Elders and Diabetes

Elderly Parents at Risk Diabetes is an insidious disease that preys on older people, including our elderly parents. Type 2 diabetes, once known as "adult onset diabetes," affects 90 – 95 percent of the more than 20 million Americans affected...

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Symptoms of Flu

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an annual flu vaccination is the most effective protection against catching the flu. Flu is a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. If at...

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It’s that time of year: Prepare for Flu Season

Halloween is approaching…we are losing more and more of our day light (not to mention daylight savings time is ending soon)…and I got my annual flu shot last week. Our elderly parents, and all community seniors, are at risk. Human...

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Diagnosing Elderly with Cancer: Many Factors

In the past, the philosophy in dealing with the elderly diagnosed with cancer may have been to let nature take its course. A senior in their 70's or 80's, diagnosed with a slow growing tumor, may have been deemed...

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Medicare Is Costing More in 2026

For 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month, up from $185 in 2025. The annual Part B deductible is $283, up from $257 in 2025. Some higher-income beneficiaries pay an additional surcharge on top of...

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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,...

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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...

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Veterans: Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit, pt. 1

How to Determine Eligibility The application process and paperwork required to submit an application for Aid & Attendance eligibility is relatively simple.  However, there is no real instruction manual.  I have helped numerous parties complete and submit documents to the...

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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...

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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....

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