When it comes to finances, older adults can sometimes be tight-lipped. If they’re concerned about losing control of their money—and therefore losing their autonomy—they may not confide in you or in another caregiver. Unfortunately, financial problems can quickly escalate if they’re not dealt with quickly. Even if you don’t hear the details of their financial life, there are some signs that can alert you to the financial security of the seniors in your life.

Too Much, Too Little
Everyone deserves a little indulgence, especially seniors who are retired and finally relaxing after long years of work. But if their house is full of pricy new appliances, furniture, art, or if they’re eating out often at the most expensive spots in town, they may be spending out of control. In extreme cases, a sudden change in purchases or expenses can be a sign of impaired judgment.

On the other hand, not all issues with senior finances are issues of overspending. If your loved one complains about not having enough money, or if they retreat and isolate themselves rather than spend money, pay attention. This may not be a sign that money is actually tight, but that the finances are just too much for them to navigate on their own.

Unopened Mail, Unanswered Calls
When you visit your loved one, are there piles of unopened mail lying around? Mortgage statements, credit card bills, even utilities and notices from Social Security can all be languishing in those piles. As seniors age, the monthly task of paying bills can become overwhelming, especially if money is scarce.

If you’re worried about your senior’s financial situation, see if you can look at their phone records, which sometimes appear on bills. If they’re having trouble, there will surely be calls from creditors, bill collectors, or services seeking back wages that have been forgotten by your loved one.

Mind & Body
Does the person you’re caring for seem forgetful or dismissive about cash? Do they open their wallet and are surprised that it’s empty? If this happens often, or if you see checks or pensions laying around without being deposited, they might be struggling with the focus and memory aspects of managing their finances.

Physically too, seniors may run into difficulties managing their money. For example, paying bills by mail can be difficult for those with arthritis, calling the bank can be frustrating for those with hearing loss, and if leaving the house is a chore, they may forgo trips to the ATM or the bank.

Know Your Scams
Unfortunately, older adults are particularly susceptible to scam artists and telemarketers. Some of these con artists specifically target older adults who appear vulnerable. If you see solicitations for investment schemes or timeshare vacation homes, or if your loved one speaks enthusiastically about new investments, it isn’t irrational to feel wary.

At AlmaVia of San Francisco, we understand that striking a balance between financial independence and financial security can be difficult for seniors and their loved ones. For more information on how we can help seniors manage daily living activities, call 415.508.5500.

Arthritis: more than 50 million Americans struggle with it every day, there are over 100 different types, and it’s the leading cause of disability in America. Yet, the disease remains one of the most misunderstood conditions existing. The Arthritis Foundation has set May aside to raise awareness about arthritis, from the basics to prevention and treatment.

Arthritis can take many forms. The most common type, osteoarthritis, is characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage, usually due to general wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis, a condition marked by inflammation of the joint, is the second most common.

Arthritis can be debilitating. As the leading cause of disability in the United States, arthritis is actually a more frequent cause for limited activity than heart disease or cancer. The increase in prevalence of risk factors like obesity means that by 2030, an estimated 67 million Americans will have arthritis.

Arthritis is treatable. The various forms of arthritis are surrounded by pervasive myths about being untreatable, but arthritis is both preventable and manageable. Lifestyle changes like weight loss and exercise work as both prevention and treatment. Arthritis pain can be treated with medication, and with alternative therapies like hot and cold treatment, vitamin supplements, and meditation.

If a senior close to you struggles with arthritis, you can help them by learning about arthritis management. From movement therapy to arthritis-friendly products, there are many ways to ease pain and increase accessibility for those with the condition. Remember, one of the quickest ways to brighten someone’s day is to spend time with them! For more information about arthritis prevention and treatment, visit arthritis.org.

At AlmaVia of San Francisco, we do everything we can to make daily living easier for our residents who suffer from disabling conditions such as arthritis. Please call 415.508.5500 or visit almaviaofsanfrancisco.org to learn more about our services.

Caregiving goes beyond the hard work of the care you can actually see. The emotional tolls that caregiving can take are often overlooked, even by caregivers themselves. And when caregivers lose sight of their own limitations and forgo caring for themselves, everyone is impacted.

Caregiver burnout isn’t like having the flu or a headache—caregivers don’t always notice it, even when they’re struggling deeply. Being honest with yourself and others is paramount. Look at the following signs, and consider whether you or a caregiver you know is reaching the point where they care too much.

Caregiving has become your identity.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a loved one, others might assume that you’re the go-to for all tasks. But the entire burden of responsibility can be too much for one caregiver to handle. No matter how much you enjoy caregiving, everyone needs a support system that will pitch in.

The rest of your life has faded into the background.
When was the last time you went out with friends? Or even heard from them? If your old circle feels miles away, it might be because you’ve turned them down so often, they figured you’re not interested. Don’t let your social life suffer in the wake of your caregiving.

You can’t remember the last break you had.
Likewise, if you can’t remember your last day off, you’re overdue. It doesn’t need to be a three week island getaway. Sometimes, a day off with old friends goes a long way in rejuvenating a tired caregiver. If you think you have no time for a break, for friends, or for hobbies, consider it a red flag. Everyone needs an outlet.

You’re feeling it—emotionally and physically.
Caregiving is tough, and no one expects it to be a breeze. But if you can’t remember the last time you felt happy, or even found some simple pleasure in your work, you’re at risk for caregiver burnout. Even if we complete the day-to-day tasks of caregiving, we’re unable to provide the compassion, patience, and connection that’s at the heart of caregiving, if we don’t feel compassionate, patient, or connected with ourselves.

Caregivers often feel guilty spending time on themselves rather than on their ill or elderly loved ones. Remember that part of providing the best care possible is taking care of yourself!

For information on how to avoid caregiver burnout, including services like respite care, call AlmaVia of San Francisco at 415.508.5500 or visit almaviaofsanfrancisco.org.

Sometimes being a caregiver can be overwhelming. Although you might take great joy and pride in caring for a senior, caregiving can take physical and emotional tolls. To provide the best care possible for your loved ones, you need to take good care of yourself as well. Respite care offers short-term, temporary relief for caregivers, and opportunities for new social interaction for the person receiving care.

When you need a break, here are a few ideas:

1. Friends and Family. When you ask for help from family or friends, you won’t just get a break. They’ll also better understand what your loved one needs, and what you need as well. Plus, the senior receiving care will enjoy receiving comfort, support, and company from another trusted person.

2. Caregiver Co-ops. Do you know any other caregivers who struggle to find time for themselves? Look into caregiver co-ops. These organized groups give members a way to help each other, and in turn, get some time off. Plus, it helps build a community between caregivers and those who receive care.

3. Elder Companions. An elder companion can prepare meals and help around the house with laundry and food preparation. But above all, they’re a social companion for the person you care for. Sometimes companion care is covered by Medicaid or Medi-Cal, or it can even be free if arranged by local volunteers. Often this respite care will free up an afternoon or day for you to relax and recharge.

4. Personal Care Assistants. They’re similar to elder companions, but they can also help seniors with bathing, dressing, toileting, and grooming. While they can’t provide medical services, they can help keep track of prescribed medications. You can hire a personal care assistant by the hour or by the day.

5. Adult Day Services. Do you think the person you care for could benefit from meeting other seniors and building a community? Then adult day services might be the right fit for respite care. Some provide health monitoring, and they all offer social activity and a safe, supervised environment for seniors to meet and enjoy time together.

6. Veteran’s Administration. Is the loved one you care for a veteran, or are you a veteran who is caring for an aging spouse? Don’t forget to look into Veteran’s Administration programs, which range from adult day healthcare centers to home-based care and health-aide programs. The VA provides qualified veterans with up to 30 days of respite care each year. Get in touch with your local VA office for more information.

7. Assisted Living. These communities aren’t just for long-term residents. Many offer room and board for older adults who need help with everyday tasks, in time frames ranging from partial days to several weeks. In this environment, a caregiver is always close at hand for the senior. Plus, it’s a commitment-free way for potential residents to see whether a community is a good fit for them.

AlmaVia of San Francisco is pleased to provide respite care services, at several levels of care. For more information, visit almaviaofsanfrancisco.org or call 415.508.5500.