Veteran’s Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit, pt. 2

The financial formula utilized by the VA can be somewhat confusing.  In simplest terms, we need to define household income.  (What is coming into the bank account on a monthly basis?) Next, we tally privately paid health/medical expenses,...

Continue reading →

AARP projects a 3.6 percent Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2027

AARP projects a 3.6 percent Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2027, based on current inflation data. That would increase the average retired worker’s benefit by $75 a month. The COLA is based on changes in consumer prices in the third...

Continue reading →

Understanding Sundowning, pt. 5

What should families remember about Sundowning? Simply understanding what you are witnessing with your elderly parents is a first, important step. Here are summary tips to remember: -- Sundowning is a group of symptoms that may occur later in the...

Continue reading →

Understanding Sundowning, pt. 4

Sundowning can be stressful for both seniors and family caregivers. Here are a couple of tips on engaging with affected elderly parents or seniors. -- Limit daytime napping: Long naps during the day may make nighttime sleep more difficult....

Continue reading →

Understanding Sundowning, pt 2

Elders with dementia frequently exhibit signs of Sundowning. But, what are the signs and symptoms to look for? Here are some of the most common signs of Sundowning. Be on the look-out for: -- Increased confusion or disorientation -- Anxiety...

Continue reading →

Understanding Sundowning, pt. 1

You may notice that your elderly parents, or aging loved ones, seem to become agitated in the late afternoon or early evening hours. These seniors are most likely exhibiting "sundowning". Symptoms can range from mild restlessness to...

Continue reading →

How to Spot Stroke Symptoms in a Senior, pt 3

Stroke symptoms in older adults can sometimes be more subtle or easily dismissed. Fatigue, mild confusion, or unsteadiness might be brushed off as a “bad day” or attributed to age, dehydration, or medication. Be especially alert if these symptoms...

Continue reading →

How to spot Stroke Symptoms in a Senior, pt 1

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. Every 3 minutes and 30 seconds, one of them dies from it. There’s no better time to learn how to spot the warning signs of stroke, especially if...

Continue reading →

Reducing Sodium Intake is Easy, pt 2

The most common form of sodium is sodium chloride, which is table salt. However, sodium is also added to various food products. For example, items such as Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion salt, garlic salt, and bouillon cubes contain...

Continue reading →

How to Pay for Non-Medical Homecare, pt. 3

Your elderly parents are aging in place. In their home. But are clearly beginning to show signs of needing additional help. How do you pay for non-medical homecare? Most health insurance, including Medicare, won’t cover non-medical homecare. Most...

Continue reading →