July 20, 2015 | by the NCPC
As in any area of consumer spending, knowing what to look for and what strategies to use in arranging for paid care services can often result in saving money. Some strategies such as Medicaid planning allow for preserving the home or relieving the pressure of spending retirement savings. Oftentimes a strategy will provide tax advantages as well.
A person facing the prospect of long-term care with moderate income and moderate savings may eventually have to rely on Medicaid to pay part or all of the cost of care. For instance someone making $2,000 a month ...... Read More
Enlighten Your Season: Advice for Caregivers of the Elderly
December 16, 2016 | by Lynda Neuenschwander, NCPC
Taking care of elderly loved ones can be very exhausting, especially during the holidays. Care.com talks about things to help lighten the load during the busy season, like decreasing amounts of gifts, taking breaks, and exercising, while talk-early-talk-often.com encourages one to "unplan" the holiday to make room for some true relaxation and memory making. Agingcare.com talks of reducing loneliness for the elderly in your life and gives tips to enhance their experience, while easylivingfl.com promotes being realistic a ...... Read More
Avoiding Slips and Falls In Bad Weather
January 7, 2015 | by Valerie Michel Buck
Cold weather can bring more than just a white Christmas. It also brings a number of hazards which can cause slips and falls. Here are some ways to avoid slips and falls.
Footwear
Wearing proper footwear is an easy way to prevent slipping.
Flat Surfaces
Parking and walking on flat surfaces can help prevent slipping. Avoid parking or walking on an angle if possible.
Textured Surfaces
Textured surfaces may harbor ice without making it too slippery for the person walking on it.
Handrails
Walking near handrails indicates you are on a walking p ...... Read More
What is the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease?
February 6, 2015 | by National Care Planning Council
Understanding the differences between Alzheimer's and dementia can be confusing. The terms and definitions of these conditions are frequently thought to be interchangeable as patients, families and caregivers come to believe that one simply means the other. Doctors and other healthcare professionals have even been known to contribute to this confusion as they tend to prefer using the word "dementia" when "Alzheimer's Disease" (AD) is the appropriate diagnosis. "Dementia" simply sounds less frightening.
According to the National Ins ...... Read More
Life Insurance and Life Settlements
February 23, 2015 | by Valerie Michel Buck
Understanding the various types of Life Insurance policies can be a daunting but a little bit of education can go a long way. Life Insurance can be a great way to make sure your expenses and family are covered if you pass away.
Two Different Types of Insurance
Term Life Insurance
Term Life Insurance provides protection for a specified period of time at an affordable cost. Most term life insurance requires no medical exam. Term Life Insurance does not build cash value and coverage ends when policy expires and premiums may increa ...... Read More
Caring for Your Grandchildren
April 10, 2014 - By the NCPC
Author: Valerie Buck
It may be hard enough getting older and adjusting to whatever life brings your way, in addition you may be raising one or even a few of those who are younger than yourself, whether they be children, grandchildren, or even great grandchildren.
According to the State Bar of California, 7 million children in the United States live under a grandparent's care. [i] Besides many legal complications you may face in raising and taking care of your younger loved ones there are many questions you may have faced when with raising grandchildren. ...... Read More
Guide to Long Term Care Planning
July 30, 2014 | by Thomas Day
Family Caregiving for the Aged
Aging seniors and their family caregivers often become overwhelmed by the myriad of issues they face as their health declines and they lose their ability to remain independent. Losing independence generally happens gradually, but can come quickly without warning.
When health declines, less serious needs generally arise first. These may include maintaining a household, preparing meals, shopping, paying bills, visiting the doctor, and managing medications properly. Generally, these needs are met by the spouse, adult children, ...... Read More
Growing Problem Facing Seniors: Reduced Spending Power
May 6, 2014 - By the NCPC
Author: Thomas Day
According to a survey released in May 2013 by The Senior Citizens League, seniors have lost 31% of their buying power since 2000. Larry Hyland, president of the organization, explains that "this survey illustrates why budget proposals that would cut the growth of Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) for Social Security would put millions of older and disabled Americans at risk of insufficient income to cover more growing expenses," ... "to put it in perspective, for every $100 worth of expenses seniors could afford in 2000, they can afford just ...... Read More
10 Tips to Keep in Mind While Helping Aging Parents
August 25, 2014 | by Valerie Buck
1. Getting old is financially scary
No matter how much money one may have, thinking about covering the expenses associated with aging or dealing with the unknown can be extremely scary. What if your elderly parent doesn't have enough insurance or savings to pay for long term care or a terminal illness such as cancer? Talking to a qualified professional to make sure any possible expenses are covered can be vital. If you need help finding retirement or eldercare services, the National Care Planning Council provides a free referral service of vari ...... Read More
Understanding the Issues Facing Aging Seniors
June 25, 2014 | by Thomas Day, Director
Book: How to Deal with 21 Critical Issues Facing Aging Seniors (2014)
Aging seniors are often confounded by the complexity of issues they face. This book takes a comprehensive approach to provide solutions to the many challenges that face the elderly.
310 pages | More about the Book
This article was produced from excerpts of the NCPC's new book How to Deal with 21 Critical Issues Facing Aging Seniors.
The Portion of Our Lifetime Where the Final Years Are in Sight
In this article we will use the term "aging seniors" and "final years of l ...... Read More
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