It might be hard to believe, but we’re halfway through 2009 already.

The mid-year is always a good time to evaluate then and now, so let’s take a look at an article on www.seniorhousingnews.com, which posted in January. The article listed 10 senior housing issues predicted to be hot topics; the list included (to name a few) reverse mortgages, senior housing entities filing for bankruptcy, and the emergence of innovative housing models (remember the March blog on GrandParent Family Apartments?).

An item that I found interesting was issue #4, which predicted that 2009 would reveal “more children moving back home with their senior parents or moving parents into the children’s home.  The unemployed are more likely to care for elderly parents at home, instead of putting them in more expensive retirement homes or assisted living communities. They also might pull parents out of facilities and move them back home to cut costs.”

I wouldn’t doubt that this trend is on the rise, and in her article “When Mom Moves In: Statistics, Trends and Benefits” posted on March 5^th of this year, Linda Lowen affirms its truth. The article states that, according to US Census Bureau statistics released in September 2008, “The number of parents, siblings and other relatives who live with adult heads of households grew 42% from 2000 to 2007.”

Intergenerational households aren’t a new phenomenon, but the numbers clearly show a sharp rise in the percentage of family members moving in, whether it’s to save dollars, provide care & support, or both. In some cases, grandparents move in to help take care of their grandchildren. Whatever the reasons, these arrangements may save dollars that would be spent on residential care, but sometimes, especially in difficult caregiving situations, the costs are often beyond what dollars can measure.

Item #7, which proposed the emergence of innovative senior housing models, also caught my eye because of the examples suggested: “[will we see]…small bands of seniors bonding in 4 flats?  Privately held small apartment buildings self managed by seniors that live there?  More co-ops?  College dormitory style living?  The return of the travel trailer?  So many choices…”

Necessity is the mother of invention, right? With the exploding senior and baby boom generation (it is projected that the 60+ crowd will represent 25.1% of the population in 2030), it will take more than just nursing homes and retirement communities to fill the need, so I wouldn’t be surprised if these and other innovative models emerge on the scene.

Seniors for Living followers, I want to hear from you! What do you think about these innovative housing models (or have ideas to add)? Have you noticed an increase in the number of intergenerational households? What other senior housing industry trends have you observed?

-Michelle Seitzer

This guest blog post is contributed by Boomerater.com, a free online resource for Baby Boomers.  The site can help you find everything from a financial advisor in New York to the latest gadgets and gizmos. Seniors for Living contributes to Boomerater’s search for senior housing section.

A new Q&A discussion from Boomerater’s forums appears here each Friday. This week’s topic is about how to save money when buying prescription drugs.

Boomerater Question: I can’t afford the rising costs of my prescriptions. I have friends in the same boat who have stopped taking their meds, or are splitting pills, or are taking them every other day. I know this can be dangerous so I’m asking if anyone can offer cost-cutting tips.

Responses from other Boomerater members:

• Whatever you do, don’t change how often you take your medications. DO opt for generics whenever you can. Also, check out the price at your local grocery store pharmacies for generics. The cost of my meds went from a $20 co-pay per month at a national drug store chain to $9.99 for three months at the grocery. Plus, it does not even go through my health insurance plan. For two prescriptions I am saving almost $400 per year.
• I saved a lot of money going to the grocery pharmacy for my generic prescriptions… one word of advice –  you will need to have your doctor convert your 30-day prescriptions to 90 days to take advantage of the supermarket pharmacy deals.
• Pill splitting is OK for some prescriptions but can be dangerous for others, especially time-released drugs. You should talk to your doctor. And as mentioned already, if you can take generics you will save a lot of money.
• Check out the generic $4 prescription program at Wal-Mart and other chains. If you’re not sure whether your drug is available in generic form, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a generic equivalency tool at http://www.fda.gov/cder/info/consumer_generic.htm. You can find further details in a piece Phil Moeller wrote for U.S. News & World Report on Tips to Cut Your Drug Costs at http://www.usnews.com/blogs/the-best-life/2008/12/9/tips-to-cut-your-drug-costs.html.

Do you have tips of your own to share? To post your reply to this question on Boomerater, go to: Cost-Cutting Tips for Prescription Drugs.

An innovative housing project proposed for Milwaukee’s North Side will help grandparents who are caring for their grandchildren. With a price tag of $10 million, Villard Square would not be the first of its kind in this newest senior housing trend, following major metropolitan areas such as New York, Chicago and Boston. Chris Laurent of Gorman & Co. development firm states the project’s goal: placing children from broken homes into a stable environment.

Many of these children have been entrusted to their grandparent’s care because their parents are either in prison, battling drug addiction, or have other problems. According to the 2000 Census, approximately 7,052 Milwaukee grandparents found themselves in this challenging role. With these challenges in mind, developers are building in a number of on-site supportive services, such as parental counseling, to Villard Square.

New York City opened GrandParent Family Apartments in 2005, where 94 children (ranging from ages two to twenty) live with their 60-80 year-old grandparents. Older residents of this complex enjoy senior-friendly features like wide hallways and emergency pull-cords in their rooms, and on-site tutoring services and a playroom appeal to the children. Social workers are also available to work with the children and their grandparents, fostering better communication and supporting the entire family in this new arrangement.

The city of Milwaukee and others who have already developed projects such as these should be commended for their vision and their desire to meet a growing need in today’s society. While living in an apartment complex with hundreds of children in need of tutoring or social work interventions may not sound like the retirement of your dreams, it is nonetheless a harsh reality facing many seniors today. In my home state of Pennsylvania, several state lawmakers have sponsored legislation for a number of programs to assist these second-generation parents, who have many needs of their own and yet must attend to the needs of their children’s children.

I suspect that Villard Square and GrandParent Family Apartments may become the norm in the next decade, and I hope that other cities and towns will be sensitive to these new family arrangements and offer whatever support they can.

What are your thoughts about projects like Villard Square? Do you know someone who is raising their grandchildren? What kind of support do you feel that government or community organizations can and should provide? Share your comments here!

- Michelle Seitzer

Some Relief for Social Security Beneficiaries

The passage of the economic recovery bill means just a little bit of cash ($250 for individuals, $500 for couples who receive Social Security benefits) will go to seniors in May.  According to a recently published AARP Bulletin, the “so-called senior payment” does not require any additional paperwork; beneficiaries will receive the money in the same way they get Social Security (direct deposit or mailed check).

This payment was not included in the House’s version of the bill but was championed in the Senate by Max Baucus (D-Montana, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).  AARP supported this provision in the legislation, citing research “showing that older people tend to spend such payments immediately.”

Visit the Social Security Administration website for more information.

Highlights of the Stimulus bill for older Americans, as per the National Council on Aging:

The act includes:

· $100 million for senior nutrition programs;

· $120 million for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP);

· $87 billion to increase the federal Medicaid match to states (a 6.2 percent increase from Oct. 1, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2010);

· a one-time payment of $250 to Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and certain veterans by the end of May; and

· the package also extends the Medicare Savings Program Qualified Individual (QI-pays Part B premiums for eligible beneficiaries) program through Dec. 31, 2010.

Elderly at Risk?

The rebate check and the boost in program funding is not enough to outweigh the other provisions in the stimulus package that may hurt vulnerable seniors, according to an opinion piece by Betsy McCaughey.

Her piece outlines the “hidden” health provisions in the legislation that could mean many seniors will not get the help they need.  For example:

“Medicare now pays for treatments deemed safe and effective. The stimulus bill would change that and apply a cost-effectiveness standard set by the Federal Council (464).

The Federal Council is modeled after a U.K. board discussed in Daschle’s book. This board approves or rejects treatments using a formula that divides the cost of the treatment by the number of years the patient is likely to benefit. Treatments for younger patients are more often approved than treatments for diseases that affect the elderly, such as osteoporosis.

In 2006, a U.K. health board decreed that elderly patients with macular degeneration had to wait until they went blind in one eye before they could get a costly new drug to save the other eye. It took almost three years of public protests before the board reversed its decision.”

McCaughey, a former Lieutenant Governor of New York and an adjunct senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, asserts that there was not enough scrutiny of the legislation before final passage, stating the stimulus is “dangerous to your health and the economy” and “the elderly will bear the brunt”.

While I understand that this is an opinion piece, I am concerned for the possible implications these system changes could bring, particularly to vulnerable seniors. We’ve all heard the sound bytes in the news this past week – we know there are a wide range of opinions on the bill and whether it will help or hurt the struggling economy and the American people. I imagine the 1000+ page document, formally called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is full of items that probably needed further scrutiny. In my opinion, seniors are already marginalized in our society, so I am curious to see what the outcome of these provisions will be. I hope for the best, but in the meantime, I hope that senior-focused advocacy and service organizations will be prepared to carry the load in times of need.

What’s your read on the stimulus package as it pertains to seniors?  Share your thoughts here.

- Michelle Seitzer

Dale Carter, one of SFL’s guest bloggers, helped her mother transition out of her home to a retirement community.  She created her blog, “Transition Aging Parents,” to share lessons learned from that experience.  She writes about issues, products and services that will aid daughters/sons in helping their aging parents…

Here’s a great resource for seniors and family members with Medicare coverage: “My Medicare Matters.” Sponsored by The National Council on the Aging and the Access to Benefits Coalition, “My Medicare Matters” is a user-friendly portal providing Internet-based educational tools that help those with Medicare Part D assess their coverage options and create a “personalized” comparison of available prescription drug plans. I recently used this tool to review my mother’s current Medicare drug plan.  We were surprised how easy it was to use and how quickly it identified immediate cost savings!

You will find this tool useful:
* To educate yourself on Medicare plans, requirements and terminology
* To determine if you can save money right now on prescriptions with your current Medicare prescription drug plan
* To review and compare drug plan choices during Open Enrollment each year, November 15 through December 31

In preparing to use this tool to generate a “personalized” drug plan comparison, I suggest the following:
1.    If you are unfamiliar with Medicare programs, I recommend a review of Medicare programs and terminology.
a.    Go to http://mymedicarematters.org/
b.    Click on “Learn About Medicare.”
c.    Follow the links on the left hand side.  (Get a grasp of the major concepts. Read the detailed definition for any term you’re unfamiliar with.   Take your time.  There is an incredible amount of information there.)
d.    If you have limited time, pay close attention to “What Medicare Costs” and also “Medicare Savings Program.”  (This includes qualifications for extra help.)
2.    Obtain the personal information you will need to use the tool:  Medicare Number and effective date, date of birth, Zip code, county, name of current drug plan, names of all medications, dosage, and quantity (per month).

Now you’re ready to use the tool. Here are easy-to-follow instructions:
1.    Go to http://mymedicarematters.org/

2.    Click on “Learn About Choosing Plans.”

3.    Click on “7 Simple Steps” on the left hand side and follow the prompts.

4.    “Step 5 – Picking a Plan” is where you will spend most of your time. (Important key concept: the site advises choosing the plan with the lowest overall annual cost.  You may initially think choosing the lowest premium will save you the most. But don’t overlook a high deductible or a potentially large expense when in the coverage gap.)

a.    Print out instructions for using Medicare.gov’s Prescription Drug Plan Finder.  Then click on “Medicare.gov’s Prescription Drug Plan Finder.”
b.    Click on “Find and Compare Plans.”
c.    Click on “Begin Personalized Search.”
d.    Enter required information and follow the prompts to view your current coverage and other prescription plans in your area.
e.    Next, enter all current drugs, dosage and quantity (per month). (Note: Once you have done this entry, you will be given an ID number for the drug list.  Record that number for future reference.)
f.    Now you will view a detailed cost breakdown using your current drug plan, as well as comparable prices through other available drug plans in your area.
g.    This is a key step to immediate cost savings! Click “Lower this Cost” for your current plan.  You will get a list of ways to save on current prescriptions, including suggested alternative drugs. If your doctor believes that the alternative drugs are acceptable, you may be able to begin saving money immediately.
h.    The remaining steps will help you change drug plans (usually during open enrollment).  On your “Personalized Plan List,” click on the “Estimated Annual Cost” and choose “sort.”  Choose up to three plans (including your current plan) to compare and click “compare.”

You now have your “personalized” drug plan comparison.  Print it out and review it carefully.  It contains a tremendous wealth of information.  My mother and I plan to use this tool each and every year during mid-November.  Why?  There may be changes due to congressional or state legislation, changes in prescription plans, and also changes in a person’s financial situation and medications. Prepare now by scheduling a follow-up check on your calendar.

Currently, approximately 500,000 Americans under the age of 65 have early-onset Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Equally striking is the number of young Americans who are providing care for an afflicted parent: an estimated 250,000 children between the ages of 8 and 18.

“My Name is Lisa” (embedded below) is a short film about a 13 year-old girl dealing with her mother’s Alzheimer’s disease. The poignant piece has won nearly a dozen awards and nominations. Brilliantly acted, it reveals a painful truth about this awful disease which as yet has no cure: even the very young are deeply affected and are often closely involved with their loved one’s care, all the while watching their decline.

At any age, losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s is extremely painful. I am currently grieving the loss of my beloved grandfather, who died on January 21, 2009, from complications of Alzheimer’s. It does not matter how old your loved one is – it’s terrible to lose someone you love. And, with Alzheimer’s disease, you lose your loved one twice: once to the disease, and once to their subsequent death after the disease advances.

But a completely different set of issues and challenges emerge when young children with young parents begin the Alzheimer’s journey.  In many cases, the diagnosis means the loss of a job, and that can be absolutely devastating if that person is the primary breadwinner, who is perhaps in the prime of her career. Imagine the ripple effect: loss of health insurance, loss of income to put towards a college savings fund, loss of that person who dreamed of walking his daughter down the aisle…and the losses continue. Imagine having to explain to your fifteen-year-old friends why your Dad keeps asking the same questions over and over, or why he comes into the room with his clothes on backwards. Imagine being a stay-at-home mom and being forced to find a job when your husband loses his – and seeking for adult and child day care services at the same time. Imagine the woman who has her own law firm but cannot remember that the milk goes in the refrigerator, and not the oven.

And it may not always be a parent’s dementia that a child must confront on a daily basis. Many baby boomers find themselves in the “sandwich generation” – having to care for an aging parent while raising their young children, and many choose to either move in with that needy parent or bring them into their own home. This creates a completely new and challenging dynamic for all parties involved, and no one tells that story better than Julie Winokur of Talking Eyes Media, who shares her family’s deeply personal experiences and struggles in “The Sandwich Generation: Parts 1 & 2 – Life with Herbie.”

So many people are not even aware of the fact that you can get Alzheimer’s at any age: it is not “old-timers” disease as some mistakenly say. It is not senility, or hardening of the arteries; it is a disease that is terminal, although it can linger for many years. It is a disease that robs the individual of his essence, his health and vitality, his ability to make decisions: many diseases ravage the body, but Alzheimer’s ravages the mind and the body simultaneously, though not always in the same proportion.

There are a number of excellent resources for young people who are dealing with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia in their home or family…

The Alzheimer’s Association has a page full of downloadable PDFs and links just for kids and teens. The page also links to information about Camp Building Bridges, a special summer camp getaway for children ages 13-16 who have a parent or grandparent with the disease.

For adults who have just received the diagnosis for either their spouse or parent and now must share the news with their children, an excellent article on Care2.com gives sound advice on dealing with this delicate situation:

A number of children’s books have been written on the subject, including “What’s Happening to Grandpa?” by Maria Shriver, or one of my favorites, “Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge” by Mem Fox. Information on Shriver’s book and other similar stories can be found on the Alzheimer’s Association website or on sites like amazon.com.

Alzheimer’s never minds age. It is a disease that demands attention, awareness, and action: if you know someone at any age who is struggling with some type of cognitive impairment, get help. The Alzheimer’s Association’s Helpline is a toll-free number – 1.800.272.3900 - staffed by live representatives 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call to be connected with resources in your area. Call if you are 10 years old and concerned about your Mom. Call if you are 60 years old and concerned about your Dad. Don’t try to go it alone at any age.

- Michelle Seitzer

Retirement planning may not be an easy task, but there are a number of useful tools that can expedite the process. One of these tools is the “break-even age” calculator, which helps prospective retirees determine their magic age for receiving Social Security benefits. For some, it might be best to wait a few years after reaching age 62; for others, getting started on day one of eligibility is the answer.

An article by Sharon O’Brien breaks down the process, which is dependent on some pretty hard-to-determine variables, such as how long you plan to work and whether you’ll live to 80 or 100. Do you want a larger check later on (a result of deferring your benefits), or do you need the income immediately?

O’Brien’s piece links to several handy websites covering topics such as how the break-even point is determined, how you can make a reasonable estimate about your longevity, and how your decision could affect your family, to name a few.

If you’re approaching age 62 and trying to decide when to receive that first SS check, take advantage of the “break-even age” calculator. Consult www.socialsecurity.gov and talk to others who have made the jump.  It’s a crucial decision and must be measured carefully, especially given today’s tough times.

- Michelle Seitzer

A recent press release from the office of U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) outlines the priorities of the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging for the 111^th Session of Congress. Ranking member Senator Martinez and Committee Chairman, Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), are poised to carefully examine key issues pertaining both to seniors and the Baby Boomer generation; retirement security, long-term care, and housing issues are all on the docket.

Another item of interest for Senator Martinez is reducing Medicare and Medicaid fraud, a huge area of concern specifically in Martinez’ state of Florida. In South Florida alone, such cases account for an estimated billion dollars or more a year. Clearly, this is an area that needs major investigation and reform.

Senator Kohl and Senator Martinez are looking forward to working together on these complex issues while maintaining the Committee’s history of bipartisanship. The duo has already collaborated on a few key pieces of legislation: the Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act and the Silver Alert Act. While there may be a range of approaches to tackling the problems facing our aging population, certainly Democrats and Republicans agree that adequately supporting and caring for our seniors is essential. Many lawmakers have likely wrestled with these agenda topics as they cared for their own aging parents. It is truly an issue that extends well beyond party lines.

I am heartened by the Committee’s agenda, and I sincerely hope that the Members will be able to cross many items off their list. In the end, it’s not just about making things better for today’s seniors; it’s about securing the future of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And that is a goal we can all support, no matter which way we vote.

- Michelle Seitzer

As the economy worsens, many people are feeling the punch. Government funding for many services is being slashed and many seniors are paying the price.

Senior citizens centers in particular are facing tough times. These centers are vital to many seniors and they depend on them for a connection to the outside world, hot meals, and transportation. But, they are having to find creative ways to continue their service levels with less financial support. Jobs are being cut and activities are being eliminated in order to survive.

Some are even having to charge for services, such as van transportation, that were formerly free, and many seniors simply can’t afford these changes:

Two dollars may not seem like much money, but it’s enough to prevent Frances Podolski from going to her local senior center for a hot meal and some company.

On her fixed income, the Pawtucket resident can’t afford the $2 fee. Without that thrice-weekly visit, Podolski gets depressed. She had to cut back to once or twice a week, until a small grant from a bank allowed the center to temporarily cover her fares.

To many, these activity centers may seem like an “extra,” an easy target to reduce expenses, but they are lifelines for some of our most vulnerable citizens. They not only provide a social outlet, they may be the only source of nutritious food for some and may make the difference when someone needs to see a doctor.

I’m sure that our lawmakers have some tough decisions to make, but I think there’s more than meets the eye when considering funding for these types of services.

I am always excited to find out about undiscovered resources available for seniors in need. When I read about Top Banana, I knew I had to share it in the blog. While the organization currently operates in Maryland and DC only, my hope is that other aspiring entrepeneurs like Top Banana’s founder, Jean Guiffre, will take the ball and carry it to their corner of the world. Guiffre saw a need and sought to meet that need in her community; her drive, creativity and success should be modeled.

Founded in 1982 as a home-based operation that brought groceries to seniors’ homes, Guiffre (a former private investigator, interestingly enough) began the business after discovering her mother’s cabinets were totally bare despite living only a block away from the grocery store. Health problems hindered the short walk to the store, so Guiffre did the shopping for her (and subsequently, five of her mother’s neighbors). Today, after 16 years of running the business from her home, Guiffre’s Top Banana has its own warehouse in an old post office, where two full-time and 11 part-time employees serve 500+ customers.

For many of these Top Banana customers, the delivery person may be the only social contact they have during the week. This is a vitally important connection, especially for those seniors who may be completely on their own without family in the area. Emergency contact information is recorded for each customer, and while the delivery personnel are not medically trained, they have on many occasions made a phone call in a time of need.

I am sure that many adult children and good-hearted neighbors across the country bring an extra shopping list besides their own when they hit the grocery store, picking up a few necessary items for the loved one who is homebound. But in the case of those who are alone, a service like Top Banana is phenomenal. Sometimes family does live nearby, but the elderly individual does not ask for help, as was the case with Jean Guiffre’s mother. Top Banana is a way for that elder to maintain independence, and be sure that they have the food or other miscellaneous items needed.

I commend Jean Guiffre for getting Top Banana off the ground, and I do hope the idea catches on in other neighborhoods… there is undoubtedly a market for it.

To read the full article in the Washington Times, click here. To read more about Top Banana, visit www.topbananagrocer.org.

- Michelle Seitzer