An article by AARP discusses several factors to consider when choosing a nursing home. Here is a brief synopsis.Inspect the groundsMaking sure you are comfortable outside is just as important as liking the inside. Are there outdoor sitting areas available
Can Changing Your Lifestyle Prevent Cognitive Decline?
According to a two-year study from 2015, healthy eating, brain training, exercise and sound medical management may prevent age-related cognitive decline and, perhaps, dementia. The study sampled 1,260 people, aged 60-77, randomly assigning one group to re
Managing Your Loved One’s Legal Needs
It can be tough managing your loved one's legal needs. Serving as a caregiver may require you to oversee their legal affairs. A past article on AARP’s website addressed this issue and included a legal checklist for Caregivers. Here are the highlights. Ob
Beware of Scams Targeting Seniors
Approximately 20 percent of Americans over the age of 65 have been victimized by some form of financial abuse, with the average loss per victim exceeding $120,000. While financial abuse is sometimes perpetrated by family members or “friends,” it is often
Know Your Options: The Spectrum of Long-Term Care
You've no doubt heard about assisted living and nursing home care, but there are many other long-term care options available. An article by U.S. News & World Report provides an introduction to the types of care now available. Read the full article her
Alzheimer’s Disease: Facts Versus Fiction, Continued
In November, we discussed some of the myths surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Let’s discuss a few more. You have to be old to get Alzheimer's disease. People in their 50s, 40s and even 30s can get Alzheimer's disease. This
The Truth About Using Medicaid to Pay for Nursing Home Care
Approximately 50% of all Americans who reside in nursing homes receive assistance from Medicaid to pay for their care. This is not surprising, given the extraordinarily high cost of long-term care. The real surprise is that half of all Americans don’t see
Alzheimer’s Disease: Facts Versus Fiction
The number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States is growing rapidly. So, too, are the number of myths surrounding the disease and other forms of dementia. Let’s begin by looking at what we do know about the prevalence of Alzheimer
What is the Medicaid Look-Back Period?
Medicaid can pay for the long-term nursing home care of individuals who meet certain income and asset requirements. However, if the applicant’s assets and income exceed these limits, he or she may not qualify for Medicaid assistance until the limits are m
Finding the Right Nursing Home: Don’t Rely Entirely on the Five-Star Quality Rating System
The Five-Star Quality Rating System was created in 2008 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It has become a popular tool for families to find a quick summary of a given nursing home’s overall level of quality. CMS posts its ratings on