Archived Issue: October 2009
In This Issue
Veteran's Benefits
Safety Tips for Seniors
Insuring Your Retirement Funds
Veteran's Benefits
Aid & Attendance Program.
Are you a US Veteran or a surviving spouse of a Veteran?
If so, you could be eligible for benefits ranging from $1,056-1,949 per month to help pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses including assisted living care.
Find out if you qualify for this benefit.
Are you afraid of tripping and falling due to the weather conditions outside?
As the weather gets cooler and the rain and snow start to fall, many seniors leave their homes more often during the day. Dangerous driving, unsafe walking conditions and housing hazards can be worrisome on families.
Review our safety tips below to help keep you and your family safe this season.
Home Safety Tips
- Don't hide keys under the doormat, in the mailbox or in a planter.
- Make sure the street number on your house is large, well-lit and unobstructed so emergency personnel can find your home quickly.
- Purchase an ABC multipurpose fire extinguisher for the home. Check yearly to verify the extinguisher is working.
- Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from any space heater. New space heaters shut off automatically if the heater falls over.
- Close fireplace doors or place a screen in front of a wood burning fire to catch flying sparks and rolling logs.
Fall Auto Safety Tips
Get your car in peak operating condition for the fall before driving in rainy or snowy conditions.
- Tires: Check the tire presssure and make sure your tires have sufficient tread.
- Radiator: Have the anti-freeze levels checked.
- Belts: Inspect the belts and hoses for cracks or leaks.
- Oil: Ask your mechanic about switching to a thinner grade of engine oil for better performance in colder temperatures.
- Wipers: Inspect the windshield wipers and wiper fluid to ensure better visibility.
- Battery: Make sure the battery is fully charged.
- Drive according to road conditions. If roads are wet by snow or rain, slow down.
Fall Outdoor Safety Tips
- Wear shoes that are flexible, non-skid with Velcro straps. Do not assume the walkways are not slippery.
- Make sure all walkways around your home are well-lit.
- Avoid walking on wet leaves that have fallen, they can be very slippery.
- Beware of black ice; especially melted snow runoff from cars can cause black ice when water freezes over.
- Dress for cooler temperatures by covering exposed skin and wearing water proof clothing. Remember, hats stop body heat from escaping.
Other Safety Tips
- Be aware of the environment conditions surrounding you before putting yourself in a situation where injury is possible.
- Slow Down - rushing can cause unnecessary risks.
- Don't carry large amounts of cash or unneeded credit cards.
- Sit near the driver or the exit when riding on a bus, train or subway.
- Use a direct deposit service for Social Security and other regular checks.
Click here to print this checklist
Do you have enough funds to live comfortably when you retire?
It might sound strange to be told to insure your retirement funds, but after working hard and diligently saving all that money, wouldn't you want to make sure that the funds will be there for you when you need them?
As you move into retirement, you are also moving towards age-related health problems. Events beyond your control, such as stroke, heart disease and cognitive impairment can change one's way of life.
Many people are under the impression that government programs such as Medicare or Medicaid will cover the costs of long term care. Medicare will cover some skilled nursing for a limited period. Medicaid will only cover long term care costs for impoverished individuals. Health insurance does not cover nursing home or other long term care costs except for short-term rehabilitation.
Click here to learn more about insuring your retirement funds.
This Senior Living Answer was published on October 1, 2009.
More Senior Living Answers
