The Long Term Care (LTC) Blog
Alzheimer’s Deaths Increased By Over 50% From 1999 to 2014
Reuters News Service reports that U.S. deaths from Alzheimer’s disease rose by more than 50 percent from 1999 to 2014, and rates are expected to continue to rise, reflecting the nation’s aging population and increasing life expectancy, American researchers said on Thursday. Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for…
Read More1.4 million U.S. Children Are Caregivers For Parents
According to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 22% of high school “children” dropouts cite caregiving as the reason for leaving school. Melinda Kavanaugh is one of only a few scholars around the country studying the physical and psychological well-being of these young people who are left out of other caregiver studies. Her work focuses…
Read MoreMay is Disability Awareness Month – Does Long Term Care Keep You Up at Night?
Becoming disabled from sickness or accident and unable to work is a significant problem for many. Once retired you might think this is no longer a concern. But what if you became disabled enough to need assistance with bathing, or dressing, or moving about (arthritis)? 50% of Long Term Care is due to dementia, something…
Read MoreHelping Solve Problems Over the Telephone
It’s been another fun day helping folks solve problems with Long Term Care. The first call came in early this morning. The man was referred to me by an attorney. His father is in an assisted living facility, and has been spending down his life’s savings. With very little left, the facility suggested he find…
Read MoreHave You Ignored the Most Expensive Risk You Face?
How can anyone in their right mind ignore the probability of an expensive and extensive need for care in later life? I’ll explain how and why this is so often ignored by consumers and financial advisors after some explanations. No matter how well you have constructed your pans for retirement and the disposition of your…
Read MoreDo I need Help, or Am I Okay On My Own Yet?
A few days ago I got a call from an elderly client who had purchased long-term care (LTC) insurance many years ago. The client wanted to know what type of care it would pay for if they needed help. I inquired about health and ability to do everyday things around the house and received a…
Read MoreMedicare & Medicaid, What’s The Difference?
I was asked this question at a seminar recently, and thought a good definition of each might be of value. Medicare is health insurance at age 65. To qualify you must have paid income and Social Security taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years). Medicare pays for doctor and hospital care, fixing us when…
Read MoreA Roommate – For Life – Not Of Your Choosing
Assisted living facilities are typically very nice places. Many have pools or hot tubs, entertainment, exercise classes, and most now even feature a pub and free drinks (within limits). You have your own “apartment” sometimes with two bedrooms, a kitchenette, bathroom and no roommate. Until, You run out of ability to pay and need to…
Read More3/4 of Americans Are Concerned About an Economically Secure Retirement
“A new report finds that 76 percent of Americans are concerned about their ability to achieve a secure retirement, with that level of worry at 78 percent for Democrats and 76 percent for Republicans. Some 88 percent of Americans agree that the nation faces a retirement crisis, and the concern is high across party lines.…
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