Monday, October 28, 2013
EZ-C Bold Yellow Weekly To Do List Notepad
Our EZ-C Bold Yellow Weekly To Do List Notepad helps you organize your work and caregiving responsibilities. Also great for helping your loved one keep track of appointments, daily routines, and special events.Inspired by seniors and others with low vision. Fully customizable! Simply click on the orange Customize It tab.
Sell or Stay? The Coming Competition for Senior Housing
Empty nesters and seniors need different types of housing as they get older. If you are in one of these age groups, you may be wondering: With the economy still not recovering as quickly as everyone had hoped, will you be able to sell your current home for as much as you want? And will you be able to find another home that suits your needs?
It may be tough. A June 2011 report by The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University expects both boomers and seniors to have a huge impact on the housing market in the coming decade, largely due to demographics. Boomers comprise one of the biggest generations in history, and will push up the number of households between the ages of 55 to 74 by 10.2 million from 2010 to 2020. Meanwhile, during the same period, the number of households over age 75 will jump by more than two million.
The center expects most of this aging population to "age in place"—that is, remodel and not move. But eventually, most people aren't able to handle the big homes where they raised their families, which means moving to a smaller place; an active-adult, assisted living or continuing care community; or a nursing home.
Some of this population is already on the move—Christopher Herbert, the center's director of research, told AgingCare.com that there was a larger jump in the share of households aged 65 to 69 moving in 2010 from the previous year than for any other age group. That's one reason why when the time comes for you to take the next step, competition to sell—and to buy—may be fierce. And some of it may even be coming from an unexpected source: Your own children or grandchildren.
It may be tough. A June 2011 report by The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University expects both boomers and seniors to have a huge impact on the housing market in the coming decade, largely due to demographics. Boomers comprise one of the biggest generations in history, and will push up the number of households between the ages of 55 to 74 by 10.2 million from 2010 to 2020. Meanwhile, during the same period, the number of households over age 75 will jump by more than two million.
The center expects most of this aging population to "age in place"—that is, remodel and not move. But eventually, most people aren't able to handle the big homes where they raised their families, which means moving to a smaller place; an active-adult, assisted living or continuing care community; or a nursing home.
Some of this population is already on the move—Christopher Herbert, the center's director of research, told AgingCare.com that there was a larger jump in the share of households aged 65 to 69 moving in 2010 from the previous year than for any other age group. That's one reason why when the time comes for you to take the next step, competition to sell—and to buy—may be fierce. And some of it may even be coming from an unexpected source: Your own children or grandchildren.
Dementia Signage for the Home
Office Memo Pad (Red)
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Dating and Caregiving
While you were in high school, you likely found that bringing your new love home to meet your parents was a nerve wracking experience. Your parents were dorky (or whatever the word for parents was at that time). Your dad would give the guy an evil eye. Your mom would fuss and act weird. But you got through it because you needed to.
Who knew that you'd be doing the same thing all over again? Only now, you are middle aged or older and your parent or parents have dementia. They are argumentative and controlling. It seems like they want all of your time. They hate change. They will remind you that you "failed at marriage before" and that you should leave well enough alone at your age. The list goes on…
As if that weren't enough, your time is so limited that you can hardly squeeze in a nice bath without interruption. How are you going to date under these circumstances? And how do you cope with the guilt you feel about shortchanging everyone because of your lack of time?
When I look at this first step, I relate it to a young mother with kids. I rarely compare elder care to child care, because I find that comparison demeaning to the elder, but there are times when it's nearly unavoidable. This is one of those times. Because your parents may be at a time and place in their lives where they are vulnerable, and could easily jump to the conclusion that your will not have time for them if you find romantic love in your life, I'd advise you don't bring home every "perhaps" date you go on. If your friend sets you up with a date, go ahead, but give it time before you take the plunge with a whole family introduction.
If you do feel, after a number of dates, that it's time for your new love to meet your parents, and perhaps learn to understand the constraints caregiving puts on your life, then see if that person is willing to become educated about your parents' illness. Is Alzheimer's a factor? Get some information about the disease from your local Alzheimer's organization and ask him or her to read it. If the person you are dating will not make any effort to understand your situation, or that of your parents, consider this a red flag. Caregiving is a huge part of your life. "Caregiver" is one of your job titles. This role should be respected by someone who cares about you.
Who knew that you'd be doing the same thing all over again? Only now, you are middle aged or older and your parent or parents have dementia. They are argumentative and controlling. It seems like they want all of your time. They hate change. They will remind you that you "failed at marriage before" and that you should leave well enough alone at your age. The list goes on…
As if that weren't enough, your time is so limited that you can hardly squeeze in a nice bath without interruption. How are you going to date under these circumstances? And how do you cope with the guilt you feel about shortchanging everyone because of your lack of time?
Introducing Your Date to Your Aging Parents
When I look at this first step, I relate it to a young mother with kids. I rarely compare elder care to child care, because I find that comparison demeaning to the elder, but there are times when it's nearly unavoidable. This is one of those times. Because your parents may be at a time and place in their lives where they are vulnerable, and could easily jump to the conclusion that your will not have time for them if you find romantic love in your life, I'd advise you don't bring home every "perhaps" date you go on. If your friend sets you up with a date, go ahead, but give it time before you take the plunge with a whole family introduction.
Educate Your Date
If you do feel, after a number of dates, that it's time for your new love to meet your parents, and perhaps learn to understand the constraints caregiving puts on your life, then see if that person is willing to become educated about your parents' illness. Is Alzheimer's a factor? Get some information about the disease from your local Alzheimer's organization and ask him or her to read it. If the person you are dating will not make any effort to understand your situation, or that of your parents, consider this a red flag. Caregiving is a huge part of your life. "Caregiver" is one of your job titles. This role should be respected by someone who cares about you.
Dementia Signage for the Home
Why Renting May Be Better than Buying for Seniors
Charlie and I moved to our senior retirement community four years ago. At the time we had every intention of purchasing the two-level condo as soon as our property in western New York sold.
In the meantime, we were renters with an option to buy. Now, four years have passed, our property sold long ago, and we have become comfortable with being renters.
But, Charlie being Charlie, has become obsessed with the idea that we should buy our condo.
Yes, the rent is high, but whenever an appliance dies it's not our problem – and several have bit the dust since we moved here. When the plumbing fails, we don't have to call the plumber – not our problem. If the air conditioning quits on a 98° day – the company has to deal with it, not us. When the roof needs replacing (the roof is twelve years old and due) the association will be responsible.
There is a lot to be said for renting, especially for senior citizens.
At least once a week Charlie tells me we should talk to the owners about buying our condo. I keep making excuses and putting him off. He just doesn't understand that becoming new property owners at age 79 and 77 really doesn't make too much sense. Something could happen to either one of us at any time and that could mean a long-term care facility of one type or another for one or both of us.
Senior living options are a difficult decision for the elderly. There are so many things to consider, not the least of which is finances.
Ideally, if and when we leave here, we will be able to buy into a facility in the area with extended care options, but we aren't ready for that at this point. However, it is unrealistic for us to think that neither of us will, at some time, require this type of care.
Many condos in our retirement community are currently for sale as the owners have moved on to extended care facilities. And the problem is, the places are not selling. So it really doesn't make any sense for us to buy our condo knowing that sooner, rather than later, we would probably have to sell it and move on.
How do I get this across to Charlie? I don't. I just keep trying to ignore the issue!
As you or your loved ones, face a similar decision, try to look at the long-term problems. Nothing lasts forever. Hopefully, you will be able to make a decision that is in your own or your loved ones best interests.
In the meantime, we were renters with an option to buy. Now, four years have passed, our property sold long ago, and we have become comfortable with being renters.
But, Charlie being Charlie, has become obsessed with the idea that we should buy our condo.
Yes, the rent is high, but whenever an appliance dies it's not our problem – and several have bit the dust since we moved here. When the plumbing fails, we don't have to call the plumber – not our problem. If the air conditioning quits on a 98° day – the company has to deal with it, not us. When the roof needs replacing (the roof is twelve years old and due) the association will be responsible.
There is a lot to be said for renting, especially for senior citizens.
At least once a week Charlie tells me we should talk to the owners about buying our condo. I keep making excuses and putting him off. He just doesn't understand that becoming new property owners at age 79 and 77 really doesn't make too much sense. Something could happen to either one of us at any time and that could mean a long-term care facility of one type or another for one or both of us.
Senior living options are a difficult decision for the elderly. There are so many things to consider, not the least of which is finances.
Ideally, if and when we leave here, we will be able to buy into a facility in the area with extended care options, but we aren't ready for that at this point. However, it is unrealistic for us to think that neither of us will, at some time, require this type of care.
Many condos in our retirement community are currently for sale as the owners have moved on to extended care facilities. And the problem is, the places are not selling. So it really doesn't make any sense for us to buy our condo knowing that sooner, rather than later, we would probably have to sell it and move on.
How do I get this across to Charlie? I don't. I just keep trying to ignore the issue!
As you or your loved ones, face a similar decision, try to look at the long-term problems. Nothing lasts forever. Hopefully, you will be able to make a decision that is in your own or your loved ones best interests.
Dementia Signage for the Home
How to Help a Senior Find the Right Medicare Part D Plan
Whether they're enrolling in Medicare for the first time, or are veterans of the program who are considering a coverage plan switch, senior beneficiaries face a complex array of options during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period, which occurs this year between October 15th, and December 7th, 2013.
One of the more important decisions faced by seniors during Open Enrollment is whether or not to switch their Medicare Part D (prescription medication coverage) plan.
A recent University of Pittsburgh study found that only about five percent of older adults are in the right Part D program.
According to research conducted by PlanPrescriber.com—a website that allows seniors to compare Medicare-related insurance products—the vast majority of beneficiaries are needlessly spending hundreds of additional dollars each year because they are signed up for sub-optimal prescription drug plans.
"The Medicare Part D plan selection process can be overwhelming to navigate on your own," says Papatya Tankut, vice president of professional pharmacy services at CVS pharmacy. The trickiest part, according to Tankut, is figuring out how to accurately compare the benefits of different plans against the backdrop of a senior's unique health needs.
Why are so many seniors participating in the wrong plans?
Many adults don't take the time to re-evaluate their Medicare coverage options each year—something that Tankut says is essential—especially when it comes to prescription drug coverage where plan specifics change from year-to-year. "Even if you're satisfied with your current plan, it makes sense to review the various plans available and explore your options," she says.
She offers a list of questions seniors and their caregivers should ask themselves when figuring out which prescription coverage plans to consider:
Pharmacists are an often overlooked resource that can help caregivers and their loved ones make sense of the complicated compilation of Part D plans.
While they are forbidden from recommending particular plans, pharmacists can help seniors get organized and guide them through the process of making their own decisions on which prescription coverage program is best for their situation.
"Preparation is important when selecting the best Medicare Part D plan," says Tankut. Who suggests making a list of all of a senior's current prescriptions, including quantities and dosage information. Pharmacists can provide the information necessary to compile this list.
They can also answer any questions a caregiver or aging adult may have regarding the enrollment process.
Many drugstores offer additional services to seniors seeking to find the best Part D program.
In most CVS pharmacies, special kiosks offer area-specific information on available Part D programs as well as a, "Medicare Part D Starter Kit." Walgreens has a section on their website that allows seniors to sign up for a "Medicare Plan Review," where a pharmacist will sit down with a beneficiary to offer their expertise on the plan selection process.
Seniors and their families are the ones that must ultimately make the final decisions during open enrollment, but being able to take advantage of pharmacists' knowledge can make picking the optimal plan infinitely easier.
One of the more important decisions faced by seniors during Open Enrollment is whether or not to switch their Medicare Part D (prescription medication coverage) plan.
A recent University of Pittsburgh study found that only about five percent of older adults are in the right Part D program.
According to research conducted by PlanPrescriber.com—a website that allows seniors to compare Medicare-related insurance products—the vast majority of beneficiaries are needlessly spending hundreds of additional dollars each year because they are signed up for sub-optimal prescription drug plans.
"The Medicare Part D plan selection process can be overwhelming to navigate on your own," says Papatya Tankut, vice president of professional pharmacy services at CVS pharmacy. The trickiest part, according to Tankut, is figuring out how to accurately compare the benefits of different plans against the backdrop of a senior's unique health needs.
A complicated choice
Why are so many seniors participating in the wrong plans?
Many adults don't take the time to re-evaluate their Medicare coverage options each year—something that Tankut says is essential—especially when it comes to prescription drug coverage where plan specifics change from year-to-year. "Even if you're satisfied with your current plan, it makes sense to review the various plans available and explore your options," she says.
She offers a list of questions seniors and their caregivers should ask themselves when figuring out which prescription coverage plans to consider:
- What will the total cost of a given plan be? Don't forget to include all of the different expenses of a particular plan, including: premiums, deductibles, prescription co-payments and annual out-of-pocket expenses, all of which can change annually.
- Have your medications changed dramatically? Every plan doesn't cover every prescription. If you've been diagnosed with a chronic illness that requires you to take a whole new regimen of prescription medications, your current program may no longer offer sufficient coverage.
- Are you planning on traveling a lot, or moving to a different area? Different Part D plan options are offered in different parts of the country. The program you had while living on your own may not be an option if you have to move in with your adult children who live out-of-state.
Your friendly neighborhood advisor
Pharmacists are an often overlooked resource that can help caregivers and their loved ones make sense of the complicated compilation of Part D plans.
While they are forbidden from recommending particular plans, pharmacists can help seniors get organized and guide them through the process of making their own decisions on which prescription coverage program is best for their situation.
"Preparation is important when selecting the best Medicare Part D plan," says Tankut. Who suggests making a list of all of a senior's current prescriptions, including quantities and dosage information. Pharmacists can provide the information necessary to compile this list.
They can also answer any questions a caregiver or aging adult may have regarding the enrollment process.
Many drugstores offer additional services to seniors seeking to find the best Part D program.
In most CVS pharmacies, special kiosks offer area-specific information on available Part D programs as well as a, "Medicare Part D Starter Kit." Walgreens has a section on their website that allows seniors to sign up for a "Medicare Plan Review," where a pharmacist will sit down with a beneficiary to offer their expertise on the plan selection process.
Seniors and their families are the ones that must ultimately make the final decisions during open enrollment, but being able to take advantage of pharmacists' knowledge can make picking the optimal plan infinitely easier.
Dementia Signage for the Home
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