Archive for February 2011
Get a benefits check-up.
At the same time that stories about cut-backs (both real and proposed) in benefits for seniors are filling the news media, many benefits programs are underutilized because people just don’t know they exist. For example, as a result of the new Health Care legislation, you cannot be charged a co-pay for some preventive procedures. In addition, a new government definition of poverty may allow more seniors to be eligible for state benefits.
The National Council on Aging hosts an excellent website at www.benefitscheckup.org, which is a comprehensive tool to find and apply for public and private benefits programs across the country. You may want to put this site in your browser to stay current on what’s available for you and your family.
Help Prevent Falls with Tai Chi
Readers of this blog know that I encourage seniors to improve their quality of life through fitness and exercise. Not only is it a great way to socialize and feel better, but it has a measurable impact on improved health and well-being.
As reported in The New Old Age Blog, http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/, the American Geriatrics Society and the British Geriatric Society have recently updated their guidelines for preventing falls to recommend the slow-motion Chinese exercise, Tai Chi. Tai Chi is especially effective for seniors because its small, controlled movements focus on increasing balance and core strength without the use of weights and with no impact on joints.
A quick search on Tai Chi and my city resulted in over 50 links for finding Tai Chi classes, and it is taught in many churches, synagogues and community centers for low or no cost.
Once your doctor has cleared you for an exercise program, it is important to find something you enjoy so that you stick with it. If organized classes aren’t for you, you can work on improving your balance by working up to standing on one foot for 30 seconds at a time. Stand near a straight back chair that you can grab on to if you need it, and try lifting up one foot for 5 seconds, then 10, increasing to 30 as you feel comfortable. As you improve your stability through this exercise, you might decide that you’d like to go even further through a Tai Chi class.
Candid end-of-life discussions
There seems to be more of a trend in hospice these days – patients are signing on sicker and are dying quicker, in part because they are not having candid, realistic discussions with their physicians about options and what their desires are for care. Late referrals impact hospice’s ability to provide education, effective symptom management and emotional support to help prepare patients and families as they face end-of-life. The article in USA Today (www.yourlife.usatoday.com) underscores the need for these discussions and provides helpful resources. These can be difficult conversations to have, so the best time to start is well before you are sick, when it is easier and less emotional to discuss your wishes.
The Four Parts of Medicare
Kari Sanderfer, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist, Arizona (www.socialsecurity.gov), has prepared an excellent summary of the four parts of Medicare:
- Hospital insurance (Part A), which helps pay hospital bills and some follow-up care. The taxes you (or your spouse in some cases) paid while working financed this coverage, so it’s premium free. For those who are not “insured,” coverage may be purchased.
- Medical insurance (Part B), which helps pay doctors’ bills and other services. There is a monthly premium you must pay for Medicare Part B and you may refuse this coverage.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which generally cover many of the same benefits a Medigap policy would cover, such as extra days in the hospital after you have used the number of days Medicare covers. People with Medicare Parts A and B can choose to receive all of their health care services through one of these provider organizations under Part C. There might be additional premiums required for some plans; and
- Prescription drug coverage (Part D), which helps pay for medications doctors prescribe for treatment.
Anyone who has Medicare hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) is eligible for prescription drug coverage (Part D). Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary and you pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage. To learn more about Medicare benefits, read our publication, Medicare, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10043.html.
