5 Technology Strategies for Caregivers to Protect Their Finances

By Roz Jones

As a caregiver, it is crucial to be vigilant about any activity that occurs on your financial accounts. The use of technology can be a helpful component of your plan to keep your money safe. Here are some strategies you can employ to leverage technology to safeguard your accounts:

Change your personal account passwords: If someone knows your passwords, it’s vital that you change them right away.

Monitor accounts with online tools: Many banks and financial services offer apps and online tools that can help you keep an eye on your accounts. These tools can send you automatic alerts about deposits, withdrawals, and other actions. They can also provide a record of any transactions that go against your contract or client agreement, which can be useful if you need to inform your employer, lawyer, or judge. Moreover, these tools can help you manage your own personal finances by monitoring direct deposits, automatic withdrawals, and your balance.

Monitor social media activity: Lawyers and judges often use social media activity to make decisions about financial matters. Therefore, be cautious about what you post on social media, especially posts related to money, your job, your clients, or any other personal information. Remember that once you post something, it can always be copied and saved, so deleting it may not be enough to protect you.

Figure out how to handle joint accounts: Joint accounts are sometimes necessary for regular caregiving expenses, such as housekeeping and home care. Make sure to agree with your client/Loved One on how to handle the joint account and how to use it during the duration of the contract/client agreement. For instance, if your client needs immediate payment for medical care, you can use the joint account to have immediate access to funds. Both of you may need online access to the account, so make use of the technology that your bank offers to monitor it closely.

Be aware of tracking software and tools available: In some cases, it may be necessary to use tracking software and tools if you are using joint accounts. These tools can enable you and/or your client/Loved One to see and monitor financial activities, including those that occur online or on your phone. However, before you opt for this option, consult your employer, or lawyer, or check the local laws first. Also, make sure to keep track of all the software and programs you find on your devices.

Caring for someone or being cared for can be a challenging time for both parties. It’s essential to be proactive about protecting finances while providing care. By following these tips and leveraging technology, you can feel more secure about your finances. Find out how to have secure communication and store data to better protect your finances.

May is Mental Health Month: Take Control of Your Mental Health with 31 Daily Tips

Mental Health America is proud to announce May as Mental Health Month, a time to prioritize and take control of your well-being. This year’s theme is Take Some Time To Look Around, Look Within emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive and uplifting environment for yourself and those around you. To help you achieve this goal, MHA has created a daily calendar with 31 tips for improving your mental health for the month.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, or simply looking for ways to maintain a healthy mindset the Mental Health Calendar has something for everyone with each day featuring a different tip or activity to promote self-care, resilience, and positive thinking.

Download the Mental Health Calendar now to learn how to cultivate a more supportive and nurturing environment for yourself and your aging loved one, while also building stronger relationships with those around you!

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Shop The Caregiver Cafe E-Commerce Store!

We founded The Caregiver Cafe Shopify Store with one simple goal: to help you experiment with your passion while at the same time providing amazing prices. We were tired of cookie-cutter stores with lackluster selections, and boring gifts. Instead of offering a huge unoriginal collection, we carefully curate just a few unique pieces perfectly suited for people the taste buds like you.

We focus on items that get you excited about shopping again, as we believe buying online should always be fun!

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In the latest episode of The Caregiver Cafe Podcast, the focus is on helping Caregivers support their aging loved one through life’s transitions. Tune in to gain valuable insight with Dr. Jacob Kendall about how patterns can affect our lifespan. By recognizing and understanding our patterns, we can increase our life expectancy and make positive changes in our lives. Don’t miss out on this informative and inspiring episode!

Patterns have a great influence on the life you live and if you are keen to recognize your patterns you can increase your life expectancy and change your life.

In this episode, I talk to Dr. Jacob and patterns and their influence on how long and short we live.

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***Caregiving can be a roller coaster of ups and downs. The information that you will receive from The Caregiver Cafe Weekly Specials Newsletter will support you as a caregiver. Remember…***

**1. YOU ARE NOT ALONE:** The problems you face as a caregiver are experienced by other caregivers. Knowing that you’re not alone can be comforting.

**2. Tools and Resources:** Find caregiver stress management tools and gain perspective from other caregiver’s experiences.

**3. LEARN TO:** Ask for help, accept help when it is offered, and acknowledge yourself on this caregiving journey. Hear from experts on how to balance caregiving responsibilities by taking care of your needs and involving others to help manage the natural stress and isolation of being a caregiver.

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Technology as a Tool for Caregivers to Manage Daily Distractions

By Roz Jones

Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, and it can also be a useful tool for caregivers to manage daily distractions. With the use of smartphones, tablets, and other devices, caregivers can access a wealth of information and resources to help them provide quality care to their loved ones. In this article, we will explore how technology can be used as a tool for caregivers to manage daily distractions.

According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 96% of Americans own a cellphone, and 81% own a smartphone. This means that caregivers have access to a variety of apps and tools that can help them manage their caregiving responsibilities. Here are some ways technology can be used as a tool for caregivers:

Caregiving apps: There are several apps designed specifically for caregivers, such as CareZone, CaringBridge, and Lotsa Helping Hands. These apps can help caregivers organize their loved one’s medication schedules, track appointments, and communicate with their care team.

Smart home devices: Smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home can help caregivers manage daily tasks and routines. They can set reminders, play music, and make calls hands-free.

Telemedicine: Telemedicine allows caregivers to connect with healthcare professionals remotely. This can be especially helpful for those who live in rural areas or have difficulty leaving their home. Telemedicine can also help caregivers manage their loved one’s health conditions and receive medical advice.

Online support groups: Online support groups can provide caregivers with a sense of community and support. They can connect with other caregivers who are going through similar experiences, share tips and advice, and receive emotional support.

We arable technology: Wearable technology such as smartwatches and fitness trackers can help caregivers monitor their loved one’s health and track their own health and wellness.

Technology can be a useful tool for caregivers to manage daily distractions, but it’s important to use it in moderation. It’s also important to ensure that the technology being used is secure and protects the privacy of the caregiver and their loved one.

Resources:

CaregiverTech: https://www.caregivertech.com/

AgingCare: https://www.agingcare.com/

Family Caregiver Alliance: https://www.caregiver.org/

Secure Your Loved One’s Future & Protect Their Health by Purchasing the Caregiving & Advance Health Directives Checklist!

When creating an Advance Directive, it’s important for you to identify the treatments you want and don’t want at the end of life. In order to begin this process, you will need to complete state specific forms. This worksheet can prepare you for those decisions you’re going to make on those forms, and for conversations you need to have with family and doctors.

Take Me There!

Shop The Caregiver Cafe E-Commerce Store!

We focus on items that get you excited about shopping again,
as we believe buying online should always be fun!

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Has your aging loved one told you they have everything in order regarding the next steps for their life? Are you clueless about what the next steps are in your aging loved one’s life? Check out the latest episode of The Caregiver Cafe Podcast to learn how one can have life in order to enable their caregivers have a smooth ride as they support them through life!

As you gracefully age, it is important for you to put everything in order so you do not leave your loved ones clueless about what the next steps are.

In this episode, I speak to Darra Wray about how one can have life in order to enable their caregivers have a smooth ride as they support them throughout life.

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ATTENTION: INSTAGRAM UPDATE!!!

Thank you for your patience with me as I attempted to gain access to my Instagram account @rozjonesenterprises! Unfortunately, I have been prompted to create a NEW Instagram account.

Be sure to follow my new Instagram page @rozcaregiverconsulting and check out my top business mistakes as a Business Owner!

(Click the link above to access my new Instagram page with ease!)

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A Caregiver’s Guide to Telehealth: Benefits of Telehealth for Your Clients & Loved Ones – Part 1

By Roz Jones

Telehealth has grown almost sevenfold since COVID-19 began to spread. While virtual doctor visits and remote monitoring devices could make medical care more convenient and accessible for any patient, your clients or Loved Ones may have the most to gain.

In March 2020, Medicare temporarily expanded coverage of telehealth services for most beneficiaries for office visits, preventive health screenings, and mental health services. At least some of these provisions may become permanent thanks to proposed legislation.

Find out how telehealth can help you, as a Caregiver, assist your clients or Loved Ones to maintain their independence and take care of their mental and physical health. Study this quick guide for those who want to see a doctor without leaving home.

Benefits of Telehealth for Your Clients/Loved Ones:

Enjoy more convenience. How far do you have to drive to the doctor’s office for your client/Loved One? With a virtual visit, you can forget about traffic and parking. Plus, if the doctor is busy, you can entertain yourself and your clientor Loved One at home instead of being stuck in the waiting room.
Treat chronic conditions. Almost 80% of seniors have at least one chronic condition, according to the National Council on Aging. Telehealth is ideal for the ongoing care needed to manage the typical symptoms of diabetes, cancer, and other chronic issues.
Access specialists. Depending on where your client or Loved One lives, they may be in for a long wait when a specialist is needed. Online care is more efficient, so it may speed up the process.
Support caregivers. Telehealth is great for caregivers and can also assist you with daily needs. Monitoring devices can free up your time by performing some routine tasks, and counseling services can help reduce stress.
Be proactive. Virtual care also empowers your clients or Loved Ones to play a greater role in staying healthy. For example, your client or Loved One has the ability to take their own blood pressure daily and upload the results.

Telehealth can help your client or Loved One to continue social distancing while receiving the medical care they need. Ask your client or Loved One’s doctor about which options are appropriate for them.

5 Ways Caregivers Can Use Technology to Protect Finances

By Roz Jones

If you’re a Caregiver, it’s important to stay aware of any actions that occur on your financial accounts. Technology can be a useful part of your plan to keep your money safe!

Use these strategies to take advantage of technology to protect your accounts:

Change your personal account passwords. If someone knows your passwords, it’s essential that you change them immediately.

Monitor accounts with online tools. Does your bank or other financial service offer apps and online tools to help you monitor accounts? These tools can send you automatic alerts about deposits, withdrawals, and other actions.

If someone makes a transaction that goes against your contract/client agreement, these tools will give you a record and help you keep track of it. You can use this information to inform your employer, lawyer, and judge.
These tools can also help you manage your own personal finances as well. Use them to keep a close watch on direct deposits, automatic withdrawals, and your balance.

Monitor social media activity. In most cases, lawyers and judges are now using social media activity to make decisions about financial matters.

Be careful about what you post on social media, particularly posts that have anything to do with money, your job, your clients, or any other personal information. Once you post something, it can always be copied and saved, so deleting it may not be enough to protect you.

Figure out how to handle joint accounts. Joint accounts are sometimes necessary for regular caregiving expenses including housekeeping and home care. It’s important for you and your client/Loved One to agree on how you’ll handle the joint account, and how to use it during the duration of the contract/client agreement. For example, if your client needs immediate payment for medical care, you can use the joint account so you have immediate access to funds.

For this joint account, you both may need online access to them.
Use the technology that your bank offers to monitor these joint accounts closely.

Be aware of tracking software and tools available. For caregivers who are using joint accounts, it may be necessary to resort to using tracking software and tools. These tools can enable you and/or your client/Loved One to see and monitor financial activities. This includes financial activities that occur online or on your phone.

These technology tools can show up on your devices.

If you’re considering this option for your client or Loved One, it’s smart to consult your employer, or lawyer and check the local laws first.

Be sure to keep track of all the software and programs you find on your devices.

Being a Caregiver or being cared for can be a difficult time for both parties. It’s important to be proactive about protecting finances as you continue to provide care to your client or Loved One. Follow these tips and you’ll feel more secure about your finances!