Archive for October 2017
Graying of America is Costly
The graying of America is stretching local tax dollars. More often today, paramedics respond to emergency calls and find an older person who has fallen, broken a bone or suffered a heart attack. Another issue affecting elders is the increasing number of elder-abuse cases and crimes targeting senior citizens. Also, in some areas, greater…
Read MoreLower Cost of Hearing Aids
It may take two to three years for the Food and Drug Administration to establish safety, effectiveness and labeling standards, but the cost of hearing aids will eventually be much lower, around $300 or less per ear. This lowered cost is due to the F.D.A. Reauthorization Act of 2017 which became law in August…
Read MoreDo I need an Advance Directive or a POA?
I have a healthcare power of attorney over my father, and I am the executor of his will. He lives in another state and is currently in a rehab facility. He has no cell phone and no way of communicating from his bed. Can I use that healthcare power of attorney to contact his bank…
Read MoreTransitioning a Loved One
Significant emotions are involved when helping to accommodate a life change for a loved one. Some ways to ease the transition involve not only the person who will have a life changing event but most likely the entire family. Planning at the early stages of dementia can help establish concerns and fears to be dealt…
Read MoreIncreasing Long-Term Care Costs: 2017 Survey
Findings of a new report, the Genworth 2017 Cost of Care Survey, was just released by Genworth Financial. The findings: the median annual cost of a private room in a nursing home is $97,455 ($8,121/month); a semi-private room is $85,775 per year ($7,148/month); a home health aide costs about $49,000 per year ($4,099/month) and…
Read MoreIncreasing Long-Term Care Costs
Findings of a new report, the Genworth 2017 Cost of Care Survey, was just released by Genworth Financial. The findings: the median annual cost of a private room in a nursing home is $97,455 ($8,121/month); a semi-private room is $85,775 per year ($7,148/month); a home health aide costs about $49,000 per year ($4,099/month) and that…
Read MoreTop 4 Myths about POAs
We highly recommend that individuals complete a Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Matters (or a POA for short). This important document is priceless in the unfortunate event of incapacity and is relatively painless to put in place. Despite its usefulness, many are still wary or ill-informed about the POA. Here are four of the…
Read MoreSocial Security Increases in 2018
A cost-of-living increase of 2 percent has been announced by the Social Security Administration. Approximately one in five Americans will receive the cost of living benefit in 2018 which is more than 70 million U. S. residents; these include Social Security recipients, disabled veterans and federal retirees. The COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) of 2…
Read MoreSocial Security Increase
A cost-of-living increase of 2 percent has been announced by the Social Security Administration. Approximately one in five Americans will receive the cost of living benefit in 2018 which is more than 70 million U. S. residents; these include Social Security recipients, disabled veterans and federal retirees. The COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) of 2…
Read MoreStages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Not all persons who have Alzheimer’s disease are alike, making it difficult for both the family and doctors. Knowing the various signs or stages of the disease helps one to cope and offer the most effective help. There are seven stages of the disease, as follows: Stage One has no signs. The disease is undetectable.…
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