We’re reaching a tidal wave of Baby Boomers turning 65 and more retirees are outliving their savings. So, what’s a Boomer to do?

Well, there may be some good news on the horizon. Bloomberg.com reports that the U.S. Treasury Department has proposed regulations to make it easier for consumers to purchase annuities, which can guarantee a stream of income over a lifetime.

The proposal allows retirees to move some or all of their pension plan assets into annuities and encourages 401 (k) plans to offer types of annuities that start paying out after the age of 80. The proposal also will require 401(k) providers to disclose administration costs to its employees, which the government believes will encourage employers to shop for better deals, thus lowering plan costs for employees.

Read more: How to Evaluate Annuities

Many misconceptions about elder caregiving and aging abound. Test your elder caregiving knowledge. Here are come common myths. Do you know the facts?

1. Caregiving is always a negative experience
   False. Caregiving can be rich and rewarding. That’s not to say it won’t be overwhelming at times. Some studies suggest caregivers experience positive benefits like better relationships, a sense of purpose and increased self esteem from helping others. Caregivers need to balance their time, sleep and eating habits so they don’t experience burn-out. Hiring an in-home care service like KeepMeHome, even on a limited basis, can help give the caregiver a much needed break.
2. Most caregivers plan well ahead of a crises
   False. Unfortunately, most people wait until there is an emergency situation before they put any caregiving plans in place. KeepMeHome provides initial and comprehensive assessments with MSW case workers who help you put in place the best plan for your loved one. Our case managers will also assist you with assisted living/nursing home placement, if needed.
3. All caregiving services and needs are the same
   False. Not all seniors require the same level of care and their needs change over time. Some will only require companion or light housekeeping services for an hour or two a week; others may need skilled nursing care for a short period of time, especially after an illness, injury or hospital stay. While others still may require 24-hour care.
4. Not many families care for their elderly parents at home
   False. The fact is, many adult children keep in regular contact with their older parents. It is less stressful on the elderly to stay in their own home and it can be more cost-effective than a long-term care facility.
5. Most people will have memory loss or dementia as they get older
   True AND False. Memory impairment does occur in a large portion of the elderly and is likely to increase with age. However, your chances of getting dementia is less than 50%.*

If you have questions about caregiving, please give KeepMeHome In-home Home Care a call at 877-302-2323.

KeepMeHome Home Care is a state licensed, ACHC accredited and Medicare/Medicaid certified company that offers a full range of in-home care and companion services, nursing care, rehabilitation management, physical therapy as well as assisted living/nursing home placement assistance since 1985. Call 1-877-302-2323 any time, any day. We’re always here waiting to serve you and assist you will all your needs. KeepMeHome.com

*Source: Aging Institute, University of Pittsburg

In spite of a late-winter snowfall, spring is just around the corner. And, for many of us, the advent of spring means seasonal allergies.

Between 2010 and 2030, the population of older Americans will increase by 75%. Added to this is the fact that allergies are increasing worldwide.*

Allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching and coughing should be carefully monitored in the elderly as they could lead to sinus, bronchial or ear infections requiring antibiotics. Older adults can also be subject to skin allergies due to the use of certain Statin drugs and sun exposure.

The good news is that the older we get we tend to be come less sensitive to common allergens according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. But, keep those allergy symptoms in check for a healthy spring season!

Source: Medscape News

Who says chocolate is bad for you?

Middle-aged and elderly Swedish women who ate small amounts of high-quality chocolate on a regular basis had lower risks of heart failure according to Circulation: Heart Failure, a journal of the American Heart Association. This nine-year study, published in 2010,  included 31,823 Swedish women who ate chocolate with a higher cocoa content similar to dark chocolate available here in the U.S.

Now, before you go out and and clear the shelves at Munson’s or Godiva’s, here’s what you should know:

●  Women who ate one to two servings per week had a 32 percent lower risk of developing heart failure
●  Women who ate one to three servings per month had a 26 percent lower risk
●  Women who ate at least one serving per day or more showed NO lower risk. 

Researchers concluded that the extra calories gained instead of eating more nutritious foods offset the benefits of the chocolate.

“You can’t ignore that chocolate is a relatively calorie-dense food and large amounts of habitual consumption is going to raise your risks for weight gain,” said Murray Mittleman, M.D., Dr.P.H., lead researcher of the study and director of the Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Unit at Harvard Medical School’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. “But if you’re going to have a treat, dark chocolate is probably a good choice, as long as it’s in moderation.”

Just watch those calories!

KeepMeHome Home Care is a state licensed, ACHC accredited and Medicare/Medicaid certified company that offers a full range of in-home care and companion services, nursing care, rehabilitation management, physical therapy as well as assisted living/nursing home placement assistance since 1985. Call 1-877-302-2323 any time, any day. We’re always here waiting to serve you and assist you will all your needs. KeepMeHome.com