The supplemental poverty measure, a new alternative to measure senior poverty, takes government programs into account when determining poverty levels and breaks down how each government program affects the poverty rate. According to the supplemental poverty measure, approximately one in four seniors are living in poverty in Washington, D.C. and one in five seniors are living in poverty in California, Hawaii, Louisiana, Nevada, Georgia, and New York. Read the Kaiser Family Foundation report. Read a Washington Post article on the report. Related articles Nearly 1-in-5 seniors who are hospitalized return to the hospital within 30 days.
The Department of Health and Human Services finds– nursing homes across the Nation are not meeting regulations. An investigation found nearly half of all facilities are not meeting care requirements. So, it begs the questions– how can you make sure your elderly loved ones are safe? For instance, at the Quail Creek Nursing and Rehab Center. Workers were caught on camera, abusing a patient– slapping her in the face with latex gloves and shoving them in her mouth. Whether you choose in-home care or a nursing facility, ask questions that will help you find the safest option: Ask about hiring…
The harshest impact will be on seniors who rely on federal programs to keep fed, stay warm (or cool), perform basic tasks like dressing and bathing, and keep in contact with the outside world. Senior nutrition programs like Meals on Wheels face cuts resulting in 18.6 million fewer congregate and home-delivered meals, according to Amy Gotwals, senior director of public policy and advocacy at the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Meanwhile, an estimated 400,000 households will be severed from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which assists low-income seniors and other households with their heating and cooling bills….
As a consequence of congressional gridlock, $85 billion in automatic, across-the-board spending cuts are starting to take effect. We’ve heard the dire warnings about the impact: air travel delays, 70,000 children forced out of Head Start, cutbacks in food inspections, understaffed fire departments, 700,000 fewer jobs created . . . the list goes on. How will programs that seniors rely on be affected? The good news is that big chunks of the budget are exempt from the sequester’s cuts, including Social Security, Medicaid, and veterans’ programs. But while there will be no change in benefits for these programs, the federal workforce…
Elders don’t want to bother their children and will often hide what’s happening — even when they know they need help. Here are some telltale signs: Is there clutter? Is mail piling up or are science projects growing in the refrigerator? Has the wash been done or is clothing stained with more than pumpkin pie? Do simpler tasks seem confusing? Is your loved one losing weight? Is there paranoia about friends and neighbors? Are you afraid to drive with your grandparents? Have you noticed recent dents in their car? Have bills…
According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in every three adults 65 or older falls each year, which can lead to serious injuries, such as hip fractures and head traumas, causing more drastic senior care needs. Among this age group, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death. Here are some tips for creating a safer home environment and preventing future falls: GET A CHECK-UP Fortunately, falls are preventable. If your senior has recently become a bit unsteady, make sure their doctor gives them a full physical evaluation to rule out any medical issues. For instance, low blood pressure…
The new voter ID laws that are being passed in a number of states may be disenfranchising many senior voters. The laws, purportedly enacted to prevent voter fraud, require voters to have a government-issued photo identification card — something nearly one in five seniors lack, according to a study. Voter ID card laws have been generating a lot of controversy this election year. Over the past year and a half, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee have enacted voter ID laws. Meanwhile, the U.S. Justice Department has put laws in Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas on hold, and a federal…
The considerations are much different for an older couple with adult children and retirement plans than for a young couple just starting out. Before deciding whether to get married or just live together, you need to look at your estate plan, your Social Security benefits, and your potential long-term care needs, among other things. Whatever you decide to do, you may want to consult a lawyer to make sure your wishes will be carried out. Here are some things to think about: Estate Planning. Getting married can have a big effect on your estate plan. Even if you don't include…
According to the Federal Highway Administration, drivers over the age of 70 cause more vehicular deaths than every other age group, except for drivers under the age of 20. Clearly there is a need to be attentive to the driving abilities of our aging friends or family. What should you do if you feel you need to take the keys for the safety of your loved one and for the safety of others? Driving is so closely connected to a feeling of independence and freedom, even broaching the subject can be highly emotional. It will help to have other options…
Depression is a common problem in seniors, but it is rarely diagnosed. Even though those over the age of 65 account for 16 to 25 percent of all suicides in the country, there is very little treatment or services geared towards seniors. How can you make sure your aging parent isn’t in danger? Some Common Causes of Senior Depression Adapting to a move from home to an apartment or retirement facility. Chronic pain. Feelings of isolation or loneliness as children move away and their spouse and close friends die. Loss of independence (problems getting around, caring…
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