There is no question that for many Americans, home is where the heart is. Contrary to popular stereotypes, most older adults do not choose to pack up and move to warmer climates in their retirement years. According to a recent AARP study, nearly ninety percent of adults 50 and older want to remain in their current home and community. And [...]
By: Guide to Retirement Living Staff A personal response system (PRS), sometimes called a PERS (personal emergency response system) answers the need of many older Americans for both security and independence. Many organizations, including the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), encourage their use, but for the consumer choosing from among the many brands on the market, buying a PRS [...]
Elenor has always been fiercely independent. Her retirement living decisions continue to reflect her independence. At 85 years old, Elenor lives in her own home. Despite the health problems she is faced with because of congestive heart failure, lymphoma in remission, and diabetes, she is adamant about remaining independent. Elenor has no nearby friends or neighbors and no way of [...]
Whether you are a senior seeking products that will improve your mobility and your lifestyle or a family caregiver looking for better supplies to care for your loved one, there are a variety of medical supplies and equipment providers available to help. Impressive advancements in medical equipment technology have afforded more Americans the opportunity to remain independent in a healthy [...]
By Marilyn Bohn Downsizing can be a tough process for anyone, but especially for seniors who find themselves with large homes and no longer have children at home to fill up the rooms. More and more are tackling the huge job of downsizing their living spaces. In fact, about six percent of Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 [...]
The preparation of advance directives is key to avoiding emotional turmoil and legal battles later. Advance directives include three primary documents: A Living Will – a statement of how an individual would like to be treated in the event that he or she is unable to make decisions regarding the use of life-sustaining medical treatment. This document allows the individual [...]
As living decisions become increasingly complex, seniors often find themselves searching for someone who can cater to their unique legal needs. An elder law attorney specializes in areas of the law that are specifically concerned with senior citizens and their family members. Elder law attorneys generally focus their practices in one or more of the following areas particularly pertinent to [...]
The most effective way to locate a qualified elder law attorney is through a recommendation from a family member, friend, or an attorney you already know and trust. The AARP (www.aarp.org/legalsolutions) and the state bar association (www.hg.org) offer impartial attorney recommendations. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (www.NAELA.org), a professional association of attorneys dedicated to improving the quality of [...]
By: Carolyn L. Rosenblatt, R.N., Attorney Depression is the most common of mental conditions which can be treated, but among the elderly, it is one of the most overlooked. Sometimes, it’s because physicians don’t recognize the signs and symptoms. Sometimes it’s because of an overall attitude of society that perhaps feeling low is just part of getting old. The danger [...]
Most serious falls and injuries occur in and around the home, and can be life-changing. However, taking simple precautions – starting with a home safety check – can reduce your risk of falling and help you maintain your independence. In addition to the chart below, there are organizations that can assist you in learning how to prevent falls in your [...]
