Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes: What’s the Difference?
Assisted living facilities and nursing homes are long-term housing and care options for older adults. Although people sometimes use the terms assisted living and nursing home synonymously, they are distinct. Understanding the differences between assisted living and nursing homes is critical for those considering where to live as they age. This is because assisted […]
This Tax Season, Seniors Can Get Free Assistance
When filing your 2022 federal tax return for the 2023 tax season, you may be able to access several free assistance forms. Filing Online: IRS Free File In January 2023, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)’s Free File service opened to taxpayers. Through IRS Free File, you can prepare and file your federal individual tax online — […]
What Does ‘Geriatric’ Mean, and What Is Geriatric Care?
Long-term care for seniors is always evolving. Geriatric care may be a possible next step for you or your loved one. You may be wondering: What does this type of care entail? Is it any different from the arrangements I have previously made for my aging family member? What does ‘geriatric’ even mean? Keep […]
Jan. 1-March 31: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan but would like to make a change, you can likely take advantage of the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. This Open Enrollment Period occurs each year between January 1 and March 31. What Is Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage? Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed […]
Medicaid Renewals Resuming: The Information Gap
Recent findings show an information gap among Medicaid recipients regarding the need to re-enroll for benefits after the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) ends. Medicaid recipients are inconsistently informed about the end of the PHE and its effect on their health insurance benefits in terms of the amount of information they have and where they receive their information. The PHE […]
Protecting Spouses of Medicaid Applicants: 2023 Guidelines
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2023 federal guidelines for how much money the spouses of institutionalized Medicaid recipients may keep, as well as related Medicaid figures. What Are Spousal Impoverishment Rules? Spousal impoverishment is a concern for older couples when there is one spouse who requires long-term care and applies for Medicaid. […]
Depressive Symptoms in Alzheimer’s Disease Family Caregivers
A new study reveals that 60 percent of family members taking care of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease exhibited symptoms of depression that worsened over time. Researchers tracked symptoms of depression in family caregivers from when their loved ones were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease until five years later. A third of the caregivers – […]
Feds Announce New Strategy to Support Family Caregivers
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recently started to focus on finding ways to support family caregivers by assisting them with resources to maintain their health, well-being, and financial security while they act as caregivers. As part of this, it has announced the implementation of a 2022 National Strategy to […]
What Are the Ward’s Rights in a Guardianship?
Older people may need a trusted individual to step in and manage their affairs, should they ever suffer debilitating health problems like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and strokes. Guardianship can provide protection and assistance with certain decisions for an incapacitated individual — known as a “ward” — who may become unable to make decisions or advocate […]
Do I Need a Professional Patient Advocate?
Individuals experiencing illnesses can benefit from having someone attend appointments with them and support their best interests. Often, close friends or family take on this role. Professional patient advocates, however, can step in when friends or family cannot be at the hospital or a patient prefers having the help of a qualified professional who […]
