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State Budget Cuts – What They Mean for Seniors
With a $16 billion state budget deficit, Gov. Jerry Brown is asking California legislators to approve $8 billion in cuts to funding for healthcare, welfare, pre-school, child care and higher education. Many of these cuts will have significant impact for the elderly and the poor. The governor’s proposal will reduce funding for Medi-Cal by $1.2 billion. Med-Cal…
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Long Term Care Insurance – Do You Need It?
A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has shown that people age 65 and older face at least a 40% chance of entering a nursing home sometime during their lifetime. About 10% will stay there 5 years or longer. With the average annual cost of a nursing home at $50,000 or…
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Tax Time Resources for Seniors
Tax time can be stressful no matter what your age. But for seniors on a fixed income, and those who care for them, it can be especially so. Here are some resources from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) that may help lighten the load. Tax relief programs. NCOA has a free online BenefitsCheckUp® service…
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Selecting the Right Home Care for Your Senior
With 90% of seniors strongly preferring to live at home as they age, the challenge for their adult children is to fulfill their parents’ wishes while ensuring their safety and well being. A qualified in home care provider might be the perfect solution. But how do you find the right provider for your senior loved…
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Tax Tips for Family Caregivers
If you are caring for an aging relative who qualifies as your dependent, you may be able to claim medical expenses you incurred as a result of that care on your income tax. Common deductions include: Medical insurance premiums (unless pre-tax) Prescription medicines Doctor bills Hospital fees Travel to and from medical appointments Only those…
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5 Tips to Safeguard Your Senior Driver
For many seniors, driving is a critical link to their independence. As such, they are often reluctant to give it up – even if it would be in their best interest – and may even avoid any discussions that suggest they do so. If there’s a senior in your life, it’s important that you take…
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Family Gatherings – A Good Time for Planning with Aging Loved Ones
Family gatherings around the holidays are a great time to celebrate, catch up, and renew familial bonds. They are also the perfect time to do some planning for the future. Adult children of aging parents should use this opportunity to discuss with their parents where important documents are kept and what their wishes are in…
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Caring for Senior Veterans – VA Long Term Care Benefits
On November 11 we celebrate the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country. It seems only fitting that my topic this month be about the benefits available for Veterans and their dependents. In 1789 U. S. Congress passed as law that pensions were to be provided to disabled veterans and their…
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Planning for Your Elder Years
According to surveys conducted among the elderly, their top three concerns about aging are: Remaining independent in their home without intervention from others Maintaining good health and receiving adequate health care Having enough money for everyday needs and not outliving assets and income Addressing these concerns requires some pre-planning. Yet few people do it. In…
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The Hidden Secret of Elder Abuse
As people grow older they tend to need more help from others, and many elderly people rely entirely on family or other “trusted” individuals for this help. Unfortunately, this dependence on others often makes an older person more vulnerable to abuse, and less likely to talk about that abuse if it occurs. An older woman…
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