Topic: elder care
Updated March 4, 2024; previously published April 14, 2021
Being caught in a tax scam can happen to anyone, even though most of us think we’re too smart to get fleeced. Unfortunately, even the most cautious person can get ripped off. When older adults are defrauded, the effects can be devastating.
One insidious fraud making the rounds during tax season involves IRS impersonators. Swindlers claiming to be from the IRS tell intended victims they owe taxes and must pay using a pre-paid debit card, money order or a wire transfer. They threaten those who refuse to pay with a grand jury indictment, immediate arrest, deportation or loss of a business or driver’s license. …
IRS Impersonators & Tax Scams Targeting Older AdultsRead More »
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 »
Spend time with Herb “ConsumerMan” Weisbaum and it will always include a pearl of wisdom. Herb lives, eats, and breathes consumer news.
After 22 years and about 6,500 daily consumer tips, recently Herb hung up his headset for the last time and retired from Northwest Newsradio (KNWN). Thankfully, he’s still writing for Consumers’ Checkbook and hosting their bi-weekly Consumerpedia podcast. If you visit Herb’s ConsumerMan website, you can sign up for his free weekly newsletter and stay up to date on the latest consumer news.
“It’s just enough to stay busy but leaves me with plenty of time to have a little fun, spend more time with the family, and do some charity work,” Herb shared recently on the ConsumerMan Facebook page.
How did Herb find his way to reporting consumer news and to Seattle? I had the pleasure of interviewing Herb recently and learned his story. …
Herb “ConsumerMan” Weisbaum Helps Us Be Wiser ConsumersRead More »
We are living longer. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, those who are 85 and older are the fastest growing segment of the population. As a result, more adult children than ever are helping their parents navigate their journey with aging.
Finding appropriate supports and helping guide your parents’ choices when additional care is needed can be overwhelming. Do an online search for in-home, professional caregiving services and the results are endless. Everyone looks and sounds the same.
How can you be confident that they’ll provide safe, respectful, dependable care? Will they support your parents’ autonomy and independence, while enhancing their well-being? Is this financially sustainable? Where do you start? …
Navigating Long-Term Care Options (in greater Seattle) Part IRead More »
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), an estimated 5 million older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation annually. Perceptions about elder abuse are usually wrong. That’s disheartening because the way we think about elder mistreatment effects our ability to recognize the signs of abuse and our sense of urgency and commitment about stopping it. Let’s look at the most common myths and learn the facts. …
The pandemic has provided many lessons, including the importance of our communities, the value of the place we call home, and what steps to take to protect and care for our mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
All these factors play essential roles in our overall health, happiness, and ability to remain independent.
Perhaps this is why the Administration for Community Living has chosen to focus on “aging in place—how older adults can plan to stay in their homes and live independently” for Older Adults Month 2022. This year’s theme is “Age my way!” …
8 Tips for Aging Well: Make Your Plan Now for a Healthy, Supported FutureRead More »
As we enter our third year of the COVID pandemic, it’s important to pause and acknowledge how it has stretched us all emotionally, physically, mentally, and financially. Daily life is challenging enough. Toss in an ever-evolving pandemic and the landscape becomes more complex.
Family caregivers, you have been hit exceptionally hard. We want to acknowledge that too. We also want to say “We see you. We celebrate you. We thank you!” …
Caregiver Burnout: Is Your Flame About to Fizzle? (Updated COVID Edition)Read More »
Study after study reveals that older adults with a sense of purpose, a sense of meaning in their lives, enjoy greater well-being and live longer than those without a life focus. They also have better cognitive and physical health and suffer less from depression, suggesting that purpose is an important component of a healthy and satisfying elderhood.
To explore possibilities for yourself, try this simple two-step process. …
Sarah was always an independent, brilliant, engaged woman. Her sons joyfully share stories of how growing up their home was welcoming and where everyone hung out.
She was a whiz in the kitchen, the best homework helper, perpetually punctual, and appeared to be in more than one place at once when her active children had conflicting activity schedules. These attributes continued well into her 80s with family gatherings, church activities, community engagement, and volunteer work.
Changes That are Out of Character. But something appeared to have changed not long after Sarah’s husband, Richard, passed away. While she was noticeably shaken and grieving the loss, she was frequently repeating herself, disengaged from her usual activities, and barely eating. She was unaware of the changes. This was out of character for her. …
My Mom Refuses to Accept Help! Lack of Insight May Be the ReasonRead More »
Reluctance to spend money is often one of the top barriers to getting parents the help they need. And money discussions can be uncomfortable, especially with our parents.
Our parents have worked hard. They’ve invested wisely and saved diligently. And now, when they may need it most, they refuse to spend the money they’ve saved on themselves.
This is a common dilemma for many families. A parent who needs and can benefit greatly from support in their home or by moving to a supportive living environment says “No!” to the idea. …
Parents Reluctant to Spend Money on Their Own CareRead More »