questions you may have.

Assisting Hands Houston Addresses Stroke Prevention

This entry was posted in Assisted Living, Dementia, Elder In Home Care, In Home Care, Stroke Prevention and tagged , , , , , , , , on by .

Does Stroke Prevention Help Decrease The Risk For Dementia?

There are many precautionary measures that a person can take to ensure that their heart and brain health is doing well, this will help them to age well.

Today, heart disease is the leading cause of death in America per the Center for Disease Control. Other conditions on the list include cancer, strokes and Alzheimer’s disease. As you age, the risk for all of these conditions rises which makes it important that you follow the right preventative measures to prevent such conditions.

Around the world, researchers are seeking answers to how these conditions form. Recently, researchers from the University of Western Ontario spent time on a study for stroke prevention for those over the age of 80. To help prevent strokes, we know that people must improve their diet, increase their exercises and this is yielding positive results to lower their stroke rates, however, it may also help in preventing dementia.

Assisting Hands Houston | Elder Home Care Houston TXThere is a link between dementia and strokes. When the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or slows, it may raise the risk for both strokes and dementia. According to the researchers in Western Ontario, there are some extreme lifestyle changes that can be made to help prevent strokes. These will help to combat the symptoms of stroke and dementia. High cholesterol, as an example, may lead to a plaque which can clog arteries. Thus, eating a healthier diet may help to lower cholesterol and thus prevent the risk of stroke and dementia.

Anyone who has had a stroke is at double the risk to develop vascular dementia according to the researchers. They will have a higher risk of memory loss, reasoning issues, judgment problems, and planning issues. As the blood supply is disrupted to the brain in a stroke, it also reduces the amount of oxygen which may cause permanent damage that may, in turn, lead to dementia.

When the researchers at University of Western Ontario were doing their research, they noted that there was a drop in the rate of strokes in the study participants that would lead to fewer cases of dementia. However, strokes aren’t the single cause of vascular dementia, blood clots, cardio issues, and even diabetes may all impact the flow of blood and reduce or cut off the oxygen levels to the person’s brain and cause serious damage to their cognitive abilities. This, in turn, can contribute to dementia. Following the same measures that will improve circulation to the brain and prevent strokes also were noted to prevent dementia.

It’s important that caregivers encourage their loved ones to remain active and reduce their risk of strokes and vascular dementia.

Preventing strokes and dementia is often just a matter of following a proper diet and good exercise. As these lifestyle changes are presented patients should also keep in mind that reducing or eliminating tobacco products and sticking to a healthier diet and lifestyle will go far in helping to reduce the incidence of stroke and dementia. The incidence of strokes has dropped by 37.9 percent by following these measures and dementia has dropped by 15.4 percent. While little can be done about a genetic predisposition to such conditions, there are steps that can help to reduce the severity if one will follow a healthier diet and add in proper exercise.

According to the National Stroke Association or NSA, proper nutrition to prevent strokes includes:

  • Eating a variety of vegetables including both starches and leafy greens
  • Eating more fresh and whole fruits
  • Following a fat-free and low-fat diet especially with dairy products
  • Eating more whole-grain foods
  • Consuming lean proteins
  • Using heart-healthy oils

The NSA has also recommended that you not add sugar, sodium or trans fats to your diet. These should make up less than ten percent of a person’s daily diet.

It’s also vital to limit the intake of alcohol and men should have no more than two drinks per day while women shouldn’t have more than one drink per day. No tobacco should be used. Smoking especially can double the risk of the incidence of strokes and dementia. This can lead to the plaque buildup in the body and affect the required amounts of blood to the brain.

Exercise will help to strengthen the lungs and the heart and this will improve the blood circulation to the brain. Adults should have at least 2.5 hours of exercise per week. This can include brisk walks. They should also strive for two days worth of muscle strengthening such as weight lifting. Working things like crossword puzzles will also help to improve the health of the brain per Assisting Hands of Houston, which promotes Independent Senior Living Houston.

Always check with your doctor prior to starting any type of new diet or exercise to ensure that the person is well enough to participate in such activities. Some medications will interact with some diets so always have a doctor monitor any dietary changes as well. These steps may help to prevent strokes and vascular dementia.

We at Assisting Hands Houston hope that the information we have provided you not only helps your loved ones but also helps you to be a better caregiver. Please contact us or call today if you have any questions regarding elder in-home care or assisted living for your loved ones.