August 13, 2013 - By the NCPC
Author: National Care Planning Council
The United States is experiencing a remarkable increase in the number of people who live to an old age. Our older population (people 65 years or older) numbered nearly 40 million in 2009 (latest year of available data). These folks represent one in every eight Americans, or 13% of the population. By 2030, it is projected that the U.S will be home to more than 72 million people age 65 and older.
This astonishing increase is largely a result of medical and health care advancements that simply allow people to live lo ...... Read More
Leaving This World Alone (Loneliness among the Elderly)
September 9, 2013 - By the NCPC
Author: Elizabeth Leatham
James A. Froude said, "We enter the world alone, we leave the world alone." There is no feeling more horrible than the loneliness one feels in the unsettling quiet of an empty house. For many elderly, it seems that aging accompanies loneliness as children leave and spouses pass on. Though many children devote years of their lives to care for their elderly parents, others abandon them to solitude.
A French article translates to read, "Elderly people who are deprived of the warmth of human contact are at the risk of turning in ...... Read More
Dying with Debt
December 6, 2012 - By the NCPC
Author: National Care Planning Council
At some point in our lives we may ask ourselves: "If I die and have debt, who or what will be responsible for paying back those I owe?"
The laws regarding debt after death are defined by each state so there isn’t a single answer to the question above for everyone. On most occasions, the only time a family member would be responsible for your debt is if they cosigned a loan with you. People generally do not inherit another person's debt.
When we die, a new entity emerges, called our estate. An “Estate” repr ...... Read More
Life Resource Planning Meets Needs Beyond Retirement
January 8, 2013 - By the NCPC
Seniors are the fastest growing segment of the population, not only in the United States, but in the world. Currently, individuals age 65 and over represent 13% of the U. S. population - about 41 million people - but this will grow to 20% -- 88 million -- in just a matter of 38 years. Seniors also control a great deal of the wealth in this country. (USNews)
Even though many seniors have put together financial plans or completed retirement planning, very few have a plan in place for later life needs.
Most healthy, active seniors ignore this type of planni ...... Read More
Family Matters
February 4, 2013 - By the NCPC
The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy states that "more than ever before, families are providing long-term care to older adults with limitations in the ability to perform tasks necessary for independent living. Nearly 25% of American households are providing care to people age 50 years and over. Families are the alternative foundation for a stressed healthcare system. Hospital stays are shorter than ever and family caregivers are often expected to do what healthcare professionals once did."
Family caregivers take over variou ...... Read More
Social Security – A Safety Net for Retired Americans, their Survivors, and the Disabled
June 5, 2013 - By the NCPC
Author: National Care Planning Council
Our council is dedicated to helping families recognize the need for long term care planning and to help implement that planning. All elderly people, regardless of current health, should plan for the myriad of financial events and challenges they might face. Social Security retirement benefits alone will not adequately help us meet these challenges; however, the program itself, how it is funded, and how the payouts work must be understood by every retiree.
About Social Security
Social Security can act as a financial sa ...... Read More
Healthy Aging – Physically, Mentally and Financially
September 10, 2012 - By the NCPC
The month of September brings a welcome relief from the hot summer days. Cool breezes and colorful foliage appearing on the trees entice one to walk and bask in healthy fresh air.
September has also been designated as “Healthy Aging Month” with encouragement to seniors to renew their attitudes towards better eating, exercise, and mental stability. With the nation's senior population growing there is more focus on programs to help seniors remain healthy and active as they age physically, mentally and emotionally.
WebMD's online magazine's feature ...... Read More
Invisible Heroes
November 13, 2012 - By the NCPC
They live in your city, perhaps on your street or even next door.
They serve with courage, perseverance, patience and love. Some give 24 hours a day, with days blending into weeks, months and years.
They are family caregivers; heroes quietly caring for loved ones at home.
There are over 66 million family caregivers in the United States, taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia or who have physical inabilities. The overwhelming responsibility can be very difficult and emotionally wearing on the caregiver. Without some type of support the ...... Read More
Will the Government Pay for My Long Term Care?
April 12, 2012
A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says that "people who reach age 65 will likely have a 40 percent chance of entering a nursing home. About 10 percent of the people who enter a nursing home will stay there five years or more. This year, about nine million men and women over the age of 65 will need eldercare. By 2020, 12 million older Americans will need eldercare. Most will be cared for at home; with family and friends as the sole caregivers for 70 percent of the elderly". Medicare.gov
A new population of seniors and those near ...... Read More
A Cheaper Alternative for Respite (Adult Day Care)
June 6, 2012 - By the NCPC
Author: Elizabeth Leatham
Since the downturn of the economy, costs for health care have been on the rise. According to a 2011 market survey of long-term care costs, the national average daily rate for a private room in a nursing home rose 4.4% last year from $229 in 2010 to $239 in 2011. Similarly, the national average monthly base rate in an assisted living community rose 5.6% from $3,293 in 2010 to $3,477 in 2011.
These rising costs are frightening to many young caregivers who are trying to find the best way to care for their loved one. If your love ...... Read More
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