Sales calls and personal visits to affluent senior retirement communities occur on a daily basis. One company, the International Banking Group, recently has undergone scrutiny for trying to sell high return investments to seniors. Senior caregivers can give their seniors advice and cautions to make sure no schemes touch the senior’s pocketbook.

• If it sounds too good to be true it probably is— One of the best questions a senior can ask is simply about the investment itself, questioning if the broker or product is registered with the state or national regulatory authorities. Be cautious of broker claims that their certificates of deposit (CDs) earn above average interest rates. Many companies trying to scam seniors will say the pay will yield much higher rates of return than normal.

• Be extremely skeptical of salespeople—Scammers target seniors by going door-to-door or pestering them with phone calls.

• Research, research, research—Check the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission’s list found at www.sec.gov/investor/oiepauselist.htm of unregistered entities with consumer complaints. Also, make sure you do not agree to an investment without consulting family and friends.

• If you have been scammed, all is not lost—Financial crimes against seniors often go under reported, with seniors feeling ashamed or they do not know where to report the company. To file a complaint against a broker or firm, visit www.finra.org/complaint. Read about a seller’s background, at www.SaveandInvest.org or call 888-295-7422. For more on brokers or firms, call 800-289-9999 or log onto www.finra.org/brokercheck.

Source: ConsumerAffairs.com

Image Source: sxc.hu

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

Many Austin seniors love to garden, but few have the space to plant a traditional outdoor garden unless they live in a stand alone family home. Seniors who still want to receive the benefits of gardening in an apartment or nursing home can do so by giving container gardening a try. Here are some tips to get started:

1. Get the right sized container – purchase containers or consider saving things from your recycling. All you need to do is punch a few holes in the bottom of the container to make it suitable for planting. Most vegetables require larger containers, although you might be able to use a recycled container the size of a large yogurt container for herbs, leaf lettuce, spinach and radishes

2. Use a good quality soil – purchase a high-quality potting soil or top soil in order to keep your container garden free of weeds.

3. Following planting instructions – if you’re planting vegetable plants or others which are already grown, place a little bit of soil at the bottom of the pot, remove the plant from its existing container and fill in any remaining space with the potting soil. When planting seeds, fill the pot completely with soil and follow directions for spacing

4. Care for as directed – put your pots in an area that will be the right temperature and have exposure to sunlight as directed. Water according to instructions.

Via: AFB Senior Site

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

Many Austin seniors dream of the day that they reach their mid-60s so they can retire on a beach, spend more time with family, or pursue the many hobbies that they haven’t had time to take up earlier in life. However, some seniors, like 92 year old Erma Paliani are finding that retirement just isn’t in their cards and here’s why:

• While the average age to claim Social Security Benefits is 63.9, many need additional income on top of it to be able to afford basic aspects of daily living, like housing and food

• Many seniors would love to retire and just focus on their family and relaxing, but based on the numbers of seniors aged 65 and older which are rising higher than ever before, this isn’t a reality for everyone. The number of older works, aged 80+ has had the most substantial increase at 67% to 500,000 Americans

• With people living longer, money doesn’t go as far as it used to, and as time goes on this might increase even more, keeping more and more seniors in the workforce longer than planned

• Government benefits, which were initially defined in 1940 certainly weren’t designed to support 30 or more years of retirement, which means seniors need a fairly substantial nest egg to make it through

Via: AARP

Image: elements4health.com

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

Older adults deal with a lot of things on a daily basis that can cause depression and anxiety. Getting older isn’t easy when friends and family members around the same age start to get sick and pass away, or when they’re dealing with their declining health. If you see signs as a family caregiver or family member that your older loved one doesn’t seem happy, here are 6 ways that you can help to lift their spirits:

1. Encourage physical activity – exercise releases hormones which can help stave off depression. Instead of sitting around at home during a visit with a senior, go out for a walk or pick another activity that’s well suited to the senior’s physical capabilities.
2. Create social situations – the best way to boost senior morale and prevent loneliness is to get them involved in social situations. Invite your senior to a party or encourage them to join a social activity.
3.  Help maintain a healthy diet – studies have proven that a well-balanced diet can prevent depression, so keep your senior’s fridge well stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables.
4. Offer support – if your efforts just don’t seem to boost your senior’s morale or they continue to struggle with elderly depression, make sure they know you are willing to listen to anything on their mind. If they aren’t comfortable talking with a friend or family member, encourage them to speak with a counselor or join a support group for seniors.
5. Encourage their hobbies – while some seniors may withdraw from activities they enjoy, encourage your senior to keep them up or find some new things that interest him/her.
6. Improve the living space – if your senior spends a lot of time in his/her home, even if it’s in an assisted living facility, personalize the space to help them feel comfortable. Photos, décor in their favorite colors and other personal comforts will help seniors feel like they belong there!

Sources:

1. Senior Journal: Kara Gavin
2. Everyday Health

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

Are you a senior who’s been told that they need to increase the amount of physical fitness in their life who believes it’s too late for you to start because you’re just too old? Think again. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve never exercised before, or if health issues or mobility effect how you think you should be exercising; Silver Sneakers fitness has a fitness center near your Austin home, and they can meet the unique needs of seniors who are willing and ready to get active.

The fitness centers for seniors which are across America, are free to seniors who have Medicare or Medicare supplement plans, making it easier for Austin seniors to start exercising; so if finances have been standing in your way of getting fit, that can no longer be used as an excuse.

Each fitness center has the following fitness facilities available to all elderly members:

• Exercise equipment
• Pool
• Sauna
• Conditioning classes
• Classes designed specifically with the physical needs of older adults in mind to improve strength, flexibility, balance and endurance
• Educational seminars on healthy eating and physical fitness in older adulthood

Sources:

1. Silver Sneakers
2. Suite101

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

When choosing an Austin home care agency to provide care for an aging loved one, it’s important that families know exactly what they’re getting themselves into. There are a significant number of agencies out there that can place senior care specialists in the home of a senior, and they come at all price points. However, don’t be fooled by some of the home care agencies that promise the world at a lower price, because you’ll encounter more complications than its worth in many cases that can compromise the level of care received by your loved one.

Many home care registries operate in Austin and around the country; but they’re not to be confused with licensed home care agencies. These home care registries hire their senior care specialists as private contractors rather than employees which can be convoluted when it comes to dealing with the taxes and legalities surrounding hiring a caregiver from a registry. While some of these home care organizations charge less strictly for connecting families with caregivers, families may be responsible for paying taxes, workman’s compensation and other aspects. Some home care registries do cover these costs, but since caregivers under their wing are licensed contractors only, there can be some serious legal and financial repercussions which can drain the family of all resources if a workman’s compensation claim is made after the caregiver has had an accident or injury on the job.

By hiring a caregiver from a licensed home care agency like Home Instead Senior Care, all caregivers are employees of the company, categorized as “nurses and other healthcare workers who travel”. Based on this categorization, fees might be higher, but Home Instead takes care of all of the dirty work; paying all taxes and fees, with no repercussions to the senior’s family should the caregiver have an accident.

It may be tempting during times of financial crisis to pinch pennies in all areas of life, but when it comes to senior home care, you get what you pay for; so if you want quality care with no legal ramifications, go with a licensed home care agency, and you’ll have no regrets.

Sources:

1. Gilbert Guide

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

2009’s Economic Stimulus Plan brings both good and bad news for senior Americans. While some of the bills President Obama is hoping to have passed by the senate do benefit seniors’ financial needs; there are advocates who fear that the provisions might hurt Social Security benefits and healthcare long-term. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), recently passed by the House, does includes some senior-friendly elements such as $87 billion to help fund state Medicaid programs; $650 million to continue the DTV coupon program (allowing people to convert from analogue to digital cable); and $500 million dollars has been allocated to the Social Security Administration to process the rise in disability and retirement claims.

According to the Stimulus Plan, unemployed people age 65 and older will be able to retain their COBRA health insurance coverage, so they are not burdened with exorbitant medical costs until they are eligible for Medicare coverage. Healthcare provisions have also been added that will allow medical institutions to store information about senior health electronically to increase senior medical care. However, they also include a controversial component which requires that medical providers choose medical treatments that are cost-effective. While this may help keep seniors’ bills for medical care low, advocates also worry that this will impact the quality of care received by those with Medicare benefits or private insurance coverage.

Obama’s 2009 Economic Stimulus Plan will also put money directly into seniors’ pockets, with eligibility for one time payments for retirees, including $300 for seniors receiving SSI, Social Security, Railroad Retirement and Veterans Benefits.

Sources:
1. Spectrum

2. Bloomberg.com (Betsey McCaughey)

3. Associated Press: (Adrian Sainz)

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

Members of the Silver Haired Legislature are selfless individuals who are active in bettering the lives of seniors. In addition to the volunteer work that they do for the SHL, many also have a history of active members of their general community that don’t relate to their duties as representatives of the SHL. It should be no surprise that the committee volunteers appointed by registered voters of the SHL every 2 years take interest in activities that better the lives of people of all ages in their communities. Many are actively involved with religious organizations; sit on boards of community organizations; have a history working with consumer awareness businesses, like the Better Business Bureau; and had careers in fields like nursing and teaching.

While the members of the Silver Haired Legislature have certainly had a positive impact through their work within the general population, it is the elderly advocate work that they have done to improve the lives of older citizens that is most profound. Since the inception of the SHL in 1973 in 31 states, their government help for aging Americans and legislative involvement has resulted in addressing the following needs of the aging community:

Priority Bills Passed by the SHL in the 1990’s

• The senate passed a bill to provide low-income seniors with a pharmaceutical tax credit
• They made free health insurance counseling available to Medicare recipients
• State tax deductions for pensioners in Missouri were established
• Establishment of Department of Aging
• Funding for nursing home inspections
• Severe penalties for elder abuse
• Nursing home reform law

Top 10 Resolutions of the 12th Session of the SLH in Texas

• To establish a Legislative Committee to address issues of the aging population over the next 10-30 years
• To increase Medicaid funding
• To increase funding for public transportation systems in small urban and rural settings
• 5% increases in Cap Annual Property Valuations
• To develop support programs for grandparents caring for grandchildren
• To reenact state regulation of electric utilities
• To correct misuse of Eminent Domain power and not allow private property to be taken to benefit another private owner
• To increase the Personal Needs Allowance for nursing home residents on Medicaid
• To integrate more geriatric health awareness to students in the first 2 years in medical school
• To increase tax deductions for those volunteering to help senior citizens (i.e. transportation deductions for those delivering for Meals on Wheels)

Sources: http://www.txshl.org/docs/resolutions/12TH%20TSHL%20TOP%20TEN.pdf
http://www.nemoaaa.com/shlfacts.htm
http://www.txshl.org/

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin  512-347-9207.

The Silver Haired Legislature, present in 31 states across the US, advocates the needs of aging adults, which includes providing guidance and support to their family members. One of the major issues that has been on the minds of the SHL relates to the sandwich-generation; those family caregivers who provide assistance to any aging relative, while raising their own young families and managing careers. Not only can providing care for an elderly parent or other relative take a physical toll on the lives of these Americans, but it can also carry a serious financial burden which only grows as life expectancy continues to rise. The Oklahoma SHL is trying to pass Senate Bill 725, which has been cleared by the Senate, but has not yet been heard by the House. This Bill will provide a tax deduction to families providing care and support for its elderly members.

Not only is The Silver Haired Legislature in many states focused upon legislation that will provide family caregivers financial support, they provide community resources through the Area Agency on Aging to help educate seniors and their families about rights, care issues, and other factors which can impact the lives of older adults. The Texas Silver Haired Legislature offers online courses for family caregivers; understanding that when balancing responsibilities, it’s important to offer educational resources which can be accessed at their convenience. These courses provide useful tips relating to care techniques, provide community support for common care-related issues, and makes them aware of the resources available.

Once per session, the elderly advocates of The SHL meet to discuss and vote upon which issues faced by older Americans that they will present to the Senate. First, however, the groups in each state reach out to the senior community to learn about what issues the population believes requires government support. Every year, when the SHL and Senate are in session, the Texas Senior Advocacy Coalition organizes Senior Day at the Capitol. This took place at The Capitol in Austin on February 10th. Seniors and their families were invited to attend independently or with the groups they’re involved with where they had the opportunity to mingle with representatives of the SHL and of the state legislature to voice their concerns and learn about senior living resources. Seniors and their families are also welcome to contact SHL representatives directly by phone or email, or approach other state advocacy groups which will present the issues before the SHL.

The Silver Haired Legislatures across the United States exist to represent the needs of older adults.  So Families, it’s time to get yourselves and the seniors in your lives involved in advocacy for senior welfare.

Sources: http://www.oksenate.gov/news/press_releases/press_releases_2007/pr20070925b.html
http://www.txshl.org/training.cfm
http://www.txshl.org/calendar.cfm

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin  512-347-9207.

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin  512-347-9207.

Passing legislation that requires seniors do undergo on-road testing in order to renew their licenses would not be easy to implement. In Ventura County, California, a lawyer representing a client in a wrongful death suit, caused by an elderly driver is attempting to impose a legislation that requires drivers over 65 to complete rigorous testing every 10 years and is being met with extreme opposition. While he has compiled a sound case and is approaching legislators, senior care organizations, like the AARP believes this would create a stigma that age naturally results in poor driving; an assumption that is not true for every case. If the region’s legislators do not support the lawyer’s suggestions, he plans on completing a public poll to try and sway them; hoping that the population overall will see the benefit it could bring to the safety of our roads.

Unless each state’s government begins to agree to some big changes, imposing limitations upon elderly driving lies with families looking to ensure the safety of their elder members. While it’s important to allow seniors to maintain their independence behind the wheel, families should watch out for signs that it’s time to encourage seniors to give up their keys.

Sources: http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2007/dec/16/behind-the-wheel-exams-sought-for-drivers-65-and/
http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a714006952~db=all
http://www.wpxi.com/news/13317389/detail.html
http://www.helpguide.org/elder/senior_citizen_driving.htm