Extraordinary People of the Senior Kind ~ HMO's

One of the first things I try to do for new clients in to disenroll them from their HMO and get them back on Medicare. I really don't care how much money is being saved, HMO's are for people who are not sick and who can guarantee that they won't ever get sick. If you can't make that guarantee, stay on, or go back to Medicare.

Actually, the advertising today is so skilled and clever that many people who are on HMO's believe they're still on Medicare. Anyway, here's how it works. HMO's are insurance companies. the government knows how much it spent on averge last year to care for all the 76 year old women in Dade County. Let's say for argument sake it's $1000. The government offers the HMO $900 to provide a year's worth of health care for any 76 year-old women in Dade County who join the HMO. Every penny that HMO doesn't spend on you is their profit. Enough said???

If you only take away one tip from the many on my blog and/or my website, let it be this one............Stay on Medicare.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Senior Drug Costs May Decline with New Bill

The Sunlight Foundation reports on a "last minute deal" between pharmaceutical companies and health care reformers. The upshot? Old people covered by Medicare matter more than poor people covered by Medicaid.

According to the Associated Press, Senator Max Baucus stated in an interview that the pharmaceutical industry agreed to provide an additional $10 billion to cover the coverage gap in Medicare Part D known as the “donut hole” in exchange for eliminating the expansion of drug discounts at certain health facilities initially included in the Senate health care bill.

The Senate health care bill would have expanded drug discounts under a Medicaid program that serves over 14,000 covered facilities. The Medicaid 340B program provides outpatient discounts on brand name drugs to a variety of health facilities that serve low-income communities. The provision removed in the reconciliation bill would have expanded access to the discount program to cover inpatient drug purchases....

More here. Big PhRma spent about $100 million in "grassroots" activity and advertising in favor of health care reform.

The AP notes the following:

"Pharma came out of this better than anyone else," said Ramsey Baghdadi, a Washington health policy analyst who projects a $30 billion, 10-year net gain for the industry. "I don't see how they could have done much better."

Costly brand-name biotech drugs won 12 years of protection against cheaper generic competitors, a boon for products that comprise 15 percent of pharmaceutical sales. The industry will have to provide 50 percent discounts beginning next year to Medicare beneficiaries in the "doughnut hole" gap in pharmaceutical coverage, but those price cuts plus gradually rising federal subsidies will mean more elderly people will purchase more drugs.

Lobbyists beat back proposals to allow importation of low-cost medicines and to have Medicare negotiate drug prices with companies. They also defeated efforts to require more industry rebates for the 9 million beneficiaries of both Medicare and Medicaid, and to bar brand-name drugmakers' payments to generic companies to delay the marketing of competitor products.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Senior Citizens Can Fight Cancer

Cancer Facts for Senior Citizens

The chances of developing cancer increase as you age, so senior citizens are at especially high risk for developing the disease. Fortunately, the number of deaths due to cancer have been declining; survival rates for people with cancer are higher than ever.

Although many types of cancer exist, they all share a similar formation: cancer begins when certain cells become abnormal and replicate, causing a mass of tissue referred to as a “growth tumor.” Growth of such a tumor can harm nearby organs and tissues, and cancer cells may migrate to other parts of the body—in other words, they can metastasize.

Early diagnosis allows for more effective treatment, because of this it is important that senior citizens get regular checkups. Early treatment can shrink or get rid of a tumor while stopping growth and spreading. Early detection, including knowing the early symptoms of cancer, can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of treatment.

Symptoms

Since so many types of cancer exist, it has many different symptoms. Still, it is important that senior citizens and those who provide elder care be able to recognize symptoms. Some to take note of are the following:

•A lump or thickening in the body, commonly in the breast
•The formation of a new mole or a change to an already existing one
•A sore that never heals completely
•Feeling hoarse or having a persistent cough
•Changes in bowel movements or urination
•Discomfort after meals
•Difficulty swallowing
•Changes in weight without a clear reason
•Unusual bleeding or discharge
•Weakness or fatigue
These symptoms are not usually do to cancer itself; they may arise from non-cancerous (benign) tumors or other problems. You should see your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms or notice other changes in your personal health.

Cancer does not normally cause pain in its early stages, so do not wait for pain as an indication. If possible, seek help before that point, and make sure to get regular tests for early detection.

Screening

Because of the nature of cancer and its treatment, it is important to have regular tests to detect cancer long before you feel its effects. Being checked for cancer when you feel no symptoms is called “screening,” which may include a physical exam, lab tests, or other tests to check internal organs.

Your doctor may ask questions about your age, past medical problems, family history of medical problems, general health, and lifestyle before suggesting a screening test. It is a good idea to talk to your doctor about pros and cons of, as well as questions and concerns about each test before you agree to take it.

The following is a list of tests that screen for specific cancers in people over 50:

Breast cancer

Clinical breast exam: In this test, a doctor or health care professional will check the breasts and underarms for lumps or other changes indicative of cancer. This type of cancer is more common in women, but men can also develop breast cancer.

Mammogram: This is a special X-ray of the breast that is useful in identifying cancers that are too small to feel. Aging increases the likelihood of developing breast cancer, so women over 40 are encouraged to have a screening mammogram every 1 to 2 years.

Cervical cancer

Pap test: A doctor gently scrapes cells from the cervix and vagina to be tested in a lab and identified as normal or abnormal. Women should have this kind of test at least once every 3 years. The cause of cervical cancer is the human papilloma virus, HPV, which can remain in the body for years.

Pelvic exam: The uterus, vagina, ovaries, and rectum are examined to track changes in shape and size. The doctor uses a speculum to widen the vagina to allow access to the cervix and upper part of the vagina.

Colorectal cancer

Fecal occult blood test: Stool samples are sent to a lab to determine whether it contains occult (hidden) blood, which can indicate cancer. Most cases of this type of cancer occur in senior citizens, so having this test every 1 to 2 years after the age of 50 is a good way to lower your chance of complications from colorectal cancer.

Sigmoidoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a light is used to search the lower part of the colon and rectum for growths and abnormalities. This should be done once every 5 years.

Colonoscopy: This is similar to a sigmoidoscopy, but it includes an examination of the entire colon and should be done once every 10 years.

Mouth and throat cancers

Oral exams: Doctors and dentists use these to identify cancer early by examining the lips, tongue, mouth, and throat to note any abnormal changes. Make sure to have regular dentist appointments for early detection.

Prostate cancer

Digital rectal exam: The doctor places a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate through the rectal wall. Hard or lumpy areas may indicate cancer. This type of cancer is the most common type in American men, especially in senior citizens.

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test: This measures the amount of PSA in the blood. A high amount means that prostate cancer cells or other prostate problems are present.

Skin cancer

Skin exams: These are routine skin exams that can lead to early detection of skin cancer—the most common type of cancer in America. A screening that indicates a change or growth does not necessarily mean that cancer is present; a diagnosis may require further testing. The only method of truly identifying skin cancer is a biopsy, which involves looking at a small piece of tissue from the abnormal area underneath a microscope to check for cancer cells. If tests confirm that the abnormalities contain cancer cells, you should talk to your doctor about treatment options as soon as possible.

Treatment

Many treatment options are available for people with cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Biological therapy is becoming more common for certain types of cancer. Some types of biological therapy help the body use its natural defenses to kill cancerous cells, while others block processes that allow cancer cells to live and grow.

People with cancer often see a number of specialists, including a medical oncologist, who specializes in cancer treatment; a surgeon; a radiation oncologist, who specializes in radiation therapy; and others. Doctors may suggest using one treatment alone or a combination of treatments, depending on what type of cancer you have, where it is in the body, and the stage to which it has progressed. Your overall health will be considered in order to find the best treatment plan for you.

Research suggests that treatments used in younger adults are often safe and just as effective in older adults, so senior citizens are generally given the same treatment options that are offered to younger adults.

Getting a second opinion—asking a doctor to go over the diagnosis and suggested treatment plan given to you by a different doctor—may be a good idea, and some insurance companies even require a second opinion before covering the costs of treatment.

New treatments are often available for testing. If you have cancer and would like to participate in clinical trials of new treatments, talk to your doctor.

Prevention

Experts estimate that about two-thirds of cancers are caused by factors we can control, including the use of tobacco and what we eat and drink. Contact with dangerous substances like chemicals, metals, or pesticides can also increase your risk of developing cancer. Here are some ways to lower your risk of cancer:

•Refrain from using tobacco products. Tobacco—in cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and even from second-hand smoke—is known to cause cancer. Tobacco causes about a third of all deaths from cancer in the United States each year.
•Limit your exposure to sunlight. An excess of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning booths can lead to wrinkles, skin damage, and cancer.
•Maintain a healthy diet. Eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables every day, limit fatty foods, and get enough fiber in your daily diet.
•Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight contributes to your risk of developing certain types of cancer, including cancers of the prostate, pancreas, uterus, ovary, and breast.
•Get plenty of exercise. Remaining active can lower your risk of developing breast and colon cancers, as well as other types of cancer.
•Limit alcohol use to a maximum of one or two drinks per day. Consuming more than that increases your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and larynx. People who drink alcohol excessively and use tobacco are at an especially high risk for these cancers.
•Know and heed work and safety rules to avoid dangerous materials that could lead to cancer.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Retirement Planning ~ Embrace Downsizing

Downsizing in Retirement:

One of the quickest ways to stretch your retirement budget is to shrink your housing costs. Moving into a smaller house, condo, or apartment can also reduce your taxes, utility bills, and home maintenance costs. Here are other reasons to consider downsizing in retirement:

Boost your nest egg. Cutting your housing costs is a quick way to increase your retirement savings. "Having less money locked up in your housing frees up more money to invest or just for your lifestyle," says Kathy Hankard, a certified financial planner for Fiscal Fitness in Verona, Wisc. "If you're deciding just by the numbers, it's pretty much a no-brainer to downsize." For example, if you moved from a $300,000home with a paid-off mortgage into a $150,000 condo , you could add $100,000 or more to your nest egg, after transaction costs.

Lower your cost of living. For retirees who still have a mortgage or pay rent, moving into more compact quarters in your current town or relocating to a low-cost locale can lower one of your biggest monthly expenses. Ideally the smaller space would also cost less to heat, furnish, and maintain. Slimming housing costs will produce far greater results than skipping coffee and clipping coupons. Aim for a town that balances a low cost of living with amenities such as high-quality health care and plenty of fun, affordable activities.

Reduce taxes. Inexpensive housing has the added bonus of smaller property tax bills. "I have clients who have saved a couple of thousand dollars per year because they have moved from an urban area with a high property tax to an area with a lower property tax and that doesn't assess seniors for school taxes," says Micah Porter, a certified financial planner and president of Minerva Planning Group in Atlanta, Ga. Taxes can vary considerably by location. Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming have no state income tax. New Hampshire and Tennessee tax dividend and interest income only. "If you anticipate earning income in retirement, being able to forgo that state income tax could save you thousands of dollars as well," says Porter. Five states levy no sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. Also look for state and local tax breaks specifically for seniors who reach certain ages.

Less upkeep. Ron and Jean Mirabile, both 67, traded in a three-story townhouse with a basement in Cromwell, Conn., for a three-bedroom apartment with a lake view in Port Charlotte, Fla. The couple was looking for a change of scenery and housing that required less upkeep when they retired in 2008. "If something breaks, I call the office and the maintenance man comes and fixes it," says Jean, a former proofreader. Ron, a retired dentist who makes wooden fishing lures as a hobby, no longer needs to travel to fish. "I can take one pole and lure and go out in the backyard and fish for bass," he says. "The best things in Florida are free: The weather, the beach, and the scenery."

Slash utility bills. Cozier quarters may also result in lower heating and cooling expenses and a smaller homeowner's insurance bill. "A smaller space should save you money on utilities," says Porter. Ask for copies of the previous owner or tenant's utility bills to determine approximate monthly expenses.

Increase flexibility. Some retirees go back to renting in retirement. "Renting makes a lot of sense because there is more flexibility," says Hankard. "Most people would rather do other things with their time and money, unless they are really in love with their home." Renters can try out a few retirement locations. Sometimes priorities also shift throughout retirement. For example, immediately upon retirement, you might want to move to the Sunbelt or travel. But after a few years, you might want to move closer to your children and grandchildren.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Baby Boomers Can't Save for Retirement

By Emily Brandon

Many baby boomers are helping to financially support both their parents and their adult children. Almost a third (31 percent) of relatively wealthy Americans are supporting older and younger immediate family members at the same time, according to a new Merrill Lynch Wealth Management survey of 1,000 people with investable assets of $250,000 or more.

In order to support relatives, while at the same time planning their own retirement, many of these affluent baby boomers say they have made lifestyle sacrifices (45 percent) and cut back on personal luxuries (44 percent). A quarter of these retirees sandwiched between eldercare and childcare responsibilities have stopped saving for retirement to take care of more immediate financial needs. Another 12 percent of wealthy baby boomers have stopped saving for a child’s education.

“Many folks find themselves slipping into the sandwich generation without really understanding the scale of financial commitment involved,” says Andy Sieg, head of retirement and philanthropic services at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. “What starts as a manageable expense increases as your parents become more reliant on you as their health care needs increase.”

About one in five of those surveyed are considering inviting their adult children or parents to return home to cut living expenses for both or all three parties. Women were twice as likely as men to make financial sacrifices in order to better care for others.

The emotional challenges of caring for relatives may be even more difficult to manage than the financial costs. Some 57 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 90 are concerned about the emotional strain of caring for a relative, compared to 49 percent who are worried about paying for long-term care
expenses, according to a recent Age Wave and Harris Interactive survey of 2,939 people between the ages of 18 and 90. Many people are also concerned about the affects care giving would have on their lifestyle (21 percent), other family relationships (21 percent), and career (19 percent).

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Baby Boomers To Re-Invent Retirement

10 Ways Baby Boomers Will Reinvent Retirement
By Emily Brandon

The baby boomers redefined each stage of life as they passed through it. This generation also will retire in a way that is distinct from their parents and will set the standard for generations to come. Baby boomers are likely to live longer, more healthful, and more active lives than any retirees have before, yet few will enjoy the generous pensions and retiree health benefits enjoyed by many of their parents. Boomers will be saddled with the headache of continuing to manage their own investments, and if they haven't saved enough, they'll likely have to work long after the previous generation dropped out of the workforce. Here are 10 ways baby boomers' retirement will be different from their parents'.

Living longer. Retirement for boomers will last longer than retirement for their parents. The number of people ages 65 and older in the United States is expected to more than double by 2050, rising from 39 million today to 89 million, according to the Census Bureau. Some seniors will be retired for more years than they spent in the workforce. "Our moms and dads were quite delighted to find themselves reaching their 65th birthday, but now we look around and see 80-year-old athletes and 70-year-old college students," says Ken Dychtwald, president of the consulting firm Age Wave and author of With Purpose: Going From Success to Significance in Work and Life. "People are waking up to the idea that living a long life has become commonplace."

No pension. Living longer means more retirement years that will need to be financed. Most private-sector workers won't get a monthly check from their former employer in retirement or retiree health benefits. While 40 percent of private-sector workers received a traditional pension in 1975, that number declined to 17 percent by 2006, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. More employers freeze their pensions every year and replace them with 401(k)'s.

Managing investments. Those without traditional pensions will have to continue managing their own nest eggs throughout retirement or will have to hire professional help. Baby boomers also will need to make decisions about how much risk to accept in order to beat inflation and still make sure they don't outlive their savings. "The burden for figuring out how to retire has shifted from the employer and government to the individual," says Jonathan Pond, a financial planner and author of Safe Money in Tough Times: Everything You Need to Know to Survive the Financial Crisis. Retirees need to decide on their own—or with the assistance of a financial adviser—how to adjust their portfolio allocations as they progress through their retirement years and how much of their nest egg to spend each year.

Required minimum distributions. If boomers' retirement money is in tax-deferred accounts, Uncle Sam will take a large share because all withdrawals are taxed as regular income. "A lot of people retire and they have put all their money aside in tax-deferred accounts. Taxes are going to exact a big toll on these people," cautions Pond. "If your 401(k) balance is $400,000, it is worth about $300,000 after taxes are taken out." Retirement account withdrawals become required after age 70½. Required minimum distributions are calculated by dividing the balance of your retirement accounts by your life expectancy as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. Seniors who fail to withdraw the correct amount must pay a 50 percent penalty and income tax on the amount that should have been withdrawn.

Part-time jobs. Many Americans will continue to work during the traditional retirement years because they need the income. Others will continue working because they enjoy the mental stimulation and social opportunities a job can provide. "The prospect of a permanent vacation just doesn't feel intellectually stimulating, physically rewarding, or financially viable," says Marc Freedman, founder and CEO of Civic Ventures and author of Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life. "People are moving into a new life stage. They want an identity, they want a paycheck, and they want a sense that their experience is going to good use." Sometimes a second career will require retraining. "It might be smart to make an upfront investment in education or do an internship," says Freedman. "Recognize that you are investing in a career that might be 10 or 25 years in duration."

Staying active. These days, baby boomers don't see retirement as a withdrawal from activity but as a new adventure. Many seniors will travel, volunteer, consult, and remain active, in addition to leaving some afternoons free for golfing and spending time with grandchildren. "It is a generation that is far more comfortable and even addicted in some ways to change and newness and adventures," says Dychtwald. "They are going to pioneer a lifestyle where people reinvent themselves again and again and again."

Sandwich generation. Some baby boomers are facing large college tuition bills for their children at a time when they need to be ramping up their own retirement savings. Meanwhile, boomers may need to care for aging parents. "Caregiving also has a cost in terms of lost wages and stress and sometimes even creates the basis for illness in caregivers," says Eric Kingson, a professor at Syracuse University's Center for Policy Research. Baby boomers will need to find a way to balance caring for aging parents, helping their adult children, and tending to their own retirement needs.

Lower Social Security benefits. Those born before 1937 were able to collect their full Social Security benefits at age 65. But the full retirement age was gradually increased to age 66 for workers born between 1943 and 1954. After that, an even older retirement age was phased in. For example, someone born in 1956 can collect their entire due at age 66 and 4 months. The age is 67 for those born in 1960 or later. People who sign up for Social Security earlier will receive lower payouts. "When you raise the retirement age, it represents a serious cut in benefits," says Kingson. "Because the retirement age was raised, the value of benefits is less as a result."

Retiring with debt. The days of mortgage-burning parties are over. An increasing number of Americans are entering their retirement years with debt. Some 63 percent of U.S. families headed by someone 55 or older still owed money on their home, credit cards, or other debts in 2007, up nearly 10 percentage points from 1992. Carrying debt into retirement means seniors will have to cut back on discretionary expenses.

Diverse locales. Most boomers will retire in the same town where they spent their final working years, as did most previous generations. Those who move may no longer flock to seniors-only retirement communities
. "It's not the dream of the boomer generation to live in an age-segregated retirement community," says Dychtwald. Future retirees are likely to choose walkable communities with lots of amenities, recreational opportunities, and residents from all age groups. "The best and brightest of this generation are going to want to live in an area that doesn't put them on society's margin but allows they to stay fully engaged," says Dychtwald. "Boomers want to be where the action is, and they are going to want to be where the jobs are."

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Seniors: Get That Flu Shot Next Year

The Flu and Flu Shot

The Caring Place reports that millions of people suffer from the flu every winter. The flu, or influenza, is caused by viruses, which are very small germs. Some viruses including the one that causes the flu are easily spread among people. The flu can present as a relatively minor illness in young, healthy people; but it can become a very serious illness in senior citizens, particularly those with a history of conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

Flu symptoms generally last for one to two weeks, but the flu can become more serious than that. While your body is working to fight off the flu, you may be more susceptible to other infections such as pneumonia. Senior citizens are especially likely to experience complications with the flu.

The flu is highly contagious and easily spreads from person to person, often through the air. It is possible for you to spread the flu to someone else before you even feel symptoms, and you remain contagious for several days after you begin to feel ill. You may contract the flu if someone has the illness and sneezes or coughs near you. It is also possible to get the flu if you touch something that has the flu virus on it (like a doorknob or phone) and then touch your nose or mouth.

The virus can exist on surfaces for hours, so it is very important to wash your hands well when you know you have been in contact with someone who has the flu. Be sure to always wash your hands before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as well as before eating. If you can, try to stay away from someone you know is sick.

Distinguishing Between the Flu and a Cold

Although flu and colds have similar symptoms, they can be differentiated by a few traits. A cold is usually milder than the flu; but since the flu can cause serious problems, it is important to recognize the differences.

Normal symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, dry cough, aches and pains, headache, and fatigue. Some people with the flu may experience sore throat, sneezing, stuffy nose, or stomach problems, but those symptoms are not as common. The flu is a different virus from what some people call the “stomach flu,” which mainly causes digestive problems.

Prevention

Getting an annual flu shot, which contains the flu vaccine, can help you stay in good health. Many insurance plans will pay for the shot, which you can get at a doctor’s office or the local health department. Many grocery stores and pharmacies also offer the flu shot during a certain time of year. Although the shot cannot guarantee health for everyone, getting the shot every year can decrease the likelihood of catching the flu or minimize symptoms if you do catch it.

It is recommended that senior citizens age 50 and older get a flu shot once a year. Additionally, anyone who lives with or provides elder care for a senior citizen should also get the flu shot each year.

The peak season for getting the flu, referred to as “flu season,” is November through April. Since the effects of the shot begin to work two weeks after you receive the vaccine, you should aim to get the shot in October or early November. If you cannot get a flu shot before flu season begins, it is still a good idea to get the shot.

The flu virus changes often, each year it is a bit different from the previous year. The vaccine is changed each year to reflect the changes in the virus. This is one of the reasons to get vaccinated every year.

Most people do not experience side effects associated with getting the flu shot, and getting vaccinated is safer than contracting the flu. Some common reactions to the shot are soreness, redness, or swelling at the site of injection for up to two days after getting the shot. Some people experience a headache or low-grade fever for about a day after they get the shot. Getting the flu shot cannot give you the flu.

Since eggs are used to make the vaccine, if you are allergic to eggs, you may have a severe reaction to the shot and should not get vaccinated.

Treatment

If you catch the flu, call your physician to ask about possible treatments that can help. Be sure to mention other medications you are taking such as drugs to fight cancer or other medicines that may weaken your body’s immune system. Prescription drugs called antivirals are used to treat the flu. Taking antivirals within 48 hours of flu onset can decrease the amount of time you feel sick.

Check with your doctor as soon as you feel any flu-like symptoms. Also call your doctor if:

•Your fever goes away and then returns - this could signal a more serious infection.
•You experience breathing or heart problems or other serious health problems.
•You do not feel well and are not getting better.
•You develop a cough that makes thick mucus.
Antivirals can also be useful in preventing the flu. If you are aware of a flu outbreak in your area, talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for an antiviral. Prevention is key, and the first choice for flu prevention is the flu shot.

If you are sick, make sure to allow yourself ample rest and get enough fluids like juice and water while avoiding alcohol. Medicine such as aspirin or acetaminophen can control fever and lessen the aches and pains associated with flu. Smoking cigarettes should be avoided while you have the flu because it is a respiratory illness that affects your lungs and nasal passages, which are the same areas that are irritated by smoking. Try to take it easy until you feel better.

The Bird Flu

Different kinds of flu viruses appear from time to time, including the “bird” or “avian” flu. This is an example of how changes in the flu virus can lead to more serious illness. The bird flu, however, is very rare in people, and in most cases it has not spread from person to person. This suggests that it may not become widespread in humans, but that may change over time. New vaccines to help protect people from the bird flu are in the works. Presently, the flu shot does not protect you from the avian flu.

Key Points

•The flu can be dangerous for senior citizens.
•There are ways to prevent the flu.
•Senior citizens over 50 should get the flu shot every year.
•Medicare covers the cost of the flu shot.
•The flu shot is safe.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Extraordinary People of the Senior Kind ~ Pearl

Have you ever been in a situation where everything pointed toward one conclusion or a specific series of events, but then it doesn't add up to what you expect. Stuff like that drives me crazy and I can't really rest until I solve the mystery.

In the late 1970's, I took on a new client. Pearl lived in a million dollar apartment. She dressed beautifully. Her clothes, her shoes were amazing. Her hair was always done just right. Her car was new and expensive. She had stocks, bonds, investments, real estate, insurance, an accountant. She had a safety deposit box with plenty of cash. She had people fawning all over her. She was a very rich lady. She was also totally out of it, with no grasp of reality.

But what was missing from the picture and made the puzzle intriguing was that other than her engagement and wedding rings and watch, she didn't have one piece of jewelry; not one. It wasn't in her safe deposit box at the bank, it wasn't in her drawers, it wasn't in some clever hiding place in the fridge, it wasn't anywhere. For a woman this well put together, this was unthinkable. Perhaps it would have taken a man a week to figure out something was missing, but it took me 3 seconds.

It took me almost an entire week to search her four bedroom home, but in the end I was proved right. I tripped over one of her shoes in the big closet, fell slightly and banged into the opposite wall - which proceeded to open and reveal a floor-to-chest-high set of drawers full of jewelry. OK, some of it was costume, but enough of it was so expensive that I had to call in her bank people to catalogue it and take possession of it. Oh well.....

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Baby Boomers As Caregivers

Baby Boomers' Caregiving Duties Impact Jobs And Health

The demands of balancing a full-time job and caring for an injured or ill family member is a major source of stress for many Baby Boomers and is impacting their productivity and their health, according to new research

Barbara Campbell announced the survey's findings today at the Behavioral Risk in the Workplace Conference organized by the Disability Management Employer Coalition and offered recommendations on how employers can provide the Sandwich Generation with much needed assistance.

"Our research found a troubling trend of Baby Boomer caregivers being pushed to their limits. They are worried about their ability to manage both their work and home life," said Campbell. "We hope to raise awareness among employers about this risk to their employees' health and productivity because they play a key role in bringing workers' lives back into balance."

A majority of Baby Boomers said they are stressed out about caregiving and, at the same time, are worried about how their caregiving is impacting their job, according to The Hartford's survey of Americans born between 1946 and 1964 who accessed ComPsych's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Conducted in February 2010, the joint survey by The Hartford and ComPsych found younger Baby Boomers, ages 45 to 54, are carrying the largest burden of family care responsibilities, with more than half saying they've taken time off from work to due to their caregiving responsibilities.

Work Worries & Caregiving Concerns

More than 80 percent of Baby Boomers said they feel moderate to high levels of stress related to the care or support they are giving to children, spouses and/or parents.

In addition, nearly half of young Baby Boomers surveyed (46.6 percent) reported feeling worried about how caregiving is impacting their job. It was their No. 1 concern, while older Baby Boomers, who are 55 and older, were most concerned about postponing retirement as a result of their role as caregiver.

Younger Baby Boomers' worries could be linked to the fact that more than half of this group (68 percent) said they have missed work or left early from work due to their caregiving duties in the last six months. Half of those workers said they missed eight to 16 hours of work in the previous six month.

"A day or two of work might not seem like much," Campbell noted. "But in today's business environment of streamlined workforces, any absence can impact productivity."

More than three-quarters of Baby Boomers reported taking up to 16 hours of paid vacation time to care for another person. "Our research found that while many Baby Boomers are under pressure on all sides, they are using their paid time-off as an extension of their hectic lives rather than a vacation," Campbell said.

Campbell said an analysis of leave data by The Hartford1 found that Baby Boomers take more leaves due to their illness than any other age group of workers. "We are concerned that many Boomers are either becoming sick or hurt as a result of prolonged stress," she said. "In addition, stress can impact their ability to recover from an illness or injury."


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Saying NO to Parents Isn't Easy

Carol Abaya a chronicler of the sandwich generation writes the following:

Question: I am an only child, and we have two teenagers. I am having a hard time doing everything for my immediate family and now my elderly parents, who moved close to us last year. My husband says I should stop doing everything for everyone. How can I ignore my kids or parents?

Question: My parents (late 70s) have become very demanding. My mother had a minor stroke last summer, and my father has stopped driving. They expect me to drop what I have to do when they want something.

Even minor and nonsensical demands have led to bitterness on both sides. They refuse to let anyone else (besides myself) do anything for them.

Answer: No one should consider herself superwomen and a parent should not expect a daughter (or son) to be super people. It's just not realistic or fair to anyone.
I always wonder why sandwich generationers feel only they can do everything themselves for a parent. For some reason they feel guilty about saying "No" or more importantly hiring help for their parent(s) who need the help.

We hire baby sitters for our children, who may be more fragile than older adults. We car pool to lesson our chauffeuring time and have exchange play days, for time for self. We often hire someone else to clean the house or cut the grass.
The same principle (get help) is applicable to elder care.

On the other side of the coin, my "wondering" also applies to the elders. Why do they have such a hard time accepting help from others in general or in hiring someone to do the things they can no longer do for themselves? Why do they often put themselves — or a daughter caregiver — at risk, just to prove they still control everything?

Whatever the age or situation, rejecting help or demanding just one person do it all doesn't make sense to me. In both of these situations, expectations are unrealistic, and everyone needs to adjust. No one can — or should — be an island. Help IS out there. Seek and use it.

FROM TIRED CAREGIVERS: I often hear sandwich generationers say that their parents feel they (elder) can demand "service" and attention because the parent did so much for the sandwich generationer, when he or she was a child. The elder further says if you (sandwich generationer) do not "jump" that you're not a "good" daughter or son. This "good" "bad" attitude comes to play when a sandwich generationer says NO to an elder's request.

But the myth of being "good" if you "jump," or "bad" if you say NO, is just that — a myth. Sandwich generationers should not feel guilty if they say NO. I don't know about you, but my parents didn't do everything for me. They did help me become an independent woman. So, sandwich generationer objectives should be to keep a parent as independent as possible as long as possible.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Elder Americans Need to Watch Florida Lawmakers

The St. Petersburg Times reports:

Elderly Floridians who want to stay out of nursing homes would be forced into managed care under two bills passed this week by the House in an effort to pare Medicaid costs.

But the Legislature's own policy analysts suggest that managed care may actually be more expensive for frail older people, based on the current track record of HMOs.

A recent report examined a managed care program that provides home health care, housekeeping and many other at-home services, as well as assisted living when necessary. It did keep people out of nursing homes but was more expensive than two traditional programs, run by not for profit agencies, that cover the same services.

The state could save money by beefing up the traditional programs, the analysts said. The House bills would do just the opposite -- wiping out the traditional programs and putting elderly clients into managed care.

``It makes no sense,'' says Margaret Lynn Duggar, director of the Florida Council on Aging, which lobbies for the not-for-profit agencies that run the traditional programs. ``Legislative leaders have been convinced that managed care will save them money when the facts do not prove that out.''

The bills surfaced just a few weeks ago, said Sen. Nan Rich, D-Sunrise, and have not been well thought out.

``It actually will have the opposite effect of what we want to happen'' in the way of savings, Rich said, ``and that's what this (analysts) report is showing.''

The bills are a product of the House Select Policy Council on Strategic and Economic Planning, chaired by incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon. He could not be reached Monday for comment. Nor could vice chair Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring.

The House bills have no companion bill in the Senate but could be passed during budget negotiations. Incoming Senate Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne, has made Medicaid reform ``an urgent priority'' for budget cutting. He could not be reached for comment.

Medicaid -- which provides health care to the poor -- is a huge, expanding chunk of the state budget. When it comes to younger adults and children, pilot projects have indicated that managed care might save money.

That's because those Medicaid clients go directly to their doctors and hospitals, who bill the state -- a system that sometimes results in excess services and outright fraud. Managed care companies receive a monthly stipend for each client, negotiate rates with health care providers and decide which services are really necessary.

Keeping frail, older people out of nursing homes works differently.

Clients wanting Medicaid to pay for home care or assisted living cannot pick their own services and are not entitled to care. A case manager always decides what services they need and how much it will cost.

Roughly 33,000 aged and disabled Floridians now receive these services from one of three Medicaid programs included in the analysis released in March by the Legislature's Office of Public Program Analysis and Government Responsibility.

It examined clients that entered those programs between 2005 and 2008 and calculated their total cost to Medicaid. The results for the two traditional, fee-for-service programs were:

• The Aged and Disabled Adult program, which provides at-home services like chores, respite care and home health care, cost $15,120 per client during that period, compared to $50,000 or more for a nursing home.

• The Assisted Living for the Elderly program, which pays for assisted living, cost $17,424.

• The managed care program, Nursing Home Diversion, provides both at-home and assisted living services in 30 counties cost $23,364 per client.

Average payment rates for the 16 companies that provide managed care to 14,000 clients have dropped a few thousand dollars a year since the period studied by Legislature's analysts, so these disparities would presumably be narrower today.

Still, Florida could save tens of millions of dollars a year by retaining and expanding the traditional programs instead of managed care, said Larry Polivka, a Pepper Foundation scholar in residence. He conducted similar studies of the three programs, with similar cost disparities, while running an aging research center at the University of South Florida.

``I have been in policy analysis for 25 years,'' Polivka said, ``and I have never seen clearer evidence for clear cost effectiveness of one approach over another.''

Among other things, he said, the not-for-profit agencies that run the traditional programs charge the state a few cents on the dollar for administrative overhead and benefit from volunteers.

By contrast, the state's most recent actuarial report projects that managed care companies will an average of 78 cents on the dollar on care this fiscal year, retaining 22 cents for overhead and profit.

The legislative analysis did note that the managed care program was more effective at delaying nursing home entry than the traditional programs.

But that had little fiscal impact. That's because most clients on all three programs usually live their lives out at home or in assisted living. Those few who do require a skilled nursing home are generally so incapacitated they live only a few months, so delaying their entry into the home by a few weeks does not save much money.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Reverse Mortgages: Very Informative Article

By TARA SIEGEL BERNARD
Originally appeared April 16, 2010
Do Price Cuts Make Reverse Mortgages More Attractive?

Reverse mortgages, which allow older homeowners to pull cash out of their homes without making payments, have been around for decades. They are often used by people who want to stay in their homes, but need extra money to pay medical bills, for instance, or to retire other debt.

Reverse mortgages also have a reputation for being expensive, and they are. But if you’ve been thinking about one, it’s worth taking a closer look now because several lenders have cut prices in recent weeks. As with most complex financial products, however, you need to know exactly what you’re getting into.

Bank of America, Wells Fargo, MetLife Bank and Financial Freedom have all waived their origination fees and other charges on certain reverse mortgages they sell as part of the Federal Housing Administration’s Home Equity Conversion program. There’s a reason for the lower prices: Lenders are making profits by packaging the loans as securities and selling them to Wall Street investors. Demand for the securities is high, experts said, because not only are the underlying mortgages backed by the government, but they also tend to be more predictable, with slightly longer lives than traditional mortgages.

Consumers were becoming increasingly reluctant to sign up for reverse mortgages — after all, homeowners could not pull out as much equity as they once could because of the drop in home values. But when the F.H.A. also reduced the amount that people could borrow, even fewer took out loans.

The potential market is huge. More than seven million people over the age of 65 with annual incomes below $30,000 own their homes outright, according to the Census Bureau’s American Housing Survey conducted in 2007, the most recent data available.

But just because the initial price of a reverse mortgage has dropped doesn’t mean the mortgages are necessarily a good deal for everyone. Much of borrowers’ home equity will be erased over time, perhaps more quickly than they realize. As the name implies, these are mortgages in reverse. Because the borrower isn’t making any payments, interest and fees are added to the loan balance.

The upside? Because eligibility is largely based on the property value, borrowers aren’t subject to the income and credit requirements that they would be with a home equity loan or line of credit. And borrowers can remain in the home indefinitely, as long as they can still pay the property taxes and homeowners’ insurance. When borrowers are ready to sell (or when they die), the bank takes its share of the proceeds from the sale, and borrowers or their heirs receive whatever is left.

While a reverse mortgage may seem enticing, you need to consider the long-term costs and consequences. You could, for instance, be disqualified from other federal or state-run aid programs. And mortgages with the seemingly most attractive pricing — namely, fixed-rate reverse mortgages — may not necessarily be the best choice because they require you to immediately withdraw all the equity you are eligible for in a lump sum, and the interest begins accruing on the entire amount right away.

“Is this a good thing? Yes, but with some caveats,” said Barbara Stucki, vice president of home equity initiatives for the National Council on Aging, a nonprofit advocacy organization. “The challenge for people is not to be swayed by the cuts in fees, but to look carefully at the product they are considering.”

So before you — or your relatives — are drawn by the advertisements on television or in their mailbox, be sure to consider the following:

THE BASICS The vast majority of reverse mortgages are made through the F.H.A.’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program (known in the business as HECM, pronounced HECK-um), which has several built-in consumer protections, like limits on fees and mandatory counseling for all borrowers. To qualify, you must be at least 62 years old, own the property outright (or have a small mortgage balance) and live in the home.

The amount you’re eligible to receive depends on the age of the youngest borrower, the home’s appraised value and the interest rate (the most you can receive is capped at $625,500 for 2010). The older you are, the higher the home value and the lower the interest rate, the more money you can withdraw. So a 62-year-old who owns a $350,000 home outright would be able to withdraw about $184,000, based on a 5.63 percent interest rate, though the amount would be reduced by the monthly servicing fees and closing costs. A 72-year-old would be eligible for about $211,000, excluding the other costs.

You can choose to receive that money in a variety of ways — a lump sum, installments or a line of credit, which allows you to withdraw the money when you need it, much as you would with a home equity credit line. (This may be the wisest choice for many borrowers.) Fixed rates are more readily available on the lump sum products, while credit lines carry adjustable rates. Borrowers can also combine options and change them at any time for a nominal fee.

THE COSTS Reverse mortgages are expensive. But it’s not unlike paying for a traditional mortgage that requires private mortgage insurance. These are the costs: a lender can charge an origination fee of 2 percent of the first $200,000 of your home’s value, plus another 1 percent for amounts over that, though the total is limited to $6,000. You may also owe a monthly servicing charge of up to $35, which is added to your loan balance each month, as well as traditional closing costs.

Borrowers must also pay an upfront mortgage insurance premium of 2 percent of the home’s value and a monthly insurance premium equal to 0.5 percent of the mortgage balance. The reason for all the insurance? It protects the seller from owing more than the property is worth when it’s sold and ensures that the borrower will still be paid should the lender go under.

Because the HECM program is regulated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, it’s harder for lenders “to sneak in any extra fees,” said Sue Hunt, reverse mortgage program manager at Consumer Credit Counseling Services in Atlanta. “It’s a pretty straightforward proposition.” How does it all add up? Take a 67-year-old with a $370,000 home who withdraws a lump sum of nearly $200,000 (at a 5.65 percent fixed rate). The initial costs at closing could easily reach $16,563, according to ReverseVision, a reverse mortgage software company. (In addition, another $5,518 in servicing fees — to cover those $35 monthly fees over the estimated life of the loan — would be set aside.) Over time, don’t forget, interest and other costs are accruing on the mortgage. If the borrower dies at age 80, and his home is worth $720,700 at the time, his heirs would be left with just $100,000. And the bank will have pocketed about $364,000 in interest.

What’s happening now, however, is that many firms are waiving the origination and servicing fees on some or all of their products. So the same borrower would receive nearly $11,000 more cash at closing. Most of these costs can generally be wrapped into the financing.

THE CAVEATS Given the upfront costs, a reverse mortgage may not make sense if you plan on moving in a couple of years. And if you stay in the home for a long time (or until you die), your heirs may receive little, if anything. Some experts suggested talking with your children — perhaps they want to help you now to preserve their inheritance later. Or “you may want to do something very different and sell your home and move to a smaller one,” said David Certner, legislative policy director at AARP.

If a married couple is living in the home, both need to be listed on the mortgage. If only one spouse is named, and that one dies, the surviving spouse will be required to sell the home under a reverse mortgage.

You also want to be sure that receiving the lump sum won’t make you ineligible for other programs. The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Benefitscheckup.org and Eldercare.gov Web sites can help you find out if you qualify for other aid.

PROVIDERS Some lenders’ advertisements create a misleading sense of urgency. Don’t fall for claims that you must respond by a certain date, and find another provider if you’re pressured to invest your proceeds in another expensive product, like deferred variable annuities.

Start by reading everything you can on the topic. Then call a housing counselor certified by H.U.D. (for a list, call 800-569-4287). The counselors can help analyze your situation in person or over the phone.

Shopping for a provider is important because unscrupulous lenders have misled consumers in the past. Once you’ve located a few lenders, look for complaints on the Web and see if the lenders are on the watch lists of your state attorney general’s office or Better Business Bureau. If you’re not financially savvy, ask a trusted friend or independent adviser for a second opinion.

After all, reverse mortgages are more attractive at these prices, but they shouldn’t necessarily be your first choice.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Seniors LOVE Wii Bowling

Wii be bowling: Auburn seniors hit virtual lanes for fun, exercise
By MARK KLAAS

Leaning on a walking cane, Jim Granquist carefully approached the monitor.

He sized up his target, clutched the "Wiimote" and with a quick flick of his right wrist spun the bowling ball down the lane.

Pins scattered, sparing only the stubborn No. 10, much to the chagrin of the quietly competitive Auburn man.

Undaunted, Granquist picked up the spare and kept his good game going.

"I was hoping for a 279, but I hit my average … 179," said a delighted Granquist, a retired Social Service worker who was recruited as a substitute player for Team Auburn. "I was hoping for a 279, but it doesn't always work out that way. … But this was great. I had fun."

Granquist joined the gang of regular Wii bowlers at the Auburn Senior Activity Center on a Friday for action and a chance to take down the visiting Spokane Strikers, who donned "Wii Goooood" purple T-shirts.

Auburn, led by its cast of all-star keglers, proved to be better, capturing 14 of the 15 games fought between teams of two.

"I don't think we treated Spokane very well," said one Auburn bowler with an apologetic grin.

Computer-driven and TV monitored-graced Wii bowling is popular with everybody, but perhaps even more so among seniors. The Nintendo Wii video game system has become a common scene in senior living homes in the area, and increasingly a part of programming in senior centers and retirement homes.

Each Wednesday, the Senior Activity Senior springs to life with three-hour bowling sessions spread over three "Wii lanes."

In-house bowling teams and area leagues are growing. Traveling teams are more common. As many as 35 bowlers come to the Auburn center each week to knock down pins, swap stories and share laughs.

The Wii develops hand-eye coordination and keeps the mind sharp. It can be challenging and aggravating. More important, it provides good physical activity and social interaction.

Just ask 82-year-old Jerry Iko, a retired Boeing worker. Iko, who regularly bowls perfect 300 games on the Wii, settled for a lofty 280 last week in the rout of Spokane.

"I'm an old man, crippled and walking with a cane, but doing something to stay active," Iko said. "This is addictive, very much so, but I do enjoy it."

The Wii keeps seniors in the game. For many who no longer can physically participate, virtual sports is a healthy option. The Wii system allows many people at the center to bowl despite their physical limitations.

Auburn's Shia Godwin is a quick study. She practices routinely and scores high. On this Friday, she rolled a coveted 300.

"I learned to control my curve," said Godwin, who carries an excellent average. "You have to know where your spots are, and you have to throw the ball consistently."

Ron and Elsie Walker enjoy the weekly games and camaraderie. They come for the competition but stay for the fellowship.

"It's great fun," Elsie Walker said. "You get to meet a lot of nice people and make friendships."

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Can Senior Falls Be Prevented?

Perilous. But Preventable: When Seniors Fall
By PATRICIA LEVINE

Karl Konieczny, left, and friends at the Hadley Senior Center use a stretchy latex band to develop strength during a falls-prevention workshop.
Norma Packard of Hadley thought she was being a good Samaritan when she tried to help someone into her apartment building. As she stepped down to the parking lot from the cement walk in front of the building, her sneaker caught on the lip of the walk, and she fell on her face, knees and hands. "My face was bloodied and bruised, I had bruises all over my body, and my left knee is still sore three months after the accident," she said.

Barbara Sutherland of Amherst has had two falls within one year. In February of 2009, a fall on an uneven sidewalk on the UMass campus resulted in two broken fingers and a bruised cheek. And later that year, she fell again on an inclined sidewalk, hit her forehead, bruised her hip, and got a black eye.

Both women were over 70 when they fell and both were lucky the injuries they sustained were not much worse.

Falls among older people are rising in epidemic proportions. Each year, over 11 million people over the age of 65 fall - one out of every three senior citizens. The number of falls and the severity of the injuries resulting from falls increase as a person grows older. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, falls are responsible for 70 percent of accidental deaths of people 75 or older, and account for about 9,500 deaths each year.

The disabilities caused by falls are just as devastating. More than 50 percent of seniors who survive a hip fracture are discharged from the hospital to a nursing home, where half of that number remain for at least a year. And many fracture patients never regain their mobility. Falls can be a major life-changing event that robs seniors of their independence. And, most alarming, previous falls are one of the strongest risk predictors for future falls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that two-thirds of seniors who fall will fall again within six months. The American Geriatrics Society recommends that anyone who falls should be seen by a doctor. Even with no apparent injuries, a prompt evaluation is important.

Contributing factors

According to Dr. Maura Brennan, director of the Geriatric Consultation Program and program director of the Geriatric Fellowship Program at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, fall prevention among seniors requires a multifaceted approach. The physical changes of aging involve the complex interplay between our neurological and musculoskeletal systems. The correlation between falls and the way seniors walk is an example.

As we age, our gait, or the way we walk, changes. This is because of neurologic changes that affect the brain, nerves, and muscles. Many times seniors will exhibit what is called a propulsive gait, in which they are propelled forward because their center of gravity is a little too far forward for their center of stance. These people start walking slumped forward, often looking at the ground, with their shoulders hunched. They don't take a long enough step forward to actually catch up to the center of their body mass that's leaning ahead, which can result in a fall.

Other factors add to and compound a senior's tendency to fall. Seniors are more likely to have health problems and physical impairments such as arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, and impaired thinking and memory, and are more likely to be taking medications that can impact balance, strength, reaction time and vision.

Relatively few seniors do the types of exercises that help reduce the declines in muscle strength and balance that come with age. And, equally important, few homes have accommodations that can reduce environmental risk factors for falling. Poor lighting, slippery floors, and unexpected obstacles all contribute to falls among the elderly.


Home hazards

Preventive measures that seniors can take to safeguard their health often begin in the home. John Yount, a physical therapist and fall-prevention coordinator at Cooley-Dickinson Hospitals VNA and Hospice programs, and says that many homes contain conditions that can result in disabling accidents. He says that a room-by-room inspection is the best place to start, and that modifications needed to safety-proof the home don't have to be expensive or difficult to install.

In many homes, floors can be a minefield of hazards. Loose throw rugs, runners and mats, and curled carpet edges are risk factors for accidental falls, as are slippery floors, electrical cords and other small objects in pathways. It's best to rearrange furniture in order to provide a clear path for walking through the home.

Thresholds between rooms should be removed or marked, and Yount recommends a low-nap carpet or nonskid flooring be used in the home as well as motion or light-sensitive lights on pathways.

Stairs are also common trouble zones. Yount says that seniors experience disturbances in their depth perception that make it difficult for them to tell one step from the next. Tightly woven, non-patterned carpet or nonslip treads with edges marked with tape are best for stairs. Sturdy handrails should be installed on all stairways, and should extend the full length of the stairway. Extra support can be provided for navigating stairs by using dual handrails. The second handrail provides another place to grab if the senior begins to lose balance. Motion- or light-sensitive lights should be installed on the stairways, and light switches should be at both the top and bottom of stairways.

Bathrooms also can be dangerous. Yount recommends two grab bars as well as nonskid mats or abrasive strips in the tub or shower. He also says that seniors should consider replacing the tub with a walk-in shower that includes a seat; a fall can be prevented by not having to climb in and out of the tub. Many toilets are too low to allow older people to sit and rise from them safely, so grab bars should be placed near the toilet. In addition, tall toilets can be purchased as well as platforms that raise the existing toilet by about six inches or commodes that can be placed over the toilet seat.

Kitchens also are risky, often because of slippery floors and poor lighting. Because kitchen falls are most common when seniors are reaching or stooping to perform cooking tasks, Yount suggests that kitchen storage should be rearranged with items that are frequently used placed within easy reach. Seniors should never climb onto a stool or chair to reach high shelves; if they must climb, a sturdy stepstool with handrails is preferable.


Exercise to prevent falls

Remaining physically active throughout your life can significantly reduce your chances of falling. It boils down to a simple equation: Exercise equals better strength and balance, which equals fewer falls and fractures.

Andrea Doubleday, physical therapy supervisor at Cooley-Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, says that there are a variety of exercises that promote balance, coordination and strength for seniors under appropriate supervision. Tai Chi, a gentle form of ancient Chinese martial arts, has been demonstrated to integrate balance and strength. And progressive-resistance training has grown in popularity among older people.

There are several effective strength-building alternatives to "pumping iron" available to seniors. Lifts with two- or three- pound hand and leg weights are useful, as is isometric exercise that uses your own body for resistance to increase strength.

Just about anyone can take part in an aquatics exercise class - the water offers resistance but supports your weight at the same time. Therabands are also useful for resistance training. These latex bands offer resistance by stretching; the more you stretch them, the more resistance they provide.


Vision and medications

According to Dr. Bruce Bleiman, an ophthalmologist with Eye Physicians of Northampton, poor vision is linked to falling, and older adults should have regular checkups of their vision. He says that there are three main vision problems that seniors experience, all of which are treatable.

Glaucoma occurs when there is too much fluid pressure in the eye, causing internal eye damage and gradually diminishing vision. Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy until there is no longer enough light passing through to the retina to focus a clear image. Macular degeneration is a condition in which the central part of the retina gradually deteriorates, leading to blurred vision and finally a blind spot in the central area of sight.

Dr. Brennan notes that being aware of the side effects of the multiple medications that many seniors take is another important measure for maintaining balance and avoiding a fall. Certain drugs by themselves, or in combination with others, can cause dizziness, vision impairment, and movement disorders that increase the risk of falls.

For example, sometimes medications used to control high blood pressure can lower blood pressure enough to cause lightheadedness with resultant instability. Many drugs used to treat depression, a disease often under-recognized and undertreated among seniors, can lead to postural sway or an unsteady stance.

When medications are taken is also important. Diuretics given to control blood pressure increase urination and should not be taken before bedtime, avoiding a hurried trip to the bathroom during the night and a possible fall. Even over-the-counter drugs can lead to falls. Most of the sleeping aids and cold-and-sinus remedies have a sedating compound in them. And herbal medications such as kava kava and valerian are sedatives.

Researchers have also attributed the increase in falls among seniors to alcohol consumption. Dr. Brennan says that older people can't metabolize alcohol the same way or as efficiently as they could when younger, so alcohol has a greater effect on reaction time and the integrative abilities for the senses, muscles and balance


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Extraordinary People of the Senior Kind ~ Fay

Fay was one of the first non-seniors I had for a client. She was mentally challenged and was a ward of the Court. Although her family had set money aside for her, it was being admninistered by an attorney/guardian and he was a cheapskate. She was living in a Medicaid housing unit where the cost for room and board was $575 a month. This was 1993 so that was not a lot.

Eventually I got her back her rights. I got her back her money, which together we placed in the hands of a trust bank here in Florida. I got her own apartment adjacent to the area that became South Beach and she got her own boyfriend and her very own set of problems living on her own. We were fashionable and trendy and didn't even know it at the time. I got her a job and I taught her how to function. Although she began to chafe under even my soft guidelines, we managed to stay in close contact as she was forced to mature from 15 to 25 years old in 9 months.

Enter Hurricane Andrew. I don't know if you can possibly imagine the logistics and resultant stress from trying to coordinate the whereabouts of 100 different clients, but that's what we have to do when a hurricane comes to visit, and we have to stay in touch with their families. We had plenty of warning but Fay didn't want to leave the beach or her apartment. Three times I sent a car service to pick her up and three times she (stubbornly) refused to go.

Finally when she was willing, the car services weren't operating and even for $100 cash money, cab drivers were not interested. I couldn't sleep that night worrying what I was going to tell her guardian and how was I going to find out what happened to her, as her level of functioning was not up to dealing with emergencies. Cell phones did not exist then and Miami Beach was going to be a disaster.

We spent the night in an 80 year-old home with 4 feet thick walls that withstood the winds. When the electricity inexplicably came back on the next day, a shout from my husband brought me running in to see my Fay being interviewed on T.V. as she explained to the crew how she was marooned and simply went to the nearest shelter.

If she was standing in front of me, I don't know if I would have hugged her or killed her, but for sure, I was greatly relieved.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Caregivers Experience High Stress Levels

Caregiving stress-filled and isolating
Thursday, April 22, 2010 ~ University Park, Pa.

Family members who provide care to relatives with dementia, but do not have formal training, frequently experience overwhelming stress that sometimes leads to breakdowns or depression, according to Penn State and Benjamin Rose Institute researchers. Interventions to alleviate this stress are not always effective, leaving caregivers isolated to deal with their stresses.

Steven Zarit, professor and head, human development and family studies, and his colleagues studied the 15 most common stressors for caregivers -- including financial strain, patient behaviors, frequency of help from family and friends, and caregiving time demands. The findings, published in a recent issue of "Aging & Mental Health," showed that the 67 people in the study experienced radically different types and amounts of stress.

"Behavior issues are a common stressor, but caregivers don't always report that their family member has behavior issues," said Zarit. "Some people feel more strain from the sense that they've lost a relationship with their family member, or because of conflict with siblings or other relatives. It's different for everyone."

About 4 million people in the country care for a family member with dementia, Zarit says. Most often care continues for five to seven years, but some caregivers take on this role for 15 to 20 years.

The most common approach for helping caregivers is teaching them specific coping skills for stressors, but many existing interventions target only one set of stressors. For example, an intervention might focus on behaviors of dementia by explaining why certain behaviors occur and how caregivers can change those behaviors. This intervention is expected to improve stress levels after the dementia patient changes behaviors.

However, it will only help caregivers who are troubled by behaviors of dementia. As Zarit's study indicated, people experience a wide variety of stressors. A person coping with behavior problems may also have other difficulties not targeted by this single-stressor intervention. Some caregivers will not need to cope with behavior problems at all.

Intervention programs are expensive and many organizations are not able to offer comprehensive programs or can reach only a small subset of stressed caregivers.

"The majority of caregivers are living at home, with little or no help," said Zarit. "The family has to pay the physical, emotional, and financial cost of the caring, which can be staggering. When the caregiver gets overwhelmed, it raises the probability of a breakdown in the care situation." In a few cases, there are reports of neglect or abuse.

Most interventions operate as a preventive measure -- they reach people before the stress becomes overwhelming.

"Because stress profiles vary so widely, we just don't know how much of a given stressor will hit a threshold and when we should make an intervention," Zarit said.

According to Zarit, a promising approach is to use an adaptive intervention, one that can be customized to address the varying risk factors of each individual. Some of these interventions exist in the real world and are successful. However, most of these interventions are published and never become used widely, said Zarit.

Even if current interventions are not always effective, options exist to alleviate stress and maintain well-being in a caregiving relationship. Zarit's past research has found that family meetings—which enlist the support of extended family -- can improve well-being for both individuals in the relationship.

Another avenue that Zarit is now researching is adult day care services. He has seen positive feedback and recommends day care to those who can afford it, even if for only a couple of days every week. Adult day care not only gives the caregiver a break, but it provides structured activities for the person with dementia.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Keeping Your Loved One Safe from Abuse

Keep Your Loved One Safe!
Written By: T. Bills

Many Adult children of elderly parents are greatly concerned about their loved one's safety in nursing facilities, and they have reason to be. Every year it is estimated that 2.1 million older Americans are the victims of physical, emotional neglect, and other forms of abuse. It is also conservatively estimated that for every reported case of abuse there are 5 more that go undetected. Researchers have also found that elderly people who are abused die more quickly and have a much lower quality of life than those who are not abused even if they do not have a life threatening illness or disease.

What Is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse can take many forms, some of which may not be what one typically thinks of when considering the subject. In addition to the physical violence and sexual abuse that can sometimes occur in nursing facilities, there are many more subtle and still very damaging types that take their toll on elderly people. These can include neglect, emotional abuse, and even financial exploitation.

Protecting The Elderly From Abuse

An option that many families today are turning to for the protection and health of their elderly loved one is commonly referred to as an in-law suite or mother in-law suite. An increasing number of new homes being built right now in the US are designed and constructed with the addition of an in-law suite. Every year the number of in-law suite equipped homes is growing, largely due to fear of elderly abuse coupled with rising healthcare costs. The number of existing homes being remodeled to accommodate an in-law suite is growing at an even faster pace.

In addition to being close to family members for more personal interaction and supervision, new low cost video monitoring systems make it possible for adult children to monitor their loved one anytime they are not present. This ensures proper treatment and prevents neglect or abuse from in-home caregivers or others. The in-law suite also keeps the elderly person close to his/her family where they can interact and take part in the daily lives and activities while still having a private space of their own. This safe and caring environment can even increase the chances of the elderly individual to live longer and to have a better quality of life.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Start a FAMILY TREE Project

Tips When Making a Family Tree
Written By: Mike Selvon

Family histories are entrenched with many secrets, mysteries and intriguing facts. You can trace your family's evolution from the Old World to the New. Where did your close ones work? How many children did they have? Were there any divorces or surname changes over the years? Which countries did your family members come from? Where are your relatives buried? What ailments or accidents did your relatives die from? A family tree makes a great gift for relatives and can help show how extended families are related. There are many things to learn when you look back into the past of your close ones.

To begin your family tree project, you should start with what you know for sure. Write out a rough draft with names, genders, birthdates, birthplaces, death dates, burial plots, medical history, occupation, years married, children, etc. Call your nearest relatives or set a date to meet with them to branch out even further. Ask grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and great-uncles to name as many people as they can.

If you know where your grandparents were married, go to that church and find out where their marriage certificates are kept. From there, you can see the names of the bride and groom's parents, which will then lead you to where they got married and where their parents are from. You can find additional clues at gravestones and at local libraries.

Next, you may want to visit a family tree making website to list the information you've gathered about your close ones. At Rootsweb, you can look up members of the close ones for less than $1 to learn names, addresses, birth/death dates, average incomes and home values. You can also submit your completed legacy family tree to the WorldConnect Project, as well as to Tribalpages, which lets you add photos, publish stories and invite other family members to see the family tree charts and records you've created. The best part is that it's free to register.

Filling in the gaps of a family tree can be frustrating, which is why many people opt to pay a genealogist to dig up this information for them. Before you hire a local professional, be sure you have assembled as much information as possible. Don't be lazy. The more you provide initially, the more accurate information you'll receive. To find genealogists who could help you with your tree, check your local genealogical society or try Genealogypro, which provides lists of qualified professionals in your area.



For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Seniors Take Care of Your Skin !

Skin Care and Aging
Provided By: The Caring Space


Skin changes with age, becoming thinner and appearing different than it used to. Damage to skin may take longer to heal, and areas of skin exposed to lots of sunlight can become wrinkled, dry, or even cancerous. Depending on the issue, there are many ways to treat problems with aging skin.

Dry Skin and Itching

Senior citizens are prone to rough and scaly skin that appears on the lower legs, elbows, and lower arms. A few causes of dry skin include:

•Dehydration due to not drinking enough fluids
•Staying in the sun for long periods of time
•Being in very dry air
•Smoking
•Experiencing stress
•Losing sweat and oil glands which happens naturally with age
•Some health problems like diabetes or kidney disease
•Using excessive amounts of soap, antiperspirant, or perfume
•Taking hot baths
Dry skin can lead to itching, bleeding, and infection. It can also contribute to sleep problems. Such problems can be treated by medication, so it is encouraged that one seek medical attention before itchy skin leads to more serious conditions.

Men and women can also use lotions and ointments, take fewer baths, use milder soap, use cooler water when bathing, or use a humidifier in order to treat dry and irritable skin.

Bruises

With age, men and women can bruise more easily and take longer to recover from bruising. Senior citizens with excessive bruising should see a doctor.

Wrinkles

Over time, ultraviolet rays and gravity can cause the skin to become less elastic and subsequently sag and wrinkle. Other habits like frowning and smoking can cause the smile to wrinkle. There are many ways to treat wrinkles but seeking medical advice before using these treatments are highly recommended.

Age Spots and Skin Tags

Age spots, which are sometimes referred to as "liver spots" are brown spots that can appear on the body. They are harmless signs of years of sun exposure. Women especially can also experience "skin tags" or flesh-colored growths of skin. Although these age spots and skin tags are harmless and are simply due to aging, it is important to alert your doctor as it may be difficult for those without medical training to discern between these and irregular growths. A dermatologist can remove both of these types of growths if they are bothersome.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and is mainly caused by exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or UV light in tanning booths. People with fair skin are more at risk for developing skin cancer. If diagnosed early, skin cancer can be cured.

•Basal Cell Carcinoma: This is a slow growing type of skin cancer that rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
•Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This is a slow growing type of skin cancer that rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
•Melanoma: This type of skin cancer can spread to other organs of the body.
Checking regularly for abnormal growths on the skin or irritated/bleeding moles is important for monitoring possible signs of skin cancer. More specific instructions for checking skin growths can be summed up with the "ABCDEs":

•A - asymmetry (Half of the growth is different from the other half)
•B - irregular borders
•C - color changes or multiple colors
•D - diameter greater than a pencil eraser
•E - evolving / changing
Skin cancer is not usually painful, so it's important to rely on visual cues to identify the problem in order to detect.

Some ways to prevent skin conditions are as follows:

•Limit time in the sun: Sun exposure, especially between 10am and 4pm when the sun's rays are the brightest, should be limited. Cloudy skies or staying in water does not mean you are not being exposed, UV rays travel through these translucent surfaces to reach your skin.
•Use sunscreen: SPF15 sunscreen and higher should be reapplied at least every two hours with long periods of sun exposure.
•Wear protective clothing: Hats and sunglasses can help protect the face and eyes from harmful UV rays.
•Avoid tanning: Purposefully exposing the skin to direct UV rays without protection is discouraged.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524