Thursday, September 29, 2011

Medication Safety: Keep it Bright

As we age, our eyes change. We may need glasses to read, cataracts may form or other issues arise. We are also more likely to be taking medication for a long term health issue. It is not uncommon for someone to be taking several medications several times a day. In order to be sure that we are taking the correct medication at the correct time we need to be able to identify the bottles when we go to take our medications. One of the best things to be done is to be sure that the area is well lit. If the medications are moved from the bottles from the pharmacy to a pill case, be sure to fill the pill case in a well lit location.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Trust But Verify

Everyone who is old enough to vote is old enough to have a will. Power of Attorney documents should also be set up at the same time as well as Advance Directives. These should all be reviewed every 5 years or so or when there is a significant change in circumstances.
What sometimes happens is that sometimes there is family strife and seniors may be told that Person A is now in charge of the money and medical decisions. Don't take this at face value. Insist on seeing the documents in question and verify the signatures. Bear in mind that a document is not enforceable if the person signing away rights is not competent to do so. If your estranged relative has signed over control of finances to someone after they have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's challenge the documents through your attorney. This is especially important if you feel that this person does not have your best interests in mind.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Gift or Not to Gift

Keep in mind that when we are retired, there is no easy way to replenish the money in our accounts. We are not working or any work we do perform is often poorly paid. It is therefore a bad idea to gift our children or grandchildren with large sums of money. Even making a loan is chancy.
One thing that may not come to mind is that if you were to need to apply to Medicaid for assistance there may be consequences to giving money to family members. Many states will look at your monthly income, your resources and how you have spent your money for the last number of years. In New Jersey, the look back at spending patterns is five years. If you have given money away, it will delay your ability to receive assistance.
This will also apply to your house. You may sell it to a child or family member but do not just sign it over in an attempt to continue to live there.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Medications and the Granny effect

There has been a recent rise in the number of children being seen the Emergency Room for accidental poisoning. Children have been known to take prescription pills, thinking that they are candy. They come in such an array of pretty colors after all. One of the reasons that children find medications and take them inappropriately is the "Granny effect."
When grandparents come to visit they will naturally bring their medications. Often there will not be a particular place to store the medications out of the reach of children and the medications may be in a pill dispenser case and not in a child proof container. Older adults often receive their medications in non-child proof containers because child proof can also mean senior proof as well.
Remember to find a place for visiting grandparents to store their medications safely out of the reach of little hands.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Dating and the Aging Mother

There is a commercial being aired in some markets in which a mature gentleman calls for his date. The woman's son answers the door and is very concerned as his mother and her date "lay rubber" as they leave the house. This is of course a dramatization but it makes an excellent point. Single Seniors are perfectly capable of enjoying the dating scene just as they were when they were younger. Be prepared to see this happen and do what you can to support them in establishing these relationships.
Another point to keep in mind, if you are introducing your relative to someone new, keep in mind their respective mental/emotional ages. I have a friend who has been introduced to several very nice women who are 10 to 15 years older than him, in their outlook on life. He has had the good fortune to meet a lady who is his age as it refers to his outlook on life. He met this lady incidentally through a friend and as a part of his usual social activity.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Taking Care of Yourself While Helping Your Aging Relatives

It is not uncommon to find people caring for aging relatives while they are trying to prepare for their own retirement or even when they are retired themselves. It takes thought, planning and ingenuity to manage to continue to accumulate money for your own retirement while you are in the position of helping your relatives. It is not news that the longer someone is retired, the greater the influence of inflation. We sometimes find that we need to provide financial support and this needs to be approached carefully.
Whenever possible, look for a low cost or free means of providing support. Check with insurance carriers to be sure which goods or services are covered under the policy. Also verify what pre-certification is needed and what documentation  is required. (receipts, doctor's order, etc)  If there is a need for home modification and money is tight, try the local carpenter's union. There may be an apprentice who can do the work for a smaller fee as a part of what needs to be learned to become a journeyman. Also, check with trade schools for students who need a project.
Remember that there is always more than one way to accomplish a task.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Keeping up with medication changes

You will often hear healthcare providers and folks in the media reminding people that they need to take medications as they are prescribed. It is important to take medications as frequently as they are ordered, at the right time and in the right amount. One thing they don't mention very often is when to stop taking a medication.
When you or your loved one are talking with the doctor at a routine visit or as you are being discharged from the hospital or ER be sure that you listen very carefully to the instructions. It is a good idea to repeat what the doctor has told you to be sure you have understood accurately. Also, verify if you are to stop taking any of the medications you are already using. Also, if you are to stop taking a particular medication, when should you start taking that medication again if at all.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Scam Alert for the Aging

There is an article in the newest AARP magazine regarding changes in scams and who is doing the scamming. Historically, the aging population has been a prime target for scam artists. We have resources and we want to be helpful. Also, there are some physical changes that alter our ability to process and evaluate situations. Now there is a trend to aging persons being the scam artists. We all need to be aware and wary of unscrupulous people.
Two important things to keep in mind: no one can guarantee a return on investment greater than the market average and all investment goes hand in hand with risk. If the sales person is making these kinds of claims, head for the door.
It is also good to keep in mind that you should never put all of your money in one fund in the market. Only risk what you are able to afford to lose. If you are already retired, move investments to low risk areas.