New kinds of high-tech homes for the elderly
By Jim Wasserman
McClatchy Newspapers
Posted: 12/01/2008 12:00:00 AM PST
SACRAMENTO — The time is here when can you live 3,000 miles from your mom and get a text message if she's not out of bed by noon.
And if your aging dad forgets to open the medicine box to take his heart pills, that's another digital alert on your cell phone, BlackBerry or laptop.
If this sounds far-fetched, you haven't seen the newest real estate phenomenon in Roseville. It's a national demonstration home for advances in housing elder generations. The single-story house opened Oct. 23 and is a glimpse of what might happen when 70 million baby boomers hit their 70s and 80s.
"Three hundred-some people have toured this house," said Sheri Peifer, vice president with Carmichael-based Eskaton Senior Residences and Services. It's a daily pilgrimage of architects, home builders, technology insiders and elder-care professionals. Visitors came one recent week from Florida, Georgia and Oregon. The 1,850-square-foot house is a joint venture with Roseville builder Lakemont Homes.
Most people associate 40-year-old Eskaton with assisted living. But its demonstration house is a pitch to the design and building industry for what's possible now in standard senior housing. The new in-home technology on display helps seniors with what they want most: to stay in their own house as long as possible.
So think fitness centers for the brain instead of biceps. (A special computer designed with help from the UCLA Center on Aging offers memory exercises to ward off dementia.) Or picture in-home blood pressure checks on a wireless device that sends results to nurses. Webcams offer personal medical consultations without an office visit. (Intel's new touch-screen Health Guide device asks: "How are you feeling today?" If not so good, it suggests what to do before it turns into trouble.)
The remote monitoring, however, is most interesting to children of aging parents. A "Grand Care" digital system "allows seniors to live at home and offers family members peace of mind they're doing fine," said Kathy Hatten, an Eskaton guide who takes people on tours through the house.
Sensors that look like computer mice and detect motion can be placed throughout the home. If motion falls to an unusually low level — suggesting a fall or medical problem — alerts are sent to children or others who may be down the street or across the country.
This two-bedroom, two-bath house, however, is not just about technology. It also contains small touches you never think about when you're younger. The air filter is near the floor instead of in the ceiling. Doors are 36 inches wide to accommodate wheelchairs. There are no steps to trip on. Shelves are low and electrical sockets are high.
The demonstration house is intended to attract builder interest in an "Eskaton Certified" home program.
One thing is for sure about baby boomers. They don't like to think about life after their current status as "active adults." But if Roseville's new demonstration house is any indicator, that stage, too, will have its perks. Information: www.eskaton.org.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Seniors Encouraged to Review Their Health Care Coverage
Seniors Encouraged to Review Their Health Care Coverage
With just one month left in the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE program is reminding Florida Medicare beneficiaries to carefully evaluate their health care needs.
Every year, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to make changes to their Medicare Prescription Drug or Medicare Advantage Plans during the enrollment period, which ends December 31.
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) encourages Medicare beneficiaries to review their benefits for a variety of reasons. Individuals often experience subtle changes in their health over the course of the year, which may change the kind of care they need.
This could directly affect their need for more or less health insurance, the types of prescription drugs they require or their access to particular doctors or pharmacies.
Such health changes can also increase costs for beneficiaries, which can be particularly critical for Medicare beneficiaries on fixed incomes.
SHINE counselors provide free, unbiased one-on-one insurance counseling and community education regarding Medicare options and prescription drug assistance for elders, their family and caregivers.
“With our changing economic climate it's more important than ever for Medicare beneficiaries to make the most of their benefits, enroll in any savings programs for which they qualify, and review their current coverage,” said SHINE Director Alexandra Kruse. “Our volunteer counselors throughout the state can help seniors assess their eligibility for prescription savings programs and whether or not changes to coverage or benefits would lower their costs.”
When beneficiaries review their Medicare coverage, they should remember to Prepare, Compare and Decide.
PREPARE: Medicare enrollees should gather all the information they need to compare and make decisions about health and prescription drug coverage. For instance, they should gather a list of medications, a list of providers (including doctors and pharmacies), and any notices they have received from Social Security or Medicare about changes for next year. This can make comparing plans a simpler and effective process.
COMPARE: Seniors should compare their plans against others available locally to be sure their current coverage is still providing them with essential benefits. As beneficiaries review and compare plans, they should consider whether they are satisfied with the cost, coverage and customer service they currently receive. Seniors can compare all options and search for plans in their area by visiting the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov. Those who need assistance are encouraged to contact the SHINE program by calling Florida’s toll-free Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) and asking for a SHINE volunteer counselor.
DECIDE: The final step for each individual is deciding which plan is right. To switch plans, beneficiaries should contact the plans they want to join. Beneficiaries are encouraged to act quickly so they may have a smooth transition into the 2009 benefit year. People with Medicare can receive help reviewing and enrolling in a plan by attending a Medicare Annual Enrollment event or contacting Medicare’s trained customer service representatives at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). SHINE also provides enrollment assistance via one-on-one counseling over the phone or in person at designated counseling sites and at enrollment events in
With just one month left in the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE program is reminding Florida Medicare beneficiaries to carefully evaluate their health care needs.
Every year, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to make changes to their Medicare Prescription Drug or Medicare Advantage Plans during the enrollment period, which ends December 31.
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) encourages Medicare beneficiaries to review their benefits for a variety of reasons. Individuals often experience subtle changes in their health over the course of the year, which may change the kind of care they need.
This could directly affect their need for more or less health insurance, the types of prescription drugs they require or their access to particular doctors or pharmacies.
Such health changes can also increase costs for beneficiaries, which can be particularly critical for Medicare beneficiaries on fixed incomes.
SHINE counselors provide free, unbiased one-on-one insurance counseling and community education regarding Medicare options and prescription drug assistance for elders, their family and caregivers.
“With our changing economic climate it's more important than ever for Medicare beneficiaries to make the most of their benefits, enroll in any savings programs for which they qualify, and review their current coverage,” said SHINE Director Alexandra Kruse. “Our volunteer counselors throughout the state can help seniors assess their eligibility for prescription savings programs and whether or not changes to coverage or benefits would lower their costs.”
When beneficiaries review their Medicare coverage, they should remember to Prepare, Compare and Decide.
PREPARE: Medicare enrollees should gather all the information they need to compare and make decisions about health and prescription drug coverage. For instance, they should gather a list of medications, a list of providers (including doctors and pharmacies), and any notices they have received from Social Security or Medicare about changes for next year. This can make comparing plans a simpler and effective process.
COMPARE: Seniors should compare their plans against others available locally to be sure their current coverage is still providing them with essential benefits. As beneficiaries review and compare plans, they should consider whether they are satisfied with the cost, coverage and customer service they currently receive. Seniors can compare all options and search for plans in their area by visiting the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov. Those who need assistance are encouraged to contact the SHINE program by calling Florida’s toll-free Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) and asking for a SHINE volunteer counselor.
DECIDE: The final step for each individual is deciding which plan is right. To switch plans, beneficiaries should contact the plans they want to join. Beneficiaries are encouraged to act quickly so they may have a smooth transition into the 2009 benefit year. People with Medicare can receive help reviewing and enrolling in a plan by attending a Medicare Annual Enrollment event or contacting Medicare’s trained customer service representatives at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). SHINE also provides enrollment assistance via one-on-one counseling over the phone or in person at designated counseling sites and at enrollment events in
Senior Couple Saved From $2 Foreclosure
Senior Couple Saved From $2 Foreclosure
by Peter G. MillerDecember 1st, 2008
The Albuquerque Journal is reporting that efforts to foreclose on an elderly couple have been stopped. Now you might think that with foreclosures rampant in many areas that big money was at stake, but that was not the situation here: The couple owed all of $2 and the matter was settled with a $4 payment and help from attorneys with the Senior Citizens’ Law Office. Dixie and Paul Williams, says the paper, had obtained an SBA loan in the 1970s and really did owe $1 per year.
When they failed to make the payment to latest owner of the debt, the lender filed for foreclosure. With penalties the amount owed was a whopping $2 and the matter was resolved with a $4 payment. You have to wonder: Is it really a good idea that lenders are allowed to foreclose when so little is owed? This is a case where the mechanics of the law and common sense collide.
Yes, lenders have rights. But the law not only includes words as they are written, it also includes the concept of equity, or fairness. What is fair about a couple in their mid-80s losing their home over $2? You might think that the lender would have grabbed some pocket change to resolve the matter. It would have reduced the lender’s legal fees, eliminated a possible foreclosure from the books and prevented a PR debacle. Hopefully bank regulators will want to review the lender’s books with great care to assure that every nickel and dime are where they should be — and to levy the largest possible penalties if that’s not the case.
Here’s a concept: If the couple’s property has equity, then instead of foreclosing why not suggest a reverse mortgage? The couple could have stayed in place and money would have been available for repairs and living expenses. As to the Senior Citizens’ Law Office, they deserve credit for helping people in need while the Albuquerque Journal should be congratulated for following the old standard of journalism, comforting the afflicted — and afflicting the comfortable.
For the full story, see: Couple Won’t Lose Home Over $2, November 29, 2008.
by Peter G. MillerDecember 1st, 2008
The Albuquerque Journal is reporting that efforts to foreclose on an elderly couple have been stopped. Now you might think that with foreclosures rampant in many areas that big money was at stake, but that was not the situation here: The couple owed all of $2 and the matter was settled with a $4 payment and help from attorneys with the Senior Citizens’ Law Office. Dixie and Paul Williams, says the paper, had obtained an SBA loan in the 1970s and really did owe $1 per year.
When they failed to make the payment to latest owner of the debt, the lender filed for foreclosure. With penalties the amount owed was a whopping $2 and the matter was resolved with a $4 payment. You have to wonder: Is it really a good idea that lenders are allowed to foreclose when so little is owed? This is a case where the mechanics of the law and common sense collide.
Yes, lenders have rights. But the law not only includes words as they are written, it also includes the concept of equity, or fairness. What is fair about a couple in their mid-80s losing their home over $2? You might think that the lender would have grabbed some pocket change to resolve the matter. It would have reduced the lender’s legal fees, eliminated a possible foreclosure from the books and prevented a PR debacle. Hopefully bank regulators will want to review the lender’s books with great care to assure that every nickel and dime are where they should be — and to levy the largest possible penalties if that’s not the case.
Here’s a concept: If the couple’s property has equity, then instead of foreclosing why not suggest a reverse mortgage? The couple could have stayed in place and money would have been available for repairs and living expenses. As to the Senior Citizens’ Law Office, they deserve credit for helping people in need while the Albuquerque Journal should be congratulated for following the old standard of journalism, comforting the afflicted — and afflicting the comfortable.
For the full story, see: Couple Won’t Lose Home Over $2, November 29, 2008.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
