Posts Tagged ‘Resources’

Spring Cleaning….Your Files
Amy Praskac, Professional Organizer, On the Record
Do you have papers piled high on your bookshelves, crammed in your desk drawers, and squashed in your file cabinet? Wouldn’t it be nice to let some fresh air into those spaces?

Spring is an ideal time to clean out your files. You’re already dealing with paperwork to file your tax return. Just keep going. Here are a few guidelines to help you decide what to keep and what you can let go.

Keep monthly or quarterly statements until you receive the year-end statement. Verify the year-end statement is correct and then shred earlier statements. This also applies to paystubs.

Keep tax-related documents for three years. The IRS has three years to audit your return. There are exceptions such as failure to report income and filing a fraudulent return. You need to retain property records that document the basis for computing gain or loss until three years after you dispose of the property and file a tax return on that income (or loss). See IRS Publication 552 for details (Rev. January 2011).

Keep warranties until they expire or you no longer own the appliance. Keep manuals for as long as you own the appliance. This may seem obvious, but when is the last time you purged your file? Many people get rid of the appliance, but forget to get rid of the warranty and manual.

Keep important documents in a safe deposit box. Important documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce papers, automobile titles, property deeds, military discharge papers, and partnership papers. Keep a list of documents and photocopies at home in case you need the information. It is vital that the safe deposit box be titled in more than one name so that you have access.

Safe disposal of documents: Shred any documents that have your personal information. This is to protect yourself against identity theft. Use a cross-cut shredder for maximum safety. Remember to oil the shredder monthly.

The statistics shout loud and clear. Most people prefer to age in the comfort of their own homes rather than face a move elsewhere. Having said that, home care is not always the best care option for everyone. So how do you determine if home care will be a good option for you or your loved one’s long-term care?

 First determine the needs: Does the senior require minimal or a lot of assistance with daily personal tasks such as bathing, grooming, medications and feeding himself? Is the senior able to walk and transfer from a bed or a chair independently or is a lot of assistance required? Is the senior experiencing some or a lot of mental impairment such as with Alzheimer’s or dementia that might require around the clock care? These are all questions that should be considered. A home care manager such as at Practical Care Continuum can help you sort through the questions and implications of the answers.

 Now consider finances: How will the home care be paid for? Non-medical home care is typically paid for through private funds or long-term care insurance. However, there are other options to explore, such as veterans’ benefits.

 Weigh the pros and cons: Home is where the heart is, and with a well-trained personal caregiver to ensure safety, socialization, proper diet and exercise, it is no wonder that home care is such a popular option for care. But finances and/or a senior’s abilities may make other options for care a better choice for a particular person. For more information on options for care at home, click here. 

Contact Practical Care Continuum in Austin, Texas for a complete geriatric assessment with suggestions for care needs.

I was recently invited to attend a dinner in which Eva Church of Austin Groups for the Elderly was one of several older adults recognized for their volunteer efforts. Eva was being recognized for her efforts on the AGE board of directors.  And as everyone knows Eva is an icon in the Austin elder care scene.  Although it was a stormy evening in Austin the table was full of Eva’s cheerleaders. The meal was amazing, of course you would expect that from the Querencia at Barton Creek, and if the food is anything to go by this place is outstanding.

Eva now runs the Caregiver Resource Center at AGE. They are a great resource for those folks looking for information on elder care issues. The resource center, which is located at 38th & Cedar Street,  also boasts a loan closet for durable medical equipment and a lending library. The lending library is a great idea for those of us who don’t know what books are available and would rather not spend a lot of money on books that may not apply to your specific situation.

If you see Eva around congratulate her on her accomplishment!