Author: Amy Schmidt

The FACTS and FICTION of Long-term Care Financing

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I will not need long-term care in my lifetime. False. Sixty (60%) of Americans will need some long-term care (LTC) during their lifetime. Family members may be able to provide care in some situations. Or LTC services may be purchased to provide help at home or in a facility setting. The average long-term care stay is two and a half years.

I don’t need LTC insurance; my children will take care of me. Most likely they will. But the physical, emotional, and financial strain of providing care for a loved one can take its toll. LTC insurance plans can be designed to support care provided by the primary family caregiver, thereby preventing you from becoming a burden on your family.

The government will pay for my long-term care? False. Medicare pays primarily for medical care such as doctor and hospital costs and has very limited long-term care benefits, averaging just 23 days IF you meet the qualifying requirements. Medicaid will pay for LTC, but only IF you have limited income and assets less than $2,000. In 2006 Congress restricted Medicaid eligibility to the very poor, sending a message to the American public that they are responsible for paying for their own LTC.

Is LTC insurance my only choice? No, you may choose to pay for care services out of pocket. But with inflation doubling the cost of care every 15 years, many individuals choose to transfer the risk of catastrophic coverage to an insurance company.

LTC insurance will restrict my ability to choose where I want to receive care. False. In fact, the opposite is true. LTC coverage provides you with choices. Close to 70% of individuals who receive benefits from LTC insurance policies today receive care at home or in a community setting.

I’ve heard that LTC insurance isn’t affordable. It is the actual cost of LTC that is expensive, projected to increase to $120,000 per year in the next 15 years. The premiums are just pennies on the dollar.

I’m too young to think about long-term care. False. If you are in your 40s or 50s it is the perfect time to start thinking about your LTC plan. The younger and healthier you are when you start planning, the more options available to you. And when you invest early, your pool of money will have more time to grow before you dip into it to pay for care, maximizing your investment. Youth and good health discounts you may qualify for in your 40s and 50s will remain in place throughout the lifetime of your policy.

I will pay less over time for LTC coverage if I wait until I am older to purchase it. False. LTC premiums are structured so that you pay proportionately more the older you are at the time of purchase. Additionally, you may be required to pay a higher premium or be declined coverage due to existing health conditions at the time of application, leaving you to pay all your LTC costs out of pocket.

I don’t want to be pressured to purchase something that is confusing and expensive. Who can help me? A certified LTC specialist who works as an independent broker can be your best advocate. She can help you identify the level and type of coverage you need, then shop the market on your behalf, comparing plans to find you the best value. Additionally, with many optional riders and choices an experienced professional can tailor the plan to meet the specific needs of her client and their family.

What if I pay for LTCi and never use it? Well, that may happen. But if you are among the 60% of individuals who will need LTC in their lifetime, you and your family will be glad that you are prepared. Building a small plan or sharing coverage with a spouse or partner can maximize use of benefits. And, as with homeowners insurance, you hope you never have to use it. But if advancing age or declining health require you to seek extra care, you can eliminate the financial or emotional burden on your family.

My employer offers coverage through work. Is my employer plan always the best option for me? No. The LTC plan available through your employer isn’t necessarily the best plan for you and your family. Many of the discounts available in individual plans are not available through groups. And, some group plans do not offer the range of benefit choices available on the market. Consult a LTC specialist for a complimentary comparison.

What questions should I ask to begin putting my own LTC plan in place? Ask yourself these questions to get started: If you live a long life and need care, where would you like that care to be delivered? Who would provide your care? What impact will the need for LTC have on your spouse, children, and family or friends? How will you pay for that care?

I can’t afford financially to put a long-term plan in place. In fact, you can’t afford NOT to. Consultation with a LTC professional is complimentary. You owe it to yourself and your family to find out IF long-term care coverage makes sense for you. Armed with information, you can make an informed decision that is right for you and your family.

For more information about planning for your long-term care, check out these websites:

Use the Long Term Care savings calculator to see how much money you would have to save to accumulate enough to pay for your future long-term care. Click on Can I Save on My Own for LTC?

Provided by:Becky Wehrli, CLTC,  www.beckyltc.com,, 503-758-5725, toll-free 1-888-778-4164
Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

About the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

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What is the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program?

Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, assisted living facilities and similar adult care facilities. They work to resolve problems of individual residents and to bring about changes at the local, state and national levels to improve care. While most residents receive good care in long-term care facilities, far too many are neglected, and other unfortunate incidents of psychological, physical and other kinds of abuse do occur. Thus, thousands of trained volunteer ombudsmen regularly visit long-term care facilities, monitor conditions and care, and provide a voice for those unable to speak for themselves.

History

Begun in 1972 as a demonstration program, the Ombudsman Program today is established in all states under the Older Americans Act, which is administered by the Administration on Aging (AoA). Local ombudsmen work on behalf of residents in hundreds of communities throughout the country.

Long Term Care Ombudsman Results

In 2005, about 13,800 volunteers, 9,187 of whom were certified to investigate complaints and 1,277 paid ombudsmen served in 572 localities nationwide. Ombudsmen investigated over 300,000 complaints made by 186,000 individuals and provided information on long-term care to another 306,000 people. The most frequent nursing home complaints involved lack of resident care due to inadequate staffing.

Residents’ Rights

Ombudsmen help residents and their families and friends understand and exercise rights that are guaranteed by law, both at the federal level and in many states. Residents have the right to:

  • be treated with respect and dignity;
  • be free from chemical and physical restraints;
  • manage their own finances;
  • voice grievances without fear of retaliation;
  • associate and communicate privately with any person of their choice;
  • send and receive personal mail;
  • have personal and medical records kept confidential;
  • apply for state and federal assistance without discrimination;
  • be fully informed prior to admission of their rights, services available and all charges; and be given advance notice of transfer or discharge.

The Ombudsman Program Assists Older Adults by empowering adults as they age with reliable information and access to the care they need. The program enables individuals who are at high risk of nursing home placement to remain at home. Another aspect of the program is building disease prevention into community living through the use of low-cost, evidence based programs.

The AoA recognizes the importance of making information readily available to consumers, professionals, researchers, and students. Their website provides information for and about older persons, their families, and professionals involved in aging programs and services.

For more information about AoA, please contact: US Dept of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging through their website at www.aoa.gov.

Ombudsman Responsibilities are:

Ombudsman responsibilities outlined in Title VII of the Older Americans Act include:

  • identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents;
  • provide information to residents about longterm care services
  • represent the interests of residents before governmental agencies and seeking administrative, legal and other remedies to protect residents;
  • analyze, comment on and recommend changes in laws and regulations pertaining to the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents;
  • educate and inform consumers and the general public regarding issues and concerns related to long-term care and facilitate public comment on laws, regulations, policies and actions;
  • promote the development of citizen organizations to participate in the program;
  • provide technical support for the development of resident and family councils to protect the well-being and rights of residents, and
  • advocate for changes to improve residents’ quality of life and care.

Source: US Dept of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging, www.aoa.gov, www.ltcombudsman.org

Provided by: The Staff at www.RetirementConnection.com
Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center

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The Center is supported with funds from the Administration on Aging. NCCNHR, located in Washington, DC, also has many resources to assist residents and their families.

The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center

The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center, operated by the National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform (NCCNHR) in conjunction with the National Association of State Units on Aging, provides on-call technical assistance and intensive annual training to assist ombudsmen in their demanding work. The Center is supported with funds from the Administration on Aging. NCCNHR, located in Washington, DC, also has many resources to assist residents and their families. Contact NCCNHR at 202-332-2275, www.nursinghomeaction.org.

To contact a state or local long-term care ombudsman, visit the resource center’s website at www.ltcombudsman.org and click in the box “Who Are Ombudsmen?” You may also call AoA’s Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 and ask for the local ombudsman program or area agency on aging nearest the nursing home or similar facility where the resident lives. The area agency will either be the sponsor of the ombudsman program or know where the program is located. You may also locate the local ombudsman through the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, which is usually located in the State Office on Aging.

Source: Administration on Aging , The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center, www.AoA.gov, www.nursinghomeaction.org

Provided by: The Staff at www.RetirementConnection.com
Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

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Mature job seekers finding more opportunities

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Mature Americans who are seeking jobs are finding more opportunities available because of rising demand for employees

Mature Job Seekers Finding More Opportunities

Mature Americans who are seeking jobs are finding more opportunities available because of rising demand for employees, programs designed to assist them and a growing appreciation for workers from their generation. Also, more companies have open positions and are tailoring job opportunities for mature workers.

Demographic factors in America are one reason mature job seekers will continue to see increased opportunities to either stay in or join the work force. By 2010, almost one in three workers will be at least 50 years old. As Baby Boomers, the nation’s largest population segment, approach retirement, the pool of younger replacement workers in this country won’t be large enough to meet the labor demands of employers.

Because of the growing demand for employees, especially mature workers, more programs are being offered to match aging adults with the right job opportunity. One such national initiative is AARP’s Featured Employers program, in which AARP has partnered with 24 companies to help Americans aged 50 and over remain in the workforce as desired. Right at Home, a leader in in-home supportive care and assistance to aging adults, was selected for AARP’s Featured Employer program in November of 2005. One of the main components of the AARP Featured Employer program is that mature job seekers can learn more about local employers and employment opportunities by visiting www.aarp.org/featuredemployers.

The best advice for mature workers who are looking for opportunities is to do some research to learn more about companies who support their needs and value their experience. There are vast online resources that will provide information on companies and available positions so aging adults can match their interests and talents with local job openings.

Mature adults, especially those just entering the work force, should highlight the positive traits they will bring to a company when applying for a job. Mature workers have skills and experiences that benefit companies. In many cases, the experience of raising a family and running a household can be valuable.

Source: Right at Home, www.RAHcares.com, 503-574-3674

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When does Medicare pay for home health care?

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To find out more about home health care programs where you live, you will want to contact your local aging information and assistance provider or area agency on aging (AAA).

When Does Medicare Pay for Home Health Care?

The program will pay for home health care if all of the following conditions are met:

1. The patient must be homebound and under a doctor’s care

2. The patient must need skilled nursing care, or occupational, physical, or speech therapy, on at least an intermittent basis (that is, regularly but not continuously)

3. The services provided must be under a doctor’s supervision and performed as part of a home health care plan written specifically for that patient

4. The patient must be eligible for the Medicare program and the services ordered must be “medically reasonable and necessary”

5. The home health care agency providing the services must be certified by the Medicare program.

6. To get help with your Medicare questions, call

7. 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY/TDD: 1-877-486-2048 for the speech and hearing impaired) or look on the Internet at: http://www.medicare.gov/.

Learn more About Home Health Care

There are several national organizations that can provide additional consumer information about home health care services. These include the following:

The National Association for Home Care www.nahc.org

The Visiting Nurse Associations of America www.vnaa.org

The Eldercare Locator www.eldercare.gov

To find out more about home health care programs where you live, you will want to contact your local aging information and assistance provider or area agency on aging (AAA). The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging at 1-800-677-1116 to help connect you to these agencies.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging, www.AoA.gov

Provided by: The Staff at www.RetirementConnection.com
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Money Managers help balance the checkbook and pay bills

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Today, almost all of us are drowning in official-looking solicitations for credit cards, insurance, fraud protection and financial assistance from every institution.

Money Managers to the rescue…

Can’t keep the checkbook balanced? Don’t like or forget to pay bills?

These professionals can help …

Many older Americans struggle with money management, specifically paying their monthly bills. For some, physical conditions such as poor eyesight or arthritis can make simple tasks of writing checks and opening the mail difficult. Others are confused, forgetful and/or disorganized all potentially leading to past due notices, late fees, services fees, canceled policies, and lost documents.

Today, almost all of us are drowning in official-looking solicitations for credit cards, insurance, fraud protection and financial assistance from every institution in which we have an account. In the past, having several bank accounts was once considered prudent, but now has turned into a junk-mail nightmare. Junk mail can look so official it begs rely often unknowingly opening another checking account. Charities of our world, even the ones near and dear to our hearts, continue to solicit contributions on a weekly basis. Selling mail lists has become a huge revenue generator for many companies including banks, credit cards companies, mortgage companies, telephone companies and others.

Now, we can hire a Daily Money Manager to provide assistance to people who have difficulty managing their personal monetary affairs. This service offers a cost-effective way for clients to get assistance with organizing, bill paying, balancing checkbooks, and reviewing statements, from a trusted source. A Daily Money Manager does not replace the services of other professionals, such as CPAs, banks, financial planners, and attorneys, but assists clients with daily affairs and helps maintain records and information that is essential for these professionals.

Services that may be provided:

* Bill paying, preparation of checks, deposits
* Balancing checkbooks and organizing bank records
* Organizing files for tax and other purposes; general organization
* Phone calls concerning incorrect bills, or to ascertain relevant information
* Deciphering insurance information and assistance with claims
* Setting up automated accounts or other means to efficiently handle household finances
* Referrals to needed professionals, such as CPAs, attorneys, financial professionals

A Daily Money Manager begins with an informational interview, so you can get to know us, and we can understand the client’s needs. Together, we determine an effective plan to meet the individual needs. Typically, the DMM will visit monthly or weekly to review bills, mail, insurance papers, and help the client write the checks, balance the check book, organize and file papers.

How do you find a daily money manager? Follow this advice:

* One of the best places to start your search is with the Web site of the American Association of Daily Money Managers, where you can find a list of money managers by state of residence.
* Before meeting face-to-face with someone, ask if they charge for the first session. Some money managers offer a free consultation, which lets you make a more informed choice about whether daily money management is for you.
* Ask for references from people who have used their services before, and check those references out. After all, you’re entrusting your financial health to that individual. Make sure that trust is warranted.
* Make certain the DMM you’re considering is insured and is willing to work with another individual such as a lawyer or an accountant on your behalf.
* Get a referral from someone in the financial services field, such as your tax adviser or accountant.
* Go with your gut – it may be the most important thing to do, Make sure you like and instinctively trust this individual. If it doesn’t feel right, it isn’t. It’s got to be a good fit.

Source: Laura Miller, Sapphire Daily Money Management, LLC, 503-654-9200, Visit www.sapphireDMM.com to download a brochure.

Posted April 2008. Markets: Oregon, Portland
Provided by: Laura Miller, Sapphire Daily Money Management, LLC
For more information: 503-654-9200, www.sapphireDMM.com
Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

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Where to begin when navigating housing options

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You have limited time to find a new ‘home’. Where do you begin to find your way through the maze of housing options, care needs, budget and amenities?

Where do I begin when navigating housing options?

The doctor just informed you that it would be unsafe for your senior loved one to return to their home without 24/7 supervision. You have limited time to find a new ‘home’. Where do you begin to find your way through the maze of housing options, care needs, budget and amenities? Don’t go it alone- Referral agencies and placement consultants are a valuable resource to save time and anxiety. These professionals are familiar with the numerous options and availability. Many also review the state survey and public disclosure file for any record of criminal activity or lack of compliance with laws/rules.

Step 1: Gain detailed knowledge of the medical/ assistance needs of the resident. This will narrow the type of community to those that are licensed and capable of providing the proper care. It may be awkward for families to ask the personal questions related to care needs and personal assistance; sometimes an objective third person is able to ask more detailed questions and uncover concerns or fears while helping the resident maintain a sense of privacy.

Step 2: Know your budget. Community fees may vary, with application fees, deposits, levels of care and ancillary services. A placement consultant may be able to help you to better balance the big picture.

Step 3: Focus on the geographic area that fits best. This is a new chapter in their life, and they will be creating a whole new social network. The goal is to accommodate frequent visitation of the resident’s support system. Proximity to an established network of friends and family is an important factor, should any healthcare or emotional changes occur.

Step 4: Visit the communities. After narrowing the field to those that best fit your needs, you will be better able to look at the amenities, services and activities. Get to know the activities offered, meet the staff, and try the food. These are the things that make a community feel like home and help aid the adjustment process.

Consultants are familiar with numerous communities, services offered, fee structures, and activity programs. Fees are paid by the communities, and the service is free to you! The benefit is a reliable and knowledgeable resource at no cost to your family.

Provided by: Jennifer Cook, Living Right Senior Placement
For more information: www.LivingRight.net, 503-780-7353

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Overcoming the obstacles of growing older

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While we can’t escape growing older, we can take precautions to ease some of the most common obstacles associated with aging.

Overcoming the Obstacles of Growing Older

A century ago, only four out of every hundred people in the United States were age 65 or older. Today, these seniors represent the fastest growing segment of the population. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average life expectancy has increased from 47.3 years old in 1900 to nearly 80 years old in 2000.

While we can’t escape growing older, we can take precautions to ease some of the most common obstacles associated with aging. By identifying the challenges and offering solutions, seniors can better plan for their future well-being.

Below are some practical solutions that can ease the everyday challenges of aging:

1. TROUBLE MANAGING FINANCES
Challenge: Many seniors are no longer able to manage their finances due to physical or mental limitations associated with aging. Failing health and eyesight, and/or changes in social supports can leave seniors overwhelmed and unable to get bills paid in a timely manner.
Solution: Family members or other trusted individuals should talk to their loved ones about their finances. If they are receiving late fees and second notices on household bills, respond by helping them handle the mail, review the bills on a regular basis and put utilities in your name. If the senior is having problems with their checking account, missed payments, or increased credit card balances, respond by helping them consolidate debt, monitor their accounts, cut up credit cards, and challenge unknown charges.
2. MEMORY LOSS ISSUES
Challenge: Approximately 10 percent of adults 65 years and older, and 50 percent of adults over the age of 90, have dementia. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, often results in a loss of mental functions – such as thinking, memory and reasoning – that is severe enough to interfere with a person’s daily functioning.
Solution: While a family history of Alzheimer’s and increasing age are considered risk factors, they don’t always lead to memory loss or dementia. To help minimize the risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, many experts suggest seniors adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, staying engaged in social activities with friends and family, eating a healthy diet and keeping their mind active.
3. LIVING INDEPENDENTLY
Challenge: Studies overwhelmingly show that seniors prefer the comfort, safety, and security of their own home. But as they age, older adults often find that simple tasks, such as preparing a meal, driving to a doctor’s appointment or cleaning their house can be a real challenge.
Solution: Home care agencies, such as Right at Home, offer a variety of highly personalized and flexible home care services at reasonable rates for as little as a few hours per week to as much as 24-hours a day. Services offered include light housework, meal preparation, medication reminders, shopping and errands, laundry, local transportation, companionship, bathing, and more. This type of help allows many seniors, who simply need some assistance with daily tasks, to continue to live independently within the comfort of their own homes.
4. DEPRESSION IN OLDER ADULTS
Challenge: Depression is not a normal part of aging, but unfortunately it is very common in the elderly. Depression affects about six million Americans age 65 and older, but only 10 percent receive treatment. Some signs might include feelings of worthlessness or sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, change in appetite, difficulty sleeping, agitation, irritability, or even abnormal thoughts about death or suicide.
Solution: Depression is a treatable psychological condition. Over time, even the most seriously depressed person can be treated successfully and return to a happier and more fulfilling life with the proper treatment. Family members or caretakers who suspect that the senior in their life is depressed should offer emotional support and see that the depressed person gets an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment from a trained mental health professional.
5. SLEEP AND AGING PROBLEMS
Challenge: More than 50 percent of men and women over age 65 complain of at least one chronic sleep problem. These issues include sleeping less, waking up more frequently, getting less deep sleep, experiencing more daytime tiredness, and taking more naps during the day.
Solution: Keep a regular sleep schedule, relax for a while before going to bed, make sure your sleep environment is quiet, comfortable and dark, eat only a light snack before bed, and clear your mind by writing down all of your concerns and worries before going to sleep.
6. SENIORS AND UNSAFE DRIVING
Challenge: According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services- Administration on Aging, changes that occur naturally with age, such as deterioration in vision, mobility and reflexes, often translate into changes in one’s ability to handle a car safely. But many seniors are reluctant to give up the freedom and convenience that driving allows them in terms of getting to medical appointments, traveling to the grocery store and socializing with friends.
Solution: Talk to your loved one about safety considerations. Explain transportation options, offer rides and visits, and emphasize monetary savings. Resources such as United We Ride (www.unitedweride.gov) can help to coordinate transportation resources for seniors.

Provided by:  Right at Home Managing Director
For more information: www.RAHcares.com, 503-574-3674

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Organ profiles and transplant statistics

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Interesting Fact – On average, a human heart beats about 2.5 billion times in a person’s lifetime.

Organ Profiles and Transplant Statistics

Heart

This organ is a muscular pump that circulates blood carrying oxygen and nutrients to, and wastes from, the body’s cells. The right side of the heart circulates blood to the lungs. The left side circulates blood to the rest of the body and back to the heart.

Diseases and Disorders

* Cardiomyopathy is an abnormality of the heart muscle. The cause is often unknown. Advanced cases may require a heart transplant.
* Congestive Heart Failure is a condition resulting from heart disease such as coronary artery disease. The heart no longer pumps enough blood to meet the body’s needs. A heart transplant may be needed if medical treatments fail.
* Myocarditis is an inflammation of the muscle tissue of the heart, often a complication of various infectious diseases. Severe cases can result in heart failure and require a heart transplant.
* Congenital Heart Disease is the most common lethal birth defect, and the most common indication for heart transplantation in infants and young children

.Transplant Statistics

* Each year, about 2,000 heart transplants and fewer than 50 heart-lung transplants are performed.
* In 2003, around 3,500 people were on the waiting list for a heart transplant and about 200 were waiting for a heart-lung transplant.
* In 2003, over 450 people died while waiting for a heart transplant.
* About 85 percent of heart transplant recipients are surviving one year after transplantation.

Interesting Fact

On average, a human heart beats about 2.5 billion times in a person’s lifetime.

Lung

This pair of organs provides an environment for gas exchange: Oxygen passes into the bloodstream through microscopic air sacs in the lungs, while waste carbon dioxide passes out of the bloodstream into the lungs. Breathing facilitates this exchange of gases.

Diseases and Disorders

A number of diseases and disorders lead to lung transplants each year: cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, and pulmonary edema, among others. People with these conditions usually must lead a very sedentary lifestyle. Many of these conditions are life-threatening.

Transplant Statistics

* About 1,000 patients receive a lung transplant each year.
* Each year, about 4,000 people are waiting for a lung transplant.
* Over 400 people die each year while waiting for a lung transplant.
* About 75 percent of lung transplant recipients survive the first year.
* A single lung can save a life. One deceased donor can be the source of two lung transplants.

Interesting Facts

Normal breathing rate at rest for an adult ranges from 15-25 breaths per minute. During
a 24-hour period, the average number of breaths taken by
a human is around 23,040.

Intestine

The intestine is the part of the alimentary canal that extends from the stomach to the anus. The first part-a long, narrow, and convoluted section is referred to as the small intestine. Its function is to complete the digestion and absorption of digested nutrients into the bloodstream and lymph. The second part-the large intestine-is not usually transplanted.

Diseases and Disorders

Intestine transplants are required when the intestine becomes twisted and blocked or when there is irreversible intestinal failure. Most cases of intestinal failure are caused by short-gut syndrome (a significant loss of length of the small intestine present at birth or as a result of surgical removal or trauma). People with intestinal failure must receive nutrients intravenously. Because long-term intravenous feeding usually causes liver damage, many people who require a small intestine transplant also require a liver transplant at the same time.

Transplant Statistics

* Around 100 intestine transplants were performed in 2003.
* In 2003, over 150 patients were on the waiting list for an intestine transplant.
* In 2003, about 40 people died while waiting for an intestine transplant.
* The one-year survival rate for intestine transplant recipients is about 60 percent.
* The majority of intestinal transplants are performed in infants and children.

Interesting Facts

While smaller in diameter than the large intestine, the small intestine is much longer-about 7 meters to the large intestine’s 1.5 meters.

Liver

This large organ destroys toxic substances in the body and breaks down unwanted protein into the waste product urea. The liver stores some food substances until the body needs them. It also produces a green liquid-bile-that is released into the intestine to help break down large fat droplets into smaller fat droplets to prepare fat for chemical digestion.

Diseases and Disorders

* Birth defects of the liver or bile duct.
* Chronic liver infections, such as hepatitis (particularly B and C), which severely damage the liver.
* Damage from alcohol and other drugs.
* Damage from blood clots in the liver.
* The skin of people with liver damage may turn yellow from a condition called jaundice. They also may gain weight and experience general weakness. Because the liver is involved in many metabolic processes, severe liver damage is often fatal.

Transplant Statistics

* Around 5,000 people receive liver transplants each year.
* Each year, over 17,000 people are waiting to receive a liver transplant.
* Each year, about 2,000 people die while waiting for a liver.
* One year after the surgery, about 85 percent of liver transplant recipients live fairly normal lives.
* A donated liver can be split between two recipients, so that one deceased donor can be the source of two liver transplants.

Interesting Fact

More heat is produced by the liver than by any other organ in the body.

Kidney

One of a pair of organs that control the amount of water in the body and filter urea and other wastes into urine. The kidneys also produce a hormone (erythropoietin) that controls the production of red blood cells.

Diseases and Disorders

* High blood pressure causes kidney damage, can lead to kidney failure, and is-as a result-an important predictor of kidney failure.
* Diabetes (see pancreas) is a leading cause of kidney failure.
* Other diseases (cystic kidney diseases) can cause the kidneys to become inflamed or can produce cysts in the kidneys that prevent them from functioning properly.
* People with severe kidney disease are often placed on dialysis machines

Transplant Statistics

* About 14,000 kidney transplants are performed each year. Just over one third of transplanted kidneys are from living donors.
* At any point, about 55,000 people are on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.
* Every year, over 3,000 people die while waiting for a kidney transplant.
* The one-year survival rate for kidney transplant recipients is about 95 percent.

Interesting Fact

After kidney transplants, most recipients have three kidneys because their own kidneys are usually left in place.

Pancreas

The pancreas produces two enzymes-insulin and glucagon-that control the level of sugar in the blood. In addition, the pancreas produces a mixture of enzymes, called pancreatic juice, which is released into the small intestine to help digest starch, proteins, and fats.

Diseases and Disorders

* Malfunction or failure of the pancreas leads to diabetes-an inability to control the level of glucose in the blood.
* Individuals with this condition are called diabetics and may need insulin to control the level of glucose in the blood. Diabetes can damage or cause the failure of many of the body’s organs. Because patients requiring a pancreas transplant often have kidney disease, the pancreas and kidneys are sometimes transplanted together. Failure to treat diabetes can lead to organ failure and death.

Transplant Statistics

* In 2003, over 450 people received a pancreas transplant.
* In 2003, about 1,500 people were on the waiting list for a pancreas.
* In 2003, about 30 people died while waiting for a pancreas transplant.
* One year after receiving a pancreas transplant, about 95 percent of recipients are still living.

Interesting Fact

The pancreas has a tremendous reserve capacity for the production of some enzymes. More than 95 percent of the function of the pancreas must be lost before the pancreas fails and symptoms of bloating and poor digestion occur.

Source: www.OrganDonor.gov

Provided by: The Staff at www.RetirementConnection.com
Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

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Paying bills and throwing out the junk mail

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Paying bills and throwing out the junk mail!

It is frustrating at times to walk into your senior’s home and find that the bills and junk mail are stacking up beside the famous recliner where they sit nearly all day and night.

Not only is there mail piled up on the small coffee table beside the recliner there are magazines, newspapers, neighborhood ads and such strewn across the sofa leaving only an edge for the visitor to perch. Dirty dishes of half-eaten meals balanced on top of the chaos waiting for the dog to bump them just right and send everything flying.

Does this scenario remind you of your elder?

We have difficulty convincing them that they need to do something with the clutter. Yet, they say they will do it and nothing changes. How many times have you heard that one? If you are like me a naturally organized person, it is difficult to wait patiently for something to be done about the chaos.

Regardless if your senior is cooperative or uncooperative, here are some valuable tips that may help you and your elder to remove those piles.

* Let your senior know that you want to help them, that it is not like them to get behind on the mail.
* Start by offering to sort their mail, and assure them that you are not throwing anything out just dividing the important mail from the less important mail.
* Provide a box for the junk mail to look at later when they feel like going through it. If they have not looked at it within a week depending on circumstances, you may need to throw it out yourself.
* Sometimes it can become a tug of war with the junk mail, because often a senior enjoys seeing the colorful ads and they like to purchase things from the offers.
* This can become a problem especially in regards to identity theft and consumer fraud. Caution elder as to these issues and learn more about identity theft.
* Over a period of time when your senior is used to you sorting the mail, then you might want to offer assistance when it comes to the bill paying, by stuffing the envelopes and then writing out the checks for them if that is an issue allowing them to sign the checks. Always keep records and show them what you are doing for them. Assure them that they are in control and you are only assisting them.
* If they are in arrears on payments for certain bills encourage them to either contact the service provider and/or send out a check right away.
* Suggest that your Elder have monthly bills such as phone, utilities, insurances, car and home payments automatically deducted from the bank. Most banking institutions can be of help in this area and can alleviate any concern for fraud or identity theft.
* Provide file boxes and files so they have easy access to their important papers and set aside a time either weekly or monthly to assist them in their filing efforts.
* If they really insist on keeping some of the junk mail, help them organize a file box for their favorites and then discard the rest.
* As far as monthly publications and magazines, encourage your elder to donate them to the local library or senior center for others to enjoy.

Books available as additional resources for further ideas on this subject:
The Parent Care Conversation by Dan Taylor, The Fearless Caregiver by Gary Barg

Current websites helpful on this subject and more:

www.parentcaresolution.com

www.caregiver.com

www.onlineorganizing.com

Provided by: The Staff at www.RetirementConnection.com
For more information: www.onlineorganizing.com
Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.