Seniors are living longer and remaining in their own homes.  At the same time, falls have become an epidemic problem that jeopardizes seniors’ chances to live independently. Every year in the U.S., one out of three people age 65 and over will fall. This statistic translates to 13.3 million people who will fall in 2010, or one person falling every 2.3 seconds on average.  And there is a 50% chance that if a senior falls they will do so again within a year.

Falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma, as well as injury-related deaths among seniors and the primary reason that most medical alarms / Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) are purchased today.  Lying on the floor for an extended period of time can lead to serious complications, including pressure ulcers, muscle necrosis, dehydration, hypothermia and pneumonia.

Unfortunately, PERS pendants are not effective if one is unconscious, unable, or  unwilling to press the call button.  Studies have shown that in 4 out of 5 falls, manually activated medical alarms are never activated.  When the elderly fall they are often forget to push their button, won’t push their button because they feel they can manage the situation independently or are too embarrassed to call for help.

Recent technological advances have addressed this problem through the development of PERS devices that can detect when a fall has occurred and automatically contact a monitoring center so that assistance can be dispatched.  Briefly, multiple sensors within these devices constantly monitor the wearer’s movements and activities as they go about their daily routines.  In addition to measuring elevation and orientation to the horizontal position these devices also measure acceleration rates associated with changes in position.  When a rapid decrease in height is detected, followed by no vertical movement at all, a call for help is automatically sent.  The most advanced of these devices is small, lightweight and waterproof, and has been determined to detect a fall with 95% accuracy.

Receiving help quickly after a fall can reduce emotional distress and the potential effects of losing consciousness due, for example, to a stroke or insulin shock that can be experienced by a diabetic.  Rapid response can also significantly reduce the costs of extended treatment, rehabilitation or supported living.  The automatic call capabilities now available with some PERS systems ensure that a call for help will be made, even if the one in need cannot make that call themselves.

Provided by Columbia Medical Alarm
503.644.4736

Important Information for Persons With a DMV-Issued Disabled Parking Permit

The 2009 Legislature passed Senate Bill 937, which requires all persons applying for an original or renewal of a disabled person parking permit to submit certification from a medical professional that the applicant is a person with a permanent disability. In the past, only original applications required the certification form.
Medical professionals qualified to sign your application are licensed physicians, certified nurse practitioners, licensed physician assistants, or licensed optometrists. The medical professional must sign the certification within six months before the date of application. The medical certification must include the state-issued licensing number of the medical professional who signs.

If you hold a permanent renewable disabled parking permit, you will receive a form you can use for this purpose with your driver license or ID card renewal reminder. The form has your driver license or ID card renewal information on one side and a certification form for the medical professional to sign on the reverse side.

These renewal reminders will replace the postcard renewal reminder you have received in the past when it was time to renew your disabled parking privilege. Also, the necessary permit renewal certification forms are available on the DMV Web site, field offices and many doctors’ offices.

Dental Implants Reverse Bone Loss And Restore Oral Health

You probably already know that in order to avoid cavities and more serious dental problems, you have to take good care of your teeth. But consistent brushing and flossing habits, in conjunction with regular check-ups at the dentist, do more than just protect your oral health—they also help keep a host of other serious conditions at bay. Heart disease and stroke, for instance, have both been linked to poor dental hygiene.

As we age there is more to consider when it comes to our teeth. These days they say 60 is the new 40, but some older adults are not sure their teeth have heard this news! The Center for Disease Control & Prevention says 26% of senior citizens over 65 have lost all of their teeth. Dentures have historically been the solution for this condition but many still suffered from severe jaw- bone loss, decrease in the ability to chew, problems with speech, and gum irritation.

In regards to the bone loss, bone needs stimulation to maintain its form and density. That is why the astronauts lose bone mass while they are in space—their bones lack the stimulation that results from our everyday resistance to gravity.

“The bone in your jaw is constantly reinforced by the force applied by your teeth,” says Dr. Sharma, an expert on the subject with years of experience treating bone loss. The teeth transmit force to surrounding bone, so when you lose a tooth, the lack of stimulation results in bone loss or “resorption.”

Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone in place of missing teeth. Then prosthetic restorations, like porcelains, bridge-work, or dentures are attached to a post or abutment placed inside the implant. So when you chew, the implant acts like the root of a tooth—it transmits force to the jaw and stimulates the bone. It is as if implants “trick” the bone into thinking there is still a tooth present. By transmitting the natural forces of chewing to the jaw, implants increase bone density. Dental implants have been proven not only to stop bone loss, but in some cases actually to reverse bone loss and restore the health of the jaw.

Consistent brushing, flossing and regular visits to your dentist will significantly improve the health of your gums and teeth. If you are missing teeth though, consider the health of your jaw bone as well when making decisions about your dental care.

Article provided by
Dr. Sharma MDS
Premier Dental
(360) 882-9595

Why Use A Trust?

To keep affairs private.

Trusts avoid probate, guardianships and conservatorships.

Probates are public record.

Avoid or minimize estate taxes.

• In case of illness, incapacity or death, all financial and business matters will be taken care of by your successor trustee according to the instructions that you have put into the trust’s language. There is no need for a court appointed Conservator.

 

• People create charitable trusts to transfer highly appreciated assets into a trust where there is no capital gain taxed to them when it is sold, and they can receive the income from the trust for their lives. At the end of their lives, the trust goes to their designated charity named in the trust.

 

• Create a trust to hold and manage funds for a disabled family member. For example a grandchild may have disability and you want to provide for them for their lifetime. The trust can be written so that the trustee takes care of their needs. If they are on SSI, a special needs trust can be created so that it does not disqualify them from those benefits.

 

• Create a trust for a spendthrift child to take affect at your death. Maybe one of your children doesn’t manage their finances very well. Will they mismanage their inheritance? Will it be gone in a year or less? Or perhaps that adult child has a boyfriend or husband you don’t trust and they might spend all the money. You can leave your child’s inheritance in trust for them for their lifetime or until they reach a certain age. The trustee has discretion to pay out sums of principal for their basic needs such as health, support and maintenance.

 

• Education Trusts. You can leave funds for your grandchildren’s education. The trust spells out the criteria for them to receive funds to pay for college education and states when the balance of the trust will be paid to them.

 

• Trusts are sometimes created to hold your children’s inheritance until a time you state it will be paid out to them. The trust can pay them income monthly, and distribute a certain percentage every few years or pay out all at once when they reach a certain age. You determine the terms stated in your trust.

 

Article Provided by:
Libby Crom, Fiduciary & Asset Management, LLC
(503) 409-0542
www.HeritageFid.com

Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

Oregon Launches New Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership

The State of Oregon is easing the financial burdens of aging for many elders by initiating a new Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Program with private insurers. The new program, which began January 1, 2008, will benefit about 25 percent of the seniors in Oregon who are of modest or limited income.

It will erase one of the biggest fears that modest income seniors have–that they will have to spend down to their last $2000.00 before the federal Medicaid program will pick up the cost of their nursing home care. The new Partnership Program will make it possible for seniors who qualify to preserve some of their assets to pass on to their heirs.

Along with the benefits of increased longevity in our county, have come the greater likelihood that a person will need some type of long-term care in their old age–in fact, 60 percent of Americans will need that care during their lifetime. And that can take a wallop out of a person’s savings. In Portland, the average cost of a year in a nursing home is about $60,000, and that is expected to double in the next 15 years.

As our population ages, and the huge baby boomer generation begins to retire, government resources will be squeezed. That is a big reason the federal government is encouraging Americans to take personal responsibility–for themselves and for the elderly members of their families–by planning ahead for the care they will need in their old age.

Many middle and upper income Americans are taking out long-term care insurance policies to help pay for the care they will need later in life. The new Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Program that Oregon is launching January 1st is an important step in offering coverage to Oregonians of limited means.

A key feature of the new program, in addition to Medicaid asset protection, is inflation protection. The State also sets consumer protection standards and makes sure that seniors cans choose a policy that best meets their needs. Both the state and federal government will provide educational resources to let seniors know who qualifies for the new Partnership Program and how to find a participating insurance provider.

Seniors and their families can contact a Long-term care Specialist to learn more about long-term care options available.

Article Provided by:
Becky Wehrli, CLTC, (503) 758-5725
Suzanne Webster, (503) 639-5286

Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

Care for Advanced Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s is a chronic, progressive neurological illness. Frequently changes and decline occur at such a slow pace that families are caught unprepared when their loved one loses their ability to live independently.

Symptoms of advanced Parkinson’s include tremor, stiffness, slowness and difficulty with fine movements, impaired balance, soft speech, reduced facial expression, drooling, “freezing” while moving and sleep disturbances. It is important to stress that Parkinson’s is not a mental disease, although roughly 1/3 will eventually develop dementia.

Medication is the most effective treatment for Parkinson’s. Symptoms differ in each person so dosage and timing tend to be geared to the individual patient. Medication must be given on time according to the schedule that has worked well for the family and has been set by the treating physician.

• Medication timing is the most important way to minimize symptoms.
• Know which medication should be given with meals and which on an empty stomach
• Dressing and eating could be scheduled around medication timing

Balance and Posture Exercise (especially stretching) is essential therapy and easiest to initiate when your loved one is rested, but watch for “freezing”, a sudden inability to move, especially when walking or getting out of a chair.

• If freezing occurs, do not push/move your family member, but use visual or auditory cues to initiate movement
• Avoid prolonged standing and to use appropriate walking aids
• Patient should be encouraged to keep hands free when walking, to pause before getting up, and to avoid pivot turns

Eating A failure to swallow properly can lead to choking which is a symptom of swallowing problems. To allow optimum nutritional intake, be sure the Parkinson’s medication has been given time to take effect before a meal.

• Patient should sit in an upright position when eating, and may need reminded to swallow
• Consult a dietician for easy-to-swallow foods containing enough fluid and fiber
• Encourage a rest period before meals

Other Tips

• Allow time to do activities without being rushed and allow frequent rest periods
• An occupational therapist can provide practical tips to make routine easier
• Medication given on time and early enough may allow patients to be more mobile and responsive
• Parkinson’s is a progressive disease. It is a given that a care needs will need to be reevaluated over time

Article Provided by:
Holly Chaimov
Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon
(503) 594-0901
www.parkinsonsresources.org

Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

Telephone Assistance Programs

In 1987, Oregon Legislature passed a law to assure that adequate and affordable residential telephone service is available to all qualifying Oregonians. Based on that legislation, the Public Utility Commission of Oregon implemented three programs which are supported by a surcharge applied to the monthly bill of each retail subscriber who has telephone or cellular service with access to the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service:

Telecommunication Devices Access Program (TDAP) – Loans adaptive telephone equipment at no cost and with no income restrictions to eligible Oregonians who have a severe hearing, severe speech, vision, cognitive or mobility impairment and cannot benefit from the use of a standard telephone.

In order to receive the equipment, a simple application must be completed and submitted for approval. Qualifying customers are required to complete and sign Section A of the application available in English and Spanish. Depending on the nature of the individual’s disability, a licensed physician, hearing aid specialist, audiologist, speech-language pathologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor must complete Section B certifying that the person requires adaptive equipment in order to communicate on the telephone.

E-mail: puc.tdap@state.or.us

Oregon Telephone Assistance Program (OTAP)/ Link-Up America Program – Oregonians who receive one of the following qualifying benefits may receive up to a $13.50 reduction in their monthly bill for local residential telephone service.

• Food Stamps
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Security Income
• Certain State Medical Programs or Medicaid

The Link-Up America Program helps qualified individuals by paying for one-half (up to $30) of the line connection charges for new residential telephone service.  There are approximately 33 residential telephone companies and 4 cellular companies that participate in OTAP. Customers can complete or download applications online available in Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese.

E-mail: puc.odap@state.or.us

Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service (OTRS) – As required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a telephone service that is available for all Oregonians and provides telecommunications access that is functionally equivalent for persons with and without hearing or speech disabilities to communicate via the telephone. It operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

There are several forms of the OTRS available depending on the needs of the user including Captioned Telephone Service, Voice Carry Over, Hearing Carry Over, Speech to Speech Relay Service, Shared Non-English Language Relay Services and Text-to-Voice TTY-based Relay Service.

For additional information about the telephone assistance programs, contact the Public Utility Commission of Oregon Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (contact info. below).

Article Provided by:
Public Utility Commission of Oregon
550 Capitol Street NE, Suite 215, P.O. Box 2148, Salem, OR 97308-2148
(800) 848-4442, (800) 648-3458 (TTY), (503) 378-6211 (Videophone)
www.rspf.org

Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.