Knowledge is power, especially when caring for a loved one with dementia. People living with dementia will progress through six different stages, each requiring specific standards of care to address the unique needs in those stages. Interim HealthCare is now offering a free Dementia Caregiver's Guide to help caregivers provide better care by addressing the changing needs of your loved one.
HEALTH:
COVID + Influenza: This Is a Good Year to Get a Flu Shot: Flu season will look different this year, as the country grapples with a coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 172,000 people. Many Americans are reluctant to visit a doctor’s office and public health officials worry people will shy away from being immunized. Kaiser Health News, Aug. 28.
Just Like COVID, Severe Flu Can Trigger Heart Crises: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a new U.S. study serves as a reminder of how severe the seasonal flu can be. HealthDay, Aug. 25.
 
Flu, Pneumonia Vaccines Save Lives of Heart Failure Patients: Respiratory infections like pneumonia and the flu make heart failure worse, so annual vaccinations are recommended for patients. HealthDay, Aug. 28.
Why Does the Coronavirus Hit Men Harder? A New Clue: COVID may infect anyone, young or old, but older men are up to twice as likely to become severely sick and to die as women of the same age. The New York Times, Aug. 26.

How Acupuncture Can Help with Pain During the Pandemic: For the first time, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced its decision to cover up to 12 acupuncture sessions in 90 days for Medicare patients with chronic lower back pain. Next Avenue, Aug. 27.
MEDICARE:
Medicare Open Enrollment is Coming Up. Three Steps to Save Money This Fall: Medicare open enrollment is still almost two months away, but if you want to save some money next year, now’s the time to act. CNBC, Aug. 26.
MONEY:
4 Ways to Get Your Retirement Plan Back on Track: When it comes to our finances, 2020 has been a year marked by stock market volatility and our current recession. If you’re in a bad spot financially, there are four moves to make now to get your retirement plan back on track. Kiplinger, Aug. 24.
 
Are You Prepared for the 10 Toughest Retirement Years? When preparing for retirement, most people want to make sure they have the money to travel and enjoy life. But while that's important, indulging your hobbies and fulfilling your dreams isn't the only thing you need to worry about doing with your retirement nest egg. The Motley Fool, Aug. 24.
How to Create Income for Life: During periods of economic uncertainty, a paycheck is the ultimate antidote to stress. As long as you’re getting paid, you can buy groceries, pay the mortgage and—one of these days—catch a ball game. Unless you’re fortunate enough to have a traditional pension, though, those paychecks stop when you retire. Kiplinger, Aug. 26.
 
The Things We Get Wrong Planning for Retirement: Lots of retirees have regrets about their retirement choices. The primary problem: they were too optimistic about their anticipated retirement benefits, which led to them not saving enough during their working years. Next Avenue, Aug. 28.
POLITICS:
2020 Election: Trump’s Second-Term Proposals for People 50+: There's no Republican platform, but here's what looks likely. Next Avenue, Aug. 27.
2020 Election: What Biden’s Democratic Platform Proposes for People 50+: A close look at what's mentioned — and what isn't. Next Avenue, Aug. 10.
Why Some Nursing Home Residents Risk Losing Their Vote: For months, the pandemic has curtailed nursing home residents’ freedom of movement and visits with family and friends. Now, it is threatening their ability to vote. Next Avenue, Aug. 25.
RETIREMENT:
The World’s Best Places to Retire in 2020: Where should I retire? This is the question we hear most often, and every January we give you our most definitive answer in the form of our Annual Global Retirement Index. International Living, Aug. 25.
 
6 Signs It's Time to Retire: It can be difficult to figure out when you are truly ready to retire. Some people aim for a certain retirement age, perhaps 62 or 65, while others set a financial goal, such as $1 million in a retirement account. U.S. News & World Report, Aug. 24.
 
5 Huge Risks in Retirement and What to Do About Them: Retirement should be one of the best times in your life. But older Americans face some substantial risks -- and if you aren't prepared for them, they could turn your later years into a stressful time instead of a reward for a lifetime of hard work. The Motley Fool, Aug. 26.
SOCIAL SECURITY:
2021 COLA: A Raise Likely for Social Security Recipients After All: Fear of a flat COLA? Relax, looks like an increase is coming for 2021 Social Security checks. Kiplinger, Aug. 24.
 
Don't Be Fooled: Here Are Some Social Security Earnings Test Misconceptions That Can Lower Your Benefits: When it comes to Social Security, there are plenty of misconceptions. And many of the misconceptions have to do with Social Security’s earnings test. USA Today, 8/24.
 
4 Signs You're Ready to Claim Social Security: Are you thinking of claiming Social Security? If so, you should be aware that your decision to file at a specific time can affect the amount of your checks for the rest of your life. It can also be very difficult to undo your claim if it turns out you made a mistake. The Motley Fool, Aug. 25.
Much More Than Checks: How Social Security Depends on the Mail: Most benefits are now paid electronically, but nearly a million monthly checks are still mailed out, and the post office’s delays and political controversy could clog up paperwork. The New York Times, Aug. 27.
 
Here’s What You Need to Know About Claiming Social Security Retirement Benefits: Deciding when to claim Social Security retirement benefits is probably one of the most important financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. CNBC, Aug. 24.
SCAMS:
How to Spot a Scam Aimed at Older Adults: Older adults are especially vulnerable because scammers exploit those who may be isolated, lonely or not tech-savvy. The Dallas Morning News, Aug. 25.

Watch Out for These COVID-19 Scams: Today’s COVID-19 scams run the gamut from crooks hawking fraudulent coronavirus cures and websites selling fake vaccine kits to phishing emails trying to steal personal information. Next Avenue, Aug. 28.

Beware Crooked Contact Tracers: If someone claiming to be a contact tracer asks you for money or requests your Social Security number, that’s a red flag. Kiplinger, Aug. 26.
DRIVING:
The Right Fit Car for Older Drivers: Anticipate how changes in lifestyle and health might affect the kind of vehicle you will need over time. Kiplinger, Aug. 26.
CAREGIVING:
Don’t Be a ‘Helicopter Child’ in Retirement: So-called “helicopter parents” hover over their children, anxious to prevent the slightest discomfort. But there are also “helicopter children,” who are so worried about their aging parents that they end up infantilizing them. Kiplinger, Aug. 26.
 
Sandwich Generation Faces Caregiving Challenges: The sandwich generation has it tough in the best of times. The pandemic has made it even tougher. Kiplinger, Aug. 26.
WORK:
When Retirement Comes Too Early: Workplaces have grown steadily less friendly to older employees, and the pandemic has pushed more of these workers from the labor market. The New York Times, Aug. 28.
END OF LIFE:
Checklist for Handling the Death of a Spouse: Feeling overwhelmed? A checklist can help you figure out where to start and tasks you may be able to put off. U.S. News & World Report, Aug. 28.
Providing expertise with a caring hand for over 50 years. Visit Interim HealthCare to learn about our home care, hospice and staffing services.
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