According to the Office of the Attorney General’s website, the statistics regarding the number of elderly in California and the number of elderly who are abused and/or neglected is startlingly high. The United States Census Bureau predicts that California’s elderly population will nearly double (to 6.4 million) by the 2028. At this time, it is estimated that over 43% of all Americans over the age of 65 will live in a nursing home at some point in their lives.

There are many accessories that can be added to your wheelchair to make it more personal or to make your life more convenient. They may seem insignificant, but you will surprise to find out that they are indeed useful.

The first wheelchair accessory that you want to consider is a small tote attached to the side of the chair. You can put magazines and books in it so they are always close at hand. A holder for glasses or bottles would be a valuable addition as well so you do not...

The truth is most of us are no where near financially ready for retirement. Although now most of us in our forties and fifties have come to accept the notion that social security will soon run out, we still seem to be stuck in the mud when it comes to sound retirement planning. Since most of us spend about 20 years of our life in retirement, we should take this very seriously as we plan for our retirement. As you read on you will see some useful steps that you can include in your...

There comes a time when every child has to take care of their parents as they age. Some of us will take them in, but when they need more care than you can provide you turn to assisted living or a nursing home . Here are two things to consider when looking for assisted living facilities or nursing homes for your loved ones.

1)    Analyze your parents personalities and health needs – The first thing you need to think about when deciding if your parents...

A Colorado assisted living center is a place where people, often seniors, who can no longer live independently, can live in a family-like setting. Generally, these people need help with some of the daily activities of life, such as getting dressed, bathing, feeding themselves, and even going to the bathroom. They are carefully guided through these tasks by assisted living caregivers, who work hard to help their charges maintain some of their independence. These caregivers have been...

When a loved one begins showing early symptoms of dementia, there are many issues relating to independence, safety, and the individual’s sense of self with which to cope. As dementia progresses, the person may have to give up living on his or her own, but during the earliest stages a supportive family network and helpful memory aids can help them retain their independence for a bit longer.

Is It Dementia or Normal Aging?

Most people begin to show signs of memory loss...

Placing a troubled, dependent relative in a nursing home is a heart-wrenchinging ordeal. To ease the way, know when a nursing home is the only answer. Deciding factors : When there is a loss of control of body functions, a loss of memory or an inability to perform the basic activities of daily life such as shopping, cleaning and dressing. People do not age physically and emotionally at the same rate.

Never coerce a person into a nursing home. Rather, open the decision for...

In my 10 years as a senior specialist , the two questions I run into most when I’m helping people research housing are, “How much does it cost?” and, “Can I afford it?” The best way to find the answer to those two questions is my simple golden rule: “Know Before You Go.”

If you go shopping for a car, you need to know if you can shop at the Ford dealership, the Cadillac dealership or look for a good deal on a second hand vehicle. And...

Nebraska's long term care services and financing system perform better than the rest of the states. The state has been also credited for taking lead of strategic and effective long term care solutions that other states might follow in the future.

The Good Side

Nebraska has the lowest Medicaid dependency in the country. In 2002, Medicaid spending in the state was only 52.8 percent compared to the nationwide average of 66.7 percent. This can help lessen the financial...

Once you decide to take advantage of respite care services you must prepare yourself, other family members, your loved one and the service provider for the transition.

Eliminating the Guilt

Guilt is one of the most stressful and destructive emotions associated with caregiving. It can cause anxiety, depression and a host of physical maladies, such as exhaustion. Many times guilt develops when a caregiver seeksrespite care servicesfor their loved one. He or she may feel they...