Living 50 Social Security edition october 2013
plus
Living 50 Plus • Social Security Edition • October 2013
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&
Comfort
West Woods of Niles is a family owned and operated long term care community. Our home offers private rooms, courtyards, and common areas for visiting family & friends. Please come see us. NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY.
Affordable Healthcare Act’s Care for seniors impact on cancer patients We value the concept that aging is not a decline, but a continuous stage of growth and development in a human life. We have made a commitment to create a culture that fosters warmth and growth for our residents and for our employees. Residents can enjoy deliciously prepared meals, beautiful courtyards, activity center with a kitchenette, multiple common areas for visiting with family, wireless internet, digital satellite TV, in house laundry and housekeeping, and church services just to name a few.
1211 State Line Road Niles, MI 49120
269.684.2810
Mishawaka, Indiana – RiverBend Cancer Services, as part of it ongoing “Living Well with Cancer Series”, will present a discussion on the Affordable Care Act and its impact on those living with cancer at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10 at Michiana Hematology Oncology Advanced Centers for Cancer Care, 5340 Holy Cross Parkway in Mishawaka. Sondra Gardetto, MS, licensed insurance agent and manager of the new Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center - Health Insurance Services, LLC, will share information on what
you need to know about the health care law and the Health Insurance Marketplace, how to prepare, and where you can go for help.The Health Insurance Marketplace, a key component of the Affordable Care Act, is designed to make buying health coverage easier and more affordable. The “Living Well with Cancer Series” is free and supports the fight against cancer in Michiana by addressing the physical, emotional and psychological changes and
See HEALTHCARE, page 3
Timber Ridge Manor
• Independent Apartments for Seniors • Comfortable living you can afford • Government (HUD)Rent Subsidized housing • Beautiful country setting near Berrien Springs, MI • Berrien Bus Service • Individual garden spots • Heat, Water & Trash Pickup included • Smoke-Free
269-471-1500
Living 50 Plus • Social Security Edition • October 2013
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Social Security serves those who’ve served By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
On November 11, we honor our Nation’s veterans for their service to America. What better time than now to tell you — and for you to help spread the word — about the many benefits and wealth of information Social Security has available for veterans and military personnel? Social Security recognizes those who put their lives on the line for our freedoms. Members of the armed forces receive expedited processing of their Social Security disability applications. The expedited process is available for any military service member who became disabled during active duty on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs. Some dependent children and spouses of military personnel may also be eligible to receive benefits. Visit our website designed specifically for our wounded veterans: www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. There, you will find answers to a number of commonly asked questions, as well as other useful information about disability bene-
fits available under the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. Please pay special attention to the fact sheet available on that website, Disability Benefits for Wounded Warriors. Military service members are covered for the same Social Security survivors, disability, and retirement benefits as everyone else. Although the expedited service is relatively new, military personnel have been covered under Social Security since 1957, and people who were in the service prior to that may be able to get special credit for some of their service. To learn more about Social Security for current and former military service members, read Military Service and Social Security. It’s available in our digital library at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at vonda.vantil@ssa.gov.
HEALTHCARE continued from page 2 challenges that can result from cancer treatment. It is open to cancer patients, survivors, their families, caregivers and anyone who has been touched by cancer. Refreshments will be served. Space is lim-
ited, so people are encouraged to make reservations by calling 574-287-4197. RiverBend Cancer Services has been the primary cancer support service provider in South Bend since 1943. RiverBend Cancer Services provides advocacy, education programs and
counseling for patients and their families, financial assistance for medications and supplies as well as prevention and early intervention and education programs for the community. For more information, visit www.RiverBendCancerServices.org.
Serving the Niles Community with excellence for the past 60 years!
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Riveridge Manor provides warm and personalized skilled nursing care, rehabilitation & wound care in a home-like Setting. Our facility is in a beautiful, wooded area surrounded by the sights & sounds of nature.
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Living 50 Plus • Social Security Edition • October 2013
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Social Security Questions & Answers
Q:
I got an email that says it’s from Social Security, but I’m not so sure. They want me to reply with my Social Security number, date of birth, and mother’s maiden name for “verification.” Did it really come from Social Security?
A:
No. Social Security will not send you an email asking you to share your personal information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or other private information. Beware of such scams — they’re after your information so they can use it for their own benefit. When in doubt, or if you have any questions about correspondence you receive from Social Security, contact your local Social Security office or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-3250778) to see whether we really need any information from you.
Q: A:
I run a small business and I am hiring a few employees. How can I recognize a valid Social Security card?
There are more than 50 different versions of the Social Security card, all of which are valid. Although there are several versions of the card in circulation, all prior versions of the card are valid. The number is what is most important. The best way for you and other employers to verify a name and Social Security number is to use the free Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS). Once you register for Business Services Online at www.socialsecurity.gov/bso, you can start using SSNVS. SSNVS allows you to quickly verify whether a person’s name and number match Social Security’s records.
Q: A:
What are the benefit amounts for which a spouse may be entitled?
A spouse receives one-half of the retired worker’s full benefit if the spouse retires at full retirement age. If the spouse begins collecting benefits before full retirement age, we reduce those benefits by a percentage based on how much earlier the spouse retires. However, if a spouse is taking care of a child who is either under age 16 or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits, a spouse gets full (onehalf) benefits, regardless of age. If you are eligible for both your own retirement benefit and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay your own benefit first. If your benefit as a spouse is higher than your retirement benefit, you’ll receive a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse’s benefit. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Q:
My wife and I plan on visiting the grandchildren over the winter, during which time my wife will turn 62. Can she apply for retirement benefits in another state, or do we have to wait until we get back home to apply for retirement at our local Social Security office? These days, you don’t have to be near a Social Security office to apply for benefits. Regardless of where you and
A:
your wife are living or traveling, you can apply for retirement benefits online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. It’s so easy to do, and it can take as little as 15 minutes to complete and submit the application. In most cases, once you submit your application electronically, you’re done. You can go back to enjoying your grandchildren.
Q:
How do I apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits?
A:
T h e b e s t first step is to start at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability. Then take a look at the Adult Disability Starter Kit. This kit answers common questions about applying for benefits. It includes a worksheet that will help you gather the information you need. Then, fill out the online Adult Disability Report at www.socialsecurity.gov/adultdisabilityreport. At the end of the report, we will ask you to sign a form that gives your doctor permission to send us information about your disability. We need this information so we can make a decision on your claim. Finally, complete your application for SSI disability benefits by calling our toll free number (1-800-772-1213) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may choose to apply for benefits either by phone or in person at a local Social Security office. One of our representatives will help you apply. Please have your Social Security number handy when you call. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call our TTY number, 1-800325-0778. You also may visit an office without making an appointment, but your wait to speak to a representative will be longer.
Q: A:
Are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments only paid to people with disabilities?
No. SSI payments also are made to people who are blind or who are age 65 or older — as long as they meet all the qualifications including having low income and limited resources. SSI benefits are available for both adults and children who are blind or disabled. You can learn more about SSI benefits and who can receive them by reading our online publications. To begin, refer to the online booklet, Supplemental Security Income, available to read or listen to in our online library at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs.
Q:
I’m thinking about getting a disability insurance policy from a private company. If I become disabled and have a private policy, would it reduce my Social Security disability benefit?
A:
No. Your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits is not affected by any private insurance you may have. However, worker’s compensation and certain other public disability payments may affect your Social Security benefit. For more information go to www. socialsecurity.gov or call our toll free number 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
Q:
I had a serious leg injury three years ago and received disability benefits for about 19 months until I could return to work. Unfortunately, my leg problems have returned and I may not be able to continue working much longer. When I first applied for benefits, I waited five full months before I was eligible to receive my first check. If I reapply for benefits, will I again be subject to this waiting period?
A:
No. If you become disabled a second time within five years after your previous disability benefits stopped, there is no five-month waiting period before benefits start. If your claim is approved, you can receive benefits for the first full month of disability. However, it can take from three to five months to get a decision on a disability claim, depending on how long it takes to obtain your medical records and any other information we need to decide whether you are disabled. You can help shorten this time by providing as much information as possible when you apply for benefits. For more information about applying for benefits, we suggest that you review our booklet, Disability at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs. You can apply online at www.socialsecurity. gov/applyfordisability.
Q: A:
How do I obtain a copy of the form, Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs?
If you wish to apply for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs, the best way is to use our online application at www.socialsecurity.gov/i1020. You’ll find it is convenient and easy to apply for Extra Help. Keep in mind that this application does not enroll you in a Medicare prescription drug plan; you’ll need to enroll directly with an approved Medicare prescription drug provider for coverage, which you can learn more about at www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048). If you are already enrolled, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/i1020 to learn whether you’re eligible for Extra Help — and to complete and submit the application.
“Caring For Our Community Since 1930”
Living 50 Plus • Social Security Edition • October 2013
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ome-like, beautiful country setting on wooded land with 2 ponds. Telephones, Wi-Fi, Satellite TV @no cost. A wide variety of activities to meet your needs seven days a week. We have outstanding
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complex medical care, rehabilitation services and dedicated wound care. With the highest quality ratings we always provide higher staffing levels than required. Stay a little while and go home, or make this your home!
Cass County Medical Care Facility 23770 Hospital St. l Cassopolis, MI 49031 269-445-3801
The Silverbook dif ference. If your loved ones needs cannot be met at home, Silverbrook Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center provides care that you can count on. Silverbrook is a 100 bed Medicare/Medicaid Certified, Joint Comission Accredited facility where residents and their loved ones are not only cared for, they are cared about.
Facility Features
• 24-Hour Nursing Care • IV Therapy • Short term rehabilitation • Long term care • Air-Conditioned Therapy Room • Therapy Offered 5 Days Per Week • Private Rooms • FREE TV with Cable Provided
• Central Air Throughout Facility • Speech Therapy • Hospice Care • Wound Care • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • FREE Transportation to Appointments
Accepted Pay Sources: Medicare, Medicaid, Private Pay, Humana, Medicaid Pending & Out-Of-State Medicaid. Not sure if you qualify? Give us a call.
SI L V E R B R O O K
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Living 50 Plus • Social Security Edition • October 2013
The early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease Just call to schedule an appointment with our Licensed Doctor of Audiology. Michelle Ridenour
Au.D. - Doctor of Audiology
Today's hearing aids are barely visible, highly effective and easy to afford. COMPLIMENTARY Hearing Screenings & Consultations
24 N. St., St. Joseph Ave. Ste E-1 Niles, MI 49120 269-683-0800 • www.nileshearing.net
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks neurons and essentially robs people of their memory and language skills. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are therapies that can slow its neurological impact. Recognizing the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s can encourage people to begin treatments that can stave off some of the more debilitating symptoms of this disease. Though it’s most common among the elderly, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. The Mayo Clinic says that the reasons behind the inception and progression of Alzheimer’s disease are largely unknown. It is believed damage starts a decade or more before problems become evident. Abnormal deposits of proteins begin to form the amyloid plaques and tau tangles throughout the brain, and these formations are the hallmarks of the disease. Once-healthy neurons gradually begin to lose their efficiency and ability to function and communicate with one another. As more neurons die, entire areas of the brain shrink. The hippocampus,
which is the area of the brain essential in forming memories, may soon become compromised. Millions of people in North America are estimated to have Alzheimer’s disease and many others will be diagnosed. The following are the most common early signs and symptoms of the disease. * Memory loss: According to the Alzheimer ’s Organization, early memory loss can include forgetting important dates or repeatedly asking for the same information. Forgetting recently learned information and having to rely increasingly on memory aids is another potential indicator of Alzheimer’s. * Declining cognition: Impaired reasoning or judgment, trouble finding the right words and visual and spatial issues also may be early indicators of Alzheimer’s. * Difficulty completing familiar tasks: Those with Alzheimer’s sometimes have trouble driving to a familiar location or remembering the rules to a favorite game. People who were once good with numbers may now have difficulty balancing their checkbooks, while those who love to cook
Living 50 Plus • Social Security Edition • October 2013
may have trouble following recipes. * Time confusion: Another indicator of Alzheimer’s disease is losing track of time. One may have trouble understanding something that isn’t happening in the present. Alzheimer’s sufferers often forget where they are and how they got there. * Misplacing items: Everyone loses something at a point in time, but those with Alzheimer’s may put items in unusual places. They may sometimes accuse others of stealing when they cannot retrace their steps and find items. * Decreased judgment: Decisionmaking abilities may be compromised. A person with Alzheimer’s may take unnecessary risks or give away sums of money. * Mood changes: People with Alzheimer’s may suffer from confusion, suspicious feelings, depression and anxiety. A person may upset easily or become anxious outside of his or her comfort zones.
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Age and family history of Alzheimer’s disease are the biggest risk factors. The liklihood of developing Alzheimer’s doubles about every five years after age 65, says the Alzheimer’s Organization. In addition, those with a parent, child or sibling who have developed Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease than people with no such family history. A physical and neurological exam, which may include blood tests and brain imaging, will be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals can learn more by making appointments with their doctors.
Preplanning W
e may not want to think about it, but it simply makes sense to sit down and think about what type of final arrangements we’d prefer in the event of our death. For financial and personal reasons, advance planning for ourselves or another family member is a smart decision. Not only can we rest assured our final wishes will be followed, but all prepaid funerals are frozen at today’s costs and fully insured. Perhaps most importantly, preplanning takes some of the emotional, and at times financial, burden off the shoulders of loved ones during a difficult time. We specialize in helping people make those important and often tough decisions that would otherwise be left to family members. Our friendly staff is available to advise and counsel you, without charge or obligation, regarding prearrangement. Call or stop in today for more information about our services and flexible preplanning payment options.
FREE FUNERAL PREPLANNING CONSULTATION
To request your FREE consultation by mail, please send us the following information:
... for Peace of Mind
Mission Hills
Name: ___________________________ Phone: ___________________________ Address: _________________________ City: __________State: ___Zip: _____
Memorial Chapel, Crematory & Gardens
Return to Mission Hills 61453 N M-51 Niles, MI 49120
Independently owned & operated • Bert Edquist
Caring for families since 1953
61453 North M-51, Niles • 269-683-8333 www.missionhillsmemorial.com
Living 50 Plus • Social Security Edition • October 2013
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Council on Aging to host Parkinson’s symposium
Good Hearing Isn’t Expensive...
IT’S PRICELESS
Our Family Serving Yours Since 1957 Michiana’s oldest and largest hearing aid providers “YOU WILL HEAR THE DIFFERENCE” We Provide In home Service for those with travel concerns Call us for a “No Charge” 2 Year Standard Warranty on Mainline Products hearing screening in our Doctor of Audiology on Staff office or your home. 56 Years of continuous service
ACOUSTIC AUDIO HEARING SERVICE 808 S. Michigan St. • South Bend, IN (574) 287-7221 721 E. Madison St. • Goshen, IN (574) 534-7630 1170 W. Michigan St. • Three Rivers, MI (269) 273-7237
www.acoustic-audio.com
Wayne Thomas, Pamula Guard, Stephen Thomas, Adam Thomas & Dr. Limda Murphy
The Cass County Council on Aging (COA) Lowe Center will host its 5th Parkinson’s Symposium featuring Dr. Cynthia Comella of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago on Friday, Nov. 1 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Dr. Cynthia Comella is a Professor in the Department of Neurological Sciences at Rush University Medical Center and is board certified in Neurology and Sleep medicine. She is also chair of the executive committee of the Dystonia Study Group and an active member of the Movement Disorders Society. At the Symposium, Dr. Comella will discuss the latest research findings in the area of Parkinson’s disease as well as information that will be very helpful to those dealing with Parkinson’s, their families, caregivers and healthcare professionals. “Dr. Comella conducts an active clinical research program, and she is going share the results to ensure we receive the most current and helpful information. We are very fortunate to have her come to Cass County to share her insights and very important perspective,” stated Brenda Harris, the COA’s coordinator of the Symposium. Everyone is welcome to attend this free research update that will include a Q&A session. Those who would like additional information, please contact the COA Lowe Center at (269) 445-8110. The COA Lowe Center is located at 60525 Decatur Road and Hwy M-60 in Cassopolis.
So much to see and do...
Great Lakes Eye Care Let us help you see better: Welcome! • Retinal Disorders & Treatments Dr. Nick Patel, MD • Contact Lenses Retinal Specialist • Laser Vision Correction • Cataract and Advanced Lens Implants 120 Longmeadow Village Dr., Niles • (269) 684-6400 Including: ReSTOR® & Toric 2848 Niles Road, St. Joseph • (269) 428-3300 • Treatment of Glaucoma & Laser Surgery Clinical Research Site • Diabetic Retinopathy www.greateyecare.com • 1-800-424-2393 • Cosmetic Reconstructive Surgery • Eye Muscle Imbalances FREE WiFi
Living 50 Plus • Social Security Edition • October 2013
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Precautions seniors can take when solicited for donation Charities often target certain groups of people when soliciting donations. Those groups may include past donors and people who have recently attended charitable fundraisers. Such an approach can be very effective. It should come as no surprise that criminals posing as legitimate organizations tend to target specific groups of people as well. Anyone can be fooled by a fraudulent charity, but such criminals tend to target seniors more than others. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, seniors often make attractive targets to con artists because seniors are most likely to have substantial savings, own their homes and/or have excellent credit. In addition, the FBI notes that elderly victims of fraud and other crimes are less likely to report those crimes out of fear that their families may feel they are no longer able to take care of themselves or manage their own finances. These factors make seniors especially attractive and vulnerable to con artists, particularly those who prey on well-intentioned men and women by posing as fake charities. But there are steps seniors can take to protect themselves from fraud. * Be skeptical of solicitors. Many con artists will indicate that persons have given to the charity in the past, hoping that prospective victims simply won’t remember if that claim is valid or not. If a solicitor or appeal letter claims that you donated in the past, don’t simply take it at face value, especially if you don’t recall making such a donation. Get specific information about alleged past donations, checking that information against your own bank records and receipts. Many donors claim donations as deductions on their tax returns, which also can be used to verify or debunk solicitors’ claims. Though not all solicitors claiming a past history of donations are dishonest, this is one way that criminals attempt to create a rapport with potential victims, so such claims should be verified before making any donations. * Don’t feel obligated to reciprocate a gift with a donation. Many
Older men and women should be mindful of fraud when solicited for donations over the phone.
licitors. Donations should only be made after you have independently confirmed the charity’s address and mailed straight to the organization. Never make a cash donation, as cash provides no paper trail should you want to deduct your donation or should you learn that you were victimized by a con artist posing as a representative of a reputable charity. * Request personal information not be shared. Upon receiving a charitable donation, many charities share their donors’ contact information with other charities. Such actions are legal as long as no sensitive information is shared. But many donors would prefer their contact information not be shared so they don’t find themselves being inundated with solicitations from other charities. Donors can ask to opt out of having their personal information shared upon making a donation. This is especially important for seniors living on fixed incomes who simply cannot afford to support many causes no matter how compelling those causes are.
charities send gifts, be it mailing la- ing their address. When making charbels or holiday cards, to prospective itable donations, those donations donors as a token of appreciation for should never be given directly to sopast donations and as a way of encouraging future donations. Con artists are fully aware of this tactic and www.edwardjones.com may try to imitate it in an attempt to defraud potential victims. No matter if the people behind those mailing labels or holiday ornaments are legitimate charities or con artists, you should not feel compelled to reciprocate a free gift with a financial donation. * Beware of solicitors pressuring you to donate. Reputable charities should not be on the verge of shut down if you fail to make a donation, so such organizations never pressure prospective donors into making donations. If a solicitor is pressuring you into making a donation over the phone or in person, chances are strong that this person is not representing a reputable charity. In such instances, hang up the phone or, if the find office an Edward Jones near you, callor1-800-ED-JONES or visit solicitor is on your property, politely To find an EdwardTo Jones near you, calloffice 1-800-ED-JONES visit www.edwardjones.com. www.edwardjones.com. close the door, ask the solicitor to leave your property and contact the Jennifer R Salmon, Jon M Badur, CFP®, Jon M Badur, CFP®, Jennifer R Salmon, local authorities. AAMS® AAMS® AAMS® AAMS® 322 E Main Street 322 SuiteE102 68925 M 62 Suite B 68925 M 62 Suite B Main Street Suite 102 * Send donations directly to the Niles, MI 49120 Niles, MI 49120 Edwardsburg, MI 49112 Edwardsburg, MI 49112 charity after independently confirm269-684-8282 269-663-3130 269-684-8282 269-663-3130 .
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Living 50 Plus • Social Security Edition • October 2013
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Aging can impair driving ability The number of drivers 70 and over is predicted to triple in North America over the next 20 years. Research indicates that the older a person is, the higher the risk of driver accident or fatality. The risk posed by older drivers and the inevitable increase in older drivers on the road over the next two decades has sparked debate as to whether or not such drivers should be reexamined to ensure safety on the road? In 2003, an 86-year-old man unintentionally killed 10 people and injured more than 70 when he drove his car through a crowded farmer’s market in Santa Monica, Calif. In 2010, a 72-year-old Connecticut man faced vehicular manslaughter charges for allegedly striking and killing a motorcyclist. In 2012, an elderly man in Buffalo, N.Y. caused an accident resulting in three fatalities when he traveled in the wrong direction on the New York State Thruway. Very frequently the local news is peppered with reports of elderly drivers causing serious accidents. Some wonder if more stringent requirements for elderly drivers would help the situation. Thirty-three states presently have legislation in place to ensure drivers
can retain driving privileges once they reach a certain age. It’s important to note that, according to the National Safety Council, drivers over the age of 75 account for only 3.3 percent of accidents in the United States. Drivers age 25 to 34 account for the largest number of accidents, at nearly 20 percent. Some argue that these findings do not paint an accurate picture because senior drivers spend far less time behind the wheel and log fewer miles than younger drivers, reducing the chance for accidents. Though the debate about older drivers figures to remain a hot topic, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that aging can affect drivers in a number of ways. The physical and mental changes that accompany aging can have a profound impact on a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Reaction times may be slower, hearing and vision loss may affect driver awareness, loss of muscle strength and flexibility can make steering more difficult and medication can impair focus and/or concentration. Many senior centers and organizations offer programs that allow elder-
ly drivers to brush up on their skills behind the wheel. Drivers also can contact their insurance companies to see if there are any sponsored classes they can take to reassess their skills and possibly lower their insurance premiums. AAA offers a Driver Improvement course and suggests seniors find a car they can safely and comfortably operate. AAA also offers Roadwise Rx, a free online tool that
provides confidential, individualized feedback about medication side effects and how these drugs may impact drivers on the road. AARP also offers a Driver Safety course. It also is important that senior drivers and their families familiarize themselves with local legislation to determine if driver refresher courses or retesting are necessary for older drivers to remain behind the wheel.
Physical therapy a vital part of treatment and recovery Illnesses of the musculoskeletal system can result in temporary loss of mobility. But physical therapy can help to prevent those temporary problems from becoming permanent. The American Physical Therapy Association says physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages who have conditions that limit their abilities to perform functional activities. Limitations in mobility may result from injury or illness
or be present at birth. Many physical therapists develop a plan to reduce pain and restore function through various treatment techniques with the ultimate goal of restoring a patient’s functional independence. Physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who must receive a degree from an accredited physical therapist program before taking national licensure exams that enable them to open a practice or work in a facil-
ity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 30 percent growth in physical therapy careers through 2018, which is a rate better than all other occupations. Unemployment rates for physical therapists are very low, and they are in high demand. Physical therapists employ various physical modalities to help with certain conditions. For example, a patient may be asked to perform various range-of-motion exercises to restore function to an
injured part of the body. Physical therapists also may use heat, cold and electrical impulses to reduce pain and stimulate muscle function. Physical therapy sessions frequently include some form of massage as well. While athletes frequently rely on physical therapy as they recover from injuries, others can benefit from physical therapy as well. For example, physical therapy may work in conjunction with other treatments for cardiopul-
monary disease. The cardiopulmonary system delivers oxygen to active tissues, which plays an important part in movement. When the cardiopulmonary system is compromised, muscles and other tissues may not function as they should, and certain exercises and mobility therapies may be needed. Physical therapists also aid in improving physical ailments related to neurological diseases, such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord inju-
ries, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Physical therapists may also help treat poor vision, poor balance and paralysis. Very often physical therapy will be recommended by a general doctor or an orthopedic surgeon as part of recovery from a surgery or a condition. The length of physical therapy will depend on the condition and the recommendation of the therapist and doctors overseeing the treatments.
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Living 50 Plus • Social Security Edition • October 2013
Tips for making a home more handicap-accessible
Many homeowners have found themselves scrambling to make their homes handicap accessible after a sudden injury or illness. In addition, some homeowners have found themselves looking to make adjustments to their homes in anticipation of welcoming elderly, less mobile relatives into their homes.
Entryways
A home’s entryways often must be addressed when making the home more handicap accessible. Portable ramps can be an affordable option and are often an ideal for those who only need to make temporary adjustments, such as when a resident suffers an injury that requires he or she spend some time in a wheelchair. When the adjustments will just be temporary, a folding wheelchair might be necessary, as the doorways might not be able to fit a standard wheelchair that doesn’t fold. When adjustments figure to be permanent, homeowners might need to expand the doorways in their homes. Contractors typically recommend expanding doorways to at least 32 inches, which provides some maneuverability when wheelchairs, which are typically between 24 and 27 inches wide, are entering the home.
Bathroom
The bathroom might be the area of the home that needs the most attention. Slippery conditions common to bathrooms can make things especially difficult for people in wheelchairs or with disabilities. Grab bars should be installed in bath tubs and shower stalls and next to toilets. But grab bars aren’t the only adjustment homeowners should make in the bathroom. Safety treads, which can provide a secure, slip-free surface on the floors of showers and tubs, can be installed. Add a hand-held shower head to the shower stall to make it easier for those with a disability to shower.
Water fixtures
An often overlooked adjustment homeowners must make s concerns the sinks throughout the home. Disabled persons may find it difficult to access faucets on sinks - throughout the home, especially when there are vanity cabinets beneath the sinks. Replacing such sinks with pedestal sinks can improve maneuverability, but make sure such sinks are lower to the ground than standard pedestal sinks.
r
Closets
Closets are rarely handicap accessible. Homeowners can address this issue by creating multi-level closet spaces so individuals can place their clothes at accessible heights. Closet shelves can be lowered and doors can be widened so disabled persons can easily manage their wardrobes.
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Living 50 Plus • Social Security Edition • October 2013