SeniorHomeSaleSF

Although technlogy may not be as easy for seniors to learn as it is for most younger people, there are many ways it can keep them safer and more engaged:

• Mobile Personal Emergency Response Systems, worn as pendants or as wrist bands enable seniors to call for help when they fall or find themselves in difficulties which they cannot cope with.
• Internet access enables them to stay engaged with conversation and pictures of family and friends via email and Facebook.  And Scype takes it live!
• E-readers are lighter than books, are back-lit, and have variable size print.  And for those who have issues with mobility, the books come to them!

Whereas some seniors have friends or relatives to teach them how to use technology, some may prefer to take classes.  The San Francisco Public Library provides them for free.  Take a look at their schedule at http://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=1000379101

I met last week with a lady who had recently lost her husband of 53 years.  One of the things we discussed was changing her legal documents to reflect her new situation.   Because she was no longer married, some of the things she now needed to do were to: update her will or trust, possibly naming new beneficiaries or trustees; create a Durable Power of Attorney for finances and/or for her health care; and, if she did not already have one, create an Advance Directive for Healthcare.  Because each individual situation is different, it is important to contact an attorney to be sure to have the correct documents in place, but having them will make life simpler and is a gift for the individual and their loved ones.  For more information about this, take a look at www.naela.org , the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

Most seniors are on a fixed income and are always looking for ways to decrease their spending.  One thing we cannot do without is groceries, but we can learn to spend less for them.  Take a look at this article: 7 Rules to Super Grocery Savings.  And happy shopping, cooking a eating to you!

www.self.com/fooddiet/2012/01/grocery-savings-rules-slideshow#slide=1

Most seniors are on a fixed income and are always looking for ways to decrease their spending.  One thing we cannot do without is groceries, but we can learn to spend less for them.  Take a look at this article: 7 Rules to Super Grocery Savings.  And happy shopping, cooking a eating to you!

http://bit.ly/wxYkya

To what extent, if any, is Adaptive Equipment (grab bars, portable bed rails, support poles, etc.) covered by Medicare? Medi-Cal? Or private insurance ? …. for seniors needing such devices?

Sadly,  neither Medicare nor MediCal/Medicaid provide for home modifications unless it is deemed medically necessary by your medical provider, and then only minimally.    Some Long Term Care insurance policies will give a cash benefit where the cash can be used for whatever you want.  A reverse mortgage will also provide cash.  And in SF, Rebuilding Together will provide free grab bars and railings to low income seniors.  But over all, this is an issue that needs to be addressed, especially with the boomers coming of age.  Fortunately, there are advocates pushing for it, and hopefully we'll see some action on it soon.

To what extent, if any, is Adaptive Equipment (grab bars, portable bed rails, support poles, etc.) covered by Medicare? Medi-Cal? Or private insurance ? …. for seniors needing such devices? 

Sadly,  neither Medicare nor MediCal/Medicaid provide for home modifications unless it is deemed medically necessary by your medical provider, and then only minimally.    Some Long Term Care insurance policies will give a cash benefit where the cash can be used for whatever you want.  A reverse mortgage will also provide cash.  And in SF, Rebuilding Together will provide free grab bars and railings to low income seniors.  But over all, this is an issue that needs to be addressed, especially with the boomers coming of age.  Fortunately, there are advocates pushing for it, and hopefully we'll see some action on it soon.

As some of you may know, I'm on the Board of Directors for Steppingstone Adult Day Health Care or ADHC.  What do we do?  We enable adults and seniors to live independently at home while thriving in a community that promotes their health, happiness, and quality of life.  How do we do it?  SteppingStone’s Health Care program offers a comprehensive option for both frail, low-income seniors and adults with disabilities who live alone and/or lack a primary care giver.  We offer healthcare services, therapies, social activities, meals and transportation.  For more information about this amazing program, take a look at this article from Sunday's Chronicle.http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/02/19/BA9N1N7L9Q.DTL. 

As I'm sitting at my desk, it's (finally) pouring outside.  The roofer was supposed to come work on my roof this morning, but not today after all.  My roof is only 10 years old, but I had asked him to come take a look at it, and sure enough, I needed a new skylight, a new metal chimney, and some flashing replaced.  So why am I telling you this?  Our homes need periodic check ups, particularly where water intrusion is involved.  Take a look around your windows, foundations, and anywhere outside, where water might puddle and leak into the house.  Have someone look at your roof.  If this feels like a bit much, have a someone who you know and trust help you.  And if you need to have work done, be sure they are a referral from someone you trust, and are licensed and bonded.  You can learn this by going to the Better Business Bureau http://goldengate.bbb.org.  Good luck! 

For seniors, the question frequently arises:  Should I move or stay in my home? There are good reasons for either choice, but should you decide to stay put,  there are many safety issues to consider.  As stated in a NY Times artice: "…while home might be cozier and cheaper than a residential center, it’s not always safer. Every year in this country about 7,000 elderly people die in home-related accidents, and millions are seriously injured. Falls are the leading cause of injuries, but the elderly are also at risk for being burned by the stove, scalded by hot water or drowning in the tub."  To read the rest of this article, and to learn how to make your home safer, go to http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/18/health/18patient.html?scp=1&sq=Making%20home%20a%20safer%20place,%20affordably&st=cse