Absolute Law Group - March 2022

Absolute Law Group - March 2022

Absolute Law Group THE ABSOLUTE INQUIRER BUSINESS - TAX - ESTATE PLANNING

(352) 205-4455 • ABSOLUTELAWGROUP.COM • MARCH 2022

How To Become A Better Ally For Dementia Patients WHAT ALANA LEARNED DURING HER THREE-DAY CONFERENCE

In January, I went to a three-day conference called The Dementia Focus Practice, and I gained so much information that I wanted to share with you. The conference was held in Tempe, Arizona, and it focused on how law firms and professionals can be a resource to their clients to help dementia and Alzheimer’s patients and their families. After attending this conference, I am now better equipped to help my firm and my community with more information about this disease. We learned about some updated statistics which state that someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s every 60 seconds. By the year 2030, it will be every 30 seconds. 75% of caregivers will pass away before the person they are caring for does. Thinking about the increase in Alzheimer’s diagnosis hit

about how long-term insurance doesn’t cover everything you need and the steps you can take to ensure that your loved ones and their belongings are in order. We also learned how to transform our business into a dementia care- friendly environment by providing better signage, less clutter, and offering sound and reading magnifiers for clients. On the last day of the conference, I also had to renew my certifications as a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT). I need to take several core classes every two years to get my certifications renewed. These classes explained how to respect others’ cultures, backgrounds, and health to ensure we provide the proper care for them and their needs. These certifications allow

my heart because they may not get the proper care throughout the rest of their lives if their caregiver passes away before them. When considering the increase in diagnosis, another problem arises – Medicare only addresses short-term issues. As an elder law firm, our focus is to continue fighting and advocating for this disease and the families impacted by it. We will continue to fight for resources that will aid this horrible disease. The conference also mentioned

me to go into assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and individual homes and train others to become a CDP. This license helps provide me with a platform to educate other people about dementia, how to properly care for them, and what actions and responses are best to use as a caregiver. The goal is to have as many Certified Dementia Practitioners as we can. By continuing our education, we are able to educate our community, firm, and clients about this disease and attempt

“As an elder law firm, our focus is to continue fighting and advocating for this disease and the families impacted by it. We will continue to fight for resources that will aid this horrible disease.”

that education and implementation have to go hand-in-hand. At one point, people could purchase long-term care insurance and be covered. But now, we really have to talk about long-term care options, insurance, and asset protection in order for families to get the protection and care they deserve. On day two of the conference, the president of the Dementia Society of America spoke about what the Dementia Society of America is and challenged us to be the best we can be and what we can do to care for people with this disease. Providing care and assistance to these families isn’t just about legal documents but the whole process. We need to talk to them

to spread more awareness about it. Here at Absolute Law Group, we care about you and your family. We strive to be a dementia care-friendly firm

and handle every case with compassion and empathy. Your family is our family, and we will always advocate and fight to ensure you get the best care you and your loved ones deserve.

–Alana Hanshaw

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HOW TO KEEP YOUR MIND AND BODY ACTIVE 3 ACTIVITIES TO HELP WITH DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER’S

KEEPING BUSY WITH HOUSEHOLD TASKS

Continuing to remain active and engaged both mentally and physically is essential for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Providing a routine of activities is very beneficial because it can give a person living with dementia or Alzheimer’s a sense of security, strengthen their cognitive abilities, make them feel productive, and provide them with a source of focus. Here are a few activities you can do to keep your mind and body engaged. UNLOCK YOUR INNER CHILD — BY COLORING Coloring isn’t just an activity for children anymore. There are tons of adult coloring books that you can buy in stores or online that will keep you entertained for hours. Coloring helps improve your motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination and dexterity. This activity combines logic and creativity, which requires vision and motor skills. Your brain will also stay focused while determining what colors to use, how to shade the drawing, and staying within the lines. LISTEN TO SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE TUNES Music is a great way to redirect your attention. It can help block out triggers or stimuli that can cause stress. Several studies show that listening to or singing along can provide emotional and behavioral benefits. In addition, the memory of music is oftentimes undamaged by dementia or Alzheimer’s. Music can also help jog your memory if you listen to songs that remind you of your youth and good memories.

To feel more independent, you can complete simple household chores that keep you on your feet and your hands busy. Cleaning can be therapeutic and help reduce stress and anxiety. You can also increase your brain volume if you perform

these chores regularly in your daily routine. Household chores can consist of vacuuming, sweeping, dusting, folding clothes, and even attending to a garden.

In 2021, millions of people received the heartbreaking news that they were diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Your friends at Absolute Law Group are here to assist you every step of the way. From planning your estate to ensuring that you get the best care possible. For more information and guidance for those facing these diagnoses, Sarah K. Elyaman wrote several books to help you through this time. “You’re Not Alone Living with Alzheimer’s Disease,” and “You’re Not Alone: Living with Dementia” provides you with information about how to prepare for these diseases. To receive your FREE copy of these books , go to AbsoluteLawGroup.com and scroll down to the bottom of the page where it says “Request Your Free Books Today.”

I Don’t Want to Be Like Mike WHY ONE MAN SUED MICHAEL JORDAN FOR $832 MILLION

Many people have been told they have a passing resemblance to a celebrity, and they usually have a funny story or two. To Allen Ray Heckard, his celebrity look- alike was no laughing matter. In 2006, he sued Michael Jordan for looking too much like him and ruining his life.

ah, then I turn around and, ah, I figure that’s what it all boils down to.” When asked why he felt the resemblance to Jordan had affected his life so negatively, he could only answer, “I want to be recognized as me, just like Michael’s recognized as Michael.” Funnily enough, most people didn’t think Heckard and Jordan looked alike at all. While each had a bald head, mustache, and a gold earring, the similarities seemed to end there. Many news stories noted that, compared to Jordan, Heckard is 8 years older and 6 inches shorter. One question reporters did not appear to ask was why Heckard felt that Jordan should be held personally liable for hundreds of millions of dollars simply for his natural appearance. Sadly, we will probably never know the answer because the case ended rather unceremoniously. After a few weeks, Heckard dropped the lawsuit. He never publicly shared why, but a Nike spokesperson was glad to speculate that Heckard “finally realized he would end up paying our court costs if the lawsuit went to trial.” In the end, many ’90s kids would argue that Heckard was most guilty of looking a gift horse in the mouth. After all, there is no higher achievement than to “be like Mike.”

The amount of the lawsuit was $832 million, and Heckard not only sued Jordan but also Nike, reasoning that the company helped Jordan achieve his incredible fame. The complaint argued that the resemblance to Jordan “has troubled Heckard’s nerves” and being stopped by fans caused him emotional distress for over 15 years. He requested damages for defamation, permanent injury, and pain and suffering. For someone tired of being “recognized,” Heckard didn’t shy away from media coverage. When asked how he arrived at the astronomical $832 million lawsuit figure, he gave this much-shared (yet difficult to parse) answer: “Well, you figure with my age, and you multiply that by seven and,

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Are You Caring For Someone With Alzheimer’s or Dementia?

TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS

COMMUNICATION

Caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s or dementia takes patience and flexibility. This can be a confusing and challenging time for you and the loved one you are taking care of. Your primary role as their caregiver is to manage daily tasks as the disease progresses. Here are a few tips that can help you provide the best care for your loved one.

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Listen to their needs and frustrations, and respond calmly. You want to make them feel as comfortable as possible. Try to show them that you understand their difficulty and offer solutions to help them. • Avoid the phrase “don’t you remember?” when reminding them who they are, what they like to do, and their friends. This can cause stress and anxiety for them, which is what you want to avoid. Place photos of their friends and family in their home to help them feel more comfortable. • Limit distractions while engaging in a conversation with them. Turning off the TV, music, or anything else that could be distracting allows them to focus. This makes it much easier for them to communicate with you. Caregiving to a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be challenging. But with some practice and patience, you will be able to provide the best care for them. If you need more information about caregiving, allow your friends at Absolute Law Group to help. We have a great book by Sarah K. Elyaman titled “You’re Not Alone: Living As An Alzheimer’s Caregiver” that provides you with more information. To receive your FREE copy of this book, go to AbsoluteLawGroup.com and scroll down to the bottom of the page where it says “Request Your Free Books Today.”

EVERYDAY CARE

Take a Break Provide choices for your loved one to pick from. Whether that be what meals they will eat, what to wear, and what they will be doing for that day. By providing different options, they will feel more in control of their routine and feel more independent. • Schedule your time wisely when creating a daily routine. For example, try to keep the times your loved one baths, eats, and gets ready the same each day. This repetitive action will help them know what their day’s beginning and end will look like. Likewise, if there is an activity that they like to do, try to plan it at the same time each day as well. • Try to involve your loved one in as many activities as possible. If they are getting dressed, bathing, making the table, or any other activity, allow them to do as much as possible. This will give them a sense of accomplishment and independence. •

Easy March Madness Chili

Cheer on your favorite team and chow down in minutes with this easy chili recipe!

Inspired by MyRecipes.com

Ingredients • 2 lbs ground beef • 2 tbsp chili powder • 1 tbsp Creole seasoning • 1 tsp ground cumin • 2 16-oz cans diced tomatoes • 2 16-oz cans small red beans • 2 8-oz cans tomato sauce

Directions 1. In a deep pot, brown the beef, stirring often. 2. Once beef is cooked, add chili powder, Creole seasoning, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute. 3. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, and tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. 4. After the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and let chili simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Serve with toppings of choice, like cheese, sour cream, or chives.

CAESAR EQUINOX FLOWERS FORWARD

GOLD GREEN IRISH LUCKY

MARS RAIN

SPROUT WOMEN

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1 The Goal Is Spread More Awareness On Dementia 2 Coloring Can Improve Your Motor Skills 2 Someone Sued Michael Jordan? 3 Don’t Use The Phrase “Don’t You Remember?” 3 Take a Break 3 Easy March Madness Chili 4 Get Healthy While Spring-Cleaning!

IT’S MORE THAN JUST TIDYING UP 4 Health Benefits of Spring-Cleaning

IT PREVENTS ILLNESSES. Doorknobs, refrigerator handles, light switches, countertops, and remote controls are all things we touch many times a day. Cleaning anything that’s used often is one way to reduce the spread of germs. By keeping household surfaces clean, we help thwart the spread of viruses and illnesses. SPRING-CLEANING HELPS YOU BREATHE BETTER. Spring often brings pollen that triggers allergies for many. But pollen isn’t the only thing to blame when people have difficulty breathing. When dust and pet dander build up in your home, your respiratory system is greatly affected too. Deep-cleaning your air filters and vents can make breathing effortless — and it’s truly amazing how this can improve your well-being. IT KEEPS YOU MORE ACTIVE. Off the couch and on your feet! Even just running the vacuum and clearing the clutter from the dining room table will get you up and moving, which is healthy for your heart and body.

Sunday, March 20, is the first day of spring — which means it’s time for some spring- cleaning. Did you know that cleaning is not just about tidying up a physical space? It’s also about improving overall well-being. Here’s how organization and cleanliness can help you in more ways than you might expect.

SPRING-CLEANING REDUCES STRESS AND DEPRESSION. Tidiness and mental health are actually connected. Studies have found that having a clean home is directly correlated to happiness and your ability to focus. Anxiety can spike when laundry is piling up, items are strewn everywhere, and papers get scattered on various surfaces within the home. Clearing the clutter is a great way to boost your mood and increase those feel-good hormones.

This spring season, putting some elbow grease into your cleaning will benefit you in more ways than one. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!

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