Alzheimer’s dementia is a cruel disease for both the patient and their family. Staying informed about symptoms, stages, treatment options and support services can be critical to identification and management of this disease. There are many resources available to patients and their loved ones. Once such resource is the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation (www.alzinfo.org). This website offers valuable information about the disease, treatment options, the latest medical trends and a resource locator.As always, you should also consult with the treating physician for more information about the disease and resources available in your area.

An elder law attorney can be of assistance in navigating these difficult waters. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (www.naela.org) provides information about the practice as well as a listing of its attorney members. In addition, the Alzheimer’s Association provides a wealth of information for the patient and care providers. (www.alz.org)

Knowledge is power and power is one of many things this terrible disease takes from people. Arm yourself well to make the best of managing Alzheimer’s disease.

Medicare is expanding on the success of community based programs that assist the frail and elderly by providing medical home visits. A small issue can turn into a major medical problem without prompt assessments and treatment. This program will assist those who qualify by having medical professionals making house calls. Jim Pyles, a Washington lawyer and member of the board of directors of the American Academy of Home Care Physicians states: “[W]e found that you could afford to treat a patient for a whole year at home by avoiding just one hospitalization.” Health care organizations that participate in the project also receive a benefit; if health care delivery costs are reduced by at least 5% with positive patient reviews (a key factor, in my opinion) then the organizations share in any further savings. To read the L.A. Times article about this program use the link below.

The Area Agency on Aging, Region One, is hosting an Open House on October 5, 2010 from 11am until 2pm with guest speaker Attorney General Terry Goddard speaking at 12:30pm. This event is being held at the Area Agency on Aging, Region One office located at 1366 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85014. The event is in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and is will provide information about late-life domestic violence and elder abuse. There will also be a graduate of the DOVES program speaking at this event. I am a supporter of the DOVES program and other programs sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides exceptional services to the community; assisting some of the most vulnerable among us. Please support their efforts by attending this event!

Many older individuals inquire into reverse mortgages to pay for care as their needs increase. Most use the funds to stay in their homes as long as possible. However, reverse mortgages are becoming harder to obtain and they can be one of the costliest ways to pay for care. If you are considering a reverse mortgage you should talk with a financial professional (one who is NOT trying to sell you something) and consider speaking with a credit or HUD counselor.

Included here is a link to an MSNBC article on reverse mortgages. AARP also has helpful information and is a good place to start your research.

Just remember – Caveat Emptor – arm yourself with knowledge and ask questions. Consult professionals and read and understand the fine print before making the commitment.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38351343/ns/business-consumer_news
http://www.aarp.org/money/credit-loans-debt/info-2007/5_questions_to_ask_before_considering_a_reverse_mo.html

The Area Agency on Aging, Region One, is once again innovating to benefit the elderly and vulnerable adult populations. The latest efforts include an online training tool called Stairway to Medicare. This is an interactive program designed to educate consumers regarding the Medicare system. Another great program!

Go to www.stairwaytomedicare.org today for more information and to begin using this wonderful online learning tool!

Tomorrow is the big day! Join the Elder Law & Mental Health Section of the State Bar of Arizona for our “Benefits Buffet” continuing education program. The program starts at 9am and you can register at the door. We have Victoria Blair from Fleming and Curti in Tucson presenting on long term care benefits. Then we have three speakers from the Area Agency on Aginig, Region One, discussing various programs including the DOVES program for victims of late life domestic violence, MEAPA (Maricopa Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance), Medicare, the Senior Help Line and more! This program is for anyone – not just attorneys, so JOIN US!

Come join the Maricopa Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance (MEAPA) and the Area Agency on Aging, Region One, for an Ask The Experts panel presentation and discussion. Topics include consumer fraud, investment traps, powers of attorney and advance directives, as well as service and resource information for older adults, caregivers, family members and community professionals. A morning program will be held at Deer Valley Community Center (602-495-3714) from 10am to 11:30am and an afternoon program will be held at the Beatitudes Campus (602-995-2611) from 1:30pm to 3:00pm.

Contact me for additional information and a list of presenters. This program is being offered in honor and support of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Today I was in court and the judge was asked to give a legal guardian the authority to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment for an individual who is physically suffering. He has no family in this country and the family out of country had no idea what his wishes would be under the circumstances. This man had no estate planning documents of any kind. No one knew what he might want.

Hopefully few people will face being totally alone at the end of our lives. Sadly, even if we have family and friends around they may not know what we want for end of life decisions.

Don’t wait. Tell everyone you know and love what you want to have happen if end of life decisions need to be made and you cannot make them. Write it down. Use advance directives, living wills, a cocktail napkin. Just get it down in writing. Consulting an attorney is always recommended but you can use forms to assist you with making your choices known.

Don’t wait. Just do it.

On May 5, 2010 President Obama signed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 into law. The law includes provisions that help provide support for the caregivers of seriously injured Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, helps improve services for our nation’s 1.8 million women veterans, and helps expand the availability of health care for veterans and services preventing veterans from becoming homeless.

For the full press release go to: www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/05/05/improving-health-care-veterans

After decades of work by the National Center on Elder Abuse and its coalition, there is a new federal law that contains the first ever dedicated funding stream for state and local adult protective services programs.  The health care reform signed into law earlier this year provides funding that will support more investigators, pilot programs, investigations into allegations of abuse, and prevention programs. For more information visit: http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/23/buried-in-the-health-bill-a-new-focus-on-elder-abuse/