Insight Newsletter 3rd Quarter 2025

I have been waiting for this to come out since I heard about it last year. There is a resilience that caregivers don’t know they have because of such a great burden they carry. There will never be enough words of encouragement to the caregiver that will let them know how strong they are. I hope this documentary lets them- and all of us- see how important they are.

SEMINARS

Join me and local senior experts at our series,

“Should I Stay or Should I Go?”

at the Orangevale Community Center.
6826 Hazel Ave, Orangevale, CA 95662

RSVP with OV Parks by calling 916.989.4373

9/2/25 10-11:00 a.m.

PART 1: Putting Your Financial House in Order

Luz will give you tips about preparing your loved ones for the unexpected, such as your incapacitation or passing. We’ll cover essential documents your next of kin should access, account titling, and more.

9/16/25 10-11:30 a.m.

PART 2: Should I Stay or Should I Move?

Join Scott Roseveare, mortgage advisor and Kim Eckert, real estate agent, as they explore the financial considerations of aging-in-place, downsizing, or moving into a care facility. Learn about financing strategies, including how to use home equity to support your lifestyle and long-term needs.

9/23/25 10-11:00 a.m.

PART 3: Legal Tools for Protection and Peace of Mind

Estate Attorney, Heather Chubb will share about wills, trusts, powers of attorney—and how they can protect your wishes and your loved ones.

9/30/25 10-11:30 a.m.

PART 4: From Aging in Place to Memory Loss

Alan Fischer, In home care specialist, will help you understand the pros and cons of staying at home with care services versus moving into a senior living community. This session will compare costs, levels of care, and important lifestyle considerations.

Alexandra Weisgerber with the Alz Association, will cover the top 10 warning signs, the benefits of early detection of dementia and memory loss, and the many resources available to support individuals and caregivers on this journey.

We are also presenting this series in Folsom and Rocklin in October. For details on these series, email us at info@agingwellca.com.

How Caregiving Affects a Caregiver—and Tips to Stay Healthy

Caring for a loved one can be one of the most meaningful roles a person takes on—but it also brings emotional, physical, and financial stress that can take a toll on the caregiver’s overall health. Whether you’re helping a parent with daily tasks or supporting a spouse with a chronic illness, the constant demands of caregiving can quietly lead to caregiver burnout if self-care isn’t prioritized.

Emotional and Physical Impact

Caregivers often face high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The responsibility of managing another person’s health and wellbeing can feel overwhelming, especially when paired with work or family responsibilities. Many caregivers experience sleep disruption, weight changes, and fatigue. Over time, this chronic stress may weaken the immune system, increase the risk of heart disease, or even shorten life expectancy.

Caregivers may also suffer from emotional isolation. Because caregiving is time-consuming, social outings, hobbies, and self-care activities often take a back seat. As the focus shifts entirely to the care recipient, caregivers may feel unappreciated or invisible.

Tips to Stay Healthy
  • Prioritize Your Health
    Make your own doctor appointments and stick to them. Regular checkups, adequate sleep, and balanced meals are essential—not optional.
  • Ask for Help
    You don’t have to do it alone. Ask family members to share responsibilities or look into respite care services to get temporary relief.
  • Set Boundaries
    Know your limits and don’t be afraid to say no. It’s okay to protect your time and energy.
  • Join a Support Group
    Connecting with others in similar situations provides emotional relief and practical advice. Many find support groups to be a safe space to share struggles and victories.
  • Stay Social
    Schedule time for friends, even if it’s just a phone call or short coffee break. Maintaining relationships outside of caregiving can ease feelings of isolation.
  • Consider Professional Support
    A therapist or counselor can help you process emotions, manage stress, and create strategies to prevent burnout.

Caregiving is a noble responsibility, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. By making your health a priority and seeking support, you’ll be better equipped to care for your loved one—without sacrificing your own wellbeing.

The Essential Role of Legal and Financial Documents in Caregiving

The Importance of Legal and Financial Documents in Caregiving

Navigating the complexities of caregiving can be overwhelming, but having the right legal and financial documents in place can provide clarity, protection, and peace of mind. These documents are essential for ensuring that both the caregiver and the person being cared for are protected, and that critical decisions can be made effectively. Key documents include power of attorney, advance directives, insurance policies, and financial management tools.

Power of Attorney and Advance Directives

One of the most crucial legal documents in caregiving is the power of attorney (POA), which grants a designated person the authority to make decisions on behalf of the individual if they are unable to do so. There are different types of POA, such as durable and medical, which can address financial and healthcare decisions, respectively. The POA is especially important if a person becomes incapacitated or is unable to express their preferences due to illness or injury.

Advance directives are another important legal document that outlines an individual’s healthcare preferences in advance, particularly for end-of-life care. This may include instructions about life-sustaining treatment, organ donation, and other medical decisions. Having these documents in place ensures that a person’s wishes are honored, reducing the burden on family members during emotionally challenging times. 

Insurance and Benefits

Navigating health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance is essential in the caregiving process. Health insurance policies can be complicated, but understanding the coverage, deductibles, and premiums can help caregivers and their loved ones access necessary care without excessive financial strain.

Medicare and Medicaid are particularly important for elderly or disabled individuals, as these programs provide coverage for healthcare costs that may not be covered by traditional insurance. Medicare provides health insurance for those over 65, while Medicaid offers assistance for low-income individuals. Long-term care insurance is another option that can help cover the high costs of nursing homes or in-home care. 

Managing Finances

Caregiving can be expensive, and proper financial planning is key. Budgeting for caregiving costs, which may include medical bills, transportation, and home modifications, ensures that the financial burden doesn’t become overwhelming. In addition, understanding available resources, such as financial assistance programs, grants, and tax benefits for caregivers, can provide relief. Many states and organizations offer financial support to help cover caregiving costs, but knowing how to access these resources is crucial.

In conclusion, legal and financial documents are integral to caregiving. They provide the necessary authority, protections, and resources needed to navigate medical, financial, and legal decisions effectively. By having these documents in place, caregivers can ensure that they are prepared for any situation, while honoring the wishes and needs of those they care for.