Trinity Elder Law & Estate Planning - June 2022

Trinity Elder Law & Estate Planning - June 2022

Peace of Mind Post

JUNE 2022

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FARMERS!

THEY DO SO MUCH FOR US AND OUR COMMUNITY

As you all know, I was born and raised on a farm, and I’ve spent most of my life tending to the land and animals. Although I didn’t have cattle on the farm, one of my closest friend’s family had a large dairy herd. My friend and I would joke around and say that for me, getting off the farm meant going to visit her farm! Owning and working on a farm is a full-time job. You never have days off, and the animals always come first, even if you have previous plans. For example, one year, my family and I were going to go to my uncle’s for Christmas. Of course, we had to feed the horses before leaving, and we should have left on time, but one of the horses came in from the pasture with a gaping wound in his chest and needed to be treated immediately. So, we delayed our departure to tend to the horse and called the vet. We couldn’t leave the horse alone; their well-being and safety come first before anything else. Although you have to put in a lot of effort to tend to the land and animals, it was a great opportunity to be outside. Looking back, working on the farm taught me about hard work and dedication. It also taught me accountability and responsibility and showed me how to prioritize tasks. These skills helped me as I grew up and continue to do so as I help other families with future planning and preserving their family farms. This experience has done so much for me, and I will be forever grateful. On top of influencing me in my personal and professional life, farming plays a huge role in Pennsylvania’s economy. It provides many jobs for people — not just on the farm, but transportation and delivery. Farming also feeds many people; without them, we wouldn’t have our fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products. They play a vital role in our everyday lives and economy. Our supermarkets may not always buy from our local farmers, but you can! It’s always great to support local businesses, and you can’t beat the taste of farm-fresh produce. My husband and I participate in a local CSA (Community Share Agriculture), or veggie co-op as I like to call it, through Harvest Valley Farms, and their products are amazing. My friend who had a dairy farm used to drink unpasteurized

milk, and she said there was no comparison to the milk you can buy at the store. I actually get my eggs from a local farmer, and up until I was out of law school, I thought all chickens laid brown eggs. For the longest time, I thought supermarkets dyed the eggs white so city people would feel more comfortable eating them. Today, I still spend as much time on the family farm as I can, helping care for the horses and at this time of year, lending a hand to get thousands of bales of hay in the barn. I enjoy every minute I’m able to spend on the farm, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I have gained so many life experiences and skills on the farm, and it better helps me serve and tend to my clients and their needs.

Happy National Dairy Month — I’ll be celebrating with ice cream! Remember, support your local farmers!

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When you receive a dementia diagnosis, it can be overwhelming. Different thoughts and emotions can run through you and your loved ones’ minds about what to do next. But there are several things you can do to help you prepare and help ease you into this new part of your life. Always remember that Trinity Elder Law & Estate Planning is here for you and your family every step of the way. Learn more about the diagnosis. To help you and your family prepare, it’s essential to learn more about the disease and what to expect moving forward. You want to understand the seven stages of dementia and the symptoms within each category. Knowing the different feelings and behaviors So You Received a D

WHY HEARING LOSS HURTS YOUR OVERALL HEALTH Exploring exotic flavors and enjoying memories through scent are just a couple ways our senses allow us to connect with others. But when you struggle with age-related hearing loss, a critical component of how you experience the world can disappear quickly — taking with it your mental well-being. Why is this so? Your Brain Small, challenging activities or “exercises” for your brain can enrich your cognitive well-being as you age. But constantly straining to hear puts the brain into overdrive, and much like overdoing a physical workout, your brain becomes tired very quickly and degenerates. This increases your chance of developing dementia. A 12-year study by Johns Hopkins found that mild hearing loss doubled dementia risk, moderate loss tripled this risk, and those with severe issues faced a risk five times greater than the average person. Your Heart Experts are still determining a direct link between hearing loss and cardiovascular disease, but the research has found a startling correlation. Those with hearing loss are more likely to also have heart conditions. One suggestion is that those with hearing loss also have diminished blood flow to the ears, which is problematic for the auditory function. Our sense of hearing relies on a strong circulatory system. Your Mental Health Living in a world you cannot fully understand or hear can exhaust your mental well-being. Those with hearing loss may refrain from common social activities for fear they won’t be able to understand what is happening. Furthermore, they may face exasperated relatives whose patience grows thin after repeating themselves or enduring TV volume above an acceptable level. Due to these situations, those who struggle to hear may experience greater social isolation and diminished feelings of self-worth. Depression is common among those with hearing loss. The best way to prevent these health concerns is to seek professional guidance. Speak with an auditory expert about your hearing concerns and discover solutions that will help you hear better and improve your well-being! ‘SAY WHAT?!’

of dementia will help you

develop coping strategies and alternative ways to communicate to help with these reactions. Having a conversation about the

Puzzle Time!

Answers:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has resources to help you learn more. Visit CDC.gov to access this information.

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Dementia Diagnosis diagnosis will allow everyone to be on the same page and know what they can expect. Create a safe home. Be sure to remove any potential falling hazards like rugs and electrical cords out of the way. You also want to make sure there is a clear, clutter-free path so navigating is simple and risk-free. It may also be beneficial to have night lights or lamps on at night to improve visibility. If you don’t have an estate plan or haven’t updated yours in a while, now is the time to do so. Organize all of your legal and financial documents and update your will, living will, trust, and financial and medical powers of attorney. It’s also best to go ahead and prepare for long-term care so you and your loved ones are ready. A skilled elder law attorney can assist you with this planning and ensure all of Organize assets, finances, and legal matters.

SUMMER HAS FINALLY ARRIVED So It’s Time to Go Outside As you get older, it’s essential to exercise your mind and body. Doing stimulating activities is one of the key ways to age gracefully. And since it’s officially summertime, now is the perfect time to do some fun outdoor activities with your loved ones! Plant a garden. Gardening has several benefits: It can reduce stress, allows you to get outside and breathe some fresh air, and helps you have a beautiful outdoor space! Gardening is also a great and easy way to strengthen your hand muscles. As you age, your joints and range of motion are limited. But with gardening, you can improve your mobility, blood circulation, and much more. Your grandchildren can even help you repot plants or create a garden bed. Go fishing. Did you know that June 18 is National Go Fishing Day? Fishing is an excellent activity for all ages because it’s low- maintenance. You can even embrace and enjoy the quiet scenery around you. This relaxing activity is a great way to spend time with your family and friends, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and even lower your heart rate and blood pressure. So, sit back, relax, and drop a line. Who knows, you may even catch a few fish while you’re out there! Start coloring. Studies have shown that coloring can improve your motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Your brain will also stay focused while determining what color to use, how to shade the drawing, and staying within the lines. You can also use this activity to spend time with your grandchildren. If they’re coloring, you can join them! These are only a few of the many activities you can do this summer season. Not only can you soak up the sun, but you can also spend time with your loved ones and create memories to last a lifetime. So take advantage of the beautiful weather we have coming. Your body and mind will thank you for it!

your wishes are protected.

Figuring out what to do after discovering you or a loved one received a dementia diagnosis isn’t something you have to go through alone. Your friends at Trinity Elder Law & Estate Planning can help you every step of the way. For more information, go to TrinityElderLaw.com to receive a FREE copy of “You’re Not Alone: Living as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver,” which provides more information on the diagnosis and resources.

HOMEMADE MEATBALLS FOR DOGS

Ingredients

• •

1 lb ground beef

•

1 egg or 1/4 cup applesauce, unsweetened

1 tbsp chopped parsley, fresh or dried

• •

2 oz low-fat yogurt 1/2 cup almond flour

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. 2. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef. 3. Chop parsley and add it to the bowl. 4. Lightly beat the egg with a fork and add it to the bowl, or add applesauce if using as a substitute. 5. Add the yogurt and almond flour, then mix all ingredients well. 6. With hands, form the mixture into small meatballs. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and place the meatballs on top. 7. Bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely before giving to your dog as a treat. Freeze extra meatballs for later use. Inspired by HouseThatBarks.com

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340 N. Main St., Suite 103 Butler, PA 16001 724.256.8850 www.TrinityElderLaw.com

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INSIDE This Issue

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It’s National Dairy Month!

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Hearing Loss Leads to Other Health Concerns 3 Dementia Diagnosis Preparation Tips

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Homemade Meatballs for Dogs 3 Outdoors Activities for Older Adults

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Aquatic Therapy for Pets

Dr. Tari Kern, a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner at Pawsitive Steps Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, told American Kennel Club, “Exercising in water can be recreational. However, hydrotherapy can also be used as part of a very specific, structured program with the goal of easing arthritis discomfort in pets, improving function after injury or surgical procedures, and even optimizing conditioning of animal athletes.” For cats, hydrotherapy is still extremely effective, despite the obvious obstacle of putting a cat in water. To make them more comfortable, feline friends (much like our canine friends) are often provided a warm water environment with the aid of a harness or underwater treadmill. It may or may not be accompanied by massage therapy or other physiotherapy techniques. When should my pet try hydrotherapy? The goal of hydrotherapy, like regular aquatic therapy for humans, is to use the support and resistance provided by water to build strength, flexibility, and endurance while minimizing stress on bones, joints, and other organs. If your pet suffers from arthritis, obesity, physical injury, or neurological and/or skeletal conditions, you may want to consider bringing them in for some light aquatic exercise. Even if they resent it at first, it might make their lives a lot easier and more enjoyable in the long run.

BY DIALING 911 AQUATIC THERAPY — FOR MR. WHISKERS, TOO HOW HYDROTHERAPY HELPS PETS Since the age of the Roman Empire, humans have used water as a means of physical therapy — to exercise and heal their bodies. But, in 2022, aquatic therapy isn’t just for humans anymore! Dogs and cats that struggle with obesity have a hard time getting motivated to exercise, just like humans do. However, with aquatic therapy (or hydrotherapy, as it’s often called in the veterinarian world), they’re able to keep moving without having to do all the work of supporting their full body weight. What is hydrotherapy, exactly? For dogs, hydrotherapy usually consists of either swimming or walking in water, whether in shallow water along the beach or on an underwater treadmill. But hydrotherapy isn’t about playing in the pool with your pet. Whether for recovery or fighting pet obesity, it’s meant to be guided by a professional for the best results.

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