From the Social Security Administration: “Recognize the four basic signs of a scam: Scammers pretend to be from a familiar organization or agency, like the Social Security Administration. They may email attachments with official-looking logos, seals, signatures, or pictures of…
How TLC Makes You Sick
Caring for loved ones can be as challenging as it is rewarding. The physical, mental, and emotional toll on caregivers is more extreme than caregivers generally expect. This 30 May 2004 Newsweek article “How TLC Makes You Sick” outlines the…
The Care-Giver’s Self-Care Reality Check
It is necessary: To take care of myself. This is not an act of selfishness, even though it may feel like it. In the long run, it will give me the strength that my loved one needs in a caretaker.…
Communication Tips
Never argue; instead agree. Never reason; instead divert. Never shame; instead distract. Never lecture; instead reassure. Never force; instead reinforce. Never say “Do you remember?” instead, say “I remember…” Never say “I told you;” instead, repeat. Never say “You can’t;”…
Battling the Insurance System
This Washington Post article reports the struggles that one cancer patient had to receive desperately needed treatment while battling the insurance system. Beware Co-pay accumulators and maximizers, and Pharmacy Benefit Managers. They are not on your side.
Financial Challenges of Recently Widowed Adults
The death of a spouse can result in many overwhelming challenges, including those that involve finances. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office for Older Americans has gathered information that may be useful, including an overview of financial struggles that widows…
The Medicare Advantage Plan
Medicare Advantage has increasingly been terminating coverage for Skilled Nursing Facilities. The Center for Medicare Advocacy has some tips on how to appeal such denials, including instructions on how to file a Grievance against the Medicare Advantage Plan.
Don’t Fall for Tech Support Scams
Technology and the internet have quickly become a part of daily life. The benefits of technology and the internet are many. It also crucial to be aware of the countless dangers that come with cyberspace, including tech support scams that…
Falling: Risk Factors & Preventative Measures
The consequences of falling can be quite serious. This article discusses risks to avoid, and preventive measures to save you from suffering the consequences of a fall.
Nursing Homes Suing Resident Friends and Family
Nursing homes throughout the nation have been aggressively suing residents, resident family members, and resident friends, for unpaid bills. Often, the family or friends of the resident have no legal authority over resident funds, yet find themselves being sued for…