In a study published October 5, 2011 in the journal Neurology, people who rated their health as poor or fair were significantly more likely to develop dementia later in life than those who reported being in good health, the study found. The link was strongest among people who did not have any cognitive problems, where…
A Congressional briefing on “observation status,” sponsored by Congressman Joe Courtney (D. CT), was held yesterday afternoon to examine Medicare beneficiaries’ being denied Medicare coverage for care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) when their prior stay in an acute care hospital is labeled “outpatient observation” rather than inpatient. The Center for Medicare Advocacy organized…
Here is a revealing Met Life Study that delves into women’s attitudes and behaviors related to planning. It reveals a paradox that imperils their extra years with extra risks: Women in general have greater concerns about their retirement security yet do less than needed to plan for adequately addressing those concerns. Moreover, even when they…
Fall is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to explore their options regarding Part D prescription drug and Part C Medicare Advantage plans. In years past, the annual enrollment period began in mid-November and lasted to the end of the year, with any changes or choices made effective January 1st. Starting this year, that time…
The Obama administration may be on the brink of scuttling a new national long-term care insurance program that was part of the health reform law. The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy’s final legislative legacy, would create a modest, voluntary insurance program aimed at helping to keep the elderly and disabled…
Once you pass 50, your life insurance needs may change. Perhaps the kids are grown and financially secure, or your mortgage is finally paid off. If so, you may be able to reduce or eliminate coverage. On the other hand, a disabled dependent or meager savings might require you to hold on to life insurance…
See… I told you so…the close-in neighborhoods that are “richer” in services and amenities, the “Blue Zones” if you will, are going to bounce back first. If you are a “suburbanite” (Think: “Chateau Bellvue”) with the thought of downsizing into becoming an “urbanite” (Think: “Walk to Everything Digs”) the gap in values is only going…
More than just a tool or channel for information, the Internet (and social networking, more specifically) has become a way for aging adults to connect to their loved ones and maintain their communities and relationships in ways more powerful than anything they ever imagined. As adults move into older age, the spatial…
On issues ranging from medical decisions to finances and housing, with their paternalistic caregivers families sometimes face a choice between honesty and, to their minds, warranted deception that’s in the older person’s interest. See the full New York Times story here…
Eric M. Crozier, Copywright 2011 Geriatric Care Manager The changing season is a great time to remind our seniors of the risks of falls. We know that falls can happen at any time, and anywhere, so let’s look at a few steps we can take to minimize those risks. 1) Be aware of the changing…
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