How Seniors Can Make the Most of the New Tax Laws

The tax filing deadline this year is Monday, April 15, 2019, making now the ideal time to look at how newly-introduced Trump tax rules may affect seniors. Tax brackets have changed this year, with lower taxes for many people. However, some deductions are discontinued or capped, which could cut into any savings. Here we list important tax changes affecting seniors.

Senior Tax Planning in the Trump Era

Keep these points in mind when planning your tax strategy and filing 2018 federal taxes:

  • Reconsider itemizing vs. standard deduction: The standard deduction is now $12,000 for singles and $24,000 for joint filers. Itemizing will benefit those whose deductible expenses are higher than this new threshold.  
  • Consider itemizing if medical expenses were over 7.5 percent: Add up your healthcare expenses to decide about whether or not to itemize. This year, if you itemize, you may deduct medical expenses that total more than 7.5 percent of your AGI (adjusted gross income). 
  • Think about moving for property tax savings: Moving may seem drastic, but if you’ve already been considering moving to another state, and/or downsizing to a smaller home for retirement, now may be the best time. Your state and local tax (SALT) deductions are now limited to $10,000, meaning you may not be able to deduct as much in property taxes (as you might have in past years). Moving to an area, or home, with a smaller tax bill may be worthwhile if property taxes are high where you currently live.

How the New, Lower Tax Rates and Bracket Changes May Help Seniors

  • You may save on RMDs (required minimum IRA distributions): At age 70 ½, you must withdraw minimum amounts from your 401k or IRA, which adds to your income. Tax rates have gone down for many Americans, and brackets expanded. (There are 7 tax brackets, with tax rates from 10 percent up to 37 percent for high incomes.) This means your extra IRA or 401k distribution income won’t be taxed as heavily as it may have been in past years. Saving money here could make up for property taxes you might no longer deduct. 
  • You may save if some of your Social Security benefits are taxable: If your income (including Social Security benefits) exceeds a certain amount, the Social Security benefits may be partly taxed as income. However, the new tax brackets and lower rates across the board could take the sting out of a higher income.

Everyone’s tax situation is unique. Senior retirees should consult a financial advisor or tax consultant now, for specific advice on tax filing. Expert advisors are busy (and get even busier as days pass) this time of year–plus more people will seek professional help with the new tax rules this year. Starting now will allow you time to weigh any new tax strategy options you have, and get your 2018 taxes filed by the April 15, 2019, tax filing deadline. If you want to read more about the changes, this is a relatively short outline of tax changes issued by the IRS.

A Place at Home: Dedicated to Caring for Seniors 

As a leader in the in-home senior care field, A Place at Home is dedicated to helping seniors enjoy the highest possible quality of life. That includes saving money on taxes and receiving convenient, compassionate home care. If you need more information about customized, at-home senior care options, contact us today. 

NOTE: In Massachusetts and Maine, this year’s tax filing deadline is Wednesday, April 17, 2019, due to local holidays. For all other states, the tax deadline is Monday, April 15, 2019.

Learning Invaluable Lessons From Seniors: Odillia Magut

Odillia Magut has been named A Place at Home’s February Caregiver of the Month.

While Odillia has only been a CNA for four months, she is no stranger to caring for others. She has dedicated nearly three decades to taking care of her older relatives, including her mother-in-law.

During her time as a family caregiver, Odillia soaked up invaluable life lessons that she now takes with her in her daily life.

“I have learned so much from being a caregiver – how to be patient, how to be compassionate, and how to live life to the fullest,” Odillia said.

From companionship to providing seniors assistance with day-to-day activities, Odillia truly cherishes her time spent caring for others.

“I love spending time with seniors and helping them with their needs. It makes me feel so fulfilled,” Odillia said.

In addition to enjoying her time with senior clients, Odillia appreciates the support she receives from the A Place at Home staff. “They truly listen and are always very understanding. They are kind and they motivate me to always be my best,” Odillia said.

Become A Caregiver

A Place at Home caregivers genuinely enjoy caring for others. Together, we work to provide each senior the opportunity to live their best life. Contact us to inquire about becoming a caregiver with us.

How to Prevent Heart Disease At Any Age

Taking proper care of your heart requires a lifestyle commitment that not everyone is willing to make. People of all ages can get caught up in bad habits like smoking, unhealthy eating, and lack of exercise. Proactively taking steps to prevent heart disease is essential to living a healthy life. Check out the tips below to get started on your journey to healthy living.

Live smoke-free

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States, killing more than 480,000 Americans each year. The act of smoking is always extremely harsh on our hearts and blood vessels by giving way to increased blood pressure and depleted oxygen levels.

In just 20 minutes after that last drag, blood pressure levels and pulse rates begin dropping. After a full year of quitting, a person’s chance of a heart attack is diminished by half. Reducing the risks associated with cardiovascular disease begins with putting out that last cigarette, for good. Remember, quitting tobacco products completely is the only working strategy to fully protect your heart from the negative effects of smoking.

Eat Healthily

Did you know that protecting yourself from heart attacks and other complications of heart disease can begin with a simple change in diet? Diets high in sodium can lead to
increases in blood pressure and further complicate symptoms of an existing cardiovascular disease.

  • Limit consumption of unhealthy, solid fats
  • Cut down on recipes that are high in cholesterol.
  • Substitute plain fruits and vegetables into your shopping list for items that are high in sodium, like instant dinners.
  • Consider purchasing from local producers to add an extra dash of freshness to your next entree.

Looking for a new culinary direction for your meals? Check out the delicious, heart-healthy dishes that are common to the Mediterranean diet. Seniors can benefit positively from the food choices associated with a Mediterranean diet, as well as the cultural emphasis on enjoying meals with friends and family.

Exercise Daily

One of the greatest challenges is pairing a nutritious diet with a regular schedule of exercise. Older adults, who are at the greatest risk of heart disease, must engage in regular physical activity to enjoy lower, safer blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

If you are looking for activities to stay active, don’t underestimate the value of simply going for a walk if the weather is tolerable. Many adults with joint pain and arthritis will turn to yoga or water aerobics as their outlet for physical activity. Water provides a kind of low-impact resistance training capable of targeting your joints and muscles.

As always, family members and caregivers should work to improve mobility and fall prevention by finding exercises that target the skills and abilities that can keep seniors safe during their daily routines.

4 Self-Care Tips for Caregivers

With the increased population of seniors in our society, caregivers have become some of the most significant people in supporting the lives of seniors.

Seniors often need companionship, laundry services, shopping assistance, and physical therapy. While caregivers may be essential to the well-being of seniors, they need to know the importance of their own well-being.

Regardless of the type of care that you provide, you should observe some practices that ensure a quality life of those you are caring for as well as your own care. Here are some tips that you should consider as you carry out your caregiving duties:

Sharing Responsibilities

Sometimes being a caretaker can take a toll on you, hindering your ability to perform duties outside of your workplace. Consider sharing responsibility with people around you or an in-home care agency to avoid overworking yourself.

Self-maintenance

Maintaining yourself is essential to living a healthy life. You cannot provide effective care if you have poor health or fatigue. For this reason, building good eating and sleeping habits are absolutely necessary. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get at least 20 to 30 minutes of cardio a day. Get your heart rate up with a walk, a job, or an exercise class.  Ensure your eating stays on target by meal planning and prepping once or twice a week.

Seek Emotional Support

Caregiving can sometimes be incredibly stressful. This can take a toll on your mental health, making it difficult to carry out your responsibilities and other tasks. Support groups can help you deal with stress. These groups understand the hardships you are going through and can provide emotional support.

Take a Break

Caregiving can sometimes get extremely overwhelming. Set aside time for yourself whenever possible—do the things you love or just take some time to relax. It could be a short nap or a vacation, anything that allows you time to rejuvenate and refresh so that you have the energy and mental capacity to continue caregiving.

Your own care should always come first, and it is only when you take care of yourself that you can take care of others around you. Above all, surround yourself with a support system that will help you deal with emotional battles that may come your way.

A Place at Home: Trust Us for Compassionate Senior Care

At A Place at Home senior care, we know that sometimes you need a break from your caregiving duties. That’s when we step in. Whether you just need a few hours or 24/7 care—we are here to provide compassionate care solutions, where and when you need us. We offer a continuum of care for seniors ranging from in-home care services and care coordination to senior living alternatives. Contact us today for more information.

Living Out My Passion: Shena Cue

Shena has dedicated the past 17 years to being a caregiver. Her genuine compassion for others has nabbed her Caregiver of the Month for January.

Shena has been passionate about caring for others ever since her childhood. “When I was a little kid, I used to volunteer whenever I could. In high school, I helped out with the Special Olympics. Then my grandparents started needing help around the house, so I spent a lot of time caring for her. That’s when I realized caring for others is what I really wanted to do,” Shena said.

Shena’s dedication, passion, and love for her job are truly unmatched. Caregiving isn’t just a job, it’s her life’s purpose. “There is nothing else in my life that makes me as complete as being a caregiver. It just makes me feel so good being able to care for people – giving them the things that they really need,” Shena said.

With nearly two decades as a caregiver under her belt, Shena aspires to expand her compassion from caregiving for individual clients to caring for her entire community.

“I love being a CNA. That’s why I’ve been in this field for 17 years. I genuinely love doing what I do. But I want to broaden my reach someday by opening up a staffing or home care agency like A Place at Home,” Shena said.

Shena is the epitome of A Place at Home’s motto, We are CARE (Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, Ethical). Every day, she sets out to treat everyone she encounters with kindness and respect.

“Shena has to be one of the most compassionate people I know. She definitely has her heart in this job, and it really shows. She strives to do everything she can to make her clients happy,” Dani Pierce, HR Director said.

Congratulations Shena! Thanks for always showing A Place at Home seniors the CARE they deserve.

A Place at Home: Trust Us for Compassionate Senior Care

At A Place at Home senior care, we know that our in-home caregivers make us great. Our careful hiring practices and high standards ensure that seniors receive compassionate, reliable assistance with the activities of daily life. Our senior support services are planned around elderly individuals’ specific needs – and designed to maintain their dignity and independence. A Place at Home caregivers genuinely enjoy caring for others. Together, we work to provide each senior the opportunity to live their best life. Apply now or contact us to inquire about becoming a caregiver with us.

 


A Place at Home Awarded 2019 Best of Home Care – Employer of Choice

OMAHA, NE – A Place at Home has received the 2019 Best of Home Care – Employer of Choice Award from Home Care Pulse. The Employer of Choice Award is granted only to the top-ranking home care providers, based on caregiver satisfaction scores gathered by Home Care Pulse, an independent satisfaction research firm for home care. A Place at Home is ranked among the best employers of in-home caregivers in the region.

“We congratulate A Place at Home on earning the Best of Home Care – Employer of Choice Award,” says Erik Madsen, CEO of Home Care Pulse. “Since this award is based on employee feedback, it shows the dedication A Place at Home has to provide their employees with great working experience while ensuring clients have well-trained, compassionate caregivers.”

Best of Home Care – Employer of Choice award-winning providers work with Home Care Pulse to gather feedback from their caregivers via live phone interviews each month. Because Home Care Pulse is an independent company, it is able to collect honest and unbiased feedback.

“We are honored to receive the Employer of Choice award for the fourth year in a row. Our caregivers are the backbone of our company, which is why they are our number one priority. We ensure they have the tools and support they need to succeed in providing top-notch service to our clients,” says Dustin Distefano, CEO & Co-Founder of A Place at Home.

In addition to receiving Best of Home Care – Employer of Choice for the fourth year in a row, A Place at Home also recently won the Best of Omaha 2019 award in the Non-Medical Home Health category.

“Our goal at Home Care Pulse is to empower home care businesses to provide the best home care possible,” says Erik Madsen, CEO of Home Care Pulse. “We are happy to recognize A Place at Home as a Best of Home Care – Employer of Choice, and we celebrate their accomplishments in building a team of happy, qualified caregivers to care for their clients.”

About A Place at Home

Co-founded in 2012 by Dustin Distefano and Jerod Evanich, A Place at Home saught to improve senior-focused care. Both Distefano and Evanich had personal experiences with their own loved ones, and they understand first-hand how challenging it can be to provide quality care without proper planning and necessary resources.

Over a lunch meeting, the two co-founders developed the initial concept for A Place at Home; a service designed to promote independence and adapt to the needs of seniors and their families. Today, A Place at Home provides home-based care, care coordination, senior living alternatives, and staffing for the senior community. If you are looking for services for you or a loved one, we are here to help. Get in touch with us today!

When Clients Become Family: Katy Curlis

Katy Curlis has been named A Place at Home’s December Caregiver of the Month. For the past three years, she has dedicated her life to being a caregiver.

Katy always knew that she wanted to make a difference in her community, but had originally pursued a career in Early Childhood Development.

“I was close to getting my degree in early childhood development when I did some work with seniors. I loved hearing their stories, and just really connected with them. After that, I made the decision to switch over from child development to senior care,” Katy expressed.

During her time with A Place at Home, Katy formed an unbreakable bond with her client, Bill. After three years of working with Bill, he and his family became like family to Katy.

Katy and Bill had fun little rituals like going to get ice cream. She loved seeing how happy it made him. And when he struggled to get out of the house, she would bring him his favorite ice cream.

“I just loved making his day even with just a small gesture like getting ice cream. It’s the little things that make a big difference,” Katy said.

Katy’s close relationship with Bill made it even more difficult when she received the news of his passing.

“The family called me to tell me, ‘he’s passing, come quickly’,” Katy said. “Afterwards, it was really hard. I had prepared myself. I knew that he was going downhill, and in senior care, it’s unfortunately inevitable that clients may eventually pass away, but that didn’t make it any easier [losing him].”

To this day, Katy still keeps in contact with Bill’s family. “They will have always have a special place in my heart,” Katy expressed.

While Katy has worked for a few other in-home care agencies, she says that A Place at Home is by far her favorite.

“A Place at Home just has a better set-up. I get along with the office staff, they are easy to talk to and very supportive. And most of all, compatibility is super important to them. They do a great job pairing clients with the right caregivers,” said Katy.

A Place at Home: Trust Us for Compassionate Senior Care

At A Place at Home senior care, we know that our in-home caregivers make us great. Our careful hiring practices and high standards ensure that seniors receive compassionate, reliable assistance with the activities of daily life. Our senior support services are planned around elderly individuals’ specific needs – and designed to maintain their dignity and independence. A Place at Home caregivers genuinely enjoy caring for others. Together, we work to provide each senior the opportunity to live their best life. Apply now or contact us to inquire about becoming a caregiver with us.

Caregivers: Here’s How to Lighten Your Load in the New Year

It’s an irrefutable fact: you cannot be a caregiver for others unless you first take care of yourself. To ensure that next year brings you and your elderly loved ones true happiness, resolve to incorporate self-care into your daily lives. Staying healthy is one of the best gifts you can give your family, because it allows you to be a better, stronger and more supportive, spouse, sibling, parent and/or child, to those you love, including your senior parents.

Become a Stronger, More Capable Caregiver–by Prioritizing Self Care

Keep energy-sapping stress in check with these self-care tips:   

Guard Your Health

You need to be resilient to deal with life’s challenges successfully. So make it a priority to deal with any health concerns you may be struggling with, both physical and emotional/mental. See your physician if you haven’t lately, and address issues like pre-diabetes, extra weight, high cholesterol or poor eating habits. Similarly, seek care for depression or other mental health challenges in your life.

You may need to take an exercise class (for shaping up with peer support) or start walking to a chosen local landmark every day. You may need to look for alternative foods to improve your health, such as those lower in fat or sugar. Write down the necessary steps and schedule time to work towards health goals daily. Simply work towards a better you, for a short while each day. If you walk solo, listen to an audio book or your favorite music as you walk. Consider this an important meeting, or a date with yourself/for yourself, so your new habits won’t fall by the wayside.

Sleep Well and Deeply

Sleep hygiene can help you feel more rested, calm and ready for any caregiver issues that come your way. Sleep in a comfortable bed, in a dark, quiet room. Don’t eat, drink coffee or do computer work within four hours of bedtime. Consider creating a pre-bedtime ritual to wind down daily. Like drinking a cup of chamomile tea and/or reading a (not too exciting) book before bed. Getting a bit more exercise each day can make getting to sleep at night easier.

Journal (write down) your problems, and then literally close the book on them, so you can sleep peacefully without ruminating. Note at least one thing you’re grateful for each day. (You need not do this right before bed.) Go to bed at the same time (and wake at the same time) all week to establish a routine.

Indulge Yourself a Little Each Day

Taking some “me time” can do wonders for your overall energy level, helping you to feel calm and in control, so you can bounce back from adversity, make the most of opportunities and be a stellar caregiver. Schedule a few minutes daily, a few hours weekly, a day now and then, and a week-long vacation (or stay-cation) a few times per year. Take a yoga class, learn to meditate, go for massages or mani-pedis, play tennis or squash—do what you enjoy on a regular basis! Go solo or include a supportive, fun friend or spouse. Go to a museum, movie, play, art class. fishing, playing cards—anything to relax and expand your horizons in a care-free way.

Enjoy Time with Elderly Parents or Senior Relatives

If you normally spend most of your time with these folks dealing with serious issues or being the caregiver, set some of that aside. Make sure some of your get-togethers are just for fun. Enjoy your time together and make memories. In fact, you can forge an even better relationship with your parent(s) than you had in the past if you take time for fun shared activities and/or real conversations. Do some of the “indulge yourself” activities with mom or dad!

How to Celebrate the New Year, Senior Style

If you’re spending time with your elderly parents for the New Year holiday, make sure your plans are senior appropriate. Here are some suggestions for a New Year’s celebration that all ages can enjoy together. Choose your plans with an eye toward relaxed holiday fun for seniors, avoiding anything that creates stress for senior loved ones. Think of this as a time to relax, bond, share past memories and make new ones.

Sing in the New Year

Watch a movie musical and sing along, create a list of songs in iTunes or video playlist on YouTube. Sample one of the karaoke channels, with words on-screen so you can easily sing along! If you’re somewhat tech savvy, Google “online karaoke” for apps that allow you to record and playback your karaoke performances on your PC/Mac laptop or your phone.

Cook (or Eat Out)

Plan to make a holiday meal favorite that your family has always enjoyed, or one that’s traditional in your community. Make things simpler by pre-shopping for ingredients, asking your parent for suggestions. Keep your senior loved one involved by giving them a meal prep role, appropriate for their level of functioning and preference.

To involve grandkids, consider making cookies together. Let kids and grandparents cut shapes from the batter and add holiday decorations on top.  If you want to get out of the house for New Year’s Eve, consider going out to eat but be sure to reserve in advance as the night is sure to be busy. Schedule meals early in the day or early evening, when seniors are most energetic. Include dressing up for the New Year festivities, if your senior enjoys this.

Reminisce on Milestones

Start a discussion about significant event(s) your parents have enjoyed or achievements they’ve accomplished. Ask about aspects you’ve always wondered about, or go over memories together. Look at home movies, photographs or mementos as you talk.

Craft Silly Party Hats

This is a great multi-generation activity. Have elderly parents help the little ones decorate hats, or kids can help their senior parents. Paper plates may act as brims or create cone-shaped hats with lightweight cardstock or colored papers. Draw, add stickers, or glue ribbons and glitter on hats to create that New Year’s party look. Adult coloring has become popular in recent years, so you could create more sophisticated, artistic hats if you prefer, using colored pencils or artist’s markers in a variety of shades.

If hats aren’t your thing, consider creating another New Year’s art-and-craft project together. Does your senior relative know how to knit or crochet? Ask them to teach you or your kids some basics—and make a knit hat or socks. You don’t have to finish projects that day. Family members can send each other photos of the results in the coming weeks.

Make Simple, Positive Resolutions

Appreciating small moments has never been more important—for all of us. Instead of making New Year resolutions that you might feel guilty about not achieving, resolve to “stop and smell the roses.”

Pledge to each other that you will: spend time in nature daily, set up a hummingbird feeder, start a garden, practice a favorite craft, eat a piece of dark chocolate daily, or write down something you’re grateful for. Pick one or two things, that are small and simple as well as life-affirming and fulfilling. Choose an activity based on the senior’s level of health and activity  Check in with each other throughout the coming year, to see how you’re all doing on your self-nurturing pledges.

For expert assistance with senior care, any time of year, contact A Place at Home senior care in Omaha. We are ready to help today. 

How to Enjoy Holiday Fun Without Risking Senior Health

The holidays can be stressful, but by keeping a few tips in mind, you and your aging parents can make the most of time spent together. Think of the holidays as an opportunity to renew connections with elderly parents who live far away, or to become closer to them, even if you live just down the street. With a little forethought, celebrating this special season can become the highlight of your year.

Tips for Senior Health and Happiness During the Holidays

Banish Hosting Stress

Planning, cooking and cleaning up before (and after) a family holiday feast can be daunting, whether you’re young or older. Consider ordering a complete meal in advance, to simply pick up and serve—or even go out to lunch or dinner for your official holiday meal. This can take the pressure off of formal dining at your home or at your elderly parents’. Now you can relax and spend more quality time bonding together.

Simplify Gift-Giving

Save your senior loved ones (and yourself) the anxiety of choosing just the right gift(s), with a secret Santa or gift grab bag. This way, each family member buys for just one other, or you can pile general-interest gifts or gag gifts together, letting each person take one at random. This also helps senior parents save money, which they’ll appreciate, especially if they are on a limited budget. Minimizing trips to the crowded mall also makes holidays more enjoyable, especially for those with mobility challenges.

Avoid Over-Scheduling

Remember the priority is enjoying one another, so allow for rest breaks between activities, rather than racing from one holiday event to another. Older family members may need time to regroup in the midst of the holiday excitement. Low key activities that can bring everyone together include playing board games, making cookies, or watching a movie in the living room.

Make Home Safe and Comfy

If parents are visiting you this season, prepare your home for their needs. For instance, give them a room on the first floor of your house, if possible, with its own bath (or at least near the bath). Pick up or move aside furnishings, throw rugs or decor they might slip on, or have trouble squeezing through. Have nutritious snack options and favorite foods on hand to help ensure senior health and comfort.

Let Everyone Feel Needed

Ask your beloved senior for holiday advice about what to include in the holiday meal, or how to cook a favorite recipe from your childhood. Give them a role in decorating the tree. Make sure seniors are included in activities, and never ignored. Doing this will enrich the holiday experience for all generations.

Coordinate with Caregivers

Help maintain senior health by making it simple for your older relatives to stay on special diets, remember their medications, get plenty of sleep, keep hydrated, and get some exercise. Current caregivers in your older parents’ life can let you know about your senior’s recent support needs, if necessary. If your loved one needs help preparing to travel to you, ask a reliable senior caregiver to help them pack and make arrangements.

Here’s to a festive, happy holiday season as you make special memories together with the ones you love.

For assistance with a wide variety of senior health resources and dependable, supportive in-home services, contact A Place at Home senior care in Omaha.