It's easy to burn out when you're responsible for providing full-time care to an aging or disabled loved one. In some cases, caregiver burnout can result in resentment toward the individual they care for, despite their love for them. The fact is, we all need a break sometimes. That is why respite care exists. If you're a caregiver who needs to take time for yourself, read more to learn about respite care.What Does Respite Mean?Taking respite means having a temporary period of rest. For primary caregivers, this typically refers to securing short-term care for your loved one even several weeks or months so that you can recharge amid the very real burdens of caregiving. In finding respite, you also might make time to practice self-care, from going to the gym to connecting with friends. Don't forget to find ways to maintain your sense of self while you're in the midst of giving so much of your time and attention to someone else.Caregivers Want Information About Respite Care In a 2022 survey of caregivers, Caregiving in America found that most were unaware that respite care was available. Many caregivers need more education about their options for respite care and how to build a network of support to share the load of providing financial and emotional support to an ailing loved one. Here are some of the studys findings:Fifty-nine percent of respondents reported that they were the primary emotional support system for a sick or impaired loved one.Twenty-two percent of respondents said they worked more than 40 hours per week as the primary caregiver to a disabled family member.Forty-eight percent of respondents disclosed they needed emotional support for themselves.Forty-four percent of respondents shared that they wanted information about where to find respite care.Caregivers need information about maintaining their own health while supporting a family member. It's essential to prioritize yourself when caring for an aging or disabled relative.Preventing Caregiver Fatigue The challenges of taking care of an ailing loved one can be extremely stressful. More than that, the strain of serving as a caregiver often unpaid can make a real and lasting impact on your own health if not kept in check.Symptoms of burnout among caregivers may include the following:Losing sleep and extreme fatigueFeeling hopelessHaving a quick temper Lack of interest in your favorite activitiesIf you or someone you know has taken on the responsibilities of caregiving, be aware of the signs of burnout and actively seek support. Respite care is among your potential options. (If you're caring for a loved one with dementia, you may also be interested in learning more about burnout and other specific kinds of resources available to you.)What Is Respite Care? Respite care gives caretakers a chance to relax and take a break from the responsibility of providing full-time care to loved ones who are aging or disabled. Respite programs offer short-term replacement care. These providers will step in for a short period to take on the responsibility of caring for your loved one. The types of care you can expect them to take on may include the following:Bathing and dressing Cooking and cleaning Helping your loved one eat, drink, and take their medication Getting into and out of bed Assistance with the restroom Spending quality time with your loved one Helping with exercise and personal care How Much Does Respite Care Services Cost? The cost of respite care varies depending on how long you use the service. You can schedule respite care for several days, weeks, months, or longer. Who Pays for Respite Care? Private insurance will typically not cover respite care, unfortunately. If your loved one is covered by Medicare or Medicaid, you may be able to secure five consecutive days of respite care. Your loved one must be receiving hospice care benefits for Medicare to cover respite care. Finding Respite CareSeveral organizations provide respite care. If your family member is covered by Medicaid, you can speak to a Medicaid planner in your state to determine what programs may be available. As mentioned above, Medicare covers respite care under its hospice benefit.If your loved one isn't covered by Medicare or Medicaid, dont worry; there are private organizations that provide this service. These organizations include: National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA)Your Area Agency on Aging (AAA)In addition, you may want to connect with a qualified elder law attorney in your area to talk through your options. A professional can help you how to pay for respite care, how your loved one might qualify for Medicaid, and more. Search online for an elder law attorney near you.

An annuity can be a useful tool for long-term care planning, but annuities are also complex financial products that are hard to understand. If purchasing an annuity, you need to consider your options carefully. An annuity is a contract with an insurance company under which the consumer pays the company a certain amount of money and the company sends the consumer a monthly check for the rest of his or her life, or for a certain term. Annuities come in many flavors. They can be deferred (begin paying out at a later date) or immediate (begin paying out right away). They can pay a fixed amount each month or pay out a variable amount based on how the money is invested. While a fixed immediate annuity can be a good Medicaid planning option for a married couple, other annuity products can be quite complex and confusing and are not right for everyone. If you have decided an annuity is the right choice for your long-term care or retirement plan, you need to shop around to find the right product. The following are some purchasing tips:Check the terms. Be sure to read the annuity contract carefully. Annuities often have surrender charges that penalize you for withdrawing your money too early. You need to understand for how long you wont be able to access your money and when payouts begin. There may also be other fees associated with the annuity as well as optional riders. Understanding the fees will allow you to shop around to find the best product. Choose your salesperson. Insurance companies often pay generous commissions to the brokers who sell their particular annuities, payments that many of the brokers don't disclose. They also generally don't disclose whether they are paid more or less by one insurance company than another or whether the annuity being sold is the best option for the consumer. Ask your broker questions to determine how they are paid. You may want to seek a second opinion to make sure your salesperson isn't steering you into a product that isn't right for you. Select a sound insurance company. Annuity payments are often supposed to last a lifetime, so you want an insurance company that will stick around. Make certain that the insurer is rated in the top two categories by one of the services that rates insurance companies, such as A.M. Best, Moody's, Standard & Poor's, or Weiss.  

Beautifully nestled within the majestic hills and lush greenery of Upper St. Clair is a community within a community known as Friendship Village of South Hills, a senior living community.  Here the activities are abundant, the friendships are forever, and peace of mind is a common theme among the residents who call Friendship Village of South Hills home. These friendships now carry into assisted living and memory care, the newest additions to the Friendship Village of South Hills community. Married more than 40 years, John and Jeri Williams describe the path that led them to living at Friendship Village of South Hills as truly unique. Jeris father once lived in the skilled nursing suites and she will never forget the exceptional care he received. Jeri and John remember fondly taking Jeris father to the train tracks near campus to watch the trains go by. Many years later when John and Jeri made the decision to move to Friendship Village of South Hills, they chose an apartment that overlooks those same train tracks. It brings tears to Jeris eye when she speaks about it.  John and Jeri observed the construction process of the new addition at the community, consisting of 50 assisted living and 32 memory care apartments, with great hope. John began to see a need for additional care, and they are thankful they can stay at Friendship Village of South Hills, while also receiving the advanced care they need. Shortly after opening, John moved to assisted living and eventually transitioned to memory care. Jeri stayed in their independent living home and continues to visit John every day.  The full continuum of care allows Jeri to still enjoy her hobbies, knowing that John is receiving the care he needs. I dont see myself living [anywhere else]. I see Friendship Village of South Hills as my family. I am very comfortable here, explains Jeri. We [the community and Jeri] were successful together to help John get back to doing things that were automatic. His quality of life has increased due to the number of assigned team members to help him with his daily living activities, as well as all of the activities and socialization. John added that his favorite part about Friendship Village of South Hills right now is the happy hour.  We provide peace of mind and a sense of security to our residents and their loved ones because we offer all levels of living, explains Upper St. Clair native, Jessica Ciancio, director of assisted living and memory care. Executive director Bryan Welty noted, Many of our residents live in the same geographical region as their adult children with access to our full continuum of care in a luxurious setting.  Assisted living residents enjoy modern, spacious apartments with an abundance of natural lighting and plenty of common spaces for friendships to blossom. Outdoor courtyards offer an al fresco dining option that overlook the natural beauty of Upper St. Clair.  Memory care private apartment suites and common areas provide ample natural lighting, a testament to the attention to detail the community performed to ensure each resident is well provided for, both mentally and physically. A family-style kitchen and dining area assists with sparking smells of familiar home-cooked meals. Residents can do chair yoga or participate in a variety of fitness classes. They can also plant gardens of flowers and vegetables among the fountains in the outdoor courtyards. Stanley Buswell grew up one mile from Friendship Village of South Hills. He and his wife, Carol, have four kids, ten grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Stanley and Carol began to need extra care, but wanted to keep their active lifestyle. Their decisions to move to Friendship Village of South Hills was the best thing they could have done. Stanley explained, The [team members] here are unbelievable. They are so patient and kind. Theres always someone there to help with anything, often going above and beyond. He doesnt know what he would do without the team member support. Stanley lives in assisted living, while Carol resident in memory care. Stanley visits Carol daily and enjoys having dinner with her every night. Stanley described his favorite thing here is, making friends and the lifestyle we have. Its family here. Resident Anne Hoffman is a humble woman and is immensely proud of her five wonderful children, 15 grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. While touring the brand-new assisted living area with her daughters, Anne immediately knew Friendship Village of South Hills was the right place for her to call home. Anne is originally from Pittsburgh and received her degree in secretarial work from Ohio University. After school, she helped run the family business with her late husband until she was 82 years old! In recent years, she started to notice a decline in her eyesight and knew she needed extra help, especially with her medications. After she fell and broke her hip, she decided it was not safe for her to live alone anymore and moved into assisted living. Friendship Village of South Hills gives me confidence knowing that someone is here to check on me, said Anne. I have my independence, but also the security that someone is here.  At 95 years of age, Anne still enjoys taking her daily walks and sitting outside on the benches. She loves the activities at Friendship Village of South Hills and regularly participates in chair yoga. She plays bridge and gin rummy nightly with some friends she has made. I always want to participate in activities. Its what keeps you young, said Anne. She also enjoys attending church services.  Something that stood out about this place to her daughters was that the team members listen to the residents families and they truly care about what they think and how they feel. The team here works with you and they are very accommodating. We are thankful mom is here, agreed all four daughters.  Unlike other senior living communities, Friendship Village of South Hills does not have a large community fee for assisted living and memory care.  Linda McCaig, former resident council president, agrees that Friendship Village of South Hills celebrates the lives of seniors. As a generational Pittsburgh family with three children, Linda who resides in independent living, knows the community better than anyone else. Her mother was one of the first to put a deposit down for an apartment, back in 1984, and Linda was once the marketing director and activities coordinator for Friendship Village of South Hills.  We have something that no one else offerswe care about one another, she stated. The friendships are warm and deep here. When asked what she would like the community of Upper St. Clair to know about this place, Linda replied, Wed like people to come and see it for themselves, and that we welcome everyone. Our residents are also happy to have our new assisted living and memory care building and have the peace of mind knowing we have access should we ever need it. We know many others can benefit from it and the lifestyle offered here at Friendship Village of South Hills.

The United States population of aging adults has grown exponentially over the past decade. According to projections published by the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans aged 60 and older increased by 34 percent from 55.7 million to 74.6 million between 2009 and 2019. Unfortunately, amid their growing numbers, more and more seniors are facing a substance use disorder problem that in large part has remained silent.What Are Substance Use Disorders?According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, substance use disorders include treatable, chronic diseases characterized by a problematic pattern of use of a substance or substances leading to impairments in health, social function, and control over substance use.Seniors are an overlooked group regarding substance abuse issues, but the problem is growing nationwide. Learning the extent and cause of substance abuse among seniors can help improve outcomes for this population.Rates of Substance Abuse and Misuse Among Older AdultsSeniors often get disregarded in conversations about substance misuse. Yet according to some estimates, nearly 1 million adults aged 65 and older were reported to be living with an addiction as of 2018. Today, that number could be much higher.Drug AbuseDrug abuse among older adults is a dangerous problem, in part because health care providers and caregivers so often overlook it. It may even be diagnosed incorrectly as a health condition related to aging.Seniors are likely to use one or more prescription medications. Adverse drug interactions between multiple prescriptions, nutritional supplements, and over-the-counter medication can inadvertently harm ones health.Misuse of certain prescriptions can also lead to a substance use disorder. Opioids, for example, have been prescribed to millions of people suffering from chronic pain. The proportion of U.S. adults aged 55 and up who have sought treatment for opioid use disorder has been surging over the past two decades; between 2013 and 2015 alone, it jumped more than 50 percent. One 2006 study stated that at least one in four older adults were using prescription drugs that have potential for abuse.Many seniors are at risk of developing a dependence on nonprescription, over-the-counter, and illicit drugs as well. Meanwhile, research has suggested that American seniors use illicit drugs at a higher rate than older adults from most other countries. Alcohol UseSurveys show that alcohol use among people 65 and older has increased 22 percent over the past two decades. The extent of alcohol abuse remains unknown due to the impact of underreporting. However, seniors in some studies do report binge drinking and at-risk drinking.People binge drink when they have five or more drinks in one setting. According to one study, more than a tenth of older adults in the U.S. are regular binge drinkers.Research published by the National Library of Medicine defines at-risk drinking as consuming more than three drinks on one occasion or having more than seven drinks in one week. The prevalence of at-risk drinking among men is estimated at 16 percent and 10.9 percent among women.Note that the National Institutes of Health offers a series of free worksheets that can help you evaluate your use of alcohol and learn how to make positive changes.Why Do Seniors Abuse Substances?Seniors are less likely to abuse substances for a euphoric effect. Older adults typically use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate against the physical and emotional pain that comes with aging.Some common causes of substance abuse among people aged 65 and older include:Loss of a spouse or family memberDecreased incomeChange in living arrangementsTrouble sleepingA mental and physical decline in healthConflicts with familyLack of purposeRetirementA seniors coping style early in life may correlate with late-life substance abuse. People with avoidant coping styles tend to rely on substances to deal with stress and change. If seniors spend their lives avoiding stress or problems, they are more likely to develop a late-life drinking problem than those who cope in other ways.Social Factors Leading to Substance Abuse Among Older AdultsVarious social factors appear to increase the chance of late-life drug and alcohol abuse. The following social factors are among those that may lead to increased substance misuse:Unexpected or forced retirementSocial isolationBeing divorced, separated, or singleLack of religious affiliationAffluence or feeling comfortable with the availability of financial resourcesGriefPhysical Factors Leading to Substance Abuse Among Aging AdultsOlder adults with substance abuse disorder typically have these physical factors in common:ComorbiditiesChronic medical conditionsReduced mobilityChronic painPoor health statusPsychiatric Risk Factors Leading to Substance Abuse Among SeniorsPsychiatric risk factors among older adults with substance abuse disorder include:History of substance use disorderCurrent or previous mental illnessFeeling socially isolatedHaving an avoidance coping styleSymptoms of Substance Abuse Among Older AdultsSubstance abuse is a serious medical condition. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help seniors get the help they need to improve their quality of life. Caregivers and medical providers should watch out for the following symptoms of substance misuse:Depression and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activitiesUse of a prescription drug more often than what is outlined in the instructionsMemory problemsChange in appetiteSocial withdrawalIrritability and sadnessChange in sleeping patternsDecline in hygieneLeading Substance Use Disorders According to RegionSubstance misuse is occurring everywhere in the U.S., regardless of age, but certain areas are seeing abuse of specific types of substances. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality compiled the following data for 2016 through 2018 about regions nationwide:New Jersey and parts of Appalachia have a concentration of opioid-related substance use disorders.The Midwest, Appalachia, Rhode Island, and Nevada saw a higher concentration of alcohol dependency issues than other parts of the country.Appalachia saw a more-significant-than-average concentration of sedative-related substance use disorders.Stimulant-related disorders appeared more in the Midwest, the South, and Appalachia.Cannabis-related substance abuse disorders occurred in Mississippi and other Southern states.Health Impacts of Substance Abuse on SeniorsThe health implications of substance abuse disorder are more significant for older people. Older people are more vulnerable than other groups to the effects of drug use on mental health. Seniors who take prescription medication risk negatively impacting their mental state by mixing their medicine with recreational drugs or by abusing alcohol.Drug and alcohol abuse can also lead to increased fall risk, physical impairment, adverse psychiatric effects, worsening of other physical conditions, and death.In fact, among people aged 65 and over, certain types of opioid overdose deaths increased by 53 percent between 2019 and 2020 alone. The number of alcohol-related deaths for this age group rose by 18 percent over the same timeframe.Recovery Options for Older AdultsWhether a senior should receive inpatient or outpatient treatment depends on their needs. Older adults with a substance use disorder may benefit from inpatient treatment if they meet some of these criteria:A high likelihood of relapseSuicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harmLikelihood of experiencing withdrawal symptomsNo familial supportPrevious attempts at detoxCo-occurring severe medical conditions that need continuous monitoringSeniors may also need the following to get the most out of recovery:Careful case managementFamily, group, and individual counselingCognitive behavioral therapyHow Can the Health Care Industry Help Older Adults With Substance Use Disorder?Much work is needed to decrease the substance abuse rates among older adults. There is a critical need to address this problem.Primary care physicians are the first line of defense. Education for clinicians should include skill and strategy development to treat substance abuse issues among older adults. Health care workers should know how to identify substance misuse with proper screening and assessments. Understanding co-occurring disorders and the connection between mental illnesses and substance use disorders is also crucial.If you notice signs of addiction in a loved one, it is essential to get them professional help. In addition to improving their quality of life, you may save them from succumbing to this disease.Contact Sharek Law Office at 412-347-1731 or click here to schedule a complimentary 15-Minute Call to learn how we can help. This article is a service of Sharek Law Office, LLC. We dont just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life and Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than youve ever been before, and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge. Please note this is educational content only and is not intended to act as legal advice.