Aging Well Blog

Perhaps you cared for your parents and want things handled differently when you reach your own elderhood. Maybe you do not have children and wonder who will help you when you need it. Perhaps you do have children and want to have your independence, make your own decisions.

This blog is for those who want to proactively plan for their later years. Check out our monthly posts for thoughts that can help you decide what will work best for you in terms of housing, paying for care, and meeting life’s challenges as you age.

Want to set up a plan? Call us for a consultation: 706-810-3203


An overview of veteran benefits

As we age, we find ourselves requiring different types of help. Medical needs are typically covered by Medicare. But many of us come to need assistance that is nonmedical in nature (e.g., help bathing or dressing). We have to be prepared to pay for this kind of assistance out of pocket, on our own. If you...

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Do you need a coronavirus plan?

What if, despite your best intentions, you came down with COVID-19? Of course, we all hope this never happens. But prudence suggests that it's better to plan ahead and be prepared. You don't want to be scrambling for supplies and help when you are sick, contagious, and feeling terrible. If you have family, they too...

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Long-term care insurance

According to AARP, 50% of those over age 65 will need to pay for personal care for two years or less. Since Medicare does not pay for nonmedical help (average cost ≈$140,000 if you paid from your own resources), long-term care insurance was developed as a funding option. The reality of long-term care insurance. While it...

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Stress Rx: Two hours in nature/week

As many of us discovered through shelter-in-place restrictions, spending time outdoors isn't just "nice." It feels fundamentally healing. The research backs this up. Time spent in nature has been documented to decrease cortisol—a stress hormone—and boost the immune system. It can reduce depression and improve attention. The studies are so compelling that before the pandemic, some...

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Preparing for a virtual doctor visit

Video visits with doctors are one of the changes put in place during the pandemic that will likely carry forward even after COVID is long in our rearview mirror. While not appropriate for all conditions, it is a convenient new option for care. Here's how to prepare: Confirm that your insurance will cover telemedicine. Medicare...

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How to pay for long-term care

Most people are surprised to learn that Medicare pays for only a limited amount of the daily care you are likely to need in your lifetime (about 14%). Medicare covers only services delivered by medically trained professionals. That means you need to have savings or insurance and rely on a collection of local programs. Or...

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Choosing a home care provider

Frank knows they need help at home. His wife's dementia is getting worse, and he has his own health problems. She can't be left alone anymore. Doing all the cooking and cleaning, and now helping her with bathing ... it's just too much. Frank needs to take breaks. But a Google search reveals a dizzying...

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Choosing a long-term care facility

Judy had an emergency hip replacement after a fall. She needs to be discharged tomorrow to a skilled nursing facility for several weeks of intensive physical therapy so she can walk again. And after that she may need to move into an assisted living. The discharge planner has a list of options. But Judy and...

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Assembling your support team

Much as we would like to imagine an elderhood free from troubles, the truth is, we are all likely to need help eventually. And on several levels. Informal support. This is the kind of help that friends and family members can provide short term. Someone to run errands or mow the lawn, etc. Make a...

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Paying for care at home

How you pay for care at home depends on whether the service is by medically trained staff or by nonmedical caregivers. Also, what you can mix and match in terms of community programs and help from friends and family. Medicare pays only for care in the home that requires the skills of a nurse, nursing...

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