Saving for retirement

Summary Deciding on how to invest, and in what types of accounts, can be challenging for people. This article gives a broad overview of the types of investment accounts available. It offers factual information on tax consequences and distribution benefits, but it does not offer investment advice. Consult with your financial investment advisor to determine […]

Getting financial assistance

Summary With fixed incomes, many older adults struggle to keep up with expenses. Fortunately, there are resources available to assist them, from housing and transportation to daily food benefits. This article offers information on some of the programs available to help older adults pay for everyday expenses. NCOA “Benefits CheckUp” website With fixed incomes, many […]

Choosing a health care option

Summary One of the most important and challenging aspects of being a caregiver is determining when an older adult may need medical attention from a clinical expert. The decision is not always obvious, and there are a range of options available. This article outlines the main types of health care options available and offers some […]

Caring for an older adult with dementia

Summary Caring for an older adult with dementia comes with specific challenges. This article explains some of those challenges and then offers basic tips for caregivers in this position. Challenges of caring for someone with dementia Caring for an older adult with dementia comes with specific challenges, including:  A very high caregiver burden, often leading […]

Avoid dehydration

Summary Dehydration is a top issue for older adults and their caregivers. This article explains the causes and signs of dehydration. It then suggests ways for the caregiver to help the older adult stay hydrated. What is dehydration? Dehydration is a top issue for older adults and their caregivers. Dehydration happens when a person has […]

Senior discounts

Summary Every penny counts for older people on fixed incomes, so taking advantage of the discounts offered can cut regular expenses and free up funds for savings. This article includes information on how to take advantage of senior discounts, and an overview of the types of discounts to be on the lookout for.  Don’t be […]

Mortgages

Summary There are many different mortgage products available to borrowers of all ages. This article describes some reasons for getting a new or different mortgage. It then covers the most common mortgages available, from standard 30-year fixed loans to asset depletion mortgages, refinancing, lines of credit, and more. Why do people get a new or […]

What to do if elder abuse occurs

Summary Elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation should never be ignored. Whether the abuse is physical, psychological, financial, or sexual, it rarely stops on its own. This article lists some of the main steps to take in responding to known or suspected elder abuse. Responding to elder abuse Elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation should never be […]

Making the home environment safe for older adults

Summary Safety adjustments often need to be made to home environments to accommodate conditions such as frailty, limited mobility, poor vision, and dementia. This article lists the main home injury risks for older adults. It then offers general and room-by-room suggestions for making the home environment safer. Home injury risks for older adults Safety adjustments […]

Caring for an older adult with limited mobility

Summary When an older adult becomes less able to stand, walk, balance, turn around, bend over, and perform other movements that use their large muscle groups, they are considered to have limited mobility. This article discusses some causes of limited mobility, and then lists the main steps to take when caring for an older adult […]