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 […]
Preventing elder abuse
Summary Elder abuse is a widespread problem. This article lists some of the common signs that an older adult may be being abused. It then describes steps to take to prevent different types of elder abuse. The elder abuse problem Elder abuse is a widespread problem. About 1 in every 10 adults over the age […]
Types of elder abuse
Summary The term “elder abuse” includes physical, psychological/verbal, financial, and sexual abuse. It also includes self-neglect on the part of the older adult and neglect or abandonment by the caregiver. This article defines the main types of elder abuse. What is elder abuse? The term “elder abuse” includes physical, financial, psychological, verbal, and sexual abuse. […]
10 Things I wish I had known about caregiving
Summary Though every caregiving situation is different, there are some aspects of caregiving that apply to all caregivers. This article lists 10 things every caregiver should know. 1 . You are a caregiver. Anyone giving unpaid care to someone who needs help taking care of themselves is a caregiver. Yet, an AARP study showed that […]
Paying for long-term care
Summary Navigating who pays for and how to pay for long-term care can be one of the most frustrating experiences for caregivers. This article explains several options for determining how best to pay for long-term care, and includes links to government resources and other providers to help meet your individual needs. Medicare Navigating who pays […]
Moving
Summary Moving is one of the most stressful life events, and it can be especially so for older people who have been in one home for a long time. With proper planning, though, moving can be less stressful, and sometimes even offer relief from a too-crowded or too big home. This article offers advice for […]
Long-term care planning
Summary Almost two-thirds of individuals in the United States will need some sort of assistance with daily activities as they age, but too many people leave the planning of long-term care until the need is immediate. This article offers recommendations for things to consider and questions to ask in advance when you are planning for […]