Self Help Tips for Heart Attacks

Like thousands of other people every year, my brother-in-law had a heart attack while he was alone in his car.  He drove himself eight miles to a hospital, where he collapsed as he entered the emergency room.  Although he survived, no one recommends that you try to drive yourself to the hospital if you suspect you are having a heart attack.  The chances are good that you will not reach the hospital and, to make things worse, you might kill someone else.

The truth is that nearly everyone spends at least some time alone.  As we get older, many people live alone and, in a health emergency, this can be dangerous.  Some people wear an emergency pendant which puts them in contact with emergency personnel, neighbors or relatives with the push of a button.  Other people keep their cell phone in their pocket at all times.  Those are both excellent ideas.

Every 60 seconds, someone in the U.S. dies of a heart attack.  What should you do if you are alone and suspect that you are having a heart attack? How can you tell?  These are important questions to ask, because 40 percent of heart attack victims never make it to the hospital. 

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Heart attack symptoms can be wide-ranging and vague. Below you will find common and uncommon symptoms.  If you are in extreme discomfort or you are suffering from several of these symptoms, you should suspect a heart attack:

Chest pain (although 1/3 of patients do NOT have chest pain)
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, the shoulders, the neck, or the stomach (above the belly button)
Shortness of breath
Sweating
Nausea and vomiting

The older you are, the more likely you are not to have chest pain, but have atypical symptoms, instead.  Some of the atypical symptoms are:

Confusion
Labored breathing
Fainting
Vague chest pressure

You may feel unwell for days or even weeks before experiencing the heart attack. 


Self Help Tips for Heart Attack Victims

If you experience the above symptoms and you are alone, here are a list of the steps you should take to save yourself.

* Call 911 - It is important to get to the hospital within an hour.
* While you are waiting for an ambulance, chew and swallow a regular, uncoated 325 mg. aspirin.
*  Unlock your doors so emergency personnel can get inside, in case you cannot open the door later.
*  Sit down, but do not lie down; try to rest and relax while you wait.
*  Call a neighbor, friend or relative and stay on the phone with them until help arrives. If they are close, ask them to come over and wait with you.
*  Do NOT drive yourself to the hospital or have someone else drive you; ambulances have defibrillators and clot-busting medications.  They will also be able to get help for you more quickly, once you reach the hospital.
*  When the EMTs arrive, be ready to tell them what medications you are using and explain exactly what you are feeling.
*  Be assertive.  If you seem shy or reticent, studies show that you may wait longer to receive treatment.  Speak up.  Even if it turns out that you were not having a heart attack, but some other health problem instead, it is important to get checked out as soon as possible.

Want to learn more about common health issues as you age?  Use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo of heart model courtesy of morguefile.com

Reata Glen and other CCRCs in Orange County, CA

A growing trend in housing for senior citizens is the CCRC - Continuing Care Retirement Community.  These are communities where people initially move in while they are still in good health and enjoy independent living in their own private residence.

Later, if the residents eventually need higher levels of care such as assisted living, skilled nursing or memory care, they can get whatever help they need while staying in the same community.  There are a wide variety of CCRCs with different types of amenities.  The costs vary accordingly.

Why People Move to a CCRC

CCRCs are located throughout the United States.  They have become a popular alternative for people who do not have long-term care insurance and want to make sure they will receive care for the rest of their lives, no matter what happens with their health.  However, not everyone who moves into a CCRC is someone who does not have long-term care insurance.  Some types of CCRCs do take this insurance.  Others will accept Medicaid payments to cover at least part of the cost of nursing home care.

Most CCRCs require a buy-in or entrance fee that, in many cases, will be partially refunded to your estate when you leave or die.  On the other hand, there are some that are entirely rental.  All of them have a monthly fee, including the ones that require you to buy it at the beginning.  In some cases, the fee is guaranteed to remain about the same as long as your live there.  In other cases, you pay different amounts based on the services your receive.

It is wise to thoroughly investigate all the choices in your area so you know the options that are available before deciding which one is right for you.

Financing a CCRC

There is a wide range in costs for a CCRC.  If you choose one with a buy-in, it can cost $300,000 or more at the time you move in.  If you rent your housing unit rather than buying it, you may still have an entrance fee of $20,000 or more ... but not always.  In either case, you will also have a monthly fee.  Some facilities that cater to middle-class and low-income senior citizens may allow you to apply for Medicaid and apply it to your expenses.  There are also CCRCs for people who have long-term care insurance.

If the CCRC you choose is a life-care community, you will typically pay a large up-front fee plus a monthly fee that will remain about the same no matter how much care you need in the future.  This is particularly popular with people who do not have long-term care insurance or family members who could care for them, and want the security of knowing that they will be cared for no matter what happens to them in the future.  If you choose this option, financial advisers recommend that you have a professional scrutinize the financial viability of a community before you trust it with your life's savings and care.

Popular CCRCs Located in Orange County, CA

Below is a list of popular CCRCs in Orange County, California.  In nearly every major populated area in the United States, you will find similar types of communities.  In some areas of the country, the costs may be less ... or more.

Regent's Point - Irvine, California - Entrance fee ranges from $47,500 (for UCI alumni and faculty) to $467,500, plus a monthly fee of $2,352 to $4,936 a month.  In addition, there is a tiered cost plan.  The more services you need, the more you pay.

Capriana - Brae, CA - $300,000 to $500,000+ entrance fee - minimum monthly fee of $4,195 plus additional charges for extra services.  They will help you sell your current home to help make it possible for you move in.

Covington - Aliso Viejo, CA - No specific buy-in price was publicly available.  However, like most of the others in Orange County, there is an entrance fee and reviewers indicated it is one of the more expensive options in Orange County.  However, 90% of your entrance fee is returned to you or your estate when you leave the community, once the unit where you lived is reoccupied. The Covington does not accept Medicaid, Veteran's benefits or long-term care insurance.  Basic daily cost for a private room in their care center is $309 a day.

Fountains at Sea Bluffs - Dana Point, CA - No pricing information listed.  While not confirmed, one reviewer said that she was paying nearly $9000 a month for her father to live there in the memory care facility.

Town and Country Manor - Santa Ana, CA - Independent living ranges from $2,750 to $4,090 a month, plus $1,250 a month for a second person in your apartment.  There is a $1,000 application fee.  Assisted living ranges from about $4,000 to $4,550 a month, plus $1,250 for a second person.  Skilled nursing is based on the level of care needed.  There does not appear to be memory care at this facility.  Residents do not have a buy-in.  This is a rental CCRC.

Walnut Village - Anaheim, CA - According to reviews, this CCRC has entrance fees that range from $209,000 to $700,000+ and 90% is refundable. There is also a monthly fee that can range from $2800 to $6200.  There are cottages as well as apartments.

Morningside - Fullerton, CA - The reviews indicated there was a large entrance fee, but it was not published on their website. It is operated by the same company as Reata Glen, described in detail below, so fees and the way it is operated will probably be similar.  

Brookdale - San Juan Capistrano, CA -  There is an entry fee, plus a tiered level of monthly costs, based on the care you require.  You only pay for the services you need.  There are a variety of plans available.  For example, you have the option of paying a lower entry fee if you have long-term care insurance.  In addition, you can choose from a variety of refund percentages and this can alter the size of your initial buy-in costs.

Reata Glen - A New CCRC in Orange County

A new CCRC is under construction in San Juan Capistrano, CA.  They have 19 designs in both apartments and villas.  Sizes range from a one-bedroom with 646 square feet to three bedrooms with 2,827 square feet.   Depending on the size of the home you choose, the buy-in entrance fee can range from $400,000 to $2,499,000.    A typical two bedroom, two bath 1,268 square foot Garden Terrace with covered parking can have a buy-in of $949,000 to $993,000.  For those who do not have covered parking with their apartment, there is an optional additional entrance fee of $10,000 for a carport and $25,000 for a garage.  There is also a monthly fee which should remain stable during the remainder of your life.

Like most other CCRC's, there will be a variety of amenities.  When complete, this community will have tennis courts, a wood shop, gardens, a putting green, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a performing arts center.

You can get a brochure and learn more about this newest CCRC in Orange County at http://www.reataglen.com/


If you are interested in learning more about where to retire in the United States or overseas, common health concerns, financial planning and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  Photo of Reata Glen from their website

Death from Falls Can Be Prevented

https://twitter.com/BobbyMalevski/status/673535222554738688

In 2013, an estimated 25,464 senior citizens died from a fall.  Approximately 2.5 million more were injured.  Of those, 734,000 people required hospitalization.  Shockingly, one in three adults over the age of 65 will experience a fall every year and a significant of them will suffer serious injuries, including broken hips or head trauma.  Medical costs for falling amount to over $30 billion a year.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that these numbers may double in the next five years as our population ages.  In addition, falls are also a major reason for emergency room visits for people in the 45 to 64 age group, so problems are not limited only to those in the 65 and over age group.

Researchers have studied this problem extensively and they have discovered that certain programs are effective in preventing falls.  However, there is virtually no government support for these programs, which means they are not always available in the communities where they are needed.  When they are available, the programs are usually sponsored by local hospitals, community groups and agencies.

Even if you do not believe you are at risk of falling, accidents can happen to anyone.  In addition, you may have a spouse or other family member who could be injured from a fall.  Everyone should be aware of the causes and how to reduce the risk.

Why Senior Citizens Fall

There are a number of reasons why people fall, regardless of their age ... although the problems associated with falling are more serious in senior citizens.  Some of the more common causes are:

Arthritis
Inner-ear Problems
Diabetes - Particularly for those who suffer from Neuropathy
Illnesses that cause patients to feel weak, dizzy or shaky
Medications - People should be especially concerned about sleeping medications or those that lower blood pressure or cause dizziness

How to Prevent Falls

Fortunately, there are steps everyone can take to dramatically lower their risk of falling.  Below are some suggestions you can implement yourself.

Attend the CDC program called "Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries" (STEADI).  Contact your local hospital or senior center to see when a class will be held in your community.

Attend a Balance Training Program.  Many senior centers and communities offer separate balance classes or include balance training in their yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, dance and other exercise classes for seniors.

Practice balance exercises at home including:

* Standing on one leg for 30 seconds at a time
* Walk heel to toe along a straight line on the floor
* Practice sitting and standing from a chair to build leg and core muscle strength

Eliminate or avoid danger zones in your home, especially:

* Potentially icy areas outside your home in cold weather
* Anything in your home or yard that could trip you -- wires, plants, furniture legs, etc.
* Loose rugs or carpeting
* Slippery floors like polished hardwood or wet floors in the bathroom and kitchen

Other ways to reduce falls include:

*  Installing grab bars in your shower or around your bathtub.
*  Giving up your high heels.
*  Having someone move items from high shelves and placing them where they are within easy reach.
*  Avoiding risky behaviors such as climbing on ladders or standing on chairs to reach high items.

Finally, watch your medications and read the package inserts.  Pay close attention to the possibility of falling because of the prescription drugs you are taking.  Many medications can lower your blood pressure and make you dizzy, especially when you first get out of bed in the morning or get up from a chair.  Take things slowly and make sure you feel OK before making any sudden moves.  Talk to your doctor about your dosage levels or ask about alternative medications if one you are taking seems to make you especially dizzy.



If you are interested in learning more about how to take care of your health as you age, where to retire, financial planning or family relationships, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:   https://twitter.com/BobbyMalevski/status/673535222554738688