Delores White, a Mississippi resident, had no clue anything was wrong inside her home when she took a call from Maya Harris, an ADT dispatcher. Harris instructed White to leave her home immediately due to the presence of carbon monoxide. White was quick to act. When firefighters arrived minutes later, they found dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide in the home – 70% of the air had been poisoned due to a malfunctioning furnace. One quick phone call, very literally, saved White’s life.

Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. When fuel burns, it produces carbon dioxide and water. With too little oxygen present, carbon monoxide forms. The odorless and colorless gas can be produced by furnaces, space heaters, dirty or improperly-vented fireplaces and other fuel-burning sources in the home. Carbon monoxide is approximately the same weight as the surrounding air, which means it distributes easily through the home. Homeowners who don’t have carbon monoxide detectors have no way of knowing the gas is present, which can lead to dire consequences.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, headache, weakness, confusion, and nausea or vomiting. Individuals most at risk of poisoning include those with chronic health conditions, such as respiratory problems, anemia, or heart disease. In high concentrations, the gas can lead to loss of consciousness or death. Each year in the United States, more than 20,000 people go to the emergency room because of carbon monoxide leaks. 400 of those individuals die as a result of the exposure. The highest percentage of fatalities is in individuals 65 and older.

Having a carbon monoxide detector is particularly beneficial for the senior population and persons who live alone. If a carbon monoxide is detected in the home and a resident does not respond to an emergency dispatcher’s call, the local fire department can visit the home to check on the individual’s well-being. This service can be especially comforting to those caring for their elderly parents, particularly if they maintain separate residences.

In a small home, one carbon monoxide detector may be enough. A larger home should have one detector per level. The device should not be placed within 15 feet of heating or cooking locations. The small amount of carbon monoxide produced by the system’s ignition may trigger the alarm before the gas has a chance to dissipate. False alarms may make it tempting to remove the detector or ignore it when it goes off, though the pierce signal won’t soon be forgotten.

For best results, place carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms so that they are easily heard at night. Individuals who are or asleep when carbon monoxide levels rise may slip into unconsciousness and pass away without experiencing any symptoms or waking. Don’t become a statistic. Look out for yourself and your loved ones’ well-being by installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home today.

img source: http://www.newhomessection.com

1. Palm Beach, Florida

With summertime temperatures around 90 degrees, Palm Beach is a tropical destination located close to Miami. Desirable for its golf courses, beaches, parks, and tennis courts, Palm Beach does not disappoint when it comes to recreational activities. Median home prices are in excess of $700,000.

2. Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital is home to museums like the Smithsonian, art galleries, national attractions like the Lincoln Memorial, and world-class dining. Popular neighborhoods include Georgetown, Penn Quarter, and Capitol Hill. Come for the nightlife and stay for getaways like Colonial Williamsburg. Homes sell for an average $450,000.

3. Scottsdale, Arizona

Located close to Phoenix, Scottsdale’s amenities include hiking, golfing, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Take classes at nearby Arizona State University or the Scottsdale Culinary Institute. Looking for property for sale? The median cost for homes in Scottsdale is $300,000.

4. Saugatuck, Michigan

Water lovers will love Saugatuck, which is located on the east coast of Lake Michigan. The thriving arts community has long been a destination for artists. Scenic destinations include the town’s architecture, which features styles popularized in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Recent home sales average around $300,000.

5. Santa Fe, New Mexico

New Mexico’s capitol city is perfect for seniors with a love of history and the southwest. Famous for its captivating sunsets and stunning mountain views, Santa Fe features a world-class opera, and art that draws collectors from around the globe. Features of note include the annual burning of Zozobra. The median home cost is $300,000.

6. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Located at the base of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs features a temperate climate and scenic destinations like the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and Garden of the Gods. Residents can enjoy a golf game, skiing, or taking courses at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Homes sell for an average of $200,000.

7. Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Home to the internationally known RiverRun International Film Festival, Winston-Salem has long supported the arts, including live music and First Friday events. Close to Raleigh and Charlotte, Winston-Salem is rich in history and popular with retirees. Its median home prices are in the high $130,000s.

8. Spokane, Washington

Spokane boasts leisure activities like skiing and golf, as well as day trip offerings to locales like Yellowstone State Park. Home to a robust arts community, Spokane residents can attend the symphony, opera, or visit the biannual Artwalk. The median home price is around $130,000.

9. Austin, Texas

Texas’ state capitol is well known for its performing arts offerings, which include the symphony and ballet. The city also features walking tours of districts rich in history and architecture. Those looking to continue their education can study at the University of Texas at Austin. Home costs average $125,000.

10. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh is home to a thriving senior population and offers plenty of opportunities for recreation and enrichment, including museums and highly regarded educational institutions. Seniors aged 65 and up benefit from riding Port Authority transportation at no cost. Housing is most affordable here, averaging just under $100,000.

Choosing where you’d like to retire can take time and research, but now you’re off to a good start. Whether you’re looking to play a round of golf, visit the theatre, or take a few classes, your new home awaits.

These few steps will ensure that the loved ones in your life will ensure that they have a safe environment to live out their golden years.

1. Home Security & Preparedness

Regardless of age, a home security system is a sensible and reasonable way to keep your home secure from unwanted external visitors. When considering potential threats for safe senior living, many only consider wearable alert systems in the event of a fall, but fail to prepare for intruders. A home security system will help keep the entire home secure, 24/7.

Additionally, having other safety products seniors can keep with them at all times helps keep them safe at home or on the go. Keychain alarms, motion sensors or even fake surveillance cameras are an affordable and simple way to help seniors be more secure and prepared for any event.

2. Open Spaces & Little Clutter

Cramped, overstuffed spaces are one of the biggest reasons so many seniors suffer devastating falls. Seniors typically live in the same home they’ve lived in for years, meaning that it’s likely filled to the brim with furniture, décor, rugs and other knick-knacks. As much as your loved ones may enjoy their homes, you’ll need to do what you can to create open spaces with reduced clutter. Reaching around too much furniture or rummaging through crowded spaces is extremely dangerous. The everyday items and spaces they use should be wide open and clutter free. The kitchen, living room and bathroom should have all of their necessary items easily within reach depending on their level of mobility. Remove excess rugs, and if the home has stairs use well-secured runners to help with footing. Make sure rooms and especially hallways are well lit to reduce the possibility of tripping.

3. Good Ventilation & Clean Air

A surprising cause of poor senior health is bad ventilation or contaminated air. Seniors are not as able to fight against germs or chemicals, especially when airborne in delivery. Asbestos and mold are two of the most hazardous toxins for seniors’ health. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of mesothelioma, which can take a toll quickly given the slow-healing nature of a senior’s body. Asbestos exposure is typically the result of the home’s insulation, and is present in most older homes. Additionally, older homes that contain asbestos are probably in a state of relative deterioration, making the risk much higher and the exposure much more potent. Mold, another leading cause of complications for senior citizens, develops quickly in older homes situated in warmer climates. Humidity increases the build up of mold, which leads to numerous health issues.

The best way to fight both of these risk factors is prevention. If your loved one lives in an older home, you can have the home tested for asbestos or mold poisoning. To prevent either from becoming an issue, invest in a proper home ventilation system and routinely check the air to make sure it’s clean and good to breathe.
These simple tips can make a monumental difference in creating a safe home environment for seniors. Prevention is the best way to ensure a quality home life and an accident free space.

1. Page magnifiers

Reading small print in newspapers, on bills, magazines, or on pill bottles can be a real hassle, whether your eyes are tired or aging. Using a magnifier can make it easier to read directions, correspondence, or email. As each person’s need is a bit different, there are several types of magnifiers available, including small versions that can be slipped into a pants pocket or page-size viewers that can be set atop a book page. Whether you use a magnifier following eye surgery or simply to supplement a pair of reading glasses, having one on hand is helpful.

2. Wheelchair accessible vans

If you use a wheelchair in the wake of short- or long-term disability, you might consider using wheelchair accessible vans to help with your transportation needs. Transferring from a vehicle and into a chair can be difficult, especially if surgery or an illness prevents you from getting around as quickly as you once did. Wheelchair accessible vans will allow you to remain in your chair, making things easier for you and, if applicable, any caregivers you may have.

3. Jar openers

Having a few jar openers around the house can really help you out when it comes to activities like cooking or working with small containers that hold buttons or screws. Those affected by arthritis or any other condition that can weaken hands will likely benefit from a little extra help when a lid is stubbornly in place. Jar openers come in a variety of types, including inexpensive store-bought versions that simply look like rubber discs. An opener for small jars can be made by cutting a tennis ball in half and fitting it over the lid. It’s also possible to install an opener as part of a kitchen cabinet.

Thankfully, aids available for seniors don’t end with these few items. Get around your home and city with ease, knowing there are products available to help your day go just a bit smoother.

Although proton therapy has been around for more than 40 years, it has recently been found exceptional in the treatment of prostate cancer. Proton therapy has been referred to as the “bloodless surgery” due to the precision that radiation is delivered just to the tumor. Proton radiation is able to be manipulated so that it surrounds an irregular shaped area such as the prostate gland. The pencil beam can be aimed directly at the tumor. Because of the characteristic of the protons it has very little scatter to the bladder and rectal areas. Thus patients typically are not left with the side effects of incontinence and impotence. It leaves vital organs and healthy tissue that is near the tumor intact and unaffected.

As with any treatment there are myths that are floating around out there in the cancer treating world.

Myth: Proton Therapy is experimental.

Proton therapy has been around for decades. The first use of proton radiation for medical purposes was in 1946. Due to the high cost of building a hospital-based proton center there are a limited number of sites.

Myth: Medicare pays twice as much for protons vs. X-rays

Typically Medicare will pay $50K for protons and $42K for IMRT which is the most commonly used form of radiation therapy. The real question is which is better for saving lives and providing better quality of life outcomes for cancer patients.

Myth: Proton Therapy is not covered by insurance.

Proton therapy is covered by numerous insurance companies including Medicare.

Meet Bob

Robert R. in July, 1998 was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He had no precipitating symptoms; the diagnosis actually came following a routine yearly check up with his physician. PSA levels were high and the biopsy came back positive for the “c” word. He was shocked and devastated as most people would be. Particularly difficult was the fact that he was getting ready to marry Betty who he had met at a Civil War Reenactment.

Bob had heard of the life changing outcomes resulting in the treatment of prostate cancer. He wasn’t willing to succumb to those life altering fixes for cancer. Early 1998 Bob entered proton therapy treatment for prostate cancer. Treatment lasted eight weeks. That was 13 years ago. To date Bob remains cancer free, reports he “has experienced no other side effects from treatment”. He chuckles as he tells us that “I never told my employer how much fun I was having with my fellow proton guys and spouses. Golf, mountain biking were some of the activities he and fellow “zappees” took part in all the while being treated for cancer. His mantra of gratitude goes like this; “Everything works and I’m not wearing a diaper. God is good!”

Although, Proton Therapy is an alternative cancer treatment it is the most advanced form of radiation treatment available today. It allows for the most aggressive cancer therapy possible, all the while keeping the harm to healthy tissue and side effects to a minimum.

My name is Amanda, and I had never anticipated being a caregiver or being responsible for my mother who has usually done most of the caregiving in my family. It is really stressful for me and my siblings to find information about taking care of my mom since we try to do it ourselves, being on a limited budget. However, we don’t always have time, and working with an agency can be rather expensive. I found a great website called TheCaringSpace.com where you can post a listing for free and get connected with caregivers in your area. It is a great option for people who want to independently connect with caregivers in an affordable, easy way without working with a third party. The site even allows caregivers to provide background checks and references so you don’t waste your time on people who aren’t serious. There is a lot of good information provided for people like me who don’t really know the ropes when it comes to caregiving or where to start when it comes to seeking respite care for my family.

Thanks!

Amanda

Authors Opinion

That is probably the only Medicare cost that will remain the same for 2009. I don’t have the numbers yet, but I would expect the Part B deductible of $135 to increase slightly. I would also expect the Part A deductible of $1,024 to increase as well. If you have a Medicare Supplement, one or both of these costs are probably covered for you.

Medicare Supplement premiums are not tied to a calendar year. Most Medicare Supplements will have annual increases in premium which you will incur on the anniversary of your policy.

Lastly, Medicare Advantage plans and Prescription Drug plans do have a calendar year contract. I expect that most of these plans will have an increase as well. These increases would go into effect starting January 1st, 2009.

If you have any questions, as always, simply fill out our contact form and we’ll get back with you usually within one day.

Part A - Hospital - You automatically get Part A when you turn 65 if you have worked and paid into Medicare for at least 40 quarters. This coverage will pay 100% of Medicare approved costs when you are admitted into a hospital, AFTER you pay the per hospital visit deductible of $1,024 (this is the 2008 deductible).

Part B - Medical - This part is optional. You will have to pay for it usually as a deduction from your social security check. The cost for most people is $96.40 per month.  If you make more than $85,000 as an individual or $170,000 as a couple, your monthly premiums will be higher. Part B pays 80% of your doctor, outpatient and other Non-Hospital costs, AFTER you pay an annual Part B deductible of $135.

Note: Do not get “PART A” and “PART B” confused with “PLAN A” and “PLAN B” which are Medicare Supplement plans. There are 14 Medicare Supplement “Plans” which are lettered Plan A - Plan L.

There are two more “Parts” to Medicare - Part C and Part D

Part C - Medicare Advantage - You have probably heard the term Medicare Advantage Plan by now. These insurance plans are also called Private Medicare and there are quite a few different flavors including, MA, MAPD, HMO, PPO, PFFS. I’m not going to get into each type now. The most important thing to know about Part C plans is this. They are NOT the same as original Medicare. They are NOT the same as a Medicare Supplement. Click Here for a detailed description of the differences between Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans.

Part D - Prescription Drug Plan - Part D plans are optional, like Medicare Supplement Plans. Part D pays for some of your prescription drug costs throughout the year. Part D plans run about $30 per month. You generally keep your Part D plan from January 1 - through December 31st of each year. You can change Part D plan each year between November 15th and December 31st. The new plan will go into effect on January 1st. Click Here for detailed information on Prescription Drug Plans

I recently got the following question from a visitor to our website. My reply to her is below. I’m writing this pretty late at night, so for you Type A’s out there, if I have missed any of the finer points in my explanation, please let me know.

First of all, Medicare (CMS) creates the Medicare Supplement plans. Medicare Supplement Companies DO NOT create the plans. Whenever you see a copy of the Medicare Plan Table (see below) you will notice they are all the same - same plans, same options, same check marks, same percentages. No matter which Medicare Supplement company sends you the table, they are simply giving you the standardized table that Medicare created for everyone to use. This is a VERY important point to know. 

Click on the table above to see a larger view.

Medicare Supplement companies simply select the plans that they wish to re-sell and they put their price on it. This is another important point. Even though Medicare standardizes the plans, they do not standardize the prices. Companies can charge whatever they want to for the plans they sell. That is why you will see tremendous variations from one company to another for exactly the same plan.  For example, if you are a 65 year old female living in Gwinnett county and do not use tobacco, you can get a Plan F from one company for $119. The same Plan F is currently available from another company for $220. That is a $1,200 a year difference for EXACTLY the same plan. If you get your plan from company B, you are tipping them $1,200 per year.

So, why do most people go with Plans F & G

There are several reasons. First, more companies offer plans F&G. They are newer, and generally provide a better value for your money. Here are a few comparisons.

Plans C&F are very similar except F adds coverage for Part B excess charges. These charges rarely occur, but if they do, they could create a sizable cost to you. For example, let’s say you have a test proceedure, and the healthcare facility charges $1,000. Medicare will approve a lesser amount, let’s say $600. Healthcare facilities are allowed to charge up to %15 more than Medicare approves. This is called an “excess charge.” So 15% of 600 is $90. If you have Plans C, D or E, you would be responsible for that $90. Plan F would cover 100% of that $90, and Plan G would cover 80%. So with a Plan G, you would have to pay a whopping $18.

D,E&G are fairly similar. D&G cover at home recovery up to $1,700, E covers up to $120 of Preventive Care not covered by Medicare. Neither of these two charges occurs very often. Most preventive care is now covered by Medicare, and for one reason or another, most follow-up home visits are also covered by standard medicare and your supplement. We just don’t see the at home recovery charges occurring very often.

So the real choice most people make is between F & G. The big difference between these two is the Annual Part B deductible of $134. Plan F covers this annual charge. Plan G does not. So why would go with a Plan G? There is a good reason. Many Medicare Supplement companies price their Plan G’s at about $200-$250 less than a Plan F. Why pay $200 more in premium for a Plan F, just to save $134?

The other difference between Plan F and G is the excess charges. Plan F pays 100%, Plan G pays 80%. As we discussed earlier, most doctors don’t charge any excess, so this usually doesn’t come into play, and as we showed above for a $1,000 charge, you would probably end up paying about $12 if you had a Plan G.

So, in a nutshell, Southern Senior Care typically recommends Plan G. The only time we recommend a Plan F is when a client lives in a zip code where the prices between Plan F and G are less than $134. Then you might as well go with an Plan F.

I hope this reduces some confusion and does not increase it. As always, if you have any questions at all, please contact us by phone, email, contact form, or chat.

As more and more of the baby boomers become aware of the devastating financial and emotional effects that a long term care need can have on their family, the average age that people purchase LTC insurance has been steadily dropping every year. Government awareness programs advising people to look into this type of insurance is also causing people to get educated on how these plans work and to start early. LTC insurance is surprising affordable when you buy it at a younger age, so more and more people are simply taking advantage of it sooner.  My own personal experiences with my elderly parents and in-laws in nursing homes and assisted living (all paid out of their own pocket) caused my wife and I to purchase our plan when I was 52 and she was 50. I happily pay the premium every year, even though in the back of my mind, I hope I never have to use the insurance at all. Statistically, my wife has a much better chance of using the plan than I do.

The cost of purchasing LTC insurance goes up every year you delay. Carriers raise their rates for new purchase periodically too. The older you get, the faster it rises. As one starts to move into their early to mid 60’s, you begin to enter into what the mathematicians call the “exponential curve” of rapid price increases. The good news is that when you buy a LTC plan from a quality carrier, you are essentially “locking in” your rate for the rest of your life. Now it is true that the rates on existing policies can and do in fact increase, but many of the top carriers in the industry have a long history of little or no rate hikes. No matter when you purchase a plan, it is always going to offer you tremendous protection for a fraction of the cost of an extended nursing home stay.

Sadly, as we grow older, many of us also get less healthy. Blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, and other ailments show up frequently as we get into our late 50’s. Many of us simply don’t take good care of ourselves, and others of us are a product of our heredity. LTC carriers give preferred health discounts to those who qualify of between 10% and 20%…so it pays to be healthy. There are a lot more healthy 55 year olds than 65 year olds out there.

Back to the original question….when should you buy LTC insurance? Although you can buy it at any age up to 84 with some carriers as long as you can medically qualify, I would urge everyone to start considering it by age 50, and try to get it in your early to mid 50’s if at all possible. If you can handle the premiums at that time, it can be a great value……and with the power of a 5% compound benefit increase, the benefit you purchase at age 50 will immediately start growing. This will provide you with a huge plan of protection by the time you statistically will most likely need the coverage, which is in your 80’s.  In the long run, even though you start paying the premium sooner, the overall amount of premium paid out can be less by starting early.

Everyone’s financial situation is different, and no one plan fits all. Not everyone can start at age 52. You may have to wait until the kids get through college to afford LTCi. You may first need to move to a more cost effective high deductible or HSA eligible health insurance plan, or wait until you are on Medicare, so you can free up the funds to pay for LTC insurance. If you are already 65 and reading this blog, then the time to buy LTCi is before you turn 66….assuming LTCi makes sense for your situation. The key is to first learn more about how LTC insurance works by speaking with an experienced LTC agent representing a variety of carriers and who can advise you as to all your options.

I hope this answers the question, but I would be happy to hear your thoughts.