Archive for June 2017
Beware of Credit-Card Skimmers
A new warning has been issued by the Federal Trade Commission to beware of credit-card skimmers. Skimmers are relatively new devices that use a new technique to capture data on ATM and credit cards, ripping off their victims. A skimmer is a small device that affixes to a card reader, most commonly put on ATMs…
Read MoreNursing Home Medicaid for Married Couples – Getting Help with Medicaid Applications
Applying for Nursing Home Medicaid can be confusing and stressful. We are committed to helping our clients get the care they need and securing the benefits they deserve while also reducing/minimizing the burden as much as possible. We complete the initial application, submit the complete and accurate application as soon as possible, and handle all…
Read MoreScam Alert – Nothing is Ever Free
Women are being scammed by fake ads that use well-known royalty or performers to trick you into thinking they are promoting the product. Especially vulnerable are women who are always on the lookout for a new beauty product, like a facial cream that will “take years off.” The thinking goes like this: If this well-known…
Read MoreHelp Seniors Beat the Heat
With increasing summer temperatures, helping seniors beat the heat is critical. Heat can be deadly to seniors, in fact, nearly 400 Americans die from heat waves each year and most of them are elderly people. When in heated conditions, people often do not realize when they are overheating and in danger. Older people can’t handle…
Read MoreNursing Home Medicaid for Married Couples – Asking for an Increase in Spousal Diversion
Here’s a great question that we received just the other day: My mom lives in an assisted living community and my dad lives in a nursing home. If my dad goes on Medicaid, will she be allowed to keep any of his income? Yes, Medicaid has a Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMNA) that allows the…
Read MoreNon-surgical Knee Procedure
“Cooled radio frequency ablation” is a new non-surgical knee procedure that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It is not for everybody, but this option is for people who cannot have surgery or are not yet ready to have a knee replacement. The marketing name is “Coolief” and it eases pain rather…
Read MoreThe Danger of PPIs for Acid Reflux
Acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is the rise of stomach acid into the esophagus, which causes heartburn. Treating acid reflux with PPIs or H2 blockers is a common practice, with approximately 15 million Americans taking PPIs. In the past few months two studies have found that PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) may be linked…
Read MoreNursing Home Medicaid for Married Couples – Estate Planning
Most of our married clients come to our office with existing estate planning documents. They have Wills, Trusts, Durable Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives for Health Care that name the spouse as a beneficiary or responsible party. When a couple is dealing with the unfortunate situation of having one spouse in the nursing home…
Read MorePTSD in Older Individuals
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reports that “posttraumatic stress symptoms can emerge or re-emerge late in life,” as age-related factors affect preexisting mental health issues or lead to the development of new ones. Up to 15% of older adults may experience and struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and reasons for…
Read MoreThe PSA Test for Prostate Cancer
Five years ago, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended against routine blood tests to measure your level of prostate-specific antigens – the PSA test. The task force now recommends men 55 to 69 should talk with their doctor about whether to have the test. Following are highlights from an interview with Dr. Muhammad Nasir, Senior…
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