Lotsa Blog

Contributed by Everplans. Everplans (www.everplans.com) is a website that helps people create, store, and securely share all of their important information, documents, and wishes that their families might need if something were to happen. Everplans also provides thousands of useful articles, checklists, and local resources—whether you’re a new parent, retiree, or recently bereaved.

Most people know it’s important to have a will, but are too nervous to get the process started because they don’t know how to write a will. Writing a will may seem like a daunting task, but by following a few simple steps it can be easily accomplished—and can leave you with a feeling of great accomplishment.

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Contributed by Madison Engle

Taking care of an elderly loved one can be time consuming and stressful, but it is important not to let their assets fall to the wayside. This is especially important if they own an older home, as it may have been neglected while your loved one’s health deteriorated or other life events became a higher priority. Try to take as much pride in their hard-earned assets as you would take in your own. Follow these five home improvement tips to make sure your loved one’s home is safe and comfortable for them and one less source of stress for you.

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By Arar Han, co-CEO of Alert-One

Between misplaced keys and forgotten names, we have all had our share of memory loss. It is even more frustrating when your Mom can’t remember simple things due to aging. There is no clear cut cure, but there are strategies that can help Mom deal with memory loss.

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For 80% of people who have chronic or long-term health problems, family caregivers aren’t just a convenience but an incredible gift. Aging individuals are able to remain in their own homes, return home earlier following hospitalization, and save money as opposed to using a home care agency service or a long term care facility. There’s just one problem: while the family caregiver is taking care of the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the disabled or chronically ill individual, she is failing to take her own needs into consideration. 

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Contributed by Nathan McVeigh

Busy caregivers use online calendars, email reminders, day planners, and a slew of other tools to keep themselves in the right place at the right time. The same can definitely be said for anyone with multiple children, a pair of aging parents, or any other group of important people who have to organize certain needs. With such a responsibility placed on one person, there is a way to make sense of when to accomplish what: online calendars.

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Contributed by Michelle Hassler

When discussing options for family caregivers, spouses and adult children often come to mind. However, the stresses of caregiving extend beyond more traditional caregivers. In fact, many children take on the responsibility of caregiving in the home with statistics that are staggering. Currently, well over a million children in the U.S. meet the criteria of being a caregiver. According to a study from the American Academy of Pediatrics, “1.3 million children spend their time caring for a family member who suffers from a physical or mental illness or substance abuse.” The study also concludes that “on average, children caregivers spend about 2.5 hours per weekday and 4 hours on weekend days caring for their loved ones.” When you think about it, that is a lot of time – especially for a child or teenager.

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Contributed by Tiffany Silverberg

When you are juggling the many responsibilities of being a caregiver, mealtimes can be absolutely overwhelming. With three meals a day, not including snacks and drinks and other kitchen incidentals, it can seem like all your time and energy is spent there – cooking, cleaning up, and starting it all again. If you feel like you are spending all your time in the kitchen, just to stay on top of meal preparation, here are a few tips for how to save time and get back to everything else you love – or maybe even put your feet up for a bit.

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Contributed by Michelle Hassler

Volunteering to raise money for charity is a rewarding and giving act. However, who says you can’t have fun while collecting funds for a worthy cause? In fact, a unique or popular activity will likely attract more people to contribute to your organization. At the same time, you are fostering community togetherness and social action. Partnering with local businesses is also a good idea, as they may have additional resources and customer reach within the community. Here are some fun ways to motivate others to give while having a blast!

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Contributed by Haley Burress 

August and September bring new notebooks, sharpened pencils, a few jitters, and lots of excitement for the new school year. With the lazy days of summer behind you, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to get back on a daily schedule, especially if you are caring for a loved one or child with significant medical needs. The Lotsa Helping Hands Back to School Checklist will keep you on your toes and confident as your family eases into your new routine.

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Contributed by Haley Burress

As we age, our bodies change. This isn’t exactly news. Chances are, you feel your body changing when you notice creaky joints in the morning or squinting to read your dinner menu. When it comes to food, it is important to note that our body changes the way it absorbs and uses what we eat and drink. The more you know about how your diet and nutrition changes as you age, the better you can eat to increase energy and health. Here’s a look into your body and how diet and nutrition shift dramatically as we add on years.

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