In this episode, you will learn about eye health and common eye disorders found with aging. You will obtain resources to better care for your loved ones, including signs of low vision and questions for your healthcare providers regarding eye health.

Q: Thinking back over 2021, and CarePatrol Franchise Systems’ many accomplishments, what are the top initiatives achieved? 

A: Our biggest operational initiative in 2021 was moving to % royalty structure to ensure everyone’s success. This effort began in late 2019, after feedback from our franchisees and culminated with this significant change to our system. When we finalized the new structure and allowed franchise owners to “opt in,” over 80% of the system was on board. I am so pleased because being on a % royalty sets our franchise owners up for continued growth and revenue opportunities. This also brings the entire system into alignment as we continue to build, run and grow the CarePatrol brand.

Adding to our operational updates, we launched Compass,  a powerful Intranet that connects our CarePatrol community with real-time communications and resources needed for their business.

For our brand position, we developed a Marketing Advisory Council (consisting of franchise owners) to help review plans and discuss matters of common interest related to marketing and advertising to help strengthen our overall brand. This included a refreshed website and the development of options for SEO and PPC packages. Also, after more than a decade using our current CarePatrol brand, we engaged a firm to help us research our brand presence to ensure alignment with our continued growth and evolution. We are excited to launch our refreshed brand shortly!

Q: What was the biggest surprise in 2021?

A: The resilience of our franchisees never ceases to surprise me and if there has ever been a moment where their strong work ethic and dedication has been needed, it has been throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. While the pandemic has made business more difficult to navigate, our franchisees outperformed their record months from 2019 and all prior years.

There is a real need for our services and our performance numbers continue to reflect this. CarePatrol Franchise Systems had three–possibly four when we finalize December numbers– all-time record breaking months of systemwide revenue in 2021. These numbers not only reflect the success of our work but also reflect the impact we are making and the support we are providing to clients who need care solutions.

Q: How was the organization able to pivot/quickly adapt to a dynamic pandemic environment?

A: In 2020, we quickly adjusted our operations to ensure we could provide our community with the support and resources they needed to continue providing their services.

Starting with our internal operations, we took place in a special COVID-19 training for Case Managers with the ACMA, published a COVID-19 Business Guide for franchise locations to implement, provided weekly updates on the state of the pandemic, including updates to CDC guidelines and information to support business development like PPC loans. To further support our franchisees’ business development, we increased field support, switched to virtual trainings and conferences, increased training webinars and provided additional revenue streams. We were lucky to also connect our members with vital vendors to bring wholesale pricing for PPE, offered royalty support programs for qualified franchisees, and increased lead generation and national brand awareness through press releases, brand videos, social media and live events.

Moving onto our general operations, we pivoted our in-person facility tours to virtual tours by using our YouTube video library. We also updated the format of our marketing collateral to digital files, which made them easily available to anyone interested in learning more about CarePatrol’s services. Thought leadership has always been a priority in our messaging, and we continue to share the latest information with our community through timely articles and blogs addressing common concerns like choosing the right community.

Q: What are the top three leadership lessons learned over the past year?

A: A strong approach to communication and strong vision are key components of a successful business. When connecting with others, strong and clear communication is critical to building trust and strengthening relationships. Listening is just as important–you need to be present in the conversation and be open to learn from everyone involved. Proper listening is key to obtaining a more holistic view of the issues at hand.

Also, it is important to be a visionary leader. When thinking about vision, developing a strategy that is focused on the here and now is very helpful to keeping up with unforeseen changes. Business operations are becoming more moment-to-moment and it is important to be nimble and able to re-evaluate and assess as needed.

Q: What are a few of the exciting opportunities for CarePatrol and its franchise owners in 2022?

A: We are looking forward to implementing our brand refresh and how it will help present CarePatrol as a trusted partner in care solutions.

Alongside the brand refresh, we will continue our work to further develop our marketing strategies and our methods of business operation. With a focus on innovation, we will improve our methods of doing business and focus more on the development of reliable and accessible tools like Calculated Care.

If you’re like me, you’ve had a little extra time to devote to binge-watching TV and movies on streaming services, which led me to a very interesting movie on Netflix. As a professional in the senior care space for more than 30 years, the trailer of “I Care a Lot” instantly drew me in.

I won’t give you any spoilers on this 2021 thriller, but the plot follows Marla Grayson (Rosamund Pike), a career con artist who manages the following:

1. Bribes a physician to declare an older adult unable to care for themselves.
2. Convinces the state legal system court to grant her guardianship/conservatorship over the older adult by using the doctor’s testimony.
3. Removes the adult from their own home and places them in an assisted living community where she can control visitation, thus isolating them from their own family.
4. Sells the older adult’s home and assets, deciding how much to pay herself after the sale and how much to use to pay for the older adult’s care.

But, can this financial elder abuse really happen, or is it all just Hollywood drama? The truth is a little more nuanced than that.

What Is an Adult Guardian or Conservator?

First, let’s define the terms. Conservatorship and adult guardianship mean the same thing. States use one name or the other.

An adult guardian/conservator is appointed through a state court order after the person files a petition in the proper court and appears in front of a judge to establish the potential ward’s incapacity and/or disability, according to Ken LaMance at LegalMatch. Many states have specific requirements for potential guardians/conservators, but generally, they:

• Must be a legal adult (18+).
• Cannot have a felony or gross misdemeanor record implicating dishonesty (forgery, bribery, etc.).
• Cannot have disabilities themselves.

The court will take the ward’s wishes into account if they are able to express those wishes. If they cannot, the court will look at documents signed before they became incapacitated such as a durable power of attorney or will. Now, if those documents do not exist, then the court will appoint a family member such as a spouse, adult child, sibling, etc.

What Power Do They Have?

An adult guardian/conservator’s rights and responsibilities may include:

• Accessing the ward’s confidential records and/or papers
• Admitting the ward to a hospital or institution such as an assisted living community
• Arranging and consenting to travel plans
• Making living arrangements for the ward
• Gifting the ward’s money or property to other
• Initiating, defending or settling lawsuits
• Lending or borrowing money
• Making a will for the ward
• Managing or possessing the ward’s property or income
• Paying or collecting debts
• Refusing or consenting to medical procedures

Adult guardians/conservators have a lot of power to influence an older adult’s life, and this role is essential for those who cannot safely direct their own affairs. However, it is frightening to consider that someone would use that responsibility for their own gain.

“The idea first came when I heard news stories about these predatory legal guardians who were exploiting this legal loophole and exploiting the vulnerability in the system to take advantage of older people, basically stripping them of their life and assets to fill their own pockets,” J Blakeson, the writer and director behind the film, said in a recent interview with Esquire.

In a report by The New Yorker, Rudy and Rennie North of Las Vegas had this very thing happen to them. According to the article, April Parks, the owner of the company A Private Professional Guardian, came with an order from the Clark County Family Court to remove them from their home. While they did have a home caregiver providing some assistance, they did not require full-time assistance according to the Norths’ adult daughter who often visited and was aware of their care needs. In a 10-minute court hearing, Parks became the Norths’ permanent guardian, much to the horror of their daughter.

A study published by the American Bar Association found that “an unknown number of adults languish under guardianship” when they no longer need it or never did. The authors wrote, “Guardianship generally is plenary and permanent, leaving no way out – ‘until death do us part’ but often far harder to undo than a marriage.”

So, can this financial elder abuse really happen, or is it all just Hollywood drama? The reality is that financial exploitation of the elderly can happen, however, families can prevent this form of elder abuse.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

It’s vital to know the law in your state pertaining to guardianship and powers of attorney. Educating yourself and careful planning can ensure decisions affecting your older loved one’s care and assets are made with their best interests in mind. So, let’s go over some terminology.

A power of attorney (POA) authorizes another person to handle certain matters, such as finances or health care. When used for advance planning, a POA generally is “durable,” meaning it continues to be effective even if the person creating it becomes incapacitated, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

A financial power of attorney allows for an authorized individual to oversee financial affairs versus a medical (healthcare) power of attorney that allows medical decisions to be made on behalf of an individual in the event they are incapacitated and unable to express their preferences regarding medical treatment. It is not required that the same individual be identified as both financial and medical POA, and these are typically created in separate legal documents and are known as advance directives.

Documenting a loved one’s wishesfor medical treatment and end-of-life care is made through what can be known as a “living will,” “medical directive,” “health care proxy,” or “advance health care directive.” This legally defines and communicates their wishes to family, friends, and health care professionals and avoids confusion at a future date when they are unable to express their informed consent.

Creating powers of attorney and identifying trusted individuals while a loved one has the mental capacity to do so can certainly prevent the need for a conservator or guardian in the event they become incapacitated.

No one thinks they will end up in a situation where they are unable to make decisions for themselves, however, it is important to prepare should this be the case. Take time in advance to discuss and document your loved one’s wishes and communicate them to the appropriate people including the designated POAs, physicians, and family members.

If you think you know someone who is being abused or neglected, you can contact your local Adult Protective Services. http://www.napsa-now.org/get-help/help-in-your-area/. Another great resource is The National Association to Stop Guardian Abuse https://stopguardianabuse.org/. They work to protect the rights of older adults and support families battling court-appointed “protectors” who violate the law in the form of isolation and physical & mental abuse.

If you or your loved one is facing a change in care needs, CarePatrol will identify safe and appropriate care and housing options including home care, assisted living, memory care, or respite care. The service of CarePatrol is at no cost to the senior or their family and helps ease the stress of what can be a challenging time. Although Netflix is promoting a movie on financial elder abuse, I am encouraged by the thousands of truly caring professionals who serve and advocate for seniors every day including the specialists at CarePatrol. And perhaps this is a wake-up call for us all to review our own “advance directives” and those of our aging loved ones.

Contact your local CarePatrol Senior Advisor today.

No one can stop the sands of time. We all are bound to grow old, and old age brings its own set of challenges. Sometimes, you end up facing partial or complete disability due to the weakness of bones. You may lose upper body strength and struggle with tasks that used to seem easy. Towards the later part of life, simple actions like walking, eating, and daily chores can become a real challenge.

Mobility is a primary concern for many seniors, as sometimes walking from one point to another becomes a strenuous task. Optimal mobility is defined as the freedom of movement with the ease of accessibility towards various places. Mobility is a significant challenge for the public health department to develop effective and efficient strategies and solutions to promote health and well-being in a diversified aged population. Becoming physically dependent on others could damage your self-esteem, hinder your independence, and destroy your self-reliance.

Fortunately, researchers and healthcare facility providers have carried out studies to develop excellent mobility equipment and elevate the standard of living for older people and those with disabilities. A wheelchair or crutches are no longer the only options. Today, there are numerous available tools for elderly people to maintain their mobility and independence.

One of the most common mobility aids, canes provide support when walking or standing. They come in a few variations and styles. For example, quad canes have four tips on the bottom to help with balance problems. But your options don’t end there!

Whether you need senior scooters to get around or a simple cane to help with walking, there’s no shame in using mobility aids and equipment. Below we explore some common mobility tools for elderly individuals. Here is a list of the top eight mobility tools that can enhance the lifestyle for older adults and people who have certain disabilities.

Different Walking Aids for Senior Mobility

1. Walker
A walker is a tool that can completely change the life of a person with a decreased ability to walk on their own. With a sturdy structure and metal frame, the walker provides support for elderly or disabled people to walk like they used to and prevent them from falling. Based on how much help you need while walking, you can opt for the standard old-school walker that does not have any wheels, or you can get the wheeled walker that provides you with the advantages of maximum stability and safety.

2. Rollator
Walker accessories and enhancements are also available. For example, rollators are walkers with wheels and advanced options. This walking aid offers the maximum stability and higher mobility in outdoor environments. Rollator walkers provide freedom of movement in the outdoors and rougher terrain but are still reliable and safe to use indoors. This is a heavy-duty walker with seat and four wheels, specially designed to provide extra support and aid heavier patients in freely moving around and also allow them to sit and rest when needed.

3. Liftware
Some illnesses affect our primary muscles and restrict the performance of our daily tasks. The range of liftware products is the answer to such a mobility issue. These products assist the user in lifting any utensils while eating food. In addition, liftware has a special kind of cutlery for those who are unable to control or hold the cutlery straight while eating. This useful invention enables you to continue enjoying your mealtime even when mobility and dexterity challenges appear.

4. Knee Braces
As you grow old, you come across joint pains and bone pains. Knee brace sleeves decrease the pressure exerted on your joints. This tool features air ventilation from all sides to keep you comfortable. In addition, the brace sleeves are durable because they are manufactured with high tensile carbon steel springs and commercial strength Velcro. The brace sleeve is odor resistant and machine washable, so you can maintain its hygiene easily.

5. Stair Steady Handle for Climbing
This device helps people with mobility difficulty, especially while climbing up the stairs. It allows people to easily and safely use the stairs. The Stair Steady helps in keeping your independence intact on the stairs while staying safe and stable. It is a handle that could be used on any flat surface as well while walking in a corridor having a rail. It is a high-quality fixed handrail and a sliding handle that moves when pushed and is locked overexertion of weight. Hence it is firm support for the climber or the person descending the stairs.

6. Grabber Tool
For dexterity challenges, the best alternative to a human hand is a Reacher Grabber. This assistive tool functions just like a human hand and is convenient for people who cannot stoop over, bend, or stretch their arms for any reason. It is designed especially for elders who are recovering from surgery, coping with arthritis, or have limited mobility. The grabber stick is lightweight and can help pick objects from high shelves and counters.

7. Mobility Scooter
If physical disabilities are limiting you from going where you want to go, mobility scooters are the best option for you. It is the best way to add freedom to a disabled person’s life. Whether it’s traveling, shopping, exploring nature, or spending time with friends and family, an immobilized person will never feel left out again. Much faster than power wheelchairs, the mobility scooter has a long battery life and can go for miles without being charged.

8. Bed and Chair Fall Guard
A bed and chair fall guard is an assistive technology that comes in handy when in the worst cases one might not be able to approach or make a phone call for help. As soon as someone with a mobility concern falls or leaves their bed or chair, caregivers receive an immediate heads up.

For More Guidance On the Best Mobility Aids, Contact CarePatrol Today

The older you are, the more important fall prevention becomes. An accident like a fall could take a significant toll on a senior’s already-fragile physical health and stability.

Luckily, a variety of mobility aids on the market are available to meet your needs and provide great support so you can remain an active participant in life. These useful tools may be recommended by your physical therapist, doctor, or home caregiver, and there’s a large selection available to suit your unique needs and challenges. (Note: The improper use of any mobility aid will carry risk, so it’s important to communicate with your care provider and find the right type of equipment. For example, simple training/lessons may be needed to drive medical scooters.)

Interested in adding a mobility aid to make your life easier? To connect with a senior care advisor and explore more affordable tools for older adults to maintain their mobility, contact CarePatrol now. We’re in the business of caring!

PHOENIX, April 1, 2020 /PRNewswire

CarePatrol, the nation’s largest senior placement organization, is partnering with healthcare providers to counsel families on options for moving loved ones to safer environments in order to make room for COVID-19 patients.

“When it comes to our vulnerable senior population, being discharged from a hospital or healthcare facility and going somewhere safe comes with incredible responsibilities,” said Becky Bongiovanni, Certified Senior Advisor and Brand President of CarePatrol. “There are important added measures we are taking to still get care for loved ones while our population at-large is also being told to shelter-in-place.”

By CarePatrol

For many individuals, planning for long-term care arrangements can often take a back seat to more immediate needs like mortgage payments, college savings and early retirement.

However, according to the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, people turning 65 today face a nearly 70% chance of needing long-term care services during their remaining years.

And when that time comes, without advance planning, the reality of covering this expense can potentially be financially disastrous for a family. It’s important to learn how to use long-term care insurance. 

Consider just one day of room and board in a private room in a nursing home can cost $283 or upwards of $8,517 a month. And for a home health aide who assists in the basics of self-care, an individual can pay $146 a day or close to $4,385 a month.* Neither employer-based medical insurance nor Medicare will pay for these extended periods of care.

Long-term care insurance can offset the financial burden when the time comes for an individual who needs extended care. A long-term care insurance policy covers everything from the basics—bathing and dressing—to skilled care from therapists and nurses for months or even years.

But with so many variables in play—from how much care a person might need to how long they need the care—it can be tricky to decide when to exercise the policy.

Here are some factors to take into consideration to maximize the benefit:

• First, understand exactly what the long-term care policy covers and any restrictions. The daily benefit can be used for in-home care, assisted living, adult daycare, respite care, hospice care, nursing home care, memory care for people with dementia, and home modifications to accommodate disabilities.
• Most long-term care insurance policies have an elimination period before benefits begin to kick in. This waiting period can be between 0–90 days, so families need to plan for how expenses will be covered out of pocket during the waiting period.
• This leads to the next point, consider using the policy earlier, but with fewer hours. Hire a caregiver for the least amount of hours necessary during the waiting period and then gradually add on additional hours as needed once the policy is active.
• Plan to not use 100% of the daily benefit. By spending less each day, the coverage will stretch out longer for the individual.
• Families should also research how to combine benefits for maximum coverage. For example, combine VA benefits with a long-term care benefit.

While long-term care insurance can be a huge help, especially for individuals without family or small retirement savings, it’s not a perfect solution. From forgetting to use the policy to either waiting too long to use it or exercising it too early and running out of funds, it’s a delicate dance to ensure seeing the maximum benefit. Make sure to dedicate time to learning how to use long-term care insurance. 

For more information on the various care options, the average cost of care and ways to pay for care, visit www.carepatrol.com.

*Genworth Cost of Care Survey, 2019

Chuck worked as a hospital-based home health medical social worker. One of his roles was to ensure seniors who were discharged from the hospital had supportive services in place for home care or assisted living. The other was to help the Senior in their transition back home or to assisted living. He received a call from his boss that would change his life forever.

She told him that the home health agency just signed up a new client who was demanding to leave the facility her daughter placed her in. She was threatening violence, and Chuck needed to get to her immediately. Chuck knew the community well, as it was known for dementia and Alzheimer’s care.

When he arrived, he met Arlene, a 74-year-old woman who demanded, “Get me out of here. I don’t belong here.” He engaged her in conversation for a few minutes, enough to be able to ascertain that she did not have a memory issue — in fact, she was completely alert and quite well oriented with her surroundings.

After digging in, he learned that Arlene’s daughter had placed her in this facility because it was the only one she knew, since she drove past it every day on her way to work.

Arlene begged Chuck to help her get out of this place; she knew she didn’t belong with the others. It’s what inspired Chuck to start CarePatrol, a senior living placement service that enables families to get the proper resources and recommendations on appropriate senior housing solutions that match a senior’s budget, preferences, acuity, and lifestyle.

The Challenge of Senior Living Community Selection

One of the most important considerations we face as we age is where to live. Eventually, senior living communities become the best choice, but the choices are nearly endless. In the U.S. alone, there are over 16,000 senior living campuses. Among these campuses are varying levels of costs, care, and specialties. Since 75% of seniors have at least one chronic health condition, finding the right living community is essential for enjoying a comfortable, safe life in our golden years.

Finding the right senior living facility is a challenge that many families face. Often, selecting senior living is left to the families, caregivers, or seniors themselves. Typically, the people responsible for setting up a senior living situation are overwhelmed and lack the resources they need to make the best decision.

Jules, one of 10 children, had her mother move in with her after she got sick and needed someone to look after her. In reality, Jules went to work every day, and no one was home to tend to Mom until after dinner. She’d experienced multiple falls, to the point they decided to seek out alternate living arrangements where her mom would have on-site resources, such as independent living.

Great in concept, except Mom still fell, and no one was around to check on her until the next day and she spent all night on the floor in pain.

Jules sought out hospital resources, social workers, palliative care, no one had an answer.

No one could let her know what they should be doing.

It is daunting and challenging for families to see their parents or loved ones need increasing levels of care as they rapidly progress through the disease. It is very difficult to anticipate how people age and what physical or mental issues could arise.

Sometimes, families are forced to make unrealistically fast decisions regarding senior living. The result is that many seniors do not end up in the safest or happiest environment for their individual needs.

Safe Senior Living with CarePatrol

CarePatrol was developed to address the gap between the resources people have and the resources they need to choose the best senior living for their relatives or themselves. Unfortunately, these stories are not the exception; they are similar to what happens to seniors and their families on a daily basis.

CarePatrol offers the extra set of information you need to choose the right senior living environment. We evaluate your situation and recommend the best fit for you. We pre-screen over 36,000 care providers nationwide so that we know their strengths, their budgets, and the clients who they can best serve. CarePatrol is completely free and a no-cost service to the family because we are compensated by the tens of thousands of providers in our network.

Choose a safer senior housing option with CarePatrol.

Find your local CarePatrol senior advisor today HERE.

By CarePatrol

Life throws many stressors our way, posing a constant challenge for our mental health. Unfortunately, older adults have many unique stressors that they face. Deteriorating health, reduced independence, healthcare costs, and inability to do their favorite activities are common stressors for the elderly. 

As we age, coping with stress becomes even more difficult and more important. Our response to stress — as well as the triggers we experience change as we get older — make it harder to cope with stress. Luckily, laughter is the best medicine and an excellent stress reliever that everyone, including older adults, can use to cope with stress. 

How Stress Affects Older Adults

Stress affects all of us mentally and physically, but it is especially harmful to older adults. Some of the most common effects of chronic stress on older adults include:

• Lowered immune system
• Heart conditions
• Hearing and vision loss from long-term adrenaline production 
• Digestive issues from the central nervous system shutting down 

Laughter is the Best Medicine: Use Laughter for Stress Relief

While there are certainly times to visit the doctor, laughter is one effective method for relieving stress that everyone, especially older adults, can benefit from. Laughter has incredible short-term and long-term health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, the short-term benefits of laughter include:

• Reduction of the stress response
• Relaxation of muscles and tension
• Stimulation of organs 
• Release of endorphins
• Reduce physical pain
• Alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety 
• Improve mood

Laughter helps improve how your body works and feels in the moment, but it also has lasting effects. The long-term effects of laughter include:

• Ease of chronic pain including arthritis and other common progressive diseases
• Boost to the immune system
• Connection with other people 
• Better coping with situations 
• Live a longer life 
• Improved quality of life 
• Makes us happier
• Reduction of anxiety and depression 
• Improve your  sense of humor 

Why Does Laughter Help?

Many of the mental benefits of laughter are intuitive, but how does it help us physically? Laughter affects the body similar to exercise. When you laugh your pulse quickens and your move more muscles. You breathe faster, boosting the oxygen in your blood. Laughter can be seen as a mild form of exercise. While laughter will not help you lose weight, it produces some similar effects as exercise which contributes to the many physical benefits. 

Scientists can not say for sure if the actual act of laughing is what helps, or if social support and humor are contributing factors. Regardless, the situations that produce laughter are also beneficial. When it comes down to it, laughter certainly isn’t hurting. 

Ways to Laugh

Laughter is an excellent natural relief for stress that greatly helps improve mental and physical health. Finding ways to laugh is very important for seniors. One way to laugh more often is to intentionally seek out photos, comics, movies, or videos that you find humorous, and to hang them up or return to them when you need a laugh. Seniors who are able can also attend a local comedy night or even watch one online. 

One of the best ways to laugh more is to surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Get together with family and friends who lift your mood. Join peer groups to meet other people in your living community who you can laugh with. 

As Brand President of CarePatrol, Becky Bongiovanni is in charge of day-to-day franchise operations including new franchisee training programs, field training, and ongoing mentoring and coaching for all local franchisee offices to ensure each CarePatrol local office masters the CarePatrol system. In addition, she provides leadership for the franchisee operational support departments in the home office. Becky is also responsible for the information technology infrastructure and systems that support all franchise operations.