Common Natural Sweetener Mannitol May Treat Parkinson’s Disease

Nearly 1.5 million Americans live with Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disease for which there is no cure. Fortunately, a new study indicates that the artificial sweetener mannitol, a common component of sugar-free gums and candies, may hold potential for treating PD.

Researchers took interest in mannitol because, when given as an injection, it can reach the brain and stop some proteins in the body from clumping together (clumps of the protein alpha-synuclein are a well-known sign of PD.) In support of this idea, feeding mannitol to fruit flies improved their PD-like symptoms, allowing the flies to regain their normal movements.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved an oral form of mannitol as a diuretic to help flush excess water out of the body, and a mannitol injection to prepare people for chemotherapy.  Much research still needs to be done before we understand the impact on people with PD, for example, what doses would be needed to be safe and if the drug would be effective. So, people with PD should not attempt to medicate themselves by eating large amounts of sugar-free candy or chewing gum.

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that impairs motor skills and speech.  In its advanced stages, sufferers could become disabled, with problems feeding themselves, talking and walking.

Are you or a loved one suffering from Parkinson’s Disease? At The Fairfax Elder Care Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C., we are dedicated to easing the financial and emotional burden on those suffering from Parkinson’s Disease and their loved ones.  We can help you prepare for your future financial and long-term care needs.  We help protect your hard-earned assets while maintaining your comfort, dignity, and quality of life by ensuring your eligibility for critical government benefits. Please call 703-691-1888 to make an appointment for a no-cost consultation.

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Veterans Can Receive Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Benefits

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem that can occur after someone goes through a traumatic event such as a war, an assault, or a disaster. The effects of PTSD can be debilitating, with symptoms ranging from severe nightmares and flashbacks to insomnia and increasing social isolation.

Due to the severity of emotional problems that PTSD can cause, the Veteran's Administration (VA) enacted regulations that classify PTSD as an injury, enabling veterans to receive monetary benefits – but only in limited cases.

VA services are provided to all veterans who have completed active military service and those who were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.  A veteran must file a formal claim using forms provided by the VA's Veterans Benefits Administration.  Although many vets won't qualify for monetary compensation, they are eligible for PTSD support, provided by PTSD treatment programs nationwide that offer mental health assessments and testing, psychotherapy, family therapy, and group therapy.

Additionally, the VA offers Specialized Intensive PTSD Programs, which provide treatment in a "therapeutic community," many in a live-in residence. The VA has nearly 200 PTSD treatment programs. A referral is usually needed to access the specialty programs.

Are you or your spouse a veteran? A benefit that you may be eligible for is Veterans Aid and Attendance.  Nearly 182,000 veterans and their spouses take advantage of the Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit, but VA officials say that many more are eligible.

To be eligible, beneficiaries must be at least 65 years old (or totally disabled), veterans or married to veterans who served during wartime, and must have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions..  Applicants must also be medically needy, meaning  they need help with at least one activity of daily living: eating, walking, dressing, bathing, using the toilet, or adjusting prosthetic devices. Residents of nursing homes are automatically medically needy; those in assisted living facilities are almost always medically needy; those who require home health care are also typically eligible.

Evan H. Farr is an Accredited Attorney with the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, who understands both the Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit and the Medicaid program and the interaction between both benefit programs.  If you are a Veteran or the spouse of a Veteran meeting the above requirements, please meet with us.  We can work with you to evaluate whether you qualify for The Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit and help you file the paperwork.  Veterans can take advantage of a special 15% discount at The Fairfax Veteran’s Planning Law Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C.  Call us at 703-691-1888 to make an appointment for a no-cost consultation.

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July Is “National Sandwich Generation Month”-Juggling Aging Parents and Growing Children

July is National Sandwich Generation month, an observance honoring a generation of adults “sandwiched” between managing their aging parents’ growing medical and financial needs and raising a family of their own. Sandwich Generation Month is a month of awareness to commemorate and celebrate the dedication, patience and caring of adults who are part of the Sandwich Generation. It is officially registered within the National Special Events Registry as an annual national observation, occurring each July 1-31. 

According to the Pew Research Center, 47% of adults in their 40s and 50s have a parent age 65 or older and are either raising a young child or financially supporting a grown child (age 18 or older). Also, one-in-seven middle-aged adults (15%) is providing financial support to both an aging parent and a child. This number is projected to grow, as people are having children later in life and living longer. In fact, US Census Bureau statistics indicate that the number of older Americans aged 65 or older will double by the year 2030, to over 70 million.

Despite the everyday struggles and exhaustion associated with caring for children under age 21 and aging parents, members of the Sandwich Generation have gracefully continued their care of those closest to them. In fact, at this time, adult children are the most common providers of informal care, and many adult children also provide financial help to their parents. For tips on caregiving and alleviating stress, read some of our recent blog posts including:

More Men are Becoming Caregivers for Loved Ones with Dementia, Only-Children: Caregiving without Siblings, Feeling Torn Between Caring for Your Children and Your Parents, and more (use the search function on the left and search for “caregiving.”)

What happens when your parents need more help than you can provide? Nursing homes in Northern Virginia cost $12,000 - $15,000 per month, which can be catastrophic for even wealthy families. By being proactive and planning for long term care in advance, you can help make sure your parents always receive the care they need without worry or financial struggle.  You’ll further avoid many costly legal headaches that adult children face when they are not prepared for their parent’s incapacity or ongoing care needs.  It’s never too early to get started. Learn more at The Fairfax Medicaid Asset Protection Law Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C. website. Call 703-691-1888 to make an appointment for a no-cost consultation.

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Evan Farr Interview Appears in July 2013 Cat Fancy Magazine

Evan H. Farr, CELA was interviewed for the article “A Practical Guide to Pet Trusts” in the July 2013 issue of Cat Fancy magazine. Below is some information excerpted from our newsletter about Pet Trusts, to help you decide if a Pet Trust makes financial sense for you and your family.
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Many of us who think of our pets as family members want to ensure that they are cared for after we become incapable of doing so. One way to fulfill this responsibility is to set up a pet trust, or a legally sanctioned arrangement that provides for the care and maintenance of your pet(s) in the event of their your disability or death.

Because pet trusts are enforceable by law, pet owners can have peace of mind knowing their pets will be cared for according to their instructions. The directions left in a trust can be very specific, and can even include your pet’s favorite brand of food, how many times you visit the veterinarian, and your pet’s walk/exercise schedule. A trust that goes into effect while the pet owner is still alive can provide instructions for the care of the animals in the event that the pet owner becomes gravely sick or injured. Since pet owners know the particular habits of their animals better than anyone else, they can describe the kind of care their pets should have and provide a list of the person(s) who would be willing to provide that care.

Unlike a Will, which has to wind through the nightmare of probate, a Pet Trust should be created along with your living trust and should be designed to take effect immediately upon your incapacity or death so that your beloved companion does not have to linger in a shelter while the courts cut through paperwork. Most pet owners opt to leave pets to family or a close friend. The main value of the pet trust is the fact it’s legally enforceable. If your designated caretaker does not live up to obligations, the courts can step in.

Since there are several states in which a pet trust is not valid, and other states where enforcement is discretionary, it is advisable to set up a trust with the help of a Certified Elder Law Attorney, such as Evan H. Farr, who specializes in estate planning. If you live in Virginia, the law (Virginia Va. Code Ann. § 55-544.08) states that “A trust may be created for the care of an animal or animals alive during the settlor’s lifetime.  The trust terminates upon the death of the animal, or upon the death of the last surviving animal covered by the trust.”

You can find out more at your complimentary consultation at The Fairfax Estate Planning Law Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C.  You can then decide if the trust makes financial sense for you and your family. If so, we can work with you to include all of your pet’s needs and your wishes for your pet, and name a caretaker and a trust administrator for when the inevitable happens.

Please call 703-691-1888 to make an appointment for a no-cost consultation. While you are in the office, be sure to visit with all of the animals who live here, including Saki and Alley (our Siamese cats), Big Red (our betta fish), Ernie and Jannette (our African Dwarf Frogs), Baxter (our adorable mutt) and Commander Bun Bun (our lop-eared love bunny) and be sure to read our “Critter Corner” column in our Friday “Ask the Expert” newsletter each week.

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More Men are Becoming Caregivers for Loved Ones with Dementia

Compared to just 15 years ago, twice as many men are assuming caregiver roles for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Men now make up 40% of caregivers in the United States, contrasting the 19% reported 15 years ago, according to data from studies by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Alliance for Caregiving.

The increase of males in caregiver roles can also be attributed to the following factors:

• Alzheimer’s and dementia are much more common in women over the age of 65 than in men of the same age;
• changes in the economy, layoffs, and early retirements;
• longer life expectancies and changing gender roles. (source: USA Today)

Men deal with being caregivers differently than women do. Research has found that women tend to deal with illnesses emotionally, whereas men tend to be more stoic. Caregiving can be both mentally and physically challenging for anyone assuming the role. The National Family Caregiver Support Program offers services for family members to help them better manage their caregiving responsibilities including counseling, training and respite care services. Groups like Men Who Care, a support group founded two years ago at the Banner Alzheimer's Institute in Phoenix, have emerged to help men, in particular, cope with their new roles and share advice. Learn more about the programs and services that may be of assistance to you or your loved ones on the U.S. Administration on Aging website.

 

Caregiving can be rewarding, but it can also physically and emotionally demanding. The Fairfax Elder Law Firm of Evan H. Farr advises that if you are a caregiver, don’t let your own needs or health take a back seat.  Many caregivers are at the age when they are developing their own chronic issues. Be sure to take good care of the person you are caring for ­and yourself too!

Do you have a loved one who is suffering from dementia? Persons with dementia and their families face special legal and financial needs. At The Elder Law Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C., we are dedicated to easing the financial and emotional burden on those suffering from dementia and their loved ones. We help protect your loved one’s hard-earned assets while maintaining your loved one’s comfort, dignity, and quality of life by ensuring eligibility for critical government benefits. Call us today at 703-691-1888 to make an appointment for a complimentary consultation.

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Protecting Your Older Loved Ones from Falls

One in three older Americans falls every year, making falls the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for people age 65 or better.

Falls can result in hip fractures, broken bones, and head injuries and significant loss of independence. Those over age 75 who fall are more than four times more likely to be admitted to a skilled nursing facility. The good news about falls is that most of them can be prevented. These are some steps developed by the National Council on Aging to help your older loved one reduce their risk of a fall:

• Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe: If they’re concerned about falling, dizziness, or balance, suggest that they discuss it with their health care provider.
• Discuss their current health conditions: Find out if your older loved ones are experiencing any problems with managing their own health, having trouble remembering to take medications, or having difficulty doing things they used to do easily. Remind them to take advantage of all the preventive benefits now offered under Medicare, such as the Annual Wellness visit.
• Ask about their last eye checkup: If your older loved one wears glasses or contact lenses, make sure they have a current prescription and they’re using the glasses/contacts as advised by their eye doctor.
• Notice if they’re holding onto walls, furniture, or someone else when walking or if they appear to have difficulty walking or arising from a chair. These are all signs that it might be time to see a physical therapist or it might be time for a cane or a walker.
• Talk about their medications: If your older loved ones are having a hard time keeping track of their medicines or are experiencing side effects, encourage them to discuss their concerns with their doctor and pharmacist.
• Do a walk-through safety assessment of their home: There are many simple and inexpensive ways to make a home safer, including increasing lighting, making sure stair rails are secure and installing grab bars in the shower/tub. Read our recent blog post, entitled “Remodel or Relocate” for more details.

When taking these preventative measures isn’t enough, what would happen if a nursing home care is needed for your loved one? Nursing homes in Northern Virginia cost $12,000 - $15,000 per month. Life Care Planning and Medicaid Asset Protection is the process of protecting you from having to go broke to pay for nursing home care, while also helping ensure that you get the best possible care and maintain the highest possible quality of life, whether at home, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing home. Learn more at The Fairfax Medicaid Asset Protection Law Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C. website. Call 703-691-1888 to make an appointment for a no-cost consultation.

 

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Nursing Home Survival Guide Hits #1 on Amazon Best Seller List

Evan H. Farr, CELA, Medicaid Asset Protection expert, hit #1 on Amazon.com best-seller list with “Nursing Home Survival Guide: Helping You Protect Your Loved Ones Who Need Nursing Home Care by Preserving Dignity, Quality of Life, and Financial Security,”  his second book to reach #1 in the past two weeks.   * Screenshot above is from 6/25/13 at 3:56 p.m. Complete title of the book was cut off so screenshot would fit in this post.     Certified Elder Law Attorney Evan H. Farr released his latest book, “Nursing Home Survival Guide:  Helping You Protect Your Loved Ones Who Need Nursing Home Care by Preserving Dignity, Quality of Life, and Financial Security” in April 2013. A week after his new release, “How to Protect Your Assets From Probate PLUS Lawsuits PLUS Nursing Home Expenses with the Living Trust Plus™, reached #1, the “Nursing Home Survival Guide” book followed suit and surged atop the Amazon Best-Seller List, reaching #1 in the “Elder Law” category. The Nursing Home Survival Guide also reached the top five in the “Health and Medical Law” category. In the Nursing Home Survival Guide, Mr. Farr provides invaluable information and guidance to families dealing with the possibility of nursing home care and struggling to make the best decisions for themselves or their loves ones.  Mr. Farr, a nationally-renowned Best-Selling author and frequent educator of attorneys across the U.S., uses his mastery of the subject to educate consumers about the ever-changing landscape of nursing home care in America and, most importantly, how to get the best care and how pay for that care without going broke. Readers can get expert advice on diverse topics ranging from the basics -- how do you select the best facility, what does Medicare cover, how to get the best long-term care insurance -- to the advanced, such as Veterans Aid & Attendance Planning, Medicaid Asset Protection, Pre-Need Medicaid Planning, and Medicaid Crisis Planning.  Mr. Farr provides access to a valuable Nursing Home Evaluation Tool and insights using case studies featuring some of the most common Medicaid Asset Protection strategies and how they pertain to real-life situations.  Readers will also become educated about the rights of nursing home residents, estate and Incapacity Planning, how to find the best lawyer, and more.   Buy the book on Amazon.com. To learn more about Evan Farr, creator of the Living Trust Plus™ Asset Protection Trust, and to learn how you can legally and ethically protect you or your client’s assets from nursing home expenses, visit the Living Trust Plus™ Web site at http://www.LivingTrustPlus.com or the Farr Law Firm’s website at http://www.FarrLawFirm.com, or call Toll-Free 1-800-399-FARR. To order a copy of the book, please click here.   ### Contact: Renee Eder Director of Public Relations The Law Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C. renee@farrlawfirm.com 703-691-1888

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