Author Archives: Kathleen

New Medicare Changes in Your Mailbox

Not a month goes by that I don’t have someone handing me a copy of their Medicare Summary Notice and asking me to help them decipher what it says.  Needless to say, it is long, complicated and confusing.  Often, the … Continue reading

Posted in Medicare | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Three on Thursday – Resources for Caregiving

A look around the web uncovered these three resources for caregivers. America’s Outstanding Oldest Worker Being Sought Experience Works, the nation’s largest organization serving older workers through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), has announced its search for America’s … Continue reading

Posted in Caregiver Resources | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

February is Low Vision Awareness Month

February is Low Vision Awareness Month, and a great time to give our vision health it’s due time.  Good vision health is vital to one’s continued independence.  So, getting regular and thorough eye examinations can go a long way toward … Continue reading

Posted in Elder Health | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Keeping Seniors Warm and Safe in the Cold Days of Winter

As we grow older, the cold of winter can affect us more severely.  Older adults can lose body heat fast – faster than when they were young.  A chill can turn into a dangerous problem before an older person even … Continue reading

Posted in Elder Health | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Home for the Holidays – Something is Different About Mom

The magic of the holiday season is upon us, and you may be visiting an elderly loved one.  Perhaps you are noticing that things are not quite right.  How do you know what are signs of normal aging, vs. signs … Continue reading

Posted in Elder Health | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Holiday Gift Giving to Seniors – Or, “What Should I Get for Mom?”

As a Geriatric Care Manager, I really don’t get many questions about what gift families should get their older loved one, or their family member who has a disability.  Perhaps because their needs are part of the ongoing conversation we carry … Continue reading

Posted in Geriatric Care Management | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

To Care with Dignity

Earlier this month I attended a professional conference with many of my fellow GCM colleagues. We were fortunate to have as a speaker, David Troxel, co-author, with Virginia Bell, of the Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care. This was the … Continue reading

Posted in Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

In U.S., 15 Million Provide Care for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients In addition to November being National Caregivers Month, it is also Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.  There is no cure.  … Continue reading

Posted in Elder Health | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

65 Million

November is National Caregivers Month, a month that is meant to be a tribute to family caregivers, and a time to bring awareness to the day to day heroic role they play in the United States.  The National Alliance for … Continue reading

Posted in Caregivers | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

2012 Medicare Premium Rates Announced

The 2012 premium rates for Medicare Part B have been announced, and they will be lower than previously projected.  For those whose 2010 income was less than $85,000, the monthly Part B premium will be $99.90 per month.  More specific … Continue reading

Posted in Medicare | Tagged , , | Leave a comment