Social Security Administration Extends Benefits to Adults with Early-Onset Alzheimer's
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently added early-onset/younger onset Alzheimer's disease to the list of conditions under its Compassionate Allowance Initiative, giving those with the disease expedited access to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This is especially important because Alzheimer's disease, even in the early stages, often leaves individuals unable to work. For more information, visit Alzheimer's Association
2010 Census Safety Information
With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.
The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:
If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice.
Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.
Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.
REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.
While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.
Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.BBB.org
Caregiving in the U.S. 2009 Released
The National Alliance for Caregiving, in collaboration with AARP, recently released Caregiving in the U.S. 2009. Replicating similar studies conducted in 2004 and 1997, this report details the prevalence, implications and costs of caregiving and the demographics of caregivers. According to the data, an estimated 65.7 million people served as an unpaid family caregiver to an adult or child in the previous twelve months. Caregivers tend to be female (66%), are an average age of 48 years old, most often care for a parent (36%), and seven in ten care for someone 50 years and older. For more information, visit: National Alliance for Caregiving
Watch the Walk and Prevent a Fall
More than one-third of people ages 65 or older fall each year. About one fall in 10 results in a serious injury. Learn more about how you can avoid falls and prevent injuries. Continue reading.
AARP's Operation Engergy Save
AARP offers advice and many low or no cost modifications a person can make to their home that can result in significant savings during the heating season. Learn more.
Having “The Talk” with our Aging Loved Ones
Today, people are living longer than ever before. And with advanced age often comes the need for care.Meanwhile, the traditional caregivers, the middle-aged adults in the family – by today’s standards that means 40-, 50-, even 60-somethings (i.e., us!) – have demanding careers and busy lives of their own. As a result, many mid-lifers today are faced with balancing these things with not only active involvement in their grandchildren’s or adult children’s lives but also an increasing responsibility for the well-being of an elder loved one. Continue reading article.