What Happened to the "Care" in Care-Giving?

My father, a Parkinson's patient with dementia, requires 24/7 care. Early on in the course of the disease, between our health care system's hours for elder care in their own homes and my heroic mother, we were able to manage the requirements.

The past two years have evolved to the point where a live-in caregiver who works from Monday to Friday is an absolute must. Fortunately, the federal government, through the Live-In Caregiver Program, allows Canadians to sponsor caregivers from around the world, to help meet the growing needs for families wishing to keep their loved ones at home for as long as possible. Certain criteria must be met, but that has not been an issue in our case.

What has been is the quality of individuals who use this criteria to enter our country in terms of their true credentials; the ethics of the agencies that match caregivers looking for sponsors and families in need of caregivers; the certification process of caregivers now available in Ontario through questionable private academies; the caregivers sense of commitment and understanding of the importance of the role they wish to fulfill; and lastly the attitude and sense of entitlement that the newest crop of entrants bring to the interviews, having been coached by other caregivers living here in Canada, originally from their home towns, or their roommates.

My father's case requires some experience and knowledge of the nature of his disease, and patience. And more patience. In light of that, we offer a private bedroom, laundry facilities, home-cooked meals all made from scratch by my mother, opportunities to earn additional income if they wish to assist in other areas of the home, and open arms into our family's activities and events.

I say all this having gained a deep and intimate understanding of this entire process, as we have gone through over 14 caregivers in two years, over half of whom we thought we had hired, only to have no-shows on their start dates.

Several stayed between 1-4 days; one stayed up to the exact day she gained her OHIP card (health card that entitles them to free health care in Ontario, three months from arrival date into Ontario); two male caregivers stayed for the week it took for them to gain employment in a restaurant, their actual hoped-for role in Canada, even though they entered Canada under the guise of caregivers.

In the last three weeks alone, we have hired three caregivers, none of whom bothered to show up after having committed to the full-time role. In as much as it pains me to say this, the next statement is factual and you are free to draw your own conclusions: each of these 14 caregivers are originally from the Philippines, using different ports of entry to Canada, whether from Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, or elsewhere.

I wish I could say that this experience is unique to our family's, but it is not. We have spoken to many other families who have had similar experiences with similar frustrations.

Humour may be the only way to survive this, but when you are watching your mother deteriorate before your very eyes as she gamely tries to bridge the time gap towards the next caregiver, anger and frustration are emotions that more easily bubble to the surface. I, with my limited mobility, can offer absolutely no help, either.

But humour is the best remedy, and with that in mind, I will give you a glimpse into the series of questions exchanged between the last caregiver we thought we had hired, and my mother. Keep in mind that this is a 26 year old young woman, in Canada for all of one week, staying with her mother's two sisters in a community near by:

"My aunt told me that I think you should pay for my transportation costs each month, like a $100 more". Yes, because any hard-working Canadian kid, fresh out of school, with no experience, expects their employer to cover their transit costs to and from their offices/place of employment. What??

"I speak to my mother every night for an hour and a half. I need Internet service." A stranger in my parent's home, who wishes to be able to have access to their wireless network, in this day and age of hacking and identity theft. Check.

"I need to get my OHIP card. So, I should be able to start on Wednesday." They were speaking on a Friday, and the next business day was Monday. What exactly was she going to do between 10:30 a.m. Monday (which is all the time she would need to fill out the papers, and present i.d, offices open at 9:00 a.m.) and Wednesday morning? Ride the bus? Maybe that's why she asked for the $100 monthly transit allowance.

"Will I be alone here, or will you also be here?" Because my 73 year-old-mother needed to babysit her, while she was taking care of my father. Taking care of my father mostly involves watching tv with him or distracting him with puzzles, exercises or mind-usage games. So my mother had to act as a babysitter for a hired caregiver? Check again.

"When I go to my room at night, will anyone come in?" I don't even know where to begin. She has a private room, living in a home with a 77 year-old man who cannot turn over without assistance, who cannot raise his arms above chest level at best, and a worn-out 73 year old woman who is hard of hearing and resembles a skeleton at the best of times.

Oh, yeah, Misty the cat. A cat that comes with personality plus, and a hard-won reputation as a no nonsense dudette, but please. She doesn't touch or like to be touched. By family, let alone a misguided 26 year-old wanna-be caregiver.

Check mate!

A former business executive, transitioning to a less-abled life due to some back woes.

No longer young, far from senior. Middle-aged? When I looked up "middling" in a thesaurus, terms like fairish, run-of-the-mill, unexceptional, mediocre, protruding, so-so, straddling the fence and prosaic glared back at me in black and white.

Join me in my journey as I enter the Middling Ages, and try to disprove each and every one of those terms. Comments and sharing welcome on your stories about life in the Middling Ages!

themiddlingages.blogspot.com themiddlingages.blogspot.com

New blog launch on the challenges we face caring for our parents. Details will be available on themiddlingages.blogspot.com shortly.

Financial Planning for the Elder Care Years

Most financial planning calculators give you high marks if you have saved enough to live on 60-70% of your current income. But how many ask you to estimate elder care costs in the equation?

By becoming aware of:

Possible elder care costs
Medicare's Rx donut hole
Income limitations for Medicaid, VA benefits, state entitlements
The health of pension funds you have
Your health and family's health history
The role of long term happinesslifetime.com care insurance

you can anticipate possible problem areas, avoid a crisis and sleep better at night.

Elder Care is Inevitable

Prudent financial planning must involve elder care. How many times have you heard an elder say something like, "I never thought I would come to this?"

Planning is not about negativity or doomsday prophesy. Rather, it is an eyes-wide-open look into how things are, may be or are very likely to be. And preparing for each so that no matter what happens, you will be as prepared as possible.

A sober assessment of your health, medical history and your family's medical history is a great place to begin.

Consider first what you can do now to maximize the chances that you will remain healthy for as long as possible. Implement these measures and stick with them.

Did you know that current medical research has found a different (and more dangerous) makeup of the fat that accumulates around our middle body than in the fat elsewhere on our bodies? It is easier to keep it off than take it off, so please do not delay.

Even perfect human specimens wear out over time. We see this in our skin, but of course it's inevitable elsewhere.

The fact is that you will need more and more elder care as you age. Both medical and non-medical.

Financial Planning Means Insurance

Non-medical home-based elder care costs anywhere between $10/hour if you hire yourself to $21/hour or more through an agency. Add R.N. to the credentials and costs rise 20% or more.

Medicare was never designed to cover 100% of medical costs, and home-based care is covered only in limited circumstances. What does one do?

Look now at what Medicare does cover for part A (hospitalization), Part B (outpatient services) and Part D (prescription drug coverage). Compare that coverage to your health conditions, your family health history and the inevitability that at some point, however distant, your body will not serve you as it does now.

Why now?

Early financial planning allows you time to create assets. Long term happinesslifetime.com care insurance (an asset) is much cheaper when you are younger, for example.

Also consider how to fill the gaps in Medicare coverage. Medicare supplemental plans, called Medigap by some, are government-regulated private plans offered to fill in for co-payments and deductibles. Medicare Part C is Medicare Advantage Plans, private insurance that covers the Medigap areas plus more.

Some Advantage plans will cover prescription costs to help you avoid the "donut hole" in Medicare Part D coverage, where you are responsible for 100% of costs exceeding $2,830/year until your costs exceed $4,550/year. That's $1,720/year from your pocket. Stand alone Medicare Prescription Drug plans are another option.

What if Assets Run Low?

Medicaid is a state administered federal program supplying health monies for low income persons. The Veterans Administration has many programs available to vets and their families, but nearly all have income limitations. Most states have several state-wide and local programs to help lower income citizens.

Maybe you have a short list of possible retirement destinations. Use that list to check not only cost of living but also the elder care costs in each.

With Medicaid and possible VA health benefits in mind, see what sort of drain on your projected assets would be required to place you into their programs, and what the benefits may be. Finally, check on the facilities and services in each locality.

For example, some religious or organizationally affiliated assisted living or nursing care sites are state of the art yet cater to lower income members. Elsewhere you may find yourself not so fortunate.

Review the Plan

You or your financial advisor checks your nest egg periodically to see if your pension fund has been downgraded or the government bond you hold is in financial trouble.

Critically assess the components of your elder care financial planning as well.

Perhaps some family care on which you had counted has become less likely. Or you have suffered a disabling injury impacting your earning capacity or making it more likely that health services will be needed later.

Consider consulting an objective elder care professional to ensure you have covered all issues and to help you successfully manage the transitions of our elder years.

Keith Barnaby, Esq. is a web educator on topics related to elder issues, health, fitness, energy conservation, green living and gardening. He lives in Pennsylvania with his four teenage children.

His website is how-you-can-save.com how-you-can-save.com.

Keith also owns and directs Elder Care Management, dedicated to helping seniors plan, execute and sustain a healthy transition into their golden years. Using his skills from a 20 year legal career and his work in scientific research and emergency care, he works wherever there is a need from his PA and FL locations. Keith speaks English, Spanish, and rusty French. A brief summary of his services can be found at how-you-can-save.com how-you-can-save.com under the Elder Care tab. You may contact him for a free consultation at

We posted an advertisement "for sale by owner" in the local Sunday newspaper. A nice couple came and looked at our house, loved it and bought it for the asking price...the same price we had it listed with the real estate companies. Advertising your home, staging it well, and pricing it fairly will work for selling your home whether you pay a real estate pro or not.

The only thing we skipped was paying an incompetent and uncaring real estate agent who would have demanded we stage the house ourselves and price it carefully, too. Best of all we did not have to pay any agency 6% of our selling price.

That little advertisement was a great bargain, wasn't it? It sure got the job done and quickly, too. A lawyer took care of the legal details for a reasonable price and WE WERE DONE! A quick sale CAN happen. It did for us when the expensive option failed us.

Paula and her husband Ron have several real estate businesses including a real estate selling and buying information business. Get real home selling and buying advice (not theory) from someone who has done it successfully many times. Their websites include, sell-house-quick.net Sell House Quick and sell-house-quick.net/sellhouseyourself.htm Sell House Yourself

Organizing Tips for Eldercare Providers

While many seniors enjoy good health and are able to live on their own, some require the assistance of family members or outside caregivers, or have to move to an assisted living facility. No matter what your role is in helping a senior, even if it's to be a friend to someone caring for a senior, these organizing tips offer to help make the job a bit easier.

Organize medical information for doctor's appointments. Because seniors are often under the care of several doctors who may not communicate with each other, it can be helpful to bring complete medical information along to each doctor's appointment. This information might include test results, medication information, notes from visits to other doctors, etc. To make it easy to transport this information, consider storing it in a portable container such as an accordion file or a three-ring binder. Label the sections of the container with category names that will make it easy to quickly find any necessary information.

Organize medical bills. Since medical bills and insurance explanations of benefits (EOBs) aren't typically needed at the doctor's office, keep these items in a separate filing system, such as file folders in a filing cabinet or file box. You can staple the EOBs to the corresponding bill and file them according to the date of service or the name of the service provider. Although I don't like to create extra paperwork, if the EOB contains service for multiple providers or multiple dates, it's often easiest to make duplicate copies of the EOB so that the corresponding bill and EOB can easily be filed together.

Organize other information. Think about which facts besides medical information someone would need to know in an emergency, and gather this information in an appropriately labeled binder. Store this information in a secure place, and let family members or other appropriate people know where to find it. Items to consider include:

Contacts - names and phone numbers of family members, close friends, accountant, lawyer, household help, etc.

Financial - name of each financial institution and corresponding account numbers, safe deposit box and key location, regularly recurring bills, account numbers, and payment information

Insurance - include contact information for policy providers and location of the policies if not included here

Legal - Power of Attorney, Power of Attorney for Health Care, Will, etc. Note that appropriate people such as the named executor should have copies of these documents as well.

Take care of yourself and ask for help. It can be physically and emotionally draining to care for a senior. No matter how challenging your circumstances are, remember that it is never appropriate to be physically or verbally abusive. Be sure to give yourself regular time away from the situation by enlisting the help of:

Friends and family members - They can help with grocery shopping, transportation, errands, housework, cooking, etc.

Respite care provider - They give temporary care while you take a break from the daily routine of care giving.

State and local social service agencies

Support group of eldercare providers - Check out The National Family Caregivers Association nfcacares.org nfcacares.org and the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers caremanager.org caremanager.org

Professional organizer - I can help organize all of the senior's paperwork and set up the home for safety and ease of use. I also have access to lots of resources who can provide additional help.

Keep the proper perspective. Although emotions can often muddy the boundaries of what the caretaker's role is, it's typically to provide assistance to the senior so he or she can live as independently as possible. Keep in mind that unless the senior is declared mentally incompetent, they probably have the right to make unwise decisions with which you may disagree. Although it may be difficult, you may just have to stand by and let them experience the outcome of their bad choices.

Internationally known professional organizer, author, and speaker Sue Becker is the founder and owner of From Piles to Smiles?. She enjoys helping people live better lives by creating customized systems to overcome their overwhelming paperwork, clutter, and schedules. She specializes in helping people who are chronically disorganized, especially people with AD/HD. Sue is Illinois' first Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization.

Sue invites you to sign up for her FREE Starter Kit: 5 Proven Ways to Organize and Simplify Your Life at pilestosmiles.com pilestosmiles.com You'll learn simple ways to discover the freedom of an organized home, office and life. Check out the additional products available to help you put ideas into action at pilestosmiles.com/products.htm pilestosmiles.com/products.htm

In-Home Care

Senior citizens have many concerns as they grow older in their homes, but moving is difficult at any age. And a facility is not always necessary. Using senior home care is a simple solution for helping care for the elderly. In home care allows senior citizens to maintain their independence in the comfort of their own home. 

Planning Ahead

While planning ahead is sometimes difficult because you may not know how or when your needs will change, consider the type of assistance that may be of use to you in the near future. Regardless of your situation, begin by thinking of any illnesses you may have such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease. Talk to your doctor and brainstorm how these conditions may affect how you are able to take care of yourself. Perhaps you will need help getting dressed, preparing a meal, or remembering to take your medicine. This sort of assistance can easily be addressed in your own home using in home care. 

As you continue reading, you will learn about the different kinds of in home care available in your area. You will also learn about the resources especially for senior citizens, from your community to your Federal Government. If cost is a concern, we will provide suggestions for free or low cost services. We will also provide information on assistance that may cost more. There are some benefits that provide in home care for senior citizens and they may apply to you. Be sure to share this information with family members and friends, and use this as a means to begin talking about your present and future needs. 

Helping Older Relatives Stay in their Home

Everyday activities can become difficult as a person grows older. For many senior citizens, taking care of their homes and themselves becomes more and more challenging. If this is happening to any of your relatives or family friends, talk to them about getting assistance. Think about how you and others can help, and offer your assistance. Talk to friends who may have loved ones undergoing the same life changes and see how they are handling the care for their aging relatives. Then, get together with the person who might consider in home care pand decide together what to do. 

Staying in Your Home

In home care can provide you with almost any sort of assistance you may want in your home, usually for some cost. Below, there is a list of common concerns senior citizens have when living at home. We provide different suggestions and services to make living at home easier. 

Personal care. This includes washing your hair, bathing, and getting dressed. Perhaps a relative or friend can help, in other cases, it may be necessary to hire an in home health care aide to assist you for a short time each day. 

Homemaking. This includes daily activities like household chores, shopping, and laundry. Certain grocery stores or pharmacies take phone orders and will deliver items. Cleaning services provide employees to hire and some will help with laundry. Also, there are laundry services that pick up and deliver clothing. Usually, in home health care aides and caregivers help with these chores as directed. 

Meals. This includes preparing food. It may be possible to share cooking with friends or family members a few times a week. Senior citizen centers, churches, or synagogues sometimes serve meals. Eating out with others is also an option. If it is difficult to get out, you could either ask a friend to bring a meal every now and then or look into Meals on Wheels programs that deliver hot meals to your house. Also, in home health care workers will generally provide meal preparation as directed. 

Money Management. This includes paying bills from utilities to doctor's bills, and health insurance claim forms. Many banks will directly deposit the payment for regular bills, like rent or mortgage and utilities, directly from your checking account.  Asking a trusted friend or relative to help may also be a possibility; if not, financial counselors or geriatric care managers can assist you. Make sure that the person you hire was referred to you by a trustworthy source. 

Health Care. This includes taking medication. Some senior citizens find it helpful to set an alarm clock to remind you to take your medicines. If you need additional services, you may be able to hire a home health care aide. If you just got home from a hospital stay and need additional care from a home health aide, Medicare might pay for this service short-term. 

Getting around. This includes getting around at home or in town. An electric chair or scooter may be covered by Medicare. Also, if you are not able to drive there are volunteer escort services available, or you may take public transportation or taxis. Asking a relative or friend to take you is another option. 

Staying Social.  This includes remaining active and social. Senior citizen centers provide many activities, and will help you connect with other senior citizens. If you cannot leave your home it may be good to have regular visits with a friend or family member. Volunteers from your local place of worship or community center also provide companionship. 

Safety. This refers to avoiding crime and elder abuse. It is important to contact the police if you experience elder abuse; this includes physical, sexual, financial, or emotional abuse and neglect. Or, if you are worried about becoming sick when you are alone and unable to call for help, an emergency alert system may be a good solution. You wear a special button that, when pushed, calls emergency medical personnel. Hiring a trustworthy in home health care aide is also a good way to ensure your safety. 

Outside Care. This includes adult day care. If you live with someone who works during the day and you do not want to be alone during that time, adult day care may be an option. Sometimes the day care center will provide transportation to and from your home. 

Housing. This includes changes to the house to make it easier to live in. A ramp may allow easier access than stairs. Grab bars in the bathtub or shower help one maintain balance. Nonskid floors make the floor less slippery. More comfortable door and faucet handles can help ease pain associated with conditions like arthritis. Senior citizens can get help paying for these changes, check with your State housing finance agency, community development groups, State Area Agencies on Aging, or the welfare department. 

Resources

Use your resources, below are a list of people and agencies that may be able to help you. 

People you know. Many senior citizens rely on family members, friends, and neighbors to help them. Those you are close with may be able to help find the best way to meet your needs. 

Community and local government. The government provides many services for senior citizens, some of these may be found in your community. Social workers and health care professionals may be able to provide suggestions. Contacting your state and local offices on aging or social services, as well as your local Area Agency on Aging, may also prove helpful. Finally, check with your local church, synagogue, or community center, these groups may provide services for senior citizens. 

Geriatric care managers. Specially trained geriatric care managers help assist with and coordinate senior citizen elder care for a cost. They will help you to make a long-term care plan and find the services that are appropriate for your needs. When family members are not close by, geriatric care managers can check in with you from time to time and oversee your cother elder care services such as in home health aides. 

Federal Government. The Federal Government provides many resources for senior citizens. The Internet is a good place to look. If you do not have access to a computer at home, often libraries and senior centers have computers for public use. Also, it may be helpful for a neighbor, child, or grandchild to assist you. The Eldercare Locator, your local Area Agency on Aging, and Medicare may be good places to start. 

Home Health Care Agencies. Home health care agencies coordinate and provide home health aides to assist senior citizens in their home for a cost. They often have a staff that includes social workers and nurses that will manage your care.

In Home Health Aides

When support from friends, family, and community organizations is not enough, it may be useful to hire a home health aide. They can provide care from a few hours a week to 24 hours a day. They assist with personal care like bathing, oral hygiene, dressing, and shaving. They can also give nutrition help by preparing meals, assisting eating, and grocery shopping. They can help with homemaking, such as laundry, dishwashing, and light housework. They provide companionship, like reading to the client, taking care of pets, taking out on leisure outings, and running errands. And finally they can help with general health management, such as administration of medication. 

Cost

Some types of services are free while others may be expensive. When planning, it is important to consider how to pay for these services.  Medicare, Medicaid, private "Medigap" policies, private health insurance, or long-term care insurance may cover some of the services you need. Otherwise, you will have to pay out of pocket. Still, paying for some of these services out of pocket may be less expensive that moving into an assisted living or long-term care facility. 

The Caring Space

thecaringspace.com TheCaringSpace.com

David Crumrine at the Caring Space

We are an organization that connects caregivers and care seekers, providing an easy and affordable resource for families seeking care for friends/loved ones and caregivers seeking employment.

Collecting Signed Jerseys Is A Fun Hobby But Watch Out For Fakes

The hobby of collecting signed jerseys is a lot of fun, but you must be careful to get the real thing. If you are getting the autographs yourself then obviously you know that the signatures are real. However, if you are buying items from someone else, there is always the risk that they may be fake.

Getting a jersey signed by a professional athlete can be a challenge, but this is part of the fun. Many players are more relaxed and will sign during training camp, but not during the regular season. Some will sign after a game if you can catch them. Most will not sign out in public, especially while eating in restaurants or when with their family. Regardless of the circumstances, always be polite and say thanks. Do not expect to chat.

Getting a jersey signed in public situations is hard unless you are wearing it. If you have the jersey on, a player can easily sign, just be sure to hold the area in place so it doesn't bunch up. If you are carrying it, there has to be an area to spread it flat. This takes time and if you aren't paying, the signer will be gone.

Some players will absolutely not sign for anyone unless they are paid. The only way to get these signatures, usually from star players, is at an organized signing or memorabilia convention. Teams have events occasionally, and while they may be free, they are generally just for season ticket or seat license holders.

Sometimes rookie and draft pick signings are open to the general public. These are great for collecting signed jerseys. The players may become future stars and you could have a valuable item in your collection.

Memorabilia conventions and card shop signings require you to pay up front. Depending on the star power of the player, the prices can range from five dollars for a signature on a sports card up to several hundred for an autograph on a jersey or helmet. Generally with a paid signature, you either get a certificate of authenticity or have the opportunity to pay an extra fee for one.

You can also buy signed jerseys. These are available at conventions, through collectibles websites, or via on-line auction. Beware of fakes. There is huge money in counterfeit items. The FBI and local law enforcement agencies have busted several crime rings over the years. Buy only from reputable sellers. Check references and reviews. Always get a certificate of authenticity and if possible a photograph of the athlete signing the item.

Being able to prove your items are authentic is crucial. This is especially important if you plan to preserve them and display them, or sell them. Anytime you can get a photo the item being autographed it is a plus. This is easier now than in the past with camera phones.

Collecting signed jerseys is a pleasurable activity for any fan. You may display your jersey by wearing it, as some do. You can frame it and put it on display. You can also try to sell it. In any case, the pride and joy of having gotten the piece is priceless.

Looking for ajsportsworld.com Steven Stamkos autograph? Be sure to visit the biggest selection of ajsportsworld.com Hockey autographs online to get your favorite.

The Dream of a Home Business

Having a home business is the dream goal of many people who need to work but are tired of the grind - corporate or otherwise - that is part of being employed by someone else.

In the not-so-dim past, a job gave us the security of a weekly, biweekly or monthly paycheck. Our employers provided medical and dental insurance, paid holidays, sick leave and vacations. Some lucky employees got stock options. We were all assured of company pension plans to take care of us in our retirement along with Social Security benefits from the government.

We had a job routine, worked in the same office with many of the same people and celebrated each other's birthdays, weddings, new homes and other events. Each of us had a place in the company structure and we were assured of keeping this job for twenty or thirty years - or as long as we wanted to stay. Not any more!

Now the only definite aspect of being an employee is continuous change. Co-workers come and go as people move to different areas of the city, state and country. Employers have severely cut back on fringe benefits. In many organizations, pension plans are now nonexistent.

The airline industry which was once rock-solid has had a number of bankruptcies. TWA, Eastern and National airlines among others have disappeared from the skies leaving their employees jobless. Pension plans of retired employees were turned over to a governmental agency for administration, which resulted in workers receiving only 50 cents on every dollar they had previously been receiving.

Automobile giants General Motors and Ford plan huge layoffs of 30,000 and 40,000 employees respectively with numerous plant closings in the offing. Additionally many jobs in the computer field are being outsourced to Third World Countries, thereby causing further job losses in the United States and adding further stress to our economy.

The only true security in our current economical climate is a home business. There are a number of benefits in working out of your home:

o No time wasted in commuting.

o No need to travel in bad weather.

o You do not have to spend money on gasoline.

o No wear and tear on your car.

o Work at your own convenience. You do not have to work on someone else's schedule.

o You do not have to buy a working wardrobe.

o No boss telling you what to do - and when to do it.

o Take an afternoon nap if you are tired.

o Stop and take a snack break at any time.

Anyone at any age can work at a home business. It is especially ideal for stay-at-home moms, retirees and the physically challenged. For those who are already employed, it can bring in another source of income.

When you work for a boss, no matter how much money you bring in for him or her, you may still earn the same salary. When you work at a home business, your extra effort translates into more money for you. If you decide to work long hours, you reap the financial rewards.

Ms. Beecher has authored many articles on debt relief programs and believes in proper due diligence before signing on with any debt or credit counseling program. Her goal is to spread the word regarding reputable programs offering debt help. cleardebtsolution.com Clear Debt Solution provides debt settlement programs that reduce debt through negotiation.

Safe Work From Home - The Perfect Part-time Job

If you are looking for a part-time job to supplement your income, then a home-based business is a safe, lucrative solution for you. So many part-time jobs today involve cold calling to set up home visits or door-to-door sales. In today's desperate economy, going to a stranger's home could be potentially dangerous.

Working from the comfort of your own home is a safe way to earn extra money to pay bills, save to purchase a home, or take a family vacation. With so many options to choose from, there is an opportunity for everyone.

The Internet provides some of the best options for home-based opportunities. Many reputable, well established companies offer programs as direct distributors or contractors. Be careful not to select the first program or opportunity you see. Careful research will save you a lot of time and money.

Make sure that the company is registered with the Better Business Bureau or other reporting agency to verify the validity of the organization. There are so many scams and con artists lurking on the Internet. Take care not to become a victim of fraud. Verify all of the information provided by the organization with the BBB and check to see if any complaints have been filed against the company and if they were resolved.

Be careful when dealing with organizations asking you to wire money to them to pay for sign-up fees as is usually the trademark of a scam. Home-based employment offers for secret shoppers and bank payment processors have also become the latest tools for international con artists.

Unless you have verified that the organization is a legitimate company, don't give out personal information such as your address, marital status, age, occupation, bank accounts, credit card numbers, social security number or other identifiable information that could be used to defraud you. Most importantly ask questions and follow your gut!

We have put together a list of some of the most reputable and successful home-based businesses. For a complete list of these businesses, please visit alihinds.weebly.com/alis-blog.html alihinds.weebly.com/alis-blog.html.

Ali Hinds is a global business and marketing strategist. For additional resources and strategies, please subscribe to my blog at alihinds.weebly.com/alis-blog.html alihinds.weebly.com/alis-blog.html

Can You Still Make Gifts to Your Grandchildren?

"I have been paying for part of my grandchildren's college tuition. I make the check out directly to the college. Will my grandchildren have to give back the gifts if I go into a nursing home?"

The answer to this person's question would depend on when she needed Nursing Home care and her health at the time she made the gifts.

Under the Medicaid law, any gifts you make within 5 years prior to applying for Medicaid coverage of Nursing Home costs, are presumed to be for the purpose of depleting your life savings in order to qualify for Medicaid.

If the grandmother did not need Nursing Home care until more than 5 years passed from the date of the gifts, Medicaid would not be able to penalize the gifts.

If the gifts were made within the 5 year lookback period, then in order to avoid the imposition of a transfer penalty by Medicaid, either the gifts would have to be returned or the grandparent must prove that the gifts were for a legitimate purpose and that Nursing Home care was not foreseeable based on her good health.

The law center recently won a Fair Hearing Decision against the Medicaid Agency on this issue of making gifts.

In our case, an 89 year old woman fell and required Nursing Home care. She was in good health before falling. During the 5 years before falling, she made numerous gifts to her son who was in poor health and often unable to work. Her gifts were to help him pay his mortgage, insurance and property taxes along with some household expenses. She also made gifts to her grandchildren to help them with college.

The Medicaid agency penalized those gifts on the grounds that based on her age, an 89 year old should foresee the possibility of needing Nursing Home care. New York State, in its Fair Hearing decision, reversed the County Medicaid agency and held that the gifts were legitimate and not for the purpose of depleting her assets for Medicaid.

Therefore, the Medicaid law does make gift giving riskier for our elderly, but with the right facts, such gifts can be defended.

With a properly designed Irrevocable Family Trust, assets can be transferred to your Trust while you are healthy. After 5 years have elapsed, your Trust assets will be protected. The Trust can then make gifts to your family members after this 5 year period has passed even if you are no longer in good health. Thus, a Trust can be a good vehicle to preserve your gift giving options for your family for the remainder of your life.

The Koldin Law Center
koldin.com koldin.com

Advantages of Being a Work at Home Mom

Are you a mom and struggle with juggling child care, work, appointments, and maintaining a household? If you are like most moms, the answer is probably yes. With the way the economy is right now it is near impossible for women to be the "stay at home" mom and for families to be able to survive on one income. Not to mention single moms trying to raise children and having to do it on their own. Moms have gotten really good at multi-tasking and doing what they can with the demands that they are faced with. I am confident in saying that this certainly has not been done without blood, sweat and tears! If you have been thinking about the possibility of working from home, you are not alone. You might want to take a look at the advantages of working from home as a mom and weigh the disadvantages to see if it is something that might be right for you.

Here are 5 advantages of working from home for moms.

Savings on Daycare Costs- According to data from the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies, many families are spending upwards to $14,000 a year for child care alone. The cost varies per state and is determined by how old your child is. Child care for babies and toddlers is quite a bit more expensive than it is for pre-schoolers. Depending on your income, many moms may have little left over after incurring the costs of childcare.

No Commuting- How much time do you spend sitting in traffic or commuting to work on a daily basis? Wouldn't it be nice to spend that time doing something productive? Working from home allows you the luxury of not having to spend any of your valuable time sitting in traffic. Another bonus is that you will save money on gas and the wear and tear on your vehicle.

More Flexibility- You get to make your own schedule and don't have to answer to a boss or ask permission to come in late to work because you have to take your child to a doctors appointment. You will be able to schedule your work around all of the activities and events in your life. Imagine being able to make it to all of your child's sporting events or the school play. If you want to take a vacation you can do it without having to request time off or use up any of your "vacation days." If you are a night owl and are more productive at three in the morning then you can work during that time. On the flip side if you want to sleep in on a Wednesday you can do that too.

Save on Lunches and Work Clothes- Between eating out and buying clothes or uniforms for work you are spending a pretty penny. One of the conveniences of working from home is that you don't have to pack a lunch or spend money eating out. Depending on your profession it can cost quite a bit of money to keep a professional wardrobe. Working from home allows you to wear what is comfortable without limitations.

Make as Much or Little Money as You Want- As the owner of your business you can decide if you want to work part time or full time. You are in the drivers seat and how productive you want to be is up to you.

These are just a handful of advantages for being a work at home mom. There are many more advantages that are not listed. If you are a mom and want to be more in control of your time and have a better quality of life you might want to consider working from home.

To learn more about Work at Home Moms [blastcapsworldwide.com], visit Mary's Yoli [sportblastfun.com] website.

About the Author: Mary Cascio is a successful home based business entrepreneur and international business builder. She works with top internet marketers from all over the world and has an exclusive online marketing system in place that has helped her to create a team of successful entrepreneurs who enjoy the luxury of working from home.