Wednesday, August 17, 2011 . Part D Premiums to Remain SteadyMedicare average prescription drug premiums will not increase in
2012. The recent announcement from the Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS) comes as more people with Medicare are receiving discounts on
prescription drug costs and no-cost preventive services.
The national and regional premium data in the announcement can be
found here.
For state-by-state information on the number of Medicare
beneficiaries who have seen lower out-of-pocket costs in the donut hole, please
click here.
Source: AoA Aging News Update (August 15, 2011) Wednesday, August 17, 2011 “20 Common Nursing Home Problems”The average consumer knows more about cars, cell phones or renting
an apartment than they do about nursing homes. This guide spotlights some of
the most common illegal practices and explains strategies that residents and
family members can use to avoid or reverse illegal procedures.
The National Senior Citizen Law Center (NSCLC) has published a guide the spotlights some of the most common illegal practices and explains strategies that residents and family members can use to avoid or reverse illegal procedures.
Did You Know That...
--A nursing home resident or family member must be allowed to participate in planning care?
--A resident has the right to choose when to wake up or go to bed?
--A resident's family cannot be restricted to specific visiting hours?
Order your guide today: http://www.nsclc.org/publications/manuals/manual.2006-06-08.3692004924
Monday, August 01, 2011 Newsletter :Senior Moments" August 1, 2011
I have released the latest edition of my newsletter, Senior Moments" today! In it I discuss my firm's commitment to elders and their families as well as life care planning, my new elder care coordinator and the retirement my longtime office manager, Betty Wright!
Please subscribe to the newsletter using the link at the bottom left oy my wesite, www.vaelderlaw.com. Wednesday, July 27, 2011 New AARP Study Shows Toll on Family Caregivers is “Huge”
A new study by AARP, “Valuing the Invaluable: 2011 Update,” estimates that for the more than 40 million Americans are caring for an elderly or disabled loved one. The value of their work is $450 billion a year.
Source/more: National Public Radio (July 18, 2011) (audio also available)
Read the full AARP report.
I have counseled numerous caregivers over the years and you can certainly see the toll it takes upon their lives and their health. Caregivers must plan for periods of respite and they cannot give 24/7 care. If you have any questions about caregiving, please don;t hesitate to give us a call. Our Elder Care Coordinator Sandy Vernon may be able to aid you in lining up respite care or determining if you qualify for any caregiving benefit! Wednesday, July 27, 2011 Study Suggests that Grandparents are Safer Drivers than Parents
Kids may be safest in cars driven by grandma or grandpa instead of mom or dad, according to study results that even made the researchers do a double-take.
Source/more: USA Today/Associated Press (July 18, 2011)
"Grandparents, when they have the opportunity to interact with their grandchildren find that to be the primary focus of their time together," he says. "They're perhaps not as distracted by trying to do a million errands, or get the dinner on the table, or wonder about their response to the latest e-mail.
"Speaking as a grandparent, about the worst thing that could happen is one of your grandchildren getting hurt on your watch, and trying to communicate that to your children," Henretig says.
Saturday, July 09, 2011 Depression in the Elderly
In this month's "Mental Health Matters" newsletter published by Centra Mental Health Services, Dr. Peter Betz describes how the process of aging brings with it inherent misunderstandings that highlights processes of grief and loss that lead to a negative outlook on the aging process. Further stressors of aging are having to move away from the home one has lived in for much of their lives, admission to healthcare facilities, loneliness, financial hardship, illness and death of loved ones.
Grief and sadness as a response to such is perfectly normal. Persistent sadness to the extent it impairs the usual day-to-day life is not. Depression is a real concern among elders and it is not a normal part of the aging process! Here are three symptoms of depression to be on the lookout for:
1. Mood Change: this may be chronic sadness or melancholia, or irritability and lack of happiness.
2. Self-Attitude Change: the elder may begin to doubt their own personal value, with feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. They may say that everyone would be "better off" if they "weren't around". If such attitude sets in, they may have feelings their ilfe has no further meaning, use or enjoyment.
3. Neurovegative Symptom Change: This complex phrase is used to denote the brain-body continuum. You may see changes in sleep patterns, eating patterns, energy levels and motivation to engage socially. The elder may become withdrawn or apathetic.
These changes are often gradual but can be the first sign of a developing clinical depression. If you or a family member sees these signs, you should talk to a healthcare professional. If you wish, you can start the conversation with our Elder Care Coordinator, Sandy Vernon. Sandy has many years experience in the mental health field in her work at Piedmont Community Services. She would be glad to meet with you privately and discuss a course of action to address these issues.
Monday, July 04, 2011 Fatal cocktail of common drugs putting elderly at risk
Hundreds of thousands of older people are being put at increased risk of death or developing dementia by taking combinations of common medicines to treat routine illnesses, according to a new study. Well-known brands of hay fever tablets, painkillers and sleeping pills pose a previously unknown threat to people’s health when taken together, British scientists claim.
Source/more information: The Telegraph (UK) (June 24, 2011) Thursday, June 23, 2011 HBO Program Dissects Oregon's Experience with the Death with Dignity Law
In 1994, Oregon became the first state to legalize physician-assisted suicide. As a result, any individual whom two physicians diagnose as having less than six months to live can lawfully request a fatal dose of barbiturate to end his or her life. Since 1994, more than 500 Oregonians have taken their mortality into their own hands. In How to Die in Oregon, filmmaker Peter Richardson gently enters the lives of the terminally ill as they consider whether - and when - to end their lives by lethal overdose. Richardson examines both sides of this complex, emotionally charged issue. What emerges is a life-affirming, staggeringly powerful portrait of what it means to die with dignity
See more at http://www.hbo.com/#/documentaries/how-to-die-in-oregon Wednesday, June 22, 2011 Virginia's Senior Navigator
2001 marks the 10 year anniversary of the internet portal, Senior Navigator (www.seniornavigator.org). Senior Navigator is the starting point for seniors and many of their questions. It is packed with articles, resources and news items of interest to my clients. If you haven't already, I urge you to surf your way to the website and check it out! Wednesday, June 22, 2011 Lifelong Learning
I have long counself my clients on the need to not only stay active physically, but mentally. Crosswords, sudoku, board games all help to keep an elder's faculties sharp! Continued learning is an important component of well being throughout life. Continuing education provides self-enrichment, socialization, stimulation, and leisure time for older adults. Opportunities for learning can be found in a variety of places and be in almost any form. It is never too late to learn something new!
Whether it is an interest in financial management, computer skill training, ceramics, or hiking, chances are there is a learning opportunity out there that matches an individual's learning style and interest. The article linked to below gives you a lot of ideas if you wish to take the next step and engage in a new learning adventure!
http://www.seniornavigator.org/virginiaNavigator/DetailSN.aspx?contentId=143&.f=1 |