Author: Aging Wisdom
When Medicare first began in 1965, the idea was that it was for everyone over age 65, not just those who were poor. There would be no stigma.
Things are different now. We live longer. Medical costs are rising. In 2003, Congress decided that those with higher incomes should chip in extra to share the load. This extra is called the “income-related monthly adjustment amount” (IRMAA). …
“The right to vote is one of the most sacred privileges in a representative democracy and it should be available to all citizens, whether they are cognitively impaired or unimpaired.” ~ American Bar Association Committee on Law and Aging …
The Right to Vote and Cognitive Impairment (updated*)Read More »
Seniors experience property crime thirteen times more often than violent crime.
Burglary is the most common. (Interestingly, it typically occurs between noon and 4:00 pm!)
The average loss is roughly $3,000, although that does not account for the emotional impact: A profound sense of violation and vulnerability. …
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
Family caregivers, we see you. There are medical appointments to schedule, insurance invoices to reconcile, medication to administer, groceries to buy, meals to prepare, laundry to wash. You also have a home to maintain, and the car needs an oil change and tires rotated. There are finances to manage and bills to pay. All this in addition to caring for your partner or parent. And if you’re lucky, you can get some respite and a little self-care time.
Amid daily responsibilities and within your role as a care partner, do you also find yourself worrying about who would manage all this on behalf of the person in your care if something were to happen to you? …
Contingency Planning: What if Something Happens to You?Read More »
There are many advantages to having a housemate: Defraying expenses. Sharing household chores. Help with transportation. Companionship. Increased safety. Peace of mind. In a survey of older adults who shared their homes, 50% said that since gaining a housemate, they are happier, sleep better, are getting out more, and they call upon their families less for help. Homesharing is a viable option for aging in place. …
Being proactive by giving serious consideration to long-term care planning provides peace of mind and frees you to fulfill goals as you grow older. Why is this planning important? …
3 Questions You Should Ask about Long-Term Care PlanningRead More »
Once you’ve decided it’s unwise to give or lend money to adult children—or grandchildren—think through how you want to communicate your decision.
Money is often equated with love. Even if this is a loving decision (e.g., you’ve determined that giving or lending them money is encouraging something unhealthy), how and when you decline is important for the future of your relationship. …
Safety, emergency planning, and disaster preparedness are always in the forefront of our minds as Aging Life Care Professionals.
Summers in the Pacific Northwest have us alert to the possibility of wildfires. We are always cognizant of potential earthquakes. During rainy seasons, we consider the prospects of flooding and landslides. In coastal areas, tsunamis are also a consideration.
Then there are the day-to-day emergencies: a fall or stroke resulting in a hospitalization, a car accident, a house fire. …
“It’s always smart to have an emergency plan, spelling out what you would do and who you would turn to for help when that inevitable crisis happens,” says Herb ConsumerMan Weisbaum.
In his many years of consumer journalism, Herb has learned a thing or two about being proactive, making smart decisions, and being prepared ahead of an emergency. “This is especially important for older adults who are living alone, caring for a spouse or partner, or without family nearby.” …
How to prepare for a medical emergency in your homeRead More »
Aging in place has great appeal and can be challenging and expensive. Elders who are part of a “Village” help each other with simple tasks, making it easier and more financially feasible to stay at home. Today, there are close to 250 Villages across the country. They are part of a widespread grassroots movement of like-minded elders focused on community building and elder empowerment. This is not just another social service.
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“With a little help from our friends”: The Village movementRead More »