Re-Post: Social Security Disability

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Personally, I know people who receive benefits through the Social Security disability insurance program, and the financial assistance is a great help in managing month to month. Thought I should re-post this...

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Where Should Elderly Live?

Identify the tasks your elderly parents need to live comfortably. Do they need your help? If you are asked to help with meals, it could mean anything from weekly grocery shopping to actually feeding someone who cannot manage utensils. If...

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It is Summer — Stay Alert for Dehydration.

Summer is here. Finally! However, along with high temperatures comes humidity, and some heat exhaustion. It’s more important than ever for the elderly, and family caregivers, to remain alert to water in-take and proper hydration. Many times we rely on...

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Signs of Elder Abuse?

In general, members of the elder population who are being abused demonstrate discomfort and anxiety when in the presence of an abuser. They may even tell someone, if possible, that they are being mistreated. But those who suffer with...

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Alternatives to Elder Restraints

Sometimes, family caregivers will insist on the use of a restraint to avoid falls when concerned about the safety of their loved ones. However, there are negative consequences when utilizing restraints. Families and caregivers need to investigate alternatives. Family caregivers...

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Elder Falls: Restraints Don’t Work

When an elder falls, it can result in significant physical problems, including broken bones, and surgery. Rehabilitation and recovery can be lengthy and slow. Unfortunately, falls in hospitals and nursing homes are an everyday occurrence. In many instances, elders...

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Re-Admission Costs and Home Care Benefits

Last year, nearly 18 percent of Medicare patients who had been hospitalized were re-admitted within a month. While that is lower than past years, roughly 2 million patients return a year, costing Medicare $26 billion. Officials estimate $17 billion...

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Comparison shop Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans — private plans that offer benefits beyond those of traditional Medicare — will receive somewhat lower government payments in 2015, due to the Affordable Care Act. That move prompted speculation that more plans would withdraw from...

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Medicare Changes in 2015

Passing along important information concerning Medicare 2015 enrollment and individual plan coverages... Millions of Medicare recipients could be hit with rising prescription drug premium costs in 2015. Nearly 10 million people now enrolled in six of the 10 largest Part...

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Elders Prone to Dehydration

Dehydration increases with age -- which is a simple way of noting that our elders are more prone to dehydration than other age groups. During the hot summer months, our community elders and family loved ones need a little extra...

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