WATCH ABC TV THIS ENTIRE WEEK ON ELDER ISSUES 

Here are a few of the issues discussed on Morning America today - Monday, June 25, 2007 

• Invest in Dependent care or flexible spending accounts because this type of coverage will help you to provide care for your  parent; i.e. an aide during the day when you are at work.
• Consider a reverse mortgage to help your parent remain in their home.
• Downsize if they have no equity in their home to qualify for a reverse mortgage.
• Never dip into your own retirement funds to help an aging parent.
• Declare your parent as an independent but first check with an accountant to make sure your are providing the care necessary to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service.
• Tell your aging parent to not give out personal information on the telephone or to strangers.
• Do not be aggressive with your parent’s finances.
• Go to WWW.ABCNEWS.COM 

 Contact www.info@mainlineeldercare.com for more information.

MAIN LINE ELDER CARE ASSOCIATES, INC., encourages you to watch ABC NEWS this week to learn more about role reversals that today’s  boomers are now facing. 

Main Line Elder Care Associates is committed to providing comforting assurance and peace of mind to our clients and their families. Our RN Care Managers offer individualized care plans and personalized attention to your immediate needs.

MLECA will provide personal visits and monitoring services to help with the healthcare needs of our clients.

We provide Registered Nurses, Licenses Practical Nurses, Home Health Aides and Companions right in the comfort of your home or at a facility of your choice.

Please visit us at ww.mainlineeldercare.com to learn more about our services or please call a care manager at 610-688-2667 for additional information.

A schedule of our extended home care charges is also available. 

610-688-2667

Wayne, Pennsylvania

www.info@mainlineeldercare.com

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO BRING IN OUTSIDE HELP . . .

Main Line Elder Care Associates suggests you follow these easy steps to establish whether outside assistance is needed:

Evaluate the Health status, Marital status and children, living arrangements and Household status, economic dependence. income and poverty.

Recognize that there are two systems for care giving .

Informal - family, friends and neighbors

Today these caregivers provide for at least 80% of the care needs for those needing help while only 5% of the elderly actually reside in nursing homes.

Formal - means just about everything.

In general, the formal system supports the informal system. Or, in other words, these are services that may be provided on an intermittent basis. 

Our care managers suggest that you utilize an aide or companion along with a Geriatric Care Management Team to establish a solid relationship that will be there during all phases of transitions for the disabled and elderly.

Usually, this system allows the elderly to age in the comfort of their own homes and a much better win-win situation approach to health care management on the whole.

Common Pattern: the informal network is employed first and usually this is a spouse who provides the care, the children (typically the eldest daughter) may become involved as more of their needs increase but mostly this involvement generally increases upon the death of one spouse. Sometimes, this increase may be a slow process, possibly takes several years but a sudden health crises will definitely increase that involvement.

Good News - Life expectancy has dramatically increased.

People are living longer and “better”  - the majority of people 65 - 75 are healthier and financially more secure to enjoy life. They own homes and are capable of meeting needs, according to Elizabeth K. Keech, PhD, RN, College of Nursing, Villanova University 

Main Line Elder Care Associates recognizes that with increasing age also comes the accumulation of more illnesses, medications and increasing frailty as well as life changes.

Our care managers suggest that you ask a parent over the age of 80,

“Whom should you tell about your wishes?”

Fore more information contact www.info@mainlineeldercare.com

or call 610-688-2667

to arrange for an assessment.

On Saturday, June 9, 2007 in Philadelphia on 1540 AM radio, Helen Hopkinson, J.D., President/CEO addressed some important questions to ask your aging parents regarding finances and Medicare issues.

Now, here are some other questions to consider:

1. Whether to move and where - that should be your next question.
2. Do they understand the level of care that is needed?

Also, it is important that you understand some of the consequences and responsibilities should the elder want to remain at home or move because this decision will definitely impact the entire family.

Therefore, the level of care may include living at home independently, with a part time aide, full time or live in assistance, in the home of a relative, an “over 55 community”. continuing care retirement community, assisted living/personal care facility or a nursing home.

Main Line Elder Care Associates recommends that in selecting a residence that you apply these decision factors:

• Care
• Climate/Geography
• Customer Service
• Culture
• Cost and Contract   

Please feel free to contact Main Line Elder Care Associates, Inc., at info@mainlineeldercare.com or call 610-688-2667 to assist with any placements.

MLECA provides:

Comprehensive assessments 

Geriatric Care Managers 

Care plans

Certified Companions

Full time/part time aides 

 Nurses

Counseling

End of Life Planning

Main Line Elder Care is a member of the Main Line Chamber of Commerce and the recipient of the 2007 Boost Award from Citibank and CitiFinancial Group.

Call today

MLECA is committed to helping the disabled and elderly maintain their independence and comfort at home.