Dear Savvy Senior, My mother, who lives with me, has Alzheimer’s disease and I worry about her wandering away. What tips can you recommend to help me protect her? Concerned Daughter Dear Concerned, According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 60 percent of people who suffer from dementia wander at some point. For caregivers, this can be frightening because many of those who wander off end up confused and lost, even in their own neighborhood, and are unable to communicate who they are or where they live. But there are … [Read more...] about Wandering solutions for Alzheimer’s caregivers
Savvy Senior
How to recognize and handle senior gambling problems
Dear Savvy Senior, How can you know when someone has a gambling problem? Since my father passed away a couple years ago, my 76-year-old mother spends a lot of time at an Indian casino near her house playing slot machines. Troubled Son Dear Troubled, It’s a great question. Problem gambling among seniors is definitely on the rise. Seniors have time and money on their hands, and the influx of casinos across the country have made access to gambling much more convenient. Here’s what you should know, along with some tips and … [Read more...] about How to recognize and handle senior gambling problems
How to get Social Security benefits when you’re disabled
Dear Savvy Senior, What do I need to do to get Social Security disability? I’m 57 years old and have some health issues that are keeping me from working, but I’ve heard it’s very difficult to get benefits. Need Assistance Dear Need, The process of getting Social Security disability benefits can be tricky and time-consuming, but you can help yourself by doing your homework and getting prepared. Last year, around 3 million people applied for Social Security disability benefits, but two-thirds of them were denied, because … [Read more...] about How to get Social Security benefits when you’re disabled
How to get a Medicare covered power scooter or wheelchair
Dear Savvy Senior, What’s the process for getting Medicare to pay for an electric mobility scooter or power wheelchair? My 76-year-old mother has arthritis in her knees and hips, and has a difficult time getting around anymore. Searching Daughter Dear Searching, Getting an electric-powered mobility scooter or wheelchair for your mom that’s covered by original Medicare starts with a visit to her doctor’s office. If eligible, Medicare will pay 80 percent of the cost, after she meets her $147 Part B deductible. She will be … [Read more...] about How to get a Medicare covered power scooter or wheelchair
Is life insurance needed in retirement?
Dear Savvy Senior, Is life insurance needed in retirement? I’m about to retire and have been thinking about dropping my policy to escape the premiums. Is this a good idea? Over Insured Dear Over, While many retirees choose to stop paying their life insurance premiums when they no longer have young families to take care of, there are a few reasons you may still want to keep your policy. Here are some different points to consider that can help you determine if you still need life insurance in retirement. Dependents: Life … [Read more...] about Is life insurance needed in retirement?
How to find the best reacher grabber tool
Dear Savvy Senior, What kinds of reacher grabber tools can you recommend for seniors who need help picking things up off the ground. I bought a cheap one at Walmart a few months ago that doesn’t work very well for me, and would like to find one that does. Need a Hand Dear Need, A good reacher grabber is a very handy tool for anyone with mobility issues. It works like an extension of your arm allowing you to reach down and pick things up off the ground without bending or stooping over. It can also help with reaching and … [Read more...] about How to find the best reacher grabber tool
Food assistance programs can help seniors in need
Dear Savvy Senior, I run a community counseling program for needy families and am frustrated that so few eligible seniors take advantage of the food stamp program. Can you write a column on this to help educate seniors to this underutilized benefit? Reaching Out Dear Reaching, It’s hard to imagine that a government program serving more than 46 million Americans each month is considered severely underutilized. But that’s the reality of the federal Food Stamp Program when it comes to serving seniors. Nationwide, food stamps … [Read more...] about Food assistance programs can help seniors in need
Senior organizations that appeal to conservatives
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any advocacy organizations for seniors other than AARP? I cut up my AARP card a few years back when they supported Obamacare, and am now looking for another organization that better represents me. Conservative Senior Dear Conservative, There are actually quite a few senior advocacy organizations out there promoting themselves as conservative alternatives to AARP. While AARP, with a membership of almost 38 million, is by far the biggest and most powerful advocacy group for people age 50 … [Read more...] about Senior organizations that appeal to conservatives
Low-cost and free cell phone options for seniors
Dear Savvy Senior, What are the cheapest cell phone options available today to seniors living on a shoestring budget? I only need it for occasional calls. Seldom Calling Senior Dear Seldom, For financially challenged seniors who only want a cell phone for emergency purposes or occasional calls, there are a number of inexpensive no contract plans you can get. Or, depending on your income level, there are also free cell phones and monthly airtime minutes you may qualify for. Here’s where to find some of the cheapest deals. … [Read more...] about Low-cost and free cell phone options for seniors
Alternative lodging options for retirees who travel
Dear Savvy Senior, Since retiring, my husband and I love to travel but hotel costs eat up our budget so fast we can’t stay as long, or go as often as we’d like to. I’ve heard that there are alternative lodging options like short-term apartment rentals or even house sitting that offer a much cheaper way to travel. How can we find these? Retired Travelers Dear Travelers, If you’re willing to do a little research and preplanning, there are a number of ways you can lower (or eliminate) your travel-lodging costs and live more like a … [Read more...] about Alternative lodging options for retirees who travel