In-Home Caregivers and Covid-19: Why Your Caregiver Should Continue to Come

Kelsey Simpson recommends keeping caregivers during Covid-19.

With the Covid-19 pandemic sweeping the world, many of the elderly and people with fragile health are concerned about having in-home caregivers.  Should they continue to allow people to come into their home to cook their meals, or assist them with showers, dressing and other personal services?  Without a caregiver, however, will their quality of life suffer?  Because so many people have questions about this topic, I was delighted when Kelsey Simpson with Comfort Keepers offered to write a guest post to help our readers understand why they may be better off keeping their in-home caregivers.  Her guest post is below. 

The Importance of Continuing In-Home Senior Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Kelsey Simpson

The COVID-19 pandemic is a trying and uncertain time for people of all ages all over the world. This global pandemic is forcing people to stay in their homes until further notice, preventing them from seeing friends, family, coworkers, and even doctors and other healthcare providers. Due to this global pandemic, people are sacrificing important appointments, such as seeing their doctor and getting their monthly or yearly checkups. This can put their health in jeopardy. However, the demographic which is in the most jeopardy are the seniors who stop their in-home care service.

Elderly people are at a higher risk of dying if they contract the COVID-19 virus; with that being said, most elderly people are doing all they can to avoid contact with other people who do not live in their household, including senior care workers. Though seniors should take necessary precautions to avoid other humans, they should not avoid seeing their health care providers, including their in-home senior caregivers.

Should I Continue In-Home Care For My Loved One During the COVID-19 Crisis?
  

The answer is yes. Though seniors should do what they can to avoid contact with all other people, in-home senior care workers are an exception because they are necessary for the seniors' care. In-home senior care is crucial for many aging adults. In fact, so many aging adults depend on it that, if they were to stop using their services, their quality of life and health would likely deteriorate quickly. Below are some of the reasons why seniors should continue their in-home senior care services, despite the global pandemic. 

Family Members Might Not Care For the Elderly in the Same Way

If you are a family member who is in charge of dealing with an aging loved one’s senior care, it is important you understand why you should continue the caregiver service during these difficult times. One of the most important reasons you should continue in-home care is that you may not be able to care for your loved one the same way the care service does. If you are unable to provide the quality care that your loved one needs, his or her quality of life or health could be greatly impacted in a negative way.

If you are the person whose relative is using an in-home care service, it is likely you already recognized in the past that you were unable to care for your aging loved one on your own. Maybe your loved one requires 24/7 special care, or you have a demanding career and a family of your own which you need to care for. Whatever the case may be, seniors rely on an in-home service for a reason, and stopping this care may have a direct impact on their health and well-being. 

Change Could Distress Your Loved One

In addition to not knowing how to care for your loved one, if you drastically change their life, you may distress him or her. It is common for seniors to resist change, or to not understand the reason for the change, especially if they have early stages of dementia. If you pause their in-home senior care service, you run the risk of distressing them by stopping their needed quality care.  You also run the risk of confusing them.

Distressing elderly people can result in mental and physical pain and discomfort. Similarly, if your aging loved one is upset, it may become even more difficult for you to care for them. As a result, the assistance of an in-home senior care service can be essential to their happiness and well-being, as well as your own. 

An In-Home Nurse is a Good Precaution Against Covid-19

In-home nursing care is one of the best ways for seniors to actually prevent contracting the COVID-19 virus. In-home nurses will provide quality care for seniors, which will keep them as healthy as possible during this global pandemic. A well-trained caregiver will take all necessary precautions to keep them healthy, something the elderly may not be able to do on their own. This may include taking steps to boost the patient's immune system, assisting in their cleanliness, and making sure the aging adult is getting the proper rest, which is necessary in order to stay healthy. In-home nurses will also take sanitation and cleanliness very seriously, making sure to keep the health of their patients in mind in everything they do.

In-Home Care That Goes Above and Beyond

In-home senior care is crucial for those who are elderly or frail, no matter what in going on outside the home, including during a global pandemic. Caregivers will do everything they can to keep your elderly loved one safe, healthy and comfortable during these difficult times. 

In order to ensure the health of your loved one, make sure that your caregiver is wearing the proper preventative pieces, such as gloves and a mask. If your caregiver does not have access to these things, as they are becoming quite scarce, do your best to provide him or her with whatever personal protective equipment they need.  It will be worthwhile for both you and your loved one’s safety and peace-of-mind.

About the Author:

Kelsey Simpson enjoys writing about issues which help others. She lives in South Jersey, is the proud companion to two German Shepherds, and spends her free time volunteering in dog shelters.

If you or a caregiver is taking care of a family member who is sick at home with symptoms of Covid-19, or even the regular flu (which is bad enough), you may wonder how to care for them.  A helpful book for family members or caregivers is:  "Pandemic Flu Home Care: A Detailed Guide for Caring for the Ill at Home."

To learn more about common medical problems as we age, Medicare, Social Security, financial planning, where to retire and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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

Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Kelsey Simpson

Staying Home? Keep Busy and Reach Out to Others

You can be alone without feeling lonely.

Beginning in early 2020, large segments of the U.S. population were ordered to shelter at home because of the Covid-19 virus sweeping the world.  By late March, restaurants and bars were closed.  Meetings and religious services were canceled. People were discouraged from having gatherings in their houses. While some people were able to work from home, others lost their jobs and had very little to do each day.

Millions of Americans, as well as those in other countries, have been isolated by themselves at home.  Others have a spouse, or their entire family, staying with them. A few have chosen to quarantine with a close friend or two. Whether they are alone or not, nearly everyone has significantly more free time.  Even those who have a job which allows them to work from home have seen their lives change dramatically, since they are no longer able to go out to dinner, attend a party, or socialize with friends.

A pandemic is not the only reason people may find themselves suddenly stuck at home, with little to do. They may be recuperating from an illness, injury or surgery. They may have become the caregiver for a relative and find they are unable to leave the house very often. They might find themselves in the middle of a blizzard or other natural disaster which makes it difficult to leave home.

When these things happen, and you are no longer able to go out when you want, how can you make the time you are spending at home interesting and meaningful?

Keep Yourself Physically Active

When you cannot go to the gym or attend exercise classes, it is still important for you to stay in good physical condition.  Here are some suggestions:

Take a walk in your neighborhood; if you cannot go outside because of weather or other reasons, walk around your home and climb the stairs, if you have them.  If you need inspiration, a man in Paris ran an entire 26.2 mile marathon on his 23 foot long balcony while under quarantine.  It took him nearly 7 hours of running back and forth.  If you just walk briskly around your home for 30 minutes a day, you will be keeping yourself from becoming too sedentary, and you do not have to run a marathon!

If you are willing to keep a respectful distance of six to ten feet, and perhaps wear a face mask, you may even walk with a friend.  This will allow you to chat in person with someone every day, and reduce your loneliness.  I have done this daily during this pandemic and found it very satisfying.

In addition to walking, add other forms of exercise such as lifting weights (or cans of food), dancing to your favorite music, or following a yoga video. You might also be surprised how much exercise you get when you vacuum the house.  Whatever you do, do not spend your days sitting without making some effort to get up, get exercise, and stretch.

Keep Yourself Mentally Balanced

It can be easy to become edgy or irritable from spending too much time alone.  Here are some suggestions:

Try a meditation tape and practice deep breathing.

Keep a journal. Observe the things happening outside your window ... blooming flowers, nesting birds, neighbors and their dogs.

Even when you are alone, you do not have to be lonely.  Spend time chatting with others on the phone, or do a video chat using WhatsApp or Zoom.   A friend of mine posted on Facebook that she and her husband had their regular monthly "cocktail party" with their friends.  They just did it on Zoom.  Everyone made their own appetizers and poured their own glasses of wine.  Then, they sat in their living rooms with their laptops perched on their coffee tables, and chatted with each other. What fun!  I have also used Zoom to keep up with club meetings, classes and other activities. We have even done a Zoom family reunion with all our children and grandchildren. After a week of staying home, it is great to see the faces of our family and friends and chat with them!

Send emails, text messages, birthday cards, Facebook messages and other little notes to your friends and family. If you have been meaning to send someone a personal letter, this is your opportunity to do it.  Try to lift others up.  They may be feeling afraid and lonely.  A message from you could brighten their day.  I have been sending out "Thinking of You" cards (Ad) to a few friends, especially those who live alone or are a long way from their families.

If you are religious, spend a little time each day in prayer or meditation. It can have a very calming effect.  And, if your place of worship is now offering online services, religious studies or other events, set aside some time to participate from home.

Prayer and meditation can keep you mentally balanced.

Embrace Your Extra Time

Nearly everyone has something they have always wanted to do, but never thought they had the time.  View this forced quiet time at home as a gift.  Now is your chance to explore some of those dreams.  Today, with free videos available on YouTube, and an abundance of informative blogs and websites, you can develop a wealth of new skills.  Below are some ideas:

Learn a new language using Babble or the Duolingo app.

Learn to play an instrument or read music.

Teach yourself to quilt, knit, crochet or sew, watching YouTube videos.

Start writing that blog or novel you always wanted to create.

Join Ancestry. com and trace your family history. You may be surprised by what you discover!

Read the books collecting dust on your shelf, or order some new ones from Amazon or other online book dealers.

Order some interesting puzzles and see how long it takes to finish them. (Ad)

Order paints, a drawing pad or other art supplies and indulge your artistic side. (Ad)

If you have to be home anyway, expand your culinary skills. Make meals you really look forward to eating.  Watch a few cooking shows on TV to get some inspiration.

Have fun with crafts.  The website Domestic Diva Online has a wealth of free craft tutorials using all types of materials.  The site even includes lists of the materials you need for each craft, and where to order them online.

Make a Schedule

With so many activities at your fingertips, you may begin to feel overwhelmed and have trouble making up your mind about what to do.  The way to avoid confusion is to create a flexible schedule.  There is a reason why jobs and school usually operate on a specific schedule.  You will be more relaxed if you set one for yourself.  Include some time to just do "nothing," to watch TV or play a video game.  We all need downtime, even from our chosen projects.  Do not become obsessed with staying busy all the time.  Allow yourself some quiet time to just stare out the window or sit in your backyard in the sun.

Take Care of Yourself

Do not stay up half the night, sleep late, eat junk food, and lounge around in your pajamas.

Get dressed every day.  Make your bed.  Pick up your house.  Maintain your normal beauty routine.  Take a shower, moisturize your skin.  Keep to your normal sleep patterns.  Eat healthy foods at the same times you typically eat.

If you do these things, you will feel much better about yourself and your situation.  

Help Others When You Can

You will find meaning in your time at home if you find ways to help others, when you can.  There are several ways you can do this, even from your house.

If a friend calls and feel lonely or discouraged, let them talk.  Just the action of being a good listener can help more than you realize.

Check on your neighbors.  Call just to chat and ask if they are doing OK.  Knock on a neighbor's door and drop off a treat in a disposable container, keeping a respectful distance.  It will mean a lot to them. If you are placing an order online or going to the store to replenish your supplies, ask if they need anything, too.

If you are able to make face masks, knit scarves, or create other helpful items, share your extras with your neighbors ... keeping an appropriate physical distance from them, of course.

Support a local business by ordering a meal or other items which you can pick up curbside.  Wear a face mask and use hand sanitizer whenever you venture out.

If you are saving money on gas for your car or by not eating out, consider donating a little of your savings to local charities.  Many of them are not receiving their usual donations during these uncertain times.

If you do these things, you will soon find that it is not so bad to let go of the busy life you lived before.  Your life in isolation may be different, but it doesn't have to be bad.  In fact, you may even find it peaceful to slow down for a few months.

To learn more about common medical problems as we age, Medicare, Social Security, financial planning, where to retire and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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

Photo credit:  Pixabay.com

Join the Peace Corps - You Can Start Late in Life!

Many older American remember the Peace Corp as an activity which may have been popular with some of their friends after they graduated from college in the 1960s and 1970s.  What they may not realize is that people can actually join the Peace Corp at almost any age, including after they retire.  In fact, with a lifetime of experience behind you, you may have more to offer the Peace Corp than you realize.  This month our guest poster is someone who is sharing the experience he and his wife had when they joined the Peace Corp later in life.  Their book was just released and it is well worth reading.

David and Champa Jarmul (pictured above) served in Moldova, a small former Soviet state that is Europe’s poorest nation.  Enjoy reading about their experiences in their guest post, an excerpt from his book, below:

Life in the Peace Corp - The Story of One Couple

by David Jarmul

Hundreds of older Americans volunteer every year to serve overseas with the Peace Corps. David Jarmul and his wife, Champa, were among them.  Recently, the Peace Corps evacuated its volunteers worldwide because of the coronavirus, but expects to restore operations after the pandemic ends.
 
In a new book, Not Exactly Retired: A Life-Changing Journey on the Road and in the Peace Corps, (Ad) David describes how they traveled across the United States and Nepal and then served as Peace Corps Volunteers in the Republic of Moldova, a small former Soviet state that is the poorest nation in Europe.

In this adapted excerpt from the book. David describes the complicated process of disengaging from their conventional American lives to prepare for their big adventure. He says the transition would end up changing their lives — for the better.

Most of the volunteers in their Peace Corps group were younger than their own two sons.

When I first served as a Peace Corps volunteer in 1977 at the age of twenty-four, I completed the application, packed a suitcase and backpack, ate a farewell dinner with my family, and headed off for Nepal. This time, the process was a lot more complicated.

The application itself was straightforward, but the subsequent clearances took months. Champa and I submitted resumes with details about everywhere we’d ever lived and worked. We provided references. We went to a courthouse to be fingerprinted. Most important, even though we were in good shape for people our age, we spent months working our way through the medical process. We received thorough exams from our physicians and dentist, updated our vaccinations, and filled out more than 40 forms, some of them several pages long. I scanned and uploaded everything to the Peace Corps along with electronic copies of our dental X-rays, eyeglass prescriptions, and the like.

The medical office ended up approving us but restricting where we could serve. Only a few countries matched both our medical and job needs. Several of them were in Eastern Europe, where the Peace Corps had expanded following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. We ended up designating Macedonia and Moldova as our top choices, although we also said we were willing to serve anywhere. When the Peace Corps eventually sent us invitations to serve in Moldova, we said yes, even though we knew almost nothing about the country.

They lived with a Moldovan host family, including their beloved Bunica, or grandmother.

We did so only after speaking with both of our sons and daughters-in-law, making sure we had their support to leave for more than two years. Like many Americans in their thirties, they were all busy with their careers, small children, and other demands. Now their kids would be losing two of their grandparents for an extended period. Our younger son and his family lived near us in Durham, so they would feel the impact the most. No longer would Champa and I be cheering at soccer games, making dinners, or taking care of the boys when they were sick. Nor would we see our older son’s four daughters in Philadelphia.

Once in Moldova, we would talk with all of them online, but we knew that would be a poor substitute for giving them real hugs. Indeed, throughout our service, we kept telling ourselves we were doing something they might appreciate when they got older, but the truth was we missed them and talked about them every day. For both of us, it would be the hardest thing about being away.

Champa and I debated what to do with our home in Durham. We’d paid off our mortgage a year earlier after accelerating our monthly payments for several years. With our two sons gone, the house was now too big for us. I wanted to sell it and be done with it before we left. Champa wanted to keep it to return home to after our service even if we ended up selling it later. That’s what we ended up doing, hoping to earn some rental income and perhaps see the house appreciate in value while we were away.

Neither of us thought much about what turned out to be another benefit of keeping it, which was that we were able to store possessions in a small upstairs room and in the attic instead of having to rent an expensive storage facility. We also stayed in the house, which was temporarily empty until a new tenant moved in, when we came home for a vacation after our first year as volunteers. Best of all, we had a place waiting for us when we completed our service two years later.

Champa turned out to be right (hardly the first time).

During the weeks before our departure, we worked our way through a long “to do” list. I canceled our gym memberships, forwarded our mail, and arranged to shut off our electricity, gas, water, and cable service. I notified our bank and credit card companies about our travel plans and ordered an additional card from a company that offered free foreign ATM withdrawals. I added my sister to our checking account and notarized a form giving her our power of attorney. I reviewed our wills and made electronic copies of recent tax returns, so I would have them with me when I filed future returns from Moldova. I suspended our medical insurance, canceled the EZ-Pass for my car, and ended our subscription to Netflix. I scoured our credit card bills to make sure I wasn’t overlooking any other recurring charges. Since North Carolina was likely to be a battleground state in the 2016 election, we also made sure to order absentee ballots.

We hired a small Durham company to manage our home for two years. With their assistance, we hired painters and a handyman to spruce up the house before the first tenants moved in. Parents of a friend offered to take care of our dog, Bailey, for which we were grateful. We bought Champa her own laptop.

We used a Peace Corps discount to buy suitcases and a solar-powered flashlight. We bought shoes to walk on Moldova’s muddy roads, boots to survive its winters, and a winter coat for me, overlooking that we would first confront a hot Moldovan summer. I bought spare cables for our electronic gear, converter plugs to charge everything from Moldovan outlets, and a Kindle to load with books. Slowly but surely, we worked our way through the “suggested packing list” from the Peace Corps, wondering how we would fit everything into the two 50-pound suitcases and one carry-on bag we were each allowed to bring.

Simultaneously, we downsized and purged 36 years of possessions from our house. We donated most of our furniture to Habitat for Humanity, hundreds of books to the Durham library, and dozens of bags of clothing and household goods to local charities. I visited the local Goodwill donation center so often that I felt like asking for a personal parking space. We sold Champa’s aging Toyota Corolla to a friend and gave my newer Ford Fusion to my son and daughter-in-law, whose car was dying.

On our last night home, Champa and I slept on an inflatable mattress in our empty house, deflating it in the morning and placing it with our coffee cups and two plates in one of the few empty spaces remaining in the storage room. As we locked the door, we knew we were saying farewell to life as we’d known it, perhaps forever.

Book Cover (Ad)

About the author:

"Not Exactly Retired: A Life-Changing Journey on the Road and in the Peace Corps" is available as both a paperback and an e-book through the book website, (Ad) on Amazon, and elsewhere. Author David Jarmul is a writer, blogger and traveler who was previously the head of news and communications at Duke University.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

If you are interested in learning more about financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, common medical issues as you age, travel and more, 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 credits:  Photos were provided by David Jarmul and are used with his permission

Captions:


Photo 1: David and Champa served in Moldova, a small former Soviet state that is Europe’s poorest nation.


Photo 2: Most of the volunteers in their Peace Corps group were younger than their own two sons.


Photo 3: They lived with a Moldovan host family, including their beloved Bunica, or grandmother.


Photo 4: Book cover

Why Scammers Use Gift Cards to Steal Your Money

We have all received a wide variety of scam phone calls, and most of them end with demands for immediate payment, often using what may seem to most of us as strange ways to send money. With so many of us spending our days at home right now, we are likely to receive even more of these calls.  If we are lonely and bored, we may even be tempted to engage in a conversation with the strangers who call our home.  This is a terribly bad idea!

Some of these callers will claim you owe money to the IRS, or you missed your jury duty and if you do not pay a fine, you will be arrested.  Other callers pretend to be your grandchild or another relative, crying hysterically that they are in a desperate situation and need you to send money for bail or some other need. They may even claim to have been kidnapped.

The call may come from a salesperson who offers to sell you a home coronavirus test kit or, even worse, a fake cure for the disease.

The request for money may seem polite or even humble, and come from someone you have met on a dating site or somewhere else on the internet, pleading that they have had an unexpected emergency and need to "borrow" some money until they get things straightened out. 

What all of these callers may have in common is they often suggest that the fastest way to send them money is for you to purchase a gift card at a local convenience store and read them the numbers from the back of the card.  They usually do not want you to mail them a personal check.  They want gift cards.

If you ever get a request from anyone asking for gift cards they can use to cover their bail or to pay a bill, hang up and report the phone number to the police.  No legitimate government agency, salesman, friend or relative will insist the only way you can pay a bill or help them financially is by reading them the numbers off the back of gift cards. 

You need to know that gift card numbers are the preferred method of payment for scammers, and too many senior citizens fall for these smooth talking criminals every day.

How Scammers use Gift Cards

What the scammers do with gift cards is actually quite ingenious.  They will ask you to go to a convenience store or a business such as Target or WalMart and purchase a large denomination gift card or two.  After you purchase the cards, they want you to call them back and read them the code numbers or PINs on the back of the cards.  They nearly always try to rush you to get this done, by threatening that you will be arrested, or something awful will happen to a loved one, if you do not meet a specific deadline.

Why gift cards?  Scammers ask for them because they are nearly as untraceable as cash and are easily transferred over the phone, which makes it very easy for them to cash, take the money, and disappear.

How Scammers "Launder" the Money on the Gift Card

Within minutes of giving the numbers to a scammer, they will pass the number to a "washer" who uses the gift card number to purchase other gift cards, with smaller denominations, in a store.  For example, if you have been told to purchase two $500 WalMart gift cards, and you read the numbers on the back to the scammers, they will pass the numbers to someone who will immediately use those numbers in a WalMart to purchase several gift cards for other stores, such as Best Buy, ranging in value from $50 to $250.  In less than an hour, your original gift cards have been used.  The "washer" gets to keep two to five percent of the value of the cards. 

Then, the codes for the new gift cards are resold online at a discount.  For example, there are sites where you can purchase a $100 Best Buy gift card for $90 or less.  By the time the scammers have destroyed the gift cards they purchased with the numbers you gave them, and resold those new gift card codes online, the money is completely untraceable.  There is almost no chance you will ever be able to get your money back.

The scammer may even skip the washer and specify that you purchase gift cards for iTunes, Google Play, Best Buy or other stores.  Then, as soon as you give them the numbers, they will immediately list them for sale at a discount.  The cards didn't cost them anything, so they do not mind selling them for far less than face value.  Before you know it, the scammer, the cards and your money are all gone.

How to Prevent This Type of Crime

The good news is that stores are starting to become aware of these types of crimes and they are questioning people who come into their stores and purchase large denomination gift cards.  Some stores will no longer let people use gift card codes to purchase other gift cards.  Businesses and police departments are working together to reduce these crimes, but they need the public to stop making things easy for the scammers.

Consumers can help prevent these crimes in several ways:

First, educate yourself about these scams and how they work.  You need to know that gift cards cannot legally be used to pay for bail, taxes or court fees.  There is no reason you should ever need to rush to a store to get gift cards, especially if you have been financially threatened by a stranger on the phone, or because you believe you are "rescuing" someone.

You may want to learn more about this and other scams by reading the AARP book, "Outsmarting the Scam Artists: How to Protect Yourself from the Most Clever Cons."

Second, think twice about purchasing discount gift cards on the internet.  While many of them are being sold by legitimate people who have been given gift cards they really do not want, when you purchase cards from these sites you could also be inadvertently helping someone who is in the process of committing a crime.

This is unlikely to be the last way scammers will try to get money from you.  When gift cards stop working as a payment method for their scams, they will try other things.  Scammers used to ask people to wire money into foreign bank accounts, but when banks began to train their tellers to question their customers who were making a large transfer to a foreign bank account, we began to see less of this.  That is when the gift card scams became more popular.

Whenever a stranger calls, be skeptical and do not hesitate to hang up.  Legitimate government agencies will contact you by mail, if they need to. They will rarely call you and, when they do, they will never ask for immediate payment over the phone.  In particular, they will not ask you to pay them with gift cards.  If you are unsure if a grandchild or relative really needs your help, always try calling them or other family members directly to confirm what is going on.  Finally, if someone you meet online asks for money, regardless of how nice and polite they seem to be, ignore the request.  This is especially true of dating sites on which one person may be scamming multiple lonely people at the same time.  Keep reminding yourself that people who are asking you for money may be lying to you, and you should either turn them down or seek legal advice.

If you would like more helpful information for retirees on financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, common medical issues as we age, or where to retire, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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

Photo credit: flickr

Social Distancing Tips for Retirees - How to Stay Safe

As the novel coronavirus Covid-19 continues to spread across our country and around the world, it is becoming more and more important for senior citizens and others to practice social distancing. Everyone is encouraged to stay at home and, when they must leave their house, to maintain a distance of six feet or more from anyone they encounter. This is especially important for senior citizens, since they may be more at risk of dying from the disease, especially if they have a pre-existing condition such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or cancer.

To make the issue more complicated, seniors are normally encouraged to stay in touch with friends and family, both for their mental health and so someone always knows they are alive and well. This can be difficult to achieve when so many seniors live alone or with only a spouse, especially when they are intentionally trying to self-isolate or practice social distancing. How can you stay safe and isolated while, at the same time, trying to keep in touch with others?

What is Social Distancing?

Good social distancing means staying home as much as possible, and avoiding all contact with anyone outside your home.  It means you should not visit anyone and you should not allow visitors to your home.  You have to act as though every other person may have a highly contagious disease, whether it is Covid-19 or something else.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control is recommending that people avoid being in groups of more than 10, and you should only be in a group of that size if everyone can maintain a separation of six feet or more.  In addition, everyone should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer upon arrival and frequently during the gathering, since people tend to touch various surfaces and then their faces several times a minute, which allows viruses easy access to their bodies.  These types of gatherings should be reserved for important public meetings, and only when necessary, not for socializing in a private home or playing a game of bridge.

Ideally, people should spend most of their time alone, or only with their spouse or other people they live with.  Everyone should stay home as much as possible and avoid going anywhere not absolutely necessary.

Work from home, if you can. If you or someone in your family must work outside the home, take extra precautions around them, especially if they work in the medical field or with the public.  In some cases, it may be smart for them to isolate themselves in a separate room or section of the house, away from everyone else, whenever they are home.

While you are social distancing, enjoy things such as online classes, whether it is to finish a degree or just to enrich your mind.

Postpone visits to doctors and dentists, if they are not immediately necessary.  Use the telephone, email or a video chat service to communicate with your doctor.

Do not go to restaurants, bars, country clubs, places of worship, sports arenas, theaters, museums,and other spots where people tend to congregate.

Postpone visits to hairdressers, barbers, massage parlors, and nail salons ... anywhere you will be in close physical contact with another person.

Avoid visits with friends and family.  You may miss the grandkids, but they do not want to carry a disease to you, and you do not want them to feel guilty if you get sick, even if they did not give it to you.

Do not visit friends or relatives in nursing homes, rehab centers, or assisted living. They may be lonely, but you do not want to give them a virus which could shorten their lives.

How to Get Food and Supplies

If you are spending time alone, or only with a spouse, it can become a serious concern to figure out how you can get the supplies you need.  Here are some suggestions:

Order your groceries and other necessities online from sites like Amazon Fresh and Walmart.  They are also a good place to get cleaning supplies such as Lysol or Clorox.  (Ad)

Your local grocer may also have a delivery service. Call them and ask if they use Instacart or a similar service.

Use a curbside pickup grocery service, which is available at some Walmarts and, possibly, other stores.  You place your order online and then pull up to a designated spot in the Walmart parking lot when the order is ready. Someone puts your groceries in the trunk of your car for you. Two of our daughters regularly use this service and love it.

Are you hungry for a meal from your favorite restaurant or fast food place? Use a meal delivery service such as GrubHub or Postmates.  Throw away the outer wrappings and containers as soon as the food arrives, and then wash your hands.  You may even heat the food up again for a few seconds in the microwave.

Patronize local restaurants by getting take-out or going through the drive-in window. 

Have prescriptions mailed to you.  Request a three month supply, if possible.

If you have to go into a store yourself, cover as much of your skin as possible and go during non-peak hours, when the store is not crowded and you can maintain space between yourself and other shoppers. Wipe down the cart handle and anything else you must touch with disinfecting wipes. Wear gloves and a face mask or bandana, or wrap a scarf around your lower face, so you do not touch items on the store shelves and then touch your face.  Your goal is to protect your face from being contaminated by your own hands!  Try to limit your trips to the grocery store or pharmacy to no more than once a week.

Once I leave a store, I lay my gloves palm side up on the dashboard of my car so the sun will hit them.  Direct sunlight is believed to kill the virus on fabric. After removing my scarf and gloves, I use hand sanitizer on my hands and around my nostrils. Finally, when I arrive home, I remove my shoes and jacket and leave them in direct sunlight on an enclosed patio with large windows.  Afterwards, I wash my face and hands.  You may also want to use a disinfecting wipe to clean the packages you brought home and your reusable grocery bags.

According to Professor Greg Polan at the Mayo Clinic, "You cannot get infected if your hands are clean before you touch your face, and if you don't breathe in air from somebody who's sick and coughing."  The steps above should protect you from those possibilities.

How to Stay in Touch with Others

Even though you are social distancing, it is very important for your safety and mental health that you regularly communicate with other people.

Call and chat with family and friends regularly, especially if you live alone.  It is important to have real conversations and use your voice.  Conversations are an essential part of postponing dementia. Just because you are social distancing yourself from other people, you do not want to let yourself mentally deteriorate.

Use FaceTime, Skype, Zoom or WhatsApp to have video chats with family members.  It is a great way to stay in touch with grandchildren and other members of the family.

If you have no one who can check on you regularly, you may want to try an automated daily phone call check-in service such as iamfine.  They will place a daily call to you to make sure you are OK.  It is an invaluable service for people who live alone.  During the months of March and April 2020, they have offered to waive their monthly fee temporarily, since so many people are feeling isolated.  To get the free temporary service, people should enter the Code APRIL2020 when they sign up. 

In addition, you may want to send out personal notes and emails to friends, as well as stay active on social media, such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  My daughters text me nearly every day and they call me periodically.  I also chat weekly with my sister and father, and occasionally have phone conversations with friends.  Since I have a husband, I live with someone I talk with daily. I have also read reports of people who moved in with friends or relatives before the virus became widespread, just so they would have companionship.  They call them "quarantine friends" or their "quarantine squad."

How to Safely Get Fresh Air and Exercise

Social Distancing does not mean you cannot go outside.  If you have a yard, balcony or patio, enjoy some time outside whenever possible.  Open your windows in good weather and let in some fresh air. Enjoy a little sunshine.

Take a walk or a hike, keeping a six foot space between you and other people.

A friend of mine and I often walk around a small neighborhood golf course. We drive to our favorite meeting place in separate cars and we stay five or six feet apart as we walk.  We both have seriously ill husbands, so we are extra careful. We wear gloves and, sometimes, I wear a scarf wrapped over my lower face, to keep myself from touching my mouth or nose.  Just as I do when I go to the grocery store, after the walk I lay my gloves on the dashboard of my car, remove my scarf and use hand sanitizer on my hands and around the edges of my nostril and mouth.

Another way to get exercise is to use free weights or exercise videos, following along at home.

Be sure to wipe down any home exercise equipment you use, before and after you handle it, especially if anyone else may use it after you, even someone in your household.   (Ad)

How to Quarantine Someone in Your Family

The time may come when one person in your family is ill with the coronavirus or another contagious disease, but everyone else is healthy. How can you care for them, while keeping yourself and other family members safe?  Here are some suggestions:

The ill person should stay in a separate room, and not share a bed or anything else with other people.

If possible, have a designated bathroom that only they use.

Everyone should be especially careful about hand-washing and using hand sanitizer. Everything possible should be wiped down with sanitizing wipes several times a day, including doorknobs, counters, bathroom fixtures, etc.

Food should be left for the sick person by the door to their room, or placed on a table just inside the door, while the caregiver maintains a distance of six feet or more from the sick person.  They should have their own dishes, which are washed separately as soon as they are finished eating, or placed in the dishwasher to be sterilized.  The caregiver should wear rubber gloves while handling the dishes, and then the gloves should be washed off. Whenever the caregiver must approach the sick person, they should wear gloves and a mask.  However, they should maintain a safe distance unless it is absolutely necessary they get closer.

If the person is seriously ill, has a high fever, is becoming dehydrated or having trouble breathing, call your doctor and follow their directions to take the patient to a hospital, where they can get the care they need.  This will also protect the rest of the family. 

How to Get Medical Care While Maintaining Social Distancing

If you or someone in your family needs to go to a hospital or to see a physician, do NOT show up at your doctor's office or the local urgent care facility or hospital unless you CALL AHEAD.  Some facilities have special, separate locations or entrances for suspected cases of coronavirus and people with other highly contagious diseases.  This is to keep contagious patients separate from people who may be having a baby, a heart attack, stroke, broken bone, or other routine medical event. 

Even if you are seeing the doctor for a common health condition, you want to be sure you are using the correct location and entrance.  You do not want to walk into a lobby full of highly contagious people if you are not sick, and you do not want to contaminate a room full of healthy people, if you are sick.

Do Your Research

Stay up-to-date on information about the coronavirus or any other contagious disease which may be going around.  Watch for news stories on major news networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS and the BBC.  Cable stations may also carry stories about Covid-19 and other contagious diseases, but they are more likely to have a political bias, which can affect what they report and even cause a delay in getting life-saving information.  It is better to get an excessive amount of accurate information, than miss an important report because of the political bias of your news source.  In particular, you may want to watch your local news stations for any special instructions or information which could pertain specifically to your state or community.

You may also want to read my related article:

Coronavirus Quarantine: Seniors Should Prepare for Covid-19

To learn more about common medical problems as we age, Medicare, Social Security, financial planning, where to retire and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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

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Dying at Home - What is Best for You and Your Family?

More Americans are deciding to die at home, rather than in the hospital, for the first time in over 100 years.  Many people believe they would rather spend the last few weeks or months of their life in their own home, being cared for by their loved ones.  It is true that they are likely to feel less lonely and depressed when they are surrounded by their family in their final days. There are also financial incentives for hospitals when they encourage people to leave the hospital and go home to die.  However, is this really the best thing for either the dying person or for their family?

Dr. Nathan Gray wrote an op-ed which appeared as a full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times and other newspapers on February 16, 2020.  He is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Palliative Care at Duke University School of Medicine, as well as an artist who draws informative comics on medical topics.  His editorial made some serious points which people need to consider before making the final decision about where they want to die.

Are We Truly Living Longer or Taking Longer to Die?

While experts often tout how they have extended the lives of senior citizens by a few months, they rarely describe what those additional months are like for people who are dying.  Often, the dying are nauseous, exhausted and in pain.  In many cases, I have observed that people in the final months of their lives are not truly enjoying themselves, feeling alert, and chatting with adoring loved ones.  They often spend those last months suffering through an extended, unpleasant death.  During this period of time, they are can be miserable and unhappy. They may be barely aware of what is going on.  

Who Will Care for You If You Die at Home?

If your spouse or an adult child is going to be your sole caregiver, other than a few short visits from a hospice team each week, are you expecting too much of your loved one when you ask to go home to die?  Are they going to be able to help you get up during the night to use the bathroom, manage your medications, bathe you, and feed you, while still meeting their own basic needs?  Studies show that 30 percent or more of caregivers end up dying before the patient under their care.  Are you willing to take the risk that someone you love could die while caring for you?  Is this the burden you want to place on your beloved spouse or other family member?

Can Your Family Afford for You to Die at Home?

Another point made by Dr. Gray is the high financial burden of having a loved one die in your home.  The caregiver may have to give up their current job, or they may have to hire a paid caregiver to assist them. In some cases, they may have to do both ... quit their job and hire extra help to do the things they cannot manage on their own. As a result, dying at home can create a financial burden for your spouse or adult child, making it more difficult for them to pay the bills.  You may be so "out of it" from pain medication and your loss of awareness, you may not even realize how hard life has become for your spouse or adult child, and how much stress they are under.

Will Home Hospice Help?

Fortunately, home hospice will provide some assistance to your family if you choose to die at home.  Hospice agencies are reimbursed about $200 a day to provide you with necessary medical equipment, pain medication, and a few visits from nurses each week. This compares to the approximately $2000 in reimbursements which hospitals receive to provide you with 24 hour-a-day care as long as you stay there.  Obviously, as much as they try to provide all the help they can, home hospice providers cannot do everything a hospital can do during the last few months of your life.

It is important for people to know that Medicare will pay for a few weeks in a skilled nursing facility, if you go directly there after having stayed in a hospital as an admitted patient (not just under observation) for at least three nights. If you have a low income and few assets other than a house and/or car, Medicaid will pay for an extended stay in a skilled nursing facility, but you or your family should apply for Medicaid as soon as the patient moves into the facility.  You may need to get an expert to help you with the application process. Ask the nursing home to help you or get a referral to a service which is able to help. 

Have You Planned Ahead?

If you have made arrangements in advance for long-term care insurance, or you have moved into a Continuing Care Retirement Community prior to developing a terminal illness, then you may be better prepared to die in your home or at the retirement community where you are living.  Your long-term care insurance or the CCRC where you live will help your spouse or other family members manage your care during the end of your life.  Caring for you during this emotional time will be much less of a burden on your family if you have planned ahead.

It could be helpful to read "Long-Term Care: How to Plan and Pay for it." (Ad) The information in this book will make your decision to die at home much easier for everyone.  

However, if you do not make arrangements in advance, you may wish to rethink your decision to die at home.  Spending those last few weeks in a hospital or skilled nursing facility may be the last, considerate action you can take to help your family be under less stress at the time of your death.  It's something to think about.

If you are interested in additional Social Security and Medicare information, retirement planning, where to retire, or wish find out about common medical 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.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you

Reference:  https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-02-16/doctor-patients-send-home-to-die 

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

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Coronavirus Quarantine: Seniors Should Prepare for Covid-19

The father of one of the students at our grandson's school has been hospitalized with a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus, Covid-19. As a result, our daughter and her family have been ordered into self-quarantine at their home in New York State.  Fortunately, our daughter informed us that they have plenty of food, her husband's employer agreed to let him work from home, and they will be fine until the quarantine period is over. In fact, they all have a positive attitude about this unexpected period of family time they will have together.

However, it occurred to me that everyone should know how to be prepared for a period of self-quarantine in case they are exposed to any contagious disease.  In particular, seniors should be ready to survive at home alone for at least two weeks, whether it is because of a virus in their community, or as a result of some other type of disruptive disaster.

Facts About the Coronavirus Covid-19

First, everyone should be aware of what we currently know about the novel coronavirus called Covid-19 as of early March, 2020.

The older and sicker you already are, the more likely you are to become seriously ill or die from Covid-19.  Children are rarely seriously affected, although they can be carriers of the virus.  Some babies have been diagnosed with the virus shortly after birth, which is a concern for expectant mothers.

The overall risk of dying from this disease is estimated by the Chinese Centers for Disease Control to be about 2.3 percent.  The World Health Organization actually believes the rate may be 3.4 percent. This makes it appear to be 23 to 34 times more lethal than regular influenza, which has a death rate of 0.1 percent. However, the death rate for Covid-19 should decrease as the number of people are tested and many are discovered to only have a mild case. The reason more people currently die from the flu is because it has been around much longer and millions of people get it every year.  Eventually, the Covid-19 may become more common, too.  Hopefully, before that happens, we will have a vaccine and more effective treatments than we have now, and these interventions will lower the death rate.

Until then, senior citizens should know that people in their 70s have an estimated 8% death rate, when they get the Covid-19; people in their 80s have a 15% death rate.  Older patients are much more vulnerable than younger adults.

The estimated death rates for people with certain underlying disease are:

Heart disease - 10.5%
Diabetes - 7.3%
Chronic Respiratory Disease - 6.3%
High blood pressure - 6%
Cancer - 5.6%

As mentioned above, these numbers should decrease once we are able to test people sooner and quickly get them treatment.

The good news is that the vast majority of people survive this illness, even if they are elderly and have an underlying condition. However, if you do have one of these conditions, it is wise to be extra careful by practicing good hand washing hygiene and practicing social distancing, which is explained in greater detail below.

Once you feel you have done everything you can, then relax and continue to enjoy your life.  Stress can lower your immunity, so do not let yourself become too anxious.

How to Minimize Your Exposure to Covid-19

The first thing you want to do is minimize your exposure to this coronavirus.  You have almost certainly seen the news reports about thoroughly washing your hands, which is always a good idea.  Some people, especially those with sensitive skin, have also found it helpful to wear gloves when they are in public.  You can either use disposable gloves, (Ad) or fabric gloves which can be removed and laundered when you return home.  You may want to purchase several pairs.  Perhaps we can make it stylish again to wear attractive gloves whenever we are out in public!  Recently, the Queen of England has been spotted wearing gloves when she is in public.  We may all want to follow her lead.

Experts also recommend that we practice a certain amount of reasonable social separation.  This means avoid shaking hands, hugging others, using common cups in religious services, or spending time near people with obvious symptoms of a cold or the flu, such as coughing or sneezing. We may also want to avoid crowded spaces in which you are in close proximity to large groups of people. Older adults may want to avoid friends for a couple of weeks after they have been on a cruise or when they have recently returned from an overseas trip. 

You do not need to completely isolate yourself from other people. Just practice reasonable self-defense.  Hopefully, people who are sick will be thoughtful and stay home when they are not well.

How to Prepare for Self-Quarantine

Despite your best efforts, the time may come when you discover you have been in the vicinity of someone who has been diagnosed with the coronavirus or another highly infectious disease.  If this happens to you, you need to be prepared to self-quarantine until you have been cleared by the experts.  What do you need to have in your home in order to be prepared for a successful self-quarantine?

Keep at least a two to three week supply of the following items on hand at all times:

Canned, frozen and dry food, such as pasta, soup and frozen meals
Pet food, if you have a pet
Prescription medications and nutritional supplements
Toilet paper, tissues and paper towels
Soap, shampoo and personal hygiene products
Cleaning supplies, such as Clorox wipes, Lysol, laundry soap, etc. (Ad)
Spare batteries for any medical devices or entertainment items you have.

You do not need to hoard these things.  Just have a two to three week supply of them on hand.

You may also want to keep a supply of a few other things:

Over-the-counter cough medicines, nasal sprays, and Advil (ibuprofen) (Ad) are good to have in your medicine cabinet, just in case you need them.  Mild cases of the coronavirus can be treated at home with cold medicines, rest, and plenty of fluids. These medications only treat the symptoms; they do not cure the disease. The good news is that 80% of all cases of Covid-19 appear to be mild and people recover in a few weeks.  However, if you have a dry cough and a temperature of over 104 F, or you start to have breathing problems, call your doctor and make arrangements to go to the emergency room.  This could mean you have developed a severe form of the disease. Hospitals want you to call in advance so you can be isolated when you arrive.

You may also want to keep an assortment of items around the house to keep you busy while you are under quarantine, such as books or supplies for your favorite hobbies.

Remember that being self-quarantined does not mean you cannot enjoy gardening in your yard and getting some fresh air.  Depending on what authorities have told you, you might even take a walk around the block, as long as you stay six feet or more away from other people. If you do go outside, this is when it would be thoughtful to wear a face mask, so you do not cough and expose someone else.

You can also stay in touch with friends and family through emails, phone calls, Facetime, and text.  In fact, it is advisable to let your loved ones know how you are feeling and whether or not you are starting to get sick.  It will reassure them if you are well, and allow them to seek help for you if you need it.  It will also help keep you sane during this period of forced isolation! Being alone for too long can be very stressful for many people, so you need to stay connected.  You may even arrange to contact someone once a day to confirm you are still OK.  If they do not hear from you, give them permission to ask the police to do a welfare check on you. 

What If You Run Low on Supplies?

Fortunately, we now live in an internet connected world.  If you run short on supplies, you can order virtually anything you need online.  You can order a pizza delivered to your home, or have groceries, medications, cleaning supplies, and almost anything else shipped to you by Amazon, Walmart, or a local store.  Most pharmacies will mail your medications to you.  Since you pay online, you can even have them leave everything outside your door, especially if you feel sick and want to avoid speaking with the delivery person.  You can tape a note with instructions to your front door or, if you have the Ring doorbell, (Ad) you can use it to chat with them.

What is important to know is that you do not have to panic if you are unexpectedly quarantined, even if you were not prepared or you find yourself short on supplies.  You can get virtually anything you need delivered to you within a day or two.

Avoid Being Scammed

Finally, you should not let yourself be scammed by people who want to cheat you by selling over-priced "Covid-19 Kits" and other products you do not need. There are reports that some on-line sellers are asking over $100 for a bottle of hand sanitizer or $20 for a face mask.  You do not need either of these things during a home quarantine, and you certainly should not pay an unreasonable price for them.  Even if you do need something, it is smart to look for the best possible price.  Do not panic.  Do not let yourself be cheated.  All you really need are basic supplies, and you should not have to pay extra in order to get them.  In most places, price gouging is against the law.

To learn more about common medical problems as we age, Medicare, Social Security, financial planning, where to retire and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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

Photo credit:  Pixabay.com

High Healthcare Costs Sink Retirement of Many

If you have paid into Medicare for most of your working years, you may be surprised to learn that after retirement a couple could still spend an estimated $285,000 or more on their out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.   If you are a single man, you should expect to spend approximately $135,000 for future healthcare costs; a single woman could need $150,000, since women tend to live longer.

The amounts mentioned above are what people commonly spend for their Medigap supplement premiums, plus their co-pays, deductibles, dental care, eyeglasses, hearing aides, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and other out-of-pocket expenses from the time they begin Medicare at age 65, until their death. These estimates DO NOT include your basic Medicare premiums or the money you will spend on long-term care at the end of your life, which can become a devastating expense for many families. Most people are not prepared for the high cost of their medical care after they retire.  In fact, because people think their healthcare costs will go down after they are on Medicare, they are often shocked by how much their medical expenses actually are!

In addition to the costs mentioned above, many newly retired seniors are also surprised to discover that they will have to pay monthly premiums for their basic Medicare, and it is likely to be deducted from their Social Security benefits. They will not be getting nearly as much income as they planned. The high cost of healthcare has been known to virtually wipe out the life savings of many retirees.

Even if you believe you have saved plenty of money, paid off your debts, and prepared to cover your living expenses during retirement, you may not have adequately prepared to cover all your future healthcare costs.  In fact, people over the age of 75 spend an estimated 20 percent of their total income on out-of-pocket medical expenses and this amount often grows even faster than their income, according to a 2018 report by Rutledge and Sanzenbacher, which was published by the Center for Retirement Research.

Below are some of the expenses you need to be aware of:

Medicare Premiums

Even though you spent years paying into Medicare, the only part of the program which is free is Part A or hospitalization.  Even then, only 80 percent of hospital costs are covered. You will pay a premium for Part B, which covers your doctor and other health care providers' services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, home health care, and some preventive services.

In 2020, the Part B premium started at about $144.60 a month. The premium is deducted from the Social Security benefits of most retirees each month.  If the retiree receives a public pension (such as retired teachers and government employees), they may pay an even higher premium directly to the Social Security Administration to cover their Medicare benefits.  High income retirees are also expected to pay a higher Medicare premium.

The Medicare premium rises most years and it is not unusual for the premium increase to entirely wipe out any increase in Social Security benefits.  Consequently, the increases in Medicare premiums often cause people to gradually fall behind inflation, making it even more difficult for them to keep up with other expenses, including their growing medical costs.

If Medicare confuses you, do not be embarrassed.  It confuses most people.  If you are planning to apply soon and want to understand the program better, it may help you to get one of these Medicare books (Ad) which can help clear up your confusion.  There are several good choices and any one of them would be well worth reading, especially if you are new to Medicare.  Most of the books are updated annually.

Medicare Supplements or Medigap Policies

As mentioned above, basic Medicare only covers approximately 80 percent of your medical bills.  Deductibles and co-pays are paid by the retiree.  Because of this, many people buy a Medicare Supplement or Medigap policy to "fill in the gaps."  There are a number of plans available and the cost can add several hundred dollars a month to your monthly bills.  This is in addition to the premium you are required to pay for basic Medicare.

Even if you have a supplement or Medigap plan, it will usually not provide dental benefits, eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and other common medical necessities.

Prescriptions

Prescription drug costs are covered under Medicare Part D, and like Part B, there is an additional premium which you must pay to have a drug plan.  You can get a Part D policy from the same company which provides your Medigap plan, or you can purchase a plan from a different company.  Your pharmacist may help you choose the best plan for you. Like the premium for your basic Medicare Part B, your Part D prescription plan can be deducted from your Social Security benefits and may range from about $12 to $77 a month.  You should also know that most Part D prescription drug plans also require patients to pay a co-pay, or a portion of the cost of their medications.  Without a prescription plan, however, your medications could cost you hundreds of dollars a month, so it is important to have a prescription drug plan.

Hearing and Vision Exams

Half of Americans over the age of 75 have a disabling hearing loss.  Millions of senior citizens have some type of vision loss.  Medicare Parts A, B and D do not cover exams for these health issues; nor do they cover eyeglasses and hearing aids.  Many retirees also have dental problems, and the out-of-pocket expense can run quite high, especially if they need crowns, caps, dentures or implants.   None of this is covered by Medicare.  You may want a separate dental plan to help with some of these expenses ... one more premium to pay.

A Medicare Advantage Part C Plan May Be the Most Affordable Choice

There is one way you may be able to substantially reduce your medical costs during retirement. If you are willing to join an HMO medical network and use doctors and medical facilities which are part of that network, you could save hundreds of dollars a month in Medigap and Part D premiums by signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan.  These plans are also referred to Medicare Part C.

Most Medicare Advantage Part C plans only charge their members the same premium as you would be paying anyway for basic Medicare, or they may charge a small additional fee in the range of $40 to $50, but this is not nearly as much as the cost of a Medigap plan, plus an additional Part D plan and other uncovered medical expenses.

If you decide to choose a Medicare Advantage Part C plan, such as SCAN, Kaiser Permanente, Humana, Aetna or one from another company, the insurance provider is required to provide all the services which basic Medicare covers.  In addition, they often include a prescription plan for no additional premium.  Frequently, the plan also includes a discount on dental work, vision care and/or hearing aids.  However, even if you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, you should still expect to pay some deductibles and co-pays.  In addition, while the policy may give you discounts on vision, dental and hearing care, they will not fully cover those items and you will still be expected to pay large portions of the cost yourself.  Despite these remaining expenses, you will almost always find that a Medicare Advantage plan is much less expensive than basic Medicare, plus a Medigap plan, a drug plan and a dental plan. You could save hundreds of dollars a month.

Personally, my husband and I use the Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plan (called Senior Advantage) and it saves us thousands of dollars a year compared to what we spent early in retirement on basic Medicare, an Anthem Blue Cross Medigap plan, and a drug plan.  We have been very happy with Kaiser.  The downside is that we are limited to Kaiser's in-network doctors and facilities, except in an emergency.  However, when my husband became ill in another state where Kaiser did not have a presence, Kaiser reimbursed us for our expenses.  For us, the savings has been well worth it.

A Health Savings Account Might Also Help Cover Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Another way to deal with the high cost of healthcare after retirement is to prepare years in advance by saving money in a Health Savings Account.  Currently, an individual can contribute $3,000 a year into an HSA and a family can contribute $7000.  People over the age of 55 can save an extra $1,000 a year.  While people can make withdrawals prior to retirement, the money in these accounts can also be invested and allowed to grow until needed after retirement. However, the money can only be used in conjunction with a high-deductible HSA eligible health plan.  This takes some advance planning, but it can be a solution for people who do not want to use a Medicare Advantage plan.

It is recommended that you do your research and work carefully with a medical insurance agent to find the plan which is best suited to your needs.

Long-Term Care is the Big Unknown

Most of the expenses mentioned above, including premiums, deductibles and co-pays, can be estimated fairly well as part of your retirement planning.  However, if you or your spouse needs long-term care at home or in an assisted living or memory care facility as you age, the expense can be disastrous.  Your best bet is to purchase long-term care insurance or a hybrid life insurance policy that includes long-term care coverage.  The other option is to save an extra $300,000 or so in a separate account just for your future care, so you have the money available when you need it.

It is said that the very rich and the very poor do not need long-term care insurance.  This is because the rich can afford to pay for the help they need.  At the other end of the spectrum, those who have a low income and few assets will find that their long-term care might be covered by Medicaid.  Ironically, it is the Middle Class who are the most seriously affected by the cost of long-term care.  If you fall into this group, you need to prepare ahead.  By the time you need long-term care, it is too late to get the insurance.  You need to buy it years in advance.

What are the odds that you or your spouse will need long term care?  For the most part, it depends on how long you live and your medical condition.  It can also make a difference whether or not you live alone.  People who live alone may need care sooner than someone who has a spouse or family member who will care for them during the final years of their life.  People who have chronic health conditions, such as COPD or other lung problems, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart disease, a history of strokes, severe osteoporosis, or cancer are more likely to need long-term care.  So are those who live long enough to develop memory problems. At age 80, a person has a 10 percent risk of serious cognitive impairment.  By age 85, the risk jumps to 20 percent.  At age 90, your risk is 40 percent and continues to rise as you age.  Even without other chronic conditions, simply the possibility of getting old can increase your need for long-term care.

Basically, nearly everyone needs to plan for a period when they will need long term care because of age related debilitating health problems which will eventually make it impossible for them to care for their own needs.  Overall, a person who is currently age 65, has a 70 percent chance of eventually needing some type of long-term care services!  Are you prepared?

Are You Prepared for High Healthcare Costs?

The general consensus is that retirees need to be prepared for high medical expenses in the final two or three decades of life.  Depending on their needs, they can prepare by saving enough money in advance, signing up for an affordable Medicare Advantage plan, and/or including long-term care insurance in their plans.

Part of your retirement planning should also include a plan to stay as healthy as you can for as long as possible.  Over and over again, research has shown that the people least likely to need long-term care are those who have taken care of themselves. This means they have eaten a healthy and varied diet, exercised outside in nature regularly, learned to handle stress, managed to sleep seven to nine hours a night, avoided smoking or heavy drinking, and followed the recommendations of their personal physician.

You can get more tips about healthy aging by reading the Blue Zones books.  (Ad) The Blue Zones are places in the world where the residents regularly live long, healthy lives.  However, research has shown that you need to do virtually everything they recommend, not just a couple of their suggestions.  As it is, simply by living in a typical American community, with air pollution, stress, isolation, easy access to frozen meals, and few places to walk, it will be harder for you to get all the same health benefits as people who lived their entire life in a Blue Zone.

The Blue Zone life is one of exuberance. They are people who enjoy delicious food with plenty of herbs, spices and olive oil, eaten often with large groups of friends and family, often accompanied by a glass of red wine.  They are people who encorporate exercise into their normal daily routine, getting outside to enjoy nature in the early morning sunshine and fresh air.  They believe in a bountiful earth. It is a wonderful way to stay healthy and live long.  It is worth a try to follow their lifestyle.  It can also save you a lot of money on healthcare during retirement!

To learn more about Medicare, Social Security, common medical problems as we age, financial planning, where to retire and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

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