Senior day care is a growing means for the elder to be able to stay in their home longer or live with family members while not having them bear the entire burden for their care. It offers care givers the security of knowing that their loved one is being cared for during the day while they are working or just needing a break. Here is a detailed look at how senior day care works.

What Exactly Is Senior Day Care

Senior day care centers are a means to assist seniors and their care givers by providing a safe place for seniors to go during the day. These centers are a great resource offering senior’s companionship as well as supervision and care, most often during business week day hours. Some centers provide minimal health services while others offer complete treatment for even those seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, for example.

What Services Are Typically Offered At A Senior Day Care Center

Depending on the type of center and how extensive the care is they provide, there are usually an array of services that are offered including the following.

• Supervision with varying levels depending on the needs of the individual and the level of care provided at a particular center
• Activities for socializing with others
• Other recreational options including senior exercise classes
• Meals
• Educational courses
• Medication distribution and management throughout the day
• Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy
• Health screening
• Other types of medical care as needed and provided by the center.
• Transportation
• Personal care like bathing, shaving, etc.

Who Can Benefit From A Senior Day Care Center

It can be a difficult decision to place a family member or loved one in a senior day care center but at the same time it can give relief and reassurance to the caregiver(s). While many seniors can benefit from attending a senior day care here are some signs that you might want to consider one for your loved one:

• He/she is unable to care for themselves without assistance and the caregiver works during the day or needs a break during the day.
• He/she is not safe when left alone. They might be forgetful and leave the stove on for example or leave the home and wander and get lost.
• He/she is lacking in any social contact with others and could benefit from socialization and activities during the day and other options are not available or feasible.

What To Look For When choosing A Senior Day Care Center For Your Loved One

If you have decided to look into a senior day care center for your loved you will want to visit available centers and find out what services they offer to determine whether or not they will meet your needs. It is also a good idea to get reviews and referrals from others in your community who use the centers you are looking at. This will help you feel more comfortable leaving your loved one in the care of the center.

photo credit: Christiana Care

Growing more common ever year, burial insurance is a way for seniors to prepare for their death ahead of time. By not leaving the details and financial burden of the funeral to loved ones, seniors can rest easy knowing that everything is taken care of.

In grief over the loss of their loved one, families often spend more then they need to on funeral arrangements because they are making decisions based on emotion – purchasing a more expensive casket then needed, adding on extras to the service that aren’t necessary. With burial insurance and planning, some of these decisions can be made ahead of time and not left to the grieving family. Also, by having burial insurance the financial responsibility of the funeral doesn’t fall on the family.

There are several types of burial insurance and seniors can choose the plan that best fits their family’s needs. These vary from full planning to just monetary planning.

Cash Payout Plan

With a cash payout plan, the insured will choose a certain amount of coverage. They will pay in full or pay premiums up to the amount they want covered. With this plan the person generally doesn’t choose what types of services they want, they just plan to have money enough to cover funeral and burial costs. Upon the insured’s death, the family gets the money that was left in the burial insurance policy. The family then uses the money to plan the details of the service, from purchasing the casket to deciding on headstones and everything in between.

Prepayment Plan

The prepayment play allows the insured to plan every detail of their funeral and burial services. They choose their casket, they choose if they want music at the service, they pick their headstone, they plan their obituary and what papers it will run in. With the prepayment plan, the services are purchased ahead of time at today’s prices. The insured does not have to worry about inflation or the policy not having enough money in it. Everything is paid for in advance with the policy. This can help seniors know how much money they need in their policy because they are choosing exactly what will be used at their services and know exactly how much it will cost.

Insurance Plan

Paying into an insurance program has a lot of the same features as the prepayment plan in that the insured chooses what services and items they would like for their burial. They would meet with the funeral director and dictate their wishes for casket, service type, flowers and the like. However, in this case, they do not prepay for these services. They pay into their burial insurance plan and the money accumulates much like the cash payout plan. Upon their death their family is given the money and then they pay for the services that the deceased has chosen. Because the items are not purchased ahead of time, prices may increase over the years and the family might have to pay an additional balance to make up the difference.

photo credit: Nesster

If you are a baby boomer there is a pretty good chance that your eye site is not what it once was. Whether you need reading glasses, bifocals or any other type of prescription lens, buying glasses can be a pretty expensive shopping trip especially if you do not have insurance coverage.

Despite the cost, it is pretty important to make sure you take care of your eyes, including getting glasses so that you can see. The good news is that there are several ways that baby boomers can save money on their prescription eye glasses. Here is a look at some of the options you may want to consider.

Medicare/Health Insurance

Before looking for other options you will first want to check your Medicare and/or other insurance plan to see what is covered. While Medicare does not normally cover the cost for glasses they do cover the cost of an eye exam. As for any additional insurance you have you will need to check your policy to see what might be covered.

AARP Discounts

AARP offers their members a discount eye care program including the cost of glasses through Pearle Vision. The savings can be significant giving members a 30% discount on eye glasses including single vision, bifocal and trifocal lenses. They also offer a 20% discount on contact lenses and an additional saving on eye exams. Every baby boomer over the age of 50 can sign up for AARP for just $16.00 a year.

Ordering Glasses On The Internet

Another option when it comes to finding cheap, affordable eye glasses is to look on line. There are multiple websites available that sell eye glasses for a discount. Most sites are easy to search through and you will just need to have and enter your eye prescription including your PD (Papillary Distance between your pupils) number. You can then browse through frames that are available for your prescription.

It may help to try on frames before ordering on line so that you will know what you like and what looks best on you. As a word of caution, if you do decide to order on line make sure that you know the companies return policy in case the glasses do not fit when you receive them.

Do You Just Need Reading Glasses?

If you just need reading glasses then you may want to consider not getting prescription glasses at all. Reading glasses can be purchased very inexpensively today at drug stores, department stores and discount stores. The cost varies but you should not have too much difficulty in finding a pair of reading glasses for under $20.00.

Lions Club

Finally, if you are really strapped and truly cannot afford to pay for a pair of eye glasses you may be able to get a pair for free. Lions Club organizations across the country collect and recycle prescriptions eye glasses for people of all ages. Your best bet will be to contact your local Lions Club in your area and see if they participate and if they can help you get a pair of glasses for free.

photo credit: toto_ong

If you are part of the baby boom population are you concerned about dementia? If so, you are not alone as many baby boomers are at an age where dementia is a justifiable worry. In fact, many baby boomers are already suffering from the disease and knowing the signs for early detection can be critical in early intervention treatment. If you are a baby boomer or know someone who is, here are some of the top signs you will want to be aware of.

• Forgetfulness: While all of us do forget things from time to time, memory loss related to dementia is more prevalent and not just occasional.
• Difficulty with remembering everyday routines and activities. For example, forgetting regular appointments or other social gatherings you would normally attend.
• Difficulty performing everyday tasks. This might include not remembering that you have prepared something to cook or bake and then leaving the stove or the oven on.
• Declining ability to think clearly which can in some people create irrational behaviors that were not seen before.
• Difficulty with language. Many who suffer from dementia forget simple words which makes having a conversation with others difficult. They may interject words that do not fit into their conversations for ones they have forgotten.
• Confusion: Dementia sufferers can often seem confused or unsure of themselves.
• Changes in personality. Many times dementia sufferers can have sudden personality swings or it can be gradual over time. For example, someone who has always had a gentle personality may become mean and angry all the time.
• Getting Lost: Those who are suffering from dementia often get lost or lose their way driving or walking even in places that they are very familiar with.
• Mood swings: Having changes in ones mood is also a possible indication of dementia.
• Impaired judgment: Struggling with the ability to make good judgments is another possible indicator of dementia. For example, they may dress in a winter coat, hat and gloves on a sunny summer day or wear their pajamas out in public.
• Depression: Many dementia suffers struggle with depression and anxiety.
• Strange placement of personal belongings. Those suffering from dementia may leave their personal belongings in places that don’t make any sense. For example, they may put their hair dryer in the freezer or their dentures in the toaster oven.
• Decreased interest in hobbies and other previous activities. Those suffering from dementia may have a decreased interest in partaking in the hobbies and other activities they once loved.
• Making up stories: Some dementia suffers may make up stories to try to cover up things that they don’t remember.

What To Do If You Suspect Dementia

If you suspect you or someone you know is showing signs of dementia you should take action immediately. Being in denial or trying to hide symptoms will delay medical treatment which can be critical. Early detection and treatment for many baby boomers can slow down or delay memory loss and in some cases can even prevent it.

photo credit: The Pointe at Kilpatrick

If you are part of the baby boomer generation you need to be aware of the top common health issues to watch out for. Many health issues that affect this generation are preventable and getting a health physical each year to check for early signs of common diseases should be a priority. Here is a look at some of the most common health issues you will want to be tested for.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is something to watch out for. While anyone at any age can be affected by high blood pressure, as we age we are more prone to it. High blood pressure is most commonly found in those that suffer from obesity and can often be controlled through proper nutrition and exercise.

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is another disease that becomes more common as we age. High cholesterol is most often seen in those that suffer from obesity just like high blood pressure. In many cases it can be treated through exercise and a healthy diet.

Obesity

Obesity has been on the rise in all age groups including the baby boomer population. Obesity can cause numerous other health related issues including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, joint issues, bone issues and so much more.

Dementia/Alzheimer’s

Baby boomers are being affected in increasing numbers by dementia and memory loss. Knowing the early signs and seeking medical treatment right away can help slow or even stop dementia.

Osteoporosis

Bone loss, especially for women, is very common in the baby boomer generation. Osteoporosis related fractures can be very serious and some can even lead to death. Women especially need to make sure they take in adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D and female baby boomers should also receive a bone density test.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is another disease that as you age you are more likely to get. Many cases of type 2 diabetes can be completely prevented with a healthy lifestyle including proper nutrition and exercise.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is another health concern that baby boomers need to be aware of. Obesity again is a contributor.

Cancer

Many different types of cancers are more prevalent as we age especially if we have a family history of the disease or have other issues that could increase our chances of being diagnosed. Lung cancer is a concern especially for those baby boomer that smoke and other more prevalent cancers include breast and colon cancer.

Joint Issues

Many baby boomer face an increase in joint issues including such related disease like arthritis, tendonitis and more.

Stroke

Having a stroke is certainly another health concern that baby boomers face and again, a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent having one. Eating healthy, exercising and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption can all decrease your chances of suffering from a stroke.

Stress

Stress is also a concern for baby boomers. As this generation reaches retirement age, worries of not having enough funds to retire along with worries of helping their children and more can lead to undue stress.

photo credit: HelpAge

A lot of parents have a dilemma when it comes to whether or not they should help their children with buying their first home. They want to teach them about responsibility but they also want to help them get off to a good financial start. Parents often do not know which they should do. The best move is to help their children get into their home if they can afford to do so. Here are a few reasons why.

High down payment requirements

Buying a home today is no longer near as simple as it was a few years ago. You need to save up quite a big of money for a down payment. This makes it very difficult for a young professional to buy a home because it could take him years to save up enough to put down on a home. Parents could step in and give the down payment to their child which would make the dream of home ownership a lot easier.

Lowers the borrowing cost

It is also smart for parents to help children with the cost of home ownership because it will lower the amount of money that they need to borrow from the bank. This will lower the interest paid back to the bank and make it easier for a first homeowner to pay off the loan. A down payment from Mom and Dad will also increase the chances of the loan being approved since the loan amount will be lower.

Greater equity

Anyone who has done a home loan comparison recently knows that homes have dropped in value but they are still pretty costly. Most people that purchase a home have very little equity because they put so little down on the home. This can leave a homeowner underwater if prices take a turn south. Having the extra money from parents to put down on the home can greatly increase the equity that a young adult has in their new home.

Tough borrowing environment

It is much tougher to get a loan today than it was thirty or forty years ago and is not as simple as applying for health insurance due to the depressed markets. Many banks are not looking to lend money or take a chance on a young borrower. It helps to have the financial backing of an older established family member to help secure the loan. A parent can help a child secure a lower interest rate and more favorable loan terms because of their well established credit history

Many people look forward to their retirement years so they have more time to travel. Working generally limits the amount of vacation time, so it’s natural for people who enjoy traveling to look forward to their golden years, when they’re not limited to two weeks a year for vacationing. Unfortunately, many people reach retirement only to discover they can’t fulfill their travel dreams due to a lack of available money to do so. Here are some tips for traveling in retirement, from budgeting to medical and packing:

Include Budget Airlines in Your Search

The most popular travel search engines for flights will only include the largest airlines. Use travel search engines to compare prices of various flights that include all the budget airlines, as well. You may overpay for flights simply because you didn’t check the budget airlines.

Skip Airfare Completely

Better yet, take your time and travel slowly rather than booking flight after flight. Often, we’re all in a race to get from one place to another and see as much as we can in our limited vacation time. When traveling in retirement, you have the luxury of traveling more slowly. Visit one or two destinations at a time, and take some time to really explore every place you visit. You can get to know the people who live there, you can learn a new language, you can live as a local for a month or more, and avoid paying airfare from one destination to another as often.

If there are domestic destinations you want to explore in your travels, consider buying an RV. Taking your accommodations with you when you travel opens the door to thousands of dollars in savings over hotels.

Consider Your Medical Needs

As people age, there is often an increase in medical needs. If you are traveling, make sure you have enough medication to last your entire trip – and even a few extra doses in case you are delayed in your travels. If possible, research where you can get additional prescriptions while on the road. Keep in mind not all American health insurance will be accepted outside of the US, so if traveling abroad you’ll need to know what is covered and what to do if you become ill or injured outside the country.

Don’t Overpack

You want to figure out the fine line between being prepared and overpacking! You certainly don’t want to be dragging heavy luggage around, only to discover you didn’t wear half of what you brought with you! Research the climate for where you’re going and pack clothes that match the expected temperatures. Bring along one outfit for unseasonably warm or cooler weather than expected, but don’t try to bring your entire wardrobe in an effort to be prepared for anything!

Be on the Look Out for Bargains

If you plan ahead, you can safe money in all aspects of travel from transportation to food to entertainment. If you like to visit local attractions when you’ve arrived to your travel destination, keep in mind that all attractions that allow children will tend to be busier on weekends and school holidays, so you will often get a discount on school days and you’ll avoid the major crowds, too. Always ask for senior discounts – even if they are not advertised, many locations offer discounts or specials for seniors.

photo credit: Michael R. Swigart

This was sent to me and I just had to share it with fellow Boomers!!!

In the line at the store, the cashier told an older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment.

The woman apologized to him and explained, “We didn’t have the green thing back in my day.” The clerk responded, “That’s our problem today. Your generation didn’t care enough to save our environment.”

He was right — our generation didn’t have the green thing in its day.   

Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.

But we didn’t have the green thing back in our day.

We walked up stairs, because we didn’t have an escalator or elevator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.

But he was right. We didn’t have the green thing in our day.

Back then, we washed the baby’s diapers because we didn’t have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts of electricity — wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing.
But that young man is right; we didn’t have the green thing back in our day.

Back then, we had one TV or radio, in the house — not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief — remember them?, not a screen the size of the state of Montana . In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.
But he was right. We didn’t have the green thing in our day.
Back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

But he’s right; we didn’t have the green thing back then.
We drank from a fountain or the garden hose when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.

But we didn’t have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.

But isn’t it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn’t have the green thing back then?

Please share this with another selfish older person who needs a lesson in conservation from a smarta#? young person.

If you are of the baby boom era do you know that you are a prime target for financial scams? The aging baby boom population, due to their high asset value, seems to be the target these days for numerous scams that can really hit your pocket book. Baby boomers need to know what to look out for in order to protect their assets. Here is a peek at just a few of the top scams to watch out for.

Reverse Mortgage Fraud

A reverse mortgage is a home loan product that is designed to help elders remain in their home by taking out money against their homes value without having to make payments. While reverse mortgage products may sound like a great means to get needed cash in hand, if you do not work with a legitimate lender you could find yourself out thousands of dollars. Corrupt lenders have targeted the baby boomer population with reverse mortgage packages and found ways to pocket thousands of dollars of their loan money. Many of these scammers have also found ways to cash in before a loan deal has even been made asking for upfront money just to provide you with reverse mortgage information.

If you are considering a reverse mortgage you will want to make sure you choose a legitimate lender. A legitimate lender will require you to meet with a counselor who will thoroughly explain how their reverse mortgage program works and help you decide if it is really a program that is right for you.

Distress Scam

Another scam to watch out for is what has been commonly called the distress scam. This scam again targets seniors and plays at their heart strings. The person being “played” will receive a phone call from an individual who claims they are a relative or a friend who is in trouble and needs cash right away. The scammer will sound desperate and may use the line that they were robbed while traveling and lost everything from their cash to credit cards, airline tickets, etc. Another typical scam artist caller might be from someone claiming to be a grandchild who has been arrested and is in the need of bail money. The caller can be sneaky saying, “hi grandma do you know who this is? This is your oldest grandson or granddaughter.” Names are not usually mentioned.

You should never send money for either of these scams. If you are concerned the call might be legitimate call other family members to validate the information.

The Jury Duty Scam

The jury duty scam is another one to watch out for. The scammer will call the senior claiming to be from the courts. The receiver of the call will be told that there is a warrant out for their arrest for failing to show up for jury duty. The scammer will let them know that they don’t want to see this happen and will remove the warrant after they have verified information. The senior will then be asked for their address and other personal information including their social security number. The caller has now stolen the senior’s identity.

The above listed scams really just touch the surface. Seniors are also prone to home robberies, sweepstake scams, insurance fraud, investment fraud and so much more. Your best defense is to be aware that you are a target and to be careful. Never give your money or personal information to anyone without taking the time to verify where your information or money is going.

photo credit: secretagent007

If you are a senior did you know that you may be able to get your prescriptions for a discount if you order them on line? The cost of health care and especially prescription drugs can be financially straining for seniors and every little bit that you can save is certainly helpful. Here is a look at how you can save money by ordering your prescriptions on line and some great tips to help you find an on life pharmacy that will work for you.

How Can Ordering My Prescriptions On Line Save Me Money?

Ordering your prescriptions over the internet not only save you money but can also be a huge convenience. Here is a look at how the savings works.

• Easy price comparing. With some quick internet searches you can easily compare prices of the prescriptions you need from multiple on line pharmacies. There are even websites available that will help you compare like pharmacychecker.com.
• You can buy in bulk. When you order on line you very often will be able to purchase a three month supply of the medications you need, often saving you even more.
• Insurance premium savings: Many times if the cost of your prescriptions is covered or even partly covered by your insurance plan you can receive a discount in your co-pay for your medications from your insurance company.
• Additional resources. On line pharmacies use additional resources when it comes to delivering your prescription drugs which can help to keep the cost down. You may find for example that using a legitimate on line Canadian or other country’s pharmacy can save you even more.

How Do I Find An On Line Pharmacy That Is Right For Me?

You will certainly want to do some comparing before you decide what pharmacy to go with. Here are some tips on what to look for.

• Most importantly make sure you look for a reputable and credited pharmacy.
• Look for a pharmacy that offers you competitive pricing.
• Find a pharmacy that will accept your insurance plan if applicable.
• Look for a pharmacy that offers easy refills and possibly email reminders to let you know that it is time to reorder.
• You may want to look for a pharmacy that offers a service where you can speak to a pharmacist if you had any questions or concerns about the medications you are taking.
• You may want to consider an on line pharmacy that offers additional services and resources like information on how to stay healthy and more.

What Else Do I Need To Know?

While using an on line pharmacy does have many benefits you will want to take some precautions while choosing one to order from.

• Make sure the pharmacy you choose is licensed.
• Make sure the pharmacy you choose requires a prescription from your physician.
• Make sure the pharmacy you choose will guarantee confidentiality and your right to privacy.
• Make sure that you can verify the pharmacy with a legitimate address and phone number. It is a good idea to personally call the pharmacy before placing your first order.

photo credit: giao2k6