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1/23/2018

New Caregiver Ways 2018 - #1

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Incorporating the Practice of "Recharge" and "Rest"
into Each Day

The secret to surviving long term caregiving is to pace yourself, allowing for your body to rest so that you're recharged to continue caring while your giving.

Caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint. Being constantly exhausted and stressed may cause significant health issues for the caregiver. Too many family caregivers feel like this. It’s not your fault that you can’t get everything done – you need help! Taking care of an older adult just isn’t something one person can do alone while maintaining your health, humor and sanity. At Next Step we believe “It Takes a Village” to care for an aging loved one. Here are some survival tips that we encourage you to embrace for 2018.

Laugh More!
I love the verse from the bible that reads, “A joyful heart is good medicine, and a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Some research indicates that the benefits of laughter go well beyond the ever-important fun factor. Laughter may be...

a blood-pressure reducer
an immune-system booster
a stress buster
a friend maker
portable, immediate and inexpensive therapy
a way to recharge the battery of your soul because it creates perspective to remind us of the bigger picture.

Because we’re serious adults with responsibilities and bills and meetings, it’s sometimes hard to REMEMBER to loosen up with a load of laughter now and then (I am preaching to the choir here). Take note of what makes you laugh and who makes you smile, and spend time doing those things or with those people. Grab a cup of coffee with your fun-loving co-worker. Spend memory-making playtime with the grand kids. Call up your goofy cousin. Social bonds and the benefits of laughter are well worth the effort. For 2018, I am committing to increasing my daily laughter dosage…its just what the doctor ordered!

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1/15/2018

Isn't It Time for a Break?

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A Tax Break! - Here are some tax deduction options that may give you some tax relief.
ATTENTION Family Caregiver! Did you know that seniors may be eligible to deduct portions or all of assisted living costs as a medical expense, for Federal income tax purposes, based on the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?

#taxbreak #seniortaxcredits #seniorcarecosts #medicalcosts #dependentcarecredit #taxrelief #taxduction #seniortaxdeduction

Senior Care Costs - All costs related to senior care may be deductible if the senior is unable to perform (without substantial assistance) at least two activities of daily living (such as eating, bathing, dressing, etc.) or who require substantial supervision to protect the individual from himself or herself because of severe cognitive impairment.
Medical Costs - Wondering what qualifies as a medical expense? For the most part, any item or service that is directly related to the individual’s medical care. This includes insurance premiums (health, Medi-care, long-term care insurance), glasses, hearing aids, oxygen, hospital services and many others that you may have not considered.
Child and Dependent Care Credit - The person who wasn't physically or mentally able to care for him/herself and lived with you for more than half the year, may be considered your dependent for tax purposes and you may be allowed to itemize their medical costs that have not been reimbursed by insurance.

Dependent Care Qualifiers:

The person who wasn't physically or mentally able to care for himself or herself must be claimed as a dependent on your tax return
The dependent must be unable to physically or mentally care for him or herself
You must have earned income

To learn more about these tax breaks click below on these IRS Publication links for additional information:

This information is not intended as tax advice. Tax rules are complex and can change annually. We encourage you to fully explore this opportunity and seek the advice of your accountant or tax adviser before filing your returns.

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Stepping Stones Blog

New Caregiver Ways 2018 - #1

Isn't It Time for a Break?

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