Author: Andrei Brel

Three Reasons to Choose Home Health Care for Seniors in 2020

2020 has taught us a lot, and it is only the middle of May as we are writing this.  We have learned to adapt to a new way of living.  Certain amenities and luxuries are no longer a part of our daily lives.  And for years to come we will remain cautious of the decisions and actions we take.  Places such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities we use to think were a safe place for our loved ones.  After being in quarantine for the last two months, most people have realized they would rather live in the comfort of their own home rather than in a nursing facility.  Juniper Homecare has developed a plan to care for seniors in their homes during the pandemic.  Here are five reasons caring for a loved one at home is even more important now than ever before!

1. Home health care is affordable!

We’ll start with this one because most often this is the biggest concern for those caring for their elderly loved ones. The cost of home care is almost always more affordable than nursing home or assisted living care.

2. seniors prefer to age in place

Our loved ones have been living in the same home most likely for many years.  They are surrounded by love and family members on a constant basis.  In home care allows seniors to keep their independence while also providing the proper attention.  A recent study showed 87% of seniors live a happier and healthier lifestyle while being able to stay in the comfort of their own home.

3. State programs make it easier to provide home care

Juniper is one of the leading home care agencies that provide the Adult Family Living Program.  The AFL Program, also known as Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, allows a family member over the age of 18 to be the primary care provider for a loved one.  In return, they are compensated to help assist with the basic costs of living.  This is beneficial for multiple reasons.  Seniors get to stay home in a comfortable place with family and you are assured the proper care is being provided.

To find out if you are eligible to receive benefits through this program click here

Please call one of our staff members at 860-523-1418 for any questions.

 

 

 

 

Age Gracefully and Stay Healthy 
in an Independent Living Community

Have you been struggling to stay healthy? It can be difficult to navigate the changes that come with age, but staying healthy doesn’t have to be hard. For instance, make sure you’re eating well, keeping active, and visiting the doctor often. One great way to maintain your independence as you age is to move to an independent living community where you can easily access all the care and services you need to maintain your health and quality of life.

Although there are plenty of options to explore, it’s important to do whatever suits your needs and fits your lifestyle. Here are some tips to get you started.

Eating Well

Senior nutrition is extremely important, and as you age, nutrients are more important than ever. Seniors often have a lower appetite, and if you’re tired of cooking, it can be tempting to reach for a sugary treat or settle for a bowl of cereal for dinner. This increases your risk of developing diabetes, and your immune system won’t be prepared to fight off illness and infection. Be sure to eat a well-balanced diet with lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, and stay away from eating too much sugar. Look for simple recipes, and cook a large dish that will last you for two or three meals. You won’t have to cook every day, but you will still enjoy the benefits of healthy food.

Get Enough Exercise

As you age, it can be difficult to maintain your energy levels, and you may lead a more sedentary lifestyle than you’re used to. As such, exercise is more important than ever as you maintain your independence during your golden years, so make sure you’re staying active whenever possible. You’ll improve your heart health, maintain a healthy weight, and strengthen your body, all while decreasing your risk of an accident or fall.

Of course, exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous or exhausting, and the most important thing is to make sure the exercises you choose match your specific needs and mobility. If you prefer to stay indoors to exercise, you can go for a walk in the mall, visit a museum, or follow a home stretching routine either online or on DVD or Blu-ray. You could even join a seniors swim class and socialize as you keep your body strong and healthy.

Downsizing to Promote Independence

Do you have a large house or yard that’s sapping all your energy? Downsizing to an independent living community is a great way to maintain your health and independence, as well as give yourself time to see your family and do the things you love. You’ll have a smaller space that’s much easier to maintain, and you’ll have all the benefits of living in a community. You can choose facilities that offer meals and join in activities like group walks or exercise classes. Some facilities are built near shopping centers to cut down on your transportation costs, and you can even enjoy the benefits of having a beauty salon in your community.

Choosing an Independent Living Community

Carefully research independent living communities in your area, and find the ones that perfectly match your needs and budget. Look for a community that offers the services you want at an affordable cost. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, tour your top choices, and be sure to ask a lot of questions. Ask a friend or family member to go with you and benefit from a second opinion. Take notes to remember the pros and cons of each community, and make the best decision for your future.

You want to enjoy your golden years in style, so be sure you’re eating well and exercising often. If you’re considering downsizing, carefully research independent communities and find the perfect community that will promote your health and wellness.

Simple Solutions for Seniors to Eat a Nutrient-Packed Diet

Most people have been exposed to so many different diets over the years that we end up thinking of food in terms of what we aren’t supposed to eat. But for seniors, the concept of diet has a different meaning. Instead of eliminating so-called “bad” foods, seniors should focus on getting all the nutrients they need. Doing this consistently can be a challenge, but it becomes much easier when you take advantage of the tips and resources at your disposal.

Eliminate Barriers

Eating a nutritious diet takes work, from planning meals to grocery shopping and cooking. This is true for anyone, and many seniors face even greater barriers to eating well. Some seniors aren’t able to drive or they may have mobility concerns, and many are on a tight budget.

Even though these barriers present a challenge for many people, new technology has made it easier for seniors to get around these problems and eat more healthy meals at home. One example is how you can use apps such as Mealime to make a grocery list full of healthy options, and you can even use a service that delivers the groceries from your list right to your home. Another way around these problems is to use a meal delivery service that you can order online. There are a variety of these services to choose from so you can pick one that delivers ingredients and recipes for you to cook meals on your own, or you can choose meals that are already prepared and simply need to be reheated.

Another common issue for some seniors is a decrease in their sense of taste. As a result, many people add extra salt or sugar to food so that it will taste better. One smart strategy is to cook with more herbs and seasonings, rather than more salt. You can also try different cooking methods, such as making slow cooker recipes like turkey chili or smoky black beans from EatingWell.com. These recipes are easy to make, and using the slow cooker gives time for the food to be infused with all the flavors from your seasonings.

Take Advantage of Resources

Many seniors have access to resources for nutritional support and other wellness programs through their insurance. If you have Medicare Advantage, be sure to look into whether your plan includes these resources, such as the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans that provide coverage for fitness and general healthy living guidance. Even if you don’t have one of these plans, consider getting one before the next Open Enrollment Period, as the extra support is a great way to boost what you’re already doing to eat nutritiously.

Keep It Simple

When you’re unsure of how to get the most nutrients in your diet, or you’re just at a loss as to what to cook, the best approach is to keep it simple. Instead of trying a diet plan with lots of rules, follow a simple, balanced diet that’s high in protein and features a variety of fruits and vegetables. This is important because of the role protein plays in our body’s functions, especially in the maintenance of muscle mass, which tends to decrease as we age.

If you still struggle with making changes to get more of the nutrients you need, the National Institute on Aging recommends making healthy food “shifts.” The idea is that, instead of trying to overhaul your whole diet at once, you can gradually swap out less nutritious foods for ones that are packed with more of what your body needs. For example, try shifting from fruit snack bars to fresh fruit, or from solid fats like butter to healthy fats like olive oil.

Keeping your goals simple in this way also makes it easier to focus on what you’re adding to your diet, rather than what you’re taking away. Plus, when you’re intentional about getting the right nutrients, you’ll naturally end up consuming fewer unhealthy foods. When you do this consistently, you will reap the benefits of a healthier, fuller life.

Article written by guest Jennifer McGregor

More Blog Posts?

HEALTHY HABITS AND TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS

HOW TO STAY POSITIVE WHILE CAREGIVING!

WHAT IS THE FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM?

Visit us on Instagram and Linked In

What Does A Nursing Assistant Do

Ever thought of needing a helping hand taking care of a loved one?  Over 72% of people are unaware of the help that is available to them.  Help that their insurance will cover.  Help that they may be compensated for.  Below is just one of the resources we can provide.

having help from a Nursing assistant

By definition, a certified nursing assistant, also known as a CNA, is a healthcare professional who assists patients with various healthcare needs, under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse.  As a CNA, we are able to provide daily care to those who need light assistance.  This includes hospitals, nursing homes, personal residences and assisting living facilities.  The rising need of CNAs is due to the amount of elderly individuals who are aspiring to age in place.  With the help of a nursing assistant our senior loved ones have been able to stay in their home much longer.  While this is an astounding accommodation we are able to provide our community, it is something that many do not know about.

Responsibilities of a nursing assistant

  1.  HELPING LOVED ONES WITH BASIC DAILY ACTIVITIES – This includes any regular task in which the recipient can no longer do for themselves.  Some of these are cleaning and bathing, helping with combing hair, and caring for nails and brushing teeth.  Many patients have a great deal of difficulty keeping themselves clean when they are in a nursing home due to the lack of direct care.  Assisting in the use of the toilet and to get dressed.  Preparing meals and assurance of proper nutrients.
  2. HOUSEKEEPING – This is one of the jobs that most family members do not think about, but it definitely is important.  As a loved one ages, the chores become difficult for families to keep up with.  Our nursing assistants will help with cleaning the bedroom in which the person is staying in every few days.  We will keep the kitchen, bathroom and living areas clean.
  3. TENDING TO ISSUES AND CONCERNS – While you have a lot of responsibilities in your daily lives, having help from professionals is key!  Our team recognizes, notifies, and prioritizes anything that may arise.  This includes any medical concerns physically or mentally.  We document all medications being taken and any appointment that needs to be met.
  4. COMPANIONSHIP – Sometimes just having someone around to talk to, to have lunch with, or to run errands with.  Sometimes when the work stops so does the daily camaraderie we once had.  Not everyone has a group of buddies to have coffee with every morning.  And that’s okay.  Our assistants love what they do.  And the seniors can see it too!

how to obtain a nursing assistant

If you are interested in seeking more information on the services a nursing assistant or personal care assistant can provide please reach out to us at 860-523-1418.  Our staff will be happy to help with any questions or concerns you may have.  Some insurances may approve the need to assisted care at home.  Otherwise, we offer very affordable rates to everyone.

Our biggest goal is to inform the community about all of the options available.  You see, we understand the struggles people go through when a loved one can no longer fully care for themselves.  And like most people, you do the best you can.  But not having all of the information or utilize all of the resources available to you only makes this harder.

Please share this post with anyone you may know who is caring for a loved one.  Help may be available that they just do not know about yet!

More Blog Posts?

HEALTHY HABITS AND TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS

HOW TO STAY POSITIVE WHILE CAREGIVING!

WHAT IS THE FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM?

Visit us on Instagram and Linked In

 

How To Pay For Home Care In 2019

There is new evolution happening in the healthcare industry.  Individuals have been demanding for more control over their options when it comes to their health.  Over the years providers have limited the length of stay available at hospitals and rehab centers.  The number of local health clinics has surged since 2010.  Think about it the next time your driving down a main road.  Walk-In clinics are everywhere now.  This is due to the shift of how we take care of ourselves.  A great benefit to this is the amount of “directed care” we receive.  Directed care is referred to as 1 on 1 care that has been specified to the individuals needs.

The benefits of home health care

Whether you are in need of 24 hour home care, recovery care, personal care or part time companionship, home care can help you.  And the best part is, it happens in the comfort of your own home.  A place you are familiar with and have probably lived for quite some time.  A study recently done by students at the University of Harvard showed the following outcomes for patients who have been cared for at home rather than healthcare facilities.

  • reduced number of falls and hospital readmissions
  • provides better safety from illness and infections
  • higher tailoring of needs to individual patients
  • better medication management
  • overall happier well being

cost of home health care

More and more clients and families are choosing compassionate home health care services as their best solution to help them stay at home and enjoy their best quality of life.  This is truly a blessing seniors have been able to experience.  Let’s explore your payment options.

medicare

Medicare is one of the largest payee of home health care services.  To be eligible, you must be age 65 or over, or be disabled under Social Security.  The Medicare home health benefit is designed to help with individuals recovering from an injury or illness or to help with other daily necessities.  It may cover a range of services such as nursing, personal care assistance and more.  In 2013, Connecticut started to offer the Adult Family Living Program.  This allows loved ones to age in place and have their family members be the primary caregiver.  We will cover this more in depth later.

Long term care insurance

If you have been contributing to a long-term insurance plan, it may be time to take advantage of it.  Long term care plans are usually set up much earlier in life to be able to reap the benefits.  It may be difficult to enroll in a long-term insurance policy if you’re in poor health or currently require long-term care.  Either way, check with an insurance provider to learn more about what plans are available to you or your family.

health insurance

If your loved ones have private health insurance, because they are under the age of 65 or a spouse is still employed, check your policy coverage for home health care.  Most private insurers will cover the costs of short-term care after a surgery or an injury.  High deductible plans tied to health savings accounts may offer tax advantages if you have been adding to them over the years.

private pay

Some families choose to pay for home health care expenses out-of-pocket.  If you do choose to pay out-of-pocket, discuss the benefits of this with an attorney or financial advisor.  Your ability to customize you own care plan and tailor it exactly to your needs is the most beneficial part of self pay.  Most home health care agencies are happy to work out payment terms with you.

adult family caregiver

This one has taken on a huge interest in the community since its inception.  Most senior loved ones want to stay in the comfort of their own home.  Eventually they will need to have someone care for them nearly 24/7.  This was almost impossible unless family members were able to sacrifice an income from one person to now stay at home and care for the recipient.  The state of Connecticut offers an amazing compensation program to not only ease the financial burden to families, but most importantly, please the interest of seniors wanting to stay at home.

If you are interested in this program and want to find out if you qualify or how to apply please visit this site here.  If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to one of our Juniper Homecare staff members at 860-523-1418.

More Blog Posts?

HEALTHY HABITS AND TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS

HOW TO STAY POSITIVE WHILE CAREGIVING!

WHAT IS THE FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM?

Visit us on Instagram and Linked In

 

Five Reasons A Living Trust Is Better Than A Will

There are numerous things in your future to think about when heading into retirement.  Have I saved enough?  How much will my medical insurance cost?  Are all my affairs in order financially?  Will my children and grandchildren be alright if something happens to me?  And most of all, what I am going to do with all of my time?  That last one is the best.  In all seriousness one very important way to ensure your wants are documented is by having a will, so most of us think.  First, let’s take a look at what a will and a living trust is.

will v. living trust

A will is a legal document by which a person, the testator, expresses their wishes as to how their property is to be distributed at death, and names one or more persons, the executor, to manage the estate until its final distribution.  A living trust is a three-party fiduciary relationship in which the first party, the trustor or settlor, transfers property upon the second party for the benefit of the third party, the beneficiary.  In short, they are very similar.  They main differences are; a living trust is not conducted in probate court, and a will allows you to appoint an executor or guardian to take care of your children.  So why may a living trust be a better option for you rather than a will?

The cost is much less

Probate costs can be very expensive.  Bond fees, appraisal fees, court fees among others are all billed at an hourly basis.  Depending on how lengthy your will is, which can be influenced by amount of property and number of children, only means more time inside the court rooms.

Your records are kept private

Probate is a public process. Meaning that anyone who could have a claim to your estate can can argue the court for that right, even distant relatives.  However, trusts are private, allowing you to maintain more direct control over who receives what and who knows about this once you pass.

They are harder to dispute

Considering living trusts are not conducted inside a probate court, arguing the contingencies are much harder.  Let’s say you have five children.  If you want to disperse different amounts to each, you can.  However, if one is unhappy about that they have the right to petition.  With a will it is much easier for the one making the petition.  A living trust is more set in stone.

Provides lifetime property management

A living trust allows you to actively manage it yourself.  God forbid if something happens to you and you are incapacitated, the living trust will speak for you.  A will is only valid after the time of death.

Your children are grown

One of the drawbacks with a living trust is that you cannot appoint guardianship to another individual for your children.  When your children are young, this can be deterring.  However, once they are grown up and wouldn’t need an appointed guardian this is inapplicable to you.

Everyones situation is different.  Please consult a licensed attorney to discuss which option is better for you and your family.

More Blog Posts?

HEALTHY HABITS AND TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS

HOW TO STAY POSITIVE WHILE CAREGIVING!

WHAT IS THE FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM?

Visit us on Instagram and Linked In

 

Top 10 Nursing Home Problems

Nursing home residents have seen improvements in the facilities over the last twenty years, since many of them were not up to par.  But, the concept of “nursing” and “home” is still not exactly portrayed.  Many believe the atmosphere and feeling is not that of a home which is originally what these facilities were designed to be like.  According to Dr. Simon Hamphret, one of the best practices a loved one can do is to show a regular presence.  This not only keeps you up to date on current situations, but also helps the staff build better connections.  Below is a list compiled of the ten largest issues residents and their families face.

1.  Letting the nurses dictate the care

While the ones who specialize in the this field do have the most medical knowledge, family members should have a large say in the care that is being provided.  This includes being active during the care taking plan.  You, as the family member, know the resident better than the staff.  Which means, there will be times when you know what is best and what your loved one would want in that situation.  We see this far too often.  The families leave the entire care decisions up to the administrators.

2.  Medicaid Recipients receive less care

Unfortunately, studies have proven that in many cases individuals who are self pay receive a higher level of care.  If a resident is on Medicaid that does not qualify for reduced care.  Yes, Medicaid does limit the amount of funds these nursing homes receive.  But, the administrative staff has elected to cooperate with Medicaid and therefore should not be bias based on financial situations.

3.  Resident eviction without proper notification

The law specifies there are six reasons a resident of a nursing home can be evicted.  Most of the time it is due to the need for a higher level of care.  This coincides with the first tip, maintain regular communication with staff.  If your loved one is in need of higher care, it is better to properly prepare for this rather than trying to scramble last minute.  Administrators will need to move the resident rather quickly if they feel the need for higher care is there.

4.  No dental care is provided

Dental care is extremely important to senior citizens.  A study done in 2012 found that 46% of nursing homes provide little to no dental care other than the daily routines.  Make sure you are discussing this with your provider prior to selecting the proper home.

5.  failue to provide necessary services

Every facilities is required to keep a detailed log on activities throughout the day.  This includes sleeping, eating, bathing, and every bathroom visit.  If special care is required, such as physical therapy, it will be written in the residents personal log.  Actively viewing the log will also act as a reminder for the staff to not make any short cuts when it comes to care.

6.  Visitation hours are strict

While facilities have visitation hours to help with the routines of residents and their staff, you should be making “unexpected” visits at various times.  Talk with your administrative staff about those visits outside of visiting times.  The law recognizes the right to access by visitors at any time.

7.  Commitment to arbitration

This one was presented to me by my good friend who is a lawyer.  During admission many places will want you to sign a commitment to arbitration shall any issue arise.  But why would you sign into arbitration before anything as even happened?  After twenty-six years experience he has stated, “arbitration is normally never there to benefit the residents.”  Now, every case is different and there are times it is there to help the residents, but do not agree to this during admission.

8.  improper prescription scheduling

Most of the prescriptions that are taken by seniors will label morning, mid-day or evening.  They also express the necessity of taking the meds at the same time each and everyday.  While 8am and 9am are still morning, that does not justify for the same time.  Also, staff may be eligible to provide mood relaxing medications if the resident becomes difficult for any reason.  Keep a close watch on anytime this is given!

9.  Excessive charges

Even though you may not be paying for the bill directly out of pocket, due to Medicaid and Insurance, you need to pay attention to what is being billed.  If there are charges being billed to your insurance company this can cause issues later in the year when premiums are maxed out.

10.  the love is not the same

While we try to provide for our loved ones the best we can when choosing a home, it will never be the same as the home the lived in for many years.  As nursing homes continue to fill due to the aging baby boomers, more and more will have the opportunity to age in place.  This could be the best decision ever made for your loved one!

More Blog Posts?

HEALTHY HABITS AND TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS

HOW TO STAY POSITIVE WHILE CAREGIVING!

WHAT IS THE FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM?

Visit us on Instagram and Linked In

 

Alzheimer’s Facts You Might Not Know About

9 Important alzheimer facts you should know

1.  What is alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than 5.5 million Americans, most of them age 65 or older, may have dementia caused by Alzheimer’s.

2.  Alzheimer’s is different than dementia

According to an article from Healthline, Dementia is a syndrome, not a disease.  Dementia is a group of symptoms that affects the mental cognitive tasks such as memory and reasoning. While dementia is an umbrella term that Alzheimer’s disease can fall under.  It occurs due to a variety of conditions, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s disease.

3.  How dementia and alzheimer’s can get diagnosed

The first function that people associate with this, is forgetfulness.  And while this may be the first sign a loved one will notice, there are a few other things to look out for.  To receive a diagnosis of dementia, you need to have your cognition change in two of the following six ways:

  • Complex Attention
  • Cognitive Functioning
  • Memory
  • Verbal and Non-verbal Language
  • Social Communication
  • Perception of Surroundings

4.  alzheimer’s can occur at any age

Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging.  The greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older.  However, alzheimer’s is not just a disease of that occurs during old age.  There are approximately 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 that have Alzheimer’s disease, which is also known as early-onset Alzheimer’s.

5.  exercise is known to delay the onset of dementia

A study conducted in Sweden included middle age women who were very active.  This included women still working jobs that required lots of physical movement and women who exercised at least five times per week.  Just 5% of the highly fit women in the study were diagnosed with dementia, compared with 25% for the average and 32% for the low-fitness groups.  Even for the 5% of highly fit women who received a diagnosis, they were diagnosed on average 9.5 years later.  That is incredible!

6.  The role of plaques and tangles

Not sure if you have ever heard of these terms before but they refer the structures inside the brain that are responsible for damaging the nerve cells.  Plaques are deposits of a protein fragment called beta-amyloid that build up in the spaces between nerve cells.  Tangles are twisted fibers of another protein called tau that build up inside cells.  Studies have shown that we develop some plaques and tangles as we age.  However, the amount that is developed during Alzheimer’s is far greater.

7.  the seven stages of alzheimer’s

There are currently seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease beginning with no apparent notice to a very severe decline.  Most doctors will refer to these stages in three parts.  Early, moderate and end are the most common.  By understanding the stages in a deeper meaning may help you with noticing symptoms in a loved one.  Dr. Barry Reisberg of New York has broken these stages down further to help with the understanding of the progression of the disease.

8.  alzheimer’s and genetics

While some scientists say there is no direct correlation between the disease being genetic, other experts are convinced the two correlate.  One gene in particular is of interest to researchers. Apolipoprotein E is a gene that has been linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s in adults.  Blood tests can determine if you have this gene, which could increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s.  Keep in mind that even if someone has this gene, they may not get Alzheimer’s.  The opposite is also true.  Somebody could still develop Alzheimer’s even if they don’t have the gene. There’s no way to tell for sure.

9.  Caregivers should seek help if needed

If a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, get help soon!  You do not have to do this alone. You will also be able to better support your loved one if you are able to take good care of yourself as well.  Many studies have shown the adverse effects of taking it all on your own.  Juniper provides support and guidance to both caregivers and recipients.  For more, please visit us juniperhomecare.com

More Blog Posts?

HEALTHY HABITS AND TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS

HOW TO STAY POSITIVE WHILE CAREGIVING!

WHAT IS THE FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM?

Visit us on Instagram and Linked In

 

When Is The Best Time To Collect Social Security?

Lately in the news and personally I have heard the questions, “When is the best time to collect Social Security?”  “How can I maximize the amount I can receive?”  “Will I get penalized if I collect or withdraw on it too early?”  Now, while there may not be an exact answer for everyone, since everyones situation is different, there sure are procedures you can follow that will help guide you to receiving the highest return that will also fit your needs.  Let’s take a look on how Social Security works first.

The basics of social security

Most people are eligible to start collecting at the age of 62.  But if you wait until your Full Retirement Age, which according to the Social Security Administration is 66, you will receive a much larger benefit.  Keep in mind that while 66 is your Full Retirement Age, you are able to wait until age 70 to collect.  I know that may sound confusing but in general your benefits continue to increase until age 70.  Then, the SSA requires you to start collecting.  In other words, collecting early provides a smaller payment over a longer period of time.  Collecting later will provide a larger payment over a shorter period of time.  Understanding the numbers behind collecting at certain ages is where you can really benefit from.

how the numbers work

A study conducted by Stanford University has identified a few conditions that conclude delaying to collect is the best when:

  • Interest Rates Are Low
  • Married Couples v Single Persons
  • Single Women v Single Men
  • Multiple Earning Couples

Currently interest rates are still at all time lows.  The reason why this makes it more beneficial to delay is because you will not be able to gain much, if any, from saving your collection yourself.  If interest rates were high it would be assumed that you could invest your collections and that interest would outnumber the benefits of waiting.  Married couples have the ability to collect ones earnings early to live off of and delay the others.  This helps if income is needed currently to help with living expenses.  Lastly, the benefit of being a single woman and delaying to collect is strictly based of the statistics that women have the tendency to outlive men.

What is your life expectancy?

According to the Social Security Administration, the typical 65-year-old today will live to age 83, one in four will live to age 90, and one in ten will live to 95.  While there are many other factors that influence this statistic to go in either direction, this is a baseline for you to determine where you may stand.  Below is a chart with an analysis that breaks down exactly where you stand with benefits as it relates to your age.  Meaning, if you delay to collect how long it takes for your benefits to start to increase your overall compensation.

social security benefits list

As you can see by the chart, delaying to collect can result in a large benefit increase.  While I am not a financial advisor nor a government official who works for the Social Security Administration, I do suggest that everyone take time to thoroughly discuss and go over your options with a licensed financial advisor.  This article is based off of statistics and research.

More Blog Posts?

HEALTHY HABITS AND TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS

HOW TO STAY POSITIVE WHILE CAREGIVING!

WHAT IS THE FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM?

Visit us on Instagram and Linked In

 

 

 

 

 

Seniors : How To Fight Allergies This Season

A survival guide to help combat allergies and aging

This spring so far has been definitely different than previous years.  The amount of rain that has fallen nationwide has increased by 37% from 2018.  You may think the rain will help pollen from becoming airborne and affecting us.  However, the plants and trees actually stop releasing pollen during downpours only to ramp up the release once the rain has stopped.  This has caused allergies to be much worse than seasons before.  An unfortunately, we know that allergies will affect babies and seniors much worse than adults.  Her are a few tips to help withstand the effects of allergies.

Last year i did not have allergies

First off, lets talk about the scenario of this being your first year with allergies.  As we age our bodies change.  What affected us previously may not affect us anymore and vice versa.  But, there are a few things that may cause allergies to flair up.

Medications – Certain prescriptions can exacerbate allergy symptoms in the elderly. For example, beta-blockers can worsen nasal stuffiness.

Diet – Some of our loved ones may be on a strict diet to help with cholesterol or high blood pressure.  The foods that we eat may trigger allergies to flair up or worsen.  Here is an article written by Everyday Health on the affects of food and allergies.

How to keep allergies at bay

While we all would love to make our allergies go away, that is not always possible.  But, there are instances that we can help the runny nose and itchy eyes.  First, let’s discuss the use of medication with seniors.  Allergy medications are what is known as anti-histamines.  A number of antihistamines that are often used to minimize the effects of allergies are not recommended for many seniors because they can increase blood pressure. Not only that, antihistamines can interact with other medications that you may be on, causing severe side effects such as dizziness, confusion, or drowsiness.  Please consult with your doctor or physician before use of any medication.  Here are some other ways that will help you with your allergies.

  • If you need fresh air, open your windows slightly when it is raining.  I know this may sound odd, but that is when pollen is at it’s lowest count.
  • Avoid going places outdoors when the grass in the area has been cut recently.  Mowing the lawn stirs up pollen that can remain airborne for 24 hours.
  • I know some of us still use the clothes line to dry clothes.  Keep your laundry indoors for the next few weeks, until the pollen subsides.
  • Avoid people who have colds.  This is a big one.  You may not feel sick but your body can be fighting off a cold.  When this happens your immune system is less resistant towards allergies and they will be worse during this time.
  • Change ALL air filters in the house.  Many of us think to change your air conditioning filter.  However, at night time your furnace is probably still running.  It did get down to 48 degrees last night.  Change your furnace air filter as well.

Any questions with senior living or how to help with the changing seasons feel free to reach out at anytime to

More Blog Posts?

HEALTHY HABITS AND TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS

HOW TO STAY POSITIVE WHILE CAREGIVING!

WHAT IS THE FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM?

Visit us on Instagram and Linked In