Aging Well Blog

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 […]

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 with bathing … it’s just too much. Frank needs to take breaks. But a Google search reveals a dizzying array […]

Judy had an emergency hip replacement after a fall. She needs to be discharged tomorrow to a skilled nursing facility. She needs several weeks of intensive physical therapy to be able to walk again. Then she may need to live in assisted living. The discharge planner has a list of options. Judy and her daughter, […]

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 […]

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 […]