“The Forgotten Middle”: Seniors Facing Housing, Care Crisis
Seniors who have an income above the Medicaid threshold but lack a high enough income to have substantial personal savings are considered “The Forgotten Middle.” These are elders who are more likely to struggle to afford long-term care that may become necessary as...
When Is It Time For My Loved One to Move to a Skilled Nursing Home?
Making the decision for a loved one to move to a nursing home is never easy. It often depends on various factors such as their health condition, safety concerns, their ability to manage daily activities, and the support available to them. Here are some signs that...
Are You a Family Caregiver? New Bill Seeks to Lower Costs via Tax Savings
Recently proposed legislation seeks to offer financial relief for unpaid family caregivers. Introduced in November 2023, the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act of 2023 is the result of a bipartisan effort to lessen the costs of family caregiving. The American...
CMS Issues 2024 SSI & Spousal Impoverishment Figures
The federal government has announced the spousal impoverishment figures for 2024. The changes are outlined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as follows: Maximum Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) = $154,140 Minimum CSRA = $30,828 Maximum...
Medicaid Waiver Programs in Missouri
As of January 2022 data, Missouri offers several Medicaid waiver programs, known as Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, designed to provide long-term care services to eligible individuals in home and community settings. Here are some key Medicaid waiver...
Medicaid Waiver Programs in Kansas
According to January 2022 data, Kansas has several Medicaid waiver programs designed to provide home and community-based services to eligible individuals who would otherwise require care in institutional settings. Here are some key Medicaid waiver programs in Kansas:...
What Are Medicaid Waivers?
Medicaid waivers are programs authorized by the federal government that allow states to provide long-term care services to individuals who would otherwise require care in nursing homes or other institutional settings. These waivers, also known as Home and...
Do Caregiver Duties Help Older Women Live Longer?
Despite the considerable level of stress that can come with serving as a unpaid caregiver, a new study now suggests that taking care of a loved one may in fact lead to increased longevity among older women. The findings, published in The Journal of the American...
Will I lose my home if I need to move into an assisted living or nursing home?
The impact on your home when moving to assisted living or a skilled nursing home can depend on various factors. In many cases, there are protections in place to prevent the loss of your home, but it's essential to consider individual circumstances and the specific...
SSI Recipients to Get Relief Following Landmark Settlement
The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc worldwide in the realms of health care, education, the economy, and beyond. For seniors and people with disabilities across the U.S. who have limited income, the pandemic also had a particularly devastating impact on their public...
Guardianship or Durable Power of Attorney: Which Will Serve My Loved One Better?
Both guardianship and durable power of attorney (DPOA) are legal arrangements that allow one person to make decisions on behalf of another, typically when that person is unable to make decisions for themselves. However, they differ in several key aspects....
The Dos and Don’ts of Guardianship of an Aging Person
Certainly, being a guardian for an aging person comes with responsibilities and considerations. Here are some Dos and Don'ts: Dos: Respect Autonomy: Encourage independence and involve the aging person in decision-making as much as possible. Regular Communication: Keep...
Worried About Paying for Care in a Skilled Nursing Home?
The cost of nursing home care can be a concern for many people. It's often expensive. According to Genworth, a private room in a nursing home can cost more than $100,000 per year. Moreover, the company suggests that by the year 2031, a private room will cost over...
10 Ways to Maximize Your Social Security Retirement Benefits
Social Security wasn’t meant to be a primary source of income for retirees when it was first created in 1935. It sought to provide an umbrella of protection for people who couldn’t save enough for retirement. Most Americans didn’t think much about Social Security,...
What Is the Difference Between Palliative and Hospice Care?
Palliative care and hospice care can provide comfort to seriously ill patients and patients who have received a prognosis of imminent death. Each type of care is intended to improve the quality of life among patients who receive it. Many people use the terms hospice...