Seniorities and guest, Emmett Schmarsow from MA Elder Affairs

“Seniorities” is a bi-monthly cable TV program discussing/highlighting issues of importance to our aging population. As Chairman of the Board, Scituate Council on Aging, I co-host with Linda Hayes, Executive Director of the Council on Aging. Our guest this week,...

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Signs that Elderly Parents Need Help

Whether you live nearby and visit often, or faraway and occasionally visit, there are signals to alert you to aging issues with elderly parents. Stay observant for any of the following: -- Out-of-character behavior. Have your elderly parents started skipping...

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Dangers of Heat Stroke for Seniors

Hot weather can be dangerous for anyone, but seniors are more likely to be affected by heat than other adults. In fact, a recent study found that of all the heat-related fatalities in the United States, 40% were among...

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Elderly at Risk with Summer Temperatures

Results from a recent health study, conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, found that even a 1 degree Celsius increase, or 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit, in temperature during the summer can increase death rates for elderly people who...

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Facts on Alzheimer’s…Part 2

Researchers are constantly learning more about Alzheimer’s dementia every year. However, some of these current statistics are staggering... -- The disease is the 6th-leading cause of death in the U.S. Alzheimer’s is becoming a more common cause of death as...

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Differences on Coverage between Medicare and Medicaid

How do Medicare and Medicaid differ in regards to long term care planning? Medicare, by and large, does not cover long-term nursing home care. For example, Medicare Part A will only cover up to 100 days in a skilled...

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Defining Medicare and Medicaid

Re-posting information which helps in defining differences between Medicare and Medicaid.... Many people are confused about the difference between Medicare and Medicaid (MassHealth is the label in Massachusetts) as it pertains to the challenge of paying for expensive long-term...

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Telling Elderly Parent to Stop Driving

Truthfully, a difficult decision and discussion. There is no universal approach for family members and parents on this issue. It is normal and natural to question how best to broach conversation with Mom and Dad. Families are not sure...

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Are Mom and Dad Safe Behind the Wheel?

Telling an elderly parent that he or she needs to stop driving is a conversation that most adult children put off as long as possible.  And rightfully so. It is a very touchy, emotional, and difficult subject to tackle...

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Elderly Signals on Memory Loss?

According to research, as many as 10-20% of older adults above the age of 65 suffer from mild cognitive impairment. Another five million have Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive and deteriorating dementia. The process of aging will effect us all....

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