Should You Choose to Bypass the Feeding Tube?

VEry interesting article " When They Cannot Eat." From the NY Times.

Free Smoke Detectors and Installation for Austin TX Seniors

I just spoke with Robert Kimmons of the Austin Fire Department (AFD) this morning. He called to let me know that AFD has a program called ZERO FIRE DEATHS where AFD will go to a Senior's home and install smoke detectors  - FOR FREE.

Here is a link to their Website for more info. DO NOT worry about the income requirements, they will install the smoke detectors for anyone who needs them. The only requirement, as far as I understand, is that the Senior be in Austin. And, they do not even need to be a senior! It can be anyone.

Remember, Seniors with dementia [including Alzheimer's] often loose their sense of smell so this program can be a life saver!

The best way to participate is to call 512-974-0290 and leave a message.

Life Settlements: Getting Cash From Your Insurance Policy. Good or Bad Choice?

Did you know that you can get a lot of cash for selling your life insurance policy? It sounds to good to be true doesn't it?

Well like anything else in the financial market for Seniors there are good and not so good aspects to it. There is a good article on the Financial & Tax Fraud Education Associates blog that goes through many of the details.

In a nutshell, it works like this:

1. Let's say you're 72 years old with a $1M life policy that is current.
2. You are also almost out of cash and facing very high costs associated with in-home care or nursing home care

What are your options?

1. The financial markets have created one for you!
2. They will buy your $1M life insurance policy for , say, $200k (plus or minus depending on the actuarial tables) and continue paying the premiums for you!
3. You get the cash and name them the beneficiary of the policy

Does this make sense? It could in some cases. Depending on how long the senior actually lives will determine if the "Investor" or the Senior actually comes out ahead. The definite loser could be the Senior's heirs however.

If the heirs were well informed it might make good sense for them to "purchase" the policy from the senior by paying for the senior's care needs going forward in exchange for being named beneficiary. Just my opinion though.

Read the article and discuss with your financial advisor as this is just another tool in your financial toolbelt.

LoveToKnow Seniors interview with Senior Helper’s CEO Peter Ross

Many seniors desire to live independently, even if they may need assistance with daily care, and Senior Helpers is designed to fulfill that wish. Founded in 2001, this professional in-home senior care company provides a number of services to help seniors and their caregivers.

LoveToKnow Seniors spoke with Senior Helper’s CEO Peter Ross about the concerns of seniors, and how in-home care can be a benefit to the family.
Senior Helper Interview

• What are seniors’ biggest concerns regarding independent living?

Safety is far and away the biggest issue facing seniors living independently, and it’s also one of the main concerns for families in charge of caring for or providing care for their elderly loved ones.

Good Article about our organization -Senior Helpers. Read the whole article.

15 Secrets the Emergency Room Staff Won't Tell You

Great advice from Reader's Digest

$3,000 Nurse scholarship applications available Feb. 1 from the American Legion

The American Legion Americanism and Children & Youth Division recently announced that starting Feb. 1, applications will be available for the $3,000 Eight and Forty Lung and Respiratory Disease Nursing Scholarship.

The scholarship, which has awarded more than $1.4 million since 1957, was established to assist registered nurses wanting to advance their training in pediatric lung and respiratory diseases or to prepare for positions in clinical practice and management.

Read the details here.